How Many Sleeps Until Disney Mommy?! August 2009 PTR **WE'RE BACK!!!**

[Mickey_Mom]

So I thought I’d try my hand at putting a pre-trip report together for our family vacation in WDW this August. :yay: I’d been thinking about it and just decided today to go for it. :goodvibes Welcome along any followers and please post any ideas or suggestions as they are most appreciated! I’ve gotten tons of ideas from fellow DISers and there’s always room for more. :idea:

My cast of characters:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney10032.jpg
My boys, Alex who will have just turned 14 when we arrive, and Demetri who is four and a half and the inspiration for the name of my report. He asks me every day, how many more sleeps until Disney World? We have a calendar on the fridge that he crosses off every night and I have a countdown on my internet home page that he follows too.:rolleyes:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW022.jpg
My daughter, Ariana (the one in the crown on the right princess:) who is twelve and the inspiration for our trips. She has autism and loves, loves, loves anything to do with Disney. She is a princess at heart and I love seeing everything thru her eyes.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90164.jpg
My ever-so-patient husband George:hug:, who in this picture is getting a fairly exuberant kiss on the cheek from Ariana. He really is much more handsome than this pic would lead you to believe;)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW195.jpg
Here’s the family together and there’s me, Tracy, rocking the cool shades.:cool1:

Our travel dates are August 15th to August 25th. This is our fourth trip in four years but it’s the first year we are including the water parks and more option on our tickets so we extended it a few days. Bathing suit…ack! :scared:

We’re staying at the POP Century resort this time – our favorite! We stayed there the first year we went and loved it. Our mousekeeper was awesome and made fantastic towel displays that the kids loved coming back to every day.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW016.jpg

On our next two trips we wanted to try different resorts and stayed at the All Stars Movies and then the Port Orleans Riverside. While they were great, we loved the POP the most and are happy to be going back.

I mentioned this is our fourth trip in four years. Disney was always something we’d wanted to do, but felt it was way too expensive to fit into our budget. Our daughter has been getting expensive therapy sessions since she was three and we’d always had this figure in our heads a trip would cost six thousand dollars or so. No telling where that number came from, but early 2006 we were lucky enough to be introduced thru a friend of a friend, to a travel agent who herself is a Disney freak :laughing:. With the free dining promo, she put together an eight day trip for our family of five, flight included (!) that was just over $2K Canadian. The impossible became possible! :dance3: Our family was taking its first ever vacation and my husband and I were going on our first trip since our honeymoon in 1994. We had the time of our lives and when we came home, I immediately started looking into booking our next one. :surfweb:

This would be a good time to mention that I am a control freak and a planning freak. I knew nothing for our first trip and that has its advantages for sure, but we left that trip knowing we’d missed a lot of things and I couldn’t wait to get back.

But be careful and don’t fall into my trap where I overplanned our next trip and tried to cram too many things into one trip. We ended up spending most of our time running from one event to the next and couldn’t appreciate the smaller things and the little details that go into making a Disney vacation special. And while our third trip was scaled back in scheduling and even had a day devoted strictly to spending it at the resort enjoying the pool, we still didn’t feel like we’d relaxed enough :sad2:. You know when you come back from a vacation and feel like you need a vacation? Yeah, that was us.

So I re-introduced myself to my family: “Hi, my name is Tracy, and I am a schedule-a-holic.” Is that a word? The first step is admitting it right :guilty:? Don’t get me wrong, we still completely enjoyed our trips, but I hadn’t yet found that balance. This year I’m determined to find it.

Still to come: hits and misses from previous trips, ADRs from previous trips, ADRs for the upcoming trip.

Chapters Links (if you'd rather not read all the extra stuff)
67 Sleeps - The Trip That Almost Wasn't (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32197996&postcount=4)
66 Sleeps - Previous Trips Hits & Misses (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32218725&postcount=7)
ADRs Past Trips (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32222399&postcount=10)
65 Sleeps - Random Fun Stuff (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32237525&postcount=17)
Finally! August ADRs! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32239918&postcount=23)
Oh and a Bonus Pic! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32241446&postcount=24)
Random Past Trip Pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32251100&postcount=37)
64 Sleeps - The Lost Photos - Part I (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32271624&postcount=46)
64 Sleeps - The Lost Photos - Part II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32271666&postcount=47)
62 Sleeps - Snow White and the Faulty Camera (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32283002&postcount=55)
59 Sleeps - Day 1 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32319509&postcount=60)
58 Sleeps - Day 2 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32335120&postcount=82)
56 Sleeps - Day 3 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32359952&postcount=96)
55 Sleeps - Father's Day Surprise! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32373778&postcount=105)
53 Sleeps - Paid Off Trip with Two Bonuses! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32406049&postcount=118)
Favorite Organizing Tip (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32422467&postcount=128)
49 Sleeps - To-Do List as of June 27th :eek: (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32460186&postcount=150)
49 Sleeps - Day 4 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32461350&postcount=151)
47 Sleeps - Day 5 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32491668&postcount=161)
45 Sleeps - Day 6 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32525487&postcount=192)
41 Sleeps - Day 7 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32570793&postcount=208)
41 Sleeps - Day 7 Plans cont. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32570847&postcount=209)
36 Sleeps - Part I - Mickey Mail! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32655929&postcount=226)
36 Sleeps - Part II - Day 8 Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32656194&postcount=230)
36 Sleeps - Part III - Parade Mania at MK (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32656325&postcount=231)
36 Sleeps - Part III - Parade Mania at AK (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32656416&postcount=232)
36 Sleeps - Part III - Parade Mania at DHS (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32656514&postcount=233)
36 Sleeps - Part III - Wrapping up Parade Mania with Spectro Magic (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32656740&postcount=235)
34 Sleeps - Day 9 Plans and a Few Minor Changes (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32680667&postcount=270)
11 Sleeps - Oh Yeah... an Update! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33021690&postcount=526)
1 Sleep!! - Thank you and Goodbye Everyone!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33163195&postcount=596)

[ZeroToHero]

Andddd - here I am! I just saw the thread in the list. :cool1:

[MinnieNurse]

Just found your report. We stayed at Pop in 2005 and loved it. We will just miss you in August. We will be there 8/2-8/9. Cant wait to hear more.

[Mickey_Mom]

I’m such a nerd, I was so excited to see all the views my PTR was getting and that I have a few followers now…. Hi Zero to Hero! Hi MinnieNurse! You guys will have to tell me how to put my PTR link in my signature :rolleyes:

So this August 2009 trip was almost the trip that wasn’t. We had gone three years in a row and my DH was pretty clear we should put the brakes on it for a while and maybe go back in about five years around Christmas time. While I was initially at peace with that, (sorta-not really) when February of this year rolled around and I would normally start anticipating the free dining to roll out….. I had to do it. I had to start planning again! (Did I mention I am a planning freak??)

So I started talking to my DH about going again and we “compromised” by saying we would have a backyard summer, save up, and only go if the free dining happened to get extended into Christmas time. Ariana LOVES Disney and the next best thing to her is Christmas time. She loves everything about it – she’d have a tree up year round if it were up to her, she loves the presents under the tree, the Christmas carols, making snowmen and snow angels, any sort of Christmas movie, all the lights and decorations she loves with wide-eyed wonder…. you get the idea :santa: So imagine my excitement to possibly take her to her favorite place on earth at her favorite time of year!! I would look at any photo I could find of the Magic Kingdom decorated for Christmas and just friggin cry thinking about taking her. I showed her a video of Cinderella’s Castle lighting up with all the tiny Christmas lights and ….. whew!

But alas, all signs were pointing to the rarity that is free dining at Christmas time for us Northern folk, and my DH started recognizing the signs in me of Disney Withdrawlism. He took pity on me and shocked me by suggesting we go in August! I love, love, love my husband. Really. Love. Him. :love:

So back to the DIS boards I went with a new spring in my step! We were going back!! I had already subscribed to the free dining thread and honestly, I don’t know how you guys do it, but someone found out the day the promo was being offered and I called my travel agent to warn her I’d be making the arrangements. She hadn’t heard when it was coming out and I could tell she wasn’t convinced I knew either, but was a believer when it actually happened! She wanted to know my source :rotfl:. She said her daughter was on a similar site and always talked about how great it was and all the information that was shared. She wasn’t sure which site it was but looked it up when I was talking to her and yep, you guessed it! It was here!

Originally, we made our reservation at the POP for August 16th to the 23rd for just four of us. My older son is going into his first year of high school this September (ack!) and was hesitant about going with us on the trip. The hubby and I talked about it and then told Alex he could ask a friend to come with him and he was back on board :woohoo: As much as he adores his sister and little brother, there’s just something different about having a friend come along. He would be the one showing them where everything was, and would be experiencing everything brand new again thru their excitement.

So we bumped up our reservation to two rooms and let his friends know they had two weeks to decide if they were coming with us. Southwest Airlines was opening their scheduling dates for August and if they were coming, we’d have to reserve their seats. Unfortunately, none of his friends could come and he was back to deciding if he was going to go with us. I didn’t want to force him to come, I wanted him to want to come. The hubby and I talked about it again and decided to add Disney Quest to our itinerary. We’d never been and it looked like fun… I could see him wavering.

A fellow DISer suggested if I was going to go to Disney Quest, I might as well add the water parks and more option to our tickets because it included Disney Quest and then we could go to the water parks too. Same price…. Sold! See? Such helpful advice! So I pulled out the Disney Vacation Planning DVD we order every year (my daughter has been watching them for years!!) and watched the part about the water parks. We’d never considered going to the water parks because we assumed we’d get all the swimming in that we wanted at the resorts. Um, yeah… its kinda a different experience at the water parks and now I can’t wait to go!! The hubby suggested we add a few extra days to our reservation to give ourselves enough time to enjoy everything but not be rushed about it so then our trip became August 16th to August 25th.

When it came closer to Southwest releasing their scheduling dates, I was going on their site frequently trying to get a heads up on which days would be cheaper to go. Last year when I was booking our flights, I went on their site the morning the dates were released and I had a particular flight up on my screen going thru the purchasing process. I couldn’t get ahold of the hubby on the phone to discuss it with him and in the ten minutes it took me to reach him, the flight price was gone! :scared1: Ten minutes! So this year I made sure to scope out which days would potentially be the cheapest and we ended up adding another day to our trip, this time at the start. Another recommendation by a fellow DISer was to add a travel day, room only reservation night at the start of our trip. This would allow us to fly in late, spend the night at the resort and wake up the next morning all ready to go. It cost next to nothing to add on the extra day and it would give us more flexibility in our flight arrangements…. Sold! Our trip then finalized at August 15th to August 25th and the morning Southwest released their flights we got great rates.

The trip that almost wasn’t …. was!

I’ll add some pics when I’m home later today…. my work blocks them, grrrr.

Next up…. I never talked about the hits and misses yet but I will… ADRs then and now.

[ZeroToHero]

Disney at Christmas time is my favorite time too! Even though the snow is fake.

[Angies1274]

Hi!! I'm in:thumbsup2 We are going August 24-27 and staying at Pop Century also. We can't wait!! We love it there!!:love: Looking forward to reading more of your report!!

[Mickey_Mom]

Welcome Angie1274!

Sorry no post yesterday, I was caught up cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins :cool1:

So here are a few pics of previous trips including my hits:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/ohanaparade.jpg
This is the kids on our first trip at Ohana, breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at the Polynesian Resort. Definitely a favorite, we’ve done it each of our three previous trips and will be doing it again this time. We love everything about it from the beautiful resort to the yummy juice to the marching parades. My daughter has a huge grin on her face from start to finish.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW027.jpg
1900 Park Fare. My husband and I were soooo impressed by everyone at Disney with how patient and kind they were to my daughter. Trust me, we’ve been on the receiving end of some pretty cruel comments but each time we’ve been to WDW, we’re bowled over by them. They always go above and beyond. In this pic, my daughter is giving Cinderella some serious huggage and Cinderella gave it right back to her!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW119.jpg
Autograph books with BIG pens. This was a huge hit during our first trip. Every character that we met signed our autograph book and the kids absolutely loved getting them. Each character signs it a little bit different (Pluto throws it up on his nose), they got to talk to them just a little bit longer and they had a great time looking back over the signatures and looking for any we had missed.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW138.jpg
Kim Possible in Epcot. This was a fluke, but when we arrived at Epcot, a Cast Member approached my son and I and asked if we wanted to participate in testing out a new attraction they were putting together. We love watching the Amazing Race and that’s what it felt like to us - zipping threw different countries searching for clues! If you look verrrry closely at the red phone booth, that’s my son inside getting his next clue! Very fun and we’ll definitely be doing it again now that the attraction is out this year.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW139.jpg
Turtle Talk with Crush. So. Much. Fun. It was towards the end of the day and there weren’t many people in the room and Crush talked to both my kids. My daughter actually had a conversation with him – more tears!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW175.jpg
Pin collecting. Huge, huge hit! They loved going up to the Cast Members and looking over what pins they could trade for, it was so much fun for them.

Ok, so no misses on our first trip. :rotfl: Not surprising because my son still says the first trip we took was The Best. Oh, actually there was one miss but it wasn’t anyone’s fault. On our first trip we didn’t see one firework show. :sad2: Ariana was petrified of them and would scream very loudly at every explosion. She loved to look at them, but hated the noise. So at the start of every show, we would run out of the park.

Our second trip was the one that I tried to cram in as many things as possible. Big mistake. :headache: The biggest hit of the trip however, was the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. So much fun being in costume, in the Magic Kingdom trick or treating. We had an absolute blast and we still randomly just start singing the song that was playing all evening that we never got tired of…. Boo to you and boo to YOU!

We had an equipment malfunction with our video camera, and heartbreakingly, all the video I had taken of our trip could only be played back in what looked like fast forward mode. We all walked and moved very quickly and spoke like the mice in Cinderella, sigh. I had intentionally used our video camera more than our regular camera so my daughter could watch back the movies whenever she wanted, but it didn’t work out. :sad1:

Two other misses for us were Cinderella’s Royal Table for dinner time and the food at Arkershurs in Epcot. Again, not anyone’s fault, they just didn’t work for us. At CRT, we assumed it would be like the breakfast one we had gone to our first trip, but it was only ten minutes of the Fairy Godmother singing a song. My husband and I looked at one another when she was done and both said, “that’s it?!?” simultaneously. To top it off, none of us particularly cared for the food we had so it was a big disappointment all around. At Arkershurs, the princesses were fantastic, you don’t see Ariel (with feet, lol) and Pocahontas visiting anywhere else so we really enjoyed that part of it. But again, we didn’t really enjoy our food at all so we just had a so-so experience there. :confused3

The hits were aplenty though: We were determined to condition Ariana into watching the fireworks, so we started off covering her ears for her as tightly as we could. At first she would still try to run away but slowly she started watching the shows and enjoying them. My husband then slowly started uncovering her ears until she eventually could watch them on her own and really love them. Now it’s a highlight of our nights! :cheer2:

More hits: Swimming at the resort - make sure you give yourself at least a full day to just hang out at the resort, we did this last year and it was one of the more memorably fun days. The Transit Authority at Magic Kingdom – always fun to just chill out and enjoy the views. The evil stepmother and stepsisters at 1900 Park Fare - they switched out the mice for these new characters and they are absolutely hysterical! :rotfl2: The Jungle Cruise of course – we were spoiled with the guide we had on our first trip. No one yet has been as funny as he was! Captain Jack’s Pirate Tutorial – can’t wait to see the really good skit (looks just like Johnny Depp, :lovestruc sigh) on the new stage built for it. And lastly, the character greet with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee across from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I’m not sure if Mr. Smee is like this with all children or if he just has plenty of experience, but when we briefly explained to the characters that Ariana was autistic and wouldn’t necessarily answer them if they asked her questions, Mr. Smee gently placed his hand under her chin and slowly raised her head until she was looking directly into his face. Tremendous interaction between the two of them and when it was time for the next child in line and Ariana started to walk away waving, Mr. Smee took her hand and pretended to go skipping on his merry way with her, lol. Ariana was thrilled he was coming with her until mean old Captain Hook demanded he come back!

Next post…. ADRs then and now. I promise.

[MinnieNurse]

Okay, hope this helps. A fellow Dis'er Lady Lallie helped me out getting the link in my signature from my PTR. Here are her instructions which I found very easy to follow:

You would copy the web address...I assume you know how to do that.

Then you'd edit your signature.

Type out your title or whatever you want your link to say.

"MinnieNurse goes to Disney" for instance.

Then you highlight that with your mouse the entire title.

Then click on the little glove with the paperclip looking thing on it, it's near where you can edit your font and such on a post.

Then paste the web address in there and voila, you have link!


Good luck. We will just miss you at WDW we will be there 8/2-8/9.

[Mickey_Mom]

Okay, hope this helps. A fellow Dis'er Lady Lallie helped me out getting the link in my signature from my PTR. Here are her instructions which I found very easy to follow:

You would copy the web address...I assume you know how to do that.

Then you'd edit your signature.

Type out your title or whatever you want your link to say.

"MinnieNurse goes to Disney" for instance.

Then you highlight that with your mouse the entire title.

Then click on the little glove with the paperclip looking thing on it, it's near where you can edit your font and such on a post.

Then paste the web address in there and voila, you have link!


Good luck. We will just miss you at WDW we will be there 8/2-8/9.

Thanks! It worked! :banana: Now I'm off to read yours !

[Mickey_Mom]

On to ADRs past and now!

Our first trip had our ADRs arranged by my travel agent. I had no idea what was there, didn’t know to look them up on the computer (my how things have changed!) and so just left it totally in her hands based on her experience of what was good. Here’s what she booked for us, 30 days :woohoo: before our trip:

Day 1 – Crystal Palace 5:25pm
Day 2 – Cinderella’s Royal Table 9:45am
Day 3 – Cape May Café 10:00am
Day 4 – Ohana Breakfast 10:00am
Day 5 – 1900 Park Fare 5:50pm
Day 6 – Chef Mickey 6:20pm
Day 7 – Mickey’s Backyard BBQ 6:30pm

Knowing what I know now about how quickly ADRs can go, I’m surprised she got us what she did. We’ve gone each year on our trip around the same time period. We really enjoyed each reservation she made for us, but ended up canceling the Backyard BBQ. By the last day we were ready to just relax and take it easy. We are definitely the stay late and sleep in the next morning kinda family. ::yes::

The second year we didn’t stray a lot from favorites and went again to the Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, Ohana, Chef Mickey and the aforementioned disastrous CRT for dinner as well as the so-so Arkershurs. I went for earlier times so we could spend more time in the parks and that backfired on me. We were always tired and in a rush. :headache: Time for a new plan.

Last year we stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and wanted to make sure we gave ourselves time to relax. The year before my daughter had taken to announcing first thing in the morning which park she wanted to go to, regardless of what meals we had booked. We don’t get the park hopper option, so where we planned was where we had to go. This would usually cause her to get anxious if her plans didn’t match ours and we would spend a good part of each day convincing her our plans were better :rotfl:. So for last year, I put together a picture itinerary using photos from past visits and internet photos for new plans.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/Itinerary.jpg

I hung it up on the fridge about a week before we went, and she had her own copy she could look at during the trip whenever she wanted to. She then just followed the schedule and she had no problems at all. :woohoo:

It’s a little tough to read, but last year we did try new things and I made sure to call as soon as possible for the more popular things we’d never been to like Le Cellier.

