Gearing Up For a Birthmasiversary With the Mouse! - A Dec 09 PTR

[Elevationist]

::MickeyMo:flower2:::MinnieMo
It Only Took 29 Years to Finally Get to WDW on my Birthday
(And Who Knew That It Would Be With the Man of My Dreams!)
:lovestruc
A Pre-Trip Report



Okay, so this is my first attempt at a PTR! Begging forgiveness in advance if it's less than awesome, I'm just sorta wingin' it and learning from the many other fabulous PTR's I've been reading here recently. :) Unfortunately I didn't start this when the planning first began, but I'm going to do my best to sort of backtrack with dates to chronicle the process.


PROGRESS:



Resort? :thumbsup2 Coronado Springs, 6 nights, King Bed room!


Park Tickets? :thumbsup2 7-Day Park Hoppers!


MVMCP? :thumbsup2 Purchased and printed our tickets for Dec. 3rd!


Disney Dining Plan? :thumbsup2 Free Dining FOR THE WIN, baby!


Payment Progress? :thumbsup2 Paid in Full!


Airfare? :thumbsup2 American Airlines again!


Rental Car? :thumbsup2 Reserved through Enterprise!


ADRs? :thumbsup2 It only took 2 months, but I finally got everything I wanted!


Touring Plan? :headache: I need to get on this...


Luggage? :thumbsup2 Borrowing a set, once again!


Camera? :thumbsup2 Bought a shiny new Nikon Coolpix L20!


Shoes? :thumbsup2 All done, thanks to a killer sale at the Crocs Outlet!


Park Bags? :thumbsup2 Hey Travelmates, arrived in the mail!


Packing? ;) The lists have been made! Going to start loading up suitcases a week or two prior!

[Elevationist]

THE DETAILS:

Who: Myself & the Boyfriend (Cast Details to follow!)
What: Our Magical Disney Getaway
When: December 1-7, 2009
Where: Coronado Springs Resort
Why: It's WDW, do you really need a reason to go? :D



THE CAST:

ME: Billie, 28 (turning 29 during our trip) :cutie:
~ Judging from all the other PTRs I've been reading, I guess I'm supposed to write something about myself here... which I suck at, but here goes nothing! I wish I could say I'm a lifelong WDW junkie, but sadly that's just not the case. I have memories my first trip when I was 5 years old, with my mother and father and grandmother. But coming from a family who doesn't vacation, I wasn't exposed to WDW again until I was 17 and a senior in high school. We came down for "Grad Night," but being thrill-seeking teenagers, Disney was boring and Universal was more fun. (I'm hanging my head in shame even as I type this! :sad2: ) Fortunately, a year and a half later, a good friend who did have a love of Disney invited me to join her on a trip at the beginning of January 2000. And wouldn't you know it, I had the most amazing time, and I cried the night we left. I finally understood the magic, and I have been hooked ever since, returning as often as possible! Thanks to being hit by the bad economy, this will be my first trip "home" in three years, and I could not possibly be more excited. :yay:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/billie1.jpg



DBF: Ron, 30 :cool2:
Ron and I have been together almost a year (more on that later). He's never been to WDW, only Disneyland, and is almost as excited for this trip as I am. He likes to kick back and let me do all the heavy planning, but is also happy to offer opinions when I send him links and ask him questions in regards to the trip. ("Honey, look at these two menus, pick a restaurant please!") :lovestruc In general, though, when I'm surfing the DIS, he's surfing car forums and what-not. Ahh, men! (P.S. - He doesn't have some great fondness for Johnnie Walker and wine coolers, he was just bartending at his grandfather's 80th birthday party! :lmao:)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/ron1.jpg




OUR STORY:

Our relationship has been anything but conventional, that's for sure. Just when I'd given up on ever finding the right guy, I found him on... where else?... the internet, of all places. We started talking and became friends in August of 2008, and I was instantly smitten. It took him a little longer to finally get on-board, though. :rolleyes1 Despite the impossibility of our situation, him living in California and me living in South Carolina (literally opposite ends of the country!), on December 11th we decided to be a couple. The real world meeting very soon followed, and now we travel back and forth as often as we can to spend time together. :love: He's moving to South Carolina in the spring, but we have a couple more trips planned before then.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/ronbillie1.jpg



HOW THE TRIP CAME TO BE:

I've had a long-time love affair with Walt Disney World but due to feeling the effects of our nation's fractured economy, I have been unable to return "home" since 2006. He's a Disney fan (I knew he was "The One" when I saw that he has more Disney animated features in his DVD collection than I do!), and has been to Disneyland... but seeing WDW was a dream of his. So when discussing what to do with the trip we were planning for him to come see me this coming December for my birthday... the answer seemed obvious. :) And so the planning began, with me determined to show him why Walt Disney World is the most amazingly special and magical place in the world!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/ronbillie2.jpg




WHAT ARE WE CELEBRATING?:

That's the Disney question this year, isn't it? Well, to answer...

(1) Just being able to be together and hold each other and make the most out of every precious moment!
(2) My 29th Birthday, December 3rd!
(3) The anniversary of us being together for 1 year, December 11th!
(4) His first time at Walt Disney World!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/ronbillie3.jpg

[Elevationist]

JULY 2009

It was an idea we'd tossed around for a while, and that I priced online plenty of times. Then one day in July, I came across the "Free Dining" offer... and the wheels started turning. I called Ron up and ran the idea past him, quoted him some figures, and asked what he thought. After a bit of discussion, he said the words that were music to my ears... "We can do this!" :banana:

So we picked our dates, Dec 1-7. That would put my birthday right in the middle of our week at WDW! Then that would be followed by 2 nights here in South Carolina together, before he flies home on Dec 9th.

I also started sending him lots of links with resort options, and we made our choice... All-Star Movies! Truthfully, we both were kind of wishing for something more "adult" in theme as well as wanting to take advantage the regular Disney Dining Plan, instead of the Quick-Service plan that is offered with Free Dining at the value resorts. But in the interest of making the trip for affordable, we decided to go with it and just relax and enjoy the amazing, larger-than-life Disney theme at ASMo!

That's as far as we were able to get at that point, though. We had more immediate trip to focus on, my visit to see him and meet his family in August. But in the background, the Disney World excitement was still brewing and building and growing. :upsidedow

[Elevationist]

AUGUST 2009

8/1 - 8/17: Without park hours, making an ADR plan was really difficult. I did the best as I could using last years hours, just to construct a rough draft of our plan. I needed something to occupy my time and make the time pass by until my trip to go see him.

8/18 - 8/26: No Disney planning because I'm in San Francisco with my baby! :lovestruc We did talk about it while I was out there, and we got on his laptop and watched some WDW videos and stuff together. ;)

8/27 - 8/30: Back home and sad sad sad, missing Ron so much! My only comfort came in the form of planning the next time we'd see each other... our Disney trip! I went back to my rough draft of our itinerary and ADRs, and studied and tweaked them. Still no park hoours, booo. My ADR-making date was swiftly approaching, Sept 2nd! So I found my way back to the DISboards for the first time since my last trip in 2006, and start reading and posting and soaking up all the info I could.

8/31: Hallelujah, we have park hours! Hooray! Now the planning can REALLY begin! :dance3:

Another momentous event happened on this date... After much discussion with Ron and reviewing our combined finances, we decided that we should just go for it an upgrade to a Moderate resort and the full Dining Plan! I originally offered up Port Orleans: French Quarter as my first choice, but upon looking at the website realized that there wasn't a King bed room available for our dates anymore. So then I started showing Ron photos and info about my second choice, the Coronado Springs Resort... and it turned out that he preferred CSR to POFQ anyhow! During this conversation, I myself found out about the gorgeously renovated rooms at CSR, and after seeing the photos agreed with him that this was OUR CHOICE! :woohoo:

Unfortunately, due to still recovering from our recent trip, we knew we both needed a couple of paychecks before we could actually book the package and have the $200 deposit available. So we looked at our pay dates, and selected Sept. 11 as our booking day.

These two factors, of course, threw a wrench in plans and I had to rework almost everything. LOL. But that's half the fun, right! I had to do some fancy foot work to work in Fantasmic and SpectroMagic, though. (Spectro is one of the few things Ron brought up that he really wants to do. He's always seen the "parade with all the lights" on TV, and it's what he thinks of when he thinks of Disney World. So it's a MUST DO.) Re-arranged our dining plans, and got everything in order to make our ADRs! :surfweb:

[Elevationist]

SEPTEMBER 9/2 - 9/8, 2009: ADR-making time!

Now not being official resort guests yet :crazy2:, that meant not being able to take advantage of the 90+10 window, as well as having to book each date eaxctly 90 days before, making it a week-long process. Now, the last time I made ADRs was back in 2006: Pre-FD. Back when you would just call and, with a few exceptions, get pretty much anything you wanted if you were moderately flexible on times.

So you can imagine my surprise when at 7:30am EST (I work until 7am, so that was the absolute earliest I could do anything) I log onto the new fancy online ADR system to book our breakfast at Tusker House (I told Ron about characters meals and agrees with me that they sounds AWESOME) on 12/2... only to find No Availability. Checked all different times. NO AVAILABILITY?! :scared1: This seriously blew my mind, LOL. I ended up finding an alternate that was acceptable, but man-oh-man was I flustered! And very very worried about what my mornings for the rest of the week would be like!

But it turned out okay in the end. I only had big trouble with one other, Ohana for dinner. Ended up moving some things around and actually came up with a plan better than my original! :cool1:

[Elevationist]

SEPTEMBER 11, 2009: It's official, we're WDW guests!

The evening before, I had been online checking to make sure our dates and King Bed room were still available, despite our delay in being able to make our reservations. Everything was still there! So we decided to get this done at the very first available moment. Working 3rd shift, staying up all night is no big deal for me, so right around 3:30am my time, 12:30am Ron's time, he checked his banked account... Paycheck was direct deposited, and we were ready to book! :banana:

I went back to the website, selected the Free Dining special, put in our dates, and selected CSR from the drop down menu... and my heart dropped when the King Bed option was no longer there! :confused:

I told Ron was going on, and he agreed with me that having two beds in the room for just the two of us seemed awful silly. So I check other dates... if we moved our trip up by one day, we could get what we wanted. But Ron was concerned he wouldn't be able to get out of work a day early. We talked about looking at another resort, but we both had our hearts set on CSR. :guilty:

So in the end, we decided to just book a standard room with 2 queen beds, and I would just keep checking back for a King room. If we didn't get it, no big deal. So I proceeded with the booking, put down the deposit, and finally secured our WDW package! :yay: Hooray!

Anytime one of us books or reserves something for our trips, we forward the other a confirmation. So I waited... and waited.. and waited. No confirmation. I knew that couldn't be right, so I resolved to just go on to bed, and call the next morning and ask to have it emailed.

The next morning when I woke up and called, I got a VERY lovely and helpful CM who gave me my confirmation code and emailed everything to me. While I had her on the phone, I thought to explain what had happened the night before with the King Bed situation, and she offered to look herself. Guess what? SHE FOUND IT! :idea: So she made the changes, explained the price difference, and set it all up for me. Emailed me a new confirmation even with the room type change showing with our new outstanding balance. So thanks to her, our problem was solved and now everything is exactly perfectly what we wanted! :woohoo:

[Elevationist]

SEPTEMBER 18, 2009: More bookings and things becoming even more official!

Like all things with this trip, we are having to budget it all out so that we book/pay for things each time we get paychecks. Sept. 18th brought two purchases, the first of which was our MVMCP tickets! :santa:

A large part of my plans included attending my first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! It is happening several nights during our trip, so I had to select a date. After looking at everything, I decided that the best night would (obviously) be on Dec. 3rd, my 29th birthday! So is it a birthday party or a christmas party? :rotfl: It's BOTH, as far as I'm concerned!

This date also brought another huge event... purchasing Ron's plane ticket! We found a pretty good deal on American, $340 roundtrip. That's about what we've always paid, but being so close to the holidays, almost everything else was around $450+ at this point. So we were very lucky to find this fare! :thumbsup2

He'll be arriving into Savannah, GA on 12/1 at 11:10am. Savannah is an hour down I-95 from me, so I'll pick him up, grab some lunch at Sonic (Ron loves Sonic and there isn't any near where he lives), then off we'll go! From Savannah, Walt Disney World is just another 4-5 hours down I-95/I-4. I estimate we'll be arriving at the CSR around 5pm at the latest!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/map.jpg

[Elevationist]

OUR ITINERARY - Updated 10/25!

12/1: Arrival!:dance3:
9:00am: Leave my house, swing into Walmart for breakfast items and snacks for keeping in the room
11:10am: Meet Ron at the airport
11:40am: Lunch @ Sonic
Noon: Hit the road!
5:00pm: Check-in at CSR, grab a snack
6:00pm: Go to the Magic Kingdom for an hour until closing, just to walk down Main Street, see the castle, and have the "OMG we're finally here!" moment
7:00pm: Walk or monorail to the Contemporary, and enjoy the sights of the resort
9:00pm: ADR for dinner @ Chef Mickey's
10:30pm: Back to the room for the night

12/2: Magic Kingdom & Fantasmic! :hyper:
7:45am: Breakfast @ El Centro
9:00am: MK for Rope Drop!
Noon: Lunch @ Cosmic Rays/Columbia Harbor House/Some other CS
4:30pm: Leave MK and catch bus to DHS
6:30pm: Fantasmic!
7:30pm: Leave DHS and catch bus to Beach Club Resort
8:45pm: Dinner @ Cape May Cafe
10:00pm: Back to the room for the night

12/3: Epcot, MVMCP, & My Birthday! :santa:
7:00am: Breakfast @ El Centro
9:00am: Epcot for Rope Drop!
11:00am: Lunch @ some random yummy World Showcase CS
4:30pm: ADR for dinner @ Chefs de France (Ordering a brithday cake at the podium)
6:00pm: Back to room to drop off cake
7:00pm: MVMCP!
12:30am: Back to the room for the night

12/4: Sleep-in, Relax, and Epcot! :rose:
Morning & Afternoon: Open, No plans
5:00pm: Epcot
7:10pm: ADR for dinner @ Le Cellier
9:00pm: Epcot Evening EMH
12:30am: Back to the room for the night

12/5: Hollywood Studios & SpectroMagic/Wishes! :smickey:
7:00am: Breakfast @ El Centro
8:00am: Hollywood Studios for Early EMH
12:35pm: ADR for lunch @ Sci-Fi Dine-In
5:30pm: Leave DHS and catch bus to MK
7:00pm: SpectroMagic
8:00pm: Wishes
9:45pm: ADR for dinner @ Ohana
11:00pm: Back to the room for the night

12/6: Animal Kingdom, and More Epcot!princess:
8:00am: Breakfast @ El Centro
9:00am: Animal Kingdom for rope drop!
12:00pm: Lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ
5:00pm: Catch bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge
6:00pm: ADR for dinner @ Boma
7:30pm: Epcot until close
9:30pm: Illuminations (my favorite!)
10:00pm: Leave Epcot and catch bus to DHS for evening EMH (Osborne Lights, specifically)
11:30pm: Back to the room for the night

12/7: Downtown Disney, and Departure! :(
8:00: Get packed up and the car loaded
9:05am: ADR for breakfast @ 1900 Park Fare
10:30am: Downtown Disney
12:00pm: Lunch @ CS of choice
1:00pm: Revist any park one last time
5:00pm: Leave WDW and drive back to South Carolina

[Elevationist]

So I think I'm going to call about the 4/3 today, and see if it's a better or comparable deal to the Free Dining we currently have booked. If I can switch us to that, it would mean getting to stay 7 nights instead of only 6! *fingers crossed!* :goodvibes

[Elevationist]

Looked into the 4/3 offer today. Looks like my dates aren't covered by it! Boo! Oh well, original plan is a GO! :) Going to be making another payment on our balance when I get off work in the morning. :woohoo:

[Elevationist]

*tap tap tap* :mic: Is thing on? Hi!

Just wondering if anybody is bothering to read this. :rolleyes: :laughing:

[disneyaddicted]

:wave2: Hi, I'm here. My name is Ty. What a great back ground story. It's great that you and Ron are making a long distance relationship work for you.

Happy Early Birthday. How awesome to be spending it not only at WDW but also MVMCP. I celebrated my birthday that way in 2007. One of my best birthdays ever!!!!

I will be at WDW this Dec 3-11. And I am at MK on Dec 3rd, not doing MVMCP this time though.

I will also be at AK on Dec 4th, it's funny I have Flame Tree Bar-Que planned for 1:00 too. I love that place.

That's it for all the trip similarities.

Yay! on getting the resort and King bed you wanted. I myself like the big bright colored in your face Disney icons the value resorts offer. I love Pop Century, but honestly would love to some day stay at the Wilderness lodge.

I am on board with this PTR of yours, Keep posting and I will keep reading.

[Elevationist]

:wave2: Hi, I'm here. My name is Ty. What a great back ground story. It's great that you and Ron are making a long distance relationship work for you.

Happy Early Birthday. How awesome to be spending it not only at WDW but also MVMCP. I celebrated my birthday that way in 2007. One of my best birthdays ever!!!!

I will be at WDW this Dec 3-11. And I am at MK on Dec 3rd, not doing MVMCP this time though.

I will also be at AK on Dec 4th, it's funny I have Flame Tree Bar-Que planned for 1:00 too. I love that place.

That's it for all the trip similarities.

Yay! on getting the resort and King bed you wanted. I myself like the big bright colored in your face Disney icons the value resorts offer. I love Pop Century, but honestly would love to some day stay at the Wilderness lodge.

I am on board with this PTR of yours, Keep posting and I will keep reading.Ooh ooh ooh! My first reader, I'm so stoked! And I know you, Ty! Well, not "KNOW" you... but I've been lurking on your PTR for a couple days. :rotfl: Thank you for joining in, I'll do the same in yours more, I promise.

It sounds like we're possibly going to be bumping elbows a few times while in WDW! Hehe. I love Flame tree BBQ, I thought about giving Yak & Yeti CS a try this time, but I know Ron would prefer the ribs at Flame Tree. (And frankly, I think I would too!) :lovestruc

I go back and forth on how I feel about the in-your-face Disneyism of the values. I just like the quieter, more laid back theming and relaxation of the mods and the deluxes. I have stayed at ASMusic and ASSports (that acronym makes me giggle), and want to try Pop and ASMovies once of these days. :goodvibes

Thanks again for joining in! I was starting to feel like I was talking to myself! :lmao:

[JoJo1980]

Hey there!! I'm here for the ride if you've got room for one more :banana:

We are there from the 27 Nov to 6 Dec :santa:

Your plans sound great!!! Infact, some of them are similar to ours :lmao: We are doing MK & MVMCP the same day as you, we're also doing epcot on one of your days and our evening Ohana adr is an hour before yours :lmao: Spooky stuff!!!

You & DBF look cute together and i'm glad you are making the long distance thing work :yay: Me and DH met on the net too, we chatted for a month and then he came to meet me when I was out with a friend - that was 8 years ago and now we're married with a house and furbaby :love:

I can't wait to hear more about your plans and share your trip excitement :banana:

[Elevationist]

Hey there!! I'm here for the ride if you've got room for one more :banana:

We are there from the 27 Nov to 6 Dec :santa:

Your plans sound great!!! Infact, some of them are similar to ours :lmao: We are doing MK & MVMCP the same day as you, we're also doing epcot on one of your days and our evening Ohana adr is an hour before yours :lmao: Spooky stuff!!!

You & DBF look cute together and i'm glad you are making the long distance thing work :yay: Me and DH met on the net too, we chatted for a month and then he came to meet me when I was out with a friend - that was 8 years ago and now we're married with a house and furbaby :love:

I can't wait to hear more about your plans and share your trip excitement :banana:Get on the bus girl, there's still plenty of room! Just you, me, and Ty as far as I can tell! :laughing:

Yay! I love finding people with around the same amount of time to wait, maybe we can all keep each other some level of sane! :yay:

I'm glad you like the itinerary! Some of my non-Disney-addict friends have looked at it and told me I was nuts, scheduling everything out like that. But the way I see it, when other people are standing around scratching their behinds, staring at park maps, arguing over what to do next, standing in line for a dinner table for over an hour, and having a less than magical time... our vacation will be on track and smooth sailing. :cool2:

Maybe we'll bump into each other at MVMCP! :santa: It's my first one, and I'm sooo excited. And the Ohana thing is funny! Who knows, depending on how fast you eat, maybe we'll get your table once ya'll clear out. :lmao:

Awww, you are so sweet, thank you for the compliment! Though I think we look pretty cute together, too. He's so much darker than me (he's east Indian, his parents are immigrants from Fiji), and I'm so pale, I think the contrast is hilarious. :goodvibes And do you have ANY idea how happy I was to fall for a guy taller than me? I'm 6'0'' when I'm running around barefoot, I'd about given up on ever being able to look UP into a guy's eyes. :lmao: He's 6'3'', and I looooove it. :cloud9:

I'm rambling. :rotfl: Off to subscribe to your PTR now! :woohoo:

[Elevationist]

Countdown: 60 days left! :banana::cheer2::woohoo:

Well, Ron and I got paid this morning, and Mickey Mouse just took about half our paychecks. :lmao: He'll get the rest of his money over the course of the next two weeks!

Workin' on gettin' that balance down, it will be soooo nice when I finally hear those beautiful words: "Paid in full!" Two more weeks, two more weeks, two more weeks...

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Hi! I followed you over here from JoJo's PTR! We are all in this thing together! We get there the night after you! Your trip looks great so far! Subbing to hear more!

[jenbear123]

Hey there! It must be a first timers jitters when it comes to writing these PTRs. I read some others that are nearly 50+ pages long with a gigantor following. Wonder how they do it :confused3 Then you worry "Is mine boring?" "What am I doing wrong?" "Do I need to post more pictures?" "Should I post more often" OR maybe it's just me :rotfl2:

I love the detail you've put into your PTR so far. I've tried the long distance thing and it never worked out. Probably a bit easier when you live in the same country :rolleyes: So glad to see you were able to upgrade to CSR. I stayed there this past July. The newly renovated rooms are gorgeous and the beds are heavenly :cloud9: Especially after all that park touring. Can't say I had much time to explore CSR as I was only there for 3 nights and we were constantly on the move! I hope that you get a bit more time to explore and take lots of pictures! My pictures consist of the 50 foot perimeter around the building I was staying in :lmao:

Keep trying to get Tusker House. It's hard one to get (especially for breakfast) but the odd time you might just get lucky :thumbsup2

Looking forward to more developments of your trip!

[Elevationist]

Hi! I followed you over here from JoJo's PTR! We are all in this thing together! We get there the night after you! Your trip looks great so far! Subbing to hear more!Yay yay yay! Welcome! The more the merrier, this helps to pass the time! :banana: :rotfl: Off to read and subscribe to your PTR now! :cutie:

Hey there! It must be a first timers jitters when it comes to writing these PTRs. I read some others that are nearly 50+ pages long with a gigantor following. Wonder how they do it :confused3 Then you worry "Is mine boring?" "What am I doing wrong?" "Do I need to post more pictures?" "Should I post more often" OR maybe it's just me :rotfl2:

I love the detail you've put into your PTR so far. I've tried the long distance thing and it never worked out. Probably a bit easier when you live in the same country :rolleyes: So glad to see you were able to upgrade to CSR. I stayed there this past July. The newly renovated rooms are gorgeous and the beds are heavenly :cloud9: Especially after all that park touring. Can't say I had much time to explore CSR as I was only there for 3 nights and we were constantly on the move! I hope that you get a bit more time to explore and take lots of pictures! My pictures consist of the 50 foot perimeter around the building I was staying in :lmao:

Keep trying to get Tusker House. It's hard one to get (especially for breakfast) but the odd time you might just get lucky :thumbsup2

Looking forward to more developments of your trip! Welcome welcome! :woohoo:

OMG, everything you said about writing a PTR for the first time is SOOOOO true! LOL!! I thought it was just me feeling that way! :hug:

We have a half-day scheduled for nothing but lazing about the resort, so I certainly hope to take lots of pictures! Even if I don't, I'll certainly be enjoying the relaxation about 4 days of park touring from 8am till midnight! :eek::goodvibes We love the look and feel of it, and those beautiful new rooms really hooked us into CSR! I wish they would upgrade at least the bedding in all of the resorts. So many of them, even at the deluxes, still look so Days Inn like. :laughing:

Oh, we've given up on Tusker House. :cutie: Decided I didn't wanna sacrafice Animal Kingdom time for characters that we'll be seeing at Chef Mickey's anyhow (except for Daisy, of course), and food that we'll have similar/better versions of at Boma. The ADRs that I'm chasing now are breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and dinner at Le Cellier. (Yes, I know for Le Cellier, I have better odds of getting struck by lightening. Twice. With a winning Mega-Millions lotto ticket in my hand. :lmao:)

[jenbear123]

OMG, everything you said about writing a PTR for the first time is SOOOOO true! LOL!! I thought it was just me feeling that way! :hug:

Good to hear I'm not the only one :hug:

We have a half-day scheduled for nothing but lazing about the resort, so I certainly hope to take lots of pictures! Even if I don't, I'll certainly be enjoying the relaxation about 4 days of park touring from 8am till midnight! :eek::goodvibes We love the look and feel of it, and those beautiful new rooms really hooked us into CSR! I wish they would upgrade at least the bedding in all of the resorts. So many of them, even at the deluxes, still look so Days Inn like. :laughing:

I've got some pictures from CSR in July in the renovated rooms. I can post them if you're interested. Although I'm sure they're nothing different than what you've seen before :rolleyes:

Oh, we've given up on Tusker House. :cutie: Decided I didn't wanna sacrafice Animal Kingdom time for characters that we'll be seeing at Chef Mickey's anyhow (except for Daisy, of course), and food that we'll have similar/better versions of at Boma. The ADRs that I'm chasing now are breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and dinner at Le Cellier. (Yes, I know for Le Cellier, I have better odds of getting struck by lightening. Twice. With a winning Mega-Millions lotto ticket in my hand. :lmao:)

Yeah... Le Cellier is one of the toughest. Mostly due to the small dining room size. The mirrors make it look much bigger than it actually is. But the food is so yummy! Here's some pixie dust to help you get an ADR pixiedust: It's a matter of endurance on the online reservation system :surfweb:

[JoJo1980]

Get on the bus girl, there's still plenty of room! Just you, me, and Ty as far as I can tell!

Yay! I love finding people with around the same amount of time to wait, maybe we can all keep each other some level of sane!

I'm glad you like the itinerary! Some of my non-Disney-addict friends have looked at it and told me I was nuts, scheduling everything out like that. But the way I see it, when other people are standing around scratching their behinds, staring at park maps, arguing over what to do next, standing in line for a dinner table for over an hour, and having a less than magical time... our vacation will be on track and smooth sailing.

Maybe we'll bump into each other at MVMCP! It's my first one, and I'm sooo excited. And the Ohana thing is funny! Who knows, depending on how fast you eat, maybe we'll get your table once ya'll clear out.

Awww, you are so sweet, thank you for the compliment! Though I think we look pretty cute together, too. He's so much darker than me (he's east Indian, his parents are immigrants from Fiji), and I'm so pale, I think the contrast is hilarious. And do you have ANY idea how happy I was to fall for a guy taller than me? I'm 6'0'' when I'm running around barefoot, I'd about given up on ever being able to look UP into a guy's eyes. :lmao: He's 6'3'', and I looooove it. :cloud9:

I'm rambling. :rotfl: Off to subscribe to your PTR now! :woohoo:

Woohoo! I'm on the bus :banana: Can I have that sparkly seat on the second row please? The purple & blue one with all the glitter, I love anything that sparkles at me :wizard:

Sane?!?! What does that word mean? You dont hear much of that on here :lmao: Looks like more people are getting on the bus :yay: They better not pinch my seat or there will be trouble!! :cool2:

I totally agree that planning leads to a more magical and stress free trip, I'd rather stress during the planning than while i'm there. Guess its ok if you've been lots of times before and just do what you fancy when you fancy it - but if you've never been at certain times of the year and want to do LOADS of things, then some planning and organising needs doing. Don't worry, we can all drive each other insane with our planning rambles - infact, i'm probably one of the worst for second guessing myself and wanting to change every plan every 5 seconds :lmao:

Hopefully we will bump into each other at MVMCP, it's our first time too - we've never had a december trip before & are soooo sooo sooo excited!! :santa: I'll make sure that we leave the table neat and tidy at Ohana, just incase ;) Although I am planning on drinking quite a few lapu lapu's as i've never had them before, so you mind find me under the table by the time you get there :lmao:

Having a taller guy is great, I love the idea of gazing up into someone's eyes :cloud9:

Looks like I caught your ramble bug :laughing: will let you have your thread back now :laughing: ;)

Countdown: 60 days left! :banana::cheer2::woohoo:

Well, Ron and I got paid this morning, and Mickey Mouse just took about half our paychecks. :lmao: He'll get the rest of his money over the course of the next two weeks!

