The Boys are Staying Home & They're Not Upset-UPDATED 11/11 TO ADD CORN MAZE STORY :) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

desparatelydisney

08-25-2009, 10:03 PM

First a few facts:

1. My name is Mary-Margaret & I'm a Disneyaholic!!

2. Now that I have gotten that out...a little history:

My Disney vacationing started normally enough...trips to the World when I was 6 and again when I was 12. Then, when I was 19, I spent a summer in the College Program with Parks Horticulture. So far, so good. Next trip, honeymoon (CBR). A few years later, another little short trip because my parents had an Orlando timeshare and invited us down, tickets included. Then a big break. Had three kids, woke up one morning and said....we need to go to Disney World!! DS was 5, DD 23 months & DS 10 months....that is when the craziness started.

3. Trips in the last 3 years...

June 2006 - WL & BC
New Year's Eve 2006 - WL
April 2008 w/ Pirate & Princess Party - YC & WL
May 2009 - BCV & VWL
And now......Dec 09 - GF:cool1:

4. I should also add that my friends have gotten so tired of hearing me talk about Disney that they suggested I become a Disney Travel Agent:rotfl2: Well, they were joking but it started something....last October I joined a wonderful agency (which shall remain nameless) and I am now a home based travel agent specializing is Disney vacations! I have the greatest part time job in the world - I get to help others plan:wizard: It's kind of like being an alcoholic bartender:lmao:

next....Meet the Cast & Crew

desparatelydisney

08-25-2009, 10:15 PM

Cast & Crew

Cast Member #1 - Me
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202009/DSC00823.jpg

That's me in May at Goofy's Beach Club Breakfast with DS 3.

As you already know, I'm a part-time TA. I also own and manage a forestry contracting business with my husband and, as of 3 weeks ago, homeschool our children. We live in northeastern NC, about 12 hours from WDW.

Cast Member #2 - DH 5, aka "The Princess"
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202009/IMGP2074.jpg

That's her!! My :littleangel: and her father's princess:. This picture was taken on Mother's Day with Sleeping Beauty at Akershus. Her first trip to the World was for her 2nd birthday...this will be her 5th trip! Not bad for a little girl who lives 12 hours from WDW!!

And last, but not least, our supporting cast/crew outside of Coral Reef....
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202009/DSC00757.jpg

The little man & The Princess you have already met...we also have DS 8 (aka "The Star Wars Junkie" - note Jedi Mickey applique on shirt) and my wonderful DH who puts up with the rest of us and spoils us whenever possible.

Next...Setting the Scene (or how I got to do this)

desparatelydisney

08-26-2009, 06:47 PM

Setting the Scene

I have been wanting to go to MVMCP ever since we went to the Pirate and Princess Party and had a blast. We went down for New Year's Eve in 06 with the crazy idea that the week following Jan 1st wouldn't be crowded:lmao:, so I have seen it decorated for the holidays but it soooo crowded I couldn't enjoy it.

Last year, we actually booked a 3-day trip for the whole family to go to MVMCP but we had a deal....if we landed a good job before we went we could go. Well, no good jobs came, so I had to cancel the trip. Like a said, we were just down at Mother's Day and had a wonderful trip...so it's been about 100 days when I start to get the itch again. I know that DH will never agree to go down during our busy season (December to April) and I know that going once a year is pushing it for him. Also, I know that the boys will be hurt if I go with DD and leave them at home. Plus, I don't think I want to drive 12 hours by myself.

That's when it hits me.....we could take the train! I have never taken the train but I have clients who have. So here's the skinny...we will board the train at 7:30pm and arrive in Orlando at 10:30 the next morning....and it will only cost us $150 roundtrip, total!!:thumbsup2

That decided, now I can go ask DH....he says "if you have the money go" :lovestruc. Now, the hard part....convincing the 8 year old that it's okay.

Response 1 - "that's fine, but we (the boys) have to go as soon as you get off the train"
:laughing: Sorry, buddy, can't do that!!

Response 2 - "you have to take 3 trips so we can each go by ourselves"
No - girl trip & boy trip

Response 3 - "okay, I get a trip by myself and you take the other 2 together"
That won't work, DS (3) loves Test Track & Soarin, DD says they are "terrifying" and DS (3) thinks the Princesses are "boring"

Repsonse 4 - "hey no fair, you are getting to go everytime"
Sorry, life isn't fair

Response 5 - "okay, Mommy, that's fine but you have to promise we can go during Star Wars Weekends"
:cool1: Mission accomplished!!!

Next - Permission Granted, Now where do we stay...

reyasmommy

08-26-2009, 08:03 PM

OH YAY!!!! HOW FUN!!!!

a mother/daughter trip would be awesome!! I'd love to do that someday with my little girl!

Have fun! Hope the little boys aren't too mad at you!?!:rotfl:

desparatelydisney

08-26-2009, 08:59 PM

OH YAY!!!! HOW FUN!!!!

a mother/daughter trip would be awesome!! I'd love to do that someday with my little girl!

Have fun! Hope the little boys aren't too mad at you!?!:rotfl:

I have "dreamed" about this for so long. Everytime a parent/child duo goes I think...wow, what an efficient package...nobody else to please, you can move fast, no inter-sibling fussing!! I am soooooo excited. DD said "Mommy this will be the most girl time we've ever had":cloud9:

AlohaPolynesian

08-26-2009, 09:11 PM

desparatelydisney

08-27-2009, 08:05 AM

I'm joining in! My mom is taking me for my college graduation in December. Except it's almost the other way around because I'm trying to make her like Disney. I think we're going to do the MVMCP like you, so I'm excited to see what other plans you have in mind!

Welcome Aboard! And I LOVE your dining reviews.....especially the drink pictures :love:. Tonight, I'm gonna try to get up how I decided where to stay.

