Party of 13 and your kitchen sink too...

[Gypsybear]

Ok, so we have another Disney trip planned for early June. This was going to be our chance to have my partner reconnect with some college friends. So, 5 of us began our preliminary discussions.

The Players:

Me (46) – grew up in FL…Disney is like a second home
DP (43) – has been to Disney twice before
C (30 something) – College friend of DP – has been to Disney once in his life…over 20 years ago
Y – (30 something) – College friend of DP – has never been to Disney
E – (14) – Daughter of C & Y – has never been to Disney

So, as I mentioned, we began preliminary discussions back in September of 2009. Of course, that being said, preliminary discussions for me, involves planning out each day, etc. 

About a 3 weeks after we began discussions, we get an email from C that he’s invited 2 other friends from Mississippi to join us (S & T – who are married). DP went to college with them as well.

So, we’re in October, and now we’re a party of 7.

We added:

S (39 - hubby) – has a DVC membership – goes to Disney frequently
T (39 – wife) – has a DVC membership – goes to Disney frequently

Well, S & T are big time Disney fanatics like me. So this is going well so far. Then comes the bombshell. C has decided that since T and myself are such great planners, that we should make the plans for everyone. Hmmmm, ok, I’m that much of a control freak, so I figure “OK, I can work with T”. Well, wouldn’t you know, T decided that since she was planning her other Disney trip, that she’d let me handle this one by myself. Hmmm, I figure “Ok, what’s the worst that can happen”?

Now, let’s move to December, it’s now time to make our ADRs. All is well in the world, as I get all the ADRs that we wanted. YAY!! Disney, here comes our party of 7.

Screeeeeech!! Hold up! Not so fast there, oh naïve one!!

Fast forward to end of January. I get an email from T, letting me know that now need to add (K & A).

So, we have now added:

K – (30 something) – has never been to Disney
A – (10ish) – K’s son – has never been to Disney

So, what does that mean? It means that I need to change our ADRs to accommodate 9 now. UGH…I hate making changes, because you can never guarantee that you get the times you want. But I trudge through it and make the changes. Unfortunately, It changed some of the TIMES for some of our ADRs. One ADR, we’re unable to add to….the one at Le Cellier. It can’t be changed from a party of 7 at all. So, I inform the group, and S & T decide that they’ll dine at Chefs du France and let the rest of us dine at Le Cellier, since we’ve not been there before.

Now comes the good part. Enter February.

DP gets a message in FB from C, telling him to “gently” let me know that I need to forward the information to another of his friends about our trip, as she may want to attend and bring her family. So, after coming down off the ceiling, I send the info, and I sheepishly ask how many would be attending? I am informed that it could potentially be another 11 folks! :scared1::scared1::scared1:

You can well imagine what happened next.

Well, the good part is that I never got confirmation that they were coming, so all was still well with the world.

Boy, I think I live in my own little world. But unfortunately, I keep getting visitors.

You guessed it….another message.

This time, I need to add another C to our group.

So, here’s our newest addition:

C – (30 something) – goes to Disney frequently, and a good friend of S & T

Now we’re at 10 folks. So I have to call Disney again regarding our ADRs. Eh, I lucked out…he was added to our ADRs, but will have to be added to S&Ts dinner at Chefs du France. No problem adding him to their ADR.

Late February…..you guessed it….another message. I’m beginning to hate Facebook at this point. LOL

Another message to let us know that we need to add T from Arkansas.

T – (30 something friend of C & Y)) – has never been to Disney

So, we’re now a party of 11. And once more, time to update those ADRs. At this point, I have to split us into 2 groups to accommodate us at Sci-Fi Dine In…the 2 groups are 10 mins apart on ADRs, so I can live with that….I keep the 5 of us with no kids in one group, and put the rest of them in another group.

Once again, all is well with the world. And at this point, I begin doing some pre-shopping. Compact umbrellas – check. Lanyards – check, Name Badge holders – check, extra rechargeable batteries for all electronic devices – check. Locate portable DVD player – check. Ah…things are going so well.

