A toddler, preschooler and Disney - Oh My! Pretrip Report [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Macduffy

06-28-2009, 09:50 AM

This may as well be our first trip to Disney. DH and I went 10 years ago - our first vacation together!

The Cast:
Moi, Stacy (29) - perpetually tired mommy. I'm loving the planning part of the trip!
DH, Scott (30) - go with flow kind of guy. A nice compliment to my control freak nature.
DS3, Ben - turning four on our trip. He LOVES anything Playhouse Disney.
DS20 months, Logan - a good eater and sleeper AT HOME, not sure about on vacation!
My Mom, Grammy - I don't think we'd try this trip without her!

We are booked to stay at the ASSp from September 17 - 23! I really wanted to stay at the Contemporary since we will be visiting MK the most but we decided on two rooms at Sports.

Here is a picture of Ben and I with our Disney chain countdown. I think Ben was a little devastated when I said we wouldn't be going to Disney until all the rings on the chain were gone.

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1014717.jpg

This is a horrible picture of DH but he'll never read this!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/boyz387.jpg

And here is my lil' man:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/boyz225.jpg

Macduffy

06-28-2009, 10:07 AM

Itinerary

So my first task was to start an itinerary. I found an awesome spreadsheet online and made some changes to fit my style. This is AWESOME! I knew I wanted to go to MK first because it was more magical for the kiddos and that I wanted to be in MK on Ben's b'day. Once the September hours came out I could make it a bit more finalized making sure that we were at DHS on a night they are open a bit later. We won't be going to Fantasmic - the kids are just too young to enjoy it and I'd rather not waste time waiting in line.

When my ADR's were made I had it finalized - or so I thought! Delta changed our flights so it really screwed up our schedule but I made the necessary changes and we are finalized once again! :thumbsup2

I tried to stick to Logan's nap schedule the best I could when making up the itinerary and will spend the next 81 days working on making his nap a little later in the day. While Ben will take the occasional nap I've pretty much planned for him to swim in the pool if it's nice out.

I planned for an hour of travel times to and from the hotel each time and a 2 hour break during the day. Logan naps about 1.5 hours at home. I hope it won't take an hour to get to and from the hotel but thought I better be generous with the time as Logan may nap a bit longer.

DH makes fun of my 10 page excel document but I think secretly he's glad I'm super organized :yay:

Macduffy

06-28-2009, 10:19 AM

Preparing the Kiddos

We decided to tell DS3 that we were going to WDW rather then surprising him. I think he's too young to *get it* so we thought we'd spend the next few months explaining what Disney World was so we got there he would be excited.
We ordered Playhouse Disney channel and he LOVES it. I get so happy when he talks about going to see Mickey Mouse and Goofy. I'm glad we told him early. I'll be honest and say that I've threatened to call Mickey on more then a few occasions if he didn't start behaving :worship:

We also started a 90 countdown chain but that isn't working too well. Ben thinks it's too long and get sad when we take down a ring because there are soooo many others left. I think I might scrap this idea and go with a 30 day countdown. Much better for a preschooler.
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1014723.jpg

We bought a new stroller for DS3 for the trip. We're making sure that the youngest is NEVER it because it's a "big boy" stroller and if baby DS is in it that goes out the window!

DH and I have also started taking the boys out to more restaurants to get them (and us) used to eating out more. We've taken them before but not regularly - especially since we've been saving $$ for the trip.

Lil DS doesn't really require much preparing... yet! There's not many places with giant characters around on a regular basis for us to take him so here's hoping his fascination with Mickey will hold up when he sees him on the trip LOL :cool1:

TinyDancer

06-28-2009, 02:34 PM

How exciting! I'm also taking a preschooler & a toddler to WDW very soon.

Love the paper chain!!

MJAJmom

06-28-2009, 03:08 PM

My son was 3.5yo on his first trip to WDW. Can't wait to hear more about your trip!! Beautiful shot of your youngest one!

Macduffy

06-30-2009, 03:21 PM

crocko

06-30-2009, 03:36 PM

Hey there! Following along now.....

We're going the same time that you'll be there.

My son will have just turned 5 and my daughter just turned a month ago....so, we're in a fairly similar boat.

Look forward to hearing about your planning and hope the next 79 days fly by for you.

:wizard:

jana616

06-30-2009, 08:28 PM

I'm in as well! We're going on our first family trip from 9/7-9/14, and I have a preschool aged son (4 and 1/2) and a toddler son (26 months when we go) too! I haven't gotten much slack from people about taking them young. I wanted ODS to go when he would still totally have the "eyes popping out of his head with awe" reaction. And I'm not going to leave YDS behind! I don't know how much my ODS will remember (in the short term, a lot!), and I doubt my YDS will remember much, if anything. But I will remember, and that will be more than worth it.

Macduffy

06-30-2009, 08:57 PM

I'm jealous... you're trip is sooner then mine LOL! At least the little ones are free!!! At least that how I'm justifying him not remembering a thing LOL!

crocko

07-01-2009, 08:05 AM

Just because they won't necessarily remember the trip years later.....doesn't mean that you won't.

Macduffy

07-06-2009, 07:56 PM

Passing the Time

So I'm starting to go coo coo waiting for this trip! Aren't we supposed to grow out of that when we are older?? Guess you never grow out of Disney excitement!

To help pass the time DH and I decided to have a Disney Theme Night every friday. there is an amazing thread with the BEST suggestions.
On Friday we are having an Aladdin night with Rice and Chicken Kabobs. We'll make magic carpets out of felt while we watch Aladdin.

I'm excited but a little sad that our youngest won't really enjoy this stuff we are doing but trying to make myself feel better by saying that his time will come and when it does he will have DS3's energy to feed off of :woohoo: and have fun with.

As far as the planning and prepping goes I'm at that point that there really isn't anything to do now but WAIT (the hardest part for ANY true blue planner). I hope these theme nights will hold me off for a little bit longer LOL!

What do you do to help pass the time?

Macduffy

07-06-2009, 07:58 PM

I found the link for the Disney Theme night ideas:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1707141

dvcmember00

07-06-2009, 08:03 PM

Joining this TR, where did you get the spreadsheet that you are using. I've been using the same one for a few years and I'm looking to try a new one!

Macduffy

07-06-2009, 08:24 PM

Here is a copy. It's an excel file but I use Google Documents to work on it.

http://www.4shared.com/file/116417102/b80ed9f3/Disney.html

I found it on iVillage Disney Message Boards and changed it a bit to fit "us".

dvcmember00

07-06-2009, 08:29 PM

Thank you! I'll check it out!

Macduffy

07-16-2009, 07:46 AM

Finally a trip update! So we are 63 days until the trip and this countdown is going sooooo slow. My 3 year old has lost ALL interest in the countdown chain (note to self: 90 days is waaaaaay to long of a countdown for a preschooler LOL). So DH and I decided to have a Disney Theme Night every Friday. There is an amazing thread on in it over in Families.
So last week we did Aladdin! I haven't seen this movie in ages and DS has NEVER seen it.
I thought this would get him excited about the Carpet ride in MK. I wasn't sure he or toddler DS would like all the singing in the movie but it was tolerated.
This week is A Bug's Life but I'm recovery from minor surgery so it will be low key but still fun.
Check out the pictures! All ideas came from the Theme thread - I can't take credit!

Our family room was transformed into an Arabian room LOL! We used the kids playroom table and cushions from the couch. I bought cheap scarf's at the dollar store and plastic wine glasses (with fruit punch) for Sultan's wine. DS loved this!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015099.jpg

We made Jafar Kabob's - they were delicious!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015097.jpg

Raja Tiger Cookies (so easy to make I swear to you)

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015098.jpg

Abu's Monkey Bread

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015112.jpg

I just had chicken fried rice as a side. We ate and watched the movie and then made magic carpets! DS LOVED his carpet! Again all stuff from the dollar store.

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015118.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015125.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015107.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015105.jpg

This was a MUCH better way to get the boys excited about the trip and to be honest is was really exciting for DH and I too! I'm so excited about next week.

While I"m recovering I"m taking the time to work on my Planning Binder - it's soooo addictive. I found the Creative DISings board and I can't stop myself from making Dining Punch Cards, T-shirts for the boys, pillow cases and mousekeeping envelopes. Be careful if you head over there!

Krissy04

07-16-2009, 11:32 AM

You guys are going to have a blast! :cool1:

Here are my thoughts on bringing young kids to WDW...I think it's great! :thumbsup2Every single experience, whether they have a conscious memory or not is shaping them and making them who they will grow up to be. PLUS you and your husband will have the absolute best memories. We took our DD (now 3) for her first character meal at 6mo old. I have to admit, I wasn't too sure about it. My mom wanted to take her to MK and this was our compromise. Well, she loved it and we were hooked. We have gone back with her every year (and bought DVC) and it is a totally different experience each time, but always wonderful. :goodvibes We did get a lot of slack from our friends...oh well...we love and so look forward to our Disney trips!

