Madi is going to visit Mitbee and Meemee for her 3rd birthday! September 2010 PTR

[LaurLaur04]

Hello fellow Disney Addicts!! Welcome to my PTR!!


The Cast-
Me (23)- Been to Disney 15 times in my life, sad that it hasn't been more! Stayed on sight maybe 3 times out of those, 2 times at POR (when it was still Dixie Landings) and once at CSR. I feel absolutely at home when at Disney!! I am a single mother and work part-time as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (x-ray tech). I LOVE my job and like my boss frequently tells me, I know where my bread is buttered! lol :rotfl2:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6720/hpim1586.th.jpg (http://img514.imageshack.us/i/hpim1586.jpg/)

Madison (DD2)- This trip is all about MADI!! We are checking in the day BEFORE her birthday (yes, I am cheating and taking advantage of the whole "check-in when you are 2 and be "2" the entire stay" idea). My daughter is lover of ALL things Mickey Mouse. Yes, she sits in front of the TV almost always and watches it. Nothing else. Yes I shouldn't let her watch so much TV, but in my defense she has learned ALOT from it (even speech because she had a speech delay) and I cannot deprive her of her Mitbee! :rotfl:
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/662/hpim1580.th.jpg (http://img202.imageshack.us/i/hpim1580.jpg/)


The Reason-
This trip is for DD's 3rd birthday. Again, she LOVES Mickey. I cannot stress this enough! Again, I am a single mother and only work part-time. So funds are TIGHT. This is why I want to do it now, instead of when I have to pay for her as well, because that will cost twice as much! She went last year at 18 months but it was the trip from HELL. We went along with my parents, sister, bro-in-law, and their 2 kids. All the kids first trips, along with my brother-in-law. As my mother says, too many chiefs, not enough Indians! :lmao: Couple that with a stomach virus that wiped out my niece, and affected my father and I, this is why I refer to it as the trip from hell.


The Dates-
September 17-25, 2010
DDs Birthday is September 18th. (7:33am to be exact! :))
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2826/hpim0240b.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/hpim0240b.jpg/)

Where-
Caribbean Beach Resort (trying something new...plus I LOVE tropical themes!)

How did this trip come to be, you ask? Well my dad is one of those people who comes up with great ideas to go do something and then backs out shortly after. At the very beginning of this year we saw one of those "Give a day, get a Disney day" commercials. My dad says "I would love to go back to Disney World, wouldn't you guys?" So I of course get super excited! Only a few days later to hear it was just an outloud thought and he just can't afford it and really isn't ready to go back so soon (went March 09). BUMMER. Well. In my little mind I began to think, well, I have a job now, and a pretty darn good paying one at that. Plus I filed for child support and was told I would be getting $519 a month which is wayyy more than I would really need right? I could save all that up for 6 months and it would be more than enough! So I get online and price things. Of course, here it is March and the beginning of my saving for 6 months idea. Am I receiving my child support? Bits and pieces, but not like its been ordered. Where will I get the money?! Take it out of my own paycheck thats how! I used my tax refund (after paying my parents back for an emergency surgery I had last year) and made our reservations, and paid all but $500 for the entire package. I decided if I can just take $200 each month and put it away I can have enough for food and souvenirs. Well, I didn't quite think that through. I now have to eat cereal just about every day just so I don't spend all our money on going out to eat and be broke! :lmao: Long story short (I know you are getting bored) its going to be a long-shot and we are going to have to do without from now until then, but this trip is a go no matter what we have to do!

My parents say I am crazy, my sister flat out says I am stupid. Taking a 2 yr old all the way to Florida all by yourself? So dangerous! I know the place like the back of my hand. Its a straight shot from NC to FL, so the driving isn't going to be too difficult, plus we have a GPS. My sister says that I will go crazy with no adults and no one to help. HELLO. Single mother here! Yes I live with my parents (can't afford to move out) but I know all about doing things by ourselves! So no one will bring me down gosh darn it!!:laughing:

ADRs
Due to lack of appropriate funds we are only doing 2 TS meals (no DDP since my daughter won't qualify anyways)

Chef Mickey's (for obvious reasons) on her actual birthday at 9:30am
Akershus (she loves to play princess) on the 20th at 10am.

