PTR/TR October 6-10, 2010--we're back! TR starts page 11! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Mommy2PrincessAbby

01-05-2010, 01:03 PM

I have to start putting all my findings and thoughts down somewhere, so here goes my 1st PTR! I keep editing this page as I book things... easier for me to see it all in one place! :)

Cast of Characters: Me :surfweb: and dd princess: who will be 6 3/4 at the time of the trip.

Background: We are from Oregon, hubby :boat: has been going to Mexico on boys fishing trips the last couple years, so I am squeezing in trips to DL as payback!!

DD does not have school the 7th & 8th, so I think I will pull her out the 6th too.

I've booked the PPH concierge level theme park view!!! Woohoo! :)

DL park hours for this time last year were Wed: 10-8 pm, Thurs: 9-10 pm, Fri-Sun 8-midnight. DCA is usually open at 10... Information is coming in now that the TOTP will be in DL Tues & Fri... which puts a cramp in my hours, so I'll need to be flexible about that!

Magic Morning for us will be Thursday, Sat & Sunday... which will mean the parks open at 8 on Thursday and 7 on Sat & Sun for us.

Flying in on Jet Blue (yay!!) into LGB, arrive at 9:29 am on the 6th! And have a 7:05 pm flight out on the 10th! :thumbsup2

We usually do a private car shuttle--Primetime usually, need to look into that. Might just do a taxi this time...

Looks like the cool Halloween fireworks will be only shown during the ToTP, so we'll have to watch them on Friday during the party.

I have no idea :confused3 when they will be showing F! if they have the TOTP at DL on Tuesday and Friday night... so my nightly entertainment is all up in the air. IF they are doing fireworks every night (they may only be during TOTP) I'd like to see them on Wednesday night when we arrive. TOTP is sounding like it has to be on Friday night, so I am hoping they'll do F! then, or if not, maybe they'll do it Thursday--if they do it Thursday, i'll book F! seating for Thursday. That leaves WOC for Saturday night--which I am sure will be insane--now that they announced WOC seating, I think we'll do WCT at 4 pm w/ WOC seating. Oh calendar of events, I need you!! :confused:

Need to figure out when to watch Parades as soon as calendar comes out, incorporated them below based on 2009 dates.

Meal planning--when it is just dd and I sit-down meals are important...

Wed: breakfast @ airport & snacks on plane, 12:30 lunch @ Ariel's, cross to DL, Celebrate Parade at 3:30??, dinner @ Bengal BBQ, fireworks @ 8 pm?
Thu: breakfast in room at 7:00 am--then off to MM, 1st seating lunch @ carn cafe, nap time, 5 pm dinner @ BB before 9 pm F! (please, have F! on Thursday!)
Fri: breakfast at PPH @ 7:30 am or 8 am depending on when DCA opens, DCA after, noon lunch @ Rainforest Cafe, nap time & maybe time at pool, 5:00 pm dinner @ PPH grill before Trick or Treat.
Sat: sleep in!! breakfast @ Storytellers @ 8:30 am--go to DCA after, lunch @ Farmer's market (corndogs and nuggets), WCT for WOC seating at 4 pm, Play Parade at 5:15??, Fireworks if missed them.
Sun: Breakfast @ Minnie's @ 8, lunch @ WWS, check out, hold bags, and goof around until car pick up @ ~3 pm.

Okay, back to work... more later... I am concerned about the parks reaching capacity and what to do if that happens...

Mommy2PrincessAbby

02-11-2010, 11:29 AM

bump! my PTR is getting buried!

wvnative

02-11-2010, 11:48 AM

We're considering a fall or Chirstmas trip this year as well if we opt to upgrade our PH's to DAP's in March. We really enjoyed the fall trip we took a few years ago.

It sounds like you've got a pretty good plan thus far.

Belle Ella

02-11-2010, 01:30 PM

I'm on board!

I was hoping to get an October trip this year, but had to switch things up a bit because I wont be able to get any time off in October.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

02-11-2010, 04:45 PM

You guys, I am dying over here! I can not believe how excited I am... dh just confirmed his Mexico trip for the week that I said I would take dd to DL... so in my book, we are a go! DD won't know, I've surprised her 2 times with trips to DL, and she has told me over and over that she loves the surprise... and that "next time" she doesn't even want me to tell her when I wake her up (which is what I usually do) and to wait till we get there or something! :rotfl:

So, that is the plan... I really want to book my room, but I am holding out that maybe they will have an October special. Otherwise, I just checked on buying/renting DVC pts for GCH for a studio is cheaper than the rate online for the GCH right now.

What is really bad is we go to Hawaii in a month, and I am excited about that, but more excited about Disneyland in October!!
:banana::banana::banana:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

02-23-2010, 04:07 PM

Okay, I just found out that I can get park hoppers through my work for an $118 discount over the regular price (1 adult, 1 kid, 5 days)... going to take that savings and buy a $100 gift card to use for character meals, since if I buy the tickets through work, I won't do my typical costco package that includes a free character meal.

So, now with WOC coming, I am thinking of doing PPH--concierge theme park view. Am I crazy?? If I do concierge, I won't have to order vons groceries, even though we probably won't do any of the food there except breakfast and dessert items--it will be more for the snacks & drinks... hmmmm....

Mommy2PrincessAbby

02-24-2010, 01:00 PM

Ever planning ahead, just got off of Disney Store.com, picked up 5 graphic tees for $6 each and 2 jammie (top & bottom) sets for $10 each. "Tinkerbell" likes to leave stuff in the room as a little surpise while dd is sleeping... when we get closer I'll figure out what costume is the must have for trick or treat nite, and get that too... which will also be a surprise.

kaoden39

02-24-2010, 11:26 PM

Wow, that sounds fun. I had to laugh, 6 3/4.:lmao: You need to have a real celebration, that is a milestone in a girls life!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

02-26-2010, 10:33 AM

kaoden39

02-26-2010, 10:38 AM

Well, I did it, I booked PPH concierge level theme park view...
:banana::banana::banana::banana:

Will probably get my park hoppers soon... would like to get everything paid for in advance, so its less of a hit when I have to start paying for F! seating etc closer to our vacation!

Oooh, I have thought about doing the F! seating too. But, there are six of us and that gets kind of pricey. If I could do it just for my husband and I it would be one thing but once you add in the kids and my Mom it kachings way up there. How exciting for you.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

03-04-2010, 12:16 PM

So here is my budget so far:

PPH concierge theme park view: $1702, paid $425.50, owe = $1276.50
Resort fee that I will be billed when we get there: $60
Airfare on Jet Blue PDX-LGB: $398.80 paid!
5 day Park Hoppers through my work: $349.20
$250 in gift cards to use at meals: $250
Cute t-shirts & jammies for "Tink" to surprise dd with: $50 paid
F! reserved seating: ??
Trick or Treat @ DL?: ??
Transportation to/from airport: ??

Extra $ for meals (I've scoured the menus and come up with a rough idea of what our meals will cost):
Ariels (lunch): $55
Bengal BBQ (dinner): $20 (no tip)
Carnation Cafe (lunch): $25
PPH (dinner): $27
PPH (breakfast):$45
Rainforest Cafe (lunch): $30
Blue Bayou (dinner): $50
Storytellers (breakfast): $45
Farmer's Market (lunch): $15 (no tip)
Dinner before WOC: ~$60 (WOC seating)
Minnie's (breakfast): $45
WWS (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Random snacks: $25 (no tip)

Tipped places: $366 + tips = $415
Non-tipped places: $100

If I have $250 in gift cards that I snap up over the next few months, that will leave another $265 I'll need to spend when there...

Total: $3075, paid $874.30, owe = $2227.70 + extras I need to price above!

kaoden39

03-04-2010, 01:26 PM

You are so organized in your financial planning.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

03-04-2010, 02:03 PM

You are so organized in your financial planning.

:lmao: I have to be organized!! I am dropping $600 a day on the 2 of us to go to DL!! IMHO it is worth it though! And this way I can spread it out between now and October, will make it feel like a cheap vacay once we get there!

kaoden39

03-04-2010, 08:00 PM

:lmao: I have to be organized!! I am dropping $600 a day on the 2 of us to go to DL!! IMHO it is worth it though! And this way I can spread it out between now and October, will make it feel like a cheap vacay once we get there!

That is indeed true. I keep thinking about what it is going to cost to feed the six of us.:scared1: But, it is indeed worth every penny.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

03-04-2010, 09:28 PM

That is indeed true. I keep thinking about what it is going to cost to feed the six of us.:scared1: But, it is indeed worth every penny.

Well, you can do it cheaper then we are... I happen to need sit down meals when I take dd to the parks by myself--its the only way I can relax!! Otherwise I am trying to manuever me and dd and our food... uugh. So, as you can see not many counter service meals for us!! And we love character meals, that in itself is a big expense!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

03-05-2010, 11:56 AM

Airfare booked!!! :cool1:

Jet Blue :thumbsup2 Love them!!! arrive at 9:29 am on 10/6, and fly out at 7:05 pm on 10/10.

:woohoo:

kaoden39

03-05-2010, 04:00 PM

Airfare booked!!! :cool1:

Jet Blue :thumbsup2 Love them!!! arrive at 9:17 am on 10/6, and fly out at 7:16 pm on 10/10.

:woohoo:

Woohoo!!

Mommy2Aedan

03-24-2010, 12:38 PM

Hello! I'm enjoying reading your PTR so far. We will be in DL either the same time as you in October or the week after... still waiting on approval from my DH's work!

Since this will be our 1st DL trip, I am watching your posts closely for reccomendations!

We really like character meals and sit-down restaurants as well for the "break" that it gives us... what are your favorites (especially with kids) at DL? My DS will be 3 when we go in October.

-Lauren

Mommy2PrincessAbby

03-31-2010, 05:19 PM

Hi Lauren! We love character meals... We've done them all, but we are partial to Storytellers--I know that isn't everyone's favorite--it seems like Goofy's is most people's favorite...

We like Storytellers because we get to see more woodland creatures--we've had as many as 11 in one breakfast... including multiple bears: Koda, Kenai, Baloo, & Brer Bear! Plus the food is yummy, and then the park entrance is right there... no long walk after breakfast to get in line. Just be warned that Koda and Kenai have too long of claws to sign books... no problem with Baloo or Brer Bear though!

We also adore Ariel's--for obvious reasons--dd is a princess fanatic! and the food is the best I have had at the park...

DisneyStitch626

03-31-2010, 05:46 PM

Following along as I am going close to the same time you are! Hope you don't mind. Sounds great so far. :)

Mommy2PrincessAbby

04-08-2010, 11:24 AM

6 months to go!!! (well a couple days ago...) Getting excited... I need to pay for tickets or put more $$ on the hotel soon, so I can pay more off. Hopefully we'll hear about WOC soon, and whether they will have special seating!

kaoden39

04-08-2010, 12:57 PM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

04-27-2010, 12:16 PM

Well, Jet Blue has already bumped my morning flight two times... by 15 minutes each time... so we don't arrive to LGB until 9:47 am now... from experience, I would venture to guess we'll be in the car a few minutes after 10 (we don't check bags) and will hopefully be at the check-in desk by 10:30... I think I'll make my ressies for Ariel's for 12:30 instead of noon, so we have a little time to hit a ride or two before lunch!

kaoden39

04-27-2010, 10:10 PM

That is rough that they keep bumping your flight times around.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

05-05-2010, 12:08 PM

5 months to go (tomorrow!!) :cool1::banana:

Now with more WOC stuff coming out, I am really glad we aren't going until October... let everyone be guinea pigs and we'll learn from their mistakes. Still want to do special seating if they have it though... and now it looks like TOTP will be at DL, which should be interesting to see how that works. We could do it either Wed or Thurs night, although I was banking on Thurs, wonder if they will do mid-week though to keep from closing the park early on peak nights? :confused3 I do hope they close the whole park though and not just part of it, that is what I loved about the TOTP at DCA, felt very uncrowded, and there were hardly any lines at all for the rides, made it really fun!

kaoden39

05-05-2010, 04:27 PM

5 months to go (tomorrow!!) :cool1::banana:

Now was more WOC stuff is coming out, I am really glad we aren't going until October... let everyone be guinea pigs and we'll learn from their mistakes. Still want to do special seating if they have it though... and now it looks like TOTP will be at DL, which should be interesting to see how that works. We could do it either Wed or Thurs night, although I was banking on Thurs, wonder if they will do mid-week though to keep from closing the park early on peak nights? :confused3 I do hope they close the whole park though and not just part of it, that is what I loved about the TOTP at DCA, felt very uncrowded, and there were hardly any lines at all for the rides, made it really fun!