Workin' on gettin' that balance down, it will be soooo nice when I finally hear those beautiful words: "Paid in full!" Two more weeks, two more weeks, two more weeks...

YAAAAAAAAAY for giving mickey money (I love the way you phrased that by the way :worship: ) and extra YAY for 60 days :woohoo:

I need to double check what date we need to pay our balance by, good job you reminded me!! :hug:

[jenbear123]

But the way I see it, when other people are standing around scratching their behinds, staring at park maps, arguing over what to do next, standing in line for a dinner table for over an hour, and having a less than magical time... our vacation will be on track and smooth sailing. :cool2:

This was me and my family back in February '08. That'll NEVER happen again as long as I'm going to Disney :teacher:

[Elevationist]

Ladies, I need your thoughts on Crocs. :confused3

I hate, repeat, I HATE, sneakers. :mad: :headache: But it's hard for me to imagine spending 14 hours a day in a theme park wearing anything else.

I really really want to find some sort of shoe that breathes! And that I won't have to worry about my sock/shoes getting wet on Splash Mountain or Kali River!

If you're a Croc lover, what style do you like best and why? Should I go for original Crocs? Do their sandal styles provide the same amount of comfort and support?

These (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-patra/10044,default,pd.html?cgid=outlet) are on close-out, and I like the style of them, they look like something I would buy for running errands and such. (I can't do thong-style sandals, like flops, because they KILL my toes!)

Or since my primary objective is comfort and support, should I stick with a more "traditional" Croc shoe, like these (http://www.crocs.com/Professional/10016,default,pd.html?cgid=outlet-men)? What do ya'll think? :confused:

Also, how do you find that the sizes run? Big or small? I wear a women's 12-13 and a men's 10-11, so sometimes finding shoes is a big pain in the butt! :rotfl:

Please, any and all suggestions welcome! :hug:

[jenbear123]

I fell in love with the Cleo (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-cleo/10043,default,pd.html?cid=240&cgid=women-footwear) style Croc. I have two pairs (one white, one brown) and absolutely LOVE them. They are pretty similar to the ones you linked to that are on clear out. Have worn them on all my trips to the World. If you have a high arc, these will probably not give you enough support. Even so, my feet seem to have a higher arc than usual and I still find them really comfy. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the comfort. The little "bumps" take a little getting used to but my suggestion is to wear them around the house first. Once you work them in, they are delightful :cloud9: They are still comfortable even when wet. The sizes tend to be on the smaller side. I'd say get a size up from your regular shoe size to be on the safe side. I'm a woman's size 8 and my feet JUST fit. Toes are right before the edge. This works for me though but it might bother others. Best thing to do is to find a Croc store and try them on first. Then you'll really know what works and what doesn't :thumbsup2

[Elevationist]

I fell in love with the Cleo (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-cleo/10043,default,pd.html?cid=240&cgid=women-footwear) style Croc. I have two pairs (one white, one brown) and absolutely LOVE them. They are pretty similar to the ones you linked to that are on clear out. Have worn them on all my trips to the World. If you have a high arc, these will probably not give you enough support. Even so, my feet seem to have a higher arc than usual and I still find them really comfy. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the comfort. The little "bumps" take a little getting used to but my suggestion is to wear them around the house first. Once you work them in, they are delightful :cloud9: They are still comfortable even when wet. The sizes tend to be on the smaller side. I'd say get a size up from your regular shoe size to be on the safe side. I'm a woman's size 8 and my feet JUST fit. Toes are right before the edge. This works for me though but it might bother others. Best thing to do is to find a Croc store and try them on first. Then you'll really know what works and what doesn't :thumbsup2OOH OOH OOH! I loooove those! Love love love!

I might have to find a Croc store to try some out, it sounds like. The highest their women's sizes go is a 12. :sad2: I can usually only wear a ladies 12 if they either (1) run a bit big, or (2) are a wide width. Otherwise, I need a ladies 13, which Crocs doesn't make in any of the cute sandal styles, just the traditional ones. And of course, all the styles I like best don't also come in a 13, and the ones that do are all so ugly. :headache: I'll sacrafice style for comfort if I have to, though.

I suppose I could do some reading and see what their return policy is for online orders. Worst case scenario, they don't fit and I send them back.

Oh! But I do so LOVE those Cleos you just linked me! The brown/pink ones are sooooo cute!!!! :lovestruc

[TiggerAllie]

Love the "birth-mas-iversary" terminology! Looks like there's a new PTR party over here on your thread! :)

[TiggerAllie]

Oh yeah, and I love KEENs! The men's and women's are essentially the same, just different color options, so you could definitely try the mens.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss09/shoes/women/waterfront/whisper/beet%20red!%20gargoyle

[Elevationist]

Love the "birth-mas-iversary" terminology! Looks like there's a new PTR party over here on your thread! :)Hehe, thanks! ;) And I love parties! party:
Oh yeah, and I love KEENs! The men's and women's are essentially the same, just different color options, so you could definitely try the mens.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss09/shoes/women/waterfront/whisper/beet%20red!%20gargoyleOh sweet! I'll have to look into them! :thumbsup2

[Elevationist]

UPDATE!

I've been thinking alot about our transportation options, particularly the road trip portion of our trip. Ya see, my 2001 Dodge Neon is fine for running around my little town, but I'm not so confident in it for a 5+ hour drive each way. :guilty:

So after some discussion and research, Ron and I have decided to get a rental car for our road trip down to WDW and back! :woohoo: This will be a first for me, as I've never rented a car before.

There's only one major rental agency right here in my town, Enterprise. We checked rates, and it looks like for the week it's going to be around $200 for the economy class. (Which is fine by me, we were gonna drive down in my NEON, for crying out loud! :lmao: )

As I'm a newb to rental cars, I am curious... Is that as good of a rate as it seems? Are there things I should maybe know before hand? Hidden fees to watch out for? Any advice is appreciated!

Also, is it customary to pay for it at the time of booking, or can I just go ahead and reserve it tomorrow? :confused3 If I have to pay anything it will have to wait until my paycheck on October 30th.

Let me know what ya'll think! :cutie:

[disneyaddicted]

I rented a mini van for my first trip, it was $800.00 for a week, that included extra insurance. (you will want that) I think $200 for the week is reasonable. Make sure before you drive it off the lot you check for every little dent or ding and point it out to them, also check that the windows work, AC or Heat etc...etc... I was able to reserve and then pay in full when I went to pick it up. It was enterprise that I rented from. It turned out to be the best thing ever, no worries about what to do for car trouble. no wear and tear on oyur own vehicle, They do make you returnit with a full tank though. But they gave it to us with a full tank too.

Croc! I love the caymens, and the mammoths, Caymens are good for air circulation. The bumps took a little getting used to, I ended up wearing them with no show socks. If it rains take the socks off, your shoes will get wet, but your socks wont, then they will be all nice for you when it stops raining.

But... I am declaring a no rain week at Disney!! I have done the no rain dance. This will cover all of our travel dates.

I completely understand about starting a PTR, always worried that no one will read. I keep reminding myself it's really just for me anyway, but I like to have the company. Your PTR is taking off though. It is real interesting, I am emjoying it.

[Elevationist]

rented a mini van for my first trip, it was $800.00 for a week, that included extra insurance. (you will want that) I think $200 for the week is reasonable. Make sure before you drive it off the lot you check for every little dent or ding and point it out to them, also check that the windows work, AC or Heat etc...etc... I was able to reserve and then pay in full when I went to pick it up. It was enterprise that I rented from. It turned out to be the best thing ever, no worries about what to do for car trouble. no wear and tear on oyur own vehicle, They do make you returnit with a full tank though. But they gave it to us with a full tank too.Oh, this is so encouraging, thank you! :) I wonder what the rate will go up to with the extra insurance? I don't think we're willing/able to go more than $300 total. Hmmm.

But... I am declaring a no rain week at Disney!! I have done the no rain dance. This will cover all of our travel dates.I'll join that rain dance! :banana: :cool1::banana::cool1::banana:

I completely understand about starting a PTR, always worried that no one will read. I keep reminding myself it's really just for me anyway, but I like to have the company. Your PTR is taking off though. It is real interesting, I am enjoying it. [/B]Oh, yay! I'm so glad! I was so afraid it would just be a snoozefest. :rotfl: I'm very chatty though, so I hope to keep it fun for anybody who wants to read along! :cutie:

[Christina3891]

[QUOTE=Elevationist;33810453]Oh, this is so encouraging, thank you! :) I wonder what the rate will go up to with the extra insurance? I don't think we're willing/able to go more than $300 total. Hmmm.
QUOTE]

Check your current insurance policy as most policies cover rentals. So needless to say you wouldn't need the expensive rental insurance if you are already covered through your insurance provider.

[Christina3891]

Ladies, I need your thoughts on Crocs. :confused3

I hate, repeat, I HATE, sneakers. :mad: :headache: But it's hard for me to imagine spending 14 hours a day in a theme park wearing anything else.

I really really want to find some sort of shoe that breathes! And that I won't have to worry about my sock/shoes getting wet on Splash Mountain or Kali River!

If you're a Croc lover, what style do you like best and why? Should I go for original Crocs? Do their sandal styles provide the same amount of comfort and support?

These (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-patra/10044,default,pd.html?cgid=outlet) are on close-out, and I like the style of them, they look like something I would buy for running errands and such. (I can't do thong-style sandals, like flops, because they KILL my toes!)

Or since my primary objective is comfort and support, should I stick with a more "traditional" Croc shoe, like these (http://www.crocs.com/Professional/10016,default,pd.html?cgid=outlet-men)? What do ya'll think? :confused:

Also, how do you find that the sizes run? Big or small? I wear a women's 12-13 and a men's 10-11, so sometimes finding shoes is a big pain in the butt! :rotfl:

Please, any and all suggestions welcome! :hug:

Check out the Disney Crocs! I own a pair of the pearl/pink as a backup to my wedding heels. http://www.crocs.com/crocs-disney-minnie-mouse-mary-jane/10163,default,pd.html?q=disney and http://www.crocs.com/crocs-disney-mickey-mouse-beach/10037,default,pd.html?q=disney

[Elevationist]

Check your current insurance policy as most policies cover rentals. So needless to say you wouldn't need the expensive rental insurance if you are already covered through your insurance provider.Oooh, that would be great, thanks for the tip! Also, I have pretty lousy credit, so I'm scared of what kind of fees/deposits/whatever they're gonna slap me with. :headache:

Check out the Disney Crocs! I own a pair of the pearl/pink as a backup to my wedding heels. http://www.crocs.com/crocs-disney-minnie-mouse-mary-jane/10163,default,pd.html?q=disney and http://www.crocs.com/crocs-disney-mickey-mouse-beach/10037,default,pd.html?q=disneyOh, those are sooo cute! :cutie: Shame that the red ones are the only color available in my size! (DBF detests the way clog-style Crocs look, so I promised him I wouldn't get any loud colors. :lmao: )

[Elevationist]

ADR/Itinerary Update!

I wonder at what point I'm going to stop "tweaking" things? :lmao:

I happened to mention the Clam Bake dinner at Cape May Cafe to DBF tonight, and he wanted to know more. So I link him the menu from allears.net ... Guess where we're eating after Fantasmic now, instead of going to Downtown Disney? :rotfl:

We're still going to go to DTD, just on our last day after we check out of CSR and before we drive home. (Guess I shouldn't have bothered buying park tickets for that dbay after all, :rolleyes: ) We have a breakfast ADR for that morning as well (also at Cape May, strangely enough, I only booked it as an alternative since I still can't seem to nab a morning ressie on 12/7 for 1900 Park Fare, :sad1: ), so after that we'll head down to DTD to shop a while and have lunch, then start the 5 hour drive home.

That reminds me... time to go check the online ADR system again for the ones I'm still chasing. :surfweb:

OH! One more thing. I bought a cute, cheap folder at WalMart this morning for sticking all my print-outs and notes in. Closer to the trip, I'm going to pick up an expanding file folder to organize everything, but for now this will work. :thumbsup2 And it's got Tinkerbell on it, hooray! :tinker:

[Wrexie]

Hi! I'm reading PTR's because I'm planning a trip in January!

My husband and I actually met on the internet way back in the dark ages (1994) and had a long-distance relationship for a year and a half before I decided to make the move and ended up finding some great job opportunities in his town. We had our 13th wedding anniversary in August, so we're living proof that this sort of thing can work!

I'm also dithering about what shoes to wear because I hate athletic-looking shoes unless I'm in a gym, and don't like to wear socks unless it's cold, but I'm recovering from knee problems so I need something supportive.

I like my Crocs Mary Jane-style shoes, less clunky than the clogs: http://www.crocs.com/crocs-mary-jane/10029,default,pd.html?q=mary%20janes

But I had to add some stick-on arch supports which I can't do with sandals--looks to obvious.

I'll bring the Crocs to WDW but I'm not sure they're cushiony enough for all-day walking, at least for me. I'll be bringing my Keen Presidios http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7241238.html which look much more "sneakerish" than I like but at least they're not white. If I really have to for my knees, I'll wear them. They're the most supportive shoes I have right now. I ordered these from zappos but they haven't come yet: http://www.zappos.com/think-mizzi-86353-black-nappa This is a little more than I would like to pay but I'm praying I can walk around in them all day and not have to resort to a lace-up, closed shoe. If that works out, for me, they will be worth the money.

If you like sandals, you might want to try some more supportive sandals at zappos.com--they have free shipping and returns so you can try something out to see how it feels. A lot of the "comfort sandals" are a bit pricey, though, and you certainly can't go wrong with Crocs for price and durability.

Best of luck planning your trip!:yay:

[Elevationist]

Hi! I'm reading PTR's because I'm planning a trip in January!

My husband and I actually met on the internet way back in the dark ages (1994) and had a long-distance relationship for a year and a half before I decided to make the move and ended up finding some great job opportunities in his town. We had our 13th wedding anniversary in August, so we're living proof that this sort of thing can work!

I'm also dithering about what shoes to wear because I hate athletic-looking shoes unless I'm in a gym, and don't like to wear socks unless it's cold, but I'm recovering from knee problems so I need something supportive.

I like my Crocs Mary Jane-style shoes, less clunky than the clogs: http://www.crocs.com/crocs-mary-jane/10029,default,pd.html?q=mary%20janes

But I had to add some stick-on arch supports which I can't do with sandals--looks to obvious.

I'll bring the Crocs to WDW but I'm not sure they're cushiony enough for all-day walking, at least for me. I'll be bringing my Keen Presidios http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7241238.html which look much more "sneakerish" than I like but at least they're not white. If I really have to for my knees, I'll wear them. They're the most supportive shoes I have right now. I ordered these from zappos but they haven't come yet: http://www.zappos.com/think-mizzi-86353-black-nappa This is a little more than I would like to pay but I'm praying I can walk around in them all day and not have to resort to a lace-up, closed shoe. If that works out, for me, they will be worth the money.

If you like sandals, you might want to try some more supportive sandals at zappos.com--they have free shipping and returns so you can try something out to see how it feels. A lot of the "comfort sandals" are a bit pricey, though, and you certainly can't go wrong with Crocs for price and durability.

Best of luck planning your trip!:yay:Welcome, thanks for reading! :cutie:

Aww, that's so great about you and your husband! I love hearing success stories! :hug: I'll be telliing DBF about you tonight, probably. Hehe.

Sounds like we are having a similar shoe problem! I can't afford to spend more than $40 on a pair myself, so I'm thinking Crocs might be my best option. People just rave about them, so I figure there's got to be something to all the fuss. Those Mary Jane style ones are super cute, too! I didn't realize they come in so many style options until I started to consider actually buying some. I might look up where my closest Crocs store is and see if I can't go try some on and see what I think of them before I buy. :idea:

[Elevationist]

Rental Car: Booked!

Company: Enterprise
Size: Compact
Pick-up: December 1st, 9:30am
Return: December 10th, 9:30am
TOTAL: $272.13

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

So excited not to have to stress out over my dumpy old car now! :rotfl:

[JoJo1980]

YAY for booking the rental car! :banana: We always book a hire car, we pick it up at the airport - we like to do some stuff off site so it comes in very handy!

Good luck with the ADR's you're chasing :wizard: We've done the character breakfast at cape may and we loooooved!! :thumbsup2

[Elevationist]

YAY for booking the rental car! :banana: We always book a hire car, we pick it up at the airport - we like to do some stuff off site so it comes in very handy!Yeah, that's a big part of why I always drive down, since I only live 5 hours from WDW. Once we're there, we'll probably be using the buses primarily, but it's still nice to have the car there if we need it. (Though since we're paying nearly $300 for this thing, we might be using it more than the buses on this trip, purely out of principle! ;) )

We'd planned all along on just driving my car down, but I'm nervous about it since it's not in the best condition. Taking the rental car on the road trip instead definitely puts my mind at ease. :goodvibes

Good luck with the ADR's you're chasing :wizard: We've done the character breakfast at cape may and we loooooved!! :thumbsup2Oh, I'm sure it's perfectly wonderful! But I'd rather have 1900 Park Fare, for two reasons:
(1) We will have already seen the resort/restaurant earlier in the week for dinner, and I don't like repeating on the same trip.
(2) We will have already seen/met all the characters there earlier in the week, at Chef Mickeys.

1900 Park Fare, however, would give us a reason to visit the GF, and meet characters we otherwise won't see, like the Mad Hatter, Alice, Mary Poppins, etc. Sooooo... here's hoping I land a ressie between now and then! :goodvibes

[JoJo1980]

Yeah, that's a big part of why I always drive down, since I only live 5 hours from WDW. Once we're there, we'll probably be using the buses primarily, but it's still nice to have the car there if we need it. (Though since we're paying nearly $300 for this thing, we might be using it more than the buses on this trip, purely out of principle! ;) )

We'd planned all along on just driving my car down, but I'm nervous about it since it's not in the best condition. Taking the rental car on the road trip instead definitely puts my mind at ease. :goodvibes

Oh, I'm sure it's perfectly wonderful! But I'd rather have 1900 Park Fare, for two reasons:
(1) We will have already seen the resort/restaurant earlier in the week for dinner, and I don't like repeating on the same trip.
(2) We will have already seen/met all the characters there earlier in the week, at Chef Mickeys.

1900 Park Fare, however, would give us a reason to visit the GF, and meet characters we otherwise won't see, like the Mad Hatter, Alice, Mary Poppins, etc. Sooooo... here's hoping I land a ressie between now and then! :goodvibes

It would be lethal if I lived only 5 hours drive from disney :lmao: I know what you mean about wanting to make sure you getting your moneys worth out of the car - we think the same ;) We're currently trying to decide which one to rent, we book with a UK company so that everything is all paid for in advance - but we have to pay the full amount at the time of booking with us being less than 8 weeks now, so I want to make sure we're 100% decided on which car before we book. The car tends to be a treat for DH though as its me thats the total disney nut. Am wondering whether to suprise him with a 4x4 depending on the cost - plus I need something that's big enough to hold all my suitcases and shopping :lmao:

I totally understand why you want to swap :goodvibes We've never done the same restuarant on the same trip and it'll be great if you get to see all the different resorts dressed for xmas :santa: We visited the GF on our last trip but just shopped, didnt eat - we've got breakfast booked there this trip so i'll keep my fingers crossed that you get an ADR - i'm sure you will, just keep stalking them until they give in ;) :wizard:

[Elevationist]

It would be lethal if I lived only 5 hours drive from disney :lmao: I know what you mean about wanting to make sure you getting your moneys worth out of the car - we think the same ;) We're currently trying to decide which one to rent, we book with a UK company so that everything is all paid for in advance - but we have to pay the full amount at the time of booking with us being less than 8 weeks now, so I want to make sure we're 100% decided on which car before we book. The car tends to be a treat for DH though as its me thats the total disney nut. Am wondering whether to suprise him with a 4x4 depending on the cost - plus I need something that's big enough to hold all my suitcases and shopping :lmao:Thankfully, DBF isn't so much picky about the car. He told me last night to book the cheapest one, the "Economy class." But it was only $15 more to get the Compact instead, which is still a small car but not as small. And we're both really tall, so I figure with a 5 hour drive each way, even a little bit of extra leg room would be nice. :laughing:

I totally understand why you want to swap :goodvibes We've never done the same restuarant on the same trip and it'll be great if you get to see all the different resorts dressed for xmas :santa: We visited the GF on our last trip but just shopped, didnt eat - we've got breakfast booked there this trip so i'll keep my fingers crossed that you get an ADR - i'm sure you will, just keep stalking them until they give in ;) :wizard:Thanks! I've been checking daily, and watching the "Cancelled December ADRs" thread here on the DIS, but so far no luck! I've also been trying to think if there's any other breakfast buffets we'd like to try instead, even if there's no characters. The only one that comes to mind is Trail's End at Ft. Wilderness... But seeing as how neither DBF nor I are much on camping, I don't think either of us would be thrilled with going out there for a meal. :rotfl:

[JoJo1980]

Thankfully, DBF isn't so much picky about the car. He told me last night to book the cheapest one, the "Economy class." But it was only $15 more to get the Compact instead, which is still a small car but not as small. And we're both really tall, so I figure with a 5 hour drive each way, even a little bit of extra leg room would be nice. :laughing:

Thanks! I've been checking daily, and watching the "Cancelled December ADRs" thread here on the DIS, but so far no luck! I've also been trying to think if there's any other breakfast buffets we'd like to try instead, even if there's no characters. The only one that comes to mind is Trail's End at Ft. Wilderness... But seeing as how neither DBF nor I are much on camping, I don't think either of us would be thrilled with going out there for a meal. :rotfl:

Glad you've got some extra leg room, you need to pamper your legs for as long as possible before you hit all that disney walking!

Just stick with it, i'm sure something will come up :goodvibes

Is it just resort breakfasts your looking for? What about the Lilo & Stitch one at the Poly? Mind you, you've got an evening meal there havent you .. hmm ... what about the Whispering Canyon Cafe at wilderness lodge? No characters though.

[Elevationist]

Glad you've got some extra leg room, you need to pamper your legs for as long as possible before you hit all that disney walking!

Just stick with it, i'm sure something will come up :goodvibes

Is it just resort breakfasts your looking for? What about the Lilo & Stitch one at the Poly? Mind you, you've got an evening meal there havent you .. hmm ... what about the Whispering Canyon Cafe at wilderness lodge? No characters though.I looked into WCC, apparently that one is family-style skillet that you order. "Scrambled Eggs, Oven-roasted Red Bliss Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, Waffles, Buttermilk Biscuits, and Sausage Gravy" is what is listed. I think we're looking for more of a selection than that. (And gauranteed MICKEY waffles! :cool1: )

I just booked Trail's End anyhow as another possible alternative. :rotfl: This meal we're going to be paying for out of pocket, and the Trail's End breakfast is significantly cheaper. So we'll see, I'll also check with Ron and see what he thinks. I'll just decide which one to cancel later! :upsidedow

And yeah. It seems that somehow I managed to book us for dinner at nearly all of the best breakfast buffets. Chef Mickey's, Cape May Cafe, Crystal Palace, Ohana, Boma. :laughing: Go figure!

[Elevationist]

OOH OOH! I just had a flash of inspiration! :idea:

I could maybe scratch the Crystal Palace dinner and replace it with breakfast instead! That is one where I don't much care which meal it is, long as we eat there once! And it would also mean actually getting to use our park tickets on that last day, and say good bye to the castle before we head to DTD then drive home. :woohoo:

This also means picking out a different dinner place in or near the MK for my birthday dinner on the 3rd. Hmmmmmm!

Off to check for ADRs.... AGAIN!!!! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

[Elevationist]

OH. MY. GOSH.

You guys are NOT going to believe what just happened.

So just to recap above breakfast ADR rambling, I've been trying every hour for weeks to try and get a breakfast booking at 1900 Park Fare on our departure day, 12/7. No luck at all, so I've had Cape May Cafe booked as an alternative.

Well, now we're having dinner there one night, so I needed ANOTHER alternative. I was about to rearrange some ADRs and went online to go check and see if I could get Crystal Palace that morning instead.

It wasn't available. :sad1:

But, as usual, it pops up with alternative options.

Can you guess what one of the alternatives was?

*

*

Wait for it.

*

*

Nope, not yet.

*

*

Just a little longer now.

*

*

I'm sure you've already figured it out.

*

*

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
Primary Guest: Billie S.
Confirmation Number:: ############
Day & Date: Monday, December 7, 2009
Time: 9:05 AM
Dining Party: 2 Adults

How's THAT for some unexpected pixie dust?! pixiedust: It's an hour earlier than I was looking for, but no way was I walking away from it! I finally got it! :hyper::hyper::hyper:

Now to start praying to the ADR gods for an evening res at Le Cellier on 12/4... :worship: :lmao:

[Christina3891]

OOH OOH! I just had a flash of inspiration! :idea:

I could maybe scratch the Crystal Palace dinner and replace it with breakfast instead! That is one where I don't much care which meal it is, long as we eat there once! And it would also mean actually getting to use our park tickets on that last day, and say good bye to the castle before we head to DTD then drive home. :woohoo:

This also means picking out a different dinner place in or near the MK for my birthday dinner on the 3rd. Hmmmmmm!

Off to check for ADRs.... AGAIN!!!! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

That so sounds like me!!! My itenary changes everyday because if I can get one restaurant I have to move a million others. And it's getting so hard now to even move what would have been considered an "easy reservation" restaurant. It's so fustrating. The hardest one for me had been Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner one night while we are there. I have also been trying to make a reservation for a couple of others and it has been nearly impossible. It must be because of the free dining or something. I just don't get it. Good luck on getting what you want though!

[jenbear123]

Yay for booking the car rental. :yay: It's always nice to have something completed for your trip.

I honestly believe the online ADR system is the most addicting thing Disney could have offered. That, and the online resort reservation system. It just screams for you to constantly change plans or look at different options. I swear I could be on there for 12 hours straight and still not make a solid decision :surfweb:

Oops! Just saw you updated above. Going to read now!

[Christina3891]

OH. MY. GOSH.

You guys are NOT going to believe what just happened.

So just to recap above breakfast ADR rambling, I've been trying every hour for weeks to try and get a breakfast booking at 1900 Park Fare on our departure day, 12/7. No luck at all, so I've have Cape May Cafe booked as an alternative. Well now, we're having dinner there one night, so I needed ANOTHER alternative. I was about to rearrange some ADRs and went online to go check and see if I could get Crystal Palace that morning instead.

It wasn't available. :sad1:

But, as usual, it pops up with alternative options.

Can you guess what one of the alternatives was?

*

*

Wait for it.

*

*

Nope, not yet.

*

*

Just a little longer now.

*

*

I'm sure you've already figured it out.

*

*

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Primary Guest: Billie S.
Confirmation Number:: ############
Day & Date: Monday, December 7, 2009
Time: 9:05 AM
Dining Party: 2 Adults

How's THAT for some unexpected pixie dust?! pixiedust: It's an hour earlier than I was looking for, but no way was I walking away from it! I finally got it! :hyper::hyper::hyper:

Now to start praying to the ADR gods for an evening res at Le Cellier on 12/4... :worship: :lmao:

THAT'S AWESOME!!!! Now send some of that pixie dust my way!!! :yay::banana:

[jenbear123]

:cool1::dance3::cool1::woohoo::yay:

THAT'S GREAT NEWS!!!! I'm with you on the Le Cellier ADR. I'm begging to get a later time on Nov 19th :worship::worship:

[Elevationist]

That so sounds like me!!! My itenary changes everyday because if I can get one restaurant I have to move a million others. And it's getting so hard now to even move what would have been considered an "easy reservation" restaurant. It's so fustrating. The hardest one for me had been Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner one night while we are there. I have also been trying to make a reservation for a couple of others and it has been nearly impossible. It must be because of the free dining or something. I just don't get it.It's DEFINITELY because of Free Dining, as far as I'm concerned. This is my first trip since 2006, and back then the only meal you had to worry about getting was breakfast at CRT. Everything else was easy peasy! So this has been hard for me to adjust too, also.

Yay for booking the car rental. :yay: It's always nice to have something completed for your trip.Amen, sister! :lmao: I loooove the feeling of being able to check one more thing off the ever-growing list!

I honestly believe the online ADR system is the most addicting thing Disney could have offered. That, and the online resort reservation system. It just screams for you to constantly change plans or look at different options. I swear I could be on there for 12 hours straight and still not make a solid decision :surfweb:I agree! I've been a WDW mega-planner for years, but I've NEVER obsessed over ADRs like I have this time around! That online ADR system is both a blessing a curse, I think!! :scared1:

THAT'S AWESOME!!!! Now send some of that pixie dust my way!!! :yay::banana:Will do! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

:cool1::dance3::cool1::woohoo::yay:

THAT'S GREAT NEWS!!!! I'm with you on the Le Cellier ADR. I'm begging to get a later time on Nov 19th :worship::worship: I'm so stoked! My heart is still racing, when I saw that come up on the screen, I literally blinked several times, and re-read it over and over to make sure I wasn't imagining it. ROFL. Then something in my brain clicked and went "BOOK IT QUICK, YOU DUMMY." Haha. Such a rush from a stinkin' meal reservation!

And here's some pixiedust: for your Le Cellier ADR! I still can't get over how this has become such a hot ticket. It makes me wish I had tried it in previous years, pre-FD, when it wasn't that big of a deal. :rotfl:

What a great day this is shaping up to be! :goodvibes

[JoJo1980]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY :woohoo:


Breakfast party over here :woohoo::yay::dance3::banana::cool1:


I'm soooo glad you got it honey :hug: Well done!! :banana:


I'm going to join in with the praying for Le Cellier too, we've got Marakesh booked - but we've never been to Le Cellier and want it bad!! :worship:

[Elevationist]

I'm going to join in with the praying for Le Cellier too, we've got Marakesh booked - but we've never been to Le Cellier and want it bad!! :worship:We have Marrakesh booked as our Le Cellier back-up plan too. :lmao: It was Ron's choice... I think it has something to do with the bellydancers, though he won't admit it. :rolleyes:

[TiggerAllie]

Congrats on getting Park Fare! I am trying to scrounge up Crystal Palace for our last day in January... nothing! I ended up adding it to our Oct trip, because I didn't want to miss out before the refurb.

As far a rental car stuff, I always go to mousesavers .com which has all the tips on getting discounts and coupons for all the different rental car companies--check it out and maybe you can save another $30. However, that's a pretty good rate--we got $250 from National for a wk in Oct (from the Orlando airport).

I'm totally with you on the ADR obsession-- I should have the disney dining site bookmarked, as I have been checking obsessively every day! (Can't get caught at work though!)

[JoJo1980]

We have Marrakesh booked as our Le Cellier back-up plan too. :lmao: It was Ron's choice... I think it has something to do with the bellydancers, though he won't admit it. :rolleyes:


:rotfl2: Men! :laughing:

[Wrexie]

We have Marrakesh booked as our Le Cellier back-up plan too. :lmao: It was Ron's choice... I think it has something to do with the bellydancers, though he won't admit it. :rolleyes:

Haha! When we went to Marrakesh and took my stepdaughter when she was about 12, the belly dancer was going around the room picking people to get up and dance with her. She picked...

...

my husband. Who happens to be a choreographer/ballet teacher. So naturally he couldn't just shake his hips a little, he tried to mimic everything she was doing. I was laughing my head off! :rotfl2:

My stepdaughter's expression was priceless. She looked like she was plotting to murder him. She's 22 now but we still laugh about how he embarrassed the heck out of her.

We love Marrakesh and plan to go there. I love the food and it's fun to see the belly dancers. If you end up there and like things spicy, be sure to ask for Harissa--it's a hot pepper condiment. At least last time we were there, it wasn't on the menu, but they brought it when we asked. As I recall, the food was good and pretty authentic, but a little bland compared to what I've gotten elsewhere. We used to have a really good authentic Moroccan restaurant in our city but it closed.

But hopefully you will get your Le Cellier reservation. I've never been there but am hoping to try it this time.

[Elevationist]

Haha! When we went to Marrakesh and took my stepdaughter when she was about 12, the belly dancer was going around the room picking people to get up and dance with her. She picked...

...

my husband. Who happens to be a choreographer/ballet teacher. So naturally he couldn't just shake his hips a little, he tried to mimic everything she was doing. I was laughing my head off! :rotfl2:

My stepdaughter's expression was priceless. She looked like she was plotting to murder him. She's 22 now but we still laugh about how he embarrassed the heck out of her.

We love Marrakesh and plan to go there. I love the food and it's fun to see the belly dancers. If you end up there and like things spicy, be sure to ask for Harissa--it's a hot pepper condiment. At least last time we were there, it wasn't on the menu, but they brought it when we asked. As I recall, the food was good and pretty authentic, but a little bland compared to what I've gotten elsewhere. We used to have a really good authentic Moroccan restaurant in our city but it closed.

But hopefully you will get your Le Cellier reservation. I've never been there but am hoping to try it this time.Oh my gosh, what a great story! That must have been a hoot! :rotfl2:

[Elevationist]

OMG, how ridiculous am I right now? :rotfl2:

My trip is 59 days out.

And I'm already experiencing "Too excited to sleep" syndrome! :scared1: :banana::woohoo:

Seriously, I just laid in bed for almost an hour, trying to get to sleep. And all I could do was lay there with a whirlwind of WDW thoughts racing through my mind.

I think I need a 12-step program. :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl::surfweb:

[Elevationist]

Congrats on getting Park Fare! I am trying to scrounge up Crystal Palace for our last day in January... nothing! I ended up adding it to our Oct trip, because I didn't want to miss out before the refurb.Aww, it's a shame that you're not going the same time I am! I have a CP res for 12/5 that I just offered up on the Cancelled December ADR thread. And I'm considering cancelling my 12/3 res as well, still. (I think we may have too many buffets in a row going.) Here's some pixie dust your way, may the ADRs of your dreams all fall neatly into your lap! pixiedust:

As far a rental car stuff, I always go to mousesavers .com which has all the tips on getting discounts and coupons for all the different rental car companies--check it out and maybe you can save another $30. However, that's a pretty good rate--we got $250 from National for a wk in Oct (from the Orlando airport).I love mousesavers.com! For several years I worked for an airline (that will remain nameless), and it was mousesavers that let me in on the delightful secret of the 50% OFF RESORT ROOMS at WDW for all airline employees. :scared1: It's the only reason I was able to stay at AKL in 2006.

I checked their rental car discounts, but nothing useful for Enterprise. Ah well! :goodvibes

[Elevationist]

Well, after sleeping, I'm at it again, obsessing over these ADRs. :rotfl2: Now I'm thinking that maybe I'd rather have Tony's instead of Crystal Palace on my birthday. :rolleyes1

[disneyaddicted]

OOH OOH! I just had a flash of inspiration! :idea:

I could maybe scratch the Crystal Palace dinner and replace it with breakfast instead! That is one where I don't much care which meal it is, long as we eat there once! And it would also mean actually getting to use our park tickets on that last day, and say good bye to the castle before we head to DTD then drive home. :woohoo:

This also means picking out a different dinner place in or near the MK for my birthday dinner on the 3rd. Hmmmmmm!

Off to check for ADRs.... AGAIN!!!! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:In my opinion crystal palace has a better breakfast then dinner. I've done both and wasn't too impressed with dinner.

[disneyaddicted]

Well, after sleeping, I'm at it again, obsessing over these ADRs. :rotfl2: Now I'm thinking that maybe I'd rather have Tony's instead of Crystal Palace on my birthday. :rolleyes1:scared1: NOOOOOoooooo! Don't trade for Tony's.:rolleyes1 oops. I mean do what ya want man, I mean it's your trip. Don't let me influence you at all.:rolleyes:

[Elevationist]

In my opinion crystal palace has a better breakfast then dinner. I've done both and wasn't too impressed with dinner.I did Dinner in 2006, and rather liked it. Never done breakfast at CP. I'm thinking of trying to replace it with Tony's though, if I can snag an ADR. But only because I am worried that I've inadvertently booked us too many buffet-style meals. 2 breakfasts and 4 dinners in 7 days. :scared1:

With all the revisions I've been doing, here is how our ADR list currently stands:

12/1: Chef Mickey's, 9:00pm
12/2: Maya Grill, 7:45am.
12/2: Cape May Cafe, 8:45pm
12/3: Crystal Palace, 4:30pm
12/4: Restaurant Marrakesh, 7:00pm
12/5: Ohana, 9:45pm
12/6: Boma, 4:55pm
12/7: 1900 Park Fare, 9:05am

[Elevationist]

:scared1: NOOOOOoooooo! Don't trade for Tony's.:rolleyes1 oops. I mean do what ya want man, I mean it's your trip. Don't let me influence you at all.:rolleyes:Was that reverse psychology? :lmao: Or are you trying to get an ADR that night, too?

[disneyaddicted]

I'm set on my ADR's I just got a little carried away when you thought about trading CP for TOny's. You do have a lot of buffets booked. But buffets mean more choices.

[Elevationist]

I'm set on my ADR's I just got a little carried away when you thought about trading CP for TOny's. You do have a lot of buffets booked. But buffets mean more choices.This is true. I also tend towards buffet-style meals while vacationing, because either: (1) The easy way to get photo ops with characters, or (2) If no characters, I feel you can get in and out of a buffet restaurant faster than a traditional one, where you have to wait for everything to be cooked to order and served, blah blah blah. ;)

But I also want each meal to be memorable for Ron. I'm afraid that so many dinner buffets are just going to all blend together after the trip, especially since three of them are on 3 nights in a row.

OCD on overdrive. :rotfl:

[disneyaddicted]

That's true. But then again, the stmospher at each place will be different.

[Elevationist]

That's true. But then again, the stmospher at each place will be different.I've never actually been to Tony's, all I know is that Lady & the Tramp is one of my favorites. :lovestruc And as far as normal, order a la carte restaurants, it's that or the Plaza. And just judging from the menus, Tony's just seems more "birthday dinner" appropriate than the Plaza.

All though these are all probably moot points anyhow, seeing as how there's no availability anywhere that evening at the times I need! :rotfl:

I'll do some more research on Tony's and read some reviews before I decide if I'm going to start pursuing a res there. Bad enough that I'm still chasing Le Cellier for the next night! :laughing:

[TiggerAllie]

We ate at Tony's on a past trip and it was totally disappointing--not enough Lady & the Tramp theming, and the food was very poor quality Italian.

I absolutely love CP for breakfast, but I probably wouldn't go for the other meals, based on the menu.

What about dinner at Park Fare? Supposedly the castle is good, but I refuse to eat there since they added the required picture package and pre-pay.

Maybe dinner at one of the MK resorts for your birthday?

[Elevationist]

We ate at Tony's on a past trip and it was totally disappointing--not enough Lady & the Tramp theming, and the food was very poor quality Italian.

I absolutely love CP for breakfast, but I probably wouldn't go for the other meals, based on the menu.

What about dinner at Park Fare? Supposedly the castle is good, but I refuse to eat there since they added the required picture package and pre-pay.

Maybe dinner at one of the MK resorts for your birthday?Oh, that's too bad about Tony's! Hrmm.

I've never done breakfast at CP, but I did dinner there a few years ago, and I liked it alot. We did 1900 Park Fare that same trip for dinner, and only liked it slightly more. So I have no problem with the food, and the character interaction is fun! The only reason I'm considering changing it up is to cut down on the amount of buffets dinners we're doing in a row. :confused:

And I agree with you totally about the castle. I'd love to eat there again, but I just can't see dropping 2 TS credits on it when we're on the regular dining plan. As is, I have us scheduled for 8 TS meals even though we only have 6 TS credits each, so we're already paying for two of them out of pocket. :scared1: CRT is definitely not an option this trip.

I considered looking into one of the MK resorts, but from I can tell, looks like they are all full too! Not to mention that during the week, we are already eating at the Contemporary (Chef Mickey's), the Polynesian (Ohana), and the Grand Floridian (1900 Park Fare). I want to try to mix it up and visit different resorts if I'm trying their restaurants. ;)

I was thinking about maybe Wilderness Lodge. We can't afford Artist Point, as much as I would love to do that for my birthday. Which I guess only leaves Whispering Canyon Cafe? I'm not totally opposed to that, I think the food looks tasty. And we have options there... Depending upon our appetites come dinner time, we could go for the family skillet, or order a la carte. Hmmm.

I'm really okay with keeping my birthday dinner at CP, I like the food, I like that we won't have to leave the park, and I like the character interaction. But, I don't wanna overload Ron with so many buffet meals, and I do like the idea of trying something new, since I've yet to even visit Wilderness Lodge, much less eat at any of the restaurants there. I doubt I'll be able to get am ADR at this point, but it's definitely an option I'll run past Ron. :thumbsup2

I tend to ramble alot, I'm sorry. :rotfl:

[Elevationist]

Okay, just talked to Ron (right after he read through this thread :goodvibes ). He promises me that the multiple buffets isn't a problem, and that it's okay for me to leave everything as is.

He tells me to just relax. I tell him that I just want everything to be perfect. He says "Everything will be perfect, because I'll be at Disney World, and I'll be with you." :lovestruc

Soooooo...

I'm going to force myself to stop obsessing over my ADRs, and consider everything set now! :banana: :cool1: :woohoo: :yay:
...
...
...

...Well. Almost. :lmao:Still gonna chase that Le Cellier res for 12/4. But if I don't get it, no worries. I know it's a long shot. :thumbsup2

[disneyaddicted]

That's good. Now let your mind rest a minute before you start obsessing over something else. We all do it here. Can't think of a single person on these boards who have not second guessed their decisions, and if they tell you different, they are LYING!
It's a curse maybe? We just keep thinking we can make the plans better. Especially if we are planning a trip for a newbie or loved one. It makes it all the harder when we want to give them the best experience ever.

[Elevationist]

That's good. Now let your mind rest a minute before you start obsessing over something else. We all do it here. Can't think of a single person on these boards who have not second guessed their decisions, and if they tell you different, they are LYING!
It's a curse maybe? We just keep thinking we can make the plans better. Especially if we are planning a trip for a newbie or loved one. It makes it all the harder when we want to give them the best experience ever.Exactly exactly EXACTLY! :thumbsup2 Gosh, I would be lost without the DIS, it's so nice to be around people who understand! :hug:

[jenbear123]

So glad to hear you've got your ADRs ironed out - well for now. ;) But like disneyaddicted put it, give yourself a break. It's very tempting to go to the online dining reservations and continually search and search and search for that one ADR you are just hoping will pop up (hmmm this sounds familiar) but it just adds unneeded stress. I'm one to talk! I'm going to try and follow my own advice too :rolleyes1

[Elevationist]

So glad to hear you've got your ADRs ironed out - well for now. ;) But like disneyaddicted put it, give yourself a break. It's very tempting to go to the online dining reservations and continually search and search and search for that one ADR you are just hoping will pop up (hmmm this sounds familiar) but it just adds unneeded stress. I'm one to talk! I'm going to try and follow my own advice too :rolleyes1Shhhh... :rolleyes1
...
...
...
Don't tell DBF...
...
...
...
But...
...
...
...
...I just made another ADR change. :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Just one, though! I finally decided where I really wanna be on my birthday, and what restaurant I want to be eating at (other than Le Cellier). He's not gonna like it, though, so I'm not sure how to tell him. :guilty:

See, the more I've thought about it, I just don't want a buffet for my birthday dinner. I want to be waited on, dangit! :laughing: And Epcot is my most favorite of all the parks. We're going to MVMCP that night, but that doesn't mean we can't spend the first part of the day somewhere else.

So. Instead of MK and Crystal Palace... I want to make that an Epcot day instead. And I want to have dinner at Les Chefs de France. I've never really experienced french cuisine, and I think the menu looks yummy. However, when we were originally picking out Epcot ADR's, Ron vetoed this place because he has no interest in French food.

But... I do. And... it's my birthday. :sad1:

So I made the res. Now I just have to figure out how to convince him that it won't be that bad. :confused::confused3:rolleyes:

[jenbear123]

"The mind is like a parachute. It only works when it's open"

Tell your BF that French food will not kill him and he's not allowed to say he doesn't like something when he hasn't even tried it.

And it's your birthday! Eat where YOU want :)

[Wrexie]

I've never been to Chefs de France, but I love Bistro de Paris upstairs! From what I've heard, the upstairs restaurant is pricier and more authentic. So I'm betting that the downstairs restaurant will have lots of things even for people who don't think they like French food. You can't beat the bread anywhere French, so even something as simple as a grilled cheese (Croque Monsieur in French) can be heavenly!

Maybe before you tell him, you can look over the menu and find a couple of things you can point out that he likes?

[TiggerAllie]

Ooo we are doing Les Chefs for dinner on NYE! :) I'll be interested to know what you think. We decided on Chefs over Bistro because the food options sounded better (not so much into all the French meatiness). I've only eaten at Chefs once for the prix fixe lunch, which was good but not terribly adventurous (french onion soup & sandwich + cream brulee).

Is Artist's Point 1 TS or 2? I can't remember if they increased it. If it is still 1TS, that would definitely be worth it, but I don't think at any of the restaurants you can justify dropping 2 TS--who can eat enough to make it worth the $$?

Personally, I really like doing a park other than MK on party days (MNSSHP, MVMCP), because it makes the party seem more special. :)

[DONTMINDME]

Ladies, I need your thoughts on Crocs. :confused3

I hate, repeat, I HATE, sneakers. :mad: :headache: But it's hard for me to imagine spending 14 hours a day in a theme park wearing anything else.

I really really want to find some sort of shoe that breathes! And that I won't have to worry about my sock/shoes getting wet on Splash Mountain or Kali River!

If you're a Croc lover, what style do you like best and why? Should I go for original Crocs? Do their sandal styles provide the same amount of comfort and support?

These (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-patra/10044,default,pd.html?cgid=outlet) are on close-out, and I like the style of them, they look like something I would buy for running errands and such. (I can't do thong-style sandals, like flops, because they KILL my toes!)

Or since my primary objective is comfort and support, should I stick with a more "traditional" Croc shoe, like these (http://www.crocs.com/Professional/10016,default,pd.html?cgid=outlet-men)? What do ya'll think? :confused:

Also, how do you find that the sizes run? Big or small? I wear a women's 12-13 and a men's 10-11, so sometimes finding shoes is a big pain in the butt! :rotfl:

Please, any and all suggestions welcome! :hug:

I know how you feel. Hi I'm Tammy I noticed you on JOJO's Thread and thought I'd see if there was anymore room on the bus. I like the 3rd row back on the right. I am a tall lady too 6' and i hate sneakers too. I have found a type of shoe at Sam's club called deerfoams and I absolutely love them. I am also toying with the croc idea but no flipflop style they kill me. I am ejoying you ptr and I am sort of a lurker I tend to read alot and try not to butt in too much. We are going to be at WL Nov.28/Dec6 and it is also our first time at Christmas, we are celebrating 25 years together,:hug: we met Dec3rd and have been married 23 1/2 years. :banana::banana:I love that banana it makes me laugh. I agree about the planning and I am just like you I want to know where I'm going and a general idea of what I'm doing not just standing around scratching my?????:woohoo:

[DONTMINDME]

Artist point is considered signature dining and is now 2 pts. I've heard it's excellent tho.:thumbsup2

[DONTMINDME]

Glad you've got some extra leg room, you need to pamper your legs for as long as possible before you hit all that disney walking!

Just stick with it, i'm sure something will come up :goodvibes

Is it just resort breakfasts your looking for? What about the Lilo & Stitch one at the Poly? Mind you, you've got an evening meal there havent you .. hmm ... what about the Whispering Canyon Cafe at wilderness lodge? No characters though.

I was just tinking the same thing WCC has a great all you can eat breakfast skillet that is really good.

[DONTMINDME]

It's your Birthday He's not gonna care where he eats as long as you have a great birthday.Guys grumble but in the end they know as long as we are happy everyone is happy.:rotfl:

[TiggerAllie]

Keep an eye out for Le Cellier! I just saw this post:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33828689&postcount=115

[disneyaddicted]

Maybe if you don't tell him, he won't notice?:confused3

Not to be putting my DH down, but I switch things all the time.
EXAMPLE, We pull up to the Olive Garden (of course to make it work I have to drive)

DH: I thought we were going to Chillis?

Me: Oh, you did? Hmm

DH: Didn't you say Chillis last week?

ME: you must be thinking of another time, I definitely said Olive Garden.

DH: I hate the Olive Garden.

ME: Yeah, I was a little surprised that you agreed to it when I mentioned it last week, but we're here now, might as well eat. Just order spaghetti, you like spaghetti.

:lmao: I do have a little guilt just a little.

But really I think Ron will want you to be happy on your birthday, and he might end up loving french food.

[Christina3891]

We have Marrakesh booked as our Le Cellier back-up plan too. :lmao: It was Ron's choice... I think it has something to do with the bellydancers, though he won't admit it. :rolleyes:

:rotfl2: Marrakesh was Eric's choice too!!! hahahaha

Okay now I need to add to my list of things to do: Learn to bellydance

[Elevationist]

"The mind is like a parachute. It only works when it's open"On the other hand, somebody said to me once: "If you're too open-minded, your brain will fall out!" :lmao:

I've never been to Chefs de France, but I love Bistro de Paris upstairs! From what I've heard, the upstairs restaurant is pricier and more authentic. So I'm betting that the downstairs restaurant will have lots of things even for people who don't think they like French food. You can't beat the bread anywhere French, so even something as simple as a grilled cheese (Croque Monsieur in French) can be heavenly!Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. We won't do Bistro this trip anyhow, too pricey. But I'm thinking that Les Chefs might be good or sort of "introductory" French food. :goodvibes

Ooo we are doing Les Chefs for dinner on NYE! :) I'll be interested to know what you think. We decided on Chefs over Bistro because the food options sounded better (not so much into all the French meatiness). I've only eaten at Chefs once for the prix fixe lunch, which was good but not terribly adventurous (french onion soup & sandwich + cream brulee).Yeah, I'm not interested in Chefs lunch menu at all, really. Our ADR is at 4:30, and that should be a dinner time. I'll definitely be doing a dining review of everything when we get back!

Is Artist's Point 1 TS or 2? I can't remember if they increased it. If it is still 1TS, that would definitely be worth it, but I don't think at any of the restaurants you can justify dropping 2 TS--who can eat enough to make it worth the $$?It's 2 TS credits, which is exactly why we're not doing it. I can certainly put away enough food, but being on just the regular DDP, I can't see burning credits like that. As is, we have 6 TS credits each, and 8 TS meals planned. The two breakfasts are just going to have to come out-of-pocket. Next time, however, I hope to splurge for the Deluxe Dining Plan, so that I can finally try all these Signature restaurants that I am dying to experience. (Artist Point, Jiko, Narcoosee's, etc.)

Personally, I really like doing a park other than MK on party days (MNSSHP, MVMCP), because it makes the party seem more special. :)That is a GREAT point, something I hadn't thought of! I think I completely agree with you! :cutie:

I know how you feel. Hi I'm Tammy I noticed you on JOJO's Thread and thought I'd see if there was anymore room on the bus. I like the 3rd row back on the right. I am a tall lady too 6' and i hate sneakers too. I have found a type of shoe at Sam's club called deerfoams and I absolutely love them. I am also toying with the croc idea but no flipflop style they kill me. I am ejoying you ptr and I am sort of a lurker I tend to read alot and try not to butt in too much. We are going to be at WL Nov.28/Dec6 and it is also our first time at Christmas, we are celebrating 25 years together,:hug: we met Dec3rd and have been married 23 1/2 years. :banana::banana:I love that banana it makes me laugh. I agree about the planning and I am just like you I want to know where I'm going and a general idea of what I'm doing not just standing around scratching my?????:woohoo:Oh please, feel free to "butt in" as much as you like! As you can see I'm very chatty and very much enjoy the same from people. Welcome to the bus, Tammy! There's still plenty of room!
http://images.quickblogcast.com/0/6/5/9/0/115978-109560/WDW_Bus.jpg

I was just tinking the same thing WCC has a great all you can eat breakfast skillet that is really good.Yeah, I considered it, but in the end it all worked out. I got 1900 Park Fare, which is what I wanted all along! :woohoo:

Keep an eye out for Le Cellier! I just saw this post:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33828689&postcount=115Yes! I saw it too this morning, until I realized that none of those times work for me. LOL. I need either 12/3 between 4:30 and 6pm, or 12/4 between 6:30pm and 9pm. :worship:

Not to be putting my DH down, but I switch things all the time.
EXAMPLE, We pull up to the Olive Garden (of course to make it work I have to drive)

DH: I thought we were going to Chillis?

Me: Oh, you did? Hmm

DH: Didn't you say Chillis last week?

ME: you must be thinking of another time, I definitely said Olive Garden.

DH: I hate the Olive Garden.

ME: Yeah, I was a little surprised that you agreed to it when I mentioned it last week, but we're here now, might as well eat. Just order spaghetti, you like spaghetti.

:lmao: I do have a little guilt just a little.:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2::laughing: That's AWESOME. Ron hates Olive Garden too, but I love it. (Mmmm, Zupa Toscana...) I'm going to have to remember this trick! :thumbsup2

:rotfl2: Marrakesh was Eric's choice too!!! hahahaha

Okay now I need to add to my list of things to do: Learn to bellydance:lmao: MEN!!! :rotfl:

[Elevationist]

Okay, now that I got all the replies taken care of, I'll announce the verdict on Les Chefs de France:

HE SAID OKAY. :banana::woohoo::yay::thumbsup2:dance3:

Honestly, in my heart I knew he would be fine with it, I was just worrying for no good reason. He really loves seeing me happy :lovestruc, and wants me to do/see/eat whatever I want on my birthday. I reassured him that if nothing else on the menu appeals to him, there's a delicious mac & cheese. He loves mac and cheese, so I think it will all be fine. He's so sweet to me. :love:

So! I've re-arranged our park itinerary and set everything up just the way I want it now, I think. Still gonna chase Le Cellier, but not overly concerned by it. I feel alot better about our dining choices now, more balanced in a way. Here is our FINALIZED list of ADRs. (I mean it this time! :laughing:)

12/1: Chef Mickey's, 9:00pm
12/2: Maya Grill, 7:45am
12/2: Cape May Cafe, 8:45pm
12/3: Chefs de France, 4:30pm
12/4: Restaurant Marrakesh, 7:00pm
12/5: Ohana, 9:45pm
12/6: Boma, 4:55pm
12/7: 1900 Park Fare, 9:05am

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

[Elevationist]

OH OH! Also!

All of this ADR shifting has made me realize that I have several now that I need to cancel! Before I do, I figured I'd post them up here, in case any of you girls are interested in snagging them. :cutie:

All of these I will be cancelling at the end of the week, unless I'm told not to for some reason :rolleyes1 :12-2
Ohana - 7:35am

12-3
Crystal Palace - 4:30pm

12-4
Akershus - 4:55pm

12-5
Crystal Palace - 4:25pm

12-7
Cape May Cafe - 10:05am
Trail's End - 10:30am

Just holler if ya'll want any of these! :goodvibes

[MyMuse]

Did I post on this PTR yet? If not, my apologies. :goodvibes

Congrats on 1900 Park Fare; I did it on my last trip (at 9:05am then too) and it was terrific! I really enjoyed the character interaction and both Mary P and Alice stayed with us because we were talking to them. They were so shocked and actually looked grateful! Mad Hatter was a hoot! I would do this again sometime, but right now, I don't want to repeat. But you'll LOVE it. And the food was great - mickey waffle, strawberry soup - can't ask for much more. :laughing:

The car rental is pretty great for now. I finally got mine down to $243 using Costco codes and I would love for it to go down a bit more.

[JoJo1980]

Okay, now that I got all the replies taken care of, I'll announce the verdict on Les Chefs de France:

HE SAID OKAY. :banana::woohoo::yay::thumbsup2:dance3:


So! I've re-arranged our park itinerary and set everything up just the way I want it now, I think. Still gonna chase Le Cellier, but not overly concerned by it. I feel alot better about our dining choices now, more balanced in a way. Here is our FINALIZED list of ADRs. (I mean it this time! :laughing:)

12/1: Chef Mickey's, 9:00pm
12/2: Maya Grill, 7:45am
12/2: Cape May Cafe, 8:45pm
12/3: Chefs de France, 4:30pm
12/4: Restaurant Marrakesh, 7:00pm
12/5: Ohana, 9:45pm
12/6: Boma, 4:55pm
12/7: 1900 Park Fare, 9:05am

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

:banana: :banana: :banana: WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :banana: :banana: :banana:

He's a good one that you've got there ;) He really does want to see you smile doesnt he :goodvibes

I'm glad everything is going to plan and that you are feeling better about your plans now :hug:

[Elevationist]

Did I post on this PTR yet? If not, my apologies. :goodvibes

Congrats on 1900 Park Fare; I did it on my last trip (at 9:05am then too) and it was terrific! I really enjoyed the character interaction and both Mary P and Alice stayed with us because we were talking to them. They were so shocked and actually looked grateful! Mad Hatter was a hoot! I would do this again sometime, but right now, I don't want to repeat. But you'll LOVE it. And the food was great - mickey waffle, strawberry soup - can't ask for much more. :laughing:

The car rental is pretty great for now. I finally got mine down to $243 using Costco codes and I would love for it to go down a bit more.
I don't think you have, but I know I've seen your comments on some of these other ladies PTRs... So welcome!! :cutie:

I'm pretty excited about 1900 Park Fare! :goodvibes I've eaten dinner there, but never breakfast. I've read so much and see YouTube videos of the character interraction there, particularly with Mad Hatter, and just knew I wanted to check it out for breakfast. It's for the morning that we leave WDW, so I know we're going to need to some laughs to lift our spirits. DBF and I both get the End-of-Vacation Blues pretty badly.

Gonna go check out your PTR in a few, and probably subscribe. :rotfl:

He's a good one that you've got there ;) He really does want to see you smile doesnt he :goodvibes

I'm glad everything is going to plan and that you are feeling better about your plans now :hug:He's amazing. Sometimes I don't give him enough credit, I think. :love:

I am feeling really good about my ADRs now! They buffet thing was just nagging at me, as well as knowing that my birthday just wasn't shaping up to what I wanted it to be. Now everything just seems in it's proper place, and that's a good feeling. :goodvibes

[Elevationist]

Rental Car Update

OMG! :headache: So I stopped by the local office today so see if they could give me a print out or anything, and they couldn't but the branch manager did write down my confirmation number and rate on the back of his business card. Thankfully, he mentioned the $150 Deposit that the guy who I booked it neglected to tell me about! :eek: I had no idea, and would have shown up to get the car on the morning of December 1st, and been blinded-sided by the extra $150 that I had not budgeted for.

Yes, I know it's refunded when I return the car, but it's still money that I won't be able to touch during my vacation. Now that I know, I can plan accordingly, but OMG I would have freaked out if I didn't find out about it until the morning of pick-up! :scared1:

[MyMuse]

I don't think you have, but I know I've seen your comments on some of these other ladies PTRs... So welcome!! :cutie:

I'm pretty excited about 1900 Park Fare! :goodvibes I've eaten dinner there, but never breakfast. I've read so much and see YouTube videos of the character interraction there, particularly with Mad Hatter, and just knew I wanted to check it out for breakfast. It's for the morning that we leave WDW, so I know we're going to need to some laughs to lift our spirits. DBF and I both get the End-of-Vacation Blues pretty badly.



I have a couple of videos on YouTube on the breakfast myself. :goodvibes

I also did the breakfast the day we left. It was the greatest thing!! I probably have a review in my May PTR/TR.

You'll LOVE it. :goodvibes

[Elevationist]

56 days to go. :surfweb:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Wow! A girl goes absent a few days and you take off!!!! So much to catch up on! I am all read up! Your new ADR's look great! Congrats on 1900 Park Fare! We are eating there too! It looks great! We were thinking about the clam bake, too. But, we opted out. I can't wait to hear about it when you get back so I can see if it is an option for next trip! ;)

Now, onto the shoe question...Crocs are super comfy! I love sneakers for the winter myself. But, I don't understand why no one but myself can stand flip flops??!! If it was warm enough in PA, I'd wear them year 'round!!! I love them! I even got the kids and DH into them! Mine are so worn that they have toe imprints!! LOL

[Wrexie]

Now, onto the shoe question...Crocs are super comfy! I love sneakers for the winter myself. But, I don't understand why no one but myself can stand flip flops??!! If it was warm enough in PA, I'd wear them year 'round!!! I love them! I even got the kids and DH into them! Mine are so worn that they have toe imprints!! LOL

Actually I love flip flops, once I found comfortable ones. I've got a pair of Havianas I've lived in for about 2 summers. The rubber is really soft and they don't rub like some of the other flip flops I'd had.

Then this year I had a knee injury and had to wear shoes with arch supports. :sad2: I bought some flip flops with arch supports -- still your basic rubber flip flops -- I think the brand had a Japanese name and were supposed to be endorsed by some Chiropractor's association. But after doing a lot of walking in them my knees were not happy, and my physical therapist said no more flip flops.

Oh well, at least I've found some comfy sandals.

Reading this planning thread is making me wish my own trip (January) were sooner!

[Elevationist]

Wow! A girl goes absent a few days and you take off!!!! So much to catch up on! I am all read up! Your new ADR's look great! Congrats on 1900 Park Fare! We are eating there too! It looks great! We were thinking about the clam bake, too. But, we opted out. I can't wait to hear about it when you get back so I can see if it is an option for next trip! I plan on doing a dining review, so you'll hear allllll about it.

Now, onto the shoe question...Crocs are super comfy! I love sneakers for the winter myself. But, I don't understand why no one but myself can stand flip flops??!! If it was warm enough in PA, I'd wear them year 'round!!! I love them! I even got the kids and DH into them! Mine are so worn that they have toe imprints!! LOLMy only issue with flops is I cant's stand things between my toes. I love sandals, but they have to be slides, not thongs. I've tried several different types and styles of flops, because I think they are super cute! Buuuuut... no nice. They all kill my toes and are super painful.

Reading this planning thread is making me wish my own trip (January) were sooner!January isn't too much farther than my own trip in December! Glad you're here, we can try to help each other pass the time. :hug:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Actually I love flip flops, once I found comfortable ones. I've got a pair of Havianas I've lived in for about 2 summers. The rubber is really soft and they don't rub like some of the other flip flops I'd had.

Then this year I had a knee injury and had to wear shoes with arch supports. :sad2: I bought some flip flops with arch supports -- still your basic rubber flip flops -- I think the brand had a Japanese name and were supposed to be endorsed by some Chiropractor's association. But after doing a lot of walking in them my knees were not happy, and my physical therapist said no more flip flops.

Oh well, at least I've found some comfy sandals.

Reading this planning thread is making me wish my own trip (January) were sooner!

Yea! A fellow flip flopper!!!! Too bad you can't wear them anymore! I will be sure to get enough wear out of mine for both of us! LOL

You will not be that far behind the rest of us! When you go, we will all be back and jealous that you are going and we are home! ;)

[Elevationist]

Oh, the OCD Planning continues on... and on... and on...

First and foremost:
8 weeks to go! :banana::banana::banana:


In other news: I messed with my ADRs again. :rolleyes1 Not alot, just moved one back by 90 minutes, in order to give us more time at Epcot. (Have I mentioned that Epcot is my favorite park, and I can't ever get enough time there?)

I also added another one ADR to my "chasing" list, along with Le Cellier. I have a Boma booking on 12/6 for 4:55pm, but I would really, truly prefer have 6-7pm so that we don't lose hours at Animal Kingdom. (And Boma is on the "Must Do" list, so just picking a different place for dinner is out.)

Also, a few nights ago, I decided to teach myself Excel. This is the result... :rotfl:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/itin1.jpg

Sorry the quality of the image is such crap, I was in a hurry. But you get the general idea. And yes, I did blur out my ADR #s. I'm kinda paranoid. :scared1::laughing:

Paranoid.... Oh, great. Now I have Jonas in my head. :eek:

[jenbear123]

:eek: I'm impressed. I hope you don't mind but I might adopt this style spreadsheet of yours. :rolleyes1 It would be much easier to have everything on ONE page rather than a day per page. I've been doing mine in Pages (Mac equivalent to Word - yes, I'm a loyal Mac user) and, even though it is pretty, it's annoying having to constantly flip through pages. I'll definitely want to have this sort of layout for my 10 day trip next year. Not sure if that will fit all on one 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. Guess I'll find out soon enough! Great work :thumbsup2 Stop fiddling with those ADRs :laughing:

[Elevationist]

:eek: I'm impressed. I hope you don't mind but I might adopt this style spreadsheet of yours. :rolleyes1 It would be much easier to have everything on ONE page rather than a day per page. I've been doing mine in Pages (Mac equivalent to Word - yes, I'm a loyal Mac user) and, even though it is pretty, it's annoying having to constantly flip through pages. I'll definitely want to have this sort of layout for my 10 day trip next year. Not sure if that will fit all on one 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. Guess I'll find out soon enough! Great work :thumbsup2 Stop fiddling with those ADRs :laughing:Doh! Mac. And here I was about to offer to email you the Excel file so that you just just tweak it to your itinerary. Aw well! Of course I don't mind you adopting the style, I am certain I'm not to first to come up with it! :rotfl:

I dunno what the Mac equiv of Excel is, but you could certainly get 10 days on a single sheet of paper. There's seven on my itinerary. Would just take more narrow columns and likely a slightly smaller font. :goodvibes

And I'm tryyyyyyyying to stop messing with our ADRs, I am! I swear! :rolleyes1

...I think I need an intervention. :lmao:

[wdwkimberlee]

Is there still room on the bus? :rolleyes:

Hi Billie! I just read through your whole PTR so far! Fun, fun, fun! :banana:

I agree--the more organized/planned your trip is, the more good times you can squeeze in. (And you have to do as many fun things as possible with DBF since you don't get to see him all the time.)

I wanted to tell you that my best friend that I grew up with is also named Billie. Her real name is Wilhelmina (a big name for a little girl), she was named after her aunt. So her nickname was always Billie. Very near and dear to my heart.:love:

And you know what else? I am taking my first ever solo trip to WDW the same exact dates as you and your DBF!!:woohoo: Dec 1 - 7 can't come soon enough! I'm booked at ASMu but have been thinking on and off (driving myself crazy) of upgrading to CSR. It looks like such a beautiful resort. So, I don't know...I guess I'll keep thinking...

Keep up the posting! This is enjoyable reading. Thanks.:flower3:

Kim

[jenbear123]

Awww Thanks for the offer Billie. No worries. I'll just look back and forth between yours and the one I'll be creating. Hopefully I won't need to make the font too small. Wouldn't want to need to use a magnifying glass to read it! :magnify:

[DONTMINDME]

I been out of sorts but I'm caught up now. I love your spread sheet, It looks like we will be in Epcot on the 4th together we have ressies at Coral reef for 7:10 that night and I have to say Epcot is my favorite park as well. I aslo agree about flipflop cute as a button hurt like crazy can't handle them between toes have to wear slide sandals. I even prefer shoes with no back I am a comfort girl and if it hurts I ain't wearin it no matter how cute it is.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great spreadsheet! It's so funny how when putting everyone's ideas together, we can come up with some many variations to organizing and keeping track of all of our info!!!! Good job! You will be busy in the next 8 weeks playing around with your times, schedules, etc., I bet! We all change the plans a million times! I think that is in part because when you make ADR's, the times look one way in your mind and then when you work them into your itinerary on paper they look totally different! I know mine do and I am thinking about changing some around again!! Ahhhhhhhhh!

[DONTMINDME]

Great spreadsheet! It's so funny how when putting everyone's ideas together, we can come up with some many variations to organizing and keeping track of all of our info!!!! Good job! You will be busy in the next 8 weeks playing around with your times, schedules, etc., I bet! We all change the plans a million times! I think that is in part because when you make ADR's, the times look one way in your mind and then when you work them into your itinerary on paper they look totally different! I know mine do and I am thinking about changing some around again!! Ahhhhhhhhh!

It our compulsion to make everything just perfect we have to tweek everything at least once or we aren't happy. I've rewritten mine 3 times you know more time in Epcot less time here , do I really need to rest then? I could be eating here and then I don't need to hop. Ok I think I have it. Maybe???? I think thats half the fun of planning.:thumbsup2

[tinacaplan]

I'm here, too. Just booked my trip for February! Thinking of starting a PTR.

[jenbear123]

Thinking of starting a PTR.

Oh, oh! You definitely should. Join the fun and excitement of everything that comes with planning your trip to Disney. Not to mention you'll have something to look back to after your trip :thumbsup2 You'll have a guaranteed subscriber here :wave2:

[TiggerAllie]

My major problem is that I'm having too much planning overlap between my Oct and Dec trips! :rotfl:

[Elevationist]

Is there still room on the bus? :rolleyes:

Hi Billie! I just read through your whole PTR so far! Fun, fun, fun! :banana:

I agree--the more organized/planned your trip is, the more good times you can squeeze in. (And you have to do as many fun things as possible with DBF since you don't get to see him all the time.)

I wanted to tell you that my best friend that I grew up with is also named Billie. Her real name is Wilhelmina (a big name for a little girl), she was named after her aunt. So her nickname was always Billie. Very near and dear to my heart.:love:

And you know what else? I am taking my first ever solo trip to WDW the same exact dates as you and your DBF!!:woohoo: Dec 1 - 7 can't come soon enough! I'm booked at ASMu but have been thinking on and off (driving myself crazy) of upgrading to CSR. It looks like such a beautiful resort. So, I don't know...I guess I'll keep thinking...

Keep up the posting! This is enjoyable reading. Thanks.:flower3:

KimAwww, aren't you a sweetheart! :hug: Of course, there's always room on this bus, honey!
http://www.kingdom-travel.com/Assets/Disney_Bus.gif:banana::banana::banana:

I was actually named after my cousin! Well, second cousin. My mom's cousin. Something like that. :laughing:

STORY TIME!

I guess there is or once was a wives tale about how if a pregnant lady mixes her pee with bleach, whatever color it turns will tell you the gender of your baby. Well, my cousin Billie Jo, who is my mom's age, swore by this test, and convinced my mom to try it when she was pregnant with me. Well, whatever color it turned I guess was supposed to indicate that my mother was pregnant with a boy. Mama argued with her, because she said she just had this "feeling" that she was carrying a girl. So they went back and forth, back and forth. Finally, my mother told her "Fine. I tell ya what. When this baby is born, and if it's girl, I'm going to name her Billie Jo, so that you can never forget how wrong you are." And that, as they say, is that. :rotfl:That's right, I got my name from a stinkin' bet.

Anyhow... Not to be the bring of bad news, but at this point, you're probably going to have a hard time upgrading to CSR because of Pop Warner. I looked last week, was going to try and add a night on at the end of our trip as a surprise for DBF. The ONLY resorts showing available after Dec 4th were Animal Kingdom Lodge, Saratoga Springs, and Ft. Wilderness Cabins. :scared1:

Awww Thanks for the offer Billie. No worries. I'll just look back and forth between yours and the one I'll be creating. Hopefully I won't need to make the font too small. Wouldn't want to need to use a magnifying glass to read it! :magnify:LOL. Well, mine is done in an 11pt. I dunno about you, but depending on the font, I can usually see fine anything down to an 8pt. Be sure to show us whatever you come up with!

I been out of sorts but I'm caught up now. I love your spread sheet, It looks like we will be in Epcot on the 4th together we have ressies at Coral reef for 7:10 that night and I have to say Epcot is my favorite park as well. I aslo agree about flipflop cute as a button hurt like crazy can't handle them between toes have to wear slide sandals. I even prefer shoes with no back I am a comfort girl and if it hurts I ain't wearin it no matter how cute it is.I have yet to try Coral reef, but I think I'm going to include it as a "Must Do" for next year! This year I'm determined to get more World Showcase restaurants, since the only two I've ever doe are Biergarten and Rose & Crown.

Great spreadsheet! It's so funny how when putting everyone's ideas together, we can come up with some many variations to organizing and keeping track of all of our info!!!! Good job! You will be busy in the next 8 weeks playing around with your times, schedules, etc., I bet! We all change the plans a million times! I think that is in part because when you make ADR's, the times look one way in your mind and then when you work them into your itinerary on paper they look totally different! I know mine do and I am thinking about changing some around again!! Ahhhhhhhhh!So very true! :lmao: I know in my case, I had to pick my original ADR choices before park hours came out. Then when they did, I didn't have much time to re-think things. As the last 4 weeks have gone by, and I've done alot more organizing and planning, as well as getting ideas from the DIS... I ended up re-doing every single day of our trip! :laughing:

It our compulsion to make everything just perfect we have to tweek everything at least once or we aren't happy. I've rewritten mine 3 times you know more time in Epcot less time here , do I really need to rest then? I could be eating here and then I don't need to hop. Ok I think I have it. Maybe???? I think thats half the fun of planning.:thumbsup2I dunno if ya'll noticed, but that's the one thing I didn't schedule us for... daily breaks/rests. :lmao: And still intending on being at rope drop every morning, and closing down a park every evening. Except for the one day in the middle of our trip, I did decide to give us a half-day to laze around the resort. I think DBF would have killed me otherwise. :rolleyes:

I'm here, too. Just booked my trip for February! Thinking of starting a PTR.Welcome! :hug: You should definitely do a PTR! They're so much fun to follow and chat with people in, it really does help the time go by faster! :goodvibes I would definitely subscribe!

My major problem is that I'm having too much planning overlap between my Oct and Dec trips! :rotfl:Oh, geeeeez. :rotfl2: Poor you! :cutie: :hug:

[Elevationist]

I just shared an unfortunate experience I had at WDW on another thread, the subject of which was backpacks. I just thought I'd repost it here as a warning/reminder! :goodvibes

May biggest caution about backpacks is do not let it out of your sight. If you are wearing it on your back in lines, watching parades, etc... be sure that somebody you know is standing behind you.

In 2000, I was watching SpectroMagic (or perhaps that was when the Main Street Electrical Parade was visiting WDW... I don't remember) for the first time. Standing there in awe, totally rapt, and in the most magical, safest place on Earth. After the parade, I took my backpack off to get something out of it... and found the front pocket unzipped and my wallet gone. All my cash, credit cards, IDs, everything... Gone.

Consider it a cautionary tale. Even in WDW, where we tend to fall into this magical little bubble where we forget the dangers of the real world, crimes still happen. Keep an eye on your bags at ALL TIMES.

Additionally: I have never traveled with children, but I still have always carried a bag of some sort. I am ultra-sensitive to the sun, and I take meds through-out the day. My hair tangles easily, so I bring a small brush to sort it out a couple times a day. I like having all my planning/travel notes available. Extra snacks like energy bars come in handy for us. Things that we buy in the parks have a place to be carried around. I don't have to worry about my cell phone, camera, or wallet coming out of my pockets or off my belt. My sunglasses have a secure pocket to be stored in so I don't lose them on rides. So on and so forth.

The fact is that there are pros and cons to anything, including bringing a backpack or any other bag into a theme park with you. And what works for one family won't work for another. Are you going to be away from your resort all day long, or do you plan on taking breaks in the middle of the day? Will your kids be okay with just what can fit into pockets, or are there certain supplies that you feel would be necessary to everybody enjoy their day? You know your crew best, do whatever you feel is in all of your best interest. :)

And for the record, I myself will not carry a backpack anymore. Since my unfortunate experience, I have only used messenger bags, so that I always had a close eye on my belongings. This year, I want something smaller so I am opting for a Vera Bradley hipster bag. ;)

[wdwkimberlee]

Good morning, Billie. Thanks for the info on CSR. Too bad I can't upgrade, but now at least I can stop thinking about it. I really have wanted to try out the All-Stars, so this will work out. Maybe CSR for the next trip!

What a story about how you were named! Thanks for sharing. :flower3:

Kim

[Elevationist]

So I'm talking to DBF yesterday, and he goes:

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Last night I had a dream about Disney World. We were at some sorta buffet, and everytime I looked out the windows, I saw the Magic Kingdom castle." :rotfl: :love:

I love that all my planning babble is surfacing in his dreams at night. :lmao::rotfl2::rolleyes1

Personally, I have dreams about Disney World all the time. Sometimes they are pleasant, sometimes they are just totally non-Disney situations with Disney World as the background.

And often nightmares, in which I'm try to get there, or I'm almost there, then something happens and prevents me from making it. Last week I had a nightmare about checking in at CSR and nobody spoke my language, had any record of my reservation, and the lights kept going out. In my dream, I never made it out of the hotel lobby. :eek:

Another time, in a nightmare from a few years ago... I was driving, and in the dream just to get onto the Disney property, there were toll booths you had to go through. The big "Walt Disney World" archway was above them. And like, my car kept breaking down once the booths were in sight. Then my tires got stuck in tar. Then finally, my car totally disintegrated around me and I was sitting on the pavement in the middle of a rusted frame and metal dust. Just sitting there crying and seeing Disney World just out of my reach.

It's a common theme in my dreams. :scared1:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Thanks for the heads up about the backpacks! Who would ever think at WDW???? Too bad!

LOL You are REALLY obsessed! It is coming into all of your dreams, nightmares, and daily thoughts!! I think the buffet DBF was dreaming about was the Crystal Palace!!!!!

[JoJo1980]

OMG!! Girl, you are HOOKED! :lmao: You've been bitten by the disney bug and it's stalking you :laughing:

[Elevationist]

Thanks for the heads up about the backpacks! Who would ever think at WDW???? Too bad!Yeah, I was pretty shocked. I'm soooo cautious and even a bit paranoid about it now, I guess.

LOL You are REALLY obsessed! It is coming into all of your dreams, nightmares, and daily thoughts!! I think the buffet DBF was dreaming about was the Crystal Palace!!!!!It's an addiction. :lmao: And don't mention Crystal Palace, that's the ADR I just removed from our plans to cut down on the number of buffet dinner we are doing and be able to go to Chefs de France instead! You're gonna make me start second-guessing myself again and trying to work it back into the plan so DBF isn't disappointed! :rotfl:

OMG!! Girl, you are HOOKED! :lmao: You've been bitten by the disney bug and it's stalking you :laughing:Seriously! :laughing: My trip is 54 days away, and I'm already too excited to sleep half the time. I'll go to bed and just end up laying there thinking about Disney World plans, lol. I think maybe I need to cut myself off from the DIS an hour before bed! :lmao:

[JoJo1980]

Seriously! :laughing: My trip is 54 days away, and I'm already too excited to sleep half the time. I'll go to bed and just end up laying there thinking about Disney World plans, lol. I think maybe I need to cut myself off from the DIS an hour before bed! :lmao:

:laughing: you're crazy :lmao: I know what you mean though, I can't switch off either - last night i even took a planning sheet into the bathroom with me :rotfl2: I always say that I do my best thinking whilst i'm on the loo - its the most quiet room in the house :lmao:

[Elevationist]

:laughing: you're crazy :lmao: I know what you mean though, I can't switch off either - last night i even took a planning sheet into the bathroom with me :rotfl2: I always say that I do my best thinking whilst i'm on the loo - its the most quiet room in the house :lmao:Too funny! I actually have a friend, Erika, who used to tell people that my best ideas always start with me saying "So today I was on the crapper, and I started thinkin' about...." :laughing:

[Wrexie]

Great spreadsheet! They do make Excel for Mac, because I have it on my Mac, but I think we paid for a Microsoft Office package. I've never made such a fancy spreadsheet though!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on backpacks. I'm sorry you got ripped off. I had my wallet stolen *out from under my nose* in a restaurant this past spring that I used to go to frequently. By the time I realized it wasn't in my purse and called the bank, the thief had already put my name on a fake out-of-state driver's license and used this to get a cash advance, then charged over $800 in a drug store. In both cases, they had the person on video camera but never did catch anybody. I wasn't liable for the expenses, but it still stunk to have to replace everything. It would stink even more while being on vacation.

That's one reason I ordered a cross-body bag for my Disney trip, which I've blathered about in my pre-trip report here: The Return of the Wizard and the Cheerful Dwarf (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2299813)

I carry too much crap to use one of those Vera Bradley bags, and need something more durable than quilted cotton because I'm rough on stuff, and this is what I came up with! Baggallini Around Town Bag (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/around_town_zebra_animal_print/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=133375&productid=1346187) I'm sensitive to sun too (get dark blotches on my forehead and have to spend months using expensive creams to get rid of them), so I've got to have a bag big enough to stash my floppy hat when indoors or the sun goes down.

[JoJo1980]

Too funny! I actually have a friend, Erika, who used to tell people that my best ideas always start with me saying "So today I was on the crapper, and I started thinkin' about...." :laughing:


:laughing: great minds think alike!

[Elevationist]

That's one reason I ordered a cross-body bag for my Disney trip, which I've blathered about in my pre-trip report here: The Return of the Wizard and the Cheerful Dwarf (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2299813)

I carry too much crap to use one of those Vera Bradley bags, and need something more durable than quilted cotton because I'm rough on stuff, and this is what I came up with! Baggallini Around Town Bag (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/around_town_zebra_animal_print/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=133375&productid=1346187) I'm sensitive to sun too (get dark blotches on my forehead and have to spend months using expensive creams to get rid of them), so I've got to have a bag big enough to stash my floppy hat when indoors or the sun goes down.I have been miiiighty tempted by the Baggallini. My concerns are:

(1) Weight. The Baggallini looks kinda heavy & bulky in all the photos I've seen. I want something light-weight. I have Lupus and suffer from chronic rheumatoid arthritis. I use an ECV in the parks, but try to park it and walk as much as I'm able to because I hate completely depending on the stupid scooter. (But I've accepted that without one, WDW just isn't possible for me.) The larger bags I've carried in the past have always just put even more stress on my joints because of the weight of them.

(2) Strap Length. Being tall, large-busted, and round about the middle, I need a bag with a VERY long strap in order to be able to wear it slung cross-body. The Vera Bradley Hipster has a 50-some-odd inch adjustable strap which, from all accounts, stays put without tearing up your shoulder of hurting your neck.

(3) Dimensions/Capacity. I kind of want a smaller bag to prevent me from over-packing, like I tend to do for park days. Any bag I have, if there's space, I seem to fill it. I figure that if I start with a smaller container, and it will force me to truly only bring the necessities. (And instead of a hat, because I hate hats, I opt for SPF 70 waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen!)

(4) Portability. Something small like the Hipster, I can leave on comfortably while driving the ECV. Larger bags I am constantly taking off, putting in the basket on the front so I can drive, then wrestling it back on again when I get off of the ECV.

(5) Price. I can get the VB Hipster on eBay for around $20 including shipping, if I'm not too terribly picky about the fabric (and I'm not). The lowest deal I've been able to find on the Baggallini is around $70 bucks. Biiiiiiig difference! :scared1:

My one and only concern about the Hipster is that it is just cotton, and not at all waterproof. But I plan on having a gallon-size ziploc bag to put things like cameras and cell phones into when we hit Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids.:goodvibes

[Elevationist]

:laughing: great minds think alike!(On the toilet, no less.) :lmao:

[Elevationist]

Got my 6:00pm Boma time I wanted on 12/6! :cool1::woohoo::banana:

I used the suggestion of searching for a party of 4 instead a party of 2, and it worked out perfectly. Got the exact time I wanted, and now have an extra hour to spend in Animal Kingdom. :goodvibes

Hooray! :yay:

[jenbear123]

That's terrible what happened with your backpack incident. I have a story that might change your viewpoint of evil Disney thieves.

My sister and I were in MK for evening EMH. She was wearing an over the shoulder handbag, with her wallet kept in a zippered pocket in the overlapping flap. (I wish I had a picture - sorry - I'll try to describe it best I can) We both were a little parched so we decided to buy a drink at a random refreshment stand in Tomorrowland. We both paid for our drinks and headed towards BTMR in Frontierland. Out of habit, or for some other reason I can't remember, checked that same flap to make sure her wallet was there. As we were heading up the ramp to get in line, all of a sudden I hear "I can't find my wallet. Where's my wallet?" Trying to stay calm, I take out my handy little keychain light and look through every pocket of her purse. It simply wasn't there. Immediately we briskly retrace our steps back to Tomorrowland in a hope that we'll see it somewhere, anywhere, lying on the ground. After about 20 minutes of desperately searching the ground, we told a CM that we had lost a wallet. He told us to report it to Lost and Found, located near TTC and also check with Guest Services on the way out of the park. I think he told us something like that. My memory is foggy. Anyway, my sister was an absolute mess :sad: She was really really upset and there was nothing I could do... or was there? Earlier in the trip, she had mentioned she wanted one of those big balloons with the Mickey heads. So, of course, I bought her one to cheer her up. It was something like $10 for a balloon but I didn't care. I had to cheer her up. On our way back to WL, she was still sobbing a bit but there wasn't much we could do until the next morning. Fast forward to 6am. She takes the bus (by herself) to TTC (which was really crazy let me remind you as there was no direct bus from WL to TTC...later on she found out that TTC is right across the street from WL :laughing: ) and waits at the Lost and Found (near the Disney Kennel) for it to open. At around 7:30am, I roll out of bed and text her phone to see where she is. She replies with "They found it. Someone turned it in last night. Everything is here." There was magic in the air that morning, that's for sure! :wizard: A kind soul had found the wallet and turned it in. Nothing was missing. She had all her credit cards, driver's license, health card, and over $200 cash, all intact. It was a magical moment :hug:

Anyway, I just wanted to point out that there are still some honest people in this world. My sister was very fortunate.

I have nightmares about Disney too! Most often it's about me getting to Disney and I have forgotten my camera at home :scared1: or that I brought my camera but left the batteries at home :scared1: Something silly like that. Another one is that I forgot my luggage entirely and don't have time to go back to get it or else I'll miss my flight! Disney really gets to you sometimes... even in our dreams! :laughing:

[Elevationist]

That's terrible what happened with your backpack incident. I have a story that might change your viewpoint of evil Disney thieves.

My sister and I were in MK for evening EMH. She was wearing an over the shoulder handbag, with her wallet kept in a zippered pocket in the overlapping flap. (I wish I had a picture - sorry - I'll try to describe it best I can) We both were a little parched so we decided to buy a drink at a random refreshment stand in Tomorrowland. We both paid for our drinks and headed towards BTMR in Frontierland. Out of habit, or for some other reason I can't remember, checked that same flap to make sure her wallet was there. As we were heading up the ramp to get in line, all of a sudden I hear "I can't find my wallet. Where's my wallet?" Trying to stay calm, I take out my handy little keychain light and look through every pocket of her purse. It simply wasn't there. Immediately we briskly retrace our steps back to Tomorrowland in a hope that we'll see it somewhere, anywhere, lying on the ground. After about 20 minutes of desperately searching the ground, we told a CM that we had lost a wallet. He told us to report it to Lost and Found, located near TTC and also check with Guest Services on the way out of the park. I think he told us something like that. My memory is foggy. Anyway, my sister was an absolute mess :sad: She was really really upset and there was nothing I could do... or was there? Earlier in the trip, she had mentioned she wanted one of those big balloons with the Mickey heads. So, of course, I bought her one to cheer her up. It was something like $10 for a balloon but I didn't care. I had to cheer her up. On our way back to WL, she was still sobbing a bit but there wasn't much we could do until the next morning. Fast forward to 6am. She takes the bus (by herself) to TTC (which was really crazy let me remind you as there was no direct bus from WL to TTC...later on she found out that TTC is right across the street from WL :laughing: ) and waits at the Lost and Found (near the Disney Kennel) for it to open. At around 7:30am, I roll out of bed and text her phone to see where she is. She replies with "They found it. Someone turned it in last night. Everything is here." There was magic in the air that morning, that's for sure! :wizard: A kind soul had found the wallet and turned it in. Nothing was missing. She had all her credit cards, driver's license, health card, and over $200 cash, all intact. It was a magical moment :hug:

Anyway, I just wanted to point out that there are still some honest people in this world. My sister was very fortunate.Very fortunate indeed! :eek: I'm so happy that everything turned out fine. In my case, I know for certain that I was robbed. My friend I was traveling with, who was standing beside and slightly in front of me, even remembered seeing me put my wallet in my bag and zip it closed when I was buying us some drinks to sip on during the parade. I reported it and checked with Lost & Found daily, but no dice. About a week after I got home, I got a phone call from a guy telling me that he found my wallet in the Magic Kingdom parking lot, but of course all the cash and cards were cleared out of it. It just had my IDs and my business cards and such, which is how he got my phone number out of it. He offered to send it to me, so I gave him my mailing address and told him to send it C.O.D., and I would cover the cost of shipping. But... I never received it, nor did I ever hear from him again. :confused3

I have nightmares about Disney too! Most often it's about me getting to Disney and I have forgotten my camera at home :scared1: or that I brought my camera but left the batteries at home :scared1: Something silly like that. Another one is that I forgot my luggage entirely and don't have time to go back to get it or else I'll miss my flight! Disney really gets to you sometimes... even in our dreams! :laughing:Isn't amazing how this stuff seeps so deeply into our subconsciousness? :lmao:

[disneyaddicted]

I can't believe that I haven't posted on this PTR in so long. I think I got confused because I see you on alot of other PTR's that we are both posting on and we chit chat there, so I'm always thinking I'm caught up with you. Duh! Blonde moment...again.

I'm glad you got the ADR's (or most of them) that you were hunting. Persistance pays off.

I have Disney bad dreams all the time. Most of mine are always about being at the resort and not being able to make it to parks or ADR's. One time I drempt that we were leaving WDW and we hadn't done anything but stay in the hotel room the whole time.

That stinks that you had your wallet taken out of your bag. From all my years of travel and having a paranoid mother I am constantly checking my wallet, and making sure all zippers are cosed. I also try and carry my bag with the zipper or snap to open facing inwards against my body.

[Elevationist]

I can't believe that I haven't posted on this PTR in so long. I think I got confused because I see you on alot of other PTR's that we are both posting on and we chit chat there, so I'm always thinking I'm caught up with you. Duh! Blonde moment...again.OMG! It's the illustrious Ty! :scared1: I am so flattered and honored that you finally decided to grace MY PTR with your presence once more! :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl:

Good to have ya again. :goodvibes And yeah, we do chat it up alot on the same PTRs! Haha.

I'm glad you got the ADR's (or most of them) that you were hunting. Persistance pays off.Indeed it does! A part of me knows that Le Cel is probably a lost cause, but even if I don't get it, no big whoop. I'm quite happy with my ADR line-up now. Le Cellier would simply be the cherry on top of my sundae. ;)

I have Disney bad dreams all the time. Most of mine are always about being at the resort and not being able to make it to parks or ADR's. One time I drempt that we were leaving WDW and we hadn't done anything but stay in the hotel room the whole time.Good lord, I'm 99.9% certain that I've had that same dream! :eek: :rotfl2:

That stinks that you had your wallet taken out of your bag. From all my years of travel and having a paranoid mother I am constantly checking my wallet, and making sure all zippers are cosed. I also try and carry my bag with the zipper or snap to open facing inwards against my body.Yeah, that definitely was an eye-opener, for sure. I was a naive 19-year-old, wrapped in the happiest magical bubble that is Walt Disney World. Ever since then, I've also been uber cautious about my belongings. Lesson learned! :rolleyes2

[Elevationist]

I have decided that I should start typing updates in color. I love pink. It's my favorite color. I wish I could type in this color pink, and it wasn't so darn difficult to read on a white background! I love red too, though. This blue is kinda pretty. It reminds me of Cinderella's gown. But it's also a bit of an eye-strain. Too many people use purple shades, so that's out. I'm not all that into green. Or orange. Well then, I guess red is the winner!

OKAY! Now that is sorted... ;)

The biggest news of the day is that today is payday for both me and Ron, so I just gave Mickey Mouse more of our money. We're close now! We will be settling up the rest of our balance in 1 week... and not a moment too soon. Our next payday is October 16th. Guess when our due date for our WDW package is? Oct. 17th. Go figure. :goodvibes (Then maybe he'll stop sending Goofy and Donald around to threaten to break my legs if he doesn't get paid!)

I've also added Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre for lunch to our ADR line-up. :lmao:

Also, and now I'm doubting my choice of park bag. (If I wasn't second guessing myself over something, I'd be terribly bored! :rotfl:) I was planning on buying this Vera Bradley Hipster bag (http://www.verabradley.com/product/Color/Imperial-Toile/Hipster/154815/defaultColor/Imperial%20Toile/pc/639/sc/725/c/0.uts) on eBay next month. Now I'm starting to wonder if it's going to be too small and get soaked too easily. I think maybe I like this Baggallini (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/around_town_bagg_crinkle_nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=113065) that Wrexie linked. But gosh, it's so far out of my price range. :sad2: I mean, I can keep an eye out on eBay for a gently used one, I suppose. I'm shooting for a max of $30 bucks. Also, the nylon weave strap makes me worry that it's going to get uncomfortable and start cutting into my neck at after extended wear during the day. One of the things I liked about the VB bag is the soft cotton strap. I am also kinda digging this one (http://www.ebags.com/ebags/piazza_day_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=94553&rlid=detail_ai&rcode=314179960784586), but the strap only extends to 48", and I need 54" or better. So I dunno what I'll end up with now! :confused:

Oh, and back to The Great Croc Debate! So I found out tonight that 30 minutes from my house is................. a Crocs Outlet Store. Guess where I'm heading soon? :idea: Dunno if I'll buy anything there, or come home and order something online. But I'm looking forward to getting to put some on my feetsies and walking around in them, just to find out if they are all that they're cracked up to be. :woohoo: Will be cool to hopefully try out different styles and such, and see if I can't find a sandal style that will work. :worship: After reading so much here, first I want to look into these (http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=cleo), and if those don't seem like they are going to work for WDW, then I'm going to try these (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-cayman/10001,default,pd.html?q=cayman).

Now that I have developed a circle of friends here, I plan on writing up a post this weekend, telling you more about me and my life. I promise it's going to be thoroughly uninteresting and painfully dull... But it will be there, for any who have nothing better to do than read it. :laughing:

Okay, that's all I got for this morning. Thanks for sticking with my PTR, everybody. Ya'lls are the bestest! :hug:

[MyMuse]

Wow! I was so far behind! So many things to talk about! :mic: ;)

Re: As you know, I love my Excel spreadsheet, but I have yet to make a screencap of it (I have to get to that). I will eventually make a day by day for my actual plans. But for right now, I have all things at all parks per day listed, then a box at the end of the column for my plans for that day.

So, just in case, I know what is going on EVERYWHERE. :rotfl: Yes, I'm that :crazy:.

Re: I know what you mean about names, my older sis and younger bro are named after family members and their names mean something to both my parents. Me? I'm named after a Yankee. :laughing:

My dad was baseball obessed and his favorite team was the Yankees. I'm named after Mickey Mantle. I was actually supposed to be named Mickey, but my mother changed it to Michele at the hospital when doing the birth certificate. Can you imagine??? :eek: He did call me Mickey for awhile but the nickname never caught on (I'm guessing Mom had something to do with that...;) ).

And my last name begins with a "M". Of course, she could have named me Minnie instead of Michele and could have started the Disney love waaay early. :laughing:

Re: I'm the same way with backpacks. I use messenger bags because I can see it at all times and it is easier to access what I need. I don't know if it is in my nature or from where I live, but I lock up everything! My mailbox, my car, my luggage...I need to know that my items are always safe.

I recently found a parkbag that I really like. I bought it from Sierra Trading Post online and it works really well. I'm also busty and I like bags to hit me in the right place on my hips. I have a pic and little review in my PTR. And, it was $19.15, shipping included. :thumbsup2


Re: Awww, I'm sorry about your nightmares. Maybe this trip to Disney will banish them! :wizard:

Re: ADRs...I LOVE Sci-Fi. I thought the place was great. In fact, it is the only place that I have repeated on this trip. You'll love it. :goodvibes I believe I have YouTube vids from inside the place, if you want to check it out.

Re: Crocs...nah, I can't do it. I did go on a hunt earlier this year for sandals that met my every need. I found them at JCPenny's; they are called Nature Walk and they worked beautifully at WDW. :lovestruc

Whew! Holy Buckets! That was long. I had so much to catch up on!

[Elevationist]

Wow! I was so far behind! So many things to talk about! :mic: ;)Welcome back, lady! :goodvibes Talk away, it gets lonely in here when I'm by myself!

Re: As you know, I love my Excel spreadsheet, but I have yet to make a screencap of it (I have to get to that). I will eventually make a day by day for my actual plans. But for right now, I have all things at all parks per day listed, then a box at the end of the column for my plans for that day.

So, just in case, I know what is going on EVERYWHERE. :rotfl: Yes, I'm that :crazy:. Actually! I am in the middle of working on another spreadsheet that will have park hours, show times, parade times, party times, EMH information, ADR information, etc etc etc. I'm planning on printing it on the reverse side of my itinerary spreadsheet paper. :upsidedow See? You're no more :crazy: than any of the rest of us! :laughing:

Re: I'm the same way with backpacks. I use messenger bags because I can see it at all times and it is easier to access what I need. I don't know if it is in my nature or from where I live, but I lock up everything! My mailbox, my car, my luggage...I need to know that my items are always safe.

I recently found a parkbag that I really like. I bought it from Sierra Trading Post online and it works really well. I'm also busty and I like bags to hit me in the right place on my hips. I have a pic and little review in my PTR. And, it was $19.15, shipping included. :thumbsup2You mean your PPPB? :rotfl: This one (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1302T_Overland-Equipment-Donner-Bag.html), which is now $32 bucks? Looks like you got a DEAL, girl! :P It definitely is an option style-wise, though. And they do have the purple one on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Overland-Equipment-Donner-Bag-Purse-Grape-Slate-NWT_W0QQitemZ120477393418QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA _WH_Handbags?hash=item1c0d03220a), which is the one I like best. One question, though: All the websites I looked this thing up on, none ofthem have the actual length in inches of the strap when it's fully extended. If it's less than 54", then no dice. I don't suppose you'd be willing to find out for me? :worship: :hug:

Re: ADRs...I LOVE Sci-Fi. I thought the place was great. In fact, it is the only place that I have repeated on this trip. You'll love it. :goodvibes I believe I have YouTube vids from inside the place, if you want to check it out. Yeah! I never really took alot of interest in it until this trip, when I was reading reviews and seeing photos of it here on the DIS. I eventually found myself wishing we had time to do, so I decided to sit down and work it into the schedule. :goodvibes I think DBF will really think it's neat, so I'm not going to tell him aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanything about what it's like, and let it be a surprise. :thumbsup2

Re: Crocs...nah, I can't do it. I did go on a hunt earlier this year for sandals that met my every need. I found them at JCPenny's; they are called Nature Walk and they worked beautifully at WDW. :lovestrucUnfortunately, my huge mammoth monster waterski-like feet prevent me from shopping most places. :sad2: I wear a ladies size 13. SOMETIMES a 12, but only occasionally. And I get SERIOUSLY tired of wearing men's sneakers and sandals, so I figure with Crocs, at least they are unisex! :laughing: And they SO go up to a ladies size 12, soooo... fingers crossed!

[MyMuse]

Actually! I am in the middle of working on another spreadsheet that will have park hours, show times, parade times, party times, EMH information, ADR information, etc etc etc. I'm planning on printing it on the reverse side of my itinerary spreadsheet paper. :upsidedow See? You're no more :crazy: than any of the rest of us! :laughing:

I feel much better! :rotfl:


You mean your PPPB? :rotfl: This one (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1302T_Overland-Equipment-Donner-Bag.html), which is now $32 bucks? Looks like you got a DEAL, girl! :P It definitely is an option style-wise, though. And they do have the purple one on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Overland-Equipment-Donner-Bag-Purse-Grape-Slate-NWT_W0QQitemZ120477393418QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA _WH_Handbags?hash=item1c0d03220a), which is the one I like best. One question, though: All the websites I looked this thing up on, none ofthem have the actual length in inches of the strap when it's fully extended. If it's less than 54", then no dice. I don't suppose you'd be willing to find out for me? :worship: :hug:

Yes! I love my PPPB. :goodvibes
Wow, I really did get a deal. The Budget Boards rock! Still, it's totally worth the extra $.

I'll check it out when I return home. But I'm 5'7", busty and sort of broad shoulders. It's roomy enough strap that it doesn't cut into my neck, it comes to a comfortable low level on my hips and still has room for me to extend it. If that helps at all, right now.


Unfortunately, my huge mammoth monster waterski-like feet prevent me from shopping most places. :sad2: I wear a ladies size 13. SOMETIMES a 12, but only occasionally. And I get SERIOUSLY tired of wearing men's sneakers and sandals, so I figure with Crocs, at least they are unisex! :laughing: And they SO go up to a ladies size 12, soooo... fingers crossed!

I have somewhat broad feet and I range from 9 to 10. My sis is a 13 and occasionally fits a 12 as well! She does find it really difficult to get shoes. She finds her size(s) at The Avenue stores.
True for the Crocs though, but I have no idea how high up Nature Walks go. I liked them so much, I bought 2 pairs and the salesgirl gave me an extra discount! :thumbsup2

[TiggerAllie]

I'll be interested to know what you think of the Crocs... I find them too "foamy" and I much prefer sandals to the traditional Croc styles. My DP got a pair of Disney MJ-Crocs while we were down there last summer, and she likes them.
Personally, I LOVE my Keens because they are super durable and waterproof. They can be on the expensive side, but I did find this good deal for the kind I have on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/KEEN-NEWPORT-H2-Size-11-Mens-SANDALS-Fits-like-11-5_W0QQitemZ250509393425QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Men_s _Shoes?hash=item3a5385fe11
That'll be close to your size, but you'd probably need to try them on somewhere first to make sure.

[Elevationist]

Why does ice cream taste best when eaten straight out of the carton? Mmmmm. ;)

In other news... I just finished Spreadsheet #2 (to be printed on the backside of the Itinerary spreadsheet that I posted about earlier in the week). :yay: It has an ADR chart, listing information for each date, like Restaurant Name, Location, Time, ADR#, and any special notes. Below that is a bigger chart, listing by date all the relevant info (operating hours, EMHs, parade times, fireworks & show times, etc) for each of the four theme parks as well as Downtown Disney. I'm pretty happy with it, I might do a screen cap and show it off sometime this weekend. :cutie:

Going to the Crocs outlet store in the morning when I get off work. I can't afford to purchase anything right now, but at least I'll know if they are something I want to buy for the trip! I sure hope I like them. :cool2:

Also, roll call: Who is going to be at DHS on December 5th?

Additionally! I am wanting to get some kind of Disney-themed manicure the day before we arrive. Has anybody ever done this? Do you have pics? I have lots of ideas, I just don't know if my cute little Vietnamese nail peoples will grasp what I'm asking for. :rotfl:

[JoJo1980]

Bit late with the nanner dance, but YAY for Boma :banana: :banana:

I'm liking your red, why has it never occured to me to fiddle about with fonts and colours? Me thinks that is a good move :thumbsup2 Red suits you :goodvibes

YAY for giving mickey more money, we are going to pay ours this weekend as its all due next week anyway - the exchange rate is going a bit bad so i'm wondering whether to order our spending money too before it goes worse :confused3 This always happens to us on every trip! We look at it for months and its great, then 2 months before our trip it always goes looooow! :confused:

Oooo sci-fi diner :yay: We are doing lunch their aswell and I cant wait!! Not been before and am sooo excited :woohoo: (What happended to you not changing your adr's anymore?! :laughing: ;) I'm totally the same though, you keep telling yourself you are not going to look online but you just cant keep away :lmao: )

Oh heck, i'm no good when it comes to bags, I'd be buying them all and taking them all and using a different one each day :lmao: I'm lethal with bags!! It's my Grandma's fault - she used to LOVE bags, bless her :lovestruc Just looked at the Piazza bag and thats cute!! I'd love something like that, i love pockets!!

Back to the good old croc debate, I like those cleo one's they look cute! I dont know if anywhere in the UK sells them so I'm either gonna have to look online or go somewhere to buy them once we're in Orlando. Did have a nosey on their website and they do have lots of different sandal type designs that I like, so might give a pair of them a try :confused3

I'm looking forward to getting to know you more and listening to your stories, that's what friends are for :hug:

:laughing: Because it feels naughtier when you have it straight from the carton, thats why it tastes even better :cutie:

Your spreadsheet plans sound great, I need to get organised and do mine, only 7 weeks left!!!

Hope you have fun at the croc store and manage to find something you like :thumbsup2

I'm not at DHS on the 5th :sad1: We're doing AK & then Ohana that evening, might see if we can fit in disney quest between those two aswell.

I bite my nails so i'm not one to give manicure advice :lmao:

[Elevationist]

Bit late with the nanner dance, but YAY for Boma :banana: :banana:Yay, my favorite shopaholic has returned to my thread! :hug:

I'm liking your red, why has it never occured to me to fiddle about with fonts and colours? Me thinks that is a good move :thumbsup2 Red suits you :goodvibesI've gotten that comment for many years. Red has been my color since high school. It's only in the last year or two that pink started to nudge past into first place for my color affection. :lovestruc

YAY for giving mickey more money, we are going to pay ours this weekend as its all due next week anyway - the exchange rate is going a bit bad so i'm wondering whether to order our spending money too before it goes worse :confused3 This always happens to us on every trip! We look at it for months and its great, then 2 months before our trip it always goes looooow! Maaaaan. I've yet to travel internationally, but someday I will. And think the whole exchange part is what I will look forward to the least. It totally blows my mind.

Oooo sci-fi diner :yay: We are doing lunch their aswell and I cant wait!! Not been before and am sooo excited :woohoo: (What happended to you not changing your adr's anymore?! :laughing: ;) I'm totally the same though, you keep telling yourself you are not going to look online but you just cant keep away :lmao: )I blame the DIS! It's all you people's fault! :rotfl2: If I didn't spend so much time reading TRs and Dining Reviews, I wouldn't be constantly finding more restaurants that I want to work into our trip! I've never had ANY interest in Sci-Fi until recently. After reading reports and revies here, and seeing photos of the inside of it, I just know it was a unique experience that Ron would love. So I just haaaaaaaaaaad to work it out somehow!! I haven't mentioned it to him at all, though. He just knows we're having lunch somewhere that day, but I haven't shown him anything about it at all. I want to see his genuine reaction when he walks in. :cutie:

Oh heck, i'm no good when it comes to bags, I'd be buying them all and taking them all and using a different one each day :lmao: I'm lethal with bags!! It's my Grandma's fault - she used to LOVE bags, bless her :lovestruc Just looked at the Piazza bag and thats cute!! I'd love something like that, i love pockets!!I really like that one too! Shame that it's not long enough to go across my big ol' belly. :sad2:

Back to the good old croc debate, I like those cleo one's they look cute! I dont know if anywhere in the UK sells them so I'm either gonna have to look online or go somewhere to buy them once we're in Orlando. Did have a nosey on their website and they do have lots of different sandal type designs that I like, so might give a pair of them a try :confused3Yeah, I'm hoping that their size 12s will fit me, because it's the highest they go in the ladies styles, like those Cleo sandals. If not, I'll have to go with the traditional unisex Crocs, and see how those feel on my feet. Ron is kinda rollin' his eyes over me getting Crocs, but he knows I'm after comfort, and that the more happy my feet are, the more pleasant I will be! :laughing: So I promised him that if i have to get traditional Crocs, like the Cayman style, then I will get them in a neutral color, like black or brown. Nothing wild like lime green of neon orange or anything!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you more and listening to your stories, that's what friends are for :hug:You are SUCH a darling. :hug:

Because it feels naughtier when you have it straight from the carton, thats why it tastes even better :cutie:QUITE true, I think that's exactly what it is!!

Your spreadsheet plans sound great, I need to get organised and do mine, only 7 weeks left!!!I think I need a hobby. I spend all of my free time on Disney stuff. :lmao:

I'm not at DHS on the 5th We're doing AK & then Ohana that evening, might see if we can fit in disney quest between those two aswell.Aww, that's too bad! In order to get our Sci-Fi booking, I had to do it for a Party of 6. I was hoping you would be in DHS so I could invite you and your DH to lunch with us!

I bite my nails so i'm not one to give manicure advice :lmao:Haha! My nails are my only physical feature that I actually enjoy, so I tend to have lots of fun with them! princess:

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

hi!!! I just wanted to say I'm in too!!!

I'll be at WDW in Dec as well but after you guys (Dec 10-15).

Gotta love the joys of renting a car!! My family lived our WDW trips with a rental car each trip and last year when I worked at WDW (internships) I had my car so it was a blessing to not have to pay the money for one but we checked into a rental car from Orlando for the 5 days and it's over $300!!!! My dad said once upon a time they used to be like $150 for a 7 day trip so I guess you got a great deal compared to Orlando rentals and that was even a AAA discount!!

Can't wait to read more!

and ps...

I loveeee my crocs. I'm a Pre-K teacher and we can't wear flip flops or open toe shoes but we can wear crocs and myself and my co-teacher live in them!!

[Elevationist]

hi!!! I just wanted to say I'm in too!!!

I'll be at WDW in Dec as well but after you guys (Dec 10-15).

Gotta love the joys of renting a car!! My family lived our WDW trips with a rental car each trip and last year when I worked at WDW (internships) I had my car so it was a blessing to not have to pay the money for one but we checked into a rental car from Orlando for the 5 days and it's over $300!!!! My dad said once upon a time they used to be like $150 for a 7 day trip so I guess you got a great deal compared to Orlando rentals and that was even a AAA discount!!

Can't wait to read more!

and ps...

I loveeee my crocs. I'm a Pre-K teacher and we can't wear flip flops or open toe shoes but we can wear crocs and myself and my co-teacher live in them!!Yay! Welcome! :banana::hug:

Yeah, this rental car thing will be a new experience for me. I've got a ton of knowledge in all other travel topics, but this is one that I've always managed to avoid. Hell, I could probably avoid it again this time if I'd been taking better care of my car the last few years. :laughing: But I'm a total chick when it comes to car maintenance, so it's really no surprise that I've run it into the ground.

DBF agreed that the $272 for 9 nights with the car seemed pretty good. Of course, when we booked it we didn't know about the $150 deposit on top of that! :scared1: But at least now we can plan for it accordingly. And like I told him, it will sort of force us not to blow every last penny we have at Disney World. Now we'll be able to get home, get our deposit back, and have a bit of money to last us until our next paychecks. ;)

Yay, another Crocs supporter! Like I said, I've heard so many good things about them. It's a shoe that people seem to either really love, or really hate. Not often is there anybody on the fence about them. :rotfl: I'm heading over to the outlets in about 45 minutes to check them out, and find out what my feet think of them!

[JoJo1980]

Yay, my favorite shopaholic has returned to my thread! :hug:

Awww bless :hug:

I've gotten that comment for many years. Red has been my color since high school. It's only in the last year or two that pink started to nudge past into first place for my color affection. :lovestruc

Pink is so cute, I tend to have a soft spot for purple & yellow - random colours I know :lmao: Some of my wedding flowers were yellow roses and lilac freesia :love:

Maaaaan. I've yet to travel internationally, but someday I will. And think the whole exchange part is what I will look forward to the least. It totally blows my mind.

We've only ever been to america - even though the rest of europe is close to us, we've never been! America is the place we love, i'd be happy taking every single holiday of my life there :cutie: We've visited orlando twice before, and also vegas and new york - would love to go to LA one day, but would have to lose a lot of weight before I was brave enough to go there with all the movie star pretty people :lmao:

I blame the DIS! It's all you people's fault! :rotfl2: If I didn't spend so much time reading TRs and Dining Reviews, I wouldn't be constantly finding more restaurants that I want to work into our trip! I've never had ANY interest in Sci-Fi until recently. After reading reports and revies here, and seeing photos of the inside of it, I just know it was a unique experience that Ron would love. So I just haaaaaaaaaaad to work it out somehow!! I haven't mentioned it to him at all, though. He just knows we're having lunch somewhere that day, but I haven't shown him anything about it at all. I want to see his genuine reaction when he walks in. :cutie:

The Dis really does need a warning attached to it :laughing: You get addicted without evening realised :lmao: I love the layout of the diner and cant wait to sit in one of those cars!! Will feel like i've gone back in time or something :laughing: I cant wait to hear all about his reaction in your trip report!!

I really like that one too! Shame that it's not long enough to go across my big ol' belly. :sad2:

Do they sell them at any shops near you? Maybe you could try it and see if its ok, because sometimes different bags can sit differently depending on the makes and the size of the actual bag itself not just the strap? :confused3

Yeah, I'm hoping that their size 12s will fit me, because it's the highest they go in the ladies styles, like those Cleo sandals. If not, I'll have to go with the traditional unisex Crocs, and see how those feel on my feet. Ron is kinda rollin' his eyes over me getting Crocs, but he knows I'm after comfort, and that the more happy my feet are, the more pleasant I will be! :laughing: So I promised him that if i have to get traditional Crocs, like the Cayman style, then I will get them in a neutral color, like black or brown. Nothing wild like lime green of neon orange or anything!

