Planning the PERFECT trip - stress along with me!

[dphie28]

Well, this is my FIRST PTR, so be kind. There is a lot of history leading to this moment, so grab a snack and read along. popcorn::

First off...the cast of characters:

ME - Amy (36) - Never went to WDW until my honeymoon in 2000! DH gave me the choice between a trip to Italy and WDW and I chose the Mouse! With a 4 night cruise of course, so there was plenty of romance :lovestruc I HAD to see WDW before kids entered the picture! That first trip hooked me! We returned to the World in 2005 with our 2 boys and my brother, his family, and my mom. That was sooo hectic and chaotic, that we HAD to return 3 mos later for a quiet weekend with 'just the four of us' during MNSSHP -- it was fabulous!!! In 2007 I got pregnant with our 3rd son and my first reaction was OH NO! :scared1: when will we get to go back to WDW? So, we went for a 4 night trip for our anniversary in 2007! That trip was a total surprise. The kids had no idea where we were headed when we picked them up from school...they fell asleep in the car and woke up at the airport! :rotfl: We were on the way home when they asked "When are we coming back to Disney World?" We knew it would be a while, so we said we had to wait until the baby was 3 (remember, he wasn't even born yet). Well, each birthday of DS3, they have reminded us....he's getting closer to 3!!! So, that's what they think...when DS3 is 3 (in October). Little do they know, this trip will be in MAY!!!! :woohoo:

DH - CJ (36)- he had been to the 'original' treehouses when he was 4 and didn't return to WDW until our honeymoon. Although he won't admit it, he loves it as much as me!

DS8 J - our 8 year old son who is totally into sports, anything pirates, and trying to figure out why we keep getting mail from WDW!

DS6 E - our 6 year old son who loves anything his big brother does...but loves bugging his big brother even more! He is OBSESSED with Clone Troopers so he will be THRILLED that we are in WDW during Star Wars weekends!

DS2 R - our 2 1/2 year old son who eats, drinks, and sleeps BUZZ LIGHTYEAR! He was just running to take a bath yelling "To Infinity and Beyond"

MIL & FIL - This is a first for us --- vacationing with the grandparents. MIL and FIL usually travel the country in their RV during the winter and love coming home in the spring and visiting with us. But, this year, they decided not to travel and were happy to say YES when I asked them to join us. This is their first trip since the 70s!!!

Some pics:
Our last family trip in 2007 (I was 4 mos pregnant)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSCN00381.jpg
The boys a la DarthMaul
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSCN0066.jpg
THe newest mouseketeer!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/Ryan2.jpg

[dphie28]

So, now we have the PERFECT excuse(s) to visit WDW (10 year anniversary, DS3's 1st trip, 1st Grandparent trip) with the PERFECT cast of characters at the PERFECT time of year (what's better than MAY?) SO, the pressure's on...where to stay????

Our last trips were spent at ASMo and CBR. We knew that we were not going to be comfortable in single room, so I booked a Ft Wilderness cabin. It seemed great--- the boys could share the room...we would have a separate space wih the Murphy bed...and it was 35% off! What could be better? Well...being our anniversary, i would like a bed that was bigger than a full size... So, I asked DH if he would want to splurge the extra $600 to stay in a 1 BR Villa. He agreed! Thinking that MIL & FIL would be at the campground in their RV, we booked a 1 BR at Villa at Wildeness Lodge. Well, FIL AND MIL decided to FLY instead! So, back on the computer to book a studio for them. Sounds perfect! Right? Well....not quite yet...

Over the past 2 years we have been kicking around the idea of joining DVC. Last summer we went to Orlando and swore it was going to be Disney-free trip. WE stayed at the Nick Hotel and did Universal, Sea World, etc. Well, we couldnt stay away and ended up in DTD for dinner on day 1! LOL We didn't actually go to any parks so it WAS a DIsney-Free trip in my book :rolleyes1 We also met up with friends who were staying at the Boardwalk and hung out for the night with them. Once we returned, we knew it was just a matter of time before we joined. So, I started crunching numbers :surfweb: If we paid cash for this trip and ended up joining DVC next year or the year after that, we would be throwing nearly $3000 out the window. :eek: Our guide was able to secure a dedicated 2 BR in VWL and we took the plunge! A whopping 100 points later, we are DVC members! We know we will add on, but for now, it pays for this trip and we can start planning 2012 when we get back!!! So, NOW we have the PERFECT location!

Up Next....the PERFECT itinerary.

[The4bits]

You have three handsome boys. You must be so proud.