Macduffy

07-25-2009, 06:32 PM

Wow! I can't imagine how people who pla trips a year in advance do it.... we booked in May and it seems like time is sloooowing down. Poor DS3 asks every day if we are goig to Disney tomorrow and I feel bad but at his age really didn't think a surprise would work since he wasn't 100% sure what WDW actually was.
The Disney Theme Nights are awesome though - MUCH better then the countdown chain! Last week we did a bug's life and tonight we did Incredibles. I asked DS if he knew what our Disney nights were and he said "yes, we get to watch a movie and have treats and make stuff" - Yay he *got* it!!!! All the work and planning is now worth it!
I almost had a meltdown the other week about baby DS and the plane. When I was trying to convince DH to go on the trip and he said baby DS was too young I kept saying "it's not like we are paying for him to go" and so he agreed. Now baby DS is getting to be a handful - wanting to run everywhere, not listening and throwing fits when we stop him from doing whatever mischief he wants to be doing! My mind keep fast forwarding to te 3 hour plan ride and I was sick to my stomach. I looked at buying him a seat (he'll be 20 months at travel) and the price would be $400! Gulp - we don't have that extra money :scared1:
SO I decided to log on to Delta and select our seats. I booked myself in the window and DH in the aisle and left the sandwich seat open (DS3 will be with my mother across the aisle). PRAYING that it will remain vacant and the baby can have it :cloud9: Wishful thinking but it's all we can do at this point. Delta said that I can bring a Car Seat and if there is a seat he can have it so here is hoping!
Here are some pics of our theme nights:

Movie: Incredibes
Menu: "Super" Hero Sandwiches, Frozone's Sundae's
Activity: Making Super Hero Capes

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015218.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015232.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015256.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015275.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015285.jpg

ScotsMinnie

07-25-2009, 06:42 PM

I'm in! Your plans sound great! Don't listen to those strange people who say you are nuts to take the little ones because they are too young to remember it. So what? They are going to have a ball when they are there and you will remember it and also have fabulous photos to treasure.

We took our little girl when she was very little and we had a fantastic holiday. We took lots of video and she loved watching it back.

Loving the theme nights!

Macduffy

07-27-2009, 10:12 AM

Okay so when did I turn into a Disney Maniac???

Today my DH just looked at me and shook his head after discussing with him a good way of cleaning pennies and asking him if he knew what the zinc to copper ratio was for CDN pennies. I then began to reflect on Disney Planning past....

It started innocently enough - we ordered Playhouse Disney for the kids so they would become more familiar with some of the Disney Characters. Then I went on to making a Disney Countdown Chain - all innocent activities but somehow, someway I turned into a crazy Disney Lady.

Each Disney Act is seemingly normal but add them together and you get a NUT! Weekly Disney Theme Nights, creating T-Shirts for the boys, stroller tags, penny press tubes, and a deluxe Disney planning binder are just the tip of it all! I even followed the online automic clock and called WDW DINE at exactly 6:57 AM (accounting for 3 secs of dialing time)....but it worked and we are dining with Mickey for DS's b'day!

Now I'm researching about the best pen to get for Character Autographs (BTW - the consenses seems to be a retractable sharpie LOL), how to clean pennies so they are EXTRA shiny for the press and pouring myself into the cake chatter thread to pick out the PERFECT b'day cake for DS.

I'm obsessed and LOVE it LOL! Sure my friends think I'm coo-coo and DH scratches his head and walks away but my boyz will have a blast!

All the designs and ideas came from the talented ladies on the Creative DISigns board who have shared all their amazing ideas and files!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015289.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015290.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015292.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015295.jpg

Zeebs

07-27-2009, 10:20 AM

Preparing the Kiddos

We bought a new stroller for DS3 for the trip. We're making sure that the youngest is NEVER it because it's a "big boy" stroller and if baby DS is in it that goes out the window!

:

I only wish we had this problem, I can't get my 3 year old out of the stroller, he is going through the I am toooo tired to walk stage unless he can see a play park and then he is quite happy to get out and run towards it.

Looking forward to reading on, especially as we won't be going for a while and my boys are about the same age as yours.

Kirsten

Jenvenza

07-27-2009, 11:18 AM

What fun! I am defintiely in! We took our 13 month old DD to WDW last Spetember and it was a blast! She may not remember it, but we took plenty of videos and pictures and she loves to look at them! We all had such a great time. Disney at ANY age is fine by me! :goodvibes

Macduffy

07-27-2009, 11:22 AM

Phew... so glad to hear that! DH just came home for lunch and said that all his coworkers were saying that they thought our kids were WAY to young to go to Disney.

Seriously?

I can't believe the nerve of some people. If a friend/coworker of mine bought a new house/car and was really excited about it I wouldn't say "well it's a bit too small" or "i don't really like the color" so shut the heck up about my Disney trip!
:eek:

mom2shayleeandlogan

07-27-2009, 12:58 PM

Wow, you have planned some fun nights for your boys! I have a DD3, 4 in Nov. and a DS 14mo. I also hear people saying the won't remember it, but my dd remembers going to vegas when she was one. We are going in aug, I can't wait. I think i am going to steal your theme nights, they look like a great time. Can't wait to read more!:)

Macduffy

07-27-2009, 01:04 PM

Ah... I WISH I could take credit for the Theme Nights but I got ALL the ideas off the Theme Nights thread

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1707141

The ladies over there, especially PrincessTigerLily have some amazing ideas and are so creative! They are so fun and so addictive. Family and friends LOVE to see our pictures each week ;)

Macduffy

07-30-2009, 10:26 AM

Yay - I'm officially out of my 20's and in my 30's! I celebrated my 30th birthday yesterday with my boys! It was pretty low key as we are trying to save money for the trip. DH gave me a dozen roses and the first thing I thought was "oh... these could have been a t-shirt or mickey ears". I think DH knew what I was thinking and told me to get over it and enjoy my beautiful flowers - which I did!

While we were eating cake DS3 said "okay my birthday is next and we are going to Disney to have it with Mickey Mouse" . I reminded him that Sophie's (our dog) birthday's was actually next - yes we celebrate the dogs birthday (any excuse for cake) - he looked at Sophie and politely asked her if she could have her birthday after his. I'm happy he is so excited!

So I spent last night reading about cakes and birthday's at WDW. I looked into the Disney Florist's packages but I really don't think I would get the bang for my buck at his age and with his particular personality.

I met DH at the restaurant for my birthday supper and had a meltdown right along with DS18M. Oh my..... he's in the stage where we wants to run and explore and HATE barriers getting in his way of his exploration. He cried - scratch that - SCREAMED in the restaurant during the busiest time of the day. I brought he and DS3 into the womans washroom and just let him cry. Within 10 minutes he was back to himself and sat in chair like a champ! I just kept thinking - we made a big mistake he's way to young to bring to Disney. But we got through it just as we will WHEN (not if) he does it during our vacation.

mom2shayleeandlogan

07-30-2009, 08:40 PM

Happy 30th Birthday,it sounds like a great time sans meltdown. I think all moms can relate. Boys in general want to explore, my ds15 mo. wants to jump out of my arms any chance he gets. Boys seem to want to touch everything, my dd was not like that. Hope you have some left over cake to eat this weekend, can't wait to hear more about your plans:yay:

Macduffy

07-30-2009, 09:06 PM

I have a Logan too! :cheer2:

He's the one I'm most worried about this trip :scared1: You're right boys sure do have a healthy "curiosity" for life :)

momto2GAgirls

07-30-2009, 09:35 PM

LOL! I am so glad I came upon your PTR!! I have two girls almost the same age as your boys! DD is 3 will be 4 in Dec. for our trip and a 13 month old who will be 17 months. I have gotten so much grief, including from my DH in the beginning! The way I see it, I want to be able to see the world through my kids eyes...they change SOOO much in a matter of days and months. I want to see each of the experience disney at different times of their lives and right now my older DD is in LOVE with princesses and thinks that cinderella will one day have tea with her...:lovestruc

We are surprising her with this trip! We thought she would drive us crazy asking when we are leaving, but I am working different aspects into our homeschooling, like countries and animals. I LOVE the movie nights, may have to steal that one.

I am looking forward to following your reports and learning from you!:goodvibes

HawkeyeMickey77

07-30-2009, 10:18 PM

Just adding my subscription to your thread.

We're taking our 2 boys too in Sept (11-19). They will be 4.5 & a month shy of 2. Oldest DS is a Disney nut! (But I think he's strongly encouraged by me! :rotfl:) Looking forward to planning right along with you!

Zeebs

07-31-2009, 01:49 AM

I wonder why people care so much when you say you are taking young children to WDW. To be honest I really doubt that many people are taking the kids for the kids. I wanted to go to WDW, I knew the kids would have a good time, BUT, I wanted to go and I wanted to see their faces. OK if I thought they would have a terrible time I wouldnt' have taken them but why does it matter to people what you do on your vacation.

I always answered the "they won't remember it" with I know they won't but I will.

I are going out for lunch today with my boys, who for some reason wouldn't go to sleep last night (sharing a room normally pretty good) and were up early this morning so I hope all will be ok at lunch and no meltdowns but I am not totally hopeful.

Kirsten

crocko

07-31-2009, 09:51 AM

jana616

07-31-2009, 02:16 PM

I am right there with you on hoping my YDS can handle this trip. He turned 2 a couple of weeks ago, but he is a shrieker. It's great (said with the utmost sarcasm)... Plus he longer sits in a high chair, or a booster seat. He insists on sitting like his big brother. So we can't even contain him if need be. The only silver lining is that we will have 4 adults to 2 kids, so hopefully that ratio works in our favor and we can wrangle them when necessary!

Love your theme nights! I've been meaning to do them, but hadn't had the motivation. Seeing your pics has inspired me, and I think we'll do our first one on Monday. We do a countdown chain, but we started at 45 days. My ODS is almost 5, and he's having a good time with it. 90 days would be long.

Sounds like your trip is coming along great! Isn't the Creative DISigns board addicting? I spend hours on there searching, and now I finally have it narrowed down. We're off to Michael's after naps to pick up t-shirts!

Macduffy

07-31-2009, 03:40 PM

I wonder why people care so much when you say you are taking young children to WDW.