The whole WOC thing has me wishing we weren't going when we are. It is gonna be insane I am afraid.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

05-06-2010, 12:40 PM

The whole WOC thing has me wishing we weren't going when we are. It is gonna be insane I am afraid.

As they say, even a crazy day in DL is better than no day at all... that's what I keep telling myself anyway... we are going to be there over Columbus Day weekend--however dd has the days off before the weekend, not the Monday after, so hopefully Wed-Friday (afternoon?) we'll be able to get plenty done and be able to go with the flow Friday night-Sunday afternoon!

kaoden39

05-06-2010, 04:36 PM

As they say, even a crazy day in DL is better than no day at all... that's what I keep telling myself anyway... we are going to be there over Columbus Day weekend--however dd has the days off before the weekend, not the Monday after, so hopefully Wed-Friday (afternoon?) we'll be able to get plenty done and be able to go with the flow Friday night-Sunday afternoon!

I think the Wednesday-Friday ought to be pretty good, and should make up for the weekend crowd.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

05-10-2010, 11:41 AM

This WOC stuff is killing me!!! :mad:

Originally I had such a nice evening entertainment plan based on last year's stuff!

Wed--fireworks
Thu--ToTP
Fri--F! seating
Sat--WOC seating (hopefully!)

Now, its all screwed up!! Rumors have it that the fireworks might only be during the ToTP, and if they only do F! when there is no ToTP, it could be they only run it on Saturday, which means it'll conflict with WOC (at least the early one, which is what I'd like to do.) So, with all that craziness in mind, this is what I am now hoping for:

Wed--To bed early I guess--looks like no fireworks :confused:
Thu--F! seating?? :confused3
Friday--ToTP with fireworks during the party
Sat--WOC seating

Since it is Columbus Day weekend, I was really hoping for a laid back Wed-Friday, so that we'd feel ready to deal with the masses Friday night-Sunday... I guess the masses won't be much of a problem Friday night, if we are at the ToTP though...

Wait and see I guess...

DisneyStitch626

05-10-2010, 12:03 PM

I am worried about it all too!

We are going to be 4 adults with no kids. We were looking forward to spending the nights in the parks until closing. But I don't want to be kicked out at 6 or whatever time the Trick or Treat party is on a Friday night. We want to be there until midnight! I kind of hope they just host it in a section and don't close out the whole park for the party.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

05-18-2010, 01:11 PM

Well, I wrote our our general itinerary in another post, and thought I should add it here too... with a few other details...

Day 1 (Wed) is a 10:30 am arrival or so, our first couple trips we went to DL first because I couldn't bear not to, but now, we'll go to DCA 1st. FP Soarin', go ride Monster's, Ariel's lunch @ 12:30 pm, Soarin', cross to DL, Celebrate Parade?, swing through FL! do anything that is short (dd loves Snow and Pinocchio!), Pirates, HM & BTMRR, Pooh, Bengal BBQ for dinner, back to hotel for a good night's sleep!

Day 2 (Thu) is a MM day, probably an 8 am MM opening, but first, breakfast in the room. Then our usual order is: Peter Pan, Alice, Matterhorn, Dumbo, Toad, Snow, Pinnochio, Tea Cups. Then probably over to IASW, and then around to Buzz, FPing Space on the way, head over to Pooh and grab Splash FPs when we can. Lunch @ Carnation Cafe, then nap time--we often swing into DCA and by Soarin to get FPs for it before nap. After nap, go through DCA to ride Soarin, and then cross and do Space & Splash, and whatever till dinner. Hoping for F! this night--since it looks like the trick or treat party will be Friday, so planning on BB for dinner, and then F! dessert seating.

Day 3 (Fri) Character breakfast at PPH at 8 am or so (depends on when DCA opens.) Doing DCA this morning, Soarin 1st, then TSMM, Bug's land, Monster's again, noon lunch @ Rainforest Cafe, nap, pool time, and dinner at PPH Grill before ToTP @ DL that night (which looks like it will start at 4, we'll go around 6 most likely.) During the ToTP we'll just ride whatever we feel like (hopefully ToonTown will be open too, so we can swing through there), if it is anything like when it was at DCA ride lines will be nice and short. Hopefully DD will be tall enough for Indy, cause she wants to try it! Looks like this may be our only night to see the fireworks too, hopefully they'll be around 9 or so...

Day 4 (Sat) Breakfast at Storytellers at 8 am or so (depends on when DCA opens.) Doing DCA all day, going to try and take it easy since it will probably be slammed--not sure if we'll need to get WOC showpasses or if I will be able to book WOC seating for the 1st show, ride Soarin 1st then TSMM, pick up a FP for TOT (going to try and talk dd into trying TOT and Grizzly this year) then probably over to the Animation building for Turtle Talk and everything else there... FP for Grizzly, and ride TOT and Grizzly when we can. Lunch @ Farmer's Market, and maybe see Aladdin if they will still have it running at 1:55 pm... Think we'll try for the 4 pm WOC seating at WCT, and then go to the Play Parade afterward... This day is really up in the air, and I am afraid to leave for naps this day, because the weekend we are going is Columbus weekend, and I am worried about the park reaching capacity.

Day 5 (Sun): breakfast at Minnies at 8 am, then ride whatever we feel like until lunch time (WWS?)... then DTD for souvies (we save this for very last), and car to airport at 4:45 pm.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

05-28-2010, 09:35 AM

Looks like WOC seating is being hashed out... I think we'll do WOC seating at WCT at 4 pm, then we can step out for the Play Parade afterward... We never eat that early, but it might be nice to get out of the crowds! If they are still doing Aladdin, I think we could do the 1:55 Aladdin, WCT at 4, and Pixar Parade at 5:15 if it is still running at that time...

And more exciting news about the ToTP... fireworks only on that night it looks like... I can buy those tickets on July 16th... which I will definitely be doing for Friday night. Now, I wonder if all the regular places to eat will be open??

kaoden39

05-28-2010, 06:10 PM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

06-22-2010, 12:34 PM

Just realized we are at 3 1/2 months exactly!! :woohoo:

I so badly want to tell dd... I think she is going to figure it out, I keep measuring her to see if she is getting taller--hoping she can get on Indy this trip! But, I can hold out and not tell her till we are at the airport... at least that is the plan!

:woohoo:

kaoden39

06-22-2010, 01:35 PM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

06-25-2010, 10:58 AM

Okay, I updated my budget with prices (I think they are correct) for MHP & F! dessert... I also decided to switch to a package at PPH... it was a $60 difference, even with my park hopper discount at work... and that $60 is worth it to me--actually that $60 also pays for the vacation insurance, which I have never needed, but like to buy anyway... so here goes my crazy detailed (and super expensive) budget!!

PPH concierge theme park view + 5 day park hoppers + premium dining voucher for our Ariel's meal + regular dining voucher for our PPH breakfast: $2002.95, paid $1050, owe = $952.95
Airfare on Jet Blue PDX-LGB: $398.80 paid!
Cute t-shirts & jammies for "Tink" to surprise dd with: $50 paid
F! reserved seating: ~$59 each = $118
MHP tickets: ~$54 each = $108 paid!!
Transportation to/from airport: ~$100

Extra $ for meals (I've scoured the menus and come up with a rough idea of what our meals will cost):
Ariels (lunch): paid with vouchers
Bengal BBQ (dinner): $20 (no tip)
Carnation Cafe (lunch): $25
PPH (dinner): $27
PPH (breakfast): paid with vouchers
Rainforest Cafe (lunch): $30
Blue Bayou (dinner): $50
Storytellers (breakfast): $45
Farmer's Market (lunch): $15 (no tip)
Dinner before WOC: ~$60 (WOC seating)
Minnie's (breakfast): $45
WWS (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Random snacks: $25 (no tip)

Tipped places: $282 + tips = $325
Non-tipped places: $100

If I have $250 in gift cards that I snap up over the next few months, that will leave another $175 I'll need to spend when there... bought a $50 gift card already!

Total: $3205.75, paid $1656.80, owe = $1545.95

kaoden39

06-25-2010, 06:28 PM

I do that. I always try to budget everything out.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

06-29-2010, 01:42 PM

Well Jet Blue tweaked flights a bit again...which is fine, at least they let me know each time they do it... so now we leave Portland at 7:10 am and arrive at 9:29 am at LGB--which is sounding suspiciously like what my original flight times were. And on the way back we have a 7:29 pm flight and arrive back in PDX at 9:48 pm. I think I better take a half day or something on Monday... going to be tired by the time we get home!! I think we can leave DLR at 4:45 pm on that Sunday, and have almost two hours at LGB still (with a 7:05 pm flight) don't you think??

Mommy2PrincessAbby

06-30-2010, 01:04 PM

Thinking of adding a trip to BBB for MHP night... we plan to have an afternoon rest and pool time, so I don't want to do it before, but if we go over after, I wonder if I can do like a 6 pm appt and have just hair and makeup done before the party starts at 7... hmmmm.....

Mommy2PrincessAbby

07-16-2010, 11:36 AM

I got my Halloween Party tix!! :cool1:

Friday October 8th! :rotfl:

I picked up a $50 gift card while I was at it... so more stuff paid for!!

:banana:

kaoden39

07-16-2010, 03:51 PM

Yay that is great!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

07-22-2010, 03:06 PM

2 and a half months exactly!!!!

:rotfl:

:banana:

:woohoo:

:dance3:

kaoden39

07-22-2010, 04:49 PM

2 and a half months exactly!!!!

:rotfl:

:banana:

:woohoo:

:dance3:

Woo hoo!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

07-24-2010, 07:43 PM

Revised again, with the current info that WOC will be running nightly!

Day 1—Wed (flight lands at 9:29 am, arrive at hotel ~10:30 am)
Awake 4 am--Bed 9:30 pm (nap on plane)
DL 10-8, DCA 10-8
Breakfast: on plane
Lunch: Carnation Café 11:50 am
Dinner: WOC WCT at 4:00 pm

Head to DL first, eat lunch, ~1pm tour castle, short line rides, maybe Pixie Hollow if line looks short. ~2:30 pm walk over to DCA, Bug’s Land area before early WOC dinner. After dinner watch PPP (5:15 pm) then go get in WOC line (Abby rest in stroller), watch WOC at 8:15, go to bed.

Day 2—Thu
Awake 6:45 am—Bed 9 pm (nap in room)
MM 8-9 & DL 9-10, DCA 10-8
Breakfast: room service @ 7:00 am
Lunch: Ariel’s @ 11:40 am
Dinner: Bengal BBQ @ 5:30 pm

Breakfast, then line up for MM. Wear Princess dress for morning. Go do Peter Pan, Alice (?), Matterhorn, Dumbo, Toad, Snow, Pinocchio, Tea Cups. Then probably over to IASW, and then around to Buzz, FPing Space on the way, head over to Pooh and grab Splash FPs when we can. Cross to DCA at 11:15 am, grab Soarin’ FPs. Lunch, then nap. After nap (1:30-3:30 pm), go through DCA to ride Soarin, and then cross and do Space & Splash, and whatever till dinner. Dinner @ Bengal BBQ. Celebrate Parade at 7 pm (try and sit near Carnation Café.) Wondering if they will have regular fireworks that night??