Stay tuned!! :cheer2:

[cmp1111]

Sweet DD you have there! I'm sure she'll be thrilled to be there for her birthday. :goodvibes

[LaurLaur04]

Sweet DD you have there! I'm sure she'll be thrilled to be there for her birthday. :goodvibes

Thanks! I think she will have a fabulous time too, even if my family the non-believers think otherwise!:rotfl2:

[LaurLaur04]

So I have been shopping here and there and picking up odds and ends for the past month. Hoping to get every little thing I need now, and then for the remainder of the time just keep saving up money! Here are a few pics for ya! I know I love reports with pics :cool2:

My Vera Bradley Hipster...got in on sale for $15.77...retail $56 :banana:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1603.jpg

My Vacation Box...where I store all the little odds and ends for the time being!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1604.jpg

Open...
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1605.jpg

Madison's Shirt to wear on her birthday :cheer2:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1606.jpg

My little diva...princess:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1602.jpg


Next post...pics from last years horrible trip!!

[LaurLaur04]

So these are way out of order...I have no idea when most of them were taken! haha But its nice to reminsce...even if the trip was a bust!! Madi did enjoy it:goodvibes

This is Madi and my 2 nieces Zanna (the little one) and Jayden
Zanna is 3 months older than Madi...but Madi is about twice her size!:rotfl:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1032.jpg

Cool kid
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1030.jpg

It rained on our first day at AK
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1040.jpg

Introducing...Jayden Elizabeth!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1042.jpg

And...Zanna Claire!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1041.jpg

My Most FAVORITE picture of the trip...had this one uploaded onto photopass and made into a mouse pad! :lovestruc
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1035.jpg

I want to take this time to tell you guys a little story. It comes from the very bottom of my heart! My daughter's name is Madison Lou. Why Lou? Yes I know its a bit of a plain name, but it means so much to me. You see, back in Sept of 2006 a VERY dear friend of mine was murdered. Her name was Mercedes Lou. She hated her first name and most people didn't even know it, she wanted everyone to call her Lou. She was such a wonderful person, and is very much missed! She is the reason my daughter's middle name is Lou. :littleangel:

Our Resort
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1122.jpg

Madi and her beloved BaBa
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1124.jpg

Back of a bus! :rolleyes:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1125.jpg

Last but certainly not least....our rental truck...wow I wish I had one of these!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1120.jpg

Next up.....more pics from last trip....mostly MK! :yay:

[LaurLaur04]

So I need some input guys....what to do on arrival day?

We are leaving 9/16 around lunchtime and driving down. Its around a 10 hour trip but will prob take about 12-13 since its just us 2 and we will stop alot for potty breaks! :) We are going to try to make it to Jacksonville but if not we will just drive until it gets dark. Wake up on 9/17 and finish the way there...being at WDW prob about 1-2.

Assuming we can't check in until 3...what shall we do that evening? We will probably just leave our luggage in the car and hang out and just unpack later in the evening. I really want to go to Boutiki at the Poly sometime during our trip so if someone could make a plan including that, it would be great! Or maybe an ice cream dinner somewhere? Not sure so I would love your input guys!!

[Raecheal]

:woohoo: I just have to post, love that you started out with a shopping post! The first night, we stick to Downtown Disney or a dinner at a hotel.

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm in!!! I can't wait to read more!!! Have you thought about staying at a value instead of CBR to save a little money? POP was very nice and their newly refurbished rooms are great. The only thing they were missing were 2 sinks which you would not need anyways and a fridge which I hear you can add for extra money each day. We just used the ice bucket and kept refilling it or you could bring a cooler and stock it with ice?

