1 Child and 10 Adults--A GG to Celebrate DD's 4th Bday :) TR Link is Posted

[Charlefours]

It is probably early to begin a PTR report but I figured why not? I could use all the tips and feedback I can get! :laughing: It is going to be a resting ground of thoughts, feelings and ideas of this entire process. I hope the DIS community will chime in and offer me tips, suggestions and support--I am going to need it!

I have only been to Disney once and that trip was planned for me other than having input on which resort we should stay at the first go around. I knew from that trip we would be back many times. It has taken five years (by the time we go) but we are heading back! This will be the first time where I will actively be planning everything for the trip—at least for my immediate family. DH will humor me at this point to make a few comments here and there but for him, it is still too far away. Not for me!! :rotfl:

Table of contents:
*Wait, there's a secondary cast? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33891923&posted=2#post33891923) *Why, When and Where's Home going to be? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33904939&posted=1#post33904939) *You're Driving? You're insane! Traveling to Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33962880#post33962880) *Special Treats for those traveling with us (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34024797#post34024797) *On the Hunt for Characters (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34066794#post34066794) *Yummy in my Tummy! Eating while at Disney Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34117429#post34117429) :thumbsup2 *Yummy in my Tummy! Eat While at Disney Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34117596&posted=1#post34117596) princess: *Yummy in my Tummy! Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34117904#post34117904) popcorn:: *Shopping: Clothes, Books and Toys oh my! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34424306#post34424306) *The Beginnings of a Schedule (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34748702&posted=1#post34748702) *On the Dilemma... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34805626&posted=1#post34805626) :confused3 *Anyone have any suggestions? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34883955#post34883955) *MK: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34893159#post34893159) *EP: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34997992#post34997992) *Planning Tools (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35196119#post35196119) *Things to Do (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35302403#post35302403) :faint: *Top 10 Things I am Looking Forward to on Our Upcoming Trip (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35558683&posted=1#post35558683) *TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" or winging it: Creating Touring Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35558836#post35558836) *A Custom Creation for Lilian (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35610921#post35610921) *ADRs and To Do List Update (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35655503#post35655503) *ADRs, BBB and Tea all made!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35844447&posted=1#post35844447) :goodvibes: *DHS: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35860079#post35860079) *AK: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35860558#post35860558) *Character Updates--Please help if you are willing (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36168030#post36168030) *Night of Joy--what should we do? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36170268#post36170268) *Finished Bubble Skirt and a new camera :) (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36320957&posted=1#post36320957) *Have I mentioned I love :love: bags? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36468990#post36468990) *Resort-itis!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36481543#post36481543) *Free Dining--Yes or No? :upsidedow (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36508295&posted=1#post36508295) *Autograph Book and Album for Lilian (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36521342#post36521342) *Five Years ago, Day 1--trip flashback (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36656205#post36656205) *Day 2 of Our First Trip (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36671158&posted=1#post36671158) *Flashback, Day 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36681771#post36681771) *Day Four of our 2005 Trip (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36704038#post36704038) *Day 5, MGM and EP (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36704325#post36704325) *We Leave in 99 Days!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36849835&posted=1#post36849835) *Hollywood and Vine versus Olivia's Cafe (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36941306#post36941306) *FINALLY an update...MNSSHP, pins, Fairy Godmail and changes to come (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37084364#post37084364) *The Dumbo Debate (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37206743&posted=1#post37206743) Organizing, Part 1: Organizational Charts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37373750&posted=1#post37373750) *The countdown has begun!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37554658#post37554658) *Transportation or How to Navigate the World Effectively (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37733738#post37733738) *This Time Next Month...Driving Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37744167&posted=1#post37744167) :car: *30 Days Until We Leave!!! The Countdown Begins (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37757902#post37757902) *This Time Next Month: Driving Day 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37758044&posted=1#post37758044) *#29 on the Countdown List (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37778133#post37778133) *This Time Next Month: First Glimpse of Disney!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37778336&posted=1#post37778336) *28 Days, the third thing on my countdown is... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37792252&posted=1#post37792252) *This Time Next Month: Epcot, Future World Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37792356&posted=1#post37792356) *27 Days left to go...what's on the countdown today? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37803835#post37803835) *This Time Next Month, 9/13 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37803972&posted=1#post37803972) *#26 on My Countdown List (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37819971#post37819971) *This Time Next Month--DD's Birthday!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37820050&posted=1#post37820050) *25 Days Left to Go!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37831882&posted=1#post37831882) *This Time Next Month, September 15th (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37832095&posted=1#post37832095) *24 Days left to go!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37846897#post37846897) *Day 5 at Disney, AK and evening @ MK: This Time Next Month (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37847798#post37847798) *Creeping towards the teens, 23 days left to go!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37863434&posted=1#post37863434) *This Time Next Month: Our Final Full Day at Disney! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37863739&posted=1#post37863739) :sad: *A Sweet Treat, 22 on the Countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37878241#post37878241) *Last Morning at Disney Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37878912#post37878912) *21 Sleeps left until Disney! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37893863#post37893863)! *Almost out of the 20s! Number 20 on the Countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37904114#post37904114) *DISign Creations and Help Me Decide!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37905017&posted=1#post37905017) *Birthday Cake and song, #19 on the countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37921900#post37921900) *18 days and counting! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37927727#post37927727) *MNSSHP--number 17 on my countdown!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37940905#post37940905) pirate: *Daily Itinerary Card, Day 1 posted (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37942431&posted=1#post37942431) *16 on my countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37954064#post37954064) *Daily Itinerary Card, Day 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37954759#post37954759) *Princesses, Fairies and Other Characters Oh My! Day 15 on my Countdown--the half way point!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37960234&posted=1#post37960234) *Daily Itinerary Card, Day 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37965492&posted=1#post37965492) *Random Updates (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986613#post37986613) *Number 14 on the Countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38001324#post38001324) *Lucky #13 on the Countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38001581&posted=1#post38001581) *Number 12 on the countdown--The Shows!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38004130#post38004130) *Daily Itinerary Card, Happy Birthday Lilian!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38004327&posted=1#post38004327) *Daily Itinerary Card, Relaxation Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38004412&posted=1#post38004412) *Thursday, Sept. 16th Itinerary Card (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38004493&posted=1#post38004493) *MouseKeeping Thank You Tip Cards (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38004684&posted=1#post38004684) *11 Days Left to Go!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38010670&posted=1#post38010670) *Daily Itinerary Card, AK Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38010777&posted=1#post38010777) *#10 on my countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38023924&posted=1#post38023924) *Daily Itinerary Card for DHS (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38024011&posted=1#post38024011) *Single Digits!! #9 on the Countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38043057#post38043057) *Last Daily Itinerary Card! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38044869#post38044869) *#8 on the countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38053304&posted=1#post38053304) *Treats for Lilian (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38057419#post38057419) Number 7 on my countdown!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38065621&posted=1#post38065621) *#6 on the countdown (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38087146&posted=1#post38087146) *Any Requests? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38087851&posted=1#post38087851) *Number five--holy smokes!! It is getting close! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38097779#post38097779) *4 Days Left until we Leave!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38102156&posted=1#post38102156) *3 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38116454&posted=1#post38116454) *#2: Seeing the Castle (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38124153&posted=1#post38124153) *Fairy GodMail Anyone?????????? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38128520&posted=1#post38128520) *One Sleep left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38135745&posted=1#post38135745) *Last Creative Projects: birthday shirt, Halloween Twirl Skirt, Disney Binder, Journal Cards and Dining Plan Tracker (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38136051&posted=1#post38136051)

We are back!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38326360#post38326360)

[Charlefours]

:tinker:Me: the planner, a bit OC to boot. I am a SAHM and a graduate student working on my master’s degree. Next summer/fall I will be filling out applications for my Ph.D. program!! :scratchin I actually have only been to Disney one time, when I was 24 years old but we went with Disney Masters so the experience was amazing! You will also come to realize I love exclamation points!!!! :rotfl2:

:donald: DH: the great and loving husband. He is a computer engineer. His first experience at Disney was the same time as mine—neither of us traveled to Disney as kids but we both definitely wanted to take our daughter!

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/033_33r.jpg :lovestruc This from our first trip to Disney in 2005.

princess: DD: the high energy, lovable three-year-old. She will be turning four while we are down there!! We went through a lot to have her so she is our little miracle baby (to me anyways). She loves the princesses--of course, Marie and the Aristocats in general, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny.

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_8728r.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_8377r.jpg

The first picture is from her third birthday. We went to the zoo and this is her clowning around prior to leaving. The second pictures is from a beach in NC when we went down to visit her aunt and uncle. This was her first experience with the ocean--needless to say she LOVES it! :lovestruc


Up Next: there's a secondary cast?

[Buckeye Princess]

Hey! I am just starting to plan a trip somewhat similar to yours in that we have 9 adults and 1 kid. That kid would be my daughter who will be turning 1 on the trip. We go at the end of January so we will definitely have to compare notes. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plans.

[Charlefours]

Hey! I am just starting to plan a trip somewhat similar to yours in that we have 9 adults and 1 kid. That kid would be my daughter who will be turning 1 on the trip. We go at the end of January so we will definitely have to compare notes. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plans.

:welcome: You are my first poster!! I am glad we are not the only with such an odd makeup. Most of the other GG seem to have lots more children. You are going sooner than us so I will definitely be interested to learn how it goes and any tips you might have. Where are you all staying?

[Charlefours]

Besides our family (the immediate cast) there is what I am referring to as the secondary cast—not because they are secondary but because they are add-ons! We knew we were going and offered it out to others to join us. Little did we know our trip down to Disney world snowball into 11 people--a grand gathering of 10 adults and our DD!! :) :scared1:

Here is the rest of the party party:


PaPaw—otherwise known as my Dad. My Dad went to Disney world for the first time with my DS’s family in March over spring break. He had a great time. He loves spending time with his grandchildren and does not want to miss this trip with us. He actually has never been to Epcot b/c DS did not feel like it was appropriate for children therefore did not go. He will definitely be going to Epcot with us this time around! It’s mine and DH’s favorite park.


http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/Papawvisit002r.jpg
The picture is not the greatest but there is a lot of feelings tide to it. It is my dad meeting my daughter. :lovestruc

DMIL and DFIL—first timers! They have never been to Disney. My FIL pretty much decided they were going--normally MIL makes all decisions like this :rotfl: but he wanted to go! My MIL asked me so what’s at Disney—are there rides? :eek: :faint:

DBIL--DH’s younger brother, 24 when we go, will also be going. Another first timer!! He is an avid roller coaster lover and is all around easy going. :woohoo:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_5554r.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/Joel2.jpg
DH parent's and his younger brother.

DBF and her DH will be joining us. Her DH, my DH and my first trip to Disney was with DBF and her parents—the Disney Masters! They are both extremely hard working people and need a good vacation! DBF's DH does not get the obsession and says this will be his last trip to Disney for a good long while. :eek:


http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/027_27r.jpg
This picture is from our first trip together to WDW also.

DGM and DGP are DD's honorary grandparents—we refer to them as her grandparents and she is their grandchild (and treated as such)! On a side and sad note: this is DGM’s first trip back to Disney since her Disney buddy past away two years ago. It will be just shy of three years when we head down. It will be very emotional for her but she is very excited and happy to go back down to Disney to celebrate DD’s birthday!

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/005_05r.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/064_64r.jpg
These are also from our first trip together to WDW.

So there you have it: the secondary cast that makes our trip into the Grand Gathering it is sure to be. 11 people coming to WDW. 1 child with her mommy and daddy, 1 aunt, 2 uncles and five grandparents! Should make for an interesting trip! I will need lots of tips and a sounding board on how to manage a large and diverse group of people.

Up next: you know who, but why, when and where’s home going to be?

[Lamping3]

I followed you over! I love exclamation points too!!!!!

Sounds like you have a few Disney veterans going so you should have lots of helpers planning!

We went in 2006 with a larger group....not as large as yours though. My husband and I (we were just engaged at the time), my parents, my sister, her husband and her two sons. It was hard......by the end of the week we were not too fond of each other:scared1:. Not in a bad way though. It was just too much time together. I would recommend not spending every moment together. Make sure there are mornings or evenings where you split up and do your own thing. I'm sure your DBF and your daughters honorary GP as much as they have gone there will be must do's on their list.

You have lots of time to plan (and lots of helpers at home and on the DIS) so I am sure no matter what you do you will have a wonderful time!

[Charlefours]

I followed you over! I love exclamation points too!!!!!

Sounds like you have a few Disney veterans going so you should have lots of helpers planning!

It was hard......by the end of the week we were not too fond of each other:scared1:. Not in a bad way though. It was just too much time together. I would recommend not spending every moment together. Make sure there are mornings or evenings where you split up and do your own thing. I'm sure your DBF and your daughters honorary GP as much as they have gone there will be must do's on their list.

You have lots of time to plan (and lots of helpers at home and on the DIS) so I am sure no matter what you do you will have a wonderful time!

I know I have lots of time to plan but I sure do LOVE the planning aspect of trips too. What I am primarily worried about is being run over--not having a say b/c DGM will have strong opinions on what should or should not be done. DH and I have talked and said we are going to plan what WE are going to do--the others are more than welcome to join us. I agree with needing time apart, but I am not sure it is going to happen. :confused3

[Native NYer]

Great start!!

Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Great start!!

Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

:welcome: Thank you!! I am glad I have a reader! :banana:

[Charlefours]

When was the easiest decision I have made thus far—we are going over DD’s 4th birthday, which is September 14th. So we will be arriving on Saturday, September 11th and leave on Saturday, September 18th, 2010. We are hoping Disney will be offering the free DDP but we are budgeting as if they will not be. It would be great if they did because that would mean more spending money. :rotfl:

With 11 people going, I have had to consider lots of things when deciding where we were going to stay. First, when it was just going to be DH, DD and I we were looking at staying WL! It looks stunning and its proximity to MK made it ideal. However, with the rest joining us we wanted to make sure it was affordable for everyone (including for us as we added extra expenses on—I will get to those at another post).

The Disney Masters do not like staying at the Value level—they have stayed at them in the past but have made the jump up to the deluxe level. Well, deluxe level was going to be out of the question so I turned my attention to the moderate resorts. We stayed at POFQ when we went our first time—it was nice resort. DH and I liked the idea of trying a new one. So I narrowed it down to CBR and POR.

CBR looks so nice but it seems huge. DGM had the opinion it was ok from what she remember from staying there a while back. I was persuaded to look at POFQ but we ultimately decided on the POR because of the trundle bed—DD would have her own bed without having to bring her blow up princess bed.

So I booked the POR for 9/11/2010 through 9/18/2010 :dance3: with park hopping tickets and the DDP. I was reassured by several CM that we could apply the free DDP if the offer comes available as long as I call in to ask to have it applied. They will not automatically apply it (I cannot blame them for not doing so—they are a business after all). So I am watching things like a hawk hoping to catch it being released! Any idea when they might release this offer? :confused3 I cannot remember when they released this year.

Part of me wishes I had really looked at the CBR but they do not have trundles so all in all, I think it will be good. We are anticipating going back to the resort for midday breaks so staying on property was the only choice! Has anyone stayed at the POR? What did you think? Did you like it?

Room 1 breakdown: DH, me, DD and PaPaw
Room 2 breakdown: MIL, FIL, BIL
Room 3 breakdown: DBF and her DH
Room 4 breakdown: DGM, DGP

Four rooms for 11 people. I know there are ways we could have all stayed together off property, such as renting a house but we really like the idea of staying on property because of the magic and conveniences. Plus I figure it is going to be chaotic enough that having our own space to head back to would be much more sane! :rotfl2:

Up next: You’re driving? You’re insane! Traveling to Disney

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Stephanie,
signing on to follow along...followed you from a few other threads we are both on!!! we are currently planning a return trip the last week of Nov 2010; I would like to go back in Feb 2010 but I don't think that is going to happen. So, Christmas decorations it is!!!:santa: I have always wanted to see WDW for Christmas!

What a wonderful large group!! of family and friends it should be a wonderful experience for Lillian. We have not stayed at POR (only POFQ & ASSp) but, we have walked through POR it is a very nice resort. We are still trying to decide where we are going to stay in Nov.

Eager to follow along and plan along with you...:mickeyjum
:wave2:

[Lamping3]

I know I have lots of time to plan but I sure do LOVE the planning aspect of trips too. What I am primarily worried about is being run over--not having a say b/c DGM will have strong opinions on what should or should not be done. DH and I have talked and said we are going to plan what WE are going to do--the others are more than welcome to join us. I agree with needing time apart, but I am not sure it is going to happen. :confused3

OOOhhh... you have one of those MIL!:rotfl: Dave's stepmom is similar but he feels the same way about her and is able to tell her that he has heard enough! Maybe you could get an ADR at CRT for just you DH and DD.....say all they had was a 3 person table and you really want DD to eat in the castle!:rolleyes1 Maybe you can find something that MIL and FIL enjoy and suggest they go on their own?

Don't worry if you ever need to vent about how the planning process is going I will listen!

Oh yeah if you haven't seen my reply on my PTR.....I checked online the difference between 7 and 8 day tickets for 2 adults and 1 child (park hoppers) is $9. I would say go ahead and get the 8 day....you never know! Even without park hoppers the difference was so small!

[Charlefours]

Hi! Stephanie,
signing on to follow along...followed you from a few other threads we are both on!!! we are currently planning a return trip the last week of Nov 2010; I would like to go back in Feb 2010 but I don't think that is going to happen. So, Christmas decorations it is!!!:santa: I have always wanted to see WDW for Christmas!

What a wonderful large group!! of family and friends it should be a wonderful experience for Lillian. We have not stayed at POR (only POFQ & ASSp) but, we have walked through POR it is a very nice resort. We are still trying to decide where we are going to stay in Nov.

Eager to follow along and plan along with you...:mickeyjum
:wave2:

:welcome:

I am following along on your PTR too! It will be fun to have someone to plan along with :) We have stayed at POFQ too and thought it was nice. I would love to see other resorts this time but I don't think it is going to happen besides the GF.

I would love to see WDW at Christmas time as well but not this year. Perhaps another time :rolleyes1

[Charlefours]

OOOhhh... you have one of those MIL!:rotfl: Dave's stepmom is similar but he feels the same way about her and is able to tell her that he has heard enough! Maybe you could get an ADR at CRT for just you DH and DD.....say all they had was a 3 person table and you really want DD to eat in the castle!:rolleyes1 Maybe you can find something that MIL and FIL enjoy and suggest they go on their own?

Don't worry if you ever need to vent about how the planning process is going I will listen!

Oh yeah if you haven't seen my reply on my PTR.....I checked online the difference between 7 and 8 day tickets for 2 adults and 1 child (park hoppers) is $9. I would say go ahead and get the 8 day....you never know! Even without park hoppers the difference was so small!

:laughing: I was not speaking specifically about my MIL (DGM is my DBF's parents--DD's honorary grandparents) but come to think of it--she is like that too!!!! :rotfl2: Yeah, I am going to be battling two of them--look out!

I thought about her birthday day plans quite a bit yesterday (while I was studying...:rolleyes1) I think this is what we are going to do but I could use advice:

Breakfast at CP, early as possible to hopefully get some good shots of the castle and then Dinner at 1900 Park Faire because I hear that the GF Bakery is the best and they would be making her birthday cake.

There is another surprise in there (I will get that at some point) too. What do you all think--should we do two TS meals in one day? Is that going to eat up too much time? I am not looking at doing commando touring--plus we will have another day in MK, probably w/o a TS to make up for two on her birthday. I think she would LOVE both of these places.

Thanks for lending your ears (well, I guess eyes)!!! Where else can we vent about Disney things? ;)

[longing2Batdisney]

I don't think two sit downs in one day is a bad idea for a special occassion. I like your two choices! I plan to do one sit down a day when I start to plan our trip; so, I wouldn't do it for everyday...but, as I said a special reason...and you plan to have another day in MK so it shouldn't be a bad idea! another way to end a special day since ya'll will be at GF is to hop on the monorail over to the Poly and watch "wishes" and the "electrical light parade" from their beach!!

Happy planning!!
:wave2:

[Charlefours]

I don't think two sit downs in one day is a bad idea for a special occassion. I like your two choices! I plan to do one sit down a day when I start to plan our trip; so, I wouldn't do it for everyday...but, as I said a special reason...and you plan to have another day in MK so it shouldn't be a bad idea! another way to end a special day since ya'll will be at GF is to hop on the monorail over to the Poly and watch "wishes" and the "electrical light parade" from their beach!!

Happy planning!!
:wave2:

I have to consider this--of course, it is dependent on Wishes being done on a Tuesday. Does anyone know if they try to follow a set schedule for things like Wishes, Illuminations, Spectro-Magic Parade and Fantasmic? We would love to be able to make them all (definite naps/afternoon breaks those days). :coffee:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Hi - I am really enjoying your PTR! Thanks for writing! If I could be planning another trip I sure would - Sept. 2010 is not too early - you will really have fun planning!

Mom and I just returned from a trip Sept. 27 - Oct. 2 (free dining) - we stayed at POR. We really liked the laid back feel of the resort - it was so quiet we couldn't believe it. We didn't hear anyone till days into the trip even though it was full. The rooms were larger than I thought they would be and the beds were very comfortable. We were in the Magnolia Section but since you want a trundle you may be in Alligator Bayou - which also seems very relaxed and has great theming.

We also loved the boat to Downtown Disney. The food court was good. Though crowded in the mornings we always found a seat - we ate breakfasts - shared a bounty platter on free dining - it was large enough for the two of us. Bus transportation was good too - we only waited 10 minutes for buses and sometimes didn't wait at all. Sometimes it was standing room only if the buses were picking up from the Parks after closing but Disney transport was really efficient in calling more buses - getting people back to their resorts.

I would definitely stay at POR again. Have a wonderful trip!

[longing2Batdisney]

at the top of the page you will see different sections...if you click on theme parks you should be able to find the calendar. Also, on the WDW site they list the calendar...both will show you the time schedule of the parks, parades, and firework shows...I wish they would list the show times too! (but they don't)...I believe it is still 90 days out but they should be changing that to 180 days out!
:wave2:

[Lamping3]

Sorry I got them mixed up! Hope that didn't offend you. I just know how it is to want to do something a certain way for your family and have "other" opinions on what should be done.....;).

I think doing a breakfast/dinner TS combo on one day would be fine. Especially since you would probably be doing 1900 PF for character interaction mostly (I've heard their food is just "ok"). For your DD the character interaction is probably a big "to do" so eating at those places would get some of that out of the way.

My family has stayed at POR twice.....in '99 and in '06. We stayed in Alligator Bayou in "99 and that is the location where the trundle beds are. In '06 we stayed in Magnolia Bend and I liked AB much better. Our room was VERY close to parking (a plus if you drive....your car will be right there). We had a 60 sec walk to the bus stop (through the bushes)...I will have to look at a map and let you know what building we were in. DTD is only a boat ride away and the boat ride is very relaxing! I was 18 when we went in '99 and I slept on the trundle bed...I don't remember anything bad about it except it was right by the ac unit so I got cold at night (the plus to that was my parents snore.....both of them....loud and the humm from the ac kinda drowned them out!:rotfl:).