Day 3—Fri
Awake 7:45 am—Bed 10 pm (nap in room)
DL 8-7, MHP 7-11, DCA 10-11
Fireworks during MHP
Breakfast: Storytellers @ 8:00 am
Lunch: Farmer’s Market @ 11:30 then nap & pool
Dinner: PPH 5:30 pm

Doing DCA this morning, Soarin 1st, then TSMM (if opened early—if not got to Monster’s), TOT, lunch @ Farmer’s Market, Grizzly on way out, then nap (12:30-2:30), pool time (3-4:45), and dinner at PPH Grill before MHP @ DL that night (which looks like it will start at 4, we'll go around 6) During the MHP we'll just ride whatever we feel like (hopefully ToonTown will be open too, so we can swing through there), if it is anything like when it was at DCA ride lines will be nice and short. Hopefully DD will be tall enough for Indy, cause she wants to try it! Looks like this may be our only night to see the fireworks too, hopefully they'll be around 9 or so...

Day 4—Sat
Awake 7:30 am—Bed 10:15 pm (nap in room)
DL 8-12, DCA 10-10
F! 9:05 pm
Breakfast: PPH @ 7:50 am
Lunch: Taste Pilot’s Grill @ 12 pm
Dinner: Blue Bayou @ 5 pm

Soarin 1st (is TSMM open yet?!), Monster’s, Silly Swings, Animation Academy, Turtle Talk. Lunch, nap (1-4), go to DL for BB dinner (do I need to p/u F! dessert passes early?) DL will probably be very crowded, just stick it out around Pooh, Pirates, HM etc until time for F! at 9:05 pm. Sit for fireworks if they are having them. Then off to bed.

Day 5—Sun (leave at 4:45 pm)
Awake 7:30—fly home at 7:05 pm
DL 8-12, DCA 10-10
Breakfast: Minnie’s @ 8:15 am
Lunch: Rainforest Café @ 11:45 pm
Dinner: on plane

Go to Minnie’s breakfast, repeat favorites for the morning, go to early lunch at Rainforest Café, then back to DCA & favorites there like Bug’s Land (is TSMM open yet?!), Aladdin @ 3:05, shop for 45 minutes or so in DTD, then go get bags and grab a cab to airport @ 4:45/5pm.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

08-06-2010, 09:07 AM

2 months!!!!!!

:rotfl::banana::dance3::woohoo::cool1::cheer2:

Tablefor5

08-08-2010, 10:58 PM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

08-09-2010, 02:55 PM

It sounds like you have a great plan! :thumbsup2 We are also planning a surprise for the kids and hopefully we can hold out!!!:cheer2:
We will be driving down from NorCal and am wondering when they might figure it out and haven't decided if I will even tell them if they guess correctly or wait until we drive into the HoJo. :rotfl:
EXCITING!!!!

Oh, how fun!! Your kid's ages are so spread out, it would be hard to decide when to tell them... Maybe not until one of them spots the DL sign?? :thumbsup2

I love the surprise... the last time I surprised dd, she told me that next time, she didn't want me to tell her till we actually arrived there--so I am going to try that this time... last time I woke her up at 3:30 am with "you want to go to disneyland today?"

Mommy2PrincessAbby

08-17-2010, 04:01 PM

Updated my budget... the nice cm let me switch to the new fall special, saving me $75 a night on the PPH concierge room... super sweet!!

PPH concierge theme park view + 5 day park hoppers + premium dining voucher for our Ariel's meal + regular dining voucher for our PPH breakfast: $2002.95, paid $1050, owe = $952.95
Airfare on Jet Blue PDX-LGB: $398.80 paid!
Cute t-shirts & jammies for "Tink" to surprise dd with: $50 paid
F! reserved seating: ~$59 each = $118
MHP tickets: ~$54 each = $108 paid!!
Transportation to/from airport: ~$100

Extra $ for meals (I've scoured the menus and come up with a rough idea of what our meals will cost):
Ariels (lunch): paid with vouchers
Bengal BBQ (dinner): $20 (no tip)
Carnation Cafe (lunch): $25
PPH (dinner): $27
PPH (breakfast): paid with vouchers
Rainforest Cafe (lunch): $30
Blue Bayou (dinner): $50
Storytellers (breakfast): $45
Farmer's Market (lunch): $15 (no tip)
Dinner before WOC: ~$60 (WOC seating)
Minnie's (breakfast): $45
WWS (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Random snacks: $25 (no tip)

Tipped places: $282 + tips = $325
Non-tipped places: $100

If I have $250 in gift cards that I snap up over the next few months, that will leave another $175 I'll need to spend when there... bought a $50 gift card already!

Total: $3205.75, paid $1656.80, owe = $1545.95

canadadisney

08-17-2010, 05:52 PM

We are headed to DL Oct 6-9! I have had the trip booked since April and I still haven't told the kids. Probably in a couple of weeks when school starts I will. Thay are always so depressed when school is about to start (and so I am- I am a teacher) so hopefully it will be a big surprise that will cheer everyone up and give us something to look forward to.

kaoden39

08-17-2010, 07:49 PM

Your trips are so close. How fun and exciting.

Bell<3Disney

08-17-2010, 11:58 PM

Following along! I cant wait to have kids so I am can surprise them with Disney trips! My husbands parents did it for him and his brother when he was 6 and it is one of his favorite memories from his childhood. Your daughter will have so much fun looking back on this! So excited for you and your little princess!!!:yay:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

08-18-2010, 10:22 AM

I am getting really excited... there have been a couple times when I wanted to tell her, but stopped myself. We surprised her before, and it was very cool., but her request was that I don't tell her when I wake her up next time, she doesn't want to know until she is there... so it may be a little anti-climactic, but that is okay... now, if that darn calendar would just get updated!!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

08-24-2010, 02:16 PM

Well, I bought a stroller today... I know, dd is 6, she should be able to hang in there and walk all day, but we did dl without a stroller when she was 3, and I am not ready to relive that yet... I was soooo sore from carrying her back to the hotel each night I thought I wouldn't make it.

So, I got a britax blink--weight limit is 55 lbs, which dd has a good 12 more lbs to go... I toyed with getting the maclaren volo that lots of people on here love, but it was $105 for last year's model in a color I wasn't crazy about, and the blink was $85 with shipping. The last couple years we used the cheapo Target umbrella stroller (like $12) and it worked great, but with a 35 lb weight limit, I didn't want to push it, would suck if it broke on day 1!!

For us the stoller is mostly used to and from the hotel (4 trips per day--cause we go back for naps) then most of the rest of the time we park it nearby the rides we are hitting and just get it before moving to another land. But that back and forth, and back and forth adds up on little legs. So, I know dd with be happy to have wheels!!

So, 1 more thing taken care of!!

kaoden39

08-24-2010, 03:02 PM

I think that even at six you are going to like having the stroller. The days are long at Disneyland and that walk back to the hotel no matter how short seems so long at the end of the day. And a bonus I like about the stroller is that if your child wants to walk you can carry things in it like jackets and such.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

08-25-2010, 06:47 PM

Okay, so I spent more time tweaking my itinerary now that the calendar is up. Rumor has it that Aladdin will be back on the 7th, unfortunately, I don't have tons of time to squeeze it in... so we'll plan on seeing it right before we leave... unless I tweak this again, which could happen. I have all my PSs, including WOC dinner, and I am going to have to do Ariel's for WOC, in fact Ariel's 2 times in one day, unless I can figure out a better way to see the princesses... I have looked at the WCT menu 100 times, and can't get excited about it, so back to Ariel's we will go, since there are multiple things on the menu that dd and I like.

Day 1—Wed 10/6 (flight lands at 9:29 am, arrive at hotel ~10:30 am)
Awake 4 am--Bed 9:00 pm (nap on plane)
DL 10-8, DCA 10-8
Breakfast: on plane
Lunch: Little red wagon
Dinner: Carnation Cafe 2:30 pm

Arrive, check-in, go to DL, get Space FPs, get corn dogs, tour castle, short line things (Pixie Hollow if line is short)—go back to Pooh, ride Splash if line looks short. Lunch, more short line things (Space return time?) Cross to DCA at 4:15 to get a snack and good place to watch PPP. PPP @ 5:15, cross back to DL at 6ish. Get an ice cream and stake out place near Carnation Cafe for Celebrate Parade at 7 pm. After parade head back to hotel to sleep!

Day 2—Thu 10/7
Awake 6:45 am—Bed 9:30 pm (nap in room)
MM 8-9 & DL 9-10, DCA 10-8
Breakfast: in room @ 6:45 am
Lunch: Ariel’s @ 11:40 am
Dinner: WOC @ Ariel's 4:30 pm

In line for MM at 7:30, wear Princess dress for morning. Go do Peter Pan, Alice, Matterhorn, Dumbo, Toad, Snow, Pinocchio, Tea Cups. Then probably over to IASW, and then around to Buzz (Grab Space FPs), head over to Pooh and ride HM, Pirates, and Indiana (Space return time?) Cross to DCA at 11:15 am, grab Soarin’ FPs. Lunch (11:40-1 pm) then nap (1:30-3:30). Head to Ariel's for early dinner (4:30-6), then line up for WOC. WOC at 8:15, head for hotel to sleep afterward.

Day 3—Fri 10/8
Awake 7:30 am—Bed 10:30 pm (nap in room)
DL 8-7, MHP 7-11, DCA 10-11
Fireworks during MHP
Breakfast: Storytellers @ 8:00 am
Lunch: Lucky Fortune Cookery @ 11:30 then nap & pool
Dinner: PPH 5:30 pm or maybe just PPH Surfside or concierge closer to 5 pm

Storytellers breakfast, then DCA, Soarin’ 1st, Monster’s, TOT, Bug’s Land, lunch, Grizzly on way out, then back to room for nap (12:30-2:30) then pool (3-4:45), dinner, then over to MHP. Check Indiana line... Cavalcade is at 8:15 and 10:30 and fireworks at 9:30. Back to room after MHP fireworks if we get to see the 8:15 cavalcade.

Day 4—Sat 10/9
Awake 7:30 am—Bed 10:15 pm (nap in room)
MM 7-8 & DL 8-12, DCA 10-10
F! 9:05 pm (booked)
Breakfast: PPH @ 7:50 am
Lunch: WWS @ 12 pm
Dinner: Blue Bayou @ 5 pm

PPH breakfast, then DCA, Soarin’, Silly Swings, Carousel, ITTBAB, Animation Academy, Turtle Talk, lunch then nap (1 pm-4pm). After nap go to BB for dinner, Tiki room before or after, hang out in general area for F! dessert and fireworks following.

Day 5—Sun 10/10 (leave at 4:45 pm)
Awake 7:30—fly home at 7:05 pm
MM 7-8 & DL 8-12, DCA 10-10
Breakfast: Minnie’s @ 8:00 am
Lunch: Rainforest Café @ 11:45 am
Dinner: on plane

Minnie’s breakfast, Pixie Hollow if haven’t been there yet. Repeat favorites, take Monorail to lunch at RFC, back to DCA, 3:05 Aladdin? Shop in DTD for a bit; grab a cab at 4:45/5 pm for airport.