Let me know how you get on :thumbsup2 I'd be going for black crocs if I was getting the traditional one's, or a neutral colour like you said - a bit less 'in your face' kind of thing, especially for newbie croc wearers like us :laughing:

I think I need a hobby. I spend all of my free time on Disney stuff. :lmao:

Oh heck, if you need a hobby then so do I :lmao:

Aww, that's too bad! In order to get our Sci-Fi booking, I had to do it for a Party of 6. I was hoping you would be in DHS so I could invite you and your DH to lunch with us!

Aww that would have been wonderful!! Thankyou for thinking of us :hug:

Haha! My nails are my only physical feature that I actually enjoy, so I tend to have lots of fun with them! princess:

I used to have long nails, years back, and used to love painting them and putting different things on them - but just started biting them and cant get out of it - think its something I do when i'm stressed :confused3

You are a very pretty girl, you hear me!! So start enjoying those features too!! :wizard:

I know what you mean though, I'm Pooh sized - or maybe heffalump sized, and it drives me insane but I havent got the time / energy / motivation to do something about it at the moment, but it's my new years resolution for this year - so it'll get sorted :thumbsup2 I've just gotta stay positive, but i'm never any good at that :lmao:

[Elevationist]

Pink is so cute, I tend to have a soft spot for purple & yellow - random colours I know :lmao: Some of my wedding flowers were yellow roses and lilac freesia :love:Purple and yellow and super cute together! Especially in pastel or pale shades. Well done! :thumbsup2

We've visited orlando twice before, and also vegas and new york - would love to go to LA one day, but would have to lose a lot of weight before I was brave enough to go there with all the movie star pretty people :lmao:Whatever! Compared to me, you're a twig, lady! ;)

The Dis really does need a warning attached to it :laughing: You get addicted without evening realised :lmao: I love the layout of the diner and cant wait to sit in one of those cars!! Will feel like i've gone back in time or something :laughing: I cant wait to hear all about his reaction in your trip report!!I just hope my belly/chest area will FIT in the car... the seating looks pretty narrow... :eek:

Do they sell them at any shops near you? Maybe you could try it and see if its ok, because sometimes different bags can sit differently depending on the makes and the size of the actual bag itself not just the strap? :confused3 Not that I know of. I tested using my purse. I just wear it as a shoulder bag, but it has a strap that extends up to 55". So as an experiment, I extended it, then tried wearing it cross-body instead, and it just barely worked. Another couple inches shorter, and there would have been no way. :headache:

Let me know how you get on :thumbsup2 I'd be going for black crocs if I was getting the traditional one's, or a neutral colour like you said - a bit less 'in your face' kind of thing, especially for newbie croc wearers like us :laughing:I struck GOLD at the Crocs Outlet today! Post coming up about it in a few minutes. :woohoo:

I used to have long nails, years back, and used to love painting them and putting different things on them - but just started biting them and cant get out of it - think its something I do when i'm stressed :confused3Don't be stressed, honey! You're going to DISNEY WORLD! ::MickeyMo

You are a very pretty girl, you hear me!! So start enjoying those features too!! :wizard:I love it when people tell me such sweet little lies. :rotfl::lmao::rotfl2:

I know what you mean though, I'm Pooh sized - or maybe heffalump sized, and it drives me insane but I havent got the time / energy / motivation to do something about it at the moment, but it's my new years resolution for this year - so it'll get sorted :thumbsup2 I've just gotta stay positive, but i'm never any good at that :lmao:HEFFALUMP-SIZED. :rotfl2: I'm so stealing that. Although I still say you're a teeny thing next to me. :P I worked for the last 5 weeks to lose weight, lost 15 pounds. Then put 10 of it back on in 2 weeks. Now I'm just in this sort of "Oh, eff this" mood about the whole thing. I know I need to get back on the wagon, though. *sigh* I just haaaaaaaaaaaaate being hungry all the time!!! :mad::sad1:

[Elevationist]

So I went to the Crocs Outlet today.

HOLY CRAP. I STRUCK GOLD. :scared1:

I walk in, and the very first thing I see is a big alien green (yes, just like the DIS paint chips) sign hanging there:

"BUY ONE PAIR, GET ONE PAIR FREE!"

This was totally for real. Nearly everything in the store qualified. Then I talk to a sales girl, and find out there this weekend they are also taking an automatic 20% off any purchase. :woohoo:

So after looking around for a VERRRRRY long time, walking all over the store in various styles, falling in love with styles only to find out that it was unavailable in my size in a color I liked, debating and waging mental warfare on myself... I finally picked 2 pairs, and bought them. :rotfl:

First up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/crocs-cleo.jpg
Yep, those are the CLEO (http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=cleo) style that I went looking for originally! I like them alot. They fit more snug than regular Crocs, they're more like a regular sandal with a Crocs sole. I want to get a super-cute Disney-themed Mani/Pedi before the trip, and I like that I'll actually be able to show off my toesies! And I can wear these shoes to work at my full-time job (hotel desk clerk/night auditor), so they will have use beyond just Disney World. :dance3:


Then for my second pair, I chose...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/crocs-maryjane.jpg
These are the MARY JANE (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-mary-jane/10029,default,pd.html?q=mary%20jane) style Crocs. They're alot like traditional Crocs (http://www.crocs.com/crocs-cayman/10001,default,pd.html?q=cayman), but in a bit more feminine style and don't cover the entire top of your foot, which makes me quite happy. That strap on the back can be removed too, if I want. They fit like regular Crocs do, a bit loose and such. I am bringing these to Disney World as well, in case the Cleos fail me. They had the Disney Crocs in this style also, with the little Mickey heads for holes, but they only go up to a size 10. Boooo. But I'll live. I think for Disney I might pick up some of those Jibbitz charms (http://www.crocs.com/Disney-Characters/jibbitz-disney,default,sc.html) to decorate them with, and Disnify them that way! (That link there is to the Crocs official site, but I think amazon.com and eBay have better selections. I'm digging this pack (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IWT0TK/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002PDYLGY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1BS4D232TNPW8RH04RFH)!) Also, I can wear these to my part-time job (assembly in a kazoo factory), so again... practical beyond just vacationing!

They had quite a few pair that I really liked once I got them on my feets! The problem was finding the styles i liked in a color I liked in my size. :sad2:

Sassari (http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=sassari) - I loved these, not for Disney, but for work at the hotel. but alas, they did not have them in black in my size. They do, however, on the website. So I might order a pair eventually.

Patricia (http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=patricia) - Another pair that I thought would be great for work, not so much for Disney. They weren't part of the BOGO sale those, so I passed on them for now.

Adara (http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=adara) - I actually liked the way that these felt on my feet a bit better than the Cleos, but again... The only colors that they had in a size 12 were pretty horrible. :confused3 And they don't have my size AT ALL on the website. Oh well, obviously these were not meant to belong to me! :cutie:

So! My haul was 2 pairs of shoes, original total price of $55 before tax. I paid $25.43, including tax.

I can has bargains? Yes I can! :woohoo:

[beyondblessed]

I'm going to go back to the beginning and catch up. Just wanted to let you know that I'm here and subscribed. Can't wait to follow along and compare December trip planning notes! ;)

[Elevationist]

I'm going to go back to the beginning and catch up. Just wanted to let you know that I'm here and subscribed. Can't wait to follow along and compare December trip planning notes! ;)YAY! Welcome to the insanity! :joker::hyper::scared::hyper2:

[JoJo1980]

Purple and yellow and super cute together! Especially in pastel or pale shades. Well done! :thumbsup2

You've got me sitting here reminiscing about the wedding now :cloud9:

Whatever! Compared to me, you're a twig, lady! ;)

Pft! You aint seen this heffalump in reality yet :laughing: I love food, what can I say?! :lmao:

I just hope my belly/chest area will FIT in the car... the seating looks pretty narrow... :eek:

Hadnt thought of that, I think we'll be ok - otherwise we might be eating a different kind of breast sandwich :lmao: Apparently they do have some 'normal' tables as well, so we can always ask for those if its a problem :thumbsup2

Not that I know of. I tested using my purse. I just wear it as a shoulder bag, but it has a strap that extends up to 55". So as an experiment, I extended it, then tried wearing it cross-body instead, and it just barely worked. Another couple inches shorter, and there would have been no way. :headache:

I'm sure you'll find something honey :hug: Have you tried looking on ebay? I'm always buying disney bags on there :wizard:

I struck GOLD at the Crocs Outlet today! Post coming up about it in a few minutes. :woohoo:

YAY for striking croc gold!! :banana: I've just read your post and am totally jealous!! Those cleo one's are lovely and you got 2 pairs for such a bargain!! Well done :thumbsup2

Don't be stressed, honey! You're going to DISNEY WORLD! ::MickeyMo

:rotfl2: Disney always stresses me out, well - the planning does, once i'm there i'm kinda stress free - but the planning! :eek:

I love it when people tell me such sweet little lies.

Oi, duh brain! I can see your photo in your avatar! That is a pretty face, I dont lie about things like that, so, so, erm ... NER! :laughing: ;)

HEFFALUMP-SIZED. :rotfl2: I'm so stealing that. Although I still say you're a teeny thing next to me. :P I worked for the last 5 weeks to lose weight, lost 15 pounds. Then put 10 of it back on in 2 weeks. Now I'm just in this sort of "Oh, eff this" mood about the whole thing. I know I need to get back on the wagon, though. *sigh* I just haaaaaaaaaaaaate being hungry all the time!!! :mad::sad1:

Heffalumps are plump but cute & squishy - so i'm happy :laughing: Awww honey, i'm sure you'll get back on the wagon at some point, maybe you've just got too much else going on to be able to concentrate on it fully at the moment?! Being hungry sucks :sad2: It's just gotta be everything in moderation I guess. My plan is to do it through exercise, that's whats worked in the past - I need to get back into being active all the time and then the fat will drop off without thinking about it. I cant starve myself, I love food too much for that :lmao:

[Wrexie]

[FONT=Tahoma]

Also, and now I'm doubting my choice of park bag. (If I wasn't second guessing myself over something, I'd be terribly bored! :rotfl:) I was planning on buying this Vera Bradley Hipster bag (http://www.verabradley.com/product/Color/Imperial-Toile/Hipster/154815/defaultColor/Imperial%20Toile/pc/639/sc/725/c/0.uts) on eBay next month. Now I'm starting to wonder if it's going to be too small and get soaked too easily. I think maybe I like this Baggallini (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/around_town_bagg_crinkle_nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=113065) that Wrexie linked. But gosh, it's so far out of my price range. :sad2: I mean, I can keep an eye out on eBay for a gently used one, I suppose. I'm shooting for a max of $30 bucks. Also, the nylon weave strap makes me worry that it's going to get uncomfortable and start cutting into my neck at after extended wear during the day. One of the things I liked about the VB bag is the soft cotton strap. I am also kinda digging this one (http://www.ebags.com/ebags/piazza_day_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=94553&rlid=detail_ai&rcode=314179960784586), but the strap only extends to 48", and I need 54" or better. So I dunno what I'll end up with now! :confused:

[/COLOR]
I hope you find a bag you like for a price you like! Sorry for adding to the indecision. ;) Mine is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and the main thing I'm concerned about is the strap too. I'll let you know how it feels. Sometimes I wish they made that stick-on moleskin from the drug store in black so you could stick some on the back of an uncomfortable purse strap without it being obvious!

There are also some smaller baggallini bags - here's a thread where people were discussing pros and cons: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2001931

And a link to one that another DISer found that holds more than the Vera Bradley but is narrower and closer to the body than the one I'm getting:

Baggallini New Yorker Bag (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/new_yorker_crinkle_nylon_silver_hardware/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=136619)

But that's also more than you wanted to pay. I wonder what similar things they might have at WalMart or Target?

I came really close to getting this one, which is a bit cheaper, and even has pockets for a water bottle and cell phone, but I need a roomier main compartment I can jam things into because I'm a pack rat.

Ebags Piazza Bag (http://www.ebags.com/ebags/piazza_day_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelID=94553)

I hope you find something you like!:banana:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great job on the Crocs! We have a Crocs outlet right down the road from our house...like 5 minutes! I wonder if they are having the sale there, too??!! I may be heading out on a little shopping excursion after DS's baseball game!! (The game is actually being played in between our house and the outlet center!! So, that's only like 2 minutes!!)

[Elevationist]

You've got me sitting here reminiscing about the wedding now :cloud9:It's so pathetic, but I have Ron and I's wedding totally planned in my head already. :lmao: And he hasn't even proposed!

Pft! You aint seen this heffalump in reality yet :laughing: I love food, what can I say?! :lmao:Yet. :hug: And I looove food, good lord. It's quite tragic, really. It's truly the third love of my life. The hierarchy goes: (1) Ron. (2) Butters, my cat. (3) Food. :laughing:

Hadnt thought of that, I think we'll be ok - otherwise we might be eating a different kind of breast sandwich :lmao::rotfl2:

Apparently they do have some 'normal' tables as well, so we can always ask for those if its a problem :thumbsup2Yeah, I read about the regular tables. But I dunno... just doesn't seem as magical to me. :sad2:

I'm sure you'll find something honey :hug: Have you tried looking on ebay? I'm always buying disney bags on there I :lovestruc eBay. That's probably where I'm going to get whatever bag I decide on, just because I don't like to pay full price for ANYTHING. :rotfl:

YAY for striking croc gold!! :banana: I've just read your post and am totally jealous!! Those cleo one's are lovely and you got 2 pairs for such a bargain!! Well done :thumbsup2 I know, I can't believe it! I'm so excited. I'm looking forward to picking out some cute Jibbitz to Disney-up the Mary Jane ones.

Heffalumps are plump but cute & squishy - so i'm happy :laughing: Awww honey, i'm sure you'll get back on the wagon at some point, maybe you've just got too much else going on to be able to concentrate on it fully at the moment?! Being hungry sucks :sad2: It's just gotta be everything in moderation I guess. My plan is to do it through exercise, that's whats worked in the past - I need to get back into being active all the time and then the fat will drop off without thinking about it. I cant starve myself, I love food too much for that :lmao:The thing with me is that I hate exercise even more than I love food. :rotfl: I need to get out there and start walking, though. It's just so hard when I work 14 hours a day most days. When I come home, they very last thing I want to do is exercise. :headache:

I hope you find a bag you like for a price you like! Sorry for adding to the indecision. ;) Mine is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and the main thing I'm concerned about is the strap too. I'll let you know how it feels. Sometimes I wish they made that stick-on moleskin from the drug store in black so you could stick some on the back of an uncomfortable purse strap without it being obvious!That's a brilliant idea! I wonder how coloring over it with a black marker would work out... :rotfl:

There are also some smaller baggallini bags - here's a thread where people were discussing pros and cons: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2001931

And a link to one that another DISer found that holds more than the Vera Bradley but is narrower and closer to the body than the one I'm getting:

Baggallini New Yorker Bag (http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/new_yorker_crinkle_nylon_silver_hardware/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=136619)

But that's also more than you wanted to pay. I wonder what similar things they might have at WalMart or Target?Yeah, I like those alot too. I think before I order anything, I'm going to hit up Walmart and TJ Maxx, and see what I can find.

I came really close to getting this one, which is a bit cheaper, and even has pockets for a water bottle and cell phone, but I need a roomier main compartment I can jam things into because I'm a pack rat.

Ebags Piazza Bag (http://www.ebags.com/ebags/piazza_day_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelID=94553)

I hope you find something you like!:banana:Yeah, I found that one recently too! I actually love the bag itself, but it's strap only extends to 48". :( That's half-a-foot too short.

Great job on the Crocs! We have a Crocs outlet right down the road from our house...like 5 minutes! I wonder if they are having the sale there, too??!! I may be heading out on a little shopping excursion after DS's baseball game!! (The game is actually being played in between our house and the outlet center!! So, that's only like 2 minutes!!)Doooooo iiiiitttt! Then come home and tell us all about it! :woohoo:

[Elevationist]

Last call for all of the following. I'm cancelling them all tomorrow evening (Monday) if I don't hear otherwise...

All are for Party of 2:

12-2, Ohana - 7:35am
12-2, Maya Grill - 7:45am
12-3, Crystal Palace - 4:30pm
12-4, Akershus - 4:55pm
12-4, Marrakesh - 7:00pm
12-5, Crystal Palace - 4:25pm
12-6, Boma - 4:55pm
12-7, Trail's End - 10:30am


Also, two notes:

(1) I just realized that I am no longer a Mousekateer, and have graduated to "DIS Veteran!" Huzzah! :thumbsup2

(2) Today is Ron and my 10-month dating anniversary. :lovestruc

[Wrexie]

(2) Today is Ron and my 10-month dating anniversary. :lovestruc[/B][/COLOR]

Hey, congrats! I know I mentioned before that my husband and I met online (way back in 1994). Our January trip is the 15th anniversary of our first in-person meeting in January of 1995! Back then the idea of meeting someone you only knew online was pretty sketchy, and we spent months thinking we'd just be online friends, for lots of reasons too complicated to get into here. So when we finally decided to meet, we arranged to be in the same city at the same time on business with our own separate hotels, just in case. I'll just put it this way: I never needed my hotel. ;)

[Elevationist]

Hey, congrats! I know I mentioned before that my husband and I met online (way back in 1994). Our January trip is the 15th anniversary of our first in-person meeting in January of 1995! Back then the idea of meeting someone you only knew online was pretty sketchy, and we spent months thinking we'd just be online friends, for lots of reasons too complicated to get into here. So when we finally decided to meet, we arranged to be in the same city at the same time on business with our own separate hotels, just in case. I'll just put it this way: I never needed my hotel. ;):goodvibes

Ron and I knew each other online for a few months before "falling for each other" in December of last year, and decided to be a couple. Which I know sounds weird, considering we hadn't met in person yet. But we were together on Skype for hours ad hours every single night, we spent every free moment together, and intentionally weren't seeing other people. At that point, we were committed to one another already. So we decided to be officially "together" on December 11th. The in-person meeting soon followed, he came out here for a week, we spent half of it in a wonderful little condo on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC, and the second half of the week was spent here in my hometown. Everything was more perfect that either of us ever imagined it would be. :lovestruc

[jenbear123]

Glad to see you were able to decide on a pair of Crocs. Finally! That was an amazing bargain!!! 2 pairs for $25! One pair of Crocs goes for a minimum $30 here in Canada. :sad2: And yet, our dollar is nearly at par with the U.S. dollar. We're nickeled and dimed to death up here :mad: What colour did you get? Was it the pink/brown Cleo that is pictured? Just curious! I really hope you end up liking them as much as I do. Most people don't even realize they're Crocs until you say so. Oh and just so you know, my Crocs obsession can all be blamed on... who else... the DIS! :rotfl2:

Congrats on the 10-month anniversary :hug:

[Elevationist]

Glad to see you were able to decide on a pair of Crocs. Finally! That was an amazing bargain!!! 2 pairs for $25! One pair of Crocs goes for a minimum $30 here in Canada. :sad2: And yet, our dollar is nearly at par with the U.S. dollar. We're nickeled and dimed to death up here :mad: What colour did you get? Was it the pink/brown Cleo that is pictured? Just curious! I really hope you end up liking them as much as I do. Most people don't even realize they're Crocs until you say so. Oh and just so you know, my Crocs obsession can all be blamed on... who else... the DIS! :rotfl2:

Congrats on the 10-month anniversary :hug:Hehe, thank you. :lovestruc

Yes, the shoes in the photos are the actual colors I got. :) And I want to go back and get two more pairs now! But I doubt that they will still be running such an amazing sale by the time I'm able to. Crocs run for about $30 a pair here, too... that's why the two pairs for $25 bucks was SUCH a stellar bargain. :goodvibes I'm also looking forward to picking out some jibbitz to Disney up the Mary Jane style crocs!

[disneyaddicted]

Holy cow, I was quite a few pages behind, all caught up now. What am I going to do when I go back to work If I can't keep caught up on PTR's now?

OK, You hit pay dirt girl. 2 pair of crocs at around $25 all together. That is awesome. I want some of that awesomeness. I'm all about the Disneying up the crocs with jibbitz! Can't wait to wear my new muppet ones.

Wish I could change my font color, I have complained to every Dis person and techy I can, my colors are broken, I can post in black or white. The white of course doesn't show up at all, so that just leaves black.

So is Ron super excited about the trip? Does he talk about it much?

[Elevationist]

So is Ron super excited about the trip? Does he talk about it much?He does. Not as much as I do, of course. In fact, it's the only thing I talk about anymore. I think it's starting to drive him slightly nuts. :laughing: But yeah, he's really excited!

[MyMuse]

We've only ever been to america - even though the rest of europe is close to us, we've never been! America is the place we love, i'd be happy taking every single holiday of my life there :cutie: We've visited orlando twice before, and also vegas and new york - would love to go to LA one day, but would have to lose a lot of weight before I was brave enough to go there with all the movie star pretty people :lmao:



Too funny! I want to go to Europe all the time! :goodvibes

Of course, Epcot is a great equalizer in that respect. lol

I do want to go back to London someday. I've been to England 3x already, but never really stayed real quality time in London. The last 2 trips were train tours throughout the width & breath of England (into Wales...maternal grandad was Welsh).

Last summer was a trip to Italy, the land of my paternal peeps. :love:


[B]
So I went to the Crocs Outlet today.

HOLY CRAP. I STRUCK GOLD. :scared1:

I walk in, and the very first thing I see is a big alien green (yes, just like the DIS paint chips) sign hanging there:

[COLOR=Lime]"BUY ONE PAIR, GET ONE PAIR FREE!"



Ok, fine! *arms akimbo* pfffft.

However, with a sale like that, you gotta go Croc. :thumbsup2

I did see a Croc store when I was in South Jersey, but it was at a mall that only gadzillionaires shop at and I wasn't paying those prices. For clothing & shoes, I have to see it before I buy it.

I have a outlet shopping trip planned for next week and if I see a Croc store, I'll check it out. I just can't make any promises. LOL!!!



Also, two notes:

(1) I just realized that I am no longer a Mousekateer, and have graduated to "DIS Veteran!" Huzzah! :thumbsup2

(2) Today is Ron and my 10-month dating anniversary. :lovestruc

Happy Anniversary!! :yay:

:woohoo: for the DIS upgrade! Though, you can change that phrase into anything you want, though. :thumbsup2

Edit:

In looking back, I missed quoting these:

Re: PPPB :goodvibes, I forgot to measure, but I double-checked how it fit. I fully extended it and put in cross-wise and it did fit very comfortably. The top of the bag, hit my hipbone is just the right spot.
I don't think it is 54" then since you are 3" taller than I am. I did receieve some sort of discount email from Sierra Trading Post, if you have any interest.

Though, in looking, I did check several Baggalini styles and they did impress me. If I didn't see the Donner bag, I would have gone for one of the Baggalini styles eventually. You'll probably find alot of info at the Bidget boards. :thumbsup2

Re: DHS, Dec 5?
I think that is my Epcot-snack-and-holidays-around-the-world-and-perhaps-visit-the-baordwalk-area-day. :rotfl: popcorn::
I may or may not revise this day based on the D23 event the next weekend.

[JoJo1980]

Too funny! I want to go to Europe all the time! :goodvibes

Of course, Epcot is a great equalizer in that respect. lol

I do want to go back to London someday. I've been to England 3x already, but never really stayed real quality time in London. The last 2 trips were train tours throughout the width & breath of England (into Wales...maternal grandad was Welsh).

Last summer was a trip to Italy, the land of my paternal peeps. :love:
QUOTE]

:lmao: spooky stuff! We've been to london a few times - love it there, would like to go next year and see a couple of shows :cutie: I love Wales, we always used to go there on holiday when I was younger - I miss those days!!

I'd love to go to france and italy one day - not really sure where else in europe I fancy :confused3 We're not really into beach holidays so that kinda rules out alot of places.

[QUOTE=Elevationist;33912501]

Also, two notes:

(1) I just realized that I am no longer a Mousekateer, and have graduated to "DIS Veteran!" Huzzah! :thumbsup2

(2) Today is Ron and my 10-month dating anniversary. :lovestruc

YAY for being a veteran :banana: :banana:

and congratulations on your anniversary :hug: :cheer2:


It's so pathetic, but I have Ron and I's wedding totally planned in my head already. :lmao: And he hasn't even proposed!

Yet. :hug: And I looove food, good lord. It's quite tragic, really. It's truly the third love of my life. The hierarchy goes: (1) Ron. (2) Butters, my cat. (3) Food. :laughing:

I :lovestruc eBay. That's probably where I'm going to get whatever bag I decide on, just because I don't like to pay full price for ANYTHING. :rotfl:



:laughing: It's strange, I never thought about weddings or getting married until Den proposed - then I became a woman possessed :lmao: or should that be obsessed :rotfl2:

Food features highly on my list :cloud9: Best thing thats ever been invented :lmao:

I can't wait to meet you too honey :hug:

Ebay is yet another brilliant invention :laughing:

[Elevationist]

Too funny! I want to go to Europe all the time! :goodvibes

Of course, Epcot is a great equalizer in that respect. lolWho needs the hassle of international travel! Just go to Epcot! :lmao: Seriously, though... I love to travel and there's so many places across the globe I'd like to visit. If I could just tear myself away from Disney World long enough to do it! :rotfl:

Ok, fine! *arms akimbo* pfffft.

However, with a sale like that, you gotta go Croc. :thumbsup2

I did see a Croc store when I was in South Jersey, but it was at a mall that only gadzillionaires shop at and I wasn't paying those prices. For clothing & shoes, I have to see it before I buy it.

I have a outlet shopping trip planned for next week and if I see a Croc store, I'll check it out. I just can't make any promises. LOL!!!I am still so proud of my bargain bin Crocs. :rotfl2: Seriously, I didn't even know we had a store anywhere close by, much less an outlet. I happened to be on their website this week and plunked my zip code in their store locator feature (http://www.crocs.com/Store-Locator/stores,default,pg.html)... And sure enough, there was the outlet store, first result. :goodvibes

:woohoo: for the DIS upgrade! Though, you can change that phrase into anything you want, though. :thumbsup2I know, but I keep hoping that the Tag Fairy will smile on me someday and give me funny, colorful tags. :laughing:

PPPB :goodvibes, I forgot to measure, but I double-checked how it fit. I fully extended it and put in cross-wise and it did fit very comfortably. The top of the bag, hit my hipbone is just the right spot.
I don't think it is 54" then since you are 3" taller than I am. I did receieve some sort of discount email from Sierra Trading Post, if you have any interest. Yeah, probably not the best option for me, then. :sad2: Recently I've taken an interest in the Heys TravelMate (http://www.ebags.com/heys_usa/travelmate_reg/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97266), but it's another one that I cannot seem to dig up a strap measurement on! You would think this would be basic information listed for any bag for sale, but I guess not. :confused3

Happy Anniversary!! :yay:and congratulations on your anniversary :hug: :cheer2:Hehe, thank you! I know 10 months seems like a silly little thing to notice or keep track of... But I like the little things. :cloud9:

:laughing: It's strange, I never thought about weddings or getting married until Den proposed - then I became a woman possessed :lmao: or should that be obsessed :rotfl2:Yeah, I know. I'm a weirdo. ::yes::

[Elevationist]

It's a benchmark day in our countdown today!

Yes it is!

How so?

Well...

Today is...

50 Days Until Disney World! :woohoo::banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:


In other news... Does anybody have experience with the Heys TravelMate (http://www.ebags.com/heys_usa/travelmate_reg/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97266#) bag? It's the latest to catch my eye and another that I can't find any information regarding the length of the strap. :confused3 I do very much like the size and design of it... As well as the fact that I can get it in that pretty pale pink color. princess:

Also: OMG, have ya'll seen this thread? I'm only 6 pages into it right now, but it's sooooo funny! If you can handle gross stories, that is. I'm dying laughing.... Check it out, if you dare: DISboards - Grossest Thing You Have Seen at the Parks (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1517165)

[jenbear123]

Girl, we'll be going like two twins on our next trips! First you pick up a pair of Cleo Crocs (which I already have) and now you're looking into the Heys TravelMate (which I just bought a couple months ago for my November trip) :rotfl2: I haven't yet put the TravelMate to the test but it seemed like the perfect bag. It has many compartments and is big enough to put a water bottle inside or has a mesh compartment to hold it on the outside. That's a biggie for me. It's also over cross-body strap style, which means more hands free. I'm not sure how long the strap is though.... to be honest I haven't even tried it on yet :rolleyes: You've probably seen it in my PTR. I got the Light Baby Blue colour. I was tempted to take the Pink but didn't want to look too girlie-girl :laughing:

Congrats on the 50 days!!! It'll be here before you know it (so will the snow here in Canada :scared1: )

I'm off to check out that thread right now.....