Just thought of that suggestion!

[LaurLaur04]

I'm in!!! I can't wait to read more!!! Have you thought about staying at a value instead of CBR to save a little money? POP was very nice and their newly refurbished rooms are great. The only thing they were missing were 2 sinks which you would not need anyways and a fridge which I hear you can add for extra money each day. We just used the ice bucket and kept refilling it or you could bring a cooler and stock it with ice?

Just thought of that suggestion!


Ugh, I know it would save money but I just can't do it! haha I have never stayed value, always moderate and I just don't want to change! Yes, I know I am silly and wasting money :rotfl: But I just can't do it! Plus I love how CBR has the water playground and other playgrounds, beaches, etc. because we will spending a good amount of time at the resort as well as the theme parks. But thank you for your suggestion and for reading! I was starting to get a little lonely :confused3

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Ugh, I know it would save money but I just can't do it! haha I have never stayed value, always moderate and I just don't want to change! Yes, I know I am silly and wasting money :rotfl: But I just can't do it! Plus I love how CBR has the water playground and other playgrounds, beaches, etc. because we will spending a good amount of time at the resort as well as the theme parks. But thank you for your suggestion and for reading! I was starting to get a little lonely :confused3

No problem! I agree with you, my family have always been a moderate/deluxe type of family but I welcome Value resorts assuming there aren't 4 people in the tiny room.

Honestly, over CBR, I enjoy POP much better, smaller in size, food court is awesome, the pool is nice (aside from a slide). They have a kiddie water area and kiddie pool!

I just thought I would help you out! I was always anti-value until I stayed at POP a few years ago and fell in love with it!

[LaurLaur04]

No problem! I agree with you, my family have always been a moderate/deluxe type of family but I welcome Value resorts assuming there aren't 4 people in the tiny room.

Honestly, over CBR, I enjoy POP much better, smaller in size, food court is awesome, the pool is nice (aside from a slide). They have a kiddie water area and kiddie pool!

I just thought I would help you out! I was always anti-value until I stayed at POP a few years ago and fell in love with it!



If push comes to shove I MAY downgrade but thats only if I absolutely have to! lol So far I am getting by on cereal on days that I don't work so I am saving a bit of money! :rotfl2: I know, I'm crazy, but thats how much I am looking forward to WDW!! Ahhh its been only a year and it feels like en eternity!

[BabyEeyore]

I'm loving your PTR so far. Your daughter is adorable! Looks like we'll be passing each other on the highway on the 17th... we'll be driving up to Jacksonville that day.

I've only been to WDW 3 times so far (COUNTLESS times to Disneyland since I grew up in Cali). First time was off site and the past 2 times were at Pop. We LOVE it. But there is a chance we're going to go ahead and try a moderate (POFQ) this time. My fear is that we'll enjoy it so much we won't want to go back to a value, either. :rotfl:

[lexmas]

Subbing! Just so you know, the link in your siggy doesn't work...you have http:// listed twice, so it doesn't take you there. I had to type in the URL by hand to find you. But since I did that, now you know I want to be here!

We'll be there at the end of your trip...we're getting in on the evening of the 25th. If you move on over to the dark side and stay at pop maybe we'll see each other! :rotfl:

I really understand making do for now so you can go back. We're getting annual passes and more than once I have told DH that even if money's tight we're going on all of our trips this year, since we NEVER do anything like that, we're always so cautious.

But oh my, don't eat cereal every day! We're like, the cheapest food people ever, I'll have to send some recipes your way. There are 4 of us (well, I don't know that the kids really count since the baby is pretty much still exclusively nursing and my 3 year old is the pickiest kid ever) and we get by on like $100 for our food budget every month. We make everything from scratch and shop mostly at Sam's club which is why we can eat for so cheap, but we love everything we eat and don't feel deprived at all. Plus, I'm really lazy so our recipes are really easy. I will have to make a list and send you some. Probably even CHEAPER than eating cereal and I would feel better knowing you're not eating cereal all day every day! :laughing:

Madi is so cute! Have you told her you're going to disney yet?