DisDancerina

09-03-2010, 02:51 AM

Your schedule sounds like so much fun, mind if I become your child for a few days? :rolleyes1

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-03-2010, 07:31 AM

Your schedule sounds like so much fun, mind if I become your child for a few days? :rolleyes1

I know huh? Well, our dates overlap, we might run into eachother! :thumbsup2

I would say my dd is spoiled, but really most of the schedule is for me :lmao:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-07-2010, 11:58 AM

I'm calling to pay off my package today... hopefully it will be okay that I didn't pay yesterday since it was technically a holiday! I doubt they'll turn down getting $$ from me! :thumbsup2

Tablefor5

09-07-2010, 01:23 PM

Awesome to have it "paid" for! :thumbsup2

PrincessMaleficent

09-07-2010, 01:41 PM

It must feel good to have it paid off. I know it did for me. You are getting so close to your trip. Can not wait for you to come back!

kaoden39

09-07-2010, 04:43 PM

That's great. Paying it off is the best feeling.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-07-2010, 06:42 PM

PPH concierge theme park view + 5 day park hoppers + premium dining voucher for our Ariel's meal + regular dining voucher for our PPH breakfast: paid $2002.95, owe = $0!!!!
Airfare on Jet Blue PDX-LGB: $398.80 paid!
Cute t-shirts & jammies for "Tink" to surprise dd with: $50 paid
F! reserved seating: ~$59 each = $118 paid!
MHP tickets: ~$54 each = $108 paid!!
Transportation to/from airport: ~$100

Extra $ for meals (I've scoured the menus and come up with a rough idea of what our meals will cost):
Ariels (lunch): paid with vouchers
Lucky Fortune Cookery (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Carnation Cafe (dinner): $25
PPH (dinner): $27
PPH (breakfast): paid with vouchers
Rainforest Cafe (lunch): $30
Blue Bayou (dinner): $50
Storytellers (breakfast): $45
Little Red Wagon (lunch): $15 (no tip)
Dinner before WOC: ~$60 (WOC seating)
Minnie's (breakfast): $45
WWS (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Random snacks: $25 (no tip)

Tipped places: $282 + tips = $325
Non-tipped places: $80 (round up to $100)

If I have $250 in gift cards that I snap up over the next few months, that will leave another $175 I'll need to spend when there... bought a $50 gift card already!

Total: $3205.75, paid $2727.75, owe = $475.00... All that is left is food and transportation!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-09-2010, 10:46 AM

Vacation planning just called me, got our tickets to 10/9 Fantasmic dessert seating for dd & I!

Now, I have 1 month to get another $200 in gift cards... then I will just need to pike $275 for transportation & the rest of the food... :cool1:

Belle Ella

09-09-2010, 11:14 AM

:woohoo: The Fantasmic dessert seating sounds like so much fun. I'll be doing it for the first time myself this trip. You've done it in the past, correct?

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-09-2010, 11:38 AM

:woohoo: The Fantasmic dessert seating sounds like so much fun. I'll be doing it for the first time myself this trip. You've done it in the past, correct?

We've done it each trip! We adore F! and I love the seating and the box of goodies! Although, I must say the box of goodies has gotten better. It used to be just dessert (our 1st trip), and now it has cheese and crackers and grapes--dd loves all that stuff!

We got smart and book dinner at BB that night, so we are already in the area as it gets crowded as it gets closer to F! time. I know you'll love it, I really think it is worth the $$ just not to have to waste time saving a good spot to watch from. Now, I just hope they get Murphy running before we get there, we've never seen her.

Belle Ella

09-09-2010, 11:57 AM

I'm glad to hear another endorsement for the dessert seating! I can't tell you how excited and happy I am that I finally decided to splurge for this. I ahve wanted to do it since I first heard about it and now it's going to be a reality. :woohoo: Murphy or no Murphy, although I am crossing just about everything I can that she'll be back in time for my trip and yours as well. That dragon is pretty awesome and I hope you get the chance to see her for the first time. I was so grateful that she was up and running the week before we went last year. I was able to get some pretty amazing photos (to me at least, lol) so I'm really looking forward to being able to view it this year without the camera lens. Chairs and a dessert goodie treat box? Oh yeah, I'm there!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-09-2010, 03:05 PM

DisneyStitch626

09-09-2010, 03:07 PM

Well, you have less than 2 weeks!!! I expect you to report back and give me all the details, because by the time you get back I'll have less than 2 weeks!! :dance3: Is it possible to explode from excitement?

I think it might be, because I feel like I might soon! :laughing:

Belle Ella

09-09-2010, 03:08 PM

Shoot, I think it might be possible too! I'm so close to bursting with excitement I can hardly contain it.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-11-2010, 08:03 PM

Okay... so this is how nuts I am getting about this trip--I took out my carryon today and have it hidden in the guest room and have already starting putting stuff in it! We travel with 1 carryon for both my daughter and I (if hubby was going he'd need his own carryon), so I am very selective about my packing...

And, I made up a lame excuse for my daughter to try on some "tall shoes" and let me measure her... and I am stoked--she is 46.5 inches in them, and can walk without looking like she is in shoes too tall for her... fingers crossed that she can go on Indy this trip!!

kaoden39

09-11-2010, 08:14 PM

And the bonus is little girls love playing dress up.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-11-2010, 08:22 PM

And the bonus is little girls love playing dress up.

That's right!!! I got the cutest shoes... not really that dressy, but they have a block heel from Target for $14... In her regular shoes she is oh-so-close to 46 inches... I'd hate to try and maybe have the first cm let her through to be turned down by the 2nd cm... with the extra 1/2 inch over the height requirement it should be good... I will warn her not to get her hopes up though!

kaoden39

09-12-2010, 07:43 PM

That's right!!! I got the cutest shoes... not really that dressy, but they have a block heel from Target for $14... In her regular shoes she is oh-so-close to 46 inches... I'd hate to try and maybe have the first cm let her through to be turned down by the 2nd cm... with the extra 1/2 inch over the height requirement it should be good... I will warn her not to get her hopes up though!

Actually as far as little girls shoes go there are a lot of heels out there. I am kind of surprised by how many I have seen. Hopefully she will get to ride on it.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-13-2010, 03:23 PM

Well, I picked up a tube of glow bracelets from Target for $1 over the weekend, and then just found 2 adorable halloween fiberoptic bracelets at QFC while on lunch... I also got a few packs of antibacterial handi-wipes...

Starting to pick up all the little things!! :rotfl:

kaoden39

09-13-2010, 03:26 PM

I am all about the antibacterial wipes. I think that they are so important.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-13-2010, 04:00 PM

I am all about the antibacterial wipes. I think that they are so important.

We use them every other ride... sometimes every ride if I feel like it was an extra touchy ride (BLAB/TSMM)... I like the feeling of wiping the germs off and throwing them away vs the gel that you just rub in.

I am also crazy about plane germs--we preboard and I wipe down everything in our airplane row with lysol wipes before we get settled... we also pack emergen-c packets to add to our water--and I have to say we do not get sick on vacation--or immediately following!

PrincessMaleficent

09-13-2010, 04:07 PM

Wow you really are ready for your trip it will be here so soon. I have started packing a few things as well. It is nice to do that it kind of makes it all real.

kaoden39

09-13-2010, 05:32 PM

We use them every other ride... sometimes every ride if I feel like it was an extra touchy ride (BLAB/TSMM)... I like the feeling of wiping the germs off and throwing them away vs the gel that you just rub in.

I am also crazy about plane germs--we preboard and I wipe down everything in our airplane row with lysol wipes before we get settled... we also pack emergen-c packets to add to our water--and I have to say we do not get sick on vacation--or immediately following!

I always make sure that I clean the remote in the hotel room too. That is the one thing they do not clean.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-13-2010, 05:51 PM

I always make sure that I clean the remote in the hotel room too. That is the one thing they do not clean.

OMG!! Me too!!! I bring travel sized cans of lysol spray for the remote, light switches, bathroom fixtures and the room phone!! Yes, I am a germ-a-phobe! :rotfl:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-13-2010, 05:58 PM

Oh, and just so you all know--I am not this bad at home... its the on vacation in a place where there are millions of other people from all parts of the world sick with who knows what... I don't want anyone lecturing me about building up dd's natural immune system! ;)

kaoden39

09-13-2010, 06:03 PM

OMG!! Me too!!! I bring travel sized cans of lysol spray for the remote, light switches, bathroom fixtures and the room phone!! Yes, I am a germ-a-phobe! :rotfl:

Oh, and just so you all know--I am not this bad at home... its the on vacation in a place where there are millions of other people from all parts of the world sick with who knows what... I don't want anyone lecturing me about building up dd's natural immune system! ;)

Oh I so understand. It is only natural, you don't know what someone who stayed in the room before you had. You can't be too careful.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-14-2010, 02:16 PM

kaoden39

09-14-2010, 02:23 PM

UPS just called--I didn't pick up--and they didn't leave a message--but the only reason they would call me is to let me know they are going to deliver my DL package!!

So, I should have it soon!! I need to put a note on my door, I've had to do this before, and ask for it to be delivered to the neighbor for me if no one is home... I can't wait to get my package!! :cool1:

That makes the trip all that much more real for me when we get the package. I have to open it and look at every little thing. Then I look at it again and again.:goodvibes

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-14-2010, 03:27 PM

That makes the trip all that much more real for me when we get the package. I have to open it and look at every little thing. Then I look at it again and again.:goodvibes

I do that too... but I have to be sneaky and not let dd see! ;)

farmgirljen

09-14-2010, 03:52 PM

farmgirljen

09-14-2010, 03:59 PM

OMG- I just read about UPS calling you today about your disney package- I am SO hoping that mine comes soon too! I am anxiously awaiting - and it kills me every time the UPS truck goes by with out stopping! HOW Exciting!!!!!!!!!!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-14-2010, 04:30 PM

I haven't read through the whole thread yet, but I have to ask where in Oregon are you from? We are coming down from Corvallis and will be there the 3rd through 8th... we are driving, and staying at the Ramada Maingate across the street.... :)

I'm in St Helens... north of Portland on the Columbia :wave2:

I'm not a huge fan of being in a car more than about 5 hours... so it is great that we can fly out of Portland for a decent price! I bet you can hardly wait for your package... won't be long now!!

kaoden39

09-14-2010, 05:34 PM

Because you have to hide it, then you need play with it after you DD goes to bed.

farmgirljen

09-14-2010, 11:24 PM

Our package came today! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes

kaoden39

09-15-2010, 10:17 AM

Our package came today! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes

Oh yay!! That is great!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-15-2010, 11:28 AM

Woohoo about your package coming farmgirljen!!!

I was a little late to work because I had to go back to put a note on the door for the ups guy asking him to have my neighbor sign for my package--it worked before, hopefully they'll do it again. We'll see tonight if I have my package or not!!

kaoden39

09-15-2010, 11:36 AM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-15-2010, 09:50 PM

I've got my package!!! :dance3::cool1::rotfl::cheer2::woohoo::banana:

DD is in bed and I am getting to go through all of it!! woohoo!

kaoden39

09-15-2010, 10:12 PM

I've got my package!!! :dance3::cool1::rotfl::cheer2::woohoo::banana:

DD is in bed and I am getting to go through all of it!! woohoo!

How fun!! Enjoy!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-16-2010, 09:42 AM

My package was so much fun to go through! I got Mickey luggage tags this time... we got Donald last year (maybe the last 2 trips?), and we also have YOMD tags.

I put my MHP tickets with the rest of the stuff so I don't forget and leave them behind. And tomorrow is payday, time to pickup some more gift cards!!! Almost there!! :dance3:

kaoden39

09-16-2010, 10:20 AM

Belle Ella

09-16-2010, 10:38 AM

:woohoo: That would bo some awesome mail! I would be entertained for hours just sifting through it. :woohoo: Getting closer!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-16-2010, 12:00 PM

:woohoo: That would bo some awesome mail! I would be entertained for hours just sifting through it. :woohoo: Getting closer!

I can't believe you have less than a week! Are you packed?! I started packing already... just waiting for those 1st weather reports (the 10 day ones!) Keeping my fingers crossed about the santa anas and fall fires. The last October trip we did there were some pretty bad fires. It did keep the crowds low because it was smokey... but we just noticed haze and had no issues with it otherwise!