Fast forward to March….ah, I see you’re ahead of me already…..you got it…another message from C, asking me to forward the information we have to his cousin and her son (P & R).

A couple of days later….yup, you guessed….we’re now a party of 13.

So, we’ve added:

P (30 something) – has never been to Disney
R (11 – son of P) – has never been to Disney

A week later, I receive an email from P asking me to add them to our ADRs. LOL…

OMG, can you believe that when I called Disney Dining, the CM who assisted me, remembered me from when I added number 11 to our party….she felt sorry for me and went out of her way to make the changes I needed and keep me calm. All in all, not too bad…it did change our times again, but they were actually better times this time around….so all is well with the world.

So now that I’ve totally confused you, here’s the LATEST rundown on the players…

Me (46) – grew up in FL…Disney is like a second home
DP (43) – has been to Disney twice before
C (30 something) – College friend of DP – has been to Disney once in his life…over 20 years ago
Y – (30 something) – College friend of DP – has never been to Disney
E – (14) – Daughter of C & Y – has never been to Disney
S (39 - hubby) – has a DVC membership – goes to Disney frequently
T (39 – wife) – has a DVC membership – goes to Disney frequently
K – (30 something) – has never been to Disney
A – (10ish) – K’s son – has never been to Disney
C – (30 something) – goes to Disney frequently, and a good friend of S & T
T – (30 something friend of C & Y)) – has never been to Disney
P (30 something) – has never been to Disney
R (11 – son of P) – has never been to Disney

Now, we’re in April, and so far so good….no more additions or changes. YAY!!

In case any of you are wondering how my DP (in his 40s), went to college with all these 30 somethings.....easy...my DP LOVED college....he kept taking classes and more classes....has more than one degree.... :confused3 Can we say....Career Student? :rolleyes1

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oh, my! :scared1: You are WAAAAY more patient than I am. Because at some point after the group reached 7 I would have told the rest of the interlopers to take a hike. ;)

I hope everything goes well. We have decided that it works MUCH better for us to meet up with folks AT WDW as opposed to trying to travel, lodge, and eat as though we are all stuck together with velcro. :rotfl:

[Gypsybear]

I hope everything goes well. We have decided that it works MUCH better for us to meet up with folks AT WDW as opposed to trying to travel, lodge, and eat as though we are all stuck together with velcro. :rotfl:

Actually, I've been thinking about that, and have thought about asking some of the other "veterans", if we can split the newbies up with us, and meet back at designated ADR times.... I'll let you know how that conversation goes... :scared:

[Gypsybear]

As for lodging....

DP and I are staying at CSR...

S & T are taking K, A and C # 2 to Bay Lake Tower with them...

The remainder of them are all going to be at ASMovies....

Should make for some interesting differences in experiences....lol

[starann]

All you need is a person with a name starting with "I" and you can spell MICKEY!!!!!!!


I am with Elizabeth, I would have flipped my lid long before! We went with a group of 4 babies (6mo old twins, my 1.5yo and 2.5yo), 7 adults and 1 preteen in 2006. Thankfully my dad and I were in charge of the ADRs, so he came over one night, we picked out where we wanted to try and I called and made them all. In 2008 we went with my MIL and FIL (oh, what a treat) and I made ADRs, carefully chosen with the food tastes of everyone in mind (read, my inlaws bland tastes) only to hear that the food wasn't that good or they would rather go to the room to watch the ball game!!!!

Our sept trip will just be the 4 of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool1: I made the ADRs and asked my DH multiple times if he wanted to give input and he didn't, although I know once we are there I will go ape on him when he asks why we are eating so late or why were are eating here or there!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

As for lodging....

DP and I are staying at CSR...

S & T are taking K, A and C # 2 to Bay Lake Tower with them...

The remainder of them are all going to be at ASMovies....

