Share a WDW moment: It’s a Star Wars Weekend! It's today - BUH-BYE!!!!

[SimmerBaggins]

We are going to WDW this summer, 4-12 June!!! So excited!!:banana::banana:

Here are the players: me (Vickie): 41, works for the government and loves Disney (the main reason we’re going twice in 2 years is because my BFF lives in Florida and has season passes); DH (Robert): 60, and owns his own business, so he can drop everything in a moment and go; DD (Jordan): 13 (or will be in Feb), who is excited that she’s taking along a friend for the first time; and DD’s friend (Natalie):13, who’s never been to WDW and is ready to go!

We went as a family last July (minus the friend and with our 1st grader DGD, Emily), and our thread was tied with my BFF’s (Melissa) thread – it was a dual posting thread that we really enjoyed, because while we might have talked about the same day, we saw different things and took different pictures. It was great…although, because her camera was REALLY good, it also showed me up a little. But that’s okay. I’ll get better at taking pictures for this trip, now that I know how to blog with them.

We’ve been to WDW several times – I believe this will be our 5th time. The first time was when our DD was in kindergarten. But on our 3rd trip, we bought into DVC, at Animal Kingdom Villas, and last year was the first time we’ve stayed there. It was magnificent – but you’d find all that out if you read our other TR -- how wonderfully we were treated! (maybe I should have a link? eh...)

I’m the kind of person who likes to share her blessings, too. When we had money (before the economy crashed), we bought family members a lawn mower, cars (4, actually!), lawyers, bills paid, you name it…but our fortune changed, and God thought we might need to curb our own appetites. I lost my job. My husband’s business never took off, and his money from another source dried up. We moved and tried to sell our house, but it didn’t sell (we’re renting it out). Things began to look very serious, indeed, the last couple of years. Our savings and IRAs are gone. Our “new” house began to fall apart, starting with the roof, continuing with the air conditioners and the structure. The IRS began closing in on us, from the year of feast before the famine. Well, we didn’t act like Joseph prior to the famine (not having had that prophetic dream).

So, why are we going to WDW after having all those woes?

:scared1:

Stay tuned for more...and thanks for reading. :goodvibes

[jmskinner]

Hi here! I'm the friend that lives in Florida, but only for one more year so Vickie needs to make as many trips out here as possible.

:cheer2::banana: I'm so excited she has started her PTR!

And if you would like to read that other TR we made together, there is a link in my sig. It is the DSD Came to Visit and didn't stay for WDW. There is a lot on Busch Gardens and Universal, but there are links to get you to the WDW which is where our families met up.

Ok, can't wait for your next update Vickie. Need to her your plan, been trying not to discuss it until this was started.:goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

You know, Melissa, I look at your little counter and it makes me sad -- "our one night" at Kadani -- too bad it couldn't be more! But it is going to be great, now that we are coming in on Friday to spend the whole SATURDAY with you guys...!

Jordan has already asked me, "Do we have to do the Jedi training?"

The teenager is coming out! :eek:

Will write on this tomorrow...thanks for the encouragement! ((hugs))

Vickie

[ScotsMinnie]

I'm in! Loved the last joint report so definitely in for this one!!!! Cant wait for more!

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm in! Loved the last joint report so definitely in for this one!!!! Cant wait for more!

Yay!! Thank you! This thread will be informative for Melissa as well as a blog for what we are doing...I may also ask for for advice! :idea:

Our trip deciding mostly began when we took stock of our DVC points and tried to figure out how we would use them -- would we bank them (and then they are unrecoverable for the current year), or use them? Since Melissa and I were blogging on our TR that we just completed (see jmskinner's above post for reference), we were still stoked to go again.

Our finances had leveled, and we KNEW we'd do SOMETHING vacation-wise, but what? Since we were already pretty much paying every month for a WDW vacation, it made sense to go with what we had to pay for, anyway. With that in mind -- should we try to do a Land and Sea?

I was engaged...! I pulled out all the DVC points and began researching -- to discover that, as many of you DVC'ers already know, a cruise on DVC points is nearly crazy!! You can do a cruise, ostensibly, if you have so many banked and current points that you could use them all and it wouldn't really matter what the true cost of what you've just done is...but if you're on a budget, it is not a good deal.

And let me just say, we are hard-core cruisers. We love it. And got started on the Disney Wonder on a Land & Sea. If you can fork over the cash and have never done one, do it soon. Before the world ends. You know...2012? :rotfl:

Seriously, Disney will spoil you for cruising. It's not Disney, but here's DD and I:

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs009.snc1/2869_1058032173830_1316648229_30152228_83196_n.jpg

But, I digress.

We decided we would go back to AKV...our home resort. This TIME, we pledged, we will get MORE concierge time!! And THIS time, my DD stated, I will get to take a friend!

I had been promising Jordan she could bring someone on a vacation with us; last time, we took our DGD, Emily, who was (unfortunately) more of an annoyance like a little sister than anything to her. Jordan has in the past gotten along pretty well with Jacob, Melissa's son -- but since Emily came along, she tended to be alongside Jacob instead. So Jordan just accepted it. It was time.

I granted her permission to choose someone to bring. This, I soon realized, was not the greatest plan. The greatest plan I've ever heard is clearly outlined in the Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids, 2010.

And, I'll share it with you, next post!!

Vickie

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, naturally, my DD wanted to take her best friend. They have been friends since 3rd grade! My DD is mostly reserved, in mixed company, but when the two of them get together -- look out!! A little bit of craziness, laughter, clothes, phone texting to others w/giggles, and now -- boys. :scared1:

Jordan is pretty level-headed but influenced, and her friend is very out-going and very "cutting edge" for a young teenager, so I knew if this friend went with us, I would have my hands full keeping them in check. They would want to "R-U-N-N-O-F-T"!:eek::eek: This is a new concern for me, of course. In dealing with an only child, we've never really had her go away from us at any time when we are on vacation, unless we're on a cruise ship and she goes to the kid's activities.

So, I wanted to get with her parents and come up with an agreed-to plan for Rules Of Engagement -- or, basically: they go nowhere on their own unless it's on resort property. Her parents said they would think about her going; they are great Christian folks, and we knew they were giving it serious thought...so we waited.

In the meantime, I'm anxious to book...I'm anxious to book...I'm anxious to book. Remember? We want concierge time...we loved our one day, before! I knew the sooner we booked, the better our chances for getting AKV concierge.

I had considered booking for Bay Lake Towers, I have to admit. But, as I began reading what people wrote about the quality of the furniture and some other things, my interest waned...we had seen the place RIGHT BEFORE they opened the doors for the CMs to spend the first nights there, so it was brand-spanking new (see pics of the place in our former TR). I had been excited...but now I capitulated to my DH, who wanted to experience more concierge time at AKV. And, truly, I had loved what I saw at Kadani Villas -- we had just stayed in Jambo House, before.

So now, back to the guest we are waiting on word for.
...back in a bit with more...!

[SimmerBaggins]

Here's a bit of wisdom from the book I mentioned earlier, concerning taking someone else's child with you to WDW.

1) Do not take a child you are unfamiliar with. Know the child and the parents.
Make sure the child knows what your family is like and what to expect -- that generally comes from spending the day/night at your home at least a couple of times.

2) Does the child relate well to your family, and seem to be a good fit with regard to politeness that you expect, and matureness that fits age and according to where your own child is?

3) If you're unsure, take a trial trip somewhere with the child. You really don't want to let on that this is a "trial trip" for WDW!! :laughing: Could skew the results.

4) Guide the outcome of this invitation. Suggest the names of the children you believe would fit the above criteria, and ask, "Would you like 'so-and-so' (and the other name) to go with us to WDW?" You might have already approached the particular parents about this in some manner prior to suggesting this to your own child -- this helps to prevent disappointment.

WELL! I didn't have the book, yet. #1 was okay -- but when it came to #2, I was nervous. We had a tentative "okay, we are leaning toward letting her go" from her parents, but hadn't received the final "yes."

Hearing the tentative...and poised for action...I went ahead and booked our first reservation! The first thing I asked for was the week after our DD got out of school -- Concierge stay in Jambo House, for a 1-Bedroom, Savanna View. Well...they had, out of that week: FOUR DAYS!
:cool1::woohoo::dance3:

Okay, I was happy about that. But, what else did we do??

[jmskinner]

Hey, I think that wisdom can be related to taking extended family.:laughing:

[SimmerBaggins]

Hey, I think that wisdom can be related to taking extended family.:laughing:

Umm...yes!!! I have had a tendency to take family members on vacation, as well -- oftentimes, you end up wishing for some "alone time" with your immediate family! Isn't that weird? :confused3

It's like you get your own groove with your own family, and everyone is comfortable with that. :cloud9:

[jenniferkeala808]

hey vickie! Thanks for checking out my PTR...now, i'm here to join your adventures!! Can't wait to hear more!!

*Keala*:cheer2:

[SimmerBaggins]

hey vickie! Thanks for checking out my PTR...now, i'm here to join your adventures!! Can't wait to hear more!!

*Keala*:cheer2:
:banana::banana:

Yay! Thanks, Keala! :goodvibes

Now...on to more details!

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, I had accomplished one of the things we set out to do: get more AKV Concierge time. Now, the Concierge part of AKV is on the 6th floor of the Jambo House -- all rooms on that floor are part of the Concierge bookings, and you can only access that floor if you have a reservation there. The problem was: we only had a part of our vacation, the last part, reserved there.

So, where to go for the first part? It really only made sense to try out Kadani Villas -- we had scoped the place out before we left last year, and really liked it. So, I requested a 1 Bdrm Savanna View room there -- from June 5th (Saturday) to June 9th (Weds), the first 3 nights of our stay --

AND GOT IT!

So, all 4 names given to the reservationist, and we were good-to-go.

Right?

I called up my BFF, Melissa, to let her know we had booked our reservation...she was excited --! ...until she realized that our "end of school" week was exactly a week before hers. Jacob (her son) wouldn't get out of school until the following weekend. :sad2::sad2:

...we wouldn't have a week together, like we did last year! :sad1:

Having already coordinated this with DD's friend and her parents, knowing that this weekend was likely to be much less crowded than the following weekend, I decided we would keep the reservation as it stood. What could I do to make up for the fact that we would only have the weekend to spend with our friends?

I glanced at our DVC points. I noted we had, still, ample points left. A thought began to form.

[Cory's Gal]

Hi Vickie! Jumping into your PTR! LOVE all the plans so far, I think concierge sounds amazing!!! That sounds like fun for your DD to have a friend with and hopefully your extended plans will work out so you can spend time with Melissa too!! I am so envious that you are "cruisers", I am trying to talk DH into taking me on a cruise but he thinks it will make him seasick...blah:sick:!

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!!:thumbsup2
~Beth

[SimmerBaggins]

... I am so envious that you are "cruisers", I am trying to talk DH into taking me on a cruise but he thinks it will make him seasick...blah:sick:!

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!!:thumbsup2
~Beth

Hi, Beth!! Well, I can say that seasickness CAN occur, but the bigger the ship, the less likely it will happen. I'm proof that it can happen but you can still have a great time all around. ;)

Thanks for dropping in!! :upsidedow

Vickie

[jenniferkeala808]

you're keeping me in suspense!! what are you gonna do with those points ?!?!?! lol:banana:

[AuroraRose]

I'm in! I can't wait to hear more!

I saw that book when I went to get my WDW books today! :thumbsup2

[SimmerBaggins]

you're keeping me in suspense!! what are you gonna do with those points ?!?!?! lol:banana:

:rotfl2:

I kinda gave it away earlier... ;)

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm in! I can't wait to hear more!

I saw that book when I went to get my WDW books today! :thumbsup2

Hi, Kara!! :goodvibes

I decided to buy that book since my latest Disney book (the official one) was from 2006 -- and SO MUCH has changed since then...and also, since I was taking two teenagers for the first time, I figured I could use some advice!!

Welcome!! :yay:

[SimmerBaggins]

An idea was forming...I called my BFF, Melissa, and asked her what day we would probably see each other? -- of course, Saturday! We were flying in that day.

"What if," I asked her, "I could get you guys a studio in Kadani Villas for that night?" :idea:

"You don't have to do that!" she answered.

"Well..." I said, "We would just bank these points anyway! We'll be in the same resort together, and you guys have never stayed there before!"

It was the perfect plan. I convinced her to let me do this (yeah, I had to REALLY twist her arm!! :rotfl: ) and called up DVC to set it up -- they got a studio room with a savanna view, for 22 points! :woohoo:

The other great thing about it is that they can come early Saturday, leave their luggage with the bell hop until the room is ready, and enjoy the resort from Saturday morning until Sunday evening! I love that about Disney -- even though your room is given up the following day, you can still stick around and enjoy the resort amenities until up to midnight.

A short time later, we found an opportunity to speak with the parents of my DD's best friend. The time had come when we were thinking about airline flights -- didn't want to wait too long -- and once that was booked, we were IN STONE.

The opportunity came when we went to their house to pick her up for sleep-over -- her parents were going to a holiday party, and we all met in the driveway. The girls happily piled into our car, already chatting away about something, and I carefully broached the subject.

"Have you thought some more about "A*'s" going with us to WDW?"

"We wanted to talk to you about that," her father said...

[jmskinner]

That's really not right to leave everyone hanging like that.:lmao:

And thank you again for the room. You forgot to mention that you were calling me while I was shopping in the worst traffic area of town. Where we live has this mall and I think they let Goofy set up the traffic pattern around it...wait actually through it. Yes, the little road around the mall is also a cut through to get from one street to another and this was Vickie's timing. As you can see since I am here, I survived. Vickie kept apologizing for having to call, I had a good laugh.

Oh, and not to worried about the luggage, I can just leave it in the truck. Nice thing about driving to the parks. We can head straight to a park and meet ya!!!:cheer2: More on that later though.

[SimmerBaggins]

....

And thank you again for the room. You forgot to mention that you were calling me while I was shopping in the worst traffic area of town. Where we live has this mall and I think they let Goofy set up the traffic pattern around it...wait actually through it. Yes, the little road around the mall is also a cut through to get from one street to another and this was Vickie's timing. As you can see since I am here, I survived. Vickie kept apologizing for having to call, I had a good laugh.

Oh, that's right!!! I had to call you about THREE TIMES!! :lmao: I don't remember what all three were for, but I had DVC on the line, while I called you -- once, for your address! :rotfl2: I was thinking: it's just too difficult to find my address book, so I'll just call Melissa!! -- and then, you were in a horrendous traffic situation! :headache: What a friend, right? I felt so stupid... :flower3:

And yes, more on the timing later! :thumbsup2

[SimmerBaggins]

Here it came...:

"We decided we shouldn't let A* go with you," he finished.

Wow! Was that a shocker! As they continued, it became evident that they didn't trust the two of our daughters together, and that they believed Jordan would follow their daughter to whatever mischief, without question.

In some sense, I knew they were right: their daughter had gotten in trouble twice on a cruise ship with them: once with security, and once by making a young man angry because she (and her friend) kept bothering him. I felt like my own daughter wouldn't go to those extremes, but even if she went part-way, it might be too much.

In a sense, I was relieved. Remember those points from that book? I know that I would have had to come down hard to keep them in line...who wants to do that during their vacation?? In a way, her parents were lifting a potential burden, and I wouldn't have to rein in their daughter. My own daughter, by herself, is a quiet, shy, reserved young lady -- anyone could attest to that. Is she easily manipulated? I know she does have her own mind, but all it would take is one "oh, why not?"

Both girls were disappointed, however. I did feel badly about that. :sad2:

[jenniferkeala808]

you like to leave us hanging yeah?? lol!

Well, i'm sooo glad you got them into Kidani villas...that was soo nice of you!! Hope everything works out!!

Maybe your DD's friend not going is for the better...i know when i've travelled with my friends, i always feel obligated to entertain or do what they want to do...that's just my opinion. Something will come up in the future where she'll be able to go with you folks...maybe when they're older? Good luck with everything!!

[SimmerBaggins]

you like to leave us hanging yeah?? lol!

Well, i'm sooo glad you got them into Kidani villas...that was soo nice of you!! Hope everything works out!!

Maybe your DD's friend not going is for the better...i know when i've travelled with my friends, i always feel obligated to entertain or do what they want to do...that's just my opinion. Something will come up in the future where she'll be able to go with you folks...maybe when they're older? Good luck with everything!!

Thanks, Keala! I could joke and say, "Sharing is caring!" -- but really, like so many of you do, I love to give what I have to people I care about, especially when I've enjoyed it so much, myself.

I think it is for the best that this first friend isn't going, BUT -- we aren't done with that!! :rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

After we knew that the BFF wasn't going, I asked Jordan to figure out who else she would like to take with us to WDW, and could go. She thought about it, and realized she had a friend who, in her words, she could be herself with and have a lot of fun with, too. This was Natalie. Natalie had gone to her school a couple of years, but now had transferred to another school, but they still kept in touch and invited each other over occasionally.

Immediately, I was thrilled! This girl was: sweet (kind), cute and bubbly -- fun to be around. This was the girl that fit all the criteria, who I could see I wouldn't have to keep a constant eye on (not that I wouldn't keep a vigilant eye, anyway), and I felt I could trust her and my daughter to be together, not plotting mischief. I told my DD to call and talk to her about it...yes, I was supposed to talk with the parents first, but this was before I had that book!! :laughing:

Since we put the bug in her (and her parent's) ear, I brought it up to her parents when we got together for Natalie's birthday party in December. Believe it or not, that party was an outdoor park party -- in December. We live in San Antonio. :rolleyes1

Her parents were cautiously optimistic...they needed to think about the cost, which was very important to them. I understood.... So, I had to play another waiting game. I told Natalie's mom that we needed a decision by the end of January, because we would need to book the plane tickets by then. We exchanged phone numbers, email, and I promised to look her up on Facebook.

I'm on Facebook... almost every day. :rolleyes1

[elizablake]

I'm loving your trip report! The suspense is killing me.

We will be there the same week as you. We are staying off-site for the first time.:sad2:

[ScotsMinnie]

oh this sounds promising!!!

Hope she can go!!! I have to admit to a bit of a facebook obsession too!;)

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm loving your trip report! The suspense is killing me.

We will be there the same week as you. We are staying off-site for the first time.:sad2:

So AWESOME I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE going AT THE SAME TIME!! :rotfl: Or, rather, you found me!! :) Thanks for the post, and I hope I can keep up the entertainment value! :laughing:

We've stayed "off-campus" a few times, and although it's not as relaxing as staying on-property, it's still awesome to be there...and, you can definitely save $$. :)

[SimmerBaggins]

oh this sounds promising!!!

Hope she can go!!! I have to admit to a bit of a facebook obsession too!;)

I am so glad you are hanging around w/me -- I think of you as Melissa's friend, who she talks about when we get to talking about WDW. :cloud9:

[SimmerBaggins]

I didn't bug anyone for an answer over the holidays, even though it was on my mind -- everyone was trying to get through their holidays with enough cash to see them through and to get through the monthly bills...including us.

I had begun putting away about $50 per paycheck away, then I realized it needed to be more like $100 per paycheck. Then, as January began to slip by, I realized that plane tickets were even more expensive than I was hoping for.

Let me explain: last year, my husband had a bunch of airline miles. So many, in fact, that the price of the plane tickets for 4 of us to WDW in July came to about $300, ROUNDTRIP. Yeah. Go ahead -- drool. I'm talking, TOTAL, $300. For four. Guess what. It ain't happenin' this year.
:scared1:

In my spare time, I began to research and realize the cost of the plane tickets, at a MINIMUM, roundtrip per PERSON, was going to be about $250. Hmmm...times 4.... :sad1:

It was at this point that I realized the next deposit for my trip savings needed to be about $150 per paycheck. I stopped telling DH about these deposits.

I rounded up my DD one day, and told her to text her friend that plane tickets were coming up to about $250 pp, so she did. We never heard anything back on this subject.

Well, technically, $250 pp isn't too bad. People pay much more. So would we.

[jmskinner]

I am so glad you are hanging around w/me -- I think of you as Melissa's friend, who she talks about when we get to talking about WDW. :cloud9:

Vickie, this is another fantastic Dis member from Scotland, but I think you are thinking of Di and Gordon. I still regret not meeting Scotsminnie and her family when they were here. Actually, they even drove over to Clearwater which is just on the other side of Tampa, so I missed them twice. Scotsminnie, have you planned your next trip?

$250 isn't bad for airfare. And I am so glad Jordan found someone to go with. Too bad about the other girl, but at least she has good parents that know their child. So many would be happy to have some time alone and not worry about ruining the other family's trip.:sad2:

[elizablake]

I stopped telling DH about these deposits.



:rotfl::rotfl:

$250 is not THAT bad. A bit more than $100 though! I've got my fingers crossed that your daughter's friend is able to come. At 13, I'm sure it's very important to her to have a friend join you. My sister and I are very close in age so the whole bringing a friend to a family vacation never occurred to me before. My DD is an only child as well and at 5 she already wants to invite friends to family outings. My niece is close to DD's age and we have always been close to my nieces and nephew so we bring her along for weekend trips. We even took my nieces and nephew to DW with us last June.

Keep us posted. popcorn::

[elizablake]

Have you made any ADRs?

[SimmerBaggins]

Vickie, this is another fantastic Dis member from Scotland, but I think you are thinking of Di and Gordon.

oops! sorry...! :eek:

$250 isn't bad for airfare. And I am so glad Jordan found someone to go with. Too bad about the other girl, but at least she has good parents that know their child. So many would be happy to have some time alone and not worry about ruining the other family's trip.:sad2:

Huh. You are right about their being conscientious about their child...I would have done it out of a lot of feelings of obligations and trying to make other people happy, and we all might have been miserable. Wow...good wisdom!
:thumbsup2

[SimmerBaggins]

... My niece is close to DD's age and we have always been close to my nieces and nephew so we bring her along for weekend trips. We even took my nieces and nephew to DW with us last June. ...


I would like to be able to say that I would take my nephew, but at 5, he is even younger than my step DGD (yes, at 41, I'm a step-grandma) and no companion to my DD. I love him to pieces, but we took him about a year ago to 6 Flags Fiesta Texas, and he would not ride rides. Not even baby ones. My sister said it was because he couldn't be in control.

so...I told him no WDW for him until he rides rides!! Is that mean? :confused3 If he would ride even the kid rides, I'd reconsider...but...?

And, no, we haven't made ADRs. We are thinking we might just get QSDP, instead of the regular DDP -- to save a bit of $$. So...we haven't even DISCUSSED table service dining. This might be a shock to my BFF...

[jmskinner]

I was wondering if you were planning on the DDP this time around or not. I'm not upset about. Currently trying to decide if I will renew our Tables in Wonderland card. If we want a sit down dinner, we can always go to ESPN, no ressies and I love their nachos. They have some good drinks also.:goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

I was wondering if you were planning on the DDP this time around or not. I'm not upset about. Currently trying to decide if I will renew our Tables in Wonderland card. If we want a sit down dinner, we can always go to ESPN, no ressies and I love their nachos. They have some good drinks also.:goodvibes

I'm glad you aren't disappointed -- it's still up in the air, and I know people tend to make ADRs and then cancel, but I'm not to that point. There's nothing that is absolutely BEGGING me to try it, restaurant-wise -- if I have druthers, I'd say I'd like to go back to Boma's, but that's really it. So it really comes down to $$. It's funny, there's even a couple of pieces of information that I built on today for my PTR...every day can be a WDW day! :goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

As January days began to pile up, I started getting more antsy. I wanted to keep in touch with Natalie's parents, but they hadn't contacted me, even though I had Jordan text Natalie a couple of times to see if they were still "on" for her to go.

I remembered Natalie's mother (Brenda) told me that she had a Facebook account, so I looked her up and found her -- requested to be her friend. Days passed -- no answer.

Meanwhile, I created a spreadsheet that compared costs from different airlines as I looked them up. I was particularly interested in Southwest Airlines, because I've liked the great commercials they've been showing, that bags are free. They like bags. (Perhaps they don't destroy bags?) :laughing: The only thing was, they were $331 pp!! Total cost: $1,326. Wow, that was even more than I thought it would be...that's the price I'd expect if I had only a month or so out from the date. I decided to keep watch on the prices.

Suddenly one day, while on FB, I saw Brenda had befriended me! Yay!

Another plan occurred to me: we needed to get the kids together more. So, I had Jordan call Natalie to come over for a sleepover. Let's see if the parents mention the trip, shall we? :) If not, that's okay...there's still time.

Sure enough, it was a go, so her dad said he would drop her off at our house while they were running around town -- another yay! We said howdy-do's at the door when they dropped her off, but I didn't say anything about the trip -- and neither did they. Hmmm...are we still on??

:scared1:

[SimmerBaggins]

I mentioned that I did something today that is geared toward our WDW trip...we went to the North Star Mall here in San Antonio this afternoon, and I can't resist going into the Disney store!

Jordan and I pal'd around in there, while I looked for some deals, and found one! I'm always looking for ways to differentiate our luggage from other people's at the carousel, and ran across these tags! I haven't figured out which ones will go on which suitcase, but I THINK I'm going to give one in particular to DH:

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs160.snc3/18760_1218519465912_1316648229_30524347_4256924_n. jpg

They were originally $14.50, and I got them for $5.99...what do you think??

[ScotsMinnie]

Vickie, this is another fantastic Dis member from Scotland, but I think you are thinking of Di and Gordon. I still regret not meeting Scotsminnie and her family when they were here. Actually, they even drove over to Clearwater which is just on the other side of Tampa, so I missed them twice. Scotsminnie, have you planned your next trip?

$250 isn't bad for airfare. And I am so glad Jordan found someone to go with. Too bad about the other girl, but at least she has good parents that know their child. So many would be happy to have some time alone and not worry about ruining the other family's trip.:sad2:

I regret that too. It would have been so good to meet up for a bit. We don't have any trips planned at all. I am taking a year out of earning to do my primary teaching course. There is no way that we can afford to go to Disney for a while. Really sad about that but it cant be helped. I have always wanted to teach so it is all worth it. Come August I will be earning again but will take a while to save up.

Our flights last year came to over £1800. Don't know what the exchange is at the moment I think it is about $3000. Not cheap at all!!!! Lots of saving required!!!!

I am really enjoying keeping up with everyones reports at the moment. Its keeping my disney addiction fed and you actually feel like you are getting to know people on here! Hopefully the next time we come I will be able to meet up with some Disers - hopefully Melissa will still be there too!

Really enjoying this pretrippie. Hoping that your girl's friend is able to come. How exciting for her to bring a friend.

[jmskinner]

I regret that too. It would have been so good to meet up for a bit. We don't have any trips planned at all. I am taking a year out of earning to do my primary teaching course. There is no way that we can afford to go to Disney for a while. Really sad about that but it cant be helped. I have always wanted to teach so it is all worth it. Come August I will be earning again but will take a while to save up.

Our flights last year came to over £1800. Don't know what the exchange is at the moment I think it is about $3000. Not cheap at all!!!! Lots of saving required!!!!

I am really enjoying keeping up with everyones reports at the moment. Its keeping my disney addiction fed and you actually feel like you are getting to know people on here! Hopefully the next time we come I will be able to meet up with some Disers - hopefully Melissa will still be there too!

Really enjoying this pretrippie. Hoping that your girl's friend is able to come. How exciting for her to bring a friend.

After I posted and asked about another trip, I remembered that you were going back to school. Hope it is going well!!!

Vickie, love those luggage tags. :cool1:

You sure do love cliffhangers.

[wildcatfan]

Ok, I read through your PTR today and I need more.....next chapter please!

[SimmerBaggins]

Ok, I read through your PTR today and I need more.....next chapter please!

Hey, wildcatfan -- thanks for the review & subscribing via post -- seems like only yesterday when I had fewer than 100 posts on this board...just start a trip report, and it adds up quickly! :woohoo:

Okay, Melissa -- I'm guilty about the cliffhanging thing, obviously -- do you know I SERIOUSLY don't plan to do it?? I actually just start writing, and then figure out when to stop...and it's just...rather convenient... ;)

Okay. Will do some more in a second...!! :goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

I should have mentioned earlier that prior to Natalie's sleepover with us, I had sent Brenda a Facebook message that outlined what the price of the airline ticket and the park ticket would be: $250 for each, approximately. When I did that, I realized we hadn't discussed the food issue -- I had assumed we would probably pay for Natalie's meals, since we invited her along, but hadn't discussed with DH.

When DH and I put the figures together for the DDP for 4, along with the price of the tickets (for 3) and the airline tickets (for 3), we were...astounded. Now, I know there are people who pay much more for airfare, and then perhaps some who lose out on $ exchange fees, and then pay for park hoppers, and water parks, etc -- so I shouldn't complain. But...we were really not in a great financial situation as in years past, so these expenses were adding up quickly.

I don't have the poor scrap of paper that we furiously wrote upon, scratched our heads over and argued over -- if I did, I'd take a picture of it. :rotfl:

In the end, we decided to put off doing the DDP, and go for the QSDP for the portion of the time we aren't in concierge.

Back to the sleepover... popcorn::

The entire time Natalie was over, I didn't mention WDW, but I wondered if the girls had talked about it. At the very end, when we were taking her home, I finally couldn't stand it anymore, and turned to the girls in the backseat.

"Well, did you girls talk about the WDW trip?" I asked.

"No," they both answered. I couldn't believe it.

"Well," I said, carefully, "Natalie, if you would, talk to your mom and tell her if she has any questions, to let me know. We are really excited for you to come with us!"

"Okay!" she answered, and we dropped her off at her house -- her dad was home, but we didn't see him.

A few days later (maybe it was a day, I really don't know), we were all home and Jordan called out to me -- "Mom, Natalie's mom wants to know how much it's going to be for WDW!" She was on the phone with her friend.

Hmmm. "It's about $250 for airfare and $250 for park tickets," I answered. "Tell her I sent her an email on FB w/all the details!"

"Okay," Jordan answered. No further communication that day.

Later on that weekend, I saw that I had missed a phone call from Brenda on my cell phone. This is it, I thought!
:yay:

[SimmerBaggins]

I called Brenda back, and she apologized in that she hadn't been checking email lately -- so we discussed the prices.

I assured her that we would take care of the food issue -- so the airfare, tickets for 6 or 7 days (we hadn't decided at that point how many days we were buying, so I told her close to $250), and any spending $$ would be her cost -- that would be around $600. I was poised to buy the airfare by the end of the month, but I told her we would put it on a credit card and she could pay that out. She felt like she could pay us by March, which was fine.

The park tickets, I reassured her, we wouldn't need to buy until we got there, latest. So, no need to come up with that cash, as yet -- we have until June.

"Well then," she answered, "I think we can do it -- Natalie really wants to go!"

Yayness!!! :yay::yay:

As for spending money, I told her that last year, we gave the girls Disney gift cards with a set amount of money, and they kept up with their spending purchases through the receipts. That prevented frivolous spending on our part, and made them really think about the things they wanted. She really liked that idea. When I told her she could get the cards at the Disney store, she thought that was great.

So...! :banana: I told her I was blogging about this trip, but hadn't yet sent her the link for this PTR. We talked a bit more about the girls, church and stuff, and then I told her I would send her information about the flights when I booked them. She said -- "okay!"

Next up: Booking the flights!!

[wildcatfan]

GReat! I am glad she is going! I think it is always fun to have a first timer along. It is fun to watch them explore the first time. We have had family go along the last couple of years that have been first timers. Of course they loved it! Last year we had family go and they had a stoller, even though they loved it they made the comment that they would not return until he was old enough to walk. Well, this year they are planning to return. :lmao: I am telling you it becomes an addiction.:thumbsup2

[SimmerBaggins]

GReat! I am glad she is going! I think it is always fun to have a first timer along. It is fun to watch them explore the first time. We have had family go along the last couple of years that have been first timers. Of course they loved it! Last year we had family go and they had a stoller, even though they loved it they made the comment that they would not return until he was old enough to walk. Well, this year they are planning to return. :lmao: I am telling you it becomes an addiction.:thumbsup2

You are not kidding! DH was just telling me he thought that using our DVC points for 3 years (banked, current & borrowed) would be okay for doing a Disney cruise, and I asked, "Okay? So, you are saying you only want to go on a WDW vacation once in 3 years??" He quickly realized that one vacation in 3 years probably wouldn't be all that great! :lmao:

I TOTALLY am excited for my DD's friend -- the next time Natalie comes over (other than the DD's birthday party she had this weekend), I want them to go through the parks and fill out the WDW maps -- let Natalie decide what she wanted to ride! :yay: Can't wait!! Of course, the best thing would be if I get the vacation-planning DVD in by that time -- love to watch those!!

How old was the child in the stroller? I remember having an umbrella stroller "just in case", when the child got tired and didn't want to walk anymore ...otherwise, it was a great thing to have to put things in that you didn't want to carry! :rolleyes1

[SimmerBaggins]

When I first embarked on looking for airline flights, we were thinking that we would leave San Antonio on Saturday, the day after the last day of school. Both girls have half a day of school on Friday.

As I began looking at the times of arrival in Orlando, I realized that the whole Saturday was pretty much gone by the time we arrived in the resort...which only left Sunday to go see the Skinners, and they would have to leave that day, so...??? I had to reevaluate. What if we left on Friday?

If I calculated correctly, leaving after school that day would put us in Orlando, getting to the resort around midnight. Yuck!! :headache: The kids would be in little mood to get up early the next day, and we wouldn't enjoy the first day in the resort at all.

What if...what if we left early on Friday? I called up Brenda to see what she thought about it.

"Oh, she wouldn't mind not going to school the last day, especially if it's for Disney World," she said. "Besides, they don't do anything the last day, anyway." Hmmm!

My DH reiterated, "Let's just go in the morning! Do we have points to spare to get us a room for Friday night?"

I quickly referred to our DVC point website -- yes! We did have enough for a studio somewhere...but where?

We pulled out the big DVC catalog of resorts...well, I argued, we did want to go to Bay Lake Towers...DH wasn't impressed. "Let's try Boardwalk," I compromised. "If we can't do that, what else do you want to try?"

"Beach Club Villas," was his reply.

I called DVC Member Services.
:wizard:

[jmskinner]

I bow to the cliffhanger queen!:worship:


:rotfl2:

[SimmerBaggins]

I bow to the cliffhanger queen!:worship:
:rotfl2:

Who, me??? :angel:

Guess what???? I got my WDW Vacation Planning DVD today!!!! :banana::banana:
:woohoo::woohoo:

*doin' the joyful dance* party:

[SimmerBaggins]

I have to back up a bit. I didn't call Member Services. Perhaps I should have, but I do believe it was "after hours" when we made this decision, and it was too late. Otherwise, my preference would have been to call.

As it was, I was looking on the DVC Member site, and saw where I could put in my request for booking a room, and it gives you Option 1 and Option 2.

So, I put in Option 1: Boardwalk Villas, studio. Option 2: Beach Club Villas, studio.

And we got...........(drum roll)..........

Option TWO, a studio at Beach Club Villas:

http://allears.net/acc/bcv/bcv2010stud6.jpg

Now, I have heard these have been refurbished. I saw this picture on someone else's thread (hope this is allowed!!!)

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad160/lisa75_photo/DSCN0721.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Futuremom/IMG_1425.jpg

And, I know the girls will love this, the first evening at WDW!!! :cool1:

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/Reycom71/WDW%2007-09/IMG_7006.jpg

:woohoo::woohoo:

[jmskinner]

Isn't Beachclub the one with a pool with a pirate ship? I know Jacob would love it. Still don't know if we are coming Friday or Saturday. Jonas doesn't like the idea of changing resorts.

Also planning a few days in July.

[SimmerBaggins]

Isn't Beachclub the one with a pool with a pirate ship?

Yes!!! It does have that pirate ship, and then a pool area called Stormalong Bay...with real sand in the pool Which is wild. :thumbsup2

[SimmerBaggins]

So, now you're probably wondering: "Vickie, didn't you just say that you were staying at Kadani, then Jambo at AKV, and now prior to THAT, for just one day, you are staying at Beach Club Villas??"

And the answer is, YES! We move twice in a week -- I have seen that other people do it, and...I'm thinking it'll just be part of the adventure of it all. :) Jonas might not like moving because you guys have to pack all that stuff up and put it in your car, Melissa -- but if you can get them to transport it for you to your next resort, will it matter as much? pirate:

And, the schedule for DHS is opening time is 9am on Saturday, June 5th...can we meet at rope drop, Melissa?? It would be my first!

Back to booking flights. After we determined the firm dates of arrival and departure, I began web-surfing for flights. Don't we all do this, now? Does anyone CALL for a flight anymore? In fact, we have a vested interest in one website, which I label LTC...here's what I got during my hunt:

Airtran website $1,167.20
LTC AA and Delta (split) $971.20
LTC Airtran $1,095.00
Southwest $1,326.40

I liked the price of the one-ways that split our coming and going between airlines, but we just had a bad experience once with doing that (losing luggage), so I was disinclined to try it again. The price for Airtran on our LTC website was the best price of them all, so I jumped on it. However, you may note that the price per person for that flight was still above $270. :sad2:

And THEN!!! When I tried to pick the seats...! They wanted to CHARGE me for the seats. I was like, $%^% ^%@ @#@!!??? What am I paying for, the privilege of standing in the aisle?? Then I figured, if you don't BOOK the seats and wait for them to place you, they don't charge you. But I couldn't believe it. Not just the luggage (which of course, isn't in this price), but charging you for the SEAT?? Oh, and they had different prices for different seats.
:mad::mad:

Ridunkulous.

[SimmerBaggins]

I got to thinking after I posted that last post -- people are going to think I'm mean and have a nasty temper, and not want to read my thread anymore! :eek:

Well, as most who know me can testify, I am a person usually full of joy for life and carries a smile most of the time. :cutie:

Here's the flight itinerary for the four of us:
Depart San Antonio: 10:52 am (yeah, it's later, but that's okay)
Arrive Orlando: 4:59 pm

We're planning to spend the evening checking out the resort amenities -- the pool and the campfire/smores and movie on the beach! :yay: popcorn::

And, my DD just informed me that she would like to go do something, just her and Natalie...so I told her there was an arcade, and she was good with that. :) Any other things anyone knows about for BCV for teenagers to do?

Thanks!!

Vickie

[jmskinner]

Glad you got your flights! The girls will enjoy the arcade, Jacob sure does. Any resort we stay at he has to check out the arcade.

Are you set on DHS for Saturday? I know it will be extremely busy on Saturday, how do you feel about Sunday? I think we could handle staying until the Hyperspace Hoopla. I think it is normally at 6 or 7 pm and then we could head out. I'll have to speak to the hubby about it. He is horrible about making plans so far out.

Were you going to get park hoppers?

[SimmerBaggins]

Glad you got your flights! The girls will enjoy the arcade, Jacob sure does. Any resort we stay at he has to check out the arcade.
Are you set on DHS for Saturday? I know it will be extremely busy on Saturday, how do you feel about Sunday? I think we could handle staying until the Hyperspace Hoopla. I think it is normally at 6 or 7 pm and then we could head out. I'll have to speak to the hubby about it. He is horrible about making plans so far out.
Were you going to get park hoppers?

Believe it or not, we have never checked out any of the arcades! Do they take cash, or KTTWC? It seems like I remember someone talking about getting arcade $$ with a dining plan, but that may have been incorrect news...I don't ever remember seeing that on any official WDW sites.

Well...I thought you would want to go do the whole day at DHS...but see? I don't know how the crowds are, so you tell me!! :) We had NOT planned to get park hoppers; reason being that we tended to mostly stay at whatever park we went to to begin with, and maybe only once a stay have park-hopped. Or twice. But it hardly ever seems to be worth the price, since we don't do it much. So, if you think Sunday is a better day to do DHS, we will do that. I've started a spreadsheet, similar to what you did last year; I need to put all the park times on it instead of what I think I might want to do. If we do DHS on Sunday, what do you think we should do on Saturday? We will have the whole day, but I know you guys will want to spend some time at AKV.

Of course... :rolleyes1 ... I always want to begin with MK on the first day, so maybe that could be what we do? I need to check the times.

I'm kind of envious of the people who have everything already figured out and just list it out on their PTR...! :upsidedow

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, phooey. Sunday for MK has EMH from 11pm-2am...and I had told Jordan that we would stick those out! :laughing:

So the only way we could make that is if we do have park hoppers...or, the only other time we could do those kind of EMH is on the following Friday, the 11th. The last day...may not be a good idea, though, seeing as we leave the following day. :confused:

[jmskinner]

I spoke to Jonas about this tonight. He doesn't mind staying until 6 or so on Sunday, may just take that following week off so we would just need to get back in time for Jacob to get to bed. They really won't have any school work. Honestly the only reason they are in school that last week is so they can send home the report cards on the last day. The grades all have to be in the Friday you arrive at WDW. Does this make sense? Tax dollars at their finest.

I say stay late at MK that Friday. You can always go to the resort and take a nap during the day, start packing and then head back in time for the parades and fireworks and then stay for EMH. I think it would make for one last great time before heading home. What time is the flight the next day?

SWW causes DHS to be horribly packed. But we can go Saturday or Sunday, we probably just couldn't get there until later than 9:00am on Saturday. Got to get the dogs to the kennel etc.

The arcades have a machine you put cash, credit card, or KTTW card (if you have charging capability) into and they spit out another card with a point balance. I actually have a couple in my wallet right now. I know because I couldn't find one of my credit cards but kept running into these things.:rotfl:

And MK is Jonas' favorite park.

By the way, I don't think I had mentioned. Another reason we can't spend more time with Vickie and her family and friend is because the following weekend we have to head to NC for my stepdaughters high school graduation. Which is that Friday at 8:30am? I can't believe they are holding graduation on a Friday morning, anyone else's school district do this?

[SimmerBaggins]

I can't believe they are holding graduation on a Friday morning, anyone else's school district do this?

Girl, it's just you & me on this thread. Don't you hear the crickets chirping? :rotfl:

[ScotsMinnie]

:rotfl: nope still here!!!! Just being quiet for a change!!!

[SimmerBaggins]

:rotfl: nope still here!!!! Just being quiet for a change!!!

Awww...thank you! :lovestruc

Okay, we can do MK the first day, Saturday, and you guys can meet up with us whenever you get there. I'm sure the girls will want to get there early, perhaps rope drop, and then we'll take our customary break after lunch (mid-afternoon) and check out Kadani Village, where we'll make sure our luggage made it over from BCV.

We'll see how eager the girls will be to check out the pool, but is that a good time for you to let Jacob loose on the pool? Then, we can head back later for the evening and finish up with Wishes, if everyone wants to.

Then, for DHS, we'll be together taking the bus Sunday morning for rope drop! :banana::banana: No more texting each other to see where the other one is! :lmao:

[jmskinner]

Hi Scotsminnie! Hope some others are still out here also. Posting using my phone so hopefully this works.

Let's see if Vickie still wants us to join her after this. First I was actually planning on driving to DHS so we could just hope in the car and head home.

Vickie had you heard no Spectromagic and no Wishes this Summer? They are bringing the Electrical Parade back and also some other special fireworks show. Trying to change it up a bit to get more returning guests.

Have you planned the other days yet?

[ScotsMinnie]

The Electrical Parade sounds great - I have not seen that since I was a little kid. Good that they are varying it at night. Although Wishes is amazing - they would have to do something really special to top it.

[SimmerBaggins]

Let's see if Vickie still wants us to join her after this. First I was actually planning on driving to DHS so we could just hope in the car and head home.

:yoda: : I hope joking you are. Realize the force (of the crowd) -- powerful it will be, and not soon reunited we will be.

Vickie had you heard no Spectromagic and no Wishes this Summer? They are bringing the Electrical Parade back and also some other special fireworks show. Trying to change it up a bit to get more returning guests.

:sad: : You said, WHAT?

Have you planned the other days yet?

:sad2: : Just haven't had time...

(more to come!!! :lmao:)

[jenniferkeala808]

hey vickie! Sorry! I've been MIA for a little bit. just got caught up. don't worry, i don't think you have a temper haha!! I think that's just OUTRAGEOUS!! that they're charging you for seats! I mean, what are they going to charge us for next?? haha. Well, glad you got your flights booked! The campfire/smores thing sounds fun! Well, can't wait to hear more updates!!

*keala*

[ScotsMinnie]

:confused: What are smores?? (can't find embarrassed smilie!!!) :rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

:confused: What are smores?? (can't find embarrassed smilie!!!) :rotfl:

:teacher: S'mores are two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate and some marshmallow (cream or puff), heated so that the chocolate and marshmallow melt a little! Yum... :cloud9:

http://images.media-allrecipes.com/global/recipes/small/22146.jpg

[ScotsMinnie]

:teacher: S'mores are two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate and some marshmallow (cream or puff), heated so that the chocolate and marshmallow melt a little! Yum... :cloud9:

http://images.media-allrecipes.com/global/recipes/small/22146.jpg

OMG! Its an injustice that I knew nothing about these before my last trip!! How good do they look?

Might try a Scottish version!!!!! :rotfl:

What exactly are Graham crackers? Are they like a biscuit (sweet) or a savoury cracker?

Will have to put this on the agenda for next time!

[SimmerBaggins]

Vickie had you heard no Spectromagic and no Wishes this Summer? They are bringing the Electrical Parade back and also some other special fireworks show. Trying to change it up a bit to get more returning guests.

Hey, Melissa, I found this on the WDW Parks site -- this is from the June calendar:

Saturday, June 5
9:00 AM Park Opens
10:00 AM Judge's Tent (Entertainment)
10:35 AM Dream-Along With Mickey (Entertainment)
11:40 AM Dream-Along With Mickey (Entertainment)
1:15 PM Dream-Along With Mickey (Entertainment)
2:15 PM Dream-Along With Mickey (Entertainment)
3:00 PM Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade (Entertainment)
4:15 PM Dream-Along With Mickey (Entertainment)
5:15 PM Dream-Along With Mickey (Entertainment)
9:00 PM "SpectroMagic" Parade (Entertainment)
10:00 PM Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular (Entertainment)
10:00 PM Park Closes

Do you think they just haven't updated it to take out those two events (Wishes and SpectroMagic)?

[SimmerBaggins]

What exactly are Graham crackers? Are they like a biscuit (sweet) or a savoury cracker?

:lovestruc

Other than kind of maple & honey flavored, I couldn't come up with an adequate taste description!! Children here are usually given graham crackers from the time they begin to eat solid food with their fingers, and they can be quite healthy.

However, to do FULL justice, I looked it up! :laughing:
****************
Graham crackers and related animal crackers are whole wheat crackers made with a special type of flour. They are slightly sweetened with sugar and honey and are sold in a variety of sizes and shapes. First developed in 1829, they remain a popular snack food, and millions of crackers are sold each year.

The development of the graham cracker is attributed to Sylvester Graham, an American clergyman. In 1829, he concocted the recipe for a cracker whose main ingredient was an unsifted, coarsely ground whole wheat flour. Touting his product as a health food, he produced and sold it locally. Over time, it became known the graham cracker. Due to its popularity and innovation, other bakeries copied his recipe and eventually developed methods for its mass production. Since then, graham crackers have been a popular snack food. They have also become an important ingredient in pie crust recipes.
*************

Now, you are all ED-yu-mi-cated! :banana:

Vickie

[ScotsMinnie]

mmmmmmmm may experiment with a scottish version! Will show you any results!

[cinderella crazy]

Wow! I'm really liking your PTR! Can't wait to read more!

[SimmerBaggins]

hey vickie! Sorry! I've been MIA for a little bit. just got caught up. don't worry, i don't think you have a temper haha!! I think that's just OUTRAGEOUS!! that they're charging you for seats! I mean, what are they going to charge us for next?? haha. Well, glad you got your flights booked! The campfire/smores thing sounds fun! Well, can't wait to hear more updates!!

*keala*

Hi, Keala! Thanks for the affirmation...after all that hard work of finding the right flights and the right price, it almost felt like they were going: "GOTCHA!!" :eek:

I mean, you're right, what are they charging us for, next? Although, I do remember hearing about one airline charging for the restroom. I remember also hearing about an Asian airline that asked passengers to go to the bathroom prior to boarding the plane, to save fuel on the weight loss... :lmao:

("Attention ladies & gentlemen: Please make your way to the restroom at this time, before our boarding call. We are asking you to lose at least one pound per passenger. Thank you for your understanding.") :rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

Wow! I'm really liking your PTR! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much for coming over -- I'm enjoying yours, too!! :yay::yay:

(although, after my previous comment...hope I haven't scared you away!) :rotfl:

[AuroraRose]

I love, love, LOVE your luggage tags!! School and wedding planning have kept me away from the boards for a bit, but I'm all caught up now!

I'm right there with you on the airlines. It's ridiculous, I'm surprised they aren't charging to breathe on the flight! We're looking at flights right now, crazily enough, prices have gone down since we first started looking a couple months ago, but it's still ridiculous what they want to charge you for!

Anyway, I am still loving your updates, can't wait to hear more! :thumbsup2

[cinderella crazy]

(although, after my previous comment...hope I haven't scared you away!) :rotfl:

It's going to take a lot more than that to scare me off. :lmao: :thumbsup2

[jenniferkeala808]

Hi, Keala! Thanks for the affirmation...after all that hard work of finding the right flights and the right price, it almost felt like they were going: "GOTCHA!!" :eek:

I mean, you're right, what are they charging us for, next? Although, I do remember hearing about one airline charging for the restroom. I remember also hearing about an Asian airline that asked passengers to go to the bathroom prior to boarding the plane, to save fuel on the weight loss... :lmao:

("Attention ladies & gentlemen: Please make your way to the restroom at this time, before our boarding call. We are asking you to lose at least one pound per passenger. Thank you for your understanding.") :rotfl:

now that is just crossing the line!! How crazy is this world going to get!! haha!!

[SimmerBaggins]

Okay, here is some of the hard work Melissa wanted me to do, and I did it! Well...it's not definite by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a start! We're intending to buy a 7 day ticket, one of those days is really a "just in case".

The times are just when the park opens and closes...we don't plan to open and close them all...:eek:

4-Jun-10 Fri Arrive
5-Jun-10 Saturday MK 9am - 10pm
6-Jun-10 Sunday DHS 9am - 9pm
7-Jun-10 Monday AK 9am - 6pm EMH 8am-9am
8-Jun-10 Tues Epcot 9am - 9pm EMH 9pm -12am
9-Jun-10 Weds Epcot 9am - 9pm
10-Jun-10 Thurs Mostly free, DSH 9am - 9pm
11-Jun-10 Fri MK 9am - 11pm EMH 11 - 2am
12-Jun-10 Saturday Leave afternoon

Okay, now I need a drink...! :surfweb:

Do you guys like to do Epcot twice in a row? I feel like I can't get enough of the place and always want to go back the very next day. I struggled whether to break that up...

[cinderella crazy]

I'd do Epcot 3 times in a row if I thought I could get away with it. :thumbsup2 We all really like Epcot. I wouldn't say I like MK or Epcot more than the other since each one is so different. But we definately like Epcot just as much as MK. Many of our ADRs are in Epcot.

Your schedule looks great! I see you're going to AK once. We do the same thing. So far, we can do everything we want to do with only going there one day.

[SimmerBaggins]

I love, love, LOVE your luggage tags!! School and wedding planning have kept me away from the boards for a bit, but I'm all caught up now!

Thank you! It's so funny -- I have looked and looked for some kind of different Disney luggage identifiers/tags and the few I found all seemed too much for what I wanted to pay...then, one day, scrounging through the clearance area of the Disney store, I find these -- several of them! :yay:

And, I will unashamedly admit: I love the Disney Outlet store! (I'm so cheap!) :rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

I'd do Epcot 3 times in a row if I thought I could get away with it. :thumbsup2 We all really like Epcot. I wouldn't say I like MK or Epcot more than the other since each one is so different. But we definately like Epcot just as much as MK. Many of our ADRs are in Epcot.

Your schedule looks great! I see you're going to AK once. We do the same thing. So far, we can do everything we want to do with only going there one day.

I feel exactly the same way -- MK and Epcot -- love them both for different reasons. Have to do both twice. The only reason I'd go back to AK again is if I had park hoppers and could swing back and do Expedition Everest again...that is, by far, my favorite rollercoaster!!!! :woohoo:

[jmskinner]

Schedule sounds great, and they may extend hours once it gets closer. Seems like they did last year.

One thought, since you have AK on an EMH morning, make sure you get there in time for EMH. AK is the worst park for crowds in my Opinion. Plus it is the hottest park! We had so much fun last time. AK was our first park together.

I think staying late at MK on that last day is going to be a blast, wish I could be there.

Oh, the reason Vickie wants us to ride the bus is because last summer, DHS was our last day together. We drove over and got there before the gates opened, and they rode the bus and got stuck in a line of buses to unload. The FP line for TSMM was all the way back to Walt's Dream by the time they got there. But we still had a great time!

And since you mentioned Epcot, guess where I am going today! Jacob and I are heading over to hang out in the Aquarium since we never take the time to do so. So much to do, I don't have time to look at fish!!!:lmao:

Have a great day everyone!

[SimmerBaggins]

And since you mentioned Epcot, guess where I am going today! Jacob and I are heading over to hang out in the Aquarium since we never take the time to do so. So much to do, I don't have time to look at fish!!!:lmao:

We went through the aquarium back in 2003 (before Nemo), and I know it's changed so much since then. It was so huge and had so much to look at that you can spend a lot of time there -- it's an attraction all on its own!

[SimmerBaggins]

My daughter had her birthday party the second week of February, and invited her closest friends, including Natalie.
They went skating after cake & presents, and then came back for a sleep over.

The main thing about this party from the WDW planning aspect: Natalie's mom said they were saving for the flight price, and had about 1/2 of it already -- and should have the rest by the beginning of March! That was great news, and kind of helped cement her going with us...!

Here they are at the lighting of the cake...Natalie is the one leaning on the counter, and Jordan is in the red shirt to the right.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs140.snc3/18760_1218035293808_1316648229_30523314_3643091_n. jpg

With this bit of news, I proceeded with one of my traditions for every WDW trip. Beginning the first morning that we wake up at WDW and ending the last park morning, I set out a Disney present for my DD before she wakes up. It truly enhances the magic of the day to see her wake up to something new and special! We even did this the last trip last year, when we took our DGD, and she really enjoyed it. If you are looking to save some $$, it does help to have bought some of these things at a discount! Not only that, but it helps curb the enthusiasm to spend, spend spend!!

Here are the two shirts I bought for the first day for the girls (I have a hard time picking ANY toys for them...just doesn't seem right anymore)...! :confused3

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs160.snc3/18760_1218519425911_1316648229_30524346_7145486_n. jpg

I have an idea who will get what, but I'll be open for them to swap if they want! :goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh, and I forgot to add: I saved up enough to pay off the flights -- woohoo!! The next paycheck, I'll be putting money away for the tickets...

6 more paychecks *$150 (providing DH doesn't put a stop to this) = $900

3 park tickets = $750

Leaves: $150

Well, that leaves us really short on the food aspect...which isn't comforting. We figured about another $600 - $700 on food for 4 adults.

Man, this is going to have to be one heck of a garage sale!!! :scared1:

[AuroraRose]

Thank you! It's so funny -- I have looked and looked for some kind of different Disney luggage identifiers/tags and the few I found all seemed too much for what I wanted to pay...then, one day, scrounging through the clearance area of the Disney store, I find these -- several of them! :yay:

And, I will unashamedly admit: I love the Disney Outlet store! (I'm so cheap!) :rotfl:

Same here, I have been searching for some not so expensive Disney luggage tags, but no luck as of yet. Here in Vegas we have an outlet store that gets merchandise from Disneyland and WDW, and I absolutely LOVE going there, so I'm right there with you!

I am ALSO right there with you on Epcot. Having only been to WDW once so far, I have to say that I just felt like I didn't get enough even though we went a couple days out of our trip. This year I know we will be in Epcot at some point or another at least two additional days not counting our official Epcot day since we at the moment we have 4 ADRs there, :laughing:!

Your WDW trip tradition is great! I love that idea! Those shirts are really cute, too! I need to start looking for our Disney shirt as well, we've had an official one each year we've gone with our friends.

[SimmerBaggins]

Your WDW trip tradition is great! I love that idea! Those shirts are really cute, too! I need to start looking for our Disney shirt as well, we've had an official one each year we've gone with our friends.

Thanks -- it's like Christmas, every morning! :banana:

And right now, the outlet store has some cute $6.99 tees for women:

http://as7.disneystore.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/100824M?$thumb$
http://as7.disneystore.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/100827M?$thumb$

I also like that you can get some Disney pins for the kids at really good prices...and if they don't like them, they can use them to trade with!! Like these pins, for $3.99. Yes, just $3.99. Remember how expensive pins can be?

http://as7.disneystore.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/501175?$thumb$

This is my theory, anyway. ;) I'll take pics of the stuff that comes in the mail to me in a few days.... :rolleyes1

[cinderella crazy]

Now you've done it! You've showed me cute Disney stuff I can buy! :lmao: At least they're on sale. :thumbsup2

We've never done group shirts but I think we might this year with it being an anniversary trip. Now I'm going to have to go online and look.

[SimmerBaggins]

Now you've done it! You've showed me cute Disney stuff I can buy! :lmao: At least they're on sale. :thumbsup2

We've never done group shirts but I think we might this year with it being an anniversary trip. Now I'm going to have to go online and look.

Ohhhh!! This last weekend, they had a special -- free personalization for all items! I bought a shirt...DH doesn't know about it...well, it hasn't gotten here, yet... :littleangel:

Too bad -- I should have posted about that special! :sad2:

[AuroraRose]

Now I have to go and look!! I love sales! :laughing: I am hoping we can make it to the Disney Outlet store here in Vegas soon. They usually have the multi-packs of pins, and one year we managed to snag the one with all the baby princesses for about $8! That was a good trading buy! :thumbsup2

I can't wait to see all your pictures!!

[jmskinner]

Hey Vickie. Great news on getting the plane tickets paid for.

I had an idea for tshirts to wear to SWW, I need to find the pic I wanted to use. It's a Stormtrooper sitting in an interogation room, with his hands on his head, caption: "Those were the droids you were looking for!" I'll find it and post it.

I also took some pics of something new you will have to do at Epcot. I'll post them later for you.

Sorry not feeling well today, getting ready to find the couch again.

And I may pick up some pins for the girls. We have a Disney Outlet up the road from us with park merchandise in it. Lots of pins for $3.99.

Off to find that couch now.

[elizablake]

I began web-surfing for flights. Don't we all do this, now? Does anyone CALL for a flight anymore?

Airlines have phones? :confused3;)



And THEN!!! When I tried to pick the seats...! They wanted to CHARGE me for the seats. I was like, $%^% ^%@ @#@!!??? What am I paying for, the privilege of standing in the aisle?? Then I figured, if you don't BOOK the seats and wait for them to place you, they don't charge you. But I couldn't believe it. Not just the luggage (which of course, isn't in this price), but charging you for the SEAT?? Oh, and they had different prices for different seats.
:mad::mad:

Ridunkulous.



:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

Believe it or not, we have never checked out any of the arcades! Do they take cash, or KTTWC? It seems like I remember someone talking about getting arcade $$ with a dining plan, but that may have been incorrect news...I don't ever remember seeing that on any official WDW sites.


The arcades take cash or credit. You get a little card with the money loaded onto it. Last year we got an arcade card with a money on it when we booked a package. That might be what you are thinking of.


Do you guys like to do Epcot twice in a row? I feel like I can't get enough of the place and always want to go back the very next day. I struggled whether to break that up...



I think you might enjoy EPCOT better with two days in a row. I can't see a down side.

Man, this is going to have to be one heck of a garage sale!!! :scared1:



:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

So glad your DD's friend is joining you and that you decided to arrive on Friday. I think the extra time will be great. We didn't the sing-a-long and marshmellow roast a bunch of times at Fort Wilderness. It was a blast.

[elizablake]

4-Jun-10 Fri Arrive
5-Jun-10 Saturday MK 9am - 10pm
6-Jun-10 Sunday DHS 9am - 9pm
7-Jun-10 Monday AK 9am - 6pm EMH 8am-9am
8-Jun-10 Tues Epcot 9am - 9pm EMH 9pm -12am
9-Jun-10 Weds Epcot 9am - 9pm
10-Jun-10 Thurs Mostly free, DSH 9am - 9pm
11-Jun-10 Fri MK 9am - 11pm EMH 11 - 2am
12-Jun-10 Saturday Leave afternoon




Me again.

Are you going to Fantasmic on Sunday? We are planning on a day of rest and then Fantasmic (with a million other people).

We will be at MK on Sat too. If you see a little princess bossing around 4 adults, be sure to say hi.

Are you going to a park before you leave Sat?

[hollybearsmom]

We are jumping in now, and will be there June 5-10, so look out for us too!

[SimmerBaggins]

Me again.

Are you going to Fantasmic on Sunday? We are planning on a day of rest and then Fantasmic (with a million other people).

We will be at MK on Sat too. If you see a little princess bossing around 4 adults, be sure to say hi.

Are you going to a park before you leave Sat?

OMGosh, we have our first two parks identical?? :lmao: That is funny -- but cool! That really increases the likelihood of seeing each other! I want to see Fantasmic, because we didn't get to see it for our last trip...so I think that's the plan for now. (Like I said before...they don't plan, so they follow mine!)

If we don't use our 7th optional day on our Thursday, then we will use it for our last Saturday -- otherwise, we'll probably do DTD on that Saturday.

[SimmerBaggins]

We are jumping in now, and will be there June 5-10, so look out for us too!

Oh, yay! :woohoo: Now there are three of us!! Do you have a '10 PTR? I can guess two things: you're a mom, and have a DD! :laughing:

Okay, I'm more smarty than smart, but definitely want to hear more! :)

[jmskinner]

You have to get you some Lime Green Mickey Heads! That way other Dis'ers can spot you!. Aren't you glad I finally got you into the Dis. I'm still trying to decide if Facebook was a good idea.:rotfl2:

I was watching a news report yesterday and thought of you and the airline charging for seats. Were those seats on the rows with extra leg room? Several airlines are now charging for that additional leg room. And we thought charging for the first bag was nuts!

[SimmerBaggins]

You have to get you some Lime Green Mickey Heads! That way other Dis'ers can spot you!. Aren't you glad I finally got you into the Dis. I'm still trying to decide if Facebook was a good idea.:rotfl2:

I was watching a news report yesterday and thought of you and the airline charging for seats. Were those seats on the rows with extra leg room? Several airlines are now charging for that additional leg room. And we thought charging for the first bag was nuts!

I had some of those a long time ago when you told me about them, but I lost them in a move.

And, no -- it was for EVERY seat that they were charging!! The seats with extra leg room were MORE, but the regular seats were $6 each. I think the others were $10 and $12 (for "premium"). It's a stinking, ugly marketing ploy. Some marketing ploys are cute, but these are truly inconvenient and ugly. If you wait until you board to get your seats, you probably won't get to sit together because all will be left are middle seats. and no one will want to switch with you so you can sit with your family.
:mad:

Now I'm mad again!!

[cinderella crazy]

OKay, I have a silly question. Where do you get lime green Mickey heads and what do you do with them once you have them? I know they're used to spot other DISsers but I'm clueless about everything else.

[jmskinner]

OKay, I have a silly question. Where do you get lime green Mickey heads and what do you do with them once you have them? I know they're used to spot other DISsers but I'm clueless about everything else.

They are paint samples from Home Depot. I took the Mickey Head off the paper it comes on, and laminated it. It hangs on my backpack. I know another Dis'er who cut a large one and put it on her shoulder bag. Can spot her from the other side of the park.

Ok Vickie, I had said I would post pics of something that you all have to do on your trip and I finally got them uploaded (slight issue of not feeling well and then I have filled up my external hard drive so had to figure out where to put them):
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/IMG0347-1/803464469_3mjCr-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/11429092_JKcHt#803464469_3mjCr-A-LB)

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/IMG0349-1/803464986_y2R4r-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/11429092_JKcHt#803464986_y2R4r-A-LB)

You may have already read about it, but just thought I would post some pics for ya. It's in Innoventions where the Build A Robot attraction was. Basically you design the ride yourself. Choose from bobsled, rollercoaster, or jet. You download your design to a card they give you and then report to a station to get in one of those crazy looking things.

And I believe this would be someone doing a loop:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/IMG0351-1/803465457_A9NAs-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/11429092_JKcHt#803464986_y2R4r-A-LB)

One thing though, when they closed the thing, it was tight on my crotch. I kept thinking, "how in the world can I guy stand this thing?:scared1:"

[SimmerBaggins]

Wow. I had read about it, but I just pictured a little "Chucky Cheese" ride thing that showed a screen and put some motion to it... ahem. :scared1:

As good as you are with that old rollercoaster program, I would think you would be a master at this...I am slightly intimidated.

As for the lime green Mickey heads, I would think a person might be clever enough to make them, rather than deplete a Home Depot of their stock of paper samples...I felt badly when I took one, myself. GRANTED -- how many times do we think we're going to paint something, take the little cards, and then never do the painting? :laughing:

Hooking it onto a backpack like a keychain sounds like a good idea to me.

Man, I am so ready to go. :( It doesn't seem soon enough.

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, my Disney stuff came in, today! This makes three more days of "wake up with Disney" that the girls will have -- I'll be sure to post pictures of the stuff tomorrow. :goodvibes

I'm trying to figure out if we want to do ONE DAY of DDP when we arrive for our one day stay at BCV. We can technically do that -- but our first day is at the MK, and I've never really seen a major restaurant (table service) that I wanted to try at MK! So, I'm thinking the better bet is to do QSDP -- there are PLENTY of counter service places I love to frequent, and ... I could get my first Dole Whip as a snack. Because we have more than 1 snack on the QSDP.

Because we have to pack up from BCV the first morning there and then get to Kadani Village that afternoon and get our room, I'm just thinking trying to get an ADR for that day wouldn't be convenient.

I welcome any thoughts!! :)

[jenniferkeala808]

can't wait to see pics!! I think the QSDP would be good for MK day...i agree with you about the TS restaurants. The only one I wanted to try was Crystal Palace and that was so we could get into the park before it officially opens! Let us know what you choose to do!!

[elizablake]

Wow. I had read about it, but I just pictured a little "Chucky Cheese" ride thing that showed a screen and put some motion to it... ahem. :scared1:


That's what I thought too. :lmao:

jmskinner, do you think a 5-year-old would be able to design a mild roller coaster that wouldn't scare her? DH and I would love it and I was hoping that my DD and Mom could make one together.

I'm trying to figure out if we want to do ONE DAY of DDP when we arrive for our one day stay at BCV. We can technically do that -- but our first day is at the MK, and I've never really seen a major restaurant (table service) that I wanted to try at MK! So, I'm thinking the better bet is to do QSDP -- there are PLENTY of counter service places I love to frequent, and ... I could get my first Dole Whip as a snack. Because we have more than 1 snack on the QSDP.

Because we have to pack up from BCV the first morning there and then get to Kadani Village that afternoon and get our room, I'm just thinking trying to get an ADR for that day wouldn't be convenient.

I welcome any thoughts!! :)

So, Sat you are going to wake up at BCV and then go to the MK but go "home" to Kadani? That would be a tough day to schedule an ADR. Are you planning to take a mid day break? Are you going to return to MK after dinner? If so, maybe you could pick a restaurant in one of the MK resorts since MK restaurants don't appeal to you. Maybe Ohana? It seems like a sit down dinner on your first day would be nice. Would it be difficult to get to Boma from Kadani?

[SimmerBaggins]

Boma!!!! I would love to go to Boma, but sadly -- no one else in my party likes it. :( This is the one exception to the rule that whatever I plan, everyone does...they would go eat at Boma, but I would feel badly that I am the single, solitary person who would be looking forward to it.
:sad2:

[SimmerBaggins]

When the UPS man came down my street yesterday afternoon, I heard him. We live on a cul-de-sac, so when he passed by the house and then turned around in the circle, I was like, "Ah-ha!"

I knew my Disney package had been delivered to Houston on Saturday(via the tracking system), so it might be at my door by Monday -- and so it was!

The first things I pulled out of my box of Disney goodies (don't you just LOVE getting stuff in the mail? not bills...) were the pins that I bought for the girls. Well, most of the stuff I bought this go-round was for the girls!

These things have been on the Outlet site for a long time, and I'd been scorning them like, apparently, everyone else had been! But these are REALLY nice...different, and very big! I put a box of matches beside them so you can tell. The Mushu one is for Jordan, and the Cinderella for Natalie.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs374.snc3/24000_1237246854085_1316648229_30562616_4927657_n. jpg

Then, I bought the girls shirts; I probably should have gotten both large, but I didn't -- since Jordan may be slightly skinner, she'll get the medium, and I hope it isn't too small. This junior cut can be pretty unforgiving. The Mickey shirt is the medium, the Minnie is the large.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs434.ash1/24000_1237246894086_1316648229_30562617_7954482_n. jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs434.ash1/24000_1237246934087_1316648229_30562618_8094616_n. jpg

Then, as something a little different, I saw these PJ sets for $8.99 -- too cute!

Eeyore (for Jordan):

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs374.snc3/24000_1237246974088_1316648229_30562619_3118027_n. jpg

Tinkerbell (for Natalie):

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs394.snc3/24000_1237247014089_1316648229_30562620_7482367_n. jpg

And, lastly, I got a t-shirt for ME: :banana:

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs374.snc3/24000_1237247054090_1316648229_30562621_6171899_n. jpg

[elizablake]

I love UPS (since bills are always USPS)! Cute pins and shirts.

[cinderella crazy]

Love the shirt that says "Vickie's Mickey Tee!" That is great! I haven't ordered anything in awhile and I miss hearing the UPS truck. I may have to fix that by ordering something...:thumbsup2

[ScotsMinnie]

Love the shopping. Especially your Tshirt. :)

[SimmerBaggins]

Love the shirt that says "Vickie's Mickey Tee!" That is great! I haven't ordered anything in awhile and I miss hearing the UPS truck. I may have to fix that by ordering something...:thumbsup2

Do you think it's too egotistical?? :laughing: The Disney store does all kinds of incentives, and this one was free personalization, but only 20 characters, including spaces.

It's funny how you get attuned to listening for that truck -- !:rolleyes1

Love the shopping. Especially your Tshirt. :)

Thank you! :upsidedow Last year, I bought a tee for my husband, with the little old man from UP holding balloons...underneath, I had typed: Woopdedoo for Robert :lmao: It was hilarious. But he didn't wear it to the park!!!

I love UPS (since bills are always USPS)! Cute pins and shirts.

Thank you -- at times I feel a pang of guilt that I'm such a cheapskate, though. And mail always seems more special once you've ordered something, doesn't it? We must support our post office by placing orders and sending letters!! :eek:

[SimmerBaggins]

The Disney Outlet store has a special through March 14th -- an extra 20% off all merch on the outlet site!! :cool1:

Too bad I already bought mine, but...I'm happy I got it already. :)

http://www.disneystore.com/Outlet/cdo/12845/

Have fun shopping!!

Vickie

[hollybearsmom]

love the t-shirts, but especialy the pj's, what a great idea

[SimmerBaggins]

love the t-shirts, but especialy the pj's, what a great idea

Thank you! The only thing about getting clothes for the "wake up in WDW days" is that ... hopefully, they fit!

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, we had our garage sale today! We managed to clear about ...

drumroll....










...$350!! :woohoo: That will pay for about half of our dining bill needs, so that really rocks.

The girls really helped out, too! Natalie came over, and she and Jordan helped with taking money and watching out for things. And later, I had them watch the WDW vacation planning DVD, where they were supposed to decide what they wanted to ride.

Their answer: "ALL". Well, I take that to mean "ALL" of the big rides! Now I need to go ahead and do the planning maps ...

To top off the day, Natalie's mom had the airline ticket $$, so we are -- almost there!! :yay::yay:

So today was a very good day... :goodvibes

[elizablake]

Wow! Sounds like a sucessful yard sale and great news about Natalie's plane ticket money.

What do you mean by planning maps? Are you talking about the free onces you can order from Disney's site? Just curious.

[jmskinner]

jmskinner, do you think a 5-year-old would be able to design a mild roller coaster that wouldn't scare her? DH and I would love it and I was hoping that my DD and Mom could make one together.

I think they could. The "bobsled" option is suppose to be mild. Height may be an issue though. Not sure what the requirement was, but they measured my DS and they don't ever do that for any other rides. He was barely tall enough.

[jmskinner]

Someone how I didn't notice page 8 of this thread. :confused3 Love all the stuff you bought Vickie. I like those Mickey and Minnie shirts for the girls. And I like your shirt too. Nothing wrong with that.

Scottsminnie, men just don't get it do they? Why wouldn't he wear the shirt? Sounded very cute.

And Vickie, I forgot to mention I agree with the QSDP, still a lot of food. It comes with the mugs though doesn't it? Worth it just for that.

[elizablake]

I think they could. The "bobsled" option is suppose to be mild. Height may be an issue though. Not sure what the requirement was, but they measured my DS and they don't ever do that for any other rides. He was barely tall enough.

Thank you. I checked and the height requirement is 48 inches to ride, and 54 to go upside down. DD is about 46.5 and I don't see her growning another 1.5 inches in the next 2 months. :sad1:

[cinderella crazy]

Yay! Sounds like the garage sale was a success! Things seem to be coming together nicely for your trip!

[SimmerBaggins]

Wow! Sounds like a sucessful yard sale and great news about Natalie's plane ticket money.

What do you mean by planning maps? Are you talking about the free onces you can order from Disney's site? Just curious.

It was a GREAT weekend! And, yes, those are the maps I'm talking about -- although we may not have enough time...it does take a long time to get them. Have you ever ordered them? They are really cute!

[SimmerBaggins]

Someone how I didn't notice page 8 of this thread. :confused3 Love all the stuff you bought Vickie. I like those Mickey and Minnie shirts for the girls. And I like your shirt too. Nothing wrong with that.

Scottsminnie, men just don't get it do they? Why wouldn't he wear the shirt? Sounded very cute.

And Vickie, I forgot to mention I agree with the QSDP, still a lot of food. It comes with the mugs though doesn't it? Worth it just for that.

Thanks!! Well, you'll get to see it first-hand -- I'm not wearing it until the trip!

And, I should take a picture of Robert's shirt...

It's so funny -- I was excited about getting the mugs with the QSDP...and then I saw all the hoopla about mugs on the resort threads! It's horrendous! People want to know what they look like (like I did), and then everyone accuses those who want to know of taking old mugs to the resorts to get free refills!

It was crazy...whatever you do, DON'T read the Mug threads!! :rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

Yay! Sounds like the garage sale was a success! Things seem to be coming together nicely for your trip!

Thank you! A lot of good things happened this weekend. It's so funny: on Sunday, I mentioned something about the trip, and DH says, "Are you just constantly thinking about WDW?"

And I thought: hey, I know people who have extravagant WDW dinners at home, etc!! :rotfl: I think it's all relative!! But he doesn't read the Dis Boards, so he has no idea...

and Melissa, it's all your fault. :lmao:

of course, she would probably tell me it's all MY fault, since I started it by sending her a WDW Vacation Planning DVD! (hey, as much $$ as you've given WDW by now, I should think I deserve some kind of kick-back...) :rolleyes1

[jmskinner]

I do blame you Vickie!!!! :lmao: Honestly, you just have to blame Walt E. Disney, he sure knew what he was doing!

Sadly I won't get to see all of those shirts since we won't be with you the whole stay.

And Elizablake, sorry you DD won't be tall enough for Sum of all Thrills, but will the Flower and Garden Festival still be going on when you are there? They have a really cool playground set up for it, maybe you and the hubby can let Grandma watch her while you go ride. Or we had fun with the Waste Management attraction (can't remember the name of it) right across from Sum of All Thrills.

[jmskinner]

Ok, I know I am double posting...or does it count if it is the next day?

But I am so excited :banana::banana:, the stars have been announced for SWW. We will get to see Billie Dee Williams and Ray Park! We don't ever get the autographs, not willing to get there that early for the FP to get them, but it is fun to see them in the parade.

[SimmerBaggins]

But I am so excited :banana::banana:, the stars have been announced for SWW. We will get to see Billie Dee Williams and Ray Park! We don't ever get the autographs, not willing to get there that early for the FP to get them, but it is fun to see them in the parade.

Billie Dee Williams -- that is so cool!! But I don't remember who Ray Park is.

I am seriously going to look into ADRs today. I want to get that planned out, at least. Robert & I talked about doing Hollywood & Vine that first day, but since we are going to MK the first day instead, we might do something at a resort, or at DTD.

I don't have illusions about Boma's -- so if not that, maybe something we've never done before! We're talking about it now...

[jmskinner]

But I don't remember who Ray Park is.



Ray Park was Darth Maul, Jacob's favorite SW character! Well, Darth Vader may be, I'm not sure. He likes the bad guys.:confused3 He was also Toad in X-Men and just looked him up on IMDB and he was Edgar on Heroes, don't you watch heroes?

Sorry about Boma, but not one of my favorites either. What about one of the other restaurants there at AK? We liked Liberty Tree Tavern at MK. Biergarten at Epcot, shoot shouldn't have said that. Now I want to go.

[SimmerBaggins]

I just noticed the countdown -- 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days!!! Well, actually, I never changed mine, but it should be only 1 day!! :cool1:

[wildcatfan]

I have been a little behind, so I am catching up on your PTR. I love the pins and t-shirts. You got yourself a cute Mickey one too!!! Also, great job on the yard sale. :thumbsup2 I had to laugh at your comments about the mug thread. I read that one last week and decided there were some grumpy people on the board. We decided to do the QSDP this year becaue we got a pin code for it free. Well, actually someone in our grand gathering got one. It will be our first try with it, but I am excited about the 2 snacks a day.:cool1:

[SimmerBaggins]

I have been a little behind, so I am catching up on your PTR. I love the pins and t-shirts. You got yourself a cute Mickey one too!!! Also, great job on the yard sale. :thumbsup2 I had to laugh at your comments about the mug thread. I read that one last week and decided there were some grumpy people on the board. We decided to do the QSDP this year becaue we got a pin code for it free. Well, actually someone in our grand gathering got one. It will be our first try with it, but I am excited about the 2 snacks a day.:cool1:

LOL!! I am so excited about the 2 snacks a day, too!!! :lmao: It reminds me of how Jay Leno always exclaims on the Tonight Show: just how food-obsessed are we???

Thanks about the yard sale & the stuff...we buy the stuff, we sell it. Well, I've got my little "stash o' cash" stuffed away...it's so funny, what do you do with a stack of cash when you put everything on your debit & credit card? :laughing:

[wildcatfan]

OK, I need to ask a stupid, off topic question. How do you get the countdown ticker to remain in your threads?

[SimmerBaggins]

OK, I need to ask a stupid, off topic question. How do you get the countdown ticker to remain in your threads?

You go into your profile here on the boards and put the link they give you at the website where you build them into your signature block. :) If I'm not mistaken, they kind of lead you through it on the website -- just copy & paste it into your signature block when you edit your profile.

I think I re-learn how to do it each time!! :lmao:

[wildcatfan]

Thank you , Thank you !!!! I think I figured it out!!!!!:worship:

[SimmerBaggins]

Thank you , Thank you !!!! I think I figured it out!!!!!:worship:

:cool1::cool1: Looks great!

[latexscooter]

We are going to WDW this summer, 4-12 June!!! So excited!!:banana::banana:



I'm still on page one but I wanted to pipe in that you have one more audience member. I'm so glad I saw your PTR in your signature and look forward to some good reading. popcorn::

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm still on page one but I wanted to pipe in that you have one more audience member. I'm so glad I saw your PTR in your signature and look forward to some good reading. popcorn::

:cheer2::cheer2:

Yay! Thanks for dropping in...and I finally have some more news to share!

[SimmerBaggins]

After much deliberation, we decided that the first full day of our stay would have the DDP -- since we have one night stay at the Beach Club Villas, we could do this! Our first day, if I haven't been clear already, will be spent at Magic Kingdom. And, the selected table service dining for that evening will be....


(drumroll)
:rolleyes1
:confused3
:sad2:
:idea:

Ohana!! :cheer2: party:

Our ADR is for 5:10pm, so no characters there...here's the description from the WDW site:

"The Ohana servers contribute to the festive atmosphere, as they dash between tikis and tropical greenery to bring plates of Polynesian specialties to your table. Choose from skewers roasted over an expansive 18-foot oak fire pit, such as:

Asian Barbequed Pork Loin Skewers
Oak Grilled Turkey Skewers
Marinated Sirloin Steak Skewer
Marinated Shrimp
Side dishes include stir-fried vegetables, fried dumplings, lo mein noodles and a salad starter. The full bar in 'Ohana offers select wines and tropical alcoholic drinks.

When the doors open for dinner, be welcomed to Ohana with the bellow of conch shells. Experience storytellers and coconut races, where children sweep coconuts with brooms across the hardwood floor down the center of the restaurant. The family fun continues as everyone is encouraged to play with hula hoops and dance to island music."

We went to Ohana for the character breakfast the very first time we stayed in WDW, which was at the Poly. Here are some pics from that time:

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs370.snc3/23774_1249322955980_1316648229_30589317_3558903_n. jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs370.snc3/23774_1249322995981_1316648229_30589318_4413140_n. jpg

They did a party parade around the restaurant, with Mickey in the lead!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs370.snc3/23774_1249323035982_1316648229_30589319_1819843_n. jpg

My DD was having a great time joining in...will she want to join in the festivities this next time?
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs370.snc3/23774_1249323075983_1316648229_30589320_1976735_n. jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs370.snc3/23774_1249323115984_1316648229_30589321_2621471_n. jpg

So, we'll go to MK from rope drop through noon or so, then back to the hotel for rest & relaxation & "getting to know your resort" for Melissa and her family -- then hop on a bus to MK and the monorail to the Poly. ?? :confused3 I think this is the best course. And then, having had an early dinner, back to MK for the "closing ceremonies!"

I think this is a great way to begin our week. :goodvibes

[elizablake]

Sounds like a great plan for your first day! We have an ADR for Ohana too and I'm looking forward to trying it.

[latexscooter]

Your first day sounds ideal. We love 'Ohana. My husband actually makes it a requirement that we go every trip and he doesn't have to twist my arm. You are really starting things off on just the right foot. Can't wait to hear what is next.

[cinderella crazy]

Yum! I can't wait to eat there again on our trip! We've never gone for breakfast. It looks like fun in your pictures!

[jmskinner]

Hi Vickie! This is strange, I noticed you and Wildcatfan discussing tickers and then just noticed ours weren't working. I don't know if it is because the Dis now has its own tickers, http://distickers.com/ticker/stepone/vacation.html, or what? I redid mine though. Not too happy with them, but they are still countdowns. Did you see that I have two?:rolleyes1 I know, I'm a spoiled brat. Debating whether to start a new PTR.

Ohanna looks like fun. Looking forward to giving it a try. Plus, haven't explored the Polynesian, so I will be taking lots of photos.

And I wondered if you saw this Ridemakerz (http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/ridemakerz_1.html)

This looks really cool. Expensive, but cool. I may have to build one myself.

We don't have long now!:goodvibes

[wildcatfan]

I have going crazy trying to figure out why mine is not working!!!!!:confused3 I guess I will have to redo it, and I agree they are not as cute!

I think you will love Ohauna. We have eaten there a couple of times. I also really like Kona Cafe which is located at the Poly too. The Poly is so beautiful and I enjoyed looking around the resort.

[SimmerBaggins]

Sounds like a great plan for your first day! We have an ADR for Ohana too and I'm looking forward to trying it.

Someone said on another thread that the Poly truly feels Disney to them...I think they really get it right, there. :goodvibes

Your first day sounds ideal. We love 'Ohana. My husband actually makes it a requirement that we go every trip and he doesn't have to twist my arm. You are really starting things off on just the right foot. Can't wait to hear what is next.

Don't you love having a WDW tradition? Since we haven't been there in about 8 years, I think it will almost feel new again... :thumbsup2

Yum! I can't wait to eat there again on our trip! We've never gone for breakfast. It looks like fun in your pictures!

That breakfast...we still talk about it. Wonderful! And perfect for the little ones. :cloud9:

Hi Vickie! This is strange, I noticed you and Wildcatfan discussing tickers and then just noticed ours weren't working. I don't know if it is because the Dis now has its own tickers, http://distickers.com/ticker/stepone/vacation.html, or what? I redid mine though. Not too happy with them, but they are still countdowns. Did you see that I have two?:rolleyes1 I know, I'm a spoiled brat. Debating whether to start a new PTR.

Okay, I saw a moderator on another thread saying they kept having virus popping up; so they looked up Google (something they do to figure out bad sites) and figured out that this site was causing issues. So, they quit allowing it.

Ohanna looks like fun. Looking forward to giving it a try. Plus, haven't explored the Polynesian, so I will be taking lots of photos.

And I wondered if you saw this Ridemakerz (http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/ridemakerz_1.html)

This looks really cool. Expensive, but cool. I may have to build one myself.

We don't have long now!:goodvibes

Yes, I have seen that site...looks wild.

Melissa...I can't believe you've never explored the Poly...wow.

I have going crazy trying to figure out why mine is not working!!!!!:confused3 I guess I will have to redo it, and I agree they are not as cute!

I think you will love Ohauna. We have eaten there a couple of times. I also really like Kona Cafe which is located at the Poly too. The Poly is so beautiful and I enjoyed looking around the resort.

We do, too. It's so peaceful...I love the dark wood and the atmosphere. We tried the Kona for breakfast once, and didn't care for the experience...but we might try it again...I hear good things about "Tonga Toast"? :upsidedow

[jmskinner]

Thanks for letting us know about the ticker info Vickie. I hope they add more soon. They didn't have a POR one.:sad2:

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, in addition to the $300 we got from the garage sale, I've saved enough $$ for the park tickets for the 3 of us!! It will be close, but by the time we leave for WDW, I will have enough cash for everything, including food! This became important to us early on, since we can't really go into any more debt just for a vacation.

For some reason, work has really gotten my attention lately, and I haven't been thinking as much about our vacation. In fact, it's almost been difficult to get excited...strange, huh? I've got pictures from previous visits that are on my work's screen-saver; even the background picture is of nighttime fireworks behind BCV! But still... :sad2:

The one thing I have done is looked in the Unofficial Guide to WDW w/Kids to determine our first day at MK...and out of the multiple touring plans, I'm choosing this one:

Get there at rope drop
Go directly to Space Mountain (what a way to start the parks!!)
Ride Buzz Lightyear
Winnie Der Pooh
Mad Tea Party (not me...ugh)
Peter Pan's Flight
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain (or FP)
then BTMRR
Perhaps lunch at Columbian Harbour House (we loves the shrimps!!)
or Pirates of the Caribbean (and then lunch)
Jungle Cruise
(here I change up a bit)
Enchanted Tiki Room
(snax of my FIRST Dole Whip)
Hall of Prez
Mickey's PhilharMagic :3dglasses OR
Leave for resort time/dinner

...here's where I divert a bit, because this touring plan was designed for one day, and Melissa & her family will join us this day and then back at the resort...then dinner at O'Hana's.

We'll return and then maybe pick up the touring plan -- or -- we might skip it if the crowds are light and we want to ride the big rides again w/friends. The touring plan indicates to go to the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor Comedy Club and then catch the parade...since we have an early dinner rez, we might be able to squeeze in a few more things. OR -- it's not such a big deal...we might just go back to the resort.

The only thing is: it is awfully nice to catch the fireworks after the first day in the parks. Especially if it's your very first day, like it will be for DD's friend, Natalie.

Next UP: Our Sunday touring plan for DHS -- OR, does having a Star Wars Weekend change EVERYTHING?

[wildcatfan]

Sounds like a great first day plan. You have many of my favorites on the plan. I agree that it is great to see the fireworks and parade the first day if you can. There is something about the ones at MK that I love. Of course this year there will be a different parade and fireworks. I am sure going to miss Wishes!

[jmskinner]

Sorry work is keeping you so busy. I'm sure you will be hearing about the drama at Jonas' office.

The plan looks great Vickie. Something we usually do, if we don't have FP's for something else yet is grab one for Buzz. It is usually only 30 minutes out, so we take a break, have an ice cream or something and then walk on Buzz. Even when the wait time is 20 minutes we will do this.

As far as a plan for Sunday, we should probably wait until the schedule to SWW is out. See what all they plan on doing.

Have you seen the pins yet? Since there will be a Passholder pin and a DVC pin, I was wondering if you would buy me a DVC one and I'll get you the Passholder one if you want it. We were allowed two last year, haven't heard the limit this year.

[SimmerBaggins]

Sounds like a great first day plan. You have many of my favorites on the plan. I agree that it is great to see the fireworks and parade the first day if you can. There is something about the ones at MK that I love. Of course this year there will be a different parade and fireworks. I am sure going to miss Wishes!

Thanks! The one thing about it is that I think we'll get all our favorites in, and then we can come back for a second day to do the faves and anything else the girls are interested in seeing. I, for one, would like to catch the Sword in the Stone thing that goes on by the carousel -- but I don't know if that's just for little kids? :confused3

Do you think Tinkerbell will still be part of the fireworks? That was always the really neat thing to look forward to! :wizard:

[SimmerBaggins]

Sorry work is keeping you so busy. I'm sure you will be hearing about the drama at Jonas' office.

The plan looks great Vickie. Something we usually do, if we don't have FP's for something else yet is grab one for Buzz. It is usually only 30 minutes out, so we take a break, have an ice cream or something and then walk on Buzz. Even when the wait time is 20 minutes we will do this.

As far as a plan for Sunday, we should probably wait until the schedule to SWW is out. See what all they plan on doing.

Have you seen the pins yet? Since there will be a Passholder pin and a DVC pin, I was wondering if you would buy me a DVC one and I'll get you the Passholder one if you want it. We were allowed two last year, haven't heard the limit this year.

I guess we could grab FPs for Buzz on our way to Space Mountain!

So, do they post the SWW schedule on the WDW site, or where? Probably on this WDWinfo site, huh?

I have seen a few pins, but i didn't know there was one for DVC! That would be pretty cool! Sure, I can do that. I think a lot of the DVC stuff is at Saratoga Springs... :confused3

Ahh...less than 2 months left... of course, you went to Epcot today. :upsidedow

[jmskinner]

So, do they post the SWW schedule on the WDW site, or where? Probably on this WDWinfo site, huh?

I have seen a few pins, but i didn't know there was one for DVC! That would be pretty cool! Sure, I can do that. I think a lot of the DVC stuff is at Saratoga Springs... :confused3

Ahh...less than 2 months left... of course, you went to Epcot today. :upsidedow

Studios Central usually has a lot of info on SWW. I'm sure the program guide will get posted out here also, probably the WDW website also.

Oh, the SWW DVC pin will only be found at DHS I believe. In that warehouse I was telling you about. Also, if you want any other DVC pins you can get them at Pintraders at DTD. I picked up one of the passholder ones and Chase Visa one last night.

And we only did the Sum of all Thrills, Spaceship Earth and let Jacob play at the playground yesterday at Epcot. Not a big day at Epcot.

[cinderella crazy]

Looks like you have a great plan! I don't know about you, but I am getting so excited! Won't be long now!

[SimmerBaggins]

Looks like you have a great plan! I don't know about you, but I am getting so excited! Won't be long now!

Hey, girl -- I was just sayin' on your thread how LONG it seems before we're there!! :rotfl:

I think I measure these things in how much work I have to do before we go...and I know it's gonna be a lot. I'm in a two-person office and I have to stockpile the workload upfront so it won't come back on the other person while I'm gone.

*break-break*
I was telling Melissa the other day that I woke up an hour and a half early (before my alarm), having dreamed that we got our seat assignments for our flight to Orlando, and we were all sitting in middle seats, apart from each other.

Now, the reason this woke me up is because I had refused to pay extra for booking the seats early...this is one bit of news that hasn't seemed to make it on the headlines of airlines "sticking it to us" -- let's just charge them for reserved sitting arrangements!!

But now something was telling me, "book the seats. You'll regret it if you don't." So, that day, I jumped online to see the situation. The seats to MCO weren't a big deal -- flight from SAT to ATL was still pretty open for sitting 4 together, and from ATL to MCO. However, when I looked at our flight back, Airtran had changed it from a one-stop back through ATL to a NON-STOP back to SAT. They hadn't notified me.

Um...and there weren't many seats left. :eek:

So, $48 later, I had all assigned seats, 4 in a row (3 abreast, and one directly across the aisle) for all three flights. I grumbled, I complained, but I paid.

That did, however, help to bring home the realization that, sooner or later, we WOULD be getting on that airplane to Orlando... :cloud9:

[ScotsMinnie]

that was lucky you got your seats and maybe a non stop flight will be less hassle for you.

It is annoying how airlines are now trying to charge you for absolutely everything. We are flying to Ireland in June and have been told you MUST check in online or there will be a penalty. Luckily the checkin opens 2 weeks befire the flight so you are not searching for a computer with internet access when you are away but who has heard of checking in that far in advance? Madness!

We are only going for the weekend so not too bad for us.

At least now you have peace of mind for your trip. Nothing worse than stressing over the wee things like seats - it can make the run up to your trip stressful.

[cinderella crazy]

I still can't believe they charge people to pick their seats! Glad you were able to get your seats though!

[SimmerBaggins]

that was lucky you got your seats and maybe a non stop flight will be less hassle for you.

It is annoying how airlines are now trying to charge you for absolutely everything. We are flying to Ireland in June and have been told you MUST check in online or there will be a penalty. Luckily the checkin opens 2 weeks befire the flight so you are not searching for a computer with internet access when you are away but who has heard of checking in that far in advance? Madness!

We are only going for the weekend so not too bad for us.

At least now you have peace of mind for your trip. Nothing worse than stressing over the wee things like seats - it can make the run up to your trip stressful.

ScotsMinnie, I found it really ironic that we had this conversation, and now there are no flights out of most of Europe! :sad2: This is where I couldn't imagine being a family who had planned and planned to go on vacation, to suddenly be upended by a volcano distraction. I mean, REALLY -- couldn't it have spewed ash in a different direction?? How selfish! ;)

So, we must all count our blessings...and hope those who found themselves with no flights at all found something good out of their ordeal. I pray your trip isn't interrupted...!! I think I heard that it could go on for a month or so! :eek:

[ScotsMinnie]

ScotsMinnie, I found it really ironic that we had this conversation, and now there are no flights out of most of Europe! :sad2: This is where I couldn't imagine being a family who had planned and planned to go on vacation, to suddenly be upended by a volcano distraction. I mean, REALLY -- couldn't it have spewed ash in a different direction?? How selfish! ;)

So, we must all count our blessings...and hope those who found themselves with no flights at all found something good out of their ordeal. I pray your trip isn't interrupted...!! I think I heard that it could go on for a month or so! :eek:

Its a bit mad isnt it? I know lots of people that had gone abroad for the easter break and are now stuck. Some schools are no open because teachers are stuck abroad too.

DH was caught down in England on Tuesday and couldnt get back by air so had to do a mammoth drive and this morning had a 6 hour drive to a conference due to flights being cancelled. I do know of someone who cant get back form florida and they are delighted!!!!

Sadly I have no trip planned to ruin! Maybe I should just be glad of that! Apparently they are going to reopen airspace tomorrow.

Good job because apparently lots of our fresh fruit and veg that we import is running low!

All because of a little bit of ash!!!

[michellem1118]

I just found your pre-trip report, and decided to join in since I'll be there at the same time as you... staying at SSR for the time being because we don't want to move twice, and our waitlists haven't come through for us yet.

We're doing AKV-concierge level for a week next March, so I can't wait to see your TR when you get back & get all the details on that! :)

[SimmerBaggins]

It has been SO LONG since I've done anything on my PTR! :eek:

I guess I got motivated when I saw Cinderella Crazy's thread about getting her Mickey Mail -- so I booked our Magical Express today! I kept hoping my DH would do it because Member Services closes at 4:30pm our time, and I don't get off work until that time...and just kept forgetting during the weekend. :rolleyes1

My only thought: with us being just outside of 30 days prior to our trip, will we get the luggage tags in time?

[cinderella crazy]

It has been SO LONG since I've done anything on my PTR! :eek:

I guess I got motivated when I saw Cinderella Crazy's thread about getting her Mickey Mail -- so I booked our Magical Express today! I kept hoping my DH would do it because Member Services closes at 4:30pm our time, and I don't get off work until that time...and just kept forgetting during the weekend. :rolleyes1

My only thought: with us being just outside of 30 days prior to our trip, will we get the luggage tags in time?

I'm still crazy excited over my Mickey Mail!!! I hope you get your luggage tags in time!

[michellem1118]

It has been SO LONG since I've done anything on my PTR! :eek:

I guess I got motivated when I saw Cinderella Crazy's thread about getting her Mickey Mail -- so I booked our Magical Express today! I kept hoping my DH would do it because Member Services closes at 4:30pm our time, and I don't get off work until that time...and just kept forgetting during the weekend. :rolleyes1

My only thought: with us being just outside of 30 days prior to our trip, will we get the luggage tags in time?

You should be fine - they'll just get your luggage tags out faster than they would if you'd called today for a trip in July or August. Speaking of... I need to call them with my flight info for a trip in July....

[jmskinner]

I miss getting the ME tags...I know I shouldn't complain. Can you believe for the third weekend in a row I was at WDW. And I go back next weekend for dinner at Wolfgang Pucks for Mothers Day, the following weekend we are going for Jonas' birthday. And then I guess SWW starts and I have to go get my pins. Hmmm, do you think I will be tired out before you get here....


NOT! :rotfl2:

See ya soon girl!!!!

[SimmerBaggins]

I just found your pre-trip report, and decided to join in since I'll be there at the same time as you... staying at SSR for the time being because we don't want to move twice, and our waitlists haven't come through for us yet.

We're doing AKV-concierge level for a week next March, so I can't wait to see your TR when you get back & get all the details on that! :)


It's getting so close...so glad you found me!! :banana:

Let me tell you, girl -- the concierge at AKV is so awesome, we were star-struck when we got in the one day last year! My DH wanted the whole trip to be concierge, but wow -- very expensive, and very difficult to get a whole week.

:) I'll be happy to give the blow-by-blows when we get there!! :woohoo:

[SimmerBaggins]

I'm still crazy excited over my Mickey Mail!!! I hope you get your luggage tags in time!

Me, too!! The CM (his name was Topher) said they would be sending them very quickly to us...!

You should be fine - they'll just get your luggage tags out faster than they would if you'd called today for a trip in July or August. Speaking of... I need to call them with my flight info for a trip in July....

:thumbsup2 Yeah, definitely don't do what I did & wait until the last minute -- heck, my DH forgot completely last year until the last couple of days before we left! So, we ended up picking up our luggage and dragging it over to ME. That wasn't so bad...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs122.snc1/5256_1095007058179_1316648229_30249086_4222756_n.j pg


I miss getting the ME tags...I know I shouldn't complain. Can you believe for the third weekend in a row I was at WDW. And I go back next weekend for dinner at Wolfgang Pucks for Mothers Day, the following weekend we are going for Jonas' birthday. And then I guess SWW starts and I have to go get my pins. Hmmm, do you think I will be tired out before you get here....

NOT! :rotfl2:

See ya soon girl!!!!

You better not be!!! :rotfl: One of these days, you'll be ordinary, like the rest of us...maybe I can refer you to DVC? :flower3:

I forgot to mention that I changed the name of our guest from the original reservation to the friend that we are actually taking to WDW -- that had been on my mind for a long time! If you recall, I went ahead and booked our reservations back when we were planning to take my DD's BFF -- before I got the final "okay" from the parents. So...now Natalie's name is on all the ressies!! :cool1: Whew, that's off my mind...!

The other thing that I noticed just a few days ago is that our flight TO Orlando had changed. That's right -- from Atlanta to Orlando, our flight is now ONE HOUR LATER. :mad::mad: We are now arriving around 7:19pm -- which means we will MISS the S'mores on the beach. :sad2:

I'm trying to think of a positive spin on this...

[SimmerBaggins]

Sorry, this became a double-post...couldn't figure out how to delete it!!

[michellem1118]

The other thing that I noticed just a few days ago is that our flight TO Orlando had changed. That's right -- from Atlanta to Orlando, our flight is now ONE HOUR LATER. :mad::mad: We are now arriving around 7:19pm -- which means we will MISS the S'mores on the beach. :sad2:

I'm trying to think of a positive spin on this...


You're flying AirTran, right? Did you see my nightmare story of flying AirTran in my TR? How long is the layover in ATL? As soon as you get off the plane in ATL, head to the gate of the very next flight to Orlando & see if they can get all 4 of you on standby... and continue doing that for each flight until the one you're actually on.

Or, you can call AirTran and tell them that the change they made doesn't work well with your travel plans, and they'll apparently put you back on the original flight (or an earlier one) at no cost to you. That could get you in to MCO in time for s'mores on the beach. :thumbsup2

[SimmerBaggins]

You're flying AirTran, right? Did you see my nightmare story of flying AirTran in my TR? How long is the layover in ATL? As soon as you get off the plane in ATL, head to the gate of the very next flight to Orlando & see if they can get all 4 of you on standby... and continue doing that for each flight until the one you're actually on.

Or, you can call AirTran and tell them that the change they made doesn't work well with your travel plans, and they'll apparently put you back on the original flight (or an earlier one) at no cost to you. That could get you in to MCO in time for s'mores on the beach. :thumbsup2

I DID see your TR about AirTran!! That really was weird, that they didn't even call you over the loudspeaker.

They've apparently changed the time of that flight, because the original flight time no longer exists -- in fact, for hours before and after, there are no flights to Orlando. So, this one flight for a long time is all they have; but I'm not giving up hope that they may throw another one in there! :)

[SimmerBaggins]

EXACTLY ONE MONTH until we leave -- :woohoo::woohoo:

:cool1::yay:

I just had to log on and say this. My co-worker was like, "One month until what?"

He was being a smarty. He knows EXACTLY what I meant!! :rotfl: Everyone who walks in and sees my computer sees a beautiful shot of BCV lit up at night, w/fireworks in the background...and says: Where is that??

My co-worker just groans... :lmao:

Woo-hoo -- 30 days!!! :banana:

[jmskinner]

Hey, what are you doing posting while at work? Can't believe it is that close, seems so long ago you were calling me to bring us along.

Just saw that about your flight. We normally just have issues leaving MCO, never had one going to MCO.

See ya soon.

[michellem1118]

I just sent you a PM...

[SimmerBaggins]

Hey, what are you doing posting while at work? Can't believe it is that close, seems so long ago you were calling me to bring us along.

Just saw that about your flight. We normally just have issues leaving MCO, never had one going to MCO.

See ya soon.

I like the suggestion to find out if there's another flight when we get to ATL; you never know.

It's kind of unreal to see these folks who have been doing PTRs, who get all excited and say, "We're leaving tomorrow!!" and you get excited for them, an then (seemingly) in the next breath: "We're baaaack!!" It's like -- wow, I hope it feels like MY trip will be longer than that!! :lmao:

[cinderella crazy]

Happy Mother's Day Vickie!!!

[SimmerBaggins]

Happy Mother's Day Vickie!!!

Thanks, Alicia, and to you!!

I just want to say I have an awesome family -- and am so proud of my DD. :goodvibes Here's what I received this morning -- a music CD I wanted, and two gift cards -- woo-hoo!! :banana:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs518.ash1/30516_1285924630999_1316648229_30667669_7369765_n. jpg

Can't wait to use my Disney gift card on our trip, in less than one month!! :cloud9:

[danagirl]

And I believe this would be someone doing a loop:
http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/IMG0351-1/803465457_A9NAs-M.jpg (http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/Epcot-022810/11429092_JKcHt#803464986_y2R4r-A-LB)

One thing though, when they closed the thing, it was tight on my crotch. I kept thinking, "how in the world can I guy stand this thing?:scared1:"

Where the heck is that tag fairy???:laughing: Loving your PTR!!! We arrive the day you leave. a couple more days till my one month banana dance!!

[cinderella crazy]

Thanks, Alicia, and to you!!

I just want to say I have an awesome family -- and am so proud of my DD. :goodvibes Here's what I received this morning -- a music CD I wanted, and two gift cards -- woo-hoo!! :banana:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs518.ash1/30516_1285924630999_1316648229_30667669_7369765_n. jpg

Can't wait to use my Disney gift card on our trip, in less than one month!! :cloud9:

Love all of the Mother's Day gifts! I'm a TobyMac fan too! Both kids love to groove to him. Glad you had a great day!

[SimmerBaggins]

AND, YES!, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Covered up by the business coupon circular that comes to our house 3 times a week (seemingly), and innocuously tucked in between a couple of other pieces of random mail....the one....the...oops! -- the two, most wonderful, highly anticipated pieces of mail to ever grace the foyer piece of furniture that really should be traded in for another, more modern piece of furniture that greets visitors when they walk in the door --

The only...

MICKEY MAIL!!!

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs569.snc3/31066_1288008283089_1316648229_30672284_7061117_n. jpg

(scattered clapping from unsure lurkers and the few left who have graciously kept up with this PTR)

YES, Ladies and Gentlemen, they have arrived. Not quite the huge piece of glamorous Mickey Mailiage that heaved its heaviness into Alicia's home, these two envelopes calmed the fears of the mother of the household -- finally glad to know that YES -- the Magical Express-dom has been properly ordered and procured.

NOW WHAT - you may ask yourself, could these two envelopes hold? How is it that such small, seemingly insignificant mailiage such as this could hold the keys to the Magical Express lines, the buses, and then, ultimately, the right to stand before the proper resort WITHOUT luggage in hand?

Ah, but the answer is in paperage. That's right -- paperage. And I will continue to make up words as I feel like it, due to my excitement.

Within one of these envelopes, there are FOUR, yes, FOUR paper-sticky-stringy-thingys that are built EXCLUSIVELY for FOUR (yes, FOUR) pieces of luggage. Well, their handles, actually.

And, here are the instrucciones (hey, it's a real word!!) for the Magical Trippage from here, there, and back again.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs569.snc3/31066_1288008323090_1316648229_30672285_3945621_n. jpg

And thus, my duty is done. All is good in the land of San Antonio...Adios, compadres...y Hola, Orlando!!

:cool1::yay:

[SimmerBaggins]

Where the heck is that tag fairy???:laughing: Loving your PTR!!! We arrive the day you leave. a couple more days till my one month banana dance!!

Hi, Dana! I had read your PTR a while back, but never subbed -- you guys are going to enjoy that LONG 13-day trip!! That makes it easier to take it easy...do what you want to do...that will be nice. :goodvibes

I'll be thinking of you the day we're leaving -- thinking, "Could I do it all over again?" :rotfl:

[michellem1118]

We got elusive Mickey Mail today too! We also now have the right to travel to our resort, sans luggage! Getting Mickey Mail sure does make a trip seem real! :thumbsup2

[cinderella crazy]

I love getting Mickey Mail!!! I keep pulling ours out and looking at it. :rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

Okay, it's officially 3 weeks until I take off of work for the day before leaving for Disney... :lmao: yes, this is the way I think!!

Okay -- I have a QUESTION!!

On our first day in the World, we are staying at BCV. My DH asked me, "So, we're going to MK the first day (Saturday morning), at rope drop?"

"Yes," I answered, excitedly.

"How are we going to get there?" he asked. "By bus, or by boat? Which is the fastest?"

Now, I know we can WALK to Epcot. I know there's also a boat that leaves BCV, but it's not very fast, and I don't even know if it GOES to MK -- don't think so. I'm assuming that walking to Epcot and catching the monorail is not really a quick option. Can I verify that? Has anyone ever tried to make their way to MK from BCV?

Thanks!!

[ScotsMinnie]

Your trip has come round so quickly! Glad you got your magical express things. That will be a weight off your mind! 3 weeks will pass so quickly!

[SimmerBaggins]

We got elusive Mickey Mail today too! We also now have the right to travel to our resort, sans luggage! Getting Mickey Mail sure does make a trip seem real! :thumbsup2



Hey, Michelle -- I've really gotten caught up in your PTR...! It does make a trip seem more real, when everything we do is either over the phone, through the internet or via email...it's nice to hold something in your hand and think, "There's no place like home..."
:lmao:

I like your word "sans" -- it's not a word I often think of. :goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

I love getting Mickey Mail!!! I keep pulling ours out and looking at it. :rotfl:

I know!! It's not an obsession...it's just that we need to make sure we understand everything...we might have forgotten something... :rolleyes1

I swear I'm always thinking I'm looking for something "Disney-wise" in the mail...when I was between jobs and did more shopping online than outside the house, I was always buying stuff from the online Disney store...just loved getting those boxes. :cloud9:

[SimmerBaggins]

Your trip has come round so quickly! Glad you got your magical express things. That will be a weight off your mind! 3 weeks will pass so quickly!

Oh, ScotsMinnie, things are just piling up and piling up -- I swear that more stress is piled up prior to going on vacation than for any other time!! Just today I was thinking, "I don't have enough time in my work-days to get everything done in time to be gone for a week!!"

So, weight off my mind -- Disney is really my "mind escape"! :rotfl: Everything they have done is make me more at ease, just thinking about it. :cloud9: But these three weeks...if it's too quick, I'm gonna be in trouble!! :eek:

[TinksThree]

Hey! I am so envious of the AKL Concierge!! That resort is so beautiful...and we loved Boma...sorry no one else in your party enjoys it! :sad2:

In answer to your question on Day 1...I don't know exactly so take this with a grain of salt!!...from what I have read, if you want to go to MK for Rope Drop, I 'think' you have to go through the back gate of Epcot which means Epcot has to be open to use teh monorail. (not sure if Epcot has an EMH that morning). The boats do not go from Epcot to MK but they do to DHS. If this is the case, I would go bus or drive. You would never make it for rope drop at MK. But again, I am going solely on what I have read on other threads and not personal experience!! We did have a bad experience once with the buses to those resorts but it was mid-afternoon (an hour wait from AK!! :eek: Just for the bus to show up!!).

Can you believe it is three weeks from today?!?! My co-workers ask every other morning or so "How much longer" because they know I have a countdown on my desk!! :rotfl2: It is cool to "meet" so many others who will be there at the same time! :goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

Hey! I am so envious of the AKL Concierge!! That resort is so beautiful...and we loved Boma...sorry no one else in your party enjoys it! :sad2:

In answer to your question on Day 1...I don't know exactly so take this with a grain of salt!!...from what I have read, if you want to go to MK for Rope Drop, I 'think' you have to go through the back gate of Epcot which means Epcot has to be open to use teh monorail. (not sure if Epcot has an EMH that morning). The boats do not go from Epcot to MK but they do to DHS. If this is the case, I would go bus or drive. You would never make it for rope drop at MK. But again, I am going solely on what I have read on other threads and not personal experience!! We did have a bad experience once with the buses to those resorts but it was mid-afternoon (an hour wait from AK!! :eek: Just for the bus to show up!!).

Can you believe it is three weeks from today?!?! My co-workers ask every other morning or so "How much longer" because they know I have a countdown on my desk!! :rotfl2: It is cool to "meet" so many others who will be there at the same time! :goodvibes

Thanks for the tip on the transportation, Tink! I'm thinking we will probably go the bus-route; I'm just curious when the buses actually begin running to get people to the rope drop! If BCV is say, 3rd resort before a bus gets to MK, we may be waiting on a few buses to go by before we can find room to board. I understand your frustration with AKL -- sometimes we would just miss a particular bus, which was frustrating.

I feel like I need to make a list for myself to make sure I can balance work, housework, shopping, and my extra-curricular activities (Bible-study, choir, gym-time) with all the preparations that go with getting ready for a vacation...holy mole, but it's gonna be here before I know it!! Oy...I wish I could just be relaxed about it, but my job really cranks up in the summertime, and I'm feeling the heat...and I'm not talking about the weather! :laughing:

[jmskinner]

:headache: I'm not getting notified of updates to this PTR, guess I should Dis more so it remembers me.:rolleyes1

Vickie, you are correct to ride the bus. I would just be at the bus stop an hour before rope drop. If I'm wrong, please someone else let me know. We don't have a good record of being at parks at rope drop.

Can't believe I will be seeing you in less than 3 weeks. Remember when you booked this trip, seems so long ago now.

Well, I hope work gives you a break, but if it is anything like DH's, I know how it is.

[SimmerBaggins]

:headache: I'm not getting notified of updates to this PTR, guess I should Dis more so it remembers me.:rolleyes1

Vickie, you are correct to ride the bus. I would just be at the bus stop an hour before rope drop. If I'm wrong, please someone else let me know. We don't have a good record of being at parks at rope drop.

Can't believe I will be seeing you in less than 3 weeks. Remember when you booked this trip, seems so long ago now.

Well, I hope work gives you a break, but if it is anything like DH's, I know how it is.

It DOES seem like a long time ago!! No...today was so crazy that I almost felt like I couldn't leave work and go home...I kept thinking, where can I get more time??

:eek:

I know there are some people out there who can just take off and leave stuff hanging while everyone behind them is picking up the pieces...I can't do that. So, I will be trying to leave at the VERY LAST SECOND...! To top it off... I got an email last week from a Reserve unit requested an interview with me for an Inspector General position... I'm like, wow! Could I pull that off?? It would be for a few days a month...I interview on the 28th.

I'm not sure if I'm doing it to convince myself NOT to do it...does that make sense? :confused3

[SimmerBaggins]

I had been talking with my mother, who lives about 3.5 hours away, about coming to our house during our vacation to house-sit for us. For some of you, that may not sound very exciting, but she's retired, has a small income, and loves to get away and be relaxed -- plus, she loves to come spend a little time with us!

Well, unfortunately, she had a little "accidente" with her two dogs, and the female got pregnant. And is due in about 5 days. They're Chihuahuas, which means it isn't too big a deal -- :lmao: -- but traveling with a mother dog and her newborn pups isn't a great plan. Neither is leaving them at the house to the whims of a neighbor who might not pay a lot of attention to their needs. My mother kenneled the dogs before, and felt like they were emotionally traumatized, so that isn't going to happen again. So I had spent a lot of time on the phone with her, telling her we could arrange our pet situation here to accommodate her animals. We have a very hyper and aggressive female Jack Russell terrier, and two cats. None of those things makes my mother's mama dog very happy.

We did have 3 cats, but after one had a fight with mouth cancer and couldn't win, we had to put him down last week. :sad1:

Currently, we have a laundry room that has a pet door out to the back yard, which is fenced in with a pool. Our dog, Jenny, goes in & out at her leisure, and generally sleeps in the laundry room in her kennel. One of the cats decided he had had enough of domestic life, and turned fake-feral (because he's still a baby & a whiner when he wants something, but acts all scaredy cat when he feels like it), and the other is a rescued male cat who is very aggressive to everybody. Not really MEAN, just wants to play HARD.

Our suggestion was to keep our dog outside, since she has a doghouse and a covered patio and doesn't try to come in any of the doors, and keep my mother's dogs in the laundry room most of the time -- the outside cat could stay outside, and the inside cat they could put away in another room when they felt like it.

It's like the conundrum with the fox, the hen, and whoever else you have to get across the river on the raft.

Well, to make a long story longer, we had to go this last weekend to my hometown to a friend's graduation, and saw my family in the process.

Here's my friend, who graduated with honors -- so proud of her!

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs635.snc3/31866_1293666864550_1316648229_30686844_5531041_n. jpg

My mother finally broke the news that she accepted the plan to bring the dogs and would come, and would bring my sister and her son! Yay!! :yay: I'm really excited that all of them can come to the house -- that means my sister can look after our mother, and my sister's DS can come swim in my swimming pool, which he is SO EXCITED ABOUT!!

Here he is:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs438.ash1/24168_109197619092925_100000080620147_234985_36008 _n.jpg

He's truly a sweetie. I kind of feel a "little" guilty about going to WDW and he can't go, but he doesn't like to ride rides. Not really ANY rides (this fact evidenced by a recent trip to Six Flags, where he would only ride one ride -- one he felt he controlled: the little motor cars). I'm hoping that changes, but for now...that would be a big let-down, all the time, if we took him. :(

The kind of sad news is, my sister recently left the guy she was with, and now her and her son are starting all over...I'm thinking she is also looking forward to coming down to get a breath of fresh air...and I hope she finds it!
:hippie:

[ms150girl]

Hi there! Just wanted to let you know I have been following you PTR. Funny how you find other people going to WDW the same time you are and staying the same place.:) My DD18 and I are going for the first time. Celebrating her high school graduation.

Do you think one can over plan? I have a spread sheet that is color coded for what park we are at for each day and all the ADR's, parades evening shows. Although I am still trying to decide if I need to take a bag to the park and what kind if I do. ( thinking the bagallini (sp) small sling messenger?)

Taking a break from planning tomorrow to go to Enchanted Rock then to Austin for a couple days. Btw I live in a suburb of Houston.

[TinksThree]

Do you think one can over plan? I have a spread sheet that is color coded for what park we are at for each day and all the ADR's, parades evening shows.

Taking a break from planning tomorrow to go to Enchanted Rock then to Austin for a couple days. Btw I live in a suburb of Houston.

No!! I don't think you can overplan!! I do it all of the time!! :rotfl2: I just remind myself that they are plans...not written in stone!! ;) I think I have 6 different spreadsheets right now with my budget, touring plans, entertainment schedules and so on!! I love planning and spreadsheets! They are my stress reliever.

Is Enchanted Rock fun? I had looked at that for when we go to San Antonio next time. Is it worth it??

SimmerBaggins: I meant to mention earlier I saw where you live in San Antonio..right?? We love :cloud9: it there! We hope to get back for a long weekend sometime soon!!

Bus: We always do the rope drops. If a park opens at 9am we plan to be at the bus stop between 7:15 and 7:30am. (Depending on the resort we are at and park we are going to since distance/time varies). But I try to get to the park 45 minutes prior to rope drop. We like being close to the front!! Maybe that will help you a bit?!

I think it is great your mom, sister and nephew get to come house sit!! We have a Jack Russell also so I know the challenges there!! :rotfl: She is going on vacation to my mom and dad's house! Thankfully she loves it there so I don't have to worry while I am gone!! Mom is so great about "baby" sitting!!!

[jmskinner]

And now you know why we just kennel ours. :) We have a great kennel that posts pics and videos of the dogs so we can see them playing with the other guests. Glad it all worked out for you and thanks for posting the pic of our friend C's Graduation. I'm so happy and excited for her.

TinksThree, how do you get up that early? Do you stay late at the parks? I have only made a couple of rope drops. Funny, they have all been when we drove from an hour away, and not when we are staying on property.:confused3

Hmm, sounds like your nephew may have some sensory issues? There is a little boy at the therapy place Jacob goes that refuses to ride the rides. Sadly they found out after buying the AP's.:sad2:

[SimmerBaggins]

Hi there! Just wanted to let you know I have been following you PTR. Funny how you find other people going to WDW the same time you are and staying the same place.:) My DD18 and I are going for the first time. Celebrating her high school graduation.

Do you think one can over plan? I have a spread sheet that is color coded for what park we are at for each day and all the ADR's, parades evening shows. Although I am still trying to decide if I need to take a bag to the park and what kind if I do. ( thinking the bagallini (sp) small sling messenger?)

Taking a break from planning tomorrow to go to Enchanted Rock then to Austin for a couple days. Btw I live in a suburb of Houston.

Hey, thanks for dropping in!! :cheer2::cheer2: How cool that you are taking your DD to WDW for the FIRST TIME -- you both will have a blast. :woohoo:

Frankly, I also make a spreadsheet every time -- I can't trust myself to remember all those park times, ADRs, etc -- plus, it's exciting to refer to it! It's really easy to "waste" time at WDW and not see what you want to see, and a plan helps you have a goal. Deviate when you feel like it!!

My DH and I always take a bag, even if it's a pain to go through bag check (although it tends to go faster than you think!!). Taking sunscreen, one of those water/fan bottles is a MUST during the summer, and having some place to stow trinkets/snacks is really nice. Don't worry about what to do with it on the rides -- there's always some place to put it. Even on RnRC, where there isn't really a lot of choice, you can put it between your feet and strap it to your leg -- it works. ;)

We have been through Sugar Land a few times -- on our way to Galveston for a cruise!! :laughing: It's beautiful country. My DH even had a business deal with the country club there -- it's a really nice club.

So glad you hooked up with the Dis Boards -- maybe we can hear about your trip later?? :)

[SimmerBaggins]

SimmerBaggins: I meant to mention earlier I saw where you live in San Antonio..right?? We love :cloud9: it there! We hope to get back for a long weekend sometime soon!!

Bus: We always do the rope drops. If a park opens at 9am we plan to be at the bus stop between 7:15 and 7:30am. (Depending on the resort we are at and park we are going to since distance/time varies). But I try to get to the park 45 minutes prior to rope drop. We like being close to the front!! Maybe that will help you a bit?!

I think it is great your mom, sister and nephew get to come house sit!! We have a Jack Russell also so I know the challenges there!! :rotfl: She is going on vacation to my mom and dad's house! Thankfully she loves it there so I don't have to worry while I am gone!! Mom is so great about "baby" sitting!!!

Yes, good ole San Antone -- we love it. Well, we don't like it when we have a drought, but thankfully we're out of that, now!!

We have never made rope drop, either, Melissa. I'm not sure if it's like you said: we stay out late to the parks! But this is for our first day, and I have been wanting to make rope drop for MK, so thanks, TinksThree, for the time tip!!

We thought we knew what we were getting into when we got a Jack Russell, but we were far from the mark. Adolescence was tough!! We could not leave ANYTHING in the back yard -- it became hers, and was torn to shreds. She even tore up her doghouse!! But SMART !! She is immensely smart -- smartest dog I have ever owned. We just can't get a word or command in her brain when she sees another dog, even now, at 8 years old. All reason leaves her.

She does love to go to the kennel, though. It gives her social time. :)

[SimmerBaggins]

Hmm, sounds like your nephew may have some sensory issues? There is a little boy at the therapy place Jacob goes that refuses to ride the rides. Sadly they found out after buying the AP's.:sad2:

I'm not sure, but when my sister and my mother said that he needed to feel in control of the ride, I understood. He is very active, of course, but also likes to give hugs and is very sweet. So the hugging thing would probably be the clue that he doesn't have sensory issues, I would think... :confused3

I know there could be different effects, but it did surprise me that he wouldn't even go on the little train that went around and around and nothing else. He's in kindergarten, and I think this was a little over a year ago. I was hoping he would have grown out of it by now, but I don't think my sister has taken him to another park to find out.

[TinksThree]

TinksThree, how do you get up that early? Do you stay late at the parks? I have only made a couple of rope drops. Funny, they have all been when we drove from an hour away, and not when we are staying on property.:confused3


We usually stay in the parks until only 9pm except MK we stay until 10:30pm or 11pm (due to fireworks and parades). My DD is a early to bed early to rise person and I crash in the afternoons, so we take mid-day breaks. DS is whatever...a bundle of energy. The one day on our last trip we did not go to rope drop (at DHS) the whole day was messed up. And we got there at 9:45 when RD was at 9am...not even that much later. We totally missed RnR and had to go back later. The idea to sleep-in was DD's and around 11am, she made a comment that that would be the last day we "slept-in"! It just works well for our family. One day we want to do the late MK EMH where we can stay until 3am....and of course we will not be getting up for RD the next day!! :lmao:

[TinksThree]

We have never made rope drop, either, Melissa. I'm not sure if it's like you said: we stay out late to the parks! But this is for our first day, and I have been wanting to make rope drop for MK, so thanks, TinksThree, for the time tip!!

We thought we knew what we were getting into when we got a Jack Russell, but we were far from the mark. Adolescence was tough!! We could not leave ANYTHING in the back yard -- it became hers, and was torn to shreds. She even tore up her doghouse!! But SMART !! She is immensely smart -- smartest dog I have ever owned. We just can't get a word or command in her brain when she sees another dog, even now, at 8 years old. All reason leaves her.


Rope Drop at MK is so very good! All the cast members come out and sing and dance then Mickey comes in on the train. One word though...be sure you are out in front a little and not at the gates to Main Street...you miss almost everything from that vantage point!!

I totally agree about Jack Russells being smart! Oh my!! Ours amazes me! She knows so much! She finally settled down but she loves squirrels!! Our yard is full of them and she chases them all over--and is totally oblivious to anyone yelling her name! Ignores us completely!! The first time we watched "Up" and the dog is talking, stops and says "Squirrel!!" we busted out laughing because that is our Sami!! She is 5 now and has settled down so much that she is just a sweetie...uhmmm...usually!! :rotfl2:

[SimmerBaggins]

Rope Drop at MK is so very good! All the cast members come out and sing and dance then Mickey comes in on the train. One word though...be sure you are out in front a little and not at the gates to Main Street...you miss almost everything from that vantage point!! :

I think, Tink, that, not being the earnest upright early risers, we will be either in the middle of the pack, or toward the back! :rotfl:

Seriously, since we are repacking that morning any loose articles that may have shaken loose from our luggage from the previous day, and handing said luggage over to the bellhop for its inglorious trip to AKV without us, we stand very little chance of being so close to the gates as to not see the opening show -- YAY!! :yay:

And, I'm not even sure how many Rope Drops we will make, if these 13 year old girls are alike -- extremely difficult to pry out of bed at any point before 9a.m. I'm praying hard for this one!! :laughing:

Thanks, sincerely, for the word of advice. I think we shall be able to follow it easily. :thumbsup2

[jmskinner]

I need to go back and catch up on more posts I wasn't notified about, but wanted to share this with ya:

SWW Weekend One Schedule of Events (http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/content/star-wars-weekends-2010-weekend-one-schedule-available)

:darth::yoda::ewok::chewy:

We may check out the Hyperspace Hoopla this Friday, don't know if we will be able to make it until 7:00pm that Sunday with Jonas having to go back to work the next day and Jacob having school.:sad2:

[SimmerBaggins]

I need to go back and catch up on more posts I wasn't notified about, but wanted to share this with ya:

SWW Weekend One Schedule of Events (http://sww.studioscentral.com/main/content/star-wars-weekends-2010-weekend-one-schedule-available)

:darth::yoda::ewok::chewy:

We may check out the Hyperspace Hoopla this Friday, don't know if we will be able to make it until 7:00pm that Sunday with Jonas having to go back to work the next day and Jacob having school.:sad2:

Hey, thanks for the link! That means we should see one of these the week prior to our going -- but I wouldn't think much would change.

I don't blame you for checking out the Hoopla if you know you won't be able to be there with us. I would think it sad, but seeing your WDW-time, I can't be too sad about it. ;)

It all seems like a dream... :littleangel:

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, I've been reading about so many DISers leaving for their vacations...so many who have come back and begun doing their TRs...and now, we are under our 2 week mark!!
:banana::banana:

DH sat down and discussed our itinerary, and the fact that our flight back doesn't leave until 7:20pm on Saturday. Should we spend the $3 pp to give ourselves another park day? Should we make it therefore MANDATORY that we do a park every day with the exception of the first evening -- no extra additions like "no expiration" and no park-hopping make it very strict...?

Our decision: we'd spend $3 easy trying to do something else. Just fork over the $3 a head and get another park day. :cool1:

We thought we would leave it up to the girls as to which park to say goodbye to. It might be an easy thing to say, "MK" -- but we'll have spent our second day in MK the night before, when EMH has the park open until 2am. I think that's a pretty decent "good-bye!" The only park we won't have visited twice will be AK...and it does have an EMH opening at 8am our last day. DH wasn't too interested in visiting AK twice, though. We'll see.

We printed out the park touring plans from the Unofficial Guide, blown up to regular proportions (didn't want to tear them out of the book). I then printed out our itinerary, which looks like this (again):

4 June - (Friday) arrive at BCV (around 9pm - yuck)
5 June - MK - meet Melissa and family, return in afternoon to AKV, eat at O'hana's for dinner, return to MK for 10pm closing
6 June - DHS - Star Wars Weekend!! with Melissa, until early evening
7 June - AK (EMH 8am)
8 June - Epcot (EMH 9-12am)
9 June - Epcot - I like to go twice in a row...one day sets up for the other
10 June - our mostly "free" day...DHS when we feel like it (or risk losing park day)
11 June - MK (EMH 11-2am) -- Good-bye to the Magic Kingdom!
12 June - extra park day...leave at 7pm

Getting slightly excited about this...have to make it over the work-hump!! :cloud9:

I have talked about our "wake-up" magic, where I always set out something for the kids in the morning to wake up to that's new -- I have 5 days planned, so far. Gotta figure out what else is Disney-cool to 13 year olds. :goodvibes

[TinksThree]

That is pretty nmuch how I spent my Saturday! I even have the Touring Plans printed! :banana:

We will be at Epcot on June 9 as well, although normally I spend two-three days here, so I must say I am a little envious of you getting more time to explore!! ;)

[michellem1118]

4 June - (Friday) arrive at BCV (around 9pm - yuck)
5 June - MK - meet Melissa and family, return in afternoon to AKV, eat at O'hana's for dinner, return to MK for 10pm closing
6 June - DHS - Star Wars Weekend!! with Melissa, until early evening
7 June - AK (EMH 8am)
8 June - Epcot (EMH 9-12am)
9 June - Epcot - I like to go twice in a row...one day sets up for the other
10 June - our mostly "free" day...DHS when we feel like it (or risk losing park day)
11 June - MK (EMH 11-2am) -- Good-bye to the Magic Kingdom!
12 June - extra park day...leave at 7pm


It looks like June 9th is the only day where our plans overlap... although since we have park hoppers, we very well may end up in the same place more often...


I have talked about our "wake-up" magic, where I always set out something for the kids in the morning to wake up to that's new -- I have 5 days planned, so far. Gotta figure out what else is Disney-cool to 13 year olds. :goodvibes


What do you have so far? Maybe we can help you come up with something for the other days!

[SimmerBaggins]

That is pretty nmuch how I spent my Saturday! I even have the Touring Plans printed! :banana:

We will be at Epcot on June 9 as well, although normally I spend two-three days here, so I must say I am a little envious of you getting more time to explore!! ;)

Hey, Tink -- it's just getting down to the timeframe where I feel like I need to know what gets done, when -- and Saturday's activities just made it seem like the trip might actually get here! :rotfl: DH would probably forego all the planning...he likes to do "spur of the moment" stuff -- but he doesn't mind me doing all the work! :)

You're doing Epcot on the 9th, too -- it would be really cool to run into each other!! Maybe we ought to see if our touring plans run into each other... :laughing:

[SimmerBaggins]

[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

It looks like June 9th is the only day where our plans overlap... although since we have park hoppers, we very well may end up in the same place more often...

What do you have so far? Maybe we can help you come up with something for the other days!

June 9th is THE DAY! :rotfl: We all have to figure out where to spot each other -- at lunch, or something! We discussed park hoppers, but on average we've only used them once or twice a trip -- not really worth the extra $$, especially since we're on a budget.

Oh, and yesterday I saw that the Disney Store online had a special if you bought a pin, your entire order was shipped for freeeee!! So, I went on and saw some lanyards that I could personalize for free (which were only about $5 a lanyard), and then bought a package set of 2 pins -- so a little over $20, and I got two pins and two personalized lanyards for a special wake-up! :woohoo: I figure I probably better give those pretty quick, before they buy a lanyard!

So, that really leaves two days of wake-ups. I have so far, for each girl: 2 t-shirts, a set of pjs, 2 sets pins, lanyard, pair of socks and Lion King Pez dispenser (together, since they're small). At first I thought the Pez dispensers were kind of cheesy -- and they are -- but everyone likes candy!! It's just not something you think about buying after a certain age, but it doesn't mean you outgrow liking those little Pez candies! ;)

[SimmerBaggins]

Due to circumstances beyond our control, I must hereby announce the official "swap" between park-days.

Our magical first day must now -- instead of Magic Kingdom -- be Animal Kingdom.

You know the old saying, if you don't like what's on TV, turn the channel. Or, turn it off. That's where we are -- not to burst any bubbles, but our bubble will be floating over to a first day filled with Festival of the Lion King, Expedition Everest, Finding Nemo the Musical, and many other wonderful sights and sounds of the Animal Kingdom.

I need to find out how we can still make a rope drop at Magic Kingdom -- still want to do that -- but I don't want to plan it after a late night!! :rotfl:

[michellem1118]

Maybe a Disney-themed key chain? You could even buy them in the gift shop after you arrive for later in the week... or even a small stuffed animal? OH! How about one of the Disney charm bracelet things they sell in the gift shops? I think the bracelets are about $8, and the charms are only $2-3 each... you could get each girl a bracelet and one or two charms, and then they could add to it if they wanted to with their own souvie money...

[SimmerBaggins]

Maybe a Disney-themed key chain? You could even buy them in the gift shop after you arrive for later in the week... or even a small stuffed animal? OH! How about one of the Disney charm bracelet things they sell in the gift shops? I think the bracelets are about $8, and the charms are only $2-3 each... you could get each girl a bracelet and one or two charms, and then they could add to it if they wanted to with their own souvie money...


That's a GREAT idea, Michelle -- Jordan always looks at those charms, and there are plenty of opportunities to get them! Thanks!!!
:dance3:

[ScotsMinnie]

They also sell little purses with a chain on it that you can attach the charms to. Emma ran out of room on the bracelet she bought the previous trip sp got a purse to start. Its quite cute.

[jenniferkeala808]

vickie!! sorry i've been sooo MIA...i don't have a computer at home and when I'm at the computer, I'm busy trying to update my TR! Please forgive me :flower3:...anyway, I just saw your ticker and you're almost leaving!!!! so exciting!! Well, I'm going to go back and catch up!!

[SimmerBaggins]

They also sell little purses with a chain on it that you can attach the charms to. Emma ran out of room on the bracelet she bought the previous trip sp got a purse to start. Its quite cute.

Ooooh, that sounds perfect!! I hope we can find that -- I don't recall ever seeing them before!!

[SimmerBaggins]

vickie!! sorry i've been sooo MIA...i don't have a computer at home and when I'm at the computer, I'm busy trying to update my TR! Please forgive me :flower3:...anyway, I just saw your ticker and you're almost leaving!!!! so exciting!! Well, I'm going to go back and catch up!!

Keala, you just keep going with that report -- we are really enjoying it!! :banana: I can't wait to start documenting our trip...hope I can hold a candle to your & Roman's story!! ;)

Ten days...and tomorrow makes single digits!!! I remember some other PTR's single digits...!!:eek:

Can't wait to begin packing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer2:

[TinksThree]

Hey, Tink -- it's just getting down to the timeframe where I feel like I need to know what gets done, when -- and Saturday's activities just made it seem like the trip might actually get here! :rotfl: DH would probably forego all the planning...he likes to do "spur of the moment" stuff -- but he doesn't mind me doing all the work! :)

You're doing Epcot on the 9th, too -- it would be really cool to run into each other!! Maybe we ought to see if our touring plans run into each other... :laughing:

I asked DH when he wanted to discuss our plans so he would have an idea what we are doing...he said on Saturday as we drive down...:rotfl2: He is a laid back traveler so our DHs must think a little alike!

I think I understand the MK situation and switch. AK will be fun and will build some excitement for MK!! :thumbsup2

It would be cool to "bump" into each other! I am basically following the Touring Plan for one day in Epcot, except we are reversing the WS order and beginning with Canada rather than Mexico. We have ADRs at Le Cellier at 1pm so hopefully the reverse will work okay!!

We are officially in single digits!! :woohoo:

[SimmerBaggins]

We are officially in single digits!! :woohoo:

It seriously...does not feel real, yet.

I got my Disney Files magazine today -- :cool1: It talks about a Toy Story Playland in "Walt Disney Studios".

1) I don't recall ever hearing about a Toy Story Playland with three rides in it

and

2) Are they taking the "Hollywood" out of the name of the park?

I feel so behind...I looked online on the official site and didn't see anything about this. :confused:

[SimmerBaggins]

The other day, I was on the Disney Store site, and saw they were having a special -- buy a pin, and you get shipping for free!!

That was right up my alley, and since I was looking for some small WAKE UP (it's Disney-time!!) gifts, I started shopping. I like online shopping...you get so much more selection!!

So, right away, I saw these lanyards for less than $6, with free personalization! I thought, "wow, my DD's 2 other lanyards are full -- would be cool to have an extra for her to fill up with her friend." So, I bought two. And then, being the cheapskate I am :rolleyes: , I decided to buy a package of 2 pins. They're sealed, which was unfortunate for me today -- because they all came in!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs328.ash1/28566_1302495725266_1316648229_30708805_3596216_n. jpg

...and I really would have liked to open that package to see what the pins were...they're the ones that are WDW rides, with Mickey & Friends on them. Guess I'll have to wait with the girls.

Well, that's it for the gifts, for now. Anything else will have to wait for the parks. :goodvibes I'm thinking I might want to give THESE items to the girls for the wake-up to go to the airport...OR, I could go with the pj's...I'm kind of undecided. I just don't want them to buy lanyards on their own before I realize what they've done! :laughing:

[ScotsMinnie]

Wow - i love the personalised lanyards! Wouldn't it be great if some little Disney fairy brought Mums and Dads little wake up presents while at Disney - how exciting would that be? Kids get all the fun!

[TinksThree]

I love the lanyards!! My DD would flip over them. The girls will be so excited!!

[SimmerBaggins]

Wow - i love the personalised lanyards! Wouldn't it be great if some little Disney fairy brought Mums and Dads little wake up presents while at Disney - how exciting would that be? Kids get all the fun!

I KNOW!! I think we adults get more excited -- and I am so excited for them to wake up and get the stuff (wake up, WAKE UP!!). I am still undecided as to what to give them, first.

I love the lanyards!! My DD would flip over them. The girls will be so excited!!

Thanks, Tink! I think it's so cool that we are taking Natalie for her first time to WDW -- these little things will make it all that much more special.

My BFF just offered to buy some groceries for us for our room -- usually the only thing we'd eat there is breakfast -- and I thought that was so nice to take that worry from us! I was going to order online from the grocery place, but this makes it easier.

The packing begins tomorrow! Since my family is coming in on Weds, I've also got to get busy getting the house ready for them...a bit of cleaning, rearranging, and a few surprises. My mother & sister and nephew will hopefully have a great time on their get-away. :goodvibes

Next Saturday, we'll be at AK!! :banana::banana:

[SimmerBaggins]

Hey, Diser's -- here's a great deal at the Disney Store website -- 25% off $100 or more, with free shipping!! If you are planning to stock up before you go to WDW, here's your chance! (I'm done, sadly -- no more time for the UPS truck to get to my house before we leave...Which, I guess, is really a good thing!!)

http://www.disneystore.com/?CMP=SOC-Fb

[michellem1118]

FWIW, I definitely think the lanyards & pins should be the first gifts the girls get - probably the morning that you leave. You don't want them to get excited and buy their own before you can stop them. I can't remember what time you're leaving to head to WDW - is Natalie staying the night with you guys the night before? You could always give them the pajamas right before bed that night to get them in the WDW spirit, but that might mean you'd need an extra wake-up surprise.

This time next Saturday, I'll be frantically trying to finish up our last minute shopping, packing & getting everything ready for the cats to stay home alone for a week. This time next Sunday, we'll be all checked in at VWL and either hanging out in a park or relaxing by the pool. I can't wait!

[jenniferkeala808]

VICKIE!!!!! 5 DAYS?!?!?!?!??!?!?! I am sooooo excited for you folks!!!!! Can you believe it's almost here?!?!?!? I am LOVING those lanyards you got! what a great deal and it's personalized?!?! Anyway, I hope I don't miss your send off. We've got a lot going on at home this week ...really busy. So I'll try and remember to come and say ALOHA before you folks leave! I'm gonna miss you and your funny replies while you're gone!! :hug:

[jmskinner]

Hey BFF! Love the lanyards! Can't believe next week we will already be heading to DHS by this time. We have to make rope drop for SWW.

Just send me that shopping list, just remember that I have a regular bed to my truck, not the extended one.:rotfl:

[SimmerBaggins]

FWIW, I definitely think the lanyards & pins should be the first gifts the girls get - probably the morning that you leave. You don't want them to get excited and buy their own before you can stop them. I can't remember what time you're leaving to head to WDW - is Natalie staying the night with you guys the night before? You could always give them the pajamas right before bed that night to get them in the WDW spirit, but that might mean you'd need an extra wake-up surprise.

This time next Saturday, I'll be frantically trying to finish up our last minute shopping, packing & getting everything ready for the cats to stay home alone for a week. This time next Sunday, we'll be all checked in at VWL and either hanging out in a park or relaxing by the pool. I can't wait!

You know, Michelle -- I think you might be right about the lanyards. I know my DD will be trying to figure out which pins she'll want to take, and which of her other lanyards, and this will give her a "clean slate" to get new pins with and she won't have to worry about moving pins off her other lanyard. Natalie is staying the night before, and I did want to give those pj's early in the trip...! :cutie:

We used to leave our cats by themselves, but we now have one cat that needs a little more special attention! I'm glad I've got family coming in to take care of them.

Wow, this week can't go fast enough, right?? :woohoo:

[SimmerBaggins]

VICKIE!!!!! 5 DAYS?!?!?!?!??!?!?! I am sooooo excited for you folks!!!!! Can you believe it's almost here?!?!?!? I am LOVING those lanyards you got! what a great deal and it's personalized?!?! Anyway, I hope I don't miss your send off. We've got a lot going on at home this week ...really busy. So I'll try and remember to come and say ALOHA before you folks leave! I'm gonna miss you and your funny replies while you're gone!! :hug:

I KNOW!! After a couple of really hectic things were resolved for me at work on Friday, I started beginning to feel like vacation might actually GET HERE. (I couldn't believe the great deal on those lanyards -- I just feel like I luck out every once in a while!)

So...I totally understand about things going on and time slipping away from you...I have lost track of a lot of PTRs that I'm sure have turned into TRs by now, and I haven't really had time to track them down! In a way, I wish I had a 3G smart phone and could stream our trip on Facebook like my BFF does...we always know what park she's at on the weekend. ;)

Hey BFF! Love the lanyards! Can't believe next week we will already be heading to DHS by this time. We have to make rope drop for SWW.

Just send me that shopping list, just remember that I have a regular bed to my truck, not the extended one.:rotfl:

Thanks! I only worry a tiny bit about Jordan getting squeamish about the "princess" theme, but with both of them having one...and it's WDW time...maybe she'll get over it. :thumbsup2

I'm up for rope drop...since we'll be settled at Kadani Village by that time, I'm hoping that nothing gets in the way of our getting there early enough! Not even scrambling (hah) for breakfast, which is primarily what we'll ask you to get for us! Just a few things...I promise. :)

[hollybearsmom]

I love the lanyards as first day wake up gift.

I can't believe i almost forgot to go get new pajamas! (smiley smacking forehead)

[TinksThree]

I got my Disney Files magazine today -- :cool1: It talks about a Toy Story Playland in "Walt Disney Studios".

1) I don't recall ever hearing about a Toy Story Playland with three rides in it

and

2) Are they taking the "Hollywood" out of the name of the park?

I feel so behind...I looked online on the official site and didn't see anything about this. :confused:

Did you see anything else about this? I tried looking but saw nothing! I even tried the rumors thread...:confused3

[SimmerBaggins]

I love the lanyards as first day wake up gift.

I can't believe i almost forgot to go get new pajamas! (smiley smacking forehead)

For yourself, new pjs, or for the kiddos? :laughing: I have a set of Eeyore pjs and a set of Pooh pjs that are mandatory for our trip!

Did you see anything else about this? I tried looking but saw nothing! I even tried the rumors thread...:confused3

Tink, I have not seen ANYTHING else on this. I think that DVC feeds us little tidbits to see who is paying attention -- I mean, 3 brand new rides, and no one is talking about them? :confused3

Okay, gang -- I took some pics of us packing -- will post them later on this evening!! :cloud9:

[elizablake]

3 Days!!!!!!:cool1::cool1::cool1:

I'm finishing our packing tonight!

[ScotsMinnie]

OMG how exciting!!!!
Time has gone so fast. Hope you (and Melissa) have an amazing time in WDW. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

[SimmerBaggins]

3 Days!!!!!!:cool1::cool1::cool1:

I'm finishing our packing tonight!

You go, girl!! :rotfl: I just am not that organized -- so I took off on Thursday to finish all our packing!!

OMG how exciting!!!!
Time has gone so fast. Hope you (and Melissa) have an amazing time in WDW. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

Time has all of a sudden decided to speed up...isn't that what happens when you get older?? The end is near...! :lmao:

I'm so excited to do a TR with Melissa again, even if she only plays a small part in our vacation...she takes the best shots!

[SimmerBaggins]

And, I finally figured out what's wrong with all my WRONG information: it's all great news for DISNEYLAND PARIS.

:lmao:

Maybe someday we can go to Europe and try the Slinky Dog Zig Zag Spin, or the RC Racer ride -- but not any time soon.

...that's okay, though -- we've got enough on our plate coming!!! :banana:

[michellem1118]

And, I finally figured out what's wrong with all my WRONG information: it's all great news for DISNEYLAND PARIS.

:lmao:

Maybe someday we can go to Europe and try the Slinky Dog Zig Zag Spin, or the RC Racer ride -- but not any time soon.

...that's okay, though -- we've got enough on our plate coming!!! :banana:

On our last trip in March, a CM was hinting about planned upgrades to DHS & Epcot once the Fantasyland expansion at MK is completed. Maybe, just maybe, if those rides are successful in Paris, they'll show up at DHS in a few years. :thumbsup2

That, or we need to organize a huge DIS trip to Disneyland Paris to ride them! :rotfl:

We started packing yesterday... or at least, after I did laundry, we pulled the clothes we want to pack, and left those in the laundry basket. I have to find a few more things, and make a trip to Walmart to search for new Disney PJs for me (I have Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, and Mickey Mouse right now, but they're more winter PJs.... :rolleyes1)

I can already sense that Saturday is going to be a really hectic day of getting the last minute things done before leaving EARLY Sunday morning. I can't believe it's almost here!!!! :banana: :yay: :cheer2: :cool1:

[jmskinner]

Wow, Vickie, it's just a couple of days now. I'm getting all excited.

You mentioned breakfast the morning of DHS. We have started eating at Starring Rolls there at DHS (I believe that is the name). They have lots of pastry's to eat, makes a good breakfast so we could ride, get FP's etc and then grab a bite to eat. I think that is what we did last year waiting for ya'll to get off the bus.

Got your cereal today, hope its the right kind. Will grab milk and the apples on Friday or Saturday morning on the way.

Oh, and wanted to let Vickie know and anyone else reading this. I haven't been on the Dis much so not sure if there has been any discussion about this, but was talking to one of my Dis friends there right now and she said there has been a lot of theft around the pools and water parks. So be careful what you take with you. She mentioned a very long line at TL to report thefts. She also said her and her son put down their stuff at POFQ pool at the very last two chairs. She mentioned that might not be a good idea and her son responded "Mom, it's Disneyworld, no one is going to take our stuff." Well, a little while later she said a very well dressed lady had her towel over her arm and was looking around when she walked up and told her to leave. Lady tried to say she had left her shoes there. Just be careful and have a great time on your trips everyone!!!!:goodvibes

[SimmerBaggins]

Wow, Vickie, it's just a couple of days now. I'm getting all excited.

You mentioned breakfast the morning of DHS. We have started eating at Starring Rolls there at DHS (I believe that is the name). They have lots of pastry's to eat, makes a good breakfast so we could ride, get FP's etc and then grab a bite to eat. I think that is what we did last year waiting for ya'll to get off the bus.

Got your cereal today, hope its the right kind. Will grab milk and the apples on Friday or Saturday morning on the way.

Oh, and wanted to let Vickie know and anyone else reading this. I haven't been on the Dis much so not sure if there has been any discussion about this, but was talking to one of my Dis friends there right now and she said there has been a lot of theft around the pools and water parks. So be careful what you take with you. She mentioned a very long line at TL to report thefts. She also said her and her son put down their stuff at POFQ pool at the very last two chairs. She mentioned that might not be a good idea and her son responded "Mom, it's Disneyworld, no one is going to take our stuff." Well, a little while later she said a very well dressed lady had her towel over her arm and was looking around when she walked up and told her to leave. Lady tried to say she had left her shoes there. Just be careful and have a great time on your trips everyone!!!!:goodvibes

Hey, thanks...that is awesome. I can already taste those sweet rolls going to my hips.

You know, I am always paranoid wherever I go about people taking my stuff -- always looking back at it. We'll have to keep an eye out for each other at the Kadani swimming pool!
:sad2:

[SimmerBaggins]

Here are some shots of us getting ready!!

We have a couple of medium-sized suitcases for us adults...we learned early on that we'll over-pack the 50lb max if we take anything bigger. DH took the older suitcase (closer) -- he's so sweet. :goodvibes

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs529.snc3/30066_1307080519883_1316648229_30721192_1948316_n. jpg

Here's my DD packing her little carry-on bag -- all kinds of electronic and "keep 'em busy" stuff goes in here, along with snax & stuff. Note the Mickey...it matches the Mickey suitcase in the background.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs529.snc3/30066_1307080599885_1316648229_30721193_4269426_n. jpg

This is typical. DH already has his suitcase packed...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs549.snc3/30066_1307080639886_1316648229_30721194_5064638_n. jpg

And here is the mountain of clothes (9 days!!) that I am taking...I have to iron it all. Bummer...so, it really doesn't go INTO the suitcase, yet.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs529.snc3/30066_1307080679887_1316648229_30721195_7153162_n. jpg

And here is our cat, Samson, who is looking for an opportunity to play. Any opportunity. Just waiting. Any moment now...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs529.snc3/30066_1307080719888_1316648229_30721196_2534584_n. jpg

It hasn't gotten much farther than this, but we're still working on it!!
:rotfl:

[michellem1118]

I second Starring Rolls for breakfast at DHS. It's also a great CS option for lunch - they serve huge, delicious sandwiches and stuff. It's just about the only CS place at DHS that I ever eat at!

Melissa, thanks for the warning/reminder about theft at the pools and water parks. We never leave anything out at the pool except shoes & towels - DH has a waterproof travel wallet that we use on trips so he can keep our KTTW cards, etc safe, and if we take a camera at all, we take the waterproof one... so it goes in the pool with me! :rotfl: At the water parks, we always rent a locker as well. The peace of mind is worth the $ to me. It's so easy to forget that there can be crime and bad things happening when you're at WDW... the "magic" lulls so many people into a false sense of security. It's a shame that there are people out there who will try to capitalize on that. :sad2:

[jenniferkeala808]

vickie!! i CANNOT believe that you're leaving already!!! I'm loving your pics of your packing! If I miss your send off...i hope you have a wonderful and magical vacation...take lots of pics...oh yah, don't forget your camera! :lmao:
I'll miss you while you're gone!! :hug: have fun!

[SimmerBaggins]

vickie!! i CANNOT believe that you're leaving already!!! I'm loving your pics of your packing! If I miss your send off...i hope you have a wonderful and magical vacation...take lots of pics...oh yah, don't forget your camera! :lmao:
I'll miss you while you're gone!! :hug: have fun!

OMGosh, it's so close, it's SCARY!! :scared1: :laughing:

I better make a checklist to make sure I don't forget anything (camera), otherwise, I'll end up (camera) forgetting something like (camera) a hair brush, or something (camera).

Thanks, Keala -- I almost feel like I KNOW you -- you are such a sweetheart. Don't you wish you could involve EVERYONE in on your trip, when you go? Not that you really want everyone to deal with, but it's so good to share...! ;) I guess that's why we're hooked on the DIS! :laughing:

...I'm wondering if I'll have time in the a.m. before the flight to make another post...I'll probably make one tonight of our progress... stay tuned!!!

[hollybearsmom]

Have a fantastic trip!

[jmskinner]

Hey Vickie, just wanted to let you know, not sure what time we will be there Saturday. I know before lunch, hopefully way before. We will probably head straight to the hotel. Go ahead and ride the Safari. Jonas only likes Dinosaur and EE. Jacob likes the KRR. We will see what we can get done.

Also, have ya'll ever done the trail that goes around the Tree of Life? You can see the Kangaroo's from it. You end up on the backside of that area with the vultures. Have to show you that, great view of the Tree of Life.

And Jonas may be a grumpy head. Work is stressing him out and he has been a bear!

And here is some pixiedust:, keep those storms they are predicting for tomorrow away!:goodvibes

MichelleM, you are so right about it feeling so magical that you let your guard down. And we don't hear everything that goes down at the parks. Have a great vacation everyone!

[TinksThree]

And, I finally figured out what's wrong with all my WRONG information: it's all great news for DISNEYLAND PARIS.

:lmao:

Maybe someday we can go to Europe and try the Slinky Dog Zig Zag Spin, or the RC Racer ride -- but not any time soon.

...that's okay, though -- we've got enough on our plate coming!!! :banana:

Well shoot! I love Toy Story and thought that would be great! Oh Well! :)

Have a safe trip/flight! We are packing, packing, packing also!! It is so hard to believe the time has arrived!! :woohoo:

[SimmerBaggins]

This is it! We leave in 30 minutes...!!

My big luggage:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs509.ash1/30066_1308271589659_1316648229_30723725_41538_n.jp g

My carry on!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs509.ash1/30066_1308271669661_1316648229_30723726_7902035_n. jpg

The girls nabbing breakfast!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs549.snc3/30066_1308271709662_1316648229_30723727_4181818_n. jpg

My sis -- staying to watch the house!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs509.ash1/30066_1308271789664_1316648229_30723728_3988090_n. jpg

BYE!!

[ScotsMinnie]

Have an amazing time!!!!!!!!!! :yay::yay::yay:

[jmskinner]

See ya tomorrow!

[jmskinner]

Just thought I'd make a quick post. Just got home from seeing Vickie, Robert, Jordan and Natalie. Had a fantastic couple of days, but boy is it hot!!!

Guess we have to wait a week for her to start the trip report.

[jenniferkeala808]

thanks for updating us!! i'm glad to hear you folks had a wonderful, but hot trip! LOL! Can't wait for the TR!!!!

[jenniferkeala808]

OMGosh, it's so close, it's SCARY!! :scared1: :laughing:

I better make a checklist to make sure I don't forget anything (camera), otherwise, I'll end up (camera) forgetting something like (camera) a hair brush, or something (camera).

Thanks, Keala -- I almost feel like I KNOW you -- you are such a sweetheart. Don't you wish you could involve EVERYONE in on your trip, when you go? Not that you really want everyone to deal with, but it's so good to share...! ;) I guess that's why we're hooked on the DIS! :laughing:

...I'm wondering if I'll have time in the a.m. before the flight to make another post...I'll probably make one tonight of our progress... stay tuned!!!

vickie! you are toooo funny! LOL! Me too! YOU ARE THE SWEETHEART! :hug: Yes!!! Especially everyone here on DIS...everyone's so supportive and positive it's sickening! LOL! just kidding! We HAVE to make it a point to meet someday...hopefully in the near future, our trips will overlap or you will make it here again! Can't wait to hear how your trip is going!!

[SimmerBaggins]

vickie! you are toooo funny! LOL! Me too! YOU ARE THE SWEETHEART! :hug: Yes!!! Especially everyone here on DIS...everyone's so supportive and positive it's sickening! LOL! just kidding! We HAVE to make it a point to meet someday...hopefully in the near future, our trips will overlap or you will make it here again! Can't wait to hear how your trip is going!!

Yes, absolutely we will have to meet up! :thumbsup2

Okay, I'm changing my font to GREEN because I'm sitting at my computer -- here at ANIMAL KINGDOM VILLAS in Concierge!! We have had SUCH a good time so far, it's kind of winding down...today was our 2nd day at DHS, and it was just about 5 hours, and tonight:

BOMA!!! :dance3::dance3:

Yes, my DH made a surprise ADR at the concierge desk yesterday -- he knew how much it meant to me to get another TS dinner (we had an EXCELLENT dinner at O'hana's with my BFF!!!! Can't wait to give details), and especially at my favorite place...I am so ready to eat that delicious food!

Tomorrow is our last FULL day -- we will spend it at MK, our 2nd day of that park. Our last day is Saturday, when we'll skip over to AK for a few hours, then head to the airport with ME's help.

It's been great...can't wait to share it. ;)

Love you guys!!!



Vickie

[latexscooter]

I love Boma! Have a wonderful time at AKL. Its one of my most favorite places anywhere.

[ScotsMinnie]

So glad you are having a ball! Can't wait to hear all of the details!
Enjoy your last few days!

[jenniferkeala808]

hey vickie! so glad to hear you're having a wonderful time! Can't wait to hear all about it! WOW!!! Your DH made a surprise ADR?!?!!? GOOD JOB!!!! We just loved Boma...anyway, missing you here on the boards...can't wait to see lots and lots of pics!!