Belle Ella

09-16-2010, 12:12 PM

I can't believe you have less than a week! Are you packed?! I started packing already... just waiting for those 1st weather reports (the 10 day ones!) Keeping my fingers crossed about the santa anas and fall fires. The last October trip we did there were some pretty bad fires. It did keep the crowds low because it was smokey... but we just noticed haze and had no issues with it otherwise!

I started packing at I think the 3 week mark. It's an event in itself for me. But I pack, unpack, pack, unpack - I like finding new ways to make things fit and it helps me figure out what I may have forgotten to pack. It's looking like my trip will be in the mid to high 70's which would be perfect. I'm not sure how accurate that is though. Is weather.com usually accurate? I don't know where else to check but I can ask some of the 'locals' and see if I need to adjust anything. I started off hoping for a hot weekend, but if that's how the weather works out it could just be perfect. I'll need to find a sweater to bring with me though. I keep forgetting that part. Oops.

Always keeping my fingers crossed that the fall fires wont be so bad. It's a horrible time of the year sometimes.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-16-2010, 12:34 PM

Is weather.com usually accurate? I don't know where else to check but I can ask some of the 'locals' and see if I need to adjust anything.

I like wunderground.com...you can check that too!

Belle Ella

09-16-2010, 12:40 PM

I like wunderground.com...you can check that too!

:thumbsup2 Thank you!

And look, 100 replies already!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-16-2010, 12:55 PM

And look, 100 replies already!

:thumbsup2 Lol... most of it is just my babbling!!

Belle Ella

09-16-2010, 12:56 PM

:thumbsup2 Lol... most of it is just my babbling!!

That's the best part though. If I actually cut out all of the babbling on mine ... Oh, the horror! Gives 'em charm! ;)

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-16-2010, 03:41 PM

Okay, just read that the "cavalcade" will be at 8:15 pm and 10:30 pm on our MHP party night... I am hoping fireworks will be at 9:05 then... hmmm... Get good seats for the cavalcade, and then stay put for the fireworks is my current plan.

Doesn't give us much time before the cavalcade for rides etc... since we won't be rolling in from dinner till after 6:30... I might skip the PPH dinner that night (unless I can get an earlier ressie) and do PPH Surfside and eat by the pool so we can head into DL a little earlier... thinking, thinking, thinking...

PrincessMaleficent

09-16-2010, 03:53 PM

Your trip is coming so soon. I can not wait. Sounds like you are going to have a great time.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-16-2010, 04:34 PM

Okay, I got more info, Halloween Screams will be at 9:30... with the cavalcade at 8:15 or 10:30. So... I think what we'll do is either do PPH Surfside to have something decent to eat before the party or just the concierge lounge if they have something early enough to tide us over. Then, head over to DL, trying to get there closer to 6. The party actually starts at 7... we'll do whatever and then try to see the early cavalcade if we can do it sortof "walk up" at the last minute. If not, then we'll scope out when to grab good places for the fireworks (initial reports from the 1st and 5th should help.) And then see if we can make it till the 10:30 cavalcade. I am hoping we will see the 1st one, so that we can wrap up the night after the fireworks, even with a nap I am sure we'll be pretty tired by then.

kaoden39

09-16-2010, 07:23 PM

I think I would go the same way you are.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-17-2010, 10:35 PM

PPH concierge theme park view + 5 day park hoppers + premium dining voucher for our Ariel's meal + regular dining voucher for our PPH breakfast: paid $2002.95, owe = $0!!!!
Airfare on Jet Blue PDX-LGB: $398.80 paid!
Cute t-shirts & jammies for "Tink" to surprise dd with: $50 paid
F! reserved seating: ~$59 each = $118 paid!
MHP tickets: ~$54 each = $108 paid!!
Transportation to/from airport: ~$100

Extra $ for meals (I've scoured the menus and come up with a rough idea of what our meals will cost):
Ariels (lunch): paid with vouchers
Lucky Fortune Cookery (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Carnation Cafe (dinner): $25
PPH (dinner): $27
PPH (breakfast): paid with vouchers
Rainforest Cafe (lunch): $30
Blue Bayou (dinner): $50
Storytellers (breakfast): $45
Little Red Wagon (lunch): $15 (no tip)
Dinner before WOC: ~$60 (WOC seating)
Minnie's (breakfast): $45
WWS (lunch): $20 (no tip)
Random snacks: $25 (no tip)

Tipped places: $282 + tips = $325
Non-tipped places: $80 (round up to $100)

I have $300 in gift cards for food purchased... I got a really cool Halloween gift card & a fairies one too! :thumbsup2

Total: $3205.75, paid $2977.75, owe = $225.00... $125 in food & $100 in transportation is all that is left... I'll have that in cash & debit... I am done!!

:dance3:

Belle Ella

09-17-2010, 10:38 PM

Way to go!! :cheer2::cheer2:

That is a pretty awesome thing, it is! I bet it feels good.

kaoden39

09-18-2010, 12:30 AM

That is wonderful!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-18-2010, 03:37 PM

Went to disneystore today--got my princess the Rapunzel costume & the hair... she has been wishy washy on what she wants to be... and finally decided Rapunzel--I didn't tell her I got it... will surprise her once we are in DL.

kaoden39

09-18-2010, 10:07 PM

Went to disneystore today--got my princess the Rupunzel costume & the hair... she has been wishy washy on what she wants to be... and finally decided Rupunzel--I didn't tell her I got it... will surprise her once we are in DL.

That is soooo fun. I am looking forward to that movie. I cannot believe I didn't spot that costume at the Disney Store yesterday.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-18-2010, 11:06 PM

That is soooo fun. I am looking forward to that movie. I cannot believe I didn't spot that costume at the Disney Store yesterday.

It is very pretty and purple--a real plus with the 6 year old set! I understand they are flying off the shelves like hotcakes... dd will probably be one of many Rapunzels at the MHP!

kaoden39

09-19-2010, 10:27 PM

It is very pretty and purple--a real plus with the 6 year old set! I understand they are flying off the shelves like hotcakes... dd will probably be one of many Rapunzels at the MHP!

That's possible, but you know she won't care.

magichusky

09-20-2010, 04:14 AM

Rapunzel sounds like such a fabulous costume! I can't wait for pics! I'm also excited about MHP pics- I've only gone once in 2008 and I don't remember there being anything except trick or treating and riding TOT over and over again. My friend and I actually scored our own private elevator that night! :banana: I'm thinking about attending the party this year though since it'll be in DL for the first time ever!:woohoo:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-22-2010, 01:38 PM

2 WEEKS!!!
:cool1::rotfl::banana::dance3::woohoo::yay:

kaoden39

09-22-2010, 01:43 PM

Oh wow!! This is when it gets great. You are almost down to single digits.:cool1:

jaylensmom

09-22-2010, 03:40 PM

I have been stalking your TR for weeks now...you have definitely inspired me to get my planning together...I'll be there 10/27-10/30 (or 10/31)...

PrincessMaleficent

09-22-2010, 03:43 PM

Woooooooohoooooooo you are almost there.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-22-2010, 05:16 PM

I have been stalking your TR for weeks now...you have definitely inspired me to get my planning together...I'll be there 10/27-10/30 (or 10/31)...

I inspired you to start now?! Have you not been paying attention? By now, you should have analyzed and re-analyzed your plan! :lmao: Get to it!! ;)

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-27-2010, 11:33 AM

Well, most toiletries are packed... some clothes are packed... just waiting for the weather report! In fact, today our 1st day in the parks is on the 10-day forecast! 78 degrees on October 6th! :thumbsup2

BeautyAndTheBeast22

09-27-2010, 11:54 AM

Subscribing! Can't wait for the TR and pics!

kaoden39

09-27-2010, 05:52 PM

You are getting so close!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-28-2010, 10:57 AM

If you can believe it, I am excited about the current weather report for the beginning of my trip... it says 10/6--77 degrees and showers!! and 10/7--73 degrees! Perfect temps, and if it does rain, no crowds!!! :cool1:

kaoden39

09-28-2010, 11:09 AM

If you can believe it, I am excited about the current weather report for the beginning of my trip... it say 10/6--77 degrees and showers!! and 10/7--73 degrees! Perfect temps, and if it does rain, no crowds!!! :cool1:

Hopefully the heat from this week doesn't last. Record heats here in California.

jaylensmom

09-28-2010, 01:40 PM

That's the best part though. If I actually cut out all of the babbling on mine ... Oh, the horror! Gives 'em charm! ;)

I know but I'm not sure i I will ever be as organized as you :) I can't wait to read your report after your trip...have fun!!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-29-2010, 12:11 AM

Okay, so it is crazy--one week from tomorrow and we'll be walking into the parks!! And, of course, the good 'ole disneyland calendar is still being tweaked.

Now, we have fireworks at 8:40 PM before F!... good for getting to bed earlier, and even better that we are doing dessert seating. I suppose we'll just have to make sure we are tucked into our seats by 8:30 so we can watch the fireworks from there like usual, right?

And Aladdin is back on the calendar... I'm aiming for the 2:20 on our last day there... Rainforest Cafe (a must for dd) at 11:45... then wander into DCA and line up for Aladdin (I have the voucher things for preferred seating) a 1/2 hour or so beforehand... should give us a decent amount of time between lunch and when we have to be there... and then it should be over around 3, which gives us 2 hours to shop before we get a cab, also perfect!! We save souvie shopping for the very end, because I'd rather not spend time shopping during the trip.

I am up to 1.75 miles in roughly 30 minutes on the treadmill each day, think I am ready to tackle the walking! On past trips we've averaged 6-9 miles a day, and by day 4 I am beat. I am hoping not to be so tired this trip. The stroller is a big help... our first trip when dd was 3, we tried to go stoller-less (I did not know better) and both hubby and I were dying by day 3 from carrying my 30-pounder all the time. And he works out and is in good shape. Since then I bring the stroller, and it has been better... tired on day 4, but not in pain so much... so we'll see if the pre-trip walks will help.

Alright, off to bed... my dreams are getting muddled with pre-trip excitement. I dreamt the other night that splash and big thunder somehow morphed into one ride... it was weird.

kaoden39

09-29-2010, 12:15 AM

Goodnight!

So exciting and so close!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-29-2010, 02:03 PM

1 WEEK!

:cool1::rotfl::banana::dance3::yay::woohoo:

DisneyMomma81

09-29-2010, 02:15 PM

:cool1: So close ~ I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

kaoden39

09-29-2010, 02:18 PM

So wonderfully close!!

DisneyMomma81

09-29-2010, 02:31 PM

Day 4—Sat
Awake 7:30 am—Bed 10:15 pm (nap in room)
DL 8-12, DCA 10-10
F! 9:05 pm
Breakfast: PPH @ 7:50 am
Lunch: Taste Pilot’s Grill @ 12 pm
Dinner: Blue Bayou @ 5 pm

Soarin 1st (is TSMM open yet?!), Monster’s, Silly Swings, Animation Academy, Turtle Talk. Lunch, nap (1-4), go to DL for BB dinner (do I need to p/u F! dessert passes early?) DL will probably be very crowded, just stick it out around Pooh, Pirates, HM etc until time for F! at 9:05 pm. Sit for fireworks if they are having them. Then off to bed.

DD & did the F! dessert package for her B-day trip *on the 4th of July* we saw the 2nd show, I lined up fairly early and because it was just the 2 of us I figured we were in for the long haul - noone to stay and wait while others went on rides. Well a nice man in front of me offered to hold our spot - it worked out great and we were the 3rd to pick our spots for the 2nd show! We got the 3rd and 4th best seats cause the 2nd to choose *the man in front of us* was a group of the 3 - the 1st to choose chose the best 2 spots and there was a total of 4 great seats so we got the other 2! :woohoo:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

09-29-2010, 10:00 PM

DD & did the F! dessert package for her B-day trip *on the 4th of July* we saw the 2nd show, I lined up fairly early and because it was just the 2 of us I figured we were in for the long haul - noone to stay and wait while others went on rides. Well a nice man in front of me offered to hold our spot - it worked out great and we were the 3rd to pick our spots for the 2nd show! We got the 3rd and 4th best seats cause the 2nd to choose *the man in front of us* was a group of the 3 - the 1st to choose chose the best 2 spots and there was a total of 4 great seats so we got the other 2! :woohoo:

How great for you!! I love it when people are nice and help out like that!! I remember the 1st time we stood in line, got our pick of seats, did Pooh and tiki room and other things nearby and then went back, got the dessert boxes, had to make a mad dash to the potties, and then back to our seats... and we just made it before the show started! This year the fireworks will be beforehand, so we need to make sure the potty trip is early enough--but late enough too if you know what I mean!

Have any of you noticed the weather report for next week... it looks awesome!!! :cool1:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-01-2010, 01:03 PM

OMG! 5 more days!!!!
:cool1::dance3::woohoo::banana:

BeautyAndTheBeast22

10-01-2010, 01:12 PM

OMG! 5 more days!!!!
:cool1::dance3::woohoo::banana:

How exciting!! :banana: The last couple of days always seem to go by so slowly or atleast for me they do! 5 Days and you'll be Disneyland bound!

kaoden39

10-01-2010, 01:23 PM

So, so close!! I am so excited for you all!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-01-2010, 02:46 PM

I am having hubby take dd to her gymnastics lesson and the zoo afterward tomorrow so I can officially pack & clean house in peace... and I need to run to the dollar store to get a couple more ponchos--I only found 1 at home.

I am a little bummed because I just washed up the tees I got for dd from the disneystore back in February when I started planning this, and one of them: "It is all about MEOW" with Marie kitty on it, the MEOW came off... and well, since I got it in February, on sale for $5.99, I think I have an extra dishrag now :sad1: But the others washed up fine...

I also need to remember to pack my white noise machine and phone charger...

DH wants me to tell dd when I wake her at 3:45 am on Wednesday... I was thinking I might be able to fool her into thinking it is the normal wake up time and act like she is going to school... and she'll figure it out in the car. It is pretty dark when we get up and head out now, and she has little time in the morning before we get in the car on a school day anyway. But he wants to see her expression--even if is just "can I go back to sleep?" ;) Since he leaves for Mexico the next day for his boys trip, he will be out of touch and won't get to hear about the trip till he gets back...

kaoden39

10-01-2010, 07:22 PM

Definitely want to remember the phone charger and the white noise machine.

I can understand DH wanting to be part of the surprise. I would want to be too.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-03-2010, 03:33 PM

Okay, we're all packed... I cleaned out my backpack to put toiletries in for the plane ride (we don't check bags), and my dd's backpack has a few surprises in it for her--although since we are flying jetblue that means tvs in the back of every seat, so that will probably be enough to keep her occupied... I do hope she sleeps a little, but it is such a short flight that might not happen.

I've got the extra car seat strapped into my pac-back (for all you moms out there, it is the best invention for hauling carseats through airports, whether you gate check them or let your kiddo sit in their carseat on the plane, I got mine at onestepahead.)

I also have the new stroller already in the trunk.

White noise machine is also packed... the only things I have to wait on are putting in my pillow and the phone charger. (In case you are wondering, dd and I fit stuff for 5 days in 1 carryon, including my temperpedic pillow. But we each also bring a backpack, her carseat and a stroller--so I still look like a packmule! :lmao:)

I also washed up dd's and my water sandals today, so they are all fresh for the trip... we each have 2 pairs of shoes... the larger of the 2 we wear on the plane, and pack the smaller.

I am ready already!! Hubby still has his stuff strewn all over the bedroom, he leaves for his parent's house the day we go to DL, and then he and his dad (plus brother in law and nephew) fly out the next morning for Mexico... so he thinks he still has plenty of time to pack.

So far the weather looks great... headed toward hot by the week's end:

Wed: 70/53
Thu: 72/54
Fri: 82/59
Sat: 89/61
Sun: 87/58

Much better than here:

Wed: 72/49
Thu: 66/50
Fri: 67/54
Sat: 67/55
Sun: 63/53

Alright... can't believe it is almost here, I made my first post in this thread on January 5th!! Woohooo!! :cool1::dance3::woohoo::banana:

kaoden39

10-03-2010, 03:38 PM

The weather sound about right, from what the weatherman says for here. Have a wonderful trip and I can hardly wait to hear all about it!!

Tablefor5

10-03-2010, 04:24 PM

Have a great time and can't wait to hear your report when you get back!:wizard:

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-04-2010, 12:54 PM

The crowd reports are making me a little nervous... I am really glad we have Wed & Thursday to get a lot done, then we can go with the flow the rest of the time...

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-05-2010, 09:30 AM

I printed my boarding passes... less than 24 hours from now we will be in the air!!

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

PrincessMaleficent

10-05-2010, 10:13 AM

Your trip is here, well okay tmorrow. I am so excited for you. I can not wait to see your pictures and how it goes.

kaoden39

10-05-2010, 12:05 PM

Have a great time!! I can hardly wait to hear about all the fun you guys have!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-05-2010, 12:24 PM

Thanks guys for following all this time!

The weather looks great... I just double checked:

Wed: 72/54 (possible t-storms!)
Thu: 71/55
Fri: 77/58
Sat: 83/61
Sun: 84/62

So they've cooled it down a tad for Saturday and Sunday...

I'll probably not post again before takeoff! I hope to maybe add a quick update or two during the trip though!

kaoden39

10-05-2010, 12:32 PM

Other than the thunderstorms it looks good.

Have fun!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-08-2010, 02:59 PM

we're having a blast! highlights:

wed-rain, pretty short lines. saw ppp & celebrate
thu-mm and dd rode smgg & did not like it-i liked it tho. saw woc with dinner passes. amazing-not to be missed.
today-busier. almost nap time. mhp tonight.

more later from a real computer!

kaoden39

10-08-2010, 03:03 PM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-08-2010, 11:21 PM

at mhp-its awesome. short lines-rode peter pan with 5 min wait, snow 3x in a row, hm walked on. met jack sparrow & sally. now sitting 20 ft from partner statue for screams in 15 minutes!!

kaoden39

10-08-2010, 11:22 PM

at mhp-its awesome. short lines-rode peter pan with 5 min wait, snow 3x in a row, hm walked on. met jack sparrow & sally. now sitting 20 ft from partner statue for screams in 15 minutes!!

Sounds wonderful!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-11-2010, 01:03 PM

Trip report is coming, and I will finally figure out how to do pictures!

Highlights:

MHP was a blast, we saved the candy gathering for later and rode as many rides as we could--all with very short lines!

WOC is amazing, I highly recommend doing Ariels to get the WOC passes. We lined up at 6:30 for the 8:15 show, and got front rail in our section.

F! was awesome, so glad we had dessert tickets... again, we lined up at 6:30 to check in at 8. Came back at 8:30, watched RDCT from our seats at 8:40 and F! afterward. It was the only time we have ever heard them announce that the viewing area for F! was at capacity and they wouldn't let anyone else into the ROA area. It was insanely crowded!!!

The Paradise Pier Hotel was lovely... I would pick it over the DLH now... felt like a shorter walk with the shortcut through GCH to me. We were on the 14th floor with a theme park view. Do run the room fan & bring a white noise machine (we needed both!!) to block the construction noises from DCA--which go all night. With both going, we slept great.

kaoden39

10-11-2010, 01:07 PM

Welcome back!! I am glad to hear you had so much fun!!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-11-2010, 04:32 PM

Okay, the pics are taking forever... so I am not going to put many on here... but I'll put a few to make you pic crazy people happy!

Okay, so the alarm went off at 3:30 am, and I woke dd up at 3:45 am. She was still trying to sleep, and I asked her if she wanted to go on vacation with me instead of school. She nodded. But kept trying to sleep. I then asked where would she like to go? She shrugs, but then says "I'm listening." :lmao: By, now dh is dying and about ready to pop... so he says "How about the happiest place on earth?" DD rolls over, sits up, and slides out of bed, and says "I'm up, let's go!" :rotfl:

So, we were off to the airport a few minutes after 4. Had no issues parking and catching a shuttle. Even had time to sit and eat a little something before going to our gate. At the gate we met another family with a 3 year old who were also headed to DL, we took turns watching each other's stuff for potty breaks before the flight. A short 2 hours later we landed at LGB, gathered everything up (1 carryon, 1 stroller, 1 carseat, 2 backpacks) and crossed the street and got a cab. It was a $45 flat fee, and took about 20 minutes to get to PPH.

By now it was 10 am, and we headed up to the concierge lounge, check in went smoothly, but of course our room wasn't ready. We relaxed a bit and then dropped half our stuff at the bell desk and headed into the park. It was POURING down rain!! :scared:

Okay, no problem, we're from Oregon right? Then, my cell phone rang--thought maybe our room was ready. Nope, it was Disney Dining, cancelling our 2:30 pm Carnation Cafe ressie. Crap! :sad2: So, I asked if anything was open for that time, where we could sit down, and she said due to the rain almost all the sit down restaurants were closed... and the ones that weren't did not have any ressies available. Okay, fine, plan B.

We toured Sleeping Beauty's castle, and rode the Carousel, then decided to go check out Pixie Hollow, since all the lines we could see were super long. Surprise!! No lines for Pixie Hollow... well, maybe 20 people in front of us, and yes, fairies are out in the rain.

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/006-1.jpg

We got to meet Vidia and Tink, and Vidia was awesome! She asked dd if she had seen her new movie "The one where I save Tinkerbell's life?!" It was great!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/014-1.jpg

By now we were starving, so we grabbed a corndog, and thankfully it was only sprinkling at this point. Pretty soon, we gave up on DL, and headed over to DCA. DCA was pretty quiet. We got Soarin' FPs, rode Monster's Inc (twice!)--Roz sang Happy Birthday to me! :thumbsup2 Then we did Bug's Land, and got a little dinner at Cucina Cucamonga (good, but not great), and then caught the PPP from across from the Bug's Life entrance.
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/021.jpg

After that we rode Soarin, then we walked back to DL, bought a bat shaped chocolate cookie, and a steamer for dd and a decaf latte for me, and planted ourselves near Carnation Cafe on the curb to wait for Celebrate.
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/034.jpg

DD loves both parades... PPP is a favorite of ours, and Celebrate was fun because she got to dance, do the conga line, and they gave her a drum to beat during another part of it. After the parade we were beat, and we finally went to check out our room at the PPH.

Okay, I did concierge for the 1st time ever this trip. But, because of the short hours, we barely took advantage of it. However... our room on the 14th floor had a killer view. We walked in right as WOC was starting, cracked the windows and could hear perfectly (there is a channel on tv for audio too though), and watched some of the show. We could see the fountains and the water effects really well, but the screens were just blobs of color.

Daytime room view:
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/039.jpg

WOC room view:
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/038.jpg

The bad part was, even that high up, the construction around where the boat used to be in DCA is noisy--and goes all night long. I did bring a white noise machine. And we used that, but figured out that it in combination with the room a/c on "fan mode" was perfect for drowning out the "beep beep beep" of the construction equipment.

We've now stayed at all 3 on-site hotels. Have not yet stayed in the renovated rooms at the DLH however. But, I would rank the hotels like this: GCH (for how close it is to the park), PPH (loved that it really felt close since we cut through GCH and avoided DTD mostly--and our view was awesome!), then DLH--which just seems soooo far away, even though it is supposedly the same to the PPH if you use the short-cut.

Okay, I need to do some work... Day #2 coming later!

kaoden39

10-11-2010, 10:03 PM

Sounds great so far!! I can hardly wait to read it all.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-11-2010, 10:59 PM

Okay... so while photobucket is downloading forever, I'll tell you all about Day #2!

Today was MM day... we did concierge for breakfast and were out the door and on the way to the line at 7:30... now, this I was a little grumpy about, we were moving slower than I like--I wanted to be in line already at 7:30!! But we got there, and in a fairly short line (50 people in front of us?) and as soon as we were let in, we headed straight for Peter Pan (first, always first!!) :thumbsup2

This is when it got funny! We rode Peter, then went to Alice, I had my birthday button on, and these two ladies were in front of us on Alice, then we headed to Toady, and yep, they were in front of us on Toady, then Pinocchio--but they walked a bit faster than us, so there was a family between us... by now, we'd talked a few times--they knew my name thanks to the button, and I was trying to assure them I wasn't a stalker!! Then we hit Snow--yep right behind them. By now it was getting close to 9, and I wanted to be in front of the 9 am regular crowd for the FPs for SMGG... so off we went.

We got to SMGG just in time to grab FPs and get over to Buzz as the 9 am-ers came strolling in. Whew!! ;) After Buzz, we did Small World, and then headed to HM to get FPs for that... I was already getting tired of all the walking!! We stopped at Indy because it was a 10 minutes wait, and DD finally got to ride Indy--she liked, but did not love the ride (a bit bumpy for her.) Okay, now we had 2 sets of FPs in my pocket, so we backtracked and rode SMGG--it was scarier than I thought it would be. DD was fine, but declared it a "not fun" ride. Okay, reverse course... back to HM... by now the wait for it was over an hour, but we sailed right on with our FPs. Then we did Pooh to make up for SMGG.

By now it was 11 am and we had 11:40 ressies at Ariels, and I wanted to swing into the store there and get dd a WOC shirt to wear that night... so off we went.

Adorable Ariel WOC shirt purchased, and then we headed in to the princesses... and had a lovely lunch with the big 5 (Ariel, Cindy, Snow, Belle, and Aurora.) By now it was really nap time... phew! But, just in case, we stopped by Soarin and got FPs for after nap!

We had a lovely nap, and needed to head back into the park for dinner. Hit up Soarin' using the FPs, and then were racing back to Ariels (yes, twice in one day.) Our ressies were at 4:30 pm (and it was now 4:29 pm.) And there was this crazy line out the door. Okay, so here I ticked off a few people in this one group.

So I got in line, asked the people in front of us if they were waiting to check in. They said yes. So, we waited 5 minutes--and I swear the line was not moving. Then another group went rushing in to the front and were sent straight downstairs. So, now I am worried that we'll lose our ressie. So, I grabbed dd, and went around the line to check to see if we needed to do something, since it was now past our check in time. I rudely interrupted (oops!) and the cm gave me a pager... but oh boy, the people in the front of the line were shooting serious daggers at me!! And I heard their ressie wasn't until 5 pm.

Okay, so I promise I behaved myself the rest of the time!!

We had a great dinner... the appetizer and dessert are different than the Ariel's meal (just a little), and we ordered different entrees, so it was all good. We got done with dinner at 5:45 and went and bought some glow cotton candy, and strolled over to the general WOC gathering area.

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/057.jpg

So, we hung out in back of the WOC standing area, and this nice CM was chatting with everyone, kindof giving a headsup... and pointed over to the side (where all the pathways converge behind the standing area) and said that we would need to move there soon. So, at 6:15 we joined the beginnings of the crowd there...

Pretty soon, it was a large crowd and they were keeping walkways open etc... and we were about 1 group behind the front. Then they explained that we would be "lined up" more or less between these crowd control fences in 4 lines, and that it didn't matter which line we were in--as long as we didn't have "red passes", they wanted those people to go elsewhere...

So off to the cattle guard area we went next... still about 1 group back... I figure they did this to make it easier to check everyone's passes. Then at 7:15 they started checking passes, and you could go to your section which were marked with signs... DD and I hurried, and were the 5th group or so into preferred dining. I had her jump out of her stroller, and we headed down to the bottom rail (she wanted to be close.) Then she sat in the stroller and I sat on the ground and leaned against the rail for 45 minutes, before standing up for a few minutes before the show started.

All I have to say about the show is AMAZING!!!! :worship:

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/066.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/077.jpg

Phew! After the show (which we were only lightly misted), we were zonked... it took us quite awhile to manuever through the crowds. But we eventually made it to the PPH and were in bed by 10 pm.

kaoden39

10-11-2010, 11:06 PM

Wow you had an action packed day!! Were the Princesses wonderful?

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-11-2010, 11:45 PM

Wow you had an action packed day!! Were the Princesses wonderful?

The princesses were all really great... I also think that the families are the best behaved at the princess meal. No character hogging, or bugging the princesses out of turn. DD was a little starstruck, and hardly talks to the characters, so I kind of feel silly holding up her end of the conversation. But, we really look forward to that character meal each trip.

kaoden39

10-11-2010, 11:50 PM

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-11-2010, 11:59 PM

Maybe it is the atmosphere of Ariel's Grotto? Or maybe it is the Princesses themselves? That is interesting. I know what you mean though, I find the way that people go out of their way to grab the characters and don't wait for a turn sort of ticks me off.

When our son was 5 his strategy with the characters was he pretended that they weren't there. That way he wouldn't have to talk to them. We were at Goofy's Kitchen and Goofy wouldn't not leave him alone until he got him to laugh. It took about 5 minutes for it to happen it was great.

That is funny about your son with Goofy... Stitch is like that for dd... won't leave her alone till she is laughing... We have mixed feelings about Minnie's due to the guests... we see a ton of characters there... but this trip (I'll get to it on day 5!!) I actually had to tell a 10 year old to wait her turn. :confused3

kaoden39

10-12-2010, 12:03 AM

That is funny about your son with Goofy... Stitch is like that for dd... won't leave her alone till she is laughing... We have mixed feelings about Minnie's due to the guests... we see a ton of characters there... but this trip (I'll get to it on day 5!!) I actually had to tell a 10 year old to wait her turn. :confused3

I often wonder if parents don't teach their children manners anymore. My kids have always known better than to do things like that. I find that sad.

JH87

10-12-2010, 01:42 AM

Love you TR and photos so far!

SnowWhite09

10-12-2010, 03:55 AM

Sounds like a great trip so far - thanks for sharing with us! :goodvibes

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-12-2010, 09:16 AM

Thanks for reading guys... I'll try and do day #3 at work (MHP!)... but pics and day #4 (F!) will have to wait till I get home tonight! ;)

amamax2

10-12-2010, 09:24 AM

I am exhausted hearing all you did in one day!

Loved the pictures!

Do you remember how much that glow cotton candy was? My kids would love something like that.

kaoden39

10-12-2010, 09:51 AM

I love the pictures you added.

FlameGirl

10-12-2010, 10:07 AM

Loving your trip report so far.

I love that your daughter said "I'm listening"...that just cracked me up. Sounds so adult.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-12-2010, 10:59 AM

I am exhausted hearing all you did in one day!

Loved the pictures!

Do you remember how much that glow cotton candy was? My kids would love something like that.

We were pretty tired too!! Naps are a must!! I think the glow cotton candy was $6.50? Its hard to remember... we saved the lightstick, which dd thinks is super cool!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-12-2010, 11:00 AM

Loving your trip report so far.

I love that your daughter said "I'm listening"...that just cracked me up. Sounds so adult.

I know! She totally cracked me up too... you had to see it though, she's all snuggled up, eyes closed, still trying to sleep... it was the 1st thing she actually said. The rest was shrugs and nods! :rotfl:

amamax2

10-12-2010, 06:27 PM

[QUOTE=FlameGirl;38559877I love that your daughter said "I'm listening"...that just cracked me up. Sounds so adult.[/QUOTE]

I told my DH about you surprising her and the whole conversation..he got teary eyed at the image. :goodvibes Then said, remember when we surprised the kids? (We refer to that time as our Mastercard moment...trip $$, tickets $$, the look on their faces when they realized where we were? Priceless.)

Yup, Good times, great memories.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-12-2010, 11:03 PM

All right! So, I didn't get to this at work today... so here goes!

Today we kind of got to sleep in... up at 7:15 and off to and 8 am ressie at GCH and Chip & Dale's breakfast. We had a great time, but I kinda got Grumpy because we were in one of the alcoves by the window, and couldn't see into the restaurant, so I couldn't tell if we were missing characters. I said something, and they told the manager, and they brought over Koda for a more in-depth meet and greet with his handler... it was great... discussed fish, he complained that the fish in Grizzly River were too small... he wished it would rain large fish... lol! It was a hoot! We also saw: Terk, Meeko, Kenai & Chip & Dale.

Then we headed into DCA through the GCH entrance, with about 500 others that wanted WOC passes... well, we really just wanted to ride Soarin. So, we headed for the rope drop for that and got top row middle on the 1st ride of the day!! :banana: Then, we got FPs for later, and walked toward Monster's Inc for that rope drop.

DD got to participate in the "Scream Contest" at Monster's Inc for the 1st time ever, which was really cool. Then we rode the ride 2x, and the 1st time Roz sang to me again, and the 2nd she wished me Happy Birthday (that birthday button is magical--even if it was putting holes in my shirts!)

We had yet to do the bumper cars in Bug's Land, so we hit that next, and then we attempted TOT. Needless to say, DD liked the queue, but when we walked up to get into the elevator she balked. Since the ride was a walk-on we hung out for a minute and watched a group go in, and talked about whether we were going to use the chicken exit or not... we finally chickened out, and I told dd that was okay, maybe next time!

On the way back through Bug's Land we hit Heimlich's train (love that ride!) and then headed to the Symphony Swings... dd had never rode them (I didn't like the looks of it when it was an Orange.) So we gave them a go (in the tandem swings, since dd is tiny)... ended up riding them twice! :thumbsup2

The last thing we hit before lunch (it was now noon! Time flies fast when you don't really get going until 9:30!) was Grizzly... the line looked short, so we poncho'd up and headed in. DD was hungry and tired, and I think was a little nervous about the ride... so a quick pep talk was in order, and then off we went! She loved it and thought it was hilarious that I got wet, even with a poncho on!!

We used our Soarin FPs to dry off a bit, then we had a quick lunch at WWS and were off to nap!

After nap, I put on my Tink shirt, and DD went back into her Rapunzel gown, and we headed to the concierge room... as luck would have it they had hamburgers for "dinner" & dd got her fill of veggies & cheese & crackers & a huge chocolate covered strawberry. Then it was time for MHP!

Right before we entered into DL, we saw Nanny McPhee... okay, I had forgotten she was not a Disney character... and she was taking pictures with some kids... so we asked her to sign DD's book... her costume and makeup were so amazing, I really thought she was a cm! Oh well... dd thought it was cool to see her though!

Unfortunately we got inside when Celebrate was going on (it started at 6 pm)... so it was a zoo... I was trying to get us to ToonTown before it closed for the night. We finally made it (at 6:45!!) and as luck would have it, it stayed open till 8! We got to ride Gadget's Go Coaster, check out the houses. And for the 1st time in 4 trips, Mickey's House did not have a line & was open!! So we actually went inside!!!! :woohoo:

I figured the big cheese wouldn't be there... so you can imagine my surprise!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/104-1.jpg

After ToonTown we headed to Fantasyland, and skipping the long candy lines, rode Toady with no wait, TeaCups with no wait, Peter Pan with a 10 minute wait, and then Snow White 3x without exiting!

Then it was Halloween Screams time... unfortunately we were to the left of the Partner's Statue, so a tree blocked the globe that Jack was on... but the rest of the view was fine... we loved these fireworks!

The castle all Halloween-y:
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/133.jpg

Then we decided to go find some characters... we had already seen that the Villain line was huge... but we did see:

Captain Jack:
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/117.jpg

Sally:
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/119.jpg

And we had just started visiting with Brer Fox, when Brer Bear ran up and hogged the spotlight! It was pretty hilarious!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/123.jpg

We did get some candy, but then needed to start wrapping up the night... I saw that the line for Matterhorn was non-existent, so I talked dd into riding in the dark! :thumbsup2 and as soon as we got off, the cavalcade was almost to the exit of the ride, so we just walked up and sat down right next to the route! Perfect timing!!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/125.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/131.jpg

After the cavalcade was over it was 10:45 and soooo very much bedtime... so off we went to the hotel, and climbed in bed just as the 11:15 WOC was starting!

kaoden39

10-12-2010, 11:35 PM

I love the picture of your DD with Capt. Jack. He seems to be paying attention to her like she is the only person in the world. I like that.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-12-2010, 11:38 PM

You all still with me? I know I am long winded! :rotfl:

Can you still call it sleeping in if you go to bed at 11:15 pm and get up at 7:15?? Uugh... DD and I were starting to get tired!! DL opened at 7 am with MM, yeah right, not going to happen. So we had planned on Surf's Up at 7:50 am and a DCA morning instead.

Surf's Up was so much fun, Stitch is still our fav!!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/139.jpg

We also saw: Mickey, Minnie, Daisy & Pluto. We almost missed Pluto, but our very nice waiter asked if we had missed anyone, and we said Pluto, so he set it up so we would see him before we left. :thumbsup2 If you eat here, and you are a fan of French toast, you have to try the peanut butter, chocolate, banana French toast! It was so yummy!

After breakfast it was off to DCA... we timed it a little better, and got there after they let in the hoards that want to go get WOC passes... and we went to the Soarin rope drop. Second row middle this time, and yes, we got FPs for later again (seeing a trend?)

Then we went the other way for the rope drop on the way to Screamin', except we didn't want to ride Screamin' (dd is too little), instead we headed to Symphony Swings. We were the 1st people there, and got to go on the swings all by ourselves... then we rode 2 more times without exiting. They would have let us ride more, but I was getting dizzy! :dance3:

Okay, then I got brave, we decided to try the swinging cars on Mickey's Wheel of Doom! We had never done them before, always did the stationary cars. And I have to say it wasn't bad... maybe it was the lack of weight in our car, but it was very gentle. No problems whatsoever!

Then we rode King Triton's Carousel... and as soon as we got off, I noticed Woody hanging out with basically no line... so off we went to see Woody!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/161.jpg

By now, you guessed it, it was nap time.... so we wandered out, stopping only at Soarin for a quick ride, and went back to the hotel. We grabbed a quick lunch at the PPH surfside bar or whatever it is called, chicken nuggets and a burger--which were fine, but not great.

We had a 2 hour nap, and then I woke dd up to go to the pool for an hour. This was supposed to be our hottest day, and she really wanted to try the pool. This was my only major gripe (next time we are skipping the dang pool!) the large pool was freezing, the small pool was warm, but DD is kinda too big for it. And at 3 pm there wasn't a single available chair to be had in the whole place. So, we just stayed the hour and went back to the room to clean up. I much prefer the DLH and GCH pools.

We got back to DL at 4:30 and proceeded to fight the masses to get to Blue Bayou by 5 pm. I have never been so happy to have sit-down ressies in my entire life. The place was swamped. We had a wonderful dinner, only waited 15 minutes for a waterside table, and the food was awesome.

After dinner, we went and grabbed FPs for Splash, they had a 9:10 pm return time--which was perfect since F! was at 9:05 pm.

At almost 6:30 we wandered up to the line for the F! dessert seating check in. We were about the 5th people in line. And we found out that indeed, we needed to wait till 8 pm to check in. So we settled in for the duration. I did met some very cool people from Seattle (a nanny and 2 kiddos!) While we were waiting, I ran to HM and got FPs, but the return time wasn't until 11:15 pm. Pretty soon the nanny we were hanging out with left and got food for her charges... took her almost 45 minutes... but the kids were happy to eat in line.

By the time we got all checked in the entire ROA area was insane. DD and I went to check out the lines for rides and saw Pirates queue was completely full and stretched toward HM. HM's queue was full and stretched all the way around the fountain blocking the path to the FPs, and then went on toward Pirates... Jungle Cruise was an hour wait. Sheesh... we did Tarzan, used the restroom and called it good.

In the times we have gone, I have never heard an announcement that the ROA viewing area for F! was at capacity. We heard the announcement that night, and I was not that surprised. It was a zoo!

We headed back to the F! dessert line, and got let in right at 8:30. The fireworks were at 8:40, and F! was at 9:05. Sorry, no pics... but everything was wonderful. A grandma and her pre-teen granddaughter were sitting next to us. And they said they were staying till closing, so I gifted them my HM FPs... the kiddo was very excited.

After the show we went and rode Splash--in the dark--and DD was so brave. We poncho'd up again (the poor guys in front of us teased us, and then ended up soaked to their tennis shoes!!) And after the big drop, dd looked at me and said "I am so proud of Myself!!" :woohoo: I was proud of her too!

Then we rode Pooh one time as a reward for braving Splash, and it was time to head back to bed. We rolled into the room right as the 10:15 WOC was ending.

Okay, I am done for tonight, day #5 (our last day) will come tomorrow!

kaoden39

10-12-2010, 11:44 PM

I am proud of her too. She is so big to conquer the unknown.

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-12-2010, 11:46 PM

I love the picture of your DD with Capt. Jack. He seems to be paying attention to her like she is the only person in the world. I like that.

Oh, I know! He was so awesome... They told us right before we got up there, that he needed to leave and that Capt Hook, Peter Pan & Wendy were coming out--which would have been fine with us. But I got so many good pics with Capt. Jack, that I am glad we had him... that pic was my favorite though!

kaoden39

10-12-2010, 11:51 PM

Oh, I know! He was so awesome... They told us right before we got up there, that he needed to leave and that Capt Hook, Peter Pan & Wendy were coming out--which would have been fine with us. But I got so many good pics with Capt. Jack, that I am glad we had him... that pic was my favorite though!

What more can a girl ask for than to be the center of a hot guys attention?:rotfl: I love CM's that take the time to make the experience special for someone.

DisneyMomma81

10-13-2010, 10:29 AM

How fun! Great report ~ your visit reminds me very much of DD's & my visit this past July.

FlameGirl

10-13-2010, 03:07 PM

So...is Captain Jack BACK? Or is this just a Halloween thing? I would love it if they brought him back on a regular basis.

Your daughter is super cute. I don't know if you've followed my PTR at all, but my daughter tends to chicken out of the bigger rides at the last minute, too. This trip she swears she's doing TOT, SM, and Screamin'....we shall see....we shall see. ;)

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-13-2010, 09:22 PM

So...is Captain Jack BACK? Or is this just a Halloween thing? I would love it if they brought him back on a regular basis.

I don't know if he is back permanently... we always saw him out on pirate island before... He was really awesome.

Your daughter is super cute. I don't know if you've followed my PTR at all, but my daughter tends to chicken out of the bigger rides at the last minute, too. This trip she swears she's doing TOT, SM, and Screamin'....we shall see....we shall see. ;)

Thanks, my dd is so much fun, we just love trips... she has great ideas for where she wants to go next too... she is bravely saying that next time she'll ride TOT the only ride that she hasn't been on that she is tall enough for!

Mommy2PrincessAbby

10-13-2010, 11:44 PM

Okay, our last day :sad1: I am already missing it so much... as you can see, I put a new ticker, I am thinking early December 2012 when all the DCA stuff has been done for a bit...

Sunday morning was again a 7 am MM, which there was no chance we would make it to. I had mostly packed everything the night before, so I finished up my packing before waking dd and getting her dressed so I could pack the jammies & toothbrushes etc...

Did I mention that each morning DD woke up to something from Tink?? 3 mornings it was a cute tee (as evidenced in all the photos) and the 1st morning was her Rapunzel costume. She thinks it is very cool and perfectly normal that Tink would leave her presents every night while she is sleeping.

Anyhow... after we were finished dressing and packing, I hauled everything down to the bell boys to hang on to for us until 5 pm. Then, around 7:30 we started in toward DL, for 8 am ressies at Minnie and Friends.

We had a good breakfast (the food is my least favorite here, but the quantity of characters can not be beat!) The only issue was the large group in the front room (the one with all the windows?) Anyhow, they were harassing the characters the second they came into view--typically as they were coming to our table. They had at least 5 kids in the group... so it was picture with A, B, C, D & E... sign A, B, C, D & E's book... now picture with A & B, and C & D... and so on... killing me.

Finally, when Pinocchio and Geppetto came out, they mobbed them, and we patiently waited again, and it was finally our turn, a pre-teen from their group came over, and was standing at my elbow while I was taking pics of DD... I had enough... I looked at her and told her to wait her turn... thankfully she scooted back to our group. In our experience, this character meal has the least respectful attendees... Ariels is the best, with Chip & Dale's a close second.

Okay, enough complaining. We did get to see: Minnie, Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore, Fairy Godmother, Geppetto, Pinocchio, Capt. Hook, Rafiki, & Chip & Dale. Quite the character haul!
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/174.jpg

After breakfast it was time to ride what we wanted to one last time... Did I mention it felt like it was already 90 degrees? Yikes.

We headed for HM, grabbed FPs... then tried to go to Tiki Room, it wasn't open yet... so we back tracked to Jungle Cruise and had a 10 minute wait there. Then we did Pirates (I teased DD that we were just going to ride boats all morning!) and then our HM FPs were ready, so off we went to HM. Then we backtacked to Tiki Room, used the wonderfully clean and not crowded potties inside the lobby area, and bought a Dole Whip to share! :thumbsup2 and then sang along to the birds and flowers for a bit!

When we got out Aladdin and Jasmine had just gotten to the Oasis... so we hopped in for a pic with them.
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/184.jpg

After that we cruised through Fantasyland and took a final ride on Snow White (dd's favorite!) before starting to head toward the monorail. On the way there we saw the Evil Queen at the villains area--and she hardly had a line!! So we jumped into line. Sure enough, she decided to go change into something more comfortable 1 person before we got up there, and we got Jafar instead.
http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/mommy2princessabby/Halloween%20Time%202010/188.jpg

After that we headed for the monorail--it was 11:45 am, and we had noon ressies at Rainforest Cafe. This is DD's favorite place to eat, and we do not have one anywhere near us. So, it is a must when we are at DL. Lunch was good, only disappointment is we weren't seated next to a noisy animal--DD likes the animals!

After lunch it was off to DCA. DD really wanted to ride Symphony Swings again. So that was the 1st place we went. By now it was really 90 degrees, didn't just feel like it, and we were dying. The Swings were fun of course, and yes, we grabbed Soarin FPs on the way to them.

Now it was time to finally go see Aladdin. Right as we walked up though, they were announcing that there was something wrong, and they may have to cancel the show. They would let us know at 2 pm. We found some shade on a cm only pathway... and sat down to wait for a bit. At 2 we entered the mob to try and learn something. The cm's said they didn't know anything and that the show was not cancelled yet, but could be at anytime. Well, I was done... I needed to get out of the heat. So we went and bought some dibs and found more shade.

After the dibs, we went and talked to Crush, and learned how to draw Dale... and then we were starting to feel halfway cool again. It was about time to head out... so we hit Soarin and said goodbye to DCA.

I always make DD wait till the last day to buy a souvie. So, we headed into World of Disney... we wandered around for a bit, and she wasn't overly excited about anything. So, I suggested we go to the hotel and look at their gift shop. That worked for her, and at the hotel gift shop I got my Christmas ornament, and she got a baby Nala (or is it Simba? :confused3)

All was good... we got our bags, rearranged some things. Caught a cab ($50 on the nose) and went to the airport. The flight home was fairly uneventful, and we climbed into bed at 12:01 am.

So, that's it... all she wrote until next time... which DD and I wish was tomorrow...