MagicMomentsMom

08-27-2009, 07:01 PM

desparatelydisney

08-27-2009, 10:02 PM

Just hopped on your trip report! Another NC gal here too, except we're in the Western part of the state. What fun a mommy and daughter trip, she's such a cutie! And WOW lucky you getting to be a TA for the best place on earth! Can't wait to hear more.

Veronica:santa:

Welcome aboard, Veronica. We are headed to Asheville the first weekend in Oct. I can't wait!! I love living near the coast but I love the mtns too :)

desparatelydisney

08-27-2009, 10:32 PM

Location, Location, Location

Okay, so I have "permission" from the boss (DS 8)....now where do we stay.

My first thought is that we should stay at POR. We can take the boat to DTD, which DD loves, it's moderately priced, and clients are always asking me about it. I keep telling myself we need to branch out so that I can stay at as many resorts as possible to give first-hand info to clients.

But of course, my mind wanders back to my first love, WL, and how wonderful it is decorated for the holidays. And, WL has the boat to the MK which sure would be more relaxing than the bus when we finish with the party late at night. And, I think I would feel safer walking from the boat dock into the lodge and then to our room by ourselves at midnight than I would walking from the bus stop to our room at POR. I've never liked external hall hotels even though my dad that spent nearly all of his 30s in a hotel room continually tells me that statistically they are much safer than an internal hall hotel. What to do, what to do....

:idea:

Then it hits me....if I'm really concerned about getting to and from the park as quickly as possible and I'm really concerned about trying new hotels then I SIMPLY MUST stay at a monorail resort. There is no help for it; I have to -sometimes we just have to make the hard choices in life and do things that are for the best even when we don't want to :rolleyes1

So....that leaves CR, POLY & GF as my only choices.

Knowing that GF will cost the most, I check CR first - the polar opposite of the WL. The only thing available there is Garden Wing and a club level suite for $1,000/night :scared1:. I figure that if I'm going to stay CR, I might as well stay in the tower and I certainly don't have $1,000/night to spend for just me and DD. So...CR is out.

Next up, POLY. We ate at O'hana last trip and DH said he might like to stay at the POLY next time so I have a good shot of getting a POLY family trip down the road....moving on along.....

That only leaves GF. What can I do, it's not my fault! :rolleyes1
Seriously, though. I can't think of anyplace more suited to a mommy/daughter trip-

1. There is no place "girlier" (is that a word) than the Grand!

2. DH has only moderate interest in staying there.

3. DD's two favorite parks are MK & EPCOT - both monorail parks

4. DD will go :banana::banana::banana::banana: over the gingerbread house.

5. DD will :love: the decor and furniture in the rooms - she is a total southern belle, even at the tender age of 5.

6. He-ll-o, Cinderella eats there!!!!

7. We can have "a real tea party" - not the one with "Seepin Booty" just the regular afternoon tea.

8. There are Garden View rooms available!!!

Ya Hooooo! :cheer2: We have a reservation!! Grand Floridian here we come!!

Next up....We are going to MVMCP, but what else should we do....

disneyaddicted

08-28-2009, 07:47 PM

Hi my name is Ty, Congrats on getting your mom/daughter trip. It sounds like so much fun. I have been in Dec before, I went to MVMCP, it is wonderful, I made sure to drink enough free hot chocolate and eat as many free cookies to totally compensate for the extra cost of the party ticket. The shows were great and the parade was so much fun.
I am going this Dec. as well, 3-11 and taking my mother for her very first trip ever. We will probably skip MVMCP though.

I look forward to reading more of your plans.

girls rule!!!!

desparatelydisney

08-28-2009, 09:43 PM

desparatelydisney

08-28-2009, 09:56 PM

OOPS - I Never Told You When We Are Going :rolleyes1

It would probably help to let you know when we decided to take this trip, huh?!

Well, as of this year, we are homeschooling DS (8) and DD (5). We started the first Monday in August just so that we could have December off to enjoy the holidays. We will finish our 3rd six weeks on Friday, December 4.

I looked at the parties on December 6th, 10th & 11th. Availability for the 6th was really tight. Looking at the 10th & 11th, I settled on the 10th because of crowd calendars and a belief that a weeknight party would be less crowded than one on a Friday night. Let's hope I'm right. If not, it will be okay...my little girl and I will be in the Magic Kingdom and the 2 of us will be a highly mobile, and flexible, unit. I hereby promise that you won't hear one single complaint out of me....even if it rains.:thumbsup2

So....we are leaving on the train at 7:30pm, Wed., Dec 9 and returning home at 10:30am, Sat., Dec 12. We wiil be gone for 3 nights total - 2 on the train and 1 at the GF.

Now...back to those other plans...

desparatelydisney

08-28-2009, 10:22 PM

What to Do, What to Do:confused3

Our schedule:

Wednesday
Morning & Afternoon - pack & answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World" approximately one google times
Evening - 5pm leave fortrain station, board train, plan out what rides DD definitely wants to do, sleep

Thursday
Morning - Wake up on train, eat, get to Orlando at 10:30, take transfer to GF, check-in (hopefully by 11:30/12). I have been told not to be surprised if the train runs late.
Afternoon - hang out at the pool, hopefully get in to room a little early, have afternoon tea in the tea room, head out to MVMCP:santa:
Evening - MVMCP (what else :goodvibes)

Friday
Morning & Afternoon - Sleep a little late, not too much, have a character meal of DD's choice, spend time at EPCOT & MK
Evening - say goodbye to WDW :sad1:, transfer back to train station, board train, sleep

Saturday
Morning - Wake up on train, eat, get in to station at 10:30am, hopefully be home by lunch - 2 tired but very happy girls :cutie:

That's all for now....but I need some advice. Has anybody booked a town car from Amtrak to WDW before? I'm going to call WDW CRO tomorrow and find out how much it is thru Disney. Should I (1) book thru Disney, (2) plan to get a cab, or (3) book a transfer with a private company separately?