Kirsten

I know? I mean why do anything with your kids :laughing: Seriously though we priced renting a cottage near the ocean for a week and doing stuff around our city and the price was just as much as a trip to Disney. I doubt anyone would say anything about that so why WDW? probably jealous :rolleyes1

we can't even contain him if need be.

We're off to Michael's after naps to pick up t-shirts!

YDS (I love that acronym btw! I'm so stealing it) is a bull in a china shop glad he won't be the only one LOL

Michael's is EVIL and so is the DISigns board :littleangel:

Macduffy

08-04-2009, 09:36 AM

DH and I are not seasoned travelers - with very little experience with the kiddos especially! Our longest trip was about 8 hrs in the car when the baby was 7 months old. Our flight experience is only one time to Disney in '00 and a few trips to Cuba.

When pitching the trip to DH one of my *points* was that we didn't have to buy a seat for YDS. He liked that idea very much $$$$$ LOL

We booked it and then the real planning began. I was noticing that EVERYONE was recommending a seat for a child over the age of one. The more I thought about it and the more YDS morphed into a squiggly active toddler the more I thought we made a huge mistake. I've been since trying to convince DH to BUY THE SEAT stressing that he would be too squirmy! He kept saying he would be okay and not to worry. Finally I told him it was safer and *BOOM* "well buy him the seat then!" he said... Go figure...

I booked with Delta last night and now YDS will have his very own seat with his car seat.... I feel a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders now. I know he can still freak out on the plan but I feel more in control now. Sure we have to lug the car seat around the airport and via ME but I"m sure it's worth it.

I'm still worried about both boys ears and think I'll get some ear planes to try along with the drinking tip.

We had another Theme night but this one was pretty weak. We had a pool party of 20 people that day but DS really wanted to have his "movie night" so we put YDS to bed and set up for Monsters Inc. I decided that we would do a sleepover theme (Monsters/sleep not too big a stretch). We had traditional sleepover goodies and set up our sleeping bags on the floor with pillows and turned off the light! It was sad that YDS was asleep but it was nice to have some one on one time with DS3. You don't get a lot of that when you have kids close in age.
Here are some pics:

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015332.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015331.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015337.jpg

crocko

08-04-2009, 11:10 AM

Cupcakes are cute....good thinking!

Trinity524

08-05-2009, 02:42 PM

Trinity524

08-05-2009, 02:58 PM

Oh Oh....

I sure hope I didn't get in over my head taking a then 20 month old with us. I've gotten a lot of slack from friends about taking him.

Here are the boys wearing mine and DH's mickey ears last night. Ben's are sideways of course. Should we bring our old ears or get new ones on the trip? I don't really want to pack them up and take them....

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1014995.jpg

My son is all boy... and guess what, I am happy about that. Some people say that they are too young to remember and I tell them that I am too young to forget. This is about the adults as much as it is about my son. I say get new ears. Your eldest will be so excited to see it being made for him.

I'm jealous... you're trip is sooner then mine LOL! At least the little ones are free!!! At least that how I'm justifying him not remembering a thing LOL!

My selling point on the hubby is that my son is free!!!

Just because they won't necessarily remember the trip years later.....doesn't mean that you won't.

:yay:

Passing the Time

I'm excited but a little sad that our youngest won't really enjoy this stuff we are doing but trying to make myself feel better by saying that his time will come and when it does he will have DS3's energy to feed off of :woohoo: and have fun with.

What do you do to help pass the time?

My son at 11 months LOVED disney... all he did was smile and giggle. He especially like the haunted mansion. Don't think that he won't enjoy it, he just might now be able to express it the same way your other son can. All I do is plan!!! I love the DISCreative boards!

DH and I are not seasoned travelers - with very little experience with the kiddos especially! Our longest trip was about 8 hrs in the car when the baby was 7 months old. Our flight experience is only one time to Disney in '00 and a few trips to Cuba.

My son is has travelled more than some people do in a life time. He's been on 10 flights since birth and we haven't bought a seat yet. Normally there is a free seat, but we fly South west. One thing you will want to do is see if your carseat is FAA approved. Booster seats are not allowed in the cabin.

I am so happy to have found your PTR... You will do great! Take lot's of pics and enough life. Don't worry about the people around you if your son decides to fall out on the floor. My son has a great trick where he imitates a bag of water if he thinks that you are trying to make him go somewhere he doesn't want to go or if we are trying to make him go to bed. I will say something that another Mom once told me.... we were all children once and that's for certain. Our mother's somehow survived us and have gained the two things that I desire...#1 is her never ending patience and #2 is the ability to not give a poop what other people say about her children. :)

Macduffy

08-05-2009, 08:03 PM

popcorn:: We are going in September and staying at the Poly with my 22 month old son, my mother and my hubby. This is my son's third trip. 1 in utero 5/07, 1 in September of 2008 and the upcoming one. I am posting again in a few moments to your comments.

The Poly? oh I hate you LOL! I'd love to be able to stay at a deluxe but definitely not in our budget at this point. Maybe if a 4/3 deal were to come up again!
I think it will be neat for the boys to say "i've been going to Disney since I was...." :love:

jezaduck24

08-05-2009, 09:57 PM

You are not alone. We are taking our just-turned-4-today DS - Ben! and our DD Emmie who just turned 2 in July. I just roll my eyes at the 'they are too young' crowd of party-poopers.
I love your theme nights! I wish I had the energy to do those - some nights I barely get the kids chicken nuggets and peas! And believe me, when my Ben demands cereal for dinner, being the picky eater he is, I am secretly relieved.
I loved your Mike cupcakes!
Looking forward to hearing more of your plans! :goodvibes

thegreggersmom

08-05-2009, 10:02 PM

A suggestion for avoiding the lugging of the car seat -- consider renting a CARES restraint off e-bay for the trip. I am singlehandedly taking DS who will be 22 mos. in December. No way I could lug the car seat, push the stroller, etc. but I also could not fathom having him on my lap for the entire flight.

PS your boys are adorable!

mom2shayleeandlogan

08-06-2009, 07:59 AM

Hi, Monsters Inc night looked like fun! Love the cupcakes.:)

karenwwu

08-07-2009, 09:14 AM

As quoted by KathyRN you are most worthy of being called an obsessive disney planner! I am coming out of lurkdom to tell you that you are a WONDERFULLY cool mom with the theme nights every week. Monsters week was not weak at all. Those one eyed cupcakes were adorable. Also loved the Disney planning binder, stroller tags and pressed penny tubes! I haven't been to WDW with my family yet but am enjoying living through everyone else's TR and PTR. Back to lurking...

Macduffy

08-07-2009, 10:08 AM

- some nights I barely get the kids chicken nuggets and peas! And believe me, when my Ben demands cereal for dinner, being the picky eater he is, I am secretly relieved.
I loved your Mike cupcakes!
Looking forward to hearing more of your plans! :goodvibes

Boy do I wish my Ben would eat Chicken Nuggets and Peas - yup I have a picky eater too :laughing: Thank god he likes Spaghetti but now he'll actually pick the veggie out of it (time to puree I guess LOL)!

I think YDS will be using most of his meal credit during free dining :)

A suggestion for avoiding the lugging of the car seat -- consider renting a CARES restraint off e-bay for the trip. I am singlehandedly taking DS who will be 22 mos. in December. No way I could lug the car seat, push the stroller, etc. but I also could not fathom having him on my lap for the entire flight.

PS your boys are adorable!

Thanks for that suggestion! :woohoo: I've looked into renting one. DH really really REALLY liked the idea of NOT lugging around that car seat. The only thing I'm concerned about is that there is no crotch strap YDS is a little Houdini and I'm worried he'll squirm out of it and onto the floor LOL. The price is great for renting though (even in Canada!). I'm still reading reviews but it's hard to find some for kids around 20 months or at the lower end of the weight restriction.

Hi, Monsters Inc night looked like fun! Love the cupcakes.:)

It was pretty fun actually and I really liked that YDS was in bed and we got some special time with Ben (DS3). Those moments are so rare with two *sob*

As quoted by KathyRN you are most worthy of being called an obsessive disney planner! I am coming out of lurkdom to tell you that you are a WONDERFULLY cool mom with the theme nights every week. Monsters week was not weak at all. Those one eyed cupcakes were adorable. Also loved the Disney planning binder, stroller tags and pressed penny tubes! I haven't been to WDW with my family yet but am enjoying living through everyone else's TR and PTR. Back to lurking...

Ahhhhh.... thanks! I really needed that little boost. I feel like I'm losing steam - I called Delta the other day and they asked for my flight number etc. and I couldn't find it right away and lost it (to DH of course). Time to get my game on again :rotfl:

Trinity524

08-07-2009, 02:09 PM

The Poly? oh I hate you LOL! I'd love to be able to stay at a deluxe but definitely not in our budget at this point. Maybe if a 4/3 deal were to come up again!
I think it will be neat for the boys to say "i've been going to Disney since I was...." :love:

Only because we are going with my mother... My husband loves her and he adores her; however, even the best of men have limits. The other rooms are too small and the hubby refused to stay in a double bed again. It's a once in a lifetime thing!

I would love to do your theme nights! My poor little guy is not old enough though. I am secretly thinking about doing one tonight. Life is not all about my toddler... I think hubby would like it too!