Should make for some interesting differences in experiences....lol

The good thing about this is that if you are park commandos (like we are) you aren't left with that awkward feeling that you are obligated to wait until EVERYBODY is ready to leave for the parks. People finishing breakfast and then going back to the room made me INSANE. You bring your park items TO breakfast, then proceed directly to the bus! NO STOPPING! :headache:

Staying in different resorts gives you a little bit of wiggle room. And if the others are making you crazy just tell them YOU forgot something in your room and you have to go back and retrieve it. I promise you NOBODY will volunteer to accompany you! Once you shake them, go on about your day! :laughing:

Poor DS got a bloody nose one day at MGM. That proved to be a pretty effective way to split up the group. I took him back to AKL to get a clean shirt and we didn't see the rest of our party until dinner.

[Gypsybear]

The good thing about this is that if you are park commandos (like we are) you aren't left with that awkward feeling that you are obligated to wait until EVERYBODY is ready to leave for the parks. People finishing breakfast and then going back to the room made me INSANE. You bring your park items TO breakfast, then proceed directly to the bus! NO STOPPING! :headache:.

OMG, yes, that would drive me INSANE....I see you're a vacationer after my own heart... :)


Staying in different resorts gives you a little bit of wiggle room. And if the others are making you crazy just tell them YOU forgot something in your room and you have to go back and retrieve it. I promise you NOBODY will volunteer to accompany you! Once you shake them, go on about your day! :laughing:.

Oh, I already told DP that unless we all have the understanding that THEY are paying our MY vacation, then I reserve the right to "ditch them" at any time, if they begin to work my last good vacation nerve...lol....


Poor DS got a bloody nose one day at MGM. That proved to be a pretty effective way to split up the group. I took him back to AKL to get a clean shirt and we didn't see the rest of our party until dinner.

What a godsend....sorry it had to be that way to get you out, but you know what I mean.... :rolleyes1

[Gypsybear]

So, next up....

T of S & T has decided that she'd like to make tie-dye tee's for everyone...so she's asked that we all send her a white tee for each of us....she will tie-dye them, and send them back to us... :)

Sounds like a good plan....so that'll mean that there will be 13 of us wearing these shirts... :eek::eek::eek: Should I be worried? I think so!!

I'm considering making us some iron on shirts using my Silhouette machine and the new flocked material from Silhouette America. Still not sure about it, but definitely considering it.

On the otherhand, I'm still working on more jewelry pieces to wear during our week there...so far I have a mickey icon head domed pendant, and a Pirate Mickey earring...all made from fine silver...can't wait to give them a try at the parks... :)

I think that covers it for now....lol...we'll see...

[PghLybrt]

I think I just went insane going over the list of people :scared1: Wow!! I think if that second big group came you should get a cut of everyones $$ for vacation!! It is only fair! :confused3
:goodvibes

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Have you been over to the DISign board? Some of those people make matching shirts for everyone in their group, for EVERY DAY of their trips! :scared1: It's a bit frightening. The threads have titles like "Just finished all 278 shirts!" :eek:

The year we went for my birthday I did have custom T's done at the mall for everyone in our group. We wore them to MK. But just that one day.

The jewelry sounds really cool! :thumbsup2

[Gypsybear]

Have you been over to the DISign board? Some of those people make matching shirts for everyone in their group, for EVERY DAY of their trips! :scared1: It's a bit frightening. The threads have titles like "Just finished all 278 shirts!" :eek:

The year we went for my birthday I did have custom T's done at the mall for everyone in our group. We wore them to MK. But just that one day.

The jewelry sounds really cool! :thumbsup2



:scared1::scared1::scared1: OMG!!! 278 shirts?? oh NO!!

Now, for one day, that's something I can handle....lol

I'm happy with the jewelry.....

Got a few tees today at the Disney Clearance thing...

Frank

[starann]

I got tees from the DS for all of us to wear one day....needless to say, DH vetoed it! SO the boys and I all wore our red Mickey t's!


When we go we put the boys in matching or similar outfits. I do that as a practical thing...if we lose a child I don't have to remember what they were wearing, we just look at the one child we have left!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

:scared1::scared1::scared1: OMG!!! 278 shirts?? oh NO!!