AlohaPolynesian

08-28-2009, 11:01 PM

I'm glad you liked my reviews! We will be there at the same time and both on mother/daughter trips! I'm also hoping to do MVMCP on the 10th! I have never taken Amtrak so I can't help you with your dilemma. Maybe the transportation board has an answer for you?

ammeador2

08-29-2009, 07:22 AM

I am very envious! I would love a mother daugter trip and I would LOVE to stay at the Grand Floridian. If I did a mother daughter trip I would also have to do a mother son trip! Hmm..maybe I should think really hard about this one! Think I can get my hubby to go for it in the future! You have the wheels turning now and steam may shoot out of my ears! haha...

I look forward to hearing more about your trip. We are going in October and we are doing the MNSSHP our next trip will be in December so we can do the Christmas party. :lovestruc

Swmr359

08-29-2009, 08:49 AM

What to Do, What to Do:confused3[/SIZE[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="4"]That's all for now....but I need some advice. Has anybody booked a town car from Amtrak to WDW before? I'm going to call WDW CRO tomorrow and find out how much it is thru Disney. Should I (1) book thru Disney, (2) plan to get a cab, or (3) book a transfer with a private company separately?

My mom and I took Amtrack from DC to Kissimee last October. We called Disney ahead of time and they gave us the number of a cab company. I can dig up the number if you like. I'm not sure what the fare was though, I got the impression from my mom that it was resonable. On the way back we took a towncar, becuase it was parked right outside the hotel. The driver was very nice and chated the whole way to the station, my mom may have his card still I can ask if you would like his number

How are you riding down? We stayed in the deluxe(?) sleeper on the way down, and in a regular sleeper on the way back; both were very nice. We had a wake-up call, newspaper delivery, food and drink were included. I can also post pictures of the rooms if you are interested.

~Maggie

desparatelydisney

08-29-2009, 09:48 AM

My mom and I took Amtrack from DC to Kissimee last October. We called Disney ahead of time and they gave us the number of a cab company. I can dig up the number if you like. I'm not sure what the fare was though, I got the impression from my mom that it was resonable. On the way back we took a towncar, becuase it was parked right outside the hotel. The driver was very nice and chated the whole way to the station, my mom may have his card still I can ask if you would like his number

How are you riding down? We stayed in the deluxe(?) sleeper on the way down, and in a regular sleeper on the way back; both were very nice. We had a wake-up call, newspaper delivery, food and drink were included. I can also post pictures of the rooms if you are interested.

~Maggie

Hi Maggie,

Thanks so much for your input. I haven't completely decided, but since we are used to riding in the car for 12 hours to get there we we will mostly be traveling in the dark, I am leaning heavily towards just getting us seats. It will triple the cost to get a roomette/sleeper. I would love to see your pictures and get your thoughts though, as I haven't purchased our tickets yet.

Also, thanks for the info about the transfers. Do you remember about how long it took you to get from the station to the hotel? And do you remember why you chose Kissimee instead of Orlando? One last question....how early did you need to be at the train station?

Sorry to hit you with a million questions! TIA!!

Mary-Margaret

desparatelydisney

08-29-2009, 09:50 AM

If I did a mother daughter trip I would also have to do a mother son trip! Hmm..maybe I should think really hard about this one! Think I can get my hubby to go for it in the future! You have the wheels turning now and steam may shoot out of my ears! haha...

:cheer2:Mother/Daughter in December and then Mother/Sons in May/June for Stars Wars Weekends:cheer2:

Not sure how I got everybody to agree to this but I'm complaining!!!

disneyaddicted

08-29-2009, 11:59 AM

I love the idea of traveling by train. I always fly or drive, but wow a train, that sounds like so much fun.
You all will be heading out on my birthday.

Swmr359

08-29-2009, 06:39 PM

Hi Maggie,

Thanks so much for your input. I haven't completely decided, but since we are used to riding in the car for 12 hours to get there we we will mostly be traveling in the dark, I am leaning heavily towards just getting us seats. It will triple the cost to get a roomette/sleeper. I would love to see your pictures and get your thoughts though, as I haven't purchased our tickets yet.

Also, thanks for the info about the transfers. Do you remember about how long it took you to get from the station to the hotel? And do you remember why you chose Kissimee instead of Orlando? One last question....how early did you need to be at the train station?

Sorry to hit you with a million questions! TIA!!

Mary-Margaret

We orginally were going to take a sleeper down and seats back, but my mom upgraded us at the last minute. DC to Kissimee is 18 hours and I have a bad back, so I couldn't have done seats for so long. The train does make stops through the night so you may not get much sleep in a seat if you are a light sleeper ( although you might be too excited to sleep anyway!). I thought it was nice that we didn't have to worry about having money for food when we had meals. Like Disney at each meal you get drinks and dessert also . :) And it was nice to only have to share a bathroom with my mom! Oh and at the bigger stations you get to wait in the VIP lounge, with free drinks and snacks, and when your train gets in the escort you to your car.
We choose Kissimee becuase we thought it would be less popular than Orlando, and easier to figure things out. We didn't call a cab ahead of time, so we had to wait about half and hour for the cab.
On the way to Flordia we got to the station hours early becuase we had a friend drop us off (and we we very excited!), on the way home maybe an hour and half early (we were nervous about missing the train, but it was late so it didn't matter!)
In the big sleeper car (w/ seperate shower/toliet area, sink and mirrors, sofa, and chair (but not in our car):
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v351/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39427030_17.jpg sink area
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v351/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39427035_56.jpg bunk set-up, two adults can fit on the bottom bunk if needed
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v351/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39427037_1870.jpg the dinning car

The smaller sleeper car (has toliet and sink in room):
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39428435_1584.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39428436_1896.jpg the black bag is sitting on the toliet and the mug is on the sink (it flips up)
I don't have pictures of the bunks for this car, but you probably wouldn't be able to fit two on one bed
The toliet thing isn't as bad as it sounds

Let me know if you have anymore quesions!

desparatelydisney

08-29-2009, 08:03 PM

TiggerAllie

08-29-2009, 08:55 PM

Wow this is a really quick trip down and back! I've only ever taken the train in Europe--but that looks pretty fun actually. MVMCP is so fun--and GF-- the Gingerbread house is AWESOME! Consider bringing home a miniature one for you!