We went to Crystal Palace
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40071.jpg

Cape May, Ohana
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20058.jpg

Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine (to check out my younger son’s favorites Little Einsteins!) Le Cellier, and the previously cancelled Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.

The Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine was great, except that my DS3 Demetri for whom we had booked this for, was sick from the air conditioning in the room (this happens to him everytime – anyone else find this?) He wasn’t grumpy or anything but he definitely was not as into it as we’d hoped he would. :sick:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6275.jpg
Everyone to Rocket… rev it up now!!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6481-1.jpg
LeCellier was fantastic and we had a great time! Mmmmm, steak with mushroom risotto (drool!) :love:

Next we went to the Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. Friends of ours had gone to the one we’d cancelled from two years earlier and said they had a blast. Course, they took full advantage of the drink-all-you-want part of the night so yeah, they had a good time. My husband and I don’t drink so that wasn’t a perk for us and personally, while I’m glad we did it to see what it was all about, I wouldn’t go again.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90036.jpg
It was a good show….

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90017.jpg
and the kids enjoyed dancing with the characters…..

…. but for me, it was a long way to get there on an open boat in the rain and I wasn’t really up for the mob fest that was all the kids clamoring around the characters. I didn’t like having to fight the crowds for the kids to get their turns to dance and I was ready to go well before it was actually over. :headache: That’s just me.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6201.jpg
We even unexpectedly got into the Coral Reef Restaurant as walk-ins the evening of the day we spent at the resort. :yay: We had decided we wanted to catch some fireworks after a full day of swimming, and opted for dinner instead when they could take us. :thumbsup2Tip: Don’t ask at the Epcot customer service if they have available dining space, they’ll likely say no like they did to us. Instead walk right into the restaurant and ask if they have space. We were seated within 15 minutes. Bonus!:dance3:


Next up… this years ADRs. popcorn::

[Angies1274]

Ohana's breakfast is a favorite of ours as well. We were able to get an ADR for our last day. We are so excited to go back as my boys love Stitch.:thumbsup2 My oldest is still talking about the yummy juice.:goodvibes

That's so awesome that your kids were able to talk to Crush. That show is so much fun. My son had his question all ready on our last trip in April. It was so cute!! Unfortunately he wasn't picked but I told him that maybe he would get his chance next time.

We also missed the fireworks on our first visit. My son didn't like the sound of them and we didn't want to take any chances. Our last trip though he loved them.:)

[Mickey_Mom]

Ohana's breakfast is a favorite of ours as well. We were able to get an ADR for our last day. We are so excited to go back as my boys love Stitch.:thumbsup2 My oldest is still talking about the yummy juice.:goodvibes

That's so awesome that your kids were able to talk to Crush. That show is so much fun. My son had his question all ready on our last trip in April. It was so cute!! Unfortunately he wasn't picked but I told him that maybe he would get his chance next time.

We also missed the fireworks on our first visit. My son didn't like the sound of them and we didn't want to take any chances. Our last trip though he loved them.:)

We love Stitch too. One new thing we want to check out this year is a tip we read here - 'If you sit on the stone ledge on the side of the castle, you will hear Stitch giggle and tell you to be quiet because he's hiding!' Can't wait to get the kids to take a break and listen! :rotfl2:

[Mickey_Mom]

New post coming up, but I wanted to ask people's opinion about the Flame Tree BBQ in AK. I'd heard much good things about it, but l've also heard now there are lots of birds. Is it still a great place to go? Or do the birds bother too much?:confused3

[ZeroToHero]

I don't know about the birds, but even if there are a lot, I'll still go to it. I think it's the best counterservice.

[Mickey_Mom]

I don't know about the birds, but even if there are a lot, I'll still go to it. I think it's the best counterservice.

I'm pretty sure we'll still go to it but I'm hoping its not an issue. I remember when we were poolside at the POR the birds were so brazen they were landing on people's tables and eating their food!

[Lady Lallie]

I'm joining in. :goodvibes

Your family is beautiful! I love all the pictures from your past trips.

I went to Flame Tree BBQ in May and I have to say...the birds really freak me out. They can get awfully close in their outdoor seating area. I don't like birds, unless I am inside and they are outside so maybe it's just me. There were even some bigger crane type birds that were poking around for food while we were there. I ate as fast as possible so I could leave. :eek:

I can't wait to read more. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

OK so I haven't done my post yet about this years ADRs but I thought I'd throw in some random pics just for fun. :cheer2:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080008.jpg
This is the calendar we've been using to count down to our vacation.



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080017.jpg
Notice that May is fairly mangled and Demetri was drawing on it by months end. :rotfl:



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080016.jpg
Demetri wanted his picture taken with the month we actually go.



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080019.jpg
And this is how it looks on our fridge. Notice the letters? :laughing:



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080020.jpg
Earlier this week we went shopping to get my DS13 sunglasses for his school trip to Montreal. After we all had a blast trying on seventeen millions of pairs of sunglasses :cool2:, we finally found what we wanted and headed to the checkouts. On the way, we spied this awesome find for my daughter.


http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080023.jpg
She tried it on and that was it, she had to have it.


Lastly, just a pic of my favorite bag.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0611Christmas080024.jpg
Our first year I hadn't packed an empty bag to bring back souveniers in and so at the last minute I had to run to the POP gift shop. This was my pick and I've used it just about everyday since then. :love:

[Mickey_Mom]

I'm joining in. :goodvibes

Your family is beautiful! I love all the pictures from your past trips.

I went to Flame Tree BBQ in May and I have to say...the birds really freak me out. They can get awfully close in their outdoor seating area. I don't like birds, unless I am inside and they are outside so maybe it's just me. There were even some bigger crane type birds that were poking around for food while we were there. I ate as fast as possible so I could leave. :eek:

I can't wait to read more. :thumbsup2

Hi Lady Lallie :welcome: and thank you!

Mmmmm, I'm a little worried now. I'm definately not a bird person and it sounds like my kids (OK and me too) would not be diggin 'em. What makes the Flame Tree a great place? The food or the surroundings? Can you take advantage of the scenery from the inside?

[MinnieNurse]

New post coming up, but I wanted to ask people's opinion about the Flame Tree BBQ in AK. I'd heard much good things about it, but l've also heard now there are lots of birds. Is it still a great place to go? Or do the birds bother too much?:confused3

We love Flame Tree but there are birds there. They never have really bothered us. If you feed them they will come over to your table, but nothing like swarming you like I have read. Maybe we have just been lucky, we have eaten there 3 times and DH loves the food.

[MinnieNurse]

Love the Tink hat and your bag. That may be worth forgetting my extra bag for, I really like that bag. :rolleyes1

[Angies1274]

New post coming up, but I wanted to ask people's opinion about the Flame Tree BBQ in AK. I'd heard much good things about it, but l've also heard now there are lots of birds. Is it still a great place to go? Or do the birds bother too much?:confused3

We had heard so many great things about Flame Tree BBQ before we went on our last trip that I knew I wanted to at least give it a try:thumbsup2 Although we did enjoy the food, having the birds around really freaked the boys out.They spent the whole time looking around and they barely ate. Even if you didn't feed them, all it took was one other person to do it near you and then they kept circling around the area. I believe that it only has outdoor seating and we sat closest to the building. Maybe if we had went a little further out it wouldn't have been so bad.:confused3

Your countdown calendar reminded me that we have to start ours very soon!! Oh, and I love the bag!!

[ZeroToHero]

I love the picture itinerary by the way - that's so cool! I forgot to mention it earlier.

[Mickey_Mom]

Well I said I would do it today and gosh darnit, I'm going to do it today. :rotfl:

So I've said before I'm a planning freak right? Well, when it came time to start thinking about which ADRs I wanted to make, I started early. :surfweb: Polling the kids, surfing DIS recommendations, pouring over menus, random Google searches... you name it. :badpc:

My husband's only request is that he get a good steak so .... not much help there, thanks honey! So after much, much deliberation, I narrowed it down to fifteen (yes fifteen:eek:) places I wanted to try. Then I played "Yes, No, Maybe" with the kids. I would tell them each place, where they were and what was on their menus. They each had to give me a yes, no or a maybe answer if they wanted to go. It kinda really came down to what my DS13 Alex wanted because Ariana and Demetri answered "yes" to everything :lmao:

So our choices ended up being:
Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast
Rainforest Cafe at AK (new)
Teppan Edo (new)
Chef Mickey
Ohana
Planet Hollywood (new)
Le Cellier
Sci Fi Dine-in Theatre (new)

Half of our choices were places we hadn't been before so we're excited to try them and you'll note that all of the places offer a good steak. Happy hubby, happy home :hug:

So all that was left was to book our days around those meals (or was it booking the meals around the days?!) :crazy2: I had to wait and wait and wait for the August hours to come out and when they finally did, I was ready to book!!

I found a fairly simple scheduler on a random Google search and created a modified version for myself so I could have everything at a glance in front of me should I need to change my plans because I couldn't get an ADR.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/schedule-1.jpg

Not quite the souped up picture itinerary I made last year, but we'll see if I need to make it this year or not. Anyways, I had another sheet that I could record the confirmation numbers on and take with me when we check in to make sure all was well, and then just had to wait until May 18th for my 90 day window.

Turned out May 18th was a Canadian holiday so I didn't even have to worry about taking time off work. Which was a blessing given what happened when I called. :headache:

So it kinda blew that I had to get up early on a holiday to make the reservations, but I was excited too that we were that much closer to actually going. While visions of sugarplums danced in the heads of my family all snugged in their beds, without a clatter I tip-toed :tiptoe: downstairs to settle a matter. At 6:59am I was dialing the number and realized three attempts in that I was dialing the wrong freaking number to access our long distance savings plan. :mad: So at 7:04am I actually dialed correctly and heard the :rainbow: music welcoming me to the happiest place on earth. After pushing the right buttons I was on hold for 18 minutes listening to Laughing Place, Grim Grinning Ghosts and Its a Small World. Then, at 7:22am I was disconnected. :scared1: What happened???

I immediately called back and kept getting this bleeping recording about how all the circuits were busy. What?!? All circuits are busy?! What circuits and how dare they be busy at this freaking time in the morning when I'm trying to make this most important call?!? I'd never made the reservations on the first day before and it also turned out that May 18th was the first day for everyone for free dining starting on August 16th... what, I wasn't the only one? :confused3 I thought the problem was with "my" phone so I actually called WDW technical support and the lady I spoke with patiently explained that she takes care of the WDW web site and has no ability to make my dinner reservations for me :rotfl2:

So I jumped back on the phones and for the next hour and a half tried to get back to the Laughing Place. Eventually I was excited to hear the :rainbow: music again and after pushing the right buttons I was back on hold :woohoo: Then can you guess what happened after I got to the exact same spot of Its a Small World? :furious: Disconnected again!!

Luckily it was only another 15 minutes before I heard the :rainbow: music, I pushed the right buttons and I was talking to a real live cast member! She was great and I got all the reservations I wanted around the times I had asked for with the one exception of the Rainforest Cafe in AK. Turns out its not part of the dining plan so we cancelled that one.

Whew! And now, just for fun, more pics from past trips keeping with the ADR theme:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW078.jpg
Chef Mickey's - One of my DS13's classic memories is the 'jube-jube sundae' he made for dessert at the self serve ice cream. I'll try to find the pic that has him chowing down on it like it was the last item of food on earth.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW085.jpg
Found it!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW252.jpg
Ohana - My DS13 is a budding photographer and he loved taking scenery shots.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW249.jpg
This is in the Polynesian Resort right outside Ohana and as you come in from the Monorail.

And lastly, this pic is in the Canada pavillion (eh?) outside Le Cellier. I had it as my desktop pic for a long time.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6486.jpg

[Mickey_Mom]

One more bonus pic from my DS13. I really need to get more shots of this when we go back, its so beautiful.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW048.jpg

[Lady Lallie]

Flame Tree only has outdoor seating. I was in a section pretty far from where you get your food and the birds were still a problem. And like someone mentioned, it only takes one other person to start feeding them near you and then they are all over your table too. That happens often in Disney! The food is good, but I've only eaten at AK twice and both times were at Flame Tree so I don't know a whole lot about the other options.

What a frustrating time trying to get connected to make your ADRs! I am so glad you were able to get everything. Rain Forest Cafe is meh so I don't think you are missing much, the atmosphere is cool but it's really really really loud and noisy in there. Did you replace it with something else?

[Mickey_Mom]

Flame Tree only has outdoor seating. I was in a section pretty far from where you get your food and the birds were still a problem. And like someone mentioned, it only takes one other person to start feeding them near you and then they are all over your table too. That happens often in Disney! The food is good, but I've only eaten at AK twice and both times were at Flame Tree so I don't know a whole lot about the other options.

When we've eaten at AK it was CS at the place by the Dinosaur ride. We liked it but I thought it would be fun to try the Flame Tree. I think we'll check it out when it comes time to eat and just see how it goes. My daughter will start screaming if the birds come remotely around her so... we'll see.

What a frustrating time trying to get connected to make your ADRs! I am so glad you were able to get everything. Rain Forest Cafe is meh so I don't think you are missing much, the atmosphere is cool but it's really really really loud and noisy in there. Did you replace it with something else?

Oh I would have been so upset if I'd lost an ADR I wanted because I was disconnected. Really, the only thing that was affected was LeCellier... we got it on the day we wanted but a little bit earlier than expected. But hey! I'll take it! Its freaking Disney World!! :dance3: We didn't replace the Rain Forest Cafe, we figured we'd just play it by ear. I'm really running with the relaxed schedule this time around :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

When we've eaten at AK it was CS at the place by the Dinosaur ride. We liked it but I thought it would be fun to try the Flame Tree. I think we'll check it out when it comes time to eat and just see how it goes. My daughter will start screaming if the birds come remotely around her so... we'll see.

Oh I would have been so upset if I'd lost an ADR I wanted because I was disconnected. Really, the only thing that was affected was LeCellier... we got it on the day we wanted but a little bit earlier than expected. But hey! I'll take it! Its freaking Disney World!! :dance3: We didn't replace the Rain Forest Cafe, we figured we'd just play it by ear. I'm really running with the relaxed schedule this time around :lmao:

Playing it by ear is good though! I can't tell you how many times I call while I'm down in Disney to change our dining or cancel ADRs just because we are going more with the flow. You never know how you are going to feel once you are actually there.

[Mickey_Mom]

I love the picture itinerary by the way - that's so cool! I forgot to mention it earlier.

Thanks! It was truly a life saver on our last trip but I'm not sure if I'll need it this time. I think she trusts me now that whatever we do will be fun! :goodvibes

Because it worked so well though, we started incorporating it into different things for her, like her school schedule. Moving from class to class was different for her once she reached middle school but just knowing what to expect made it easier for her. :laughing: Same could be said for me too!

[Mickey_Mom]

Playing it by ear is good though! I can't tell you how many times I call while I'm down in Disney to change our dining or cancel ADRs just because we are going more with the flow. You never know how you are going to feel once you are actually there.

That's definately the way we're going to do it this year. I've intentionally left several of our days wide open for impulsive things to do. Leaving more of the decisions up to the kids will make them happier and less stressful for me worrying that they're not enjoying the plans I made. No complaining!

[MinnieNurse]

Well I said I would do it today and gosh darnit, I'm going to do it today. :rotfl:


And lastly, this pic is in the Canada pavillion (eh?) outside Le Cellier. I had it as my desktop pic for a long time.
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6486.jpg

I have a similar picture and it is one of my favorites. I love the colors in this area.

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529422322_3RABu-S.jpg

Glad you got most the ADR's you wanted. I have found with places like Rainforest that are not Disney owned I have better luck calling them for an ADR than going through Disney. We did T-Rex at DTD in December and DS really liked it, did ya'll consider that?

We really liked Planet Hollywood abd Teppan Edo. Sci Fi and Rainforest are 2 of our favorites, I had to make DH and DS let us try new stuff this time.

I have some pics from inside T-Rex if your interested.

[Mickey_Mom]

I have a similar picture and it is one of my favorites. I love the colors in this area.

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529422322_3RABu-S.jpg


My husband saw my pic on my desktop and wanted to know who's beautiful backyard it was :rolleyes: he's not too observant sometimes.


Glad you got most the ADR's you wanted. I have found with places like Rainforest that are not Disney owned I have better luck calling them for an ADR than going through Disney. We did T-Rex at DTD in December and DS really liked it, did ya'll consider that?

I decided not to go OOP for the Rainforest although I was mighty disappointed. I did take a look at T-Rex and thought it would be fun... is that OOP too? I can't remember now.


We really liked Planet Hollywood abd Teppan Edo. Sci Fi and Rainforest are 2 of our favorites, I had to make DH and DS let us try new stuff this time.

I have some pics from inside T-Rex if your interested.

Absolutely!

[MinnieNurse]

Pics from T-Rex

It is loud like Rainforest (probably even louder) and the food is very similar. They are both owned by Landry's.
http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529223135_haZwj-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529223418_KK7o6-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529230491_SDEpr-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529229566_5KkgS-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529231631_xunQe-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529224583_9RGRB-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529230008_MgfRV-S.jpg

Here are several. I didnt realize how many I took. :laughing: Your older 2 would probably really like it as well but I think Metri would love it. They have a Build-A-Dinosaur in the gift shop as you can see and Lance loved the entire place.

[Mickey_Mom]

Pics from T-Rex

It is loud like Rainforest (probably even louder) and the food is very similar. They are both owned by Landry's.
http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529223135_haZwj-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529223418_KK7o6-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529230491_SDEpr-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529229566_5KkgS-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529231631_xunQe-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529224583_9RGRB-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529230008_MgfRV-S.jpg

Here are several. I didnt realize how many I took. :laughing: Your older 2 would probably really like it as well but I think Metri would love it. They have a Build-A-Dinosaur in the gift shop as you can see and Lance loved the entire place.

I just looked it up and T-Rex is not part of the dining plan :sad2: but I think we'll at least visit it just to take a look at everything they have. It does look pretty awesome!

[MinnieNurse]

I just looked it up and T-Rex is not part of the dining plan :sad2: but I think we'll at least visit it just to take a look at everything they have. It does look pretty awesome!

Yeah, none of the Landry places are part of the dining plan. That includes both Rainforest at DTD and AK. Thats the only bad part about them. :sad2:

[mickeystoontown]

Hey, I wanna join in too! I found your link in the "If I Don't Get In..." trip report. We're going to be staying at Pop too but will be checking out just as you are checking in.

We love Stitch too. One new thing we want to check out this year is a tip we read here - 'If you sit on the stone ledge on the side of the castle, you will hear Stitch giggle and tell you to be quiet because he's hiding!' Can't wait to get the kids to take a break and listen! :rotfl2:

Where is this at? I have never even heard of it. Hunter would love this.

New post coming up, but I wanted to ask people's opinion about the Flame Tree BBQ in AK. I'd heard much good things about it, but l've also heard now there are lots of birds. Is it still a great place to go? Or do the birds bother too much?:confused3

We love Flame Tree BBQ. Yes, there are birds there but they have never bothered us. The food is really good too.

[Mickey_Mom]

Hey, I wanna join in too! I found your link in the "If I Don't Get In..." trip report. We're going to be staying at Pop too but will be checking out just as you are checking in.

Hi mickeystoontown! :welcome: and be sure to wave at everyone in the lobby as you're checking out ;) we just may wave back at you!

Where is this at? I have never even heard of it. Hunter would love this.

I'm not really sure, I'm assuming the wall on the side of the castle that has the little path and the fountain. (I think the opposite side is Story Time with Belle? I'm not positive.) I'm hoping its a real thing. Anyone else heard of this?

We love Flame Tree BBQ. Yes, there are birds there but they have never bothered us. The food is really good too.

For sure we'll check it out and hope for the best. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

Well just some random past trip pics this evening while I wait until its time to go pick up my DS13 from his school bus trip to Montreal.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW008.jpg
Playing around in the POP gift shop while the DH and DS1 took a nap after our early flight in.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW023.jpg
The Prince at 1900 Park Fare truly was a prince. My daughter was in love!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW047.jpg
On the way to Its Tough to be a Bug :)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW050.jpg
Photo-op!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW057-1.jpg
A kiss from Ariel while visiting her at her Grotto.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW071.jpg
My DS13 thinks he sucks at art, but I think he did a great job, don't you?

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW107.jpg
A high-five from Tigger! What more could you ask for?

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW115.jpg
Look at me trying to be all artsy with my photo angles!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW135.jpg
Meeting Alice was a delight!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW137.jpg
Indubidably good time with Marrrryyy Poppins!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW149.jpg
Look out! :drive:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW152.jpg
Curse you Buzz Lightyear! ....And your little dog too!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW166.jpg
Fun fun fun!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW192.jpg
These two are both Checkers Club Champions!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW199.jpg
I told my daughter to pose like Minnie and she captured her perfectly!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW200.jpg
Then my son was all... "Get me! Get me! I'll be Donald!"

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW224.jpg
"I'd like to thank the Academy....."

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW226.jpg
You may now kiss the bride!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW227.jpg
See? I TOLD you we'd be back!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW230.jpg
More artsy angles!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW232.jpg
My daughter's second favorite ride in all of the parks. Her first favorite? Soarin!

And last but certainly not least, one of my favorites pics from all of our trips:
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW198.jpg

All right, time for me to go. Thanks for allowing me to share with you! :grouphug:

[mickeystoontown]

What a cutie patooie family you have! I love looking at pictures and reading reports. They are what keep me sane until our next WDW vacation

[Lady Lallie]

Those are beautiful photos! I love the one of the kids in front of Everest, so cute! :cutie:

[wdwgirl03]

Hey! Just found your PTR...we are going to be there at the same time as you!

[Mickey_Mom]

What a cutie patooie family you have! I love looking at pictures and reading reports. They are what keep me sane until our next WDW vacation

Thank you! I love looking at pics too. My son bought me a digital picture frame for Christmas two years ago - perfect gift for me! It sits in my office and I loaded up all my pictures and set it to change every 15 seconds. I could sit and stare at it all day!

Those are beautiful photos! I love the one of the kids in front of Everest, so cute! :cutie:

Thanks! It was soooo hot that day, I think we went straight to the river rapids after this pic. :crazy2:

Hey! Just found your PTR...we are going to be there at the same time as you!

:welcome: Watch for me, I'll be the one taking pictures! Oh....., wait. :lmao:

[MinnieNurse]

Love the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

I imagine if I had ever gone as a child I would have been so into the tiara thing. So I love that almost every picture of your DD she has on a tiara. I still want one.princess:

Which store were you in when you took the "I'd like to thank the Academy" picture?

[Mickey_Mom]

Love the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

I imagine if I had ever gone as a child I would have been so into the tiara thing. So I love that almost every picture of your DD she has on a tiara. I still want one.princess:


Hmmmmmmm :idea: Since we now have the Tink hat, there is suddenly a tiara up for grabs! :scratchin


Which store were you in when you took the "I'd like to thank the Academy" picture?


I'm not positive but we were in Hollywood Studios and it was in one of the shops that are closest to the main entrance on Hollywood Blvd. I looked up what stores are there and it may be "Crossroads of the World" or "Mickey's of Hollywood" based on the descriptions of what they sell.

One of our favorite things to do is clown around in the stores taking silly pics :goodvibes

[Angies1274]

I love all the pictures!!!:goodvibes Such a great picture of your daughter and her "prince". Thank you for sharing!!!:)

[MinnieNurse]

Hmmmmmmm :idea: Since we now have the Tink hat, there is suddenly a tiara up for grabs! :scratchin







Grab it! Grab it!!!! :yay::yay::yay:

:lmao::lmao:

[Mickey_Mom]

OK, one less thing to plan... my headgear has been decided :thumbsup2

So I mentioned in MinnieNurse's PTR that thanks to the picture game she started, I found lots of pics on my computer from our first trip that I had forgotten (:eek:yes forgotten). It was fun going back thru them and so now, here are a few to share. Let's try for some semblance of order shall we?

Magic Kingdom:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0336.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0341.jpg
We really enjoyed the Cinderellabration show.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0428-1.jpg
We've seen this show so many times and still love it :3dglasses

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0468-1.jpg
Hey! I have a skeleton picture too!! pirate:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0509-1.jpg
Watch out for the camel... it spits!!:rotfl:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0901Disney20089-1.jpg
Our favorite parade from any park :love:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0901Disney20091.jpg
He's pointing at me you know.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0297.jpg
From Cinderella's castle. Love the details!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0280.jpg
:rolleyes1 and they call it bella notte!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0070.jpg
My husband is Greek so had to throw this in :laughing:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0901Disney20032.jpg
This would look fabulous in my front hallway. ;)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0901Disney20034.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0901Disney20087.jpg
Arg!!

Next up... Downtown Disney

[Mickey_Mom]

Downtown Disney:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0384.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0385.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0387.jpg
Fun stuff!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0408.jpg
Alex's favorite store EVER!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0380.jpg
They named a tree after me!! :lmao:

Polynesian Resort:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2007_0922Disney20070052.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2007_0922Disney20070054.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2007_0922Disney20070056.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2007_0922Disney20070057.jpg
I'd like to spend more time there this year. We tend to rush out to catch the monorail.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2007_0922Disney20070058.jpg
Oh! There it is now!

Off to the Grand Floridian:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0201.jpg
Ooo la la !

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0246.jpg
This wouldn't fit in my bag :lmao:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0269.jpg
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2006_0908Disney0270.jpg
Fancy fancy!

Well folks, that completes for now our tour of the lost photos. Stay tuned for the next episode! :surfweb: I have no idea when.... but :goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

Great pictures! I love looking at pictures from the past since Disney is always changing the parks, you know?

Spectromagic is my favorite too! On my last trip in May I bought the Spectromagic CD, it is absolutely wonderful. Makes driving to work so much better when I can listen to that music. :lovestruc

[MinnieNurse]

Wow, great pics. I love seeing the different things people take pictures of. It always gives me ideas for my next trip. Spectromagic is my favorite parade also, just something about it that makes me want to watch it every trip. :cloud9:

I have a picture of the castle in the globe for the gift store.

[JPFamilyMom]

subbing....

Wow you are so close to your trip. Have you decided on flame tree BBQ yet? If you decide to go I'll be anxious to see how your meal goes. We all really want to eat there, but now reading about the birds I'm fearful, my 4 yo has high functioning autism or aspergers, he is on the border so they can't decide, but I fear the birds would freak him out.

LOVE your picture schedule as we have one for our daily lives and have been trying to figure how to do one for our trip. I like yours how it is not overly done, I tend to put too many pictures and plan out too much of his day.

I can't wait to see about your other plans and past tips, and of course I hope you will write about your trip when its over :scared1: but lets not talk about it being over, it needs to start first. I've only been to WDW once on my honeymoon, this will be our first trip with kids. (but I have been to Disneyland more times than I can count, I grew up in California)

Your family is too too cute, can't wait to read more popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

Hi JPFamilyMom! :welcome:

subbing....

Wow you are so close to your trip. Have you decided on flame tree BBQ yet? If you decide to go I'll be anxious to see how your meal goes. We all really want to eat there, but now reading about the birds I'm fearful, my 4 yo has high functioning autism or aspergers, he is on the border so they can't decide, but I fear the birds would freak him out.

We're going to try for sure, maybe taking a look around first and if it looks good we'll stay. I'll definately report on how it goes :thumbsup2

LOVE your picture schedule as we have one for our daily lives and have been trying to figure how to do one for our trip. I like yours how it is not overly done, I tend to put too many pictures and plan out too much of his day.

It can be tough to find the balance, but I found with my daughter that if I let her make all the decisions between the plans on the schedule, she was thrilled.

I've only been to WDW once on my honeymoon, this will be our first trip with kids.

Look at everything threw their eyes and watch for all the small details. And of course, take lots of pictures!!!:rotfl:

[ZeroToHero]

Where is that Cinderella castle in the bubble? I've never seen that before! And I haven't see the Lady and the Tramp stuffed animals either, do they bring those out at certain times or something?

[Mickey_Mom]

Where is that Cinderella castle in the bubble? I've never seen that before! And I haven't see the Lady and the Tramp stuffed animals either, do they bring those out at certain times or something?

The castle in the bubble is in a store on Main Street USA in MK. One of the first ones as you enter the park. I'm not sure about the Lady and the Tramp animals, but come to think of it, I don't remember seeing them other than that first year. Maybe we lucked out! :dogdance:

[Angies1274]

Love all the "lost" pictures you found!!!:goodvibes We saw the SpectroMagic parade for the first time in April and loved it!! Unfortunately the batteries died in my camera during the middle, so I wasn't didn't get too many pictures of it.:sad2: You would think with how much I love to take pictures I would be better prepared. Oh well....The Lady and the Tramp stuffed animals are so cute!!

[Mickey_Mom]

Love all the "lost" pictures you found!!!:goodvibes We saw the SpectroMagic parade for the first time in April and loved it!! Unfortunately the batteries died in my camera during the middle, so I wasn't didn't get too many pictures of it.:sad2: You would think with how much I love to take pictures I would be better prepared. Oh well....The Lady and the Tramp stuffed animals are so cute!!

I can't count how many times I've run out of batteries and not had spares with me. I finally did learn though to bring an entire club pack with me :rotfl:

For our first trip I had bought a new memory card for my digital camera and loaded it up for our breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. It was my daughter's first character visit with princesses and I knew I was going to take TONS of pictures. Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora and Belle all in the same room?! Oh yeah, tons of pictures.

Alas, the brand new souped up memory card did not like my old little camera and decided to flake out when Snow White (the princess my daughter dresses up as every Halloween) came to our table. :faint:

My DH, my hero, ran (and I do mean ran!) to the Kodak store and bought a disposable camera to save the day. The pics weren't fabulous but we put them in a little photo book that Ariana loves to look threw still.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/01200031.jpg

Snow White was wonderful and after learning of Ariana's autism and our fiasco with our camera, she came and sat down at our table for a long time and just talked to her. Then she went and got some pixie dust and brought it back for her. (I tear up just typing this :love:)

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, that memory with Snow White! :cloud9:

[Angies1274]

I can't count how many times I've run out of batteries and not had spares with me. I finally did learn though to bring an entire club pack with me :rotfl:

For our first trip I had bought a new memory card for my digital camera and loaded it up for our breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. It was my daughter's first character visit with princesses and I knew I was going to take TONS of pictures. Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora and Belle all in the same room?! Oh yeah, tons of pictures.

Alas, the brand new souped up memory card did not like my old little camera and decided to flake out when Snow White (the princess my daughter dresses up as every Halloween) came to our table. :faint:

My DH, my hero, ran (and I do mean ran!) to the Kodak store and bought a disposable camera to save the day. The pics weren't fabulous but we put them in a little photo book that Ariana loves to look threw still.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/01200031.jpg

Snow White was wonderful and after learning of Ariana's autism and our fiasco with our camera, she came and sat down at our table for a long time and just talked to her. Then she went and got some pixie dust and brought it back for her. (I tear up just typing this :love:)

I definitely learned my lesson and plan to pack plenty of batteries in August.:thumbsup2 What a great DH you have to save the day!!! The picture of your daughter and Snow White is beautiful.:goodvibes That is so wonderful that Snow White spent extra time with your daughter and pixie dust too--so magical!!! Such a wonderful memory.:cloud9:

[MinnieNurse]

:cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

Oh, I love the Snow White picture.

Disney makes so many wonderful memories.princess:

[JPFamilyMom]

That is why I LOVE Disney, their staff and characters seem to care more than when you go to other amusement type places. Very cute pic with Snow White, and what great memories for all of you.
***note to self- carry LOTS of batteries***;)

[Mickey_Mom]

Well I guess its been a while since I posted anything in terms of an update, so I thought I'd outline the days we have planned for this upcoming trip... but I wonder if I could do it with a bit of a twist. :rolleyes1

My dear followers and lurkers alike :rotfl: I'm always keen to learn about the little things in WDW - the secrets, the hidden gems, the little details and the tips. :goodvibes For instance, I'd never understood what lime green mickey heads meant until I read the explanation of the Home Depot paint chips! And I still don't know what the heck a Fairy Godmailing is :confused3

Soooooo.... I'll list what our plans are day by day, and my request to you all is to post here anything regarding that days plans - your favorite memories, favorite pictures, and any of those little secrets, hidden gems, details or tips you may have experienced yourself or know/heard about.

Easy enough? Then let's get this party started!! :cool1:

So, our first day Saturday, August 15th is a travel day. We're scheduled to arrive in Orlando at 3pm and our plan is to check in at the Pop, unpack and get in some quality swimming, roaming and suntanning time :cool2:. Truly, the overall theme of this vacation is RELAXATION!!

If you have any tips, etc to share for travel day -- please do! Otherwise, we're off to official Day 1.....

Day 1 !!

After our restfull sleep the night before, my plan (I say my plan because lets be real here, I'm doing all the planning :lmao:) is for just me and my daughter to go to our 10am breakfast reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table. princess: I cannot WAIT for this one! You guys know the Snow White and the Faulty Camera story as well as the CRT Fairy Godmother fiasco of previous trips, so I'm really looking forward to just truly enjoying ourselves. :laughing: The boys will wake up and eat at the Pop food court at their own pace and then meet up with us at the Magic Kingdom. The park has extra late hours that night until 1am and the only other plan I have for the day is to try a Dole Whip. Yes, that's correct folks, we've never had a Dole Whip before. Never even heard of them until signing up here on the DIS. Have I ever mentioned you guys ROCK?! :worship:

So there's Day 1. Now please please please post away! I'll share a hidden gem we're going to check out this trip -- Look for the Cinderella fountain on the left of the castle. You'll see a painting of Cinderella on the wall with a crown well above her head. Take a drink from the fountain and the same time you are "bowing" to Princess Cinderella, instead of looking at what you're drinking, peek up at Cinderella - she's now wearing her crown!

Tomorrow.... Day 2 !

[Lady Lallie]

Sounds like a great first day!

I love the Cinderella fountain...have you seen pictures of it? I have two pictures of it if you want me to post them. :thumbsup2 I understand if you want to be surprised though. :goodvibes

[Mickey_Mom]

Sounds like a great first day!

I love the Cinderella fountain...have you seen pictures of it? I have two pictures of it if you want me to post them. :thumbsup2 I understand if you want to be surprised though. :goodvibes

Please post away!!

[Lady Lallie]

Here you go!

Not Crowned.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2868349955_8f0c092707.jpg

Crowned.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2868350449_098db8472e.jpg

[JPFamilyMom]

What a neat first day with the Cinderella fountain, I'll have to write that one down for later.

please do tell about the lime green mickey too, I don't have that story.

[Mickey_Mom]

Here you go!

Not Crowned.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2868349955_8f0c092707.jpg

Crowned.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2868350449_098db8472e.jpg

So cool! I really had to look for it too. What's funny is I did have a picture of it myself but never noticed the crown. Its all in the right angle.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WDW201.jpg

Please ignore that it looks like she's taking a pee. :lmao:

[Mickey_Mom]

please do tell about the lime green mickey too, I don't have that story.

I read this on the DISboards FAQ's -- "Lime Green: A few years ago some DISers were trying to figure out a way to identify other random DIS board members at the parks. It was decided that Lime Green would be a great color because at that time it was very rare to see. People would tie lime green ribbons to their bags or make tags or wear a lime green t-shirt in hopes of seeing other DISers in the parks and saying Hi.

Then Home Depot began carrying the Disney paint and the swatches were in the shape of Mickey heads. The color Alien Green is the "unofficial" color for the DISboards and people began using those as an easy way to make tags for their fanny packs, backpacks, lanyards, shirt pins, window decorations and just about anything you can imagine. Usually we write our username on it or other sayings--my kids wear ones that say "future DISer" on them. And of course, these days lime green is a hot color so you can't just assume that anyone with a lg t-shirt or hat or bag is a DIS member. So the LGMH sets us apart.

When you see someone with that on their bag or stroller or person then you know they are a DISer and want to meet others so conversations ensue. Sometimes just a "Hi" sometimes a short conversation or more. One of the first DISers I met this way, in the food court at All Star Movies, I am still friends with and in fact she came all the way out by me on a family vacation with a priority of us going out for dinner. "

[Mickey_Mom]

Any more for the Magic Kingdom anyone?

Come on... share :cheer2: !

[Lady Lallie]

Was it you that mentioned you could hear Stitch whispering on the castle walkway that goes by the wishing well, or was that another PTR...? They are starting to get jumbled in my head. :rotfl:

[Mickey_Mom]

Yep, that was me. :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

Yep, that was me. :rotfl:

Oh good, I am not totally losing it. Hmmm. Let me see what other trivia I have for the MK. Do you know about the voices that come from the windows on Main Street. On the little side street about half way up, if you sit on a bench over there you can hear the piano lessons and such. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

Oh good, I am not totally losing it. Hmmm. Let me see what other trivia I have for the MK. Do you know about the voices that come from the windows on Main Street. On the little side street about half way up, if you sit on a bench over there you can hear the piano lessons and such. :thumbsup2

The side street where they do the charicatures? I didn't know that. Will definately stop to listen! When we went for MNSSHP, my daughter (can you guess her costume princess:?) stopped there to do a little twirl and the people sitting on the benches were so sweet they gave her a little applause when she was done.

[Lady Lallie]

The side street where they do the charicatures? I didn't know that. Will definately stop to listen! When we went for MNSSHP, my daughter (can you guess her costume princess:?) stopped there to do a little twirl and the people sitting on the benches were so sweet they gave her a little applause when she was done.

Awww, that is so cute!! Yes, that is the side street. There is also a phone somewhere, I want to say the shop where you can buy mouse ears where if you pick it up you can hear people talking to each other. It's cute. :thumbsup2

Oh!! I have something else too. Don't know if you are Haunted Mansion fans or not but if you wait until the stretching room is almost empty....the gargoyles will start whispering, it's very neat!!

[Mickey_Mom]

We love the Haunted Mansion! My DS13 loves all these little tips and hidden gems as much as I do and we are compiling lots for the HM. I hadn't heard the gargoyle one and that does sound really cool. Adding it to the list :thumbsup2 thanks!!

[Angies1274]

What a great idea to share tips/secrets etc.:thumbsup2 Okay here's my contribution:goodvibes I have read that if you look closely in the murals of Cinderella Castle you will see that one of the stepsisters face is red with anger and the other stepsister's face is green with envy as they watch Cinderella try on the glass slipper. It's also been said that some of the tiles in the Wicked Stepsisters mosaic is made of real gold.

Here are a few facts that I have read about the Haunted Mansion--(I'm anxious to check out in August.:))
If you look up at the top story right above the front door at night and watch it for a little while you will notice that a light will pass by and some shadows, it looks like two people are walking by with a lantern.
At the entrance before you go inside the last tombstone (for Madame Leota)has eyes on it that open just for instant.

[Mickey_Mom]

What a great idea to share tips/secrets etc.:thumbsup2 Okay here's my contribution:goodvibes I have read that if you look closely in the murals of Cinderella Castle you will see that one of the stepsisters face is red with anger and the other stepsister's face is green with envy as they watch Cinderella try on the glass slipper. It's also been said that some of the tiles in the Wicked Stepsisters mosaic is made of real gold.

Here are a few facts that I have read about the Haunted Mansion--(I'm anxious to check out in August.:))
If you look up at the top story right above the front door at night and watch it for a little while you will notice that a light will pass by and some shadows, it looks like two people are walking by with a lantern.
At the entrance before you go inside the last tombstone (for Madame Leota)has eyes on it that open just for instant.

Oh this is making me so excited to go! Duly noted -- whoo hoo:woohoo: !

[Lady Lallie]

I thought of another Haunted Mansion factoid. In the graveyard scene, almost towards the end there is a grim reaper on the right hand side....if you look at his hand, there is a hidden mickey, it almost looks like he is holding it. :hmghost:

[MinnieNurse]

I just wanted to say I am very bad with these kind of details so I dont have anything to add.:sad1:

But I am loving reading all this infornation you have.

I new about the LGMH but never new the history.

I need to go back and look, I think I have a picture of that fountain, but of course I never noticed the crown. :laughing:

[Mickey_Mom]

In light of the ADRs now going online, I'm reminded that I once heard there is also online check-ins at the resort. Is this true? Anyone done this?

[mickeystoontown]

In light of the ADRs now going online, I'm reminded that I once heard there is also online check-ins at the resort. Is this true? Anyone done this?

It is true. You can go to the www.disneyworld.com website and log into My Disney Vacation. On the next page, you'll see Online Check-In. You can only check-in online if you are ten days out from your arrival date. When you get to your resort, there is a separate line for online check-in guests.

[Angies1274]

Yes, there is online-check in at the resorts. We did this in April at Pop. I checked in online 10 days before our trip and then when we arrived we followed the signs to where we were supposed to pick up our room key etc. There was no wait--we went right up to the counter and they had all our information in a welcome packet for us. It was very easy and quick.:thumbsup2

I'm not sure if we are going to do it in August yet though, because we made a few requests and I haven't really heard how online check-in is handling the requests........ especially if there is a problem--

[Mickey_Mom]

It is true. You can go to the www.disneyworld.com website and log into My Disney Vacation.

Yes, there is online-check in at the resorts. We did this in April at Pop. I checked in online 10 days before our trip and then when we arrived we followed the signs to where we were supposed to pick up our room key etc. There was no wait--we went right up to the counter and they had all our information in a welcome packet for us. It was very easy and quick.:thumbsup2

Thanks! Another milestone to look forward to :banana: and that one will be soooo close!

[Mickey_Mom]

Well thank you to all who posted about yesterday's plan. Loving the hints and tips... but I want to see more pictures too! :yay: And now onto.....

Day 2!!

This day, Monday August 17th we are going to Animal Kingdom!

I'm banking that we will be at the Magic Kingdom pretty late the night before with the late hours until 1am. We'll be pretty rested from our light schedule and I haven't made any plans for breakfast so we'll wake up at our leisure :woohoo: and have breakfast at the resort.

Then its off to Animal Kingdom and.... that's it! :eek: No ADRs, no nothing! We will try the Flame Tree BBQ for a late lunch or early dinner, but we've made no other plans. Originally I had wanted to book dinner at the Rainforest Cafe but after I found out it wasn't part of the free dining plan I didn't want to pay OOP. We'll walk thru it to look at everything and get some pictures but no dinner this time.

AK has late hours this day, until 9pm, so we may stay till close, or we may go back to the Pop for a swim... whatever we feel like the day of. I'm inclined to maybe go visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge too, I've never been. Maybe try to get a walk-in for somewhere. Eh, we'll see I guess.

So that's Day 2!! Any favorite pictures or memories for Animal Kingdom? Any tips or secrets or hidden gems that we should try or look out for? Here's one that I've heard and hopefully will see. While walking on the way to Camp Minnie-Mickey, there are two talking bushes called Herb and Flora that pass the time by talking to passers-by and very loudly people-watching with each other. Very funny, but seem to only be "alive" for short periods of time.

:laughing:

And for all my talk about pictures, here's one from our trip last year. One of our favorite places to cool down. Man it can get hot! :scared:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20009.jpg

[ZeroToHero]

In light of the ADRs now going online, I'm reminded that I once heard there is also online check-ins at the resort. Is this true? Anyone done this?

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I had no idea that online dining was up - I was just able to fix some of my reservations that the phone person messed up. :woohoo: I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!

[Lady Lallie]

I don't have any AK hints....it's my least favorite park. For some reason I get very overwhelmed at AK. Hmmm. I don't know why. :confused3 I do really enjoy the Finding Nemo Musical though, so awesome!

[Mickey_Mom]

I can't disagree, my family also considers AK our least favorite park. Its a shame because there is lots to do and see, but it always seems like the heat saps everything out of us when we're there. Our visits there are half days.

I remember waiting for the Jungle Jammin Parade last year and my excitement because I hadn't seen it before, but we were soooo hot and tired when it finally came on we were hoping each float was the last one just so we could start moving again.

We love Expedition Everest (we call it the Yeti ride) and of course Kali River Rapids. Its Tough to Be a Bug freaks out my DS4 and we all love the Festival of the Lion King and the Nemo Musical.

Maybe the touring of the different resorts is the way to go. Air conditioning!

[JPFamilyMom]

Epcot was my husbands least favorite park on our honeymoon trip, but I'm hoping to change his feelings about Epcot on our next trip, we only spent half a day there. I can understand how AK is hotter, most zoos are about 10 degrees hotter than the city they are in too, wonder why? And I know AK is not a zoo :rotfl2: I don't have a least favorite park yet....;)
Good plans for AK, sorry I have no tips.

[Mickey_Mom]

Hmmmmm, so no stories for AK eh? What about the Yak & Yeti ? I've never been and have heard mixed reviews. Is it worth trying to get in as a walk-in?

[Lady Lallie]

I have never been to Yak N' Yeti but I have heard that it is delicious by lots of people!

[MinnieNurse]

AK is mine and DH least favorite also. But it is Lance's top pick. He loves it. He loves animals and I guess that is why.

Well once again I have no hints or tips about AK.

But did someone say pictures? Thats one thing I am not short on, here you go:

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529864476_xVhgt-S-1.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529864137_T5rCz-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529863927_X6ZAg-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529863620_yNg79-S.jpg

http://minnienurse.smugmug.com/photos/529863725_euccG-S-1.jpg

[jordanyosh]

Okay I'm here now.. you, minnie nurse, LL and I can follow each other around now.:thumbsup2

[MinnieNurse]

Okay I'm here now.. you, minnie nurse, LL and I can follow each other around now.:thumbsup2

:wave2:

Im here now too!!

[Mickey_Mom]

:wave2:

Im here now too!!

Okay I'm here now.. you, minnie nurse, LL and I can follow each other around now.:thumbsup2

:lmao::rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:

I can't keep up!!!!!

:lmao::rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:

[Mickey_Mom]

:wave2:THANK YOU SO MUCH. I had no idea that online dining was up - I was just able to fix some of my reservations that the phone person messed up. :woohoo: I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!

You're welcome! I have to check it out still myself. They've blocked most Disney stuff at work :eek: so I haven't had the chance to do it yet. I will freak out if they every block out the DIS :mad::mad:

I'm bummed that our schedules come so close but don't cross. I would have loved saying hi in person :wave2:

[ZeroToHero]

I know! I would have loved to have met everyone and said hi as well! :sad: What time does your flight leave on the 25th? I feel like you told me before, but I forget. :blush:

[Mickey_Mom]

I know! I would have loved to have met everyone and said hi as well! :sad: What time does your flight leave on the 25th? I feel like you told me before, but I forget. :blush:

We fly out 8:20 am so we'll be gone, what is it, three ungodly hours before our flight leaves? Five AM - ugh.

[Mickey_Mom]

So I was mighty cheesed last night because I had a new posting all typed out for my Day 3 and when I hit the button it went to a screen that said the sight was updating for maintenance :headache: My post? :headache: Gone. :headache: So lets see how much I can remember... again. :badpc:

By the way, I stopped by Home Depot this morning and picked up my lime green mickey heads! I’m such a nerd, I was giggling walking out of the store!

Well I wasn't really expecting a whole lot of tips, etc for Animal Kingdom, but the pictures looked good! We’ll probably end up with the half day and take it easy getting ready for our next day which is…..

Day 3 !!

…at Epcot! Not a favorite of my DH in our first two trips but I think the last trip we were winning him over. It is my DS13 favorite park although he can’t pinpoint why. So no plans for breakfast, probably will grab something in the Pop food court, and then we’ll head on over.

Favorite attractions: Soarin, Test Track and Mission: Space. I personally don’t like Mission: Space too much, I get motion sickness on the easy version! :sick: We also like the Norway boat ride, the Nemo clamobiles and Turtle Talk with Crush. On our last trip, Demetri was tall enough to go on “the big boy rides” and each time he rode one for the first time, we would take a picture of him cheering “I’m a big boy!”

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We also did for the first time on our last trip the Reimagined Spaceship Earth inside the golf ball thingy. It was just OK for me but my DS13 really enjoyed it. The pics at the end were fun too… he was sitting by himself in the car so his turned out pretty good. Mine sucked and I’m not posting it :laughing:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6477.jpg

Rides/things we’ve never been on or done and want to check out:
Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure – when we tested this in 2006 it was a blast! :woohoo:
Honey I Shrunk the Audience – we haven’t been back since our first trip so it should be like new again! :3dglasses
The Three Caballeros boat ride in Mexico – we’ve tried a few times to do this but for whatever reason, it just never worked out… we’ll make sure this time!
A boat ride in the waters in the middle of World Showcase – I don’t know the official name for this but this time we’re going to do it!
Club Cool – never knew it was there until about two months ago – A definite!
O Canada – Can you believe we’ve never been in the Canada Pavilion? :blush: Every year we walk past it and say, Eh? What could be in it that we haven’t already seen :laughing: ? Yeah, we’re seeing it this time.

Our late lunch plans today are me and the boys at Teppan Edo. This is a new place for us and this is a place that I cannot see my daughter having remotely any fun at and so my DH volunteered to give her some extra rounds of Soarin and take her to Mickey D’s while we’re there. Anyone have reviews for Teppan Edo?

Again, Epcot has long hours until midnight this day so we will be leisure-ish and stroll-ish. I want to check out the pastry shop in France and watch the Garden Grill rotate :rotfl: and wander through the shops and visit Mary Poppins and Alice and Snow White with Dopey and Mulan with Mushu and I will be taking so many pictures my camera is going to request a day off! :faint:

I’ll share my Conductor of the Day story. Anyone recently involved in a pin trading conversation on MinnieNurse’s PTR can skip to the secrets to share (but not you Jordan, you need another dose of temptation :lmao:) Demetri loves the train set in Germany and last year we were visiting it but the trains were not yet moving. A CM approached Demetri and asked him if he wanted to be the Conductor of the Day. He was very excited to blow the magic whistle that would make the trains move and he received a Year of a Million Dreams Tinkerbell pin :tink: a COTD certificate and got to keep the whistle. :thumbsup2

Oh, and my secrets to share for Epcot that I will be checking out… the temple in China is acoustically perfect – if you stand exactly in the middle of the room, your voice will echo back to you. You can purchase a fan, around 4 dollars and they will personalize it for free, they write the name in Chinese. ….and…. If you start flipping all of the switches and turning all the dials on Mission: Space, “Lt. Dan” comes over your speaker and tells you not to touch them.

:laughing:

[MinnieNurse]

Love the big boy pictures. I just we could keep them that way forever. :hug: So sweet.

I love Epcot. It is my 2nd favorite park. MK is just the most magical to me, but I think I like all the places to eat and the rides at Epcot more.

Okay here is my nerd confession: I am scared to take the LGMH from Home Depot. I dont know why, but I am scared I will get caught and what would I say?

"Um, Sir. I need these LGMH for my upcoming trip to WDW so everyone will know that I am a Dis'er. You understand right? Please dont take me to jail."

I am one of those people that cannot lie and could never steal anything because my face and body actions give it away. :guilty: And while I dont look at it as stealing I just am to0 scared to take one.

I know pretty nerdy huh? I wander if I can talk my Mom into getting me some. :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

I like Epcot a lot but I have to do it in sections. I've been trying to think of some tips and tricks and I can't. I know that I know things but my brain is not functioning.

Minnie, I am the same way about the LGMH's. Marc steals them for me. :lmao:

[Mickey_Mom]

"Um, Sir. I need these LGMH for my upcoming trip to WDW so everyone will know that I am a Dis'er. You understand right? Please dont take me to jail."

Mmmmm, didn't I just read something about Peeps singing "It's a Small World" until being released from jail? I'm sure that would work more than once. :rotfl:

And while I dont look at it as stealing I just am to0 scared to take one.

While grabbing a handful of them, just have a conversation with yourself that Lance would just absolutely LOVE having an Alien Green bedroom and you can't wait to show him the mickey heads! Or better yet, get Lance to take them :lmao:

[jordanyosh]

I was looking for the hidden cameras when I lifted my LGMHs......

Epcot....Teppan Edo...my family ate there in 08 and enjoyed it. I was back in the room babysitting Dylan and baby Jordy. So I don't have any first hand info for you.....

Believe it or not I actually liked the old version in the Mexico Pavilion....it was dated and cheesy, but it was one of the few original attractions around...I think the France movie and the American Adventure are the only 2 original attractions in either FW or WS now.....

[MinnieNurse]

If you like Japanese Hibachi Steak houses you will like Teppan Edo. We loved it and we had a great Chef when we were there. I think there is a picture of Lance with her in one of the first few pages of my PTR. I thought the food was as good as any of our hibachi grills here and the show while she cooks was good. We always love going to these kind of places. We went in 2006 or 2007 so it still had another name at that time. I think it was Teppanyaki then. I think you will enjoy it. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

OK, I need some help please. I've been trying to add links on my first post and I guess I need step by excrutiating step instructions because I just can't make it work :headache:

[MinnieNurse]

Mmmmm, didn't I just read something about Peeps singing "It's a Small World" until being released from jail? I'm sure that would work more than once. :rotfl:

:lmao::lmao::rotfl2::rotfl2:



OK, I need some help please. I've been trying to add links on my first post and I guess I need step by excrutiating step instructions because I just can't make it work :headache:

LL is the smartest Dis'er I know,:worship: she helped me with this. I havent done it but was hoping to do it with my TR. I will see if I can find her instructions and forward on to you.

[Lady Lallie]

Do you get the instructions? If not I can PM them to you. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

Today is a small break from a planning post. What's that you say? Less than two months until my vacation and I'm taking a break ?? I know, I know, but hey it's a good reason because it's....

FATHER'S DAY!! :grouphug:

My DH is just about the worst person in the entire universe to buy a present for. He could care less about clothes or electronics, doesn't collect anything and won't tell me which tools he needs because he'd rather I just didn't spend any money. :eek: So although I am the ultimate present-picker-outer for other family members and friends of my kids always love the presents they bring to their parties..... my DH? Not so much. Just ask the Wayne Gretzky home Oilers jersey sitting in our closet never worn for the last ten years. :headache: Anyhoo :rolleyes1 So a few weeks ago I started to think about what the heidi-ho I could do for father's day. Let me digress....

My daughter is autistic. She received her diagnosis at the age of two (ten years ago) and on the same day that we got her diagnosis, two other monumentally important things happened. I swear to this day that someone upstairs was clearly guiding our lives in a very specific direction. :angel: The first of the two things was my husband got a new job at Ford. Needless to say, it was a bit of a salary increase from his then job and he'd been trying unsuccessfully for about five years to get in. He'd gone thru all the testing and interviews but for whatever reason, they'd kept ignoring him. But on this same day, he got a phone call telling him to report the next Monday. :goodvibes The second thing that happened was a very important article in that days newspaper. It was an interview of a family that was talking about therapy for their autistic son. It was mighty expensive, but it worked. We called up the psychologist, the only one in our city providing the therapy, and have been with him ever since. :lovestruc

So our home situation is somewhat unique in that my kids have never been in day care. One of us has always been home with them. Between my daughter's therapy, my older son's social schedule and more recently my youngest son's years before going to kindergarten this September.... I work days while the DH stays home with the kiddies, and then he works straight nights while I'm home. So we don't get to spend a whole lot of time with one another (we do both get weekends off thank heavens) hence why I push so hard on these WDW vacations. :rotfl:

So... if you're still with me on this post :lmao: first of all my apologizes for going on and on. But all this back story leads me to why we were so excited to finally find something that we just KNEW the DH would love for father's day. He didn't need a thing, he needed time with us. :grouphug: So the kids and I secretly went on a scouting mission to find the perfect place to take him for a father's day picnic. A few weeks ago we went on a road trip to take a look at a place here called Webster's Falls. I'd always heard of the place but had never been and a bonus is my DS4 LOVES waterfalls. Turns out the place is freaking beautiful and its not just a waterfall, its a huge picnic area with trails thru gorgeous forests. And we'd never been! So kudos to my DS4 for keeping a secret for two whole weeks :rotfl2: and when today arrived, I packed up a picnic lunch and gave the DH driving directions on where to go. Score! He LOVED it and we had so much fun.

A few pictures: :lovestruc (no pics of me since I'm taking them all)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0621pics0007.jpg

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http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0621pics0082.jpg

[Mickey_Mom]

Do you get the instructions? If not I can PM them to you. :thumbsup2

Yes! Thanks, I'm going to try it now. :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

Awww, what a great father's day celebration! I get the never having time together, my DH works overnight too while I work days. Granted we don't have any kiddos in the mix yet but sometimes it's just really nice to be home at night together. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

LL is the smartest Dis'er I know,:worship: she helped me with this. I havent done it but was hoping to do it with my TR. I will see if I can find her instructions and forward on to you.

Do you get the instructions? If not I can PM them to you. :thumbsup2

:cool1: Thank you!!

[MinnieNurse]

Loved the Fathers Day story. What a beautiful place to go. My DH is so easy. You know what he got for Fathers Day. A new pair of snake boots for the deer lease. He is happy as can be. :lmao:

I love a Daddy who loves their kiddos. DH is such an amazing man-he plays with Lance and I just love the big lug!!:love:

[Angies1274]

Wow!! I've missed so much.:goodvibes What a great father's day story and such a wonderful surprise for your DH.:) The pictures are just beautiful--it looks like you all had a wonderful time!!

Oh, and I loved all the big boy pictures at Epcot!! So adorable!!!We love Epcot- and scheduled two days there on our trip in April. But we still missed a ton of stuff that we wanted to do. I guess there's always next time right.:thumbsup2

Here are a few things we will be looking for when we go to Epcot in August--In Future World there are three drinking fountains that imitate submarine sounds, sing opera, and say things like" Hey, save some for the fish!", when water hits the drains. One fountain is in front of MouseGear, another is near the play fountain and the last one is behind Innoventions West. ;)

[jordanyosh]

What a great Father's day gift!

That area looks beautiful!!!!

[ZeroToHero]

Here's one for the men in your family:

At AK at Rafiki's Planet Watch in the men's room where all the animal faces are, you can take a Whiz Quiz. While standing at the urinal there's a few questions about other animals' bathroom habits. You have to wash your hands to get the answers.
:rotfl:

[Mickey_Mom]

You know what he got for Fathers Day. A new pair of snake boots for the deer lease. He is happy as can be. :lmao:

I want to go to Texas! :banana:

Here are a few things we will be looking for when we go to Epcot in August--In Future World there are three drinking fountains that imitate submarine sounds, sing opera, and say things like" Hey, save some for the fish!", when water hits the drains. One fountain is in front of MouseGear, another is near the play fountain and the last one is behind Innoventions West. ;)

Definately checking these out! thanks! :thumbsup2

What a great Father's day gift!

That area looks beautiful!!!!

It was so nice, my pictures don't do it justice. We'll be going back for sure.

Here's one for the men in your family:

At AK at Rafiki's Planet Watch in the men's room where all the animal faces are, you can take a Whiz Quiz. While standing at the urinal there's a few questions about other animals' bathroom habits. You have to wash your hands to get the answers.
:rotfl:

:lmao: That is hysterical! :rotfl2:

[MinnieNurse]

I want to go to Texas! :banana:





Well, I want to go to Canada so I will trade with you. :rotfl:

I almost made it to Canada last year with one of my closest friends. She has been in Texas for about the last 12 years. She came for a nursing job and that is how we met. Now she is married to a Texan and has a child so she is stuck with us. I almost went home with her for a visit, but it was last minute and I did not have time to get my passport. :sad1:

DH and DS want to take a hunting trip to Canada, that may be my only hope at this time. :lmao:

[Mickey_Mom]

Well, I want to go to Canada so I will trade with you. :rotfl:

Ever heard of a show called Wife Swap? :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Ever heard of a show called Wife Swap? :lmao:

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

[MinnieNurse]

Ever heard of a show called Wife Swap? :lmao:

I love that show!

[Mickey_Mom]

Just a quick post to joyously announce that my trip is now paid off!! :cool1::dance3::cool1::dance3: A bit of a bonus too, I was expecting the total due to be about $500 higher than it was and that somehow feels like extra money in my pocket. :woohoo: :laughing:

My TA also gave me a tip that my flight had gone down $125 and to call Southwest to request a credit to be used within 1 year of my booking. I'm on hold right now, hopefully that works. :confused3 I talked to the DH about it and he was like, "$125 ? That's not bad." And you know what I got out of that?? Here we come Disney 2010 !!!!!!!! :woohoo::lmao::cool1:

[MinnieNurse]

:dance3::dance3:Party Like a Rock Star!!:dance3::dance3:

Paying off your trips just feels good. Lets see the $500 you thought you were going to spend on the trip and a pretty nice airfare credit, I would say your odds for 2010 are looking pretty good.:yay:

DH says he wants to go somewhere else in 2010. What? :headache: I dont want to go anywhere else. :sad2:

[Mickey_Mom]

Lets see the $500 you thought you were going to spend on the trip and a pretty nice airfare credit, I would say your odds for 2010 are looking pretty good.:yay:

That's what I'm thinking!! :thumbsup2

DH says he wants to go somewhere else in 2010. What? :headache: I dont want to go anywhere else. :sad2:

That's what my DH and DS13 said before planning this 2009 trip - "something different" - but neither could tell me where so I won. :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

Pssssssst......girls trip to Disney! :rolleyes1

[Mickey_Mom]

Pssssssst......girls trip to Disney! :rolleyes1

Our very own version of Peep Fest! Would what we be called.... b00b fest? :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

Our very own version of Peep Fest! Would what we be called.... b00b fest? :laughing:

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

[MinnieNurse]

Pssssssst......girls trip to Disney! :rolleyes1

Our very own version of Peep Fest! Would what we be called.... b00b fest? :laughing:

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Sometimes I wander why I hang out with you guys. :lmao:

[Mickey_Mom]

Same reason we hang out with you!! :rotfl:

Confirmed! I got off the phone with Southwest. Shades of my ADR reservation experience :headache: I pressed '1' to be called back between 19 to 23 minutes... they never called. I called again to wait another 19 to 23 minutes only to have my cordless die on me 15 minutes in :scared: Finally spoke to a person only to have her tell me how to do it myself on their website :rotfl:

I rebooked and got the $125 credit, I have to use it before mid April 2010. :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

Just a quick post to joyously announce that my trip is now paid off!! :cool1::dance3::cool1::dance3: A bit of a bonus too, I was expecting the total due to be about $500 higher than it was and that somehow feels like extra money in my pocket. :woohoo: :laughing:

My TA also gave me a tip that my flight had gone down $125 and to call Southwest to request a credit to be used within 1 year of my booking. I'm on hold right now, hopefully that works. :confused3 I talked to the DH about it and he was like, "$125 ? That's not bad." And you know what I got out of that?? Here we come Disney 2010 !!!!!!!! :woohoo::lmao::cool1:

:banana::banana::banana::banana:

[jordanyosh]

Pssssssst......girls trip to Disney! :rolleyes1

Our very own version of Peep Fest! Would what we be called.... b00b fest? :laughing:

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Sometimes I wander why I hang out with you guys. :lmao:

Same reason we hang out with you!! :rotfl:

Confirmed! I got off the phone with Southwest. Shades of my ADR reservation experience :headache: I pressed '1' to be called back between 19 to 23 minutes... they never called. I called again to wait another 19 to 23 minutes only to have my cordless die on me 15 minutes in :scared: Finally spoke to a person only to have her tell me how to do it myself on their website :rotfl:

I rebooked and got the $125 credit, I have to use it before mid April 2010. :thumbsup2

Okay...you guys are making me...:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

And if you ladies wanted to start the 2012 peep fest a bit early...Feb 2010 is a nice time to go......:rolleyes1...just sayin.

[Mickey_Mom]

Hey all. Its been a bit since I did a planning type post (again!...sorry :blush:) so before I post Day 4, I thought I would mention my favorite organizer for trips. This may be a well known thing for all I know, but I only discovered it on my third trip and I would have loved to have had it for the other two. :thumbsup2

Drum roll please! ...... the dollar store coupon holder! (Please hold your applause until the end, and my apologizes to anyone right now, thinking "meh, I knew that for heaven's sake! :sad2:")

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0624planner0002.jpg

This little beaute held everything I could possibly fit in one central compact location. It was easy to find in my bag and kept everything at super easy reach. I even labelled the plastic flappy thingies.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0624planner0007.jpg

The first label thingy is called 'travel docs' and held everything from our Disney vouchers to reservation confirmations, our resort map, flight confirmation slips and where our car was parked at the airport (we always forget!).

Then the next four label thingies are named after each park and they each are the perfect size to hold park maps (several copies because my kids like to have their own to look at.... at the same time of course :laughing:) and the times guide for the week. We also printed off some letter size customized maps for each park and they fit great in there too. I'd gotten some travel advice for two of my early ADR reservations and I printed those off and tucked them in the respective park day, and it held the special tickets for Mickey's Backyard BBQ too.

The last label thingy was called "itinerary" and it held several copies of our picture itinerary for my daughter and was also kind of a misc section too that held any receipts or delivery forms for when we made any purchases and stuff was to be delivered back to our room.

Anyway, that's my favorite organizer. Anyone have anything similar or different? Throw it in here, I'd love to know! :goodvibes I still have 52 sleeps to go buy something new! :rotfl:

[MinnieNurse]

Wow, I like thing coupon organizer. I usually just carry a folder with everything and keep a copy of my internary in a plastic bag so it dont get wet, with several spare copies in my folder. I may need to make a trip to the dollar store. Gives me an excuse to use my nifty label maker. I have labeled all my files and have nothing left to use it for. :rotfl:

[Angies1274]

What a great idea on the organizer!!! I may just have to go out and find one of them for our August trip.:thumbsup2 On our last two trips, I purchased the Passporter book--mostly because I liked all the pockets in the back of the book to hold everything plus it already has the maps inside. But since I have already used it this year and filled the journal space up, I was trying to think of another idea. Thanks!!!:goodvibes

Yay on 52 sleeps!!:yay: only 60 sleeps here.:woohoo:

[ZeroToHero]

Ooo - smart. I'm bringing a really tiny bag with me, but I think Lou is bringing (read: I am making him bring) a bigger sling one for him, to carry stuff like ponchos and water. That looks like it might fit in my tiny bag! I need to go check and see if I can get myself one of those at a dollar store.

And it's 62 sleeps for me, I think!!! I may have counted wrong....

[Mickey_Mom]

Gives me an excuse to use my nifty label maker. I have labeled all my files and have nothing left to use it for. :rotfl:

Who doesn't love a label maker ?! :rotfl:

On our last two trips, I purchased the Passporter book--mostly because I liked all the pockets in the back of the book to hold everything plus it already has the maps inside.

Yay on 52 sleeps!!:yay: only 60 sleeps here.:woohoo:

OK, I don't know what a Passporter book is :confused3 Where do I get those?

Ooo - smart. I'm bringing a really tiny bag with me, but I think Lou is bringing (read: I am making him bring) a bigger sling one for him, to carry stuff like ponchos and water. That looks like it might fit in my tiny bag! I need to go check and see if I can get myself one of those at a dollar store.

And it's 62 sleeps for me, I think!!! I may have counted wrong....

I LOVE the dollar store! :love: I think I'm due for another trip! :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

I love your organizer! :thumbsup2 I still haven't found the organization tool that I love for my trips, I might have to give yours a shot. :thumbsup2

[Angies1274]

OK, I don't know what a Passporter book is :confused3 Where do I get those?

The Passporter is a WDW travel guide. It's a book that has pockets, journal space and lots of info on the resorts,rides and attractions at the parks--plus reviews of all the restaurants at WDW. Sorry to sound like a commercial!!:rotfl: Anyways, you can usually get them at any book store or online. (That's where I got mine for our trip in April) :goodvibes

[Mickey_Mom]

Thanks! I think I'll go to Chapters and see what books we can look thru. My DS13 loves all the hidden Mickey's and I know there's books for those too.

[MinnieNurse]

Tell me about the new ribbon in your signature. I just noticed it today, has it been there?

[Mickey_Mom]

Tell me about the new ribbon in your signature. I just noticed it today, has it been there?

I just added it this morning. It's mulitcoloured puzzle pieces for autism awareness. My personal spin is the angel. I've always felt angels watch over my daughter :goodvibes

[MinnieNurse]

Do you read KathyRN's thread. I love her stories about her son Billy. Love the new ribbon. :thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

Do you read KathyRN's thread. I love her stories about her son Billy. Love the new ribbon. :thumbsup2

I can't keep up with the threads I follow now :laughing: but one of these weekends I'll get lurking again. :lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

What do you have for entertainment today? :rolleyes1

[Mickey_Mom]

What do you have for entertainment today? :rolleyes1

Yeah, I need it already too :headache: It's lunch time soon!

Anyone?? Games? Quizzes? Pictures? Little known facts?

[Lady Lallie]

Yeah, I need it already too :headache: It's lunch time soon!

Anyone?? Games? Quizzes? Pictures? Little known facts?

I'm going to lunch time soon too. 15 minutes.

Hmmm. I did think of a fact for you and now I can't remember what it was. OH! I remember. In the Tiki Room in MK, the person who does the voice of the bird Pierre is the same person who voiced Lumiere in Beauty & The Beast...Jerry Orbach. :thumbsup2

[MinnieNurse]

Lunch? Its 10:30 am here. Im still having coffee!! :rotfl:

I need something to entertain me today. I dont know why but the wait is killing me. I am in super duper need of a vacation.

I need to get more organized. In the past I have been very organized and DH always raves on how I think of everything. I think I might be letting them down this trip. I just cant focus on what I need to do, I just want to go. :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

Lunch? Its 10:30 am here. Im still having coffee!! :rotfl:

I need something to entertain me today. I dont know why but the wait is killing me. I am in super duper need of a vacation.

I need to get more organized. In the past I have been very organized and DH always raves on how I think of everything. I think I might be letting them down this trip. I just cant focus on what I need to do, I just want to go. :laughing:

It's 12:15 here!

I felt the exact same way about my trip in May. I felt all over the place and not organized. :headache:

[Mickey_Mom]

Lunch? Its 10:30 am here. Im still having coffee!! :rotfl:

I need something to entertain me today. I dont know why but the wait is killing me. I am in super duper need of a vacation.

I need to get more organized. In the past I have been very organized and DH always raves on how I think of everything. I think I might be letting them down this trip. I just cant focus on what I need to do, I just want to go. :laughing:

It's 3 o'clock now and I feel I need an iced cappaccino :goodvibes yummy!!

I too feel less organized this time around. I go back and forth between moments of panic and guilt when I remember how planned out other trips were, to moments of bliss looking forward to a lazy, relaxed trip where we make up most of it as we go.

Try not to think of it as letting anyone down because you may not feel like you've done enough planning. Remember what planning you have done to get you this far and then look forward to winging it! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!! :rotfl2:

[JPFamilyMom]

Waiting impatiently:rolleyes1 .... oh wait I mean patiently:rotfl2: for an update.... any new plans for the trip, did you find a new organizer? I think I forgot to write you back and tell you about the passporter, it's a planning book like birnbaums and others like that, but you can get it where you can add in your own information and there are ones that include special needs information
Here is a picture I dug up from our honeymoon trip for some entertainment
http://img381.rockyou.com/imagehost/13/13637/13637873/13637873_e93030b41224719005_m.jpg
popcorn::popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

Waiting impatiently:rolleyes1 .... oh wait I mean patiently:rotfl2: for an update.... any new plans for the trip, did you find a new organizer? I think I forgot to write you back and tell you about the passporter, it's a planning book like birnbaums and others like that, but you can get it where you can add in your own information and there are ones that include special needs information
Here is a picture I dug up from our honeymoon trip for some entertainment
http://img381.rockyou.com/imagehost/13/13637/13637873/13637873_e93030b41224719005_m.jpg
popcorn::popcorn::

:rotfl2: OK, ok, I promise to do an update on the planning today or tomorrow from home. I can't see your pics :mad: from work, they get blocked. :mad: I'll take a look the moment I get home. It's weird how some come thru OK and others won't.

I going to take my DS13 on a trip to the Chapters bookstore this weekend (he wants to check out the nearby EB Games anyway :rolleyes:) and take a look at any and all Disney planning books they have. Unless something just blows me away and I MUST have it, I think I'll stick to the coupon organizer. It worked awesome last time so....

I want to try my hand at making some shirts for the kids and I downloaded a lot of stuff for the kids to do on downtime or during counter services, or bus rides, that kind of thing. My daughter loves to do crosswords so I'm going to put together a booklet for her and my older son loves trivia so I'm putting something together for him too. All Disney related of course! I'll share more details once I have it done. :goodvibes

And I'll continue with my daily schedule too. :)

[MinnieNurse]

:flower3: Good morning!

Just seeing what your up to. popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

:flower3: Good morning!

Just seeing what your up to. popcorn::

Hello!!!! I officially slept in today. I had a mini freak out last night after I sat down to put a to-do list together for the first time. Seeing what many more things I still had to do :scared1: .

Time to kick it into overdrive! :drive:

[Mickey_Mom]

Here's my to-do list with several more I know I'm likely missing. Feel free to add to it DISers!

BUY:
- plane kits for the kids
- bathing suits for all of us
- shirts to make for the kids
- new sandals and pool shoes
- toiletries and travel size items
- lots and lots of batteries
- misting fans
- stroller
- new camera bag
- rapid disolve allergy meds
- glow sticks/necklaces
- waterproof disposable cameras
- new fishing licence holder
- wipes
- goggles

DO:
- mousekeeping envelopes
- gratuity envelopes
- request 80's/90's section of POP
- crosswords/trivia questions booklet put together
- picture itinerary put together
- confirm extra hours at parks
- confirm ADRs
- gather addresses for post cards
- organize all travel docs
- print off small size park maps
- add some occasions to our ADRs

I can do it right? :rotfl:

[Mickey_Mom]

Thanks to Mickeystoontown for the Epcot suggestions for things to do in World Showcase. I'm going to put together a scavenger hunt where the kids will take pictures of listed items they find. I just have to figure out what the big prize will be :rotfl: We also liked the idea of buying the most inexpensive souveniers in the different countries with a capped off dollar amount to see how many you could get and getting packaged treats to try during Illuminations. Keep them coming! :yay: So without much further adoooo, we're off to.....

Day 4!!!

I mentioned earlier this is our first year adding on the water parks & more option to our tickets. So, after breakfast in the Pop food court, this day we've planned to go to Typhoon Lagoon! We are so excited about this but I am really nervous too. My DS13 who will be 14 when we go, is responsible enough that I can tell him to have fun and check in regularly, but I'm not sure how my daughter and younger son will do. They both LOVE:lovestruc water parks and want to do everything all at the same time. :hyper: :hyper: The DH and I will be going full steam ahead for the entire day keeping up with them. :scared: I think I'm going to try and spend as much time as possible on the lazy river. :laughing: (This one has the lazy river... right?!?)

Seriously though, we have been to water parks before and my daughter is OK with taking short breaks, but my DS4 is usually not and she'll follow him. I'm also not sure how well she'll handle the lineups and crowds :crowded: because I don't know if they accept the guest assistance cards there. Anyone know?

We have a late ADR for Chef Mickey's at 8pm. This is a favorite of ours and its been awhile since we went for dinner so we're really excited to introduce Demetri to a jube-jube sundae :rotfl2: I'm considering ordering a birthday/graduation cake for this day too. Two days before our trip is Alex's 14th birthday, and earlier this week he graduated grade 8. Traditionally we've always had two birthday parties for him, one for his school classmates where about 20-ish people attend for a pool party, and then a second family party. I think we'll make his family party a Chef Mickey party. party:

Afterwards, we'll head back to the Pop and call it a night. Our Day 5 doesn't get going until 11:30am so I think we'll do well for rest. :laughing:

I don't have any tips or favorite memories for TL but let's see what I can come up with. I'll be checking these out:

Epcot Future World - As you are leaving Test Track, look for the crash test dummies. Pose for a picture but beware, they may not be dummies at all!

Epcot World Showcase - Open the lids of the crates in the African Outpost and see what happens.

Epcot WS France - Be sure to find Belle's library, tons of treasures to see and check out the beautiful stained glass window. (We found this and love it.)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6505.jpg

A favorite hiding spot for Demetri. :laughing:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6506.jpg

Magic Kingdom Camera Shop - There is a photo gallery in the back of the shop with wooden cutouts of Disney cartoons. Stick your heads through for good photo ops!
Next up.... Day 5!!

[JPFamilyMom]

LOVE your organized list of things to do, I need to get started on collecting items and ideas from you. I like the little booklets idea you are putting together for your kids, I think I'll do coloring books for my boys though.