I believe that sometime this month reservations move from 90 days out to 180 days out so maybe the park hours will be posted earlier too! You might look at this years September calendar and see when Wishes usually is I wouldn't think they would change things like that around too much year to year it would at least give you a good estimate!

[Charlefours]

Hi - I am really enjoying your PTR! Thanks for writing! If I could be planning another trip I sure would - Sept. 2010 is not too early - you will really have fun planning!

Mom and I just returned from a trip Sept. 27 - Oct. 2 (free dining) - we stayed at POR. We really liked the laid back feel of the resort - it was so quiet we couldn't believe it. We didn't hear anyone till days into the trip even though it was full. The rooms were larger than I thought they would be and the beds were very comfortable. We were in the Magnolia Section but since you want a trundle you may be in Alligator Bayou - which also seems very relaxed and has great theming.

We also loved the boat to Downtown Disney. The food court was good. Though crowded in the mornings we always found a seat - we ate breakfasts - shared a bounty platter on free dining - it was large enough for the two of us. Bus transportation was good too - we only waited 10 minutes for buses and sometimes didn't wait at all. Sometimes it was standing room only if the buses were picking up from the Parks after closing but Disney transport was really efficient in calling more buses - getting people back to their resorts.

I would definitely stay at POR again. Have a wonderful trip!

:welcome: to my little PTR!! I like having a space to write feelings and getting questions answered. Since I am first time planner and only a second time attendee (and my personality in general), I want to learn as much a I can!

I am glad to hear you liked POR. We will be in the Alligator Bayou, since it is the only section with the trundle. Did you eat at Boatwrights? I am curious to know if it is any good. We are hoping for the free dining, but are not counting on it. :) It would be great for the budget if it did get offered again during that time period.

[Charlefours]

Sorry I got them mixed up! Hope that didn't offend you. I just know how it is to want to do something a certain way for your family and have "other" opinions on what should be done.....;).

I think doing a breakfast/dinner TS combo on one day would be fine. Especially since you would probably be doing 1900 PF for character interaction mostly (I've heard their food is just "ok"). For your DD the character interaction is probably a big "to do" so eating at those places would get some of that out of the way.

My family has stayed at POR twice.....in '99 and in '06. We stayed in Alligator Bayou in "99 and that is the location where the trundle beds are. In '06 we stayed in Magnolia Bend and I liked AB much better. Our room was VERY close to parking (a plus if you drive....your car will be right there). We had a 60 sec walk to the bus stop (through the bushes)...I will have to look at a map and let you know what building we were in. DTD is only a boat ride away and the boat ride is very relaxing! I was 18 when we went in '99 and I slept on the trundle bed...I don't remember anything bad about it except it was right by the ac unit so I got cold at night (the plus to that was my parents snore.....both of them....loud and the humm from the ac kinda drowned them out!:rotfl:).

I believe that sometime this month reservations move from 90 days out to 180 days out so maybe the park hours will be posted earlier too! You might look at this years September calendar and see when Wishes usually is I wouldn't think they would change things like that around too much year to year it would at least give you a good estimate!

oh no, you did not offend me in the least. Quite the opposite in fact--I was :rotfl: b/c how appropriately it fit both. DGM is not overbearing normally, she just has strong opinions about Disney! :)

I think the trundle will work out well for DD--I cannot believe you sleep on one when you were 18! I thought they were smaller than a traditional trundle. I forgot about the boat ride--that will be nice!

They are moving back things to 180 days, including supposedly the park calendars. I guess from past experience, I have read that they have played with going back and forth but I am hoping they keep the 180 days. I know there are a couple set days so to speak of things but we are fairly flexible in what we do.

I think I will see if there is a pattern available on the calendars, if not I guess I will just have to wait! :scared1:

[Charlefours]

The great debate: how do we get to WDW? When I first started planning this trip (back in January :) ), we did not have our minivan. So I began to price out flights and car rentals as we did not have a car big enough to get us there with all of our stuff. It was so expensive to do either but even at this point we were leaning towards driving by renting a mid or full size car.

Well, in June with the announcement of the Chrysler dealers closing up locations all around us, we decided to check out a minivan we came across one of the closing dealer’s website. We did not like it but luckily for us, one that had not even been on the lot for a day was available for us to test drive. It had everything we wanted! It has a built in DVD player, dual climate control, fold down seats—just perfect!! :cheer2: It is technically a little big for day-to-day happenings but it is so nice not to have to borrow a larger vehicle we need it. The first time we went to Ikea to pick something up—we marveled at the space and not having to figure how to get it home! :rotfl:

So, the long story short—we are driving down to WDW from Michigan in our minivan. We will be breaking the drive up into manageable chunks for both DH (he will do most of the driving) and DD so she is not stuck in the car too much.

Tentative Driving Plan :car: :
• Wednesday, September 8th: Drive to my sister’s home in Indianapolis area (DH may take a half day or full day off from work)
• Thursday, September 9th: Leave mid morning to drive down to my Dad’s home in southern Indiana. Stay the evening—go to bed early so we can wake up early!!
• Friday, September 10th: Leave between 5 and 6 a.m. [ugh face] Drive to southern Georgia—we are thinking the Valdosta area is where we would like to stop. From his house, it will take about 9 hours of driving time—so 11 to 12 hours with stops. Does anyone know any nice hotels in this area?
• Saturday, September 11th: Sleep in until 9:00 take off for WDW!!!! :banana: I am hoping we can reach POR by 2:00. From Valdosta area it will take about three and half hours. Should be doable to get there by then.

What do you think? Are we crazy? :rotfl2: If the above schedule works out, we should only have one long day of driving. Driving straight to my dad’s home would make for two long days back-to-back which we thought would be difficult.

As a side note: we have driven from Michigan to NC several times, which took us about 12 hours or so with stops to get to DBF’s home. DD does really well in the car—as long as she gets one good nap in we should be good. :eek:

The others in the GG:
• MIL, FIL and BIL will be traveling down together—also driving down. They plan to take two days, stopping around Kentucky and then meeting up with us in southern Georgia so we can travel together on Saturday.
• DGM, DGP will be flying down Saturday morning from Ohio and DBF and her DH will be flying down from NC.

So there you have it, 11 people’s traveling plans to get to WDW. Hmm, are the plans going to change or will they stay the same? Only time is going to tell…

Up Next: Extra expenses? Whatcha talking about?

[longing2Batdisney]

Sounds like a very good plan! Congrats on the minivan! we drove straight through in May! what should have taken us about 9/10 hrs (we thought 10.5/11 hrs)took us 12 hrs...(but, Danny forgot his wallet and added 2 hrs to our travel time). we stopped at all the BIG rest areas for Ashton to run around! we had his DVD player and several easy to play with toys!!! HE did great!!! (the year before we went to Gatlinburg 10 hr ride--he was horrible--no DVD player and was still nursing at the time--HE HATED IT!). Anyway, if you have entertainment and stops to stretch and run she should do wonderful!

:wave2:

[Charlefours]

:sad2: I must be really boring since hardly no one is reading or commenting on my PTR, but I am going to keep posting anyways. It is serving as a way to get thoughts of my head, otherwise I am up way too late or consumed by them. I will be adding a posting here shortly about extra expenses (shh--they are gifts!) and then also a character sighting list that I am hoping to catch while we are there.

See you in a bit...:surfweb:

[Lamping3]

:goodvibesI am still here! I usually catch up on my subscribed threads on my Iphone at my lunchtime. But it is such a pain to post I wait until I get some time on the actual computer....which ends up being about once a week!

Seriously get that "The Next Exit" book I told you about earlier! It will help you find a hotel in Valdosta. You can look at the exit and see what else is located there and kinda figure out if it will be a nice area or not. (Someone gave me a tip somewhere that if there is a Starbucks at the exit that it is probably a pretty safe area!:rotfl:) If you can't find it at your local Barnes and Noble...google it and it brings up their website that you can order the book directly from.

I think we had planned on staying at the Laquinta in Valdosta at one time.....our plans changed so much while we were still driving. I don't remember if it was a decent location or not...I will look into it and get back to you!

[Charlefours]

:goodvibesI am still here! I usually catch up on my subscribed threads on my Iphone at my lunchtime. But it is such a pain to post I wait until I get some time on the actual computer....which ends up being about once a week!

Seriously get that "The Next Exit" book I told you about earlier! It will help you find a hotel in Valdosta. You can look at the exit and see what else is located there and kinda figure out if it will be a nice area or not. (Someone gave me a tip somewhere that if there is a Starbucks at the exit that it is probably a pretty safe area!:rotfl:) If you can't find it at your local Barnes and Noble...google it and it brings up their website that you can order the book directly from.

I think we had planned on staying at the Laquinta in Valdosta at one time.....our plans changed so much while we were still driving. I don't remember if it was a decent location or not...I will look into it and get back to you!

I am planning to head up to Barnes and Nobles on Friday for some study time but I think I will take a break to see if I can find The Next Exit. :rotfl: Yay! I am so glad you are still reading. :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

I am not sure how it started—probably a suggestion of mine! :laughing: As a thank you gift for our family who have decided to make the trip with us—we are giving them a few things and then they are getting a big treat (at least in my opinion).

For the ladies of the trip: Lilian absolutely LOVES :love: dolls. As my treat to the ladies and Lilian, we will be going to the My Disney Girls Perfectly Princess Tea Party (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/dining/my-disney-girls-perfectly-princess-tea-party/). I think it will be a great time! No one has done it before so it is going to a first experience for everyone :goodvibes :dance3:. DD loves dressing up and having “tea parties” so I think this will be adorable. Has anyone done this before?? I hear the package that the girls get is phenomenal.

For the gentlemen of the trip: Allyn is taking them golfing (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/golf/)—something we did the first time we went to Disney. Allyn had a great time even though he does not get to go golfing too often. I think for the holidays, I would like to get him a driving range pass so we can practice and then we can go mini golfing when it warms back up to practice putting. ;) Not the same I know, but still lots of fun!

We are hoping we can get these two events to overlap together. I am anticipating for Wednesday morning to be this. The girls will get to sleep in and dress up than head over to the GF for the tea party. The guys can get up early and go play golf and eat lunch together, probably at the clubhouse. I am planning (tentatively) for us to meet back up at the hotel and then head off to park in the afternoon. It should be a great way to spend the morning/lunchtime!!

Other gifts I am considering:
• Mickey ears with their relationship to DD on them (i.e. Mommy, Daddy, etc) as a special treat to remember the trip with—a visual reminder besides pictures
• I am also considering one of the reusable shopping totes (http://www.disneystore.com/disney/store/DSIProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=1251393&categoryId=11794&catalogFromSearch=10002&catalogId=10002&langId=-1). I think it would be a cute and fun way for them to package up any purchases they might make to take home. We have one and it is great! They are nice and sturdy and can be cleaned if something spills on it (or in it).

So those are the extra expenses. They have been added to the budget so we are planning on them.

Up Next: You Whooo, Where are you? Characters we will be on the hunt to see.

[PixieDustPrincess05]

I finally made it over to your PTR:banana:!!! Wow your plans sound really exciting!!!! I think that is great that you are doing a GG with your family. I have never stayed at POR or POFQ- although I am did stay a CBR back in 1990- I do not remember too much of it though. We usually do the value resorts because we do spend most of our time in the parks. But any of the PO resorts sound great- then again, any place on WDW property is great!!!:banana:

We are also sooooooo hoping for free dining- it will determine how many days we go for. If it is not offered, we will only be staying for 4 days/3 nights-however, if it is offered, we will be staying for 6 days/5 nights. We used the regular DDP last August, and we liked it (the QSDP was not out yet- I used that this past June on my short girls getaway to wdw and loved it), but I did not like being tied down to reservations. So, when we go back, we will be using the QSDP.

Can't wait to hear more.......

[longing2Batdisney]

I really like the idea of the tea party and the golfing morning/lunch that sounds like a great deal of fun!!!
the gifts sound like a great idea too; I really like the bag! I bought one for the little girl I watch for her bday its great!!!
Have a great weekend!

[Lamping3]

I have read about the tea party and it sounds lovely! I do think the girls get a lot of loot there. I can't wait until Amelia is old enough to do things like that!

The packages for the ears are on Disneyfloral.com. As I said in my PTR everything is a little pricey. I am sure if you called Disney directly you could get them sent to you beforehand and make up your own baskets and then just have the hotel put them in the rooms.

[Charlefours]

I finally made it over to your PTR:banana:!!! Wow your plans sound really exciting!!!! I think that is great that you are doing a GG with your family.

We are also sooooooo hoping for free dining- it will determine how many days we go for. So, when we go back, we will be using the QSDP.

Can't wait to hear more.......

:welcome: I am glad you made it over to my little PTR. We are excited to go--I think the planning is almost as fun as being there! ;) I actually got DH to discuss it some last night--shocking! :scared1:

I will have to let you know if the GG is great :rotfl: Right now I think it is going to be stressful, but I am trying to keep in mind that I am planning the trip for DD not everyone else.

I am curious about the QSDP--shhh....don't tell DH but I think I want to go back in May and stay at value with QSDP before I begin my PhD program. :woohoo: I am waiting to spring that trip on him after we see how DD does in September. :rolleyes1



I really like the idea of the tea party and the golfing morning/lunch that sounds like a great deal of fun!!!
the gifts sound like a great idea too; I really like the bag! I bought one for the little girl I watch for her bday its great!!!
Have a great weekend!

Thanks!! I think the tea party will be such a great time. DD LOVES playing tea party. I like the bags too but DH thinks we should probably drop them. I guess we will wait and see. Those are the things that I can hold off on (unless I get some amazing offer via email from Disney store :rotfl2: ). For now, they are in the budget but we can take them out because no one knows about them but us!!

I have read about the tea party and it sounds lovely! I do think the girls get a lot of loot there. I can't wait until Amelia is old enough to do things like that!

The packages for the ears are on Disneyfloral.com. As I said in my PTR everything is a little pricey. I am sure if you called Disney directly you could get them sent to you beforehand and make up your own baskets and then just have the hotel put them in the rooms.

I am looking forward to taking Lilian to the tea party! I will definitely report about it in my TR. I priced out the ears through just the Disney store since you can order them online too. DH is thinking we should ditch those for everyone but the three of us or DD herself. I have not specifically looked at the ears on Disneyfloral but I know they are super expensive from your PTR and just browsing myself. I really want to get balloons delivered for her birthday--but they are pretty expensive.

:idea: Just now thinking about it some more, I like the idea of ditching the ears because no one would even wear them while we were down there and probably just toss them aside when they get home. I now like the idea of just holding off and letting DD (and me since I do not have a pair yet ;) ) pick them out the first day since we are planning on hitting up MK our first afternoon/night. It would drop $200 off our budget so I would probably keep the bags (they are relatively inexpensive) with the shirts. What do you all think?

:thanks: everyone for reading my PTR!! It is nice having people to chat with about our mutual obsession with Disney :)

[Charlefours]

One of the biggest things I am looking forward (among the many :rotfl:) is having Lilian meet her favorite characters for the first time. She has seen many pictures here on DIS to see that the characters are larger-than-life to a small person such as her. I keep reassuring there is no reason to be afraid of the characters—they will love her. I am planning on trying to pull videos on YouTube but I may not because she is really interested in seeing the pictures from the TRs. :) (a future DISer in the making). I will be carrying a master list of all characters we are interested in meeting with me in the parks. The plan would be for me to check off when we meet one so I will not have to constantly flip back through the autographs if exhaustion sets in by the end of the week and I cannot remember whom we have met. Here is the working list thus far:

• Princesses (and their Princes if possible) princess:

o Cinderella

o Sleeping Beauty (aka Beauty according to my DD)

o Belle

o Jasmine

o Mulan

o Pocahontas—is she even out anymore?

o Fairy Godmother

o Tiana, as I anticipate she will make an appearance at the parks once her movie is released


• :tink:Tinkerbelle and the other fairies

• Mickey and the Gang

o Mickey ::MickeyMo

o Minnie ::MinnieMo

o Daisy

o Donald :donald:

o Goofy :goofy:

o Pluto pluto:

o Professor Von Drake—which I am pretty sure he is not out, but DD does mention him

o Chip and Dale

o Pete


• Playhouse Disney besides MMC

o My Friends Tigger and Pooh

o Pooh pooh:

o Darby (and Buster)—DD would flip at the chance to meet her, is she even out?

o Tigger

o Piglet

o Eeyore

o Handy Manny (and tools?)

o Little Einsteins

o Leo

o Annie

o Quincy

o June


• Other characters

o Mary Poppins

o Marie from Aristocats--are any of the others out?

o Sorcerer Mickey—DHs favorite! :smickey:
o Alice
o Cars characters
o Possibly Woody and Buzz, though she has not seen Toy Story yet

Throughout the trip we will also be on the lookout for Hidden Mickeys. I like to hunt for them as does several of the other adults on the trip. DD will not be looking for them though, but hidden…..Toodles!! She LOVES seeing what we would think of the famous mouse’s head silhouette, but instead calls out look its Toodles!! So we will be on the lookout for Toodles too.

Up Next: Yummy in my Tummy--Eating while at Disney :thumbsup2

[leamom2princesses]

Hi there! Followed you over from another thread. You've got a great PTR started. Your DD is too cute!

We have 2 princesses and have done BBB 4 times. If you have any questions just let me know. My girls absolutely love it. Unfortunately my oldest is starting to outgrow it. I will still be able to experience it through the little one though. BTW, she turned four on Sept. 26 so our DD's are really close in age. :goodvibes

We've stayed at CBR twice now and enjoyed it both times-what a beautiful resort. We also stayed at POFQ but not POR. Some friends travelling with us stayed at POR and they really liked it if that helps...well it probably didn't...:laughing:

[Charlefours]

Hi there! Followed you over from another thread. You've got a great PTR started. Your DD is too cute!

:welcome: to my little PTR! Thank you :) :flower3:


We have 2 princesses and have done BBB 4 times. If you have any questions just let me know. My girls absolutely love it. Unfortunately my oldest is starting to outgrow it. I will still be able to experience it through the little one though. BTW, she turned four on Sept. 26 so our DD's are really close in age. :goodvibes

I would LOVE :lovestruc to know someone's experience with BBB. Which package have you gotten in the past? We are excited to take our DD down for her first visit. What does your three year old think of it?


We've stayed at CBR twice now and enjoyed it both times-what a beautiful resort. We also stayed at POFQ but not POR. Some friends travelling with us stayed at POR and they really liked it if that helps...well it probably didn't...:laughing:


I think we will be ok at POR. I still sometimes wish I stuck to my guns and booked us at CBR but that's ok--there is always another trip! :rotfl: We liked POFQ too so hopefully we will feel the same about POR. Secretly, I am wishing for a pin code to upgrade us to WL :cloud9: but I highly doubt that is going to happen! I can always dream though!

I am off to see your PTR though it may not happen until tomorrow!

[leamom2princesses]

I think we will be ok at POR. I still sometimes wish I stuck to my guns and booked us at CBR but that's ok--there is always another trip! :rotfl: We liked POFQ too so hopefully we will feel the same about POR. Secretly, I am wishing for a pin code to upgrade us to WL :cloud9: but I highly doubt that is going to happen! I can always dream though!

I am off to see your PTR though it may not happen until tomorrow! We've done the castle package all four times. Some people bring their own dress and get the hair and make up which would totally be fine also. I loved watching my 3 year old's eyes light up when they opened the fitting room door and her shoes, dress, and wand were lying there. :cloud9: The pictures have always turned out nicely too so to me it's worth the extra $$. We've used the dresses again at princess birthday parties and Halloween so we definitely get our $$ worth out of them. Josie ( my youngest) loved it and is already chatting about doing it again...which we will. :goodvibes

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get a pin code. I got one last week and have been really excited as we are staying at the Poly (40%). :banana: They Poly is my dream resort. :cool1:

[Charlefours]

We've done the castle package all four times. Some people bring their own dress and get the hair and make up which would totally be fine also. I loved watching my 3 year old's eyes light up when they opened the fitting room door and her shoes, dress, and wand were lying there. :cloud9: The pictures have always turned out nicely too so to me it's worth the extra $$. We've used the dresses again at princess birthday parties and Halloween so we definitely get our $$ worth out of them. Josie ( my youngest) loved it and is already chatting about doing it again...which we will. :goodvibes

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get a pin code. I got one last week and have been really excited as we are staying at the Poly (40%). :banana: They Poly is my dream resort. :cool1:

:cool1: Woo-hoo about the pin code!! :woohoo: You give me hope--I will be fine staying at POR but I would LOVE :love: to stay at a deluxe.

We are planning on doing the whole kit and kaboodle with DD. I think it will be really special. She loves playing dress up here at home so it would be used for that and Halloween afterwards.

[Charlefours]

Instead of doing a really long post, I have decided to break this up in three parts, so please stick around for the other parts!

Post name comes from DD—she loves saying yummy in my tummy while rubbing it when she is excited about what she is eating. So cute! :lovestruc :)

A little background: Our first trip to Disney world was amazing. We were lucky because we ate some of the better restaurants when we went on our first trip. We had a few ho hum meals—nothing to write home about but overall they were great! So needless to say, with our first trip being so great food wise, we have a lot of expectations for this time around too. This, however, was before the advent of the DDP.

I have to say I am excited about the prospects of using the DDP because we can essentially prepay for the bulk of our food so that is good. I am a little weary because I know the ADRs can be hard to come by now with the DDP being so incredibly popular PLUS traditionally, the time period we are going they offer the free DDP making ADRs that much harder to get. However, we will be planning meals with DD in mind. She is not a picky eater overall but she definitely has her favorite foods.

I am also considering the fact that we are a GG and there is a possibility (probably a BIG one) that we will be eating together once a day. I should also mention that everyone is on the DDP. As such, I want to consider buffets because they would allow everyone to appease their palate and appetite hopefully. Am I crazy wrong in thinking this? I also want to do several character meals with DD because the next time we come we may be more inclined to do the QSDP for something different and not be SO dependent on ADRs and specific times to be somewhere to eat.

Favorite foods of the primary cast:

• DD: Pasta, pancakes, eggs, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf muffins, chicken nuggets, fruit--strawberries, apples, bananas, grapes, peaches, pears—she likes them all, roast, chicken, mashed potatoes and breadsticks with dipping sauce. She likes pizza too but it depends on what kind and if we order out, where we order it. She also LOVES sweets—ice cream, cake (mainly the frosting though it depends on the cake), cool whip, pudding and chocolate. We will eat a sweet treat maybe once a week so eating out with dessert included on the DDP will definitely be a BIG treat for her.

• DH: Seafood, steak, waffles, chinese and subs. He likes sweets but mainly pie and cake are his favorite though he has never been known to turn down fresh cookies either!