I am also going to suggest (if you have the time) to check out some of the other resort's holiday decorations, too. I seem to remember the BW and BC have some really cool displays.

Swmr359

08-30-2009, 06:12 AM

Thank you soooo much!! What did you think of the Kissimmee station? Would you feel safe there by yourself at night? Just wondering which station would be better for me & DD. On another thread, a couple thought Kissimmee is nicer even though it is smaller. I just want to be where I will feel the most comfortable, you know.

Kissimmee is the only station I've been too so I can't really compare. If the building is open at night I would feel safe. It is a nice little station, benches outside to wait for your train; inside the building there are more benches, bathrooms, and a vending machine. We felt relaxed there, nobody was running around trying to catch trains or cab. I would call for a cab before you get to the station though, so you don't have to wait as long for it to arrive.
Kissimme:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v351/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39427044_3770.jpg
Orlando:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v351/215/63/6204802/n6204802_39427043_3496.jpg

desparatelydisney

08-30-2009, 08:35 AM

AYE, AYE, AYE!!!! THE BEST MADE PLANS......

Okay, so.....when I made plans to go in December I forgot one very important thing.....WE HAVE A BIG JOB STARTING THAT WEEK AND MY HUSBAND WILL BE OUT OF TOWN!!!!:eek:

So.....back to square one.....

It's possible that my husband could be out of town anytime after Thanksgiving so I can't very well leave DS (8) and DS (3) not knowing whether Dad will be around. So now we are going BEFORE Thanksgiving. And guess what else, the GRAND ISN'T AVAILABLE NOW!!!!

Now what do we do....

Plus, seeing all these pictures and talking to lots of people has convinced me that I want to get a roomette on the train so now our train cost has gone up from $150 to $400. So, to afford the sleeper, forget all that stuff I said about the Grand - we are now going to stay moderate.

The question is which moderate....

So as not to keep you guessing (and because I am too perplexed and stressed to keep you waiting), I will tell you now....POFQ.

However, since on top of everything else, my dog got bit by a poisonous snake yesterday :scared1: and although he is going to be okay:woohoo: things are still pretty crazy around here, I'll leave the explanation for another post.

Have a great Sunday everybody!
MMM

punkin413

08-30-2009, 07:47 PM

hi, mary-margaret! glad to see you're writing a TR! now i can actually get to know you other than through work. :goodvibes

April 2008 w/ Pirate & Princess Party - YC & WL

when did you go in april 2008? we were there from april 26 through may 3 and stayed at SSR. we went to the pirate & princess party on may 2nd. it was awesome!

I have the greatest part time job in the world - I get to help others plan:wizard: It's kind of like being an alcoholic bartender:lmao:

:lmao: great way to describe it! and totally true!!!!

So as not to keep you guessing (and because I am too perplexed and stressed to keep you waiting), I will tell you now....POFQ.

i hear great things about POFQ. i think it would be my first choice of moderates. and no worries....IT'S STILL DISNEY WORLD!!! ;)

However, since on top of everything else, my dog got bit by a poisonous snake yesterday :scared1: and although he is going to be okay:woohoo: things are still pretty crazy around here, I'll leave the explanation for another post.

oh, no! i hope your doggie is okay. i'm a big dog lover so i know how hard it is to have a sick pooch. :hug:

desparatelydisney

08-30-2009, 10:00 PM

when did you go in april 2008? we were there from april 26 through may 3 and stayed at SSR. we went to the pirate & princess party on may 2nd. it was awesome!

We were there the EXACT same time...4/26 to 5/3 and went to the party on 5/2! We did a split stay between YC & WL. Isn't that crazy!!! I was just thinking today about watching the fireworks in front of CP and how there was almost no one else around us. I hope MVMCP will be similar.

Catie did BBB that night, here she is as Jasmine
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202008/image52.jpg

The Luke & Rhett dressed as pirates
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202008/image19.jpg

...and so did I
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202008/image24.jpg

punkin413

08-30-2009, 10:10 PM

We were there the EXACT same time...4/26 to 5/3 and went to the party on 5/2! We did a split stay between YC & WL. Isn't that crazy!!! I was just thinking today about watching the fireworks in front of CP and how there was almost no one else around us. I hope MVMCP will be similar.

Catie did BBB that night, here she is as Jasmine
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202008/image52.jpg

The Luke & Rhett dressed as pirates
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202008/image19.jpg

...and so did I
http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/WDW%202008/image24.jpg

so cool! i can't believe we were there at exactly the same time. i remember our schedule. look at it and see if i should go back and look through my pictures to see if you're in any of them!

saturday - arrival (no disney)
sunday - AK, dinner at kona cafe, MK
monday - DHS
tuesday - DTD, epcot, then dinner at narcoosee's
wednesday - MK all day
thursday - epcot
friday - MK, lunch at whispering canyon, then the party
saturday - departure (no disney)

here's the links to my pirate and princess party portion of the TR i did for that trip. my friend anna and her family joined us just for the party on their way to the beach. ray and i were actually there all week alone until that night.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26952150&postcount=1713
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27025849&postcount=1784
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27076127&postcount=1820
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27178828&postcount=1882
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27278970&postcount=1940

i like your pirate costume. it's cute! we saw some not-so-disney pirate wenches that night but yours is really cute.

we watched the fireworks on the left side of the hub near CP....i'm sure we saw you guys at some point!

desparatelydisney

09-01-2009, 10:46 PM

LET'S GET THIS THING BACK ON TRACK....NOW WHERE WERE WE....OH YEAH....WHAT TO DO....

Since our hotel has changed our schedule has changed some. However, i can't complain because (1) the cost savings on the hotel more than pays for our MVMCP tickets, (2) I get to stay at a resort I have never stayed at before, and (3) DH would probably have very little interest POFQ so this is a good time to stay there.

So, our new schedule:

Wednesday
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Finish school for the week
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Make sure that DH and DSs are squared away
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Pack
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Leave for train station
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-Train leaves about 9:30pm (assuming it's on time)
-Plan out what rides DD definitely wants to do so we don't miss anything
-Sleep

Thursday
-Wake up on train
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-Eat
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-get to Orlando at 10:30am (hopefully)
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-Transfer to POFQ, check-in (hopefully by 11:30/12).
-Grab a bite to eat at the food court
-Change into bathing suits & hang out at the pool
-Hopefully get in to room a little early, change for party
-MVMCP (what else )

Friday
-Sleep a little late, not too much
-Check our bags with bell services for later
-Grab breakfast at food court
-Take bus to EPCOT for 11am ressie for Akershus (DD's pick)
-Make sure we do Living with the Land & Turtle Talk with Crush
-Take monorail back to MK for a few favorite rides
-Take bus back to POFQ
-Collect our belongings say goodbye to WDW, transfer back to train station --Board train & sleep

Saturday
-Wake up on train
-Eat
-Get in to station at 8:30am
-Hopefully be home before lunch - 2 tired but very happy girls:wizard:

Elevationist

10-02-2009, 08:07 AM

Saw your comment on another PTR that you're worried nobody will read yours. (Which I totally relate to, I'm having the same fear about my own PTR that I'm attempting! :rotfl:) I'm here to subscribe, and can't wait to read more! :)

Your family is beautiful! :cutie: And your trip sounds like a whirlwind escape to the Happiest Place on Earth, I love it! I'm sure your DD will have an amazing time. :goodvibes

4. I should also add that my friends have gotten so tired of hearing me talk about Disney that they suggested I become a Disney Travel Agent:rotfl2: Well, they were joking but it started something....last October I joined a wonderful agency (which shall remain nameless) and I am now a home based travel agent specializing is Disney vacations! I have the greatest part time job in the world - I get to help others plan:wizard: It's kind of like being an alcoholic bartender:lmao:OMG, I get the exact same thing from friends and family. Only difference is that I wouldn't even know where to begin in order to pursue a career like that! My background is even in travel in tourism, I worked in the airline industry for 4 years, and am presently working for a hotel. I have said for years how I would looooooove to be a Disney TA, but alas, I don't know where to start. :confused: Any advice?

desparatelydisney

10-10-2009, 10:40 PM

OMG, I get the exact same thing from friends and family. Only difference is that I wouldn't even know where to begin in order to pursue a career like that! My background is even in travel in tourism, I worked in the airline industry for 4 years, and am presently working for a hotel. I have said for years how I would looooooove to be a Disney TA, but alas, I don't know where to start. :confused: Any advice?

I work for a great firm that specializes in Disney; punkin413 is a fellow agent too (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2035757). If you are interested, PM me. I think there are 40 or 50 of us now at our agency and I think he is bringing on new agents all the time.

desparatelydisney

10-10-2009, 11:01 PM

When last you "read me", my dog had gotten bitten by a pit viper, we had moved our trip from December to November, and :scared1: THE GRAND WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE :scared1: I quit writing for a while because I was convinced I had jinxed the whole trip by starting this "1st ever pre-trip report" :eek:

:yay::yay::yay: Well, I am pleased to say that a Garden View Room opened up last week and WE ARE BACK AT THE GRAND!!!! :yay::yay::yay:

So...the official schedule is (and WILL NOT be changed :thumbsup2)....

Wednesday 11/18
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Finish school for the week
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Make sure that DH and DSs are squared away
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Pack
-Answer the question "when are we leaving for Disney World?"
-Leave for train station
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-Train leaves about 9:30pm (assuming it's on time)
-Plan out what rides DD definitely wants to do so we don't miss anything
-Sleep

Thursday 11/19
-Wake up on train
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-Eat
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-get to Orlando at 10:30am (hopefully)
-Answer the question "when are going to be there?"
-Meet Town Car service and ride to GF (hopefully by 11:30/12).
-Hang out at the Grand, shop, swim, etc.
-Hopefully get in to room a little early, change for party
-MVMCP (what else?????)
--Head straight to BBB for 4:25pm appt and......

......I made her this to wear....

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/DSC02032.jpg

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/DSC02033.jpg

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/DSC02029.jpg

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/DSC02030.jpg

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/DSC02035.jpg

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu254/jdmmm94/DSC02037.jpg

SHE IS SOOOOO excited!! I can't wait to get a picture of her with Belle

Friday 11/20
-Sleep a little late, not too much
-Check our bags with bell services for later
-Take monorail to EPCOT for 12:10pm ressie for Akershus (DD's pick)
-Make sure we do Living with the Land & Turtle Talk with Crush
-Take monorail back to GF
-Have Afternoon Tea in the Tea Room princess:
-Collect our belongings, say goodbye to WDW, and take the town car back to the train station
-Board train & sleep

Saturday 11/21
-Wake up on train
-Eat
-Get in to station at 8:30am
-Hopefully be home before lunch - 2 tired but very happy girls :hug:

:wizard:

AlohaPolynesian

10-10-2009, 11:26 PM

YOU MADE THAT?!?! Oh my gosh it is AMAZING!! I'm glad a room finally opened up for you. Sorry I've been MIA, school has been crazy. Right now I am taking a break from doing a midterm (yes, on a Saturday night!!) to catch up on TR's. Looks like we will both me at MVMCP the same night!

desparatelydisney

10-10-2009, 11:58 PM

Looks like we will both me at MVMCP the same night!