Now, for one day, that's something I can handle....lol

I'm happy with the jewelry.....

Got a few tees today at the Disney Clearance thing...

Frank

OK, so maybe not REALLY 278 shirts. ;) But some of them spend hours and hours making shirts, and they really do have matching shirts for every single day of the trip.

We hit the liquidation sale yesterday, too. Found 2 WDW T's for DS and that was it. Mr. Z was coming in as we were paying for our stuff. He bought A LOT more than I did! :rotfl2:

[Gypsybear]

I got tees from the DS for all of us to wear one day....needless to say, DH vetoed it! SO the boys and I all wore our red Mickey t's!


When we go we put the boys in matching or similar outfits. I do that as a practical thing...if we lose a child I don't have to remember what they were wearing, we just look at the one child we have left!

Hmmmmm, that actually makes sense... :thumbsup2

[Gypsybear]

OK, so maybe not REALLY 278 shirts. ;) But some of them spend hours and hours making shirts, and they really do have matching shirts for every single day of the trip.

Still, that's just too matchy matchy for my taste....I think doing the one day will be MORE than enough....lol


We hit the liquidation sale yesterday, too. Found 2 WDW T's for DS and that was it. Mr. Z was coming in as we were paying for our stuff. He bought A LOT more than I did! :rotfl2:

I got a total of 3 tees, and 2 caps (for Mr. Grumpypants)....I noticed that most of the stuff was DisneyLAND stuff....now WDWORLD stuff....

Why does that not surprise me about Mr. Z??? :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Still, that's just too matchy matchy for my taste....I think doing the one day will be MORE than enough....lol

I got a total of 3 tees, and 2 caps (for Mr. Grumpypants)....I noticed that most of the stuff was DisneyLAND stuff....now WDWORLD stuff....

Why does that not surprise me about Mr. Z??? :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Yep. Matching for one day is about my max, too. ;) We all have matching HRC shirts for this year. DH was grumbling about it, but he will wear it.

The liquidation sale was HEAVILY DL stuff. The dude told us the entire truck was DL, not WDW. I guess we were lucky to find the WDW stuff we bought. His rep was supposed to meet with the WDW people one day this week, but he didn't know if they would get any WDW stuff before the location closes. Really, since there is a permanent liquidation store in Orlando I can't see why they would want to ship that stuff to TX. I am conflicted about driving back up there. DS certainly didn't NEED the 2 T's we bought, but they were a pretty good deal. The thing that saved us was the limited selection of sizes. I saw a couple of cute things but they were either WAY too big or WAY too small.

[Gypsybear]

Yep. Matching for one day is about my max, too. ;) We all have matching HRC shirts for this year. DH was grumbling about it, but he will wear it.

The liquidation sale was HEAVILY DL stuff. The dude told us the entire truck was DL, not WDW. I guess we were lucky to find the WDW stuff we bought. His rep was supposed to meet with the WDW people one day this week, but he didn't know if they would get any WDW stuff before the location closes. Really, since there is a permanent liquidation store in Orlando I can't see why they would want to ship that stuff to TX. I am conflicted about driving back up there. DS certainly didn't NEED the 2 T's we bought, but they were a pretty good deal. The thing that saved us was the limited selection of sizes. I saw a couple of cute things but they were either WAY too big or WAY too small.

Hmmmmm, may have to make another trip to check it out if they get WDW stuff in.....I've been to both parks, so it's not that big a deal to me....now Mr. Grumpypants is another story.....never been to DL....

And you're right...the sizes were odd....lol....which I guess was a good thing in the long term.... :confused3:confused3

[Gypsybear]

Oooooh, guess what?? They're doing the discounted Pre-Purchase on the PhotoPass CD again....gotta go get on board for that.... :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oooooh, guess what?? They're doing the discounted Pre-Purchase on the PhotoPass CD again....gotta go get on board for that.... :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

I got ours, too, because I am a sucker.:rolleyes: I mean, how can I have a proper vacation without a CD full of blurry, off center, overexposed pics of us with sun in our eyes?

