My first attempt at a pre trip report for our first Disney World trip

[annegirl]

updated with post links at bottom!

I just found out today that we will probably be going on our long awaited trip to Disney World this year!:woohoo:
I have been planning this trip for years now and can't wait!
Who would be going?
DH: Likes Disney movies but I wouldn't classify him as a disney enthusiast. He adores his princesses though and wants to make the dream come true for me.

Annegirl: Me, 32 almost 33, longtime Disney lover and obsessive trip planner. My favorite trips so far have been a Canadian road trip with my parents, a trip to Prince Edward Island with my mom, Disneyland with my mom, and two road trips to the East coast with my parents and my oldest daughter. I have never been to Disney world.
This picture is of DH, myself, and DD4 last summer when baby daughter was still on the way..
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac148/cherylvanw/family3paddle.jpg
DD's: Abi is 4. Maddy is 3 months. The trip will be a surprise for Abi's 5th birthday so she will be turning 5 on the trip and Maddy will be 1 before we go. Abi (DD4) is a little princess, lover of all things pink and purple and princessy. She loves Disney princesses as well as Barbie princesses. She also is very creative and has an amazing imagination. Everything is magical to her which is why I want to go as soon as possible.. before that magic is lost. She loves princess Aurora right now because her dress is pink.

Maddy(baby) is happy as can be. She is a little sweetheart that hopefully won't be too young to take with us! I'm a little worried about that but I don't want to leave her behind.
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac148/cherylvanw/abiandmaddy.jpg
My parents:
Marathonmomma: my mom is going to be 62 by the time we go and is an avid marathon runner. She is absolutely amazing and fun. She is my best friend and favorite travel companion because we love all the same things!
Eeyore: my dad. He is so sweet and caring but my mom calls him her little Eeyore because he can be just like him sometimes. He also tends to be on my vacations with me.
I have traveled much more with them because DH doesn't enjoy road trips.
http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac148/cherylvanw/dadandmomwithabi.jpg

DH is the only one in our traveling party that has been to Disney World. He was very young and spent almost the entire trip in Captain EO (is that what it was called?) not because he loved Micheal Jackson but because he wanted to be in the shade and sit down!:rotfl:
We are planning on going in December during the slower weeks.
At this point I am planning on getting our rooms at Pop Century and doing 10 day park tickets and the dining plan although we will be going up to Islands of Adventure one day to visit the Harry Potter world.
Since I am new to this I have been researching and reading on here for a couple years now. I think I have a lot figured out but still have a lot to learn before I book the vacation.
I am hoping to get a good discount or free dining. I did get an email today for free dining but it isn't good for our travel times. It also said that it was only for the counter service dining plan so I am wondering.. those of you who have had free dining... was it the counter service? Or did you get the basic plan free as well?
I am also looking for some input on how big of a difference there is between Pop Century and Port Orleans if I can get a good enough discount to make POR prices close to what Pop's would be....
I appreciate any and all input.
I am daily inspired by all of you and can't wait to have our own magical experience!:goodvibes


Contents:

First movie night- Pinnochio (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35726149&postcount=14)
The autograph book (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35726333&postcount=16)
source (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35755329&postcount=20)
Booking (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35756803&postcount=21)
Travel journals (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35812143&postcount=23)
T-shirts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35827349&postcount=24)
Movie night: Dumbo (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35827389&postcount=25)
ADR's (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37065813&postcount=31)
Catching up on movie nights (11 of them!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37066719&postcount=32)
Changes to ADR (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37135499&postcount=41)
ADR again (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37175039&postcount=46)
Movie nights- Treasure Planet and The Sword in the Stone (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37245568&postcount=48)
Movie nights- Tarzan and Mulan (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37279324&postcount=49)
some plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37302622&postcount=51)
Is collecting things for the trip an addiction? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37338689&postcount=61)
movie night-UP (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37353341&postcount=63)
First big sewing projects- Alice dress and BBB dress (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37456898&postcount=68)
movie night- 101 Dalmations (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37465824&postcount=71)
Change to the trip! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37482919&postcount=73)
Another ADR (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37491898&postcount=77)
A bug's Life movie night (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37573220&postcount=79)
Another ADR update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37728368&postcount=81)
Tinkerbell? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37659566&postcount=80)
Day by Day plans for entire trip (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37742216&postcount=86)
The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38064217&postcount=89)
Peter Pan movie night (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38102992&postcount=90)
Animal Kingdom twirl skirts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38199463&postcount=91)
Minnie Mouse twirl skirts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38617351&postcount=94)
pillowcases (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38617363&postcount=95)
Feliz dresses (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38617394&postcount=96)
Snow White movie night (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38617535&postcount=97)
Lady and the Tramp, Cars, and Winnie the Pooh movie nights (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38617560&postcount=98)
Good Mail (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38727536&postcount=105)
Movie nights: Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, Jungle Book, and Monsters Inc. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38727615&postcount=106)
Twirl shirt and Hidden Mickey (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38848092&postcount=114)
Hairbows (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38848112&postcount=115)
Halloween (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38848129&postcount=116)
Movie night: Mickeys Treat and Little Einsteins Halloween (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38848186&postcount=117)

[ChevyNat]

First of all, Congrats :cheer2: you are going to Disney!! You have a cute family... and I can't wait to read more about your plans. Great start

[disneychard]

When are you going?? Have fun, and congradulations.

:banana::banana::banana:

[annegirl]

We should be going Dec 5-15th if it works as planned. Her birthday is on the 13th.
Thanks for the warm wishes!!

[annegirl]

Right now I am trying to decide if it's best to fly or drive. I think flying will be the cheaper option. We're not sure what we will use to get to Islands of Adventure. Does anyone know if there is a shuttle or any other kind of service from nearby that goes there... or do you have to use a taxi or rent a car when going off property?

[annegirl]

Right now we are in the midst of choosing a resort. We want to call and reserve but there are still so many things up in the air. I'm pretty sure we will have to stay at a value resort but we really want Port orleans Riverside or French Quarter. It's just at the end of a ten day stay.. there is a huge difference in price.
:confused3
I am wondering... if we book a resort and package and I get a code for a discount for December on the hotels or for free dining can I call and have them added to my reservation that is already made or do I have to wait until I have a discount code to reserve if I am going to get the savings?

[cmp1111]

Great start! The girls are beautiful!

I'm fairly sure you can call and add the code later to an existing reservation, but I'll ask a friend who would know for sure.

Also, we do have a separate section for "pre-trip" reports that are in the planning stages, so I'm going to move you over there!

Thanks for sharing!

[annegirl]

Thanks! I'm so sorry- I didn't realize it wasn't in the pre trip report section.
I'm feeling a little out of sorts now.. I've been planning this trip for so long that now that it is actually going to happen I feel like I still have so much to find out and learn.

[annegirl]

Right now I'm looking at patterns for a dress to make my daughter trying to decide whether I am going to do a smaller BBB package and take our own dress or do the full package.

[BabyEeyore]

Yay for Disney planning! :banana: Can't wait to read more!

[my2disneyboys]

I came over from the Disney Night Thread! Congrats on your first trip!!!! That is SO exciting. I wish I could get that feeling back of the first trip!! Enjoy it :goodvibes

I hope you will post some pics from your disney nights! We have been doing them now for a couple years and the kids just cant get enough of them.

I hope that you can make it work for POR or POFQ- both are SO beautiful and I LOVED the boat to DTD from both resorts.

Can't wait to hear more!

[annegirl]

I will post pictures for sure!
:goodvibes

[MommyMcQueen]

Hi Anniegirl! I'm joining in! Fellow Wisconsinite here! What area are you from? I'm outside Green Bay.