Neato!! If you see the girl in the dress, be sure to tell us hey :thumbsup2

punkin413

10-11-2009, 09:23 AM

TiggerAllie

10-11-2009, 09:51 AM

You are an amazing seamstress! That costume is absolutely beautiful! There are going to be a lot of admirers at MVMCP I'm sure!

Beana9802

10-11-2009, 04:00 PM

:thumbsup2:goodvibesHi! I'm Kathleen from Long Island. I love that dress! I am pumped to live vicariously through your trip. I am jealous of GF! I have always dreamed of MVMCP! I wish I could go! :)

Elevationist

10-11-2009, 04:18 PM

OMG! That dress is amazing! Absolutely gorgeous! :eek:

I wish I was crafty, but I can't make anything but trouble! :stir::stitch2:

desparatelydisney

10-11-2009, 06:07 PM

hey, MM! i'm back! i'm kinda glad you took a break because that means i didn't miss much. :laughing:

AWESOME about the GF having rooms now! :woohoo: i really want to stay there one day but i just don't know if it'll ever happen. maybe for 1 night like you guys!

and, again, i love the dress. i am VERY impressed with your sewing skills. she looks beautiful in it!

Thanks, Dawn!! I can't wait :banana::banana::banana: Now I have to aspire to your PTR/TR skills ;)

You are an amazing seamstress! That costume is absolutely beautiful! There are going to be a lot of admirers at MVMCP I'm sure!
:thumbsup2:goodvibesHi! I'm Kathleen from Long Island. I love that dress! I am pumped to live vicariously through your trip. I am jealous of GF! I have always dreamed of MVMCP! I wish I could go! :)
OMG! That dress is amazing! Absolutely gorgeous! :eek:

Thanks guys, I learned it all from DISers. My mom sewed when I was growing up, but, of course, I never cared to learn. Last winter the bug hit me!! I found the DISboutiquers here on the DISboards and they gave me the confidence to try. They are amazing women (and 1 man) who make beautiful stuff. I owe it all to them.

I wish I was crafty, but I can't make anything but trouble! :stir::stitch2:

LOL!!!!

desparatelydisney

10-11-2009, 06:08 PM

:thumbsup2:goodvibesHi! I'm Kathleen from Long Island. I love that dress! I am pumped to live vicariously through your trip. I am jealous of GF! I have always dreamed of MVMCP! I wish I could go! :)

Oh, & Welcome Aboard! Hope I don't bore you ;)

hlrababy

10-12-2009, 09:02 AM

Hey Mary-Margaret!!! I am joining in and can't wait to read all about your trip! :goodvibes

FauntleroyFAN07

10-12-2009, 09:31 AM

very cute princess dress

the train looks like alot of fun, might have to try that sometime.

cant wait to see pics from it.

Beana9802

10-12-2009, 02:17 PM

Oh, & Welcome Aboard! Hope I don't bore you ;)

Doubt it! :) :thumbsup2

desparatelydisney

10-13-2009, 07:19 PM

Evening, everybody. Now I have to decide what to do about DD for the meal at Akershus. Options are...

1. Wear same dress again knowing that hair will probably survive (it did last time)

2. Make a second dress

3. Not worry about customs, and just go in regular (albeit cute ;)) clothes

I know that DD will want to do Option 1 but I don't want Belle to be there and her be sad that Belle doesn't recognize her (since I assume it will be a different Belle).

What does everybody think?

MeMom

10-13-2009, 08:17 PM

That dress is incredible!

Mother-daughter trips are awesome. I'm about to head out on one myself this weekend. This one includes a couple of pretty awesome granddaughters, as well. :) I know you girls will have a great time making some very special memories together.

disneymom1980

10-13-2009, 10:19 PM

I'm just jumping on for your report. I would love to be able to do individual trips with my two DDs, mostly because they are COMPLETELY different. DD #2 sounds a lot like your DD.....very girly and in love with everything princess. She would love to stay at the Grand, but I would NEVER be able to convince DH to stay there. We ate at 1900 Park Fare last October, and he felt it "out of our league". DD #1 is my dare devil and would probably love some place like the Wilderness or Animal Kingdom lodge best.

I had to tell you that the holiday Belle dress you made is just BEAUTIFUL. I can't wait to hear more about your report.

lovesdumbo

10-14-2009, 04:42 PM

Hi!:wave2:

Coming over from the Christmas info thread.

How great that you were able to convince the boys that a girls' trip would be OK as long as they get their boys' trip!

I sort of fell into one on one trips. One day on my Oct 04 trip my 2 little ones (who were then 3 1/2 & 21 months) were getting cranky at Epcot so DH took them back to Poly while I stayed in the park with my oldest who was 5 1/2. We had a great time just the 2 of us. So on our next trip in Oct 05 I wanted a few days with just the oldest. We always brought a friend along to help with the kids so I took DD 2 nights early so we could have some one on one time and my friend was there to help out DH with the 2 little ones on the plane. WELL....after I booked that trip I was feeling a bit guilty about that so I took DS who was 4 1/2 at the time in August. I got a great AP rate at ASMo, we had AP's, airfare was only $105 each RT. What else could I do????:rotfl2:

That was a slippery slope!!! I took oldest for her 7th birthday in May 06, took my son in Dec 06, took my oldest in Nov 07, my son for his 7th birthday in Jan 08, took my youngest DD in May 08, my oldest in Jan 09, my son in May 09....and took family trips every year too.....what can I say? I have a Disney addiction.....:laughing: I was doing the one on one trips to value resorts until Disney had the buy 4 get 3 free deal last year-had to book deluxe to get the best deal.

SO I'm headed to Disney 11/30 with my friend, her DH and my oldest. I figure I can't take her in May 2010 because she's in 5th grade and there are standardized tests at school...oh...and we are doing free DDP at Pop (regular DDP on a pin not quick service) and it was a bit of an influence that she's an "adult" at 10 years old now so we'd have all adult meal plan points.

Then I just have to take my youngest DD in January for her 7th birthday.

Anyways....I have found that leaving a little "surprise" for those I leave behind-like a book, magazine, or DVD gives them something to do while I'm gone and lessons the pain a little bit and I also bring them home something small too. The kids do realize that they will get their turns so they understand now.

I'm sure you & your DD will have a GRAND time!!!! You'll love the Ginger Bread House! Go over to the Poly and CR to check out their displays too.

My oldest went in Nov 07 and saw the Osborne Lights and castle all lit up but Epcot wasn't doing it's holiday stuff yet so I'm anxious for her to see all of that. We're trying a few new dining spots too.

OH...and I've been busy at work so I haven't been posting too much on the disboutique thread but I LOVE your DD's dress!!!! SO cool!!!! I have a HUGE list of stuff I want to make for DD (and me) for our Nov trip and stuff I want to make for my other DD's birthday trip. My oldest thinks she's too old for costumes but I want to make her a few applique T's. My youngest is a tomboy so nothing like your Belle dress but she will wear a dress if the fabric is OK. I just haven't been in the sewing mood lately. I need to get on it-have to make 2 customes for Halloween too.

desparatelydisney

10-14-2009, 04:47 PM

Hi!:wave2:
Anyways....I have found that leaving a little "surprise" for those I leave behind-like a book, magazine, or DVD gives them something to do while I'm gone and lessons the pain a little bit and I also bring them home something small too. The kids do realize that they will get their turns so they understand now.

Great idea!

Wonders10

10-14-2009, 05:19 PM

Hi there!

I stopped by after seeing your post on the Christmas thread. I'm so excited for you two to have a mother/daughter trip. My mom and I are super close and still take many vacations or weekend getaways just the 2 of us.

First, that dress you made is unbelievable! Better than the store version for sure! Absolutely beautiful!

Second, we might be at WDW around the same time. I just read through it, but can't remember if you mentioned dates or not...I'll be there with my friend Nov. 19-22. We are planning on doing the Nov. 19th MVMCP.

Third, could you PM me some info about the company you work for? I definitely feel very knowledgable about planning disney vacations and a little extra money never hurts.

Fourth, Hope your doggie is back to normal now! So scary. I'm in the middle of treating a really bad "hot spot" on his tail. He's on steroids and an antibiotic and coned. Not fun. For anyone.

Fifth, I'm super jealous you are staying at the GF! I've always wanted to stay there but no one I ever travel with has any desire to stay there - because of the cost and I think the overall theming. Oh well, I will get there one day.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

desparatelydisney

10-22-2009, 09:46 PM

Hi!:wave2:
OH...and I've been busy at work so I haven't been posting too much on the disboutique thread but I LOVE your DD's dress!!!! SO cool!!!! I have a HUGE list of stuff I want to make for DD (and me) for our Nov trip and stuff I want to make for my other DD's birthday trip. My oldest thinks she's too old for costumes but I want to make her a few applique T's. My youngest is a tomboy so nothing like your Belle dress but she will wear a dress if the fabric is OK. I just haven't been in the sewing mood lately. I need to get on it-have to make 2 customes for Halloween too.

First, that dress you made is unbelievable! Better than the store version for sure! Absolutely beautiful!

Thanks, y'all. You're gonna make me blush :lovestruc

Second, we might be at WDW around the same time. I just read through it, but can't remember if you mentioned dates or not...I'll be there with my friend Nov. 19-22. We are planning on doing the Nov. 19th MVMCP.

We ARE doing the party on the 19th!!! :banana::banana::banana:

Fourth, Hope your doggie is back to normal now! So scary. I'm in the middle of treating a really bad "hot spot" on his tail. He's on steroids and an antibiotic and coned. Not fun. For anyone.

Yes, thank goodness!

desparatelydisney

10-22-2009, 09:47 PM

Evening, Everybody. Things here have been crazy!! Today I swore off Corn Mazes FOREVER!! Check back tomorrow that story ;)

punkin413

10-24-2009, 10:20 PM

Evening, Everybody. Things here have been crazy!! Today I swore off Corn Mazes FOREVER!! Check back tomorrow that story ;)

oh, i gotta hear about this! popcorn::

desparatelydisney

10-25-2009, 08:55 PM

oh, i gotta hear about this! popcorn::

Sorry for empty lead, guys. It's been a bad weekend. DH's grandmother passed away tonight at the age of 98. She always said she had no "daughter-in-laws" or "granddaughter-in-laws", just sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters. I knew her for 20 years and is nearly as much my grandmother as she is his. So....I promise I will post the crazy, funny & totally aggravating corn maze story soon.

MMM

punkin413

10-25-2009, 09:09 PM

:hug: so sorry to hear about your loss. you and your family will be in my prayers.

desparatelydisney

10-25-2009, 09:12 PM

:hug: so sorry to hear about your loss. you and your family will be in my prayers.

:hug: thanks, dawn :hug: she had a wonderful life but it's still hard

desparatelydisney

11-10-2009, 11:22 PM

Okay....the much delayed corn maze story....I promise it is worth the wait popcorn::

So, it all started last year....(see backstory wavy lines like Dr. D does in Phineas & Ferb)...

You see, when I was a child in ....oops, sorry....:rotfl2:

One morning on the way to school, last fall my oldest (Luke) says to Dwight (DH)-
"Daddy, when can I ride on a real plane? You know, a jet plane?"

"I don't know; if I can think of somewhere to go we'll fly" - hello people, DISNEY WORLD (but I digress :lmao:)

Well, Dwight's first cousin lives in Buffalo and he has a son the same age as Luke. They are great buddies but live 14 hours apart. So, Dwight decides they will fly to Buffalo for the weekend.

While there, they go to some big Fall Harvest Festival that has....doom, doom, doom...A CORN MAZE!!!

Great fun, right?! Well, that's assuming that your then 7 year old doesn't get lost in the maze.

Everyone comes out of the maze except.....you guessed it..... my child...after 30 minutes they find him. Of course, HE wasn't lost....THEY (the adults) just didn't know where he was :lmao:

When they get home from NY, Dwight says "I promise you, I am NEVER going to another corn maze."

----end backstory---see wavy lines....

So...here we are in September of 2009 and my homeschool group decides we should take a fieldtrip to a local farm that is doing hay rides, pick your own pumpkin, and, you guessed it, a corn maze. Assuming, of course, that the previously recited story was not nearly so distressing as it was made to sound AND that this was a much smaller place, I had no concerns. However, just to jinx us, Dwight has to say before we leave - "Couldn't get me to go to that corn maze". Upon which he prompty leaves to go help HIS dad 2 hours SOUTH of our house (this will become important later popcorn:: ).

Now, this story would be WAY to boring if we didn't have to add another factor....we invited another family to go with us....so we trot along and pick up an additional mom and her two 5-year olds...now there are 7 of us headed to the corn maze that is roughly 30 minutes NORTH of my house.

Plug in new GPS to truck....check
Punch in farm address....check
Follow GPS.....GET LOST!! :eek:
Cut GPS off, go the way I would have gone without GPS, find farm :)
All guests accounted for....check
Kids loaded on hay ride....check
Take group picture......camera battery is dead :confused: Of course the camera battery is dead....this day's bad luck is only getting going nice and strong.....

To be continued......

punkin413

11-11-2009, 07:33 AM

Follow GPS.....GET LOST!! :eek:
Cut GPS off, go the way I would have gone without GPS, find farm :)
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

:lmao: isn't this the way it always is with GPS???

can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

desparatelydisney

11-11-2009, 09:03 PM

popcorn::So where were we....

Oh yes, so far today we have gotten lost and my camera battery is dead....now to the corn maze.

I have clipped my keys to my belt loop like I always do with my Mickey Head carabiner clip but decide that they are are making too much noise. DH always accuses me of looking like a jailer when I do this, and he always takes just the truck key and leaves the rest in the truck, so I figure...why not?! I take the Land Rover key fob (which is a totally nondescript black rectangle about 1" x 2"), put it in the back right pocket of my jeans, and pile onto the hay wagon with everyone else.

After 5 minutes or so, we all pile off the hay wagon at the edge of a roughly 5-acre corn field with one 2' wide path cut into the side of it. The farmer tells us that in the middle of the maze is a flag. It's our job to find it. There is only one way in and one way out. So....off hop 3 moms and 7 kids...and into the corn maze we go.

After about 6 or 7 minutes, Luke (my oldest) and one of his friends named Ben coming running past us, announcing that they have "found the flag!!" Great, I think, now we can get out of this blasted thing. Well, they get to the farmer only to find out they have found a 2" x 3" pin flag marking the path:rotfl:; the flag in the middle is a big flag.

So....back into the corn maze we go. We twist and turn, we pass people and are passed, we make wrong turns, and re-trace our steps. After 30 minutes we are tired and TOTALLY OVER the corn maze. The group I am with decides to head out....flag or no flag.

We get to the hay trailer and find several other folks there. After a few minutes the remainder come out.
"Anybody seen Luke," I ask.
"Nope," comes the response, "nor Ben."

And so we wait:rolleyes1

and wait:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

and wait.:rolleyes1:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

About 10 more minutes go by and we begin to holler. No answer. :sad2:

Being the terribly impatient person that I am, I decide to go in to look for the boys. I do a quick check of all my belongings....
camera left on hay in trailer....
coat left on hay in trailer....
other kids know where I am going....
key in back pocket....
and head into the corn maze..............

I wander and wander....and call and call....occasionally I hear the boys but they never hear me. Finally, after about 10 minutes of this, I finally get the boys to respond. Being totally frustrated and fed up :headache: I tell the boys to STAY exactly where they are and CUT INTO THE CORN!!!! For about 150 feet or so I cut across corn rows to beat the fastest path to the boys. When I find them, they say....

"We found the flag!!!" :yay:

"That's great," I say, "but everyone else was out ages ago and we were all worried about you."

"We were fine," Luke says.

"Yeah, we were brave," says Ben.

"We PER-SER-VERED!!!!" says Luke. :laughing:

"Well, good job guys. Now let's just get back".

Now this has taken soooo long that the farmer has now come in to get us :lmao:and we meet him about halfway out. The boys run ahead (as usual) and I am once again walking by myself. No longer stressed and in a hurry, I slow down and put my hands in my back pockets.....:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

MY KEY IS GONE!!!!!!!

Stay calm, I tell myself, :idea: I just left it with someone at the hay - like I did my camera.

Out of the maze again, I say..."Okay, someone out here PLEASE tell me that I left my key with you??!!"

:confused3blank stares:confused3

Well, all is not lost, I probably gave it to the mom that came with me. Catch up to her...."hey, I gave you the key right?"
"Um, Nooooo. You put it in your pocket".

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

Okay, stay calm.....can't stay calm....going into total stress overload at this point. I have 7 people who are now stuck at a farm, my husband is 2 and half hours away with my other key, and the salesman already told us when we bought this thing "DO NOT LOSE THIS KEY - IT'S REALLY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE!"

To be continued.....