[starann]

I got ours, too, because I am a sucker.:rolleyes: I mean, how can I have a proper vacation without a CD full of blurry, off center, overexposed pics of us with sun in our eyes?

For me, that will be the only way my family will remember I am on vacation with them...as I am usually BEHIND the camera! I might order it and make sure I get my money's worth!!!! HEHE!

[Gypsybear]

LOL, well, the pics we got from our last CD were all actually in focus....believe it or not... :) so we were ok with it....we'll see if our luck holds out this year....

Ok, so this weekend, I got into major preparedness mode....

Items purchased:

New shoes
New Shirts
New Briefs
New Socks
Disinfecting Spray
Handy wipes for the car
Eye mask for sleeping during trip
Compact mini umbrellas (for every day that we're there...we dispose of them each night)....
Tide Bleach Pens

Still have a long list of items to pick up, but at least I started rounding it all up...must find those travel toilet seat covers...

And last nite, I printed up everyone's ADRs (they're not all the same), and printed characters on the backsides.....then I laminated the ADRs and put them in lanyard/badge holders for every member of the party....

So that's another thing off my list of things to get done....

Next up, check out the Security system at the house (cameras, recorders, slingbox, etc.)...

Ahhhhh, it finally feels like I'm about to go on vacation.... :)

[Gypsybear]

I got ours, too, because I am a sucker.:rolleyes: I mean, how can I have a proper vacation without a CD full of blurry, off center, overexposed pics of us with sun in our eyes?

I know what you mean...now that I think about it, there were 4 pics where I was MAJORLY squinting due to sun in the eyes....and I had the sunglasses on my head....lol....totally wasn't thinking. :rolleyes1


For me, that will be the only way my family will remember I am on vacation with them...as I am usually BEHIND the camera! I might order it and make sure I get my money's worth!!!! HEHE!

Same here....that's the main reason we get the Photopass...so that we're both in the pics...since we both love to lug our cameras around and snap pics of everything in sight....last time we took over 12,000 pics...and we were hardly in any of them...except for the PhotoPass ones....

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We usually buy the silly CD, but hardly any of the pictures are really worth paying for. 2 years ago DH won a free CD in a drawing at a DVC event, so that was cool. We just got a refund on the pre-order when we got home.

Glad your shopping is off to a good start! :thumbsup2

[Gypsybear]

Ok, got more shopping done, and stuff prepared at the house for our departure.

Friday, we received our packet from Disney....YAY!!! That's a load off my mind.

Also found the toilet seat covers that I was looking for....lol....so that's another thing off the check list.

Purchased new undershirts, and a couple of new shirts for our anniversary dinner at Le Cellier.

Working up some scrapbook layouts for the pictures to come...

Taught my last scrapbook class until after vacation.....YAY!! More money for vacation...

Now to start gathering it all and see what I'm still missing....sigh...

Since we're going with so many people who have never been, we've made some ADRs that should help them stay within their budgets, etc...

Crystal Palace - Breakfast with Pooh & Friends
Cinderella's Royal Table - Breakfast
Tusker House - Breakfast with Donald & Friends
50's Prime Time - Dinner
Sci-Fi Dine In - Lunch
Le Cellier - Dinner
Chefs du France - Dinner
Yak & Yeti - Lunch

Thankfully most everyone is on the DDP...so that made it easier...

Can't wait to get this trip underway!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

[Gypsybear]

We usually buy the silly CD, but hardly any of the pictures are really worth paying for. 2 years ago DH won a free CD in a drawing at a DVC event, so that was cool. We just got a refund on the pre-order when we got home.

Glad your shopping is off to a good start! :thumbsup2

I know what you mean....it's what's holding me back from booking one of the resort photo shoots....the quality of the photos worry me....ugh...decisions, decisions....

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I know what you mean....it's what's holding me back from booking one of the resort photo shoots....the quality of the photos worry me....ugh...decisions, decisions....

We did a resort photo shoot 2 years ago at SSR. The pics were decent. But they have completely restructured the pricing so I am not sure I would want to do it again. We had one booked for last year at AKL but I kept changing it and finally we cancelled it entirely. I had surgery to remove a stye before the trip last year and my eye looked weird pretty much the entire trip. Didn't want a bunch of photos of my gimpy eye. :rolleyes:

There was usually a PhotoPass guy in the lobby of AKL set up with a tripod in the late afternoon/early evening. Most nights as we were going to dinner we had him take our photo, so in the end we were glad we didn't pay for the resort session. No, we didn't get different locations around the lodge, but really, the lobby pics were fine.

Crystal Palace breakfast is our FAVORITE! :love: The Tusker House breakfast is good, too. Never been to Yak & Yeti for lunch, but we enjoy it for dinner. :)

[Gypsybear]

We did a resort photo shoot 2 years ago at SSR. The pics were decent. But they have completely restructured the pricing so I am not sure I would want to do it again. We had one booked for last year at AKL but I kept changing it and finally we cancelled it entirely. I had surgery to remove a stye before the trip last year and my eye looked weird pretty much the entire trip. Didn't want a bunch of photos of my gimpy eye. :rolleyes:

There was usually a PhotoPass guy in the lobby of AKL set up with a tripod in the late afternoon/early evening. Most nights as we were going to dinner we had him take our photo, so in the end we were glad we didn't pay for the resort session. No, we didn't get different locations around the lodge, but really, the lobby pics were fine.

Crystal Palace breakfast is our FAVORITE! :love: The Tusker House breakfast is good, too. Never been to Yak & Yeti for lunch, but we enjoy it for dinner. :)


Totally understand about the eye....that would totally bother me, since I scrapbook our pics....would hate to have to use pics like that...

See, that's what bothers me...they did restructure the pricing, and I think it's waaaaaay too much for the quality....but the scrapbooker in me says to do it anyway....lol

Yes, we LOVE Crystal Palace...we get to hug Pooh, and have a full tummy afterwards...what's not to love!!

We did Tusker House once before and thoroughly enjoyed it....and they took my niece (19 at the time), and made her follow along with Goofy, since she was the youngest at our table....it made for some priceless photos...she was soooo embarrassed....lol....

And we've not done Yak & Yeti at all, so it should be interesting....

[starann]

Two years ago we were going to do the session, but then they upped the price right before our trip (but before I could book) so we skipped it.

I doubt I'll do it this year as I weight far too much to pay money for pictures! At least now I ahve a goal for next trip!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

If you are having dinner at the resorts I think most of the deluxes have a PhotoPass guy in the lobby. On the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, what's another $100 for a resort photo shoot? ;)

[Gypsybear]

If you are having dinner at the resorts I think most of the deluxes have a PhotoPass guy in the lobby. On the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, what's another $100 for a resort photo shoot? ;)

Well, I have thought about adding a dinner at Artists Pointe, but not sure about it....thoughts??

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Well, I have thought about adding a dinner at Artists Pointe, but not sure about it....thoughts??

We've never been there. My favorite signature places are Flying Fish, Yachtsman, and Citrico's. I have read good things about AP, but the menu doesn't do anything for me.

[Gypsybear]

We've never been there. My favorite signature places are Flying Fish, Yachtsman, and Citrico's. I have read good things about AP, but the menu doesn't do anything for me.

Yup, my DP is all about Meat and Potatoes....so he's all ready to try AP...

I've learned over the years never to step between him and meat and potatoes...it's not pretty...lol

We haven't tried Flying Fish, Yachtsman, and Citrico's....probably have to check menus, since we're both allergic to fish... :scared:

So we're getting closer to Online Check In, and I'm pondering whether or not to try this method...

Thoughts anyone?

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am not doing online check-in. I am old fashioned, I like to go through the process at the desk. Also, we are using DH's credit card for room charging, but that's NOT the card we used to reserve the room. I am never sure if that will befuddle them, because there are FAR simpler things that completely derail them. :rolleyes: I also want to do "normal" check-in just in case they care to offer me an upgrade. Our first ressie is only 2 nights, so maybe they will be feeling generous. ;)

I haven't thought about doing online check-in for our villa ressie. I guess we could. :confused3 It would rock to be able to move directly from the room to the villa without involving Bell Services. But that's not likely since the villas are usually not ready until later in the afternoon.

[starann]

If you do the online check in you'll have to report back. We are staying at ASMo preferred room, so an in person check in will not yield us an upgrade (unless it was to a different hotel!)!

So did you decide to add AP? Such fancy places are off my radar....at least while the boys are little, don't get me wrong, they are pretty well behaved, but as parents we like to think of the others in the resturant in case the boys are having a bad night!

I keep telling myself I will do a solo trip one day (when DH takes the boys to the Grand Canyon camping or anyplace camping is involved!) and then I will eat at the 'nice' places!

[Gypsybear]

If you do the online check in you'll have to report back. We are staying at ASMo preferred room, so an in person check in will not yield us an upgrade (unless it was to a different hotel!)!

So did you decide to add AP? Such fancy places are off my radar....at least while the boys are little, don't get me wrong, they are pretty well behaved, but as parents we like to think of the others in the resturant in case the boys are having a bad night!

I keep telling myself I will do a solo trip one day (when DH takes the boys to the Grand Canyon camping or anyplace camping is involved!) and then I will eat at the 'nice' places!

I totally understand about the boys...lol...I just can't imagine keeping up with kids at Disney...don't know how y'all do it....whew....

DP decided to "play it by ear" on Artist Pointe... :confused3 I was hoping he'd jump at the chance...but with so many other people involved, he wants to see what they want to do... :eek:

Don't know if I'd like a solo trip....don't get me wrong, I'm a very sociable person, and able to start conversations up with total strangers...but being a single rider doesn't hold much appeal to me right now....who knows...maybe later in life...

As for Online Check-In....I did that yesterday...and got my confirmation email....then called today to add a building request to the ressie...they don't allow for adding "other requests" on the Online site...just "Close to Transportation"; "1st Floor Room"; "Refrigerator in Room"; and one other (don't recall what it was)....so that was disappointing from the building request standpoint. Calling them today to get the building request in was a breeze...no issues whatsoever.

We'll see how Online Check-In works when we get there....I'm interested in seeing if it really is quicker as I've read elsewhere on the boards...

So, anyway, got all my packing done (DP has yet to start)...and I've got all the travel documents printed and filed in the travel folder. Prescription refills will be picked up on Wednesday, and we'll be ready to go (after we mow the lawn before leaving, that is)...

We're excited now....especially looking forward to meeting so many DISers... at the Dole Whip Mini Meet.... :banana::banana::banana:

[Gypsybear]

Wonderful news....got a call from my nephew, and he was able to get us tickets to the parks on Friday night (the night we arrive)...we are getting in around 6pm, so we're staying off property that one night before checking in the next morning (Saturday)....

So, we'll be able to do EMH at MK on Friday night....YAY!!! I'm soooo excited!!! :dance3::dance3::dance3:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

It'll be time to go before we know it!! :banana:

[Gypsybear]

It'll be time to go before we know it!! :banana:

I know....I sooooo can't wait....

On a side note....seems that the neighbors trees have Oak Wilt....and guess what....it's spread to our trees... :(

Gonna have to lose the trees, and plant new runts.... :sad2::sad2::sad2:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I know....I sooooo can't wait....

On a side note....seems that the neighbors trees have Oak Wilt....and guess what....it's spread to our trees... :(

Gonna have to lose the trees, and plant new runts.... :sad2::sad2::sad2:

Well! That's just what you DIDN'T need! I don't suppose the neighbors are offering to pay for your new trees?

I guess we won't see you guys at the airport. Our flight goes out at dark o'clock AM on Friday. We should be at Epcot by lunchtime! :thumbsup2

[Gypsybear]

Well! That's just what you DIDN'T need! I don't suppose the neighbors are offering to pay for your new trees?