I'm sure you'll be fine at disney by yourself. Not a big deal at all, Disney is safe and you'll have lots of people to talk to. I spend my days talking to a 3 year old all day every day and I haven't gone crazy yet. :lmao:

Actually, I was thinking, how cheap are those meals when it's just you and your FREE DD? That's great!

We share a house with my mom (my dad died, so we moved in...I know that's not typical but she would be very lonely without us and we help her take care of my grandmother and do the upkeep on the house) so I know what that's like...it's hard sometimes but I think it's not as bad as people think!

Okay, I'm rambling, and DS wants to go bake some bread. Can't wait to read more!

[LaurLaur04]

Subbing! Just so you know, the link in your siggy doesn't work...you have http:// listed twice, so it doesn't take you there. I had to type in the URL by hand to find you. But since I did that, now you know I want to be here!

We'll be there at the end of your trip...we're getting in on the evening of the 25th. If you move on over to the dark side and stay at pop maybe we'll see each other! :rotfl:

I really understand making do for now so you can go back. We're getting annual passes and more than once I have told DH that even if money's tight we're going on all of our trips this year, since we NEVER do anything like that, we're always so cautious.

But oh my, don't eat cereal every day! We're like, the cheapest food people ever, I'll have to send some recipes your way. There are 4 of us (well, I don't know that the kids really count since the baby is pretty much still exclusively nursing and my 3 year old is the pickiest kid ever) and we get by on like $100 for our food budget every month. We make everything from scratch and shop mostly at Sam's club which is why we can eat for so cheap, but we love everything we eat and don't feel deprived at all. Plus, I'm really lazy so our recipes are really easy. I will have to make a list and send you some. Probably even CHEAPER than eating cereal and I would feel better knowing you're not eating cereal all day every day! :laughing:

Madi is so cute! Have you told her you're going to disney yet?

I'm sure you'll be fine at disney by yourself. Not a big deal at all, Disney is safe and you'll have lots of people to talk to. I spend my days talking to a 3 year old all day every day and I haven't gone crazy yet. :lmao:

Actually, I was thinking, how cheap are those meals when it's just you and your FREE DD? That's great!

We share a house with my mom (my dad died, so we moved in...I know that's not typical but she would be very lonely without us and we help her take care of my grandmother and do the upkeep on the house) so I know what that's like...it's hard sometimes but I think it's not as bad as people think!

Okay, I'm rambling, and DS wants to go bake some bread. Can't wait to read more!

I would LOVE some recipes! I am also too lazy to cook and my DD is SUPER picky. If its not boiled shrimp, french fries, chicken nuggets, or spaghetti she doesn't want it! haha

And thanks for the heads up on the link...I didn't realize! lol

Being short on money sucks...especially when I talked to the child support agency this morning and they are unable to "find" my daughter's daddy because he knows they are looking for him for not paying.:sad2: Guess that explains why he hasn't showed up to visitation the last 2 times...what a world. But I am picking up some extra hours (weekends...love that $2 shift differential :woohoo: ) so hopefully things will be looking up!!

[lbuzz52]

hey!
your dd is cute!

I don't think that you are crazy one bit- i would go to disney with just my kid in a heartbeat. and its definetely worth sacrificing for. that said, i think you should be careful with your plan for the hotels. take some time and scope out one maybe an hour and one maybe two hours before your would reach jacksonville. that way, not only can you make sure you are in a safe area, you can be a bit more competitive with your rates. JMO ;)

we did the first day at Downtown Disney too. we were able to check in early, but not everyone was there at the same time so we held off on the parks until we had a full day. but my kids were really entertained there and they have some yummy cheap food options.

[12kizuna]

Subbing in!

Your DD is adorable, and I think it's wonderful that you are taking her. Don't listen to anyone else who thinks it's nuts, this is is quality YOU and DD time, and that is priceless.

Such a sweet (although sad) story about her name, also.
Can't wait for more :thumbsup2

[Charlefours]

Hello! :wave2: I am new to your PTR! We are taking our DD down to celebrate her 4th birthday--it is on September 14th and we leave on the 18th. :goodvibes:

You may luck out since you are planning for a trip that is typically during the dates free dining is offered. If you stay at CBR, you may be able to eat free for your stay! Madi can share your food--if you plan buffets they have a separate kid's section you can use too. :goodvibes: The deals should be release next week. If you decide to do a value, you would get the QSDP most likely. That would certainly help with money!

[lexmas]

Somehow I forgot about free dining, that would completely help you out! (How did I forget? I'm going at the same time!)

I don't know if I can help you with your picky eater, since I'm completely lost with mine. But when I get a few minutes I'll definately send you a few fast easy recipes for you...I think I even have some ideas of things you can make with leftovers from what your DD will eat! I'll PM you with them, so I don't clog up your thread!

[LaurLaur04]

Thanks guys! I am sitting at work right now covering the front desk since the receptionist is busy with something else. 12 hour work days are long and boring! I will post some more pics when I get home! :)

I was upset to read that the wishes dessert party is only being booked until May 31st. I was hoping to do it on our trip. Then again, with a picky eater it may be a waste of time and money!! (Madi is so picky she doesnt even eat ice cream or chocolate!!)

[LaurLaur04]

Ah I have been totally slacking on this PTR!! Almost a month since my last post! Life has been crazy lately....in and out of a courtroom trying to get my ex to pay his child support!! :sad2:

But the good news is, I got a pin code a few weeks ago!! It was the 20/30/40 one and I saved over $400 on my package! So instead of owing $500, I now only owe $85. :banana:

I am getting more and more excited each day!! Everyone at work picks on me because I am constantly looking at DIS or other Disney related stuff! I am just so ready for our mommy/daughter trip!

Madi went for a speech therapy eval last week, and I was pretty happy with the results. Her pediatrician was concerned with her speech development. At age 12 months they were VERY concerned with her gross motor development because she still could not get into a sitting position, crawl, or pull up. Then at 14 she immediately starting doing everything!! So them being concerned with speech was no surprise to me. She was evaluated, and the therapist bragged on how smart Madi is! At 2 years 6 months she is at a 3 year 3 month comprehension level. My little smart girl!! She is at a 2 year 2 months level for her speech, which isn't very far behind. I opted out of therapy for right now, in the hopes just like with her motor skills she will catch up when she is ready!! :thumbsup2

Well, thats about all the update I have for now!! Hoping the MNSSHP tickets go on sale next week so I can go ahead and get them! Hopefully next week I will also have my trip paid in full!! I have already saved up $700 in spending/food money and its only April!! If I keep it up we should have plenty to spend at WDW :) :cool1:

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!

PS- Heres a few pics from last years trip!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1053.jpg
Yes, Madi is dancing in her stroller at the Magic Kingdom!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1085.jpg
Knocked out!! She fell asleep in my arms in line for HM and slept through the whole thing!!


Sadly enough, thats pretty much all the pics I have from MK day, except a boatload of pics off of its a small world....hard to keep track of a toddler/push a stroller and have the camera ready all at the same time!

[Charlefours]

:woohoo: for a pin code! I am hoping for one, but no luck yet. :sad2:

[lexmas]

Glad to hear everything is going well! Sounds like you've done a great job saving up money, and hopefully soon free dining will come out and all that food money will just be extra money!

DS has some speech delays...but we have a wonderful pediatrician who doesn't worry if we're not worried, and we never even got him evaluated. He's coming along, his speech is getting clearer every day. He's just always been behind on milestones, and this is no different. I really prefer to let him do these things on his own schedule. At 2.5, he wasn't stringing more than 2-3 words together, and a few months later he was speaking in paragraphs. Now it's just how clear his speech is, and that gets better all the time. So I wouldn't worry, it sounds like Madi is just like my DS. On the slow side of average, but just fine, and developing on their own time tables. Sounds like you have a smart little girl!

I just realized I never sent you recipes. I swear, I'll do it in the next few days. I have some very simple ones that we've been using a lot here!

[LaurLaur04]

I just realized I never sent you recipes. I swear, I'll do it in the next few days. I have some very simple ones that we've been using a lot here!

I actually thought about this yesterday! lol I was thinking man I need to start eating better and lose some weight....then I thought to myself...now someone on DISboards was supposed to send me some recipes to save some money!! lol No worries, life can be hectic I know! So just whenever you get some free time:)

[OhioDisneyLover]

Subbing. Looking forward to hearing more about your plans.popcorn::

Awesome score on the pin code!!! :thumbsup2

Our trips dates cross. We will be there at the same time.

[LaurLaur04]

Quick update!! By the grace of God (and the awesome CSE office in my county) I finally got my child support! So I putting half of it in our Disney money! The rest will be going to daycare :) I also got 8 more hours at work so I will be making about 120 more every 2 weeks to help my saving as well! I am hoping to have enough to get Madi the Mickey's Big Birthday Wish In-Room Celebration for our trip! Madi is very excited, she is constantly saying "We are going to "Dinney Whirl" to see Mitbee, Meemee, Donal, Goopy, Daisy, Pooto, and Tinkbell!" lol

I also purchased my ticket for MNSSHP for September 21st! I am thinking of having Madi as Tinkerbell and I may dress up as Silvermist...not sure if I want to dress up yet!

Thats all the news for now, been a busy weekend! Went to the NC Zoo yesterday and had a party today for my nieces 5th birthday. I am exhausted! Have a great week guys!:)

[LaurLaur04]

Subbing. Looking forward to hearing more about your plans.popcorn::

Awesome score on the pin code!!! :thumbsup2

Our trips dates cross. We will be there at the same time.

Yay! Where are you staying? Are you going to MNSSHP?

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yay! Where are you staying? Are you going to MNSSHP?

We are staying at WL. Yes, we have tickets for Sept 14th. :woohoo: I can't wait!!!

[LaurLaur04]

We are staying at WL. Yes, we have tickets for Sept 14th. :woohoo: I can't wait!!!

Me neither! Its our first I am very excited! Jealous you are staying Deluxe though...how I wish I could afford it!!

[lexmas]

That's all great news! So cute how Madison says all those names, I love it!

Are you going to call to get free dining today?

[Charlefours]

Definitely should try for free dining! :cool1:

[LaurLaur04]

Free dining deal is just not good for me! She will be 2 when we check in so she is not eligible for the plan, so I would have to pay OOP for her meals anyways! She and I do NOT like the same foods lol So the 30% pin code I got was the better deal!!

I have actually almost talked my parents into doing a Disney trip! They would come down after we got there, and still leave before we left. Staying POR and we would be at CBR. We wouldn't do much together except Madison's birthday breakfast but I would have the peace of mind knowing they were there in case I were to get sick or something ya know? So it would still be a mother/daughter only trip! Maybe let them take her for a few hours one day so I could get on the big kid rides! hehe

[lexmas]

Have you thought about the fact that you could eat at buffets using your table service credits and she would eat free and could eat whatever she wanted? You could also use your "snack credit" to get something for a meal or to supplement your counter service meal to make it work for two people. I have no idea how that would work out money wise, but something to think about!

[lexmas]

Oh, and sounds great that you've almost convinced your parents to come! I'm sure everyone would have a great time!

[LaurLaur04]

Man it feels so good to be....

PAID IN FULL!!!!

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::b anana::banana::banana:\


Plus I got my ticket for MNSSHP in the mail today :cool1:

[OhioDisneyLover]

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::w oohoo:

[lexmas]

Very exciting! Congrats!

[BabyEeyore]

YAY! :banana:

[Charlefours]

:woohoo: for being paid in full and MNSSHP tickets! :goodvibes

[LaurLaur04]

So we have had a huge change of plans! My parents are now accompanying me on our trip! They absolutely could not afford staying in a separate room so I bit the bullet and put them on my ressie. I do feel a lot less nervous now, knowing I will have help there if needed. We still plan on going our separate ways most of the time, but they said if I wanted they would stick with us a little while so I could get a change to ride some bigger rides Madi can't ride, and watch her one night so that I can go to DTD and do some shopping for her birthday! They also will be coming to her birthday breakfast at Chef Mickey's. After adding that, they have already paid so I am once again paid in full! :goodvibes

So here is the rough intinerary.

September 16
-Leave around 1pm (taking Madi to school that morning so I can finish packing up the car and such, then going to get her)
-I plan to buy a princess laptop toy thing to give her when we hit the road!
-Around 7-8 when it starts to get dark we will stop at the next decent looking motel to spend the night (hoping to get close to the FL/GA line)

September 17
-Sleep in, then get up and finish the trek to Disney!
-Probably stopping in Orlando at a Character Warehouse or something to get some cheap souvenirs, and get some lunch somewhere.
-Check in...hopefully around 3-4pm.
-As of now, the plan is either Boardwalk, or just swimming. Haven't decided yet. Probably won't decide until the day of depending on how we feel!
-Get some sleep!

September 18
-Wake up at about 7:30am to make it to a 9:30am ressie at Chef Mickey's for Madison's birthday breakfast! (Today will be her actual birthday)
-Head to MK after breakfast
-Back to resort around 2 for a little break
-Back to MK until it closes at 7 for a MNSSHP (this is not our party night)
-Probably go resort hopping with the parents (they plan to spend the whole day with us this day since its her real birthday) and maybe some swimming.

September 19
-Wake up whenever and head to AK
-Resort time at around 1-2 for a nap
-back to AK if there is something we didn't get to do yet, if we don't want to go back, maybe DTD or another park if Madi wants

September 20
-Wake up at 8am for a 10am ressie at Akershus! (this is mommy and daughter only)
-Spend the remainder of the morning/afternoon at Epcot
-resort rest time around 2pm for a nap
-Head to DHS for evening EMH (specifically the dance party)
-Go to sleep when ready! Probably will be a late night

September 21st
-Relax the morning with swimming and checking out resort, maybe a boat ride with the parents
-Nap around 2pm
-Around 4pm get up and get dressed in our costumes and head to MNSSHP!!
-Probably another late night.

The remaining days 22-24th are undecided. The parents want to take us for a day to IOA to check out the new Harry Potter island (yes, I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan lol)

September 25th
-Departure day :(
-Probably eat breakfast at DTD and then go home!


This is the dress I plan on Madi wearing to the Akershus breakfast and our Epcot/DHS day.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3624/minniedress.th.jpg (http://img155.imageshack.us/i/minniedress.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Hope everyone is having a great week! :)
p.s.-Sadly Madison has learned to say Mickey Mouse and no longer calls him Mitbee...super excited her speech is clearing up but sad to see the cuteness go :(

[lexmas]

The plans look great! It's nice that your parents will be with you on Madi's birthday, I'm sure they would have been sad to miss it.

The dress is so beautiful! I love it!

You probably mentioned before, but are you dressing up for MNSSHP?

[lexmas]

The plans look great! It's nice that your parents will be with you on Madi's birthday, I'm sure they would have been sad to miss it.

The dress is so beautiful! I love it!

You probably mentioned before, but are you dressing up for MNSSHP?