I don't know about Typhoon Lagoon, we went to blizzard beach on our honeymoon, I have one picture but I'm in a bikini :scared1: you know it was pre-kids :rotfl:

on tip for a water park is get there early and find a cool place to park it for going back to rest throughout the day, also you can get a locker to hold any valuables, since we didn't have kids on our trip we put everything in a locker and just kept on us a waterproof pouch with our kttk and id cards.

[MinnieNurse]

Loved your update today.

We are doing TL for the first time in August. Lance cant wait to get one of the sundaes they sale in the sand bucket.

I think Chef Mickeys is a great place for a Birthday celebration.:thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

I love all your "secrets", they are so great to read about.

I have never been to a Disney Water Park so I can't give any advice. :confused3

[Angies1274]

Great update!:thumbsup2 I have a to-do list about as long as yours for our trip in August:thumbsup2 There's not much time left:cool1:--Here's hoping we can get everything done!!:goodvibes

We haven't been to either of the waterparks yet. I know the boys would love to go, but we are not going to be there long enough this year.:sad2: I'm excited to find out what you think of Typhoon Lagoon!!!!

Yay!!! A Party at Chef Mickey's:dance3: How fun!!! We love it there!! I don't know if I told you--but I was able to get a lunch ADR there!!! We are so excited as I had been trying for weeks to get a dinner with no luck.

I will have to look for some more fun finds in the Disney book that I have and share them...:goodvibes Loving all your "tips, and finds", I'm looking forward to checking them out.:thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

LOVE your organized list of things to do, I need to get started on collecting items and ideas from you. I like the little booklets idea you are putting together for your kids, I think I'll do coloring books for my boys though.

I don't know about Typhoon Lagoon, we went to blizzard beach on our honeymoon, I have one picture but I'm in a bikini :scared1: you know it was pre-kids :rotfl:

on tip for a water park is get there early and find a cool place to park it for going back to rest throughout the day, also you can get a locker to hold any valuables, since we didn't have kids on our trip we put everything in a locker and just kept on us a waterproof pouch with our kttk and id cards.

Our intention is to get there early ...... :rotfl:

Loved your update today.

We are doing TL for the first time in August. Lance cant wait to get one of the sundaes they sale in the sand bucket.

I think Chef Mickeys is a great place for a Birthday celebration.:thumbsup2

Oooo, hadn't heard about a sundae in a bucket! :banana: We'll be looking for that too!

I love all your "secrets", they are so great to read about.

I have never been to a Disney Water Park so I can't give any advice. :confused3

When we come back :sad1: I'll do a summary of what secrets we did or didn't find.

Great update!:thumbsup2 I have a to-do list about as long as yours for our trip in August:thumbsup2 There's not much time left:cool1:--Here's hoping we can get everything done!!:goodvibes

We haven't been to either of the waterparks yet. I know the boys would love to go, but we are not going to be there long enough this year.:sad2: I'm excited to find out what you think of Typhoon Lagoon!!!!

Yay!!! A Party at Chef Mickey's:dance3: How fun!!! We love it there!! I don't know if I told you--but I was able to get a lunch ADR there!!! We are so excited as I had been trying for weeks to get a dinner with no luck.

I will have to look for some more fun finds in the Disney book that I have and share them...:goodvibes Loving all your "tips, and finds", I'm looking forward to checking them out.:thumbsup2

Yay on the Chef Mickey lunch ADR! :yay: I wish I could get into the online ressies and scope out what might be there. Oh well.

Yes, please.. share whatever else you find! I went to the Chapters bookstore with my DS13 and was most un-impressed with the book selection they had. Seems everyone else beat me to the punch and snagged all the good ones. Snooze you looze :rotfl:

[Angies1274]

Good Morning!!:goodvibes Well, I was looking through my Disney book last night and came across some fun finds in Typhoon Lagoon. Here it goes......
-At the Happy Landings snack bar, there is a spot that lets you squirt water at Castaway Creek floaters.
-The Surf pool wall appears to be a levee that's ready to burst. The wooden planks spill water between the seams.
-At the front of the park, there is a message that is spelled out by the nautical flags, (hanging to the right of the turnstiles)--it reads "Piranha in Pool".
-Look for the alligator totem pole under the clock tower near Lagoona Gator's shack.;)

[Mickey_Mom]

Good Morning!!:goodvibes Well, I was looking through my Disney book last night and came across some fun finds in Typhoon Lagoon. Here it goes......
-At the Happy Landings snack bar, there is a spot that lets you squirt water at Castaway Creek floaters.
-The Surf pool wall appears to be a levee that's ready to burst. The wooden planks spill water between the seams.
-At the front of the park, there is a message that is spelled out by the nautical flags, (hanging to the right of the turnstiles)--it reads "Piranha in Pool".
-Look for the alligator totem pole under the clock tower near Lagoona Gator's shack.;)

I'll look for all of these! :thumbsup2

I went shopping this weekend and can check off some items! I added just one.

Here's my to-do list with several more I know I'm likely missing. Feel free to add to it DISers!

BUY:
- plane kits for the kids
- bathing suits for all of us
- shirts to make for the kids
- new sandals and pool shoes - DONE :)
- toiletries and travel size items - DONE :)
- lots and lots of batteries - DONE :)
- misting fans - DONE :)
- stroller - DONE :)
- new camera bag
- rapid disolve allergy meds - DONE :)
- glow sticks/necklaces
- waterproof disposable cameras - DONE :)
- new fishing licence holder
- wipes
- goggles - DONE :)

DO:
- mousekeeping envelopes
- gratuity envelopes
- request 80's/90's section of POP
- crosswords/trivia questions booklet put together
- picture itinerary put together
- confirm extra hours at parks
- confirm ADRs
- gather addresses for post cards
- organize all travel docs
- print off small size park maps
- add some occasions to our ADRs
- scavenger hunt for Epcot WS

I can do it right? :rotfl:

[MinnieNurse]

I think I need to make me a list. I used to do that in the past but thought I new what to do without it. Maybe that is why I am filling disorganized this trip.

Looks like you are getting it all done.

I am still trying to decide on the mist fans. We took them the time we went in June and didnt really use them alot and they kept leaking in my bag. August just seems like it is going to be so hot and I would rather buy them now for a lot less money. DH says we dont need them, but he is outside all the time. I am the whimpy one! :rotfl:

[Mickey_Mom]

I think I need to make me a list. I used to do that in the past but thought I new what to do without it. Maybe that is why I am filling disorganized this trip.

Looks like you are getting it all done.

I am still trying to decide on the mist fans. We took them the time we went in June and didnt really use them alot and they kept leaking in my bag. August just seems like it is going to be so hot and I would rather by them now for a lot less money. DH says we dont need them, but he is outside all the time. I am the whimpy one! :rotfl:

I debated on getting them too, but I remember looking longingly at other people who had them on our last trip. Bring one for you and Lance to share and if your DH uses it you can secretly smile an "I told you so" smile :lmao:

[Mickey_Mom]

OK, how about a quick recap before Day 5 ?

Saturday 8/15
We fly out of Buffalo at 12:25pm and arrive in Orlando at 3pm! We Magically Express to Pop and have a leisurely evening around the pool and in the room. (I gotta remember to put our bathing suits in our carry-on this time!) We're here! :cloud9:

Sunday 8/16
Ariana and I have a special 10am breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table and then we meet up with the boys for the rest of our EMH day at Magic Kingdom. Dinner will probably be at our fav Cosmic Ray's where I will look for talking trash cans :rotfl:

Monday 8/17
We'll try lunch at the Flame Tree BBQ if the birds leave us alone, and spend the EMH day at Animal Kingdom. We may call it an early day and do some resort hopping :rolleyes1

Tuesday 8/18
The first of our two days at Epcot with EMH. The boys and I will check out a new place for us, Teppan Edo at 1:30pm and I hope to have a scavenger hunt for the kids. :cool1:

Wednesday 8/19
Our first time to Typhoon Lagoon! Nervous about this one but we'll make it work. Party time at 8pm at Chef Mickey's for Alex's birthday and graduation celebration! :woohoo:

Which brings us to........

Day 5!!!

I'm really looking forward to this day. Well, I'm really looking forward to everyday but you know what I mean. ;) We'll be coming off of a great celebration the night before at Chef Mickey's and I think we'll have had a great sleep from all the water fun. On this morning, we're going to an all time favorite breakfast of ours, Ohana with Lilo & Stitch. We love the yummy breakfast juice and the food is always great, but the parade and character visits is where they have the most fun. The last time we were there, they were doing renovations so I'm anxious to see the result. This time too, I am determined to tour the resort a little more. I've heard they have Dole Whips there too so we may grab one if we liked the ones we tried at MK.

After Ohana, we're off to Downtown Disney and Disney Quest. This and the two water parks are where I think Alex will have the most fun. He loves trying new things and he loves the kind of stuff they have there. What I think will end up happening is the boys will be immersed in all the fun stuff there and Ariana and I will end up leaving to go shopping :thumbsup2. And now you see why I'm looking forward to this day. :rolleyes: All the shops to check out, the new balloon ride to watch, all the pins to look at! We've never been to Goofy's so we have to check that out for sure and I know there's tons more to see too. On other visits to DTD, we've typically gone straight to the Lego store and given cursory once overs to the other shops. Not this time! What's my theme this year? Say it with me... RELAXATION!!

Some where in all this funness, we have a dinner reservation at Planet Hollywood and I'm looking forward to that too because we haven't been before. The DH and I have been to the Planet Hollywood in Niagara Falls back when we were first married, but I can barely remember what it looked like. Then after dinner, we can shop some more or go back to Disney Quest or just head back to Pop for a swim and a early night. We'll see! We may feel the need to be rested up for our next day of more new adventures!!

:dance3:

Let's see what other hints and tips I can dig up....

Epcot -- Look for the twinkling sidewalks after dark on the right hand path after the Epcot ball. View the American flag that was taken from the rubble of 9/11 in the American pavilion.

Magic Kingdom -- In the line area for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, look for the crate that says "Lytum & Hyde Explosives Company". :lmao:

LL, here's one for you for the Haunted Mansion -- The architecture of the HM is very easy to recognize as chess pieces. The architect was famous for it and added it to the building. The only piece missing from the outside is the Knight, because its always (K)night inside!

Next up.... Day 6 stormy weather!

[Lady Lallie]

That is a great HM tip! I think relaxation days are key to enjoying Disney !

[MinnieNurse]

Plans look good. Oh, you will love Goofy's. I first heard about it before my last trip. I love it now, it will always be a must do for us now.

We did Planet Hollywood in either 2006 or 2007, cant remember. I was really worried about it because I had read some bad reviews. We loved it. We had burgers and they were good. The inside is just awesome.

Yay for 47 sleeps!!

[JPFamilyMom]

Day 5 sounds like fun, we didn't spend much time in down town Disney when we went on our honeymoon, we did go to DisneyQuest on the day we left though and that was a lot of fun, but my boys will be too young for a place like that. I'm sure your boys will have a blast though.

You have me interested in the Ohana breakfast now. I'll have to check it out online again, because I had ruled it out for what reason I can't think of right now:confused3

Day 6- hmmm I'm intrigued popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

That is a great HM tip! I think relaxation days are key to enjoying Disney !

I'm going to need a binder for all the hints and tips I'm collecting. Organized in list fashion of course :rotfl2:

Plans look good. Oh, you will love Goofy's. I first heard about it before my last trip. I love it now, it will always be a must do for us now.

We did Planet Hollywood in either 2006 or 2007, cant remember. I was really worried about it because I had read some bad reviews. We loved it. We had burgers and they were good. The inside is just awesome.

Yay for 47 sleeps!!

I'm warning the DH this will be a slow paced trip and I'll be taking lots of pics and seeing lots of things we've missed before. He's a FAST walker and just has a destination in mind and goes for it. By the time he realizes he's left me behind again I can usually grab a snack, take a quick bathroom break... :rolleyes1

Day 5 sounds like fun, we didn't spend much time in down town Disney when we went on our honeymoon, we did go to DisneyQuest on the day we left though and that was a lot of fun, but my boys will be too young for a place like that. I'm sure your boys will have a blast though.

You have me interested in the Ohana breakfast now. I'll have to check it out online again, because I had ruled it out for what reason I can't think of right now:confused3

Day 6- hmmm I'm intrigued popcorn::

Ohana breakfast is a must do for my family. :love:

[Angies1274]

I went shopping this weekend and can check off some items! I added just one.

Great job on the list!!:thumbsup2 I need to go shopping very soon!! I wanted to go this weekend but with the 4th of July activities, I probably won't get to.
I've been considering misting fans also, since we have never been in August before and all I keep hearing is that it is HOT!HOT!HOT! I am a little worried because a few years ago, we took the boys to Marineland near Niagara Falls and it was so hot that we spent most of the time refilling our water bottles and resting. We didn't get too much accomplished that day so misting fans may be just what we need!!!:thumbsup2

The Scavenger Hunt idea was a great one!! I think it will be a great way to get my boys interested in the different countries. I'm also thinking about getting them each a Passport book or making one for them. I saw that they had them over on the Disign board--so I think I have just added another thing to my list of things to do!!:thumbsup2

A relaxation day sounds great!!! I wish I could squeeze one into our schedule. But we are trying to do as much as we can since it's my parent's and brother's very first trip there.:yay: Depending on the heat though we may not have a choice.:goodvibes

hmmm....I'm curious about Day 6.

[MinnieNurse]

Whatcha Doin?

popcorn::popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

Whatcha Doin?

popcorn::popcorn::

You're too funny. :lmao: I'm just starting to catch up on Jen's TR. Seventeen chapters?!? I may be a while :rolleyes1 I have tomorrow off as a holiday :woohoo: Canada Day!! So I'm going to be up late tonite DISing! I'm going to try and throw an update in for myself too.

:rotfl2:

[Mickey_Mom]

Ack! :scared1: Its a holiday tomorrow! I gotta go get me some shirt making supplies before the stores close! I'll be back!!! :drive:

[MinnieNurse]

Ack! :scared1: Its a holiday tomorrow! I gotta go get me some shirt making supplies before the stores close! I'll be back!!! :drive:

:lmao::lmao::lmao: Your crazy!!

Well, Happy early Canada Day!! :goodvibes

[JPFamilyMom]

:butterflyHappy early Canada Day... I'll be at the local zoo tomorrow, so will miss DISing all day... ah such a life I lead on the DIS :) I'm gearing up for the 4th of July over here:woohoo:

[Mickey_Mom]

Well, Happy early Canada Day!! :goodvibes

:butterflyHappy early Canada Day... I'll be at the local zoo tomorrow, so will miss DISing all day... ah such a life I lead on the DIS :) I'm gearing up for the 4th of July over here:woohoo:

Thanks! We'll be watching the fireworks show tomorrow although I'm hearing locals setting of boomers of their own in the backyards tonite. The kids are getting a free show out our front window. :laughing:

Enjoy your visit to the zoo!

[Mickey_Mom]

I was hoping to post an update tonite but I got caught up in other DISers TRs and PTRs.... and then of course I had a brief excursion to the "shirt store" as my son now calls it for some supplies. What better thing to do on a holiday than to make some shirts for your vacation I say? :cheer2:

I've been cruising the DISigns and can't get over how many there are to choose from. What they can do is amazing. :worship: But I finally narrowed it down to four each for the kids.

First up? .... Ariana

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/572106156_grihT-M.jpg
Who can't smile looking at this?



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WhereTwoWorldsBecomeOne.jpg
Special meaning and very, very true.



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/Shoes.jpg
OMG does she love Cinderella's glass slippers. :lovestruc



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DaddysPrincess.jpg
Sooooooo Ariana!


Next up? ..... Alex



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/RedMickey.jpg
Very simple and red is his favorite colour. :rotfl:



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/WorldMickey.jpg
Tre cool.



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/MickeyGrad.jpg
This will be our Chef Mickey birthday/graduation party day.



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/BigBrother.jpg
This will make more sense when paired up with......



....Demetri!



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/LittleBrother.jpg
I cannot WAIT to see these two together! :rotfl:



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/Soldiers2009.jpg
Oh but does he love him the green army men!



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/4Cars.jpg
Lightning McQueen and his age TOGETHER? :love:



http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/Mater.jpg
He was jumping up and down to see this one!


So I have what I need to make all twelve shirts :scared1: and hopefully I have no tragedies. Wish me luck! :thumbsup2

[ZeroToHero]

Awesome! I loveeeee the DISigns you picked! I was cracking up at the Mater one.. I can't wait to see pictures of him in that.

Are you ironing them on? Just make sure you don't flip them over on the ironing board while they're still hot - that was my mistake on one shirt. It got stuck, and I had to repaint the part of the transfer that was left on the board.... :headache:

And make sure you print them the right way! I had that mistake too.... grr. I forgot to flip them so they were backwards - but at least I caught it before I ironed.

I'm sure you'll do much better than me though... haha

[MinnieNurse]

Wow, love the designs you picked. Cant wait to hear how your shirt making day goes.

I am off on Friday for July 4th holiday. Maybe I will make some more of mine.

I love the Little Bro and Big Bro shirts and Daddy's Princess is precious. I have one with the crown for me with Minnie that says Mom.

LL did the funny princess one for her last trip with Jen. I think it is great. I never thought DH would wear a shirt but after our first trip he is the one who made them comment that he thought some of the matching shirts were cool. So we do a few that match. But Lance thinks he needs one (or 2) for every day.:rotfl:

[Mickey_Mom]

Awesome! I loveeeee the DISigns you picked! I was cracking up at the Mater one.. I can't wait to see pictures of him in that.

Are you ironing them on? Just make sure you don't flip them over on the ironing board while they're still hot - that was my mistake on one shirt. It got stuck, and I had to repaint the part of the transfer that was left on the board.... :headache

And make sure you print them the right way! I had that mistake too.... grr. I forgot to flip them so they were backwards - but at least I caught it before I ironed.

I'm sure you'll do much better than me though... haha

Luckily enough, several weeks ago I helped Alex do a few iron on shirts like this. One was an "awesome" shirt he made for himself and another was a gift for a friend, so I've got the teeniest of experience with them. Enough that I think I'll be OK. Mental note to let things cool down :thumbsup2 thanks!

Wow, love the designs you picked. Cant wait to hear how your shirt making day goes.

I am off on Friday for July 4th holiday. Maybe I will make some more of mine.

I love the Little Bro and Big Bro shirts and Daddy's Princess is precious. I have one with the crown for me with Minnie that says Mom.

LL did the funny princess one for her last trip with Jen. I think it is great. I never thought DH would wear a shirt but after our first trip he is the one who made them comment that he thought some of the matching shirts were cool. So we do a few that match. But Lance thinks he needs one (or 2) for every day.:rotfl:

I had a really cute one picked out for my hubby, one that matched the "Daddy's Princess".... his would have been the same black MH with a manly crown on it that said "Daddy". But when I showed it to him he smiled and then quickly said, "well there's no way I'm wearing that" :lmao:

Oh well. :rotfl:

[JPFamilyMom]

GREAT shirt disigns:thumbsup2, you have me beat with the ones I picked, if you don't mind I'd like to snag :rolleyes1the big bro/lil bro pirate ears disign, where did you find those, they are too too cute.

[Lady Lallie]

I LOVE the designs that you have picked out, I think everyone will look very stylish in them. But excuse me....where are YOUR tshirt designs!? :rolleyes1

[Angies1274]

You picked some great designs.:thumbsup2 I love the silly princess and Mater designs--so funny!!:rotfl:Good Luck on your shirts today.:goodvibes

Fireworks tonight!! Yay!!:yay:We will be watching them Friday night and then heading Saturday to watch the parade and have a picnic. Hopefully it doesn't rain.:)

Happy Canada Day!!!!

[Mickey_Mom]

GREAT shirt disigns:thumbsup2, you have me beat with the ones I picked, if you don't mind I'd like to snag :rolleyes1the big bro/lil bro pirate ears disign, where did you find those, they are too too cute.

Thanks :goodvibes and of course you can snag the pirates ... I snagged them too! :lmao: I basically cruised three different threads that MinnieNurse recommended and copied anything that I like. I can't remember which of the three gave me the big bro/lil bro ones, but you can copy mine. :thumbsup2

Here's the thread for Wendy, she actually made one for me that I didn't end up using this time: Wendypoohs Disigns (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2095782)
Here's the thread for Veronica, she has good stuff: Veronica's Designs (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858558)
And here's the thread for Natalie: Natalie's t-shirt designs (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1786459)

I LOVE the designs that you have picked out, I think everyone will look very stylish in them. But excuse me....where are YOUR tshirt designs!? :rolleyes1

:rotfl2: I'm trying the kids first and then maybe....... my shirts cost a little more so I'd rather ruin a $3 shirt first.

You picked some great designs.:thumbsup2 I love the silly princess and Mater designs--so funny!!:rotfl:Good Luck on your shirts today.:goodvibes

Fireworks tonight!! Yay!!:yay:We will be watching them Friday night and then heading Saturday to watch the parade and have a picnic. Hopefully it doesn't rain.:)

Happy Canada Day!!!!

Thanks! I haven't tried them yet, just rolled out of bed and hopped straight onto here! :surfweb: ....man, gotta love the days you can sleep in! I'll post some pics of the finished products and I still have my little shopping excursion results to post too :banana:

Good luck with your picnic!

[jenjolt]

Well I'm all caught up and your plans look amazing!! Loved the little guys hiding spot...how cute was that picture!!!

Your DISigns are amazing and are going to make great t-shirts can't wait to see how they turned out!!!

[Mickey_Mom]

:welcome: Jen!

Ok, the hubby has gone for a nap, an audience would just make me nervous, and I'm all caught up on here (I think!) so I'm off to try the shirts. :dance3:

[MinnieNurse]

We will be "not so patiently" waiting for a full report with pictures. popcorn::popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

I don't know guys... what do you think?

First, the ones I really like:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0011.jpg

I really would have preferred these two in a tan coloured shirt, but the store we went to was really limited in their selection and what sizes they had. But they're cute right?

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0019.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0024.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0015.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0012.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0017.jpg

The problem I have is with the next two I want to show you. See, I thought that when a colour on the transfer was white, it would show up white on the shirt regardless of what colour the shirt was. Turns out, no. When its white on the transfer, its the colour of the shirt in the end. So, I'm not crazy about these two.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0018.jpg
The whites of Mater's eyes became green.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0023.jpg
The Princesses get completely lost in this shirt. Ariana still loves it though.

The other three I still have to transfer but now we're heading out to go see Ice Age 3D.

See ya for now!

[jenjolt]

OOOH I liked the way those shirts turned out!! I think the Mater one looks really cute!!!

The princess one is a bit hard to see but if your little girl loves it then it doesn't matter at all!!!! I think you did a great job!!!

[MinnieNurse]

Wow, you work fast. I think they look great. I really like the glass slipper one. The blue of the shirt makes the slipper look good.

[ZeroToHero]

I still love Mater! And yes, the princesses are a little lost, but as long as Ariana likes it, it's good!

[Mickey_Mom]

OOOH I liked the way those shirts turned out!! I think the Mater one looks really cute!!!

The princess one is a bit hard to see but if your little girl loves it then it doesn't matter at all!!!! I think you did a great job!!!

Wow, you work fast. I think they look great. I really like the glass slipper one. The blue of the shirt makes the slipper look good.

I still love Mater! And yes, the princesses are a little lost, but as long as Ariana likes it, it's good!


Thanks guys! :grouphug: They do like them, they're excited. I messed up the grad one using the dark transfer. I read right on the instructions "don't mirror the picture" and........ you guessed it, I mirrored it. I have to try that one again and the other two dark transfer ones. Those freak me out so I'm putting it off.

We just got back from the movie. It was just OK for me until closer to the end when it got much better. More nerdy glasses :3dglasses so we had fun. :rotfl:

Ooo and here is my recent shopping treasures.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0701shirts0008.jpg

Four pairs of shoes: The brown and blue flip flops are my water park shoes and the pink meshy ones are Ariana's water park shoes. The pink plaid shoes are Ariana's just for fun because she looooves pink and she loooooves shoes (and we're the same size so I can wear them too :rotfl: and they are cute!!). Lastly the black meshy Cars shoes are Demetri's water park shoes. :woohoo:

Two water cameras for the kids to use at at the aforementioned water parks, more Crystal Light drink mixes, lots 'o batteries and rapid disolve allergy medicine....

Two misting fans, three pairs of swimming goggles and only three little travel size items: little hand sanitizer, hair spray and Off! Remember I mentioned the travel size aisle was really short? They had nothing!

Soon I must do another plan update, but first I gotta get caught up DISing!

[Lady Lallie]

Love the tees! Love the purchases! You are well on your way to a wonderful trip! :goodvibes

[MinnieNurse]

I like those misting fans. I dont think I have ever seen ones like that. Cute shoes. I think I will get Lance some swimming goggles-thats a good idea. Great shopping trip.

[Mickey_Mom]

Love the tees! Love the purchases! You are well on your way to a wonderful trip! :goodvibes

Thanks, I'm starting to feel much more relaxed about it.

I like those misting fans. I dont think I have ever seen ones like that. Cute shoes. I think I will get Lance some swimming goggles-thats a good idea. Great shopping trip.

When we see the carts all over the parks we'll be grabbing handfulls of crushed ice to throw in the misting fans. Ahhhhhh!

[Mickey_Mom]

When I last left off, I talked about stormy weather on Day 6. Did you figure out where we’re planning to go this day? That’s right – Blizzard Beach!



Get it?




Stormy weather? .......... Blizzard Beach?





I’m such a nerd. :rotfl:



Day 6

Yes, its off to Blizzard Beach today, the other water park in our newly added water parks & more option. I’ll have to dig out the vacation DVD and re-watch this part because TL and BB just merge in my mind for some reason. TL has the boat right? And BB has….. well, the snow? Oh this will be fun. Much like my nervousness for TL, I’m hoping my little munchkin people behave themselves. Does BB have a lazy river?! :confused3

That is pretty much it for Day 6. Pretty lame huh? Not! :banana: No ADRs, no secret parties. Nope. Nada. Zilch. But what I think we’ll do is head back to the Pop when the fun and frivolity ends for a quick change of clothes. Then we’ll head on over to the EMH at Magic Kingdom. It’s now Day 6 in our plans and we haven’t been to the MK since Day 1, so I think it’s time don’t you? :cool1:

I may have been inspired to ride a certain ride at exactly midnight… who knows? :laughing: It’s one of my daughter’s favorite rides and with her guest assistance card we can probably time it just right.

I’ve vowed to take tons upon tons of pictures this trip and MK at night is sorely missing from my collection.

We must not be toooo late though; we want to be rested up for our second day at a particular park. Can you guess which one we’re going back to for Day 7 ??



More tips I’ll be checking out for Magic Kingdom:

Buzz Lightyear - The big points in the Buzz Lightyear ride are found leaving the first room. Turn around and shoot the back of the Orange Robot’s arm or the back of the buzz saw – 100,000 points! The car turns automatically away from these so turn back and score big!

Main Street – Get a seat in front of the castle at about 30 minutes after the park closing. You’ll be treated to the “kiss goodnight” from the castle.

Next update - Day 7 with a fav ADR.... eh?

[KathyRN137]

Hi Tracy!! :wave2:

I was just about to sign off and go to bed when I caught sight of the Autism Awareness ribbon in your siggie. Our 11 yr old son, Billy, is autistic and it's mostly because of him that we've fallen in love with the Disney Magic! pixiedust:

I'm "holding my place" so to speak, so I can come back tomorrow and read your entire thread!

TTYL

Kathy

[ZeroToHero]

Hey, I laughed at the Blizzard Beach thing, so that means.....

We're both nerds.

But now you've got me in more suspense.. What's Ariana's favorite ride?!
Or did you tell us before and I've just forgotten?

[Lady Lallie]

I believe both waterparks have lazy rivers. I think that will be a fun day for your gang!

I have never seen the kiss goodnight but I would really like too....still a little confused as to what it is exactly.

[Mickey_Mom]

Hi Tracy!! :wave2:

I was just about to sign off and go to bed when I caught sight of the Autism Awareness ribbon in your siggie. Our 11 yr old son, Billy, is autistic and it's mostly because of him that we've fallen in love with the Disney Magic! pixiedust:

I'm "holding my place" so to speak, so I can come back tomorrow and read your entire thread!

TTYL

Kathy

:welcome: Hope we made you smile a few times along the way!

Hey, I laughed at the Blizzard Beach thing, so that means.....

We're both nerds.

But now you've got me in more suspense.. What's Ariana's favorite ride?!
Or did you tell us before and I've just forgotten?

Oh sorry!! I guess I left that out didn't I ? :rolleyes: The Haunted Mansion! We're not sure what the draw is for her on this particular ride. I mean its an awesome ride and all but its a far cry from her usual princess heavy favorites. As soon as we turn the corner out of Fantasyland, she's pointing and asking for it. :goodvibes

I believe both waterparks have lazy rivers. I think that will be a fun day for your gang!

I have never seen the kiss goodnight but I would really like too....still a little confused as to what it is exactly.

Me too, I can't picture what it would be. I think we'll grab some ice cream and watch for it. Even if it turns out to be a smoochie sound and a flicker of the lights we'll have enjoyed our ice cream instead of running for the buses. :laughing:

[Angies1274]

Love the shirts!!:goodvibes and it looks like you had a very successful shopping trip:thumbsup2 Those are some very cute shoes!!!!

The mystery is solved....Blizzard Beach!! Yay!! You'll have so much fun!!:cool1:

It's not too much longer now....you must all be getting so excited:woohoo:(I know we are....;))

[JPFamilyMom]

Wow lots of new info posted

Cute shirts, good job on that. I haven't done dark transfers yet, so I'm learning from your mistake ;) I'm so use to printing on white shirts that as soon as I save designs I put on shirts I flip the images, so I'll have to keep track of that too.

Great finds on what you have bought for your trip. I bought the first item for our trip today, forget who told me (you or someone else), but at Target they had big pens in the dollar section and we were able to get Nemo.

Yes BB has a lazy river, that is where I spent my time there, as I'm not a big water slide person, so while DH was off waiting in line for that big drop slide I was in the lazy river, enjoy. The kids area is very cute. If you want to see some of blizzard beach on one of the disney sing a longs (the favorite one that DH wants to throw out) has a song or two with blizzard beach on it. Next time I watch I'll make not of the song for you and find it on you tube.

love your little tips, the kiss goodnight at the castle in MK sounds so wonderful. Please take pictures as I probably won't be staying out that late.
ok, can't wait for more popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

Love the shirts!!:goodvibes and it looks like you had a very successful shopping trip:thumbsup2 Those are some very cute shoes!!!!

The mystery is solved....Blizzard Beach!! Yay!! You'll have so much fun!!:cool1:

It's not too much longer now....you must all be getting so excited:woohoo:(I know we are....;))

We are excited! Should be any day now for my Mickey Mail for our magical express stuff!

Wow lots of new info posted

Cute shirts, good job on that. I haven't done dark transfers yet, so I'm learning from your mistake ;) I'm so use to printing on white shirts that as soon as I save designs I put on shirts I flip the images, so I'll have to keep track of that too.

Great finds on what you have bought for your trip. I bought the first item for our trip today, forget who told me (you or someone else), but at Target they had big pens in the dollar section and we were able to get Nemo.

Yes BB has a lazy river, that is where I spent my time there, as I'm not a big water slide person, so while DH was off waiting in line for that big drop slide I was in the lazy river, enjoy. The kids area is very cute. If you want to see some of blizzard beach on one of the disney sing a longs (the favorite one that DH wants to throw out) has a song or two with blizzard beach on it. Next time I watch I'll make not of the song for you and find it on you tube.

love your little tips, the kiss goodnight at the castle in MK sounds so wonderful. Please take pictures as I probably won't be staying out that late.
ok, can't wait for more popcorn::

I'm totally not a drop slide person either but Alex will be on it for sure! You know what? I think I have the sing along with blizzard beach! Beach Party! Doh.. I'm going to watch it with the kiddies.

[mickeystoontown]

Oh my, I miss three pages and I miss a whole lot! Love the shirts!

[Mickey_Mom]

Oh my, I miss three pages and I miss a whole lot! Love the shirts!

Thanks!

[Mickey_Mom]

The Beach Party sing along did have both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach in it but there were too many singing and dancing kids blocking the view! :rotfl:

It showed the surfing and shark reef at TL and I think it was the kids section of BB -- it looks like a lot of fun. Demetri said he was going to do it all, all by himself! Since Minnie slid down one of the slides I'm going to assume parents can go with their kids. I think I do need to you-tube it. :laughing:

I haven't seen that video in soooooo long it was funny to see the other places they filmed some of the songs in. I could see the Contemporary and the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian...... And to cap it off, I found on my laptop a video we'd made last trip of Wishes.

I want to be there RIGHT NOW.

[JPFamilyMom]

Yeah, I love the sing-a-longs where they show all the parks, those are my favorites and my kids favorites. And yes it's that beach party one, that is the one my DH wants to throw out, :rotfl2: I think it's great fun, Joey even waves his hands for pearly shells (imagine a one year old boy moving his hands up and down for a hula dance:rotfl:)

[KathyRN137]

Sunday 8/16
Ariana and I have a special 10am breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table and then we meet up with the boys for the rest of our EMH day at Magic Kingdom.


Tracy, I just love the idea of a special Mother-Daughter princess breakfast! I know you'll have lots of pixiedust: there!

Still plugging away... I'm almost "caught up!"

Kathy

[Mickey_Mom]

Yeah, I love the sing-a-longs where they show all the parks, those are my favorites and my kids favorites. And yes it's that beach party one, that is the one my DH wants to throw out, :rotfl2: I think it's great fun, Joey even waves his hands for pearly shells (imagine a one year old boy moving his hands up and down for a hula dance:rotfl:)

:rolleyes1 Pearrrrrly shells, from the ocean, shining in the sun, covering the shore....
When I see them... my heart tells me that I love you... more than allll the little pearly shells! :rolleyes1


That's my favorite from Beach Party... that and Slicin' Sand!

Tracy, I just love the idea of a special Mother-Daughter princess breakfast! I know you'll have lots of pixiedust: there!

Still plugging away... I'm almost "caught up!"

Kathy

Thanks, I really am looking forward to that :lovestruc



Happy 4th of July to you all!

[cjackearl]

Hello, I'm here and going back to catch up.:thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

Hello, I'm here and going back to catch up.:thumbsup2

:welcome: I'm enjoying your's too! :thumbsup2 We're just one big happy family here aren't we? :cool1:

[Mickey_Mom]

My plans for Day 6 ended hopefully with ice cream and a kiss goodnight from the castle. If we’re successful in sticking around to this point, it will be 1:30 am on Day 7. :scared1: Yikes! I don’t know about that but we’ll see how it goes.

Being of the family that likes to sleep in, our Day 7 starts whenever we want it to……

Day 7 !!

After breakfast at the Pop, we will be off to our second full day at Epcot. :yay: Anything that we missed on our first day at this park we will definitely take care of on this day. I’ve added so many things to my list of things to do by reading other PTRs and TRs that we’ll need both days to do them all!

I’ve also decided today that I need a “collection”. Others are collecting pictures of light fixtures and manpris and signs and I’ve had so much fun reading about them I want one too. :rotfl: But I haven’t yet figured out what my subject should be? I’m going to put a little thought into it and see what I come up with. Suggestions are welcome!!! :banana:

On our last trip we sort of had a themed series of pictures…. Ariana fell in love with a plushie collection of baby Disney characters wrapped in leaves. They were adorable! We let her get one and she chose Baby Simba. :simba: Baby Simba came with us everywhere for the rest of our trip and every time we met up with a character, she would hand off Baby Simba for his very own picture. Each character was marvelous about taking their picture with Baby Simba and most of them took the obligatory pose of holding him high in the air like Rafiki when he’s presenting Simba to all of the herd at the start of the Lion King. :laughing: .

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6561.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6491.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6493.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6521.jpg


Another running theme we had with the kids in pictures is the thumbs up. :thumbsup2 Whenever we ask Ariana to smile for a picture or “say cheese!” she tends to bare her teeth and throw her chin in the air. Not one of her better angles. :lmao: So to go for a more natural pose, one time I asked her to give me a “thumbs up”. She immediately relaxed, smiled and gave me the thumbs up. It worked for Demetri too on his more hot and tired moments, so we went with it and I started getting many more great pictures that Ariana was in :cloud9:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6617.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6569.jpg

Then they started getting creative with their poses. :laughing:


So back to the plans for today. I’m really looking forward to our dinner ADR – Le Cellier. :dance3: We’ve been there once before and loved it. We probably won’t deviate too much from what we got last year but this year I’m looking forward to just relaxing there. Last year we rushed off to do more things in the park, but this year will be different! :wizard:

And now, just for fun, more pics of previous visits to Epcot.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6565.jpg
Donald broke out into a dance while we were visiting him and got Demetri to join in!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6573.jpg
Very cool and different.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6584.jpg
Hee hee.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6615.jpg
The traditional photo with Bruce. :laughing:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6487.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6488-1.jpg

Continued in the next post.....

[Mickey_Mom]

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6507.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6509.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6552.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6553.jpg


Some more character visits....

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6524.jpg
Demetri was a little afraid of the Beast but agreed to a high five in the safety of Daddy's arms. :lovestruc

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6529.jpg
He really liked Jasmine. :rotfl:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6544.jpg
This was our first time seeing Mulan and Mushu!


And of course.... Illuminations!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6590-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6592.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6605.jpg


Thanks for letting me share! Next up.... A Day of Rest.

[MinnieNurse]

Great update. Loved all the pics.

[JPFamilyMom]

Wow! Great pictures!! Where is the rose from Beauty and the Beast?

Maybe your picture thing should be hidden mickeys, aren't you finding them throughout the park? Or something going along with your special tips (take pictures of all those things that are "known" to the regular traveler)

At church today there was a lady with a shirt that had circles all over it. And I swore there were mickeys on it, I almost went up to her and asked if it was a mickey shirt, but then at second glance noticed it was just circles:rotfl:, outside the DIS world I think this girl would have thought I was crazy :confused3:lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Good luck with finding your "thing". Light fixtures totally came to me while I was down there in September. :rotfl:

I love all the pictures, super cute!

[cjackearl]

Ok, I'm only part way through, but wanted to comment on what I've read so far. First, I have a George too! I was wondering if yours is Greek, not only because of your children's beautiful names, but because most of the George's I've met have been Greek.:rotfl:

You'll have a ball at the water parks. Have you picked one, or will you be trying both?

I love your picture itinerary. What a great visual for Ariana.:thumbsup2

Your ADRs look good. Le Celier was new for us this trip and we revisited Chef Mickeys and Sci Fi. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of Teppan Edo. I've seen some great reviews.

You've taken some magnificent pictures. One of my favorites of the ones I've seen so far is Prince Charming and Ariana. Truly sweet.:lovestruc

Was Pluto on the ground on purpose in the picture with Demitri or was he knocked down? Something similar happened on our trip but with a different character:rolleyes1

Ok, back to catching up. I'm really enjoying reading about your plans.:thumbsup2

[Angies1274]

Another great update as usual!!:thumbsup2 Good luck on finding a collection to take pics of.:) hmmm....I'm not sure what to suggest but I'll keep thinking.

Cute picture of Pooh and Baby Simba with your son looking on and I love the thumbs up:thumbsup2 pics!!!

Le Cellier sounds yummy!! We haven't gotten the chance to eat there yet-but it's definitely high on our must-do list!!

YAY!! Illumination pictures!!:yay::yay: Can't wait to see it in August!!!

[Mickey_Mom]

Great update. Loved all the pics.

Thanks! :goodvibes

Wow! Great pictures!! Where is the rose from Beauty and the Beast?

Isn't it beautiful? It's from Belle's library in the World Showcase in France.

Maybe your picture thing should be hidden mickeys, aren't you finding them throughout the park? Or something going along with your special tips (take pictures of all those things that are "known" to the regular traveler)

I thought about both of those ideas and am still mulling it over. I have my hubby thinking of things now too and my son is back tomorrow so I'll ask for his suggestions too.

At church today there was a lady with a shirt that had circles all over it. And I swore there were mickeys on it, I almost went up to her and asked if it was a mickey shirt, but then at second glance noticed it was just circles:rotfl:, outside the DIS world I think this girl would have thought I was crazy :confused3:lmao:

:lmao::rotfl2: I know!! I do that all the time too! I'm constantly looking for hidden mickey's in everything!

Good luck with finding your "thing". Light fixtures totally came to me while I was down there in September. :rotfl:

I love all the pictures, super cute!

Thanks! We may end up doing that too, just seeing something a little different and then start finding more.

Ok, I'm only part way through, but wanted to comment on what I've read so far. First, I have a George too! I was wondering if yours is Greek, not only because of your children's beautiful names, but because most of the George's I've met have been Greek.:rotfl:

You'll come across these as you get farther in, but yes, he is Greek :rotfl: and thank you about my children's names!

You'll have a ball at the water parks. Have you picked one, or will you be trying both?

We're trying both and I guess I'm starting to relax a little about them. Ariana has been doing wonderfully lately with her listening :thumbsup2

I love your picture itinerary. What a great visual for Ariana.:thumbsup2

Thanks! I'm fairly certain I'm going to do it again for her this year. She may not need it but better to have it just in case. :laughing:

Your ADRs look good. Le Celier was new for us this trip and we revisited Chef Mickeys and Sci Fi. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of Teppan Edo. I've seen some great reviews.

I'm hoping the clanging of the knives at Teppan Edo doesn't drive me bonkers after a while :rotfl: but it definately looks like fun. I'm really looking forward to Sci Fi too.

You've taken some magnificent pictures. One of my favorites of the ones I've seen so far is Prince Charming and Ariana. Truly sweet.:lovestruc

Thanks :goodvibes I love that one too.

Was Pluto on the ground on purpose in the picture with Demitri or was he knocked down? Something similar happened on our trip but with a different character:rolleyes1

Funny story! Demetri was pretending to be a puppy when it was his turn to visit Pluto. Pluto dropped to all fours and the two of them were slowly doggy walking towards one another. When they got super close, Pluto grabbed Demetri and the two rolled over laughing. :rotfl:

Ok, back to catching up. I'm really enjoying reading about your plans.:thumbsup2

Me too on yours :thumbsup2

Another great update as usual!!:thumbsup2 Good luck on finding a collection to take pics of.:) hmmm....I'm not sure what to suggest but I'll keep thinking.

Yes please! We've been thinking about funny hats too but we kinda already do that anyway :laughing:

Cute picture of Pooh and Baby Simba with your son looking on and I love the thumbs up:thumbsup2 pics!!!

We can't remember where we bought Baby Simba but we'll find it. We're wondering which one she'll choose this year.

Le Cellier sounds yummy!! We haven't gotten the chance to eat there yet-but it's definitely high on our must-do list!!

YAY!! Illumination pictures!!:yay::yay: Can't wait to see it in August!!!

I can't remember now, do any of our dates cross?

[KathyRN137]

Another running theme we had with the kids in pictures is the thumbs up. :thumbsup2 Whenever we ask Ariana to smile for a picture or “say cheese!” she tends to bare her teeth and throw her chin in the air. Not one of her better angles. :lmao: So to go for a more natural pose, one time I asked her to give me a “thumbs up”. She immediately relaxed, smiled and gave me the thumbs up.


http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6617.jpg




I'm laughing because we also get a big ole toothy grin from Billy when we tell him to "say Cheese!" :teeth: The smile is good, but he opens his eyes up real wide and it looks a bit creepy. I think I'll try the "thumbs up trick" and see what happens!! :thumbsup2

Love the characters and Baby Simba!! :lovestruc

Kathy

[Mickey_Mom]

I'm laughing because we also get a big ole toothy grin from Billy when we tell him to "say Cheese!" :teeth: The smile is good, but he opens his eyes up real wide and it looks a bit creepy. I think I'll try the "thumbs up trick" and see what happens!! :thumbsup2

Love the characters and Baby Simba!! :lovestruc

Kathy

Lol, yes its always been interesting waiting for school pictures to come home and see what she did when the photographer says to "smile!" Several have been beautiful but others have been downright funny! :laughing:

Let me know if it works for you :thumbsup2

[jenjolt]

Holy Moly I'm behind LOL!!!

First of all...insipired to ride a certain ride at midnight...:rolleyes1 Hmmm nothing sounds better to me LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haunted Mansion here you come!!!

Your Day 6 plans sound lovely!!!!

OOOH...I loved all the pictures that you shared!! They are just gorgeous and your kids are just amazing, those pictures were a hoot!!!

I have no idea where to help you begin looking for something to collect but I hope you are inspired LOL!!!!

Can't wait to hear more and YUMMY to Le Cellier!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mickey_Mom]

Haunted Mansion here you come!!!

:hmghost:


OOOH...I loved all the pictures that you shared!! They are just gorgeous and your kids are just amazing, those pictures were a hoot!!!

Thanks! :goodvibes

I have no idea where to help you begin looking for something to collect but I hope you are inspired LOL!!!!

Can't wait to hear more and YUMMY to Le Cellier!!!!!!!!!!!

We've tossed around a few funny ideas ... we'll figure it out! :thumbsup2

I'm going to try for another update later tonite.

:cool1:

[MinnieNurse]

Just checking in to say Hello and see if I missed anything.:wave2:

[Mickey_Mom]

:wave2: Hey there. Nope, you haven't missed anything. My teenage son's social schedule has taken over my "me-time" so no recent DIS-ing. I'm now helping him prepare a tent sleepover for 10 or so people tomorrow. :upsidedow

He's meeting friends to go bowling tonite so there's a small chance I could sneak in an update. :laughing:

[cjackearl]

I KNOW you slowed down just so I could catch up so thank you!;)

AK day, if you get a chance I would definitely check out the AKL. It's so well themed! We had dinner at Sanaa and enjoyed watching the giraffes grazing while we grazed.

Epcot-Oh, I wish we would have known the secret about pushing all the buttons on Mission Space. I would have encouraged one of the girls to do it just to get them in trouble with Lieutenant Dan.:rotfl:

Your Father's Day picnic was a great idea and what a beautiful location.:cloud9:

Ooh, sleepover for 10!:scared1:Is it in your yard? I'll pray for good weather so everyone can stay outdoors.:laughing:

[Mickey_Mom]

I KNOW you slowed down just so I could catch up so thank you!;)

AK day, if you get a chance I would definitely check out the AKL. It's so well themed! We had dinner at Sanaa and enjoyed watching the giraffes grazing while we grazed.

Epcot-Oh, I wish we would have known the secret about pushing all the buttons on Mission Space. I would have encouraged one of the girls to do it just to get them in trouble with Lieutenant Dan.:rotfl:

Your Father's Day picnic was a great idea and what a beautiful location.:cloud9:

Ooh, sleepover for 10!:scared1:Is it in your yard? I'll pray for good weather so everyone can stay outdoors.:laughing:

:rotfl2: Yep, the sleepover is planned for our back yard but we have quite a large lot surrounded by trees so it will be very dark and very quiet and very away from the house so I'm not sure everyone will last all night in the tents. :scared1: I've been checking the weather and tomorrow night is supposed to be the only night it doesn't rain! Thanks for the prayers! :goodvibes

[cjackearl]

Ok, all caught up.:thumbsup2 Your trip plans sound super fun. Shopping and water parks and Chef Mickey celebrations, plus sleeping in and night time in the MK.:cloud9:

I can't wait to hear some more.popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

Ok, all caught up.:thumbsup2 Your trip plans sound super fun. Shopping and water parks and Chef Mickey celebrations, plus sleeping in and night time in the MK.:cloud9:

I can't wait to hear some more.popcorn::

:goodvibes I am SO excited!!!

[Mickey_Mom]

:cool1: Mickey Mail!! :woohoo: Mickey Mail!! :cool1: Mickey Mail!!

Thanks to the awesome generosity of MinnieNurse, my Canadian family was able to get customized maps and they arrived today!!!! :banana: Of course I grabbed my camera for some reaction shots :rotfl:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0710maps0001.jpg
We soooo have to sit and watch Fantasia 2000 again!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0710maps0003.jpg
The exploration begins!!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0710maps0005.jpg
I think they're a hit!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0710maps0011.jpg
Touchdown!

Up next.... an overdue update with fun pics!

[Lady Lallie]

WOOT for Mickey Mail!! :banana: :woohoo: :banana:

[jenjolt]

I love it when I get Disney stuff in the mail I just LOVE IT!!! And you guys looked so excited to get your mail!! YAY!!!

[Angies1274]

Yay for Mickey mail!!!:yay::dance3::yay:

Very cute picture of your son!!! He looks soooooo excited!!!:thumbsup2

[Mickey_Mom]

In my last update, I said next up would be a day of rest. Hopefully at this point of our trip we are verrrrry rested, because our big plans for...

Day 8!!

.... are nothing. No plans, no ADRs, no parks, nothing. Seriously. No really.

Ok, ok, ok, that does sound boring doesn't it? Well last year we planned a nothing day to spend just at our resort and it was one of the more memorably relaxing days. We just wandered the resort and swam in the pool and leisurely ate lunch poolside and just did whatever the heck we wanted.

And to be perfectly fair, we did head out near the end of the evening to Epcot to watch Illuminations and ended up getting a walk in dinner at the Coral Reef Restaurant. :cheer2: Chances are we'll try something like that again but we won't stress if we don't get in. We'll just watch the fireworks of a park we may end up at and maybe do some more souvenier shopping. Its EMH at MK again on this day so who knows?

And that's it! But what would a good update be without pictures?? I decided I wanted to post some of my favorite pics from past parades.

Fun fun fun!! Let's start with Magic Kingdom shall we?

[Mickey_Mom]

We had a great angle for taking pictures, on a corner. It seemed to be coming straight towards us and then was very close as it passed by. :lovestruc

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40024.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40028.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40030.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40031.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40032.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40035.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40036-1.jpg

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http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40040-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40042.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40044.jpg

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http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40048.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40049.jpg

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http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0825Disney40051.jpg

Next up.... Animal Kingdom!

[Mickey_Mom]

We saw this parade for the first time last year and unfortunately it was soooooo hot that day we didn't get to really enjoy it. :scared: I hope this year to be more prepared for it.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20017.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20023.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20024.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20026.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20029.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20032.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20035.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0826Disney20040.jpg

LOVE Goofy's hood ornament! Next up..... The Block Party Parade!

[Mickey_Mom]

This was new last year and we had a blast. I forgot that Woody and Jessie were in it!!!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6334.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/DSCF6336.jpg

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The Green Army Guy was stopped in front of us when they paused to sing and dance. Loads of fun!

Last up... a different view of the MK parade and Spectro!!

[MinnieNurse]

:cool1: Mickey Mail!! :woohoo: Mickey Mail!! :cool1: Mickey Mail!!

Thanks to the awesome generosity of MinnieNurse, my Canadian family was able to get customized maps and they arrived today!!!! :banana: Of course I grabbed my camera for some reaction shots :rotfl:

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2009_0710maps0001.jpg
We soooo have to sit and watch Fantasia 2000 again!



Wow, they got there quick.

I am so glad he liked them!!! :banana::banana:

[Mickey_Mom]

We were in MK grabbing lunch at the CS place (can't remember the name?) across from Splash Mountain when the parade started up. Turns out the outdoor section of the restaurant was a fairly decent viewing spot if you didn't mind standing on the wall! :rotfl: A bit of a different perspective anyway, and some of the characters came right up to Ariana and held her hand.

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90129.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90136.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90142.jpg
Mr. Smeeee!!!

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90145.jpg


And then of course, our favorite of them all.... Spectro Magic! :love: On this particular night, we had grabbed a spot on the street in the roped off area to watch and the DH went to Cosmic Ray's. He came back with a few trays and we ate while waiting for the parade to start. :thumbsup2

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90258.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90259.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90260.jpg
Isn't that wispy smoke cool?

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90262.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90263.jpg

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http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90273.jpg

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http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90277.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90281.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90286.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90294.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90295.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90296.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90297.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90291.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90293.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu341/Mickey_Mom_photos/2008_0831Disney90289.jpg

And so ends today's stroll down parade lane. Hope you had fun!

[MinnieNurse]

Spectro is the best parade in the whole universe. :cloud9:

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my! I really have loved the parade pictures! :goodvibes

Spectro is the absolute best parade EVER. :cloud9: Your pictures are so amazing!

[MinnieNurse]

Hey LL & MM take a look at my ticker. :thumbsup2

:yay::hyper::hyper::hyper2::hyper2:

This is how I look most of the day. I have been busy making shirts, getting friction block, buying a misting fan, got some goggles for DS.....

DH is laughing I am so hyper I am just bippity boppiting from one thing to the next.

I got DH and DS a appointment for Pirate League so I will have to report how that goes.

[Mickey_Mom]

Spectro is the best parade in the whole universe. :cloud9:

Absolutely! :goodvibes

Oh my! I really have loved the parade pictures! :goodvibes

Spectro is the absolute best parade EVER. :cloud9: Your pictures are so amazing!

We've lucked out with some great shots that's for sure!

Hey LL & MM take a look at my ticker. :thumbsup2

:yay::hyper::hyper::hyper2::hyper2:

This is how I look most of the day. I have been busy making shirts, getting friction block, buying a misting fan, got some goggles for DS.....

DH is laughing I am so hyper I am just bippity boppiting from one thing to the next.

I got DH and DS a appointment for Pirate League so I will have to report how that goes.

:woohoo: You are soooo close! I'd say I'm jealous.... but I'm close too!!! :lmao: So no wench this time eh? :laughing: Can't wait to hear!

[Mickey_Mom]

WOOT for Mickey Mail!! :banana: :woohoo: :banana:

I love it when I get Disney stuff in the mail I just LOVE IT!!! And you guys looked so excited to get your mail!! YAY!!!

Yay for Mickey mail!!!:yay::dance3::yay:

Very cute picture of your son!!! He looks soooooo excited!!!:thumbsup2

:dance3: :jumping1: :dance3:

[MinnieNurse]

I think you missed my post about the maps. I am so glad he loved them and loved the excitement on his face. :cloud9:

[JPFamilyMom]

LOVE all the parade pictures, wow. I don't know if we will make time for parades this trip, but sounds like Spectro would be the one to see if we did see one.

:cool1::cool1:for Mickey Mail:banana::banana: I love those customized maps, we ordered some too, and Jack was just tickled by the pictures, and he loves maps, any maps to begin with so double excitement.

Glad you were able to capture their excitement, that is what it's all about

your day of rest sounds great

popcorn::popcorn::

[Mickey_Mom]

Wow, they got there quick.

I am so glad he liked them!!! :banana::banana:

I think you missed my post about the maps. I am so glad he loved them and loved the excitement on his face. :cloud9:

Whoops! You were tucked in there pretty good! :lmao: Thank you again, the kids absolutely loved them!

LOVE all the parade pictures, wow. I don't know if we will make time for parades this trip, but sounds like Spectro would be the one to see if we did see one.

:cool1::cool1:for Mickey Mail:banana::banana: I love those customized maps, we ordered some too, and Jack was just tickled by the pictures, and he loves maps, any maps to begin with so double excitement.

Glad you were able to capture their excitement, that is what it's all about

your day of rest sounds great

popcorn::popcorn::

Really try to see Spectro, everything about it is just fabulous. Maps are really cool aren't they?

[Angies1274]

Wow!! Great parade pictures!! You got some really good shots:thumbsup2 We loved Specto:lovestruc Such an awesome parade!! So sad that it's not running any night that we are there in August....:sad2:

[ZeroToHero]

Seeing those pictures of Spectro makes me want to go see it again...

I need to go check to see if we'll be at MK any night it's running.

Congrats on the maps!!!!!! You're soooo close, it's only about a month away! My 45 day out mark is tomorrow. :woohoo:

[ZeroToHero]

Wow!! Great parade pictures!! You got some really good shots:thumbsup2 We loved Specto:lovestruc Such an awesome parade!! So sad that it's not running any night that we are there in August....:sad2:

We're going the same day? the 25th? yay! Maybe we'll see each other at check-in!

[Mickey_Mom]

Wow!! Great parade pictures!! You got some really good shots:thumbsup2 We loved Specto:lovestruc Such an awesome parade!! So sad that it's not running any night that we are there in August....:sad2:

Seeing those pictures of Spectro makes me want to go see it again...

I need to go check to see if we'll be at MK any night it's running.

Congrats on the maps!!!!!! You're soooo close, it's only about a month away! My 45 day out mark is tomorrow. :woohoo:

We're going the same day? the 25th? yay! Maybe we'll see each other at check-in!

We're leaving on the 25th at a reallllly early time. :sad1:

Whew! I was starting to freak out that Spectro wasn't going to be on one of the nights we were there but its OK, we'll have two chances to see it. :worship:

[ZeroToHero]

We're leaving on the 25th at a reallllly early time. :sad1:

Whew! I was starting to freak out that Spectro wasn't going to be on one of the nights we were there but its OK, we'll have two chances to see it. :worship:

You're going to miss Angie too then. You know you want to stay an extra day.... :rolleyes1

[Mickey_Mom]

You're going to miss Angie too then. You know you want to stay an extra day.... :rolleyes1

I would love to stay an extra day and meet all you guys.... I thought Angie was arriving on the 24th?

[ZeroToHero]

Oh.. maybe her counter is different than mine. Hers says 1 month and two weeks, and mine says 1 month and 14 days. Maybe the week goes by day of the week.... I don't know. Never mind.... :laughing:

Sorry for all the confusion. I came on here to say I liked the maps, and look what happened!

Any more fantastic purchases lately?