I guess we won't see you guys at the airport. Our flight goes out at dark o'clock AM on Friday. We should be at Epcot by lunchtime! :thumbsup2


Nope, no such luck....in fact, they won't even straighten out the tree in their back yard that's growing at an angle, and will soon begin to push the fence between our properties, over.... :headache:

Oh, I HATE those super early morning flights.....I'm soooo not a morning person....I only manage to get up early during our stay on property... :rotfl:

On the plus side, I did manage to get in my haircut last nite (it helps that my EX is my stylist too)...so one more thing off the check list...

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Stupid neighbors! :mad:
My car was in the driveway at work and a big branch from the neighbor's tree fell on it. Put a big dent in my door. I told my bosses and they were willing to make the neighbor pay for the insurance claim or whatever, but in the end I let it go. If I wouldn't have been standing there when the branch fell I never would have known that was what happened. They had the tree taken out so at least there won't be more branches to hit my new car!

The early morning flights are my favorite! :lovestruc I won't be able to sleep the night before, so might as well get up and go at 4 AM! :rotfl2:

I am getting my hair done tomorrow. My stylist used to be a banker. I met him doing volunteer work about 9 years ago. He got laid off from the bank and decided he would learn to do hair. I adore him. And now DS goes to him, too.

I bought a bag of ground coffee to bring with us, but we ran out of coffee in the house so DH opened it. :rolleyes: I WAS in pretty good shape before that! I already bought another box of Pop Tarts to replace the ones DS ate, now I will have to buy more coffee.

[Gypsybear]

Stupid neighbors! :mad:
My car was in the driveway at work and a big branch from the neighbor's tree fell on it. Put a big dent in my door. I told my bosses and they were willing to make the neighbor pay for the insurance claim or whatever, but in the end I let it go. If I wouldn't have been standing there when the branch fell I never would have known that was what happened. They had the tree taken out so at least there won't be more branches to hit my new car!

The early morning flights are my favorite! :lovestruc I won't be able to sleep the night before, so might as well get up and go at 4 AM! :rotfl2:

I am getting my hair done tomorrow. My stylist used to be a banker. I met him doing volunteer work about 9 years ago. He got laid off from the bank and decided he would learn to do hair. I adore him. And now DS goes to him, too.

I bought a bag of ground coffee to bring with us, but we ran out of coffee in the house so DH opened it. :rolleyes: I WAS in pretty good shape before that! I already bought another box of Pop Tarts to replace the ones DS ate, now I will have to buy more coffee.

Great to hear that they removed the tree....I'd have been tempted to remove it for them... :)

Now that's cool that your stylist used to be a banker....you just never know...lol....got my hair cut, etc as well.... so I'm good to go in that department...

UGH, don't you hate that....DP ate the bag of beef jerky that I bought for the trip to WDW already, so I have to go replace it....thankfully the 2nd bag didn't get opened (for the return trip)...at least not yet....lol...

Going to go purchase Alice in Wonderland today at lunch, then I should be all set....just have to mow the yard tomorrow, and all done.....whew....

Can't wait to meet you at the parks....

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Great to hear that they removed the tree....I'd have been tempted to remove it for them... :)

Now that's cool that your stylist used to be a banker....you just never know...lol....got my hair cut, etc as well.... so I'm good to go in that department...

UGH, don't you hate that....DP ate the bag of beef jerky that I bought for the trip to WDW already, so I have to go replace it....thankfully the 2nd bag didn't get opened (for the return trip)...at least not yet....lol...

Going to go purchase Alice in Wonderland today at lunch, then I should be all set....just have to mow the yard tomorrow, and all done.....whew....

Can't wait to meet you at the parks....

Between DH and DS eating the stuff for the trip I almost think I should just give up and buy it all when we get there. I mean, what's $8 for a box of cereal, right? :rolleyes:

I was just at Target and seriously thought about getting "Alice" to watch on the plane. I didn't buy it, but I have 2 more days. It could still happen! ;)

Can't wait to meet you guys! It's going to be so much fun!! :yay: