Here We Go Again! A PTR Chapter 19- Some PreTrip Ramblings Updated 7/30/09

[jcc0621]

Here we go again. After returning from our trip last August and being Peer Pressured into writing a TR (You all know who you are;)) I swore that I was never going to write another one…too much pressure:scared:.

Well as our next trip approaches (73 days as of today:yay:) and all the big stuff is planned, the more the idea of writing a TR began to take root. Why? I could say it is because I want to preserve all of our vacation memories:lovestruc. Or I could say that I am so narcissistic that I just know that everyone wants to read about every aspect of our vacation:rolleyes:

It wouldn’t be either of those things though. The real reason for doing this…I am bored out of mind waiting for the trip to get here.:upsidedow

If you are still reading…thanks!:flower3:

Let’s start with the cast of this adventure.

Me – aka: jcc0621, Janet, or mom: I am a 41 (going to be 42 next month) Probation Supervisor (which could explain some of my cynicism), Mom to a fabulous 5 year old DS, and wife to a DH is wonderful 99.8% of the time (Oh come on you all have that small little time where your DH, SO, Mother, etc. get on your last nerve). I took my first trip to the world when I was 9 years old in 1976 and stayed at the Contemporary for 3 days. The things I remember most about this trip was the drive from Philadelphia:car:, the waiter delivering our room service burgers in a tuxedo and a towel over his arm:snooty:, and Captain Hook chasing my cousin Lisa. I have been to WDW since then in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

I have been to DLR one time, in December of 2001. The thing I remember most about this trip was the Army National Guard walking through the airport with loaded and ready M-16’s.:sad2: and eating at a Jack in The Box:scared:

DH – aka: Jim: He is a 42 (will be 43 next month) middle school (6th, 7th & 8th grade) math and science teacher. He also coaches the girl’s softball team for his school. He is wonderful father to DS and has the most amazing DW. He is not a huge WDW fan. His philosophy is been there, done that no need to go back. He goes back because DS and I LOVE it. Still trying to work on getting DVC. I was hoping to win the powerball last night, but that didn’t happen. The first time was at WDW was in 1996 when he went with the Girls and Boys Club as a chaperone for 20 8 – 12 year olds! Since then he has been back 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. HE says the thing he remembers most about his first trip to the world was being in Adventure land at one of the kiosks getting a cup of coffee when the girl in the kiosk started screaming because a chameleon (those lizard looking things you see all over the place) got into the kiosk. Jim being the chivalrous guy that he is tried to reach through the window and catch the chameleon for her. Security came running cause they though he was trying to rob the kiosk!:lmao:

DS(5) aka: Jimmy: Jimmy was born a Disney baby! His nursery was baby pooh and according to Jim it all went downhill from there. He took his first trip at 11 months old and has been there every year since. This will be his 6th trip to the world. When we made the reservations they asked “What are you going to Celebrate?” We are celebrating Jimmy’s 6th Birthday and his graduation from Kindergarten. His requests for this trip were Dining with Chip and Dale, Dining with Mickey and the Gang, and Dining with Stitch.

Here is a picture of the 3 of us from last August (when the sun actually came out after 4 days of tropical storm Faye)
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Photpass%20Pictures/image017.jpg


DM aka: Mom (mine), Mom-Mom: My mother is going to be 73 in July. She retired from the school district in 1999 and after taking a year off (to help plan my wedding) she decided she was bored and went to work for….the Mouse! She is a seater at Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge and loves her job. This type of job is right up her alley…she likes to talk…A LOT!

DD aka: Dad (mine), Pop-Pop: My father is going to be 80 in November. He retired from the school District in 1993. After taking a year or so off he got a job with a company that provided the greeters, seaters, ticket takers etc at events like Bowl games, concerts at what was then the O Rena, and various other events. He enjoyed this job: he got see Dante Culpepper play in the Citrus Bowl, he got to see Jimmy Buffett concert, and some Magic games. The ride to Orlando from where they live is brutal and most of the time he’d be driving it in rush hour traffic. He gave this job up and went to work for the Mouse in 1998. He works at Wide World of Sports doing tours, and working the various events that they have there. He often will call DH to inform him if he is working the College Cheerleading competitions.:rolleyes1:sad2:

Here is a picture of Mom and Dad from our trip last year:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Magic%20Kingdom/GoofysLiberateyourAppetiteDinner-6.jpg


I will stop there for now. Next up will be reservation roulette!

Index:

Chapter 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2188767&page=2)
Chapter 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2188767&page=2)
Chapter 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32095687#post32095687)
Chapter 4A (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32097570#post32097570)
Chapter 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2188767&page=4)
Chapter 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32169423#post32169423)
Chapter 7 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32222199#post32222199)
Chapter 8 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32266240#post32266240)
Chapter 9 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32357515&posted=1#post32357515)
Chapter 10 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32405817&posted=1#post32405817)
Chapter 11 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32605288#post32605288)
Chapter 12 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32623131&posted=1#post32623131)
Chapter 13 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32674077&posted=1#post32674077)
Chapter 14 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32795748&posted=1#post32795748)
Chapter 15 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32812002&posted=1#post32812002)
Chapter 16 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32840540&posted=1#post32840540)
Chapter 17 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32885226#post32885226)
Chapter 18 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32901592#post32901592)
Chapter 19 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32951482#post32951482)

[PrincessV]

WOOOO HOOOO!!!! :woohoo: Saving my place - can't read now... I'll be back!

[KathyRN137]

Yay Janet!! :cheer2: You're doing a report!!

(Cheerleader smilie is for DH!)

I'm so glad to get in on this right from the start!! I missed the last one. :headache:

Your parents look like such a loving couple! :lovestruc :lovestruc


Kathy

[KatGarcia]

You know I'm in!!!

[OhMari]

I'm going to be your parents one day.

[Hedy]

This should be interesting....I didn't realize you worked in probation.

[jcc0621]

WOOOO HOOOO!!!! :woohoo: Saving my place - can't read now... I'll be back!

Hi V :wave2::goodvibes

Yay Janet!! :cheer2: You're doing a report!!

(Cheerleader smilie is for DH!)

I'm so glad to get in on this right from the start!! I missed the last one. :headache:

Your parents look like such a loving couple! :lovestruc :lovestruc


Kathy

They will be married 52 years in October ::yes::

You know I'm in!!!

:woohoo:

I'm going to be your parents one day.

Me too...Dh on the other hand want to move to Maine when we retire:confused3

This should be interesting....I didn't realize you worked in probation.

::yes:: Which explains the cynicism;)

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

[cmp1111]

Good start, Janet! Your parents are such dolls. (And I had the pleasure of sitting with them, so I know!) :goodvibes

[PrincessV]

Here we go again. After returning from our trip last August and being Peer Pressured into writing a TR (You all know who you are;))
:angel:

Me – aka: jcc0621, Janet, or mom: I am a 41 (going to be 42 next month) Probation Supervisor (which could explain some of my cynicism),
Just one of the reasons I love ya! ;)
Oh come on you all have that small little time where your DH, SO, Mother, etc. get on your last nerve
:rolleyes1

I have been to DLR one time, in December of 2001. The thing I remember most about this trip was the Army National Guard walking through the airport with loaded and ready M-16’s.:sad2: and eating at a Jack in The Box:scared:
That's just how I picture life in LA! :rotfl2:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Magic%20Kingdom/GoofysLiberateyourAppetiteDinner-6.jpg
Hi Janet's Mom and Dad! :wave: They're the absolute bestest :goodvibes

[debraW76]

Hi Janet! That's great that your parents work for the mouse! That is my retirement dream too! :rotfl: :rotfl:

[askelton]

I'm here too! :goodvibes

[jcc0621]

Good start, Janet! Your parents are such dolls. (And I had the pleasure of sitting with them, so I know!) :goodvibes

Thanks CE:hug:

Just one of the reasons I love ya! ;)

:hug:


That's just how I picture life in LA! :rotfl2:

:lmao:


Hi Janet's Mom and Dad! :wave: They're the absolute bestest :goodvibes

Thanks:goodvibes

Hi Janet! That's great that your parents work for the mouse! That is my retirement dream too! :rotfl: :rotfl:

:thumbsup2

I'm here too! :goodvibes

Hey Angela...Welcome Back!:goodvibes

[Disneyland_Mama]

I'm here and :lmao: that you're writing a trip report! Peer pressure's a B**CH, isn't it? :laughing:

That's just how I picture life in LA! :rotfl2:
Hey! :headache: It's not that bad. Except when you're trick or treating with your kids and gang member throw signs at you. :rolleyes1

Oh and what's wrong with Jack in the Box??? Their shakes and smoothies are awesome! Wait... did you have a fajita pita? 'Cause those are gross. :scared:

[jordanyosh]

i'm in

[T-i-double-g-err]

Hi Janet, :wave:

Subbing, so I can find my way back later when I have a chance to read...

[jcc0621]

I'm here and :lmao: that you're writing a trip report! Peer pressure's a B**CH, isn't it? :laughing:

Your next Missy...we need a Waldo report::yes::


Hey! :headache: It's not that bad. Except when you're trick or treating with your kids and gang member throw signs at you. :rolleyes1

:rotfl2:


Oh and what's wrong with Jack in the Box??? Their shakes and smoothies are awesome! Wait... did you have a fajita pita? 'Cause those are gross. :scared:

Ewwwwww. No, it was burger of some kind of unidentifiable beef product:eek:

i'm in

Hi Jordan :wave2: How are you feeling?

Hi Janet, :wave:

Subbing, so I can find my way back later when I have a chance to read...

Hi David! :wave:

[jcc0621]

Like most of you, I usually start planning our next trip pretty much as soon as the suitcases are put away after the current trip. In fact this cartoon I think pretty much sums us all up:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Miscellaneous/Hagar.jpg

This year was a bit different, I didn’t actually start planning until December…I know, pick your jaws up off the ground please, I’ll wait….http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e261/Badgirl74/smilies/smiley_waiting.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m59/MauseJuleMs/Smileys/Smileyofftopic.gif Let me ‘splain. We returned from WDW on August 29th. Jim started back to work on September 2nd and Jimmy started Pre-K at the local Catholic School on September 8th. Approximately 3 weeks into the school year we were getting phone calls from school that he was trying to leave the classroom, not listening to the teachers, etc…we were concerned as we never really had these types of issues (he had been in daycare of some sort from the time he was 4 months old). Anyway long story short…he was diagnosed with ADHD and after 8 days on medication the Catholic School threw him out because (and I quote the principal) “the medication is not working fast enough”. We enrolled him in the public school for Kindergarten (his Birthday is September 1st, so he made the cut-off for K, but we thought he’d do better being the oldest in a class as opposed to the youngest—don’t judge). Since then he has been doing fabulously and will be graduating from K on June 12th – End Off Topic


So, planning really began when school and work calmed down, which was in December. WDW had announced their 7 for 4 deal, but I couldn’t take advantage of that because you had to travel by June 29th or some such nonsense. Jim and I talked and we decided we would do a slightly longer trip, drive down, and maybe do a couple of days at Universal Orlando. We would stay at POR because we have stayed at Pop the last 3 years, but wanted to try something different and if my parents booked in our names through the CM website we’d get a 40% discount.

Tentative plans made, we went through Christmas and New Years with no major issues and things were just moving along. Then the Super Bowl http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e334/puzzlessue/Smiley%20Life/aa22.gif came and there were rumors of some great promotion that Universal would be doing during the Super Bowl. Now I despise football http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss26/CSBDan/Smilies/hide-1.gif, but I do watch the Super Bowl…for the commercials:rolleyes:. The Universal commercial came on and it basically told you to go to the website and register to win a free ticket. I figured what the heck it can’t hurt to enter. A few weeks later people were getting emails that they one. I didn’t get one, so oh well.

In the meantime WDW announced that they were extending the 7 for 4 deal through August 15th. So we played with the numbers. To do 7 nights at POR with my parents CM Discount, ok..not bad. Then Jimmy threw a wrench in the plan…he didn’t want to go to POR, he wanted to go to Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s house like we always do when we go to Walt Disney World.

I should note here that Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s House is POP CENTURY.:lmao:

So we ran the numbers doing 7 for 4 at Pop Century, 1 day non-park hoppers (free tickets from mom & dad), with and without the DPP. Ding, ding, ding: We have a winner my friends. I wasn’t big on trying the DPP, but we ran the numbers and even if we only did the 3 character meals that Jimmy wants to do and ate CS the rest of the trip this package only ran us about $150 more with the DPP. Made sense to us to have at least one healthy/somewhat relaxing meal per day. The WDW package was booked on February 9th.

A day or 2 later I was getting itchy to book the Universal portion of our trip. I checked the Universal Site, Lowes Hotel site, and the AAA Site. We found a winner with AAA. 2 nights at the Royal Pacific Resort, (3) 2 park Unlimited Admission Tickets (good for 7 days from 1st day of use), and a bunch of other stuff that AAA gives you for less than $500! Bingo! I booked it and figured I was done.

2 weeks after booking Universal I received my free voucher for a Universal Orlando ticket…I apparently won one in the Super Bowl contest but never got an email! Called Universal back and cancelled on the tickets and saved $100.:cheer2:

So here are the plans…

August 7th/8th – Leave Philadelphia and drive to Florida. Arrive near Disney on the 8th and check in to a cheap motel/hotel/holiday inn (10 points to whoever gets the song reference). [We don’t stay with my parents because their house is small. And with 5 of us trying to stay there it would be crowded:crowded:].

August 9th – 16th - Pop Century

August 16th – 18th – Universal Orlando.

So there you have it sports fans…or is it…that whole driving with a 5 year old is giving me the hives!http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn430/bamamom33/Smileys/smiley_scared.gif

[PrincessV]

This year was a bit different, I didn’t actually start planning until December…I know, pick your jaws up off the ground please, I’ll wait….
:faint: :rotfl:
I should note here that Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s House is POP CENTURY.:lmao:
:lmao:

August 7th/8th – Leave Philadelphia and drive to Florida. Arrive near Disney on the 8th and check in to a cheap motel/hotel/holiday inn (10 points to whoever gets the song reference).
Hello?! Rapper's Delight! :cool1:

August 9th – 16th - Pop Century
Good deal getting OUT before FD! :rotfl:

[Hedy]

Sounds like fun.
Not to sound condescending, but I was looking at some TFW posts the other day and I'm amazed at how well Jimmy has done this year.

[jcc0621]

Hello?! Rapper's Delight! :cool1:

That one was too easy for the music maven that you are!


Good deal getting OUT before FD! :rotfl:

Plus I am hoping that everyone will be at WDW so US/IOA won't be too bad! :thumbsup2

[Disneyland_Mama]

August 7th/8th – Leave Philadelphia and drive to Florida. Arrive near Disney on the 8th and check in to a cheap motel/hotel/holiday inn (10 points to whoever gets the song reference). [We don’t stay with my parents because their house is small. And with 5 of us trying to stay there it would be crowded:crowded:].

August 9th – 16th - Pop Century

August 16th – 18th – Universal Orlando.

So there you have it sports fans…or is it…that whole driving with a 5 year old is giving me the hives!http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn430/bamamom33/Smileys/smiley_scared.gif

Yeah... ummm... these dates just don't work for me Janet. :rolleyes: Can't you come down August 6th/7th and check into Pop on the 8th? My flight doesn't leave until 7pm - just enough time for a pool meet and a cocktail. :teeth:

:lmao:;)

Tell Jimmy we're soooo proud of him! Congrats on his Kinder graduation!
:cheer2::dance3::cheer2:

[jcc0621]

Sounds like fun.
Not to sound condescending, but I was looking at some TFW posts the other day and I'm amazed at how well Jimmy has done this year.

No problem. It's been a rough year ::yes:: but things are good now.

Hey V..I think Heather should get some FOcker points for going back to read old FOcker threads :faint:

Yeah... ummm... these dates just don't work for me Janet. :rolleyes: Can't you come down August 6th/7th and check into Pop on the 8th? My flight doesn't leave until 7pm - just enough time for a pool meet and a cocktail. :teeth:

I actually looked at adding a couple of days in the beginning but just couldn't swing it:sad2:

Tell Jimmy we're soooo proud of him! Congrats on his Kinder graduation!
:cheer2::dance3::cheer2:

Thanks T:hug::hug:

[cmp1111]

So here are the plans…

August 7th/8th – Leave Philadelphia and drive to Florida. Arrive near Disney on the 8th and check in to a cheap motel/hotel/holiday inn (10 points to whoever gets the song reference). [We don’t stay with my parents because their house is small. And with 5 of us trying to stay there it would be crowded:crowded:].

August 9th – 16th - Pop Century

August 16th – 18th – Universal Orlando.

So there you have it sports fans…or is it…that whole driving with a 5 year old is giving me the hives!http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn430/bamamom33/Smileys/smiley_scared.gif

Plans look great! :thumbsup2

[OhMari]

I won a Universal ticket too, without any notification. I did it on a whim, while watching the Superbowl and had no plans at that time to go to Florida.

My dh had a surprise convention, and about a week before we left for my dh convention in Orlando, the voucher came in the mail. You have to take your ID with you to Customer Service in the front of the park to turn it in for a real ticket. They make you sign it. Then you have to do the finger scan with your ticket to enter.

Make sure you go on the Simpson Ride-
you will get a headache after the ride.
Bart keeps mentioning throughout the line how parents will be getting a headache.

Let me ‘splain. We returned from WDW on August 29th. Jim started back to work on September 2nd and Jimmy started Pre-K at the local Catholic School on September 8th. Approximately 3 weeks into the school year we were getting phone calls from school that he was trying to leave the classroom, not listening to the teachers, etc…we were concerned as we never really had these types of issues (he had been in daycare of some sort from the time he was 4 months old). Anyway long story short…he was diagnosed with ADHD and after 8 days on medication the Catholic School threw him out because (and I quote the principal) “the medication is not working fast enough”. We enrolled him in the public school for Kindergarten (his Birthday is September 1st, so he made the cut-off for K, but we thought he’d do better being the oldest in a class as opposed to the youngest—don’t judge). Since then he has been doing fabulously and will be graduating from K on June 12th – End Off Topic
:offtopic: I work for a Catholic church, that has a school. I tend to see kids with different needs leave the school, or be asked too. It is like, they want to show how their kids are big academic achievers and they don't want to deal with anything else. Sorry, you had to deal with that. Glad your son did well, this year.

[DisneyJo]

I'm here Janet but so upset I won't be featuring in the TR this year :sad:

[jcc0621]

I You have to take your ID with you to Customer Service in the front of the park to turn it in for a real ticket. They make you sign it. Then you have to do the finger scan with your ticket to enter.

Thanks for the info Mari. You are the 4th person I have heard that got a ticket, but no original email:confused3

Make sure you go on the Simpson Ride-
you will get a headache after the ride.
Bart keeps mentioning throughout the line how parents will be getting a headache.

:lmao:

:offtopic: I work for a Catholic church, that has a school. I tend to see kids with different needs leave the school, or be asked too. It is like, they want to show how their kids are big academic achievers and they don't want to deal with anything else. Sorry, you had to deal with that. Glad your son did well, this year.

Thanks:hug: That's the exact feeling we got from the principal...If he's not perfect he can't go to school here:sad2:

I'm here Janet but so upset I won't be featuring in the TR this year :sad:

I know:sad1: Next time....promise!

[Lauralee131]

YAY!! I'm here! I'm here!!:banana:

Can't wait to read along!! Wish we'd be able to cross paths again this year...I'd love to see you guys again!

[jcc0621]

YAY!! I'm here! I'm here!!:banana:

Can't wait to read along!! Wish we'd be able to cross paths again this year...I'd love to see you guys again!

I know, I am so sad I'm missing everyone this time around
:sad2:

On a positive note...I just confirmed a meet with one of our DIS friends. WIll give details when I get to that part!:yay::yay: Now, to just work on the other one!:thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

We have driven to WDW (and my parent’s house) plenty of times. All of the time prior to having Jimmy and twice with Jimmy (When he was 11 months and 23 months). For the last 3 years we have flown because we have gotten such great deals on airfare with Air Tran out of Philly.

Based on all of the time we have driven, the length of the drive does not bother me. We have driven through a hurricane. We have even driven through some brush fires.

Side note: The year of the brush fire (2000??) Jim and I were going to take a couple of days in St. Augustine. Jim is a huge history buff, so he was really into this! Then the brush fires started happening. We received word that basically Flagler County was shut down due to the fires. When I called to cancel the reservation the woman on the phone got all huffy, because “a little fire” shouldn’t ruin your vacation plans! :confused3 Um, needless to say we haven’t tried to go back yet, and if we do I won’t try that B & B again! End Side note.


Anyway, I don’t mind driving..I even like driving, it relaxes me! However, driving 17 hours with a 5 year old just doesn’t make the thrill o meter rise if you know what I mean. So I began scouring the airlines for decent airfare. At this point they were sky high…scary high…$300 RT high! Um nope, ain’t happening. So I resigned myself to driving.

Then it happened. I got an email $59.00 each way from AirTran. Well, let’s see what we can do! Score! Trip down $79.00 p/p, trip back: $59.00 p/p! Booked that, and then told Jim about it;)!

After I did this Jim so kindly says to me that’s great, how are we getting from WDW to USO and then from USO to the airport. Doh!:headache: I hate when he is right.:rolleyes:

We talked about getting a cab..I got estimates of anywhere from $50 to $100 to get us from WDW to US and then additional $40 to get us to the airport—yuck! Some suggested Mears and others suggested a Town Car Rental. :faint:

After some more research I remembered that my dear Dis Friends Mo and V swear by having a car at WDW. I wonder how much it would cost to rent a car? Let the research begin. I checked out the transportation boards and Mousesavers. Mousesavers had links to all the different rental car sites and coupon codes, etc. I looked at prices for renting for our entire trip and for only 5 days. It was a better deal to rent for 10 days. I also didn’t want to have to take a shuttle to the rental car place, so I had to have one that was in the airport. I got a great deal with Avis. 25% off plus a free upgrade!

Rented this...Chevy Impala
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Miscellaneous/chevroletimpala-us-05.gif

Getting this...Buick, um something:confused:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Miscellaneous/buicklucerne-us-06.gif

So this is where we stand:
8/9/09 – Fly Philly to MCO. Pick up rental car. Check into Pop Century
8/16/09 – Check out of Pop Century. Check Into the Royal Pacific Resort
8/18/09 – Check out of the Royal Pacific Resort. Go home :sad2:

Next will be ADR’s!

[cmp1111]

So this is where we stand:
8/9/09 – Fly Philly to MCO. Pick up rental car. Check into Pop Century
8/16/09 – Check out of Pop Century. Check Into the Royal Pacific Resort
8/18/09 – Check out of the Royal Pacific Resort. Go home :sad2:

Next will be ADR’s!

See, good thing you're doing this - I still thought you were driving. ;)

Nice score on the airfares!

[Disneyland_Mama]

Wow, I'm so glad you guys don't have to drive down....

BUT

Dang.... $140 R/T. That's just not FAIR! :sad2:

[puggymom]

Um, you need to PM when you start these things;)

I love love love having a car on property, but that goes back to that whole I'm a control freak thing:lmao:

Can't wait to hear what you think of US, did I tell you I booked HRH for the beginning of my September trip, using a Superbowl ticket too:thumbsup2 Can't wait to try Simpsons and the new coaster should be opened then too.

OK, so now I'm subscribed, continue pleasepopcorn::

[TheDISneyFamily]

I'm here - just a little late. Sorry!!! :flower3: I'm SO happy that we finally get to meet in person! :yay: Great start on the TR so far! :thumbsup2 You'll have to give me the scoop on your car rental. I'm booked with National right now, but if I can get a good deal with Avis like you did, I might switch...

[jordanyosh]

Janet,

Still feeling tired, but doing better..thanks for asking!

Your plans look great! I know what u mean about trying POR...I've stayed at Pop the last 2 times I've gone and I'm really wanting to try another resort......we'll see.....I LOVE Pop though.......

I'm glad your son has now adjusted. :grouphug:

[KathyRN137]

Driving relaxes you??

I hate it! Blech!!

I for one am glad you're flying... and the rental car makes perfect sense b/c of your side trip to the dark side, um, I mean Universal(!) ;)

Kathy

[DisneyJo]

Janet I wish I could fly to MCO for so little, I'd be there all the time :rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey Janet! Didn't realize you had this going until I saw it by chance in your sig.

Plans sound great, having a rental car is a must for me, wouldn't do WDW without it.

[debraW76]

Like most of you, I usually start planning our next trip pretty much as soon as the suitcases are put away after the current trip. In fact this cartoon I think pretty much sums us all up:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Miscellaneous/Hagar.jpg
That is so me! :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
That's awful about the school. glad jimmy is doing better in public school. Your trip sounds incredible.

After some more research I remembered that my dear Dis Friends Mo and V swear by having a car at WDW. I wonder how much it would cost to rent a car? Let the research begin. I checked out the transportation boards and Mousesavers. Mousesavers had links to all the different rental car sites and coupon codes, etc. I looked at prices for renting for our entire trip and for only 5 days. It was a better deal to rent for 10 days. I also didn’t want to have to take a shuttle to the rental car place, so I had to have one that was in the airport. I got a great deal with Avis. 25% off plus a free upgrade!


We love having a car but then again i am a control freak like that.

[jcc0621]

Dang.... $140 R/T. That's just not FAIR! :sad2:

Move East;):rolleyes1

Um, you need to PM when you start these things;)

Yes, maam.:hug:

I love love love having a car on property, but that goes back to that whole I'm a control freak thing

The more I think about it the more we will probably use it for everything but going to the MK. Parking at the pther parks is so easy.

Can't wait to hear what you think of US, did I tell you I booked HRH for the beginning of my September trip, using a Superbowl ticket too:thumbsup2 Can't wait to try Simpsons and the new coaster should be opened then too.

I knew you were doing US, but didn't know HRH. We looked at that one too. It was a tough decision as all 3 hotels look really nice. It came down to the cheapest;)

I'm here - just a little late. Sorry!!! :flower3: I'm SO happy that we finally get to meet in person! :yay: Great start on the TR so far! :thumbsup2 You'll have to give me the scoop on your car rental. I'm booked with National right now, but if I can get a good deal with Avis like you did, I might switch...

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:


Your plans look great! I know what u mean about trying POR...I've stayed at Pop the last 2 times I've gone and I'm really wanting to try another resort......we'll see.....I LOVE Pop though.......

We really like it. We have never had the problems you read about on the Dis about noise, etc.

I'm glad your son has now adjusted. :grouphug:

Thanks Jordan. There are still issues, but we are dealing wtih them:hug:

Driving relaxes you??

::yes::

Janet I wish I could fly to MCO for so little, I'd be there all the time :rotfl:

It really is a shame that our schedule doesnt' allow us to go more often!

Hey Janet! Didn't realize you had this going until I saw it by chance in your sig.

Plans sound great, having a rental car is a must for me, wouldn't do WDW without it.

Thanks Lessa! We don't usually have a problme with the busses, but last year we waited for ever for one for DTD. So I wll defiintley use the car for there!

That's awful about the school. glad jimmy is doing better in public school. Your trip sounds incredible.

Thanks Debra:hug:

[jcc0621]

Now the rooms, car, and airfare are booked - it is only March. What do I do now? :confused:

Disney changed the system on me. They aren’t releasing hours or allowing you to make ADR’s until 90 days out! WHAT?! I need to plan. I can’t wait until May to make plans. I need the plans made so I know what I am doing. They didn’t care.:headache:

For us 90 days out was May 11th. Hours were to be released May 1st. In the meantime I did what any self respecting planner would do, I went to the Unofficial Guide website and started planning what days I would be at what parks. I followed their best park days the last couple of years and they haven’t let me down.

Based on the crowd levels I created a tentative touring plan, what park we would be at on which day. We don’t really hop. We usually go to one park in the am stay until we don’t feel like it anymore and go back to the room and maybe swim for the evening. We have been enough times that we don’t feel the need to ride everything and if we miss something we will get to it next time.

After I created the tentative park days plan I started thinking about ADR’s and where we would want to go (try). Jimmy had 3 requests…he wants to eat with Chip and Dale (Garden Grill, since there are no more characters at LTT), Mickey and the Gang (Chef Mickey’s), and Lilo and Stitch (‘Ohana). Garden Grill and Chef Mickey’s are first for us.

After those 3 we have 4 TS credits to play with, so where should we go? Since we don’t really park hop we looked at places that were near or in the park we would be in on that day. Jim has been dying to try Boma, and after reading some of the menus and reviews I sort of was too. I have been told that they have traditional kids foods too, so Jimmy should be good here.

We have also wanted to try 50’s Prime Time Café again. We were there once when Jimmy was almost 3, and it was not a magical experience…but not because of the food or the service. We sat next to the most annoying family. The kids were crying and dad was SCREAMING at them to stop crying. You know it is bad (re: loud) when the almost 3 year old looks over at them puts a finger to his lips and says shhhhhhhhhhhh be quiet. Jim and I bust out laughing.:rotfl2:

Those 2 choices leave us with 2 more credits. I thought about Capt. Jacks and Crystal Palace. We had never been to Capt. Jacks. Had been to CP loads of times for breakfast but maybe we would try late lunch/early dinner there.

I did some more pondering…then I had an epiphany.http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o117/arianwynlleuad/Good-Idea-Smiley.jpg What about Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review? The menu looks decent and the show looks funny enough.http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h190/SocialRetard911/Googlepages/Miscellaneous/giggle.gif Jimmy’s favorite dinner last year was the Fockerfest dinner. He loved the show in Germany. He giggled so hard I thought he’d fall out of his chair:lmao:. HDDR looks right up his alley.

We also wanted to try T-Rex at DTD, which is not on the DDP. Jimmy loves Dinosaurs, I’m just leary about the noise level. I think if we bring his ear plugs we should be ok.

So at the beginning of April here is what the ADR’s looked like:
T-Rex (OOP);
Boma (1) - D
Garden Grill (1) - D
Chef Mickey’s (1) - D
HDDR (2) - D
‘Ohana (1) – B
50’s Prime Time (1) – D

But, you all knew there was a but coming…as it got later and later into April I started to get nervous because people were posting on the boards that they were having such a hard time getting ADR’s on the days and times they wanted. They were also saying that there were these monster wait times. Uh oh…better have back up plans.

I created alternate plans, had them all in a spreadsheet marked as 1st choice and 2nd choice when May 11th finally arrived. Guess what…I FORGOT! :Faint: If it wasn’t for Dawn (Homeschool_Mama) I would have gone the whole day without making ADR’s.

I went into work that day and it was crazy busy, so I just jumped in and started working barely taking a second to take my jacket off. At about 11:00 am I got 5 minutes so I wanted to check in with my Dis friends. That’s when Dawn asked me if I got all of may ADR’s. OMG! I completely started to panic

Luckily I had a copy of the spreadsheet in my handbag that day. I called Disney Dining and was told my estimated wait time was 20 minutes. I waited about 5. I get a CM I give her my ressie number and our travel dates. I give her my first ADR request 8/10/09. Gardengrill8/10/094:30pm..please. Tappity, tappity, tappity on the keys. Silence. Tappity, tappity, tappity on the keys. Silence.

She says Mrs. Janet because your first ADR is for 8/10/09 your 90th day is tomorrow. Now, I know this is wrong and you know this is wrong, and I explain to Miss Unhelpful that it is 90 days out from the 1st day of stay. She tells me I am wrong. Rather than fight I told her fine, I will call back tomorrow.

I hang up with her and call right back. I got a very helpful CM, whose name I believe was Kim. Although the system was slllllooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwww, was able to make all of my ADR’s without any issue. I got all of our first choices and times.

After I hung up with Kim I got the number for TRex (I think from our resident Disney Mom DisneyJo) and called them for a reservation. No problem. For T-Rex you can make a reservation 6 months out, but you have to call them directly..TFI.

So here are our confirmed ADR’s. I won’t be changing them…I think.
T-Rex (OOP);
Boma (1) - D
Garden Grill (1) - D
Chef Mickey’s (1) - D
HDDR (2) - D
‘Ohana (1) – B
50’s Prime Time (1) – D

Since this installment is about meals...and terribly lacking in pictures, here is a picture of me and Jimmy from 2005 at the ESPN Club.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Florida%202005/DinneratESPN2.jpg


Up Next: What are we celebrating?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I find that the ADR's are the hardest decision I have to make for a trip. Looks like you made some great choices.

The T-Rex was VERY loud so make sure to bring those earplugs for Jimmy. It is a very neat looking restaurant though, the Build-A-Dino is very cute, if you want to save your wallet don't let Jimmy see it. :rotfl:

[cmp1111]

We really all love Boma - I hope you do, too. :) I'm glad you got what you wanted, and yay for good CM Kim! :goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

Hooray for the Hoop-Dee-Doo!!! :woohoo:

I love that show! You will have so much fun...Jimmy is at just the right age and will think the corny jokes are hysterical!!

Good DIS-Strategy to call back and get a more knowlegable CM! :thumbsup2 (You must've been dying, though!!)


Kathy

[jcc0621]

One of the things I forgot to mention in the last chapter was the fact that we are celebrating Jimmy’s 6th Birthday while we are at WDW. His Birthday isn’t while we are on our trip, but we always try to do something special while we are the since his birthday usually falls on the first day Jim is due back at school.:sad2:

Usually we just pick one day as his birthday celebration day and he gets to where his birthday pin. Once he had a balloon and a card from mickey in the room when we returned one evening. :thumbsup2

This year, with “What Will You Celebrate?” as the theme we decided to do a few little extras. Especially since trip while his 6th birthday celebration is also his “I’m going to 1st grade” celebration. He is very excited about 1st grade!:yay:

Because of this I check out several of the extra options Disney is offering this year as part of this new theme.

Priced out the Mickey and Pals Birthday Wish In Room Celebration:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/MickeyPalsBirthdayWish.jpg
Imagine stepping into your resort room and discovering that Mickey Mouse and the gang have left you a personalized Birthday Surprise! All around the room, large, colorful packages have your name on them; themed to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Pluto, these presents create a festive environment! On the wall hangs a bright Birthday Banner and there's also a colorful mylar balloon bouquet awaiting the birthday recipient. (Please note: Guests of Disney's Animal Kingdom will receive a canvas Disney tote in place of the balloon bouquet, for the protection of the animals.) There’s even an Autograph Book on the table, signed to you by Mickey Mouse himself. And if you take a peek around, you’ll find Tinker Bell's shadow; she’s come by to sprinkle Pixie Dust on you! All of this is not only there for you to enjoy – every piece is meant for you to take home!
Mickey Mouse's Birthday Present
• This 15” box sits on the bed with a large, Mickey Mouse plush beside it. Around his neck is a Light-Up Lanyard for the Birthday person to wear. It says, “It's My Birthday!”
• Mickey Mouse Ears embroidered with the Birthday person’s name.
• Mickey Mouse and the Gang Picture Frame which includes a personalized message from Mickey Mouse.
Minnie Mouse's Birthday Present
• Minnie Mouse's pretty package sits on the table waiting for you.
• Open the lid and find a smaller golden box nestled inside – inside that is a decorative, chocolate, Candy “Cake” that Minnie Mouse has made just for you!
Donald Duck's Birthday Present
• This box sits on the other bed and is full of Donald Duck's gifts just for you.
• Donald's choices are "quacky" and lots of fun!
• And, to top it off, you'll know Donald was there by the white feathers he left behind!
Goofy's Birthday Present
• Inside Goofy's box is the resort room phone; if you call the number on the card attached, you’ll hear Goofy sing his Birthday wish to you!
• The gifts in his box include sweet keepsakes of "Goofy" memories!
Pluto's Birthday Present
• Pluto's a puppy who’s taken care of this party’s hunger!
• Inside his box are delightful treats specially chosen by Pluto himself including dog-bone-shaped Krispy bars for "people" placed in an adorable dog bowl, and set on a Pluto placemat!
• Pluto is big on dog collars, so he thought a nice surprise would also be a "human collar" (a Disney lanyard that includes a starter pin set!)

Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish – $395

A smaller package just from Mickey Mouse is available too! It includes:
• A festive Balloon Decoration and Birthday Banner to set the stage for celebration.
• An Autograph Book with a personalized Mickey Mouse signature.
• Mickey Mouse's Birthday Present (details above)
• A Candy "Cake" that Minnie Mouse has made just for you
• And don’t forget Tinker Bell … look for her shadow … she’s come to sprinkle your Birthday with Pixie Dust!

Mickey's Birthday Wish – $210

More Magical Offerings
Perhaps you'd like to add something special to your Magical Birthday celebration. How about one of these?
• A Pirate's Life – A Pirate hat filled with candy and treasure, sure to please any Mate.
• Princess Proclamation – Proclaim your loved one a Princess with a royal moment to remember.
• Wishing Rose and Bracelet – A Pixie Dusted Rose brings special wishes along with a Tiffany inspired Wish Bracelet.

After Jim and I :faint: and then :rotfl2: I came up with these offerings:

At our Boma Dinner Jimmy is going to receive a:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/celebratetodaypartyfavors.jpg

CELEBRATE TODAY! Party Favor Bag: Add a little magic and transform your dining into an instant party with any or all of the following festive options, a goodie bag that contains a Mickey party hat, fun game, coloring book and crayons, or a deluxe goodie bag that has all the goodie bag components, PLUS a magnet activity set and Mickey shaped straw all in a special celebration tote. No notice is necessary; available at Character Dining and buffet locations.

And at our last TS meal ‘Ohana he is going to receive:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/myminisurprisecake.jpg

My Mini Surprise Pirate Cake: Our new personal-size party cakes come in a special Disney Princess Jewelry Box or Pirates Treasure Chest container, with a special surprise toy! They make the perfect treat to a Disney dining celebration. Available at Character dining and buffet locations.

Up Next: Why does Jim's Life Insurance Need to be increased?

[jcc0621]

The T-Rex was VERY loud so make sure to bring those earplugs for Jimmy. It is a very neat looking restaurant though, the Build-A-Dino is very cute, if you want to save your wallet don't let Jimmy see it. :rotfl:

I have heard the Build a Dino is expensive. DOn't know if it can top the $50 Cat In the hat we have:sad2:

We really all love Boma - I hope you do, too. :) I'm glad you got what you wanted, and yay for good CM Kim! :goodvibes

I really hope we lke it too. This is the one that Jim really wants to go too!

I love that show! You will have so much fun...Jimmy is at just the right age and will think the corny jokes are hysterical!!
Kathy

How was Billy with the noise? Did you use ear plugs for this show for him?

[jordanyosh]

J,

I'm glad you got your ADRs! Congrats.

I've only been to Prime Time on your list of ADRs. I think I'm looking to try some different restaurants and we'll be traveling with a ton of kids...can you give me some reviews on the ones on your list that you've been to before...

Thanks.

[GreatBiscuit]

Congrats on scoring all of your ADR's. I remember those nervous clicking moments! My first call didn't go well either. I said I wanted to make an ADR and the got "Uh...........I'm not familiar with that. Do you you mean dining reservation?" :sad2:

I had to LOL on the cheer competitions & Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's house!

I too had a bit of a fright at the prices for those birthday gifts. Holy Freaking Cow Ethel!

OH, and kudos on the flight. That's nifty savings right there!

[jcc0621]

I've only been to Prime Time on your list of ADRs. I think I'm looking to try some different restaurants and we'll be traveling with a ton of kids...can you give me some reviews on the ones on your list that you've been to before...
Thanks.

The character meals we have done:

Crystal Palace for Breakfast (Pooh and Friends) - LOVE this one. Especially if you can get an 8:00am ADR and get in the park before opening. Food is good and the character interaction is great. It is a buffet. Others have been for lunch and dinner but I have never been.

'Ohana for Breakfast (Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto) - This one is okay, depending on where you sit and your server. Food is good. Character interaction is great! Served family style. They bring out woks filled with eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, and mickey waffles. They keep filling it as much as you want. THey have parade for the kids which is really cute too.

Tusker House Breakfast (Donald, Daisy, Mickey, Goofy and Minnie). This one was ok. I found it to be a bit chaotic and loud), but again the food is good (buffet) and its great if you can get an 8:00am ADR and get in before the park opens!

Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios (Playhouse Disney JoJo, GOliath, The little EInsteins) Buffet. Good Food. Great character interaction adn CM's comout and sing Playhouse Disney Songs and get the kids interacting and dancing.

1900 Park Faire and the GF Dinner (Cinderella, PC, and the Step-Family) Buffet. The Step Family is worth the price IMHO, but the food was good too.

Liberty Tree DOesn't have characters anymore:sad2:

Congrats on scoring all of your ADR's. I remember those nervous clicking moments! My first call didn't go well either. I said I wanted to make an ADR and the got "Uh...........I'm not familiar with that. Do you you mean dining reservation?"

It's bad when we know more than the CM's do:sad2:


I too had a bit of a fright at the prices for those birthday gifts. Holy Freaking Cow Ethel!

I'd have to remortgage the house for one of those:eek:

Thanks for reading!:goodvibes

[Disneyland_Mama]

Your ADR's sound great!

HEY! Don't :lmao:! I'm ordering the Mickey Birthday surprise for Evan! :mad: Well, the cheaper one, naturally. ;) Of course Andy doesn't know how much it costs. :rotfl2: Wait until he gets that bill! :rolleyes1

Sounds like you've got food and celebrations covered! :banana:

[KathyRN137]

How was Billy with the noise? Did you use ear plugs for this show for him?

No ear plugs were necessary at HDDR... and we had a table near the stage, too! :thumbsup2 He really enjoyed the music and singing... it wasn't too loud for him at all.

Only issue we had was that he was so wrapped up in watching the show, he hardly ate any food!

Kathy

[PrincessV]

In the meantime I did what any self respecting planner would do, I went to the Unofficial Guide website and started planning what days I would be at what parks. I followed their best park days the last couple of years and they haven’t let me down.
::yes:: :thumbsup2

We don’t really hop. We usually go to one park in the am stay until we don’t feel like it anymore and go back to the room and maybe swim for the evening. We have been enough times that we don’t feel the need to ride everything and if we miss something we will get to it next time.
We've kind of gotten to that point, too. The only reason we hop anymore is for dinner at EP.

Jimmy had 3 requests…he wants to eat with Chip and Dale (Garden Grill...
Ummm... we should talk. Or just stay tuned to the next installment in my PTR. :rolleyes1

We also wanted to try T-Rex at DTD, which is not on the DDP. Jimmy loves Dinosaurs, I’m just leary about the noise level. I think if we bring his ear plugs we should be ok.
Totally worth the earplugs - Leo LOVED it! :thumbsup2

Up Next: Why does Jim's Life Insurance Need to be increased?
WHAT?!?! :scared1:

Love the Celebrate gifts, BTW!

[KatGarcia]

Holy package prices Batman! yeesh. But the ones you picked are really cute!!!!

The ADRs sound great, I'm excited to go back to 50's again, we loved it on our honeymoon but haven't been back since!

[DisneyJo]

Woohooo on getting all the ADR's and so pleased I could help with the T-Rex number!

All Ellie's friends loved the party bags from Disney, Jimmy will adore it all oh and I saw the cake IRL and they're so cute!

I'm so pleased I got my in-room celebration package free as they are rather pricey aren't they :rotfl:

[jcc0621]

HEY! Don't :lmao:! I'm ordering the Mickey Birthday surprise for Evan! :mad: Well, the cheaper one, naturally. ;) Of course Andy doesn't know how much it costs. :rotfl2: Wait until he gets that bill! :rolleyes1


I won't tell;)

No ear plugs were necessary at HDDR... and we had a table near the stage, too! :thumbsup2 He really enjoyed the music and singing... it wasn't too loud for him at all.

Only issue we had was that he was so wrapped up in watching the show, he hardly ate any food!

Kathy

Thanks! I think Jimmy is really going to like it!


Ummm... we should talk. Or just stay tuned to the next installment in my PTR. :rolleyes1

Uh oh...I don't like the sound of this!popcorn::




The ADRs sound great, I'm excited to go back to 50's again, we loved it on our honeymoon but haven't been back since!

We are really looking forward to this one!

Woohooo on getting all the ADR's and so pleased I could help with the T-Rex number!

:goodvibes

All Ellie's friends loved the party bags from Disney, Jimmy will adore it all oh and I saw the cake IRL and they're so cute!

:yay:

I'm so pleased I got my in-room celebration package free as they are rather pricey aren't they :rotfl:

Just a bit:scared1:

[debraW76]

Hi Janet. Your ADRs look great! We had to cancel the Trex because of booking Tau's birthday party (it was $350). But I think the kids will have a great time at the party and we can always eat at Trex next time.

We are doing 50's this time too and loved Tusker house last time :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

Thanks for the Character Breakfast reviews. It'll come in handy with perhaps 7 kids traveling with us.

[jcc0621]

Why would I need to up Jim's life insurance. Well, wonderful wife that I am, I got Jim the RIchard Petty Ride ALong Experience for Christmas. Yes, I am voluntarily allowing him to go really really fast around a Nascar track...but here is the kicker, someone else is driving:eek:

I had considered this for him before but always found a reason not too. Not enough time, too much money, etc. But then by good Dis Friend Homeschool_Mama (Dawn) purchased the same package for her DH. I thought, why not I think Jim will really like it.

Here is the description form the Richard Petty site:

Ride-Along Experiences
Experience real life racing thrills by riding shotgun in a 2-seat NASCAR-style stock car driven by one of our professional instructors

3-lap qualifying run at speeds at speeds up to 165 MPH

The Ride-Along program is operated at over 20 locations
The normal price is $109.00 per person. At Christmas time there was a special, so it only cost $59.00:yay: Jim is really looking forward to this.

Jimmy will be ticked that he can't go too, but he will like seeing all the cars.

Now, Dawn's DH K did this during their last trip, and she said he liked it but was almost not able to go because he was wearing rubber soled shoes (is that right Dawn?). I need to call down there and see what kind of shoes he needs, becasue I think all the shoes Jim owns are rubber soled:confused3

I also need to find out what time they start during the day, because you just show up..don't make ressies and I would like to do this first thing in the morning.

Now, how much should I up that life insurance too:confused:

Next: I have no idea. When I think of it I will let you know;)

[DisneyJo]

I'm sure he's going to love it and weird about the shoes :confused:

[KathyRN137]

Great present at a great discount!! :thumbsup2 Jim is sure to love it!!


Kathy

[GreatBiscuit]

Awesome idea! I'm sure DH will have a great time!

[Lauralee131]

Great fun for Jim! :thumbsup2 A couple of years ago I bought Tony the package where he drives the 8 laps...ca-ching...

And guess who never used it???:headache:

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Seriously? Chapter FIVE?!?!?!? :guilty:

Sorry I didn't get here sooner...
:flower3:

[jcc0621]

Great fun for Jim! :thumbsup2 A couple of years ago I bought Tony the package where he drives the 8 laps...ca-ching...

And guess who never used it???:headache:

Ugh! It's still good isn't it?

Seriously? Chapter FIVE?!?!?!? :guilty:

Sorry I didn't get here sooner...
:flower3:

Hi Kate :wave2:

[jcc0621]

SInce I can't start packing yet (Pick Tracy up off the floor please;)) and I haven't started shoppng for necessitites yet (Pick Mo up now please:laughing:)

I thought I'd do abrief overview of Universal Orlando here.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/UniversalOrlandoLogo.jpg

We are really looking forward to this portion of our trip. We are only going to be here 2 nights and from everything I have been reading it looks like something we are all going to like.

ALso, it doesn't seem to be a place where we have to run, run, run. Let's first talk about where we are staying.

The Royal Pacific Resort - A Lowes Hotel.
We looked at all three hotels on property at Universal Orlando, and all 3 looked like they were nice. It all came down to the bottom line = money. Royal Pacific Resort was the cheapest.;) This is the description of the ROyal Pacific Resort from here on the Dis:

Universal's Royal Pacific Resort is considered the 'value' resort of the three hotel offerings on Universal property. Located alongside Islands of Adventure, this resort is themed around the tropical nation of Bali in the South Pacific. Grotto beaches, lush landscaping and unique appointments make the resort a charming addition to Universal's line up.

Among the amenities offered at the resort are a Lagoon style swimming pool with beach area and interactive water play area, the Mariner's Club supervised children's program, 5 Restaurants and lounges, including Emeril Lagasse's Tchoup Chop restaurant and a workout facility.

Like the two other resorts on site at Universal (Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel), the Royal Pacific is managed by Loews Hotels. This is a beautiful resort, with excellent landscaping, theming and service. The rooms tend to be a bit smaller than the other two hotel properties, but are no less comfortable and are well appointed.

Doesn't that make it sound just lovely:cloud9:

Here are some pictures of the resort, also borrowed from here on the Dis and Google:


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/royal_pacific_resort_orlando.jpg


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRLobby.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPR.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRPool.jpg

This is the Kids Water Play rea. Jimmy is going to love this:thumbsup2

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/kidswaterarea2.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/kidswaterarea.jpg

WE booked a standrad room, which will look something like this:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRRoom.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRRoom2.jpg

We signed up for Loews YouFirst. By signing up for this you get your choice of different welcome items as well as a complimentary choice of newspaper each morning. We chose the milk and cookies as our welcom packeage. There are wine.cheese packages and others too, I just don't remember what they are:rolleyes1

Finally the biggest perk of staying at one of the 3 Universal Resorts is what they call Express Pass. It is sort of like fast pass, but it is only offered to resort guests. You use your room key and are able to go in the express pass line.

HEre is the official description from the Universal site:

On-site Loews Hotel guests receive FREE Universal Express ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES at most rides and attractions in both theme parks. It's the ultimate perk of staying on-site at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Just present your hotel room key card at each participating ride and attraction's Express entrance, and bypass the regular line! There's no additional charge!

Enjoy unlimited entries to your favorite attractions and shows at both Universal Studios® and Universal's Islands of Adventure®, completely at your convenience.

The only other way to bypass the lines is to purchase Universal Express PLUS Passes, ranging in price from $19.99 to $55.99 + tax per person, per day. For a family of four, this benefit could cost over $200 for one day. On-site hotel guests enjoy this benefit for FREE - a great value and allows you and your family to make the most out of your day!

I don't know if I would pay for it, but since it is included I plan on taking full advantage of it:thumbsup2

Up Next: Universal Studios. What attractions is everyone looking forward too!

[KathyRN137]

The Royal Pacific Resort - A Lowes Hotel.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/royal_pacific_resort_orlando.jpg

WE booked a standrad room, which will look something like this:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRRoom.jpg

Finally the biggest perk of staying at one of the 3 Universal Resorts is what they call Express Pass. It is sort of like fast pass, but it is only offered to resort guests. You use your room key and are able to go in the express pass line.



Good choice! :thumbsup2 If we ever go to Universal, this is where I'd want us to stay!!

The rooms don't look so "standard" to me!! :goodvibes


Kathy

[DisneyJo]

The hotel looks great Janet and definitely not value looking, the pass sounds a great perk too :thumbsup2

[Hedy]

RPR blooks so pretty!

[cmp1111]

I'm glad you've got Jim set with the driving, and the hotel looks great! We've stayed at the HRH in downtown Chicago, and while it was gorgeous in its way (think the redone CR rooms - very modern) it wasn't worth any extra money. The bar was good, though... :rolleyes1

I think you'll have a great time!

[KatGarcia]

It really does look like a beautiful place! Here's hoping I can get my friends together for my trip next year and I can stay on US property! Looking forward to hearing what you guys plan on doing!

[PrincessV]

Why would I need to up Jim's life insurance. Well, wonderful wife that I am, I got Jim the RIchard Petty Ride ALong Experience for Christmas. Yes, I am voluntarily allowing him to go really really fast around a Nascar track...but here is the kicker, someone else is driving:eek:
:woohoo: This sounds like so much fun!

The Royal Pacific Resort - A Lowes Hotel.
Well... shoot. Now I'm wanting to spend a weekend there again! :rolleyes: Really - it looks super relaxing and nice. :cloud9:

[jcc0621]

Good choice! :thumbsup2 If we ever go to Universal, this is where I'd want us to stay!!

The rooms don't look so "standard" to me!! :goodvibes


Kathy

They look huge in the picture. I hope there is truth in advertising.:goodvibes

The hotel looks great Janet and definitely not value looking, the pass sounds a great perk too :thumbsup2

That alone is worth staying on property for a bit more money:thumbsup2

RPR blooks so pretty!

::yes::

I'm glad you've got Jim set with the driving, and the hotel looks great! We've stayed at the HRH in downtown Chicago, and while it was gorgeous in its way (think the redone CR rooms - very modern) it wasn't worth any extra money. The bar was good, though... :rolleyes1

I think you'll have a great time!

I think we will too. The only HRH I have been to is the casino in Tampa:rolleyes1

It really does look like a beautiful place! Here's hoping I can get my friends together for my trip next year and I can stay on US property! Looking forward to hearing what you guys plan on doing!

I really am looking forward to checking out the dark side:cool2:


Well... shoot. Now I'm wanting to spend a weekend there again! :rolleyes: Really - it looks super relaxing and nice. :cloud9:

Didn't you have it booked at one point:confused::rolleyes1:lmao:

[lisalonglash]

Yay! A Janet PTR!!! :cool1: Now, to go back and read... popcorn::

[PrincessV]

Didn't you have it booked at one point:confused::rolleyes1:lmao:
Nope, but I was very close! ;)

[jcc0621]

Nope, but I was very close! ;)

:thumbsup2 I will give you a full review!

[Lauralee131]

Wow - that hotel looks nice Janet! Much nicer than I'd have thought...

335 sf isn't too bad either for room size. D'ya think you'll feel dirty or like you're cheating on the Mouse???:confused3

[Disneyland_Mama]

SInce I can't start packing yet (Pick Tracy up off the floor please;)) and I haven't started shoppng for necessitites yet (Pick Mo up now please:laughing:)
:rotfl2: You're funny.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRLobby.jpg
Heh heh heh... looks like they're peein' in the pool :teeth:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RPRPool.jpg
Nice. I think I could hang there. Do they have Lapu's? :rolleyes1

Hmmm... I may have to make a choice between US or Busch Gardens.... :scratchin:

[GreatBiscuit]

Looks a right nifty little resort. Had it not been for the evil genius 4/3 plan that Disney brewed up, we'd probably be spending a day or two at Universal.

[jordanyosh]

That resort looks awesome!

[jcc0621]

Yay! A Janet PTR!!! :cool1: Now, to go back and read... popcorn::

:wave2: Hi Lisa...thanks for stopping by:goodvibes

Wow - that hotel looks nice Janet! Much nicer than I'd have thought...

It's a Loews hotel so it should be pretty good:thumbsup2

335 sf isn't too bad either for room size. D'ya think you'll feel dirty or like you're cheating on the Mouse???:confused3

:lmao:

:rotfl2: You're funny.

WHat you haven't started packing yet:confused3

Heh heh heh... looks like they're peein' in the pool :teeth:


Hmmm... I may have to make a choice between US or Busch Gardens.... :scratchin:

WE are thinking about trying BG in 2011!:thumbsup2

Looks a right nifty little resort. Had it not been for the evil genius 4/3 plan that Disney brewed up, we'd probably be spending a day or two at Universal.

Their marketing people are genius ::yes::

That resort looks awesome!

:woohoo: I am actually really looking forward to it!:thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

Now that we know where we are going to stay while visiting the Dark Side let's talk about the theme parks and other resort offerings:

Once we booked the hotel and ordered the tickets, etc I started to do some research. I checked out the Universal Boards here on the Dis. I read some TR's, posted some questions, etc. THe people that hang out there are very friendly and helpful!

After that I panicked:scared:. There are no sites out there like the Dis for US. What about books? I searched amazon and came across a book called Beyond Disney.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/BeyondDisney.jpg

If the cover looks vaguely familiar, that's because it is by the same folks who do the Unofficial GUide to WDW. I love the UG. I figured I can't go wrong with this book....right.... I ordered from amazon and when it came in the mail I was very excited.

Then I read it. It is a good book in that it has information about pretty much everything in the Central FLA area...Universal, Sea World, GatorlandCYpress Gardens, Kennedy Space Center (Which I am not really sure is considered Central FLA) and even the Holyland Experience:confused3 However, the information is very sparse. It does give some touring plan information for US and IOA that will probably come in handy. I was disappointed.

What do I do now. I headed to the Universal Boards here on the Dis and posted a question asking if there were any recommendations for a good US guide book. Unanimously everyone told me the best book is Universal Orlando - The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure by Kelly Monagan. Back to Amazon I go and order this book

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/UniversalGuide.jpg

Let me just say they were right. If you are thinking of going to US/IOA get this book! It doesn't give touring plans per se, but it gives some great tips, etc.

After reading this book for a couple days, then reading different things to Jimmy, we made a list of the things we would like to ride, see, do in each park.

Our first stop on the tour will be Universal Studios. Like Disney Universal has developed its theme park into 5 "lands", with one area at the entrance. I"m only going to highlight the things that are on our to-do list.

Animal Actors on Location - Animal Tricks and comedy show. Jimmy loves the show Animals Funniest Home Viseos on Animal Planet so I think he will really like this

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/AnimalActors.jpg

Beetlejuice's Rock n Roll Graceyard Review - Rock and roll stage show featuring Beetlejuice and the Universal monsters.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Beetlejuice.jpg

The Blues Brothers Concert - Need I say more. The Blues Brothers show up in their police car!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/BluesBrothers.jpg

A Day in the Park with Barney - Live character Stage Show. While Jim and I would rather poke our eyes out with a dull pencil, Jimmy wants to see this one. Doesn't watch the show.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/BArney.jpg

Disaster (Used to be called Earthquake) - Film that shows how minitures are used to create special effects in disaster movies, then onto a tram ro experience an earthquake

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DIsaster.jpg

ET - Dark Ride based on ET.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/ET.jpg

Fievals Playland - Children's play area with water slide.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/FievelPLayland.jpg

Jaws - Adventure boat ride. "I think we need a bigger boat"

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Jaws.jpg

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast - Cartoon science and simulation ride. Think Star tours for the grade school set!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/JImmyNeutron.jpg

Lucy - A Tribute: Walk through Tribute to Lucille Ball. No pun intended but I love Lucy ::yes::

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Lucy.jpg

Men In Black Alien Attack - Interactive Dark Ride. Most describe it as Buzz Lightyear on Steroids. Shoot aliens, but play against other cars!:thumbsup2

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/MIB.gif

Revenge of the Mummy - Indoor Roller Coaster based on The Mummy movie (This one will be Jim and I riding single rider)

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/TheMummy.jpg

Shrek 4-D: 3 D Movie.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Shrek-1.gif

Street Scenes - Remember when DHS was a real working studio:sad2: This is part of their actual working studio lot! They have the boneyard out throughout the park for you to see props, etc while you wander around.


Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster - Kids Roller Coaster (Think Goofy's Barnstormer)

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/WoodyWOodpecker.jpg

Curious George Goes to Town Playground - Interactive playground and water area.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/CuriousGeorge.jpg

The Simpsons - Simulator Ride through Springfield

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/TheSimpsons.jpg

So there you have it. The things we definitely want to do while we are at Universal Studios. I think the tink I am looking forward to the most is just walking around and looking at the props used in all the different Universal Movies. Remember when DH was like that;)

Up next: Islands of Adventure!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Those all look like a lot of fun! Especially Men in Black, The Mummy, Shrek.

[cmp1111]

Years ago, Dr. Belle & I hit up US in CA, along, of course, with many days at DL. ;)

We liked ET and the Earthquake ride. And Jaws.

It looks like fun! (Well, except for Barney - I'm with you, there. :rotfl:)

[KathyRN137]

I'm so glad you found at least one book that gave some good touring advice!! :thumbsup2 ... Funny how we're so "spoiled" by all the info available here on the DIS!!

Kathy

[lisalonglash]

We spent one day at US and one day at IOA last October - soooo much fun! :cool1:

Let me just say they were right. If you are thinking of going to US/IOA get this book! It doesn't give touring plans per se, but it gives some great tips, etc.

I'm glad you found a book that works for you! If you have the UG Guide to WDW with Kids, it has a pretty decent section on US/IOA in it

The Blues Brothers Concert - Need I say more. The Blues Brothers show up in their police car!

Oh, THIS was our favourite thing at US/IOA, hands down! Rockin' in the street to a live "Blues Brothers" concert (there was also an Anita Franklin character opening act - she was fantastic too) and then visiting with the Blues Brothers afterwards. I have some great pictures of dh and ds#1 with the car and a picture of me and ds#1 with Elwood Blues that makes dh jealous LOL (it's on my PTR if you want to see it)

A Day in the Park with Barney - Live character Stage Show. While Jim and I would rather poke our eyes out with a dull pencil, Jimmy wants to see this one. Doesn't watch the show.

:scared1:

Disaster (Used to be called Earthquake) - Film that shows how minitures are used to create special effects in disaster movies, then onto a tram ro experience an earthquake

This was great fun! My MIL played the "Mother Earth" character - it was hysterical to see the finished movie :lmao:

ET - Dark Ride based on ET.

ET and a ride - what's not to love :cloud9:

Jaws - Adventure boat ride. "I think we need a bigger boat"

The wait time was too long for this ride, which was a real bummer for me. I've always wanted to go on this ride because the Jaws movies scared the bejeepers out of me - I figured if I could manage to survive the ride, I'd be golden :laughing: Next time!

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast - Cartoon science and simulation ride. Think Star tours for the grade school set!

Everyone except me enjoyed this very much (I didn't realize it was a motion simulator beforehands - motion simulator = Lisa feeling :sick:)

Men In Black Alien Attack - Interactive Dark Ride. Most describe it as Buzz Lightyear on Steroids. Shoot aliens, but play against other cars!:thumbsup2

Big thumbs up from everyone in our group who rode!

Revenge of the Mummy - Indoor Roller Coaster based on The Mummy movie (This one will be Jim and I riding single rider)

Another big thumbs up from all who rode!

Shrek 4-D: 3 D Movie.

We all really liked this one - inventive, funny and engaging :thumbsup2

[QUOTE=jcc0621;32222199]Street Scenes - Remember when DHS was a real working studio:sad2: This is part of their actual working studio lot! They have the boneyard out throughout the park for you to see props, etc while you wander around.

This is one of the coolest parts of US/IOA! We had the most fun just sort of stumbling into character experiences - we spent ages with Doc and the Time Machine DeLorean from Back to the Future :banana:

Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster - Kids Roller Coaster (Think Goofy's Barnstormer)

Well liked by all the kids in our group!

The Simpsons - Simulator Ride through Springfield

Another big thumbs up from all who rode!

You're going to have the best time! :yay:

[jordanyosh]

I love you, you love me.........that song just brings shivers to my spine...

You seem like you'll get to do alot!!!!!!

I've always wanted to go to US/IOA and to Sea World....maybe your TR will convince me....MAYBE....

[Hedy]

FYI, I think the graveyard review has a warning-it's excelllent, but there are a few throwaway lines that makes me not 100% sure I'd take the boys (9 and 13)-there are two skimpily dressed cheerleaders who do a cheer for Beetlejuice using his initials.

[PrincessV]

I love the UG. I figured I can't go wrong with this book....right.... I ordered from amazon and when it came in the mail I was very excited.

Then I read it.
No??!! :sad2: How disappointing.

It is a good book in that it has information about pretty much everything in the Central FLA area...Universal, Sea World, GatorlandCYpress Gardens, Kennedy Space Center (Which I am not really sure is considered Central FLA)
Strangely, sometimes yes. It depends on the reference; if in reference to tourist attractions, it's lumped into "Central FL." But as a geographical location it's "East Coast." Welcome to Florida-Speak 101! :rotfl:

I can't wait to hear about Jimmy's reactions to all the attractions! I'd really like to take Leo someday, but he's just not there yet. :rolleyes:

[jcc0621]

Those all look like a lot of fun! Especially Men in Black, The Mummy, Shrek.

::yes:: I think Jimmy will like all of them too.:thumbsup2


It looks like fun! (Well, except for Barney - I'm with you, there. :rotfl:)

Kindred spirits!:goodvibes

I'm so glad you found at least one book that gave some good touring advice!! :thumbsup2 ... Funny how we're so "spoiled" by all the info available here on the DIS!!

Kathy

It's scary actually. If we plan to go any where else I'm on the internet trying to find board like this for where ever we go. They don't have Gettysburgboards. Thats TFI;):lmao:


Oh, THIS was our favourite thing at US/IOA, hands down! Rockin' in the street to a live "Blues Brothers" concert (there was also an Anita Franklin character opening act - she was fantastic too) and then visiting with the Blues Brothers afterwards. I have some great pictures of dh and ds#1 with the car and a picture of me and ds#1 with Elwood Blues that makes dh jealous LOL (it's on my PTR if you want to see it)[/QUOTE

I have your PTR bookmarked. Just haven't had 2 seconds to sit down and read yet:thumbsup2

[QUOTE=lisalonglash;32224841]You're going to have the best time! :yay:

:cool1:

I love you, you love me.........that song just brings shivers to my spine...

Thanks I know have that song stuck in my head:headache:

FYI, I think the graveyard review has a warning-it's excelllent, but there are a few throwaway lines that makes me not 100% sure I'd take the boys (9 and 13)-there are two skimpily dressed cheerleaders who do a cheer for Beetlejuice using his initials.

Ooohhhhhhhh! Thanks for the tip. Will have to read more about it!:thumbsup2


Strangely, sometimes yes. It depends on the reference; if in reference to tourist attractions, it's lumped into "Central FL." But as a geographical location it's "East Coast." Welcome to Florida-Speak 101! :rotfl:

I have always heard that area called the Space Coast:confused:

I can't wait to hear about Jimmy's reactions to all the attractions! I'd really like to take Leo someday, but he's just not there yet. :rolleyes:

I;m really trying to find a DVD to show Jimmy everything. SOmeone told me on the US Boards that their is one, but I have to call US merchandising to order it. I just haven't had 2 seconds to do that!:sad2:

[jcc0621]

Now that we have reviewed Universal Studios it is time for a review of what things we are all looking forward too at Island of Adventure.

Marvel Super Hero Island. Jimmy is into the Marvel Comics right now. Spiderman, Ironman, X-Men etc. He is ticked because I won't let him see Wolverine:rolleyes:

Our first stop at Marvel Super Hero Island will be the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Billed as an "indoor adventure simulator ride with moving vehicles, 3D film, live action and a 400 foot sensory drop:thumbsup2
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Spiderman-1.jpg

Next is Storm Force Accleration. Indoor spinning ride. Think the tea cups on steroids.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/StormForce.jpg

From here you move onto Toon Lagoon:

Dudley Do Right Ripsaw Falls. A flume ride based on Dudley Do-RIght ` one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid:thumbsup2
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DudleyDoRight.jpg

Me Ship the Olive - Interactive water play area (Sounds a bit like DOnald's Boat;))
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Me-Ship-the-Olive-250.jpg

Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges - White water river raft ride. Kali is like getting spritz compared to how wet you get on this.:eek:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Popeye.jpg

From Toon Lagoon we head into Jurassic Park. Jimmy is so into Dinosaurs so I think he will really like this land.

Camp Jurassic - Interactive Play Area
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/CampJurassic.jpg

Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride. Indoor/outdoor adventure river raft ride.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/JurassicParkRIde.jpg

Pterandon Flyers - fly over Jurassic Park. Jimmy can ride without us, but we can't ride without him;) Jim will ride this one with him!
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/PteranodonFLyers.jpg

Dueling Dragons. This is one Jim and I will do alone, while each of us waits with Jimmy. Fire and Ice. Both coasters launched at the same time:woohoo:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DuelingDragons.jpg

Flying Unicorn - another kiddie coaster
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/FlyingUnicorn.jpg

The last area we will explore will be Suess Landing. Up first..

Caro-suess-el: Merry Go Round. Seats based on Suess characters. If you pull on the rains the heads move, eyes blink and tails wag.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/CArosuessel.jpg
No, I don't know who those people are. I googled the picture and that was the best one that came up:lmao:

Cat In the Hat - Indoor adventure ride through the story! One of Jimmy's favorite books!
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/CatintheHat.jpg

High In the Sky SUess Trolley Train Ride - Elevated train around Suess Landing.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/SuessTrolley.jpg

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish - A wet version of Dumbo.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/OneFishTwoFish.jpg

As you can see I don't think there a ton of attractions at either park, so I am hoping that means we will have time to explore the parks a bit too. I have been to US/IOA in 2002, but we did not have time time to explore the little nooks and crannies and I am hoping we get to so that this time.

I am also hoping that with Express pass we will be able to ride our favorites more than once.

We should also be able to get in plenty of pool time here too. On 8/16 and 8/17 Islands of Adventure closes at 7:00pm. On 8/16 US closes at 9:00pm and and on 8/17 it closes at 7:00pm.

The goal is to leave for US/IOA as soon as we finish breakfast at 'Ohana on the 16th. Drive to US/IOA, check in (room probably won't be ready), get tickets and head right to which ever park Jimmy wants to do first. Stay at that park until dinner time and then head back to the hotel to eat and swim for a bit.

Next Up - City Walk. Is it for us?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:woohoo: IoA looks awesome! I can't wait to visit someday! I think that Jimmy will probably love Suess Landing, it looks so fun and creative!

[lisalonglash]

Spiderman was enjoyed by all who rode! An FYI: Ripsaw Falls and Bilge Rat Barges don't just get you wet - they get you absolutely soaked (think having a shower wet) LOL The Jurassic Park ride was really fun, much enjoyed by all (oh, also, there's a viewing area beside the "river" you dump into at the end of the ride (in front of the restaurant beside the ride) - if you stand there, you will get absolutely soaked (yes, dh and both boys decided that standing there was great LOL)). All who rode Dueling Dragons (both sides) really enjoyed this one (ds#1 did prefer the Hulk Coaster, but he's a wacko lol).

Will the Flying Unicorn be open when you're there? It was/is closed while they're creating the Harry Potter section (which looks sooooo awesome!).

Cat in the Hat was kind of neat - it was very similar to the Winnie the Pooh ride. The Suess Trolley was lots of fun - it's set up so that you feel like you're "flying" over Suessland iykwim?

If you and/or your dh like coasters, you should try the Hulk Coaster - it's insane! :scared1:

The Express Pass thing will be awesome, I'm sure :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

Wow, those coasters sound intense!! :scared1:

I don't think I could do that Jurassic one... just hanging there with your feet dangling must be so scary!! Even the Spiderman ride looks intimidating!

Better you than me, Janet!! :laughing:


Kathy

[DisneyJo]

I actually quite like the look of some of those rides, very different to Disney!

[lazydoxy66]

:flower3:

I'm so sorry I'm late. I've been having a heck of a time knowing which Fockers have new PTRs and TRs and with Enchanted too......you get the picture.

I'm glad I jumped on board. This is exactly what I want to do on our next trip. Only difference is I want to stay at AKL during the Disney portion. I am so interested in your take on the Royal Pacific.

I'm glad you got your ADRs. I'm so nervous about mine for the BFF trip. (I can make them on June 29th.)

[PrincessV]

I'm starting to think I just need to go to US without Leo one of these days... he won't do 3/4 of those rides, but they look fun to me!

Citywalk, Citywalk... why can't I remeber what's there???

[debraW76]

Sounds like so much fun.

Love Spiderman!

Love the Jurassic park but be careful - there are lots of tunnels and slides and you can easily lose sight of Jimmy. THe kids still talk about the Pterandon Flyers and they were only 2 and 4 when we went.

LOVED Dueling Dragons - US's baby swap is a little different from Disney's. For the DD you all three walk through the line and just before you get to the coasters there is a 'baby lounge' waiting area. It's air conditioned and has a bathroom/water fountains. One stays there with Jimmy while the other rides and when they are done they will meet you in the baby lounge for you to ride.

Flying Unicorn - I may be wrong but I think they closed this to make room for Harry Potter?

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is another of my kids favs.

[askelton]

Why would I need to up Jim's life insurance. Well, wonderful wife that I am, I got Jim the RIchard Petty Ride ALong Experience for Christmas. Yes, I am voluntarily allowing him to go really really fast around a Nascar track...but here is the kicker, someone else is driving:eek:
I can't wait to hear what he thinks about it since we got it for Mitch too. How did I not know Dawn's DH did it already?

City Walk. Is it for us?
::yes:: The Porch of Indecision is your friend.

[jcc0621]

:woohoo: IoA looks awesome! I can't wait to visit someday! I think that Jimmy will probably love Suess Landing, it looks so fun and creative!

He loves Dr. Suess books so I think he is going to love it!:goodvibes

Spiderman was enjoyed by all who rode! An FYI: Ripsaw Falls and Bilge Rat Barges don't just get you wet - they get you absolutely soaked (think having a shower wet) LOL The Jurassic Park ride was really fun, much enjoyed by all (oh, also, there's a viewing area beside the "river" you dump into at the end of the ride (in front of the restaurant beside the ride) - if you stand there, you will get absolutely soaked (yes, dh and both boys decided that standing there was great LOL)).

I remember from 02 getting soaked. Definitely croxs for this day as opposed to sneakers

Will the Flying Unicorn be open when you're there? It was/is closed while they're creating the Harry Potter section (which looks sooooo awesome!).

Oh shoot...I don't know. If it is it gives me one more reason to not like HP:duck:

Wow, those coasters sound intense!! :scared1:

I don't think I could do that Jurassic one... just hanging there with your feet dangling must be so scary!! Even the Spiderman ride looks intimidating!

Better you than me, Janet!! :laughing:


Kathy

It should be lots of fun!

I actually quite like the look of some of those rides, very different to Disney!

::yes::

:flower3:

I'm so sorry I'm late. I've been having a heck of a time knowing which Fockers have new PTRs and TRs and with Enchanted too......you get the picture.

I'm glad I jumped on board. This is exactly what I want to do on our next trip. Only difference is I want to stay at AKL during the Disney portion. I am so interested in your take on the Royal Pacific.

I'm glad you got your ADRs. I'm so nervous about mine for the BFF trip. (I can make them on June 29th.)

Hi Kristel :wave2: Will keep my fingers crossed for you!:goodvibes

I'm starting to think I just need to go to US without Leo one of these days.

WE can always do girls weekend there ;)

Citywalk, Citywalk... why can't I remeber what's there???

Details coming up!:thumbsup2

LOVED Dueling Dragons - US's baby swap is a little different from Disney's. For the DD you all three walk through the line and just before you get to the coasters there is a 'baby lounge' waiting area. It's air conditioned and has a bathroom/water fountains. One stays there with Jimmy while the other rides and when they are done they will meet you in the baby lounge for you to ride.

Cool, thanks for the tip!

Flying Unicorn - I may be wrong but I think they closed this to make room for Harry Potter?

I heard:sad2:


::yes:: The Porch of Indecision is your friend.

:cool2:

Update coming up shortly!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

You don't like Harry Potter :eek: and you don't like UP. You do like to go against the grain Janet. ;)

[jcc0621]

Hey all. Before I get to my take on CityWalk...let me just say that today is the 50 day mark:yay::yay::yay:

Ahem.

CityWalk - The official definitaion of City Walk from the book Beyond Disneytm is a shopping, dining and enteratinment venue that doubles as the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands of Advneture theme parks.

CityWalk is (was) Universal's answer to Pleasure Island, when Pleasure Island was cool....and open:sad2:

For $11.99 you can get into all of the clubs or if you are only going to one specific club you can pay an individual cover of any from $4 to $8.

CityWalk also offers a dinner.movie deal for $21.95 which gives you dinner at one of the restaurants (limited menu of course) and a movie ticket. All in all, no bad pricing.

However, because we are staying on property and purchasing multi-day tickets we get free admission:thumbsup2.

So what does City Walk have to offer....we will start withe the clubs:

Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/BobMarley2.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/BobMarley-ATributetoFreedom.jpg
Reggae Restaurant and Club. Jamaican influenced appetizers and main courses. Regae bands in the outdoor gazebo.

The Groove
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/TheGroove.jpg
High Tech Disco. No food. DJ plays dance tunes. Sometimes thereis a live band

Hard Rock Live
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/HArdRock.jpg
Live Music club and concert hall. Limited menu. House band performs wekdays with big name groups taking over on weekends.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/Margaritaville.gif
Key West themed restaurant and club. Caribbean, Florida, fusion and American food. Live rock and roll island style music after 10pm

Latin Quarter
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/LAtinQuarter.gif
Latin salsa-themed restaurant and live music hall. Latin American food. Live salsa band nightly

Pat O'Brien's
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/PatOBrians.jpg
Dueling pianos sing along club and restaurant. Cajun cuisine.

The Red Coconut
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RedCoconutClub.jpg
The best description of thi splace that I have found was Rat Pack meets the Jetsons. Specialty martini's


CityWalk also offers a variety of dining options including but limited to NBA City (ESPN Club for the Basketball set), Pastamore (Italian) NASCAR Sports Grille (ESPN Club for the Nascar fan), Bubba Gump Shrimp Company *Based on the Forrest Gump).

There are also a variety of fast-food and snack options:
Pastamore Market (Italian snacks, sweets, and wine)
Cinnbon
TCBY
Starbucks
Big Kahuna Pizza
Nathan's Famous
Latin Express
Galaxy (Walk Up Bar)
Lone Plam Airport (Walk Up Bar)

Oh...there is also shopping here are CityWalk (Surprised aren't you:rolleyes:)

THe main attraction for the shopper here is the the Universal Studios Store. According to the guide books you will find a tasteful selection of touristy trinkets (do tasteful and touristy belong in the same sentence?).

We will probaly check out City Walk for a bit. Jim wasnt to eat at Margaritaville and we will check out the shops, but we will probably do it during the day when the club crows is not hanging out, KWIM?

Since AirTran pushed back our departing flight (Did I mention that? We now don't depart Orlando until 3:30pm -extra hours:yay:) we will probaly check out CityWalk on departure day and have lunch at Margaritaville before we head to the Airport.

Up Next: Why Jim's birthday gift and fathers days gifts were purchased expecially with this trip in mind:rolleyes:

[jcc0621]

You don't like Harry Potter :eek: and you don't like UP. You do like to go against the grain Janet. ;)

::yes:: I told you Jim calls me a communist:lmao: I didn't like Lord of the Rings either:guilty:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

::yes:: I told you Jim calls me a communist:lmao: I didn't like Lord of the Rings either:guilty:

:sad2:

[lazydoxy66]

Citywalk looks cool. I have to say Margaritaville would be my reason to go.

Doug loves HP. I was reluctant to watch those movies at first, but I'm a fan now. I've seen LOTR so many times. Come to think of it I need another fix. Maybe this next weekend.:rolleyes1 My BFF isn't into any of that kind of stuff or Sci Fi. (I think I'm going to force her on Star Tours this September just for the fun of it.)

To each his own. I don't like the mushy, lovey, dovey stuff. (I have never seen "Titanic".:snooty:)And there are certain actors I just won't pay money to see. (Leonardo De Caprio, Tom Cruise, Ed Norton):snooty: I don't care how good the movie is.

You are not a strange duck. We all have preferences. If we all thought the same there would be no need for TRs or reviews. :)

[jcc0621]

:sad2:

:rotfl:


To each his own. I don't like the mushy, lovey, dovey stuff. (I have never seen "Titanic".:snooty:)]

Jim and I went to see Titanic thinking it would be mote the historical stuff! The movie took longer than actual sinking:sad1:

My all time favorite moveis are Jaws, Blues Brothers and Goen With the Wind.

[DisneyJo]

Janet I agree with not liking Lord of the Rings but Harry Potter :eek: :faint: That's just wrong :sad2: :rotfl:

[Disneyland_Mama]

Whew! All caught up! Sorry, I've been MIA - but I'm BACK! ;)

US looks like so much fun, Janet! I'll have to find a way to get over there in the next few years!

Ooh... A tribute to Bob Marley bar! I wonder if they play frisbee there? :lmao:

::yes:: I told you Jim calls me a communist:lmao: I didn't like Lord of the Rings either:guilty:

FINALLY! ITA with not liking LOTR! :thumbsup2 All the hobbits freaked me out. I think I watched about 5 mins and had to turn it off.

[KathyRN137]

The Red Coconut
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/RedCoconutClub.jpg
The best description of thi splace that I have found was Rat Pack meets the Jetsons. Specialty martini's



I think this one looks interesting....

Woo-Hoo on hitting the 50 Day Marker!! :thumbsup2:woohoo::yay:


Kathy

[Hedy]

Have fun at City Walk.

[jcc0621]

Janet I agree with not liking Lord of the Rings but Harry Potter :eek: :faint: That's just wrong :sad2: :rotfl:

I guess you all willbe going to see the new one that comesout on July 15th?

Whew! All caught up! Sorry, I've been MIA - but I'm BACK! ;)

Yay! Does that mena Brownies is officially over?

US looks like so much fun, Janet! I'll have to find a way to get over there in the next few years!

We could plan a mini-Focker meet there...they have a Karaoke bar too!;)

Ooh... A tribute to Bob Marley bar! I wonder if they play frisbee there? :lmao:

:lmao:

FINALLY! ITA with not liking LOTR! :thumbsup2 All the hobbits freaked me out. I think I watched about 5 mins and had to turn it off.

You watched 3 more minutes than I did.

I think this one looks interesting....

This is the one Jim and I both gravitated towards too. We listen to Friday with Frank on our local radios station every, well...Friday.;)

Have fun at City Walk.

Thanks Heather!

[KatGarcia]

City Walk was the only thing we did do last trip. It was boring. We went during the day, had starbucks, wandered around and left. $12 to park just for that. I think departure day for lunch is the perfect idea Janet!

[cmp1111]

You don't like Harry Potter :eek: and you don't like UP. You do like to go against the grain Janet. ;)

::yes:: I'm seriously beginning to question her sanity. :lmao:

50 day mark:yay::yay::yay:



Woohoo!

(do tasteful and touristy belong in the same sentence?).

:rotfl2:Not so much in my mind, but hey...



You are not a strange duck. :)

Umm... ;) :rotfl2:

No, seriously, I love the HP books. The movies are OK, but not like the books. Have you read the books?

I haven't seen any LOTR, so I can't comment on your sanity there. ;) I only ever read "The Hobbit", too - not the whole shebang.:rotfl:

And I've never seen "Titanic" either. :confused3

You know I love you, even if you do end up being crazy. :rolleyes1 :hug:

[debraW76]

Hey all. Before I get to my take on CityWalk...let me just say that today is the 50 day mark:yay::yay::yay:

Ahem.

CityWalk - The official definitaion of City Walk from the book Beyond Disneytm is a shopping, dining and enteratinment venue that doubles as the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands of Advneture theme parks.
Congrats on the 50 day mark and


:sad:

DH still wants to cancel!!! I so want to go to Citywalk again!!!

[jordanyosh]

I've never seen a Harry Potter movie

[puggymom]

OK smart a$$, I saw that comment a few pages back about pickingme up off the floor:rolleyes:

Second, I can't wait to try out the new rides, Simpsons and Rip Ride Rockit should be open for both our trips.

V - if you are interested, not sure when Leo is at his Dad's. I'm at US 9/12-13. My plane lands at MCO @9:40 am on 9/12 and I am staying at HRH that night. If you are interested, let me know. Could be a girls weekend.

[PrincessV]

CityWalk is (was) Universal's answer to Pleasure Island, when Pleasure Island was cool....and open:sad2:
:rotfl2: Well said!
Jim wasnt to eat at Margaritaville and we will check out the shops, but we will probably do it during the day when the club crows is not hanging out, KWIM?
I'm hoping US's is the "family" version of Margaritaville. 'Cause the Key West version ain't for the faint of heart! I've never been so drunk, nor seen so many others drunker than I, in my life as I did there. :crazy2:

::yes:: I told you Jim calls me a communist:lmao: I didn't like Lord of the Rings either:guilty:
FINALLY! ITA with not liking LOTR! :thumbsup2 All the hobbits freaked me out. I think I watched about 5 mins and had to turn it off.
I've never seen a Harry Potter movie
Are you people trying to kill me here?! :faint: :faint: :faint: :sad2:

No, seriously, I love the HP books. The movies are OK, but not like the books.
:thumbsup2
I haven't seen any LOTR, so I can't comment on your sanity there. ;) I only ever read "The Hobbit", too - not the whole shebang.:rotfl:
Again, :faint: Those are must-reads. :thumbsup2

My all time favorite moveis are Jaws, Blues Brothers and Goen With the Wind.
:thumbsup2 Phew, I was starting to worry! ;)

V - if you are interested, not sure when Leo is at his Dad's. I'm at US 9/12-13. My plane lands at MCO @9:40 am on 9/12 and I am staying at HRH that night. If you are interested, let me know. Could be a girls weekend.
Ooo, ooo, ooo, I'll have to check the schedule! :yay::yay::yay:

[jcc0621]

You know I love you, even if you do end up being crazy. :rolleyes1 :hug:

Thanks CE:rolleyes:


DH still wants to cancel!!! I so want to go to Citywalk again!!!

Can't talk him into it!:hug:

I've never seen a Harry Potter movie

See, someone is on my side:thumbsup2

OK smart a$$, I saw that comment a few pages back about pickingme up off the floor

LY Mo:hug:

Second, I can't wait to try out the new rides, Simpsons and Rip Ride Rockit should be open for both our trips.

From what I'm reading they are running into some technical difficulties with RRR, so I don't know if it will be open when we are there:confused3


:rotfl2: Well said![/QUOTE

Thanks you:flower3:

[QUOTE=PrincessV;32380673]I'm hoping US's is the "family" version of Margaritaville. 'Cause the Key West version ain't for the faint of heart! I've never been so drunk, nor seen so many others drunker than I, in my life as I did there. :crazy2:

This is another reason we are thinking lunch on our departure day. It shouldn't be too crazy with drunks at 11:00am...right:scared:

[lisalonglash]

The HP books are great reading :thumbsup2 Both my oldest son and I have read all of them - he's read them more than once :rotfl2: The movies are good, but no movie is ever as good as the book :cool2:

I've read the LOTR series, but it was so long ago that I don't remember anything about the books :rotfl:

The only sit-down restaurant we went to at City Walk was Margaritaville. It was great fun :goodvibes There weren't any soused fools in sight and our experience was fantastic (the whole family group had dinner there - 8 adults and 4 children 9yo and under). The servers were friendly and made sure we were all enjoying our dinner - and the music was great too! I can recommend Margaritaville for a family dinner :woohoo:

And your new countdown deserves "the happy dude dance"!
:dancer::dancer::dancer:

[jordanyosh]

I don't know what all the fuss is about Twilight either. I don't even know what it's about really...vampires....?

[jcc0621]

The only sit-down restaurant we went to at City Walk was Margaritaville. It was great fun :goodvibes There weren't any soused fools in sight and our experience was fantastic (the whole family group had dinner there - 8 adults and 4 children 9yo and under). The servers were friendly and made sure we were all enjoying our dinner - and the music was great too! I can recommend Margaritaville for a family dinner :woohoo:

Good to know! Thanks!:goodvibes

I don't know what all the fuss is about Twilight either. I don't even know what it's about really...vampires....?

I haven't read them either...shhh don't tell anyone!:rolleyes1

[jcc0621]

While Jim and I "celebrate" the milestones in our lives, we very rarely buy BIG gifts for each other. We are of the mind if we need or want something and we are able to afford it let's just get it. Lot's of times for our anniversary we will get a "house" gift. One year it was a new TV, another new computer...you get the picture.

So when birthdays and fathers/mothers days roll around we usually do something samll and then do something as a family. Go to the zoo, Sesame Place, Lancaster, etc. Something that doesn't necessarily cost alot of $$, but lets us enjoy our time together and with Jimmy.

This year Jim's birthday and Father's day fell a week apart. It also happened that every weekend in June Jimmy was invited to a birthday party. I love that he has friends, etc...but do they all have to be born in the same month and a half period:headache:

Anyway as these two events got closer and closer I started thinking about what to get him.

The first thing I found was a Higlander T-Shirt. If you have never seen the movies or TV show here is a brief synopsis from Wikipedia

Highlander is a 1986 fantasy action film directed by Russell Mulcahy and based on a story by Gregory Widen. It stars Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown and Roxanne Hart. The film has inspired a franchise that includes film sequels and television spin-offs.

The original movie was good, and I really like the TV series with Adrian Paul:love:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/AdrianPaul.jpg

Um...excuse me...:smokin:
.
.
.
.
.
Thank you.

Anyway, I got him this shirt:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/HIghlanderT.jpg

He is wearing it the last day of school on Thursday:lmao:

Next I was reading Jaimie's (Tiggerbelle) she was showingoff this cool new gadget she got for her camera. It allows the picture taker to be in the picture and not just their nostrils. She lovingly called it the "steek". I thought this was agreat idea since when it is just the 3 of us we very rarley get shots of the 3 of us together (unless there is a photopass photog around). I emailed Jaime and she gave me all the info on it. I checked out at Amazon and this is what I got.

XShot is the essential travel accessory. Every compact digitial camera owner can benefit from it! Whether you're traveling, on the beach with a loved one, hiking in the mountains, rock climbing, on a cruise, or just around the house with the family, now you can be in the picture too! XShot is a great accessory for taking cool videos too! Just spin around with the XShot and you'll get an awesome 3D like video. Order now and get your best shots with XShot!


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/XShot.jpg

He received both of these things for Father's Day and he loved them both!

I was still in a pickle about his birthday...what to do, what to do?

THe night before his birthday (yeah I know last minute:rolleyes:) I ran to radio shack to see if anything floated my boat. I walked in and almost wlaked out because there was a line out the door. Then I :lmao: becasue I realized that line was for all the people who didn't think that their TV's would REALLY stop working when the conversion to digital signal occurred. Radio Shack made a mint that night on those converter boxes:laughing:

As I was in there the idea came to me:idea:. We are renting a car when we go to WDW. My mother would meet us at the airport and lead us in so we wouldn't get lost, but she won't have to now. For his birthday Jim got Tom-Tom:thumbsup2

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/TomTom.jpg

GPS - we can get from MCO to Pop Century and then from WDW to USF with no problem. Not that I'd really have a problem, I 4 takes you anywhere you want to go! I was really stuck on what to get him:lmao: On the plus side we don't have to rent one from Avis at $15.00 per day:thumbsup2

Let me tell you he LOVES this thing. He uses it to drive to work (where has been going for the last 8 years), he uses it go to CVS (Which is literally around the corner), he even used it to get to Jimmy's Tball game on Saturday:rotfl2:

He's been online and downloaded points of intrest (including WDW, USF, and POP Century). He also downloaded voices. I now have to listen to John Cleese tell me how to get to CVS:rotfl2:

There you have it. How I combined Jim's Birthday, Father's Day and our trip all into one.

Next up...Crap, my mother is coming home next week and I haven't shopped for the trip stuff:eek:

[Hedy]

I'll be curious to hear how the Xshot does. I've probably told this story, but I got Mordie (then 12) an Xshot and Gorillapod for Christmas. He opens up the Xshot and goes "this would be great in Disney." :rotfl::rotfl:
You have my sympathies on the birthday/Father's Day thing-my dad's birthday was in June, so finding two presents was frequently a challenge.

[tiggerbell]

I love my x-Shot!!! Make sure he practices centering before you go! And I find it centers best if the person holding the steek is in the center... :goodvibes

[eandesmom]

Our first stop at Marvel Super Hero Island will be the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Billed as an "indoor adventure simulator ride with moving vehicles, 3D film, live action and a 400 foot sensory drop:thumbsup2


Spiderman is the BOMB! My mom went on it 7 times in one day. No joke.


Next is Storm Force Accleration. Indoor spinning ride. Think the tea cups on steroids.
From here you move onto Toon Lagoon:

Dudley Do Right Ripsaw Falls. A flume ride based on Dudley Do-RIght ` one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid:thumbsup2

Me Ship the Olive - Interactive water play area (Sounds a bit like DOnald's Boat;))
Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges - White water river raft ride. Kali is like getting spritz compared to how wet you get on this.:eek:


These are all a blast. You will get WET!


From Toon Lagoon we head into Jurassic Park. Jimmy is so into Dinosaurs so I think he will really like this land.

Camp Jurassic - Interactive Play Area

Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride. Indoor/outdoor adventure river raft ride.

Pterandon Flyers - fly over Jurassic Park. Jimmy can ride without us, but we can't ride without him;) Jim will ride this one with him!

Jurassic park can be scary, as can the Pterandon Flyers but we loved them. I think we did JP 3x in that same day, the kids loved it (4&5 at the time).


Dueling Dragons. This is one Jim and I will do alone, while each of us waits with Jimmy. Fire and Ice. Both coasters launched at the same time:woohoo:


Where's the Hulk? You forgot the Hulk! While DD is probably our favorite coaster anywhere, we love the hulk. Love it! Also an adult only but both of these are simply outstanding. We had a group of 20, we'd split and race, half on fire, half on ice to see who finished first. We missed doing universal this last trip, it was way too $$ for one day but hopefully next time!


The last area we will explore will be Suess Landing. Up first..

Caro-suess-el: Merry Go Round. Seats based on Suess characters. If you pull on the rains the heads move, eyes blink and tails wag.

Cat In the Hat - Indoor adventure ride through the story! One of Jimmy's favorite books!

High In the Sky SUess Trolley Train Ride - Elevated train around Suess Landing.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish - A wet version of Dumbo.


Suess Landing is just wonderful for little ones, we spent a lot of time there.


As you can see I don't think there a ton of attractions at either park, so I am hoping that means we will have time to explore the parks a bit too. I have been to US/IOA in 2002, but we did not have time time to explore the little nooks and crannies and I am hoping we get to so that this time.



There is and there isn't, I think you can easily fill the day and not feel like there isn't enough. Great nooks and crannies. A very special talking fountain, if you find it!

[cmp1111]

Let me tell you he LOVES this thing. He uses it to drive to work (where has been going for the last 8 years), he uses it go to CVS (Which is literally around the corner), he even used it to get to Jimmy's Tball game on Saturday:rotfl2:

D did the same thing when he got the one mostly for the boat. We used it to get to school. ;) But, I will say that even though we've lived here for 8 years now, the roads are not nice and gridlike as we're used to in the Midwest, so we keep hoping it will tell us some fantastic new shortcut that we just never knew existed!

Next up...Crap, my mother is coming home next week and I haven't shopped for the trip stuff:eek:

Uh, oh!

[Disneyland_Mama]

Ooh!!! I love all the trip goodies! That X-shot looks so cool! I bet you get alot of people asking you about it!:thumbsup2

[PrincessV]

It also happened that every weekend in June Jimmy was invited to a birthday party. I love that he has friends, etc...but do they all have to be born in the same month and a half period:headache:
:rotfl2: I can relate - May is insanity around here! :faint:

XShot is the essential travel accessory. Every compact digitial camera owner can benefit from it! Whether you're traveling, on the beach with a loved one, hiking in the mountains, rock climbing, on a cruise, or just around the house with the family, now you can be in the picture too! XShot is a great accessory for taking cool videos too! Just spin around with the XShot and you'll get an awesome 3D like video. Order now and get your best shots with XShot!

Neato! :cool1:

I now have to listen to John Cleese tell me how to get to CVS
:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[DisneyJo]

Love all the pressies Janet we love our Tom Tom well except when it sent me too far round the roundabout :rotfl: You'll need to show us your practise shots with the X thing :thumbsup2

[lisalonglash]

What wonderful gifts, Janet! Well done! :goodvibes The fact that your GPS is one with John Cleese's voice brings back some great memories for me - when we were in Nice with my best friend and her fiance, he brought his GPS so we wouldn't get lost too often (not that we ever get lost :laughing:) and his GPS voice was John Cleese too! Ds#1 decided that the GPS was to be called "junklees" and so it was, forever :rotfl2:

I'll have to find that t-shirt - my dh loves Highlander too (both the original movie and the TV series, but more the movie). Great find!

I agree with eandesmom about the Hulk - if you and your dh love coasters, definitely ride the Hulk. It is seriously insane :lmao:

[debraW76]

The original movie was good, and I really like the TV series with Adrian Paul:love:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/AdrianPaul.jpg

Let me tell you he LOVES this thing. He uses it to drive to work (where has been going for the last 8 years), he uses it go to CVS (Which is literally around the corner), he even used it to get to Jimmy's Tball game on Saturday:rotfl2:
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Adrian Paul :love: :love: :love:

[KathyRN137]

I now have to listen to John Cleese tell me how to get to CVS:rotfl2:



:lmao: Just the thought of that is funny.... I love him!!

I totally get the Highlander thing... Ed likes those movies, too!

Great gifting job, Janet! I'm really looking forward to your X Shot photos! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[jcc0621]

He opens up the Xshot and goes "this would be great in Disney."

You are training him well:thumbsup2

You have my sympathies on the birthday/Father's Day thing-my dad's birthday was in June, so finding two presents was frequently a challenge.

It wouldn't be too bad, but then my birthday is around there too (on Father's Day this year) and then our anniversary is July 15th:sad2:

I love my x-Shot!!! Make sure he practices centering before you go! And I find it centers best if the person holding the steek is in the center... :goodvibes

Hi Jamie:goodvibes Thanks for the tip, I will let Jim know:thumbsup2

Spiderman is the BOMB! My mom went on it 7 times in one day. No joke.

I think this is going to be Jimmy's favorite!:thumbsup2

These are all a blast. You will get WET!

I remember getting soaked...I'm thinking comfy fast drying shorts and crocs for all. Sneakers will get very uncomfy when wet like that!:scared:


Where's the Hulk? You forgot the Hulk! While DD is probably our favorite coaster anywhere, we love the hulk. Love it! Also an adult only but both of these are simply outstanding. We had a group of 20, we'd split and race, half on fire, half on ice to see who finished first. We missed doing universal this last trip, it was way too $$ for one day but hopefully next time!

We rode Hulk back in 02 and I hated it. I don't know if it was becasue we were in the next to the last car or what, but my head got banged around so much!



A very special talking fountain, if you find it!

popcorn::

D did the same thing when he got the one mostly for the boat. We used it to get to school. ;) But, I will say that even though we've lived here for 8 years now, the roads are not nice and gridlike as we're used to in the Midwest, so we keep hoping it will tell us some fantastic new shortcut that we just never knew existed!

Grida here too. Numbered streets run north/south. Named streets run east west.

Ooh!!! I love all the trip goodies! That X-shot looks so cool! I bet you get alot of people asking you about it!:thumbsup2

Jaime mentioned in her TR that she had a alot of people ask her about it!

:rotfl2: I can relate - May is insanity around here! :faint:

It gets expensive doesn't it?

Love all the pressies Janet we love our Tom Tom well except when it sent me too far round the roundabout :rotfl: You'll need to show us your practise shots with the X thing :thumbsup2

Roundabout? Do you mean a circle?


I'll have to find that t-shirt - my dh loves Highlander too (both the original movie and the TV series, but more the movie). Great find!

I ordered from this site 80stees.com (http://search.80stees.com/?category=80s+Movies&i=1&theme=Highlander&u1=category&u2=theme)


Adrian Paul :love: :love: :love:

::yes::

I totally get the Highlander thing... Ed likes those movies, too!

It's funny, but I never heard of them until I starting dating Jim:confused3

[mrsksomeday]

I swore I had posted here, but apparently not :sad2:. My brain has not be functioning correctly lately it seems.

Great PTR, I am like you, way behind on getting stuff for our trip. It looks like you are going to have a great time. I can't wait to hear about the Unversal stuff.

Is there a certain type of earplugs you get for Jimmy? I want to make sure to get some for Hannah and Christian.

[jcc0621]

Welcome aboard Tracey:cool1:

[DisneyJo]

Roundabout? Do you mean a circle? A roundabout is where lots of roads meet and instead of traffic lights you all filter round, make sense? :rotfl2:

[cmp1111]

A roundabout is where lots of roads meet and instead of traffic lights you all filter round, make sense? :rotfl2:

We call them rotaries in NH. We didn't have them in IL - we are too practical there... :rotfl:

[askelton]

He's been online and downloaded points of intrest (including WDW, USF, and POP Century). He also downloaded voices. I now have to listen to John Cleese tell me how to get to CVS:rotfl2:
It does this? Apparently I need to use mine more! :rotfl: Is there a charge to download POI's? Tom Tom Tweets, fyi. I just added them so I'm not sure if it's good info or not.

[lazydoxy66]

Nice stuff, Janet.

Highlander, OMG. My DH loved the movies and the series. I watched a lot of it too.

[jcc0621]

It does this? Apparently I need to use mine more! :rotfl: Is there a charge to download POI's? Tom Tom Tweets, fyi. I just added them so I'm not sure if it's good info or not.

I think POI's are free but the voices cost some cash.

[jcc0621]

Well, a heck of a lot has happened since I last poasted on this pre -trip report:

Ed McMahon died, Michael Jackson died, Te Oxy Clean guy died, and there was a tragic accident at the happiest place on earth!:sad2:

Now don't get me wrong...I am not a fan of any of the above[except the monorail], but it is always sad when you hear someone has died.

Some good things have also happened. My parents came home June 27th and we got to spend loits of time with them.:yay: I also got to see alot of my brother's and their families, which we don't get to do on a regular basis becasue life gets in the way:sad1:

With my parents coming home though I needed to get into full planning mode. As of today, right this second, we have 32 Days 17 hours and 26 minutes until our plane takes off...and I haven't got any lists made:scared1:

When mom and dad came home they brought with them the extra car booster seat we keep there for Jimmy. This way they don't have to meet us at the airport and I don't have to worry about the cops pulling us over for Jimmy not being in a car seat:thumbsup2

The also brought with them The Box
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0335.jpg
yes it is just a Staples paper box

This box is stuff that we use in Florida, but have no real use here so we keep it at my parents. It's like our own personal owners locker...without the monthly fee:rolleyes1

So what is in the box? Let's check it out:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0336.jpg

This hooks on the back of the cheap umbrella stroller that we use for Jimmy (don't judge;)). It is a mesh bag, great for storing sun screen, extra clothes if needed, the dreaded ponchos, and pretty much any other carp we pick up throughout a given park day. It also hase cup holders!:thumbsup2
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0340.jpg

Next we have a cheap green plastic shower curtain ($ store) that we hang between the sink area and the bed area at Pop. We have a tension rod that we use to hang it. It gives you a bit of privacy getting ready.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0341.jpg

Then there are our refillable mugs...yes we re-use...sue me:rolleyes:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0343.jpg
We lost one last year so we will just purchase a new one this year.

Water Bottle holders: great becasue they snap onto my baggalini or onto a belt loop
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0344.jpg

Finally, baskets for organizing all our carp in the room:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0345.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0348.jpg

Once I reviewed what was in the box I quickly made a list and hit the $ store, CVS, and Target to get the rest a carp I wanted to get.

This included, but is not limited to laundry detergent, shampoo, body wash, female stuff, sunscreen, glowsticks, deoderant, razors, shaving cream, advil, tums, pepto, children's tylenol, first aid kit, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and a bunch of other stuff I can't remember. I packed the box up all nice and neat so that when my mother packed the car to drive, yes drive, back to Florida the box went with her. :thumbsup2 That box is safely ensconsed in FLorida as we speak:yay:

So, I have actually started packing. I also decided I wanted a Chip and Dale shirt for Jimmy to wear to our dinner at Garden Grill. Since I am not creative (and why I gave up my title as official Focker Monument Builder:rolleyes:) I contacted our Focker friend Tracy (MrsK) and asked her if should would be able to create something for me. She did and it's fabulous. Actually she did 2 and both are great, I can't decide which one I like best. If I can get Tracy's ok I will post them for you!

Finally our documents came today. :yay::yay::yay::yay:

We are almost there..I better get my butt in gear.

Thanks for reading everyone:goodvibes

Up next: T-shirts, autograph books, packing lists, and countdown charts.

[DisneyJo]

Janet I love that you have your own owners locker much cheaper too :rotfl:

[Hedy]

Great plans.
Are you planning to get Universal's refillable mugs (which you can bring back)? Reason I ask is that last year mine didn't have a handle, so it flopped all over the place (so I chucked it, dang), but I think your water bottle holder may be just the ticket to keeping it contained (it's sized like a Six Flags mug). :thumbsup2

[PrincessV]

This box is stuff that we use in Florida, but have no real use here so we keep it at my parents. It's like our own personal owners locker...without the monthly fee:rolleyes1
:rotfl2: I have one, too! Mine's a Vera Bradley box and it lives on the top shelf of my storage closet. :thumbsup2
It also hase cup holders!
Sigh. I miss cupholders. :sad1:
Finally, baskets for organizing all our carp in the room:
That's brilliant!!! I need to grab me a couple of those. I always wind up with a small pile of "don't forget this in the morning" stuff (watch, ID bracelets, room key, tickets, etc.) and a small basket would be great for keeping them together! :thumbsup2


Janet, I'm leaving what - a week earlier than you? I've done almost none of the above yet. :sad2: I did manage to pull The Box down and glance in it. Does that count?! :rolleyes:

[mrsksomeday]

I also decided I wanted a Chip and Dale shirt for Jimmy to wear to our dinner at Garden Grill. Since I am not creative (and why I gave up my title as official Focker Monument Builder:rolleyes:) I contacted our Focker friend Tracy (MrsK) and asked her if should would be able to create something for me. She did and it's fabulous. Actually she did 2 and both are great, I can't decide which one I like best. If I can get Tracy's ok I will post them for you!



I love that you have your own version of the owners locker :thumbsup2. I am also going to have to get some of those little baskets, what a great idea. I don't judge anything you do, if it works why change it?

As for the Chip and Dale designs, post away, I might suggest posting a smaller version since I gave you the huge version :rotfl:. Also, what are Jimmy's favorite colors, I found one more Chip and Dale that might work, you have created a monster :rotfl2:.

[lisalonglash]

You sound so organized!! :worship: Love those little baskets! I'm wondering where I can get the water bottle holders? I wonder if my boys could each clip one onto their belt loops (then I wouldn't have to give them fanny packs cuz I'm not holding three bottles of water in my Travelmate LOL).

[cmp1111]

Wow, see, you've not only started packing, in some ways, since it's in FL, you've gone further than that! ;)

[jcc0621]

Janet I love that you have your own owners locker much cheaper too :rotfl:

As the saying goes, if it is free..it's for me;)

Great plans.
Are you planning to get Universal's refillable mugs (which you can bring back)? Reason I ask is that last year mine didn't have a handle, so it flopped all over the place (so I chucked it, dang), but I think your water bottle holder may be just the ticket to keeping it contained (it's sized like a Six Flags mug). :thumbsup2

I didn't klnow Universal had refillable mugs! Do tell please!

That's brilliant!!! I need to grab me a couple of those. I always wind up with a small pile of "don't forget this in the morning" stuff (watch, ID bracelets, room key, tickets, etc.) and a small basket would be great for keeping them together! :thumbsup2

::yes:: That's exactly what we use them for. Jim's wallet, keys, etc. ALl the little carp. We also use one or 2 in the sink area to keep that organized too!


Janet, I'm leaving what - a week earlier than you? I've done almost none of the above yet. :sad2: I did manage to pull The Box down and glance in it. Does that count?! :rolleyes:

I'm on a roll now!

. I am also going to have to get some of those little baskets, what a great idea.

Dollar store:thumbsup2

. I don't judge anything you do, if it works why change it?

Thanks:goodvibes

.
As for the Chip and Dale designs, post away, I might suggest posting a smaller version since I gave you the huge version :rotfl:. Also, what are Jimmy's favorite colors, I found one more Chip and Dale that might work, you have created a monster :rotfl2:.

He doesn't really have favorite colors:confused3 Primary colors red, blue green!

You sound so organized!! :worship: Love those little baskets! I'm wondering where I can get the water bottle holders? I wonder if my boys could each clip one onto their belt loops (then I wouldn't have to give them fanny packs cuz I'm not holding three bottles of water in my Travelmate LOL).

Got the bottle holders at the dollar store...see this is why I never spend only a dollar there;)

Wow, see, you've not only started packing, in some ways, since it's in FL, you've gone further than that! ;)

:thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

Mini-Update.

Tomorrow is our 30 day mark and I realized at work today that I never made our countdown calander :faint: I came home from work and Jim and Jimmy weren't home so I got right to work.

Thanks to a Diser on the creative board (I can't remember her name, but thank you anonymous Diser:goodvibes) instead of doing aposter board countdown we did a chain countdown. It looks like this:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/COuntdownChain.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/COuntdownChain2.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/COuntdownChain3.jpg

Jimmy will rip off one chain each day until the day we leave when there are non left:yay:

I also "made" Jimmy's autograaph book. I didn't want to buy 2 autograph books, since we are going to Universal too. I thought about making one myself. Yeah, that though lasted all of 3 seconds:lmao: Then I was in the Hallmark Store when all the graduation stuff was out. There I found a graduation autograph book and that's when the idea formed to "make" one myself. I bought the autograph book for $3.99 and then decorated wtih stickers (both DIsney and Universal characters) I thought it was apprropriate since this is the year Jimmy "graduated" from Kindergarten. So here is that that looks like

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0360.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0361.jpg

Lastly I put all of our information into the trip notebook. ADR's, confirmation #'s etc.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0363.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0365.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0362.jpg

The page above is courtesy of LL, Lauralee131!

So things are starting to progress:thumbsup2

Before I sign off for today, here are the designs MrsK did for me. One of these will go on a white tank top for Jimmy to wear to our Garden Grill Dinner!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/chipanddale1.png

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/chipanddale2.png

Next up - Packing lists and RideMax!

[cmp1111]

Your handwriting is so neat! :faint: I wouldn't have to block anything, because no one but me could read mine, anyway. :rotfl:

Love countdown, love the designs by MrsMK... :thumbsup2

[Hedy]

As the saying goes, if it is free..it's for me;)



I didn't klnow Universal had refillable mugs! Do tell please!



::yes:: That's exactly what we use them for. Jim's wallet, keys, etc. ALl the little carp. We also use one or 2 in the sink area to keep that organized too!




I'm on a roll now!



Dollar store:thumbsup2



Thanks:goodvibes



He doesn't really have favorite colors:confused3 Primary colors red, blue green!



Got the bottle holders at the dollar store...see this is why I never spend only a dollar there;)



:thumbsup2

They're $7 or $10 the first time, then $.69 to refill (actually, if you belong to AAA, you save like 10%, and yes, I am that cheap that I showed my card for a refill). It's at the parks, and shaped like a souvenir cup, rather than a coffee mug.
I'm LOLing at the dollar store comment-so true!

[Disneyland_Mama]

Holy crap, Janet! :worship: You're putting me to shame. :headache:

I haven't done a ding dang thing yet. In fact, Andy asked why we're not packed yet. :rolleyes1

I am stealing your little gizmo basket idea though.... those look really handy. :teeth:

[lazydoxy66]

You are on it!!! Way to go! All your stuff is fantastic. I love the chain idea.

[PrincessV]

I also "made" Jimmy's autograaph book.
Well done Janet - very cute! :thumbsup2

The page above is courtesy of LL, Lauralee131!
She makes the most amazing "spread sheets"!


Okay, you've got me motivated. I'll start making some lists today!

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Janet, I've done the chain count down as well and it's awesome to watch it shrink. B asked me the other day if we could make one for the trip in January, but I had to say no...the stupid thing would wrap around the house!:sad2: Too many days.

I'm glad your mom made it back okay. She could have stopped here along the way. I give her so much credit...what a loooooong ride to do solo.

Oh, and the basket idea :idea: I'm taking that one, too. :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

Your handwriting is so neat! :faint: I wouldn't have to block anything, because no one but me could read mine, anyway.

13 years of Catholic School and the nuns hitting your knuckles for not doing it right will do that to you:rotfl2:

love the designs by MrsMK... :thumbsup2

Aren't they great? I can't decide which one to use:confused:

They're $7 or $10 the first time, then $.69 to refill (actually, if you belong to AAA, you save like 10%, and yes, I am that cheap that I showed my card for a refill). It's at the parks, and shaped like a souvenir cup, rather than a coffee mug.

WIll have to look into this. Can you get them anywhere? The only thing I'm not looking forward too at US/IOA is all the locker stuff. I'm trying to figure out how I can get away without carrying a bag while we are there.

In fact, Andy asked why we're not packed yet. :rolleyes1

That is pretty bad T:rolleyes::lmao:


You are on it!!! Way to go! All your stuff is fantastic. I love the chain idea.

Isn't that awesome. Jimmy loves it.:thumbsup2

Well done Janet - very cute!

I figure I saved about $20 doing it this way!


She makes the most amazing "spread sheets"!

::yes::


Janet, I've done the chain count down as well and it's awesome to watch it shrink. B asked me the other day if we could make one for the trip in January, but I had to say no...the stupid thing would wrap around the house!:sad2: Too many days.

When are you going?

I'm glad your mom made it back okay. She could have stopped here along the way. I give her so much credit...what a loooooong ride to do solo.

She stopped in Buford???? WHen she told me the name the first thing I thought of was Buford T. Justice from Smokey and the Bandit:rotfl2:

Oh, and the basket idea :idea: I'm taking that one, too. :thumbsup2

Feel free!:thumbsup2

[askelton]

This included, but is not limited to laundry detergent,
I just heard of a dryer sheet type of thing that has washing powder in it and then it goes in the dryer as a dryer sheet. Never seen it but probably very easy to travel with.


http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0365.jpg

Hey, there I am! :cool1: I excited for Jim to tell Mitch all about the driving experience.



http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/chipanddale1.png

How cute! :thumbsup2

The only thing I'm not looking forward too at US/IOA is all the locker stuff.
The last time I was there, I had to put my mini Vera in a locker to ride. Not allowed to ride with it across your body. It wasn't actually too bad because you put your stuff in a locker, ride and then get it back out.

[KathyRN137]

Wowee... only three weeks to go!! :banana: :banana: :banana:



So what is in the box? Let's check it out:

Water Bottle holders: great becasue they snap onto my baggalini or onto a belt loop
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0344.jpg


Oooh, I've got to get one (or two) of these!! :thumbsup2




Tomorrow is our 30 day mark...

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/COuntdownChain.jpg

Jimmy will rip off one chain each day until the day we leave when there are non left:yay:


Think I'll do that, too! Billy does like to rip things!! :rotfl:


Kathy

[jcc0621]

I just heard of a dryer sheet type of thing that has washing powder in it and then it goes in the dryer as a dryer sheet. Never seen it but probably very easy to travel with.

I saw those...after I bought the other things:sad2:. PLus, I'm going to do laundry at mothers, so I bought hte other stuff for nothing:headache:


Hey, there I am! :cool1: I excited for Jim to tell Mitch all about the driving experience.
[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]

:cool1::yay::dance3:

How cute! :thumbsup2

Tracy is so talented ::yes::


The last time I was there, I had to put my mini Vera in a locker to ride. Not allowed to ride with it across your body. It wasn't actually too bad because you put your stuff in a locker, ride and then get it back out.

With a baggalini I just don't want to have to deal, KWIM?

Wowee... only three weeks to go!!

:banana: :banana: :banana:


Oooh, I've got to get one (or two) of these!! :thumbsup2

Dollar Store:thumbsup2


Think I'll do that, too! Billy does like to rip things!!

:rotfl:

PM me your email addy and I will mail you the template if you want it!

[DisneyJo]

Love the shirt designs Tracy did they're so sweet!

You are so organised too and I love the countdown chain :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

Love the shirt designs Tracy did they're so sweet!

You are so organised too and I love the countdown chain :thumbsup2

I'm nowhere in T"s class, but I try:flower3::lmao:

[jcc0621]

This update is going to be short on pictures, but I wanted to give a quick update on some more planning that I have done.


I have created our mousekeeping envelopes (again thanks to Tracy :goodvibes)

I have planned all of our days at the parks thanks to Ridemax. Thanks V and T for the recommendation. This program rocks, even Jim has been playing with it. If it works half as well as it is supposed to this will be the most stress free vacation EVER:woohoo:

I have started making packing lists for me and Jimmy. Jim is on his own. I asked him to give me a list and it said pants, underwear, shirts, socks:sad2:

Lastly I emailed my mother with our list of things I need her to pick up at the grocery store for us. (Our own personal Garden Grocer, without the delivery fee:lmao:


My desktop countdown ticker says 27 days, 23 hours and 50 minutes:yay:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

What is RideMax? :confused3

[jcc0621]

What is RideMax? :confused3

Ride Max is a program you can download. You put in the rides/shows/etc that you want to do. Put in the time(s) you are going to be at that park and it will basically tell you which rides to go to in what order. V used it on her last trip and said it was dead on! They were able to do all the biggie's with no or minimal waits!:thumbsup2 It's ridemax(dot)com if you want to check it out.

[DisneyJo]

Free owners locker and now free garden grocer, I need my Mum to move to Florida :rotfl:

Hope ridemax works just as well for you as it has for V :thumbsup2

[Hedy]

I was kind of joping they did a Ridemax UO, so I could give it a test run...
The cups are pretty much at every CS place and kiosk.

[jcc0621]

Free owners locker and now free garden grocer, I need my Mum to move to Florida :rotfl:

Hope ridemax works just as well for you as it has for V :thumbsup2

Or you could just move here. I think there are enough golf courses per capita in FLA that David could find a job:thumbsup2

I hope so too!

I was kind of joping they did a Ridemax UO, so I could give it a test run...
The cups are pretty much at every CS place and kiosk.

Wouldn't that be great! ALthough I was just doing my UNiversal planning and everything we want to do (except shows like the Blue's Brothers) take express pass. I think I am going to really like that feature!

Thansk for the tip on the cups. I think I am going to invest in at least one, if not 3:rolleyes1

[PrincessV]

V used it on her last trip and said it was dead on!
::yes:: I only used it for MK, but yes, not only did it work - the times it listed for us to be at each attraction were spot-on! We were even EARLY more than a few times! :cool1:

[puggymom]

Wow, you guys are all loving the Ridemax huh?

Next time I go at a not so slow time I may invest,.

OK I have to stay away from these reports, you all have me spending money.

Enablers!;)

[GreatBiscuit]

Excellent updates! I did not realize how far behind I was. Love the countdowns and the notebook! You trip will be here before you know it. Can't wait to hear how it all turns out!

[jcc0621]

::yes:: I only used it for MK, but yes, not only did it work - the times it listed for us to be at each attraction were spot-on! We were even EARLY more than a few times! :cool1:

Can't wait to see how they work

Wow, you guys are all loving the Ridemax huh?

Next time I go at a not so slow time I may invest,.

OK I have to stay away from these reports, you all have me spending money.

Enablers!;)

You don't need any help shopping;)

Excellent updates! I did not realize how far behind I was. Love the countdowns and the notebook! You trip will be here before you know it. Can't wait to hear how it all turns out!

Thanks! :goodvibes

[jordanyosh]

How much is the program to download?

[jcc0621]

Hello? Hello? Anyone here? Sorry for neglecting my poor PTR. :guilty: Things have been crazy busy and I just haven't had the time to breathe let alone do anything else.

Let's see what's been going on. 2 weeks ago I sideswiped my van into the wall in the parking lot at work:headache: So I was without my van for 2 weeks while it was being repaired. They gave ma a Hundayi (sp>):headache: Way different from a van:rolleyes:

On top of that we had a major reorganization in work. We moved over 200 employees...and they still don't all have phone service. ANyone care to explain to me how only one person in an office can handle one job and if that person is out I can't get my phone issued dealt with until she comes back from vacation:headache:

I'm being transferred to ne duties next Monday. It was supposed to be today, but I have a few loose ends to tie up first.

We got the van back on Thursday (They even detailed it:thumbsup2) and Jim surprised me with new floormats for the front.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/floormats.jpg

This past weekend we went to Lancaster. The original plan was to go for the day on Satuday, but we decided at the last minute to stay overnight. We left on Saturday and went to the PA Railroad Museum. Spent the day checking out all the old trains
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/MuseumEntrance2.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyMommy2.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyonConrail2.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/OldTrainStation.jpg

And then riding the train at the Strasburg Railroad.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/TrainRide.jpg

After that we checked into a cheap motel (Knights Inn). It was clean, and that's all I needed for one night.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/Room2.jpg

Jim and Jimmy went to the pool for about an hour and then came back. We got ready and headed out to Dutch Wonderland for a couple of hours. THey have a special where is you purchase your ticket for the next day, you can get into the park for the last 3 hours of the day!:thumbsup2
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/DutchWonderlandSign.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyDaddyonEnterprise.jpg

We walked around Dutch Wonderland until they closed at 8:30 and then headed back to the room. Showered and crashed out.

Will post more about Dutch Wonderland later. Also to keep on topic of a WDW PTR...I will be talking about three planned Dis Meets.:goodvibes

[PrincessV]

They gave ma a Hundayi (sp>):headache: Way different from a van:rolleyes:
Hey now - I loooove my Hyundai! :love:

We got the van back on Thursday (They even detailed it:thumbsup2) and Jim surprised me with new floormats for the front.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/floormats.jpg
:thumbsup2 Cute!
We left on Saturday and went to the PA Railroad Museum. Spent the day checking out all the old trains
Wow, Leo would LOVE this place!

[jcc0621]

Hey now - I loooove my Hyundai! :love:

They gave me an accent??? Way smaller than my van.




Wow, Leo would LOVE this place!

Just another reason to visit Philly:rolleyes1

[mrsksomeday]

It looks like you had a great time! I love the floor mats too :love:.

[jordanyosh]

I like those floor mats! My 4runner doesn't have floor mats yet...hmmmm......

[jcc0621]

How much is the program to download?

I think it was #24.99, maybe $29.99. V? T?

It looks like you had a great time! I love the floor mats too :love:.

We did. More coming up!

I like those floor mats! My 4runner doesn't have floor mats yet...hmmmm......

I think he got them at Pep Boys!

[jcc0621]

After a decent nights slepp in the cheap hotel we woke up to get ready to go. While I got ready and packed up our stuff, Jimm took Jimmy down to the lobby for the free continental breakfast. Basically it consisted of toast, bagels, mini muffins, coffee and oj. Not much, but enough to get Jimmy out of my hair while I packed up;)

When they came back we took everything out to the car and checked out. We left the car in the parking lot and headed to Perkins for breakfast. After breakfast we headed back to Dutch Wonderland.

Our first ride of the day was the Enterprise (Think Pirate Ship)
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyDaddyonEnterprise2.jpg

From there we went to the Flying Trapeze (The Swings) and the Turtle Whirl (Tilt a Whirl)
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyDaddyonTurtleWhirl.jpg

We did all of Jimmy favorites...more than once. His overall favorite 2 rides were the log flume and the Dragon Coaster. Bigger and faster than Thunder Mountain and my boy rode the whole way with his hands in the air:thumbsup2
He said to me afterward "Mommy if I can ride that, I can ride BTMRR with no problem, expecially since I know those big old bats are FAKE:yay::yay:

Here is a picture of the Kingdom Coaster pilfered from Google.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/KingdomCoaster.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/KingdomCoaster2.jpg

Dutch WOnderland is very laid back. No ride had more than a 15 minute wait. Food was typical theme park food....expensive;)

Overall we had a great time and Jimmy is already talking about going back. Here are a few more pictures..

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/DutchWonderfulDaySign.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/GondolaRide3.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyeatingCottonCandy2.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyonChooChoo2.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyonMonorail.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/SkyWay3.jpg

Thanks for bearing with me during our vacation before vacation. I promise that the next chapter will be all about the planned meets.

[jcc0621]

One thing I forgot to mention...they had a monorail too:rotfl2:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/GondolaRide.jpg
YEs that is the entire length of it!!!

[Disneyland_Mama]

This past weekend we went to Lancaster. The original plan was to go for the day on Satuday, but we decided at the last minute to stay overnight. We left on Saturday and went to the PA Railroad Museum. Spent the day checking out all the old trains

Ooh! We have to get to Philly! Evan would just love that place!



We did all of Jimmy favorites...more than once. His overall favorite 2 rides were the log flume and the Dragon Coaster. Bigger and faster than Thunder Mountain and my boy rode the whole way with his hands in the air:thumbsup2
He said to me afterward "Mommy if I can ride that, I can ride BTMRR with no problem, expecially since I know those big old bats are FAKE
Whoo Hoo! :woohoo:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyeatingCottonCandy2.jpg
Cute! :goodvibes



One thing I forgot to mention...they had a monorail too:rotfl2:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/GondolaRide.jpg
YEs that is the entire length of it!!!

:lmao:

Hey, Janet? I'm doing the single digit dance!!!!

:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

[jcc0621]

Ooh! We have to get to Philly! Evan would just love that place!

Dis Meet in Philly:woohoo:




Hey, Janet? I'm doing the single digit dance!!!!

:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

:woohoo::woohoo:

[jordanyosh]

thanks for the info about ridemax and the floor mats:thumbsup2

It's so nice to have a local amusement park to go to. I think we get spoiled out here with DL, Knotts, Universal and Six Flags so close. You add Sea World and Legoland in San Diego and there's no shortage of places to go.

[GreatBiscuit]

This brought back memories of our childhood trips to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Chattanooga. A little over 2 weeks to go! :banana:

[cmp1111]

I'm stealth posting - it looks fun! :goodvibes

[jcc0621]

It's so nice to have a local amusement park to go to. I think we get spoiled out here with DL, Knotts, Universal and Six Flags so close. You add Sea World and Legoland in San Diego and there's no shortage of places to go.

There was so much we didn't do when we were in LA in 20021. I want to go back!

This brought back memories of our childhood trips to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Chattanooga. A little over 2 weeks to go! :banana:

15 days...not that I'm counting;)

I'm stealth posting - it looks fun! :goodvibes

:wave2: Hi CE!

[jcc0621]

What can I say about Dis Meets? Have you had one? Was it planned or unplanned?

Here is my history on Dis Meets. In August, 2007 Disers, Princess_V, Disneyland_Mama; DisneyJo, Lauralee131, and Sorul82 had a planned meet. I was there at the same time, but the actual planned meet was for the day after I left at the Polynesian. The place ran out of Pineapples....enough said;). However, in the days leading up to the planned meet several of us were in the same parks at the same time and yet I never ran into any of them:sad2: I think it was becasue I was a stalking virgin:cool2:

Move on to September, 2008. Everyone on the TFW thread (Episode 11 is here...check it out http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2173292) was starting to plan trips for the summer of 2008. A couple of us were planning on being at the World again in August, 2009. It looked like the only who would not make it would be DisneyJo, becasue she lives in England and her DH thinks we are axe murderers;). Plans were made, but nothing concrete, when all of a sudden Jo announces that she and her family would be returning to the World in August, 2008.:cool1: From there more people jumped on board and planned trips, even some just coming for a long weekend and the next thing we knew there were (including spouses and children) close to 40 people. Then and there the meet was dubbed Fockerfest 2008.

A plan was created and we had a reservation for 40 at the Biergarten and the meet was set. Some people dropped out, others were added on and a fabulous time was had by all.:cool1: All the Disers met (most for the 1st time) the spouses and children all had a great time, even my parents came and had a ball. Here is a picture from the mass meet.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/Group3-1.jpg
I miss you all:hug:

And here is a short video Jim created of Fockerfest
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/th_Fockerfest2008_2.jpg (http://s180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/?action=view&current=Fockerfest2008_2.flv)
Let me know if it works:confused3

So what does this all have to do with the current trip? A lot. ist off Disneyland_Mama, PrincessV, and Lauralee131 are all going to be at the World again celebrating DLM's DS's birthday. They leave 2 days before I arrivehttp://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l195/SunnyBeachgoddess/smilies/crying.gif

However, there are a couple of other Disers that I am going to meet up with, even if only briefly!

The first meet is actually not in the World, but is this weekend in Atlantic City. I am meeting up with KatGarcia and her DH KC for a day of lunch and shopping, and I am sure other stuff! Here is a picture of Kat and I from Fockerfest 2008
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/Fockerfest10.jpg

I'm really looking forward to seeing Kat and finally meeting KC, expecially to thank him for all his help with the computer when I screw something up:rolleyes1

The 1st planned meet of out trip is with Michelle and her Family (TheDisneyFamily). Michelle's DD Jordan is starting the Disney CP and they arrive a couple of days before us. Our plan is to meet them at DTD after our dinner at T-Rex. Jordan is meeting some CP kids there around the same time, so hopefully Michelle and I will have a chance to chat for a bit. I think if I just send Jimmy to the Lego store it will give me a few minutes anyway.;)

The next planned meet is with Angela (askelton) and Mitch. This meet will also happen at DTD after our HDDR show. We haven't come up with an exact meeting place, but I am thinking the margarita stand outside Capt. Jack's;) Jim will be doing his Richard Petty Dirving Experience Ride Along on this date so he and Mitch will have lots to talk about;) I'm excited to see Angela again.:goodvibes

Lastly, is a meet with Theresa, or as we lovingly call her T2 (boysmom5150). We haven't made concret plans at this point, but we are going to be in the same place on several different occasions so we should be able to hook something up.:yay:

Jim has been instructed that his only job during these 3 time periods is to take pictures. There is Focker curse that none of us seem to get pictures when we meet...I'm determined to break that curse:thumbsup2

So, there you have it 1 planned meet this weekend:yay: and three while we are in the World:woohoo:

And based on V's Fuzzy Disney Math I only have 10 Fuzzy Days left (in reality it is 16;))

Next Up...What the heck are you printing out now...um Jim we need a new ink cartridge;)

[KatGarcia]

Ok so I am completely sappy and missing everyone Germany will NEVER be the same without you all!

I am so excited about this weekend tho! We have a few other DISers coming too, it should be good times! KC's BFF Pants (Andy) will be with us as well, and maybe a co-worker of his, Dan. I can't wait to crack put my discount at the Disney Store!!!!

[jordanyosh]

I love Kathy (KatG)!!!!! I had the chance to meet her in Feb 2008. I also got to meet KC. It was a brief meeting at ESPN, but we connected right away. It was like seeing long lost friends.......

I met 2 or 3 DISers in 08. All nice and all great meetings...Coteau Chick, EnglishRosie and Blueyed Girl were my other meetings! I miss those guys.

Your grand poohba meeting in 08 looks like it was a blast! I live about 15 minutes from DL Mama and we have yet to meet! We'll probably end up meeting first at WDW!

Can't wait to hear how the Meets went....

[PrincessV]

What can I say about Dis Meets? Have you had one?
Oh, one or two. :rolleyes1

And here is a short video Jim created of Fockerfest
Oh my gosh - you've gone and made me all verklempt! :sad1: That was SOOOO much fun! :banana::banana::banana:
Disneyland_Mama, PrincessV, and Lauralee131 are all going to be at the World again celebrating DLM's DS's birthday. They leave 2 days before I arrive
Which just sucks. :sad2:

However, there are a couple of other Disers that I am going to meet up with, even if only briefly!
Hooray - these will all be great fun!

[Disneyland_Mama]

Here is my history on Dis Meets. In August, 2007 Disers, Princess_V, Disneyland_Mama; DisneyJo, Lauralee131, and Sorul82 had a planned meet. I was there at the same time, but the actual planned meet was for the day after I left at the Polynesian. The place ran out of Pineapples....enough said;).
Good times, good times.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/Group3-1.jpg
I miss you all:hug:
Ahhh, more good times! Miss you too!
They leave 2 days before I arrive
Dude. :sad2:

Lastly, is a meet with Theresa, or as we lovingly call her T2 (boysmom5150). We haven't made concret plans at this point, but we are going to be in the same place on several different occasions so we should be able to hook something up.:yay:
Ok, I am soooo bummed I missing T2 by one stinkin' day! I think she's the only OG Focker I haven't had the chance to meet! :headache:


IYour grand poohba meeting in 08 looks like it was a blast! I live about 15 minutes from DL Mama and we have yet to meet! We'll probably end up meeting first at WDW!.
I know! I think I missed you by a few hours when Jodi and Eric were here. We really need to hook up for a cocktail at Uva Bar! :thumbsup2


Looks good Janet. Well, except for the part that makes you miss me by 2 days. THat's just bad planning on your part. :lmao:;)

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Plans were made, but nothing concrete, when all of a sudden Jo announces that she and her family would be returning to the World in August, 2008.:cool1: From there more people jumped on board and planned trips, even some just coming for a long weekend and the next thing we knew there were (including spouses and children) close to 40 people. Then and there the meet was dubbed Fockerfest 2008.

A plan was created and we had a reservation for 40 at the Biergarten and the meet was set. Some people dropped out, others were added on and a fabulous time was had by all.:cool1: All the Disers met (most for the 1st time) the spouses and children all had a great time, even my parents came and had a ball.

That was so much fun! I'm so bummed I won't see anyone this summer :sad1: But you'll all have a fabulous time. Thanks for posting the video again...I hadn't seen it since last fall.

You're getting so close :woohoo:

[jordanyosh]

I know! I think I missed you by a few hours when Jodi and Eric were here. We really need to hook up for a cocktail at Uva Bar! :thumbsup2


I love that bar.....

[jcc0621]

Ok so I am completely sappy and missing everyone Germany will NEVER be the same without you all!

:hug:

I am so excited about this weekend tho! We have a few other DISers coming too, it should be good times! KC's BFF Pants (Andy) will be with us as well, and maybe a co-worker of his, Dan. I can't wait to crack put my discount at the Disney Store!!!!

:yay:

I love Kathy (KatG)!!!!! I had the chance to meet her in Feb 2008. I also got to meet KC. It was a brief meeting at ESPN, but we connected right away. It was like seeing long lost friends.......

::yes::


Your grand poohba meeting in 08 looks like it was a blast! I live about 15 minutes from DL Mama and we have yet to meet! We'll probably end up meeting first at WDW!.

That would be too funny!

Oh, one or two.

:lmao:


Oh my gosh - you've gone and made me all verklempt! :sad1: That was SOOOO much fun! :banana::banana::banana:

Yes it was:dance3:

Which just sucks. :sad2:

Yes it does:sad2:



Good times, good times.

Ahhh, more good times! Miss you too!

:hug:

Dude. :sad2:

I don't even want to talk about it!


Looks good Janet. Well, except for the part that makes you miss me by 2 days. THat's just bad planning on your part. :lmao:;)

Hey it's not MY fault that Evan's birthday is so early in August. That was bad planning on your part:rolleyes1

That was so much fun! I'm so bummed I won't see anyone this summer :sad1: But you'll all have a fabulous time. Thanks for posting the video again...I hadn't seen it since last fall.

You're getting so close :woohoo:

It was, and I really hope we all get to do it again!

[Lauralee131]

What can I say about Dis Meets? Have you had one? Was it planned or unplanned?

Hmmm....let me think....heh heh....

Here is my history on Dis Meets. In August, 2007 Disers, Princess_V, Disneyland_Mama; DisneyJo, Lauralee131, and Sorul82 had a planned meet. I was there at the same time, but the actual planned meet was for the day after I left at the Polynesian. The place ran out of Pineapples....enough said.

Missed you by thatmuch - so close and yet....

However, in the days leading up to the planned meet several of us were in the same parks at the same time and yet I never ran into any of them:sad2: I think it was becasue I was a stalking virgin:cool2:

Didn't you and I have another "near meet" on some other trip at some point? :confused3 Or was it some other time during one of those August trips? P & P Party perhaps?? Hmmm...I'll have to wrack my brain here....

The Focker Vision just hasn't worked well for ya in the past!! LY!!

Move on to September, 2008. Everyone on the TFW thread (Episode 11 is here...check it out http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2173292) was starting to plan trips for the summer of 2008.

Seems like so long ago though, doesn't it?


A couple of us were planning on being at the World again in August, 2009. It looked like the only who would not make it would be DisneyJo, becasue she lives in England and her DH thinks we are axe murderers.

:lmao: Poor Jo - she's never going to live that down! And poor David...he just has to deal with it.

And us...heh heh...Love ya David.;)

No really.


Plans were made, but nothing concrete, when all of a sudden Jo announces that she and her family would be returning to the World in August, 2008. From there more people jumped on board and planned trips, even some just coming for a long weekend and the next thing we knew there were (including spouses and children) close to 40 people. Then and there the meet was dubbed Fockerfest 2008.

A plan was created and we had a reservation for 40 at the Biergarten and the meet was set. Some people dropped out, others were added on and a fabulous time was had by all. All the Disers met (most for the 1st time) the spouses and children all had a great time, even my parents came and had a ball. Here is a picture from the mass meet.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/Group3-1.jpg
I miss you all:hug:

We didn't get to spend nearly enough time together! Miss you too girlfriend!




And here is a short video Jim created of Fockerfest
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/th_Fockerfest2008_2.jpg (http://s180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/?action=view&current=Fockerfest2008_2.flv)


OMG - our boys look like babies! And I nearly forgot about Michael's broken arm!!! They got along so well...too darn short of a visit though!

So what does this all have to do with the current trip? A lot. ist off Disneyland_Mama, PrincessV, and Lauralee131 are all going to be at the World again celebrating DLM's DS's birthday. They leave 2 days before I arrivehttp://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l195/SunnyBeachgoddess/smilies/crying.gif

You know, addonitis is contagious...perhaps you could catch it and arrive 2 days early....

Just sayin'....:rolleyes1

However, there are a couple of other Disers that I am going to meet up with, even if only briefly!

You're going to have a great time seeing everyone - I'm jealous!

The first meet is actually not in the World, but is this weekend in Atlantic City. I am meeting up with KatGarcia and her DH KC for a day of lunch and shopping, and I am sure other stuff! Here is a picture of Kat and I from Fockerfest 2008
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2008%20Trip%20Report/Fockerfest/Fockerfest10.jpg



Woo Hoo!! AC baby!! I got the hots for the slots!!!:woohoo:


The 1st planned meet of out trip is with Michelle and her Family (TheDisneyFamily). Michelle's DD Jordan is starting the Disney CP and they arrive a couple of days before us. Our plan is to meet them at DTD after our dinner at T-Rex. Jordan is meeting some CP kids there around the same time, so hopefully Michelle and I will have a chance to chat for a bit.

Fun!!:thumbsup2

I think if I just send Jimmy to the Lego store it will give me a few minutes anyway.;)

Yeah - at least a few minutes!!:lmao: I'd gain nearly 3 hours if I were to send M to the Lego store!!


The next planned meet is with Angela (askelton) and Mitch. This meet will also happen at DTD after our HDDR show. We haven't come up with an exact meeting place, but I am thinking the margarita stand outside Capt. Jack's;) Jim will be doing his Richard Petty Dirving Experience Ride Along on this date so he and Mitch will have lots to talk about;) I'm excited to see Angela again.:goodvibes

Can't wait to hear about Jim's RPDE day! Wish Tony had done it...Hopefully we'll see Angela at some point, but I don't know if she'll be around though...

Here's hoping!!

Lastly, is a meet with Theresa, or as we lovingly call her T2 (boysmom5150). We haven't made concret plans at this point, but we are going to be in the same place on several different occasions so we should be able to hook something up.:yay:

Ahhh the ever elusive T2...Haven't met her yet!!!


Jim has been instructed that his only job during these 3 time periods is to take pictures. There is Focker curse that none of us seem to get pictures when we meet...I'm determined to break that curse:thumbsup2

:lmao:That's so true about the pictures, isn't it?

So, there you have it 1 planned meet this weekend:yay: and three while we are in the World:woohoo:

Sounds great!! Wish I was included in one of those!!:hug:

I'll miss ya Janet!!!:hug:

[KathyRN137]

Jim surprised me with new floormats for the front.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/floormats.jpg



http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/JimmyeatingCottonCandy2.jpg



Love this picture! And those floormats are great! What a wonderful surprise!!


Kathy

ETA: What a great video!! I loved it.. Jim you did such a nice job!!

DIS-Meets are wonderful!!
*

[DisneyJo]

It's sad that you're missing T, V and LL but you're still meeting some great DISers :thumbsup2 Pity you're missing me this year though, Jess is already planning August 2010 BTW :goodvibes

[Lauralee131]

It's sad that you're missing T, V and LL but you're still meeting some great DISers :thumbsup2 Pity you're missing me this year though, Jess is already planning August 2010 BTW :goodvibes

I'm really going to miss you Jo - it just won't feel like August without you!!:hug:

[DisneyJo]

I'm really going to miss you Jo - it just won't feel like August without you!!:hug:

Awww miss you too LL, any chance you can get there in December?

[Hedy]

Janet, I hate to tell you this, but the Mousesavers POI for GPS's upload is awesome RPR-in the GPS now! DTD? Same. It'll keep Jim out of trouble for a bit at least ;)

[TheDISneyFamily]

Hey Janet! :hug: I'm really looking forward to meeting you in a couple weeks! I can't believe it's finally here! :yay:

See you soon! :goodvibes
-Michelle

[puggymom]

Looks like I'm stalking Michelle today on these trip reports!


Janet, love the Dutch Wonderland pics, years since I've been!

You are getting so close!

How was AC, sorry I missed it!

[jcc0621]

ETA: What a great video!! I loved it.. Jim you did such a nice job!!

DIS-Meets are wonderful!!
*

::yes::

It's sad that you're missing T, V and LL but you're still meeting some great DISers :thumbsup2 Pity you're missing me this year though, Jess is already planning August 2010 BTW :goodvibes

Ack, Noooooooooooooo We aren't going next year. We are waiting until 2011 so we can do a cruise too!

I'm really going to miss you Jo - it just won't feel like August without you!!:hug:

ITA:goodvibes

Janet, I hate to tell you this, but the Mousesavers POI for GPS's upload is awesome RPR-in the GPS now! DTD? Same. It'll keep Jim out of trouble for a bit at least ;)

Ooh, thanks for the info...that will keep him busy while I shop;)

Hey Janet! :hug: I'm really looking forward to meeting you in a couple weeks! I can't believe it's finally here! :yay:

See you soon! :goodvibes
-Michelle

:banana:


You are getting so close!

13 days, 22 hours, 15 minutes...Not tha I'm countin gor anything:rolleyes1

How was AC, sorry I missed it!

It was a lot of fun. I will post pics soon!

[jordanyosh]

Pretty close to single digits!

[jcc0621]

Pretty close to single digits!

Not close enough though!;)

[jcc0621]

We interrupt this PTr for a Mini Dis Meet

Dateline....Yesterday
Where....Atlantic City, NJ

The day started out like anyother in our house, with Jimmy waking up way too early

We all got up and I got ready to leave. I left my house at 9:10am, which should have had me in Atlantic City no later than 10:45. Traffic had other ideas and I didn't arrive until almost 11:30am.

Luckily I had Kat's cell phone number and I texted her that I was going to be late.

I finally arrive at the Trump Taj Mahal, where I was going to park becasue I have a card for there that gives me chaper parking. Guess who forgot their card:headache: I pay the $10 to park (which really isn't bad, but I wouldn't have had to pay only $5 if I had the card), run to the ladies room, and then head out to the Boardwalk to meet Kat, KC and Andy.

I must have looked like a typical tourist becasue I hear someone say, how can you completely miss me I look up and there is Kat:yay: We hug, and have no pictures becasue KC was given the camera and was reading something when I arrived:lmao:

We chit, we chat and head off walking down the boardwalk. KC and Andy I believe were discussing video games, or some other kind of technology:confused3 and Kat and I were just chatting like it hasn't been a year since we have seen each other:chat:

We stop at the Irsih Pub for lunch. Food was good and cheap!:thumbsup2

After lunch we wander further up the Boardwalk (heading toward the outlets) when KC and Kat notice a wrestling guy on the boardwalk outside Bally's signing autographs. Apparently he was someone Kat knew from her days as a wrestler. She wanted to stop and get her picture taken, so we did...

Kat, Andy, KC
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0461.jpg

Kat and Wrestler Guy
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0463.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0464.jpg

After that little pitstop we head over to the outlets. Our first stop was Lane Bryant where I picked up 3 shirts and some jammies!

While we were in there paying, Kelly (PhilaDisney) called to let us know that she and her BF Jack had a rrived and were on their way to where we were. Kelly was so sweet and it was very nice meeting her, after al she is not only a Dis start she is a real start (She was on the show What Not to Wear and got in trouble with Stacy and Clinton for shopping at the Disney Store in NYC during her makeover:lmao:). Kelly and I also discovered that we work like 3 blocks apart. (Sing it with me...It's a small, small world...your welcome).

After leaving Lane Bryant we stopped at Bath and Body Works where KC and Andy were doing their best to try and get in trouble, but I couldn't pull the camera out fast enough for the photgraphic proof.

After we leave smelling lovelier than we walked in we head further into the outlet area and meet up with Tiggerfan4me and PrincessAlways. 2 very lovely ladies from Reading, PA.

The 2nd half of the group had not had lunch and wanted to grab something to eat. We went to Applebees where ther others had lunch, Kat, KC and Andy split an appetizer and I get dessert (Triple Chocolate something) it was good!:thumbsup2 KC and Kelly both had the Melon Mangorita.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0465.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0466.jpg

While everyone ate and drank we all chatted like we had known each other forever. It was really nice!

After Applebees our mission was the Disney Store (did you expect anything less:confused3) on the way however we stopped at the Old Navy outlet. I don't usually buy much at Old Navy, but they had the plain white golf shirts Jimmy need for school for $5.70:yay: I got 7 of them!

From there we went to the true reason for this mission. FOr Kat to test her new CM Discount!
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0467.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0468.jpg

I picked up a new Power Ranger for Jimmy. I believe Kelly got something, has did Kat. I'm not sure about the other two:confused:

After everyone had checked out we headed outside to get some pics. KC, Andy and I believe Jack were given eveyone's cameras:

Left to Right:
Tigerfan4me, Princess Always, Me, PhilaDisney, KatGarcia:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0469.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0470.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0471.jpg

Then the offical Focker Pic...is the curse broken?
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0475.jpg

By this time it was time for me to start wandering back to my car to start driving home. We all walk back towards the boardwalk. Jack and Kelly were going into Ceasers for something..I don't remember what. So we said our goodbyes to them and wandered on. Up on the boardwalk we said goodbye to PrincessAlways and Tiggerfan4me, they were going to Bally's to http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/goodgirl20/smiley-slotmachine.gif I hope they won!:thumbsup2

Kat, KC, and Andy were staying in the general vicinity becasue they were meeting up with another Diser a little later.

I gave Kat, KC, and ANdy all big hus and headed down the boardwalk back to the Taj Mahal. I did make one pitstop on the way to get Jimmy a Spongebob Shirt for our trip. I texted Jim and let him know I was on my way home. I pulled out of the Taj garage at about 5:00pm and I was home by 6:20. Needless to say traffic was much better going home.

I had a great time seeing Kat again:hug: and finally meeting KC. It was also very nice meeting other Disers!

[KatGarcia]

We had SO much fun Janet! it was so great to see you again!!!

:hug::hug:

I will prob get to my mini version of the trip tonight, as it's raining like crazy out there now!

[mrsksomeday]

Great DIS-meets!! That is so great that you got to hang out with each other. The pictures were wonderful. You look like you had a great time.

[jordanyosh]

Great pix Janet!

So fortunate that the people on the DIS really turn out to be nice people. I wonder if that's the case with most fan forums? Like I wonder if people who love Bon Jovi get together and instantly hit it off talking about something other than Jon Bon Jovi or Richie Sambora?:confused3

I'm glad you had a great time!:thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Atlantic%20CIty%20July%202009/DSCN0471.jpg


I had a great time seeing Kat again:hug: and finally meeting KC. It was also very nice meeting other Disers!


Sure looks like fun!!

And you picked up some great loot, too! :thumbsup2

Wonderful pictures... its so nice to see that we DISers do have lives outside of WDW!!


Kathy

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:woohoo: For the Dis meet! Looks like fun and I see Kelly was carrying the famous Alice bag! What would Stacy and Clinton say! :laughing:

[DisneyJo]

Sounds fantastic Janet and I'm so pleased you remembered to take photos :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

We had SO much fun Janet! it was so great to see you again!!!

:hug::hug:

I will prob get to my mini version of the trip tonight, as it's raining like crazy out there now!


:hug::cool1::yay:

Great DIS-meets!! That is so great that you got to hang out with each other. The pictures were wonderful. You look like you had a great time.

It was alot of fun! ::yes::

Great pix Janet!

So fortunate that the people on the DIS really turn out to be nice people. I wonder if that's the case with most fan forums? Like I wonder if people who love Bon Jovi get together and instantly hit it off talking about something other than Jon Bon Jovi or Richie Sambora?:confused3

I'm glad you had a great time!:thumbsup2

If Jon or Richie are involved..I'm there baby!:love:

Sure looks like fun!!

And you picked up some great loot, too! :thumbsup2

Wonderful pictures... its so nice to see that we DISers do have lives outside of WDW!!


Kathy

That particular Disney Store wasn't the greatest. They had a few things for adults but mostly kids stuff. ALot of Back to School Stuff out too.

:woohoo: For the Dis meet! Looks like fun and I see Kelly was carrying the famous Alice bag! What would Stacy and Clinton say! :laughing:

We asked her about the bag, she said she stole it back:lmao:

Sounds fantastic Janet and I'm so pleased you remembered to take photos :thumbsup2

Maybe the curse is broken now Jo;)

[PrincessAlways]

Hi Janet!!!! It was so nice to meet you in AC! :goodvibes Thanks for emailing those pics, since I forgot a camera!! BTW.....I did win $100!!!!! :woohoo::yay: Guess where is going.......my Disney fund!! :cool1: I have a birthday trip coming in November & it can use some assistance! :rotfl:

Now I have to go back & catch up on your PTR!

[Disneyland_Mama]

:woohoo: For the Dis meet! Looks like fun and I see Kelly was carrying the famous Alice bag! What would Stacy and Clinton say! :laughing:

:lmao: I noticed that right away, too Lessa! :lmao:

[jcc0621]

Hi Janet!!!! It was so nice to meet you in AC! :goodvibes Thanks for emailing those pics, since I forgot a camera!! BTW.....I did win $100!!!!! :woohoo::yay: Guess where is going.......my Disney fund!! :cool1: I have a birthday trip coming in November & it can use some assistance! :rotfl:

Now I have to go back & catch up on your PTR!

Hi Linda! :wave2: :woohoo:On the $100!

:lmao: I noticed that right away, too Lessa! :lmao:

We noticed it right away!:laughing: It's a very cool bag!:thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo202/JustUsNurses/thannouncement.gif
This chapter is dedicated to Tracy (MrsKSomeday). Without her this chapter would not have been possible

We are now at 12 Days 15 hours and 46 minutes before we board our plave headed to Orlando. It's time to get my butt in gear and get things organized.:scared:

I have been doing alot of little things in the planning process, the suitcases are out and airing. My packing list and Jimmy's packing list are typed and printed. Can't really pack until (look away T) the day before we leave since most of the clothes we will take with us will be worn between now and then and I will have to do wash.

I did take an extra vacation day (the Friday before we leave) so that I can get the laundry done and Saturday can be a relaxing day.

The reason for the chapter. All those "little" things I have been doing, I used a ton of ink in the printer and Jim is a little annoyed that he has to go get both a black and a colored cartridge:rolleyes1

Anywho, the reason that this very special chapter is dedicated to Tracy (T3;)) is because the first 2 things would not have been possible without her awesome computer abilities:goodvibes L/Y Tracy!:hug:

The first thing is the shirt that I wanted to make for Jimmy, I showed the graphic she created for me earlier. Well I added some words and this is how it came out

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0491.jpg

The next thing are mousekeeping envelopes. The only thing I did to them was add our name
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0482.jpg

I also printed out and put into the notebook:

Hours for US/IOA and wrote the must do's for US.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0483.jpg

Must Do's for IOA and List of dining options at US
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0484.jpg

Dining Options for US/IOA
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0485.jpg

Map of US
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0487.jpg

Map of IOA and City Walk
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0488.jpg

Map of the Universal Complex
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0489.jpg

The last thing I have accomplished is Jimmy's pressed penny money. The quarters and pennies have been placed into the handy dandy m & m tube
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0480.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0481.jpg

So, not bad for 12 days out, eh?

Next up...Are we rebooking the rental car?

[jordanyosh]

the t-shirt:thumbsup2 Tracy...you are too awesome for helping out!

and what do I need to say about the notebook...it's awesome......I like to see everyone's take on "the notebook". It definitely helps me get ideas for my Binder.......

Only 12 days left......!!!

you're not packed yet?:eek: I would be sweating and unable to sleep.....;)

[KathyRN137]

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: mrsksomeday rocks! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:


Kathy

[jcc0621]

the t-shirt:thumbsup2 Tracy...you are too awesome for helping out!

::yes::

and what do I need to say about the notebook...it's awesome......I like to see everyone's take on "the notebook". It definitely helps me get ideas for my Binder.......

Mine seems to change every trip becasue of ideas i get from others!

Only 12 days left......!!!

you're not packed yet?:eek: I would be sweating and unable to sleep.....;)

Must be a California thing:rolleyes1

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: mrsksomeday rocks! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:


Kathy

::yes:::cheer2:

[jordanyosh]

Must be a California thing:rolleyes1

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Let's see..I know Wendy starts packing early..I bet she's got some sort of packing list on file somewhere.

DL Mama....

Me....

Yup that's about all the proof you need...we're nuts....;)

[lazydoxy66]

I am so jealous, Janet!!!!:snooty:

All the great DISers that you get to meet and have met. I so hope that one day my schedule will gel with everyone else's.

Dutch Wonderland and AC looked like a lot of fun. Awesome deal on those shirts at Old Navy.

Tracy is so creative! She has done some wonderful things for a lot of us.

Your itinerary and maps look great. Good luck with the last-minute packing. I only have to pack for me on the next trip. That is so much easier.

[cmp1111]

And here is a short video Jim created of Fockerfest

Well, you had to go and make me cry... :hug:

The 1st planned meet of out trip is with Michelle and her Family (TheDisneyFamily).

I'm jealous! I'd love to meet them. :)

The next planned meet is with Angela (askelton) and Mitch.

Still jealous... I love them.

Lastly, is a meet with Theresa, or as we lovingly call her T2 (boysmom5150).

Still jealous - you are hitting the elusive Fockers, huh?

Hey it's not MY fault that Evan's birthday is so early in August. That was bad planning on your part:rolleyes1

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

We interrupt this PTr for a Mini Dis Meet

Dateline....Yesterday
Where....Atlantic City, NJ

So cool! I didn't know Kelly would be there - I love her episode of WNTW! And of course I adore Kat and would have loved to meet KC and the rest...
Sigh.

Anywho, the reason that this very special chapter is dedicated to Tracy

Very cool! Your notebook looks great - I've not fallen into that yet - just used my Passporter. :)

[Hedy]

Great items. Do you guys have lanyards? I fund that they're pretty much essential for EP at Universal.

[lisalonglash]

Wow, those pictures sure show how much fun you all had at the DISmeet!!! I'm so jealous! I've never met any DISsers - I hope to fix that this trip! :thumbsup2

You'll have so much fun at US/IOA - it's a blast! :banana: Your notebook looks fantastic - you're so organized! :woohoo:

Tracy is soooooooooo talented - she rocks!! :worship:

[PrincessAlways]

Well, I'm finally caught up!!! Wow!!!! Janet you are one organized woman!!!! :thumbsup2 Don't know how you do it all! Jimmy is a cute one! :goodvibes I love the t-shirt! I've only been to Universal twice....the year it opened & one other time. That stupid Jaws ride!!! It broke down while we were on it & took forever to move again. The next time we tried, it broke down as we were standing in line for about an hour! :headache: Haven't been there since then, but it looks like fun now! The resort looks beautiful.

[PrincessV]

What a great DIS meet - and with pictures, too?! :thumbsup2:cool1::cheer2:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/2009%20Trip%20Report/DSCN0491.jpg
This looks terriff!

[mrsksomeday]

I am so happy you can use the things I make. I really enjoy doing it. Your update made my day. Thanks everyone for the kind words.

Have a great trip!!

[jcc0621]

Love, love love evertything you do T3:hug:

[jcc0621]

To answer the question...so far no rebooking of the rental car. If anything the prices have been going up as travel day gets closer:confused3

There really isn't alot to reprt at this time. The one thing I did do today...online check in:woohoo: If this works, it's gonna be awesome. You can give them a credit card for "necessities if you want, but you don't have too.

Onlione registration...you know waht that menas???

10 Days :dance3::yay::woohoo::cool1:

I also got the merchandise credit email, did you all get that? It is a deal that if you purchase a $500 merchandise credit, you only pay $395. Not bad saving a $100. We never spend $500 on merchandise, but it seemed like a good deal becasue it never expires, so whatever we don't use will be put away for out next trip:thumbsup2

I ordered it tonight and it will be waiting for us at check in:thumbsup2

What is left to do....not much actually

I won't back until next Saturday (The day before we leave) Sorry if that offends anyones sensibilites (T and Jordan:eek:). SO what are my plans for the next 10 days? We actualy have alot on our plate.

Tomorrow, I am working from home. While I won't be in the office I will be actually working, but on the plus side I can get :laundy: done at the same time.

Saturday Jimmy is having a sleepover with his 2 best friends (They were in daycare together rom the time they were 4 months old). We are going to set up theprojector to the computer and show them a movie outside...our own drive in theater.

Sunday the in-laws are coming over for the MIL's birthday dinner - loads of fun:rolleyes:

I work Monday through Thursday next week.

Monday Jimmy has a doctor's appointment.

Thursday I have my hair appointment for a cut, color and highlight (or as Jim says contacting Mars:rolleyes:).

Friday will be laundy day and making the ziplock bags for Jimmy's clothes.

Saturday Jimmy and Jim are getting haircuts. I will pack, then go get a pedicure.

Sunday is D-Day...Disney Day:woohoo:

So, are you all going to help me pass the time:confused3.

Well, I know T and V will, they are (or will be soon) in the world and will be twittering their exploits, so that should be lots of fun;). I can't wait for Lapu tweets to start:lmao:

[KatGarcia]

We may have some of the first drunk tweeting!!!

[KathyRN137]

I kind of like all the last-minute running around you have to do before Disney Day... it really does help pass the time so you don't go off the wall!! :upsidedow

...contacting Mars... :lmao:


Kathy

[jordanyosh]

It seems like you'll be busy until you leave...! you aren't packing til the day before:eek:;)

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

Saturday Jimmy is having a sleepover with his 2 best friends (They were in daycare together rom the time they were 4 months old). We are going to set up theprojector to the computer and show them a movie outside...our own drive in theater.
:

I remember you doing this last summer, too. I think it's such an awesome idea for the kids. :thumbsup2

Looks like you're keeping yourself nice and busy for the week. Think it will help the time fly???

[jcc0621]

We may have some of the first drunk tweeting!!!

:lmao:

I kind of like all the last-minute running around you have to do before Disney Day... it really does help pass the time so you don't go off the wall!! :upsidedow

...contacting Mars... :lmao:


Kathy


Exactly.

It seems like you'll be busy until you leave...! you aren't packing til the day before:eek:;)

Nope, on Saturday I will pack:rolleyes1

I remember you doing this last summer, too. I think it's such an awesome idea for the kids. :thumbsup2

Looks like you're keeping yourself nice and busy for the week. Think it will help the time fly???

I hope so Kate:thumbsup2

[PrincessAlways]

Well that email sounds interesting!!! I hope I get one. Like you I don't spend $500 on merchandise, but if it doesn't expire....:woohoo:

Sounds like you have everything under control! :thumbsup2 It'll be here before you know it!



Just a little side note of my own.......
I'm going to the World for my birthday in Nov with 4 DISfriends!! :banana: I can't believe it! We're staying at BLT!!!! OMG!!! :yay: Deb is one of the ladies coming along.

[GreatBiscuit]

Have a FANTASTICtrip!pixiedust:

[DisneyJo]

Just incase I miss you as I'm off to my Dad's till next Sunday have a fabulous trip, wish I could be there :hug:

[jcc0621]

Well that email sounds interesting!!! I hope I get one. Like you I don't spend $500 on merchandise, but if it doesn't expire....:woohoo:

Sounds like you have everything under control! :thumbsup2 It'll be here before you know it!

I've heard alot of people are getting them:thumbsup2

It won't get here fast enough that's for sure!

Just a little side note of my own.......
I'm going to the World for my birthday in Nov with 4 DISfriends!! :banana: I can't believe it! We're staying at BLT!!!! OMG!!! :yay: Deb is one of the ladies coming along.

That's Awesome. DO you fly out of Philly or Lehigh?

Have a FANTASTICtrip!pixiedust:

Thanks GB:goodvibes

Just incase I miss you as I'm off to my Dad's till next Sunday have a fabulous trip, wish I could be there :hug:

THanks Jo. Miss you:hug:

[debraW76]

One thing I forgot to mention...they had a monorail too:rotfl2:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jcc0621/Lancaster%20July%202009/GondolaRide.jpg
YEs that is the entire length of it!!!Too funny! Dutch wonderland sounded like a great trip!

What can I say about Dis Meets? Have you had one? Was it planned or unplanned?
I have never had a dismeet. But yours sounded lovely!

Your AC trip looked like a lot of fun Janet.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

That Chip and Dale shirt is totally cute!

[jcc0621]

That Chip and Dale shirt is totally cute!

::yes:: Tracy did a great job:goodvibes

[jcc0621]

1 WEEK FROM TODAY WE WILL BE FLYING TO ORLANDO

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv236/Ran87dle/Dance/DancingPoppinsPeng.gif

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv184/dat_cali_boi_mikey/AnimationsDancing.gif

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk248/pet-eh-poo/Moving%20gifs/SWIN13.gif

[PrincessAlways]

Janet, just a little excited????? :rotfl::rotfl2: It's great to have that excitement!!! :cool1: I love those little dancers...too cute! :thumbsup2

[jcc0621]

Janet, just a little excited????? :rotfl::rotfl2: It's great to have that excitement!!! :cool1: I love those little dancers...too cute! :thumbsup2

Just a little:rolleyes1

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

How'd it go at the doctors? Are you feeling any better?
:hug:

[jcc0621]

Carp, Carp, Carp. I have a virus. Started Saturday night, and doctor says it it should run it's course in 3 - 5 days. Avoiding JIm and Jimmy so they don't get it.

GOing to bed and trying to sleep it out of my system. I will try and get one last update before we leave...

In 5 days:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::coo l1:

[lazydoxy66]

Dang it, Janet. I'm sending some pixie dust to speed it along too!!! I'm positive that you will be fine for your trip. :thumbsup2

[lisalonglash]

Sending some more pixie dust for a very very quick recovery :wizard: - you'll be done with this in time for your trip, I'm sure of it!

[jcc0621]

Things can only get better...right????

I have been in bed sick since yesterday afternoon. I think I finally sweated out whatever was in my system!

Jimmy had dental work done on Tuesday and woke up on Wednesday with his lip the siz of an apple. He chewed on it so badly!:sad2: So, he is now on an anti-biotic.

I;m going to the eye doctor tomorrow becasue I think I have pink eye:headache:

On the plus side I felt well enough today to go get my hair done. We leave in 3 days and I've got nothing accomplished.

Hopefully tomorrow will be laundry and packing day. Saturday Jimmy will get his hair cut and I will get a pedicure.

I will try and do at least one last update before we leave.

Thanks for bearing with me everyone!

[PrincessAlways]

OMG, Janet!!! I hope you're feeling better!!! :goodvibes Hoping Jimmy's mouth gets better quickly!! Poor little kid! :goodvibes Like you said, things can only get better!!!! :wizard: I'm sure things will be fine & you'll have a great vacation!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about it!

[KatGarcia]

Just keep your eye on the prize- that Disney prize! Everything will wash away as soon as you see the gates!