[Elevationist]

Girl, we'll be going like two twins on our next trips! First you pick up a pair of Cleo Crocs (which I already have) and now you're looking into the Heys TravelMate (which I just bought a couple months ago for my November trip) :rotfl2: I haven't yet put the TravelMate to the test but it seemed like the perfect bag. It has many compartments and is big enough to put a water bottle inside or has a mesh compartment to hold it on the outside. That's a biggie for me. It's also over cross-body strap style, which means more hands free. I'm not sure how long the strap is though.... to be honest I haven't even tried it on yet :rolleyes: You've probably seen it in my PTR. I got the Light Baby Blue colour. I was tempted to take the Pink but didn't want to look too girlie-girl :laughing:Ooh ooh ooh! You have one? Would you be willing to do me the HUGE favor of grabbing a tape measurer and finding out how many inches the strap extends to? I would be very very appreciative! :worship:

And for the record... I love light pink, it's my most favoritest color! princess: Even the purse that I carry on a day-to-day basis at home is a shade of pink. :cutie: I'm thinking about getting black or grey, so that if my shoulder/back gets tired, Ron can carry it for a bit without it threatening his masculinity. :rotfl:

Congrats on the 50 days!!! It'll be here before you know it (so will the snow here in Canada :scared1: )It needs to huuuuuuuuuurrrrryyy uuuuuppppppp. 50 days going by soooooooooooooooo sloooooooow. :surfweb:

I'm off to check out that thread right now.....OMG that thread.... So gross, yet somehow oddly fascinating. And totally hilarious. :rotfl2:

[Elevationist]

If anybody is at all curious, here is a spot that appeared on the local news tonight. It's a short bit about the factory that I've been moonlighting at this month (and possibly through November) to make extra money for our Disney trip. Note: I'm not actually IN the segment, I clocked out just before the news crew arrived. :laughing: These are the two people I work with, Stephen and Teresa:

Time to Make the Kazoos! (http://www2.wsav.com/sav/news/local/lowcountry/article/kazoo_plant_comes_to_beaufort/56688/)

[DONTMINDME]

Being paid in full, I am too. :woohoo::woohoo:50 days it seems way too far away. Dis vet I'm not even close.:worship: I'm still considered a newbie. Oh' and let us not forget 10 months dating anniversary!!!!! very special. Great buy on the crocs I haven't been to the outlet store yet might try for this Friday when I'm off again.

[Elevationist]

Being paid in full, I am too. :woohoo::woohoo:50 days it seems way too far away. Dis vet I'm not even close.:worship: I'm still considered a newbie. Oh' and let us not forget 10 months dating anniversary!!!!! very special. Great buy on the crocs I haven't been to the outlet store yet might try for this Friday when I'm off again.I'm soooooo close to being paid in full. 4 more days! I'll be settling up with Mickey Mouse early Friday morning. :woohoo:

50 days DOES still seem toooooo far away. :surfweb:

I'm loving my bargain bin Crocs! Definitely try your outlet store, maybe you'll luck out and be able to hit the same sale that I hit! :goodvibes

[DONTMINDME]

Way cool I'm all for extra money for Disney!!!!! I've been working exta hours when I can and of course I'm hoping for a winfall. You Know long lost Aunt leaves you everything, Lottery ticket with your name on it. Wishful thinking I know But I can always dream.:cloud9:

[DONTMINDME]

Are you going to the Wishes dessert party?

[DONTMINDME]

I was reading about your delema and the Prime time 50's cafe and the booth size I couldn't stop laughing and soo relating lot's of times my hoohoo's enjoy my food more than I do. They get fed quite regularly.popcorn::

[Elevationist]

Are you going to the Wishes dessert party?You know, I seriously considered it. And if this wasn't Ron's first trip, I probably would have booked us a Wishes Dessert Party.

Personally, I feel like to REALLY appreciate Wishes to it's fullest, particularly the first time seeing it, you need to see it from the perspective in which it was designed for... standing facing the front of the castle.

I wouldn't mind the view from the dessert party at all, but for his first time, I want him to see it the way the Imagineers intended it to be viewed. pixiedust:

[DONTMINDME]

I totally get that this won't be our first time so dessert kinda overshadowed viewing angles. I've heard they have chocolate covered strawberries the size of plums. I am so gonna not be able to move if they do that is my weakness. Ok food is my weakness. I have been working on it tho I've lost 15 lbs in 2 weeks.

[jenbear123]

Ooh ooh ooh! You have one? Would you be willing to do me the HUGE favor of grabbing a tape measurer and finding out how many inches the strap extends to?

After getting the strangest look from my DBF and even my dog, I have acquired the measurements for you. The things I do for the DIS :sad2::laughing: Now I'm not the greatest at reading tape measurements so hopefully this will make sense to you. At it's longest, the strap stretches about 2.5 feet/30 inches. Does that sound right? :confused3 I'm about 5'6, 130 pounds and the bag sits just below my hips at the longest strap length. Hope that helps!

[Elevationist]

After getting the strangest look from my DBF and even my dog, I have acquired the measurements for you. The things I do for the DIS :sad2::laughing: Now I'm not the greatest at reading tape measurements so hopefully this will make sense to you. At it's longest, the strap stretches about 2.5 feet/30 inches. Does that sound right? :confused3 I'm about 5'6, 130 pounds and the bag sits just below my hips at the longest strap length. Hope that helps!Hmmm. Were you measuring just the length of the black strap? I ask because here is the information I just got from another DISer (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2306511). Let me know what you think. :confused::goodvibes

[jenbear123]

Yes, definitely only measured the black strap. The other person's measurements are probably more exact.

[Elevationist]

Yes, definitely only measured the black strap. The other person's measurements are probably more exact.I appreciate you risking the funky looks from the DBF and the dog on my behalf! :hug: :goodvibes I think I'm defintely going to buy this bag. :woohoo:

[disneyaddicted]

He does. Not as much as I do, of course. In fact, it's the only thing I talk about anymore. I think it's starting to drive him slightly nuts. :laughing: But yeah, he's really excited!It's funny how planning a Disney trip takes over every inch of our lives, everything always leads back to Disney, even if you do not intend for it to, it always does. Poor Ron, but I bet deep down he gets a giggle at how obsessed you are right now, at least he knows ahead of time what he's getting himself into, and maybe, just maybe he will become as Disney obsessed as you are. Even when I am not planning a trip to the world I am still always talking about it and plotting ways to get back.

Boy you research EVERYTHING don't you?:lmao: I had to laugh over you asking jenbear123 to grab a tape measure and measure the strap. Only on the Dis I tell ya:rotfl:

[Elevationist]

It's funny how planning a Disney trip takes over every inch of our lives, everything always leads back to Disney, even if you do not intend for it to, it always does. Poor Ron, but I bet deep down he gets a giggle at how obsessed you are right now, at least he knows ahead of time what he's getting himself into, and maybe, just maybe he will become as Disney obsessed as you are.One can only hope... :laughing:

Boy you research EVERYTHING don't you?:lmao: I had to laugh over you asking jenbear123 to grab a tape measure and measure the strap. Only on the Dis I tell ya:rotfl:What! Seriously, dude. I know I got a big ol' belly and chest to try and get a bag strap around, and with less than 2 months to go, I don't have time for ordering a bag that won't fit across my heffalump-sized body, then having to send it back for a refund, then ordering a different bag and having it not work either, etc etc etc. :lmao: I wanna make sure I get this right the FIRST time, and the DIS is here to help with that, right? :rotfl:

I :lovestruc you guys.

[Elevationist]

Update on the Perfect Park Bag Debate:

Tonight I showed Ron the Heys Travelmate (http://www.ebags.com/heys_usa/travelmate_reg/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97266) I've decided to order, and because I wanted to talk to him about it before I picked out a color. I basically told him that if he is comfortable sharing bag-carrying duties with me, I will get the black or grey one so he doesn't have to carry a girly bag. But if I'm going to be toting it around the majority of the time, then I'm getting my favorite color, pink.

Bring the wonderful DBF he is, Ron laughed and told me to get the pink one because he knows how much I would like it, and he'll still share bag duty with me. He said he doesn't mind carrying a pink bag for me, that it wouldn't bother him at all. :lovestruc I love this man.

Then a few minutes later of him looking at the links I was sending him, he changes his mind. He decides that he likes the bag so much, that he wants one of his own to carry in the parks. :laughing:

So now we're each going to both be getting our own Heys Travelmate bag, mine in pink and his in grey. How cute are we gonna be? :cutie:


EDIT!: Here's a video I found about the bag. I'm really excited about this thing!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4643516913172425635#

[JoJo1980]

Update on the Perfect Park Bag Debate:

Tonight I showed Ron the Heys Travelmate (http://www.ebags.com/heys_usa/travelmate_reg/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97266) I've decided to order, and because I wanted to talk to him about it before I picked out a color. I basically told him that if he is comfortable sharing bag-carrying duties with me, I will get the black or grey one so he doesn't have to carry a girly bag. But if I'm going to be toting it around the majority of the time, then I'm getting my favorite color, light pink.

Bring the wonderful DBF he is, Ron laughed and told me to get the pink one because he knows how much I would like it, and he'll still share bag duty with me. He said he doesn't mind carrying a pink bag for me, that it wouldn't bother him at all. :lovestruc I love this man.

Then a few minutes later of him looking at the links I was sending him, he changes his mind. He decides that he likes the bag so much, that he wants one of his own to carry in the parks. :laughing:

So now we're each going to both be getting our own Heys Travelmate bag, mine in light pink and his in grey. How cute are we gonna be? :cutie:


That bag is great and you too are soooo cute!! :cutie:

[Elevationist]

That bag is great and you too are soooo cute!! :cutie:Hehe! We try to be. :cutie:
http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs093.snc1/4675_1145531431882_1035397513_30425840_2867660_n.j pg

[disneyaddicted]

aawww, his and hers bags. Ron does sound super sweet, how heroic of him to say he would carry a pink bag. Some men would be like "Ah he!! no, I aint holding that, it's pink!" Just goes to show that Ron is secure in his masculinity. DH Kent had to carry my Mickey Mouse bag alot while I was on crutches. There was some eye rolling on his part, but never a verbal complaint.

You two are a cute couple:)

[disneyaddicted]

Forgot to mention, I am reading the "Grossest things you've seen at Disney" it's horrible but yet I keep reading. confession: I posted on it too.

[Elevationist]

Forgot to mention, I am reading the "Grossest things you've seen at Disney" it's horrible but yet I keep reading. confession: I posted on it too.Once I got into reading it, my thought was "Ty would like this, I need to post about it on my PTR." No lie. :lmao:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

LOL That's funny! My DH would not ever carry my bag or the same one! LOL He hates it if I put my keys in his pocket because my pockets are too small! But, he does carry a backpack around the parks for me!

[Elevationist]

7 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!!

:cheer2::cool1::woohoo::banana::yay:

[Elevationist]

LOL That's funny! My DH would not ever carry my bag or the same one! LOL He hates it if I put my keys in his pocket because my pockets are too small! But, he does carry a backpack around the parks for me!LOL Well, I already knew that Ron wasn't a backpark sort of dude, and prefers messenger-type bags. But it did surprise me when he said he'd like to have his own TravelMate bag too, since initially he tried to convince one that we didn't need to carry a bag to the parks at all! :laughing:

Yeah, he's pretty awesome. :love:

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

yayyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DONTMINDME]

Hi guys!!!! I checked out the video of the Hey Travelbag and it looks alot like the buxtin bag they advertise . I got one of those for the trip and I got it at bb&b with a 20%off coupon and only paid 12.95 for it. Dh has his AK back pack he likes to carry. I think the pink is too cute and that Ron wants to carry one is cool they do look unisex and very organizable. If you guys get together for a margerita on the 4th at Epcot I'm in. I've heard about a Blood Orange one I am dying to try.:rotfl::rotfl:That will be me after a few, I don't drink much.:dance3:

[jenbear123]

Oh my gosh. I loved that video! How is that they make everything always seem so simple? Then you go to actually use the bag and do what the commercial does and it's NEVER that easy :lmao: I love the fact you can fit so much stuff into it, and it has a wet pocket (finally no more hand sanitizer all over my purse! :woohoo: ) and it's expandable, and it has a water bottle holder... I could keep going. So glad you'll be getting it in pink like you wanted too :thumbsup2

[Elevationist]

yayyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!:banana::banana::banana:

Hi guys!!!! I checked out the video of the Hey Travelbag and it looks alot like the buxtin bag they advertise . I got one of those for the trip and I got it at bb&b with a 20%off coupon and only paid 12.95 for it. Dh has his AK back pack he likes to carry. I think the pink is too cute and that Ron wants to carry one is cool they do look unisex and very organizable. If you guys get together for a margerita on the 4th at Epcot I'm in. I've heard about a Blood Orange one I am dying to try.:rotfl::rotfl:That will be me after a few, I don't drink much.:dance3:Yay, margarita party, wooo! :woohoo:

Oh my gosh. I loved that video! How is that they make everything always seem so simple? Then you go to actually use the bag and do what the commercial does and it's NEVER that easy :lmao: I love the fact you can fit so much stuff into it, and it has a wet pocket (finally no more hand sanitizer all over my purse! :woohoo: ) and it's expandable, and it has a water bottle holder... I could keep going. So glad you'll be getting it in pink like you wanted too :thumbsup2I know, I'm really curious about the wet pocket thingy! If it's big enough to put a small thing of hand sanitizer and sunscreen in, I will be in heaven. :cloud9:Probably going to order the bags when I get paid on the 30th. This next paycheck coming up (on the 16th) is dedicated to getting our package paid off, hopefully! :banana:

[DONTMINDME]

I just looked at my ticker which I have to click on to since I'm so computer inept I can't get it to show properly, anyway I only have 1month 2weeks and 1day I better start packing!!!!!! I also want to try a drink in France a Grand Marg. slushy Sounds yummy!:laughing::woohoo: Too bad you have to wait till the 30th to order your bags but the Mouse must get his, don't ya know.;)

[DONTMINDME]

Does anyone else need like spf 70 too! I'm a burn baby burn kinda girl and I really hate it. My DH is part Cherokee and Blackfoot all he does is tan while I'm a crispy kritter. Ron doesn't look like he has any problems but you look fair like me. Doesn't it suck, the only thing is your kids won't have our problem my DS tans like his father. Soooo not fair.:sad1:

[dawnbu40]

Hi! I followed you over here from "MyMuse's" PTR. You two are so cute!

I have to say I :lovestruc CSR! We stayed there last Dec. and it was wonderful! It's my favorite mod!

I'm looking forward to hearing more!

Dawn

[Elevationist]

Hi! I followed you over here from "MyMuse's" PTR. You two are so cute!

I have to say I :lovestruc CSR! We stayed there last Dec. and it was wonderful! It's my favorite mod!

I'm looking forward to hearing more!

DawnYaaaay! Welcome, Dawn! :banana::banana::banana: This will be my first stay at CSR, and I'm totally stoked. Then next 7 weeks can't go by fast enough!!

Does anyone else need like spf 70 too! I'm a burn baby burn kinda girl and I really hate it. My DH is part Cherokee and Blackfoot all he does is tan while I'm a crispy kritter. Ron doesn't look like he has any problems but you look fair like me. Doesn't it suck, the only thing is your kids won't have our problem my DS tans like his father. Soooo not fair.:sad1:Oh lord. Ron is East Indian by birth, both of his parents came to this country from Fiji before he was born, and their ancestors immigrated there from India. I don't think the man has ever experience a sunburn in his life. That jerk. :lmao:

Where as I get burned if I just stand too close to the microwave. :scared:

I looooove this stuff right here: Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunblock Spray SPF 70 (http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Ultimate-Sport-Sunblock-Spray/dp/B001P99R0Y)

I just looked at my ticker which I have to click on to since I'm so computer inept I can't get it to show properly, anyway I only have 1month 2weeks and 1day I better start packing!!!!!! I also want to try a drink in France a Grand Marg. slushy Sounds yummy!:laughing::woohoo: Too bad you have to wait till the 30th to order your bags but the Mouse must get his, don't ya know.;)Try cut-n-pasting the following directly into your signature, hun. Then remove just all three of the * marks I've put in the code. If you get them all, it should work for you. ;)

[*CENTER][*IMG]http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s162/MNWDWmaniac/icon_mickey_halloween.gif[/IMG]
[*IMG]http://www.********************/timers/tickers/1zkvm3xnnctbxsxn.png[/IMG][/center]

[Wrexie]

[B]

Then a few minutes later of him looking at the links I was sending him, he changes his mind. He decides that he likes the bag so much, that he wants one of his own to carry in the parks. :laughing:

So now we're each going to both be getting our own Heys Travelmate bag, mine in [COLOR=Pink]pink and his in grey. How cute are we gonna be? :cutie:


Aww, matching bags! I'd love it if I could convince my husband to carry a bag so I don't always end up being the "pack mule." At least after years of working on him, he will now carry a small waist pack for his reading glasses, sunglasses, cell phone, cigarettes (yes he smokes and I wish he would quit), etc. when we travel, because he used to regularly lose glasses when they would fall out of his shirt pocket.

But I suppose it's fair that I end up as the pack mule because the stuff I lug is usually mine alone. But I've had my husband as well as old boyfriends ask about various items, "can you put this in your purse?" and had to remind them that my purse is not a bottomless magical bag, however much I might wish it were!

Hmm, now that's something that needs to be invented. A bottomless magical Disney bag! :laughing:

[DONTMINDME]

Oh in a perfect world!!!! I don't carry a purse but I know I will have to carry a bag in Disney and it is always the search for the perfect one. Someday maybe we will find it and we can share the news with all our Dis friends I like sharing little tid bits.

[Elevationist]

Aww, matching bags! I'd love it if I could convince my husband to carry a bag so I don't always end up being the "pack mule." At least after years of working on him, he will now carry a small waist pack for his reading glasses, sunglasses, cell phone, cigarettes (yes he smokes and I wish he would quit), etc. when we travel, because he used to regularly lose glasses when they would fall out of his shirt pocket.I know, it really surprised me! But I'm glad. Ron smokes too (:headache:) so now he can carry his own cigarettes and lighter, plus his sunglasses, water bottle (he grabs a water bottle before we walk out the door, no matter where we're going), camera, etc. I like this plan alot. :goodvibes

[Elevationist]

Gawd. I am so tired. :faint:

I worked for 8 hours at the hotel last night (11pm-7am, my usual shift), got off, went home, power-napped for 30 minutes, then went into my part-time factory job. I usually only work there 8am-Noon, but since I am off work at the hotel tonight, I decide to stay until 4pm and make it 8 hours each at both jobs, for a total of a 16-hour work day today. And I am doing this again on Sunday night/Monday morning.

All in the name of money for our trip. :rotfl: The things we do for Disney, ya know?

I'm going to bed. Night, all. :goodvibes

[Elevationist]

AHHHHHH! Sleep, glorious sleep! :love:

So I'm sitting here this morning killing time before my doctor appointment, and finally remembered to cancel some of these ADRs I've made and rejected over the course of the last month!

I'm trying to remember... Was there somebody here who was looking for a dinner ressie at Ohana?

Up for grabs is...

12/5, Ohana, 5:00pm, Party of 2.

Let me know if you want it, I'll hook you up. :goodvibes

In other more tedious news...

47 days to go. I swear it feel like it's been 3 weeks since I posted here that we had 50 days left... :scared: I know everybody says "Oh, it will be here before you know it!" But I dunno... for me time feels like it is creeeeeeeeping byyyyyyyyyyy soooooooooo sloooooooooowly! :surfweb:

[nic100308]

Okay, I feel like an awful DIS friend. I knew I was forgetting someone, I like to read everyone's PTR that's been following me and I was wracking me brain and FINALLY IT HIT ME:idea: I didn't forget about you, well only for a little bit and not intentionally!!!

Anyway, please be careful and take care of yourself. Take you vitamins, try to get some decent sleep, eat healthy meals. I know what it's like to want to extra money for Disney, but if your burned out before you get there or worse sick, you'll be a very unhappy Disney camper. LOL Okay I am done with my Mom shpeel!

Are you totally excited for Le Cellier!?!?! I think this is the one place I am most excited to eat at!!! I hear it is absolutely amazing!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I agree that some days it feels like it will be forever til the day finally comes. But, other days, I feel like it is right around the corner!
Don't work too hard! You don't want to make yourself sick before traveling!!!

[disneyaddicted]

Once I got into reading it, my thought was "Ty would like this, I need to post about it on my PTR." No lie. :lmao::eek: makes me sound like the kid who never out grew the fart jokes part of life...oh wait, I am the kid who never out grew fart jokes. Sad thing is, I posted...and I killed the thread.:guilty:

Hi guys!!!! I checked out the video of the Hey Travelbag and it looks alot like the buxtin bag they advertise . I got one of those for the trip and I got it at bb&b with a 20%off coupon and only paid 12.95 for it. Dh has his AK back pack he likes to carry. I think the pink is too cute and that Ron wants to carry one is cool they do look unisex and very organizable. If you guys get together for a margerita on the 4th at Epcot I'm in. I've heard about a Blood Orange one I am dying to try.:rotfl::rotfl:That will be me after a few, I don't drink much.:dance3:Love the Buxton bag, I also got mine at B,B&B. But I used the 5$ off coupon on a purchase of 15$ or more, so I roughly got it for ten. I work there and sometimes the dollar off coupons are a better deal then my own discount. I'm hoping this bag holds up the way it is advertised.

[disneyaddicted]

You better be careful working all those long hours, don't make yourself sick. You got a Disney trip to be healthy for.

[DONTMINDME]

I am so happy for you, you and MARZI are gonna have an awesome time together. Are you having dinner at WCC on the 3rd cause I thought I read that, so are we at 8:20 after a day at Seaworld. Hope we can say HI:thumbsup2

[DONTMINDME]

Hi Billie BTW I love your name!!! JOJO is up for 5:30 since all our adr's are at 7 or after it should get us a good start.I can't wait to meet you guys I love this board It makes me feel normal somehow?:confused3 Thank you guys It helps to know I'm not alone.

[Elevationist]

It's actual... It's factual... Everything is SATISFACTUAL!

Why?

Because as of this moment, our trip is...

PAID IN FULL!!!
:banana::woohoo::cheer2::cool1::banana::woohoo:


So! Now... onto hording every dime aside for the rental car/drinking/shopping funds! :laughing:

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :yay:

[nic100308]

:woohoo::yay::woohoo::yay::woohoo::yay::woohoo::ya y:


YAY FOR BEING PAID IN FULL!!!!

Too bad there isn't a way to have a paid in full party together!! Oh well celebration will have to wait for Disney!!

[DONTMINDME]

Yah for joining the PAID IN FULL band wagon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All I need to do now is figure out a spending budget for pick a pearl, antenea buddies, and Nightmare Before Christmas stuff for Ds. Oh and Margaritas...... I know you are feeling a sence of releif now thats over on to the next hurdle. What's the weather gonna be like, How much should I pack? It seems like we are getting some weird extremes this year.SNOW in PA already WOW!

[dawnbu40]

Yay for paying off the trip :yay: That is such a good feeling! :)

[mandy2012]

Just about to start your report. Just wanted to say hi first. :thumbsup2

[Elevationist]

Just about to start your report. Just wanted to say hi first. :thumbsup2Welcome to the party! :banana::banana::banana:

Are you totally excited for Le Cellier!?!?! I think this is the one place I am most excited to eat at!!! I hear it is absolutely amazing!!I'm trying not to think about it too much. LOL. JoJo has been busy I'm guessing, she hasn't PMed me yet with details and we haven't set up a method to swap the ressies out yet. Until it all gets ironed out, I'm trying to not get too excited, just in case something disasterous happens! :scared1:

I agree that some days it feels like it will be forever til the day finally comes. But, other days, I feel like it is right around the corner!Nope. It just feels like forever for me. :lmao:

:eek: makes me sound like the kid who never out grew the fart jokes part of life...oh wait, I am the kid who never out grew fart jokes. Sad thing is, I posted...and I killed the thread.:guilty:You didn't kill it! You just stunned them into silence! :rotfl:

Love the Buxton bag, I also got mine at B,B&B. But I used the 5$ off coupon on a purchase of 15$ or more, so I roughly got it for ten. I work there and sometimes the dollar off coupons are a better deal then my own discount. I'm hoping this bag holds up the way it is advertised. We expect a review of it post-trip! I'm sure I'll be talking ad-nauseum about how our Heys Travelmates hold up. :laughing:

Anyway, please be careful and take care of yourself. Take you vitamins, try to get some decent sleep, eat healthy meals. I know what it's like to want to extra money for Disney, but if your burned out before you get there or worse sick, you'll be a very unhappy Disney camper. LOL Okay I am done with my Mom shpeel!You better be careful working all those long hours, don't make yourself sick. You got a Disney trip to be healthy for.Don't work too hard! You don't want to make yourself sick before traveling!!!Yes, Moms. :lmao:

[Elevationist]

Now with the trip paid off, it is time to start picking up other things I need before we leave. :thumbsup2

I do not own a camera, aside from the one on my phone. And we all know that camera phone pics generally suck. Ron has a pretty nice camera, but it's older, and is only 6 megapixels or so. It still takes very nice pictures, though! But I've wanted a decent digital camera of my own for several years.

So. :rolleyes1 :goodvibes

I am now the proud owner of a this Nikon Coolpix L20 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9220167&type=product&id=1218061794553#tabbed-customerreviews) 10 megapixel digital camera:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/nikon1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/nikon2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/nikon3.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/elevationist/nikon4.jpg



I love it. :banana::banana::banana: Sure, it's no DSLR or anything, but for a girl who has been taking pictures on her phones for the last 5 years, and whose only digital camera she got for Christmas back in 2003 and it didn't even have an optical zoom and it died a year later... this is a real treat for me. I'm so excited to have my own camera finally! :goodvibes

And I got a pretty sweet deal on it, too! The camera itself was on sale, regularly priced at $129, marked down to $109. I also bought the 2-year Best Buy protection plan on it (because I know what a klutz I am and will probably break it before the end of 2011 :laughing:). Plus it came with a FREE 2GB memory card. (I will probably use this one as a back-up, and buy a 4GB one before the trip, along with a case to carry it all in.) So the total came to $157, including sales tax. I'm pretty happy with that! :woohoo:

Side note: The picture makes the color seem lighter than it is. It's actually a gorgeous glossy deep burgundy. The ironic and coincidental thing is that it matches my Samsung T339 cell phone (http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-Phone-Detail.aspx?cell-phone=Samsung-t339) nearly perfectly. ;) :cutie: I'm so coordinated!

Next week's purchase: Our park bags! (And now I have a camera to take pictures of them when they arrive! :rotfl:)

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

nice camera!!!! that one was on a list of mine that I was choosing from and I ended up with the Sony cybershot in pink of course!! I'm not a camera junkie either but after 2 of my kodaks failed I figured I'd try something else!

[Elevationist]

nice camera!!!! that one was on a list of mine that I was choosing from and I ended up with the Sony cybershot in pink of course!! I'm not a camera junkie either but after 2 of my kodaks failed I figured I'd try something else!LOL! I went shopping intending on buying a pink camera. But then I started thinking sensibly and realized that more important than the shell color was getting a quality camera at a good price. And obviously the dark red is a color I like, since I bought my cell phone in the same shade last year. :goodvibes I know that Ron favors Nikons, so I when I found this one today, I figured I'd go ahead and jump on it!

[DONTMINDME]

I love the color and my mom has the same camera and loves hers. We bought a new camera for my birthmothersanniv too I got a Lumix and it's sweet.:lovestruc I have had a ball with all the features. Big hint, play with it alot, Get to know your camera so you don't miss the great shots trying to figure out what setting to have it on.I still have alot to learn.great deal on it too. I got a pair of CROCS today. On sale 15.00. Just on for now.a~ WALLY just said Hi He's our ferret and he thinks my keyboard is fun to play on.:dog:

[nic100308]

Good pick!! My first digital camera was a coolpix and it's an awesome little point and shoot camera. Honestly a DSLR is really a camera for people that are more into photography. I thought about one for a while. I did a ton of research and spoke to my BIL who is HUGE into photography, has like 3 DSLR's and little a zillion different lenses for all of them. His advise was that if you are not into taking pictures like that and you don't plan on making them investment in different lenses then a DSLR is a waste. And a very expensive one at that. Plus it's a lot of work to take any pictures. LOL sort of, I mean it's a manual camera so you would have to change the settings for every picture you take. Anyway I think you made a wise choice and you definitely got a good price.

PS-I LOVE the color, red is my favorite and the color of my bridesmaids dresses, that deep red color. It's such a beautiful color.

[Elevationist]

PS-I LOVE the color, red is my favorite and the color of my bridesmaids dresses, that deep red color. It's such a beautiful color.I totally agree! For many years, red was "my color," and I still looooove it. It's a VERY close second to my favorite color, light pink. That one only creeped into the #1 spot for my color affection pretty recently, within the last year or two. :cutie:

[JoJo1980]

YAAAAAAAAAY for paying everything off!! :woohoo: :yay: :dance3:


And maybe some of these too :banana: :banana: :banana:


I love your camera!! and am impressed with the way you are co-ordinating :thumbsup2 We got new cameras before our trip last year, but we need to learn how to use them properly before this year so that we can get some good shots at night of the parades / lights / fireworks. So, start practising with us :wizard:

(btw, sorry i've been missing for the past couple of days, i'm back now :hug: Will PM you about Le Cellier whilst i'm online now :thumbsup2 )

[Elevationist]

YAAAAAAAAAY for paying everything off!! :woohoo: :yay: :dance3:


And maybe some of these too :banana: :banana: :banana:


I love your camera!! and am impressed with the way you are co-ordinating :thumbsup2 We got new cameras before our trip last year, but we need to learn how to use them properly before this year so that we can get some good shots at night of the parades / lights / fireworks. So, start practising with us :wizard:

(btw, sorry i've been missing for the past couple of days, i'm back now :hug: Will PM you about Le Cellier whilst i'm online now :thumbsup2 )Yay, welcome back! :hug:

Yeah, I was playing with my camera last night, and actually getting kinda frustrated. Some of the more interesting modes, like it has a fireworks mode, has a slow shutter speed... and I don't exactly have surgeons hands. :sad2: So everything was coming out pretty blurry. I think I'm going to probably have to learn "on the job" once I get to Disney, unfortunately. I certainly have no desire to bring a tri-pod, either! Going to continue messing with it over the next 6.5 weeks, and hope I get better with it!

Got your PM about LC. PMing you back in a minute. :cutie:

[DONTMINDME]

I was talking to Dh about our get together on the 4th and he told me not to worry he will roll me back to the resort if I have a few too many. I had to promise no swimming They might not let me in to dinner if I'm tooo wet.:lmao: Isn't he sweet. He does'nt drink much so I have a designated roller.:rotfl::rotfl:

[nic100308]

Yay, welcome back! :hug:

Yeah, I was playing with my camera last night, and actually getting kinda frustrated. Some of the more interesting modes, like it has a fireworks mode, has a slow shutter speed... and I don't exactly have surgeons hands. :sad2: So everything was coming out pretty blurry. I think I'm going to probably have to learn "on the job" once I get to Disney, unfortunately. I certainly have no desire to bring a tri-pod, either! Going to continue messing with it over the next 6.5 weeks, and hope I get better with it!

It is very hard to get a non blurry picture on a slow shutter without a tripod. If you're interested there are some small ones that can be carried in your park bag and they are only about $10. You can get some very nice shots at night with a tripod and a slow shutter speed. LOL just some food for thought.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I agree! I had a couple of Coolpix before getting my DSLR. I still have the one Coolpix as a backup. It takes nice pix and I think you will be very happy and definitely satisfied with it.

[Elevationist]

It is very hard to get a non blurry picture on a slow shutter without a tripod. If you're interested there are some small ones that can be carried in your park bag and they are only about $10. You can get some very nice shots at night with a tripod and a slow shutter speed. LOL just some food for thought.Hrm. I dunno... the idea of bringing and setting up a tripod at the parks just makes me :scared1: for some reason. Not to mention I don't intend on taking a large bag, and need to keep it fairly lightweight.

Here's something I've been wondering. Maybe I should just google it, but I'm tossing it out here instead. :laughing: Why is it a slow shutter speed for fireworks? Logically, wouldn't a faster shutter be better, since the fireworks are moving and changing as you take the photo? :confused3

I agree! I had a couple of Coolpix before getting my DSLR. I still have the one Coolpix as a backup. It takes nice pix and I think you will be very happy and definitely satisfied with it.Yay! I think I'll love it, too. I just need to learn how to use the darn thing. I feel like such a dunce with it right now! :guilty:

[Elevationist]

Okay. Thanks to the lovely, beautiful, thin, brilliant Miss JoJo1980... My ADR List is finally finalized.

Final. No more changes. NO MORE.

Seriously.

No, really.

Shut up, I mean it this time!
:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2::laughing:


So it is with great pride (and relief) that I present my FINAL list of ADRS!


Ron and Billie's Om-Nom-Nom List!


12/1: Chef Mickey, 9:00pm
12/2: Cape May Cafe, 8:45pm
12/3: Chefs de France, 4:30pm
12/4: Le Cellier, 7:10pm
12/5: Sci-Fi Dine-In, 12:35pm
12/5: Ohana, 9:45pm
12/6: Boma, 6:00pm
12/7: 1900 Park Fare, 9:05am


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

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Looking good! Those ADR's are yummy!!!

:dance3::dance3::dance3:

[Elevationist]

Looking good! Those ADR's are yummy!!!

:dance3::dance3::dance3:I'm pretty excited! Out of all eight of them, Boma and Ohana are the only ones I'm repeating from previous trips. Although I've been to 1900 Park Fare before for dinner, but not breakfast. I've actually never done any breakfast buffet at WDW, so this will be like a whole new experience, despite having been to the restaurant for dinner before.:woohoo:

Last night I was torturing Ron with pics from one of the food porn threads. :lmao: He got so irritated with me because I was making him so hungry!

[JoJo1980]

Yay, welcome back! :hug:

Yeah, I was playing with my camera last night, and actually getting kinda frustrated. Some of the more interesting modes, like it has a fireworks mode, has a slow shutter speed... and I don't exactly have surgeons hands. :sad2: So everything was coming out pretty blurry. I think I'm going to probably have to learn "on the job" once I get to Disney, unfortunately. I certainly have no desire to bring a tri-pod, either! Going to continue messing with it over the next 6.5 weeks, and hope I get better with it!

Got your PM about LC. PMing you back in a minute. :cutie:

Just stick with it honey! I'm always changing the modes during fireworks - I'll try some on the fireworks setting, some on the sports, some on the normal - just play around with it and see what you get. I just keep hitting the shoot button and hoping for the best :laughing: Some shots are blurry but I've also got some really good one's this way :thumbsup2 Just keep playing around and see which mode you get the most decent shots with. Maybe you wont nail every single shot but at least you'll still get some :yay:

I've heard of a small tripod, it's called a 'gorilla pod' , you attach your camera too it and then kinda wrap it's legs around something e.g. a handrailing or something (it's got short bendy legs) try looking on google :surfweb:

Den has this fold up tripod that he carries in his backpack and mounts his video camera on it during the parades etc... He made a video montage of our honeymoon trip and I loooove watching the parades etc... again on it :love: When folded its maybe at least 20 inches so that would be no good for your park bag, when extended it's about 4ft maybe more - i'm a bit rubbish with sizes can't you tell :lmao:




So it is with great pride (and relief) that I present my FINAL list of ADRS!


Ron and Billie's Om-Nom-Nom List!


12/1: Chef Mickey, 9:00pm
12/2: Cape May Cafe, 8:45pm
12/3: Chefs de France, 4:30pm
12/4: Le Cellier, 7:10pm
12/5: Sci-Fi Dine-In, 12:35pm
12/5: Ohana, 9:45pm
12/6: Boma, 6:00pm
12/7: 1900 Park Fare, 9:05am


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

Your Om nom nom list looks VERY om nom nommy popcorn:: popcorn::

YAY for being done - give us a high five sista because I am too :goodvibes

We're going some of the same meals :yay: Chef Mickey for dinner, Le Cellier for dinner, Sci-Fi dine in for lunch, Ohana for dinner (ours is about an hour before yours so we might see you again :laughing: ) and breakfast at 1900 Park Fare :woohoo: We havent been to any of these places before so we are as excited as you :banana:

[disneyaddicted]

I am so happy for you, you and MARZI are gonna have an awesome time together. Are you having dinner at WCC on the 3rd cause I thought I read that, so are we at 8:20 after a day at Seaworld. Hope we can say HI:thumbsup2We are indeed having dinner at WCC on the 3rd, our ressie time is 8:55pm watch for us and don't hesitate to come over any say Hi, I would love that.

Now with the trip paid off, it is time to start picking up other things I need before we leave. :thumbsup2

Next week's purchase: Our park bags! (And now I have a camera to take pictures of them when they arrive! :rotfl:)Yay! the trip is paid off. Just sit back and bask in the feeling of "It's all done"

I love that camera, I can't believe you have been using your phone for so long, A phone picture at Disney? ummm, no. I'm happy that you like your new camera, and that it matches your phone, that is such an awesome perk. Can't wait to see pictures of the bags you are going to purchase.

[nic100308]

Here's something I've been wondering. Maybe I should just google it, but I'm tossing it out here instead. :laughing: Why is it a slow shutter speed for fireworks? Logically, wouldn't a faster shutter be better, since the fireworks are moving and changing as you take the photo? :confused3

Shutter speed controls your exposure time. When shooting fireworks you would want a longer exposure because it is dark and you want to the the burst of light from the fireworks. Also it will give you some nice trails effects. Like if you take the picture as the firework it launched then you get the trail and the burst. A fireworks setting on a camera should be the correct shutter speed and aperture size that you need to photograph fireworks.


Ron and Billie's Om-Nom-Nom List!
[/COLOR]

12/1: Chef Mickey, 9:00pm
12/2: Cape May Cafe, 8:45pm
12/3: Chefs de France, 4:30pm
12/4: Le Cellier, 7:10pm
12/5: Sci-Fi Dine-In, 12:35pm
12/5: Ohana, 9:45pm
12/6: Boma, 6:00pm
12/7: 1900 Park Fare, 9:05am


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

WOO HOO!!!! Your ADR's look good, and yummy. I'm actually excited you'll be eating in different spots than us. I'm curious to hear your reviews, maybe for our next trip :)

I've heard of a small tripod, it's called a 'gorilla pod' , you attach your camera too it and then kinda wrap it's legs around something e.g. a handrailing or something (it's got short bendy legs) try looking on google :surfweb:

Gorillapods are awesome. I am going to invest in one, I've been stalking to see if I can get it on sale. I may just give up and buy it. It's really the only this I need to buy. Anyway they are pretty compact and very user friendly. Greg and I travel very light in the parks too and I really wanted to be able to use some of the advanced settings on my camera at night. So I did a little researched and asked around and it comes very highly recommended.

Erin, I'm very impressed that you have a DSLR. It was a little advanced for me right now. I figured I would use my Canon Powershot and then when I get really good at using the manual settings on that (probably a few years) maybe then I'll invest in a DSLR. LOL that kind of high tech camera sort of intimidated me.

[DONTMINDME]

I just found out that they rejected my request off for the 27 of Nov, I have to work 5am 1pm shift then we can leave this was supposed to be a leasurely travel day. I requested it off about 2 months ago when we decided we were driving instead of flying. I should have known, my boss has nepolian syndome, you know little guy big attitude. I came home all upset and my wonderful Dh says no big deal we will just put all the seats down in the van blow up the airmattress and I'll have your blanket and pillows all ready cause I know you won't sleep the night before soooo you sleep and I'll drive.God, I love that man.:lovestruc:lovestruc

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Nic - I am not super advanced in the photography department, but do ok. I just HAD to have it! DH wasn't to thrilled with the price tag!! SO, I promised I would get beautiful pix from it and it has come through for me!! I don't own any special lenses or anything...that's the next step! But, I will take a class first!

[nic100308]

Nic - I am not super advanced in the photography department, but do ok. I just HAD to have it! DH wasn't to thrilled with the price tag!! SO, I promised I would get beautiful pix from it and it has come through for me!! I don't own any special lenses or anything...that's the next step! But, I will take a class first!

I'm still impressed, LOL I was scared of the DSLR. I've been working on the manual settings on my new camera, andI think that I'm getting better. I'm getting the hang of changing my shutter and aperture. I currently have at powershot sx10 and I figured this will hold me over until we have kids to take pictures of. Is there a better excuse for a new, better camera than to take pictures of your kids? :rotfl:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I'm still impressed, LOL I was scared of the DSLR. I've been working on the manual settings on my new camera, andI think that I'm getting better. I'm getting the hang of changing my shutter and aperture. I currently have at powershot sx10 and I figured this will hold me over until we have kids to take pictures of. Is there a better excuse for a new, better camera than to take pictures of your kids? :rotfl:

That's a great excuse!!!! I'll back you!

[Elevationist]

Hello, my darlings! Sorry that I've been MIA a couple of days. Just been working alot, making that Mickey Money for the trip! :goodvibes I'm going to get to working on replies in just a moment, followed by catching up on all of your PTRs.

But first, I need to get this out of the way:

6 weeks to go!!!
:woohoo::banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:

Also, the other night Ron and I YouTubed the WDW episode of "Unwrapped" from a few years ago. He really enjoyed seeing some of the places we'll be eating at. Here are the links, of you'd like to watch. :goodvibes

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS8x6RWVIpw&feature=related

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGF8jw8HDDQ&feature=related

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43YYXM-fFxc&feature=related

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vhHWN1cGxA&feature=related

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZP29UPKO4&feature=related

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBC3drldQv4&feature=related


...Okay, I'm done. :cutie:

[Elevationist]

Just stick with it honey! I'm always changing the modes during fireworks - I'll try some on the fireworks setting, some on the sports, some on the normal - just play around with it and see what you get. I just keep hitting the shoot button and hoping for the best :laughing: Some shots are blurry but I've also got some really good one's this way :thumbsup2 Just keep playing around and see which mode you get the most decent shots with. Maybe you wont nail every single shot but at least you'll still get some :yay:So far I like Portrait mode best. It seems to take the clearest photos. It won't work for fireworks shots, though, because it auto-flashes. It also will only work so well for far away shots because it only uses the optical zoom, not the digital. (Which is also good in a way, since the quality of digital zoom kinda stinks!) I'm going to keep messing with it.

If I can't get good fireworks photos, it's no big deal. I can buy/download pretty pics of Wishes/Illuminations/Fantasmic. What I'm the most interested in is pics of us. I don't often just take pictures of "stuffs," I want pictures of people... specifically, myself and my loved ones. For example: I don't usually just take a picture of the castle or Spaceship Earth... I almost always make somebody go pose in front of it, THEN take a picture. :cutie:

I've heard of a small tripod, it's called a 'gorilla pod' , you attach your camera too it and then kinda wrap it's legs around something e.g. a handrailing or something (it's got short bendy legs) try looking on google :surfweb:I've seen those, but I found myself wondering what in the world would I attach it to! I hadn't thought of a handrail. And I will be on an ECV (one of these days I need to write up about why I use an ECV at WDW), so maybe I could attach it to the handlebars or something? I don't know, maybe I'll look into it more. :goodvibes

Your Om nom nom list looks VERY om nom nommy popcorn:: I agree. I keep gazing at it and day dreaming. :cloud9:

YAY for being done - give us a high five sista because I am too :goodvibesWoot! ^5!!! :laughing:

We're going some of the same meals :yay: Chef Mickey for dinner, Le Cellier for dinner, Sci-Fi dine in for lunch, Ohana for dinner (ours is about an hour before yours so we might see you again :laughing: ) and breakfast at 1900 Park Fare :woohoo: We havent been to any of these places before so we are as excited as you :banana:Oooh, you better take lots of food porn pics, I know I am! We can compare notes afterwards!

Yay! the trip is paid off. Just sit back and bask in the feeling of "It's all done" I did bask for about a day... then remembered the vast amount of money that we need to save up between now and then for everything else, and it was back to work work work. :laughing:

I love that camera, I can't believe you have been using your phone for so long, A phone picture at Disney? ummm, no. I'm happy that you like your new camera, and that it matches your phone, that is such an awesome perk. Can't wait to see pictures of the bags you are going to purchase.Well, it hasn't been the SAME phone for that many years. :rotfl:But yeah, I just could never find the money to set aside to buy a real camera. And I'm still going to take some phone pics while at WDW, but purely for the sole purpose of instantly uploading to my facebook a couple times a day, making all of my friends and family hate my guts. :thumbsup2

Shutter speed controls your exposure time. When shooting fireworks you would want a longer exposure because it is dark and you want to the the burst of light from the fireworks. Also it will give you some nice trails effects. Like if you take the picture as the firework it launched then you get the trail and the burst. A fireworks setting on a camera should be the correct shutter speed and aperture size that you need to photograph fireworks. Ohhhh. I see! Okay! Thank you for the information. :)

WOO HOO!!!! Your ADR's look good, and yummy. I'm actually excited you'll be eating in different spots than us. I'm curious to hear your reviews, maybe for our next trip :) Oooh, are we? I need to go sift through your PTR and check out your ADRs, then! I do intend on doing a full dining review after the trip, so you'll definitely hear all about them from me, complete with photos! ;)

Gorillapods are awesome. I am going to invest in one, I've been stalking to see if I can get it on sale. I may just give up and buy it. It's really the only thing I need to buy. Anyway they are pretty compact and very user friendly. Greg and I travel very light in the parks too and I really wanted to be able to use some of the advanced settings on my camera at night. So I did a little researched and asked around and it comes very highly recommended.Yeah, I've seen those! Like I told Jo, my only thing has been trying to figure out where I could possibly attach it. But I've got ideas, so maybe I'll look more seriously into it now.

I just found out that they rejected my request off for the 27 of Nov, I have to work 5am 1pm shift then we can leave this was supposed to be a leasurely travel day. I requested it off about 2 months ago when we decided we were driving instead of flying. I should have known, my boss has nepolian syndome, you know little guy big attitude. I came home all upset and my wonderful Dh says no big deal we will just put all the seats down in the van blow up the airmattress and I'll have your blanket and pillows all ready cause I know you won't sleep the night before soooo you sleep and I'll drive.God, I love that man.:lovestruc:lovestrucThis is why you need to start you a PTR, so we can follow your planning and events along the way. :rolleyes1

[Wrexie]

Also, the other night Ron and I YouTubed the WDW episode of "Unwrapped" from a few years ago. He really enjoyed seeing some of the places we'll be eating at. Here are the links, of you'd like to watch. :goodvibes



Aww, I can't get those links to work. I get this error: The URL contained a malformed video ID.

I'm going to see if I can find it by searching though because I'd love to drool over some yummy Disney food!:yay:

I'll be really interested to read your trip report and reviews when you get back, so it will make me even more excited for my trip a month after yours! (Not like I need to be more excited, actually...) ;)

[Elevationist]

Aww, I can't get those links to work. I get this error: The URL contained a malformed video ID.

I'm going to see if I can find it by searching though because I'd love to drool over some yummy Disney food!:yay:

I'll be really interested to read your trip report and reviews when you get back, so it will make me even more excited for my trip a month after yours! (Not like I need to be more excited, actually...) ;)Oh my, you're right, they are doing that to me also! Thank you for the heads up, I will fix them in my original post right now. :goodvibes

EDIT: All fixed, the links should work fine now!

[nic100308]

oooooo you are my favorite person right now!!! I am so excited to watch the WDW Unwrapped. I check this website regularly so see what kind of Disney shows are playing. http://www.bartlett-sloan.net/tv/agenda.php3?modeagenda=soon I'm totally peeved that we don't get the Fine Living Channel!!

[Elevationist]

oooooo you are my favorite person right now!!! I am so excited to watch the WDW Unwrapped. I check this website regularly so see what kind of Disney shows are playing. http://www.bartlett-sloan.net/tv/agenda.php3?modeagenda=soon I'm totally peeved that we don't get the Fine Living Channel!!Happy to share the magic. pixiedust: And thank you for the link! I used to be subscribed to something like that, but it would email me a weekly listing of WDW shows that were scheduled to air. I've changed emails in in the last few years, and never could remember how to get back into that. This website will work just as well, though! :cutie:

We enjoyed watching WDW Unwrapped so much that now I am going to find a WDW show to watch once a week for the next 5 weeks, to cultivate the excitement even more. :hyper: Enjoy the episode! Feel free to come back to this thread and chat about it with me, and anybody else who decides to take advantage of those links! :goodvibes

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

i totally remember seeing that unwrapped show and I plan on rewatching it this weekend!

I don't get why travel channel and food network don't put out a bunch of disney shows. You'd think with the economy they would want to plug disney as much as possible!! That and it feeds our need for disney and passes the time!

[DONTMINDME]

I have to clean the drool out of my keyboard. Talk about some food porn.OMG!!!! Thoses cakes were gorgeous I would have a hard time cutting one. I am sooo ready to go.

[jenbear123]

Oh my gosh! I'll have to watch all 6 parts of this tomorrow night! I LOVE that show and I never knew they did a Disney World special. Great find. Thanks for posting the links :thumbsup2

And must do a dance for less than 6 weeks to go!

:cheer2::woohoo::yay::woohoo::yay::cheer2:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

You are awesome! Just when I thought I could not possibly get anymore excited...that was great!!!

[JoJo1980]

Hello, my darlings! Sorry that I've been MIA a couple of days. Just been working alot, making that Mickey Money for the trip! :goodvibes I'm going to get to working on replies in just a moment, followed by catching up on all of your PTRs.

But first, I need to get this out of the way:

6 weeks to go!!!
:woohoo::banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:

Also, the other night Ron and I YouTubed the WDW episode of "Unwrapped" from a few years ago. He really enjoyed seeing some of the places we'll be eating at. Here are the links, of you'd like to watch. :goodvibes

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS8x6RWVIpw&feature=related

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGF8jw8HDDQ&feature=related

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43YYXM-fFxc&feature=related

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vhHWN1cGxA&feature=related

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZP29UPKO4&feature=related

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBC3drldQv4&feature=related


...Okay, I'm done. :cutie:

Glad you're back with us honey :hug: YAAAAAAAY for 6 weeks :banana: :banana: It's going sooo fast!!! :woohoo:

Thankyou so much for posting those links :worship: I can't get shows like that with living in the UK :headache: so it's great to be able to see them! I'm going to set aside some time tonight to sit and watch them all :yay:

So far I like Portrait mode best. It seems to take the clearest photos. It won't work for fireworks shots, though, because it auto-flashes. It also will only work so well for far away shots because it only uses the optical zoom, not the digital. (Which is also good in a way, since the quality of digital zoom kinda stinks!) I'm going to keep messing with it.

If I can't get good fireworks photos, it's no big deal. I can buy/download pretty pics of Wishes/Illuminations/Fantasmic. What I'm the most interested in is pics of us. I don't often just take pictures of "stuffs," I want pictures of people... specifically, myself and my loved ones. For example: I don't usually just take a picture of the castle or Spaceship Earth... I almost always make somebody go pose in front of it, THEN take a picture. :cutie:

I've seen those, but I found myself wondering what in the world would I attach it to! I hadn't thought of a handrail. And I will be on an ECV (one of these days I need to write up about why I use an ECV at WDW), so maybe I could attach it to the handlebars or something? I don't know, maybe I'll look into it more. :goodvibes

Oooh, you better take lots of food porn pics, I know I am! We can compare notes afterwards!

All this camera stuff is very confusing isnt it :3dglasses I'm sure we'll get there in the end though! Hopefully :laughing: Just got to stick with the practicing :thumbsup2

Yeah, attaching it to the handlebars would definately work! :thumbsup2

I'll definately be taking lots of food porn pics and shopping porn pics :laughing: and will be writing detailed reports on everything - hope everyone is going to be doing this too!! :wizard:

[Elevationist]

i totally remember seeing that unwrapped show and I plan on rewatching it this weekend!

I don't get why travel channel and food network don't put out a bunch of disney shows. You'd think with the economy they would want to plug disney as much as possible!! That and it feeds our need for disney and passes the time!I found another really cool WDW show on YouTube, so I'll be sharing those links this weekend. :cutie:

Oh my gosh! I'll have to watch all 6 parts of this tomorrow night! I LOVE that show and I never knew they did a Disney World special. Great find. Thanks for posting the links :thumbsup2

And must do a dance for less than 6 weeks to go!

:cheer2::woohoo::yay::woohoo::yay::cheer2:Yes yes! Watch it then come back and chat about it! Sooo much food porn in action! :rotfl:

You are awesome! Just when I thought I could not possibly get anymore excited...that was great!!!Yay! :banana::banana::banana:

Glad you're back with us honey :hug: YAAAAAAAY for 6 weeks :banana: :banana: It's going sooo fast!!! :woohoo:Still not fast enough for me, I say. :laughing:

Thankyou so much for posting those links :worship: I can't get shows like that with living in the UK :headache: so it's great to be able to see them! I'm going to set aside some time tonight to sit and watch them all Definitely tell me what you think of the show! I've re-watched it a couple times now.

All this camera stuff is very confusing isnt it :3dglasses I'm sure we'll get there in the end though! Hopefully :laughing: Just got to stick with the practicing :thumbsup2I wish I could say I've been practicing. Since the day I purchased it, I've been working so much that I haven't really messed with it. I'm thinking about just taking it to both jobs and with me and snapping photos during down time, just for practice!

I'll definately be taking lots of food porn pics and shopping porn pics :laughing: and will be writing detailed reports on everything - hope everyone is going to be doing this too!! :wizard:I already warned Ron that if he takes a bite of anything before I have a chance to take a picture, I will stab him in the arm with my fork. :rotfl:

[disneyaddicted]

totally wish I could watch unwrapped, but I still live in the backwoods era of slow dial up. I complain about this alot. Someday I will have highspeed internet.....siiiigh...someday.

[Elevationist]

Time for another benchmark!

40 days! :cheer2::woohoo::yay:


In other news, a couple weeks ago I added a lunch ADR for Sci-Fi as a surprise for Ron, since I knew it would be something he would get a kick out of. Well. I opened my trap and now he knows. :laughing: Every "surprise" I've done for him on this trip, I've ended up telling him about! :rotfl:

...That's all I got for now. :lmao:

[nic100308]

Time for another benchmark!

40 days! :cheer2::woohoo::yay:


In other news, a couple weeks ago I added a lunch ADR for Sci-Fi as a surprise for Ron, since I knew it would be something he would get a kick out of. Well. I opened my trap and now he knows. :laughing: Every "surprise" I've done for him on this trip, I've ended up telling him about! :rotfl:

...That's all I got for now. :lmao:

YAY 40 DAYS!!! 42 for us, we're right on your heals!!

I'm awful with surprises. If I have a present for someone I always end up giving it to them sooner because I just can't wait. I also hate surprises myself. If I know something is coming, I need to know what it is. I always squeeze an early bday or Christmas gift out of DH. My bday is 12/22 so my excuse is that I wait all year for any kind of gifts and I shouldn't have to wait any longer. Also I don't like to be surprised because some surprises are bad!! So if someone has the intention of surprising me it has to be done in complete secrecy.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

40 days is a HUGE benchmark! Yay!! I am at 41! SO, we are right there with you! :dance3:

I hear ya on the surprise front! I have spilled it on almost every surprise I had! I am terrible! I too am bad with surprises for me!

[MyMuse]

YAY for 40 DAYS!!!
:banana::cool1::woohoo::yay:

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

yay 40 days!!! We LOVEEE sci fi but are trying Mama Melrose this trip but I'm okay with that...have a milkshake for me!! The service the two times we went this year was VERY slow so I guess just prepare for that if you are on a tight schedule. You might have to flag the server down to avoid waiting 20+ mins for the check!

[jenbear123]

I watched all of Unwrapped - Disney edition last night and LOVED it. I was swimming in a puddle of my own drool by the end! I could have totally gone for one of those Mickey Premium Bars. :mickeybar That is DEFINITELY on the top of my list of things to eat when I'm there next :laughing: One thing they didn't mention, though, was the Dole Whip. Those are excellent! Oh well. It was really neat to see how they made the pizzas and the wedding cakes! Amazing. My hat goes off to the chefs in Disney World.

Billie.... if you can't keep a simple ADR a secret than how to do you expect to keep "other surprises" from Ron?!?!?!

[Elevationist]

Billie.... if you can't keep a simple ADR a secret than how to do you expect to keep a night at WL from Ron?!?!?!Well I guess I can't now, since he reads this thread. :rotfl::lmao::laughing: Thanks, Jen! :cutie:

[Wrexie]

Yay--I finally got a chance to watch those Unwrapped episodes on YouTube. Boy did it make me want to gnaw on the corners of my desk! :rotfl:

I've actually never had one of the Mickey ice cream bars but I sure want one now. I think I can skip the mac and cheese. :confused3