• Me: Chicken, salads, pasta but my absolute favorites are soups and stews. Yummy! My favorite sweets: cheesecake and Tiramisu. Overall I am not a huge sweet eater but I do like them occasionally (what girl doesn’t?).

The next part will give the listing of the Character Meals and TS restaurants we are looking at wanting to get ADRs at while at Disney.

[Charlefours]

With all that build up, without further ado, here is the tentative list we are considering:

Character Meals:

*Crystal Palace (I really like the idea of trying for a before-the-park-opens breakfast ADR so we can almost empty Main Street shots.

*Tusker House has crept up on my radar after reading several TRs’ glowing review, specifically Donald’s Safari Breakfast.

*Akershus--breakfast with the princesses, DD will be in heaven! :cloud9:

*1900 Park Fare--dinner on DD’s birthday in which we will have a cake delivered there for us all to enjoy. [dancing icon] I definitely want everyone to come to this since it is her official birthday dinner of the trip. :)

*Hollywood and Vine, the Play N Dine seems like it would be a good choice. I am thinking an early lunch for this place.

**All the above are new places for us. I think our first trip we ate at LTT and it was a character meal still then—but I do not really remember interacting with the characters during it.**

TS Meals:

*Coral Reef—DH’s request b/ we love it the first go around.

*Rose N Crown another favorite from our first trip. We are thinking perhaps to consider the pub for lunch since it is a CS.

*Le Cellier: side note is my dad loves steak so we thought we would really appreciate this place. We have been here before.

*Tony’s because we might need another TS at MK. We have not eaten here.

*Liberty Tree Tavern again, mainly because we might need another TS in MK.

*Tutto Italia: we are intrigued by this new restaurant.

Obviously we have WAY too many choices for TS restaurants. How many character meals should we do too? This trip is for DD so this one time I am willing to go a bit crazy on character meals. Who knows, if we do try many of them perhaps we will find a favorite one in which we could do on future trips. However, I do not want to go crazy during the process.

Up Next: Part three, CS and Snacks along with questions/criticisms/concerns.

[Charlefours]

So we move onto CS and Snacks in part three:

CS Meals:

*Pizzafari or Pizza Planet—which one is better?

*Flame Tree BBQ, though I am not a big BBQ fan.

*Earl of Sandwich I hear this place is great!

*Backlot Express

*Sunshine Season, I believe we ate here last time but I think they have redesigned it since.

popcorn:: Snacks:

*Goofy’s Candy Company—I hear the fudge is fabulous!!

*Mickey Head Ice Cream Sandwiches, I believe these are available all over the place?

*Main Street Bakery

*Boulangerie Patisserie, yummy treats and croissants (need I say more?)

*Dole Whips, where do we get them and are they really that good?

I would love feedback/suggestions/criticisms over all these places. Is there someplace on the list that you would definitely NOT eat at? What CS do you just love and have to eat at when you go to Disney? Lastly, snacks—what do you like?

Last time, we always went to EP for meals because we did not mind hopping around. I am not so sure I want to do this time. In fact, we are considering dropping park hoppers off our tickets because we are not sure we will use them but we will not be making that decision until closer to leaving. :rolleyes1

Up Next: SHOPPING!!! It helps to spread out the cost. :)

[Lamping3]

I am no help yet....we didn't eat anywhere fancy on our last trip. But wait until I come back in December and I will have loads of info for you!!!!

I agree Buffets seem to be the best bet...then you will have loads for everyone to choose from.

I have also heard that Boma at AKL is great....we plan on doing a breakfast but they say dinner is good too. That way you get to see the great splendor of the lodge!!!

[Charlefours]

I am no help yet....we didn't eat anywhere fancy on our last trip. But wait until I come back in December and I will have loads of info for you!!!!

I agree Buffets seem to be the best bet...then you will have loads for everyone to choose from.

I have also heard that Boma at AKL is great....we plan on doing a breakfast but they say dinner is good too. That way you get to see the great splendor of the lodge!!!

BTW--the pictures of your daughter in your signature are too cute!! She makes an adorable Tinkerbell.

I will definitely be watching out for your TR to see what you think overall, how DD does and what you think of the food.

I would love :lovestruc to visit other resorts but I do not think it is going to work this time around unfortunately. :( Other than GF because of wanting to do dinner there on DD's birthday I do not think I will convince the others to take a side trip to another resort. Unless at night...:rolleyes:

[leamom2princesses]

With all that build up, without further ado, here is the tentative list we are considering:

Character Meals:

*Crystal Palace (I really like the idea of trying for a before-the-park-opens breakfast ADR so we can almost empty Main Street shots. We loved our breakfast at CP. Characters weren't rushed and the food was good. :thumbsup2
:
*Tusker House has crept up on my radar after reading several TRs’ glowing review, specifically Donald’s Safari Breakfast. Can't help with this one.
*Akershus--breakfast with the princesses, DD will be in heaven! :cloud9: Princess interaction was really rushed here both times we went. Breakfast is much better than lunch IMO. We had trouble finding something really good on the lunch menu but really enjoyed our breakfast.
*1900 Park Fare--dinner on DD’s birthday in which we will have a cake delivered there for us all to enjoy. [dancing icon] I definitely want everyone to come to this since it is her official birthday dinner of the trip. :) We loved this in May 09. The characters (especially the step-sisters) were outstanding.
*Hollywood and Vine, the Play N Dine seems like it would be a good choice. I am thinking an early lunch for this place. Can't help on this one either.
**All the above are new places for us. I think our first trip we ate at LTT and it was a character meal still then—but I do not really remember interacting with the characters during it.**

TS Meals:

*Coral Reef—DH’s request b/ we love it the first go around.
*Rose N Crown another favorite from our first trip. We are thinking perhaps to consider the pub for lunch since it is a CS.

*Le Cellier: side note is my dad loves steak so we thought we would really appreciate this place. We have been here before.
*Tony’s because we might need another TS at MK. We have not eaten here.

*Liberty Tree Tavern again, mainly because we might need another TS in MK. We enjoyed our meal at LTT in May 08. It was character dining then but the food was good and service was awesome.
*Tutto Italia: we are intrigued by this new restaurant. Me too! It's definitely on our list.
Obviously we have WAY too many choices for TS restaurants. How many character meals should we do too? This trip is for DD so this one time I am willing to go a bit crazy on character meals. Who knows, if we do try many of them perhaps we will find a favorite one in which we could do on future trips. However, I do not want to go crazy during the process.

Up Next: Part three, CS and Snacks along with questions/criticisms/concerns. We enjoy character meals. The sacrifice is that the food isn't the greatest and there is much more noise at the character meals. After a long day in the parks a nice quiet, cool restaurant can be just what the doctor ordered. I say go for as many as you think you and DD can tolerate. If she gets over-stimulated easy 4 or 5 may be too much.
My girls would prefer character meals for every meal but it's vacation for Mom and Dad too so we do two or three. If you do breakfast do try to get in before the park opens. Some of our best shots were taken before opening. It's so beautiful without 4000 people in the background. :goodvibes

[leamom2princesses]

So we move onto CS and Snacks in part three:

CS Meals:

*Pizzafari or Pizza Planet—which one is better? Pizza Planet is crazy crowded and hard to find tables at most of the time so my vote is for Pizzafari.
*Flame Tree BBQ, though I am not a big BBQ fan.

*Earl of Sandwich I hear this place is great! This place is great!

*Backlot Express Food here is okay but it's really hard in DHS to find good quick service food.
*Sunshine Season, I believe we ate here last time but I think they have redesigned it since. We ate here in May and it was probably the best CS meal we had. Everything was fresh and delicious.
popcorn:: Snacks:

*Goofy’s Candy Company—I hear the fudge is fabulous!! This place is a great place to use some Snack credits. My girls love it and everything is really tasty.
*Mickey Head Ice Cream Sandwiches, I believe these are available all over the place? You betcha! If DD drops hers on accident be sure to tell the CM. They will replace it at no charge. A CM saw my little one drop hers at DHS in May and she told us this little tip. In hot weather they melt really fast. You have to have just one though. :goodvibes

*Main Street Bakery Great use of snack credits as well. The cinnamon rolls are to die for and make for a great breakfast.
*Boulangerie Patisserie, yummy treats and croissants (need I say more?)

*Dole Whips, where do we get them and are they really that good? You can get them at Aloha Isle in Adventureland within MK. I haven't tried one yet but they look really, really good. I was late to the Dole Whip meet I signed up for in May. :sad2:

I would love feedback/suggestions/criticisms over all these places. Is there someplace on the list that you would definitely NOT eat at? What CS do you just love and have to eat at when you go to Disney? Lastly, snacks—what do you like? Our favorite CS MK-Pecos Bill's, AK-Pizzafari, EPCOT-Sunshine Seasons, DHS-Backlot (although out of these my least favorite). We usually have lots of snack credits left for some reason. I usually stock up on Mickey Rice Krispy treats. I bring them home to friends as souvies. My favorite snack consumed on property was cookies from Goofy's last trip.
Last time, we always went to EP for meals because we did not mind hopping around. I am not so sure I want to do this time. In fact, we are considering dropping park hoppers off our tickets because we are not sure we will use them but we will not be making that decision until closer to leaving. :rolleyes1

Up Next: SHOPPING!!! It helps to spread out the cost. :) Hope that helps...

[jenny105]

Why did it take me so long to realize you have a PTR???

"What's in Disney, do they have rides?" :lmao: :rotfl2: She's in for quite an awakening!

I'm glad you're thinking about Tusker House. It's so much fun and the food is really good. :thumbsup2 Try to get an ADR on the earlier side though because otherwise, it gets very crowded.

Dole Whips are PHENOMENAL! You can get them in Adventureland, near POTC. Get the float. It's pineapple juice with your choice of the dole whip (pineapple, vanilla, or orange ice cream) on top. So good! :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

Why did it take me so long to realize you have a PTR???

"What's in Disney, do they have rides?" :lmao: :rotfl2: She's in for quite an awakening!

I'm glad you're thinking about Tusker House. It's so much fun and the food is really good. :thumbsup2 Try to get an ADR on the earlier side though because otherwise, it gets very crowded.

Dole Whips are PHENOMENAL! You can get them in Adventureland, near POTC. Get the float. It's pineapple juice with your choice of the dole whip (pineapple, vanilla, or orange ice cream) on top. So good! :thumbsup2

:welcome: to my PTR!! I am so happy you decided to take a venture over to here. :) MIL, she will be shocked to realize what Disney is all about. I just hope she is not so jaded she misses the magic too!

TH--I am hoping we can get this for a before Animal Kingdom opens up ADR. Or as early as possible so we can get in without too much waiting!!

Dole Whips--I will DH know about them. He would love them I think. :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

Hello to my few readers!!

Happy belated Halloween to you all. Whatever you did, I hope you had a grand time doing it. So it is not completely OT per say because I wanted to share a Halloween photo of my DD, Lilian. She was Minnie Mouse this year!!

The first two photos are actually from her dance class party Monday night--the kids were allowed to dress in their costumes and ate yummy treats afterwards. (Please excuse the poor lighting in the hallway)

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9381.jpg

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9384.jpg

The last two are actually from Halloween night:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9395.jpg
all ready to go

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9403.jpg
She took a break halfway through for a treat! :rotfl:

Thanks for indulging me. :)

[Charlefours]

Have you all seen or done the customizable maps yet? I did a set and they came in yesterday. They are amazing!! The color is just gorgeous on them and they are large and you can really get an idea of the park layouts on them.

I am saving them for a bit than I will give them to DD to look at with me. I may order a second set closer to our trip (next summer) since Fantasyland will be under construction so we can see where they move Mickey and Minnie's homes and Goofy's Barnstormer. You can order a set once every six months.

Oh and they are FREE!!!!

[jenny105]

She is the cutest Minnie Mouse ever! :)

I have a set of maps somewhere (we moved and I don't know where I put them! :scared1:). They are really nice!

[leamom2princesses]

Lilian is too cute in her Minnie dress. :cutie: We love the maps too. I have a set of both styles. I put them up for our photoalbum/scrapbook. It's fun to see how our favorite attractions have changed over the years.

[longing2Batdisney]

she is the cutest Minnie Mouse...she looks so happy!!
I love my maps I want to order another set; I plan to make my countdown calendar with them:yay: I plan to do this in Jan after I book my dates!!
:wave2:

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie! How's the trip planning coming along?

[Charlefours]

Thanks everyone for the compliments on Lilian's costume :) I think she looks adorable but then again, I am biased. :lovestruc

I have not been able to be on DIS much lately because Lilian has come down with croup--not fun!! :sick: At least it is not the flu that has been running rampant everywhere. Its hard to say if she is doing better but she definitely is not acting like herself.

I hope to be back soon with our shopping update. I managed to get a few pictures taken of things last week. I hope you all are doing well.

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie! How's the trip planning coming along?

The planning has taken a backseat to my daughter being sick. :( Also, my classes are in the last rush of projects and research papers due in the next few weeks. I have been crazy busy and not been able to think too much about Disney. :confused3 But I lay in bed as I am trying to fall asleep and let my wonder over Disney things. ;)

I am also trying to work on my first and only trip to Disney scrapbook. I have not done it yet but I am in planning and prepping mold for it. Of course I will post pictures if you all think you would be interested in seeing them once they are finished. I think it will be a fun way to talk to Lilian about Disney because she is so curious and loves looking at the pictures here on DIS and the ones I have shown her from our last trip. :)

[longing2Batdisney]

Sorry to hear the Lillian is not feeling well! I hope she starts to feel better soon and that the craizness starts to fade and you can devote time to your scrapebook... what a great way to introduce Lillian to Disney! :yay:

:wave2:

[Charlefours]

Thanks Connie! She is starting to feel better but still not there all the way. Its been a learning experience, she has never had anything like this before. Overall, she is a healthy child. Before this time, she has only been sick two other times and both of those were a stomach bug/flu. We are very fortunate in that regard.

I think she will love flipping through it and talking about what she sees on the scrapbook pages. :) Should be lots of fun and I am hoping it proves to be a great way to introduce her to Disney.

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie! I'm so sorry that Lilian has been sick. Is she feeling better yet? I'd love to see pics of your scrapbook when you get done and I too think it will be a great way to introduce Lilian to Disney! Take care of yourself and that sweet little girl. :hug:

[Charlefours]

Lilian is on the upswing thankfully! Of course, I had to catch a cold now too :lmao: :sick: Just the way it has to happen of course! I am trying to find time for DIS but it has not been happening the last few weeks. Life is getting in the way! :rolleyes: I will hopefully be able to write an update tomorrow though we have been fairly quiet on the planning front. I want to catch up on all the TR and PTR I have not been able to read. Hopefully soon!

I hope you are well and are willing to stick it out with me.

[Charlefours]

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

Anyone care to do a little jig with me--my countdown ticker has entered the 9 month countdown!! Out of the double digits!! :) :banana: :banana: :banana:

[longing2Batdisney]

:dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer:
:yay:

[Charlefours]

Thanks Connie!! :)

[longing2Batdisney]

I'm going to dance when mine is under 365 days! :rotfl:

[jenny105]

Woohoo! :woohoo::dance3::banana: It'll fly by!

[leamom2princesses]

I'm dancing with you!!!! I hit 6 months on Monday morn! :cool1::cool1::dance3::dance3: oh yeah can't forget banana guy! :banana::banana::banana:

[Charlefours]

Thanks everyone for dancing with me!!! :) I am so excited that we are in the single month digit. We are also under 300 days!!

[Charlefours]

I am sorry I have been neglecting my forum!! I hope I have not lost the few readers I have at the moment. Life is just getting in the way! :rotfl2: I am almost done with my semester—one research paper, project and a mini (5 to 7 pages) paper left to do. Two weeks left after Thanksgiving and I will be on my break!! Over break I will be hashing out restaurants with DGM to see how many they will be planning on joining us for. So, if you have any input on restaurants you just love or if you go back you can see the ones I am tentatively considering, I would LOVE :lovestruc your input.


Now onto shopping! I have been trying to pick up things here and there to help spread the cost out. First up, I have been ordering a few things from Disney as I get good sales. I believe DGM has picked up quite a few things for her too. I know the Tinkerbell costume and accessories (at least the shoes) are a definite along with a few more clothing pieces. Not a 100% sure what, but we will find out at Christmas.

Here are the items we have picked up:
http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9415.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9416.jpg

Some adorable t-shirts :)

Sleeping Beauty swimsuit—major clearance!! I think I ended up paying $4 for it. The pair of sandals is from online as well—super cheap summer clearance! Lilian loved them when I showed them to her and wanted to wear them right away.


http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9420.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9422.jpg


PJs—a pants and tank set and a night gown. She has a few others I picked up on clearance a year ago that still fit as well. I LOVE love: how well Disney clothes hold up despite repeat washings. :goodvibes

Some adorable tank dresses! I love shopping off season (I love taking advantage of it right now when Lilian has no opinion, other than she likes them! :rotfl:)


That is what we have Disney clothing wise. I see what else she ends up with after DGM gives us the things when we visit for the holidays. If you all want to see, I will post pictures too. :)

Besides clothing, I have been working on picking up little odds and ends I can for the trip down. Here is what I have found thus far:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9423.jpg

Mini M&Ms tubes for pressed pennies. They will go in Lilian’s stocking and then I will save the tubes to decorate. The flowers are snap bracelets—I am pretty sure they are also going to go in her stocking so not really for Disney. The headbands and lip gloss, once again, will go in her stocking. I may hold the lip gloss for the Disney trip in her car trip bag(s). (More on the car treat bags at a later point) There is a fun sparkly (as Lilian would say) bracelet that I am not sure if we will put in her stocking or if we will hold it as well. There is a set of Princess crayons, which will go in a Tinkerbell tin for her survival guide bag for in the parks.

The Mickey Notebook is mine. :3dglasses I am thinking I am going to use it to jot down notes while we are at Disney so I don’t forget the details for the TR and for our scrapbook.:upsidedow

All the above items, with the exception of the M&M tubes, were found in the dollar spot. The M&Ms were found in the checkout line, for less than a dollar too. :goodvibes


The last two pictures are for her car treat bags.

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9427.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/IMG_9430.jpg

A Disney Princess book with stickers—she LOVES to be read to. We may hold this book to be read in the resort while others are getting ready. The Mickey activity book will be a car treat bag. :)

These are figurines--the Tinkerbell and MMCH sets. We have the princess set and Lilian just loves to play with them. We usually take them while we are traveling. I will take them out of the packages and give them her in car treat bags as well.

So there you have it, we are doing pretty well considering we still have over nine months left. ;) I am sure we will be picking up things here and there. I hope all is well with you and yours.

Up Next: The Beginnings of a Schedule?

[longing2Batdisney]

great job!!! on the purchases...I love to shop off season, too! in fact I have the b-suits for Easter gifts, already...too bad I don't have Christmas gifts yet :rotfl:

really cute dresses!!

:wave2:

[leamom2princesses]

What a great start! Love all the swimsuits, t-shirts, and stocking stuffers. Keep the pictures coming! I love to see what others buy for their trips and especially their princesses. :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Thank you!!! I like what we have gotten as well thus far. ;) I am curious to see what she ends up getting from her grandmother.

So, do your kiddos where only Disney character clothing while at Disney? Such fun things to think about :rotfl:. I think I am avoiding my school work!

[longing2Batdisney]

Thank you!!! I like what we have gotten as well thus far. ;) I am curious to see what she ends up getting from her grandmother.

So, do your kiddos where only Disney character clothing while at Disney? Such fun things to think about :rotfl:. I think I am avoiding my school work!
Ashton's clothes in May were ALL Disney themed...Dayne (16) would not even consider it :rotfl:
Have a great weekend and holiday!
:wave2:

[leamom2princesses]

We do a lot of disney themed clothes also. Lindsey is getting a little older so it's a bit harder to find her stuff that isn't too toddler like. She's more into Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Jonas Bros, Taylor Swift, etc. She's in the tween stage. :sad1:

[Charlefours]

:) I don't imagine Lilian will be wearing Disney apparel when she is 16 either. :lmao:

Have you seen the talks about pillowcase dresses? I am thinking of buying a pattern from Etsy to make her some not just for Disney but all summer too. DGM may have taken care of her wardrobe for me. :rotfl: Of course I have other clothing not Disney themed that she may be wearing too. Its a little early, even for me, to figure out what clothing will be coming with us! ;)

[jenny105]

Love the outfits you got for her! Adorable!!

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm joining your PTR!!! I can't wait to hear about it, we are planning for the end of September 2010! (and I love exclamations as well!!) :laughing:

I am still reading all your posts, but thought I would tell you that I was subbing and that we returned from a wonderful trip with 8 people in October. It was my dd's 9th bday and we went with my ILS (who did NOT want to do anything separate). Ahem.

I have a full TR below, I think you will find it "enlightening" and amusing as well. We DID have a great time, but I also prepared myself for going with a larger group, which I highly suggest! ;)

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving! :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving if you celebrate it! We decided to spend time with my sister's family as we have not had Thanksgiving with them since I was in college! :eek:

While down there my sister tried to convince me Epcot is not suitable for children!! :scared1: I simply said it is mine and DH's favorite park and there is lots for children to do there! We will be going regardless. She did not seem to believe nor thrilled by it. What would she care anyway? She also did not believe me it is Disney's Hollywood Studies now not MGM. :sad2:

I probably will not be on much in the next two weeks. I am in the final two weeks for my classes and will be scrambling to get all my work done as it is. So, I am hoping you will all bare with me and stay with me during my short absence.

[leamom2princesses]

Hope you get all of your work done. We'll be here when you return. :goodvibes

I think EPCOT is a great place for kids! We really like it. It's not our favorite of the 4 but the girls definitely enjoy it. Especially Innoventions and the Seas. I also believe that the World Showcase is the best place to meet the princesses. They usually have a supporting character with them and make a point to spend some one on one time chatting. That is if it's not raining 11 inches/day..:lmao:

[Charlefours]

Hello all that are left with me!

I finally finished my semester's last paper. :cool1: I hope to get a post together tomorrow. Hope all is well with you and yours! :goodvibes

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Congrats! on a job well done!!
as for Epcot; Ashton enjoyed what little we were able to do...
he loved the play ground in Mission Space, the cars in Test Track, he loved Mexico, The Land (even the boat ride), and Nemo!!! that was all we were able to do on our last visit... But, I know he would have enjoyed innovations, JOI, and Ellen's ride (name ?)

my dad does not care for Epcot and tries to talk everyone out of going there every time he goes! :laughing:

:wave2: Connie

[dahall]

I am joining!! :cool1: COngrads on finishing your semester. :goodvibes: Did I miss it somewhere, what are you getting your masters in. I too just finished my 3 semester (only 2 more, hours, and my test to go).
We LOVE Disney, my hubby, and 2 pirates. I will live tea and princess though you if you don't mind. Please be as detailed as possible. We did the pirate league last time we were there and it was an amazing time (they still talk about it) so all the extras although expensive are usually so worth it. :thumbsup2

I am not sure if you have seen it on this site. There are some TALENTED people who will make iron ons for you that you can iron on your self (mine turned out great). We just came back from our 10th trip in Sept. with Nana and Paw Paw and I had some one make one for me with all our heads on it with different Disney hats on. Stitch, Pirate, Minne etc. They also made birthday iron ons with my kids names. I bought the shirts on sale so it was a nice inexpensive gift. I have to admit the one day everyone had matching shirts my DH was a bit embarrassed, but he smiled and did it for me.:love:

I LOVE and recommend Tusker house. We try and make an early reservation so we can be finished as the rope drops. This time we were not as lucky but it worked out. My DH ran and got us all fast passes for the safari as we were waiting to eat and we walked right on after breakfast. (although I should have eaten less with all the bumps). The food there is so good, they have some great African dishes as well as Krispie Cream so all will be happy. This is one we never miss. When we went in Sept. there were some rides that did not offer Fast Passes because the lines were SO SHORT!! Sept is a great time to go.

I can go on and on but I will stop. Can't wait to learn more about your trip. thanks so much for sharing.:lovestruc

oh one last thing, Don't miss out on Epoct there are some great things there for all ages.

[Pakey]

I'm joining too. I've planned many family trips to WDW, 2 of them as large groups. Earlier this year we did 10 adults and one 3, almost 4, year old boy. I did live to tell about it but oh my, it was a lot of work putting that trip together. :rotfl: We had matching shirts for every day of the trip (8 days) and I finally had to enlist my husband's help or I would have never finished the 88 shirts.

Can't wait to see your plans unfold.

[jenny105]

I'm still here. I've been a little MIA on the DIS because of the holidays. Congrats on finishing your semester!

[Charlefours]

I am joining!! :cool1: COngrads on finishing your semester. :goodvibes: Did I miss it somewhere, what are you getting your masters in. I too just finished my 3 semester (only 2 more, hours, and my test to go).
We LOVE Disney, my hubby, and 2 pirates. I will live tea and princess though you if you don't mind. Please be as detailed as possible. We did the pirate league last time we were there and it was an amazing time (they still talk about it) so all the extras although expensive are usually so worth it. :thumbsup2

I am not sure if you have seen it on this site. There are some TALENTED people who will make iron ons for you that you can iron on your self (mine turned out great). We just came back from our 10th trip in Sept. with Nana and Paw Paw and I had some one make one for me with all our heads on it with different Disney hats on. Stitch, Pirate, Minne etc. They also made birthday iron ons with my kids names. I bought the shirts on sale so it was a nice inexpensive gift. I have to admit the one day everyone had matching shirts my DH was a bit embarrassed, but he smiled and did it for me.:love:

I LOVE and recommend Tusker house. We try and make an early reservation so we can be finished as the rope drops. This time we were not as lucky but it worked out. My DH ran and got us all fast passes for the safari as we were waiting to eat and we walked right on after breakfast. (although I should have eaten less with all the bumps). The food there is so good, they have some great African dishes as well as Krispie Cream so all will be happy. This is one we never miss. When we went in Sept. there were some rides that did not offer Fast Passes because the lines were SO SHORT!! Sept is a great time to go.

I can go on and on but I will stop. Can't wait to learn more about your trip. thanks so much for sharing.:lovestruc

oh one last thing, Don't miss out on Epoct there are some great things there for all ages.

:welcome: to my PTR!! I am happy to have you here. I am working on my MS in Library and Information Science with the plan to continue onto my PhD because I would like to teach and do research. What are you working on?

Of course you can live vicariously through me with princesses and tea parties!! :thumbsup2 See, I don't think I will ever do the pirates league, so I have to hear about all that through the lovely folks here on DIS!! It's a great trade off. :goodvibes

I am planning shirts. I have one DISign done already. I am working on a few myself. I will post them in another thread. :woohoo: I LOVE that there are others who give their time so generously to others by making DISigns for us. I know there are a few others I have listed I would like to get done but cannot request yet, specifically the BBB salon and the tea party. I think that would be really special for Lilian to have not to mention a great edition to the scrapbook afterwards! :goodvibes

Did you TH as breakfast all the times? That is definitely what we are leaning towards. I am hoping we luck out with September being "quiet" for Disney. :rotfl: I am sure the "quiet" is not all that quiet to some but compared to summer or March, I am hoping to be thrilled with the lack of bodies around! :laughing:

Oh we are not missing Epcot!! Despite what my sister believes, my DH and I thoroughly believe it is meant for children--just in a different way than the other parks. That is what makes Disney so special, IMO, because there is something for everyone.

Keep sharing!! PLEASE!!! :cloud9: Having started this PTR so early, I did it to hopefully get as much feedback on my plans and other suggestions and tips as I can before I go!!

[Charlefours]

I'm joining too. I've planned many family trips to WDW, 2 of them as large groups. Earlier this year we did 10 adults and one 3, almost 4, year old boy. I did live to tell about it but oh my, it was a lot of work putting that trip together. :rotfl: We had matching shirts for every day of the trip (8 days) and I finally had to enlist my husband's help or I would have never finished the 88 shirts.

Can't wait to see your plans unfold.

:welcome: to my PTR!! I am so glad to have you aboard for the long haul. I am going to be asking lots of questions about how you managed such a large group (which I know is not large to some!). Balancing and juggling that many people's preferences seems daunting to me. DH and I keep saying we are planning the trip for my DD, Lilian, as she is the reason we are going down in the first place. Whew, matching shirts everyday!! I think we are planning on doing one or two shirts. Those who are going, it will be pulling teeth to get them to wear any of the shirts period. I think I will be making one or two for just my family (the three of us). :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

I'm still here. I've been a little MIA on the DIS because of the holidays. Congrats on finishing your semester!

Yay! I am glad you are still here. I hear you about the holidays, I think I have managed to be on twice since my semester ended. :rotfl: And I thought I would have extra time!

Thanks! I am happy to be done to take a breathier before the next semester begins in January.

[Charlefours]

Hello!!

I am sorry I have been neglecting my PTR! :sad2: Things have been a bit crazy since I wrapped up this semester. I also needed a few days in which I did not get on my computer at all. :scared1: That is unbelievable for me!! :rotfl2:

We went to take Lilian to see Santa--oh my, that was hilarious! I hope it does not forecast the future or we are in a world of trouble! :rotfl2: With that little tidbit to perhaps entice you, I will hopefully be back by Monday with the story.

On trip planning front, we are heading down to visit DGM and DGP tomorrow. It will be lovely to see them but I have to say I am a little worried about bringing up Disney with DGM. She is the Disney veteran, and I am the newbie so she tries to force or shall we say highly persuade me to her line of thoughts.

I am going to be bringing up the topic of dining choices with her. I have to say, I have some additional thoughts on that. I think we may forgo Hollywood and Vine Character meal--I think we have too many and it seems the least appealing menu wise. So in DHS, I think we will eat a CS meal for lunch and then go back to EP for dinner, most likely somewhere in the WS.

I hope to be back this week with thoughts on the must dos in the parks. I am also working on putting together my binder. Right now I am working in a standard size binder. I am thinking for the actual trip, for in the parks, I will be making cards such as MRYPPNS showed on her latest combo PTR/TR. Click here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2283376&page=3), post #37 to see what I mean. If there is interest, I will post pictures once I have a chunk going.

I hope everyone is having a merry holiday season, whichever way you celebrate. Anyone doing any baking? That is the big thing on my to do list this week.

I will hopefully be back in the next day or so! Definitely by Monday!!! :surfweb: Until then, happy wishes to you and yours!

[jenny105]

If you don't get to post before Christmas, I hope you and your family have a great one!

How did talking Disney with her go? ;)

[Charlefours]

What a crazy couple days! I will be back I promise for the next update. I am not sure when--it may have to wait until after the holidays. I have been baking up a storm and I am still not done! And we are having Christmas brunch here, so I have to get the house cleaned tomorrow! Here I thought I would have time after the semester ended...:lmao: I will have loads of time after the holidays :)

So, since I most likely will not be back--Happy Holidays to your and yours. I hope you have had a joyous season!! :santa:

[leamom2princesses]

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas Stephanie!:santa:

[Charlefours]

Whew, I know I said I was not going to get this posted, but I am up waiting for the pumpkin cheesecake to cool so I can put it in the fridge and go to bed! :rotfl2: :stir:

So, DH and I have begun to discuss our tentative schedule. Of course this is likely to change but I do love to plan! :laughing::3dglasses With out further ado, here it is:

Saturday, September 11th: Arrival Day

We will be leaving from Valdosta, GA this morning to finish our drive down to Disney. :dancer: We are planning on leaving sooner rather than later in the morning, probably no later than 10:00. We will need a good night’s sleep since Friday will be a long drive for us! On the way down, we will stop at a grocery store in Orlando—we have been told there is a Super Wal-mart on our way so we will most likely stop there. On the shopping list (not finalized yet ;)) will be breakfast items, juice, etc.

We hope to be at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort by 3:00 at the latest. Hopefully sooner if I have my way! :rotfl: The room will be ready by then if the gods are smiling down on us. :cloud9: Drop off luggage, unpack groceries and head off into the parks!

I want Lilian’s first Disney experience to be Magic Kingdom!! So we will be heading there as soon as we can.

Park: Magic Kingdom
Breakfast: hotel in Georgia
Lunch: On the way or at the resort when we get there
Dinner: Liberty Tree Tavern (my Dad’s request, along with DTD and EP)

Sunday, September 12th: Day 2

Park: DHS for the day, EP-WS for dinner and Illuminations??
Breakfast: Resort room
Lunch: CS in DHS—Fairfax Fare is my first choice. Also considering Toy Store Pizza Planet and ABC Commissary
Break in the afternoon to go back to the resort to rest and/or swim
Dinner: Hop over to EP-WS, Le Cellier is our first choice :love:

Monday, September 13th: Day 3

Park: EP-WS
Breakfast: Akershus Storybook Princess Breakfast, character meal princess:
Lunch: snacks
Dinner: Rose and Crown Dining Room—hopefully to get a spot out on the deck to watch Illuminations (if that is the case, than will not go to it the night before. DGM knows the chef so she can request her to mark us down for a specific type table). It would be amazing if it works out!!

Tuesday, September 14th: Day 4—Happy Birthday Lilian!! :)

Lilian’s 4th birthday is today! We will be taking her to BBB Salon in Cinderella’s Castle this morning. I am going to shot for an 8:30 appointment if possible. I believe they have before the park opens appointments. It would be great b/c we could get empty Main Street pictures!!

Park: MK
Breakfast: Main Street Bakery most likely after the park opens
Lunch: CS in MK
Dinner: 1900 Park Faire, Grand Floridian resort for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. We will also have her birthday cake delivered here.

Wednesday, September 15th: Day 5

Today is the day we take a bit of a break. The guys will be heading off to one of the golf courses. Not sure which one yet, but will update once I do. The gals will be heading off to the Grand Floridian (again) for the My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party. After the tea party is finished, we will meet up with the guys at the resort and head over to DTD!

Park: ??? Could end up at one depending on how our plans change. I know I want to hit DTD “earlier” than just on our way out of town.
Breakfast: Resort Room
Lunch: Tea Party for the gals and the Golf Clubhouse for the guys
Dinner: Most likely OOT at DTD or Boardwalk. I am hoping WPE or EOS are put back onto the meal plan as a CS—than we would stay around and choose from them.

Thursday, September 16th: Day 6

The last two meals of today are bit shaky. Which is fine, I do not have to have everything planned! LOL :lmao: It will honestly depend on how long we are AK. I envision us sticking it out until after lunch because I would like to catch at least one show! Making it to both Finding Nemo and Lion King will depend on how Lilian does in the first one. Which would you recommend we start with?

Park: AK
Breakfast: Tusker House for Donald’s Safari Breakfast (Donald is a favorite of DH and my Dad)
Lunch: CS possibly at AK—Flame Tree BBQ? Back at the resort food court?
Dinner: Again, up in the air. We could take advantage of our PHs again and head over to another park for the evening and use a CS meal. We are looking good with those so far!

Friday, September 17th: Our last full day! :sad2: MNSSHP!! Day 7

I still like the idea of going to the MNSSHP. I would love to take advantage of it because I am unsure when we would be down at Disney again when this is happening.

Park: EP-FW
Breakfast: Resort Room
Lunch: Coral Reef
Break back to the resort for swimming and nap. Need to do it definitely today in order to have energy to go to MNSSHP!!
Dinner: CS at MK during MNSSHP

Saturday, September 18th: Leaving day, Day 8 :sad1::sad:

We will be heading back home today. We are planning on getting half way to my Dad’s today. If we are up to it, we may pop over to a park to enjoy the morning after packing up the car and checking out. We have tickets for today as it is $12 to keep it on there. For $12, I rather have the ability to go to another park if we would like to do some last minute favorites. I would also like to hit up DTD if needed again.

Park: who knows?
Breakfast: Resort Room—gotta use up what is left!
Lunch: CS—in a park, resort or DTD (if any are picked up)
Dinner: Somewhere around Atlanta as it is about half way home to my Dad’s. That is where we will be stopping for the evening.

I would love your thoughts and feedback on what you guys think. I definitely need CS restaurant suggestions!! :) :goodvibes Thanks for the feedback in advance!

[leamom2princesses]

Merry Christmas!! :santa:

[MylilTink]

Hi!

I am planning my family's first trip to WDW sometime in September 2010.

I read through your PRT, and so far it's great. You're daughter is a cutie; love the red hair!!

[Charlefours]

Hi!

I am planning my family's first trip to WDW sometime in September 2010.

I read through your PRT, and so far it's great. You're daughter is a cutie; love the red hair!!

:welcome: to my PTR! I am glad to have you aboard for the long haul. :rotfl: It will be fun talking with someone who is planning on going around the same time. :) :banana: Are you planning on writing a PTR? :surfweb: Thank you--I think she is a cutie too but then again I am biased!

[ladybugmom]

Hi Stephanie!! I'm joining in!! I'm so sorry I didn't realize you had a PTR until now!! But I'm all caught up and thought I'd give you my opinions on some things!! :goodvibes

Whew, I know I said I was not going to get this posted, but I am up waiting for the pumpkin cheesecake to cool so I can put it in the fridge and go to bed! :rotfl2: :stir:

So, DH and I have begun to discuss our tentative schedule. Of course this is likely to change but I do love to plan! :laughing::3dglasses With out further ado, here it is:

Saturday, September 11th: Arrival Day

We will be leaving from Valdosta, GA this morning to finish our drive down to Disney. :dancer: We are planning on leaving sooner rather than later in the morning, probably no later than 10:00. We will need a good night’s sleep since Friday will be a long drive for us! On the way down, we will stop at a grocery store in Orlando—we have been told there is a Super Wal-mart on our way so we will most likely stop there. On the shopping list (not finalized yet ;)) will be breakfast items, juice, etc.

We hope to be at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort by 3:00 at the latest. Hopefully sooner if I have my way! :rotfl: The room will be ready by then if the gods are smiling down on us. :cloud9: Drop off luggage, unpack groceries and head off into the parks!

I want Lilian’s first Disney experience to be Magic Kingdom!! So we will be heading there as soon as we can.

Park: Magic Kingdom
Breakfast: hotel in Georgia
Lunch: On the way or at the resort when we get there
Dinner: Liberty Tree Tavern (my Dad’s request, along with DTD and EP)

Sunday, September 12th: Day 2

Park: DHS for the day, EP-WS for dinner and Illuminations??
Breakfast: Resort room
Lunch: CS in DHS—Fairfax Fare is my first choice. Also considering Toy Store Pizza Planet and ABC Commissary We really enoyed the ABC Commissary on our last trip!!
Break in the afternoon to go back to the resort to rest and/or swim
Dinner: Hop over to EP-WS, Le Cellier is our first choice :love: We have ressies for Le Cellier in May and have heard nothing but GREAT things!!

Monday, September 13th: Day 3

Park: EP-WS
Breakfast: Akershus Storybook Princess Breakfast, character meal princess: You will LOVE this breakfast!! It was soooo much better than breakfast at CRT! The princesses really take their time with you!!
Lunch: snacks
Dinner: Rose and Crown Dining Room—hopefully to get a spot out on the deck to watch Illuminations (if that is the case, than will not go to it the night before. DGM knows the chef so she can request her to mark us down for a specific type table). It would be amazing if it works out!!

Tuesday, September 14th: Day 4—Happy Birthday Lilian!! :)

Lilian’s 4th birthday is today! We will be taking her to BBB Salon in Cinderella’s Castle this morning. I am going to shot for an 8:30 appointment if possible. I believe they have before the park opens appointments. It would be great b/c we could get empty Main Street pictures!! YES!! Appointments start at 8:00 a.m. Ally had an 8:00 a.m. appt. last trip and has another one in May! I loved this time b/c we had time to get plenty of pics in front of the castle, go to the BBB, get more pics in front of the castle, get pics made at the Exposition Hall of Ally all dressed up (totally free if you have a BBB appt), AND get pics in front of the park ALL before the park opened so we lost no park time!!

Park: MK
Breakfast: Main Street Bakery most likely after the park opens
Lunch: CS in MK We LOVED Cosmic Rays for a CS. We got a half chicken and ribs meal that was TDF!!! Well worth the $$!!
Dinner: 1900 Park Faire, Grand Floridian resort for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. We will also have her birthday cake delivered here. I've heard this is wonderful! We have ressies here in May!

Wednesday, September 15th: Day 5

Today is the day we take a bit of a break. The guys will be heading off to one of the golf courses. Not sure which one yet, but will update once I do. The gals will be heading off to the Grand Floridian (again) for the My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party. After the tea party is finished, we will meet up with the guys at the resort and head over to DTD! I cannot WAIT to hear about this tea party!!

Park: ??? Could end up at one depending on how our plans change. I know I want to hit DTD “earlier” than just on our way out of town.
Breakfast: Resort Room
Lunch: Tea Party for the gals and the Golf Clubhouse for the guys
Dinner: Most likely OOT at DTD or Boardwalk. I am hoping WPE or EOS are put back onto the meal plan as a CS—than we would stay around and choose from them.

Thursday, September 16th: Day 6

The last two meals of today are bit shaky. Which is fine, I do not have to have everything planned! LOL :lmao: It will honestly depend on how long we are AK. I envision us sticking it out until after lunch because I would like to catch at least one show! Making it to both Finding Nemo and Lion King will depend on how Lilian does in the first one. Which would you recommend we start with? We started with Lion King b/c it is the shorter of the 2. Nemo is approx. 45 minutes long. We ended up doing both and Claire (19 mo. at the time) did GREAT in both shows!!

Park: AK
Breakfast: Tusker House for Donald’s Safari Breakfast (Donald is a favorite of DH and my Dad) My SIL raves about this meal--they ate their last summer!
Lunch: CS possibly at AK—Flame Tree BBQ? Back at the resort food court? We ate at Pizzafari and LOVED it!!
Dinner: Again, up in the air. We could take advantage of our PHs again and head over to another park for the evening and use a CS meal. We are looking good with those so far!

Friday, September 17th: Our last full day! :sad2: MNSSHP!! Day 7

I still like the idea of going to the MNSSHP. I would love to take advantage of it because I am unsure when we would be down at Disney again when this is happening.

Park: EP-FW
Breakfast: Resort Room
Lunch: Coral Reef
Break back to the resort for swimming and nap. Need to do it definitely today in order to have energy to go to MNSSHP!!
Dinner: CS at MK during MNSSHP

Saturday, September 18th: Leaving day, Day 8 :sad1::sad:

We will be heading back home today. We are planning on getting half way to my Dad’s today. If we are up to it, we may pop over to a park to enjoy the morning after packing up the car and checking out. We have tickets for today as it is $12 to keep it on there. For $12, I rather have the ability to go to another park if we would like to do some last minute favorites. I would also like to hit up DTD if needed again.

Park: who knows?
Breakfast: Resort Room—gotta use up what is left!
Lunch: CS—in a park, resort or DTD (if any are picked up)
Dinner: Somewhere around Atlanta as it is about half way home to my Dad’s. That is where we will be stopping for the evening.

I would love your thoughts and feedback on what you guys think. I definitely need CS restaurant suggestions!! :) :goodvibes Thanks for the feedback in advance!

[jenny105]

Yay! You're going to go to Tusker House! You'll love it! It flies under the radar compared to some of the more popular character spots but it's so good! And a lot of fun!

I may be there the same time you go!!! My company is sponsoring an agent education program from 9/13-9/17 at WDW. I may sign up!!

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie!! I'm joining in!! I'm so sorry I didn't realize you had a PTR until now!! But I'm all caught up and thought I'd give you my opinions on some things!! :goodvibes

:welcome: Becky! I know you are busy so I did not expect you to pop over!! But I am glad you did!!! :goodvibes

Thanks for the information for BBB Salon appointments! I thought I had read somewhere that appointments started at 8:00 a.m. That would be the goal so we can get empty Main Street pictures and in front of Cinderella's Castle!!

LOVE Le Cellier when we ate there on our only other trip, almost five years ago. It was really good! Yay for getting reservations there :banana:! I am excited about Akershus--for the most part, everyone seemed to enjoy it. :goodvibes

Thank you for joining my PTR for the long road ahead!! :yay:

[Charlefours]

Yay! You're going to go to Tusker House! You'll love it! It flies under the radar compared to some of the more popular character spots but it's so good! And a lot of fun!

I may be there the same time you go!!! My company is sponsoring an agent education program from 9/13-9/17 at WDW. I may sign up!!

Hello!

TH came on my radar after reading your TR and Crocko's TR. I am so excited!! I sure hope we can get early enough ressies as from what I read at others, they have a tendency to run behind! :goodvibes

It will be great if you go when are there!! :cool1: It would be great because perhaps we could arrange a DIS meetup. :thumbsup2

[jenny105]

Hello!

TH came on my radar after reading your TR and Crocko's TR. I am so excited!! I sure hope we can get early enough ressies as from what I read at others, they have a tendency to run behind! :goodvibes

It will be great if you go when are there!! :cool1: It would be great because perhaps we could arrange a DIS meetup. :thumbsup2

I had a reservation a little after 8 and was sat within 10 minutes. That was only because we had to wait in a line for them to take our picture. I'm sure if you don't want that, you can just skip it. But when I came out of TH around 9:30-10, it was CRAZY outside!!!

Definitely count on a DIS meetup if I go!

[Pakey]

We have also found Tusker House runs behind on seating but it's probably our favorite food at any character meal. It hasn't run behind as bad as Crystal Palace has. :eek:

We are also huge fans of Flame Tree BBQ and for a CS meal, it's not bad.

Having only boys, I haven't got to experience the girlie things but I will be changing that in 4 months when we take a 7 year old for her first visit.

Is your entire group planning to tour and do all meals together?

[Charlefours]

We have also found Tusker House runs behind on seating but it's probably our favorite food at any character meal. It hasn't run behind as bad as Crystal Palace has. :eek:

We are also huge fans of Flame Tree BBQ and for a CS meal, it's not bad.

Having only boys, I haven't got to experience the girlie things but I will be changing that in 4 months when we take a 7 year old for her first visit.

Is your entire group planning to tour and do all meals together?

Hello!

At this point, I am not a 100% who will be with us when. My Dad and DBIL will be with us probably at all points. DBF and her DH will probably do a full day behind the scenes tour this time around, so they will be absent at some point. MIL and FIL will be taking some time on Friday to spend time with a friend who lives about 15 minutes away from Disney. :cloud9: Hmmm...oh and DGM cannot go into AK (highly allergic to some of the tropical plants used--not pretty!) so it is doubtful she and DGP will be along that day, at least the part at AK.

SO it really is going to be hit or miss :rotfl: :confused3 I will be emailing everyone our plans, and confirming who is planning on being with us each day. Also, I plan on emailing everyone next month (like a few weeks from now :scared1:) about ADRs to see who is planning on attending which ones. My one request is everyone make it for dinner Tuesday evening (DD's birthday) at 1900 Park Fare.

I hope you have a grand time experience another side of Disney--the girly side!! :woohoo:

[ladybugmom]

:welcome: Becky! I know you are busy so I did not expect you to pop over!! But I am glad you did!!! :goodvibes

Thanks for the information for BBB Salon appointments! I thought I had read somewhere that appointments started at 8:00 a.m. That would be the goal so we can get empty Main Street pictures and in front of Cinderella's Castle!!

LOVE Le Cellier when we ate there on our only other trip, almost five years ago. It was really good! Yay for getting reservations there :banana:! I am excited about Akershus--for the most part, everyone seemed to enjoy it. :goodvibes

Thank you for joining my PTR for the long road ahead!! :yay:

No problem!! I'm just sorry I didn't see it sooner--I've been missing out!! :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Taking a bit of a break from planning, or writing about planning anyways! LOL :lmao:. So excuse the sorta off topic post. :offtopic:

We have had a lovely holiday season thus far. I hope you have as well!! We started the holidays off by going to DGM and DGP house on the Sunday prior. They went a bit crazy to say the least! Lilian is a very lucky little girl. She got AG Bitty Baby (Chloe is her doll’s name) accessories and furniture and lots of Disney dresses!! Here are some pictures (I hung them up from our dining are light—sorry for the background clutter):

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/300.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/301.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/305.jpg
DGM knows how much Lilian likes to wear dresses so she ordered primarily them. The left is Snow White, the middle is a Sleeping Beauty nightgown and the right is a Cinderella dress.

The second batch: the left is a blue Tinkerbell dress, the middle is a sparkly skirt and shirt from the Sleeping Beauty set and the left is also a dress from the Tinkerbell line.

The third batch: The left and middle are Sleeping Beauty dresses and the left is one from the Cinderella line.

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/312.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/313.jpg

Lastly, DGM ordered her the Tinkerbell costume from this last season. She also ordered the wand, tiara, the light up shoes and of course the wings!! The pictures online really do not do the costume justice—it is beautiful!

I also found more shirts we had ordered for her awhile back. LOL (laughing icon) I put them down in the Christmas present area and forgot about them.

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/137.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/135.jpg

I picked up the Jasmine costume back in October when I went down to campus for my grad school. It was 50% off!! :upsidedow :goodvibes

The others were ordered I believe. LOL :rotfl2: The pink tank top has a glittery Cinderella hologram, the middle is a pink princess foil shirt and the left is a pair of Cinderella pjs. (sorry the picture is so small--I did not reload it after I resized it down too far :rolleyes1)

All in all, Lilian is going to be decked out for her first trip to Disney. :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

The rest of our holiday week was nice as well. Lilian helped me decorate sugar cookies for the first time. This was also the first year she left cookies out for Santa. She decided he needed three cookies: one blue, green and pink. He also needed a glass of milk in a pink cup. :thumbsup2

We had a great Christmas indeed. We picked out shirts for DMIL, DFIL and DBIL--their first Disney shirts! DMIL and DFIL got the vintage Minnie and Mickey shirts.
http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/405.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/407.jpg

DBIL we made a Wall-E shirt for him. They all tried to guess what it would be since the other two opened their shirts first. They guessed either Goofy or Donald. He LOVED :lovestruc that it was Wall-E. :laughing: (forgot to take a picture of that--oops!)

DH got me two of the organic Minnie t-shirts and a pair of Tinkerbell pjs. I also got the Hidden Magic book! :goodvibes I am looking forward to reading it.

We went to my sister's house on the 26th for a few days. We had a good time while we were down there, but I came back sick again!! Same type of thing I had after Thanksgiving. Not good! :sick:

We are suppose to have friends over tomorrow night for a family friendly New Year's Eve party. I am not sure at this point if I want people over because of how I am feeling nor do I want to get anyone else sick. Ugh!! :headache:

I hope everyone else is having a good holiday period and feel better than I do! Happy New Year's!!

[Victoriasmom98]

Joining in with you and enjoying it all!!! Keep the updates coming! and I hope you feel better soon!!!!princess:

[Charlefours]

Joining in with you and enjoying it all!!! Keep the updates coming! and I hope you feel better soon!!!!princess:

:welcome:

Thanks for joining in on my PTR!! Looks like you will be heading down approximately the same time. What dates are you going? Thanks, I hope feel better soon too! :rotfl: I just need to figure out what would be the right medicine to get it under control.

[Charlefours]

I am happy to say that Disney has released another listing for the 2010 Disney Dining Plan participates. Two more additions I am extremely excited about…..

TUTTO ITALIA


And


EOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am way beyond excited if you cannot tell!!! Oh the decisions, EOS is easy—we have several CS not accounted for at the moment. We could easily use one there at some point. Wednesday or Saturday both of which we are already anticipating heading to DTD.

Tutto Italia, would require us dropping one of our other EP choices. They are currently:
Le Cellier
Coral Reef
Akershus (not a choice—definitely will be doing this if can get an ADR for it)
Rose and Crown Dining Room

Right now, my first choice to drop off is either Coral Reef or Rose and Crown (especially since we can do it as a CS and still get the Fish n Chips…) :confused3 What do you all think?

In case you want or are interested in the link, click here for the new listing (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wdw_nextgen/CoreCatalog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2010Dining.pdf).

*****

Oh, I am going to try to updates in purple to make it easier for those reading to skim down if they would like.

[jenny105]

Coral Reef is great but the portions can be kind of on the small side. I've never been to Rose & Crown.

We're definitely trying out EOS during our February trip. I have never eaten there but everyone on the DIS raves about it!

[Victoriasmom98]

:welcome:

Thanks for joining in on my PTR!! Looks like you will be heading down approximately the same time. What dates are you going? Thanks, I hope feel better soon too! :rotfl: I just need to figure out what would be the right medicine to get it under control.


Me and my DD12 will be there from September 23 through Oct 4th. We are staying at the Pop Century and plan on going to the MNSSHP. This is our last Mama/daughter trip before I get married in 2011. And yes, before you ask, we will be Disneymooning and yes, we will be bringing DD.:rotfl:

[PixieDustPrincess05]

I'm back!!!!!!!!!! :cool1:


I loved those princess outfits!!!!! Your meal plans sound really great.

[ladybugmom]

You will LOVE your Hidden Magic book!! :thumbsup2 And what great dresses and costumes for Lilian!! Ally has the Tinkerbell costume (she was Tink for Halloween)--it really is a beautiful costume!! :goodvibes

[kcandbella]

I just jumped over to your PTR from my PTR and got all caught up. First off, your DD was an adorable little Minnie for Halloween. I love it! All of the outfits look perfect, she will be a doll in them! And, your plans sound really well thought out. You will be at the MK on my birthday, Sept 12! And I have a niece whose birthday is the 14th...same as your DD!!! Wish we could be there celebrating with you guys! :rotfl:

[ladybugmom]

Happy New Year, Stephanie!! :goodvibes

[Pakey]

I cannot believe all of those outfits. You might have to extend your stay by adding more nights just to get all of the fashion into one trip. :rotfl:

I would drop Coral Reef for Tutto. The novelty of the tank wears off quickly (and you can see it from the Nemo ride anyway), the place is very noisy, chances are with a large group you will not be seated together (they can't move tables around in there like they can at most places, and they ALWAYS seat behind. We've had some long waits there for our table. Whew, that's a lot of reasons!!!

And glad to see EoS made it back onto the plan. We love gong there for lunch.

[Charlefours]

I'm back!!!!!!!!!! :cool1:


I loved those princess outfits!!!!! Your meal plans sound really great.

Hi Janine!!

I am glad your back. :goodvibes Thanks!! I am thinking they may have to change a bit...:rotfl: We will see what the new year ushers in planning wise!! :rotfl:

[Charlefours]

You will LOVE your Hidden Magic book!! :thumbsup2 And what great dresses and costumes for Lilian!! Ally has the Tinkerbell costume (she was Tink for Halloween)--it really is a beautiful costume!! :goodvibes

Thanks Becky!! I am looking forward to reading the Hidden Magic book. I tried several times to check it out from the library but I never got a chance to read it before it had to go back. Now I can take my time! :goodvibes I think Lilian will like the Tinkerbell costume--it should be cool enough for MNSSHP too. We were blown away by all the goodies we have gotten--we feel very blessed! :angel:

[Charlefours]

I just jumped over to your PTR from my PTR and got all caught up. First off, your DD was an adorable little Minnie for Halloween. I love it! All of the outfits look perfect, she will be a doll in them! And, your plans sound really well thought out. You will be at the MK on my birthday, Sept 12! And I have a niece whose birthday is the 14th...same as your DD!!! Wish we could be there celebrating with you guys! :rotfl:

:welcome: I am glad you could stop by Kayce!! :goodvibes Thank you!! I think she look pretty cute but I am biased. :) I am a little worried the clothes might be big but Disney can run smaller and it allows room for a full 8 months of growth so I am hoping and praying they will work!!

It seems so far away but it will be here soon for you and for my family!!

[leamom2princesses]

Beautiful princess outfits and cool shirts. I received the Hidden Magic book from a very special DISser and I'm really looking forward to reading it!

Just wanted to stop by and say...

:jumping1:

Happy New Year Stephanie!

[Charlefours]

Thank you everyone for New Year's wishes. I tried frantically to stop by several last night before we had friends over but I think I missed some! I am sorry if I did not get a message out to you! I was scrambling all day to be ready to have friends over last night.

We had a great night--so much fun!! We had five families with children come over. We did New Year's Eve--Family style! We had two families stick around to the very end with Lilian and two of her friends still up. :rolleyes1 It was a late night for us anyways!

I hope you all had a lovely evening and are having a wonderful first day of 2010!

Happy New Year!! May 2010 be all that you want it to be!!

[Charlefours]

I cannot believe all of those outfits. You might have to extend your stay by adding more nights just to get all of the fashion into one trip. :rotfl:

I would drop Coral Reef for Tutto. The novelty of the tank wears off quickly (and you can see it from the Nemo ride anyway), the place is very noisy, chances are with a large group you will not be seated together (they can't move tables around in there like they can at most places, and they ALWAYS seat behind. We've had some long waits there for our table. Whew, that's a lot of reasons!!!

And glad to see EoS made it back onto the plan. We love gong there for lunch.

Hello!

Yup--she is going to be all decked out! She said something about ordering more clothes for her once the new spring/summer clothes come out!! Two outfits for everyday--no problem!! :angel: :laughing: Its a lot but we are very thankful for all that they do for us and Lilian.

I need to convince DH to drop off Coral Reef--that is my preference. :rotfl: He really enjoyed it the last time we went but I would much rather try Tutto Italia--especially given what I have read recently. Though the reviews have been getting better recently, or so it seems. :confused3 We'll see what happens...we have time! ;)

[Charlefours]

I made the decision to contact a travel agent regarding our trip. After Becky (ladybugmom) raved about her’s, I contacted the one she recommended. Let me just tell you—she is FABULOUS!!! I spent almost two hours on the phone with her this morning, before she was even guaranteed that I would be switching my ressie over to her. It was completely easy to speak to her, and we got along so well. I can tell this is going to be a huge ASSEST to our trip. :goodvibes I am so excited!! :goodvibes

The best thing about it: she is FREE!! You read correctly, she is FREE!! Disney pays her commission so she will help me with everything and anything or as little as I would like but I do not have to pay anything extra. Honestly, I would be more than willing to pay her OOP if I needed to—she is that amazing!! If you are slightest interested or intrigued, feel free to PM me and I will send you her contact information. You will not regret it!!

With my semester about to begin (I have begun studying for it already), going straight through the summer and being in classes when we are actually traveling down combined with the grand gathering and being an obsessive ;) planner, I figured I could use the help and guidance!! I will, of course, update and let you know how it goes. :cheer2: :cheer2:

I still not believe we are going to Disney this year!!!! :dance3:

[jenny105]

Yay for using a TA! I'm one so I'm happy you're helping one of my colleagues out lol.

[Charlefours]

I am looking at wanting to begin Disney Theme nights come March—our twenty six week mark is in the middle of the month. I am thinking of doing one each month. When it gets closer, we will begin our actual countdown. (I am still not a 100% certain of what exactly I will be making as a countdown…that is for another day). I know about the Disney theme night thread, but I am wondering if any of you have actually done any before. What did you have a great time doing?

I should put out the disclaimer I am not planning them to be extravagant each week. Some weeks will be bigger than others while some might be just watching a movie as a family. We shall see what transpire but I want to get a jump on planning them. I would any and all suggestions you might have! TIA!! :goodvibes

[leamom2princesses]

Stephanie,

I have done a couple but if you check out Nickie's PTR's she has done some. Her user name is (my2disneyboys). She has a PTR going now but last year she did some almost every week and they were outstanding. She has lots of cute ideas. Check out her PTR's for sure! They are a lot of fun!

Here's the link to her report from last year. The first page has links ot some of the Disney Nights she did..others later on aren't linked I don't think. She did a good job keeping it simple yet very fun and cute. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2086904

[Charlefours]

Thanks Leanne! I will go and check out her previous (and probably current) PTR! :) :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

I do not want to turn into one of the commando moms—we all know what I mean. I have access to the touringplans.com website since I have the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2010, which allows me access for the year. So here is what I am thinking—I want to have a good idea of what we would like to accomplish in each park. Instead of saying it as Must Dos, I am referring to them as Our Wishes. No Thank Yous are the ones we are, obviously, by-passing. The Sprinkles—they are extra little sweetness on top of our sundaes or cookies—what we will hit if the opportunity presents itself. I will also compile a list of other events that those who like the thrill rides, can go off and do (to be known as For the Thrill Seekers). Lilian, DMIL and I will either pop-a-squat, shop or play at the playground when available. After I figure out these, I think I will pop them into the UG’s website to see what order they suggest (I think that is possible). Even if I cannot, I like the idea of knowing what I will be looking forward to doing BEFORE we get to the park but of course, all for the spontaneous events that are bound to happen. What do you all think?

So without further ado, here is our MK Wishes, No Thank Yous, Sprinkles and For the Thrill Seekers.

Our Wishes
Dumbo, Ariel’s Grotto, Mickey and Minnie’s Homes, Donald’s Boat and Goofy’s Barnstormer (obviously will be depending on what state they are in when we go with the Fantasyland expansion), BTMR, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, POC, HM, IASW, MTP, Pooh’s Playful Spot, PPF and HOP

No Thank Yous
SWSA, Stitch’s Great Escape, Swiss Family Treehouse, AO, TIS and TTA

Sprinkles (Lilian loves sprinkles as a special treat on desserts!)
Winnie the Pooh, Buzz, CGC, WDWR, Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tikki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey’s Philharmagic, CoP and LFCC

For the Thrill Seekers
Space Mountain and Splash Mountain

Characters we will be looking forward to meeting:
Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, Princesses, Fairies and perhaps Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Wendy

Extra things I will want to see:
Liberty Tree :thumbsup2

Parades, Shows and Evening Entertainments
Storytime with Bell, Afternoon Parade (does anyone know if this is going to be the same or are they changing it?), SpectroMagic Parade and Wishes

I know it seems like a lot now that I have it written up!! Wow, I think I am being a bit advantageous—what do you all think? On my and DH’s first trip, we never did Fantasyland, breezed through Mickey’s Toontown Fair and Tomorrowland. For the most part, we spent hardly any time in MK. I am really looking forward to exploring and getting to know MK. We are planning the afternoon/evening of our arrival day there and Lilian’s birthday definitely. We are also seriously considering MNSSHP for Friday night, so that would be from 7:00-midnight, if we do not go in earlier. AND depending on how that goes, we may make a quick dash in Saturday morning before we leave. :sad2: So adding it all up, we will probably be spending almost two full days there possibly two and half days.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts! :goodvibes Thank you for reading my incredibly long post!!

[ladybugmom]

I made the decision to contact a travel agent regarding our trip. After Becky (ladybugmom) raved about her’s, I contacted the one she recommended. Let me just tell you—she is FABULOUS!!! I spent almost two hours on the phone with her this morning, before she was even guaranteed that I would be switching my ressie over to her. It was completely easy to speak to her, and we got along so well. I can tell this is going to be a huge ASSEST to our trip. :goodvibes I am so excited!! :goodvibes

The best thing about it: she is FREE!! You read correctly, she is FREE!! Disney pays her commission so she will help me with everything and anything or as little as I would like but I do not have to pay anything extra. Honestly, I would be more than willing to pay her OOP if I needed to—she is that amazing!! If you are slightest interested or intrigued, feel free to PM me and I will send you her contact information. You will not regret it!!

With my semester about to begin (I have begun studying for it already), going straight through the summer and being in classes when we are actually traveling down combined with the grand gathering and being an obsessive ;) planner, I figured I could use the help and guidance!! I will, of course, update and let you know how it goes. :cheer2: :cheer2:

I still not believe we are going to Disney this year!!!! :dance3:

YAY!!! I'm so glad that you called Angela!! I told you that she was fabulous!!! You will not regret using her to plan your trip!! I'm sooo excited for you!! :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

I do not want to turn into one of the commando moms—we all know what I mean. I have access to the touringplans.com website since I have the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2010, which allows me access for the year. So here is what I am thinking—I want to have a good idea of what we would like to accomplish in each park. Instead of saying it as Must Dos, I am referring to them as Our Wishes. No Thank Yous are the ones we are, obviously, by-passing. The Sprinkles—they are extra little sweetness on top of our sundaes or cookies—what we will hit if the opportunity presents itself. I will also compile a list of other events that those who like the thrill rides, can go off and do (to be known as For the Thrill Seekers). Lilian, DMIL and I will either pop-a-squat, shop or play at the playground when available. After I figure out these, I think I will pop them into the UG’s website to see what order they suggest (I think that is possible). Even if I cannot, I like the idea of knowing what I will be looking forward to doing BEFORE we get to the park but of course, all for the spontaneous events that are bound to happen. What do you all think?

So without further ado, here is our MK Wishes, No Thank Yous, Sprinkles and For the Thrill Seekers.

Our Wishes
Dumbo, Ariel’s Grotto, Mickey and Minnie’s Homes, Donald’s Boat and Goofy’s Barnstormer (obviously will be depending on what state they are in when we go with the Fantasyland expansion), BTMR, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, POC, HM, IASW, MTP, Pooh’s Playful Spot, PPF and HOP

No Thank Yous
SWSA, Stitch’s Great Escape, Swiss Family Treehouse, AO, TIS and TTA

Sprinkles (Lilian loves sprinkles as a special treat on desserts!)
Winnie the Pooh, Buzz, CGC, WDWR, Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tikki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey’s Philharmagic, CoP and LFCC

For the Thrill Seekers
Space Mountain and Splash Mountain

Characters we will be looking forward to meeting:
Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, Princesses, Fairies and perhaps Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Wendy

Extra things I will want to see:
Liberty Tree :thumbsup2

Parades, Shows and Evening Entertainments
Storytime with Bell, Afternoon Parade (does anyone know if this is going to be the same or are they changing it?), SpectroMagic Parade and Wishes
I know it seems like a lot now that I have it written up!! Wow, I think I am being a bit advantageous—what do you all think? On my and DH’s first trip, we never did Fantasyland, breezed through Mickey’s Toontown Fair and Tomorrowland. For the most part, we spent hardly any time in MK. I am really looking forward to exploring and getting to know MK. We are planning the afternoon/evening of our arrival day there and Lilian’s birthday definitely. We are also seriously considering MNSSHP for Friday night, so that would be from 7:00-midnight, if we do not go in earlier. AND depending on how that goes, we may make a quick dash in Saturday morning before we leave. :sad2: So adding it all up, we will probably be spending almost two full days there possibly two and half days.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts! :goodvibes Thank you for reading my incredibly long post!! [/FONT]


Oooh--I would definitely do MNSSHP!! I've heard such great things about it!! We spent 3 full days in Magic Kingdom last May and had plenty to do!! :goodvibes Oh--and I love your wishes titles!! VERY cute and creative!!! :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

Thanks Becky again for the information about Angela! She is great! It will be such a relief to have her helping making the ressies and such. :goodvibes

Thanks--I wanted to come up with a fun way to talk about what we wanted to do and the little extra somethings.

MNSSHP--I am really excited about it!! I think it is going to work out that we will go but we need to wait to make sure the dates are similar to last year's dates. They rarely alter things like that but with the economy, I am not sure if they will scale back on it. I sure hope not!!

I read your TR--I am glad that you had such a lovely time (despite all that rain! :scared1:) We went in May our only other trip and I believe all I remember us ever getting was sprinkles here and there.

[jenny105]

You have to do MNSSHP! We went in September and had so much fun. All the characters are dressed up and the parade is WONDERFUL! It's definitely worth it! :)

[DW2010]

Just wanted to say that we're also celebrating my DD's 4th birthday. Her birthday is October 2nd but the rates were higher then so we're going September 27-30 :). I need to catch up on your PTR!

[Charlefours]

You have to do MNSSHP! We went in September and had so much fun. All the characters are dressed up and the parade is WONDERFUL! It's definitely worth it! :)

Yay Jenny--I think I remember reading your TR covering it!! You went before your cruise? I am pretty sure we are going to do it but it cannot be a definite until Disney releases dates. So far it is just listed as Autumn 2010. Food and Wine Festival dates are out, which is running a shorter time. Part of me is wondering if they will be doing the same with MNSSHP (cut back on the number of times).

[Charlefours]

Just wanted to say that we're also celebrating my DD's 4th birthday. Her birthday is October 2nd but the rates were higher then so we're going September 27-30 :). I need to catch up on your PTR!

:welcome:

How fun!! I don't blame you for shifting the dates. :) It is such a great deal, especially if the dining plan deal is offered again this year. Have you made any plans yet?

[KELLY]

Just catching up on your PTR. We will be there 9/25 checking out 10/3. So I'm on the boards every day9need something to do to fill my time). We booked free dining as a bounce back. We are currently at CBR. But I'm going to call next week and try to get either AKL or WL. I really want to stay deluxe again. But I told dh if I room only code comes out we are staying at the poly. He would like to stay there also as we went to vist this trip and he thought the monorail and being close was so worth it.

[kcandbella]

Love the wishes lists! I like the sprinkles category-great idea! Very creative. We have a lot of the same to-do's, which makes sense since our DDs are so close in age. :goodvibes

I love the idea of Disney theme nights!!! :love:
What a great idea. Make sure to post when you come up with ideas!

[Charlefours]

Just catching up on your PTR. We will be there 9/25 checking out 10/3. So I'm on the boards every day9need something to do to fill my time). We booked free dining as a bounce back. We are currently at CBR. But I'm going to call next week and try to get either AKL or WL. I really want to stay deluxe again. But I told dh if I room only code comes out we are staying at the poly. He would like to stay there also as we went to vist this trip and he thought the monorail and being close was so worth it.

:) I know the DISboards fulfill my need for my Disney fix too. :goodvibes I am hoping to convince DH that we should due a trip the following year, we will see how that goes! :rotfl: I hope you get your deal! WL is my dream resort!! Before we ended up as a GG, I was looking at WL seriously considering it. Oh well, next time or the time after right?! ;)

Isn't funny how we can sit here and also discuss our NEXT trip before the other is even here! :rotfl2: I guess that is how you know you are addicted! :thumbsup2

[PixieDustPrincess05]

Oh no!!!! Mickeys Philharmagic is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trust me, you dont wanna miss this ride it is fantastic!!! It is one of our favorites. They pack alot of people into the theater, so you really usually are not waiting that long for this- or you can always FP it. But the show itself is awesome. Especially on a hot Disney afternoon, it is always nice to get out of the heat and relax in the ice cold a/c. Trust me, once you do this attraction it will be somewhere near the top of your list :cloud9:.

Love the plans so far though!!!

[Charlefours]

Love the wishes lists! I like the sprinkles category-great idea! Very creative. We have a lot of the same to-do's, which makes sense since our DDs are so close in age. :goodvibes

I love the idea of Disney theme nights!!! :love:
What a great idea. Make sure to post when you come up with ideas!

Hi Kayce! Thanks--I thought it was a fun way to think about the things we want to do. I know our daughters are similar ages--it will be interesting reading your TR to see how your trip goes and how Bella reacts. You are planning a TR too, right? :surfweb:

[Charlefours]

Oh no!!!! Mickeys Philharmagic is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trust me, you dont wanna miss this ride it is fantastic!!! It is one of our favorites. They pack alot of people into the theater, so you really usually are not waiting that long for this- or you can always FP it. But the show itself is awesome. Especially on a hot Disney afternoon, it is always nice to get out of the heat and relax in the ice cold a/c. Trust me, once you do this attraction it will be somewhere near the top of your list :cloud9:.

Love the plans so far though!!!

We did Mickey's Philharmagic the last time we went--we liked it though DH does not remember it. :laughing: DD has never experience 3D so it is something to think about and I know my MIL will not be able to go into it. We shall see...:upsidedow

Thanks Janine--it is slowly shaping up. I sure it will change some--it is too far away for it not, right! ;)

[jenny105]

Yay Jenny--I think I remember reading your TR covering it!! You went before your cruise? I am pretty sure we are going to do it but it cannot be a definite until Disney releases dates. So far it is just listed as Autumn 2010. Food and Wine Festival dates are out, which is running a shorter time. Part of me is wondering if they will be doing the same with MNSSHP (cut back on the number of times).

Yes, we went a couple nights before the cruise. I believe it was on 9/22? Before the 2009 dates were out, I looked at the 2008 dates. They were pretty much identical. I definitely think you'll have a date or two for MNSSHP during your stay. I want to go to that again because we missed a lot of the trails last time!

[3princesses+aprince]

Hello!!! Sounds like your planning is coming right along!!! I want to start disney nights up soon too. I did them for my last trip and I did the same thing you were saying. Some weeks were more involved than others, but either way the kids enjoyed it every week.

I also put together a list before our last trip and i'll definitely do it again for this one, on what we HAD to see, what we didn't want to see and so on. It really worked, we made sure we did everyone's must dos and then went from there.

[Charlefours]

Hello!!! Sounds like your planning is coming right along!!! I want to start disney nights up soon too. I did them for my last trip and I did the same thing you were saying. Some weeks were more involved than others, but either way the kids enjoyed it every week.

I also put together a list before our last trip and i'll definitely do it again for this one, on what we HAD to see, what we didn't want to see and so on. It really worked, we made sure we did everyone's must dos and then went from there.

Yay, I am glad there are others who like to try to plan a list like me. :) I think it will help ME not feel so overwhelmed while there. Especially given we have not been there but one time so we really do not know our way around all that well. I am sure I will be studying maps before we go! :rotfl:

Disney Theme nights: I think I am going to do them once a week starting at our 26 week mark. I do not think I am necessarily follow the alphabet--but I definitely may try if I can get organized enough to do so. We are working with Lilian on it. :goodvibes

[DW2010]

:welcome:

How fun!! I don't blame you for shifting the dates. :) It is such a great deal, especially if the dining plan deal is offered again this year. Have you made any plans yet?

We've booked 2 rooms at POP. My dad and step-mom are joining us :). I'm going to book BBB and probably CRT for breakfast. Our day at Epcot will be Akershus for breakfast and Coral Reef for dinner. We'll get there hopefully around 11AM on the 27th and head to downtown disney. I think we only want to visit MK and Epcot. The 28th will be MK day and then we'll go to Epcot on the 29th. I'm so excited but it seems so far away...lol. I seriously hope free dining is offered. That would rock :banana:

[mousescrapper]

popcorn::

subbing in will be back later to read and get caught up...

seems to be alot of birthday trips in the making here in 2010...too bad they didn't keep the Celebrate promo for one more yr...

looking forward to your PTR!

Scrappie J~

[Charlefours]

We've booked 2 rooms at POP. My dad and step-mom are joining us :). I'm going to book BBB and probably CRT for breakfast. Our day at Epcot will be Akershus for breakfast and Coral Reef for dinner. We'll get there hopefully around 11AM on the 27th and head to downtown disney. I think we only want to visit MK and Epcot. The 28th will be MK day and then we'll go to Epcot on the 29th. I'm so excited but it seems so far away...lol. I seriously hope free dining is offered. That would rock :banana:

Yay for more people! :rotfl: (ask me after the trip if I would still cheer for more people--:lmao:) It's so much fun to plan!!

[Charlefours]

popcorn::

subbing in will be back later to read and get caught up...

seems to be alot of birthday trips in the making here in 2010...too bad they didn't keep the Celebrate promo for one more yr...

looking forward to your PTR!

Scrappie J~

:welcome: Scrappie J to my PTR!! I am so happy to have you over to it. :) It would be nice since we will be there on her birthday, but it is ok. I am hoping for free DDP still.

[Victoriasmom98]

We've booked 2 rooms at POP. My dad and step-mom are joining us :). I'm going to book BBB and probably CRT for breakfast. Our day at Epcot will be Akershus for breakfast and Coral Reef for dinner. We'll get there hopefully around 11AM on the 27th and head to downtown disney. I think we only want to visit MK and Epcot. The 28th will be MK day and then we'll go to Epcot on the 29th. I'm so excited but it seems so far away...lol. I seriously hope free dining is offered. That would rock :banana:

I'll be there at the same time!!! Maybe a bunch of us should get together just to say hi!!!:flower3:

[Charlefours]

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures of the snow we had this past week. The first two pictures are of the yard--not too much snow!! Only about 5 inches fell with another couple already there before. :)

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/103.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/100.jpg

The second two are of Lilian playing in the snow. We love to play with beach toys in the snow too! Lilian in the second picture was saying how cold the snow was!! :rotfl2:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/104.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/108.jpg

I thought I would share some other fun pictures. Lilian loves :lovestruc make-up and is playing with it already!! We let her play with it here in the house but she does not wear it out. She will dress me up too but this is when she put it on herself! :laughing:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/079.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/074.jpg

Last, but I think is so cute, here is Lilian watching a show this past week and lounging! I liked how comfy she looks! :upsidedow

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/113.jpg

Thanks for indulging me with personal pictures! I am hoping to get another trip update posted this week--EP's Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles. :goodvibes

[leamom2princesses]

Great pics Stephanie! Love the snow covering your yard...I'm jealous of course. The makeup and lounge pics of Lilian are really sweet. They are so fun at 3 & 4. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time. It goes by so fast.

On a side note, school was out again today and they called it for tomorrow also! :scared1: There isn't anything on the road at all anymore so I really don't get it. Crazy stuff. We have now missed 4 days of school for 1.5 inches of snow. :rotfl:

[jenny105]

Cute pictures! That's how my nephew sits when he watches tv haha. The only difference is that he has one arm behind his head. :rotfl:

[kcandbella]

Very cute! :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Leanne: 1.5 inches and 4 days out! Wow!! But then again, if the roads are freezing and slick, I can understand.

Thanks everyone!! She is a hoot (most days) and definitely has her moments. :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

WOW!! That's a lot of snow by Memphis standards!!! Our schools were closed last Thursday and we only got a dusting!! :lmao: LOVE the pics of Lilian!! She is sooo cute putting on her makeup!! :lovestruc

[Victoriasmom98]

Wow!!! Closing schools for a "dusting"! Here in Maine we don't usually have anything shut down until at least 8 inches of snow! :lmao: But we also don't usually have the threats of tornadoes and other severe weather, so I guess we can deal with the snow! I remember being in Disney one time and there was a tornado watch and I started freaking out! Give me snow anyday!:rotfl:

[Charlefours]

Becky: it takes a lot for the schools to close here. They will take into account how safe it is for those walking to school (too cold, too much snow, etc) but they very rarely will close. It has to be blizzard like conditions normally. Although they did close for a few days when the area schools had an outbreak of H1N1 last spring.

Ann: I am use to threats of tornadoes, growing up in southern Indiana does that too you. ;) However, I can say I still get really nervous depending on what the sky is looking like! Snow, I am getting a bit tired of it!!

We are looking at moving to North Carolina in a few years possibly--I think it will be such a treat but a BIG change for us. :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

So my last planning post I introduced the Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles posts. I am continuing on with them with our thoughts on EP. :goodvibes

Epcot is probably mine and DH’s favorite park. We really fell in love with it. When I was talking to our TA one day, I realized that part of it is because those we traveled with the first go around—this is their favorite park so we were always here. Maybe that has led to this? :confused3 Nonetheless, we are planning on two days here. One solely devote to World Showcase, providing Lilian does well. The other day will be a little shorter, but will focus on Future World.

Epcot—World Showcase
Our Wishes:
Kidcot Stations, Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, American Adventure

No Thank Yous:
none that I can predict at the moment ;)

Sprinkles:
Maelstrom (questioning whether Lilian will like this or not—never been on it. What do you all think?)

For the Thrill Seekers
Perhaps Maelstrom might fall into this but I am not sure :)

Epcot—Future World
Our Wishes:
Soarin’, Test Track, Nemo and Friends and the Aquariums in general, Spaceship Earth (I really do not think we did it the first go around, again b/c I don’t think the others like it), Turtle Talk with Crush, Living with the Land (I will go by myself if needed :upsidedow), the jumping water fountain

No Thank Yous:
Honey I Shrunk the Audience

Sprinkles:
Innoventions, Circle of Life, Journey into the Imagination with Figment, Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure

For the Thrill Seekers:
Mission: Space

Epcot in General
Characters we will be looking forward to meeting:
Mary Poppins, Alice, Mulan, Princesses (we are planning Akershus’ Princess Storybook Breakfast) so Snow White, Sleeping Beauty/Rose/Aurora, Ariel and Belle

Are there others floating around that you know of and if so, where? :yay:

Extra things I will be looking forward to seeing:
I really want to take the time to look at the architecture if possible—of course that will depend on Lilian. I am especially thinking about the phone book in Great Britain.

Parades, Shows and Evening Entertainment
Illuminations is a definite must do on our list! I would like to hear the Voices of Liberty choral ensemble if we can time it right. Other entertainers, will depend on how the day is going.

Up Next: I thought I would post what Planning Tools I am using as well as Sheets I have created for my binder (which is going to be in a constant working state I am realizing :idea:). I will also be continuing on with the Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles for AK and DHS.

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Steph
sorry I haven't been very good dissing buddy lately...I have to go back and catch up on a few pages but I'll be back...

BTW: Lilian looks so comfy in that last picture and the snow looks like loads of fun!!!!

:wave2: Connie

[Charlefours]

Hey! Steph
sorry I haven't been very good dissing buddy lately...I have to go back and catch up on a few pages but I'll be back...

BTW: Lilian looks so comfy in that last picture and the snow looks like loads of fun!!!!

:wave2: Connie

Hi Connie! :wave2:

It's fine :rotfl: I know you are busy and heck, I am too. :) I have been a "ghost" more so on your PTR so I am there, without showing. Speaking of yours, I have not headed over there yet today. I better go do it why I am not distracted. ;)

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie! We've found Belle & the Beast in the UK and Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco several times. It's kind of neat to get pics with the princess and her prince.

[Charlefours]

Oh and I had to share this: We have been talking and very open about going to Disney World with Lilian. I think for this first trip, I rather talk about it with her so she can have some sense about the trip. Well today, she saw a couple Disney World commercials and she looked at me and said "Mommy, I want to go to DISSSSNEEEEEE!!"

Awe :love: I think she is really going to love it there :) :goodvibes

[jenny105]

Does Lilian scare easy? Because there's a big ugly troll in Maelstrom and it tends to be a little dark in there. I've seen some kids totally freak out and some completely fine! Just a forewarning!

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie! We've found Belle & the Beast in the UK and Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco several times. It's kind of neat to get pics with the princess and her prince.

Thank you for the head's up Leanne!! I agree, it would be nice to get pictures of the princes too. :goodvibes

Does Lilian scare easy? Because there's a big ugly troll in Maelstrom and it tends to be a little dark in there. I've seen some kids totally freak out and some completely fine! Just a forewarning!

You know Jenny, it honestly depends on her day! :rotfl2: There are days where she will acted scared. I read on another boards to have light up toys for children on the dark rides, so I am thinking it will be something I am looking for before we go or perhaps a first purchase (besides her ears) when we get there. Hmmm.....I will have to think on it and just base it off how she does leading up to it. Thank you so much for the head's up!! I love the DISboards for all the great tips everyone gives. :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Lilian's a cover girl, so to speak. Our photographer put up new images on her website's home page. http://www.ejphotos.com/ Lilian is the second picture from the left. :) :love: It is one of favorites from the session.

[jenny105]

Aw, she looks adorable!

[inkedupmomma]

Hi there! I am subbing on to your PTR! So cool that this is your first trip! you seem to have a lot of good ideas and a binder! The binder is the disney bible lol! So excited to plan right along with you for the next 7.5 months:thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

This site will tell you about all the character meet and greets (places and general times)! Check it out!! http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/EPCOT.htm

We ran into Aladdin & Jasmine in Morocco and Pooh & friends in United Kingdom.

[Charlefours]

Hi there! I am subbing on to your PTR! So cool that this is your first trip! you seem to have a lot of good ideas and a binder! The binder is the disney bible lol! So excited to plan right along with you for the next 7.5 months:thumbsup2

:welcome: Inkedupmomma to my PTR!! Thanks, I am having a great planning but still have lots to figure and make! Really, is Disney planning ever done? :rotfl: Glad you are along for the ride!

[Charlefours]

This site will tell you about all the character meet and greets (places and general times)! Check it out!! http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/EPCOT.htm

We ran into Aladdin & Jasmine in Morocco and Pooh & friends in United Kingdom.

Thanks Becky! I have heard of his website but I do not think I realized he listed characters as well! :goodvibes

I am also thinking Marie makes an appearance occasionally in UK or the character spot in Epcot or DHS. So we will be on the look out for her as well. Lilian loves cats :)

[ladybugmom]

Thanks Becky! I have heard of his website but I do not think I realized he listed characters as well! :goodvibes

I am also thinking Marie makes an appearance occasionally in UK or the character spot in Epcot or DHS. So we will be on the look out for her as well. Lilian loves cats :)

Hey!! No problem!! Yes, I've heard Marie does make appearances every once and awhile. Just ask a CM when you're there and they should be able to tell you when and where she'll be!! :goodvibes

[MaryAz]

Alrighty, I am only 12 pages late:scared1: going back to read :)

Ok from pg 1 We also went through a lot to have our kiddos. You name a procedure-I've done it. We should compare stories! Cayley is also a Sep bday-will be 4 Sep 1 That is a lot of people. Hope I can keep them straight!

The Tea Party and gold sound very fun. I agree about the ears. We have several :rolleyes1 of those reusable totes and :love:them! I am planning on taking the girls by myself next May-Hubby does not have enough vacation time so maybe we would overlap!

The only character that freaked Cayley out was Tigger! SHe loved all the princesses and Minnie. I had to be in some of the pics last time. This time she says "No Tigger, no Stitch"

That Minnie dress was very cute. Love all the shirts and things. I also buy things when I find them. Got a great SNow White dress for C the day after Halloween, to bad she wants to be Tiana now. I plan to sell it :)

Epcot not for kids? Huh? Mine loved it. The Seas especially. Avery could spend hpurs there. They also really liked checking out all the countries.

Whoa baby those are some great Disney dresses! I'm jealous! Great stuff!

Congrats on using the TA-I hear they can really be helpful-I use Leanne :rotfl2::):)

MNSSHP looks very fun. I would add Pooh and TTA to the Wishes list. Just my 2 cents.

Cute pics!

We also loved almost everything in Epcot. Both my DD's loved Living the Land!!

All caught up!!

[Charlefours]

Alrighty, I am only 12 pages late:scared1: going back to read :)

Ok from pg 1 We also went through a lot to have our kiddos. You name a procedure-I've done it. We should compare stories! Cayley is also a Sep bday-will be 4 Sep 1 That is a lot of people. Hope I can keep them straight!

The Tea Party and gold sound very fun. I agree about the ears. We have several :rolleyes1 of those reusable totes and :love:them! I am planning on taking the girls by myself next May-Hubby does not have enough vacation time so maybe we would overlap!

The only character that freaked Cayley out was Tigger! SHe loved all the princesses and Minnie. I had to be in some of the pics last time. This time she says "No Tigger, no Stitch"

That Minnie dress was very cute. Love all the shirts and things. I also buy things when I find them. Got a great SNow White dress for C the day after Halloween, to bad she wants to be Tiana now. I plan to sell it :)

Epcot not for kids? Huh? Mine loved it. The Seas especially. Avery could spend hpurs there. They also really liked checking out all the countries.

Whoa baby those are some great Disney dresses! I'm jealous! Great stuff!

Congrats on using the TA-I hear they can really be helpful-I use Leanne :rotfl2::):)

MNSSHP looks very fun. I would add Pooh and TTA to the Wishes list. Just my 2 cents.

Cute pics!

We also loved almost everything in Epcot. Both my DD's loved Living the Land!!

All caught up!!

:welcome: to my PTR Mary!! I am glad you could come over!! Thanks for taking the time to read and get all caught up!! :eek:

Lilian is talking about meeting the characters--I plan on showing her stuff to help prepare her for the size. But almost every day now she is mentioning who she is looking forward to meeting!! :lovestruc

The clothes: yeah, there are a lot of them!! :rotfl2: DGM can go overboard!! We are very thankful and blessed though. :angel: However, she is might start boarding on the too pushy side--I want to get things for DD too!! I know that probably sounds petty but this is MY daughter's trip.

Thanks for the Pooh and TTA head's up. I think we will probably have time to do them but I wanted to have a sorta priority. I am pretty sure I did not go on them so all I have had to go off is book descriptions and if anyone here on DIS mentions it. ;)

[Charlefours]

So, I am having one of those days...where you just feel like the worse parent in the whole wide world. Lilian is normally a very good little girl but there are some days where I think I am going to be bald by the end of it. She is a redhead to the core (she gets redder in the summer as oppose to going lighter--just like her Daddy). She gets in these moods some days where she has this little attitude and she can be so so rude for lack of better words. Now DH and I are NOT raising her to be like this but it is just comes out sometimes. :confused3

She got put in her room three times today and I lost my temper with her several times and yelled :scared1: I HATE it when it happens!! I walk away most of the time but today she was pushing and pushing all day long and I just had to let off steam!! I feel just terrible doing it. :headache: :sad2: :sad: It gets to a point, very rarely, where we feel like it is the only thing that makes her stop in her tracks!!

After the yelling incident, we went to the grocery store and she was a perfect angel. :littleangel: She did well during storytime DH said (he is taking her this go around since I am class) and has been good at home too. :goodvibes

I hope you all do not feel like I am a horrible parent. I love :love:my child dearly!! I just needed to vent to get it off my chest. Anyone have any pearls of wisdom on dealing better with these type of days? Unfortunately, I don't think dying her hair would help! :rotfl2: ;)

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Hi Stephanie! I finally made it over! I have so little DIS time anymore, but try to make some when I can :) I'm loving all of your Wish Lists and plans, Lillian is going to have one fantastic birthday trip!!!

Angela

P.S. You are NOT a bad Mom...we all have our days when they just push us to the limit. Between the pre-teen, the 2 yr. old and the new puppy at my house, it seems like I'm having more of them lately :rotfl:

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie!

You are not a bad Mom by any means. It happens to every one of us. My two push me to the limit and especially Lindsey. She is in the tween stage and is so sassy. Uggghhh. We aren't raising her that way either, but it happens. If a little fussing is all it takes to get Lilian to redirect and behave appropriately then you are doing okay. I feel guilty too so you are definitely not alone. :hug:

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie! I finally made it over! I have so little DIS time anymore, but try to make some when I can :) I'm loving all of your Wish Lists and plans, Lillian is going to have one fantastic birthday trip!!!

Angela

P.S. You are NOT a bad Mom...we all have our days when they just push us to the limit. Between the pre-teen, the 2 yr. old and the new puppy at my house, it seems like I'm having more of them lately :rotfl:

:welcome: Angela to my PTR! You found me :goodvibes I thought about shooting you off the link but every time it popped into my head, I was not at my computer. Thank you for following along.

I'm glad to know I am not alone in how I am feeling. :rolleyes: I just keep telling myself it is just a phase or check myself to see if I have REALLY sat down to play with her like I should be doing during the day. I get so busy keeping up with things around here and with school, I hate to say I sometimes do not play with her like I want or should be doing.

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie!

You are not a bad Mom by any means. It happens to every one of us. My two push me to the limit and especially Lindsey. She is in the tween stage and is so sassy. Uggghhh. We aren't raising her that way either, but it happens. If a little fussing is all it takes to get Lilian to redirect and behave appropriately then you are doing okay. I feel guilty too so you are definitely not alone. :hug:

Thanks Leanne!! I just needed to open up about my frustrations and DIS seemed like a supportive enough environment to do it! Thanks for being understanding and relating!! :hug: It is just a phase or so I keep telling myself (hopefully it is true!!)

[ladybugmom]

You are definitely NOT a bad mom--you're totally normal! :goodvibes Just think what it would be like with TWO kiddos! I feel like I lose my patience a lot!! With Ally I end up sending her to her room (which she despises) and it gives me time to cool down. With Claire only being 2 it's a lot harder! Hang in there my friend!! :hug:

[Charlefours]

You are definitely NOT a bad mom--you're totally normal! :goodvibes Just think what it would be like with TWO kiddos! I feel like I lose my patience a lot!! With Ally I end up sending her to her room (which she despises) and it gives me time to cool down. With Claire only being 2 it's a lot harder! Hang in there my friend!! :hug:

Thanks Becky!! I bow :worship: down to those of you with multiple children! I LOVE :lovestruc my daughter but after the trials we went through to have her, we are not planning another one. It will be a miracle from God if I get pregnant, especially now that I am almost at my five year mark I was given of how long I have left to get pregnant. Seriously, we are completely with having the one baby--for the longest time we did not think we even have her!!

Thank you for reading my vent and understanding!! :hug:

[BabyEeyore]

I'm so glad you commented on my PTR because it lead me to yours! I had a blast reading it, even if I am a little late. :) It is beginning to look like our October trip is going to turn into a September trip, but it's not definite yet. I can't wait to read more about your planning!

[MylilTink]

Hi!

I'm also planning a trip in September, and this will be our first trip ever!

I enjoyed reading your PTR, our daughters have some (maybe a lot) of things in common!

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Stephanie
just took a peek at your photographer's site...adorable picture

and you are by no means a bad mommy...being the mom of a 21, 17, and 3.5 I can tell you it happens. I know it makes you feel so bad for having that feeling of no self control. Today, I was not feeling up to spending play time with Ashton. Danny was unable to spend time with him and Gwendolyn my oldest was locked in her room...Ashton was acting like a bored 3 yr old so I sat down to play a game with him and he was not playing the game according to the rules (now, normally this is fun and encouraged) today however not feeling well I just wanted to entertain him but not be silly (he does not understand) and starts throwing pieces and toys all over the room. He ended up in time out...I felt so bad after we had both cooled off....so, try not to be too hard on yourself and boy with a little red head and a girl you have lots of attitude coming :upsidedow so hang in there and love every minute --even if it does take a day to cool off! :hug:
:wave2: Connie

[Charlefours]

I'm so glad you commented on my PTR because it lead me to yours! I had a blast reading it, even if I am a little late. :) It is beginning to look like our October trip is going to turn into a September trip, but it's not definite yet. I can't wait to read more about your planning!

:welcome: to my PTR!! I am glad you could swing by :) You are by no means late--I started it early!! :rotfl2: You are thinking of switching your dates? I have to go back and catch up on your PTR if you posted about it. Hopefully I will be able to catch up tonight on everyone's reports--I did not get on yesterday. :scared1: :laughing:

Thanks for joining me on the long road of planning :)

[Charlefours]

Hi!

I'm also planning a trip in September, and this will be our first trip ever!

I enjoyed reading your PTR, our daughters have some (maybe a lot) of things in common!

:welcome: I am so glad you found your way to my PTR. :goodvibes I am so excited--you will have such a good time!! I am looking forward to seeing Disney again for my second time ever but I am so excited to experience it through my child's eyes too. :love:

[Charlefours]

Hi! Stephanie
just took a peek at your photographer's site...adorable picture

and you are by no means a bad mommy...being the mom of a 21, 17, and 3.5 I can tell you it happens. I know it makes you feel so bad for having that feeling of no self control. Today, I was not feeling up to spending play time with Ashton. Danny was unable to spend time with him and Gwendolyn my oldest was locked in her room...Ashton was acting like a bored 3 yr old so I sat down to play a game with him and he was not playing the game according to the rules (now, normally this is fun and encouraged) today however not feeling well I just wanted to entertain him but not be silly (he does not understand) and starts throwing pieces and toys all over the room. He ended up in time out...I felt so bad after we had both cooled off....so, try not to be too hard on yourself and boy with a little red head and a girl you have lots of attitude coming :upsidedow so hang in there and love every minute --even if it does take a day to cool off! :hug:
:wave2: Connie

Thanks Connie!! :hug: Oh, she has gotten a good practice on her attitude. I should post another picture our photographer took because as Emily said "you can already see the attitude developing!" Oh, are ever in for it. I guess it is my fault for wanting and wishing for a baby with red hair :rolleyes1

[3princesses+aprince]

Hello!!! I just read your "bad mommy" post!!! ;) We all feel like that sometimes! And honestly sometimes you just break down and yell. It happens to the best of us! The guilty feeling that comes after it though is what makes us good parents!!! If you felt no guilt for yelling at your child even if she was acting up, that would say to me that you don't care much! So, we think you're wonderful :wizard:

[MylilTink]

:welcome: I am so glad you found your way to my PTR. :goodvibes I am so excited--you will have such a good time!! I am looking forward to seeing Disney again for my second time ever but I am so excited to experience it through my child's eyes too. :love:

I believe that's one of the biggest reasons we're going - to see the excitement in our daughters eyes as she meets Mickey Mouse, Leo, Handy Manny, etc in person.

[MaryAz]

Just popping in to say Hi. Believe me, if Cayley would have been first we would not have had another! Not for all that time, $$$ and drama. I love her but she is challenging.

[Charlefours]

Hello!!! I just read your "bad mommy" post!!! ;) We all feel like that sometimes! And honestly sometimes you just break down and yell. It happens to the best of us! The guilty feeling that comes after it though is what makes us good parents!!! If you felt no guilt for yelling at your child even if she was acting up, that would say to me that you don't care much! So, we think you're wonderful :wizard:

Thank you!! It can be a very trying time!! We are getting through it. ;)

I believe that's one of the biggest reasons we're going - to see the excitement in our daughters eyes as she meets Mickey Mouse, Leo, Handy Manny, etc in person.

It is going to be one of the those priceless moments!! Lilian told her grandmother (DMIL) she wanted to give Minnie a kiss and a hug!! :love:

Just popping in to say Hi. Believe me, if Cayley would have been first we would not have had another! Not for all that time, $$$ and drama. I love her but she is challenging.

Thanks Mary! I think we all can relate to each other--if not, maybe they are in denial if they do not have days like these? :confused3 :rotfl:

[Charlefours]

So sorry I have not been online much since last Friday. :scared1: My dear friend is in the hospital. She went in on Saturday and is still there. We are not a 100 percent sure, but the prognosis is not looking so great. There is a good possibility it is cancer, but we are waiting confirmation before it is a definite.

So needless to say I have been preoccupied. I have been up at the hospital and watching her son (he is three). I hope to be able to get another post together by Saturday! Thank you for being patient with me.

[3princesses+aprince]

Aww, I'm so sorry about your friend! That is so sad. She must be terrified, especially with a little boy at home. My heart goes out to her and her family. I hope everything turns out to be not so bad.

Here is some Disney Magic for her :wizard:

[leamom2princesses]

Sorry to hear about your friend Stephanie. I hope things start to look better very soon. :hug:

[MaryAz]

I am very sorry to hear about your friend. Thoughts and prayers for both of you.

[BabyEeyore]

I am so, so sorry about your friend. I pray that it is not cancer and something that can easily be taken care of. :grouphug:

[ladybugmom]

I'm praying for your friend Stephanie! Please keep us updated!! :hug:

[kcandbella]

Hugs and prayers, Stephanie. She is lucky to have a friend like you. I hope everything turns out to be ok. :hug:

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Stephanie, I hope your friend is ok, my thoughts are with you.

And as for being a bad mom, we all have those days. What makes us good mom's is that we CARE that we have those days and we want them to be better! I think we've all been there and I always try to focus on the good days. Those are a thousand times better than the bad one's anyway! :)

[Charlefours]

Awe thanks everyone!! :grouphug: I hope I can update later today after I speak with her. No new news as of yesterday. We are hopeful and praying that it is not what the signs are indicating.

[Charlefours]

I am sure I am in company with many DIS members out there but I thought I would share my book collection I have amassed. :) (Hey books are my specialty!! ;))

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/007.jpg

The Unofficial Guide: Walt Disney World with Kids 2010 I have gone back and forth about the full UG and at this point—I do not think I am going to get it :rotfl2:!

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World I took it out of the library a few times and never could get it read before I had to take it back. DH bought it for me for Christmas. :goodvibes:

The Complete Walt Disney World 2009 One of the first books I got way back in December 2008 to read on our drive to and from NC over New Years.

Birnbaum’s Official Guide to Walt Disney World A classic, of course! I have had this one for as long as the one above.

Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World for Kids 2010 I got this for Lilian, though she is a little young for it. I figure when we are working through our countdown, I will pull out this for her to look through and read to her! :goodvibes:

Passporter’s Walt Disney World 2010 Okay, I have a confession to make—you are going to laugh. I actually started with the 2009 version with the other two 2009 guides but I just had to get the new one!! :lmao:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/MiniMouse.jpgI also want to look for this newer book: Mini Mouse: A Personal Tour of the Magic Kingdom. Has anyone seen or gotten this one yet? What do you think and is it worth it (though it is only about $10).

I am getting into Podcasts. I have used/listened to them in other aspects of my life—just not Disney. So awhile back, I downloaded ones that seem appealing to me. I have been listening to them via my MP3 player while I work out. It has been a great option! Does anyone else listen to them, if so which ones have you found that you like?

Of course there are a myriad of online resources. The DIS (of course), Allears.net, UG’s website and I am sure there are many more but those are the ones I go to most frequently. I look at MouseScrappers and TwoPeas for scrapbooking inspiration and Etsy for cute outfits. :goodvibes:

I was hoping I could show you my (I think anyways) fantastic chart I made. I need to get DH to reinstall my color printer onto my new laptop. I thought we did but it is not there. :confused: He thought he had as well. Another time!

Up Next: Continuing on with Our Wishes, No Thank Yous, and Sprinkles for AK and DHS.

[Shmily01]

Hi! I saw your post on my PTR and thought I would check yours out. I'm subbing! Now I just have to catch up! :goodvibes

Melissa

[Charlefours]

I also have been meaning to post my Disney Store finds. ;) I really gotta stop looking at the online store! :rotfl2: I really only spent about $20 or so--not bad at all considering what I got (at least I think so). So without further ado, here you go:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/004.jpg

The picture so everything I got. Two pairs of flip flops, a long sleeve shirt for me :rolleyes1, a Minnie Bling shirt for DD and my new library back. :goodvibes

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/003.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/006.jpg http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/005.jpg

Left is a close up of my new bag--love this bag!! The middle picture is a close up of the Belle flip flops we got Lilian. She loved :love: her Minnie pair we got this past year so I snapped those up real quick when they put them back up. Lastly, the right picture is the close up of her Minnie bling shirt--I love :love: that line!!

Time for another confession: I ordered more of the Minnie bling line this morning. :rolleyes1 Last purchases for a LONG time!! Seriously, it was not too bad since they are in the Disney Outlet now. I have been eyeing the line since I saw last fall while detouring to a Disney store on my way back from going down to campus. :rolleyes1 I ended up getting the following this morning:

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/Minnieblingoutfit.jpg
I love this dress and legging set. They only had one size left--XS!! Perfect for Lilian. I am concerned that the Smalls that we have gotten (a few) and DGM (all those dresses) are going to be a bit big--but who knows?

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/scharle4/Minnieblingbag.jpg

I have been wanting a bag to take into the parks for Lilian--and I just think this one is adorable!! So I snatched up since it was still available. I plan on putting things to do to keep her preoccupied while waiting for food and in ride lines if we have to wait. It will also serve as a great bag to stash some toys in for on the way down! :goodvibes

[BabyEeyore]

Great purchases! I have been trying hard not to go to the Disney online store because I know I'll buy stuff. :rolleyes: But after seeing your finds, I must go over to check out the outlet! You're a bad influence. :rotfl:

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I.Will.Not.go.to.disneyoutlet.I.will.not.go.to.dis neyoutlet! You are a BAD influence! Now I have to repeat this to myself all day. :rolleyes:

[jenny105]

Everything you got is super cute!!! Love it, especially the bag!! :thumbsup2

[3princesses+aprince]

Ooo, looks like you had fun Disney shopping!!! I love the Disney Store, or shopping for anything for Disney for that matter!:woohoo:

[Charlefours]

Hi! I saw your post on my PTR and thought I would check yours out. I'm subbing! Now I just have to catch up! :goodvibes

Melissa

:welcome: to my PTR!! I would love any comments or suggestions!!

[Charlefours]

Great purchases! I have been trying hard not to go to the Disney online store because I know I'll buy stuff. :rolleyes: But after seeing your finds, I must go over to check out the outlet! You're a bad influence. :rotfl:

I.Will.Not.go.to.disneyoutlet.I.will.not.go.to.dis neyoutlet! You are a BAD influence! Now I have to repeat this to myself all day. :rolleyes:

Well, I guess I should not tell that there is an extra 20% offer good through the weekend for any Disney Outlet purchases then....:rolleyes1 You didn't hear it from me. ;)

Everything you got is super cute!!! Love it, especially the bag!!

Thanks Jenny! I love :lovestruc that bag. :rotfl: I will give it to my daughter though. :upsidedow

Ooo, looks like you had fun Disney shopping!!! I love the Disney Store, or shopping for anything for Disney for that matter!:woohoo:

It is fun!! :lmao: Its nice to get things on sale! :woohoo:

[BabyEeyore]

Good call on the 20% off! I don't know if I would have noticed that! I REALLY appreciate it because I already had a cart full :lmao: I was just waiting to see which of some backpacks for Ashlyn my husband likes best. lol The 20% off makes me feel much better about splurging.

[ladybugmom]

LOVE all the books--I have each and every one of them!!! :thumbsup2 I've never seen the Mini Mouse one--will have to look into that!! :goodvibes

Oooh--NICE purchases!!! You know I LOVE the Minnie Bling!! I bought Ally that tote to carry her piano books for piano lessons!! She LOVES it!! :lovestruc

[Shmily01]

I just bought the OG and the Passporter for 2010. I can't wait to get them! I had the OG for 2008 and read every single word. :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Good call on the 20% off! I don't know if I would have noticed that! I REALLY appreciate it because I already had a cart full :lmao: I was just waiting to see which of some backpacks for Ashlyn my husband likes best. lol The 20% off makes me feel much better about splurging.

Yay!! :woohoo: I am glad you caught the 20% before you placed your order!! I am such an enabler but at least I told you to watch out for the code!!

LOVE all the books--I have each and every one of them!!! :thumbsup2 I've never seen the Mini Mouse one--will have to look into that!! :goodvibes

Oooh--NICE purchases!!! You know I LOVE the Minnie Bling!! I bought Ally that tote to carry her piano books for piano lessons!! She LOVES it!! :lovestruc

:rotfl2: I figured I would not be the only one with those books. ;) I really like the purchases. I never really have worn Disney apparel but I am getting a few things here and there for myself too. :goodvibes I think the bag will be great for Lilian!! She is sure to love it. I think I am going to hold it and surprise her with it on our way to Disney. :yay:

I just bought the OG and the Passporter for 2010. I can't wait to get them! I had the OG for 2008 and read every single word. :goodvibes

Hello! DGM buys the OG every year (well, not the last couple because it is has been too hard on her). I like that one for the official take but there is so much more than just the official take! :thumbsup2 I have not delved into the new Passporters--I :lovestruc loved the 2009 and when the 2010 came out in color--I could not resist getting it too. :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

Hi Stephanie! I followed your link from your post on my PTR. I think I'm caught up---That's a lot of planning you've been doing! :thumbsup2 How in the world are you doing all this? I'm very impressed with your planning! :) ( I went to grad school, while working full time, and raising two kids, so I know how time consuming it can be!)

Your little girl, Lilian, is precious! How much fun it will be to celebrate her birthday at Disney , and how great that so many folks love her enough to travel and celebrate with you! :goodvibes

On a side note, my family went to disney the week between Christmas and New Years to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday. We had her birthday dinner at 1900 Park Faire, just like you're planning for Lilian! Are you planning to order a custom cake? I worked with Pat at the GF to order one for that night. (There are pictures in my trip report.)

Can't wait to hear more of your planning!

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Stephanie! I have those books too...some of them in multiple years. :rotfl2: I received the Hidden Magic book for Christmas and I'm about half way through it. So far I love it. :thumbsup2

I listen to podcasts all the time. I've listened to other Disney related podcasts (WDWToday, etc) but I enjoy the DIS Unplugged best of all. :goodvibes I've been listening for almost 2 years and I've learned so much from them. I've gone back and downloaded the old ones to listen to between new episodes. It's interesting to hear them predict something in 08 that is coming to fruition now. Sometimes the podcasts are about the only thing that get me through some of my work assignments. :rotfl2:

Hope you're having a great weekend!

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie! I followed your link from your post on my PTR. I think I'm caught up---That's a lot of planning you've been doing! :thumbsup2 How in the world are you doing all this? I'm very impressed with your planning! :) ( I went to grad school, while working full time, and raising two kids, so I know how time consuming it can be!)

Your little girl, Lilian, is precious! How much fun it will be to celebrate her birthday at Disney , and how great that so many folks love her enough to travel and celebrate with you! :goodvibes

On a side note, my family went to disney the week between Christmas and New Years to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday. We had her birthday dinner at 1900 Park Faire, just like you're planning for Lilian! Are you planning to order a custom cake? I worked with Pat at the GF to order one for that night. (There are pictures in my trip report.)

Can't wait to hear more of your planning!

:welcome: to my PTR!! I am so glad you popped over. :goodvibes

I think I must suffer from what one fellow DISers calls ODPD (Obsessive Disney Planning Disorder). :rotfl: I LOVE :love: planning--it is part of who I am. There is a lot of planning that I am doing that I have not even gotten a chance to update my PTR with--I will eventually. You can probably tell, the updates get farther apart when I am in the middle of a crazy schedule for grad school!! It is definitely time consuming!! I am one of those crazy people that does better with having more things to do than not enough.

Thank you!! I am biased but I think Lilian is adorable :) We do feel very blessed that we have so many people traveling down with us to celebrate her birthday--so many first timers!! At the same time, it is adding some stress!! But we are dealing with it by staying firm that WE are planning this trip for DD not anyone else.

I am planning on doing a custom cake! Pat will be the one to make it sense we are eating at Park Faire. I am too excited about it!! I will pop over to you TR to read through it. Did you like your cake?

Thanks for joining!!

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie! I have those books too...some of them in multiple years. :rotfl2: I received the Hidden Magic book for Christmas and I'm about half way through it. So far I love it. :thumbsup2

I listen to podcasts all the time. I've listened to other Disney related podcasts (WDWToday, etc) but I enjoy the DIS Unplugged best of all. :goodvibes I've been listening for almost 2 years and I've learned so much from them. I've gone back and downloaded the old ones to listen to between new episodes. It's interesting to hear them predict something in 08 that is coming to fruition now. Sometimes the podcasts are about the only thing that get me through some of my work assignments. :rotfl2:

Hope you're having a great weekend!

I figured I would be in good company with the books!! :) ;) I am looking forward to getting into the Hidden Magic book. I think I might save it for one the way down to Disney perhaps--that is, if I can hold off from reading it that long!! :rotfl2:

Podcasts are a treat for when I am working out!! It makes me look forward to my workouts that way. :thumbsup2 I will have to try the DIS Unplugged ones--I have not tried them yet. Thanks for the suggestion!! :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

:I am planning on doing a custom cake! Pat will be the one to make it sense we are eating at Park Faire. I am too excited about it!! I will pop over to you TR to read through it. Did you like your cake?



Yes---we did like our cake. It tasted yummy! I would suggest that you know what you want before you speak with Pat. I had my idea, but wanted a little confirmation that it would look good, or an alternate suggestion that might look better. But she really didn't offer up any suggestions.

By the first time I got off the phone with her, I was so confused, I wasn't really sure what I had ordered. :headache: She did call back several days later to confirm details of the cake.

So the cake didn't turn out exactly as I'd imagined, but we were happy nevertheless. My daugher was surprised and thrilled and that was really all that mattered. :goodvibes

Here are some pictures of the cake.

DH, Me, and the kids, with the cake:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1809.jpg


Close up of the cake:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1801.jpg

Mickey heads along the base of the cake:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1806.jpg

[MaryAz]

Oh boy cute stuff. Cayley is an xs.........I will not go to the outlet...I willl not go.....:rotfl2:

[3princesses+aprince]

Wow, that is quite a cake!

[Charlefours]

Oh boy cute stuff. Cayley is an xs.........I will not go to the outlet...I willl not go.....:rotfl2:

Sorry Mary!! :rotfl2:

Yes---we did like our cake. It tasted yummy! I would suggest that you know what you want before you speak with Pat. I had my idea, but wanted a little confirmation that it would look good, or an alternate suggestion that might look better. But she really didn't offer up any suggestions.

By the first time I got off the phone with her, I was so confused, I wasn't really sure what I had ordered. :headache: She did call back several days later to confirm details of the cake.

So the cake didn't turn out exactly as I'd imagined, but we were happy nevertheless. My daugher was surprised and thrilled and that was really all that mattered. :goodvibes

Here are some pictures of the cake.

DH, Me, and the kids, with the cake:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1809.jpg


Close up of the cake:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1801.jpg

Mickey heads along the base of the cake:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1806.jpg

Thank you so much for posting the pictures! I think I remember seeing come across the Cake Thread? It is beautiful and I am glad it tasted yummy!

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions!

[jenny105]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. :hug: I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[Charlefours]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. :hug: I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks Jenny! I appreciate it.

[Charlefours]

So an update on my friend: the word we did not want to hear has come to volition--she was diagnosed with cancer, specifically lymphoma, yesterday. It is presenting itself in a very unusual way at this moment, so further testing is needed before they can really say which type and how far it has progressed. She needs to continue healing from her abdominal surgery and after that point they will do a battery of tests on her including another MRI, biopsy and spinal tap.

If you believe in the power of prayer and feel so inclined, please say a small one for my friend. She is not doing so hot right now as to be expected after the shock of this magnitude. Please also say a small one for her husband--he is not taking the news well either.

Thank you!!

[ladybugmom]

So an update on my friend: the word we did not want to hear has come to volition--she was diagnosed with cancer, specifically lymphoma, yesterday. It is presenting itself in a very unusual way at this moment, so further testing is needed before they can really say which type and how far it has progressed. She needs to continue healing from her abdominal surgery and after that point they will do a battery of tests on her including another MRI, biopsy and spinal tap.

If you believe in the power of prayer and feel so inclined, please say a small one for my friend. She is not doing so hot right now as to be expected after the shock of this magnitude. Please also say a small one for her husband--he is not taking the news well either.

Thank you!!

Oh no! I'm so very sorry, Stephanie! Your friend is in my prayers!!! :hug:

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh, my god, that is so sad! I wish your friend and her family all the best of luck!:wizard:

[jenny105]

This is so sad to hear. I'm so sorry. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. :hug::hug::hug:

[BabyEeyore]

I am incredibly sorry about your friend. Her and her family will continue to be in my prayers.

[leamom2princesses]

Sorry to hear that your friend didn't get the news you had hoped for. I'll definitely be praying for her.

[Charlefours]

Oh no! I'm so very sorry, Stephanie! Your friend is in my prayers!!! :hug:

Oh, my god, that is so sad! I wish your friend and her family all the best of luck!:wizard:

This is so sad to hear. I'm so sorry. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. :hug::hug::hug:

I am incredibly sorry about your friend. Her and her family will continue to be in my prayers.

Sorry to hear that your friend didn't get the news you had hoped for. I'll definitely be praying for her.

Thank you all! :hug:

[Shmily01]

Just getting caught up. So sorry to hear the news about your friend. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. Please keep us all updated! :hug:

[Charlefours]

Just getting caught up. So sorry to hear the news about your friend. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. Please keep us all updated! :hug:

Thank you!! :hug:

[kcandbella]

Oh no! That is sad news. I will keep her in my prayers.

[Charlefours]

Oh no! That is sad news. I will keep her in my prayers.

Thank you Kayce!!

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Oh no, I'm so sorry. Sending strength.

[martinolichfamily]

Hopping over from my PTR! Off to read some more....I am way behind! ;)
Your DD is a cutie! :cutie: How exciting to celebrate her 4th Bday @ WDW!!
My DD will be 4 in October....my DS has a bday in September too!

[MHTeacher]

So sorry about your friend....Praying things turn out well for her and her family. :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

Oh no, I'm so sorry. Sending strength.

So sorry about your friend....Praying things turn out well for her and her family. :goodvibes

Thank you!! I appreciate it.

[Charlefours]

Hopping over from my PTR! Off to read some more....I am way behind! ;)
Your DD is a cutie! :cutie: How exciting to celebrate her 4th Bday @ WDW!!
My DD will be 4 in October....my DS has a bday in September too!

:welcome: I am glad you could pop over to my PTR!! Thank you--I think she is pretty cute too. ;) We are really looking forward to celebrating this birthday there! It should be so much fun!! :goodvibes

[Charlefours]

So since I have started planning this trip, I have been using a bunch of word documents to keep me organized and whatnot. I have cut and pasted my Disney Timeline of Things to DO and Mention--it is a constant work in progress but I thought I would share what will be upcoming for me to do and remember.:thumbsup2

Disney Timeline of Things to Do and Mention

January 5th: Order custom dress for Lilian’s BBB visit and 1900 Park Fare dinner ($$)

Feb 1st: Send out details of narrowed ADRs—ask if anyone has a preference and see how many will be joining us.

Feb 10th: Plan “Disney School” activities to do with Lilian (ongoing activity from now until we leave)
--Plan Disney Theme nights, beginning March 13th—180 day celebration mark. (One per a week, ongoing activity from now until we leave)

Feb 15th: Begin putting together materials for Disney School (ongoing activity)

March 1st: Park hours should be announced if WDW keeps it at 180 day mark instead of 90 days. Could be out sooner—A should email them out to us since they get released sooner to TAs.
--Plan 180 day celebration
--Email ADRS, BBB and Tea Party reservation information to A
--Order Disney game to play at celebration party

March 5th: Make ADRs
--Tea Party Reservations (cc)
--BBB reservations (cc)

March 13th: 180 day celebration party!!
--Begin “Disney School” with Lilian :)

March 15th: Request invites (Akershus, BBB, TH, Park Fare, Welcome Letter, Lego store for Allyn)

March 22nd: Finish binder sheets and dividers

March 31st: What deal is Disney offering for when we are traveling? Free Dining or another offer should be announced with our date range

April 1st: send out information regarding MNSSHP. Price of tickets, date and costume/shirts. Take count—do I order the tickets for all and get reimburse or have them buy the tickets individually if they choose to come?
--Begin walking with Lilian to build up endurance

May 1st: order the MNSSHP tickets ($$) based on the above findings
--sign up for Fairy Godmailers

May 15th: should have EMHs out—are we going to try to hit any? (Thought is we will avoid morning EMHs b/c busier park that day—one exception would be AK to get on the Safari ASAP)
--Begin autograph book for Lilian
--Plan 100 day mark party!!

June 1st: order customized maps for Lilian and the scrapbook (if they survive her)
--consider asking Kristy or Julie to help with shirt designs
--100 DAY MARK!!!
--Email A golf outing information for reservation

June 13th: make golf reservations/morning tee time the same day as Tea Party (shooting for Wednesday) ($$) (cc)

July 1st: Make hotel reservations for traveling dates
--order any custom pieces from Etsy ($$)??
--make countdown calendar (30 days long)
--Request DISign or create own design for MNSSHP shirt for Allyn and I (possibly for DMIL, DFIL, DBIL, Dad too)

July 15th: order bows from Becky ($$)
--request shirt sizes from everyone for GG shirt
--order supplies for my custom shirts I am doing

July 20th: final payments are due!!

August 1st: Call to discuss and order cake (11 people, no more than $75) $$
--get shirts printed by Julie ($$)
--arrange for kitty sitter, figure out fee and key situation
--plan emails if going to do (see August 10th)
--Put together smaller version of Disney Binder :thumbsup2

August 10th: 30 day countdown begins!! Have a Disney celebration tonight!!
--consider beginning emails to Secondary Cast to get them excited about our trip!!
--make Mousekeeping and Table Service Envelopes

August 15th: Call to confirm room requests—near transportation, on ground floor, fridge and if possible close to the pool and dining hall.
--Order birthday surprise from Disney Floral www.disneyflorist.com ?? ($$)
--Make Trick or Treat bag or decide if going to get Mickey Pumpkin from park ($$)
--make At-A-Glance Where in the World will Lilian Be cards for everyone, laminate them??
--make cell phone list cards, laminate them

August 20th: Order Amazon Disney Wish List items ($$)
--make bag tags, stroller license plate tag and laminate them
--Print out Dining Plan tracker card and laminate it (request for MIL, FIL and BIL?)
--Order new park bag :)

September 1st: Put in hold mail form (remind parents to do this as well)
--verify cake order to make sure it is correct and still have it!
--verify date with Deanna for seeing them on our way back home
--double check and triple check I have all important information written down (ADR numbers, phone numbers, insurance numbers, cc information, medical information)

September 5th: make GG t-shirts and any others (Lilian’s first trip shirt?), MNSSHP shirts, Lilian’s Birthday Shirt to wear to BBB ($$)

September 6th: pack, pack, pack!!
--wrap few birthday presents we are taking with us

September 9th: WE ARE OFF ON OUR JOURNEY!!

September 25th: Customize Photopass pictures and order CD with discount code


Am I crazy? :rotfl: I have five weeks off between now and the time I go to Disney, even those off weeks I will be prepping for the next round of classes. With everything I am trying to juggle, I have to stay EXTREMELY organized or I will go a wee bit crazy! :scared1:

Do you see anything I am missing? I am sure I will constantly be adding to this list, but it makes me much more relieved to have all this written down!! Thanks for reading--I know it was a long email!! :eek:

[kcandbella]

WOW! You are so super organized...so much to do!!! We can be your fairy godmailer if you want. It fits in with your timeline!!

[MaryAz]

Wow, you are my hero :worship: That is an awesome list.

So sorry to hear about your friend. Cancer sucks. I am praying for her and her family.

[ladybugmom]

July 15th: order bows from Becky ($$)
--request shirt sizes from everyone for GG shirt
--order supplies for my custom shirts I am doing

YAY!!! I made your list!!! :cutie:

I am LOVING how organized you are!! :lovestruc GREAT list! :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

I knew my DIS friends would not think I was crazy for that list! :lmao: I think I forgot to mention with the above list, the dates are approximates so they may not happen specifically on that date, but around it!! :thumbsup2 I need to update what has been done--pretty much anything up until February 10th has been done (and a few things not on the list like book the trip, etc).

WOW! You are so super organized...so much to do!!! We can be your fairy godmailer if you want. It fits in with your timeline!!

Thanks Kayce!! Becky has offered to do one too so it is up to you! Lilian would love to get more than one but it is not necessary!! LMK!

Wow, you are my hero :worship: That is an awesome list.

So sorry to hear about your friend. Cancer sucks. I am praying for her and her family.

Thanks Mary! I like to be organized! :goodvibes For prayers for my friend, thank you as well! She needs them!!

YAY!!! I made your list!!! :cutie:

I am LOVING how organized you are!! :lovestruc GREAT list! :thumbsup2

Thanks Becky! I appreciate the compliments!! Of course you made the list! LOL (you are actually in two spots--the bows and since you offered to the Fairy GodMailer for us too). :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]Thanks Becky! I appreciate the compliments!! Of course you made the list! LOL (you are actually in two spots--the bows and since you offered to the Fairy GodMailer for us too). :goodvibes

That's right!! You can plan on getting the postcard towards the end of May!! I hope to mail it on our first day there!! :goodvibes

[Shmily01]

Wow, what organization. You are an inspiration to all of us disorganized people! :worship:

[Charlefours]

That's right!! You can plan on getting the postcard towards the end of May!! I hope to mail it on our first day there!! :goodvibes

And I truly appreciate it!! I cannot wait to see what Lilian does when she gets it!! :goodvibes

Wow, what organization. You are an inspiration to all of us disorganized people! :worship:

Thank you!! :goodvibes I have to be organized or I go crazy! :upsidedow

[BabyEeyore]

WOW! I am very impressed with your organization, just like everyone else! That truly inspires me to get more organized about everything. I have all my ADR and resort info and everything written down, but it would be so helpful having everything written out like that!

[Cory's Gal]

HELLO!!!!!!!!! I just realized that you had PTR!! I have no idea why I never noticed it in your signature before!!?? I remember seeing your countdowns but not the link, I feel so scatterbrain sometimes! Anyways, I am glad that I found it and now I have 17 pages to read!!! Your DD is ADORABLE!!!! I can't wait to read all your plans!!! I will post more later after I read!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes
~Beth

[3princesses+aprince]

WOW, that is some organization. I'm impressed! See, if i made a list like that, I would not keep up, I would do things at other times and keep re writing the list. :confused3 I guess you could say that i'm not super organized, but I guess I get everything done. No, as it gets a little closer, I really crack down:goodvibes

Great job!!!

[leamom2princesses]

Great list Stephanie! You are SOOOO organized! :goodvibes I put all the dates in my Outlook calendar to remind me-I get distracted easy. :laughing:

[Charlefours]

WOW! I am very impressed with your organization, just like everyone else! That truly inspires me to get more organized about everything. I have all my ADR and resort info and everything written down, but it would be so helpful having everything written out like that!

Thank you!! I am glad I could perhaps offer some inspiration!! It is not for everyone, having a list like that, but it sure does help me out!!

WOW, that is some organization. I'm impressed! See, if i made a list like that, I would not keep up, I would do things at other times and keep re writing the list. :confused3 I guess you could say that i'm not super organized, but I guess I get everything done. No, as it gets a little closer, I really crack down:goodvibes

Great job!!!

Thanks Pam! :) The dates are not set in stone but is good for me to have a ballpark range of when I would like to get things accomplished. Everyone has their own method of organization--the list is just want happens to work for me! :goodvibes

Great list Stephanie! You are SOOOO organized! :goodvibes I put all the dates in my Outlook calendar to remind me-I get distracted easy. :laughing:

Thanks Leanne!! I try to be organized because like you--there is a lot to juggle with school demands, family demands and my very active playgroup, in which I am a main organizer for it, demands. I put the main Disney dates in my outlook calendar but I still use a paper one too. I searched long and hard to find one that works for me--I like my lists so I needed one that had space for them. ;) :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

HELLO!!!!!!!!! I just realized that you had PTR!! I have no idea why I never noticed it in your signature before!!?? I remember seeing your countdowns but not the link, I feel so scatterbrain sometimes! Anyways, I am glad that I found it and now I have 17 pages to read!!! Your DD is ADORABLE!!!! I can't wait to read all your plans!!! I will post more later after I read!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes
~Beth

:welcome: Beth to my PTR!! :rotfl2: I miss links all the time--no worries! I am so glad you popped over. I am looking forward to reading any comments and suggestions you might have between now and when we leave!

Thank you so much--she is pretty cute. :cutie:

[mousescrapper]

Ok...

I am now all read and caught up...I aplogize that I did not read the chit chat in the midle btwn the posts...I just clicked on your handy table of contents...

so I am going to try and remember everything I just read and make a few notes...sorry if some of this has changed or other people have suggested the same or different.

* traveling w/ extended people....or a secondary cast...

I have done this for just about EVERY WDW trip I have taken...the key is in MHO is to plan some key events and things for everyone to do...but not everything

like DD's 1900 PF dinner

the Tea Party/golfing

various blocks of time in each park

some pool time

or other important firsts your DH and you decide on

I obviously don't know you or your family...but since most have not been, only been once and then you have the "disney masters" I don't think you can realisticly plan that all 11 of you can tour together non-stop...

Great advatages to having extra people is splitting up for thrills so DD doesn't have wait around, or maybe she is tired and one GP or you or Daddy can take that rest while other people finish up something...get the idea...plus have you thought of or can you ask if anyone would watch DD for a little date time for you and DH?

* driving...

I have only done it once and that was w/out kids...it is doable...but as you said plan the breaks and expect to be tired upon arrival

* the special treats...

I think that is so sweet...I love the hats idea! Maybe since you have a PH you could hop over to MK and order them and pay and then pick them up and present everyone before DD's actual b-day...

sounds like you're a scrapbooker...even simple journals or mini brag books that are pre-decorated to give them to fill in w/ memories and pictures :thumbsup2

* the food...

good choice on the DDP...here's hoping you might get your free dining still

I think it is a great value for the kids...considering practically 1 charcter meal is the price of the DDP for 1 night and you still have 1 meal coming

I like to chart mine out (remember in my PTR) and see how I can stretch out what I have...splitting some CS meals helps too and you can make a bfst out of snack credits at Main Street Bakery or Staring Rolls Cafe...or even a light sweet lunch after/or before a large TS...JAT

KIM w/ a party of 11 whenever you do all eat together...you will be split up...try and pick the off dining times to help assure the tables will be close by.

I'd just take the helm of the TS-ARD making for you 3 and the party of 11 ones and let everyone else fend for themselves...is that what you are doing? or are you eating all ADR's together?

* Shopping...

I think it is so smart to have a plan...I try to stick to it...but it is hard when you are down there. My kids' first trip was w/ extended family and for b-days...it was quite a trick to stuff all the purchases in the bags to go home (good thing you have a car)

* POR...

we stayed there in 05 that was our big trip too...I liked the trundle bed too, my DD Mae then 2 1/2 slept on it...we rolled up the large top comforter and put it between her and the bed so she wouldn't roll under the small space there. just left a note for Mousekeeping so they wouldn't remake the bed each time. I like the batroom layout too w/ the two sinks and privacy curtain...

* family nights...

not sure what your schedule is, did you post one yet? I love the idea...I will do 10 Days of Disney the 10 days leading up to the trip before we leave...

games, food, movie, look at previous trips' scrapbooks, etc...

* your first schedule plan...

my one thought is I would highly recommend dropping any park from the 1st day...after 2 and 1/2 days of driving...you will be zonked...why not spend the afternoon and eveing at POR...go swimming, walking around maybe your Dad can rent a fishing pole and take DD fishing...take the boat over to DTD and grab a light dinner at EOS and do a little pre-shopping...

I wouldn't want to tie myslef to a TS schedule on arrival you just never know what bumps might occur...yes you are Disney and I know you want to get to that MK quick...but take your time...ease in. JAT

as well watch the late nights followed by early mornings...if you stay at Epcot to watch Illuminations...you will not be out of the park for a while even w/ a car and to get up and be at BBB beofre park opening...you will be dragging...I also try to match early night to early morning...doesn't always work but a goal worth trying for...

* Wishes, no thank-you's and sprinkles....

I love this wording...so cute :thumbsup2

my one thought for MK is don't do a no thank you on TTA...it is brillant...a fun favorite w/ the little kid crowd in my kids and my opinion...it is a great rest and filler...she should love zipping around the top of Tomorowland...it is a must do for us every time.

* to -do list...

wow girl you are a Diser after my own heart...

love the "Disney School" I hope you share some of that...

it looks pretty good...and yes there will always be something to add along the way...but you seem well on your way...

hope my notes were OK and not too forward...happy planning and glad to be here the rest of the way.

Scrappie J~

[Charlefours]

Hey Scrappie J! :wave2: I cannot believe you trudge through it all! :worship:

Ok...

I am now all read and caught up...I aplogize that I did not read the chit chat in the midle btwn the posts...I just clicked on your handy table of contents...

LOVE TOC--makes it much easier to read IMO

so I am going to try and remember everything I just read and make a few notes...sorry if some of this has changed or other people have suggested the same or different.

* traveling w/ extended people....or a secondary cast...

I have done this for just about EVERY WDW trip I have taken...the key is in MHO is to plan some key events and things for everyone to do...but not everything

like DD's 1900 PF dinner

the Tea Party/golfing

various blocks of time in each park

some pool time

or other important firsts your DH and you decide on

I obviously don't know you or your family...but since most have not been, only been once and then you have the "disney masters" I don't think you can realisticly plan that all 11 of you can tour together non-stop...

I am still not sure what to think about the larger party. We have some very controlling personalities. DMIL is exclaiming we are not going to do this or that and she has never been! :eek: What the heck did I get myself into?

DH and I have maintained from the beginning that we are planning this trip for DD and that is what is important. We are glad the others want to go but they are not our priority. ;)

Great advatages to having extra people is splitting up for thrills so DD doesn't have wait around, or maybe she is tired and one GP or you or Daddy can take that rest while other people finish up something...get the idea...plus have you thought of or can you ask if anyone would watch DD for a little date time for you and DH?

Date night at Disney :cloud9: We shall see if we might be able to sneak that in :goodvibes

* driving...

I have only done it once and that was w/out kids...it is doable...but as you said plan the breaks and expect to be tired upon arrival

* the special treats...

I think that is so sweet...I love the hats idea! Maybe since you have a PH you could hop over to MK and order them and pay and then pick them up and present everyone before DD's actual b-day...

sounds like you're a scrapbooker...even simple journals or mini brag books that are pre-decorated to give them to fill in w/ memories and pictures :thumbsup2

We scratched the hats besides our family--figure the Disney Masters have multiples and the newbies won't want them. We got the newbies (DMIL, DFIL, DBIL and my Dad--though he is not a newbie) a Disney character shirt from Lilian for the holidays. They like those a lot!

I might have to see if I can put together a mini book for them...hmm great idea! :love: to scrapbook though I don't get as much time anymore because of grad school!

* the food...

good choice on the DDP...here's hoping you might get your free dining still

I think it is a great value for the kids...considering practically 1 charcter meal is the price of the DDP for 1 night and you still have 1 meal coming

I like to chart mine out (remember in my PTR) and see how I can stretch out what I have...splitting some CS meals helps too and you can make a bfst out of snack credits at Main Street Bakery or Staring Rolls Cafe...or even a light sweet lunch after/or before a large TS...JAT

going to have to think about that! It would work for our family of three but some of the others have hardy appetites! Snack credits can always be used for snacks for the way home. :goodvibes

KIM w/ a party of 11 whenever you do all eat together...you will be split up...try and pick the off dining times to help assure the tables will be close by.

I'd just take the helm of the TS-ARD making for you 3 and the party of 11 ones and let everyone else fend for themselves...is that what you are doing? or are you eating all ADR's together?

I am going to do an update on this but I sent out the ADRs we had chosen to the Disney Masters about two weeks ago and not a single peep out them yet! I make them in TWO WEEKS from today!!! :yay: :yay: I am going to send out one more email this weekend and say I am booking you for Tuesday night for DD's birthday and then you are on your own otherwise if I don't hear from you. I don't want to make a huge ressie and show up with half the people.

We will be dining with my in-laws and Dad every meal unless DFIL and DMIlL don't join us Friday night but that is only slated to be a CS. They miss a TS midday depending on when they meet with a friend of theirs.

* Shopping...

I think it is so smart to have a plan...I try to stick to it...but it is hard when you are down there. My kids' first trip was w/ extended family and for b-days...it was quite a trick to stuff all the purchases in the bags to go home (good thing you have a car)

* POR...

we stayed there in 05 that was our big trip too...I liked the trundle bed too, my DD Mae then 2 1/2 slept on it...we rolled up the large top comforter and put it between her and the bed so she wouldn't roll under the small space there. just left a note for Mousekeeping so they wouldn't remake the bed each time. I like the batroom layout too w/ the two sinks and privacy curtain...

* family nights...

not sure what your schedule is, did you post one yet? I love the idea...I will do 10 Days of Disney the 10 days leading up to the trip before we leave...

Cute idea of 10 days of Disney but unfortunately I will be in classes again by that point so I don't know if I could swing it. I am still working everything in my head. I am considering beginning as a once a month affair and then doing them every week for the last say 8 weeks or such.

games, food, movie, look at previous trips' scrapbooks, etc...

* your first schedule plan...

my one thought is I would highly recommend dropping any park from the 1st day...after 2 and 1/2 days of driving...you will be zonked...why not spend the afternoon and eveing at POR...go swimming, walking around maybe your Dad can rent a fishing pole and take DD fishing...take the boat over to DTD and grab a light dinner at EOS and do a little pre-shopping...

I wouldn't want to tie myslef to a TS schedule on arrival you just never know what bumps might occur...yes you are Disney and I know you want to get to that MK quick...but take your time...ease in. JAT

as well watch the late nights followed by early mornings...if you stay at Epcot to watch Illuminations...you will not be out of the park for a while even w/ a car and to get up and be at BBB beofre park opening...you will be dragging...I also try to match early night to early morning...doesn't always work but a goal worth trying for...

Hmm...given food to think about...I will have really look at Illuminations once the schedule comes out soon and debate on the best day to fit it in!

* Wishes, no thank-you's and sprinkles....

I love this wording...so cute :thumbsup2

my one thought for MK is don't do a no thank you on TTA...it is brillant...a fun favorite w/ the little kid crowd in my kids and my opinion...it is a great rest and filler...she should love zipping around the top of Tomorowland...it is a must do for us every time.

* to -do list...

wow girl you are a Diser after my own heart...

love the "Disney School" I hope you share some of that...

it looks pretty good...and yes there will always be something to add along the way...but you seem well on your way...

hope my notes were OK and not too forward...happy planning and glad to be here the rest of the way.

Scrappie J~

Ahh yes my To Do List :lovestruc I love having them as crazy as that sounds!! I am working on the Disney School as I like to call it and will post more about it once I work out more details.

Thanks for taking the time to read through it all and make so many helpful comments and suggestions!!! :yay: I hope you will stay on board and keep doing so!!:thumbsup2