[LaurLaur04]

The plan so far is Madi will be Tinkerbell, and my mom said she would make me a costume to be Silvermist. I wanted our costumes to tie together, and she really loves Tinkerbell so I figure I could just be another fairy! But her tastes may change in the next couple months so anything still goes! lol Lately she has gotten into Nick Jr (I know, bummer its not Disney!) and likes Ni Hao Kai-lan (I like this because we are learning some Mandarin Chinese phrases to say when we go to the World Showcase!), Dora (again, another language!) and Wow wow wubbzy..which is just silly lol But she still loves her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Tinkerbell, and Princesses! Just not as much as she used to. I have to admit, its a little nice not having to watch the same episodes of Mickey Mouse over and over again :rotfl:

As of tonight me and my mother are as usual not getting along and I am starting to slightly regret inviting them. We get along most of the time, but she can have a really bad attitude for no reason and call me names...so idk how this will turn out! At least the ressies are in my name and I will be prepared to do things alone so if she starts acting up I will just push our stroller in the opposite direction and go about our business without her! lol

[LaurLaur04]

DOUBLE DIGITS!

We now have 99 days before our trip!

I know I haven't posted much, but there isn't really anything to post about! lol Madison is now obsessed with Tinkerbell. Even the Disney Store Clerk made a comment on how everything we purchased was Tinkerbell :rotfl:

So I have put it in the back of my mind to make rope drop at Toontown (granted its still open when we go) so we can have a minimal wait to meet the fairies.

So disappointed though that IASW and One Man's Dream will both be closed while we are there.

I am also looking into making reservations at Margaritaville for our day in IOA. Does anyone know if reservations are needed?

Well thats about all of the updates for now!! Hope everyone is having a lovely June! :wizard:

[BabyEeyore]

HOORAY for double digits!!!! :banana:

[lexmas]

Under 100 days, that's great!

Do you know the dates of the One Man's Dream closing? I hadn't seen that and I can't find it in a quick google search. Disappointing, I had hoped to peruse in there while my kids napped...haven't been in there since my honeymoon, but I loved it!

[LaurLaur04]

Its August 16-Nov 2 is what the DIS says. So disappointing! I hope they don't schedule anymore rehabs for our time there...thats 3 attractions closed so far! That definitely would have been something great to do while the kids nap!!

[therussells08]

Hey! I'm subbing! Your daughter is so cute! It sounds like you've got a really special trip planned for her! I can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

[LaurLaur04]

Hey! I'm subbing! Your daughter is so cute! It sounds like you've got a really special trip planned for her! I can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

yay finally a new person! lol My PTR is pretty quiet these days.

Poor little thing the other day I mentioned my nieces birthday and for some reason she though that meant it was her birthday too and she kept saying "MOMMY WE GOING TO DIZZY WHIRL ITS MY BIRTHDAY!" She cried so hard when I told her it wasn't her birthday yet. Made me wanna jump in the car and go right then! She's been having a great summer though. Her daddy and her aunt both have pools so she is always swimming which is just about her favorite thing to do. Looks like the pool at CBR will get alot of good use! :goodvibes

Her daddy has actually come around somewhat, seeing her alot more and spending time with us. Starting to catch up on his child support which helps me ALOT. He is saying he wants to come on the trip too....eh I'm not so sure about that! :rotfl:

Madi is fully potty trained now (well except at night) :cool1:

Madi being the little princess that she is!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1608.jpg

Madi on the way to the zoo for her cousin's birthday!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/lauren_camille_2004/HPIM1614.jpg

[LaurLaur04]

So this PTR was quite the BUST! lol But I do have wonderful news...WE ARE LEAVING IN THE MORNING!! Ahhh I am so excited! Maybe the TR will be more active...lol

[lexmas]

haha. Have a great time! Let us know when you start your TR!

[BabyEeyore]

Have a safe and magical trip!