100 (Nope...It's just about time!!!) Days til Our First Family Trip!

[jana616]

Well, I have read dozens of other people's trip reports and PTRs, and have wanted to start my own for a while. This is at least partly because I am completely obsessed with the planning of this trip, and who better to share that obsession with than the friendly people on here, who have offered tons of great advice and who share my obsession? (And who don't think I'm insane, unlike my sweet, but clueless husband!)


So...let's begin!

The details: Our trip is set for September 7th-14th, 2009. That is exactly 100 days from today!! :cool1: I am even more excited when my ticker will go into double digits-woo hoo! We are staying at POP Century, with free dining. In upcoming posts I'll try to explain the evolution of our trip-it has changed quite a bit from what we first envisioned, hopefully for the better!

The cast of characters (all from Indianapolis):

DH (Chad, 32) and myself (Jana, 31). Chad is a veterinarian, and I stay home with our boys. I lived in Florida growing up, so we visited fairly often, but I was little and don't remember much. Then Chad and I went for 3 days as part of our honeymoon in 2001. We had a blast, and are so excited to be sharing it with our boys!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_1817_edited-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_2574_edited-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_1622.jpg


ODS (Griffin, 4-will be just shy of 5 when we go). He's a sweetheart, very imaginative, very sensitive. He's been obsessed (and I mean way, way obsessed) with dinosaurs for about a year now. He is most looking forward to Animal Kingdom and the dinosaur rides there. We're planning on T-Rex for dinner, but I'm keeping that a secret! Likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, loves Special Agent Oso and Shaun the Sheep. He is very excited to go, especially since I told him they have humungous ice cream sandwiches. We watched some videos on youtube of the rides, and he told he would be a little scared, and a LOT excited-so cute!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_2691.jpg

YDS (Cooper, will be 26 months when we go). He was such an easy-going baby, but toddlerhood has morphed him into quite the little devil. He's a mama's boy-he's never far from me, and I can still make anything bad a little bit better. He's super charming, very fearless, very silly, and usually happy. When he's unhappy though, look out-he has a scream that can cause hearing loss. And lucky me, since he's usually no more than a few feet from me! He loves Sesame Street, but has seen me on the disboards enough to screech for Mickey Mouse when he sees him now! I wasn't sure how he'd do on the trip, but I am now quite convinced that he's going to have a blast.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_2693.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_2552.jpg


And our bonus additions to the trip-grandmas!

My mom (Grandma Kathie) hasn't been there since the early 1990s. She's an RN who loves the Chicago Bears.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_2424.jpg


Chad's mom (Grandma Sue) hasn't been since the early 1990s as well. She's retired, just bought a lake house and loves working on it, and lives for being a grandma (they both do!).
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/Disney%20PTR/DSC_2429.jpg


OK, kids are up from naps and the basics are done! I'll post more soon, and I would be so thrilled to see anyone actually read this! ETA:I know the pictures are huge. Anyone know how to make them smaller?

[ChevyNat]

Nice start... Can't wait to read more about your plans... very cute boys too... You will have so much fun at Disney.

[jana616]

Nice start... Can't wait to read more about your plans... very cute boys too... You will have so much fun at Disney.

:welcome:!!! Yay, a reader!!! Thanks for the compliments on my boys. I think they're pretty cute too, but I'm biased! I was pretty sure no one was looking at this thing, which given the one, super fascinating, post, is understandable, but now that I know at least one person looked at this, you have inspired me to keep going!

[jana616]

So the foundation for this trip began in the fall of 2008, when Disney announced their Buy 4/Get 3 deal. I broached the subject of a Disney trip with Chad. Now, something very important to know about Chad, and something that will come up numerous times over the course of the PTR, is the fact that Chad is cheap. I don't mean a reasonable amount of frugality, I mean, "sleep in his car to avoid paying for a hotel" cheap. So I knew this was going to be a tough sell!

Much to my surprise, he said to research the cost more thoroughly and give him some numbers. I played around on the computer, and contacted Small World Vacations who put me in touch with a great Disney TA right here in Indiana. We started looking for Spring of 2009, either January, March during preschool spring break, or May right after school let out. I was very undecided, because I want Cooper to be old enough to enjoy himself. We atually had holds on rooms for all three of these times briefly, and then the TA suggested September, because of free dining. Chad heard "free" and was sold!

In addition to the free dining, and Cooper being a little older, we are arriving on my birthday, so we'll get the $75 fun card (you know Chad liked this part too!). And it gave me about 10 months to plan, which anyone reading this knows is part of the fun!

Our original plan was for the four of us to go and to drive from Indy, which is just under 1000 miles. Now, we drove to the Outer Banks in September 2008, and survived, but I wasn't thrilled. Still, Cheap Chad said it was the way to go!

But then, in February, my mom started mentioning that she would love to come. And we knew my MIL would love to come if asked. So we decided to ask them to come along, and they both said yes! Well, now we had 4 adults and 2 kids crammed into our minivan. We were still planning on it, but I decided to keep an eye on airfare just in case.

A few weeks later, tickets on Delta were $158 total roundtrip for each of us, and we booked them. They aren't non-stop, but I will happily take 3 1/2 hours of plane rides to avoid 15+ hours in the car! Of course as soon as we booked them cheaper tickets came out on SW and Airtran, but I choose not to think about that! :rolleyes1

So, here we are, 99 days to go and the basics of our trip all planned out.

Up next, ADRs...I would love some help on this one!

[jana616]

Alright, I am choosing not to feel like a total loser since no one else has said hello. I may be talking to myself, but that's okay!

Today I want to talk about ADRs. The only times I've been to WDW were as a child in a family that didn't have a lot of money (we brought food into the park and just came for the day), and as a honeymooner that didn't have a lot of money (starving grad students who split CS every meal). So I have never eaten a sit down meal at WDW. We still don't have a lot of money,:rotfl:, but we have something better...free dining!!!! One of the biggest selling points for me in choosing September was the idea of eating for free. Besides saving us more money than a 40% code (since we're in a value), I know my husband, and I love him, but he would starve himself for a week rather than pay Disney food prices. I would also never be able to convince him to do character meals, etc. I am thrilled at the idea of eating whatever, whenever, without looking at the price. For "frugal" people such as ourselves, it will be a real treat!

So, I believe I have our list of meals narrowed down, as well as a few back-ups (though I am saying nightly prayers that we don't need them! I like Plan A!)

Without further ado, our first choices are....

'Ohana dinner
Le Cellier
Cape May cafe dinner
Tusker House breakfast
Crystal Palace dinner

and the 4 I need to choose 2 out of...

'Ohana breakfast with Lilo and Stitch or Garden Grill
Chef Mickeys or 1900 Park Fare

Any thoughts on these?

Back-ups are Whispering Canyon Cafe, Boma breakfast, Tutto Italia, and whichever 2 character meals we don't choose from those 4. We will also have some flexibility on some of those meals since we're planning 2 and a 1/2 MK days. Now I'm just waiting on the silly September schedule to assign parks to days...don't they know I need a few days to plan?:scared:

Speaking of ADRs, I have the greatest travel agent in the world. I e-mailed her asking for our reservation # to be sure I had it for June 9th. I mentioned how much trouble everyone is having, and she offered to book mine for me. I'm a control freak, and admitted such to her, and told her I was worried that if rearranging came up she wouldn't know how I'd want it, etc. So she is letting me call her at 6:30 on my ADR day and sit on the phone with her while she does my ADRs online. Isn't that awesome? She has been really helpful about this!

Up next: a few pictures of all the goodies I've bought so far. It's A LOT, and there's still 98 days to go-lots more shopping time left!

[ChevyNat]

The Crystal Palace Dinner with the Characters is a lot of fun...the food is good too, lots to chose from.

I loved the Ohana breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, the food is brought to your table and you can ask for refills without a problem, again the food is great.
I did Garden Grill for Dinner and loved the food but the restaurant is a little crampy, not a lot of room to move around at all.

I did Chef Mickey a while back and enjoyed it very much, a lot of fun and excellent food... UHH! might try to get ADR for that one again... ha!
We also went to Whispering Canyon Cafe and had a BLAST there... if you want to have fun go there... You have to have a sence of humor, if you ask for Ketchup you get 11-15 bottles on your table ha! ha! if you ask for a refill of Pop, they will bring you a Gallon Jar with a huge straw Ha! and my son asked for a spoon to scoop up the milkshake and he received a gigantic spoon... it's a lot of fun.

I can post a few pics for you...
I hope this helps a little.

[ChevyNat]

Well I decided to post some anyway ha! ha!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n171/marconat13/200_200.jpg
From 1900 Park Fare for Breakfast... it's a nice place too

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n171/marconat13/116_116.jpg
Crystal Palace

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n171/marconat13/152_152_0001.jpg
Whispering Canyon Cafe and Ketchup

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n171/marconat13/156_156_0001.jpg
The SPOON

[reyasmommy]

First of all you're family is adorable! Your boys are going to have the time of their lives. I took my DD to DLR when she was 6 months old and 2 1/2 years old, and WDW when she was 18 months. She had a blast each and every time, doesn't matter the age. We'll be taking her to WDW again in March where she'll just be shy of 4 years and I think it's going to be the best yet.

I'm currently working on ADR's too. I have Noooo idea where to go. My DD was terrified of all the characters last year so I'm leary on spending the money for a character breakfast.:confused3

It's great that your mothers are both able to come. It will be a blessing to have the extra help with the kiddos.

Hope you have a wonderful time!:thumbsup2

[jana616]

Yay, another reader!!! Woo Hoo! Just when I was starting to think I was the only one here, too!

ChevyNat-thanks for the pictures! I think any of our choices (and probably lots more that I haven't thought of) would be great. On Chef Mickeys vs. 1900 Park Fare, it's a question of princess girly things. My ODS says Cinderella is "yucky," but I know once we're there he wouldn't mind. It would give us some new characters, since we'll see Mickey and gang a bunch. I've heard how funny the stepsisters are, and to tell them my boys are single, rich princes. I think it could be fun, but I've also heard the food is just so-so and it can be poorly run at times. So I can't decide. I'm thinking whichever one fits better once we start making all our ADRs will win!

On Garden Grill dinner vs. 'Ohana breakfast, I can't decide either. 'Ohana breakfast was never even on our list (dinner was though!) and then SO many people said how great it was, and Griffin saw Lilo and Stitch and loved it. So I think I'm leaning toward it. A very nice person on another thread erally tried to walk me through fitting all my meals in, and she suggested booking both GG and Ohana, and cancelling one later if we change our mind or paying OOP for a breakfast if we want to keep them all. I kind of like that idea, since I'd love to do both! We'll see if Cheap Chad will go for it!

Reyasmommy-:welcome:! Thanks for the compliment on my family! I have been reading your PTR as well-Snow Wipe, too funny! I can't wait to see my boys' faces when they see Mickey for the first time. (Hopefully they won't scream!) It's good to hear that your daughter had a great time at all those ages. I'm pretty sure Cooper will love it-he's getting really into fun, new experiences. And having our moms along will be great. I think Friday the 11th Chad and I get a date night. We're trying to decide if he and I want to squeeze in MNSSHP or Night of Joy that night. Or maybe just go to DTD by ourselves? Who knows, lots of time to think of that!

Still waiting on the September calendar (the correct September calendar;))

[slamgtr09]

Your boys are so cute!
The Whispering Canyon is a lot of fun, and they have an all you can eat breakfast that is really good, not sure if it's included in the free dining though. We were just at Disney Memorial Day weekend and I've been trying to decide if I should write a TR too! Maybe I will now! Looking forward to all the planning! Sounds great so far!:goodvibes

[jana616]

Your boys are so cute!
The Whispering Canyon is a lot of fun, and they have an all you can eat breakfast that is really good, not sure if it's included in the free dining though. We were just at Disney Memorial Day weekend and I've been trying to decide if I should write a TR too! Maybe I will now! Looking forward to all the planning! Sounds great so far!:goodvibes

:welcome:! Thanks for reading! You should definitely do a TR! My DH makes fun of me for "reading about other people's vacations" but I think it's a great way to get ideas of what works and doesn't work and find lots of little ideas. I'd love to read it! I wish we could fit WCC in as a meal, and the way 'Ohana has been so difficult to get, we may have to take it instead, so we'll have to see what happens with our ADRs. One week from today!

[ChevyNat]

I always read PTR and TR to see what other Disers did on vacation... maybe I should do a PTR myself ha!ha!

[Colleen27]

and the 4 I need to choose 2 out of...

'Ohana breakfast with Lilo and Stitch or Garden Grill
Chef Mickeys or 1900 Park Fare

Any thoughts on these?


I don't have any experience with the ones you're sure about, but we LOVED Ohana breakfast and Chef Mickey's dinner. Stitch is my son's favorite character aside from the pirates, and the character interaction with him was great. Without a doubt he's one of the most interactive, "in character" characters that we met!

We haven't done 1900 Park Fare since the change from Fairy Godmother & mice to Stepsisters, but when we did it the food was good and DD loved meeting Prince Charming (boy crazy at 7 - I'm in for some rough years ahead! :eek: :laughing:).

[kadee_29]

I saw your link over in the Sept hours thread and decided to peek in while we are *still* waiting for official hours to be released. ;) I am having the same problems you are trying to figure out where to eat. I haven't been in over 20 years and couldn't tell you what places I ate at that long ago. I am going to keep checking in to see how your plans are coming along.

P.S. Your boys are just adorable.

[jana616]

I don't have any experience with the ones you're sure about, but we LOVED Ohana breakfast and Chef Mickey's dinner. Stitch is my son's favorite character aside from the pirates, and the character interaction with him was great. Without a doubt he's one of the most interactive, "in character" characters that we met!

We haven't done 1900 Park Fare since the change from Fairy Godmother & mice to Stepsisters, but when we did it the food was good and DD loved meeting Prince Charming (boy crazy at 7 - I'm in for some rough years ahead! :eek: :laughing:).

Hi Colleen, :welcome:! I have seen lots of your posts on the Waiting for Sept. Hours threads and also in the restaurant boards, I'm glad to have you reading! I really think 'Ohana breakfast and CM dinner are our first choices, if we can get them. I am a little worried about how many times we're going to see Mickey (I think 3 of our 4 character meals?) but on a first trip to WDW, you can't see him too much, right? And at least I know that 1900 or GG would be good back-ups and I won't be TOO disappointed if we end up with them!

Too funny about your daughter-I was like that too! But I promise I'm a completely respectable grown woman who didn't cause my parents much trouble at all, so there's hope for you too!!:rotfl:

[2shortpeopleruleme]

I love the report and your family is beautiful! The funny thing what you wrote about driving vs flying I had already PM'd you about that before I read! Too funny! I can't wait to read more!

[jana616]

I saw your link over in the Sept hours thread and decided to peek in while we are *still* waiting for official hours to be released. ;) I am having the same problems you are trying to figure out where to eat. I haven't been in over 20 years and couldn't tell you what places I ate at that long ago. I am going to keep checking in to see how your plans are coming along.

P.S. Your boys are just adorable.

Hi and :welcome:! Thanks for the compliment! I know, this waiting is making us crazy, isn't it? I've decided to just assume the hours we've gotten are correct and plan off of that. For the week we'll be there they seem to make sense. I was kind of bummed to see DHS close at 7. That seems really early to me!

What restaurants have you narrowed down to? I keep adding, not finalizing! I think Whispering Canyon sounds so fun, I'm trying to figure out a way to get that in there. The only place we're going that I'm not super excited about is Cape May Clambake, and I'm wondering if we could do WCC that evening at 7 or so, and just be done with the park by 6? Is that do-able? That's later than I was hoping to do dinners, but even CMC is going to have to be later than I'd like since we'll have to be all done with the park when we go (since it will be closed when we're done eating). I'm not planning on a nap break that day to maximize our park time, so I'm not sure how the kids will do late in the evening. Could get ugly! Unfortunately there aren't any lunches we want that day. DHS has been hard for me!

[jana616]

I love the report and your family is beautiful! The funny thing what you wrote about driving vs flying I had already PM'd you about that before I read! Too funny! I can't wait to read more!

Thanks for stopping here and reading! Your post pushed me to two pages-woo hoo! :banana: I'm excited to find someone whose trip dates are exactly the same as ours, we're right on the same schedule!

I'd really like to discuss my park plans now that we have hours, kind of, and get all the opinions I can, but I am throwing my best friend a baby shower and if I don't get the invites in the mail no one will show up and she'll be pretty disappointed! So I'm off to work on those (thanks Disney, if you'd gotten the hours up on the 1st I'd be in a much better place!) so then I can get back to the all important Disney planning;)

Hopefully tomorrow I can get those on here. Thanks to everyone who has read and replied...I don't feel quite as much like the loser talking to herself here now!!!:love:

[Angies1274]

Great Report and your boys are so cute!!!:) We have been to Chef Mickey's for both breakfast and dinner, although we preferred dinner. We enjoyed the characters and atmosphere at both meals. I tried to get an ADR for dinner for our upcoming trip but unfortunately there was no openings:sad1:
We were however able to get an ADR at Ohana's for breakfast. We went there last year and loved it!!!! We found it much more relaxed than Chef Mickey's-- plus it's served family style instead of a buffet and the character interaction is great there as well.:thumbsup2

[slamgtr09]

Good luck with the shower invites! I'm throwing my sister a baby shower too, so I'll be doing invites soon enough!
I'll just be here waiting patiently until you get back on with your planning!:rolleyes1

[jana616]

Great Report and your boys are so cute!!!:) We have been to Chef Mickey's for both breakfast and dinner, although we preferred dinner. We enjoyed the characters and atmosphere at both meals. I tried to get an ADR for dinner for our upcoming trip but unfortunately there was no openings:sad1:
We were however able to get an ADR at Ohana's for breakfast. We went there last year and loved it!!!! We found it much more relaxed than Chef Mickey's-- plus it's served family style instead of a buffet and the character interaction is great there as well.:thumbsup2

Hi Angie, :welcome:! I know we'll be happy with any of the 6 character meal choices we've narrowed it down to, so instead of stressing over which 4, I'm going to just wait and see how open times and dates shake out when we make our ADRs. I'm glad to hear another positive for 'Ohana breakfast-I tell you what, more people recommended that one to me on here than any other character meal. What are they putting in those eggs? :lmao:

Good luck with the shower invites! I'm throwing my sister a baby shower too, so I'll be doing invites soon enough!
I'll just be here waiting patiently until you get back on with your planning!:rolleyes1

Yeah, this is the first shower I've ever thrown. My BFF has a son who's 6, and is expecting a little girl in August. I convinced that with 6 years in between and a different gender, a shower was in order! I made the invites myself. I'm a scrapbooker, and I have a Cricut, which is an expensive die cut machine I convinced my DH I needed, so I have to justify owning it by doing things like this with it, but man some invites from Target would have been easier! They did come out cute, I hope, and luckily I only needed to make 10. If she'd had a bigger list they definitely would have been store bought!!!

I'm working on posting park plans now! Thanks for reading!

[jana616]

Well, although the ridiculous Disney site still has no hours up, I am going off of the TA list posted yesterday. We make our ADRs on Tuesday, so I wanted a few days to get a real plan in order. C'mon Disney, what is the deal?!:headache:

I have two plans, and I think I am leaning toward Plan A, because it leaves a little more downtime and we would hopefully be at each park on less crowded days. Basically we avoid all EMH (except our last night at MK), and Fantasmic. But then I started playing to try and work in AK on its PM EMH night, since I think we'll want lots of time there. And when I do that, I end up with Epcot on its PM EMH night as well. See the problem? Walking right into crowds when I was doing my best to avoid them! I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE for all you smart, experienced WDW veterans to look these over and see what you think.

Plan A:

Monday, 9/7-arrive MCO at 1:08. DME to POP, drop off stuff, then off to MK. Spend a few hours touring the park at a relaxed pace, dinner at Crystal Palace (back-up 'Ohana, Chef Mickeys), stay at the park til we feel ready to leave-we may try to see Spectro at 9, but probably not Wishes-I thought maybe I'd break the two up?

Tuesday, 9/8-MK for rope drop (shouldn't be too hard, they were up at 6:30 this morning:scared1:). Not sure yet whether we will take resort breaks or not, I'm going to really just see how the boys do. Cooper is still a solid 2 hour+ napper at home, but he naps fairly well in the stroller and with short park hours I hate to give up lots of park time in transit. Just going to play that part by ear! Dinner at 'Ohana (Crystal Palace back-up)

Weds, 9/9-DHS for rope drop, stay til we're done, with dinner at Cape May Clambake (back-up Mama Melrose, 50s Primetime).

Thursday, 9/10-Epcot, not quite as concerned with rope drop here. Le Cellier for lunch (Tutto back-up), I think.

Friday, 9/11-AK day. Hoping for 8 am Tusker House breakfast, but if not, then as late as possible. It closes at 5, so we're planning a nice resort evening with plenty of pool time. The grandmas have offered to watch the kids so Chad and I can go out alone-trying to decide between MNSSHP or Night of Joy, if I can get him to agree to spend the money!

Saturday, 9/12-The morning is open for whatever we want to do. I think we will probably head back to AK or Epcot, or maybe split up and some do each. Then after a break we're planning on DTD to explore and T-Rex for dinner. I am SOOO excited to surprise Griffin with this!

Sunday, 9/13-MK day. Breakfast at 'Ohana (maybe 9ish?), then MK and a nice long afternoon break before heading back for dinner at Chef Mickeys (back-up 1900 Park Fare), and evening EMH at MK. My mom wants to head back to the hotel to watch the Bears play, so I think she is going to take Cooper with her to get him to bed earlier. That way we can stay for as long as Griffin is having fun-probably until the end!

Monday, 9/14- departure day :sad1: Leave POP around 8:30 for MCO.

So that's the plan I think we are going to go with!

Plan B (a short version!) is:
Monday-MK same as above
Tuesday-DHS
Weds.-AK (PM EMH)
Thurs.-MK (open til 10)
Friday-Epcot (PM EMH)
Sat.-open/DTD
Sunday-MK (PM EMH)

So, a lot more park hours available, but 3 EMH parks instead of just the one. I worry with this one that if we go with this and end up not using the EMH (a strong possibility), we will be wading through increased crowds all day and kicking ourselves. Thoughts?

Whew...kids are up from naps and screaming for me. Guess I should go be a mom or something!

[kadee_29]

Hi and :welcome:! Thanks for the compliment! I know, this waiting is making us crazy, isn't it? I've decided to just assume the hours we've gotten are correct and plan off of that. For the week we'll be there they seem to make sense. I was kind of bummed to see DHS close at 7. That seems really early to me!

What restaurants have you narrowed down to? I keep adding, not finalizing! I think Whispering Canyon sounds so fun, I'm trying to figure out a way to get that in there. The only place we're going that I'm not super excited about is Cape May Clambake, and I'm wondering if we could do WCC that evening at 7 or so, and just be done with the park by 6? Is that do-able? That's later than I was hoping to do dinners, but even CMC is going to have to be later than I'd like since we'll have to be all done with the park when we go (since it will be closed when we're done eating). I'm not planning on a nap break that day to maximize our park time, so I'm not sure how the kids will do late in the evening. Could get ugly! Unfortunately there aren't any lunches we want that day. DHS has been hard for me!
I was a little disappointed with the shortened hours as well. I just asked a friend of mine if we would be bored at night but she said if we are out all day (which I am thinking that is what we will do) then we should be pretty beat by 7 or 8 so some down time in the hotel room at night will get us ready for the next day. I am having some issues figuring out what day to go to which park which in turn leads to where on earth we are going to eat that day. We don't have any lunch plans either. All the ones I have picked out are either breakfast or dinner. And I don't have any back-ups picked out yet. So far the places I have picked out are 'Ohana, Garden Grill, Boma, Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, and Crystal Palace. But of course this all could change at any time between now and June 22nd.

[jana616]

I was a little disappointed with the shortened hours as well. I just asked a friend of mine if we would be bored at night but she said if we are out all day (which I am thinking that is what we will do) then we should be pretty beat by 7 or 8 so some down time in the hotel room at night will get us ready for the next day. I am having some issues figuring out what day to go to which park which in turn leads to where on earth we are going to eat that day. We don't have any lunch plans either. All the ones I have picked out are either breakfast or dinner. And I don't have any back-ups picked out yet. So far the places I have picked out are 'Ohana, Garden Grill, Boma, Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, and Crystal Palace. But of course this all could change at any time between now and June 22nd.

You have some great picks! (At least based on reviews I see on here, I haven't eaten at any of them! Although honestly I've read so many reviews, seen so many pictures, and looked at the menus enough to feel like I have:lmao:!) I'm thinking we're going to do the parks all day too, with no break, especially at AK and DHS. MK and Epcot have slightly longer hours, so we could take a break if we have to. Gonna play that one by ear! The only day I am just not happy with our meal plan is our DHS day. With it closing at 7, I either need to just 1) decide now that we will be done with the park by 5:30 or so and do dinner somewhere after, or 2) find a lunch in the park. My kids are not great restaurant patrons anyway :rolleyes1, so I am worried about how they will do at a non-character meal at 7 at night. Just not sure how to work that day out. Now I am considering Mama Melrose, which we could do for lunch, but I know my mom liked the clambake idea...oh, the choices!!!

[princesspaige]

Alright, I am choosing not to feel like a total loser since no one else has said hello. I may be talking to myself, but that's okay!

I know what you mean...but I decided it didn't matter...afterall I find myself talking to myself at work so it should come as no surprise if I do it here on the dis. :lmao:

I think it is great that you are making plans as to what days to visit which parks. I am making this our laid back trip. Afternoons spent at the hotel for pool and nap time...more for DH than DD. ;) Other than ADR's, manatory pool time, and MNSSHP, we are not planning. :scared1:

We thought about driving as well since it is just 3 of us...that lasted about 30 seconds before DH figurative slapped me silly. :rotfl2:

I am excited to see how your planning progresses so I am staying tuned for more. :)

[jana616]

I know what you mean...but I decided it didn't matter...afterall I find myself talking to myself at work so it should come as no surprise if I do it here on the dis. :lmao:

I think it is great that you are making plans as to what days to visit which parks. I am making this our laid back trip. Afternoons spent at the hotel for pool and nap time...more for DH than DD. ;) Other than ADR's, manatory pool time, and MNSSHP, we are not planning. :scared1:

We thought about driving as well since it is just 3 of us...that lasted about 30 seconds before DH figurative slapped me silly. :rotfl2:

I am excited to see how your planning progresses so I am staying tuned for more. :)

:welcome:! Glad you came over to check it out-another Hoosier is always welcome! I wish I could be laid back, but that's just not how I roll! I am OCD to the max when it comes to planning. I think I'll be able to go with the flow a bit once we're there, but I like to know that I have researched every last detail before we leave! I will keep checking in on yours as well!

[Colleen27]

For the week we'll be there they seem to make sense. I was kind of bummed to see DHS close at 7. That seems really early to me!

Me too! That's my least favorite park to being with because it is so hard to plan and so hard to tour efficiently, and the short hours just make it worse! :headache: We're definitely going to have to do rope-drop on our DHS day, which will be a first for my family of night owls. :rotfl:

[kadee_29]

...oh, the choices!!! I completely agree with this!! I have changed my mind so many times it's pathetic. :rotfl2: And now with the shorter hours it's even harder. We are going to have the stroller for our youngest so we should be able to stay out most of each day. And remember that you will be take small breaks throughout the day for snacks and meals depending on what time of day your meals are.

[jana616]

So...as I have mentioned, we booked this trip back in November 2008. So I have had tons of time to prepare, and as any good woman knows, part of preparing for anything involves shopping!:lmao:

I have tried to keep an eye open for little things that will make the trip more magical for us, and boy, I have found lots!!! Who knew there were so many cute things that 5 and 2 year old boys NEED for a trip to Disney World?

I started out stashing these things in a milk crate in our closet. That crate kept shrinking :rolleyes1, and before I knew it, I moved them into a carry-on suitcase. But my bad luck has continued, because the carry-on has also shrunk :rolleyes1, and I am pretty sure I am going to have whip out several Rubbermaid tubs soon!

No story of Disney purchases would be complete without pictures, so without further ado, here's what I have so far! Oh, and I am SO sorry for all the messed up picture sizes! I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm trying to learn!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2870.jpg
First, let me just say how much I love Target. I have scored some really neat things there for very little money! In this picture are some Dollar Spot finds (snack containers, socks, temp. tattoos, flashlights). But there are also some clearanced after-Easter finds as well (Princess lollipops in holders, $.24; bubbles, $1.xx; sport water bottles filled with candy necklaces, $2.00)!! Oh, and Mickey fruit snacks, because...yum!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2871.jpg
Next up are the various things I'm finding to try and keep the kids happy and content on the planes there, and in the restaurants, and wherever else the kids need to be happy and content! I love garage sales, and I've found Disney surprise ink books and a Minnie doodle pad there. The Mickey and Elmo surprise ink books were clearanced at JoAnn Fabrics! Shh...Cooper loves Elmo more than Mickey! Some of the other things were more Target $ Spot finds. But my favorite is the two spinning light-up toys. I found those at a Children's Consignment Sale I go to twice a year, and they were each $.25!!! I am hoping this will avoid paying $15 or whatever they cost when we get there!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2872.jpg
These are the only two Disney shirts I've bought the boys so far. I really want to make them some from the Creative DISigns board designs, but at least they're a start. These were from when the Disney store had them 3/$12, gotta love that!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2873.jpg
I think this might be my favorite purchase so far! Target (again, can you feel the love?) has a twice-annual toy clearance where things are 75% off. I found these there, and each one was $1.48. I bought two of each, and am planning on leaving them every other night or so for the boys to wake up to. I am so excited about doing the little magical things for them!!!

Okay, enough of my stash pictures! What have you all bought? Do you have a Disney crate, suitcase, or tub?

[jana616]

Me too! That's my least favorite park to being with because it is so hard to plan and so hard to tour efficiently, and the short hours just make it worse! :headache: We're definitely going to have to do rope-drop on our DHS day, which will be a first for my family of night owls. :rotfl:

I think this is the one time in my life I will be happy to have kids who are up at the crack of dawn daily! I think we'll be able to make rope drop most mornings, and I'm planning that DHS rope drop is a must, so we can do TSMM without a carzy wait! I'm still not sure on dinner there yet; I better just make a decision and live with it!

I completely agree with this!! I have changed my mind so many times it's pathetic. :rotfl2: And now with the shorter hours it's even harder. We are going to have the stroller for our youngest so we should be able to stay out most of each day. And remember that you will be take small breaks throughout the day for snacks and meals depending on what time of day your meals are.

I know, the meal and snack breaks will be really nice, and I'm planning on some downtime with easier, quieter rides or water play areas too. I'm just not positive whether Cooper can get by with just stroller naps most days, or if the hotel break will be necessary. Time will tell, I guess!

[Colleen27]

I think this is the one time in my life I will be happy to have kids who are up at the crack of dawn daily! I think we'll be able to make rope drop most mornings, and I'm planning that DHS rope drop is a must, so we can do TSMM without a carzy wait! I'm still not sure on dinner there yet; I better just make a decision and live with it!


Yeah, that's the toughest one to plan for dining too. We're trying Brown Derby for the first time for lunch, but for dinner we're heading out of the park and over to the Boardwalk.

I think I've decided that we're not going to rush. If we use FP and still don't hit everything on our list, oh well. There's always next time. Other than TSMM we've seen/done everything there at least once already, and looking over the handful of things on my list of must-dos, it hardly seems worth the headache of trying to get my crew up early! :rotfl:

[Colleen27]

Okay, enough of my stash pictures! What have you all bought? Do you have a Disney crate, suitcase, or tub?

I'm worse than a shopper... I'm a crafter! Everything is packed at the moment or I'd snap some pics to share, but I've either started or bought supplies for several outfits for my girls, a custom autograph book/scrapbook for them to share, and stroller, luggage, camera bag & backpack tags to showcase my LGMHs. I can't wait to get settled into our new house so I can get back to using sewing and scrapping as an outlet for my trip planning obsession! :rotfl:

[jana616]

Yeah, that's the toughest one to plan for dining too. We're trying Brown Derby for the first time for lunch, but for dinner we're heading out of the park and over to the Boardwalk.

I think I've decided that we're not going to rush. If we use FP and still don't hit everything on our list, oh well. There's always next time. Other than TSMM we've seen/done everything there at least once already, and looking over the handful of things on my list of must-dos, it hardly seems worth the headache of trying to get my crew up early! :rotfl:

I think that's a great attitude to have if your gang is not early risers by nature! If you're planning to be there all day, surely you can get a FP for TSM and hit all the other stuff you want. Making a list of must-dos for there is actually my homework for this weekend, so I can try to guess whether we'll be ready to leave by 6, to plan a time for dinner.

Where are you eating on the Boardwalk? I finally thought we had it decided on Cape May Clambake for dinner, and then I started second-guessing Mama Melrose for lunch entirely for convenience' sake. But my DH, who has had zero opinions on anything thus far, said last night CMC sounded good to him, so I guess we'll stick with that if we can get a good time. Hopefully they'll still have crab legs then-I can eat my weight in those :lmao:

I'm worse than a shopper... I'm a crafter! Everything is packed at the moment or I'd snap some pics to share, but I've either started or bought supplies for several outfits for my girls, a custom autograph book/scrapbook for them to share, and stroller, luggage, camera bag & backpack tags to showcase my LGMHs. I can't wait to get settled into our new house so I can get back to using sewing and scrapping as an outlet for my trip planning obsession! :rotfl:

Oh, please, please, please post pics when you are settled!! I'm a crafter too (well, scrapbooker), and I am planning on making autograph books, so I would LOVE to see what you did. And the tags sound great, I never even thought of that. The clothes, though, I will not be making any of those! For one thing there aren't cutesy designs for boys like those pillowcase dresses, etc. But more important, that's way too hard for me! I admire anyone with sewing ability-my mom is awesome, but the gene did not pass down to me! I want to make some transfers for t-shirts, but that's as far as it goes for me;)

[Colleen27]

I think that's a great attitude to have if your gang is not early risers by nature! If you're planning to be there all day, surely you can get a FP for TSM and hit all the other stuff you want. Making a list of must-dos for there is actually my homework for this weekend, so I can try to guess whether we'll be ready to leave by 6, to plan a time for dinner.

Where are you eating on the Boardwalk? I finally thought we had it decided on Cape May Clambake for dinner, and then I started second-guessing Mama Melrose for lunch entirely for convenience' sake. But my DH, who has had zero opinions on anything thus far, said last night CMC sounded good to him, so I guess we'll stick with that if we can get a good time. Hopefully they'll still have crab legs then-I can eat my weight in those :lmao:

We keep a running list of must-dos and not-agains from trip to trip that I save to my spreadsheet for that vacation, so it doesn't take but a minute to go over what impressed us, what disappointed us, and what we didn't get to try. I make notes on our impressions of our dining experiences too, for the same reason. I don't know that I really need them any more, but I started this system before we became every-year visitors and my memory needed a little jog when there were 2 years between trips!

On our DHS day, we're going to try Flying Fish for the first time. We've eaten at ESPN Club on the Boardwalk and Yachtsman at the Yacht Club in the past, and we're all about trying new things this trip, especially when it comes to the signature restaurants. We're also going to try to fit in a dinner at Kouzzina and a round of miniature golf on a non-park/waterpark day.

Oh, please, please, please post pics when you are settled!! I'm a crafter too (well, scrapbooker), and I am planning on making autograph books, so I would LOVE to see what you did. And the tags sound great, I never even thought of that. The clothes, though, I will not be making any of those! For one thing there aren't cutesy designs for boys like those pillowcase dresses, etc. But more important, that's way too hard for me! I admire anyone with sewing ability-my mom is awesome, but the gene did not pass down to me! I want to make some transfers for t-shirts, but that's as far as it goes for me;)

I will definitely post pics. I did my first autograph book for DD's birthday trip in 2007 and it was really cute but didn't hold up well (it was fine for the trip, but not as a much-loved and often dragged out scrapbook for a 6yo), so I'm working on some new ideas this time.

I started pretty simple with the tags - I used to make a backing to slide into the luggage tags Disney sends, so one side would be Disney's castle design and the reverse would be a LGMH, but the problem with that is if they flip the wrong way, no one can see the Alien Green Mickey. So I'm working on doing those a little differently this time too.

As far as clothes go, I didn't have any interest in learning to sew until I had daughters. My oldest is a boy, and I totally hear you on the lack of cute easy patterns! Now, though, with a DD7 and a DD10mo, I sew because my older daughter wants matching outfits and it is very hard to find store bought outfits that come in both their sizes. I keep the sewing pretty simple - twirl skirts, adding embellishment to jeans, and easy dresses/jumpers. Where I like to get fancy is with painting decorations on shirts, jeans, hats, shoes, etc. I've always enjoyed drawing and painting, and started painting clothes when I was a teenager with infant/toddler cousins that I could dress up. It is a skill that has served my Disney obsession well. :cutie:

At the new house, I'm going to have a dedicated crafting space for the first time, and that'll probably be my next obsession after the ADRs are set - perfect outfits for all 3 kids for every day of the trip, and of course, Halloween costumes for MNSSHP. :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

Hi Jana!! Just wanted to say "hi" and that I'm enjoying your PTR!! We ate dinner at O'hana on our trip and it was my FAVORITE dinner of all of them! The food was sooo good and the dessert was TDF! They bring you as much as you want--it's incredible! They also have coconut races for the kids which Ally really enjoyed. Crystal Palace was a close 2nd. The buffet is incredible!! The characters are a lot of fun and the building is just beautiful! Our table overlooked the castle!

So you live in Indianapolis? We were up there last summer with my dh. He is always up in Indiana for work. His company's headquarters is in Columbus, IN. We spent a lot of time in Greenwood while we were there and went to downtown Indy one day. It seems like a really nice area!!

[jana616]

I will definitely post pics. I did my first autograph book for DD's birthday trip in 2007 and it was really cute but didn't hold up well (it was fine for the trip, but not as a much-loved and often dragged out scrapbook for a 6yo), so I'm working on some new ideas this time.

...

At the new house, I'm going to have a dedicated crafting space for the first time, and that'll probably be my next obsession after the ADRs are set - perfect outfits for all 3 kids for every day of the trip, and of course, Halloween costumes for MNSSHP. :thumbsup2

I have been debating how to do our autograph books. With such young kids, I know I don't want anything too nice being dragged around the parks. I've been thinking I would just print some of the cute pages from the DISigns board, and put them on a clipboard to take with us? And then put them in an 8x8 scrapbook album, and do one on each page with a picture of them with the character on the facing page, which I will decorate? I'm not sure. Any advice is welcome!!! And I do worry that they will be too well-loved to last long!

In our house I have a dedicated scrapbook room in our 4th bedroom. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself!! It's MY room-I painted it a really bright sour apple green that makes me happy everytime I open the door, and it's my space that everyone else leaves alone...mostly. Plus I can be messy and then just shut the door. We are planning to have baby #3 next year, and Chad keeps talking about how that will be the baby's room. Is it wrong that I am planning on making my boys share a room so I can keep it?:lmao:
Enjoy your new space, you will love it!!! How soon are you moving?

[jana616]

Hi Jana!! Just wanted to say "hi" and that I'm enjoying your PTR!! We ate dinner at O'hana on our trip and it was my FAVORITE dinner of all of them! The food was sooo good and the dessert was TDF! They bring you as much as you want--it's incredible! They also have coconut races for the kids which Ally really enjoyed. Crystal Palace was a close 2nd. The buffet is incredible!! The characters are a lot of fun and the building is just beautiful! Our table overlooked the castle!

So you live in Indianapolis? We were up there last summer with my dh. He is always up in Indiana for work. His company's headquarters is in Columbus, IN. We spent a lot of time in Greenwood while we were there and went to downtown Indy one day. It seems like a really nice area!!

Hi and welcome! I had a lot of fun reading your PTR, and I am happy you've started your TR. Your girls are beautiful by the way! I know, 'Ohana is my #1 place I want to eat, and pretty much the only one I am willing to move all around to get. Crystal Palace I really want to get as well, and I hope for our first night, because I think those characters would be kind of a gentle intro to characters for Cooper.

Small world, we are actually in Greenwood! We love it here. My husband grew up here, and we moved here in 2004 after he graduated from vet school. I love that it's big enough there are a lot of things going on downtown that are great for kids, and it's small enough that you can actually get to them. We grew up near Chicago, and while there is a ton to do there, getting downtown was a huge hassle. It's a nice blend here, and we LOVE the zoo and Children's Museum! Did you guys get to see those? If not you should definitely try to if you come back-your girls would love the Museum and it can easily fill a whole day. There's a nice, smaller one in Bloomington (where Indiana U. is) as well. OK, my ad for the Indianapolis Board of Tourism is over:lmao:

I hope you keep reading!

[Colleen27]

I have been debating how to do our autograph books. With such young kids, I know I don't want anything too nice being dragged around the parks. I've been thinking I would just print some of the cute pages from the DISigns board, and put them on a clipboard to take with us? And then put them in an 8x8 scrapbook album, and do one on each page with a picture of them with the character on the facing page, which I will decorate? I'm not sure. Any advice is welcome!!! And I do worry that they will be too well-loved to last long!

In our house I have a dedicated scrapbook room in our 4th bedroom. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself!! It's MY room-I painted it a really bright sour apple green that makes me happy everytime I open the door, and it's my space that everyone else leaves alone...mostly. Plus I can be messy and then just shut the door. We are planning to have baby #3 next year, and Chad keeps talking about how that will be the baby's room. Is it wrong that I am planning on making my boys share a room so I can keep it?:lmao:
Enjoy your new space, you will love it!!! How soon are you moving?

I kept it pretty simple for DD's birthday scrapbook. Where I went wrong was that in my concern for durability in the parks, I used a foam covered scrapbook as a starting point. It was great for the trip - water resistant and looked wonderful - but in the course of being well-loved, the cover has a tendency to flex and bend, dislodging the decorations. I left the inside mostly blank, except for a couple of front pages with birthday decorations and the basics of our trip (dates, resort). Then when we got home, I added borders and embellishments around the signatures and used the facing page for a photo layout of each character meeting.

We've got 3 kids and just bought a 4 bedroom house. My girls share a room by choice, which works well since the house has 3 upstairs bedrooms and one down. The downstairs bedroom will be an office/craft room - basically space for our desks, a craft table and a whole lot of bookshelves for supplies.

As far as when we're moving, that's a rather sore subject. Our offer was accepted on this house in March and we were supposed to be moved in before my birthday trip to Disney in May. Then closing got pushed back to the week before the trip, then to the week we were supposed to be there, and now until June 18, and my birthday trip became an un-birthday/Food & Wine Festival trip. Hopefully this closing date will hold, so I can get down to the important things in life - planting my gardens and making stuff for our Disney trip! :rotfl:

[ladybugmom]

Hi and welcome! I had a lot of fun reading your PTR, and I am happy you've started your TR. Your girls are beautiful by the way! I know, 'Ohana is my #1 place I want to eat, and pretty much the only one I am willing to move all around to get. Crystal Palace I really want to get as well, and I hope for our first night, because I think those characters would be kind of a gentle intro to characters for Cooper.

Small world, we are actually in Greenwood! We love it here. My husband grew up here, and we moved here in 2004 after he graduated from vet school. I love that it's big enough there are a lot of things going on downtown that are great for kids, and it's small enough that you can actually get to them. We grew up near Chicago, and while there is a ton to do there, getting downtown was a huge hassle. It's a nice blend here, and we LOVE the zoo and Children's Museum! Did you guys get to see those? If not you should definitely try to if you come back-your girls would love the Museum and it can easily fill a whole day. There's a nice, smaller one in Bloomington (where Indiana U. is) as well. OK, my ad for the Indianapolis Board of Tourism is over:lmao:

I hope you keep reading!

No way!! I can't believe you live in Greenwood! What a small world!! Greenwood was so nice and I couldn't believe how close it was to Indy! We did not get to visit the zoo and children's museum but we did drive by them and I got pics! We were there only for a weekend.

I will definitely keep reading! I've already subscribed!! :)

[jana616]

I kept it pretty simple for DD's birthday scrapbook. Where I went wrong was that in my concern for durability in the parks, I used a foam covered scrapbook as a starting point. It was great for the trip - water resistant and looked wonderful - but in the course of being well-loved, the cover has a tendency to flex and bend, dislodging the decorations. I left the inside mostly blank, except for a couple of front pages with birthday decorations and the basics of our trip (dates, resort). Then when we got home, I added borders and embellishments around the signatures and used the facing page for a photo layout of each character meeting.

We've got 3 kids and just bought a 4 bedroom house. My girls share a room by choice, which works well since the house has 3 upstairs bedrooms and one down. The downstairs bedroom will be an office/craft room - basically space for our desks, a craft table and a whole lot of bookshelves for supplies.

As far as when we're moving, that's a rather sore subject. Our offer was accepted on this house in March and we were supposed to be moved in before my birthday trip to Disney in May. Then closing got pushed back to the week before the trip, then to the week we were supposed to be there, and now until June 18, and my birthday trip became an un-birthday/Food & Wine Festival trip. Hopefully this closing date will hold, so I can get down to the important things in life - planting my gardens and making stuff for our Disney trip! :rotfl:

I'm glad to hear about your experience with the autograph books, it gives me some food for thought about how to do mine. At least I've got some time to think about it!

The layout of the house sounds perfect for a craft room! That'll be really nice to have it on the lower level. All of our bedrooms are upstairs, so I don't get to be in my craft room much when the boys are awake since they usually play downstairs. Plus it'd be nice to have our computer on the main floor. I think it's sweet that your ODD wants to room with her baby sister. Precious!

[jana616]

No way!! I can't believe you live in Greenwood! What a small world!! Greenwood was so nice and I couldn't believe how close it was to Indy! We did not get to visit the zoo and children's museum but we did drive by them and I got pics! We were there only for a weekend.

I will definitely keep reading! I've already subscribed!! :)

That's so funny that you were right here! It's not like Greenwood is a real tourist destination! If you ever do come back, definitely try the museum out...does your DH come here for work often?

[ladybugmom]

That's so funny that you were right here! It's not like Greenwood is a real tourist destination! If you ever do come back, definitely try the museum out...does your DH come here for work often?

Well--to Columbus (south of Greenwood). He will actually be there next week. He flies up on Tuesdays a lot for meetings.

[jana616]

Not that this has anything to do with Disney, but Griffin had his first t-ball game on Saturday, and as any proud mama must do, I'm going to post some pictures.;) He did so well! Last spring (2008) we tried him with soccer, and it was a disaster. It was still pretty cold out, he was tired, he kept running off the field and sitting with us...

But I think maybe he's a future all star, because he was all over this game! He did well, and actually had a blast!

So here's my little slugger!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2888.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2905_edited-1.jpg
Him with his BFF-don't they look so cute together?
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2919_edited-1.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2930_edited-1.jpg

Thanks for humoring me!

[racefanof88]

Joining in. You have a lovely family. I can relate to the story about your little boy and soccer. My oldest son was the same way with baseball....:laughing:

[jana616]

Joining in. You have a lovely family. I can relate to the story about your little boy and soccer. My oldest son was the same way with baseball....:laughing:

Hi Dana, :welcome:! Thanks for joining me, and for the compliment on my family. It's good to hear that Griffin isn't alone in taking a while to find his sport! What's funny is that my DH, Chad, has always played soccer, from the age of 3, through high school and college, and even now in an "over 30" league. His dad was a really good baseball player, but Chad was just too active for the "standing around" in baseball, so soccer was a good fit. Griffin, however, seems to like the standing around of baseball a lot more than the constant motion of soccer. He was really into it even during his time in the field, going after every play, actually paying attention! I was shocked! We'll see how this Saturday goes, maybe the first game was a fluke!

[jana616]

So, I couldn't take waiting to book all of the ADRs anymore, so I called T-Rex directly today to at least get one meal locked in. As I mentioned in my first post, Griffin (and by virtue of being little brother, Cooper) is obsessed with dinosaurs. He truly wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up, and actually has a favorite paleontologist that he has written to. He has no idea that T-Rex even exists, and since he knows about almost every other detail of the trip (mommy is really bad at keeping secrets!), I want to keep this a surprise! I can't wait to see his face when we walk into it! So we are officially booked for Saturday, September 12th at 5:30 pm. Woo Hoo!!

Since pictures are such a fun addition to any PTR, here are some of my dino boys!
Griffin unleashing his inner paleo nerd by chiseling out a plastic dino fossil!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_1354.jpg

Griffin and Cooper on Kota the Triceratops, the one thing he wanted for Christmas
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_1387.jpg

OK, this one makes me laugh! That's Chad as a dinosaur fossil under the blanket, and Griffin is chiseling him out with the paintbrush and boomerang. We get really bored around here!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_1690.jpg

Cooper learning to play dinosaurs too!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2863.jpg

Last one, I promise! Griffin with the "baby" Kotas he got for Easter. He wanted them for 4 months!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_2418.jpg

Last but not least, I have my ADR requests all ready and they have been passed on to my TA for tomorrow morning. They are:

9/7-Crystal Palace 5:45 pm
9/8-Ohana 5:00 pm
9/9-Cape May Clambake 6:30 pm
9/10-Le Cellier 11:45 am, Garden Grill 6 pm
9/11-Tusker House 8:00 am
9/12-T-Rex 5:30 DONE!!
9/13-Ohana 9:00 am, Chef Mickeys 5:30

Lots of popular ones, and for a party of 6, but we're looking for times on the early side, so hopefully that will help!

[jana616]

Oops, sorry, double post!

[slamgtr09]

Yay for your first ADR! I have not been to the TRex restaurant yet, can't wait to hear how it is! And I love the pics of your son chiseling away at the "fossil", too cute! :goodvibes

[racefanof88]

Congrats on T-Rex. We were gonna eat there in May for Dallas' pseudo-birthday lunch, but they don't have cake delivery. I want to eat there though so we may have to go there in September. Only one day left for the rest of your ADRs :banana:. I still have 20 days before I can make mine. I am worried we won't be able to get some of ours :scared:. I have a list on my September PTR so I have some backups.

[ladybugmom]

Awwww!! I just love all of your pictures! Your boys are just ADORABLE!! I hope you get all the ADRs and times that you want!!

[jana616]

Yay for your first ADR! I have not been to the TRex restaurant yet, can't wait to hear how it is! And I love the pics of your son chiseling away at the "fossil", too cute! :goodvibes

Congrats on T-Rex. We were gonna eat there in May for Dallas' pseudo-birthday lunch, but they don't have cake delivery. I want to eat there though so we may have to go there in September. Only one day left for the rest of your ADRs :banana:. I still have 20 days before I can make mine. I am worried we won't be able to get some of ours :scared:. I have a list on my September PTR so I have some backups.

Awwww!! I just love all of your pictures! Your boys are just ADORABLE!! I hope you get all the ADRs and times that you want!!

Thanks for all the replies! I am super excited about getting that ressie done, and will feel lots better when everything is done tomorrow. I think ADRs have been really stressful for me since I'm doing all the planning for the group (my mom has had some opinions, but Chad and his mom have had none-now I know where he gets it:rotfl:) I hope the places I've picked are good and everyone likes them. And then worrying about not getting them, rearranging... I will be super happy when that part is done, and I think the rest of the planning will be more fun-planning what to see in each park type stuff!

I will be sure to post tomorrow with my success (or lack thereof)!

[princesspaige]

I have been debating how to do our autograph books. With such young kids, I know I don't want anything too nice being dragged around the parks. I've been thinking I would just print some of the cute pages from the DISigns board, and put them on a clipboard to take with us? And then put them in an 8x8 scrapbook album, and do one on each page with a picture of them with the character on the facing page, which I will decorate? I'm not sure. Any advice is welcome!!! And I do worry that they will be too well-loved to last long!

For both of Paige's autograph books, I bought the book at Disney (the small one) for the characters to sign. I made sure I had a picture of her with each character. When we got back, I made photocopies of the autographs. In a 8 x 8 scrapbook, I put the pic on one side (with simple decorations) and the autograph on the opposite page. They both turned out really nice and Paige still likes to look thru them. I will do the same thing for this trip. Unfortunately I am a scrapper as well. There for a while I think I was keeping my creative memories consultant in business. :lmao:

[jana616]

The big news...I've spoken with my TA, and she was able to get us everything we wanted! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

Here was my wish list, and in parantheses the actual time we got, if different:
9/7-Crystal Palace 5:45 pm (6:10)
9/8-Ohana 5:00 pm
9/9-Cape May Clambake 6:30 pm (5:50)
9/10-Le Cellier 11:45 am, Garden Grill 6 pm (5:30)
9/11-Tusker House 8:00 am (8:15)
9/12-T-Rex 5:30
9/13-Ohana 9:00 am, Chef Mickeys 5:30

I can't believe it!!! We got every single place we wanted, and I didn't even have to switch any days around. I feel super guilty that while (from what I read on the restaurant board) a lot of people were having tons of problems calling in, I just sat and waited to hear. I guess that's the advantage to using a TA, but it seems really unfair that the system is not the same for everyone! I hope :wizard: that everyone else trying for ADRs today had great luck as well.

Well, I am on :cloud9:, and an ADR high. Of course I am now second guessing my times and dates, but there is no going back. We purposely picked our parks to hopefully be the least crowded (avoiding Fantasmic and EMH) so maybe that's why we had good luck?

[slamgtr09]

Yay, I am so excited for you! :banana:

[princesspaige]

Doesn't it feel great? I am glad you were able to get what you wanted without moving things around. :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! So glad you got everything you wanted! I was the same way when I planned my trip. I didn't have to do a thing! My TA did everything for me, too! Don't feel bad. ANYONE can use a TA, you know?!

[Angies1274]

Congrats on getting all your ADR's!!! That's awesome!:thumbsup2 I also have Crystal Palace and Cape May Clambake for dinner. These are new places for us and we are very excited to try them.:cool1:

You found great deals at Target--Wow!!$1.48 for stuffed toys. I'm sure that your boys will love all the extra magic.:wizard:

[jana616]

Yay, I am so excited for you! :banana:

Doesn't it feel great? I am glad you were able to get what you wanted without moving things around. :thumbsup2

YAY!! So glad you got everything you wanted! I was the same way when I planned my trip. I didn't have to do a thing! My TA did everything for me, too! Don't feel bad. ANYONE can use a TA, you know?!

Thank you all for the well wishes! None of the other people going with me have been as excited as I was. I get that they didn't care as much as me, but they should just be happy I'll stop talking about it and asking their opinion, if nothing else! :lmao: I was so happy to tell Griffin today that we get to eat with Pooh, Mickey, Goofy, and Donald. Apparently, lots of Mickey and Goofy-I think they're at 3/4 of our character meals, all in the last 3 days of our trip. Whoops, didn't plan that real well, did I? But I'm not changing it now, that's for sure! And Becky, you are absolutely right that anyone could use a TA, I just felt bad that some people who cared every bit as much as me were having all kinds of problems while I did nothing. It didn't seem fair, but I guess I just lucked out and picked a great TA-that kind of thing never happens to me!!!

Congrats on getting all your ADR's!!! That's awesome!:thumbsup2 I also have Crystal Palace and Cape May Clambake for dinner. These are new places for us and we are very excited to try them.:cool1:

You found great deals at Target--Wow!!$1.48 for stuffed toys. I'm sure that your boys will love all the extra magic.:wizard:

Welcome!! Thanks for reading! Yeah, I was super psyched about the stuffed toys. Of course I bought them when we were driving and had room to spare. Flying them across the country may not be the best plan, but I want this to be so special for them! I hope you love CP and CMC!

[Colleen27]

Yay on the great ADRs!! It is so great to read all these Sept success stories. :)

[2shortpeopleruleme]

I have been debating how to do our autograph books. With such young kids, I know I don't want anything too nice being dragged around the parks. I've been thinking I would just print some of the cute pages from the DISigns board, and put them on a clipboard to take with us? And then put them in an 8x8 scrapbook album, and do one on each page with a picture of them with the character on the facing page, which I will decorate? I'm not sure. Any advice is welcome!!! And I do worry that they will be too well-loved to last long!

Like you I didn't know what would be best to use/have for such little ones. Here is what I have come up with (so far:-). They each will have a plain autograph book. Maybe even index cards... Idk just something pretty plain. I am only going to even have it out at the character meals. When we get home I am going to scan the autographs in and then print them out on iron transfers and make them each a pillowcase.

[jana616]

Yay on the great ADRs!! It is so great to read all these Sept success stories. :)

Your ADR day is almost here!!! Do you have your plan all figured out? I'm sure you'll have great success, September seems to be going much more smoothly!

[jana616]

Like you I didn't know what would be best to use/have for such little ones. Here is what I have come up with (so far:-). They each will have a plain autograph book. Maybe even index cards... Idk just something pretty plain. I am only going to even have it out at the character meals. When we get home I am going to scan the autographs in and then print them out on iron transfers and make them each a pillowcase.

Oh, I LOVE:love: the pillowcase idea! So cute, and something they can see and use everyday without destroying it! Now I'm trying to figure out what I can stick on a pillowcase, :rotfl:!!

[princesspaige]

Less than 90 days to go!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
So very exciting! ;)

[racefanof88]

:thumbsup2 On getting all of your ADRs. I still have 13 days before I can make mine. I have several of the same restaurants on my wish list.

[jana616]

Quick (very) mini-update!

Online dining reservations started today, so of course I hopped on to see if I could get a little closer to some of my ideal times on the few ressies that we didn't get exactly. I had some great success!

On 9/7, we wanted Crystal Palace at 5:30, but got 6:10 (no biggie). I got it for 5:40 today!

On 9/11, we wanted Tusker House at 8 am, but got 8:15 (probably not a huge deal, but I really want to get started right at 9 there). I got it for 8 am today!

On 9/9, we wanted Cape May for 6:30, but got 5:50 (trying to get as much DHS time in as possible since it closes at 7). I got it for 6:55 today, but am not sure it's better. I don't know if the kids can hold out and behave for dinner at 7, especially with no break during the day. I booked it, but am keeping both for the evening while I think about it.

So the moral of this story is, if you aren't thrilled with your ADRs...go online and play! It was fun!

Oh, and tomorrow I'm ordering Ridemax...I can't wait to obsess over that for the next 82 days!

[Angies1274]

Congrats on the success of updating your ADR's. I've been playing around with it the last couple days trying to find some better times. We have an ADR for Cape May for 7:00pm one night--I booked it because we wanted to eat there but I am hoping for an earlier time--so far no luck but I'll keep trying.:goodvibes

How do like Ridemax? I've heard good things about it.:)

[jana616]

Congrats on the success of updating your ADR's. I've been playing around with it the last couple days trying to find some better times. We have an ADR for Cape May for 7:00pm one night--I booked it because we wanted to eat there but I am hoping for an earlier time--so far no luck but I'll keep trying.:goodvibes

How do like Ridemax? I've heard good things about it.:)

Ummm...I'm in love with Ridemax. I'd pretty much like to marry it and have 10,000 of its babies. I've only been able to play around with August so far, since September dates aren't in it yet, but I've been doing exactly two weeks before we go, same days and parks, and it's been amazing. Having never been with a plan before (we went for just 3 days in 2001 and didn't really know or care what we saw), I had no concept of what we could do in a day. Plus getting an idea on wait times has been great, and I love knowing that it's going to just tell us where to be when. It's very user friendly. The only thing I'm having a hard time with is, like at AK, Chad and I want to ride EE. But no one else in the group does, so we could ride it while they do a show or play in the Boneyard. But then trying to figure out when to get a FP is hard. I think our particular "group" (young kids who can't ride everything, with grandmas who can do other things with them while we do thrill rides) makes it a bit more complicated.

But overall, when I think of the cost to go, $18 seems a very small price to pay, and it's fun to play with!!!

OK, Ridemax commercial over!

[racefanof88]

OK what is Ridemax? I haven't heard of it before.

[Colleen27]

Your ADR day is almost here!!! Do you have your plan all figured out? I'm sure you'll have great success, September seems to be going much more smoothly!

Yep, I've got everything all set and ready to go. There's only one night I'm waffling a bit about, because there are a lot of good Epcot places we haven't tried and only a couple nights to eat there, but none of them are the hard to get ones so if I change my mind a couple dozen times between now & Sept, I shouldn't have a problem. :rotfl: Only 8 more days till I can get online and get them all set! :goodvibes

[jana616]

OK what is Ridemax? I haven't heard of it before.

It's software you can purchase and download. It has the specific hours for each park on specific days. So I will tell it I want to make a plan for MK on 9/8. I tell it I want to be there from 9-9, with a lunch break of 45 minutes at Cosmic Rays, and a dinner ADR for 80 minutes at CP. Then you choose all of the rides, shows, parades, etc. that you want to do. And it puts them into a plan for the day...ie, be at POTC at 9:07, your wait will be 4 minutes, ride will last 13. Then go to Jungle Cruise at 9:27, your wait will be...etc. It fits the rides around the breaks you want to take.

From everything I have read from people who used it, it's amazingly accurate (even more than the posted wait times at rides), and gives you a plan to follow. I was worried about being too regimented, but it gives you free time sporadically throughout the day, and you can revise the plan as much as you want to make that happen. You can also tell it if you want to go to a show at a specific time, if your FP runner is willing to miss certain rides, if you only want to ride water rides between 10-4. It is truly amazing. The people who own it and run it really go to the parks constantly to make sure their times are accurate. People who use it say that they were zagging when everyone else zigged, and that's how the lines were so short. It's www.ridemax.com, and they have a 90 day money back guarantee if you don't like it.

Honestly, they aren't paying me :rotfl:, I've just heard great things and been really impressed so far! HTH!

[jana616]

Alright, now that Ridemax has been purchased and I've started making practice plans, I'm getting serious about figuring out what rides, shows, and parades we want to see in each park. This seems much more fun to me than ADR planning was. I feel a little more in control of this part-no worrying about whether there will be room in the rides for me or if we'll only be able to ride at 9:50 pm, unlike ADRs!:rotfl: However, just like with the restaurants, all of which I wanted to eat at, I want to see EVERYTHING! And I'm learning (via Ridemax, ha ha!) that it can't be done!

So here are my must-dos at DHS: (I think...and I welcome all thoughts on this stuff, please!)
*Star Tours (except for Cooper)
*Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show (Griffin saw this on youtube and really
wants to see it)
*Muppet Vision 3-D
*Playhouse Disney Live
*Toy Story Mania (duh!)
*Voyage of the Little Mermaid (enough people recommended it that I think
it's a must do-anyone disagree?)
*RnRC and ToT for Chad and I
*HISTK play area (maybe while we're doing the grown up rides)
*Block Party Bash

Things some of us would like to see, but I don't think will happen, are Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour, Indiana Jones show, and American Idol. Do you think we're missing anything by not seeing those?

The problem with this day comes because we have a 5:50 ADR at Cape May. So we only have 9-5 to see everything. This is proving to be the toughest park for me by far.

Any thoughts?

[Angies1274]

Hi--I think your Park Plans look good.:thumbsup2 My boys loved Lights,Motor, Action Stunt Show and Toy Story Mania (so fun!!) They are definitely must-do's for our family! I don't think you should have too much problem getting everything accomplished on your lists of things you want to do by five. We were there back in April and were able to do Toy Story Mania (first thing), Playhouse Disney Live, Star Tours, Lights Motor Action, Muppet 3D and HISTK Play Area. We didn't do TOT, or RnRC (DH and DS's opted out) A must-do for me next trip though!! But we did do Backlot Tour, Meet and Greet at the Animation Building and caught the parade on our way out. We left around four that day.(It was also the week after Easter). I think you should be fine as long as you utilize fastpass.:goodvibes

[Colleen27]

So here are my must-dos at DHS: (I think...and I welcome all thoughts on this stuff, please!)
*Star Tours (except for Cooper)
*Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show (Griffin saw this on youtube and really
wants to see it)
*Muppet Vision 3-D
*Playhouse Disney Live
*Toy Story Mania (duh!)
*Voyage of the Little Mermaid (enough people recommended it that I think
it's a must do-anyone disagree?)
*RnRC and ToT for Chad and I
*HISTK play area (maybe while we're doing the grown up rides)
*Block Party Bash

Things some of us would like to see, but I don't think will happen, are Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour, Indiana Jones show, and American Idol. Do you think we're missing anything by not seeing those?

The problem with this day comes because we have a 5:50 ADR at Cape May. So we only have 9-5 to see everything. This is proving to be the toughest park for me by far.

Any thoughts?

DHS is always my planning challenge, because the show times are often difficult to coordinate. I think this year we'll end up splitting up quite a bit so everyone gets to see their "must-dos".

Lights, Motors, Action is a must do for any little boy who has crashed his Hot Wheels for fun. My DS loved it at 6, at 7, at 9, and can't wait to go back and see it again. :rotfl:

Of the ones you're planning to miss, The Great Movie Ride is the one I'd try to fit in. It took until our 3rd trip to see it, and it was one of those "duh" moments when we couldn't believe we didn't check it out sooner.

[racefanof88]

DHS is my least favorite park. I don't do ToT or RnR. My favorite show at DHS is Beauty and the Beast. I like Backlot Tour, Lights, Motor, Action and Toy Story is my favorite ride at DHS. We can usually do DHS in one day or even a half day depending on what we really want to ride. This May we rode TSM twice, The Great Movie Ride, Indiana Jones, and Star Tours and we ate at Sci Fi. We left the park early because of rain.

[jana616]

Thanks all for the feedback on DHS! It sounds like we may be able to cram in all of our must do's, but I also want to leave some time for the unexpected things, like seeing a character, photo ops, etc. So...I've been contemplating switching our ADR for that day to give us more time there, and I would LOVE opinions!

Current ADR is Cape May at 5:50. I'm figuring we need to be out of the park and heading to the boat dock at 5. I just really wish we had a little more time there, and now I keep reading negative things about Cape May, so it's making me nervous! (And yes, I know I should just try it and form my own opinions!!).

So I started rethinking about H&V and the character breakfast. I looked, and an 8 am ADR is available for our day. So the question is, what to do?

Pros of H&V:
-first ADR of the day means empty park for photos
-done by rope drop means easy time getting FP for TSM
-another character meal, which my boys will love
-heard it's great interaction and not very crowded
-gives us the whole day to tour with no other obligations

Cons of H&V:
-hear some very negative things about food (breakfast too, or mostly lunch/dinner?)
-my kids don't know who JoJo is, and don't watch LE
-up and at park early
-using TS credit for breakfast not best use of credit
-don't get to do Cape May, which my mom and Chad were kind of excited about (though Chad mostly just wanted to ride the boat there??)

So...what to do? I would LOVE feedback, especially if you've been to one or both of these meals! Please????

[ladybugmom]

We did H&V for lunch and we really enjoyed it! There is a lot of variety of foods on the buffet. My girls LOVE LE and Ally used to watch JoJo (not sure why it's not on much anymore). Ally enjoyed the interactive singing and dancing throughout the meal.

[jana616]

We did H&V for lunch and we really enjoyed it! There is a lot of variety of foods on the buffet. My girls LOVE LE and Ally used to watch JoJo (not sure why it's not on much anymore). Ally enjoyed the interactive singing and dancing throughout the meal.

Thanks for the feedback! I actually saw your lunch there on your TR, so I knew you'd been there and had fun (LOVING your TR, btw. You guys look like you had such a magical trip!) We are truly not picky people, and it seems like it would be hard to mess up breakfast food, so I can't imagine how it could be so bad. But when you read so many bad reviews, it makes you nervous! And since I would orchestrating this switch (and really picked every other restaurant too), I will feel terrible if we all leave there hungry and cranky!

But geesh, the timing works out so well, and my kids love seeing any big characters, so I think they'd like it. Still working this one out...

[jana616]

I know I haven't updated anything in a long while. Part of that was due to how busy things have been...Chad was out of town for 5 days, and then when he came back we had Cooper's 2nd birthday party and were doing all the prep work for that. I'm going to try to post a few pictures later from that. I can't believe my baby is 2! :love:

We also just haven't had much going on, Disney wise. We've kind of hit a quiet patch with no new plans or problems, so things have been slow. Until this weekend, when a great thing happened...Delta totally messed with our flights!!!

Why is this great, you're asking? Well, they've been messing with them by minutes here and minutes there for 3 months. We've gone from one hour and ten minute layovers to 41 minute layovers, which made me nervous with 6 people, two of whom will be tired, cranky preschoolers. And then finally on Friday, they sent me notice that our flights to Orlando had changed from a 9 am departure to a 7 am, and instead of a 41 minute layover, we now had a three hour layover. I called and kept explaining how this wouldn't work for us, how none of the options would, and asked for a refund. And they did it!! I was so shocked and happy!

So I turned around and booked on Airtran, and got NON-STOP flights, and, wait for it...they're cheaper! :banana::banana::banana: We still leave at 7 am (which would have been our new time on Delta), but now we get in at 9:17 am instead of 1:11 pm! I am SO excited. Even coming back we get to leave Orlando an hour later, and get into Indy almost 2 hours earlier! Yay for direct flights!

So now I'm hoping and praying our rooms will be ready early. I'd love to get in, swim, all take a rest, and then head to the park late afternoon. We've been planning to stay through Spectro at 9 pm, but leave before Wishes. If the rooms aren't ready, then I think we'll drop our stuff, head to the park for a few hours, come back and rest, and head back in time for our 6:30 dinner at Crystal Palace. Does this sound do-able?

Oh, and...less than 50 days to go! :cool1:

[ladybugmom]

YAY for cheaper flights and more Disney time!! That's wonderful! And Happy 2nd Birthday to Cooper!! Glad things are going well!!

[jana616]

Big news here....our final payment has been made!!!!!!!! And I think that deserves a :banana::banana::banana:!

Just 45 days to go. Time to get serious about park planning, and I am still trying to make shirts for the boys. Man, that Creative DISigns board is overwhelming!

And in case anyone is wondering, we did NOT get an upgrade to SSR or OKW, unlike every other person staying at a Value during free dining. But that's okay, we are still going to have a blast!

Woo Hoo...45 days to go!

[ladybugmom]

Big news here....our final payment has been made!!!!!!!! And I think that deserves a :banana::banana::banana:!

Just 45 days to go. Time to get serious about park planning, and I am still trying to make shirts for the boys. Man, that Creative DISigns board is overwhelming!

And in case anyone is wondering, we did NOT get an upgrade to SSR or OKW, unlike every other person staying at a Value during free dining. But that's okay, we are still going to have a blast!

Woo Hoo...45 days to go!

:dancer: YAY for final payment!! :dancer:

Yes, there is soooo much to look at on the Creative DIS board!! Sooo many talented DISers!! I'm sorry you didn't get the upgrade. That stinks!

[Macduffy]

I'm so glad you put your PTR in your siggy! With 2 little ones (boys at that) we need all the support we can get LOL!

Delta messed with our flights as well but after explaining that the changes weren't going to work for us they changed some stuff and it's going to be much better now (more time at Disney!!!)

Have you picked your t-shirt design yet? I'm addicted to Donatalie stuff on the DISigns boards! Think we'll do a little einsteins and a Jedi shirt. Are you doing some for yourself and DH or just the kids?

[mommyof2Pirates]

just signing on now. better late than never. I am fairly new to the dis boards and I am thinking about starting a PTR soon. I am trying to get 10 posts so I can finally post pictures with my reports. I was so excited to read your PTR. I too have a 4 year old son (turning 5 11/9) and a 2 year old son who will be 29 months when we go to disney. Our dates are 9/20-9/26. I was wondering with your airtran tickets did you get to pick your seats ahead of time? We booked through AAA and my TA told me that I can't go on ahead and even pay to pick my seats because we booked through disney as a package. I have no idea what she is talking about but she tells me that worse case scenario is that my DH sits with one child and I sit with another even if we are seperated. This just stresses me out not knowing what to expect. This is the first flight for both of my boys.

[jana616]

Oh, yay, new readers! Becky, I was worried you were hanging in there all by your lonesome! Now that I know a few people are reading I'll be sure to get serious again. Plus, with only 36 days to go (yes, 5 weeks from now, I will be running around with a chicken with my head cut off, desperately trying to figure out what I'm forgetting to pack!), lots of exciting things should be happening, like Mickey Mail, crafty things I'm trying to get made, etc.

I'm so glad you put your PTR in your siggy! With 2 little ones (boys at that) we need all the support we can get LOL!

Delta messed with our flights as well but after explaining that the changes weren't going to work for us they changed some stuff and it's going to be much better now (more time at Disney!!!)

Have you picked your t-shirt design yet? I'm addicted to Donatalie stuff on the DISigns boards! Think we'll do a little einsteins and a Jedi shirt. Are you doing some for yourself and DH or just the kids?

WELCOME! I'm enjoying your PTR a lot, and yes, we mommies of boys definitely need all the support we can get! I was SOOO happy that Delta messed us up so badly. Changing to Airtran has been awesome-saving a few $$$, and getting there 4 hours earlier after a non-stop flight will be so great. Airtran moved up our return flight by half an hour the other day. We leave at 12:14 now instead of 12:45. I know I could call and they would move us to a different flight, and there is another non-stop leaving at 6 pm and arriving in Indy at 8:14. It's SO tempting-that gives us a whole extra day at Disney. But I want to send the boys to preschool the next day (mama's got to unpack and do laundry, plus they're missing a few days already) and Chad will work the next day, and I don't want to get home late. So I think we're doing the responsible thing and leaving early. But man, do I want to switch!

I do have most of our disigns picked out. I'm doing a shirt each day for the boys (or so I say now, we'll see once I get started ironing! :rotfl:). I've got a "My 1st Disney Vacation," an AK one, a Hawaiian Mickey head with Stitch for our Ohana breakfast day, a T-Rex one for that day, a Playhouse Disney one someone made for me, one with their name made from Disney characters, and then I am making 1 set of shirts for all 6 of us for one day. I thought we'd get some super cute pics of us and the grandmas in them at MK. I bought a bunch of shirts, but they're too big for Cooper. Did you have any luck finding shirts for your little guy?

My next big thing is doing a Disney family night-you have totally inspired me!

just signing on now. better late than never. I am fairly new to the dis boards and I am thinking about starting a PTR soon. I am trying to get 10 posts so I can finally post pictures with my reports. I was so excited to read your PTR. I too have a 4 year old son (turning 5 11/9) and a 2 year old son who will be 29 months when we go to disney. Our dates are 9/20-9/26. I was wondering with your airtran tickets did you get to pick your seats ahead of time? We booked through AAA and my TA told me that I can't go on ahead and even pay to pick my seats because we booked through disney as a package. I have no idea what she is talking about but she tells me that worse case scenario is that my DH sits with one child and I sit with another even if we are seperated. This just stresses me out not knowing what to expect. This is the first flight for both of my boys.

WELCOME! Wow, our boys are so close in age! Griffin will be 5 on 11/19! We did pick our Airtran seats ahead of time, but we didn't go through Disney. We went through kayak.com, which is an airfare search engine. It normally costs $6 each way to pick, but if you go through kayak, the way it routes you lets you pick for free! I learned that from the disboards, of course! I know you can pick for free 24 hours in advance on airtran's website. I also think that right now they are giving away $25 coupons, and some people are using them to pay for their seat selections. I don't know much about that, but if you go to this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2224613, you might be able to ask for some help. Everyone on there is very willing to help and answer questions!

Becky-question for you...did you make Ally's passport, or buy one? I'm wanting to make one from all the cute pages people designed, but I'm not sure what to put them in to make it sturdy!
OK, I promise more soon! And if I ever get the shirts made, I will of course post pictures :goodvibes

[jana616]

Alright, so it's been weeks, and I know all one or two of you have been DYING with anticipation, waiting for the plans for the other 3 parks. Well, I give you...Animal Kingdom!

Must do:
*Festival of the Lion King
*Safari
*Expedition Everest (for Chad and I)
*Flights of Wonder
*Kali River Rapids (not Cooper)
*Boneyard
*Dinosaur (Griffin really wants to do this one...I'm a little nervous, but he watched it on youtube and didn't seem worried, Chad thinks he'll do fine...:confused3)
Triceratops Spin

If time:
The two trails (definitely one of them, maybe both)
Finding Nemo (not thinking this is going to happen, and I'm fine with that)
Rafiki's Planet Watch

Definite No:
It's Tough to Be a Bug (I know both kids would be way freaked out!)

Ridemax thinks we can get all of our must dos done, as well as some time on the trails. Hopefully the boys can play in the Boneyard with the grandmas while Chad and I ride EE. We have an 8 am ADR at Tusker House, so I'm excited to get there early and really have the whole day to play. Still undecided on where to eat lunch. I hate BBQ, though others in the group like it. I was thinking Pizzafari maybe, but would love suggestions if someone has a place they love.

Up Next...Epcot (AKA, wow what a mess!)

[jana616]

Well, I may be talking to myself after all, but doggone it, I've come this far, might as well keep chatting. At least I know I'll like the responses! :rotfl:

I woke up yesterday morning and realized that one month from then we will be going to Disney! :banana: I will also be celebrating my birthday! Although I'll be turning 32 :eek:, so maybe we'll just focus on the Disney part...

So, what better way to celebrate hitting the one month mark than by doing our WDW "trial run." I read somewhere to do a long day trip before you hit Disney and see how it goes, as a way to prepare. What makes the kids cranky? What did you forget to bring? How are the strollers working for us?Etc., etc...

Yesterday was the first day of the Indiana State Fair. We go every year (a great thing about living in the city it's in!) and spend all day, so we thought that would work for our test. We went with my parents, so even though Grandma Sue wasn't along like she will be for WDW, my dad filled in as the 2nd grandparent-in other words, we still had a nice 4:2 adult to kid ratio! ;)

We left the house around 9:45 (note, this was 45 minutes later than we planned, so I know to allow more time at WDW than I was thinking!). By the time we parked and got into the fair, it was 11 am. Right away I realized I forgot my camera! :headache: (note, I do NOT want to do this at Disney!). We had a great, long day. We left there around 7:30 last night, so it was a full day.

In case anyone else is reading and preparing for their first trip with small kids, here is what I learned from our trial run:

-I am bringing the world's largest bag of dum dums. Seriously.

-My kids got super cranky when they were hungry, which I wasn't expecting since they eat very little (even less than average kids). I am bringing lots of semi-healthy snacks, like crackers, raisins, grapes/bananas if possible.

-Cooper did not conk out and sleep in his stroller. I was shocked. I really thought he would, since he is a stellar napper at home. But he just kept going, and he never really got cranky, which was a nice surprise. I do realize that after a couple days of that he would probably conk out, but it still surprised me.

-We definitely need a leash for Cooper. He hates sitting in the stroller (ironically, Griffin loves it still!), so he wants to walk. This stinks because he's slow and reckless. I wish we'd brought that to try, but I don't have one yet.

-I realized that we are going to need to take a break most days. Seven days, spending all day each day at the parks is a lot of time. I need to keep reminding myself that. We will be tired, hot, and the kids need some downtime to just run and play with no agenda. I sometimes worry that there is no way we'll do "enough" (whatever that is), if we take breaks. But I am starting a mantra for myself to repeat when I think like that, "It's better to do a little with smiles on our faces, than a lot while we're miserable." Feel free to borrow it!

-Chad and I got very snippy with each other when we didn't have a plan. I hate not knowing what we're doing next, and he likes to go with the flow. Once we knew what we were doing, we got along great. This makes me happy we're doing Ridemax!

-But, on the flip side, the most fun we had all day was totally unplanned. We were planning to do three things back to back that sounded cool. But on walking to the first one, we discovered a building with a school bus converted to a play area, a playground, magnet fishing poles...my boys were in heaven. We sat there for an hour and a half while they ran and played. All plans flew out the window, but they had a blast, so we did too!

I also tested 2 pairs of shoes, both our strollers, and realized the things I forgot to bring in our backpack for the day. All in all, a very successful day! Oh, plus we saw goats, sheep, and snakes, acted like farmers, milked a cow, saw a show about raptors, and ate like pigs...fun!!!

[mommyof2Pirates]

How ironic! We too took a long day trip yesterday. I never read before about doing a "practice run" but 1/2 way through the day I said to my husband "boy this is a good way to see what it will be like at disney". To our amazement our children were so well behaved despite getting up at 5am and not napping at all. We had such a blast. I am glad you did too. Isnt it such a great feeling and it even adds to the excitement and anxiousness of wanting to get to WDW ASAP! I am going to write about our day and hopefully adding some pics on my PTR so if your interested check it out. I cant beleive you forgot the camera, put that on the top of your list for your vacation. :lmao: Of all things right!

[jana616]

How ironic! We too took a long day trip yesterday. I never read before about doing a "practice run" but 1/2 way through the day I said to my husband "boy this is a good way to see what it will be like at disney". To our amazement our children were so well behaved despite getting up at 5am and not napping at all. We had such a blast. I am glad you did too. Isnt it such a great feeling and it even adds to the excitement and anxiousness of wanting to get to WDW ASAP! I am going to write about our day and hopefully adding some pics on my PTR so if your interested check it out. I cant beleive you forgot the camera, put that on the top of your list for your vacation. :lmao: Of all things right!

Oh good, I'm glad you guys had a good time and your boys did so well. Mine really did well too, but Cooper just won't sit still or sit in the stroller, so that part was kind of exhausting. Honestly, I'm hopeful that he'll be a little more physically tired after a few days at Disney and that will work to my advantage and he'll want to sit!

I can't believe I forgot the camera. It is usually glued to my neck. But the nice thing was that I was really "free" all day to just watch and enjoy, as opposed to capture every moment. My mom had her camera and I asked her to take some pics when something was cute, so it was okay. But man, I will be double checking each morning there!

[Macduffy]

[FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="Magenta"]

*Dinosaur (Griffin really wants to do this one...I'm a little nervous, but he watched it on youtube and didn't seem worried, Chad thinks he'll do fine...:confused3)

Hopefully the boys can play in the Boneyard with the grandmas while Chad and I ride EE. We have an 8 am ADR at Tusker House, so I'm excited to get there early and really have the whole day to play. Still undecided on where to eat lunch. I hate BBQ, though others in the group like it. I was thinking Pizzafari maybe, but would love suggestions if someone has a place they love.


LOL We've been watching youtube videos too to see if Ben will do certain things :laughing: He SAYS he wants to do Jedi Training but I know he'll freak out when Darth Vadar shows up. DH is devastated.

What a great idea to use Boneyard and my mom so DH and I can do some rides :rotfl:

It's funny - so many parts of our trip are identical even our Tuskers ADR :yay:

Reading your trial run next.... never heard of doing that!

[Macduffy]

[COLOR="Magenta"


In case anyone else is reading and preparing for their first trip with small kids, here is what I learned from our trial run:

-I am bringing the world's largest bag of dum dums. Seriously.

-My kids got super cranky when they were hungry, which I wasn't expecting since they eat very little (even less than average kids). I am bringing lots of semi-healthy snacks, like crackers, raisins, grapes/bananas if possible.

-We definitely need a leash for Cooper. He hates sitting in the stroller (ironically, Griffin loves it still!), so he wants to walk. This stinks because he's slow and reckless. I wish we'd brought that to try, but I don't have one yet.

-Chad and I got very snippy with each other when we didn't have a plan. I hate not knowing what we're doing next, and he likes to go with the flow. Once we knew what we were doing, we got along great. This makes me happy we're doing Ridemax!

[/COLOR]

Okay.... first what are Dum Dums? I'm Canadian :confused:

Glad to hear about the food - DS3 isn't a big eater at home and often don't feed him unless he asks (that sounds horrible - I hope you KWIM).

I was thinking of getting a "leash" for YDS too but I wanted a nice basic simple one and can't seem to find one. Ideas?

As far as DH getting snippy - I swear if he asks me at WDW "what do we do now" I'm going to freak out LOL! It's like when I leave before a meal time to run errands and he says "well what do I make them for lunch?" - seriously you can't figure that out for yourself? I Love him to death of course :hug:

I'm not sure we'll do a trial run - I'm literally saving every penny for the trip so I've really learned from your tips :worship:

[jana616]

LOL We've been watching youtube videos too to see if Ben will do certain things :laughing: He SAYS he wants to do Jedi Training but I know he'll freak out when Darth Vadar shows up. DH is devastated.

What a great idea to use Boneyard and my mom so DH and I can do some rides :rotfl:

It's funny - so many parts of our trip are identical even our Tuskers ADR :yay:

Reading your trial run next.... never heard of doing that!

I didn't realize your mom was coming too. Wow, we really do have some similarities to our trips! We go before you, right? You'll have to learn from all the mistakes we make so you can have an even better trip than us! ;) I'm torn on the Jedi Training. It sounds fun, and Griffin loves swords, stick fighting etc. But he has never seen Star Wars, and I kind of hate the idea of waiting forever and him not getting picked. Plus, lately he's been kind of shy and probably wouldn't go up even if he did get picked. So we might skip that. I think it's on my "if we have time" list.

Okay.... first what are Dum Dums? I'm Canadian :confused:

Glad to hear about the food - DS3 isn't a big eater at home and often don't feed him unless he asks (that sounds horrible - I hope you KWIM).

I was thinking of getting a "leash" for YDS too but I wanted a nice basic simple one and can't seem to find one. Ideas?

As far as DH getting snippy - I swear if he asks me at WDW "what do we do now" I'm going to freak out LOL! It's like when I leave before a meal time to run errands and he says "well what do I make them for lunch?" - seriously you can't figure that out for yourself? I Love him to death of course :hug:

I'm not sure we'll do a trial run - I'm literally saving every penny for the trip so I've really learned from your tips :worship:

Most important...dum dums are lollipops. They have tons of flavors, they're small, and they're cheap for a big bag. Perfect for keeping kids quiet and happy (and I learned yesterday, for enticing them to sit in the stroller when they'd rather walk!).

I totally get what you mean about not feeding them until they ask. The problem with my kids is they will NEVER ask. Griffin has seen a nutritionist since he was 18 months old, and I think Cooper watches him and has learned to hate eating as well. It sucks. So I was very surprised to see them get cranky when they were hungry. They must have been really hungry!

I really want to get one of those Mickey backpack leashes, but Toys R Us is out of stock. I need to look around for that, and I also need to investigate pin trading. I'd been thinking we'd skip that, but I think they'd really enjoy doing it.

Totally get what you mean about your DH. For us, it's when he's trying to find something that is literally right in front of his face and he can't see it. Within two seconds after he makes me look, I find it. We call it "man looking." It's a good thing they're cute, right?:rotfl: It was interesting for me to see how it went, because I think he thinks I'm nuts with the Ridemax plan. But none of us had any idea what we were doing yesterday, so we'd just flip through the guide and look at the map while the kids got impatient. I want to hop off one ride and say, "Now we head to ..." I think with 4 adults, we need that.

I don't think the trial run is necessary, but I also don't think you'd have to spend much money. Could you go to a park or something for the day? Basically I wanted to test our stamina, as well as our shoes, strollers, and supplies. You could do that anywhere! And if I think of anything else I learned yesterday, I'll let you know.

Up next (maybe tomorrow): Questions about the trip that are keeping me up at night...

[ladybugmom]

Becky-question for you...did you make Ally's passport, or buy one? I'm wanting to make one from all the cute pages people designed, but I'm not sure what to put them in to make it sturdy!
OK, I promise more soon! And if I ever get the shirts made, I will of course post pictures :goodvibes

I ended up just buying Ally's in Epcot. It was only $9.99 and it came with a bunch of stickers for each country and a special Epcot pin. Plus it looked like a real passport--too cute!!

[ladybugmom]

Your AK plans look great! Ally rode Dinosaur and loved it (she was 4 1/2 when we were there)!! We also let her watch it in YouTube to prepare her. I was very nervous for her but she did great!! We ate at Pizzafari for lunch and we really enjoyed it!! If you don't see Finding Nemo The Musical on this trip you MUST see it the next time you go! It is fabulous!! But I LOVE FOTLK, too!!

[princesspaige]

Your plans look great! Your boys are going to have so much fun....and the rest of you as well. ;)

[jana616]

I ended up just buying Ally's in Epcot. It was only $9.99 and it came with a bunch of stickers for each country and a special Epcot pin. Plus it looked like a real passport--too cute!!

I may end up doing that. I have so many things I want to make, but $9.99 sounds pretty reasonable. Did Ally trade pins too? I can't remember from your TR!

Your AK plans look great! Ally rode Dinosaur and loved it (she was 4 1/2 when we were there)!! We also let her watch it in YouTube to prepare her. I was very nervous for her but she did great!! We ate at Pizzafari for lunch and we really enjoyed it!! If you don't see Finding Nemo The Musical on this trip you MUST see it the next time you go! It is fabulous!! But I LOVE FOTLK, too!!

I was totally psyched for Pizzafari to eat the chicken parm sandwich, but I guess they just stopped serving that. So now I need to regroup and look at our options. I know, I really want to see Nemo too! Just not enough time to do it all-I'm going to make a plan with it and one without, just in case we change our minds when we're there. I know the boys would love it!

Your plans look great! Your boys are going to have so much fun....and the rest of you as well. ;)

Thanks! You sound like you're about ready too! Getting excited?

[jana616]

But first, the fun stuff! We got postcards from our Fairy Godmailer today! I had kind of forgotten about them. She did such a great job getting exactly the characters I'd asked for on them, and writing a cute message. The boys are napping now, but I can't wait to show them what "Mickey" sent them! For those going soon, you should totally do this if you haven't signed up already. Go to the "Disney for Families" board and look at the "Fairy Godmailer" thread. People go on there and offer to mail your kids postcards from WDW from Mickey, saying how they can't wait to see them. So cute!

Now, onto my current stresses, dilemnas, and worries...because sharing them is one way to feel a little better, right?

1) Where the heck is my Mickey Mail? Now truthfully, I have no idea what comes in Mickey Mail. I'm assuming our Magical Express tags, but I don't know what else. I don't even know that it's very exciting. But still, lots of people going later than us are getting theirs, and I WANT MINE TOO! Whew...

2) What shoes am I going to wear? The boys are set-Disney crocs and sneakers, and they'll be in the stroller a lot. Chad is on his own, but I think he's all set. I bought a pair of Keens, since so many people raved about them on here, and I hate them! They hurt and make my feet sweaty:scared1:! I want to wear sandals, but I don't want to bring 10 pairs with me, and no one pair is super comfortable. Any great sandal recommendations? I don't do flip flops since I can't stand things between my toes (I know, weird!). At home I wear slide type sandals (the kind with a strap across the top of your foot and nothing on the back), but I don't know if those are good enough for there.

3) Our stroller situation. I want to bring 2 singles, since we'll have 4 adults to push and may split up the kids from time to time for big kid rides. We have an old Graco Metrolite that's super functional, but old enough that I don't care if it survives. So one down! But I bought a Cosco Alvila (or something) and when we did our trial run, it is just not a great stroller. It also wouldn't collapse right, so I'm hopeful I can bring it back as defective. In that case, we are one stroller short. Not sure if I should splurge on a good stroller, or try to find another used Metrolite since we know it and like it. Argh...

4) CARES for the airplane. We aren't bringing Coop's car seat, since we won't need it at WDW at all. But I am worried about if he will sit on the plane (2 hours each way) without a fuss. We could rent one, but it will be $25 to rent it and send it back. Don't know if it's worth the money to do that, although I know it's a safety thing too.

5) To get groceries delivered or not? I have gone back and forth so many times on this. We are in a fridge swap, so I'd like to have milk, OJ, bread, PB&J, GoGurts, and some fruit for the room. I know I can get some of that at POP, but not all. But I hate to spend $17 on a delivery fee for that little amount of groceries. I could, however, also order diapers and wipes and save some luggage space. Which brings me to...

6) How much luggage will we need? We are flying Airtran, so each bag is $15 each way. I am bound and determined to only check one bag. So I don't know how many carry-ons are realistic? We have 4 tickets, so 4 carry-ons plus 4 personal items are allowed (I think the personal item will be a backpack for all of us-Chad's will have the camera in it, mine will be our park bag ready to go, and the boys will each have stuff for the plane). But how many carry-ons are realistic to get through the airport? We'll have 2 strollers (one of which could maybe hold somethings while Griffin walks), 2 kids, etc. I am really unsure of this one.

7) And the one making my head hurt the most (:worship: if you've made it this far, by the way!)...our arrival day. When we changed flights, we moved our arrival time up a lot. Now we leave Indy at 7:10 and get into MCO at 9:17 am. This is awesome, except that I doubt our rooms will be ready. So I am trying to plan ahead for when it's not. Now, if it is, my plan is that we'll check in, drop our stuff off, swim, eat lunch, and all rest since we'll have been up since 4:30 or so. If it's not, though, I'm torn.

The only chance we have to watch Spectro is this night. But no one will be happy staying until 9 without a nice rest. So do we still swim, eat, etc. and hope the room is ready around 1, to get a rest in? Or do we head to the park, stay through our dinner ADR at 6:30 and then head back to unwind and go to bed early, missing Spectro? I definitely want at least a few solid hours at MK to ride some rides, so I don't want to wait until evening to get there. This is stressing me out in really unnecessary ways. I mean, of course it will be fine either way, but I wish I could know which plan we'll follow (especially because I would move up our ADR if I know we're leaving there early).

Alright, so that's what's on my mind. What things are you stressing about? What plans are still up in the air?

[VroomVroomLightning]

We have some similiarities in trips!! We are leaving from Indinanapolis too! But 3 days after you..lol..And we are staying at POP too!!

I think to get a delivery from gardengrocer is only $12. Just an idea!

I don't think sandals are a good idea. Those could cause a lot of blisters from all the walking!

As far as a "personal item" can that be another backpack?

[princesspaige]

I totally understand things keeping you up at night. In fact, I had a dream (nightmare really) the other night in which I forgot to bring our clothes, our tickets for the halloween party, and our confirmation numbers (which we needed b/c everywhere we went to eat said we didn't have reservations). :scared1: I have never been so happy to wake up! :lmao:

I hope your room is ready....I know your boys will be ready to crash by the time you get to the hotel.

[mommyof2Pirates]

I totally understand your "up at night" problems last night I was up until midnight obsessing over stuff.

As far as shoes goes I would use a good pair of sneakers during the day and a pair of previously warn non-blister causing sandals at night. You may want to try the nike flip flops. Even though you dont like something in between your toes, these sandals are amazing. I could run a marathon in them. My dad will not wear the flip flop style either but I got him to try a pair of the nike's and he said they are the greatest 20$ he's ever spent. Here is a picture.
http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt254/mommyof2pirates/nike.png you can get them in all different colors. I have the pink/grey and the all black. Ive worn them to amusement parks and a day at the zoo. Never had any problems.

I would vote to find a used version of the stroller that you already like and have. We have chosen to spend 85$ and rent a double stroller for the week from orlando stroller rentals. If you cant find what you like and want to go this option for a 2nd single stroller those also rent those as well.

The bags you have chosen as carryons sounds good. Keep in mind you will need extra room on the way home. Dirty clothes always seems to take up more room.:laughing: And you need room for all those souveniors. I am going to pack our diapers and wipes and utilize that as extra space for the trip home.

Have you picked your seats on airtran? If so I would say you or your dh could sit aisle seat and allow the kids the inner seats. That way they can move around somewhat but wont be able to get down the aisle. This is what we try to do at baseball games since our ds2 cant sit still for more than 5 minutes if that. I sit on one end and my dh sits on the other with the 2 boys in between that way they can stand and move but only in a contained area. I am hoping it works for the plane as well.

and last but no least. Arrival day! I have also thought about this. Our flights are similar too. leave at 7am (getting up super early) and arriving at MK 923am. I too thought about waiting for the room and napping but knowing that my boys are going to be so excited I wasnt sure if it would work out anyway. I planned on checking in, eating lunch at food court, and heading to magic kingdom. Catching the afternoon parade and getting some rides done. We have ADR at 4pm at plaza resturaunt and I plan on heading back after that to resort to swim or just organize the room and baths and bed. I would say try to find another night for spectro or skip it this trip. Or just have plan A if the room is ready and if not do plan B

Hope I helped and didnt just confuse you more :confused3.

Ps I am waiting for my mickey mail too. I unfortunately have to wait until AAA calls.

[jana616]

We have some similiarities in trips!! We are leaving from Indinanapolis too! But 3 days after you..lol..And we are staying at POP too!!

I think to get a delivery from gardengrocer is only $12. Just an idea!

I don't think sandals are a good idea. Those could cause a lot of blisters from all the walking!

As far as a "personal item" can that be another backpack?

Cool that you're leaving from Indy. It looks like you're from Ohio, right? Do you have kids? Are you feeling pretty ready to go?

You're right, Garden Grocer is only $12, WeGoShop is $17. But GG prices are so inflated, and you can't be real specific on what you want (ie it's a computerized listing, not making a grocery list for a "real" person to look at), so I liked WGS better. But we have quite a bit of Rewards Dollars from our Disney Visa, so I think we might be better off just buying items as we want them from the POP store. IDK, still working on this one!

Still working on the shoes. I :lovestruc sandals, and I think we'll have split days when we take hotel breaks, so I might be able to wear them part of some of the days.

And yes, the backpacks will be our personal items. We're taking rollaboard suitcases and a duffle as our carry-ons. Hope you keep reading!

I totally understand things keeping you up at night. In fact, I had a dream (nightmare really) the other night in which I forgot to bring our clothes, our tickets for the halloween party, and our confirmation numbers (which we needed b/c everywhere we went to eat said we didn't have reservations). :scared1: I have never been so happy to wake up! :lmao:

I hope your room is ready....I know your boys will be ready to crash by the time you get to the hotel.

Glad someone else is having nightmares as well! (Well, not glad you're having them, but glad I'm not alone:rotfl:). I'm pretty sure you'll remember the clothes at the very least!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the hotel room!

[jana616]

Wow, so helpful!!! Thanks for all your great ideas!

I totally understand your "up at night" problems last night I was up until midnight obsessing over stuff.

As far as shoes goes I would use a good pair of sneakers during the day and a pair of previously warn non-blister causing sandals at night. You may want to try the nike flip flops. Even though you dont like something in between your toes, these sandals are amazing. I could run a marathon in them. My dad will not wear the flip flop style either but I got him to try a pair of the nike's and he said they are the greatest 20$ he's ever spent. Here is a picture.
http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt254/mommyof2pirates/nike.png you can get them in all different colors. I have the pink/grey and the all black. Ive worn them to amusement parks and a day at the zoo. Never had any problems.

Those do look comfy, but I just don't know about the toe thing! I'll have to find some around here to try on. Love me some sandals!

I would vote to find a used version of the stroller that you already like and have. We have chosen to spend 85$ and rent a double stroller for the week from orlando stroller rentals. If you cant find what you like and want to go this option for a 2nd single stroller those also rent those as well.

I've decided this is the best way to go too. I'm going to look at one this afternoon that I found on craigslist. Wish me luck that I can cross this off my list!

The bags you have chosen as carryons sounds good. Keep in mind you will need extra room on the way home. Dirty clothes always seems to take up more room.:laughing: And you need room for all those souveniors. I am going to pack our diapers and wipes and utilize that as extra space for the trip home.

I know, we will definitely need room for souvenirs. I'm planning for taking only 3 carry-ons (we're allotted 4) and then packing a little duffle that folds down to nothing in case we run out of room, that way we'll have a little breathing room and could use it as our 4th carry-on if need be. And I think the diaper/wipes space should help too, plus snacks. I'm planning on almost one whole carry-on being snacks (fruit snacks, dum dums, granola bars, raisins, etc.) and diapers, so that should be empty.

Have you picked your seats on airtran? If so I would say you or your dh could sit aisle seat and allow the kids the inner seats. That way they can move around somewhat but wont be able to get down the aisle. This is what we try to do at baseball games since our ds2 cant sit still for more than 5 minutes if that. I sit on one end and my dh sits on the other with the 2 boys in between that way they can stand and move but only in a contained area. I am hoping it works for the plane as well.

We do have our seats picked, and we have 2 full rows on the right side of the plane. So we maybe able to pin both kids in, one adult on each side in each row (there are 4 adults). That's a good idea. Cooper is great about sitting in his car seat; he doesn't even need toys/books to entertain him in the car, he just kind of zones out. Not sure about the plane though. I think I'll save the $25 and take our chances.

and last but no least. Arrival day! I have also thought about this. Our flights are similar too. leave at 7am (getting up super early) and arriving at MK 923am. I too thought about waiting for the room and napping but knowing that my boys are going to be so excited I wasnt sure if it would work out anyway. I planned on checking in, eating lunch at food court, and heading to magic kingdom. Catching the afternoon parade and getting some rides done. We have ADR at 4pm at plaza resturaunt and I plan on heading back after that to resort to swim or just organize the room and baths and bed. I would say try to find another night for spectro or skip it this trip. Or just have plan A if the room is ready and if not do plan B.

Yeah, your plan is my plan B, and I think it sounds the best (especially if I could move CP up to 5:30), except that everyone keeps telling me we must see Spectro, and I know the kids would ADORE it. I think they would conk out at some point in the strollers in the afternoon, and maybe that would be enough to get through until Spectro, but I don't want to go so gung ho our very first day. My mom and I should have time to discuss this today so I can see what she thinks and wants to do.

Hope I helped and didnt just confuse you more :confused3.

Ps I am waiting for my mickey mail too. I unfortunately have to wait until AAA calls.

Glad I'm not the only one! I'm going to e-mail my TA today.

[jana616]

Alright, next up is Epcot. For some reason, this park is causing me some problems. I think it's because there are some variables here we don't have at other parks. There are several rides here that all the adults want to ride, but Cooper can't, so we'll have to do Rider Swap. We want to do the World Showcase, but I don't know how long we'll need. I don't know whether we'll want a break in the day, though I think we will. And, I don't know, but I think, that this will be where we come back to on Saturday for our open morning. So then do I leave certain things off of our Ridemax plan for our first day, or try to cram it all in? Obviously none of these are big worries (not like the Mickey Mail! :rotfl:), but still it's not as easy a list as Animal Kingdom. So...

Our Must Do List:
Spaceship Earth
Mission Space (the mild side, for Chad and I)
Test Track (everyone but Cooper)
Seas with Nemo
Turtle Talk with Crush
Soarin (everyone but Cooper-I'm starting to feel bad for him!)
A few hours in World Showcase to walk around and hopefully see the candy lady in Japan and some of the other acts (how many hours to allow?)
Gran Fiesta in Mexico
Maelstrom in Norway (both as part of our WS tour)
Club Cool
Illuminations (if we can make it!)
Disney Visa character meet and greet

Our "If Time" List:
Journey into Imagination (or should this be on the must do list?)
Universe of Energy (sounds kind of boring and super long, but I hear there are dinosaurs?)
Circle of Life (if someone needs something to do with Cooper?)
Innoventions (if we can only do one side, which is better?)
Imageworks Lab (what is this????)
HISTK 3-D show (I don't think the kids will be super into this, but it might be a cool break from the heat)

Am I missing anything? What are your must do things at Epcot?

[mommyof2Pirates]

I cant believe you didnt get your mickey mail yet. Did you call your TA. I am anxiously awaiting mine and we are 39 days out. I guess I have a while to wait.

What is the disney visa char. meet and great. I have a disney visa but have never heard of this.

I like your epcot list. I would put figment into your must do's. Our plans are to tour the future world side in the morning then break at resort, dinner and then tour world showcase ending with illuminations at night. It would only give us approx 2 hours to do world showcase. I know the last time we visited without kids it was enough so I assumed we would be fine.

I bet you are just jumping with excitement. Your almost 3 weeks away:banana:

[VroomVroomLightning]

Nope no kids here, even though I do want some. But, for now I am living at home with my Mom and going to school full time. We are sooo ready to go. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks and I am going nuts! I am actually in Northern Michigan right now (was up here for a few weeks) . I am bypassing the fact that I am going home next week and just want it to be September 19th!
:rotfl: I love your plans! I have an Excel sheet that I look at everyday and hope it all works out...I am not going to stress though because whatever I don't get to this time gives me an excuse to go again :cutie: !!

[Macduffy]

1) Where the heck is my Mickey Mail? Now truthfully, I have no idea what comes in Mickey Mail. I'm assuming our Magical Express tags, but I don't know what else. I don't even know that it's very exciting. But still, lots of people going later than us are getting theirs, and I WANT MINE TOO! Whew...

It will come I promise!!! I'm surprised I got my as early as I did but figured they may have sent it earlier since I live in Canada and it takes longer to get here.


2) What shoes am I going to wear? The boys are set-Disney crocs and sneakers, and they'll be in the stroller a lot.

I'm doing the flip flop thing. I LIVE in them. Boys are doing Crocs too! Not sure about DH. I HATE wearing socks so sneakers are OUT for me!


3) Our stroller situation.

We are doing two singles as well for the same reasons. YDS has a combi that I love and we bought a cheap one at wal mart for DS3 as he doesn't use a stroller at home and I didn't want to invest $$. It cost $39 and it's the best thing ever!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/even.jpg


4) CARES for the airplane.

Same here! We decided (I decided LOL) that we were doing the car seat for YDS. Logan is WAY to squirmy and there isn't a crotch strappy thing to keep him from sliding out from under it. Plus he sleeps so much better in his seat (he leans up against the sides). We're taking the car seat from our second car - it's cheap and light and smaller then his alpha omega seat. DS3 will use a strap - not worried about him.


5) To get groceries delivered or not?
Not for us but we don't have a fridge. If we did I would for sure! Garden Grocer as well. You have to order $40 of food (I guess that doesn't include diapers/wipes???) though. I'm packing all that stuff from home and hoping that will make room for stuff coming back - I have a weakness for BIG stuffed animals LOL


6) How much luggage will we need?

We will have 3 carry-ons and 3 personal bags (YDS only have a ticket for a part of the way :sad2:) I'm cheap so I'll find out in my practice run at packing how much space I'll need. I'm packing the boys clothes in ziploc bags so they should fit in carry ons. I'll pack diapers/wipes/snacks/toiletries in the checked bag.


7) And the one making my head hurt the most (:worship: if you've made it this far, by the way!)...our arrival day.

You're an obvious planner so I hate to say this but wait and see what your day is like :guilty: See how everyone feels - sounds like you'll have a long day.


Alright, so that's what's on my mind. What things are you stressing about? What plans are still up in the air?

Pretty much the same stuff. I'm more worried about - finding a sitter for our sick cat and Logan Tantrums on the plane! LOL! BTW - I sleep with a pad of paper and a pen beside me at night so when a Disney thought crosses my mind I write it down LOL!

Keep up the GREAT work :wizard:

[Macduffy]

Thank you for your Epcot List LOL! I'm officially stealing it :banana:I am not an Epcot fan and it the one park I've dreaded planning b/c it seems to be a harder one for little kids.

[DisneyTiger]

Well helooooooooooo! I just popped over here from my TR and am all caught up on yours. Man oh man, how you remind me of me:lmao: All of your planning, sleepless nights, ADR drama. Yep, deja vu! I am sorry that I'm just now getting in on this PTR but am excited that you'll be going in, what 23 days now??? Can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!!!

Oh, and if you have a chance, please look at my TR from last year. It's actually a combo PTR and TR. You will get a kick out of my "stash" that I accumulated over the months of planning. So funny. And I used it all, for the most part:)

Can't wait to read more. Hope you get your Mickey mail soon!

[mommyof2Pirates]

did you get your mickey mail yet?

[jana616]

First off, since so many people asked...no Mickey Mail yet! But, I did e-mail my TA, who said that she got the grandmas' documents on Tuesday and thought she'd get ours on Thursday, so I think we'll have it early this week. If it's not here by Tuesday I'm going to hound her again!

Here's a whole bunch of replies...sorry to lump them all together!

What is the disney visa char. meet and great. I have a disney visa but have never heard of this.

I like your epcot list. I would put figment into your must do's. Our plans are to tour the future world side in the morning then break at resort, dinner and then tour world showcase ending with illuminations at night. It would only give us approx 2 hours to do world showcase. I know the last time we visited without kids it was enough so I assumed we would be fine.

I bet you are just jumping with excitement. Your almost 3 weeks away:banana:

The Disney Visa Meet and Greet is in Epcot at Innoventions (West, I think??) from 1:30-4:30 pm. You have to show your Visa card, and then you get a meet and greet with some of the biggies and a free 5x7 pic. Pretty cool!

Figment has been moved to the must dos! And yep, there's some jumping going on around here!!


Nope no kids here, even though I do want some. But, for now I am living at home with my Mom and going to school full time. We are sooo ready to go. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks and I am going nuts! I am actually in Northern Michigan right now (was up here for a few weeks) . I am bypassing the fact that I am going home next week and just want it to be September 19th!
:rotfl: I love your plans! I have an Excel sheet that I look at everyday and hope it all works out...I am not going to stress though because whatever I don't get to this time gives me an excuse to go again :cutie: !!

Yay for 4 weeks (less now!)...it will fly by. I'm actually wishing time would slow down a little so I can get everything done I want to!


I'm doing the flip flop thing. I LIVE in them. Boys are doing Crocs too! Not sure about DH. I HATE wearing socks so sneakers are OUT for me!

We're taking the car seat from our second car - it's cheap and light and smaller then his alpha omega seat. DS3 will use a strap - not worried about him.

We will have 3 carry-ons and 3 personal bags (YDS only have a ticket for a part of the way :sad2:) I'm cheap so I'll find out in my practice run at packing how much space I'll need. I'm packing the boys clothes in ziploc bags so they should fit in carry ons. I'll pack diapers/wipes/snacks/toiletries in the checked bag.

You're an obvious planner so I hate to say this but wait and see what your day is like :guilty: See how everyone feels - sounds like you'll have a long day.

I'm more worried about - finding a sitter for our sick cat and Logan Tantrums on the plane! LOL! BTW - I sleep with a pad of paper and a pen beside me at night so when a Disney thought crosses my mind I write it down LOL!

Keep up the GREAT work :wizard:

Still not sure about shoes-I better get moving on that one, huh?

Glad to see I'm not the only cheapskate willing to haul tons of luggage through the airport to save a buck:rotfl:! I think I'm going to make Griffin walk so we can stack stuff in his stroller, lol!

And I agree about our arrival day-wait and see. However it works out, we'll be at Disney, so it won't be bad, right?

Great idea on the pen and paper. I woke up at 6 am today thinking of things!

Thank you for your Epcot List LOL! I'm officially stealing it :banana:I am not an Epcot fan and it the one park I've dreaded planning b/c it seems to be a harder one for little kids.

Feel free to steal anything you'd like! I'm no expert, but I wanted an idea on what I thought the kids would like. I think we'll also try a Kim Possible mission if we have time. Griffin would like that, I think!


did you get your mickey mail yet?

In case you didn't see above in this post...should be any day now! Hopefully yours will come sooner than mine!

[jana616]

Well helooooooooooo! I just popped over here from my TR and am all caught up on yours. Man oh man, how you remind me of me:lmao: All of your planning, sleepless nights, ADR drama. Yep, deja vu! I am sorry that I'm just now getting in on this PTR but am excited that you'll be going in, what 23 days now??? Can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!!!

Oh, and if you have a chance, please look at my TR from last year. It's actually a combo PTR and TR. You will get a kick out of my "stash" that I accumulated over the months of planning. So funny. And I used it all, for the most part:)

Can't wait to read more. Hope you get your Mickey mail soon!

I can't find the stupid WELCOME smilie anywhere, so how about a :cheer2: for joining in?? Thanks for reading!

Yeah, I fully realize and admit that I am a little crazy in planning this trip. I just read at least the PTR part of last year's trip, though, and now I know that you understand!:rotfl: I'm so glad I'm not alone! (And I'm so glad your house was okay after Gustav!). I'm enjoying your current TR too!

Any advice for a fellow anal-retentive Dis-ser?? Hope you keep reading!

[jana616]

So my fabulous husband took the kids overnight to his parents' lake house. I don't know that I have been alone in this house since Cooper was born 25 months ago, so I am LOVING this! How sad is it that the best night in a long time is being spent blissfully alone? :rotfl: Plus my BFF just had her baby yesterday, so I got to go hold her for over an hour and get my baby fix. She is beautiful! And I know have baby fever like you wouldn't believe! We were originally going to start trying for another baby this past May, but I decided I didn't really want to be pregnant at Disney, so we've put it on hold til this winter. I wasn't positive I was ready until today. You forget how tiny and sweet and innocent newborns are. Ah...:goodvibes warm fuzzies all around!

Alright, enough of my reproductive planning talk. I'm sure you were all really wanting to know, right?:lmao:

The first bit of good news...I got the stroller thing all worked out! I'm returning the Cosco one to Kohls tomorrow, and I bought a used Metrolite off of Craigslist. It's a little newer than my old one, and cleaner! So now we'll have two of the same style to take, and it's a style I know we like. My mom is making me straps to put around them for the plane-I'm nervous about gate checking them. So we should be set on this issue, thank goodness!

Tonight I'm planning on getting the boys' airplane bags all ready. I'm using Griffin's Spiderman backpack from last school year, and Cooper has a smaller Nemo backpack that actually has wheels and is little enough that he can roll it himself. He will love that. I also want to print out the labels for my pressed penny tubes, so I can say I've made one thing! (Even if it is the easiest thing in the world to make, ha ha!)

I need to order the t-shirts and transfer paper tomorrow. Both take like 3 days to get here, so then I am planning to get them done over the next week. Here's hoping that's realistic, otherwise I'll be up until 3 am on September 6th!

I'm working on snacks. What are you guys bringing?

[mommyof2Pirates]

How nice a night alone!:cloud9: I have not had one of those since my oldest son was born:sad2: Except for an overnight stay at a conference I went to in lancaster which I shared a room with a coworker. I bet I could get so much done with 1 full 24hours by myself.:laughing:

I too have had a short spurt of baby fever but after spending a week off with my two boys while my husband was still at work, made me change my mind. I worship all stay at home moms :worship:. I loved every minute of it but I was so exhausted by the end of the week that I looked forward to coming to work to relax.:rotfl2: Isnt it hilarious that you plan your reproduction around disney trips.:lmao:

I am glad you have everything situated with the stroller and dont worry you will eventually get everything done. I got up today and thought oh wow jana only has 21days left so somehow this makes me feel like my time is going faster because your trip is getting closer. Dont ask.....Somedays I think I have lost my mind and its gone to disney:rotfl:

I was only planning on taking a few snacks like granola bars, fruit snacks, and maybe some cheetos as a treat. My kids are not huge snackers and with us having deluxe dining plan I think we will have plenty to eat. I am mostly bringing it for the airports/plane rides.

Have you decided on the shoes your taking yet?

[jana616]

How nice a night alone!:cloud9: I have not had one of those since my oldest son was born:sad2: Except for an overnight stay at a conference I went to in lancaster which I shared a room with a coworker. I bet I could get so much done with 1 full 24hours by myself.:laughing:

I too have had a short spurt of baby fever but after spending a week off with my two boys while my husband was still at work, made me change my mind. I worship all stay at home moms :worship:. I loved every minute of it but I was so exhausted by the end of the week that I looked forward to coming to work to relax.:rotfl2: Isnt it hilarious that you plan your reproduction around disney trips.:lmao:

I am glad you have everything situated with the stroller and dont worry you will eventually get everything done. I got up today and thought oh wow jana only has 21days left so somehow this makes me feel like my time is going faster because your trip is getting closer. Dont ask.....Somedays I think I have lost my mind and its gone to disney:rotfl:

I was only planning on taking a few snacks like granola bars, fruit snacks, and maybe some cheetos as a treat. My kids are not huge snackers and with us having deluxe dining plan I think we will have plenty to eat. I am mostly bringing it for the airports/plane rides.

Have you decided on the shoes your taking yet?

Well, I did have a fabulous 24 hours to myself! I wasted (well, not wasted because I wanted to do it, but it wasn't very productive!) a lot of time on here. The internet is the biggest time waster for me. I just get sucked in! But I also made some lists, read a little, got the boys' backpacks all packed, and shopped alone at Kohls for the first time in ages. So I had a blast!

It's funny that you think being a SAHM mom is hard. I mean it is, but I think having to try to balance work and home would be way hard too. Sometimes I wish I could work like 2 days a week-just enough for me to miss them, but not so much that I couldn't have lots of time with them too. Now if only I could create that job for myself!;)

And yes, only on here would I admit that I held off on getting pregnant because I didn't want to spoil my trip!:rotfl: I just didn't want to be big, hot, and pregnant and chasing after the kids, plus I want to ride some big kid rides too! But man, as soon as we get back, look out!:lmao:

That's funny that you're keeping track of when I leave! I bet it does make it seem sooner. Imagine when we actually go-that means your trip is just about here! My kids are pretty big snackers. Neither of them eats much breakfast, so then they are starving at 10 am. Plus I saw from our test run that hunger makes them UGLY! Trying to avoid that as much as possible! But with the deluxe plan I bet you'll have plenty-don't lots of people come back saying they couldn't even finish all their credits with the deluxe plan? Hopefully you'll be able to use some for your YDS too. That's the thing I'm worried about. Some days G and C could easily split a small meal, other days they'd each wolf their own plus more. We'll see how it goes, right?

Still working on shoes. I found this awesome pair on clearance at Kohls. They are like Keens, but very lightweight. They were super comfy, but when I really wear them around, I think I need a half size bigger. And they didn't have those, and neither does online. So close!

[jana616]

I have not been very good about adding pictures to this PTR, so I am going to work on that today, at least a little. First up, I wanted to show you the postcards our Fairy Godmailer sent last week. She did such a great job!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3575.jpg

Here are the boys holding them. Cooper literally holds his for hours at a time. So cute!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3567.jpg

Next I have proof that I actually did accomplish something this weekend.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3576.jpg
I got the boys' backpacks all ready for the plane ride. I probably put too much in them, but I really don't want boredom meltdowns. Cooper's highlights include 3 new little trucks to play with, Sesame Street surprise ink coloring book, pipe cleaners, and a few new books to read with us. Griffin's highlights include a new dinosaur book, dinosaur flashcards, travel Memory game, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse surprise ink coloring book, and this neat wipeoff thing I got from Usborne Books called "101 Things for Little Kids to do on a Trip" (or something close). It has all these little games, mazes, etc. on cards and comes with an erasable marker. Pretty cool. There's more in each, but that's all I can remember off the top of my head. We're also bringing the DVD player and some snacks.

And finally, the countdown chain that just keeps getting shorter everyday!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3564.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3560.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3558.jpg
We pull a link off every night, but since the boys were gone this weekend, we had a couple to take care of this morning to get us caught up.

Only 21 days to go!!! Three weeks from this very moment we will (hopefully!!) be taking a little rest before hitting the MK! Or maybe we'll already be at the MK!

[DisneyTiger]

21 days:banana::banana::banana:

Glad you enjoyed your night alone. I am so jealous. And I LOVE Kohls!!!

You sound like me with the shoes. I looked EVERYWHERE for a comfy pair of tennis shoes for our last trip. You really do have to worry about that because there is nothing worse than a bad blister to deal with when walking 9 miles a day!!! I hope you solve this shoe dilemma soon:rotfl:

[Macduffy]

ahhhhh...the boys look SO cute holding their postcards!!! I'm jealous that they enjoy your countdown chain - I've pulled every date so far. I can't believe you are leaving so soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I love the chain idea thats so awesome. My boys get so excited too, to put the stickers on. Its the first thing they talk about in the morning and the first thing they mention after dinner (thats when we pick the sticker for the next day). I am so happy that they are so into it. I am glad your boys are too. Great ideas for the plane.

At one point I was thinking of going back to basic dining but it wasnt that much to upgrade since "free dining" and I figured there will be more than enough for ds2 to share. Getting the refill mugs included was a bonus too. We drink alot so I thought that would definitely pay off. We plan on taking sippies to pour the boys drinks into. So will see what happens......

I would also love to just work 2 or 3 days a week or even everyday but only like 4 hours/day. I do miss my kids so much and sometimes it is really hard. They love daycare or "school" as we refer to it and they have learned so much but it doesnt beat being able to be home. At least I am lucky to love my job and have great coworkers so it makes for a fast work week.

[DisneyTiger]

Would it be weird if DH and I made a chain for our grown up trip in October?:lmao: I don't think it would be very fun explaining that one to the kids!!!

PS - I am ADDICTED to Ridemax!!!!!!!!:surfweb:

[jana616]

21 days:banana::banana::banana:

Glad you enjoyed your night alone. I am so jealous. And I LOVE Kohls!!!

You sound like me with the shoes. I looked EVERYWHERE for a comfy pair of tennis shoes for our last trip. You really do have to worry about that because there is nothing worse than a bad blister to deal with when walking 9 miles a day!!! I hope you solve this shoe dilemma soon:rotfl:

I have an old pair of Adidas sneakers that are super comfy and broken in. I also have a pair of sandals that are comfy, but I'm not sure about all day. And I know have some Speedo flip flops (yes, the person who had major issues with things between their toes is working on her issues!:laughing:!) that I'm planning to bring for around the resort. But I'd still love to find a pair of really comfy sandals for the parks. We're taking a break most days, so I think I'll mix it up for the evenings to keep my piggies happy!

ahhhhh...the boys look SO cute holding their postcards!!! I'm jealous that they enjoy your countdown chain - I've pulled every date so far. I can't believe you are leaving so soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How funny that you have to do your chain! Yeah, my boys are into it. They actually fight most days about whose turn it is. Cooper has no clue why we're doing it, he just wants to make Griffin mad by taking a turn too!

I love the chain idea thats so awesome. My boys get so excited too, to put the stickers on. Its the first thing they talk about in the morning and the first thing they mention after dinner (thats when we pick the sticker for the next day). I am so happy that they are so into it. I am glad your boys are too. Great ideas for the plane.

At one point I was thinking of going back to basic dining but it wasnt that much to upgrade since "free dining" and I figured there will be more than enough for ds2 to share. Getting the refill mugs included was a bonus too. We drink alot so I thought that would definitely pay off. We plan on taking sippies to pour the boys drinks into. So will see what happens......

I would also love to just work 2 or 3 days a week or even everyday but only like 4 hours/day. I do miss my kids so much and sometimes it is really hard. They love daycare or "school" as we refer to it and they have learned so much but it doesnt beat being able to be home. At least I am lucky to love my job and have great coworkers so it makes for a fast work week.

I'm jealous of your deluxe dining! There were so many places I wanted to go, narrowing them down was really hard. I keep telling myself that just means more places to pick from next trip, right?;) We're going to get 2 mugs, I think. It'd be nice to get soda on the way to and from the park, plus I think we'll eat at least a couple meals at POP and we can use the mug and get a bottled drink to use later. And they're a good souvenir! I did not have sippies on my packing list, I can't believe it! So glad you said that!

Would it be weird if DH and I made a chain for our grown up trip in October?:lmao: I don't think it would be very fun explaining that one to the kids!!!

PS - I am ADDICTED to Ridemax!!!!!!!!:surfweb:

You should TOTALLY do a chain! Just make sure you and your DH don't fight too much about whose turn it is, :rotfl:! And I told you Ridemax was addicting. I've made probably 100 plans so far!

Working on packing lists today, and a trip to Dollar Tree after we hit Bouncertown (bounce house place) with some friends. I've been writing random things on slips of paper, today I'm typing them all on one list so I can actually read it!

[mommyof2Pirates]

glad to have helped. Thats why I love these boards cause when you forget someone else reminds you of what you need! I have started giving myself certain tasks to complete each day too. It seems I get more stuff done that way. Cant wait to hear what you find at the dollar store. Have a great time bouncing. We have a similar place here called bounce U. The kids love it.

[jana616]

glad to have helped. Thats why I love these boards cause when you forget someone else reminds you of what you need! I have started giving myself certain tasks to complete each day too. It seems I get more stuff done that way. Cant wait to hear what you find at the dollar store. Have a great time bouncing. We have a similar place here called bounce U. The kids love it.

This is going to sound so pathetic, but share your tasks with me, okay? I'm starting to feel a little stressed. I looked at that 20 day ticker, and it made me feel excited, sure, but mostly panicked about all that I want to do before we go! Granted, the boys start back at preschool next week, so then I'll have a couple quiet mornings a week, but arghhhhh!!! Not much time left!

[jana616]

I don't know that anyone wants to see this, but since a few of us are leaving shortly, I thought I'd put up my packing list since I just typed it out anyway. Maybe (like sippy cups) there's something you forgot to add. Maybe (I'm hoping!), there's something I'm forgetting and you'll tell me!

For Parks:
Glow sticks *
Light-up spinner toys *
Mister fans *
Ponchos *
Sunscreen *
Moleskin
Bug spray
Wet wipes *
Cottonelle wipes *
Bodyglide
Bubbles
Pipe cleaners *
Stroller cover/Shower liner & clips *
Soft cooler &ice packs
Sippy cups *
Plastic utensils *
First aid kit *
Gum
Sunglasses *
Band-aids (lots)
Batteries
Clorox wipes *
Camera *
-battery charger
-memory sticks
Video camera *
-charger
Cell phones *
-chargers


To Make:
Pressed penny tubes
Autograph books
-sharpies
Passports
T-shirts

For Room/resort:
Ziploc bags *
Pop up hamper
Curtain and command hooks
Over door organizer
Clothespins
Handsoap bottle
Laundry detergent
Nightlight
Small scissors
Small screwdriver (multi-tool?)
White noise machine
Swim diapers
Pre-soaped sponges
Safety pins
Arm floaties
pre-purchased presents

Food:
Cereal bowls
Spoons
Bread
Peanut butter
Jelly
Bananas
Fruit snacks
Smores crackers
Lollipops

Boys:
7 made shirts
7 shorts to match
2 swimsuits
5 extra outfits
4 pairs of PJs
10 underwear (G)
7 pairs of socks
45 diapers (C)
Wipes
Diaper rash cream
Crocs
Sneakers
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Asthma meds and spacer (C)
Nail clippers
Children’s Tylenol
Band-aids
Vitamins

So, really, are these lists ridiculous? Do the numbers sound crazy on the kids' clothes? The only things not on here are clothes for myself and DH, and our toiletries. I think. Help!

[Macduffy]

Awesome list!
The only thing I would add is more medications. I'm a freak with that stuff though (I was caught once without a thermometer and vowed never again!). I bring Benedryl, gravol (just in case), motrin, EarCheck, Thermometer and neosporin. :lmao:

[jana616]

Awesome list!
The only thing I would add is more medications. I'm a freak with that stuff though (I was caught once without a thermometer and vowed never again!). I bring Benedryl, gravol (just in case), motrin, EarCheck, Thermometer and neosporin. :lmao:

Oh, thanks for the idea! I thought about those but then never wrote them down, which means I probably wouldn't have remembered them. I was planning on bringing band-aids (are they on the list like 5 times? My kids need a band-aid for every boo boo, real or imagined!), Tylenol and kid's Tylenol, anti-diarrhea medication, Pepto tablets (we have some iffy stomachs, esp. when traveling), and some cold meds might be good too. Oh, and Neosporin to go with the Bandaids, duh, good thinking!

OK, officially added! Anything else?

[jana616]

We hit the Dollar Tree after Bouncertown (here's hoping the kids are pooped:thumbsup2!), and I got a few things crossed off my list.

I got ponchos, and am going to try to get more for free this week at Menards (any other Midwestern ladies, they are free after rebate this week there, limit 4). I got some snacks-mini boxes of raisins , prepackaged cotton candy (the Holy Grail of junk food for my boys), Tootsie Pops, and Dum Dum lollipops. Also an over the door organizer, a shower curtain to make a privacy curtain between our room and the bathroom (I wanted fabric but they only had vinyl, wonder if this will still work?), sponges to cut up and pre-detergent so I can wash sippy cups out there, and I don't remember what else, but apparently it was 20 items. It's a start right?

I wanted to get glowing swords for the boys. We've had them before and they love:love: them, but they didn't have them. Not to worry, still plenty of other glowing stuff has made its' way home to us over the past few months. They're going to look like Christmas trees!

I also ordered my transfers from Amy from the Creative Disigns board, so hopefully I'll get those in a few days. I decided I'm going to wait to order t-shirts. I have all of Griffin's from Michael's, but have to order Cooper's since he needs an XS. I want to get a few under my belt before I order more, so I'll do G's first and go from there. Planning to start those this weekend.

Oh, and I forgot to say this, but Chad has actually been willing to discuss the trip lately. I guess 3 weeks away is close enough to finally talk about it:rotfl:! Anyway, we went over what we are planning to take, luggage-wise, so I feel better now knowing he's on board. We are definitely planning on at least 3 carry-ons, with a strong possibility of a 4th, and aiming for one checked bag.

And...I used Mickey Mouse as a threat today. Griffin had a lousy night, full of backtalk. I finally told him that Mickey was watching, and he doesn't let naughty children come to his house. He shaped up fast!:lmao:;)

[mommyof2Pirates]

Oh my that is so funny youve replaced the santa's watching with mickey. I love it:lmao: I threatened to take away spending dollars tonight when ryan didnt want to go to bed and was throwing a fit. Its amazing how this stuff works.

Ok after reading your packing list I realized I have not thought of alot. Thanks for sharing it. I remembered the sippies but would not have thought to bring something to clean them with. Good thinking:thumbsup2 I would also agree to bring any med that you could possibly use. I work in peds and often speak with parents on vacation and they have nothing so over the years I have taken mental notes.

My definite med list includes.

Motrin and Tylenol (these can be rotated when given for high fevers)
Benadryl (any possible allergic reactions)
Night time cough med (I usually use triaminic night time)
I also will bring asthma meds (my boys too have asthma mostly with colds only or during high allergy seasons) our similarities continue togrow.:laughing:
Thermometer
Neosporin with first aid kit
I also bring any perscription meds I have at home-just in case like oral steroid(leftover from a previous problem), if you have any abx ear or eye drops you ever used for pinkeye or swimmers ear. You never know what ya might need.

Advil for dh and I
Tums "" ""

Did you find kid size pancho's and what is bodyglide?
I dont think your list is ridiculous at all. you are going to be prepared and organized:goodvibes

This is how I decided how much to take. I broke it up by the day and what are plans were. Exp. Day 2- HS taking a break mid day. So I figured an outfit for morning and then another one for at night. Day 3- AK no break so I figured only 1 outfit. Then I figured I would take 2 extra outfits and a pair of jeans just in case there is a cold front that comes through:confused3 I thought if worse comes to worse I could always do a quick load of wash if I have to use more than 2 extra's. I also included socks and underware in my thought process and added 2 extra's of those as well. I will post my list on my board so you can see. Hope this helps.

Tonights plans:

Pressed penny tubes.
organize day 1 planning info onto my first card for my planner
post my packing list for kids on my report : )

[jana616]

Oh my that is so funny youve replaced the santa's watching with mickey. I love it:lmao: I threatened to take away spending dollars tonight when ryan didnt want to go to bed and was throwing a fit. Its amazing how this stuff works.

Ok after reading your packing list I realized I have not thought of alot. Thanks for sharing it. I remembered the sippies but would not have thought to bring something to clean them with. Good thinking:thumbsup2 I would also agree to bring any med that you could possibly use. I work in peds and often speak with parents on vacation and they have nothing so over the years I have taken mental notes.

My definite med list includes.

Motrin and Tylenol (these can be rotated when given for high fevers)
Benadryl (any possible allergic reactions)
Night time cough med (I usually use triaminic night time)
I also will bring asthma meds (my boys too have asthma mostly with colds only or during high allergy seasons) our similarities continue togrow.:laughing:
Thermometer
Neosporin with first aid kit
I also bring any perscription meds I have at home-just in case like oral steroid(leftover from a previous problem), if you have any abx ear or eye drops you ever used for pinkeye or swimmers ear. You never know what ya might need.

Advil for dh and I
Tums "" ""

Did you find kid size pancho's and what is bodyglide?
I dont think your list is ridiculous at all. you are going to be prepared and organized:goodvibes

This is how I decided how much to take. I broke it up by the day and what are plans were. Exp. Day 2- HS taking a break mid day. So I figured an outfit for morning and then another one for at night. Day 3- AK no break so I figured only 1 outfit. Then I figured I would take 2 extra outfits and a pair of jeans just in case there is a cold front that comes through:confused3 I thought if worse comes to worse I could always do a quick load of wash if I have to use more than 2 extra's. I also included socks and underware in my thought process and added 2 extra's of those as well. I will post my list on my board so you can see. Hope this helps.

Tonights plans:

Pressed penny tubes.
organize day 1 planning info onto my first card for my planner
post my packing list for kids on my report : )

I know, I said "Mickey Mouse is watching..." and Griffin goes, "Like Santa? How can he see everyone too?" and I said, "Yep, just like Santa. And God (probably going to h#ll for that one!). He keeps an eye on all the kids who are coming to see him soon, and he doesn't want kids who can't behave to come." Bad mommy award, right here, but you do what ya gotta do. It'd been a very long day:scared1:!

Great med list! I will definitely add some of those to our list as well. We really do have a ton of similarities! Cooper was diagnosed with asthma a few months ago. His was just a chronic cough, so he doesn't really have episodes, thank goodness. As long as we do his meds twice a day, the cough is gone and he's good.

I did not find kid sized ponchos. However, I used one of the Dollar Tree ponchos at a Jimmy Buffett concert last week, and they aren't huge. I think Griffin could use one in a pinch, and we could probably rig it to not drag on the ground. Bodyglide is for, ahem...chafing. I keep reading about it, so I thought I'd try it. It looks like a deodorant stick, and you rub it wherever things rub (so even the back of your heels). I got it at Dick's Sporting Goods.

I'd love to see your list! I'm subscribed, so I'll check when you post it. Also, please tell me how you get the pressed penny tube labels to fit!!!! I tried making them the other day and could NOT get the labels the right size. When I finally thought I did, I couldn't get it to go all the way around, even though the length was finally right. Help!

[DisneyTiger]

On our last trip, I remembered all the basic meds (Tylenol, Motrin, neosporin, desitin...) but didn't bring any cough medicine. Well, don't you know that DS had a HORRIBLE cough that kept ALL of us up! I broke down and bought some from the AKL gift shop for, ehem, $10:scared1:! Yeah, far cry from the Walmart brand that I could have bought at home!:lmao:

[mommyof2Pirates]

I also think its so funny about dh wanting to talk now. My dh is the same way. Recently he has shown some enthusiasm when I talk about things but for awhile there I think he was just tuning my out and just nodding his head. The other day when he saw I put the kids outfits into ziploc bags and labeled them; he looked at me like who are you and where is my wife.:lmao: I would vote that I have gotten a little bit obsessed with the planning of this trip but I am having a great time doing it so he can just deal with it. God knows I deal with football/baseball year round. But somehow that obsession is considered normal:confused3

[jana616]

I also think its so funny about dh wanting to talk now. My dh is the same way. Recently he has shown some enthusiasm when I talk about things but for awhile there I think he was just tuning my out and just nodding his head. The other day when he saw I put the kids outfits into ziploc bags and labeled them; he looked at me like who are you and where is my wife.:lmao: I would vote that I have gotten a little bit obsessed with the planning of this trip but I am having a great time doing it so he can just deal with it. God knows I deal with football/baseball year round. But somehow that obsession is considered normal:confused3

I know, right? And the thing that kills me is, he thinks I'm nuts for all the planning (though he puts up with it good naturedly), but then who has a blast on the trip with no worries or concerns about what we are doing because it's all been carefully planned? Yup, you guessed it! Who has clean clothes to wear, nail clippers when he needs them, and medicine when he gets a headache? Yep, you guessed it! Men, honestly:headache:!

I think he's getting used to it. Last year our vacation was a week in the Outer Banks in a rented house. We had to bring sheets, food, pool and beach toys. I thought, "No future vacation will require this much planning and stuff." Ha! What a fool! But I think planning is half the fun.

[mommyof2Pirates]

Yes the planning is fun. I keep telling Dh that he will thank me when he has to worry about nothing while on vacation. His whole thing anyway is that he wants to relax the whole time. ah yeah right!

Ok well I got the pressed penny tubes done. Here is the link I used.
http://www.4shared.com/dir/5978989/a...s_DISigns.html

I have the longer tubes of the mini M&M's. She does have the smaller ones as well.

I printed them out in 4 X 6 and it worked perfectly. Let me know how you make out. I will post my pics tomorrow.

I am off to bed. I have stayed up way to late tonight.

[jana616]

OK, I tried that link and it won't work. Who is the designer? Thanks! I have the smaller tubes (I think), and I tried to use Natalie's but I think they're for the bigger tubes. I definitely want to see pictures!

[mommyof2Pirates]

It was natalies. I am at work and I cant bring up the link because its saying invalid content. haha I can get on disboards though:cool1: I will check again at home tonight but I did see she had ones specifically for the smaller tubes. I will post pics when I get home. I did buzz for ryan and woody for nick to go along with their costumes they chose.

[jana616]

It was natalies. I am at work and I cant bring up the link because its saying invalid content. haha I can get on disboards though:cool1: I will check again at home tonight but I did see she had ones specifically for the smaller tubes. I will post pics when I get home. I did buzz for ryan and woody for nick to go along with their costumes they chose.

You have no idea how much you helped me! I was in her Photobucket account, which only has the larger tubes. But her 4shared files have larger and smaller, so I think I found them! Woo Hoo! It was making me crazy. I haven't printed them yet, but I'm going to do that tonight. I have a hunch they will finally work! Buzz and Woody sound cute!

[mommyof2Pirates]

oh good. I will cross my fingers that it works. I also wanted to remind you about downy wrinkle releaser. I dont think I saw that on your list. I thought of it last night while laying in bed trying to sleep, while visions of forgetting something was dancing in my head. :rotfl2: I plan on using that since Ive packed all the kids stuff tightly in ziplocks.

[jana616]

oh good. I will cross my fingers that it works. I also wanted to remind you about downy wrinkle releaser. I dont think I saw that on your list. I thought of it last night while laying in bed trying to sleep, while visions of forgetting something was dancing in my head. :rotfl2: I plan on using that since Ive packed all the kids stuff tightly in ziplocks.

That made me laugh out loud! We should totally create the "Twas the Weeks before Disney" poem, to be read by anal-retentive trip takers for centuries to come!:rotfl:

So, wait, am I supposed to care about wrinkles? Oops! Just kidding, I will add that to the list. And...the pressed penny tube labels finally worked! One printed, one to go! So happy to finally have some project crossed off my list, even if it was supposed to be the easiest!

[mommyof2Pirates]

oh yeah thats a great idea. My dh is obsessed with clothes being neat and unwrinkled. Me on the other hand am not as crazy. I am bringing it to keep dh happy.;) :rotfl:. I love the idea of the poem. I am always making up funny stuff like that for work. My staff gets a kick out of it. I will have to work on something. I cant wait to see pics of your final products. I am so happy it worked. :banana:

[jana616]

Not much new to report! I went to Walmart yesterday and got some more of the things on my to buy list crossed off. I got moleskin...I have no idea why, other than it's on every list I see, so I got some too!:laughing:

I also made some stroller tags, and now I am trying to figure out how to laminate them. They turned into quite the challenge. They are Natalie's design, but she has been kind of slow to respond to my other request for t-shirt designs, so I decided to see if I could just add our name on them myself, using Photoshop. It seemed easy enough to do. Well, an hour later I had my first tag! I made 3 (2 strollers and a spare), and although they are far from perfect, they're not too bad! I also got 2 cheapy folders with prongs, and I want to print some activity pages off and make the boys little folders to work on. I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be crossing things off my list, but I prefer to add to it!:lmao:

Not much work will be done until after Saturday. A local moms' group has a huge children's sale twice a year, and I sell things in it and also work at it so I can shop early! It's Saturday, so I'll be busy until then...I :lovestruc:lovestruc shopping!

[mommyof2Pirates]

Have fun selling/shopping. I need to get hooked up in the one I always see advertised around my house. I have so much stuff and yard sales just dont attract as much for kids items as a group childrens sale does. Good luck.

[lilmissie]

I just came across your PTR and am all caught up! I love it. We go in October with our Little One's with a 4:3 adult to kids ratio!!

[DisneyTiger]

Getting so close!!!!!

Can't wait to hear/see how the shirts come out. I made a ton for our trip in September! 16 total:scared1:

Good luck with the sale:)

[jana616]

Have fun selling/shopping. I need to get hooked up in the one I always see advertised around my house. I have so much stuff and yard sales just dont attract as much for kids items as a group childrens sale does. Good luck.

Thanks! The sale was a total success. I brought several big things to sell, and all of those were gone when I left there this morning. I sold a lot of smaller toys and some clothes, but I won't know how much until I go to pick up the leftovers in an hour. Hopefully I'll come back with a small pile! I also had great success shopping-I got 2 travel Magnadoodles for $.25 each, some books for Cooper's airplane bag, some take and toss sippies, and my best find...a Graco stroller rain cover for $1! I still need one more, but to find something I was about to go pay full price for at $1 makes me so happy! All told I spent $89 and left with 3 tubs full, including one whole tub full of fall/winter clothes. I love these sales!

I just came across your PTR and am all caught up! I love it. We go in October with our Little One's with a 4:3 adult to kids ratio!!

Welcome:cheer2:! I've been having fun reading your PTR as well. It's nice to outnumber the kids, isn't it? I'm hoping it helps with my two wild boys!

Getting so close!!!!!

Can't wait to hear/see how the shirts come out. I made a ton for our trip in September! 16 total:scared1:

Good luck with the sale:)

I am hoping the transfers will come in the mail today, and then I can get started tomorrow. I only got about 5 hours sleep last night from being at the sale late and going in early today, so I don't know that I trust myself with an iron tonight! I have 18 to do, if they go well! I am so nervous about how they will turn out...what kind of surface did you make them on? An ironing board isn't hard enough, right?

The big news...we FINALLY got our Mickey Mail! It came yesterday, and I had a blast showing the boys all the pictures in the brochures and maps that were in there. They are getting really excited, even Cooper. But our DME tags weren't in there, just some cute luggage tags. Were they supposed to be, or do they come separate?

[DisneyTiger]

Thanks! The sale was a total success. I brought several big things to sell, and all of those were gone when I left there this morning. I sold a lot of smaller toys and some clothes, but I won't know how much until I go to pick up the leftovers in an hour. Hopefully I'll come back with a small pile! I also had great success shopping-I got 2 travel Magnadoodles for $.25 each, some books for Cooper's airplane bag, some take and toss sippies, and my best find...a Graco stroller rain cover for $1! I still need one more, but to find something I was about to go pay full price for at $1 makes me so happy! All told I spent $89 and left with 3 tubs full, including one whole tub full of fall/winter clothes. I love these sales!



Welcome:cheer2:! I've been having fun reading your PTR as well. It's nice to outnumber the kids, isn't it? I'm hoping it helps with my two wild boys!



I am hoping the transfers will come in the mail today, and then I can get started tomorrow. I only got about 5 hours sleep last night from being at the sale late and going in early today, so I don't know that I trust myself with an iron tonight! I have 18 to do, if they go well! I am so nervous about how they will turn out...what kind of surface did you make them on? An ironing board isn't hard enough, right?

The big news...we FINALLY got our Mickey Mail! It came yesterday, and I had a blast showing the boys all the pictures in the brochures and maps that were in there. They are getting really excited, even Cooper. But our DME tags weren't in there, just some cute luggage tags. Were they supposed to be, or do they come separate?

I used an ironing board and it worked fine. I did put a think piece of cardboard in the middle of the shirt just to make it a bit firmer. It worked great! 18 ??? You beat my record:laughing: Can't wait to see them!

DME does come seperate from your reservation stuff. Not sure why, but it does. You should be getting that any day now:banana:

[jana616]

Some progress has been made, woo hoo!:yay: I was a busy bee yesterday, and got the Epcot Passports and our autograph books made. I am so excited to have some things crossed off my list. All (ha!) that I have left to do is 18 t-shirts. No problem-that should take an hour or two, right?:rotfl:

So, without further ado...here's my stuff! (wait, that came out wrong!)

The passports, pressed penny tubes, and stroller tags (that I had to put our name on myself!)
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3602.jpg

Better look at the Passports. I am so excited about these. I have the Word document if anyone else wants to make them. They were pretty easy once we figured it out, and they look so cute!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3603.jpg

The autograph books.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3606.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3607.jpg

I spent a couple of hours on these, but I'm happy with how they came out. I covered chipboard in paper, and then used embellishments I'd already bought for scrapbooking when we come back to decorate. Then I punched holes in the 4x6 index cards and put it all on binder rings. What I like about this is that I can take out the pages as they are signed, so as to hopefully keep safe ones we've already gotten. I had no idea how many pages they'd need, so I put 50 in each. Do you think that's enough? I'm planning to make them albums with their pictures with the characters along with the signatures. But, really, if the books survive, maybe we can just add pictures to these. We'll see!

Oh, and this has nothing to do with Disney, but my baby started Pre-K today, so I have to post his 1st Day of School picture on here.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3597.jpg
I can't believe he's this big already. I will be a blubbering mess next year for Kindergarten!:sad: Griffin is going 4 mornings a week (M-Th) this year, and Cooper is going 2 mornings (T&Th), which means tomorrow when they both go, will officially be the best day in the world! :woohoo: Any other SAHM on here knows what I mean, right?

Still no transfers, but hopefully they'll come today. I am totally ready and able to start t-shirts, so let's get transferring!!

[Macduffy]

FANTASTIC Job!!!!!!

I would love to have that Passport template. I can PM you my email if you don't mind?!

The autograph books are great too! I'm thinking about making this my next project (while I wait for my transfers to arrive LOL)! Nothing like the last minute eh? :rolleyes1

Enjoy your FREE day tomorrow - you deserve it!!!! Ben is going full time in September and Logan too! - back to work for me (I'm off 3 months out of the year - a nice balance but wish I only worked for 8 moths) :yay:

[jana616]

I don't mind a bit. It was really easy, you just have to flip each page over to print on the back side. They lined up nicely though, and then cut them out, round the corners, and staple together. I know my boys will have fun getting the stamps or whatever in each country, and hopefully it will keep them a little more "into" the WS! Just PM your e-mail...

[DisneyTiger]

Ooh ooh, i want a copy too:lovestruc

Ok, so question... you are waiting for your transfers to come in the mail? I just ask because I've always just printed mine out myself. What kind of transfers are they?? Are they cut out yet because that's the most time consuming part for me!

[jana616]

Just PM me your e-mail addy too, and I'll send it to you! I'm waiting on the transfer paper to come in the mail. I ordered it from someone on the Creative Disigns board, and supposedly it's like the awesomest paper ever, and super easy to use. So no, I have done zero on these shirts other than gathering all the designs up. We'll see how this goes! Oh, and question for you since you're the t-shirt making Goddess...what size did you print your transfers for your kids? One will be on an XS (2-4) and the other on a small (6-8). Actually, what size did you print the adults too? Thanks!

[DisneyTiger]

Just PM me your e-mail addy too, and I'll send it to you! I'm waiting on the transfer paper to come in the mail. I ordered it from someone on the Creative Disigns board, and supposedly it's like the awesomest paper ever, and super easy to use. So no, I have done zero on these shirts other than gathering all the designs up. We'll see how this goes! Oh, and question for you since you're the t-shirt making Goddess...what size did you print your transfers for your kids? One will be on an XS (2-4) and the other on a small (6-8). Actually, what size did you print the adults too? Thanks!


Sending you my email now. Thanks!

For the shirts, what I did was request the DISign on the DISign boards and once someone made one for me (Tylenn is the BEST DISigner) I would right click and save it to my pictures. The I would go pull up the pic and choose print. It gives me an option of size. For the adult shirts, I would use 8X10 and for the kids shirts, I used 5X7. Sorry, hope that wasn't TMI since you just asked what size I did:rotfl:

It's really easy to do from home. I buy the transfer paper from Michael's and it runs through my printer just like regular paper. I've never had any problems. Have you already seen your graphics?? If you get really anxious, I can tell you what paper to buy and you can try it yourself! Good luck, and thanks in advance for the passport doc!:thumbsup2

[jana616]

Sending you my email now. Thanks!

For the shirts, what I did was request the DISign on the DISign boards and once someone made one for me (Tylenn is the BEST DISigner) I would right click and save it to my pictures. The I would go pull up the pic and choose print. It gives me an option of size. For the adult shirts, I would use 8X10 and for the kids shirts, I used 5X7. Sorry, hope that wasn't TMI since you just asked what size I did:rotfl:

It's really easy to do from home. I buy the transfer paper from Michael's and it runs through my printer just like regular paper. I've never had any problems. Have you already seen your graphics?? If you get really anxious, I can tell you what paper to buy and you can try it yourself! Good luck, and thanks in advance for the passport doc!:thumbsup2

No, not TMI at all! That's exactly what I am trying to figure out. I was kind of thinking the same sizes you did, so it's good to know I'm on the right track. I have all the disigns I've found/requested all saved in My Pictures on my computer. So if I understand correctly (and please tell me if I don't!), I just print them onto the transfer paper I ordered (like regular paper, just like yours), trim around them, and iron them on, right?

The papers I ordered are supposed to be easier to transfer than the Avery, etc. ones in the stores, plus I guess they're less likely to crack, bleed through... IDK, enough people swore by them that I bit the bullet and ordered them. And I tried to make it easy on myself and pick bordered box-style designs for all my colored shirts (so no intricate cutting around), and then for the ones going on white shirts, I should be able to just trim closely, right?

Please, please tell me if I am not understanding this stuff well. I don't want to waste time, transfer paper, or shirts. Every other thing I have made for this trip has been harder and took longer than I expected, so naturally, I am terrified for the shirt making! :scared1:

Thanks!

[DisneyTiger]

No, not TMI at all! That's exactly what I am trying to figure out. I was kind of thinking the same sizes you did, so it's good to know I'm on the right track. I have all the disigns I've found/requested all saved in My Pictures on my computer. So if I understand correctly (and please tell me if I don't!), I just print them onto the transfer paper I ordered (like regular paper, just like yours), trim around them, and iron them on, right?

The papers I ordered are supposed to be easier to transfer than the Avery, etc. ones in the stores, plus I guess they're less likely to crack, bleed through... IDK, enough people swore by them that I bit the bullet and ordered them. And I tried to make it easy on myself and pick bordered box-style designs for all my colored shirts (so no intricate cutting around), and then for the ones going on white shirts, I should be able to just trim closely, right?

Please, please tell me if I am not understanding this stuff well. I don't want to waste time, transfer paper, or shirts. Every other thing I have made for this trip has been harder and took longer than I expected, so naturally, I am terrified for the shirt making! :scared1:

Thanks!

Ok, I personally don't find the whole iron on process to be very hard, but it is time consuming. I have done my share of shirts though, but even on my first one, it wasn't that hard. Here is the transfer paper that I use from Michael's..

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0433

I too make my designs easy by having a box around them. Even if I get a design from a DISiger and it doesn't have a box, I'll add one in Microsoft Paint. Even I can figure that out:rotfl: You just run the paper through your printer, let it dry for a few minutes, peel the backing off, lay the graphic on your t-shirt, put the piece of parchment type paper that comes with the transfers over the graphic and iron. There are directions on how to do all of this in the package. I think it costs like $7.99 for 5 sheets and they're 8.5 X 11 which means you can get 2 5X7's out of one sheet.

Now, explain to me how you "ordered" your transfers. Did you actually pay someone to do them? Do you know what kind of paper they're on? Just curious. I have to say that the last ones I made did run a bit but I think it was the printer that I used. It was my sisters because mine died. I don't know if itwas the ink or the paper. I have all of our shirts from the first trip and they'll fine. I think it was the ink.

And I so hope I'm not stressing you out with this! I'm sure they'll be there in plenty of time and easy to do. I'd be happy to help you out with any other questions! And I would love to see your graphics. Or are they a suprise??:)

[jana616]

OK, major problem...what I ordered was transfer paper. Just the plain, blank paper for me to print my own transfers using the DISigns from here. When they didn't come today, I e-mailed the woman who sells them and asked to clarify the address, as well as ask where she was shipping from. She replied, and mailed them to my address from 3 years ago! So I won't ever get them, right? I've replied and asked that if they will just come back to her, can I cancel the order. If she has to start from scratch with sending them, then I will never get them in time. I don't really know how this happened. I paid with Paypal, and apparently my "home" address is my current one, but my confirmed address is the old one and that's the one attached to the bank acccount used (which I don't get since the bank uses our correct address, but whatever). So I guess this is my fault, and I don't know if she'll do anything to help me out. Anyway, I'll see how nice she is about it. So I guess I will be getting those sheets from Michaels in the meantime. Oh, I am so bummed!

[DisneyTiger]

Oh no!!!! Well, I'm glad you called to check on them! What kind of paper is it?I'm very curious! That is so frustrating! I hope she has pity on you! If not, the paper I told you about works just fine. Have no fear:goodvibes

[mommyof2Pirates]

Loved all your projects, especially the autograph books. They all look great.

Love the 1st day of preK pic too. So exciting yet so sad that your baby is growing up. I know the feeling. Ryan starts in his Pre-K classroom next monday. You would think I wouldnt be bothered since hes been in daycare since he was an infant but I feel sad too that he is just getting so big so fast. Where does the time go?

Good luck with the paper. I am sure it will work out ok. Sorry I cant offer much advice since Ive never done transfers before but I bet the store bought stuff will be ok.

And look at the bright side. Only 14 days til disneyparty:

[jana616]

CRISIS AVERTED!!! After 3 hours of phone calls and e-mails, I finally got ahold of the current owner of our old house, and she actually received it and was holding it for a few days just in case I tried to find it! I can't believe it! She's going to leave it on her front porch and I can get it tomorrow. I am so relieved; I'm pretty sure I was having some heart problems while this was sorted out.

And for the record, Amy (aka the transfer lady) was awesome in her response. She was willing to send out a second set for just the cost of shipping, and hope the other set was returned to her. Pretty great!

So hopefully I can post tomorrow with a couple of shirt pictures!

[princesspaige]

CRISIS AVERTED!!! After 3 hours of phone calls and e-mails, I finally got ahold of the current owner of our old house, and she actually received it and was holding it for a few days just in case I tried to find it! I can't believe it! She's going to leave it on her front porch and I can get it tomorrow. I am so relieved; I'm pretty sure I was having some heart problems while this was sorted out.

And for the record, Amy (aka the transfer lady) was awesome in her response. She was willing to send out a second set for just the cost of shipping, and hope the other set was returned to her. Pretty great!

So hopefully I can post tomorrow with a couple of shirt pictures!

Whew! I am glad you were able to track down your papers! :thumbsup2 The projects you have completed so far look awesome.

Can you believe you have 14 more days to go! I am down to 12...I keep thinking to myself "is it ever going to get here?" and then suddenly I am "OMG, I can check in on-line in 2 days!" :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[jana616]

Whew! I am glad you were able to track down your papers! :thumbsup2 The projects you have completed so far look awesome.

Can you believe you have 14 more days to go! I am down to 12...I keep thinking to myself "is it ever going to get here?" and then suddenly I am "OMG, I can check in on-line in 2 days!" :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Woo hoo for 12 days! That's nothing! Have you got everything ready? Any last minute details you're still working on?

[DisneyTiger]

Soooo glad this worked out for you! You'll be a busy bee today:thumbsup2

[Macduffy]

CRISIS AVERTED!!! After 3 hours of phone calls and e-mails, I finally got ahold of the current owner of our old house, and she actually received it and was holding it for a few days just in case I tried to find it! I can't believe it! She's going to leave it on her front porch and I can get it tomorrow. I am so relieved; I'm pretty sure I was having some heart problems while this was sorted out.

And for the record, Amy (aka the transfer lady) was awesome in her response. She was willing to send out a second set for just the cost of shipping, and hope the other set was returned to her. Pretty great!

So hopefully I can post tomorrow with a couple of shirt pictures!

Phew... that was a close one! But it all works out in the end. I'm glad you don't have to use the Michael's paper - I did once and it was HORRIBLE!!! I ordered from Amy as well :yay:
Keep up the great work! Hope the boys are doing well :)

[mommyof2Pirates]

Sounds like you have gotten some disney magic already. I am so glad you were able to get the transfers and get started on your shirts. Cant wait to see them.

[jana616]

Phew... that was a close one! But it all works out in the end. I'm glad you don't have to use the Michael's paper - I did once and it was HORRIBLE!!! I ordered from Amy as well :yay:
Keep up the great work! Hope the boys are doing well :)

You will LOVE Amy's transfers. They are awesome!

Soooo glad this worked out for you! You'll be a busy bee today:thumbsup2

I was!

Sounds like you have gotten some disney magic already. I am so glad you were able to get the transfers and get started on your shirts. Cant wait to see them.

Alright, so of course things didn't work out quite as easily as I thought they would. What else is new?!:headache:

I went to pick up the transfers after I dropped the boys off at preschool. The current owner had said she would leave them on the front porch. Of course, I get there and they are not outside and she's gone. I was super bummed because 1) I wasted a trip there, and 2) Chad's mom took the boys straight from school, so I had the day to work on them. I gave it until 3 or so, and called her again. She was like, "Oh, I forgot to put them out and won't be home for 2 days.:scared1: Can I just mail them to you?" Uh, NO! Luckily, our old neighbor, whom we are still friends with, had a key, went into her house, and got them (with her permission, of course!). But I didn't get them until 5:30 today, so that part stunk.

Anyway, all that to say...I've made 6 shirts so far. They are way easier than I thought. Well, actually I made 7. When I started thinking I was never going to get Amy's transfers, I used an old one I had from a Hobby Lobby pack. Let me tell you, having used both, Amy's are worth every penny! That one was very faded, and had to be flipped, and just didn't look right, so I pitched that one and re-did it. The ones I've done with Amy's paper look awesome, and they are so much easier! I did have one problem. I used a design with a blue border, and then a white background with Mickey in a knight's costume, and it says, "Prince in Training." Super cute. But on Cooper's, the red shirt that it went on bled through the white background. It's not terrible, and not bad enough that I'm not going to use it, but still... Luckily I am far from a perfectionist, and I'm short on transfer paper!:lmao:;)

I had been holding off on ordering the other t-shirts I needed, just in case this was super hard and I didn't want to do many. Now I know I :love: it, and I wish I could make shirts for all of us each day. Not going to happen, but that's okay! 18 will be plenty, and if I have extra paper I can do a couple more for Chad (who, shockingly, seems into the shirts!).

What has everyone else been up to?

[mommyof2Pirates]

Well it sounds like its all starting to come together. Glad you finally got the paper and that it was worth the hassle. The prince in training shirt sounds adorable. I bet no one will even notice the imperfection.

I finally sat down tonight and typed up my final packing list with the items still needed typed in red. I had stuff written all over the place and feel so much better now that Ive made a formal check list. I also went online and stopped our mail for the week we are gone.

I am still working on- my planner, DH and my costume for MNSSHP, money envelopes, getting a bag together for donovan (dog), clean out our basement so the oil company can do our yearly check on the oil burner (getting this done the day before we leave), LAUNDRY, and whatever else new I can think of in the next 3 1/2 weeks.

Have fun making the rest of the tshirts. I am anxiously awaiting the pics

[jana616]

Thanks, it is finally starting to come together. And I am realizing that it's a darn good thing I didn't start making shirts before I did, or we would have 100 of them! It is SOOO fun to make them. I did one more tonight, a Playhouse Disney one for Griffin (waiting on Cooper's shirt to come), and it's my favorite so far. I will post pics soon. I felt like I should get them all done first, but it's mean of me to make you all wait, isn't it?

Sounds like you are being super productive and organized! Good for you! I need to figure out what I have left to buy. I got the other rain cover today, and went through and determined what snacks we are bringing (fruit snacks, goldfish and raisins for the kids), plus Chad and I decided what we are going to eat for breakfasts in the room (raisin toast, little cereal boxes for the kids, and maybe bagels, plus I'm bringing some Pop Tarts just in case).

I'm struggling right now with what needs to go in my park bag each day. Does anyone have ideas, especially with two small kids, one of whom is in diapers? All ideas greatly appreciated!

[jana616]

Enough of the t-shirt talk...I fear it may be getting old! Let's talk about something more fun...like food! :stir: I :love: food. So does my DH (though he's so disgustingly skinny, you'd never know it, some things are not fair!), and ours moms are pretty big fans as well. My boys like the junk food, but not so much real food with any nutritional value. Anyway, I was reading my Unofficial Guide today, thumbing through the CS restaurant descriptions, and I realized I don't have those picked out! :scared1: Shocking, I know!

Here's a quick summary of our plans so far, just to recap:

Monday: arrive, swim, lunch at POP, nap, MK. Dinner at CP 6:30
Tuesday: MK, dinner at 'Ohana 5 pm pm (where for lunch?)
Wednesday: DHS, brunch at H&V 11 am (where for dinner?)
Thursday: Epcot, lunch at Le Cellier 11:45 am (where for dinner?)
Friday: AK, breakfast at TH 8 am (where for lunch?). Dinner at POP
Saturday: open (probably Epcot), then DTD and T-Rex for dinner. Where for a 2nd CS at Epcot, if that's where we go?
Sunday: MK, 'Ohana brunch 10:55 am, Chef Mickey's dinner 5:30. No CS that day.
Monday: Flight home at 12:15. Breakfast at POP.

So, what CS should we consider? What places did you really like? And also, what snacks are can't miss? I have school bread, Dole Whip, and an ice cream sandwich from Main Street Bakery on my list, but what else? We have 21 snacks to devour!

Alright, let's all drool together!:rotfl:

[jana616]

Alright, is it possible to smell through the computer? Because I'm starting to think I must be stinky, or just really, really boring! No one has commented in a couple of days, not even when I tried to start a discussion of food! And we all know food gets everyone talking! :lmao:

If anyone is still reading along, can you let me know? If no one is, that's okay, I know we're all busy getting ready! But at least I'll know that I'm just talking to myself:goodvibes!

If anyone is interested, I'm still trying to figure out the park bag situation and also snacks and CS meal choices. OK, discuss amongst yourselves!

[racefanof88]

Enough of the t-shirt talk...I fear it may be getting old! Let's talk about something more fun...like food! :stir: I :love: food. So does my DH (though he's so disgustingly skinny, you'd never know it, some things are not fair!), and ours moms are pretty big fans as well. My boys like the junk food, but not so much real food with any nutritional value. Anyway, I was reading my Unofficial Guide today, thumbing through the CS restaurant descriptions, and I realized I don't have those picked out! :scared1: Shocking, I know!

Here's a quick summary of our plans so far, just to recap:

Monday: arrive, swim, lunch at POP, nap, MK. Dinner at CP 6:30
Tuesday: MK, dinner at 'Ohana 5 pm pm (where for lunch?)
Wednesday: DHS, brunch at H&V 11 am (where for dinner?)
Thursday: Epcot, lunch at Le Cellier 11:45 am (where for dinner?)
Friday: AK, breakfast at TH 8 am (where for lunch?). Dinner at POP
Saturday: open (probably Epcot), then DTD and T-Rex for dinner. Where for a 2nd CS at Epcot, if that's where we go?
Sunday: MK, 'Ohana brunch 10:55 am, Chef Mickey's dinner 5:30. No CS that day.
Monday: Flight home at 12:15. Breakfast at POP.

So, what CS should we consider? What places did you really like? And also, what snacks are can't miss? I have school bread, Dole Whip, and an ice cream sandwich from Main Street Bakery on my list, but what else? We have 21 snacks to devour!

Alright, let's all drool together!:rotfl:

Alright, is it possible to smell through the computer? Because I'm starting to think I must be stinky, or just really, really boring! No one has commented in a couple of days, not even when I tried to start a discussion of food! And we all know food gets everyone talking! :lmao:

If anyone is still reading along, can you let me know? If no one is, that's okay, I know we're all busy getting ready! But at least I'll know that I'm just talking to myself:goodvibes!

If anyone is interested, I'm still trying to figure out the park bag situation and also snacks and CS meal choices. OK, discuss amongst yourselves!

Sorry I haven't been by in a while, I have been kidnapped by Farm Town :lmao:. I feel the same way at times. Like I am typing away and no one sees it. Is that like the "tree falling thing"?


:woohoo: 11 DAYS:woohoo:

We are eating at several of the same places. I wanted to eat at 'Ohana for dinner, but couldn't get a ressie and I have stopped trying. I was able to get a breakfast so I am just going to go with that.

I LOVE :love::lovestruc school bread. It, to me, is the best thing they sell at Disney, snack wise that is. I like the Dole whip too, but it just doesn't add up to the school bread. The funnel cakes are good and large enough to share. If you aren't a big eater then you and your boys can probably get by with sharing one.

I have several CS favs. Pecos Bills, Cosmic Rays, and Columbia Harbor House at MK. Electric Umbrella and American Adventure at Epcot. Backlot Express at DHS. I don't have one at AK, we have never eaten CS there. I like the food courts at the resorts since there are lots of choices and my family is so picky. Remember at breakfast you get a juice AND a drink at a CS on the DDP. We will be there during the F & W festival so we can use some of our snack credits there.

If by park bag you mean what to carry into the park here is my list.
Tylenol or motrin(adult and child)
benadrly
bandaids and neosporin
sun screen
epi-pen(DS had peanut allergy)
camera stuff
mole skin(extra, I have come to LOVE that stuff)
ponchos(if needed)
ziploc bags(several large and small)
hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
one water for each of us and flavor packs



I know you are getting excited about the trip being so close. I know I am :yay:.

[jana616]

Sorry I haven't been by in a while, I have been kidnapped by Farm Town :lmao:. I feel the same way at times. Like I am typing away and no one sees it. Is that like the "tree falling thing"?


:woohoo: 11 DAYS:woohoo:

We are eating at several of the same places. I wanted to eat at 'Ohana for dinner, but couldn't get a ressie and I have stopped trying. I was able to get a breakfast so I am just going to go with that.

I LOVE :love::lovestruc school bread. It, to me, is the best thing they sell at Disney, snack wise that is. I like the Dole whip too, but it just doesn't add up to the school bread. The funnel cakes are good and large enough to share. If you aren't a big eater then you and your boys can probably get by with sharing one.

I have several CS favs. Pecos Bills, Cosmic Rays, and Columbia Harbor House at MK. Electric Umbrella and American Adventure at Epcot. Backlot Express at DHS. I don't have one at AK, we have never eaten CS there. I like the food courts at the resorts since there are lots of choices and my family is so picky. Remember at breakfast you get a juice AND a drink at a CS on the DDP. We will be there during the F & W festival so we can use some of our snack credits there.

If by park bag you mean what to carry into the park here is my list.
Tylenol or motrin(adult and child)
benadrly
bandaids and neosporin
sun screen
epi-pen(DS had peanut allergy)
camera stuff
mole skin(extra, I have come to LOVE that stuff)
ponchos(if needed)
ziploc bags(several large and small)
hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
one water for each of us and flavor packs



I know you are getting excited about the trip being so close. I know I am :yay:.

Yay, someone is still reading!:yay: I guess that means I'm not talking to myself! And I'm super guilty of lurking on other people's PTRs and not replying, so I don't know why I got sad...I guess I just worried I was getting too boring! Oh well, boring or not I'll stick around!

Thanks for the CS list and your park bag list. Yep, that's what I meant, what stuff do I need to bring into the parks each day. I did not have Tylenol on my list, so I'm glad you said that!

I have on my "park bag" list:

glow sticks/light-up toys (most important item at the top, clearly:lmao:)
mister fans
ponchos
stroller rain covers
sunscreen
pipe cleaners (to entertain boys quietly)
sippy cups
plastic utensils
first aid kit (really band-aids, moleskin, Tylenol, and neosporin)
sunglasses
diapers/wipes/changing pad
extra outfits for both boys
camera
auto. books/pressed penny tubes
ziploc bags
hand sanitizer
waters for DH and myself

Oh, and of course the kitchen sink and two turtle doves:rotfl:! But seriously, is there anything I'm forgetting? Anything on here that doesn't need to be? Help!

[DisneyTiger]

Hey! I am still reading, and guilty of lurking:rolleyes1 Sorry, I just didn't really have much to add about your CS choices. I don't really plan ahead for those, shocking I know. We usually just stop at the closest place when we get hungry. I like having that flexibility. Plus, there are just too many places to consider! It would make my head swim going through all of them.

As far as you packing list, it makes me laugh every time I read it. Why? you ask?? Because it lookse JUST like mine!!:rotfl: I really don't have much to add! If I think of anything, I promise I will let you know:thumbsup2 but I'm pretty sure you've got it covered!

And I'm not bored with tshirt talk! I would love to see/hear how they came out! I guess I'm just curious about the paper. I want to know what all the hooplah is since I've never used it!

Keep on writing - we're reading!:surfweb:

[jana616]

Hey! I am still reading, and guilty of lurking:rolleyes1 Sorry, I just didn't really have much to add about your CS choices. I don't really plan ahead for those, shocking I know. We usually just stop at the closest place when we get hungry. I like having that flexibility. Plus, there are just too many places to consider! It would make my head swim going through all of them.

As far as you packing list, it makes me laugh every time I read it. Why? you ask?? Because it lookse JUST like mine!!:rotfl: I really don't have much to add! If I think of anything, I promise I will let you know:thumbsup2 but I'm pretty sure you've got it covered!

And I'm not bored with tshirt talk! I would love to see/hear how they came out! I guess I'm just curious about the paper. I want to know what all the hooplah is since I've never used it!

Keep on writing - we're reading!:surfweb:

OK, at least two people are reading, or kind enough to pretend to be reading so I don't get a complex! I'll take it!

I'm not going to be all anal (AKA, myself) about CS meals at all. Most of them sound good to me. But in Ridemax, it does ask where your breaks are taking place, so if we know ahead of time, it works out much better.

For MK, I'm thinking either CHH, Cosmic Ray's, or Peco Bills
For Epcot, Sunshine Seasons or ??
For DHS, I'm pretty sure we;ll do Pizza Planet, since my mom of all people really wants to eat there. She :love: Toy Story!
AK is causing me the most problems. None of them sound great, but we'll need to eat a later lunch somewhere. Pizzafari maybe? I hate ribs, but I think the other 3 adults love them, so maybe FTB for them and the boys and I will get something somewhere else.

Really, not stressing about that too much. I just wanted to hear anyone's favorites!

I'm glad to hear your list sounded like mine. I think after the first day I'll have a better idea what we need in the parks. Not stressing about that either, nope, not me!:rotfl:

I promise pics of the t-shirts very soon! I have two more I can do today, and then the rest of my t-shirts should be here tomorrow and I want to get them done over the weekend. That will be a great feeling!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I am still reading too. I wont stop cause I want all the quick tips you can give me when you come back. You have 13 days after your trip to post them for me. No pressure:lmao:. Your park bag looks pretty identical to mine too. remember to have somewhere to put the pressed pennies once they do them like a ziploc or a booklet. I also am going to take a hand towel which was recommended by someone in case the kids run in those fountains or even if your real sweaty I guess it would work too. Although I dont know if you'd want to share one towel for that:confused: I will check my list I have at home and send you any more idea's I may have missed.

As for CS I have eaten at cosmic rays it was great., we are also going to do pizza planet (more for the toy story theme), we ate at pizzafari last time and it was good your usual pizza. I never can find anywhere that thrills me CS wise in epcot. :confused3 We plan on eating at our food court for lunch that day.

I was at a dinner meeting last night for work until 830pm and didnt get home until 915. I was so exhausted so I did nothing disney last night:guilty:. I will be hard at work tonight soon as my kids are in bed!:yay:

Are you going to do online check in tomorrow?

[Macduffy]

I demand pictures!!! :rotfl:
I only order 10 pages of Amy's paper to stop the urge to make 100's of them. I can't wait to see how they turned out!

[jana616]

I demand pictures!!! :rotfl:
I only order 10 pages of Amy's paper to stop the urge to make 100's of them. I can't wait to see how they turned out!

OK, OK, I promise pictures soon! :goodvibes The problem is that almost all of the boys' shirts are matching, and I only have one here and one there done, so I just don't feel like pics will be quite as exciting as they would once they are all done. I want to wow you guys, you know! You will :love: Amy's transfers. It's probably a good thing you limited yourself! I'll take a few teaser pics now, and try to post ASAP!

I am still reading too. I wont stop cause I want all the quick tips you can give me when you come back. You have 13 days after your trip to post them for me. No pressure:lmao:. Your park bag looks pretty identical to mine too. remember to have somewhere to put the pressed pennies once they do them like a ziploc or a booklet. I also am going to take a hand towel which was recommended by someone in case the kids run in those fountains or even if your real sweaty I guess it would work too. Although I dont know if you'd want to share one towel for that:confused: I will check my list I have at home and send you any more idea's I may have missed.

As for CS I have eaten at cosmic rays it was great., we are also going to do pizza planet (more for the toy story theme), we ate at pizzafari last time and it was good your usual pizza. I never can find anywhere that thrills me CS wise in epcot. :confused3 We plan on eating at our food court for lunch that day.

I was at a dinner meeting last night for work until 830pm and didnt get home until 915. I was so exhausted so I did nothing disney last night:guilty:. I will be hard at work tonight soon as my kids are in bed!:yay:

Are you going to do online check in tomorrow?

Great suggestions on the park bag-I'm going to add a bag for pressed pennies (although we might buy the little book there) and a hand towel (that's just handy for all kinds of things!). Any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

I think the boys would like the music guy at Cosmic Ray's, so that sounds good, but at least there are other places that sound good too. It's funny, we have 2 1/2 days at MK, but I think we'll only need 1 CS meal there with the way our ADRs are!

I want to do on-line checkin, but I'm not sure if I can since I used a TA. Do you know? I was going to try and then e-mail her if it didn't work. I want to do that, and then I'm going to fax a room preference letter about 4 days beforehand, with where we'd like to be, connecting rooms if possible, and mention again that we're arriving early. Hopefully we'll get some :wizard: pixie dust and things will go our way on this one!

And I promise to come back and share of my hard-earned wisdom with those going after us! I'll try to take mental notes of things I wish I'd known. If there's anything you all want me to look at or check on while we're there, let me know!

[jana616]

OK, as promised, a few pictures of the shirts I've made so far. I took them quickly just to give you an idea, so I'm warning you that no artistic arrangement was made!

What I've done so far. I also have 2 more transfers printed, but not applied.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3637.jpg

Close-up on the Playhouse Disney one someone made for me. They were so great, they even put Oso on there since he's my boys' favorite! This is my favorite shirt so far!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3639.jpg

Close-up on the shirt I am making for everyone to wear our 1st full day at MK. I love this design!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3641.jpg

Close-up on the one I kind of messed up. You can kind of see it even in the picture. Under the sword, in that area, the red shirt bled through, so it's kind of pink. I'm telling myself it's okay since I don't have enough shirts/paper to redo it! It is, right? No one's going to laugh at him?
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3640_edited-1.jpg

This is what our room looks like right now! Pardon the non-trip mess, that's there all the time. Our bedroom is kind of where old furniture and junk goes to die... Notice the 4 carry-ons. I put our snacks in one and weighed it last night. 17.5 pounds of snacks!:scared1: This includes 2.5 pounds of fruit snacks! :scared1: I'm weeding some things out, given that we have free food coming for a week. I don't know what's wrong with me either.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3636.jpg

And finally, my sweet baby boy on his first day of preschool Tuesday. He did so well! I was a little worried, because he makes the cutoff by just two weeks. I didn't know how he'd handle it. But they have trucks in his class, so he went off to play and didn't even glance back! Awesome!:woohoo:
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3614.jpg

[Macduffy]

OMG Cooper is adorable!!! I know how you feel about letting him go... Logan was 3 weeks too young for our preschool program but I BEGGED and PLEADED with them to let him in (he'd have to wait until next September and that's too long) and they are letting him in the 2's room but I'm super nervous he's too young. I'll find out September 1st!

You're doing such a great job on all your crafts!!!! The t's look fabulous and I barely noticed the bleed. Keep up the amazing work!

oh wait... there's Logan now - awake from a nap - no more fun for me :surfweb:

[mommyof2Pirates]

The only things I had on my packing list that I didnt see on yours were wet ones and tissues otherwise ours are almost identical:)

You can check in online for sure. You may have to use http://MyDisneyReservation.com/guest I think when you go through the TA you use this website instead of going on WDW.com. Let me know how it works!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I :lovestruc the shirts. They are so awesome. Dont worry about the bleed through it looks great and hardly noticable. I dont think anyone will laugh especially cause your boys are so darn adorable. I love the preschool pick. Thats so great that he wasnt upset to stay there. My kids still occasionally give me a hard time at daycare. It breaks my heart.

I cant wait to see more tshirts. Keep up the good work:thumbsup2

[racefanof88]

I love your room :thumbsup2. That is exactly how a room should look before a Disney trip. Cooper is too cute dressed for school. I have a nephew named Cooper and he will be 4 in November. I love the shirts. I don't do the shirts because my crew wouldn't wear them :sad2:. My DH loves Disney, but he doesn't like to advertise it...............LOL.

[princesspaige]

I want to do on-line checkin, but I'm not sure if I can since I used a TA. Do you know? I was going to try and then e-mail her if it didn't work. I want to do that, and then I'm going to fax a room preference letter about 4 days beforehand, with where we'd like to be, connecting rooms if possible, and mention again that we're arriving early. Hopefully we'll get some :wizard: pixie dust and things will go our way on this one!

Just wanted to let you know that you can do on-line check in even though you went thru a TA. I used a TA as well and was able to check in on-line yesterday with no problems. It was actually one of the easiest things I have done for this trip. :lmao:

The t-shirts look great! :thumbsup2 The boys are going to have so much fun. You asked about CS meals...I don't have any thing to add as we just stop when we get hungry and hope there is something I like on the menu...which is usually not a problem. :rotfl2: I am definitely going to try the Dole Whip this year, I have heard way to many good things about it from this board not to try it. :thumbsup2

[jana616]

OMG Cooper is adorable!!! I know how you feel about letting him go... Logan was 3 weeks too young for our preschool program but I BEGGED and PLEADED with them to let him in (he'd have to wait until next September and that's too long) and they are letting him in the 2's room but I'm super nervous he's too young. I'll find out September 1st!

You're doing such a great job on all your crafts!!!! The t's look fabulous and I barely noticed the bleed. Keep up the amazing work!

oh wait... there's Logan now - awake from a nap - no more fun for me :surfweb:

Aww, thanks for the compliment on Cooper! I think he's pretty cute too! I hear you on the preschool, and knowing when they're ready thing. I was worried he'd be the youngest, but there's actually 2 kids even younger-one of them missed the cutoff completely. I'm sure Logan will do great!

Thanks for the compliments on the crafts. That's the fun part, I just wish I'd started a month sooner!:rotfl:

The only things I had on my packing list that I didnt see on yours were wet ones and tissues otherwise ours are almost identical:)

You can check in online for sure. You may have to use http://MyDisneyReservation.com/guest I think when you go through the TA you use this website instead of going on WDW.com. Let me know how it works!

I have Wet Wipes and Kleenex added, thank you!:goodvibes

I :lovestruc the shirts. They are so awesome. Dont worry about the bleed through it looks great and hardly noticable. I dont think anyone will laugh especially cause your boys are so darn adorable. I love the preschool pick. Thats so great that he wasnt upset to stay there. My kids still occasionally give me a hard time at daycare. It breaks my heart.

I cant wait to see more tshirts. Keep up the good work:thumbsup2

Thanks for the compliment, and for telling me not to worry about the one. You know how it is, you just want everything to be perfect. Oh well! Hoping to work on more shirts tomorrow night!

I love your room :thumbsup2. That is exactly how a room should look before a Disney trip. Cooper is too cute dressed for school. I have a nephew named Cooper and he will be 4 in November. I love the shirts. I don't do the shirts because my crew wouldn't wear them :sad2:. My DH loves Disney, but he doesn't like to advertise it...............LOL.

Yeah, the room is definitely a "staging area" right now! Cooper is a name we hear everywhere now. There are 8 :scared1: Cooper's in the preschool, and my ODS's BFF is Cooper as well. That gets really confusing! Of course we didn't have any idea how popular it was becoming when we picked it, but he truly is a Cooper, and no other name would fit him as well, so it's okay!:)

I was very surprised that my DH (who has not been into any of this Disney stuff) liked the shirts and was totally willing to wear them. I'm actually making him a couple extra, since I knew he'd love the designs. Maybe your DH can be converted!:lmao:

[jana616]

Just wanted to let you know that you can do on-line check in even though you went thru a TA. I used a TA as well and was able to check in on-line yesterday with no problems. It was actually one of the easiest things I have done for this trip. :lmao:

The t-shirts look great! :thumbsup2 The boys are going to have so much fun. You asked about CS meals...I don't have any thing to add as we just stop when we get hungry and hope there is something I like on the menu...which is usually not a problem. :rotfl2: I am definitely going to try the Dole Whip this year, I have heard way to many good things about it from this board not to try it. :thumbsup2

Thanks for letting me know on the on-line check-in. I'm going to do it tomorrow! Getting SOOOO close....ahhhh!:yay:

I know, I think we'll be fine wherever we eat too, so it's not something I'm worrying about. I just wondered if anyone had a place they :lovestruc.

You are getting so close. All ready? Looks like we're going to have a cold, rainy weekend to keep you indoors and packing!:lmao:

[jana616]

So I finally e-mailed our TA today to say, "Where the heck are the stupid DME tags?" And she replied saying that many, many people are not getting them lately, herself on her last trip included. I'm kind of wondering if it's something she's doing, but I've loved her otherwise, so I'm cutting her some slack. So it sounds like we won't get them. Instead we have to take our baggage claim check to DME and explain what happened. Ugh...what a pain!

And, Ridemax is kind of hard! I mean, I do love it, but making the plans is hard. We have a bunch of Riderswaps to use, and trying to plan breaks. Yuck. I had solid success with AK and DHS. I like the plans for those. Epcot is proving to be very difficult. I would like to get there at RD, tour, eat lunch at Le Cellier, then take a break before coming back, eat dinner, tour, and watch Illuminations. But I can get nothing accomplished this way. So then I thought about getting there later (like 10) and not taking a break. Still don't get much done. Plus Cooper can't ride Soarin or Test Track, so we have to plan those twice, and ugh, it's just making my head hurt!

Alright, enough whining for tonight! Off to watch Project Runway!

[racefanof88]

I wish I could convert DH, but he thinks it is silly. If I could get us all matching flowered (Hawaiian) shirts he would be happy............:lmao:

[2shortpeopleruleme]

Hey Jana! I am finally caught up! You are my hero, I love everything. The shirts are really REALLY great!

I wanted to tell you about DME... we didn't get our luggage tags either. I called into Disney and asked and they gave me a number for DME directly. I spoke with them and they told me it was a printer error (??) and that they were going to get them out to me. I just got ours earlier this week. Let me see if I can find the number that I called directly to DME.....OHHH I found it!

1-866-599-0951 I just called it again to make sure. You might want to ask them, they were really helpful to me.

Ohh and I am going to PM you my email addy after seeing those passports I think I have got Chris on board to do some world traveling!!

[jana616]

Hey Jana! I am finally caught up! You are my hero, I love everything. The shirts are really REALLY great!

I wanted to tell you about DME... we didn't get our luggage tags either. I called into Disney and asked and they gave me a number for DME directly. I spoke with them and they told me it was a printer error (??) and that they were going to get them out to me. I just got ours earlier this week. Let me see if I can find the number that I called directly to DME.....OHHH I found it!

1-866-599-0951 I just called it again to make sure. You might want to ask them, they were really helpful to me.

Ohh and I am going to PM you my email addy after seeing those passports I think I have got Chris on board to do some world traveling!!

You're alive! Just kidding, I know you're super busy getting ready too.

10 DAYS!

Can you believe it? We are thisclose to single digits. I did on-line check in this morning and it seemed to work. Thanks for the DME info. I e-mailed our TA asking her to check on it, and she resent all our info this morning. We got e-mailed confirmations from them, so at least we'll have that to bring with us if nothing else. Hopefully the tags will come in the next week, that would just be easier. How long after you called did they come?

Thanks for the compliments on the shirts. I am anxiously awaiting UPS with the rest of my shirts right now, but even if they come, I don't think I'll get to do anything on them until Sunday afternoon at the earliest. My mom is baby-sitting tonight so we can have an actual date. Our 8th anniversary was 6/16, and we still haven't gone out for it!:rotfl: Then tomorrow Chad works in the morning, then we have a pool party (though it's supposed to be 69 and rainy, yuck!). And Sunday we have church and a family party thing at our church in the evening. Doesn't anyone realize I have Disney prep to work on? :lmao:

I'll send you the passport as soon as I get your addy. The girls will love them!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I totally agree that you should call disney. It doesnt make sense that you booked your trip in advance and dont get tags. It must be an error that I am sure they will fix.

I am not doing ridemax this time but I can say that I have had the same concerns. Some days It doesnt seem like we will have that much time to do things between parades, breaks, meals, etc. I figure I will make the best plan I can. Make a list of must do's and whatever else we dont get to we just do next time. We also are not going to worry about things both of the kids cant do like rock n roller coaster, Tower of Terror, etc. The things ODS can do we will split example- I will go on splash mountain with him and DH will go on Big Thunder Mountain RR, etc. Then if time is permitting we can always go a second time and switch once all the other must do's are done. We also are going to skip the things that are alot like stuff we have done around our home. example being astro orbiter (this is like the rides at the parks we have here), tomorrowland speedway, etc. Once we get to all of our must do's then we will move onto the other stuff.

At epcot I am not worrying about the countries too much. I dont think the kids will be that into it so we will do what we can there.

I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to stress about it and just enjoy spending the time together in such a magical place. :goodvibes

[jana616]

I totally agree that you should call disney. It doesnt make sense that you booked your trip in advance and dont get tags. It must be an error that I am sure they will fix.

I am not doing ridemax this time but I can say that I have had the same concerns. Some days It doesnt seem like we will have that much time to do things between parades, breaks, meals, etc. I figure I will make the best plan I can. Make a list of must do's and whatever else we dont get to we just do next time. We also are not going to worry about things both of the kids cant do like rock n roller coaster, Tower of Terror, etc. The things ODS can do we will split example- I will go on splash mountain with him and DH will go on Big Thunder Mountain RR, etc. Then if time is permitting we can always go a second time and switch once all the other must do's are done. We also are going to skip the things that are alot like stuff we have done around our home. example being astro orbiter (this is like the rides at the parks we have here), tomorrowland speedway, etc. Once we get to all of our must do's then we will move onto the other stuff.

At epcot I am not worrying about the countries too much. I dont think the kids will be that into it so we will do what we can there.

I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to stress about it and just enjoy spending the time together in such a magical place. :goodvibes

Hopefully DME has quick turnaround time and gets our tags out today or tomorrow. That would be great. I keep seeing posts from others with the same problem, so we're not alone. I knew I should have pushed the issue sooner, but we only got our Mickey Mail a week ago, so I didn't know. Oh well, it will all work out.

Sounds like you have a good, realistic view of how you're going to tour, that's great! Here is one of the reasons you'll be glad you didn't invite your parents, though: everyone has rides they want to do. Mostly my mom, actually. She wants to add in everything, and that just won't work! I kind of hinted to her and to Chad that all of the adults need to maybe be willing to miss a Rider Swap ride (like one big ride each), but neither of them seems to get how much time doing things twice adds in, even with the swap pass. I'm willing to miss Splash Mt., Dinosaur, and Star Tours. No one else has volunteered. And my MIL, though sweet as can be, is kind of dense. So unless I say, "Will you please sit out BTMR so we don't have to do it twice," she won't get the subtle discussion. Argh...

Epcot is proving to be very difficult, if we want a break that day. I see 3 options:
1) don't take a break, do it all
2) take the break, but 2 adults stay there to do stuff the kids can't/don't want to do. Then on our 2nd day there (really just the morning if we take a break), the other 2 adults could stay there during break time.
3) start later, no break

I'm going to play around with Ridemax some more to see what I like better. AK and DHS were so easy, I just assumed the others would be too. But we're definitely not doing breaks those days, which is why they were easy!

Not stressing about it sounds good! And maybe a little easier when you're just trying to make you and DH happy:confused3?

Got my t-shirts today. Ugh...again. One of Cooper's is big even on Griffin. My burnt orange shirts are traffic cone orange (I'm going to use them and look at the silver lining that at least they will be easy to spot in a crowd!) And the shirt I ordered for myself is huge. These things will all work out, right?

[2shortpeopleruleme]

I think it was a week exactly for them to get here.

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Popping in from my PTR:goodvibes

I have to go back and read from the beginning to see what your plans are since we will overlap:thumbsup2

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

OK caught up!

Sorry you didn't like the Keens:sad1:
We all wear them and look like a walking commercial.

Love all the toys, shirts and crafts! I would love the passport doc. I will PM you for it if that is okay.

The boys are very cute....I can't wait to hear if ODS does Dinosaur. That ride would scared the bejeebees out of Gabriel:laughing:

[dahall]

I LOVE YOUR REPORT!! I am so sorry I just found you. I would have loved to follow and comment through out. I have learned so much from you. I have one addition to you bag and one question please
addition to bag:
I have 2 boys 8 and 3 turning 9 and 4 on our trip in 4 WEEKS!!! We bring match box cars in our bag and a few little action figures for the wait at dinner. Just a thought.

Question:
Where did you get the shirts? I LOVE THEM I have my iron ons but I am working on the designs and would love some help. They are wonderful.:cool1:

The first day picture of you little one is wonderful. I can't wait to see your Disney pictures.

One last thing, I am not sure if I saw this anywhere on your posts, if you are a picture person, you can preorder your Disney CD. It is a little cheaper and it will make you ask all the CMs with cameras to take your picture. You can also ask them to take them with the special effects, holding Stitch, Tinkerbell, your family with balloons. Sometimes the CMs don't ask you to pose that way but you can ask them.

Only a few days left for you. :rotfl::lmao::cool1::yay::woohoo:

[jana616]

OK caught up!

Sorry you didn't like the Keens:sad1:
We all wear them and look like a walking commercial.

Love all the toys, shirts and crafts! I would love the passport doc. I will PM you for it if that is okay.

The boys are very cute....I can't wait to hear if ODS does Dinosaur. That ride would scared the bejeebees out of Gabriel:laughing:

Welcome! I wanted to love the Keens, but they just did not feel right. And I figure if they don't feel right here, they're going to feel even worse on day 5 at Disney! I am going to rotate between my sneakers, a pair of white (kind of old lady) sandals that are the most comfortable things I own, and a pair I found at Kohls that are kind of Keens rip-offs, but more comfortable and less sweaty on me. If I could find the Nike flip flops I might add those, maybe for the evenings after our break.

Thanks for the compliments on what I've made so far. I printed and cut out another 10 or so transfers last night and have just a few more to get ready. Then my iron and I have a hot (get it?:lmao:) date! I'll be happy to e-mail you the passport doc when I get your e-mail addy!

I am very nervous about Dinosaur, but my DH is overruling me on this one. We don't do AK til our 5th day, so I figure I'll have some time to see how he is on other rides and get a better feel for his scare level.

I'm really enjoying your PTR too!

I LOVE YOUR REPORT!! I am so sorry I just found you. I would have loved to follow and comment through out. I have learned so much from you. I have one addition to you bag and one question please
addition to bag:
I have 2 boys 8 and 3 turning 9 and 4 on our trip in 4 WEEKS!!! We bring match box cars in our bag and a few little action figures for the wait at dinner. Just a thought.

Question:
Where did you get the shirts? I LOVE THEM I have my iron ons but I am working on the designs and would love some help. They are wonderful.:cool1:

The first day picture of you little one is wonderful. I can't wait to see your Disney pictures.

One last thing, I am not sure if I saw this anywhere on your posts, if you are a picture person, you can preorder your Disney CD. It is a little cheaper and it will make you ask all the CMs with cameras to take your picture. You can also ask them to take them with the special effects, holding Stitch, Tinkerbell, your family with balloons. Sometimes the CMs don't ask you to pose that way but you can ask them.

Only a few days left for you. :rotfl::lmao::cool1::yay::woohoo:

Welcome! You're so sweet to love the report...please keep reading and commenting, even if you're starting late. I'm getting to the "panicked, OMG we have one week left stage," and need all the help I can get!

Matchbox cars are an awesome idea!!!! I've thought of them from time to time (I keep them in my bag at home), but I don't have any set aside, and they will definitely buy some happiness there.

Thanks for the compliments also. Do you mean where did I get the shirts, or the designs? The shirts were mostly from Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and then I ordered some (not pictured yet) from jiffyshirts.com. The transfers were from the Creative Disigns board on here, and several different designers. If you tell me a design, I can try to tell you who made it. I have some other really cute ones still to come, including one for T-Rex restaurant that I :love:!

I have actually already preordered our Photopass. A few months ago they had a discount, and I got it for $85. I was very excited to hopefully be IN some of the pictures this way! And I love the special effects I've seen in some.

Hope you keep reading! Do you have a PTR? I'd love to read it!

[dahall]

What a deal on the photo pass, I am going to keep a look out for that for my trip.

We are heading to T-Rex as well, I would love that one, and the one with the names and the Disney charters would be so great as well. I have not found the thread with the iron ons so if you could point me in any direction that would be great.
The only shirts I found were the tie-dye and my DH was not a big fan. I started to make my own iron ons but if others already have some, that would be so great.

I’m starting to feel the pressure, with school getting ready to start, and 2 grad classes starting next week, don’t people know I have a Disney trip to plan for.

Thanks!

[mommyof2Pirates]

Hopefully DME has quick turnaround time and gets our tags out today or tomorrow. That would be great. I keep seeing posts from others with the same problem, so we're not alone. I knew I should have pushed the issue sooner, but we only got our Mickey Mail a week ago, so I didn't know. Oh well, it will all work out.

Sounds like you have a good, realistic view of how you're going to tour, that's great! Here is one of the reasons you'll be glad you didn't invite your parents, though: everyone has rides they want to do. Mostly my mom, actually. She wants to add in everything, and that just won't work! I kind of hinted to her and to Chad that all of the adults need to maybe be willing to miss a Rider Swap ride (like one big ride each), but neither of them seems to get how much time doing things twice adds in, even with the swap pass. I'm willing to miss Splash Mt., Dinosaur, and Star Tours. No one else has volunteered. And my MIL, though sweet as can be, is kind of dense. So unless I say, "Will you please sit out BTMR so we don't have to do it twice," she won't get the subtle discussion. Argh...

Epcot is proving to be very difficult, if we want a break that day. I see 3 options:
1) don't take a break, do it all
2) take the break, but 2 adults stay there to do stuff the kids can't/don't want to do. Then on our 2nd day there (really just the morning if we take a break), the other 2 adults could stay there during break time.
3) start later, no break

I'm going to play around with Ridemax some more to see what I like better. AK and DHS were so easy, I just assumed the others would be too. But we're definitely not doing breaks those days, which is why they were easy!

Not stressing about it sounds good! And maybe a little easier when you're just trying to make you and DH happy:confused3?

Got my t-shirts today. Ugh...again. One of Cooper's is big even on Griffin. My burnt orange shirts are traffic cone orange (I'm going to use them and look at the silver lining that at least they will be easy to spot in a crowd!) And the shirt I ordered for myself is huge. These things will all work out, right?


Yes I would agree that things would be harder if it wasnt just the 4 of us. I feel for ya. Im sure in the end you will be glad that the grandmom's got to experience the magic too. I spent alot of the weekend with my parents and although I love them to death they get on my last nerve sometimes. They bicker like an "old couple", they give in to every demand of my kids, and they are constantly offering them junk to eat. Now I know they were not like this with me at all but somewhere between the crossover into grandparenthood they picked up these traits.:laughing: So long story short it reminds me why I am keeping them home. :rotfl2:

Anyways I am sure everything will turn out perfectly with the rides and the shirts and the grandmoms. You will have a wonderful time. I cant believe its a week away. I am so excited for you.:yay:

[jana616]

What a deal on the photo pass, I am going to keep a look out for that for my trip.

We are heading to T-Rex as well, I would love that one, and the one with the names and the Disney charters would be so great as well. I have not found the thread with the iron ons so if you could point me in any direction that would be great.
The only shirts I found were the tie-dye and my DH was not a big fan. I started to make my own iron ons but if others already have some, that would be so great.

I’m starting to feel the pressure, with school getting ready to start, and 2 grad classes starting next week, don’t people know I have a Disney trip to plan for.

Thanks!

I hear you on being busy, and just wanting time to get Disney stuff done. We had a busy weekend, including two events where I had to bring a food dish. So this afternoon, instead of doing Ridemax plans, I was making chocolate mousse cake! Now it's yummy, don't get me wrong, but c'mon people-I have 8 days til WDW!!!!:rotfl: What are you going to grad school for?

The board is Creative Disigns, http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105. Then in there are a ton of threads started by people who like to play around and make designs for others. For free! Some of the best ones I saw were by Natalie (Natalie's Place), Wendy (Wendypooh's Designs), and Veronica (taekwondo mom). Those are almost always on the first page, just scroll down. Each person will have a link to their photobucket account (some use 4shared files, but it's not as easy to look through). Then just look through their account and find designs you like. If you want something changed (a color, a name added), post on their thread and ask them. Let them know your trip is really soon, some of them (esp. Natalie) are really backed up. Then you have to check back and see if they've been done. Some take a couple of days, some (Natalie) can take weeks (so again, beg her to hurry!).

I can tell you that the T-Rex one is by Wendypooh-she's super nice, and even made me extra designs for T-Rex (look in her photobucket), and the names with characters is by Natalie (I love that one). She is super busy and bombarded with requests, but when I told her I was desperate for it, she did it quickly. She makes Test Track licenses too, which are adorable. You can send her your kids' pictures, and she'll put them on driver's licenses. If you need any more help, just let me know. Plan to devote several hours (or days, if you're obsessive like me) to looking through all the designs. Some of these people are seriously talented. And if there's something you want and can't find, start a new thread and someone may make it for you.

HTH!

[jana616]

Yes I would agree that things would be harder if it wasnt just the 4 of us. I feel for ya. Im sure in the end you will be glad that the grandmom's got to experience the magic too. I spent alot of the weekend with my parents and although I love them to death they get on my last nerve sometimes. They bicker like an "old couple", they give in to every demand of my kids, and they are constantly offering them junk to eat. Now I know they were not like this with me at all but somewhere between the crossover into grandparenthood they picked up these traits.:laughing: So long story short it reminds me why I am keeping them home. :rotfl2:

Anyways I am sure everything will turn out perfectly with the rides and the shirts and the grandmoms. You will have a wonderful time. I cant believe its a week away. I am so excited for you.:yay:

That's so funny that they're so much more laid-back with your kids than they were with you. Grandparenthood can make them crazy! I know it will be fun to have them there, and I am so excited for them to get to see the joy the kids experience. And I also know that they both think this trip is for the kids (though of course we want to have fun too), so it will all work out.

I made our MK plans today and feel much better. You can get a boatload done there if you get there at RD. I was shocked. Between the first 1 1/2days, if things go according to the plan (always a huge IF), then our 2nd full day should be almost repeats of rides we liked. That's fun. Plus I know if we fall off the plan, we'll have time then to hit those rides. A cushion is always nice! And I think I have Epcot figured out too, which thrilled me. I tried explaining it to Chad, and his eyes glazed over. But I'm happy!

Thanks for the reassurances and the excitement! I need it. I wake up thinking of things I need to do, buy, make, pack...I will most definitely need a vacation from my vacation when I get back! :rotfl:

[princesspaige]

Can you believe how close you are to leaving? I know I can't...have you started packing yet? I haven't because, luckily, Paige still doesn't know about our trip. In fact we told her if she was really good this week we would take her bowling. Do you think she will be disappointed when she finds out we are going to Disney instead? :lmao:

[jana616]

Can you believe how close you are to leaving? I know I can't...have you started packing yet? I haven't because, luckily, Paige still doesn't know about our trip. In fact we told her if she was really good this week we would take her bowling. Do you think she will be disappointed when she finds out we are going to Disney instead? :lmao:

Oh, man, now why would you get a kid's hopes up about bowling, just to dash them with a stinky trip to Disney instead? Boy, what mean parents you are!:laughing: That's so funny!

I am very impressed that you've been able to keep it a secret for so long. I can't even imagine the expression on her face when she finds out your real destination. When are you going to tell her?

I have not started packing yet, really. I have the suitcases out and a zillion things strewn around them, and Chad's clothes are picked out and sitting on top of the suitcase (does that count as packed?:rotfl:). I've been working on my Ridemax plans most of the time these last few days. I figure there are lots of things I can't really pack yet, so I can get these done and devote more time this weekend to packing. Tomorrow the boys have school in the morning, and then Chad's (wonderful) mom is taking them for the afternoon. So I should have a huge chunk of time to really be productive. I need to finish all my shirts, match up said shirts to shorts for the boys, pack in ziplocs what I can now, and figure out what I'm going to wear. I have about 10 other things on my to-do list as well, so we'll see. Stupid disboards, I always get sucked in on here for a few hours too!

[jana616]

getting VERY excited! And a little stressed out. OK, a lot stressed out. I have a mile long to do list today, but have instead chosen to be completely unproductive and just talk about how productive I need to be!:laughing:

Seriously, I'm going to make t-shirts in just a sec. I'm also going to: (red means I actually got it done! Woo Hoo! Going to keep working on the other stuff this evening)

1) figure out my outfits and set aside what I can (and make a list of what I can't)
2) figure out the boys outifts and do the same
3) pack the park bag and get it ready
4) get all the meds we are bringing bagged up
5) get our carry-on bag ready (the one with the DVD player-have to pick out movies, find headphones, mags for DH and I, and misc. other stuff)
6) order our cases of water from Costco
7) write up my room request to POP-will fax tomorrow
8) go to Victoria's Secret for free panties and Baja Fresh for a free burrito! (I love freebies!)
9) work on Ridemax plans if time

Plus some laundry, mopping, and cleaning of bathrooms, so I don't have a pit of a house to come back to!

And finally, something that made me happy and then really ticked off. I just heard the UPS truck outside, but wasn't expecting anything. So I go out there, and it's a flat envelope from DME! Yay! I was all set to come on here and say how fabulous they are, to send it ASAP, blah blah blah. Well, I open it, and there are only vouchers and tags for the grandmas! No mention of us! So frustrating... Do you think I should contact them and ask to have ours sent the same way? It's the only way we'll get them in time, esp. now.

[mommyof2Pirates]

getting VERY excited! And a little stressed out. OK, a lot stressed out. I have a mile long to do list today, but have instead chosen to be completely unproductive and just talk about how productive I need to be!:laughing:

Seriously, I'm going to make t-shirts in just a sec. I'm also going to:

1) figure out my outfits and set aside what I can (and make a list of what I can't)
2) figure out the boys outifts and do the same
3) pack the park bag and get it ready
4) get all the meds we are bringing bagged up
5) get our carry-on bag ready (the one with the DVD player-have to pick out movies, find headphones, mags for DH and I, and misc. other stuff)
6) order our cases of water from Costco
7) write up my room request to POP-will fax tomorrow
8) go to Victoria's Secret for free panties and Baja Fresh for a free burrito! (I love freebies!)
9) work on Ridemax plans if time

Plus some laundry, mopping, and cleaning of bathrooms, so I don't have a pit of a house to come back to!

And finally, something that made me happy and then really ticked off. I just heard the UPS truck outside, but wasn't expecting anything. So I go out there, and it's a flat envelope from DME! Yay! I was all set to come on here and say how fabulous they are, to send it ASAP, blah blah blah. Well, I open it, and there are only vouchers and tags for the grandmas! No mention of us! So frustrating... Do you think I should contact them and ask to have ours sent the same way? It's the only way we'll get them in time, esp. now.

absolutely I would call them. Boy you have a lot on your list today. But all exciting stuff. Your trip is so close now...... I am so excited for you:yay: I am trying to do the same thing with my house. We cleaned good this weekend so we are trying to keep up with it as we go. Good luck with completing your list. Let me know what happens with ME.

[jana616]

Alright, quick update...I e-mailed my TA about the DME packet, and asked her to find out. I figured she made the initial request, so she might know more, plus isn't that why she gets the big bucks?! She e-mailed right back and said that DME sent both packets via UPS, so we should get ours ASAP. Why they didn't send them together is beyond me, but hopefully they'll actually come!

And my big news...t-shirts are DONE!!! I ended up making 21 (2 for Chad, 1 each for me and the grandmas, and 8 each for the boys). So without further ado, here they are!

The blue ones are for the boys to wear on the plane, the white ones with red squares are for either coming home or the day we get back so they can wear them to school, and the Colts ones are for Sunday.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3645.jpg

Black ones for Saturday when we go to T-Rex and DTD, orange ones for Friday at AK, and yellow for Weds. at DHS
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3647.jpg

Chad's Epcot shirt, and the boys shirts for Epcot on Thursday
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3648.jpg

The shirts we are all wearing on Tuesday (our first full day at MK). There's one more Grandma one, but my mom already took it home!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w37/jana616/DSC_3649.jpg

So excited that is done! No more excuses to start packing now!

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Shirts look sooooo great (except the COLTS one!):rolleyes: How am I following a Steelers fan and a Colts fan:rolleyes: Go Ravens;)

That's okay - we'll just keep it Disney and no smash mouth football:thumbsup2:rotfl:

I am seriously going to do shirts next trip! They look so awesome!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I love love love :lovestruc the shirts. They came out so awesome. Where did you get the animal kingdom design. I have been looking for one for the boys. Since I got 10 transfers that would be 2 for me, 2 for dh and 3 for each boy. I was only planning on 2 for them but what the heck might as well do one more right. AK is the only park I didnt have a themed shirt for them. This would be great if I can find it, do you remember who's design it was?

and thats great about the DME tags! Maybe they will come tomorrow!

[jana616]

Thanks for the compliments guys!

The AK design is Natalie's, I am almost positive. If you want, I can send it to you through e-mail (I think). The TA e-mailed me again to say that her corporate office actually received our DME tags after we talked. I have no idea why, but they are mailing them today. So hopefully we'll get them by Friday! Ugh...what a stupid thing to stress over!
I am off to Victoria's Secret and Baja Fresh-I think I've earned a treat, I got all the shirts done, put away 4 baskets of laundry, AND got all of the boys outfits put together and matched up (just have to put them in ziplocs). Next up is the park bag. For some reason I keep putting that off. I think it's because I don't know exactly how we're going to be organized at the parks. I want to be able to leave some stuff in the stroller (diapers, wipes, extra clothes maybe). Should I just put those in ziplocs and leave them in the basket? Then use our backpack for all the misc. stuff? I have a DSLR camera with a big bag I sling over my shoulder, so I only want to have one other bag for Chad to carry. Credit cards, KTTW, etc. can go in the camera bag or Chad's wallet, I think? How are you all doing it?

[mommyof2Pirates]

Thanks for the compliments guys!

The AK design is Natalie's, I am almost positive. If you want, I can send it to you through e-mail (I think). The TA e-mailed me again to say that her corporate office actually received our DME tags after we talked. I have no idea why, but they are mailing them today. So hopefully we'll get them by Friday! Ugh...what a stupid thing to stress over!
I am off to Victoria's Secret and Baja Fresh-I think I've earned a treat, I got all the shirts done, put away 4 baskets of laundry, AND got all of the boys outfits put together and matched up (just have to put them in ziplocs). Next up is the park bag. For some reason I keep putting that off. I think it's because I don't know exactly how we're going to be organized at the parks. I want to be able to leave some stuff in the stroller (diapers, wipes, extra clothes maybe). Should I just put those in ziplocs and leave them in the basket? Then use our backpack for all the misc. stuff? I have a DSLR camera with a big bag I sling over my shoulder, so I only want to have one other bag for Chad to carry. Credit cards, KTTW, etc. can go in the camera bag or Chad's wallet, I think? How are you all doing it?

hope your treats were good. I was stressing over the park bag too for awhile until I wrote everything down and now I feel better about it. But I would just remind you if you do ziplocs where are you going to put everything when you have to close up the stroller to get on the bus. Just keep that in mind.

We plan on me carrying my small purse which I can put diagonal across my body like a messenger bag. In there will be valuables- camera, money, credit cards,kttw card, pressed penny tubes, etc. Then in the backpack will be all the other essential items like diapers, wipes, etc. You can refer to my insanely organized packing list if you want to know what else I plan to put in there. My thinking is that when its time to get on the bus. I take care of the boys, my purse, and any purchases we made, and dh will wear the back pack and fold the stroller and carry that on. I dont know if this plan is good or not but thats what I came up with. I think we have decided not to take the video camera since its big and bulky. I hope we dont regret this decision. I figure I havent video taped much in the almost 5 years since we have had kids so I probably wouldnt get it out much anyway. I know I am a horrible parent not to video tape my kids. I dont know not enough time or hands in the day.

[jana616]

hope your treats were good. I was stressing over the park bag too for awhile until I wrote everything down and now I feel better about it. But I would just remind you if you do ziplocs where are you going to put everything when you have to close up the stroller to get on the bus. Just keep that in mind.

We plan on me carrying my small purse which I can put diagonal across my body like a messenger bag. In there will be valuables- camera, money, credit cards,kttw card, pressed penny tubes, etc. Then in the backpack will be all the other essential items like diapers, wipes, etc. You can refer to my insanely organized packing list if you want to know what else I plan to put in there. My thinking is that when its time to get on the bus. I take care of the boys, my purse, and any purchases we made, and dh will wear the back pack and fold the stroller and carry that on. I dont know if this plan is good or not but thats what I came up with. I think we have decided not to take the video camera since its big and bulky. I hope we dont regret this decision. I figure I havent video taped much in the almost 5 years since we have had kids so I probably wouldnt get it out much anyway. I know I am a horrible parent not to video tape my kids. I dont know not enough time or hands in the day.

I know, you are totally right about having to pull everything out to fold up the stroller. I did the bag this afternoon, and it wasn't as bad as I expected. The only thing not in there was the extra sets of clothes (I think). So hopefully we'll just have the backpack, the camera bag, and the 2 strollers to deal with, and then the grandmas can take charge of the boys to get them on the bus.

I go back and forth on the video camera. Part of me thinks it would be really cool to have video of the trip. And our camera is really small and light. But it's a hard disk drive one, and we have not yet downloaded everything off of it (starting with Cooper's birth 2 years ago!:scared1:). We can't figure out how. So if we can't get it cleared off, we're definitely not bringing it. I love photography, so I know I will just use my camera. So Chad would have to do the video camera, and I just don't see how we could do both and watch the kids too. We'll see...I still have 5 whole days to worry about it!

And don't feel bad about not videotaping your kids. They won't care, and you'll have the memories in your head. If it makes you feel better, I realized the other day I have zero idea when Cooper started crawling, talking, sitting up...I know first steps, and that's about it. Terrible mom award, right here!

Maybe we can start a support group!:goodvibes

[jana616]

So of course there is a Tropical Storm brewing in the Atlantic right now, because I surely needed something else to worry about as this trip gets closer! :headache: I keep checking the National Hurricane Center, and their discussion is kind of funny. Essentially they say that almost all computer models have her gaining enough strength to be near hurricane-level by early next week, but they (the forecasters, I guess?) disagree and think it will fizzle out. I am really hoping that for once, people are right and computers are wrong. Surely the odds are strong on that one, right?

Oh, and as long as I'm whining, did I mention that I have a cold (have for the past 3 days), and the boys both seem to be coming down with them now too? Hopefully this means they will be fully recovered by Monday.

I told Griffin today that on Monday we're going to come wake him up while it's still dark, and tell him, "Wake up, we're going to Disney World today!" He told me he's going to do a dance and scream. That will be great at 4:30!

Not much else to report. I was getting pressed penny money together this morning. How many pennies do you think we'll want to make? I have enough quarters for 18 pennies. Will we want more than that? And how do I clean the pennies? I thought I read to use vinegar or something, but I can't remember!

[mommyof2Pirates]

So of course there is a Tropical Storm brewing in the Atlantic right now, because I surely needed something else to worry about as this trip gets closer! :headache: I keep checking the National Hurricane Center, and their discussion is kind of funny. Essentially they say that almost all computer models have her gaining enough strength to be near hurricane-level by early next week, but they (the forecasters, I guess?) disagree and think it will fizzle out. I am really hoping that for once, people are right and computers are wrong. Surely the odds are strong on that one, right?

Oh, and as long as I'm whining, did I mention that I have a cold (have for the past 3 days), and the boys both seem to be coming down with them now too? Hopefully this means they will be fully recovered by Monday.

I told Griffin today that on Monday we're going to come wake him up while it's still dark, and tell him, "Wake up, we're going to Disney World today!" He told me he's going to do a dance and scream. That will be great at 4:30!

Not much else to report. I was getting pressed penny money together this morning. How many pennies do you think we'll want to make? I have enough quarters for 18 pennies. Will we want more than that? And how do I clean the pennies? I thought I read to use vinegar or something, but I can't remember!

ok so you got to figure you cant control the weather right? so all you can do is pray. Now I am not super religious but when I lost my camera my coworkers who are catholic told me to pray to st anthony (in a joking manner) but I took them seriously and said please saint anthony let me find my camera when I go home and I did. So moral of the story is for the weather and for the colds :sick: pray to st anthony. :laughing: I hope you are not completely offended by my comment, I know religion is often a touchy subject but thought you would find it funny.

Anyway I hope the colds clear quickly. I am about to put my family in a bubble for the next 2 1/2 weeks.

I was also thinking about 20 pennies. By then giving there ages they might be over the idea of making the pennies. I know my kids loose interest after awhile.

Just like our countdown calendar. They are still doing it but just dont seem as excited. I think we started too early. The other day my aunt said to ryan "oh your going to disney world soon" and he replied with "yay but I got to put all the stickers on the calendar first and its taking forever". Poor guy, I feel the same way.

by the way I am glad you got the park bag done. Dont stress over the video. If we do everything we wanted to we wont be able to enjoy our trip and relax. exp. taking pictures, watching the kids, organizing their meals, bathroom trips, rides, parades, so forth and so on. So maybe take it with and if you think its going to be used take it if not leave it in the room.
I have video cassettes from when ryan was born and never watch them. I should probably get them onto a dvd. and poor nick I have nothing on him. oops. the 2nd child is always neglected. Glad I was an only child!:)

[jana616]

ok so you got to figure you cant control the weather right? so all you can do is pray. Now I am not super religious but when I lost my camera my coworkers who are catholic told me to pray to st anthony (in a joking manner) but I took them seriously and said please saint anthony let me find my camera when I go home and I did. So moral of the story is for the weather and for the colds :sick: pray to st anthony. :laughing: I hope you are not completely offended by my comment, I know religion is often a touchy subject but thought you would find it funny.

Anyway I hope the colds clear quickly. I am about to put my family in a bubble for the next 2 1/2 weeks.

I was also thinking about 20 pennies. By then giving there ages they might be over the idea of making the pennies. I know my kids loose interest after awhile.

Just like our countdown calendar. They are still doing it but just dont seem as excited. I think we started too early. The other day my aunt said to ryan "oh your going to disney world soon" and he replied with "yay but I got to put all the stickers on the calendar first and its taking forever". Poor guy, I feel the same way.

by the way I am glad you got the park bag done. Dont stress over the video. If we do everything we wanted to we wont be able to enjoy our trip and relax. exp. taking pictures, watching the kids, organizing their meals, bathroom trips, rides, parades, so forth and so on. So maybe take it with and if you think its going to be used take it if not leave it in the room.
I have video cassettes from when ryan was born and never watch them. I should probably get them onto a dvd. and poor nick I have nothing on him. oops. the 2nd child is always neglected. Glad I was an only child!:)

I'm not offended by that at all! I believe whole-heartedly in the power of prayer. In 2002, Chad and I were on a trip to Asia. We were in Thailand, getting ready to fly to China, and it was Christmas Eve. We had our bags all packed, and were getting ready to grab a quick breakfast when we realized we could not find our money belt that had our plane tickets and passports in it!:scared1: We hunted for an hour, literally tearing the bags apart. We called housekeeping to see if they took it in our sheets, we called the Embassy to see if they could help, but given that it was Christmas Eve, they were no help. I was in tears, we were about to miss our flight and be stranded in Thailand through the holiday at least. Finally, Chad checked a pocket we had each checked twice and it was there!:yay: As we were racing to the airport, we found out that each of us had prayed the EXACT same prayer, "Dear God, please let it be somewhere we've already looked and didn't see it." And it was! Such an awe-inspiring moment. Anyway, sorry to ramble on, but that was such a miraculous moment for us.

So yep, I better get to praying. I'm not too worried about the colds, I think they'll be fine by then. With preschool starting last week and Cooper's new habit of licking everything (yep, he's weird), they were bound to get some germs. I think the bubble is a great idea for you guys!

I can't control the weather, you're right. Last year we went to the Outer Banks this same week in September, and it was right during Hannah and Ike. I was so stressed about it, and then we had one rainy afternoon our whole trip. So I'm hoping that stress on this end leads to great weather on the other end!:rotfl:

Twenty pennies sounds good. I think you're right that they will lose interest. Although at Restaurantosaurus in AK, they apparently have 6-7 types of dinosaur pennies. Griffin will want all of those!

The boys are still pretty into the chain, but mostly it's a fight over who gets to do it! I bet they'll get into it more when you're down to 10 days or so.

Oh, and it's good to hear that mine isn't the only 2nd child being neglected!:laughing:

How are your plans coming?

[mommyof2Pirates]

I'm not offended by that at all! I believe whole-heartedly in the power of prayer. In 2002, Chad and I were on a trip to Asia. We were in Thailand, getting ready to fly to China, and it was Christmas Eve. We had our bags all packed, and were getting ready to grab a quick breakfast when we realized we could not find our money belt that had our plane tickets and passports in it!:scared1: We hunted for an hour, literally tearing the bags apart. We called housekeeping to see if they took it in our sheets, we called the Embassy to see if they could help, but given that it was Christmas Eve, they were no help. I was in tears, we were about to miss our flight and be stranded in Thailand through the holiday at least. Finally, Chad checked a pocket we had each checked twice and it was there!:yay: As we were racing to the airport, we found out that each of us had prayed the EXACT same prayer, "Dear God, please let it be somewhere we've already looked and didn't see it." And it was! Such an awe-inspiring moment. Anyway, sorry to ramble on, but that was such a miraculous moment for us.

So yep, I better get to praying. I'm not too worried about the colds, I think they'll be fine by then. With preschool starting last week and Cooper's new habit of licking everything (yep, he's weird), they were bound to get some germs. I think the bubble is a great idea for you guys!

I can't control the weather, you're right. Last year we went to the Outer Banks this same week in September, and it was right during Hannah and Ike. I was so stressed about it, and then we had one rainy afternoon our whole trip. So I'm hoping that stress on this end leads to great weather on the other end!:rotfl:

Twenty pennies sounds good. I think you're right that they will lose interest. Although at Restaurantosaurus in AK, they apparently have 6-7 types of dinosaur pennies. Griffin will want all of those!

The boys are still pretty into the chain, but mostly it's a fight over who gets to do it! I bet they'll get into it more when you're down to 10 days or so.

Oh, and it's good to hear that mine isn't the only 2nd child being neglected!:laughing:

How are your plans coming?

thats unbelievable about the trip to thailand. Yes prayers do sometimes get answered. :littleangel: I always say I have someone up there looking out for me.

Anyway I too will pray for good weather for you and an illness free vacation. I am sure by mon. everyone will be good to go. Your trip is so close I bet you can taste the dole whips. I never had one of these by the way...have you? I think I will try it this time.

planning is going good. I hope to finish up my daily trip plans and park attractions check lists by tomorrow night. You will have to let me know how ridemax is and maybe I will try that next trip. If my transfers come soon I am going to try to do most if not all of the shirts on friday night. Like I said before this weekend is shot for disney planning time. Next week I plan on doing laundry, laundry, and more laundry :laundy:. Its amazing how sitting on this computer at night puts a damper on my house chores. :eek: the following weekend I plan to do most of the packing. So that I can just sit back and relax :rolleyes: for the week prior to vacation! Are you getting everything wrapped up? Are your mom and mil getting excited? I bet the kids are going to go crazy when you tell them the day has come. I really look forward to that moment myself too. I probably will be tearing up at take off, landing, ME bus ride when we cross into WDW, arriving at the resort, so forth and so on. My dh will probably be so annoyed with me. He secretly tears up too.;) Just wont ever admit it. Well keep me up to date until the final moments. I will miss ya on here for a week. I will be waiting anxiously for your return to hear all about it.

[jana616]

Wow, you're going to be so productive! How nice it will be to just sit and relax that last week! (And if that really happens, can you please teach me how?!!)

Tomorrow is the last day of preschool before we go, so I have 2 hours and 35 minutes to get busy. I need to do a few of the things from my old to do list, make up a Target list of things still to be bought, and I don't what else yet.

I forgot to say that my MIL called me today to say that the shirt I made her is too small. I am so bummed about this. She was really sweet and offered to cut it off of that shirt and sew it to another one, which I told was absolutely unnecessary. It was just supposed to be fun, and make some good pictures one day. I felt bad, because she said she doesn't want to be the only one not wearing it, and I agree, but I worked too hard on them to scrap any of them now. So I don't know what she's going to do =(

I am getting so excited I can hardly stand it. I've been making these plans for so long, in that, "Well, that Monday we have CP at 6:30, and then Spectro..." and I realized today that "that Monday" is practically here! It seems crazy that we will actually be there following these plans so soon. I can't wait!

[mommyof2Pirates]

Wow, you're going to be so productive! How nice it will be to just sit and relax that last week! (And if that really happens, can you please teach me how?!!)

Tomorrow is the last day of preschool before we go, so I have 2 hours and 35 minutes to get busy. I need to do a few of the things from my old to do list, make up a Target list of things still to be bought, and I don't what else yet.

I forgot to say that my MIL called me today to say that the shirt I made her is too small. I am so bummed about this. She was really sweet and offered to cut it off of that shirt and sew it to another one, which I told was absolutely unnecessary. It was just supposed to be fun, and make some good pictures one day. I felt bad, because she said she doesn't want to be the only one not wearing it, and I agree, but I worked too hard on them to scrap any of them now. So I don't know what she's going to do =(

I am getting so excited I can hardly stand it. I've been making these plans for so long, in that, "Well, that Monday we have CP at 6:30, and then Spectro..." and I realized today that "that Monday" is practically here! It seems crazy that we will actually be there following these plans so soon. I can't wait!

aaah thats so sad about MIL shirt. I would let her cut it and re sew it onto another better fitting tee. I can understand you not scrapping the idea after working so hard but I would feel bad if I were her being left out. Note made to try on the shirts before I make them. I guess thats one thing you can put on the list for next time huh.:sad2:

I know for so long you plan and plan and plan and it seems so unreal. You will be there living out the plans in just a few days. :yay:

tomorrow during your free time stay far away from the boards. They always start with a quick check of the reports and before you know it the time you have to do stuff is up.:eek: When you return you will know how much I was able to complete. I probably will still be talking about all the stuff I still have to do but its worth a try.

Let me know how you do tomorrow. Good luck being productive and have fun at target. Thats my all time favorite store:thumbsup2

[jana616]

Oh, I don't care if she cuts it out and resews it (On the contrary, I'd love it if she did so we all matched), but I felt bad that she would have to do it, and bad that I wasted a shirt that won't even work. I don't want her to be the odd one out. Honestly, I thought she was the smallest of the 3 of us, so I'm surprised hers doesn't fit. But I've noticed the shirts vary a lot in size, so maybe she got the smallest. The shirts not fitting was a miscommunication problem. She picked them up for me when they were on sale, and I mentioned that they had seemed snug when I looked at them, so she should try them on and not buy them if they were too small. Well, she brought them to me, so I assumed she'd tried them on. Uh no...so I didn't know that til after they were done!

[jana616]

So now, in addition to freaking out about Tropical Storm Erika (although I'm really being pretty good about not stressing), I have to worry about the stomach flu. Griffin came home today from school, ate lunch fine, and then got ready for quiet time and started complaining that his stomach hurt. This after he woke up this morning complaining of a sore throat. And he's not normally much of a complainer. Well, that escalated to him crying about his tummy, saying he's going to throw up, sitting for long stretches on the potty...I can not believe this! I'm not even so worried about him (though of course I feel terrible that he's feeling bad), but we all tend to get the stomach bug one after another for 4 days or so. Four days from now we will be at Disney!!! I will die if we all get sick this weekend!

So if anyone is keeping track of the things Jana is freaking out about:
1) stomach flu
2) TS Erika
3) colds
4) what's next?

On a brighter note, I did get lots done this morning. I mopped the downstairs, cleaned 2 bathrooms, did 2 loads of laundry, found the headphones for our DVD player (and learned that it came with 2 pairs and a jack so they can both listen at the same time-score!), found a bunch of socks and undies for the boys to pack so I can do their ziplocs, and printed out all of my ADR confirmation numbers. Still to come before bedtime tonight:
packing up medications, more Ridemax plans, making little index cards with overall plans on them (maybe), paying all bills, and cleaning pennies. Chad is off tomorrow, so hopefully I can have some time then if I need it. I'm feeling not completely panicked anymore though, so that's a good thing! And it gives me more time to worry about vomit!:laughing:

[DisneyTiger]

Hey! Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I am all caught up!

Ok, so how is he feeling??? Lord, I hope he does not have the flu. Saying prayers to the patron saint of flus for you. Not sure who that is, but I'll let you know when I find out:)

So, don't know if anyone told you this yet or not but vinegar cleans the pennies really well. That's what I did for our trip.

Also wanted to mention that I am actually a TA and for some reason, Disney ships all the paperwork to our main office then we have to send them out to clients. I wish we could eliminate the middle man but oh well. I hope that all gets settled for you. If it makes you feel better, we didn't have tags once (because we booked a last minute trip) and it was no problem to give them to ME. The only bummer is that you have to actually claim your luggage once you get to MCO. It's no biggie but does cut into your "Magic"time.

I love the t shirts!!! They came out great!!!

I can't believe it's only 4 days away!!! So excited for you. Take a deep breath and enjoy all of the last minute planning. Afterall, that's the best part of a Disney trip - the packing and getting ready! And the trip of course:rotfl:

Oh yeah, on our big family trip, I had the pleasure of dealing with hurricane Gustav. We were out of our house and power for 11 days 2 weeks before our trip:scared1: It was horrible. We actually say a prayer every week in church for protection from hurricanes. I will say one for you:)

[mommyof2Pirates]

ok so here is the professional advice. If he still is complaing about a sorethroat with upset stomach. You might want to visit the doctor and make sure its not strep throat. strep will sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. Just a thought. Otherwise I pray that he is feeling better and everyone else will stay healthy too. I will also say the informal prayer of "rain, rain, go away come back another day" Just not the week of 9/20 :rotfl2: It will all work out dont worry. You got so much done today and even with a vomiting child. Your a superwoman!

[jana616]

UPDATE: I think Griffin is OK. He had a few hours of diarrhea and nausea, but never actually threw up. Then he said he felt fine, and started acting totally normal. This morning he says his throat and tummy feel good. So hopefully we are in the clear! Of course, with our luck, he'll start complaining again tonight, right after our peds. office is closed!:rotfl:

Hey! Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I am all caught up!

Ok, so how is he feeling??? Lord, I hope he does not have the flu. Saying prayers to the patron saint of flus for you. Not sure who that is, but I'll let you know when I find out:)

So, don't know if anyone told you this yet or not but vinegar cleans the pennies really well. That's what I did for our trip.

Also wanted to mention that I am actually a TA and for some reason, Disney ships all the paperwork to our main office then we have to send them out to clients. I wish we could eliminate the middle man but oh well. I hope that all gets settled for you. If it makes you feel better, we didn't have tags once (because we booked a last minute trip) and it was no problem to give them to ME. The only bummer is that you have to actually claim your luggage once you get to MCO. It's no biggie but does cut into your "Magic"time.

I love the t shirts!!! They came out great!!!

I can't believe it's only 4 days away!!! So excited for you. Take a deep breath and enjoy all of the last minute planning. Afterall, that's the best part of a Disney trip - the packing and getting ready! And the trip of course:rotfl:

Oh yeah, on our big family trip, I had the pleasure of dealing with hurricane Gustav. We were out of our house and power for 11 days 2 weeks before our trip:scared1: It was horrible. We actually say a prayer every week in church for protection from hurricanes. I will say one for you:)

Thanks for the tip on cleaning the pennies! I soaked them in vinegar last night and then tried making a paste of baking soda and water to scrub them a little. They seem OK, and I don't think I care enough to do any more than that!

I knew all the rest of our paperwork went through the TA's Central Office. But these DME tags have been different. The one set (for the grandmas) that we did get was UPSed straight from Disney. So apparently DIsney/DME sent one set straight to us and one set to the TA central office. WTH?::rolleyes: We've got two mail days left to get them, keeping fingers crossed. And apparently, DME can still take your bags even without the tags on them. It happened to my TA a few months ago. You just give them your baggage claim ticket and describe the bag to them. She said it worked fine, and we would do that since I am NOT dragging the kids to baggage claim before DME. So if the tags don't come, I can report back so you know for your clients!

I welcome any and all anti-rain, anti-sickness prayers!:angel:


ok so here is the professional advice. If he still is complaing about a sorethroat with upset stomach. You might want to visit the doctor and make sure its not strep throat. strep will sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. Just a thought. Otherwise I pray that he is feeling better and everyone else will stay healthy too. I will also say the informal prayer of "rain, rain, go away come back another day" Just not the week of 9/20 :rotfl2: It will all work out dont worry. You got so much done today and even with a vomiting child. Your a superwoman!

I didn't even think of strep!:scared1: But luckily he seems to be okay, so I think we're okay. We have MInute Clinics here, so at least we could still take him somewhere if it gets worse this weekend. Thanks for the compliment about getting stuff done (and he wasn't quite vomiting, though he was very demanding and whiny, does that count?). Last night I packed the boys clothes in ziplocs and stuffed them in their carry-on. The bags were so slick they wouldn't stay on the top, they kept sliding out. Eventually I just shoved them in and zipped it fast! Heaven help us if TSA has to open that bag for anything!:rotfl:

[mommyof2Pirates]

UPDATE: I think Griffin is OK. He had a few hours of diarrhea and nausea, but never actually threw up. Then he said he felt fine, and started acting totally normal. This morning he says his throat and tummy feel good. So hopefully we are in the clear! Of course, with our luck, he'll start complaining again tonight, right after our peds. office is closed!:rotfl:



Thanks for the tip on cleaning the pennies! I soaked them in vinegar last night and then tried making a paste of baking soda and water to scrub them a little. They seem OK, and I don't think I care enough to do any more than that!

I knew all the rest of our paperwork went through the TA's Central Office. But these DME tags have been different. The one set (for the grandmas) that we did get was UPSed straight from Disney. So apparently DIsney/DME sent one set straight to us and one set to the TA central office. WTH?::rolleyes: We've got two mail days left to get them, keeping fingers crossed. And apparently, DME can still take your bags even without the tags on them. It happened to my TA a few months ago. You just give them your baggage claim ticket and describe the bag to them. She said it worked fine, and we would do that since I am NOT dragging the kids to baggage claim before DME. So if the tags don't come, I can report back so you know for your clients!

I welcome any and all anti-rain, anti-sickness prayers!:angel:




I didn't even think of strep!:scared1: But luckily he seems to be okay, so I think we're okay. We have MInute Clinics here, so at least we could still take him somewhere if it gets worse this weekend. Thanks for the compliment about getting stuff done (and he wasn't quite vomiting, though he was very demanding and whiny, does that count?). Last night I packed the boys clothes in ziplocs and stuffed them in their carry-on. The bags were so slick they wouldn't stay on the top, they kept sliding out. Eventually I just shoved them in and zipped it fast! Heaven help us if TSA has to open that bag for anything!:rotfl:

glad to hear he is better. I bet your in the clear. I had to laugh about the ziplocs not staying down. I can picture TSA opening the bag and all these ziploc bags come poppin out. They probably will think your trying to smuggle illegal clothes or something. like how they find the drugs in plastic bags on those over the border cop shows. :rotfl2: My coworkers make such fun of me about packing the kids stuff in ziplocs according to the days they are wearing the outfits. They think Ive lost my mind too.:rotfl: Yeah well they can laugh all they want cause we will be organzied!

[jana616]

UPDATE: Our DME stuff arrived today!!:cool1: Finally, all of that is taken care of. Woo Hoo!

I had to laugh about the ziplocs not staying down. I can picture TSA opening the bag and all these ziploc bags come poppin out. They probably will think your trying to smuggle illegal clothes or something. like how they find the drugs in plastic bags on those over the border cop shows. :rotfl2: My coworkers make such fun of me about packing the kids stuff in ziplocs according to the days they are wearing the outfits. They think Ive lost my mind too.:rotfl: Yeah well they can laugh all they want cause we will be organzied!

Yeah, that's exactly what is going to happen...TSA will pull the bag aside because it will register "too much plastic" or something, and as they unzip it, 20 gallon size ziplocs filled with handmade Disney shirts, shorts, and socks will come sliding down and completely cover their feet and ankles. I bet I'll get strip searched for sure after that!:rotfl: The word my mom used today was "hyper organized." Whatever, I won't be stressing that Chad's going to dress the kids in red shorts and orange shirts with AK logo on our DHS day. Nor will we be digging forever for a pair of socks, then trying to figure out who they fit. Yay for us crazies!!!

Off to work on more Ridemax plans, finally. I've done all of our MK and Epcot plans with breaks figured in, but I think I should do some without in case we don't end up taking them. Oh, and Chad definitely thinks I'm crazy!

[mommyof2Pirates]

UPDATE: Our DME stuff arrived today!!:cool1: Finally, all of that is taken care of. Woo Hoo!



Yeah, that's exactly what is going to happen...TSA will pull the bag aside because it will register "too much plastic" or something, and as they unzip it, 20 gallon size ziplocs filled with handmade Disney shirts, shorts, and socks will come sliding down and completely cover their feet and ankles. I bet I'll get strip searched for sure after that!:rotfl: The word my mom used today was "hyper organized." Whatever, I won't be stressing that Chad's going to dress the kids in red shorts and orange shirts with AK logo on our DHS day. Nor will we be digging forever for a pair of socks, then trying to figure out who they fit. Yay for us crazies!!!

Off to work on more Ridemax plans, finally. I've done all of our MK and Epcot plans with breaks figured in, but I think I should do some without in case we don't end up taking them. Oh, and Chad definitely thinks I'm crazy!

he will appreciate you once he sees how smooth the trip will be! At least we are crazy together :rotfl: I just crack up every time thinking about the ziplocs going through security.:rotfl2: Hey by the way did you get my email I sent back to you?

[jana616]

he will appreciate you once he sees how smooth the trip will be! At least we are crazy together :rotfl: I just crack up every time thinking about the ziplocs going through security.:rotfl2: Hey by the way did you get my email I sent back to you?

That's what I keep telling myself! He rolls his eyes and thinks I'm crazy, but whatever. We went in 2001 for 3 days as part of our honeymoon, and had no plan whatsoever. We saw a lot of the big things, but some we didn't, and we waited in lots of lines. That was fine with me then, but now, there's no way my kids will stand in 45 minute lines!:rolleyes: So he's going to have to just deal with the crazy. The nice thing about the Disboards is that you know there are others with the same sickness!

On the security, if you hear of a woman causing a security ziploc threat at Indy Airport on Monday, you'll know it was me!:lmao:

I did get your e-mail, and we are totally a go! I'd love to do that. Any special characters they'd want it from? Anything special you want it to say? I can't decide, I was supposed to send another one, but I've PMed her twice asking if her trip is still on, and she hasn't replied. I'd hate to waste the money and time if they aren't even going anymore. Should I send it or skip it?

[jana616]

Chad had the day off today, so we went to the zoo this morning for a few hours, and then this afternoon we went to the pool to swim one more time before it closes for the season. As we are leaving, Cooper (who was wrapped up tight in a towel), falls and hits the deck with his face. :scared1: He busted his lip pretty good, and cut his gum, and chipped one of his teeth a little.:sad1: There was a lot of blood, I couldn't even tell where it was all coming from. It took like 45 minutes before he stopped crying. He seems to have recovered, but he has a huge fat lip, and he scraped up his chin and above his lip. I feel so terrible! So that sucked...

[mommyof2Pirates]

That's what I keep telling myself! He rolls his eyes and thinks I'm crazy, but whatever. We went in 2001 for 3 days as part of our honeymoon, and had no plan whatsoever. We saw a lot of the big things, but some we didn't, and we waited in lots of lines. That was fine with me then, but now, there's no way my kids will stand in 45 minute lines!:rolleyes: So he's going to have to just deal with the crazy. The nice thing about the Disboards is that you know there are others with the same sickness!

On the security, if you hear of a woman causing a security ziploc threat at Indy Airport on Monday, you'll know it was me!:lmao:

I did get your e-mail, and we are totally a go! I'd love to do that. Any special characters they'd want it from? Anything special you want it to say? I can't decide, I was supposed to send another one, but I've PMed her twice asking if her trip is still on, and she hasn't replied. I'd hate to waste the money and time if they aren't even going anymore. Should I send it or skip it?

I would say w/out the confirmation and you havent talked with her in awhile I would skip it you hate to waste the money. And I cannot thank you enough for doing this for me. Please let me know if you would like me to mail you some $ for doing it. It is so generous of you to take time on you vacation to think of others. I would say that mickey would be great or even if you cant find one of him alone mickey and the gang is fine too. You could just say something like I heard your coming to visit me in WDW. I can't wait to see you real soon! or if you come up with something better thats ok too. I am not pickey. The kids will absolutely love this. I am not going to tell dh there coming and I am going to act like I dont know who sent it and that it must really be from mickey. Do you think he will beleive me:rotfl2: He will think I am really off my rocker now. Eventually I will let him in on the secret.:laughing:

Well I am going to try to check in on her sat and sunday early morning but since I am off working both days just in case I cant get on the computer I wanted to tell you to have a very wonderful and magical trip. I cant wait til you get back to tell me all about it. Its been fun planning with you. Have a safe trip, and try to make it through security without making the headlines.:lmao:

[jana616]

Just wanted to share my plans for the last 2 (OMG!!) days until we leave!

Tomorrow, Chad works until about 2 pm. So the boys and I are dropping things off at the library, then making our final Target run. At 3:15 I have an appt. for a pedi, eyebrow wax, and haircut. A few hours to relax will be awesome! Then after the boys are in bed I'm going to work on packing, Ridemax (because I can't seem to stop tweaking and playing with it!), and last minute stuff.

Sunday we have church in the morning, and then are trying to figure out something to do with the boys to completely exhaust them. We want them good and tired to hopefully fall asleep by 8 pm Sunday night. Any ideas? Chad says it can't be germy, which ruled out Bouncertown and every other idea I had. My parents and inlaws are coming over Sunday evening for pizza and birthday cake to celebrate my b-day a day early. Then finishing up last minute packing and off to bed at a reasonable time, hopefully! I want to get some Munchkins for Dunkin Donuts for the morning, I thought that would be a fun treat. Also pack the car with all but our checked bag, so I can add stuff in the morning.

Monday morning, up at 4:30, leave our house by 5:10. To my parents at 5:20. To airport at 5:45 am for 7:10 am flight. Off to Disney!!!

[Macduffy]

OMG it's finally here!!! You're last few days are busy busy busy and that's good! Not sure about tiring them out AND staying germ free LOL! If you think of anything PASS it on :)

We are celebrating Ben's birthday early too! Our "family" b'day party tomorrow, (friend's the next weekend) and when he saw 1 of his 3 birthday cakes he said "yay we're going to Disney World Now" :rotfl:

Don't forget to get your B'day Gift Card!

Happy Early Birthday :banana:

[jana616]

Quick story, good for a laugh...

So thanks to mommyof2pirates, I decided I should double-check the boys' heights, just to be on the safe side. Cooper measured 35 1/2 inches, so I guess we're really going to have to make sure he's standing up straight on Barnstormer! I thought Griffin was 41 or 42 inches. We make our mark on the pantry wall to measure him, and then Chad holds up the tape measure. 39 1/2 inches!!! I had a heart attack! I was POSITIVE he was over 40, and I saw all the promises of Soarin, BTMRR, Test Track fly right out the window. Then Chad looks down and realizes the tape measure stopped at the base board. Whew!!! 42 inches, we're in the clear! I was about ready to kill Chad for a minute though!

[dahall]

OH I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU. :cool1:

I have an idea for you.. if it is a nice day take them to a park, school playground, bring some juice and snacks and let them run and play, slide and have a great time. With the juice and snacks you can stay for a good long time and wear them out.
OR
Not sure if you have a Micy-Ds or a Chick Flay that has an indoor playground. Get an ice cream and let them play there. Those are not to bad on the dirt if they don't have ball pits.

I will keep thinking, also sending no one sick, and no rain thoughts and prayers.:worship:

I hope you have the best time ever and all your plans work however, remember, if the plan goes astray know one know the plan but you, and I am sure they are having fun no matter what. HAVE FUN. I often am so worried about things that I miss some of the fun and joy. DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU!:love:

Thanks for sharing, I have really enjoyed can't wait to read about the trip.

[Colleen27]

I'm so so excited for you and all the Sept PTRers who are getting so close to go-time! I expect a great trip report to tide me over until we finally hit the busyness of that final countdown!

[jana616]

Mini-crisis this morning...I measured the bag we were planning to check, and it's like 61 1/2 inches. Airtran has a 61 inch limit!:headache: So I ran to Target and bought one that was under, but it was $70 I didn't want to spend. Luckily my mom had an extra one that's a more comfortable 59 1/2 inches, so I think I'm okay. Stupid airlines!

I'm planning to get on here at least one more time before tomorrow night. I'm sure there will be another something that I freak out about before then!:lmao: But if I forget, I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have read along, offered advice, tips, and especially support. I have really appreciated it all!:goodvibes

I would say w/out the confirmation and you havent talked with her in awhile I would skip it you hate to waste the money. And I cannot thank you enough for doing this for me. Please let me know if you would like me to mail you some $ for doing it. It is so generous of you to take time on you vacation to think of others. I would say that mickey would be great or even if you cant find one of him alone mickey and the gang is fine too. You could just say something like I heard your coming to visit me in WDW. I can't wait to see you real soon! or if you come up with something better thats ok too. I am not pickey. The kids will absolutely love this. I am not going to tell dh there coming and I am going to act like I dont know who sent it and that it must really be from mickey. Do you think he will beleive me:rotfl2: He will think I am really off my rocker now. Eventually I will let him in on the secret.:laughing:

Well I am going to try to check in on her sat and sunday early morning but since I am off working both days just in case I cant get on the computer I wanted to tell you to have a very wonderful and magical trip. I cant wait til you get back to tell me all about it. Its been fun planning with you. Have a safe trip, and try to make it through security without making the headlines.:lmao:

I was LOL at the idea of you saying with a straight face, "No, I have no idea who sent the card. :confused3" He thinks you're a little Disney-nuts anyway, right? Might as well go out with a bang!
Thanks for the well wishes! I can't believe it's almost time, and I hope you have a nice, easy time of it getting ready. Your time is just about here!

OMG it's finally here!!! You're last few days are busy busy busy and that's good! Not sure about tiring them out AND staying germ free LOL! If you think of anything PASS it on :)

We are celebrating Ben's birthday early too! Our "family" b'day party tomorrow, (friend's the next weekend) and when he saw 1 of his 3 birthday cakes he said "yay we're going to Disney World Now" :rotfl:

Don't forget to get your B'day Gift Card!

Happy Early Birthday :banana:
Happy Birthday Ben! Yum, 3 cakes! I need to join your family, I think! No worries, I will definitely get my gift card-my DH is cheap, there's no way he'd miss out on free money!

OH I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU. :cool1:

I have an idea for you.. if it is a nice day take them to a park, school playground, bring some juice and snacks and let them run and play, slide and have a great time. With the juice and snacks you can stay for a good long time and wear them out.
OR
Not sure if you have a Micy-Ds or a Chick Flay that has an indoor playground. Get an ice cream and let them play there. Those are not to bad on the dirt if they don't have ball pits.

I will keep thinking, also sending no one sick, and no rain thoughts and prayers.:worship:

I hope you have the best time ever and all your plans work however, remember, if the plan goes astray know one know the plan but you, and I am sure they are having fun no matter what. HAVE FUN. I often am so worried about things that I miss some of the fun and joy. DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU!:love:

Thanks for sharing, I have really enjoyed can't wait to read about the trip.

Thanks for the ideas! Last I looked, it's supposed to rain. Otherwise we would definitely head to a park for the afternoon. But truly, we can tucker them out here. We have a small bounce house, so I told my DH last night that we'll make them do that 10 minutes out of every hour, followed by laps around the house, and some stairs. Kind of like bootcamp. Should work, right?:rotfl: I think it will be okay.

Thanks for the no rain, no sickness prayers...I'll take them!

I'm trying to remind myself that the ultimate plan is to have fun, and as long as that's happening, then the trip is perfect. I am a type-A, so it will take some adjusting when things don't go according to my plans, but it's okay. I just keep telling myself that!

[dahall]

HAVE A GREAT TIME!! :laughing:
May all your dreams come true, your reservations be on time, your lines be short, your plans be smooth, and everyone well and having a kick butt time.
:love::cheer2::yay::yay::woohoo::rotfl::goodvibes: cool1:

[jana616]

HAVE A GREAT TIME!! :laughing:
May all your dreams come true, your reservations be on time, your lines be short, your plans be smooth, and everyone well and having a kick butt time.
:love::cheer2::yay::yay::woohoo::rotfl::goodvibes: cool1:

Thanks! Is this the official Disney blessing? :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

Jana--I just wanted to check in before you leave on your trip!! I'm praying for a great vacation for you and your family!! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!!

[jana616]

We're back!!!!!! I promise a much fuller and more complete update soon (hopefully tomorrow), but I wanted to let you all know that we are back and we had an absolute blast! We had our share of miserable moments too (from the kids AND the adults!), but overall, we had a wonderful time. If anyone getting ready to go has any questions or anything, let me know. I'm off to work on the 8 loads of laundry we accumulated!

[mommyof2Pirates]

I am so glad you are back and had a wonderful trip. I cant wait to hear all about it. One quick thing that I have been stressing over. Our luggage is also 61 1/2 inches. After going through the process do you think they actually measure it or what? I am thinking of only taking one that way if I have to pay 39$ its only 9$ more than what I originally was planning on spending. Let me know your thoughts on that. Also a quick breifing of the weather and crowd levels would be great too. Otherwise I am dying to read the TR! Glad you made it home safe!

[jana616]

We did curbside check-in going there, and I don't think they would have noticed at all. However, the bag we used was only like 58 inches total. So maybe if it had been closer to 61, they would have checked. Coming back today, the Resort Airline Checkin at POP didn't seem to care at all. We called ahead and paid for our bag, then took it down there and they weighed it, but didn't measure. We had major problems this morning (we missed our DME bus to MCO!), so that was the least of my worries though, so I wasn't paying very good attention to that part.
Crowds were FABULOUS!!!! My kids were so spoiled by the not waiting in lines. We didn't wait more than 10 minutes for anything, except once for TSM (15 minutes at 10:30 am), and last night for Goofy's Barnstormer (20 minutes right at closing). Most everything was a walk-on. BTMRR was only a 10 minute wait even at mid-afternoon. We got there at rope drop every morning, and the first two hours were so easy and quiet. It was awesome! It did pick up over the weekend, but still not bad at all. Our DHS day we rode TSM 4 times using fast passes and short stand-by lines, and RnRC 3 times in 30 minutes using fast passes and short lines. I'll be sure to think of tips or things I wish I'd known. Weather was hot and humid, esp. after it would rain. Think sauna! It rained Friday off and on for a few hours, Saturday in the morning and again late at night, and then yesterday for a little while, but on the whole, weather was great, esp. the first 4 days!

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! So glad you had a great trip!! Welcome home! Can't wait to hear more!

[DisneyTiger]

So glad you're back!!! I CAN'T wait to hear all about it. I've been thinking about you all week wondering what you were doing;) Looking forward to hearing about what a magical time you had:thumbsup2

[mommyof2Pirates]

Thank you so much for the quick tips. Did you do online checkin for airtran? i was wondering if you can pay for your bag online when you do that. Thanks so much for your help. I am so anxiously awaiting your updates its like reading the first book of a series and dying to read the next one:laughing:

I hope we have the same luck with the crowds. That is awesome that you didnt have to wait much. I bet that made things alot easier. Do you think ridemax was really worth it? I am not looking forward to the hot and humid weather at all. Its been so nice here. mid to low 70's not much humidity. Except for this weekends rain. Anyway it doesnt matter cause we will be in disney in 6 days Yahoo!:banana:

So glad your back to talk to I missed having you on the boards. I know I could always count on you to help me with my panic stricken anxiety about things.:rotfl2:

[jana616]

YAY!! So glad you had a great trip!! Welcome home! Can't wait to hear more!
So glad you're back!!! I CAN'T wait to hear all about it. I've been thinking about you all week wondering what you were doing;) Looking forward to hearing about what a magical time you had:thumbsup2

Thanks! Hoping to start the TR soon! Although, I did not take notes at all, so I don't really know the order we did things each day. Can I still do a trip report? I do have 1,156 pictures to share!!! If anyone wants to see pics sooner, PM me and I'll add you as a friend on facebook. I want to get an album on there today with at least some pictures.


Thank you so much for the quick tips. Did you do online checkin for airtran? i was wondering if you can pay for your bag online when you do that. Thanks so much for your help. I am so anxiously awaiting your updates its like reading the first book of a series and dying to read the next one:laughing:

I hope we have the same luck with the crowds. That is awesome that you didnt have to wait much. I bet that made things alot easier. Do you think ridemax was really worth it? I am not looking forward to the hot and humid weather at all. Its been so nice here. mid to low 70's not much humidity. Except for this weekends rain. Anyway it doesnt matter cause we will be in disney in 6 days Yahoo!:banana:

So glad your back to talk to I missed having you on the boards. I know I could always count on you to help me with my panic stricken anxiety about things.:rotfl2:

Ridemax was worth it, but not the way I expected. I didn't use the minute by minute plan much at all. For one thing, the crowds were so low, we didn't have to rush everywhere, which was great. Mostly I used them as a list of what we wanted to see, when certain shows were at, and what order to do things. Totally worth the $18 or whatever though.

I missed you too, esp. since you were my stressing out buddy those last few days! I can't believe you only have a few days to go! You are going to have SOOO much fun!

[jana616]

I could not figure out what to title this!:goodvibes I know a few people who've been reading are getting ready to go and also have little boys, so I thought I'd share quickly my tips, etc. I thought I'd share what rides they loved too, in case one of them wasn't on your list and you want to add it.

Griffin (almost 5) loved :
MK: BTMRR (rode it 5 times, including 3 times in a row!)-get a FP and Rider Swap for this (then he can do it twice)
Peter Pan's Flight-get a FP, or ride first thing in the morning (line was 30 minutes in afternoon)
Aladdin's Magic Carpets-more fun than Dumbo because camel spits water at you, never a long line, esp. in the evenings
Buzz Lightyear-fun, but nowhere near as cool as TSM, so do this first if possible
Tomorrowland Speedway-loved this! We did this first at rope drop, then went to Dumbo (had 10-12 minute wait then). Could do it twice with zero wait. Ask for a driver's license for them-they have cards to hand out-my boys loved getting them!

AK:
Flights of Wonder show-he loves birds, and the show is funny
Kali River Rapids
Walking around DinoLand, playing in Boneyard
The parade was really cool here too

Epcot:
Innoventions-loved this more than any ride! Allow several hours to really see everything. There's an exhibit where you get to perform safety tests (fun, smashing things), and another with garbage trucks. Stormstruck was really cool too.
Turtle Talk with Crush-neat, but make sure they understand that Crush might not call on them. Griffin was bummed.
Test Track-liked but didn't love
Soarin-liked but didn't love (And I was a little disappointed too, honestly)
We did a Kim Possible mission, and it was cool but not so great that it can't be missed. We had China, so maybe other countries are way cooler.

DHS: (We LOVED this park for boys!)
TSM-so awesome. Everyone loved this ride. Send one person ahead to get a FP, then all get in stand-by line. We waited less than 10 minutes. Then we did Playhouse Disney show, and went back at 10ish to get more fast passes, and use first set. Line was so short we saved FP, did stand-by again, and got new set of FP. So we'd done ride twice, and had two more sets of FP by 10:30. Awesome.
Playhouse Disney show-cute and they can move around a little, bubbles, falling leaves in show.
Lights, Motors, Action show-they loved this!
Build your own Lightsaber-best boy souvenir around. Griffin had so much fun making it, and they seem pretty solid and sturdy. $20 not a bad price!

Cooper loved (shorter list!):
MK- It's a Small World, playing in Ariel's Grotto water fountains, Speedway (he could steer), Minnie's House
Epcot-the Seas with Nemo (favorite ride of all), and the aquarium after, fountains near Test Track and on International Gateway
DHS-Playhouse Disney show, LMA show
AK-Boneyard

Other tips:
1) Get there at rope drop. Each park does something cute, but the parks were also so quiet that early. We could do a ton between 9 am-11:30 am.

2) Get the rider swap cards for anything your younger kid can't do. We got FP for BTMRR, then when we went back, showed them Cooper. They gave us the card, and after we rode once using FP, we used the Rider SWap to go again, riding twice in 15 minutes. Griffin always went twice, so he loved it. Every big ride has this.

3) Use your snack credits and CS credits. We kind of held onto them, and ended up with 3 CS credits left. So many yummy things are snacks-huge ice cream sandwiches on fresh cookies from DinoBites at AK and Main Street Bakery in MK, Dole Whips (yum!), frozen lemonade slushies. If you have extra snack credits, get prepackaged things like Pez Dispensers, marshmallow pops, etc.

4) Every restaurant gave us a drink for Cooper at no charge, even though he wasn't on DDP. Ohana gave us a whole kid's meal for him for free at dinner.

5) If you are going to Downtown Disney, allow a few hours to walk around. There is so much for the kids to see there, and fun things at Lego Store and Once Upon a Toy. I did the Mr. Potato Head box (stuff the box for $20), and the key is asking a nice employee to help stuff it. Mine totally didn't close, but since she had taken on the stuffing, I think she felt some ownership of the box and gave me everything I was trying to get in there anyway. Really fun, and the parts are SO cute.

6) T-Rex was fun, but really loud and chaotic. The gift shop is huge, so be prepared. The portions are big. The 6 of us split the nachos, 1/2 chicken, and lasagna, and then got the Extinction dessert, and were all stuffed.

7) Make your own treats at Goofy's!!!! So fun to choose, and yummy. I got the Oreo cookie, dipped in chocolate, topped with Reeses PB Cups, drizzled with chocolate. Yum... The marshmallows traveled best home, however.

8) We brought too many diapers by far, but barely enough clothes, and way too many snacks. You do not need many snacks.

9) Toontown opens at 9:45, even though it says 10 on map. Get there at 9:45 to hop right on Barnstormer

10) At Epcot, if you go to the character spot first, you can wait less than 10 minutes to see all 5 main characters. There is a Photopass person there, and the characters weren't as rushed as at meals.

11) At character meals, put kids on the aisle or nearest to room so characters can get to them easier. Have camera and auto. books ready, because they come and go quickly. I felt stressed a lot of the time trying to get all of that done.

Meals-
Crystal Palace dinner-good food, took a long time, characters were kind of rushed

Ohana dinner-yum! Great food, lots of activities for the kids to do, super nice waiter

Play and Dine at H&V-I was so scared to do this lunch since there were lots of bad reviews...it was our favorite meal! The food was very good, and the characters were awesome with the kids. They came around 3-4 times each, danced with the kids, sat and ate with them. Highly, highly recommend it.

Le Cellier-food was awesome, but not very kid friendly. You can get smoothie or milkshake for your drink though (even kids)

Tusker House breakfast-we had 8 am, and were done by 9 am. Very good food, and the characters were fun, and not so rushed.

Ohana breakfast-food was awesome, best eggs ever! Nice to have family style character meal, and they do a nice parade, etc.

Chef Mickey's dinner-good food, awesome desserts, characters came by slowly, more relaxed than I expected. We were done and hadn't seen Goofy, and they were really good about bringing him over.

I'm sure there is so much more, but hopefully this helps someone!

[jana616]

OK, Trip Report is officially started!! It's called "Stop drinking out of that puddle"-our first family trip with 2 and 4 year olds!, and yes, one of my children did indeed drink out of a puddle on this trip. If that doesn't entice you to read, nothing will!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33592023#post33592023

Hope to see you there!

[mommyof2Pirates]

great review of the rides and resturaunts. you have given me such great tips. thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

[dahall]

YEA YOUR ARE BACK, no time to read going to tonight! So gald it was WONDERFUL.

Fast question, (leaveing in 7 days) did you do Journals and if so where did you get them?

Cant wait to catch up tonight.
:cool1:

[jana616]

Thanks! I didn't do journals. My kids can't write yet, and I didn't have any time to write anything down at night either. So they would have been wasted! I know there are some designs on the Creative DISigns board though. If you go on there and search "journal pages" I bet you'll find tons! Your trip is getting so close!