Macduffy

08-10-2009, 09:20 AM

A little Disney Magic arrived at our house this morning :cool1: Our Magical Express tags/pkg arrived today!! :cloud9: I was soooooo excited. DS asked what it was and I told him it was from Mickey Mouse. He glowed! I called DH who just left for work and yelled "Our Magical Express stuff arrived today!" and he said "OMG that's awesome -what is that?" LOL

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015495.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1015496.jpg

I read about doing a Disney Trial Run (thanks Jana616!!!!) and took the boys on a mini day trip to see what pitfalls we might face at Disney. The boys are used to traveling for about 2 hours and our WDW flight is about 3 so hopefully they'll be okay. We didn't take the DVD players with us this time (1.5 hrs) and they were great so hopefully with them we'll be laughin'!
YDS, Logan, is getting better out in public - following us, holding hands and getting over his tantrums faster. The biggest problem was eating. We were at a little beachside restaurant and Logan didn't want to sit still at all. He squirmed and screamed and didn’t want to eat (strange for him). It was VERY frustrating to say the least. I tried to take some comfort in the fact that 98% of our meals were buffet at Disney and so we wouldn’t have to wait for food to be served and he can go with us to fill our plates! Also, 99% are character meals so that might keep him entertained. That night we saw that he had 4 teeth pushing through – I felt bad for being impatient with him :guilty:.

DS3, Ben, was amazing – strange that nearing the age of 4 he has become so well behaved and well – just plain pleasant LOL. No problems with him but I didn’t expect there to be. My only “Disney issue” with him will be that he HATES the camera and having his picture taken. Candid’s are nice but some posing shots would be nice too.

I'm going to post my Itinerary and ADR's next to see what needs to be changed!

crocko

08-10-2009, 10:14 AM

Yay for Magical Express!

(hoping ours comes this week some time)

Also, we have those PJ's at our house!

mom2shayleeandlogan

08-10-2009, 11:52 AM

Very exciting!!! We did a trial fun also, at Six flags. It went good, My DD is almost 4 and they are little people and way better behaved the Early 3. Can't wait to hear more. :goodvibes

jana616

08-10-2009, 08:24 PM

Well, you know I am super jealous about your Mickey Mail today (if you're up to date on my PTR, at least!). Still waiting on ours...

I'm glad you tried a test run, and that things went well. That's awesome! My YDS struggles with wanting to run free, which I'm not okay with, and both boys have a super hard time sitting still at restaurants, so I really feel you there. We have 5 character meals, and 'Ohana dinner (lots of kids activities) so I think we'll be fine there, hopefully. Le Cellier is what makes me nervous, but I keep telling myself that everyone else will have loud, cranky kids too, right?

Macduffy

08-11-2009, 11:17 AM

Le Cellier is what makes me nervous, but I keep telling myself that everyone else will have loud, cranky kids too, right?

Of course! It's Disney :wizard:

Macduffy

08-11-2009, 11:36 AM

So it’s time to reveal the Itinerary -dun dun dun-!

We are arriving at MCO around noon so we are planning to hang out at the resort (All Star Sport) and then head to Planet Hollywood for supper around 4:30. Since our flight to Disney leaves at 6 AM an early night will be required LOL!

On the first day we are going to Magic Kingdom. I always feel like it’s the most Magical Place to go so I want to they boys to first experience Disney there! We have an ADR at Crystal Palace for 5 PM.
The next day is off to Epcot. To be honest – I’m not excited about this day. Epcot just seems to be for a much older audience and can’t imagine the kiddos enjoying it as much. The World Showcase is a little more kid friendly I think. We are eating at the Garden Grill at 4:30. I’m disappointed with this ADR – it’s early for even us so I’ve been checking daily to see if anything opens up.

DHS is next. I LOVE DHS!!!! I think the boys will have lots of fun here because it has all the movie characters and Playhouse Disney which is always on at our house. I scheduled two table service meals here mainly because it’s not a huge park and there were two “can’t miss” restaurants for the boys. We have a lunch at Hollywood n’ Vine (both DS’s are so into Little Einstiens) and the supper at Sci Fi. They times are at 12 and 5 – I hope it’s not too much. Maybe I’ll look into moving up Sci Fi’s time?
Finally – it’s Ben’s 4th birthday! We are of course spending it at MK with supper at Chef Mickey’s. I’m so excited – as it’s our second trip to MK I’m hoping it will be a more relaxed visit. I still haven’t decided on a cake yet but Ben said he wants a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake so I’ll have to call the cake hotline and see what they suggest. I really don’t want to spend a lot of money – maybe $45? We’ll be travelling through MK after CM so we can’t take it with us :sad2:.

The next day is blank so far! We have b’fast at Ohana’s but nothing scheduled. I have an extra day on my pass but not sure if we should do MK for the 3rd time, DHS or AK? Thoughts? Whatever we do - it will be a very RELAXED visit.

The day before we leave we are going to AK. I think the boys will really like this park. We are doing Donald’s Safari Breakfast which I was a bit hesitant on as it takes up valuable AK touring time as it closes at 5PM but it’s for the kids and they come first right?

Then we leave (this is already making me sad!). We fly out at noon so DME will pick us up at 9 – no time to do anything except grab a bite to eat at the ASSp food court.

I’m really wondering about the extra day and what we should do. We plan on doing a very relaxed tour of the parks with 3 hours breaks each day so I’m not sure a “park free” day is necessary for us. Please HELP!

Our ADR’s are early but we eat early at home so I want to stick with that schedule.

I’m following Touringplans.com for each park. I figured that touring plans are their jobs so they must know what they are talking about. Here’s hoping….

crocko

08-11-2009, 12:45 PM

Hollywood & Vine -- will the characters be out and about for lunchtime? I thought it was just breakfast there.

Macduffy

08-11-2009, 12:51 PM

I was surprised too! Lunchtime Character meals are SO uncommon. I double checked on the website and it said:

Playhouse Disney's Play 'n Dine at Hollywood & Vine Restaurant is a Character Dining experience with breakfast and lunch buffets

Character Dining Lunch Buffet: The Playhouse Disney pals continue the festivities at Hollywood & Vine from breakfast through lunch for more singing, dancing and playing. Across the lunch buffet, find kid- and adult-friendly entrees, such as baked chicken and assorted deli selections.

I'm not sure if people know this either because I just made the ADR online about a month ago and there were TONS of available spots!

Something to think about if you're kids are Playhouse Disney Addicts like mine :yay:

crocko

08-11-2009, 12:54 PM

Awesome!

I was unaware of that.

jana616

08-11-2009, 01:25 PM

Your plans sound great! I don't think you'll need a park free day if you're taking a break each day. We're doing breaks and planning for a park each day. We have a semi-open day planned, where I know we are doing DTD in the evening (my ODS is a dino junkie, so we have to do T-Rex), but I'm leaving the morning open for whatever park we want more time at. I'd just wait and see what the kids want. I know mine would LOVE getting to choose!

I'm celebrating my birthday at WDW too! Happy early birthday to Ben! Do you need a cake? I think Chef Mickey's pretty consistently brings out a cupcake with a candle in it, and if they forget, could you bring a candle just in case and get a treat from the buffet? I guess I'm super cheap, but $45 just sounds like a lot for something you won't even get to bring with you, and you know you'll be stuffed from dinner. Just my 2 cents, sorry to butt in!

We have so many of the same ADRs!! Chef Mickey's dinner, CP dinner, Tusker House breakfast, 'Ohana breakfast, and H&V lunch (well, brunch at 11). Great minds must think alike! And I am pretty sure there are characters there at lunch; at least everything I've read says yes. I know what you mean about there being tons of ADRs open for H&V. I went on there a couple weeks ago and found an 8 am ADR for the day I wanted-this was like 40 days out. I was shocked, since 8 am seems to be the most popular time to get into the parks early. But ultimately I decided we would not want to get up that early twice (our TH is at 8 am too), so I switched to 11 am-not sure what meal we're eating now though since lunch switches at 11:20??? Oh well, it will be fine!

Zeebs

08-11-2009, 01:29 PM

The next day is off to Epcot. To be honest – I’m not excited about this day. Epcot just seems to be for a much older audience and can’t imagine the kiddos enjoying it as much. The World Showcase is a little more kid friendly I think. We are eating at the Garden Grill at 4:30. I’m disappointed with this ADR – it’s early for even us so I’ve been checking daily to see if anything opens up. .

How funny is it that people see things differently, we decided not to do the World Showcase because I didn't think it would hold the kids attention enough, with them not really being old enough to do the Kidcot stations and alot of it just looking around. I thought I would save it for a future trip when we would have more time. We actually had a lot of fun at Epcot. We did the nemo ride a couple of times, the kids liked Living with the Land, (they did this with Grandma and Grandpa while we did Soarin') Cullen thought the free drinks at Club cool were wonderful. My trip report tells you all about our day there.

We also had a 4.00 pm meal at Coral Reef, we normally eat about 5.00 at home and as it turned out it wasn't too early. Most of our reservations were for around 4.45 and 5.00. By the time we got seated, looked at menu, ordered etc it wasn't too early. Plus we got a really good seat. Well we thought it was great.

Plus I found that the kids tired out a bit earlier making them crankier earlier and it meant the weren't too bad for a sit down dinner. Plus you can carry on afterwards if they still seem to be up for it.

Kirsten

Macduffy

08-11-2009, 01:33 PM

I'm celebrating my birthday at WDW too! Happy early birthday to Ben! Do you need a cake? I think Chef Mickey's pretty consistently brings out a cupcake with a candle. Just my 2 cents, sorry to butt in!

We have so many of the same ADRs!! Chef Mickey's dinner, CP dinner, Tusker House breakfast, 'Ohana breakfast, and H&V lunch (well, brunch at 11). Great minds must think alike!

We don't need a cake and yes $45 is ALOT of money for a b'day cake for 5 (for our family anyway)! DS associates birthdays with cakes so if I came to him with a cupcake I'd definetly get the "what is THIS?" look LOL! I'm 90% sure my mom will foot the bill for the cake - she spoils the boys like you've never seen :rolleyes1 He won't ask for a single present but will wonder where his cake is LOL!

Great minds DO think alike - and obviously we envisioned the same trip for our kids - magic magic magic!

The kids will LOVE t-rex - hmmmmm.... now you've got me thinking :laughing:

jana616

08-12-2009, 01:24 PM

We don't need a cake and yes $45 is ALOT of money for a b'day cake for 5 (for our family anyway)! DS associates birthdays with cakes so if I came to him with a cupcake I'd definetly get the "what is THIS?" look LOL! I'm 90% sure my mom will foot the bill for the cake - she spoils the boys like you've never seen :rolleyes1 He won't ask for a single present but will wonder where his cake is LOL!

Great minds DO think alike - and obviously we envisioned the same trip for our kids - magic magic magic!

The kids will LOVE t-rex - hmmmmm.... now you've got me thinking :laughing:

I hope you don't think I was being obnoxious mentioning the cake! I just didn't know if you were aware that CM will probably do something for free. Of course, if grandma is footing the bill, then bring on the cake!:rotfl: And trust me, my kids are the only grandkids on both sides (well, my brother and SIL just had a baby a few weeks ago, but until then...), so I totally understand spoiling!!! And if the cake is important to him, then you definitely need it-I get that. I don't think my ODS would be thrilled with just a cupcake either, I know.

Yep, I want magic all the way. I couldn't tell if Griffin (my ODS) was getting excited, so I asked him today and he was very cute in showing me HOW excited he is. So now I am extra psyched! You should definitely think about T-Rex. I think it might be a requirement for all "boys only" households, lol! And it looks really cool! Too bad you can't squeeze that one in on his birthday. They have the Extinction dessert that has cake and ice cream and smokes like a volcano, and feeds a group for $15. Stick a candle in that and tell him it's a dinosaur themed birthday;)!

Can't wait to keep reading about your plans!

NJDevsfan

08-13-2009, 06:49 AM

Don't underestimate EPCOT. We weren't excited to take or 2 yea-old, but she loved it. Lots of characters! A few nice rides - Nemo, especially - they'll love.

You and your husband will enjoy the views and the food and drinks. Lots of walking here.

Trinity524

08-13-2009, 07:42 AM

OH MY GOSH! You guys are singing my story with Le Cellier. Last year it was the only restaurant that I was worried about. And guess what? My DS was nasty there. We looked around and all the kids were going nuts. Probably because it was 2pm which is nap time, and it was the only time I could get the ADR, so that was my fault. We took our meals to go, brought my son to this play area and we ate while he laughed and played in this maze type thing. Things happen, you will adapt, and it is Disney.

I am SO jealous that you got your Magical Express tickets. I am sending good vibes to my cell phone so that it will ring and it will be my AAA agent calling me telling me that they came in. :) :dance3:

Trinity524

08-13-2009, 07:43 AM

I hope you don't think I was being obnoxious mentioning the cake! I just didn't know if you were aware that CM will probably do something for free. Of course, if grandma is footing the bill, then bring on the cake!:rotfl: And trust me, my kids are the only grandkids on both sides (well, my brother and SIL just had a baby a few weeks ago, but until then...), so I totally understand spoiling!!! And if the cake is important to him, then you definitely need it-I get that. I don't think my ODS would be thrilled with just a cupcake either, I know.

Yep, I want magic all the way. I couldn't tell if Griffin (my ODS) was getting excited, so I asked him today and he was very cute in showing me HOW excited he is. So now I am extra psyched! You should definitely think about T-Rex. I think it might be a requirement for all "boys only" households, lol! And it looks really cool! Too bad you can't squeeze that one in on his birthday. They have the Extinction dessert that has cake and ice cream and smokes like a volcano, and feeds a group for $15. Stick a candle in that and tell him it's a dinosaur themed birthday;)!

Can't wait to keep reading about your plans!

Now you guys have me thinking!!! LOL

Macduffy

08-19-2009, 10:52 AM

In 29 days I will be in Disney!!! I'm actually freaking out a little because my To Do list is soooooo long and we are in the middle of a heat wave and spending all day and night in our pool! I had to check last night before bed to see if the boys were growing webbed feet or gills :)

So because of the heat I have not done a single "Disney" thing. Including Theme nights :rolleyes1 Hopefully things will slow down soon I can be motivated to do things.

*knock knock* Opportunity is that you?

DH's nephew has a birthday party on Saturday (it's in our home town about 2 hrs away) but we were planning on staying the night to visit with family. Last night I had a brilliant idea :idea:- why doesn't DH take the boys for the weekend and I can stay home and tackle my list???!!!

Now I love my husband dearly and he is a terrific father BUT he isn't comfortable taking the kids - well - anywhere without me! LOL He gets nervous if YDS gets fussy or if DS3 doesn't listen. Not that I'm super mom by any means but I am constantly taking the boys - well - EVERYWHERE with me. I've gone for the day, weekend, week all by my lonesome. I've taken them to my doctors appointments, countless playdates and parties, the pool, beach etc. all by myself. So I don't think I'm asking much to get him to take them for a couple days to a place where he has tons of support and help.

He said he would but I could sense both fear and disappointment (mostly fear). I'm not sure if he will, I have a feeling I will be guilted into going but we will see.

Below are some random pictures of some summertime fun with the kids (places I've taken them without hubby LOL!)

First is my little girl - Sophie. Our 3 year old PERFECT Golden Lab. I love her sooo much! She loves to swim in the river and even comes up with a fish now and then!

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/IMG_1351-1.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/IMG_1327-1.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/IMG_1393.jpg

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/IMG_1415.jpg

jana616

08-19-2009, 12:43 PM

I SOOO feel you on the taking the kids anywhere thing. I think as SAHMs we just have to take them with us places, there's no other choice (well, not go anywhere, but yuck to that!). But dads get all nervous and feel like they have no idea what they're doing with them...anyway, I totally get it.
I think it is entirely reasonable for your DH to take them without you. Especially when all of his family will be there to help. Can he try to time the drives so that they are in the car when they might sleep? That would make the drive seem a lot less scary. Or do you have a portable DVD player he could use? Those are a godsend for longer drives. I'd tell him to "man up" and take them for some wonderful father-sons bonding time. Mommies need that every so often, especially when we're freakinging out about upcoming trips and whittling down to do lists!

Your summer sounds like it's been fun! We had such a cool summer (like record-setting cool), but it's finally warmed up here a lot, right in time for school to start back up! And your dog is beautiful! I love the pic of you and your son!

crocko

08-19-2009, 02:51 PM

Macduffy

08-19-2009, 02:58 PM

Something funny from my perspective.

I like taking the kids out by myself and have learned to appreciate the hard work that it is.
It really must be uncommon, though....many times I've gotten comments about how I'm doing a good job and how tough it must be.
I always appreciate the comments, but am also thinking...."Dude...my wife does this EVERYDAY...I would be surprised if she gets ANY comments."

Oh well.
Anyway, yay for 29 days!!!! :thumbsup2

Ha ha - I always look at dads out solo with their kids and think "wow, what a great dad!" again - not that DH isn't - he's just scared :scared1: and I don't blame him. It is hard work but SO important to socialize young kids!

If I can get him to take them this weekend he'll be laughin' for the next 18 years :)

Wish I had two countdowns to Disney on the go! :sad2:

crocko

08-19-2009, 03:12 PM

Wish I had two countdowns to Disney on the go! :sad2:Get annual passes....they make it "easier" to go back often.

jagmom

08-19-2009, 04:09 PM

I left my dh home with our 2 kids, 3 year old ds and 22 month old dd for 6 days. He survived. Despite popular opinion, moms don't have special powers over kids. Dads are just as capable.

Macduffy

08-19-2009, 09:19 PM

I left my dh home with our 2 kids, 3 year old ds and 22 month old dd for 6 days. He survived. Despite popular opinion, moms don't have special powers over kids. Dads are just as capable.

SO True! DH always says "I'm not as good as you are" and while I love the complement it's just not true! He thinks I'm a very relaxed parent but I tell him it was born out of necessity :hippie: Funny thing is - if he started taking the boys out without me all the time I'd be on here complaining about THAT :lmao:

jagmom

08-20-2009, 02:46 PM

if he started taking the boys out without me all the time I'd be on here complaining about THAT :)

lilmissie

08-20-2009, 07:20 PM

Very interested in your PTR and hopefully TR to follow. We are doing our first trip in October with DS3, DS3, DS2 and getting very nervous/excited. One thing, you had mentioned you've been looking at cakes, getting ready to plan for DS3's bday. Can you send me a link or something to them. We'll be celebrating DS3's bday while there as well and I'd love to get them a cake.

Macduffy

08-23-2009, 07:41 PM

I had full 24 hours to myself!!!! Which meant 24 full hours to obsess over our Disney Trip :lmao:
I hate to say it but I was happy to see my boys drive out of that driveway! I don't remember EVER having a day for just me - no kids, husband, friends, family JUST me!

I got a lot of stuff done on my To Do list.

I burnt a DVD for each of the boys with their favorite shows (Transformers, Word World, Little Einsteins etc.). I made Disney like DVD covers.

I put together their Plane bags too! I included some old Happy Meal Toys (they are quiet and I don't care if they lose them), sticker book, story book, mini slinky, treat lunch box, their DVD and a travel magna doodle. I'm keeping them hidden until we are actually on the plane b/c I need every minute of "interest" on my side ;)

I ordered my transfer paper from amymickey.com and picked out my t-shirt DISign from Natalie's photobucket/4shared. I LOVE her stuff and so happy she shares all her hard work and creativity with the DIS board member!!! I bought the shirts at Zellers for $4 each - Children's Place was $6.50 and Michael's didn't make them small enough. I'm not sure if I'll make T's for DH and I. I'll ask him tonight :lovestruc

I also made our invites, treat tags, sucker holders, chocolate bar wrappers and updated my Planner. - still have to make them though. Thank god for Photoshop :banana:

I feel sooooo great about all the things I got done!!!

In Non Disney related news - my dog Sophie has gone into heat! We are leaving in 26 days and she just started her cycle. I'm FREAKING out that she won't be finished when we are leaving and I have no where to bring her. :eek: we still haven't figured out what to do with our cat suffering from Kidney Failure :rolleyes1

I will all work out I know but in the mean time I'm adding things to the To Do list as fast as I'm taking them off :surfweb:

Should I call to confirm my ADR's? I also looked at doing T-Rex instead of Planet Hollywood thanks to Jana :yay: see what I mean about adding more things to do!?

jana616

08-24-2009, 03:05 PM

I am SOOO happy for you that your DH took the kids and you got some time to yourself. We need that so badly. Good for you! It sounds like you were super productive. I love the DVD idea. I have no idea how to do that, but my boys would love something like that. That ought to buy you all kinds of quiet time on the plane.

I can't believe your dig is in heat! That's some bad timing, huh? Hopefully she'll finish soon!

I think with the ages of your boys they would love T-Rex. If you decide to do it, call them directly-they have lots more openings than the ADR line does. And I so hear you on the to do list getting bigger not smaller. I just thought of two things to do as I am typing! Good luck, and you'll get it all done!

posh*tots* resale

08-24-2009, 09:49 PM

Oh Oh....

So went to a local weight loss business to meet with a weightloss coach. I want to loose some weight for Disney (20 lbs). Anyway, I told the coach I had to bring my son with me and asked if that would be a problem. She said not at all. I packed toys, a sippy, crackers and more toys. Oh my god.... he was OUT OF CONTROL the whole appointment! :scared1: He tore everything apart was running all of the place and threw a huge temper tamtrum in her office. I was mortified but all I could think about was Disney. How the heck am I going to cope in MK or DHS with these "throw myself on the floor and kick and scream until I get what I want" episodes.

I sure hope I didn't get in over my head taking a then 20 month old with us. I've gotten a lot of slack from friends about taking him. They think DH and I are crazy to take the boys (4 and 20 months) to WDW because they are too young to remember it. We try to explain that Disney isn't going to be a once in a lifetime trip for us and that we plan on going back every chance we get (we live in Atlantic Canada) but people still think we're nuts.

Is anyone else taking young kids to Disney getting slack? DS#1 thinks that Mickey Mouse is REAL and that he lives in the Castle with his friends - how freaking cool is that? I want him to experience that even if he may not remember - I will and that's all that really matter rights? LOL

Here are the boys wearing mine and DH's mickey ears last night. Ben's are sideways of course. Should we bring our old ears or get new ones on the trip? I don't really want to pack them up and take them....

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/P1014995.jpg

Hello Again!! We brought our kids on their 1st DISNEY trip back in 2007. My son was 3yrs 2 mos and our daughter was 20 months at the time. Umm...it was a bit chaotic but it was our own faults. We went COMMANDO & didn't factor in midday breaks. It was way too hot for them to be out all day. This time around they are 5 yrs 2 mos and 3 yrs 8 mos old. Even though they are older this time around, we are STILL going back to the resort for a midday break to escape the heat & chaos of the parks. Our kids were quite behaved during dinner. Granted, we didn't make dinner last 2 hours. We were in/out in an hour. I always packed a "travel toy bag" that they played with in the restaurants. This time around they are packing their Leapsters & V-Smiles hand held games to keep them busy. GOOD LUCK!!!!

pixie_mtl

08-26-2009, 07:48 AM

Macduffy

08-26-2009, 08:02 AM

Oh my! Ton voyage approche!! 22 more days to go:goodvibes

I really enjoyend reading your pre-trip report. What a great idea of holding theme nights with the boys! I also love the rings chain idea.

The first time time I took my daughter to Disney she was 3.5 and I celebrated her 4 bday there. This was last year; she had a blast!:) I wouldn't worry much about how the kids behave... they'll see how the other kids do in the park and will follow along. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.

Vivement la suite!

Thanks! I needed that... whether he will remember this trip or not the excitement and "magic" he'll experience NOW is worth all the negative comments I've been getting about the kids being too young.

The youngest has been getting better - his tantrums are shorter and more controlled now LOL and older DS is good as long as he's not too tired :)

pixie_mtl

08-26-2009, 11:14 AM

Thanks! I needed that... whether he will remember this trip or not the excitement and "magic" he'll experience NOW is worth all the negative comments I've been getting about the kids being too young.

The youngest has been getting better - his tantrums are shorter and more controlled now LOL and older DS is good as long as he's not too tired :)

People think that Disney is unaccessible mainly because they think is too pricey when in fact it cost less than a trip to Cuba with Club med. I think these negative comments means more like "how can YOU afford to get there and not me":sad2: You shouldn't have to justify why you are taking vacation to one place rather than another one. Vacation is not about memory is about sharing time with your family and live and experience new things. People go to Cuba with babies... do they think about how much the baby is going to remember COME ON:confused3

Disney has been in the business for so many years... Even when you look at the Disney planning-dvd one section is made entirely for the 5 and under. And Disney starts its packages to include child as of 3... So if they didn't know what they were doing they'd be out of business a long time ago. The fact that these people are so negative is just ignorance on the subject. Go on! Enjoy! You only get one life to live!:banana:

mommyof2Pirates

08-27-2009, 12:19 PM

I cant believe I didnt notice your ptr sooner. I am joining in better late than never. I am going to disney 9-20/9-26. Staying at all star sports. We will be at MK the night we arrive which I believe is the night you are going after chef mickeys right? We will also be at AK 9/22 we have res. for tusker at 1010am. What time are yours?

We also got alot of comments that the kids are too young to spend money on this trip. They are 4 (5 in nov) and almost 2 1/2. My reply is "the trip is for us to see the magic through their eyes and what do you care your not paying for it". We also plan to go multiple times to disney through out their childhood so at some point they will remember it. Whats the difference between disney or the beach right.

I am also glad to read that YDS is calming a little. I remember those months when I felt like my yds was out of control but closer to the 2nd bday they usually start to settle down and understand more. You should be fine. Just plan for all the temper tantrums/meltdowns/and crying and you might be pleasantly suprised.

I also love the disney nights you did. I know they all werent your idea but you did an awesome job of carrying them out. I wish I would of thought of that sooner.

I know what you mean too about people thinking your nuts. It all starts as a simple plan and before you know it your this crazy person that is constantly talking, thinking, and dreaming disney. At least there is more like us!:laughing: We are not alone.

Macduffy

08-27-2009, 12:26 PM

Well the summer is almost over and I go back to work on Monday. Working 9 months out of the year is a really nice balace for our family. The boys get the experiences of Preschool but I get the summer (the best time of year) with them!!!

I'm embarrassed to admit that this year I am so excited to go back to work to get some time to work on my Disney Stuff. As SAHM's know - time to yourself is limited if it even exists at all!

Ben, DS, has started to get really interested in Dinosaurs and he keeps asking me if he will see one at Disney. SO... I went online to see if I could get an ADR at T Rex for our DTD day. Not a single reservation was available on the WDW site. I was disappointed but Jana16 suggested I call directly - I did and got a spot for 5 at 4:30!!!!!! I'm so happy I called them directly instead of going through WDW Dining. I started showing him pictures on the computer yesterday. Now I have to cancel my Planet Hollywood ADR.

So we are about 3 weeks out and I'm starting to throw things together but money is getting SO tight. Getting the boys ready for preschool, fall clothes, and all the Disney pretrip stuff is taking a toll on the bank account!

It's funny - when you book the trip you think about costs like airfare, hotel, food, tickets, souvenir money etc. You DON'T think about ink cartridges, card stock, binding, t-shirts, transfer paper, Theme Night supplies, luggage, plane bags for the kids, gift cards for people looking after pets etc. etc. etc.... the list just keeps getting longer and longer and the budget is so out the window. Ah well... the tight purse strings will be worth it in the end!

Speaking of pretrip stuff... I have two boxes I'm going to put the boys "plane bags" in and I'm going to wrap it up in packaging paper and put some cute Mickey Stamps on them and get our neighbor (who the kids don't know) to knock on the door with their special "Mickey Mouse Delivery". They'll be so excited I can't wait!

Macduffy

08-27-2009, 12:30 PM

Our tusker's ADR is for 9:10 so we'll probably be leaving as you are being seated LOL! If see a toddler running around all crazy like and hear some yelling ""Logan!!!" That's me LOL!

mommyof2Pirates

08-27-2009, 08:36 PM

thats so funny. I am trying to get an earlier reservation since we normally eat breakfast by 830am. We are early risers. Well let me say I have to be an early riser because my ds2 likes to yell "ding dong" at our bedroom door at 6 am. So with luck maybe we will see you there. I will be yelling the one yelling "nicholas". LOL.

hollisterluva92

08-27-2009, 08:46 PM

I'm in! I love the theme nights!!! I am considering doing one for my birthday...but i'm torn between that and twilight...hmmmmmmm...Your boys are adorable! Can't wait to hear more!!!

Macduffy

08-27-2009, 08:58 PM

I'm in! I love the theme nights!!! I am considering doing one for my birthday...but i'm torn between that and twilight...hmmmmmmm...Your boys are adorable! Can't wait to hear more!!!