I just booked our first family trip as well. It was a hard desicsion on hotel - especially when it's you're first time. We really want POFQ - just love the feel of the place, but we decided to book Pop instead - save a little money and I think the kids will like it more - much more fun and colorful, I'm sure will kids will be all over those giant figures and icons. I'm glad we choose Pop, I haven't second-guessed that decision at all.

I read up on Disney for about 6 months before I booked the trip - we booked it on Christmas Eve - I don't have any discount appied to my ressie right now, waiting for them to announce August discounts yet, but I'm planning to just call and have the discount applied when they come out..from what I've read here on the DIS it's very easy to do.

We are planning to fly Southwest out of Milwaukee - again rates are not out yet for August but they sure seem reasonable when I've checked for other dates over summer.

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

[annegirl]

Last night we started off our Disney movie family nights. It wasn't as exciting as some of them I've seen on here but it was perfect for our little family. We watched Pinnochio which Abi had never seen before and she loved it! She was so happy and excited the whole time... partly because of the fun activity and partly because she gets to stay up past her normal bedtime to do it!
I made the 'Stromboli' pizza that I saw on the movie night thread for dinner and then later we had 'Pleasure Island Popcorn' (that meant it was the full fat and extra butter kind!) and Conscience Cola (sugar free, calorie free, caffeine free Sprite!). I printed some finger puppets off of Disney's website and we colored those and had a puppet show.
It was great. I can't wait for next weekend!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6916.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6912.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6913.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6915.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6917.jpg

[annegirl]

Hi Anniegirl! I'm joining in! Fellow Wisconsinite here! What area are you from? I'm outside Green Bay.

I just booked our first family trip as well. It was a hard desicsion on hotel - especially when it's you're first time. We really want POFQ - just love the feel of the place, but we decided to book Pop instead - save a little money and I think the kids will like it more - much more fun and colorful, I'm sure will kids will be all over those giant figures and icons. I'm glad we choose Pop, I haven't second-guessed that decision at all.

I read up on Disney for about 6 months before I booked the trip - we booked it on Christmas Eve - I don't have any discount appied to my ressie right now, waiting for them to announce August discounts yet, but I'm planning to just call and have the discount applied when they come out..from what I've read here on the DIS it's very easy to do.

We are planning to fly Southwest out of Milwaukee - again rates are not out yet for August but they sure seem reasonable when I've checked for other dates over summer.

Can't wait to hear more of your plans!

We're down in Kenosha near the border

[annegirl]

Although we are so far out from our trip, I have a lot of things I'll need to make later so I thought I would put together a few things as I go along.. this weekend I did an autograph book.
I bought the supplies years ago but hadn't made it yet. The book I used is from Stampin Up. It's about 5x5 and has a chipboard front and back cover but thick cardstock pages.
I printed off the images from Donatalie. Thank you so much for those wonderful designs. I looked around on here for days getting inspiration and I just have to say thanks to all of you on here for all of the wonderful creations that have inspired me!!
So here is the finished product. I took pictures of all the pages- first the front sides and then the backs and a picture of the book put back together. I have more autograph cards as well for characters we might not see or that she might not care about that I am going to carry with us and if we get them I'll add them later or make a second book.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6890.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6925.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6927.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6919.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6920.jpg

[BabyEeyore]

Great movie night! Your DD looks like she had a BLAST! And your autograph books look fabulous. :thumbsup2

[annegirl]

All right, this morning I called to talk to an agent hoping that the free quick service dining plan I got could be extended to December and upgraded to a basic dining plan. It could not be extended.
We did however find out we could get a really great military discount because of my dad being retired. 40% off the rooms! I was thinking this would make pops rooms about $50-60/ night but it's $70/night. Still pretty good though. The dining couldn't be discounted with this but we can buy our tickets seperately through the base so hopefully that will get a good discount too.
I'm hoping to call back and book this today or tomorrow but I'm not sure yet.
:cool1:
The next question I have is: yes or no on insurance for the trip? How much is it per person and why do you get it? I've seen posts where people have said "thank goodness for trip insurance". What did you need it for?
I hesitate spending any more money than we already have to spend so I would love to know if you buy it or not and why for both!

[my2disneyboys]

love the autograph book!! Where did you get those sheets with the characters?? The first trip I made a little book and then the next two we used the ones they sell in the park and last year I brought a mat and there was a spot open in the mat to put a picture. I really loved how it came out but now have to think of something new for next year!!??

[annegirl]

I got the autograph book pages with the characters from a link on here. They were made by DoNatalie. The link is here (http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/donatalie/2010%20Autograph%20book/).

[annegirl]

*UPDATE*
I called back to book the 40% discount and found out two things. 1) the math was done really wrong and she hadn't taken off a full 40%. 2) It was not good for December.:eek:
So, luckily my mom had recieved a pin for 20% off and I asked her to price it out for me at that price and it was only $100 more than the price I was quoted for the 40%!:banana:
After making sure that if the 40% discount extends to December or I happen to get a free dining or something that would make it a better deal that I could call and change it... I BOOKED IT!!!!
WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!:dance3:

[cmp1111]

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!:dance3:

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!! :banana::banana::banana:

[annegirl]

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_6940.jpg

I made a travel diary for myself, my mom, and Abi. I thought about printing out the really cute ones I've seen on here with info to fill out but thought doing it this way would be easier so everyone can journal their days their own way.
The Cinderella one will be for my mom. The pink purse is for Abi. I will use the Mickey black and red one.

[annegirl]

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_7020.jpg
I made the Life is Good shirt for my mom because she loves life is good so much.
The other two are obviously for our two sweeties.
I got all three designs off of the dis but unfortunately I forgot to write down who they were from. Sorry!! If you know please make a comment so they can get credit for them!

[annegirl]

Last night we had our Dumbo party. We watched Dumbo of course.. it was Abi's first time seeing it and she really loved it...especially the bubble part (before it gets all weird and random). We went with the circus theme and had hot dogs, fries, cracker jacks, and cotton candy.
When it was over we played pin the Timothy on Dumbo's hat. The night was a great success. So much fun!!http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_7004.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/100_7019.jpg

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi there! I'm chimming in! We will be in Disney Dec 3-11 staying at POP!!! So what are your travel dates and where are you staying now that you are officially booked??? Woo Hoo!!! :cool1:

[annegirl]

We are staying at Pop too!! We'll be there December 5th-15th.:cool1:

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

Great job on the autograph book!!

I'm looking forward to reading more about your planning. How exciting it must be to be going for the first time! :)

[DenishaT]

Hi!! Ran across your pre-trip report and wanted to say Congratulations!!! The first trip I planned was for last Sept. and i literally planned and planned and planned for 6 months in advance (and I am so thankful for the DisBoards Community! :lovestruc:lovestruc) We will be staying at POP Dec. 5 - 12!! We stayed at POFQ and AKL in Sept. and found that we really didn't spend that much time in the room.

I adore your autograph book! It is definitely fit for a princess! Can't wait to count down with you!!! pixiedust:

[annegirl]

We have continued to do our Disney movie night every weekend but I have been so bad at putting up pictures! I'll stick them on soon.
My mom was in town visiting which gave us the opportunity to decide on all our ADR's so I can book them in a little over a month from now!:cool1:

[annegirl]

We have been consistently doing our movie nights but I haven't got around to posting them so I will probably add links to our blog for that rather than upload them all to here.

But my exciting news is that last week we finally came to our 180 days out and I was able to call and make our ADR's. I am so glad we are staying on site so I could do ten days at once.
I have read so much about how hard it is to get into CRT so I was really paranoid about it but I just basically started calling about 4 minutes before opening and hit redial until someone answered. I then said, "I need to make my ten days worth of reservations but can I start with the 8th day?" So I got it no problem.
I am so excited. We got every reservation we wanted!:cool1:

So, basically our schedule looks like this:

Day one: Epcot World showcase- breakfast at Norway Akurshus with the princesses.. this should get Abi excited! Dinner at San Angel Inn.

Day two: Magic Kingdom- breakfast at Crystal Palace with the hundred acre woods crew

Day three: MK- dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. My mom is really excited about this one. We all love the movie Johnny Tremain and I grew up watching it and studying history.

Day four: Animal Kingdom- Dinner at the Wilderness Lodge in the Whispering Canyon Cafe

Day five: MK but no ADR's

Day six: Hollywood Studios- Dinner at Sci Fi. I know I've heard it's not the greatest but everyone wanted to go there for the atmosphere so hopefully we'll all like it.

Day seven: Back to Epcot for Future World and dinner at the Coral Reef

Day eight: ABI's FIFTH BIRTHDAY! First off I have an early reservation at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the castle, then we will be having breakfast at CRT. That night we will have dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian with Cinderella.

So, that's it for the reservations. I cannot wait. It is so hard to keep this a secret from Abi... but it will be so worth it. We took a trip to Utah where our family is from the other day and kept it a secret as well. As we left the house and she asked where we were going she kept saying, "Really? Really, Really?" She was so happy... so I imagine Disney world will be so much more than that!:yay::yay::yay:

[annegirl]

Okay, here are the links to the posts about our movie nights....

Princess and the Frog (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/03/disney-family-movie-night-princess-and.html)

Robin Hood (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/03/disney-family-movie-night-robin-hood.html)

Swiss Family Robinson (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/04/disney-family-movie-night-swiss-family.html)

Finding Nemo (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/04/disney-family-movie-night-finding-nemo.html)

Beauty and the Beast (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/04/disney-family-movie-night-beauty-and.html)

Meet the Robinsons (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/04/disney-family-movie-night-meet.html)

Toy Story (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/05/disney-family-movie-night-toy-story.html)

Atlantis (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/05/disney-family-movie-night-atlantis.html)

Enchanted (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/05/disney-family-movie-night-enchanted.html)

The Great Mouse Detective (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/05/disney-family-movie-night-great-mouse.html)

The Rescuers (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/05/disney-family-movie-night-rescuers.html)

I still have to post about Treasure Planet and we are doing Sword in the Stone tonight!popcorn::

[annegirl]

I'm still working out transportation for our trip. Should we fly? Should we drive?
With flying, I worry about the weather cancelling a flight or something like that and I don't really want to get insurance if I can help it. Also, I worry about shipping things there or back...
But then with driving it makes the trip so much longer AND our huge stroller takes up almost the whole trunk so we really wouldn't have that much room anyway...
Can you take double strollers on a plane? We've checked a stroller at the gate before but it has always been an umbrella stroller.

[Overexcited]

Enjoying your report. If they do extend the dining plan and you go for it you can upgrade it for $10 per person per day, still a good deal. Sounds like you are on a roll. We loved Coral Reef!! Great choice.

Your husband may become an enthusiast after he sees your DD! Great age to go, that is when we went with my DS the first time.
I am going in September and now have an infant as well, he will be 16months when we go. We are staying 10days as well, we booked it for that long so we could have nap time for the baby if needed and not feel rushed.

[annegirl]

I have a question.. if anyone out there happens to read this and knows the answer.

We have an ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:30 pm on a night that the Very Merry Christmas Party is going to be happening. We do not have tickets to that but I doubt we would be done eating and out of the park by seven.

If you have ADR's during the party do you get to stay in? Does anyone know the protocol on this?

[Overexcited]

I have a question.. if anyone out there happens to read this and knows the answer.

We have an ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:30 pm on a night that the Very Merry Christmas Party is going to be happening. We do not have tickets to that but I doubt we would be done eating and out of the park by seven.

If you have ADR's during the party do you get to stay in? Does anyone know the protocol on this?

I believe you have to leave if it is a separate ticketed event. When we made ADR for there on a Halloween party night they asked us if we had tix. They won't give you an ADR if it is past party time and you do not have tickets. To be sure I would calling the dining # and tell them your time.
They give wrist bands to those going to the party and CM usher everyone out that is not supposed to be there, and they make announcements.
You may be able to enjoy dinner and then peak at the party on your way out.:)

[Disneychix]

I have a question.. if anyone out there happens to read this and knows the answer.

We have an ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:30 pm on a night that the Very Merry Christmas Party is going to be happening. We do not have tickets to that but I doubt we would be done eating and out of the park by seven.

If you have ADR's during the party do you get to stay in? Does anyone know the protocol on this?

I believe the party starts at 7pm so your ADR for 6:30 will be ok BUT they will make you leave the MK right after you eat. There will be CMs everywhere asking to see your wristband for the party. Honestly, if I were you I'd see if you could move up the time of your dinner a bit. It will be mobbed on Main St with party-goers who make it difficult to get out.

Also, I'm not sure what time they stop letting regular guests into the MK so you'll want to already be there before your ADR time.

[Disneychix]

I've enjoyed reading your PTR! You are very talented with the journals and autograph books!

The movie nights look so fun! Can I come? :)

[annegirl]

Thanks for your input! That was very helpful!

Here's my next planning dilemma. When I first booked I did San Angel Inn because my parents and I love Mexican food ... or so I thought.
When I printed out the menu for my parents to read they said, "We thought it was going to be more like a sit down Taco Bell.":rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
I found this so funny because they actually have a favorite Mexican restaurant they go to that is really good that I think San Angel Inn will be kind of like.. but anyway.. my husband doesn't LOVE mexican food so I thought I might want to change to Le Cellier after reading how much everyone loves it.
Of course there are no reservations available now for Le Cellier.
So, at this point I'm trying to decide whether to keep San Angel Inn or go with something like Chef Mickey's or the Nine Dragons...
Which one is the best food, atmosphere, etc?:confused3

[Overexcited]

Thanks for your input! That was very helpful!

Here's my next planning dilemma. When I first booked I did San Angel Inn because my parents and I love Mexican food ... or so I thought.
When I printed out the menu for my parents to read they said, "We thought it was going to be more like a sit down Taco Bell.":rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
I found this so funny because they actually have a favorite Mexican restaurant they go to that is really good that I think San Angel Inn will be kind of like.. but anyway.. my husband doesn't LOVE mexican food so I thought I might want to change to Le Cellier after reading how much everyone loves it.
Of course there are no reservations available now for Le Cellier.
So, at this point I'm trying to decide whether to keep San Angel Inn or go with something like Chef Mickey's or the Nine Dragons...
Which one is the best food, atmosphere, etc?:confused3

Chef Mickeys is fun with characters but the food is buffet typical, good but typical. Personally it depends on how much you want to shake things up. Call about ADR changes first thing in the AM, if people cancel that is when there will be openings. Someone once told me they update the ADR in the system after midnight. It actually worked for us getting into LeCelliar.

[annegirl]

Thanks! I might have to try that.

For now I cancelled the San Angel and set up Chef Mickey's because we all agreed that Abi would enjoy that the most with the characters and it is her surprise birthday trip.

If I can get a Le Cellier I may change it again though.:)

I can't believe we're down to just over 5 months! I'm getting more and more excited every day! And it's becoming really hard to not tell DD!

[Overexcited]

She will love Chef Mickey's! Myself, I loved the breakfast, that is really my fav meal. I am not usually keen on dinner buffets. My DH is opposite!:lmao:
Great Character interaction here.

[annegirl]

Has anyone seen the playsets similar to Polly Pockets in the parks?
The ones I'm talking about are like this. (http://www.disneystore.com/play-sets-mulan-figurine-fashion-play-set/p/1250578/302603/)

The reason I'm asking - my daughter loves Polly Pockets and the princess ones even more. She said she wants the ones that she doesn't have for Christmas and they are $12.95 each online. I would just buy them at the park but I want to make sure they aren't cheaper online first.
Does anyone know how much they are at the park?

[Nurse_Mommy4]

Good Morning!

Congratulations on your first trip!:cool1:

We are also from Kenosha....small world isn't it? I am enjoying your repot!:thumbsup2

[annegirl]

Good Morning!

Congratulations on your first trip!:cool1:

We are also from Kenosha....small world isn't it? I am enjoying your repot!:thumbsup2

Yes! Small world! Welcome to the trip report. We are so excited!:cool1:

[annegirl]

So, today I changed one thing on the plan. Instead of leaving from Epcot on day one to go to dinner at Chef Mickey's we will be doing it on day 2 so we will leave from Magic Kingdom.

That opens up the World showcase day to 2 counter services (lunch and dinner) or not having to use one if we are snacking on pastries and don't want lunch.:)

I know my husband thinks I'm crazy that we are 5 months and 1 week out and yet I'm already Disney on the brain all the time!:laughing:

[Nurse_Mommy4]

I think you did the right thing moving your CM adr to a MK day. It is soo easy to walk over to the contempory for CM. Also Epcot has so many CS places that two CS in one day will be easy peasy!:goodvibes

[annegirl]

Here are some more links to our Disney movie nights....

Treasure Planet (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/06/disney-family-movie-night-treasure.html)


The Sword in the Stone (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-family-movie-night-sword-in.html)

[annegirl]

Tarzan (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-family-movie-night-tarzan.html)


Mulan (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-family-movie-night-mulan.html)

[KELLY]

Right now we are in the midst of choosing a resort. We want to call and reserve but there are still so many things up in the air. I'm pretty sure we will have to stay at a value resort but we really want Port orleans Riverside or French Quarter. It's just at the end of a ten day stay.. there is a huge difference in price.
:confused3
I am wondering... if we book a resort and package and I get a code for a discount for December on the hotels or for free dining can I call and have them added to my reservation that is already made or do I have to wait until I have a discount code to reserve if I am going to get the savings?

Just joining in. We go for 10 days and the price diffrence is around 700.00 to upgrade to a moderate. But we kept the QSDP and just paid OP for a few TS meals we want. If we upgraded the dining plan the price diffrence is only around 500.00 to upgrade to a mod. But we are fine staying at POP and keeping the QSDP.

[annegirl]

Yeah, I think we will be completely happy with Pop.
Maybe someday we will be able to do another trip and go moderate or *wishful thinking* deluxe.... but for now the important thing to me is getting there and experiencing the parks and the characters and the dining.

I will have more pictures up soon of the things I am doing to prepare.
I am 100% sure that I am going completely overboard!:dance3:

I have a big box in my closet that I have been stuffing things in for the last three years as I hoped for a trip and I have been putting more things in since we knew for sure so it is quite overflowing.

I plan on doing a welcome basket for both daughters, one for Doug and I, and one for my parents. Doug and my parents know about the ones for the girls but don't really know what's going in them but they have no idea that I'm doing them for us as well.
This works out well that Doug doesn't want to know about anything I'm doing so that it's a surprise for him too. Boy is he in for a surprise!;)

I have also been working on printing out lots of coupons and fun things off of the DIS to include in the baskets.

The other thing I am working on is outfits. I started out just thinking I would make a BBB outfit for Abi but it has turned into a huge pile of patterns and fabrics in my craft spot.

As of now I am planning on making the following:

Cinderella dress for Abi- the pink one
An Alice in Wonderland dress for both girls
An Animal Kingdom animal print twirl skirt for both girls
Minnie Mouse dresses for both girls
maybe some pajamas for both girls
A Tinkerbell inspired Feliz for both girls
some pillowcases

What I've made so far:

The Big and Little Sister tee shirts
Some tee shirts that have a zebra striped Minnie head (to go with the AK twirl skirts)
A birthday shirt for Abi to wear on the way to the BBB

I'll post pictures of those ones later..

I think the prep part might be half the fun.:)

[Overexcited]

Wow, you are busy! Very creative! I wish I could do those things:tinker:

[amandatym]

We'll be there in December too, and most likely staying at POP.
Definitely don't worry that your younger daughter will be too little. We took our son last year when he was only 7 months and he loved it. We actually probably had an easier time of it last year than we will this year when he'll be almost two and on the move! :-)
Can't wait to see more of your ideas. You're really creative! :goodvibes

[Overexcited]

Yeah, I think we will be completely happy with Pop.
Maybe someday we will be able to do another trip and go moderate or *wishful thinking* deluxe.... but for now the important thing to me is getting there and experiencing the parks and the characters and the dining.

I will have more pictures up soon of the things I am doing to prepare.
I am 100% sure that I am going completely overboard!:dance3:

I have a big box in my closet that I have been stuffing things in for the last three years as I hoped for a trip and I have been putting more things in since we knew for sure so it is quite overflowing.

I plan on doing a welcome basket for both daughters, one for Doug and I, and one for my parents. Doug and my parents know about the ones for the girls but don't really know what's going in them but they have no idea that I'm doing them for us as well.
This works out well that Doug doesn't want to know about anything I'm doing so that it's a surprise for him too. Boy is he in for a surprise!;)

I have also been working on printing out lots of coupons and fun things off of the DIS to include in the baskets.

The other thing I am working on is outfits. I started out just thinking I would make a BBB outfit for Abi but it has turned into a huge pile of patterns and fabrics in my craft spot.

As of now I am planning on making the following:

Cinderella dress for Abi- the pink one
An Alice in Wonderland dress for both girls
An Animal Kingdom animal print twirl skirt for both girls
Minnie Mouse dresses for both girls
maybe some pajamas for both girls
A Tinkerbell inspired Feliz for both girls
some pillowcases

What I've made so far:

The Big and Little Sister tee shirts
Some tee shirts that have a zebra striped Minnie head (to go with the AK twirl skirts)
A birthday shirt for Abi to wear on the way to the BBB

I'll post pictures of those ones later..

I think the prep part might be half the fun.:)

Did you hear Free Dining has been extended through December?:dance3:

[annegirl]

Did you hear Free Dining has been extended through December?:dance3:

I did but unfortunately half of our stay is in the black out dates. I called to see if we could get part of it free but we couldn't do that with it still saving us any money.:mad:
Oh well... maybe they'll get rid of the black out dates later.

[Joyciemc]

Your screen name caught my eye- is it an Anne of Green Gables reference??

So excited for you to finally be taking this trip! I can't wait to see Abi when she finally knows where you're going! have you thought about the big reveal yet?

[amandatym]

Your screen name caught my eye- is it an Anne of Green Gables reference??

I also meant to say, I love your screen name. :thumbsup2

[annegirl]

Your screen name caught my eye- is it an Anne of Green Gables reference??

So excited for you to finally be taking this trip! I can't wait to see Abi when she finally knows where you're going! have you thought about the big reveal yet?

Yes! It is from Anne of Green Gables. My middle name (and Abi's too) is Anne as well.

We are still trying to decide exactly how we are going to reveal.

[Overexcited]

I did but unfortunately half of our stay is in the black out dates. I called to see if we could get part of it free but we couldn't do that with it still saving us any money.:mad:
Oh well... maybe they'll get rid of the black out dates later.


I am surprised, I thought I read that if you start your vacation the FD would carry on through your trip even in blackout dates, unless maybe you are starting during the blackout. BOOOOO! I hope they release it.

[annegirl]

I am surprised, I thought I read that if you start your vacation the FD would carry on through your trip even in blackout dates, unless maybe you are starting during the blackout. BOOOOO! I hope they release it.

Yeah, our stay begins during the blackout. We thought about going a few days early.. but my parents already have their plane tickets and it works out well to be there for Abi's birthday without Doug having to miss too much work. So, we'll just pay for the dining plan. At least we have the 20% off right now and because my dad will be with us we are watching for the military 40% to open up in December.(wishing on a star)

[annegirl]

I went through and took pictures of all of the things I've made, bought, and collected over the last couple of years leading up to this trip. This is what I meant in the last post by overboard!:goodvibes

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00897.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00898.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00899.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00900.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00901.jpg[/IMG[IMG]http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00902.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00903.jpg
Here are the outfits so far. In this picture you can see the new Birthday shirt I did for Abi to wear on her birthday on the way to the BBB and during the day if she ever feels like taking off the dress for a while.
Also, the other new ones are the Animal Kingdom ones. I am making matching twirl skirts to go with those shirts.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00901.jpg

The Minnie dress was brand new but from a garage sale. I had looked at it and was thinking about buying it days before I happened to notice it at a house when I was looking for a bike for Abi. It was on sale for 20 at the store, 15 online, and I got it for $1!!:banana:
I decided to go ahead and just get it for Maddy and have her wear it on Abi's birthday rather than get them both this costume.
Madeline will also use it for Halloween this year. So cute.

Now I just need to decide if I'm really going to use all of this for the Welcome basket and special 'pixie dust' prizes throughout the trip or if I will save some of it for Christmas as well...

[Overexcited]

Looks great! You Have been busy! I love it!:goodvibes:goodvibes

[annegirl]

Last Saturday night we had our weekly Disney movie night.
This week we watched UP. I used an idea from the movie night forum here to make balloon cupcakes and we had hot dogs, fries, and hershey bars as well as some Grape Soda!
It was a fun night.
You can check it out on our blog here...

UP (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-family-movie-night-up.html)

[Joyciemc]

Wow, that is a lot of stuff! It is all very cute, and I'm sure will make the trip even more special for the girls.

I check out your UP! movie night pictures- loved the cupcakes and now I am craving hot dogs :rotfl:

[onescgirl]

Just read up on your PRT, looks great! I love your autograph book, so cute!

I'm glad your going to Chef Mickeys now, it's my kids favorite restaurant.

I would spread out your gifts each day on trip. I did this & my kids LOVED waking up each morning to see what they got. To this day they say that was one of their favorite things about WDW. I'm doing it again this year & I know they will enjoy getting the gifts. But, since they're 10 yrs old now, I doubt they will believe it's really from Tinkerbell. It was so much fun when they believed she was delivering the gifts when we slept.

[annegirl]

Wow, that is a lot of stuff! It is all very cute, and I'm sure will make the trip even more special for the girls.

I check out your UP! movie night pictures- loved the cupcakes and now I am craving hot dogs :rotfl:

It's funny how many movies we have ended up having pizza or hot dogs for!:goodvibes This weekend is 101 Dalmations so... hot dogs here we come again.

[annegirl]

Just read up on your PRT, looks great! I love your autograph book, so cute!

I'm glad your going to Chef Mickeys now, it's my kids favorite restaurant.

I would spread out your gifts each day on trip. I did this & my kids LOVED waking up each morning to see what they got. To this day they say that was one of their favorite things about WDW. I'm doing it again this year & I know they will enjoy getting the gifts. But, since they're 10 yrs old now, I doubt they will believe it's really from Tinkerbell. It was so much fun when they believed she was delivering the gifts when we slept.

Thanks for the input. I think I will do that. It is wonderful how she just believes in all the magic of everything at this point. It makes everything so much more fun for us to watch her experience things. :cutie:

[annegirl]

Because Abi loves Alice in Wonderland I wanted to make her an Alice dress. I used a couple of different patterns pieced together as well as my own ideas and some inspiration I've seen before. It was a lot of fun to make although the first time I ever sewed a zipper.. I have always found away around that before so .. it's not perfect but I like it!http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC00977.jpg
The next dress is the one I just finished. It will be for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on her birthday. It is modeled after the pink Cinderella gown. Again it is not perfect. I am very much the beginner when it comes to sewing.. but I am really happy with the way it turned out.http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC01002.jpg

[Joyciemc]

I just fell in love with those dresses a little bit. So creative to use Cinderella's pink gown. Love the pick ups on the bottom!

Can you make a bigger one? :rotfl:

[BabyEeyore]

I :love: seeing Cinderella's pink dress! I think it's so unique wearing that instead of the blue gown. I say this knowing that my DD is going to be wearing the blue gown when we go. :lmao: But I have NO sewing experience whatsoever yet. The dresses turned out wonderfully!!

[annegirl]

Thanks for the comments on the dresses!

This past weekend for movie night we did 101 Dalmations.

You can check it out on the blog (as usual). I just hate to upload them to 2 different places.. laziness on my part I guess.

101 Dalmations (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-family-movie-night-101.html)

[BabyEeyore]

I love your 101 Dalmatians night. We painted the inside of our milk glasses with some melted chocolate, too, when we did ours. I love your other ideas, too. I'll have to keep those in mind next time we do this movie. My DD is only 21 months old so I'm going to cycle through the movies again when she's a little older (and we're done with the movies we have). :)

[annegirl]

I just changed our reservation.

After hearing so many people say that you could get free dining for your entire stay if you checked in while it was going on I decided to check the numbers. I just thought that if we added 3 nights onto our trip and got rid of our 20% off our room that it wouldn't save money.

Then a little while ago I started thinking about it and decided to check the numbers. I was pretty sure it would be cheaper and we'd be there longer.

I was right.:banana:

So I just added 3 nights onto the beginning of our stay giving us a grand total of 13 nights!:cool1: We got the quick service dining plan free so I was able to then just upgrade that to the regular dining plan. We still have our 10 day tickets to the parks.

I saved us about $250 dollars!:eek:

I cannot believe it. I am still processing this and trying to figure out what I need to do from here. I am such a planner that it's almost frightening to have to re work a few things to figure out what we are going to do those days!
Also, my parents already got their plane tickets and I couldn't get a hold of them to talk to them about it so..
I'm hoping they can change their flight while still saving money but I'm not sure if they can.:confused3 If they can't I hope we can still have connecting rooms once they get there and that they won't be too sad that they weren't there when we first get there.

Wow.

[annegirl]

Now that the initial shock has worn off a little.. I need to figure out what we are going to do for our additional 3 table service credits. I quickly checked some of the ones we talked about doing but none are available... I'll keep checking.

[Joyciemc]

That's fantastic news! Have fun re-working the schedule, maybe it'll be more relaxing time, or more time to see something you were planning on skipping. A good problem to have!

[Overexcited]

That is great!

[annegirl]

My parents are unable to change their flight without it costing more than they would save with the free dining so the plan is that they will still fly in on Sunday while we get there on Thursday.
We have decided that we won't tell Abi that they are coming until they show up so that part of it will be a little belated surprise.
We really don't want to do too much of the parks or characters before they get there because I know my mom really wants to experience that with Abi and myself and I want that too.

I think that we will take advantage of those extra days to relax and gear up for the busy ten days!
Thursday we'll get there and check in and just enjoy being there.:goodvibes
Friday I think we may go to Hollywood studios but I'm not sure. That night we were able to get reservations at Narcooses. I hadn't even thought of it before because of it taking 2 TS credits each but when we were discussing new reservations last night and finding that so many weren't available, Doug said he wanted lobster.
I googled 'best lobster at Walt Disney World' and there were a lot of people who said Narcooses.. so we'll see how that goes.
Saturday I think we will just hang out at the resort all day and swim! I know Abi will love that.
I think that will be nice to be able to relax and take a slow pace for a few days after the long drive!
We're not sure yet what we will do with our last TS. Doug has no interest in any of the other popular restaurants that were available (at AKL and Ohana) so I might see if there is any way I can exchange that TS for 2 CS or something. Does anyone know if you can do that?:confused3

[Overexcited]

My parents are unable to change their flight without it costing more than they would save with the free dining so the plan is that they will still fly in on Sunday while we get there on Thursday.
We have decided that we won't tell Abi that they are coming until they show up so that part of it will be a little belated surprise.
We really don't want to do too much of the parks or characters before they get there because I know my mom really wants to experience that with Abi and myself and I want that too.

I think that we will take advantage of those extra days to relax and gear up for the busy ten days!
Thursday we'll get there and check in and just enjoy being there.:goodvibes
Friday I think we may go to Hollywood studios but I'm not sure. That night we were able to get reservations at Narcooses. I hadn't even thought of it before because of it taking 2 TS credits each but when we were discussing new reservations last night and finding that so many weren't available, Doug said he wanted lobster.
I googled 'best lobster at Walt Disney World' and there were a lot of people who said Narcooses.. so we'll see how that goes.
Saturday I think we will just hang out at the resort all day and swim! I know Abi will love that.
I think that will be nice to be able to relax and take a slow pace for a few days after the long drive!
We're not sure yet what we will do with our last TS. Doug has no interest in any of the other popular restaurants that were available (at AKL and Ohana) so I might see if there is any way I can exchange that TS for 2 CS or something. Does anyone know if you can do that?:confused3
I don't think you can trade them in. There is always a chance of a walk up that day. Sounds like a great way to start your vacation, easy does it!
I am so jealous!

[annegirl]

Here is the link to the movie night...


A Bug's Life (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-family-movie-night-bugs-life.html)

[annegirl]

I have read things that lead me to believe that Tinkerbells Treasure has been changed to something else... is it still there? Does anyone know if the store still exists and if you can still wake up Tinkerbell?

[annegirl]

Well, once we added days, we had 3 more table service credits. I booked the narcooses so that left us with one. I had no idea what I wanted to book but finally decided. I added the 1900 park fare breakfast. We are loaded up on character meals!
So, now our adr's should stay the same.
Day 2: narcooses dinner
Day 4: 1900 park fare breakfast
Day 5: akurshus breakfast
Day 6: crystal palace breakfast
Chef mickey's dinner
Day 7: liberty tree tavern dinner
Day 8: whispering canyon cafe dinner
Day 10: sci-fi dinner
Day 11: coral reef dinner
Day 12: CRT breakfast
1900 park fare dinner
(this day is dd birthday)

I am beyond excited!

[Overexcited]

Well, once we added days, we had 3 more table service credits. I booked the narcooses so that left us with one. I had no idea what I wanted to book but finally decided. I added the 1900 park fare breakfast. We are loaded up on character meals!
So, now our adr's should stay the same.
Day 2: narcooses dinner
Day 4: 1900 park fare breakfast
Day 5: akurshus breakfast
Day 6: crystal palace breakfast
Chef mickey's dinner
Day 7: liberty tree tavern dinner
Day 8: whispering canyon cafe dinner
Day 10: sci-fi dinner
Day 11: coral reef dinner
Day 12: CRT breakfast
1900 park fare dinner
(this day is dd birthday)

I am beyond excited!
They look great! I love all the choices you made!

[Joyciemc]

Looks like you are going to have a lot of fun at those character meals!

[annegirl]

Looks like you are going to have a lot of fun at those character meals!

Yeah, we were talking last night about how many of them are character meals!:rotfl: But, this trip is mostly for our little girl and we know she'll love them so I think it will be great.

[bobbiekins]

Wow, it sounds like you are going to have so much fun! This is our first time to Disney World and I am over the moon:) I subscribed:)

[annegirl]

Last night I finally went over my trip binder with DH. I wanted him to know what each days plans are so he can take a few months to prepare himself.:lmao:
I asked him afterward if he could handle it. He said, "I hope so."
This is what our plans look like now:

Day one: We will arrive at WDW and check in. (Technically day two of vacation because we will be driving down.. but I'm only counting 'disney days'.) We will rest and relax, take time to organize the room, check out the shop and food court, maybe swim.

Day two: We will be heading over to DHS to hopefully ride Toy Story Mania, for DH to ride TOT and RnR and to do a few other things that my parents don't have on the top of their DHS list such as the parade, Disney playhouse, etc. We will eat lunch somewhere.
Then we will head back to the room in early afternoon to relax and freshen up for our dinner that night at the Grand Floridian at Narcooses. We will try to explore the beach a little this night and hopefully see the water pageant and maybe wishes if they are doing it this night.

Day three: Sleep in! Explore the resort doing all the things that Pop has to offer.. the dances in classic hall, big wheels, twister, etc. We will spend a good part of the day swimming if the weather is good.
We are thinking in the late afternoon we may try to go around seeing other resorts just for fun.. AKL, Poly, POR and FQ, to see animals, decorations and grounds but we may end up just going to AKL to try to see animals.
No real plans for meals. We'll just do whatever.

Day four: Head over to Grand Floridian again for the Mary Poppins breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. After that head back over to Pop and do the scavenger hunt. Then relax and wait for my parents to get there and surprise Abi.
As soon as they are settled it we plan on all going over to the boardwalk to explore and to see the Yacht club and beach club resorts and stop in at Beaches and Cream to try the Kitchen sink. Depending on how late it is at this point and how we all feel we may ride the boat over to Epcot and watch Illuminations or we may just go back to the room.

Day five: Up and over to Epcot early for the Akershus breakfast. We will probably have a few hours in between breakfast and when the WS opens so we are going to try to get in Soarin and the Imagination pavilion until 11 and then start our way around WS. We plan on spending the rest of the day doing that having our CS meals along the way and then back to the resort when we are done with all of them- if we can get through them all.

Day six: Over to MK early for breakfast at Crystal Palace. As soon as we get out of there we will be heading over to Dumbo. We will spend the next few hours in Fantasyland hitting all the rides and maybe lunch. We may do the parade. Then we will do Tomorrowland. Depending on the time we may spend some time on Main street as we exit or we may save it for another day. We will then leave to the Contemporary for dinner at Chef Mickeys. Then back to Pop.

Day seven: Back over to MK for rope drop. head straight to BTMM and Splash Mountain. We will spend the entire morning/ early afternoon in Frontierland and Adventureland. We may do the parade if we haven't seen it yet. We will then do Liberty Square area and dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. We will do spectro or electrical parade (depending on what they have) if we can but it may interfere with dinner time. Then if we haven't seen Wishes (the second day from Narcooses) we will stay for that. Then back to Pop.

Day eight: Over to Animal Kingdom for rope drop. Go back and do the safari and then take our time exploring Africa and Asia. Get to Dinoland and DH and I will ride Dinosaur while mom and dad take the girls to the boneyard. We will have lunch there. See Finding Nemo. Then over the the tree of life and Tough to be a bug. Then over to Lion King show depending on when it starts and see the Camp Minnie/Mickey area. Check out the oasis on our way out.
Go over to the Wilderness Lodge to check out the decorations and have dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Back to Pop.

Day nine: Sleep in. Finally!:goodvibes Well, probably this will be my mom and dad and Doug sleeping in while I get up with our little early risers and go outside to play or something.
We will just have a slow and easy morning and head over to Downtown disney for lunch at Earl of sandwich and shopping for the afternoon. Back to pop and my mom and I will probably head back over to DDD to the movie theater to go see the new Harry Potter movie while the guys get the girls to bed.

Day ten: Over to DHS again, this time with the parents. We will hit up mainly the shows and any rides/attractions we haven't seen although we may try to do TSM again if we love it and think my parents would like it. We want to go to Pizza planet for lunch and we want to stay for Fantasmic and then have a res. at Sci Fi afterward. Then back to Pop.

Day eleven: Over to Epcot. We will do/see all the things in Future world we didn't get to on the first day. Dinner at Coral Reef. Then we will try to get into CP but may just end up hanging out close by and listening. We will watch Illuminations if we haven't seen it already.

Day twelve: DD 5th birthday:cool1:
We will make our way over to MK early for her BBB appointment and then breakfast at CRT. We will then do whatever she wants to do and anything we haven't done yet that we wanted to. I imagine we will spend some time in Fantasyland and shops! Then we will leave for dinner at 1900 Park Fare back at the Grand Floridian. After that we will head back to Pop for a little birthday party in the room.

Day thirteen: leave early to drive up to Islands of Adventure. See the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then do Jurassic Park and Suess Landing. Depending on time, see if there are any other attractions we want to do. Back to Pop - not too late. Dinner on way back probably.
After the girls are in bed or at least in pjs getting ready for it DH and I will leave them with the grandparents (taking advantage of having babysitters!) and head out to celebrate our anniversary. Our seventh anniversary will be 5 days later. We will either go to a park that has EMH and ride some rides alone or go to the theater to see Tron or the new Narnia. :cool1:

Day fourteen: sleep in, have a slow morning, say goodbye to my parents and Disney world :headache: and head home. They will be flying home to Utah this day as well.

So there you have it. A VERY full fourteen days but I think we will have a pretty slow pace in the parks and that will make up for doing so much. I hope. Luckily our daughters are early risers, they go to bed early but they are okay when they have to stay up later, and they both have pretty laid back personalities as well as enjoy being out and about.

[annegirl]

Wow, it sounds like you are going to have so much fun! This is our first time to Disney World and I am over the moon:) I subscribed:)

Ours too. I am over the moon as well!

[onescgirl]

Your days look great! I wish I had that many days so we could have some laid back days too! We'll be going full speed :drive: It already makes me tired just thinking about it! :laughing:

[annegirl]

I have been neglecting this trip report! There has been a lot of stuff going on getting ready for starting another year of preschool with my daughter and I haven't got as much done for our trip.... so there will be more soon!
But for now, here are our latest two movie nights-


The Little Mermaid (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/08/disney-family-movie-night-little.html)

Mary Poppins (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/09/disney-family-movie-night-mary-poppins.html)

[annegirl]

Here's the link to our Peter Pan movie night....


Peter Pan (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/09/disney-family-movie-night-peter-pan.html)

[annegirl]

I just finished two twirl skirts for my daughters. It was my first time making one and I love the way they turned out so I'll be making two more for the trip.
These ones will be worn with the tee shirts that I made with the iron on safari Minnie head. They will wear these on the day we go to Animal Kingdom.http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC01445.jpghttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC01444.jpg

[onescgirl]

I LOVE those!!!! You did a great job:thumbsup2
I can't wait to see pics of your DD wearing them!

[annegirl]

I LOVE those!!!! You did a great job:thumbsup2
I can't wait to see pics of your DD wearing them!

Thank you!! I can't wait either!

[annegirl]

Here is the second set of twirl skirts i made next to the shirts they go with!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02397.jpg

[annegirl]

I decided to make some simple pillowcases with some iron ons.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02392.jpg

[annegirl]

I had no idea what a Feliz party dress was until I saw them on the disboards. I loved them instantly and knew I had to make one. I decided to give them a Tinkerbell theme.
Here is the one for DD4...
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02524.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02525.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02529.jpg
I don't want her to see it until the trip so I didn't try it on her but I did put the one on the baby to get a better idea!
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02536.jpg

[annegirl]

Here is the link to our Snow White (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/09/disney-family-movie-night-snow-white.html) movie night.

[annegirl]

More movie nights:

Lady and the tramp (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/09/disney-family-movie-night-lady-and.html)

Cars (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/10/disney-family-movie-night-cars.html)

Winnie the Pooh (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/10/disney-family-movie-night-many.html)

[annegirl]

Balance paid off!!! YAY!!:cool1::cool1::cool1:

[annegirl]

I just won a lot of 20 pins on ebay. I will be sure to post pictures when they arrive. :goodvibes

[Mickey_Mom]

Just hopped over from my PTR :goodvibes Your movie nights are absolutely awesome! You are so creative with your fun activities! The shirts and dresses you've made are fantastic and your girls are adorable.

(Wow, that was a lot of adjectives wasn't it? :rotfl:)

I used your handy dandy chapter links so the only thing I'm not clear on are your dates. Do our paths cross at some point? :hyper: I'd love to say hello.

[annegirl]

We arrive on Dec. 2nd and will be there through the 15th. I'll have to look back through your days to see if we will be anywhere at the same time!

[Mickey_Mom]

This is what our plans look like now:

Day one: We will arrive at WDW and check in. (Technically day two of vacation because we will be driving down.. but I'm only counting 'disney days'.) We will rest and relax, take time to organize the room, check out the shop and food court, maybe swim.

Is this December 2nd? If so, this is our resort/DTD day. We'll be at Pop then off for shopping and Wolfgang Puck. :thumbsup2

Day two: We will be heading over to DHS to hopefully ride Toy Story Mania, for DH to ride TOT and RnR and to do a few other things that my parents don't have on the top of their DHS list such as the parade, Disney playhouse, etc. We will eat lunch somewhere.
Then we will head back to the room in early afternoon to relax and freshen up for our dinner that night at the Grand Floridian at Narcooses. We will try to explore the beach a little this night and hopefully see the water pageant and maybe wishes if they are doing it this night.

This will be our Epcot day. I hope you get to see the water pageant!

Day three: Sleep in! Explore the resort doing all the things that Pop has to offer.. the dances in classic hall, big wheels, twister, etc. We will spend a good part of the day swimming if the weather is good.
We are thinking in the late afternoon we may try to go around seeing other resorts just for fun.. AKL, Poly, POR and FQ, to see animals, decorations and grounds but we may end up just going to AKL to try to see animals.
No real plans for meals. We'll just do whatever.

This is our MK day then off to the Boardwalk for the evening. Resort hopping is a great idea to see all the decorations. :santa:

Day four: Head over to Grand Floridian again for the Mary Poppins breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. After that head back over to Pop and do the scavenger hunt. Then relax and wait for my parents to get there and surprise Abi.
As soon as they are settled it we plan on all going over to the boardwalk to explore and to see the Yacht club and beach club resorts and stop in at Beaches and Cream to try the Kitchen sink. Depending on how late it is at this point and how we all feel we may ride the boat over to Epcot and watch Illuminations or we may just go back to the room.

I haven't talked about it yet on my PTR, but we're back to Epcot this day. Just missed your Boardwalk plans by a day :rolleyes: but if you end up heading over to Epcot for Illuminations we might be able to squeak in a quick hello. :thumbsup2

Day five: Up and over to Epcot early for the Akershus breakfast. We will probably have a few hours in between breakfast and when the WS opens so we are going to try to get in Soarin and the Imagination pavilion until 11 and then start our way around WS. We plan on spending the rest of the day doing that having our CS meals along the way and then back to the resort when we are done with all of them- if we can get through them all.

Akershus! You know, I kinda regret not booking breakfast here this time, but it just didn't fit in with our plans. :sad2: We're at MK this day for the EMH.

Day six: Over to MK early for breakfast at Crystal Palace. As soon as we get out of there we will be heading over to Dumbo. We will spend the next few hours in Fantasyland hitting all the rides and maybe lunch. We may do the parade. Then we will do Tomorrowland. Depending on the time we may spend some time on Main street as we exit or we may save it for another day. We will then leave to the Contemporary for dinner at Chef Mickeys. Then back to Pop.

Our last day. :sad: It's open for us right now, it'll be a decide when we're there what we want to do day. Your day sounds very fun!!

[annegirl]

Yes, that's December 2nd!
We are planning on doing the water pageant. I think the girls would love it! I just hope it's not too late for them. They will definitely be staying up past their bedtimes this whole trip!:goodvibes

I think it would be great to get into Illuminations so we don't have to do it on one of the days when we have been running all day long- so if we're not all too tired then we will for sure do it!

[annegirl]

I got some great trip items yesterday!
First, I got this package from Amazon with my stroller cover and some sticker paper!
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02641-1.jpg
Next came these cute bows I got on Etsy..
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02630-1.jpg
Then came the pins I bought on Ebay. $12 for 20 of them. There were quite a few that I think will trade well (I hope) and a few that I love that we won't trade... like the Star Wars one. My husband liked that one!
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02633.jpg
Then, I got this ribbon and these bottle caps from Etsy to make some bows!
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02632.jpg
Yay for good mail!!

[annegirl]

Click on the title to see our movie night
The Incredibles (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/08/disney-family-movie-night-incredibles.html)
Jungle Book (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/08/disney-family-movie-night-jungle-book.html)
Sleeping Beauty (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/08/disney-family-movie-night-sleeping.html)
Monsters Inc. (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/10/disney-family-movie-night-monsters-inc.html)

[dolfinjuls]

I just read your whole ptr! I LOVE your movie nights. You have such great ideas for each theme! We'll be staying at Pop 11/28-12/4. Maybe we'll run into each other!

[20thingamabobs]

I just read your whole PTR! We'll be there Nov. 30 - Dec. 7 so maybe we'll see you sometime! I'll have to go back to your day plans to see if we'll be in any of the same parks at the same time!

I LOVE the twirl skirts you made for you daughters! They are so cute! Also, I love your movie nights. You're so creative coming up with themed food!

Can't wait to read more!:santa:

[annegirl]

I just read your whole ptr! I LOVE your movie nights. You have such great ideas for each theme! We'll be staying at Pop 11/28-12/4. Maybe we'll run into each other!

Thank you!THey have been so much fun!:goodvibes

[annegirl]

I just read your whole PTR! We'll be there Nov. 30 - Dec. 7 so maybe we'll see you sometime! I'll have to go back to your day plans to see if we'll be in any of the same parks at the same time!

I LOVE the twirl skirts you made for you daughters! They are so cute! Also, I love your movie nights. You're so creative coming up with themed food!

Can't wait to read more!:santa:

THank you! I can't wait to see what the skirts look like on the girls- they are a surprise so I haven't seen them in them yet.

[Joyciemc]

Woah, woah, woah... I've missed a lot. And now you're only a month away!

I haven't been on the PTR board much lately, but I'm glad I hopped over here and caught up.

I love all the things you've been making for the girls- it's all adorable and should make for some great photos!

[onescgirl]

Have you made the bows yet with the bottle caps? I would love to see the end result!

Only one more month!:cool1:

[annegirl]

Have you made the bows yet with the bottle caps? I would love to see the end result!

Only one more month!:cool1:

Yes! I just made them yesterday. I couldn't upload pictures to photobucket for some reason so I will try again tonight.

[annegirl]

I just finished this twirl shirt for Abi. I used a pattern from You can make this.com and then added the apron. I love it!:goodvibes
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02831.jpg
Abi came out to my sewing area to talk to me and said, "Hey mom! That looks like Mickey Mouse!" She pointed to these buttons. I thought it was so funny because I did not put them like that on purpose. :)
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02816.jpg

[annegirl]

I made six bows yesterday. I used a tutorial my sister in law did on her blog for me. Two of them will match their Christmas themed outfits (Abi's is the twirl shirt I made, Maddy's is a polka dot dress she already owns). The bigger one is for Abi. Two of them will match their Animal Kingdom twirl skirts. The other two match their Tinkerbell Feliz' dresses. In each pair the smaller one is for Maddy. I loved making these!
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02838.jpg
I also loved the ribbon so much I'm trying to think of some more things to make with it.

[annegirl]

Here are the girls on Halloween...
Abi was our little fairy princess...
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02787.jpg
and we had an adorable little 'Maddy' Mouse
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02783.jpg

[annegirl]

Click to see our latest movie night...

Mickeys Treat and Little Einsteins (http://dougandcheryl.blogspot.com/2010/10/disney-family-movie-night-mickeys-treat.html)

[dolfinjuls]

Love the outfits and the bows! I wish I had a creative bone in my body for things like that! And a very cute Halloween themed movie night!

[Mickey_Mom]

Here are the girls on Halloween...
Abi was our little fairy princess...
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02787.jpg
and we had an adorable little 'Maddy' Mouse
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb216/cvanwagenen/DSC02783.jpg


Oh my heavens how cute are these two?!?

I missesd the good mail update somehow :confused3 -- you got some pretty cool trading pins there. I think I like the Mickey Head watermelon one best. :laughing:

Your bows and outfits are adorable, I can't wait to see the girls wear them!!

[20thingamabobs]

Those bows are so cute, you did an awesome job! And your girls looked so cute on Halloween!

[Tink813]

Planning is always one of the most fun parts about going to Disney...of course aside from actually walking down Main Street! Have fun planning but dont over plan and remember to be flexible!

[annegirl]

THank you! Thank you! You guys are all so nice!
I know I'm biased but I do think my girls are so darling.:cutie:

I did get some good pins. I was worried that they would all be weird and we wouldn't want to keep any and they wouldn't be tradeable... but I think they are great. It really worked out well.

[onescgirl]

They look so adorable in their Halloween costumes!

Great job on the bows :thumbsup2 they look awesome!

[annegirl]

They look so adorable in their Halloween costumes!

Great job on the bows :thumbsup2 they look awesome!

Thank you!

[annegirl]

I can see that I missed posting some of our movie nights... but we're back. We had a wonderful, magical time and I will start the trip report soon!:goodvibes

[Mickey_Mom]

I can see that I missed posting some of our movie nights... but we're back. We had a wonderful, magical time and I will start the trip report soon!:goodvibes

Welcome back!

[L-Harper]

Hello Annegirl!

I am having a great time reading your pre-trip report. I just started my own pre-trip report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2616048) myself. It will also be our first Disney vacation.

I absolutely love love love your autograph book! Thank you so much for posting where you got your ideas from! I will be making one for my boys, too. Yours really turned out great.

I'm excited to follow you along on your journey to DW!

[L-Harper]

Hello Annegirl!

I am having a great time reading your pre-trip report. I just started my own pre-trip report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2616048) myself. It will also be our first Disney vacation.

I absolutely love love love your autograph book! Thank you so much for posting where you got your ideas from! I will be making one for my boys, too. Yours really turned out great.

I'm excited to follow you along on your journey to DW!


:rotfl:
Ha... I didn't realize that you had already gone on your trip. I'm glad you had a great time and your girls are absolutely adorable!!!

[annegirl]

Hey- I finally got around to a trip report. It is not a traditional one though as I decided (like with the movie nights) to just put links to the blog I created about it. It seemed really daunting to do the blog and upload everything to photobucket as well. So, if you want to see the trip report you can follow the link!