I keep trying to convince my hubby that DVC is awesome, but we just aren't quite there yet. He is more a relaxed beach goer and I am definitely all Disney.

Love reading your TR so far. Can't wait to read more.

[dphie28]

We will be landing in Orlando late at night and flying out even later, so we have a full 6 days to plan. We will be adding DDP so we have to work around the ADRs I am able to get. The biggest factor to our plans is the night time event. We want to make sure we can see Fantasmic, Spectromagic, and Wishes. So, knowing which days they are planned, I went ahead and made our ADRs. I am still tweaking things...so bear with me.

Day 1: Tuesday
ME to VWL

Day 2: Wednesday
Magic Kingdom hit up Fantasy Land first and make our way down through ToonTown and Tomorrowland.
Counter Service Lunch
AdventureLand and Frontierland later (if time)
Leave MK at 4:30 to head to DHS for ADR at 50s Prime Time Cafe
Fantasmic


Day 3: Thursday
Chef Mickey's for breakfast
Epcot
ADR at Tutto Italia
Illuminations

Day 4: Friday
ATTEMPT Rope Drop at DHS and Star Wars Weekend
Lunch at Pizza Planet (the boys have been asking for 3 years)
leave DHS about 4:30 because it is our ANNIVERSARY!!
kids and MIL&FIL hang out at hotel while Me and DH head to le Cellier for dinner :love: then some EMH at Epcot

Day 5: Saturday
Animal Kingdom (not our fave...so always an early day)
Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe
Pirates and Pals Wishes cruise


Day 6: Sunday
??? RE-VISIT DHS or EPCOT or MK or Downtown Disney
Dinner at Yachtsman --- the Grand Finale!
Spectromagic at MK at 9.
EMH at MK...last night !

Day 7: Monday
Check out
Downtown Disney or MK
ME to MCO for our 9 pm flight

[dphie28]

You have three handsome boys. You must be so proud.

I keep trying to convince my hubby that DVC is awesome, but we just aren't quite there yet. He is more a relaxed beach goer and I am definitely all Disney.

Love reading your TR so far. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks! I will have to take a peek at your PTR when I am more rested (the alarm goes off in 5.5 hours). I am curious to see you plans since this is our first trip to the WL area too!

[disneylovin24]

popcorn:: Can't wait for more


Your going to love DVC!! We joined in 2002 and already we have probably gotten our money's worth. WE pay it off in 2013 and after that it's free rooms in disney untill 2042:cool1: And we know that there are disney trips we have taken the past 8 years that would not have been possible without DVC. We own at wilderness lodge too:goodvibes But never stayed there, can't wait to read all about it

[dphie28]

popcorn:: Can't wait for more


Your going to love DVC!! We joined in 2002 and already we have probably gotten our money's worth. WE pay it off in 2013 and after that it's free rooms in disney untill 2042:cool1: And we know that there are disney trips we have taken the past 8 years that would not have been possible without DVC. We own at wilderness lodge too:goodvibes But never stayed there, can't wait to read all about it

So funny that you own at VWL but never stayed there. We bought into SSR for the 2054 exp. date and probably won't stay there for quite a few more years. While our kids are young we want to be close to MK!

[dphie28]

People planning for trips to WDW should be allowed to take time off from work. Don't the employers realize that all this planning needs to be done...work can wait?!?! :lmao:

[dphie28]

I am a people-pleaser. I want to make sure everyone has the BEST time they possibly can. I want to make sure we get our money's worth out of the DDP too... So, these ADRs are my most recent source of stress! Our first experience with DDP was the FIRST time it was ever offered and it was FREE! That was back in July 2005. THE CSs were still new to the plan, so some restaurants we made out like bandits, but at other restaurants, they thought there were separate menus we were supposed to get. :confused3 DH is stuck on our dinner at Mama Melrose for Fantasmic and INSISTS that we got a separate menu because of DDP. It was a separate menu because of the Fantasmic package....but we have to agree to disagree. :sad2:

So, now that the in-laws are joining us there is even MORE pressure! Neither has ever dined at Disney. FIL is a meat-and-potatoes kinda guy. And he has a HUGE appetite. I love to try new things, so if it was up to me I would use the DDP as an opportunity to explore new restaurants. I will do what's best for the group, though, and book 'safe' restaurants. So here's what I have...

Day 1 - counter service for lunch in MK and 50's Prime Time for dinner in DHS. This is an important meal because it is the 'first impression' meal. I have never eaten here and hope that it will work for the mix of people in our crew!

Day 2 - starting off with Chef Mickey for breakfast (not changing that one for anybody!) and having dinner at Tutto Italia in Epcot. The kids love Italian food. FIL and MIL order from the Italian restaurant by them almost weekly, so I am sure they can find something. Really wanted LeCellier but it was booked for dinner. Not doing a lunch since we have a breakfast ADR and will be stuffed longer than a normal morning.

...ooops bell rang. Must go teach! To be continued...

[dphie28]

...ok back to continue...

Day 3 - Our Anniversary! We will be doing DHS for Star Wars Weekend that day, so Pizza Planet is up for lunch. The boys have been asking to go back there since 2005. Dinner is split. DH & I have an ADR for le Cellier. The boys will be with their grandparents at the hotel. We will pay out of pocket for this meal since we are doing a 2 TS meal on Sunday!

Day 4 - Counter Service for breakfast or lunch then Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner. We have plans for the Pirates and Pals cruise, so we wanted to be near the Contemporary when done. I had a few other ideas... eat in MK at the Plaza and enjoy some yummy ice cream before heading to the Contemporary. But, I think that MIL & FIL may not want to do all the walking and entering/exiting the park just for dinner. I thought about 1900 Park Faire...we have never tried it. But, we are probably going to AK that day and we have never stayed at AK past the parade...so we would be back at VWL early and it makes sense (I think) to just eat where we are and head to the Contemporary for the cruise/fireworks.

Day 5 - Not sure about the plans for the day but dinner is the grand finale --- the Yachtsman. DH and FIL will be in heaven.

Here's where the stress comes in... Maybe we should the Yachtsmann on Day 2 (our Epcot Day) Or, is that too much of a hassle to leave the park and come back? We won't be in Epcot until abour 11 am...how much time do we need there? None of the people in my travel party will give me any insight...so maybe you all will! How long will it take to get the boat from Epcot to YC? Will it be worth it to leave and come back for Illuminations? Should we just stay in the park? Maybe we should do a Boardwalk restaurant on Day 2 instead? Again, leaving and coming back for Illuminations? What Boardwalk restaurant would work for our group? Ugghhh...now the stress is building! Boardwalk? We have never eaten anywhere over there. When would it fit in well? Will we need more time at DHS? Should we plan another meal over there? How long is it to take the boat from DHS to the Boardwalk? Ahhh...so much more research to do to get this PERFECT!

[The4bits]

...ok back to continue...

Day 3 - Our Anniversary! We will be doing DHS for Star Wars Weekend that day, so Pizza Planet is up for lunch. The boys have been asking to go back there since 2005. Dinner is split. DH & I have an ADR for le Cellier. The boys will be with their grandparents at the hotel. We will pay out of pocket for this meal since we are doing a 2 TS meal on Sunday!

Day 4 - Counter Service for breakfast or lunch then Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner. We have plans for the Pirates and Pals cruise, so we wanted to be near the Contemporary when done. I had a few other ideas... eat in MK at the Plaza and enjoy some yummy ice cream before heading to the Contemporary. But, I think that MIL & FIL may not want to do all the walking and entering/exiting the park just for dinner. I thought about 1900 Park Faire...we have never tried it. But, we are probably going to AK that day and we have never stayed at AK past the parade...so we would be back at VWL early and it makes sense (I think) to just eat where we are and head to the Contemporary for the cruise/fireworks.

Day 5 - Not sure about the plans for the day but dinner is the grand finale --- the Yachtsman. DH and FIL will be in heaven.

Here's where the stress comes in... Maybe we should the Yachtsmann on Day 2 (our Epcot Day) Or, is that too much of a hassle to leave the park and come back? We won't be in Epcot until abour 11 am...how much time do we need there? None of the people in my travel party will give me any insight...so maybe you all will! How long will it take to get the boat from Epcot to YC? Will it be worth it to leave and come back for Illuminations? Should we just stay in the park? Maybe we should do a Boardwalk restaurant on Day 2 instead? Again, leaving and coming back for Illuminations? What Boardwalk restaurant would work for our group? Ugghhh...now the stress is building! Boardwalk? We have never eaten anywhere over there. When would it fit in well? Will we need more time at DHS? Should we plan another meal over there? How long is it to take the boat from DHS to the Boardwalk? Ahhh...so much more research to do to get this PERFECT!

The Yachtsman is in the Yacht Club if I'm not mistaken, correct?! If so it's a 3-5 minute walk through the back entrance at Epcot (in the World Showcase). We stayed at the Beach Club in 2008 and we were able to walk to Epcot every night. The Beach Club and Yacht Club are right by each other and the Boardwalk across the water (also connected by a path to Epcot). You should have no problem getting to the Yachtsman. You could totally leave for dinner and be back in the park in time for Illuminations, of course that depends on your ADR. Hope that helps.:)

[disneylovin24]

The only two places you've mentioned that I've eaten at are Whispering Canyon and Yachstmen. I haven't been to Whispering Canyon in a while but I remember it being fun, the food was decent but I don't remember it being too great. Yachtsmen though is amazing, really great food.

[Leleluvsdis]

Joining in on your PTR... Cant' wait to read more!!!

[dphie28]

Thanks for all the replies on my food dilemmas...we'll get back to that in second.

It's great fun (insert sarcasm here) to spend a ton of time planning the PERFECT vacation when suddenly the FIRST SURE THING on your vacation list gets changed without your consent! HOW DARE SPIRIT AIRLINES cancel our flight?!?! :sad2: I had 10 email messages sitting in my Junk Folder yesterday and each one was a notice that both our departing and return flights were changed! Originally we were flying out of ACY at 6:20 pm...after a full day of work. That flight was removed from their schedule and they put us on a 12:30 flight instead. UMMMMM....NO WAY! I can't miss that day of work! :scared1: The other 5 messages in the junk mail were letting us know that our return flight (9:20) is now at 8:45 pm. That is not such a problem for us... So, I get on the computer to see what else is flying out of ACY that day. :surfweb: Luckily Airtran has a flight at 4:20...and it is $79 per person. :idea: So, I get on the phone with Spirit to see what can be done with cancelling our departing flight. They said I will receive a refund in 48 hours! Now, I have to cross my fingers that they don't move the return flight again and that they don't lose our reservation. (I hate talking with people on the phone with such heavy accents that I can't be sure they understood my requests.) :mad:

Now that the airfare roller coaster seems to have come to a complete stop...it is back to work on these ADRs. I think I am finally HAPPY with our Epcot day. I have made a few changes....

Day 1 - NONE - arriving after 7 pm
Day 2 (MK/DHS) - 50s Prime Time after a day at MK and going to Fantasmic at night
Day 3 (EPCOT)- Chef Mickey for breakfast and LeCellier for dinner :woohoo: got a 4:15 ADR today!
Day 4 (DHS) - OUR ANNIVERSARY....still trying to figure this one out! We will be paying out of pocket for this one since Yachtsman uses 2 TS. The choices for after dinner activities --- Epcot (EMH) or DTD. Here are the restaurant choices. I am open to other suggestions:

Kona Cafe (for something different...love the Poly atmosphere, but we have eaten here before).
Shula's (ate here on our Honeymoon...DH was in heaven...would be romantic)
Raglan Road (we never get to go out to dinner alone and never at an Irish Pub. DH is a huge stout beer fan and I wonder if we would be happier in a more relaxed, fun environment than Shula's or another romantic place
)
Day 5 (AK)- Whispering Canyon Cafe...then boatride over to CR for Wishes Cruise
Day 6 (DHS/MK)- Yachtsman - last night in WDW --- so back to MK for Spectromagic, Wishes and some EMH!!!
Day 7 (MK/DTD)- going home .... no TS left!

[disneylovin24]

Of the places you listed, Shula's is the best in my opinion. The steak is the best I have ever had and the sides were just as good!! If you want the poly atmosphere I would do Ohana's not Kona. Kona is just too casual for a anniversary dinner.

[dphie28]

So, the shopping has begun!! Wooo Hoo! Second to planning a WDW is how fun it is to SHOP for the trip! An email from oldnavy sparked an early spring shopping trip! I got quite a few things for my oldest son who will need new everything (he is growing like a weed).
I picked up PIRATE shirts for the PIRATES to wear on our PIRATES and PALS cruise!
For the big ones:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/736/736309/main/on736309-00p01v01.jpg

For the littlest pirate:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/733/733555/main/on733555-02p01v01.jpg
Now, I just have to intercept the box so they don't get suspicious of why I am buying Summer clothes in February!

[dphie28]

Not much to report except....we are in
DOUBLE DIGITS!!!
:banana::banana::cool1::cool1::banana::banana:

[WrightFamily06]

Just got caught up on your trip report & the other Wright family is subing ! lol

All your plans sound great so far and it sounds like the few dilemma's you've had , have worked themselves out well :)

As for your last ADR question , I vote Kona we ate here last year for the first time and had the best meal of our trip !

Cute pirate tees my DS's would just love them , we did some WDW shopping of our own yesterday , posted pic's on my report , if you want to take a look :)

Can't wait to read more popcorn::popcorn::

[dphie28]

Just got caught up on your trip report & the other Wright family is subing ! lol

All your plans sound great so far and it sounds like the few dilemma's you've had , have worked themselves out well :)

As for your last ADR question , I vote Kona we ate here last year for the first time and had the best meal of our trip !

Cute pirate tees my DS's would just love them , we did some WDW shopping of our own yesterday , posted pic's on my report , if you want to take a look :)

Can't wait to read more popcorn::popcorn::

Thanks for subbing! I will be heading over to catch up on our PTR in a second!

Amy

[dphie28]

Well, as you may know, our upcoming trip is a SURPRISE for the kiddies. :rolleyes1 However, I could not contain myself with what I found at Michael's today! I bought the boys autograph books and lanyards and spent a whopping $6! (before my 20% coupon) They have hard covered spiral notebooks in Princesses, Lightning McQueen and Buzz Lightyear and have lanyards that coordinate... $1 each! The notebooks have thick cardboard covers and 75 pages inside. The book measures 5x5. One side of the page has a light colored image and the back side of the paper is blank. I plan to have the autographs done on the printed page and then attach a photo of the kid getting the autograph on the facing page. I attached the lanyards to the center of the the spiral and plan to have each boy carry his own. I then went to Five Belowand found Buzz and Woody Krazy Klick-it pens for $3 each. Oh, and the best part is...they have no idea why I bought the things i did! Check them out:

The Buzz and Woody one:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07632-1.jpg

Inside pages:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07629.jpg

The 'finished' set with the lanyard:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07628.jpg

Lightning McQueen with Lanyard (and the inside pages)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07630.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07631.jpg

[dphie28]

So, in case I didn't mention it, I am a teacher. :teacher: We are given 3 personal days and several sick days each year, but no vacation time (aside from school vacations). So, in order to go on our trip this May, I was banking on some things falling into place...and let's just say they fell all OVER the place! Our travel dates are 5/25 - 5/31. We are off 5/29, 5/30 and 5/31 for the Memorial Day Weekend. I requested personal days for 5/26 and 5/27. That leaves two dates...and two sources of stress - 5/25 and 5/28.

Stress Case #1 - our departure date 5/25. Our flight was originally at 6:20 pm...leaving plenty of time for me to work a full day and leave at dismissal. However, as you read earlier in this thread, our flight was changed to 12:30 and we needed to book another flight with Airtran. This flight leaves at 4:20. We are 1 1/2 hrs from the airport, and we should be at the airport 1 1/2 hours before departure time. So, we need to leave our area at 1:20! So, now I have to cash in on some favors with colleagues to cover my classes as of 1 pm. Problem solved. We do that kind of thing for one another all the time. However, I am telling you this because it affects my "OUT" for 5/28.

Stress Case #2 - Our school calendar has 2 snow days built in. If we don't use our snow days, we get the Friday before Memorial Day off (5/28). :banana: Well, last week we got hit with over 2 feet of snow and used BOTH snow days in the same week. :sad2: So, how do I get out of work on Friday???? I have no more personal days (I used 1 to see the boys in their Halloween Parade back in October). I cant call out sick because you are not 'allowed' to use sick days for vacations. If they found out, I could be in big trouble. :scared1: If I am leaving early on Tuesday the administration is bound to know I am going away. So, I know my only choice is totell he truth :hippie: I have to talk to my principal and tell him exactly what happened. I then have to request a personal day with no pay. Then it goes to the Board of Ed for approval. I am nervous that (1) they won't approve it or (2) they will fire me! According to our contract, you can't take personal days before or after a holiday to extend the holiday time. So, they don't have to approve it. I was thinking of waiting until I get my contract for next year, but they don't have to do that until 5/15! In addition, I have not yet been evaluated for this year. I don't want to give anyone an excuse to give me a poor review either. I feel like bringing my marriage license to the Board of Ed myself and telling them 10 years is a big accomplishment...5/28 is our ACTUAL anniversary and tht is the date I need off. What do I do??? Do I just call out sick after all and hope no one asks? I kind of think it is more risky to tell the truth!

[WrightFamily06]

Great finds at Michael's & Five Below ! In fact I may just have to go to Michael's & check it out , I would also love to checkout Five Below but we are without one here .