I love Disney and all but Edward Cullen has my heart! I'd go for a twilight night ;) I went to 4 twilight DVD release parties when the movie came out (sheesh!) you can have alot of fun with it!
Happy Early Birthday!

Dylan_&_Blake's_mom

08-28-2009, 12:54 AM

Just found your PTR and I love it. I have 3 boys and the youngest is almost 26 months old (will be almost 27 months old when we go). He is also in the "I don't want to sit still stage" so we don't do sit down restaurants much at all for now and I'm a little worried about how he will do at disney. Here's hoping we both have good luck and a little pixie dust. We are doing disney nights as well and my boys love them. We haven't done as much with them as you but I am going to start to try and do more. Tomorrow night is our Monsters Inc. one and I am definately going to have to do the cupcake thing and the blue kool-aid. Thanks for that. Can't wait to see and hear more about your trip. Bummer that we will just miss eachother.

pixie_mtl

08-28-2009, 07:52 AM

I love Disney and all but Edward Cullen has my heart! I'd go for a twilight night ;) I went to 4 twilight DVD release parties when the movie came out (sheesh!) you can have alot of fun with it!
Happy Early Birthday!

Another vote for Twilight:)! Edward Cullen is so hot:lovestruc:lovestruc

loritemp

08-28-2009, 08:10 AM

Just found your thread and I love it! We are heading to WDW in Oct, taking my son for his first Disney experience! He will be 18months when we go and seems like every day I have a new worry about the trip. So glad I am not alone in that! Looking forward to following your thread!

Macduffy

08-29-2009, 10:03 AM

Thanks to my WONDERFUL mother's Disney Donation :laughing: I went out and got all of our last minute trip stuff! Don't you just love shopping with someone else's money!!!!

I bought the boys snacks, diapers, wipes, shampoo's etc. and kicked my TO DO's list butt this weekend. It felt awesome. Don't get me wrong there is tons more to do but now I can focus on Logan starting daycare/preschool on Tuesday.

He's been doing pretty good lately and I'm starting to worry about him less and less. He seems okay in the stroller when there is alot to look at and I'm assuming there will be alot for him to look at in Disney. I'm starting to wonder if there is any place in the World where he can get out and stretch his legs, you know, run free so to speak! If anyone knows of a place he can burn off some of his, ahem, energy please let me know

I verified that Logan seat can be used on a plane although being from Canada that was rather tricky. All Canadian seats are approved for planes (otherwise they cannot be sold in Canada) therefore they don't say anything on the seat. So I had to track down a document from Transport Canada stating this fact. I wonder if the FA will even check?

We are using Cosco Scerena which is a really light seat and hopefully help when we lug it through the airport :headache: It's the car seat for our second car so it's in great shape but still needs to be cleaned :guilty: That screams DH to me!

I brought Loggie to the Doctor for a check up and asked about flying with him. I asked about using Benadryl just in case he had fluid in his ears but she said not to bother as only a decongestant would help and he can't get that until he's 6! I asked about Gravol but she said that kids his age (20 months) don't get travel sick. Go figure! We have EarCheck (http://www.earcheck.com/) and LOVE it so I'll use that on ALL of use before we leave. If there is some fluid I'll use the benadryl ;)

I'm still not sure what park bag to use and hoping I'll find something in Bangor before we fly out but can't imagine leaving that to the last minute. I LOVE sling bags but they are so hard to find here. I should have order that Baggallini months ago :sad2:

We still haven't decided on a video camera. I just want to use the video feature on our photo camera but DH is thinking about the new Kodak pocket flash drive camera being released next week.

This weekend I'm hoping to finish my treat cards for the boys, thank you cards (w/ lifesavers) and wash my shirts to make them next week!!!

Tonight we are having our Toy Story Night. It's pouring rain and in this house that means Pizza and Movie popcorn::

*Wish*Upon*A*Star*

08-29-2009, 10:36 AM

I'm in!! Better late than never, right?? LOL

I'm so excited for you! Your trip is ALMOST here!

DH and I will be headed to Pop Century in December with our three kids - DS will be (almost) 4 and we leave three days after our twin DDs second birthday. So it should be fun! We went last year as well for two weeks, but my Mom and Aunt were there to help the second week.

As far as a place for YDS to burn off some energy, might I recommend Pooh's Playful Spot in the Magic Kingdom? My three absolutely LOVED playing around in there last year. I have wonderful memories of DS finding a new friend to play with one evening at the Magic Kingdom. DDs weren't walking yet so they crawled around and tried to keep up with their brother. Should be interesting to see what they do this year...

Anyway - I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip when you get back!

Macduffy

08-29-2009, 10:56 AM

I just googles Pooh's Playful Spot! It's exactly what I wanted THANK YOU!!!! I figured Disney would have to remember their littlest guest when designing the park ;) Since we'll be spending most of our time at MK this will be priceless!!! I feel so much better LOL

A 4 year old (well almost) and 2 two year olds - you will be submerged in Magic!

mommyof2Pirates

08-29-2009, 01:12 PM

I know what you mean about shopping with other peoples money. I love shopping with my mom cause she always wants to pay for everything. Guilt free shopping is the best.

I also wanted to comment on your benadryl idea. I am a medical asst. and have been working in a pediatricians office for 13 years so this is professional information not just mommy advice. Ill give it to ya for free;) Benadryl definitely will not take care of any fluid behind the ear with one dose and the same goes for the decongestant. It may help temporarily for nasal congestion but these meds only work on ear fluid if given over a period of time. With that said what you can use the benadryl for would be to make your YDS sleepy while on your flight. Although try a dose at home prior to vacation because in some kids it has the opposite affect and makes then crazy with energy:scared1:. So thats why you would want to use it about 30 minutes prior to take off. Hope this info is helpful

We also have been struggling with the video camera idea. the one we have is still a little bulky, and still uses cassette tapes. So we really didnt want to lug it along. Although I am afraid I will regret it once we are there. The camera does take video so I am thinking anything very special we can still capture. I wish I had money to but a new and improved one before we leave but that doesnt seem to be happening.

pixie_mtl

08-29-2009, 03:53 PM

I wouldn't recommend using a digital camera for both pictures and videos. Tho' they make great videos, you will lose a lot of memory on your stick when you'll want to take pics.

Unless you buy many memory sticks card I would suggest you bring a camcorder for capturing videos. Some even allow you to add a memory sticks which u can use to take pictures. That way, your camcorders can do both without comprimising space on your memory sticks.

Macduffy

08-29-2009, 05:00 PM

Benadryl definitely will not take care of any fluid behind the ear with one dose and the same goes for the decongestant. Hope this info is helpful

YES it is! Thank you :o) :worship:

We also have been struggling with the video camera idea. the one we have is still a little bulky, and still uses cassette tapes. So we really didnt want to lug it along. Although I am afraid I will regret it once we are there. The camera does take video so I am thinking anything very special we can still capture. I wish I had money to but a new and improved one before we leave but that doesnt seem to be happening.

~sigh~ DH wants to buy one on credit (equal payments deal) but I'm not sure what to do! We should be a little more responsible :laughing:

I wouldn't recommend using a digital camera for both pictures and videos. Tho' they make great videos, you will lose a lot of memory on your stick when you'll want to take pics.

Unless you buy many memory sticks card I would suggest you bring a camcorder for capturing videos. Some even allow you to add a memory sticks which u can use to take pictures. That way, your camcorders can do both without comprimising space on your memory sticks.

We are looking at borrowing one from a friend but I HATE doing that. DH is looking through the flyers seeing if we can get a good deal and justify it as "new purchase" :cool2: I find that taking video on your photo camera takes up battery power too! :rolleyes1

Macduffy

08-31-2009, 09:56 PM

mommyof2Pirates

09-01-2009, 05:39 AM

OMG 17 days!!!! Really it's like 15 since it's late :surfweb: AND we are leaving a day early for the airport :goodvibes so time is of the essence. I got my transfer paper in the mail today and have tons to do but am I doing it? Nope. :confused3

I started back to work today and planned on using the kid free time to tackle my list and get some WDW stuff done (model employee I know!) but I caught up with co-workers ALL day. Spent QT with the kiddos at the park tonight and after they fell asleep I indulged myself in my new addiction. True Blood :laughing:

I feel like I need a virtual slap to get me going again :rotfl:

Loggie's first day of preschool/daycare is tomorrow and I'm hoping they can mold him into a talking (he's speech delayed), obedient, calm toddler in the next 15 days LOL NO PRESSURE!

Ben is starting a new preschool class and I told him tonight "tomorrow is a big day you know" and he replied "am I finally going to Disney" awwwww... broke my heart :love:

I have the same problem with distractions. I think its that we are close to our trip but yet so far that it still seems like its never going to get here. I have to keep re focusing too.

So cute about your son asking if your going to disney. Mine did the same think last night. I said do you know what day it is tomorrow. He said no what with this big anticipating smile on his face. I said its september. He jumped up and was like yeah we go to disney world tomorrow. I was like oh no not tomorrow but we are now in the same month. He's like do we have a week, and again I had to break his enthusiasm. No still 19 days. Which to him probably means nothing but he at least realized that we still have a while. Poor guy just got a sad look on his face and went back to watching his cartoons.:guilty: I cant wait until the day is here when I can say yes, yes, yes, we are going tomorrow! :yay:

Hope preschool goes well and good luck with being back to work.

jana616

09-01-2009, 11:50 AM

For some reason I wasn't subscribed to your PTR, so I missed all these updates! You have been SOO busy, that's awesome! And I am so glad you got the ADR for T-Rex! I'll let you know what we thought when we get back, but I'm sure it's awesome! If he's getting into dinosaurs and you're making t-shirts, check out the T-Rex design someone made for me in my PTR. It's so cool looking-totally looks like a souvenir you'd buy.

That's so sweet that Ben is so ready to go! Trust me, the time will fly by! Oh, and I hear you on the little costs adding up. I've decided I don't even want to look at our credit card bill this month. We've been using our Disney Visa to earn rewards and paying it off each month, so every little thing is on there. Ouch...it hurts to see it all on a list like that! Awesome that your mom helped out and you were able to cross a bunch of stuff off though!

Macduffy

09-07-2009, 06:07 AM

I've been a bad PTR'er - sorry! But I have good reason - DH and I discovered True Blood and have been having mini marathon's when the kids fall asleep! ha ha ha... we're still not caught up to the latest show so we have more to watch and Disney is suffering LOL!!!

Logan's first week at Daycare went OK. He did a lot of crying but I'm hoping next week will be better. I hope taking him out for a week won't derail his progress :confused3 I picked him up on Thursday and his preschool teacher said they found some chicken pox on him. WHAT????? "but he had the vaccine" I said. I guess it doesn't mean they won't get it - just that if they do it won't be bad. I almost started to cry but she showed me that there weren't many pox and that he'd be cleared up by take off. So far she seems to be right - his pox are VERY minimal.

So here I am practically bathing in hand sanitizer at work (I work at a University with lots of students) and Logan gets sick. :headache:

Surprisingly Ben had a hard time adjusting to his preschool class. His teachers are strict and there are a lot more rules to follow as he is preparing for Kindergarten *sob*.

We had a pre-birthday party for some family weekend since we won't be here for his real birthday. We sang and had cake and Ben said "this isn't Disney World Mommy?!" I told him we were just practicing for Disney - this seemed acceptable LOL!

I finished my t-shirts, thank you cards with life savers, suckers and invitations. Next step is packing and it is finally cooling down so I can steal some summer clothes out of the drawers and throw them in the suitcase.

I'm still stressing about Diapers and a park bag. I'm taking 100 pull ups (he can take diapers off) and three packs of wipes. Where am I going to find room???? I was following the whole "take it with you to make room for stuff you are bringing back" but I'm not sure this is a good idea. So. Many. Diapers!

I'll post pictures soon. Logan is literally clawing my leg for something in the kitchen - oh my I can't WAIT until he can communicate with words and not pulling, scratching or crying :mad:

mommyof2Pirates

09-07-2009, 07:46 AM

wow you really got alot done. thats awesome. I am sure the pox will be gone by take off so dont worry about that. Speaking from experience of daycare (my kids both have been in daycare since 3mths of age) it usually takes a good 2-3 weeks and then they get better with less crying. You may have a little set back with the week off for disney but after another week or so he should be fine. Even now if we are off a week my kids have a hard time going back. Even on mondays when we have off the weekends sometimes are tough.

Well only 10 more days to go!:banana: Are you doing online check in?

Porphyro

09-07-2009, 08:44 AM

Hey, I'm new to this thread - it caught my eye because we just got back 2 weeks ago from our trip with our two little boys - 4 years old and 21 months! You are going to have SO Much fun. We found that the key to a relaxing trip was to go-go-go in the mornings - get there for rope drop every day - and then relax all afternoon. We'd planned to go back to the parks in the evenings, but since we got there at opening we got 95% of our list done then, and the boys were fine with just hanging out, relaxing at the pool in the evenings.
I shared your doubts about whether or not the boys were old enough for this to be worth the money - and honestly, if it were just the little one - I don't think it would be. But FOUR is perfect. They're old enough to recognize how cool and out of the ordinary this is, to appreciate the adventure - and tall enough to ride some really neat rides. But they're also young enough that they are still innocent and believe in the magic. My older son believed he was actually talking to the REAL Mary Poppins and it made his entire year. By 6 or 7, they're old enough to understand how much is "fake" and a lot of the magic will have faded.
I'm in the process of finishing up my trip report this week (it's called "Will it hurt when you staple the mouse ears to my head?"). I'm trying to add lots of other tips for this age group there. Besides getting there early, my other big trip is PARENT SWAP passes. There's a lot your older son can do that the toddler can't, and you and your husband can both ride it with him - seperately, with only one of you having to wait. And he gets to ride it twice, so it's a win-win!
Best of luck!

Macduffy

09-07-2009, 08:56 AM

Well only 10 more days to go!:banana: Are you doing online check in?

This is going to sound pretty pathetic but DH and I are waiting to check in on-line tonight when the kids are asleep! We want to actually sit down and be able to get excited about it and not breaking up fights or chasing the kids around. LOL We're true Disney Geeks I guess!!!!

Hey, I'm new to this thread - it caught my eye because we just got back 2 weeks ago from our trip with our two little boys - 4 years old and 21 months! You are going to have SO Much fun.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! DH and I were downstairs with the kids - Logan was rolling on the floor over his stuffed bears and Ben was crying b/c his hot wheels track broke and DH looked at me and said "I'll be honest... I'm seriously scared about taking these guys to Disney now" :rotfl: It can be a little over whelming to go with kids this age but like you said - the magic they're going to experience will be unbelievable! Looking forward to the Trip Report!!!!!!

Pirate Chica

09-07-2009, 11:25 AM

OMG -- when I found this, I could've SWORN this pre-trip report was about my family! :yay:

My family will also be at WDW w/free dining on 9/22-9/27 - staying at AMu, visiting MK and HS. In my crew is myself, DH, DS(4) and YDS(18mo). We've taken DS4 to MK two years ago, which was a nightmare. He cried at every ride! But I laugh looking back at that. Now I get to tell him how much he was so scared of IASW! :scared1:

But this time around, he is going to flip. He knows all his characters/movies. He loves Peter Pan so that will be a great ride for him to experience. He's extremely into pirates so I signed him up for the Pirates League. I think I am more excited than he is! I can't wait to visit that "secret room"! We're ALL going to be dressed up as pirates coming into the park!

We also did the paper chain -- but 30 days out. He does look forward to cutting it every night (hee-hee, so do I!).

YDS (yup, I'm stealing it too) has no clue, and I HOPE and PRAY that he will be a good little monkey. He's pretty good at restaurants, as long as there is food in front of him. So I have to take a few snacks to tide him over until the meals arrive. We chose not to do any buffets b/c I find it harder on me and DH to eat! I prefer TS which is why we did our character breakfast at Ohanas.

Looking forward to hearing how your trip went! Have tons of fun, and go with the flow with the kiddies. ;)

Macduffy

09-10-2009, 08:38 AM

As promised here are some pics of all my handy work :rotfl:! The posters/DISigners on the Creative DISigns board are so talented and thoughtful :cloud9: and www.amymickey.com has the BEST transfers for t-shirts and I know this to be a fact because I can the least crafty person in the world and never screwed up ONCE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/stacyscottben/bag-1.jpg

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

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

mommyof2Pirates

09-10-2009, 11:58 AM

I love all of your creations. I am going to do my tshirts tomorrow and saturday so I am glad to hear how easy amy's transfers were to use. I love the bags you made for the kids. They will be so excited.

kelly1218

09-14-2009, 03:45 AM

I love your PTR!! Our first trip as a family was when my girls were 3 and 10 months old.

We just moved at a slower pace...but still had a GREAT time with priceless memories. So worth it in my opinion! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!

I have a DVD camcorder...that we always drag with us...but never use. I really don't like spending the trip behind the camcorder. But that's just me. :)

And as for the plane ride...we didn't use a DVD player...I let my kids play with pipe cleaners and crayons. I had a few other activities....but found out there weren't necessary at all. The pipe cleaners occupied them for almost the whole trip!! No mess and quiet too. (gotta LOVE quiet with kids...LOL)

jana616

09-15-2009, 10:35 AM

I'm here! You guys are going to have an amazing time! All of your shirts and other goodies look great. Amy's transfers truly are the best, and worth every penny.

I would agree that if it were just your YDS, the trip wouldn't be as worth it. But your ODS is going to have the time of his life. My ODS loved it. Around day 3 I asked him, "Is Disney World as good as you though it would be?" And he said, "It's so much better!" Best answer ever! I felt like the trip was for him, and as long as my YDS wasn't unhappy, I considered it a success for him as well.

Since there are several who read my PTR about to go with 2-5 year old boys, I was thinking maybe I'd list my boys' favorite rides, etc. on there, if you're interested!

Zeebs

09-15-2009, 01:59 PM

Holy Cow 100 Diapers!!!! Thats more than 10 a day how many times do you change him?

We work on 5 a day and that is usually being generous.

I would not take as many and if on the the off chance you do need another pack, just buy it. I know it will be more expensive but but then at least you don't have to cart them all with you.

I love all the stuff you have done for the boys, they will love them and look so cute in those wee shirts.

Not long now you must be beside yourself with excitement.

Kirsten

Macduffy

09-15-2009, 02:16 PM

I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time! If the plane ride goes okay then I will be happy!

I never about 100 diapers?! That does sound like alot eh? I've downsized considerably LOL We're on the road for 9 days and I figured 7 changes a day (just to be safe) so I'm taking about 65 - they take up SO much room in the suitcase it's crazy - even when they are sealed in the plastic.:scared1:

I have some more pics to post but I'm at work right now....shhhhh.... so I'll do it tonight! We leave for Bangor ME in the afternoon and fly out at 6 AM on Thursday.

Please send LOTS of positive plane vibes to me. Air travelers can be so nasty sometimes I hoping (PRAYING) it goes well.