Sorry to here about all the problems with your vacation dates & times :( I don't really know what to tell you to do but I'm sure things will work out & everything will be just fine :)

[dphie28]

With all the time spent on this computer :surfweb: setting up ADRs, I lost track of which ADRs were linked to which phone number and had to call Disney Dining to get it all straightened out. Turns out I had the CM scrolling to get thru all the ADRs I had set up. :rolleyes1 Goes to show that Disney needs to work on that system a bit more...to let you know when you already have an ADR for a particular day so you don't end up with FIVE! :scared1: YES, I had FIVE ADRs for a single day of our trip. And, they never showed up in my inbox, so I had no ressie number to check with my phone number. The online system requires BOTH a phone number AND a ressie number to pull up the ADR for cancellation. Well, it is a good thing I called I guess.

So, here's how it stands now...

Day 1 - 50s Prime Time (dinner)
Day 2 - Chef Mickey (breakfast) and Le Cellier (early dinner)
Day 3 - Il Mulino (anniversary dinner for 2 :love:) Whispering Canyon (kids dinner)
Day 4 - Whispering Canyon Cafe (dinner)
Day 5 - Yachtsman (dinner)
Day 6 - 2 counter service meals.

So, now I have all my confirmation emails in check and everything printed and highlighted in my folder. I am beginning to think I should make a binder with everything in its proper place so I can find it easily.

I am still trying to decide what to do about work. I read my contract book...it states that we may request up to 2 days without pay. However, those days cannot be added on to paid personal days nor can they be before/after a holiday. Friday May 28 would be BOTH...before a holiday and after a paid personal day. It does say that administration can make an exception if it is an emergency or if the time cannot be changed. Because this is a voluntary VACATION, I am afraid that they won't approve it. However, the time of my 10th anniversary cannot be changed. It IS May 28! Maybe I can go it with tears in my eyes and show my principal my marriage license and beg for him to say yes. :sad1:

As I type this, I can only dream of the warm Florida sun. My house is wide open with new windows being installed and cold air blowing through.... Only 95 more days to go...

[WrightFamily06]

I can't get over they had you 5 ADR's for one day so crazy ! :rotfl:

All your finalized ADR's look really good :) We don't really enjoy the 50's Prime Time but our server was not really into the theme when we ate there & I think that plays a lot into what your meal is like . Can't wait to hear what you think when u get back !

Sorry to hear that your still having issues with work & the days you need off , I hope it figures it's self out soon . You must be stressed to no end worrying about it :(

[dphie28]

I came clean with my principal today. I told him that sometimes we make assumptions and are proven to be an *** when they don't work out the way we plan. I explained that I planned an anniversary trip over Memorial Day weekend based on the assumption that we would have off on Friday May 28. Due to snow days we don't so, now I am in a bind. I asked if there was any way for me to take an unpaid day that day. He was really not upset or shocked by what I was telling him. He said "it's been done before. I will make a note of the day." I asked what is going to happen...and he said "Well, you won't be here one way or another, right?" And I said "Yes...I guess....we put a lot of money out for this and I learned my lesson...I will never assume we will have that day off again!" So, I can breathe now...and I feel so much better not having to cover up a lie! :goodvibes

[WrightFamily06]

Glad to hear that u got everything straightened out with your work on the vacation dates & it really wasn't at bad as you were anticipating :) Now your free to enjoy your trip without any worries :) Can't wait to hear more about your plans .popcorn::popcorn::

[dphie28]

Two weeks ago, I spent about 3 hours in Target and got a whole lot to bring on our trip. Last night I hit AC Moore to pick up a few things to keep the boys busy on the flight. Here's what I came home with:

Since we are visiting during Star Wars weekends, I got DS8 this shirt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07680.jpg

I got DS6 this shirt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07679.jpg

I am a sucker for the pirate theme...so I picked up this bathing suit for DS8
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07677.jpg

I also got the big boys this polo shirt to wear to the Yachtsman...pirates and ship wheels.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07676.jpg

I picked up this Mickey T for DS2 at Target:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07675.jpg

I always get them new vacation PJs. I found these at BJs. DS6 & DS8 got Clone wars (2 pr for $12.99) and DS2 got Toy Story (3 pc set for $12.99)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07673.jpg

And, to fill the house with some mouse, I got this shower curtain at Target:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/dphie28/DSC07674.jpg

At AC Moore, I picked up a Cars and a Mickey Word Search book (level 1 is Mickey and level 2 is Cars). I also picked up a velvet poster for DS2 to color that has Toy Story, Monsters and Cars on it. I got a hangman book for the boys to play on the plane. Each of these was only $1! :yay:

I still need to pick up some Kooky pens for the big boys. Not sure if I should go the Star Wars route or the Disney route.

[WrightFamily06]

Great finds :thumbsup2 We have a Mickey bathroom too ! lol Can't wait to read more .popcorn::popcorn::

[dphie28]

Yesterday I hit up Kohls. I had a 20% off coupon..so I HAD to go!:lmao: I also needed to buy a Shark Steam Mop. OMG! That thing is awesome! Especially when it was on sale and I had a coupon. Oh, and I also earned $30 in Kohl's Cash! So...DS 2 got a few things for the trip:

A new pair of sneakers. His first pair that lights up. They are Toy Story and black, so they won't look so dirty so fast. $19.99
http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/484065?wid=230&hei=230&op_sharpen=1

A new pair of 'dress sneakers'. I plan to keep this in the box until our trip. I love crisp white sneakers when dressed for dinner. These were in the clearance section for $12.99.
http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/339658?wid=180&hei=180&op_sharpen=1

New PJs - $15 for TWO pair, plus 20% off
http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/594196?wid=230&hei=230&op_sharpen=1

New PJs - $13 for a 3 piece set, plus 20% off.
http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/541359?wid=230&hei=230&op_sharpen=1

[dphie28]

I've started building the hype in the house. The other night, the boys wanted to watch a movie. Rather than ASK what they wanted to watch, I popped in Lilo and Stitch...a movie they haven't watched in 5 years! Well, they loved it :happytv::happytv::happytv: All three boys sat and watched the entire thing. When DS8 was a toddler, he insisted on watching it every night! So, last night they asked to watch it again. Now, when we hit WDW in May, DS2 will have an idea of who the big blue guy is and why he is hanging with the cute girl in the flowered dress. Next week, I will force them to watch Beauty and the Beast! It's going to be hard to get them to agree to a 'girl' movie, so I will just say it is Mommy's turn to pick the movie. They will love it once they remember Lumeire and see Beast!

[WrightFamily06]

The shoes are adorable and such a good price on the white Nike's ! Wish we had a Kohl's I so miss that store :(

The movie plan sounds really good , it def sounds like it's getting your youngest prepared for meeting the characters :) Are you gonna pick- up The Princess & The Frog on the 16th for them ? I know we are adding it to our collection !

[dphie28]

The shoes are adorable and such a good price on the white Nike's ! Wish we had a Kohl's I so miss that store :(

The movie plan sounds really good , it def sounds like it's getting your youngest prepared for meeting the characters :) Are you gonna pick- up The Princess & The Frog on the 16th for them ? I know we are adding it to our collection !

We haven't yet seen that movie. I would love to...so I will buy it for ME! The boys would cringe if I asked them if they wanted a princess movie. I am sure they will enjoy it because they love all disney movies!

You can probably get the same deals on the Kohl's website. Do you use retailmenot.com? They have coupons for EVERY store in existence. Check it out!

[WrightFamily06]

We haven't yet seen that movie. I would love to...so I will buy it for ME! The boys would cringe if I asked them if they wanted a princess movie. I am sure they will enjoy it because they love all disney movies!

You can probably get the same deals on the Kohl's website. Do you use retailmenot.com? They have coupons for EVERY store in existence. Check it out!

That's true boys are not to fond of Princess ! :laughing:

I looked and they are offering the same deals on Kohl's website , would love to get some things but have been on a shopping spree lately and really need to stop ! lol No, I never have used retailmenot.com but will def be checking it out after your recommendation :thumbsup2

[dphie28]

So it has been a long time since I updated anything here. So much to tell...and most importantly, only 27 days till WDW! :cool1:

I will start with the shopping....

More Shopping
So, as it stands the boys have new crocs, new bathing suits, new shirts and shorts, and new PJs for their trip. The boys even got Disney Jibbits to adorn their crocs. Even mommy and daddy got new crocs. That reminds me, I need to break mine in a bit. I bought myself the PrePair Flip Flops and they kind of dig into the top of my foot. I will wear them to work tomorrow to see if I can stand them all day. http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aadb_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-crocs_us-Site/Sites-masterCatalog_Images/default/v1272465013195/product-images/standard/10383_side_067.jpg
I always put together a 'goody bag' to keep the kids entertained for the plane ride down. I started putting together the things I picked up so far into $1 store string bags they got for our trip to Williamsburg last Spring. So far, they have new sunglasses, Disney word search books ($2 at AC Moore), autograph books and Kooky pens, $1 puzzle book for DS8, $1 Disney Bingo game for DS6, Buzz and Woody mini posters for DS2.

I have created My Vacation travel journals for the boys using www.themouseforless.com. I added some coloring pages for them and put them in clear report covers. I did this for our trip to Williamsburg and they LOVED them. They even said it was the best part of the trip...filling in the pages on the way down to VA.

Even More Shopping
There's a lot I still need to get. I am making my list, and checking it twice... So far, here's what I still need to buy:
Sunblock, a book for each boy for their goody bag, Disney fruit snacks for the plane, travel size toiletries, etc. I also have to place my order with Garden Grocer. We plan to eat breakfast in the room 4 out of 6 days. So, we need breakfast items, water bottles to bring to the parks, milk, chocolate milk, juice boxes, fruit and some snacks. We are on the dining plan, so we don't need too much. Oh, I will also order diapers from Garden Grocer so they don't take up so much room in our suitcases! I have never ordered from them before...I hope it is easy to do! Does anyone know of a better choice for having groceries delivered? Our flight lands at after 7:30 PM, so I want to make sure they can deliver that late too.

Next post...second guessing the itinerary.

[dphie28]

Since I made the plans back in January/February, park hours have changed. More importantly, Fantasmic! schedule has changed. Here is our plan so far. I am wondering if I should switch things up a bit. Being Star Wars weekends, I am thinking we will want 2 days at DHS. Is that too much? Are we doing too much hopping? We will have FIL & MIL with us. they don't walk very fast...and I am usually moving pretty quickly through the turnstiles, etc. So, I am wondering if they will fade fast and DH will want to go back to the hotel with them (the guilt would kill him if they left and we were still at a park).

Anyway, so please critique...offer ideas. PLEASE! I am not planning to change any ADRs, so they kind of dictated my touring plans!

Day 1: - Arrive late --- check in, go to sleep...hopefully!

Day 2: - Magic Kingdom/Disney Hollywood Studios.
Eat breakfast in the room. Take boat to MK. Stay until parade and then head out. Take boat to CR or monorail to another resort to get the bus to DHS. ADR @50s Prime Time Cafe around 5 or 6 (I have 2...I will cancel 1 once I figure the next part out). Should we eat at 5 and head to F! at 9, or should we take our time, eat at 6, and stay for F! at 10:30? Is there any change of getting on Toy Story if we arrive this late?

Day 3: - Epcot --- ALL DAY
Boat to CR for ADR @ Chef Mickey. Plan to eat between 9 & 10...get to Epcot around noon. Tour FW until our ADR @ LeCellier for an early dinner. Tour WS until Illuminations. Bus back to VWL.

Day 4: - DHS (Our Anniversary)
Breakfast in the room. Bus to DHS for Rope Drop...trying VERY HARD for this since it is Star Wars Weekend. Head straight to Toy Story...tour DHS, special effort to make SWW events. Lunch at Pizza Planet. Leave after parade to head back to VWL. DH & I have ressies at Il Mulino for our anniversary. MIL & FIL will hang with the kids at the pool or in the room. They may have dinner at Roaring Fork.

Day 5: - Animal Kingdom
Breakfast in the room. Bus to AK. Tour AK...hit dinoland first, then tree of life, and then to safari. We usually leave AK as the parade route is being set up. We have never seen it. Is it worth staying for? We have an ADR at5:20 at Whispering Canyon Cafe. After dinner we will head up to the room for a little bit...then take the boat to CR for the Pirates and Pals Cruise.

Day 6: - FLEXIBLE...thinking DHS then MK. MK is open till 3 AM :scared1: It is our last night in WDW. Should we skip DHS? Should we spend the entire day in MK? It will probably be crowded since it is EMH and the day before Memorial Day.
Breakfast in room. Bus to DHS. Lunch at DHS counter service. 4:45 take Boat to ADR at Yachtsman. After dinner, take bus to MK. Kids pick the route we take through the park. Spectromagic at 10:30. Ride a few more rides...home by midnight.

Day 7: - Go Home (at night!) Downtown Disney
Take our time and check out. Breakfast at Roaring Fork. Bus to DTD. Late lunch in DTD. Does anyone know a CS in DTD that is on the DDP? Bus back to VWL. Our flight is about 8:40. What time will DME pick us up? Time to go to another park? We will have an extra day left on our passes...what park should we go to? Can we use an unused park hopper day to get into DisneyQuest? Should we skip DTD? Should we do it a different day?

Please help me find answers to all of these questions!! Thanks!!! :hug: