Goofy with Peter Pan Syndrome and Family Go To Disneyland - PTR

[6Smiles]

I just got off the phone with Disney Dining and made my first dining reservation. I feel like I am a coke bottle that was shaken ready to explode, I am so excited. The trip is feeling really real now. I have to study, I have to study, I have to study, Nah .... I have to plan Disneyland! Oh drat smilies aren't working.

When: June 19 - June 27th
Where: Homewood Suites
Why: Because we need a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N
How: Road Trip

That leaves the who:

Me: I'm the Mom, wife, finishing up prereqs for nursing, applying in December. Favorite characters Jiminy Cricket, Daisy Duck, Snow White and the Seven dwarfs, and Piglet.

DH: Goofy with Peter Pan Syndrome. He told me he would always be a kid at heart and would never grow up before we married, SO I WAS WARNED! In all honesty my DH Works hard, looks tough, but is a softy! Shhhhh don't tell him I said that.

DD14: Our lovable Drama Queen. Loves Tinkerbell, Aurora, Tianna and food porn. My eating partner, we will be eating our way through Disneyland.

DD12: Our Sports Girl. Favorite Characters: Robin Hood and Stitch. She is a like Robin Hood and would help anyone in need. But I think she's a little bit of a rebel like Stitch!

DD8: Our Babe, still trying to find her feet. Big hearted, very smart, loves reading and writing. Favorite characters Ariel, Belle, Princesses and Fairies.

DD5: Our Bugaboo. Loves and absolutely HAVES TO meet Minnie Mouse and Snow White.

So that's our group, I'll post more later but really have to get some school work done. Finals are only a couple of weeks away.

TTFN! (Ta Ta For Now)
Kris

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I'm on board, looks like you are off to a great start!

[Littleprincess2010]

Sounds like you guys are going to have an awesome trip!! I can't wait to hear more :)

[MinnieMelly]

I just got off the phone with Disney Dining and made my first dining reservation. I feel like I am a coke bottle that was shaken ready to explode, I am so excited. The trip is feeling really real now. I have to study, I have to study, I have to study, Nah .... I have to plan Disneyland! Oh drat smilies aren't working.

When: June 19 - June 27th
Where: Homewood Suites
Why: Because we need a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N
How: Road Trip

That leaves the who:

Me: I'm the Mom, wife, finishing up prereqs for nursing, applying in December. Favorite characters Jiminy Cricket, Daisy Duck, Snow White and the Seven dwarfs, and Piglet.

DH: Goofy with Peter Pan Syndrome. He told me he would always be a kid at heart and would never grow up before we married, SO I WAS WARNED! In all honesty my DH Works hard, looks tough, but is a softy! Shhhhh don't tell him I said that.

DD14: Our lovable Drama Queen. Loves Tinkerbell, Aurora, Tianna and food porn. My eating partner, we will be eating our way through Disneyland.

DD12: Our Sports Girl. Favorite Characters: Robin Hood and Stitch. She is a like Robin Hood and would help anyone in need. But I think she's a little bit of a rebel like Stitch!

DD8: Our Babe, still trying to find her feet. Big hearted, very smart, loves reading and writing. Favorite characters Ariel, Belle, Princesses and Fairies.

DD5: Our Bugaboo. Loves and absolutely HAVES TO meet Minnie Mouse and Snow White.

So that's our group, I'll post more later but really have to get some school work done. Finals are only a couple of weeks away.

TTFN! (Ta Ta For Now)
Kris




I'm on board too! Like you, I am finishing up pre-reqs for nursing and I'll be applying in July - so excited to hopefully get in and get started on nursing. I'm taking my Mom to DL in 27 short days and I hope to get a PTR started on here real soon. :goodvibes

[rentayenta]

popcorn::

[6Smiles]

Yea! I'm not talking/writing to myself!:thumbsup2

:wave2: Hi Mommy2allyand averi, Littleprincess 2010, Rentayenta and Minniemelly

:welcome::welcome::welcome::welcome:

The plan:

June 17 - June 18 stay up all night and finish packing (already started)

June 18th about 2pm after DH Goofy goes to work, DD Drama Queen will take care of kids so I'll be fresh to drive the first shift of the trip. It will probably be hot so maybe sandwiches and fruit salad for dinner. DD Drama Queen will wake me up if they need anything otherwise she'll let me sleep and get them off to bed. DH gets off at 11pm will come home, we'll finish loading up and hopefully will leave about 12 -12:30 am on June 19th.

June 19th - I will drive until Quartzsite, Arizona where we will break, gas up and get a bite to eat and/or coffee and possibly switch Drivers. (Thank you helpful AZ Disers who drive!) Hopefully kids will be sleeping but if not the dual 7" RCA DVD players have been purchased and we'll get a couple of new movies as well as bring some classics:thumbsup2!

Bing Maps put us at about at about a 7 and 1/2 hour drive so I am thinking about an 8 to 8 and a half hour drive with stops etc. We will be checking in at the Homewood Suites when we arrive and either our room will be ready or we will store our luggage and park the car for the day. We will catch the ART next door and go to the parks.

My DH and I have not been to the parks since we were 12 and our children have never been. I know the parks will probably be crazy busy while we are there but I can not wait to see my childrens faces and reactions when we arrive. The plan for the day is to take in the sights and sounds at the parks, ride the train, catch a few rides or shows and have a Late Lunch (already reserved) at the Carnation Cafe at 2:40pm. Afterward we will see how everyone is feeling, we might stay at the park, but most likely we will go back to the hotel settle in, go for a swim, and get a good night sleep because tomorrow will be our MM day.

I know most people stay closer to the parks and originally we were booked at the Camelot but chose to move for several reasons. First and the biggest reason is that my youngest Bugaboo has some autistic tendencies and has sensory issues (auditory mostly) but tends to get overly stimulated in certain situations so as an overly worried, overprotective mom I wanted to be able to get her totally out of the Disney scene and into a calmer setting at the end of the day and during breaks so she can decompress.

Financially we will be able to stay longer and do more things staying farther away from the parks.

DO NOT FORGET ITEMS:
Ear Plugs
Power Strip for charging cells
Nightlight
Glow sticks
Small flashlights
Swimming Floaties
Ponchos (Hmm... for Bugaboo on wet rides?)

Oh Wow time to go get Dinner put together. Where does the time go? Next up Father's Day and MM plans.

[6Smiles]

Ugh, my computer died so I was without one for two days:headache: not good when your classes are online. But I am up and running again and with 57 days to go let the planning continue. I wasn't able to get ridemax to work on my other computer, but it is working on this one:thumbsup2 so I have been playing around with that.

June 20th- Father's Day!
Magic Morning:
1. Peter Pan
2. Dumbo
3. Alice
4. Matterhorn
5. Mr Toad

Ugh I misplaced my list with the order of the rest, but if anyone can help out it would be most appreciated. Anywho, I haven't really decided what to do after MM but I know we will collect fast passes until we leave about 11:30 to2:30. Depending on what time I secure my special ressies for my Hubby. My hubby just loves the Renaissance era and so I am making ressies at Medieval Times for our break from the park. I plan on returning in the evening to catch the fireworks tonight because we have no plans for the next day. I don't think we'll be doing fantasmic or WOC this trip. Fantasmic looks a lot like the Fantasia 2000 which scares the bejeebers out of my little one and I just can't see standing around for WOC and hearing Mommy I have to go potty now and then what do you do?

Knowing it will be super crowded on Monday and Tuesday and the beaches are less crowded on these days these will be sightseeing days, visiting with family in the area, and resting up for the rest of the days in the park.

I am looking at going to Laguna and Seal beaches. Laguna mainly because when my Dad lived in California that is the one I went to. If anybody has any other suggestions on beaches let me know. I'm looking for two beaches that have a family atmosphere one with a boardwalk and the other with tide pools unless I can find both at one beach. Everyone will have three sleep in days so that we can be at the parks at opening the rest of the days. I'm still working on ride orders etc. I know even though I am an uber planner and will have schedules handy for the mornings. I plan to let the afternoons take their own course, (except for the shows we have to see.)

Well two days without a computer has put me behind on my studies so I am off to get some work done. Have a good day.:)

Kris

[rentayenta]

Huntington Beach is my favorite. I grew up in So Cal and I would do Seal beach and Huntington Beach. :thumbsup2

[kaoden39]

One year we stayed over by the Angel's baseball stadium which is well away from the park and I have to tell you it was actually a relief to be away from the park at night. Sleeping was more relaxed.

[6Smiles]

Huntington Beach is my favorite. I grew up in So Cal and I would do Seal beach and Huntington Beach. :thumbsup2

I like the idea of Huntington, it looks great. Thanks for the input.

One year we stayed over by the Angel's baseball stadium which is well away from the park and I have to tell you it was actually a relief to be away from the park at night. Sleeping was more relaxed.

I'm glad. I really struggled over the idea of where to stay, but as this is our first vacation I wanted to make sure we had some downtime.


The whole deal with Ariel's Grotto today has kind of taken some of excitement out of the trip for me today. The thought of having waited would have been disastrous for us because my babe and bugaboo have their hearts set on this restaurant.

So far we have:

Carnation Cafe 6/19 at 2:40p
Cafe Orleans 6/23 at 11:30p
White Water Snacks (CS) is 6/24
Ariel's Grotto 6/25 at 12:50p

So far I either got my time or close to it. Cafe Orleans was kind of odd though cause we may have to eat at seperate tables? Kind of weird but I figured I would get there early so I can hopefully prevent this from occurring. Either way we will have a good time. I think I am more nervous that everything still takes place after having to cancel three times in the past three years. We only have one payment left the the hotel, tickets, Ariel's, Goofy, and ART will be paid for. I took advantage of the Kroger/Fry's deals with the Gift Certificates so I have those set aside. We own our van so we won't have to rent one. So basically things are falling in line.

I should be bouncing off the wall excited with less than two months to go, but I am really apprehensive and feeling very overwhelmed. Hopefully will feel better tomorrow.

[kaoden39]

That would bum me about the Ariel's Grotto too. But, your trip will still be wonderful!!

[6Smiles]

I have been so busy with school that I haven't done much Disney Planning or reading the board...lots to catch up on and now I just realized this morning my Land by Land notes on restaurants, things to do or notice is being held hostage in my other computer :eek::headache:. I never backed my vacation folder onto disk. That wonderful interactive map of the disneyland area, locations of things I wanted to point out to the kids either funny, ironic, history, games, packing lists etc is on a computer that will cost me more money to fix it then it cost to purchase.

:sad1::sad1: We leave in 50 days and I still have 3 weeks of school left. I know where to find some things, but I don't know if I'm going to be able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again!:sad2::sad2: I know we will still have a great time either way, its just disappointing because I had been working on this folder for almost 4 years!

[kaoden39]

I have been so busy with school that I haven't done much Disney Planning or reading the board...lots to catch up on and now I just realized this morning my Land by Land notes on restaurants, things to do or notice is being held hostage in my other computer :eek::headache:. I never backed my vacation folder onto disk. That wonderful interactive map of the disneyland area, locations of things I wanted to point out to the kids either funny, ironic, history, games, packing lists etc is on a computer that will cost me more money to fix it then it cost to purchase.

:sad1::sad1: We leave in 50 days and I still have 3 weeks of school left. I know where to find some things, but I don't know if I'm going to be able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again!:sad2::sad2: I know we will still have a great time either way, its just disappointing because I had been working on this folder for almost 4 years!

I kind of stopped planning myself. I need to get on it again, but I am afraid to plan too much.:confused3

[6Smiles]

Classes and Finals are just about over but I am not too happy with my college. The powers that be in their infinite wisdom just said two of my classes will not count for my support courses for my degree :headache::sick: and I feel like I have wasted an entire semester. But I have enrolled for every possible class next semester and will decide what to do after our trip!

Planning has been slowed with finals but I try to pop in every couple of days to see what is going on. I found a folder with a bunch of things I thought I had lost so I am on :cloud9:.

The first two days of our trip are finally posted and I am looking forward to Tuesday or Wednesday (May = 31 days) when something has got to be announced for WOC :thumbsup2 Hopefully since it will be thirty days out right?

My darling littlest peanut has a preschool promotion with a purple cap and gown on Wednesday night so she'll be going to kindygarten (as she says) a couple of weeks after we return. Our school is year-round. Lets just hope I don't continue my trend of getting a speeding ticket her first day like I did with the last one:scared1:! on the first day of school. I have decided Daddy and Mommy will take her so DH will be driving!

Well I hope all the Mom's out there had a Very Happy Mothers Day.

Ta Ta for now!

[kaoden39]

Our kids were year round and I loved it. It is the best schedule ever for Disney fans. You can go to the parks year round then and not just during the summer. And that is easier. That sucks about your two classes, I would be really ticked about that myself. Our trips are getting so close. Ours is actually five weeks out from today. I can hardly wait.

I hope you had a good Mother's day yourself.

[6Smiles]

:cool1::cool1::cool1: Today we have 33 days left and things are coming together. Husband finally got approval for our dates, all of our ressies have been made except for PPH which I will call soon once I finalize our schedule a bit more.

We are eating brunches/lunches at Ariel's Grotto, Goofy's Kitchen, Carnation Cafe (Gotta try the Potato Soup), and Cafe Orlean's (Pomme Frites, Mickey Beignets and Gumbo). I'm looking at the Traubador Tavern and White Water snacks for counter serve. Other than that I'm not sure we'll offset some of the meals by eating the free Breakfast and some free dinners (Mon-Thurs) at the hotel. We are driving so we'll bring some groceries with us and Target is across the street. Monday and Tuesday we'll avoid the parks so I figure Sunday would be a good day to make it as close to park closing time as possible.

I am torn as to whether or not to try for WOC but have seen pictures of Fantasmic other than the dragon so now I am dying to see it. Ridemax hasn't updated yet and I am thinking the DCA closing time will change to 6pm since it is a Grad night.

I am really getting excited but fear the crowds are gonna be huge. Strategy is go early, collect fast passes, take a mid-day break, and return in the evening.

I had a Snow White figurine that I got from WDW when I was like 7 years old that disappeared so I am hoping to replace her this trip. I think what I really liked about Snow White is how kind she was to the Dwarves. Stretching to reach 5 ft (on my tippy toes :thumbsup2) I can relate to the vertically challenged little guys not to mention Dopey... Ya just gotta love him. It seems like my favorite characters are the little guys with the big hearts.

Packing, unpacking, matching, unmatching and changing outfits that I want to pack for the chicklets seems to be my strategy. Oh yeah, Thanks to the Mom who gave the water bottle holder/carrying straps idea/link! They came out perfect! Made 6 for us and a matching one for my bugaboo's new Build-a-bear Snow White:). Drama Queen suggested they'd make good pin displays for pin trading.

We have 6 (almost) full days in the parks so I am planning the first 2-3 hours, and prospective days to see the shows, meet Tianna, I'm a huge Miss Piggy and Beaker fan so Muppets is a must. (Sorry for the rambling just trying to remember things as I go so i can continue to add them to "The book".) Oh yeah some of the stuff I thought I had lost in the old computer I had printed out and saved in a file :cool1: so I didn't lose as much as I thought I had. Oh I have to go look for Mspinups scavenger hunt thread. I have been playing ABC character's and rides with the kids and it has them entertained so it will be a good waiting in line game. License plate game is another good one and I found a couple of Mad Libs to play in the van. DH won a digital camera at work so we are all set there.

If time could just go a little bit faster all would be great! I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas :upsidedow:goodvibes.

[kaoden39]

I am looking seriously at Troubador Tavern myself. I so want to try a broccoli and cheese potato.

[6Smiles]

I am looking seriously at Troubador Tavern myself. I so want to try a broccoli and cheese potato.

That is what I was looking at for myself. I am trying to get caught up with reading trip reports, I have a lot to go back and read, but at least i have time now.:)

[kaoden39]

That is what I was looking at for myself. I am trying to get caught up with reading trip reports, I have a lot to go back and read, but at least i have time now.:)

I also am craving the bacon wrapped asparagus.

[6Smiles]

I also am craving the bacon wrapped asparagus.

Is that from Bengal Barbeque? It sounds really good! I can't stay signed in for some reason:confused3.

[Karenann*]

Hey and Hi!
We're staying at Homewood in July and have heard great things from a large family we know here.It sounds like lots of your details have been nailed down and they sound great. We will be trying Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans both for the first time, lots of yummies to try! Thanks for the reminder of glowsticks. What do you take flashlights for? Looking forward to more of your planning and especially how is the Homewood!!!

[kaoden39]

Is that from Bengal Barbeque? It sounds really good! I can't stay signed in for some reason:confused3.

Yeah it is the Bengal Barbecue. My favorite food.

That's odd that you couldn't stay logged on. I wonder why.

[6Smiles]

Hey and Hi!
We're staying at Homewood in July and have heard great things from a large family we know here.It sounds like lots of your details have been nailed down and they sound great. We will be trying Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans both for the first time, lots of yummies to try! Thanks for the reminder of glowsticks. What do you take flashlights for? Looking forward to more of your planning and especially how is the Homewood!!!

:wave2: and :welcome: Karenann*

I have not been to DLR since the 80's so this is my first trip as an adult (some 20 almost 30 years later :rolleyes1). I really can't tell you much about the Homewood however KylieH has a trip report further down and tells about her experiences and about the hotel's transportation and ART to Disneyland. I will let you know what I think upon my return or maybe I'll have time to do some live reports since we'll be bringing our computer. As far as the flashlights go, my two youngest DD do not like the dark so it eases their fear and gives them the power to control their light at night. They will not be allowed to use them on the rides though. As long as
there is some light and Mom and Dad are around they'll be okay on rides.

If you go to Homewood Suites website you can see pictures from their breakfast buffet, the swimming pool, and the kitchens.

[mamaso]

:dance3: Sound like a wonderful time is in store for all of you! Have a great trip!

[kaoden39]

Homewood is owned by Hilton so you can expect it to be pretty good I am sure.

You are in for a shock if it has been that long since you have been to Disneyland. The whole area around the park has changed.

[6Smiles]

Homewood is owned by Hilton so you can expect it to be pretty good I am sure.

You are in for a shock if it has been that long since you have been to Disneyland. The whole area around the park has changed.

I have only been to Disneyland once when my Dad was living in California. I was about 11/12 years old. To be honest I don't really remember the trip all that much and I have to say I feel like I am going for the first time. My parents were not into Disney at all but I adore the characters, the magic and the entire concept that Walt Disney was trying to achieve with "The Happiest Place on Earth!" I love art, animation and I have to say I am all for dreaming and making dreams come true! Steamboat Willie is still one of my all time favorite cartoons. It is awesome for it's time and so creative!

The trip is a long time coming and to be honest is very much needed at this point. We are in desperate need to just put the "real world" behind us for a little while, reconnect as a family and celebrate the good things that life has to offer.

Our first day is strictly taking it slow, soaking up the atmosphere, smelling the roses and of course a late lunch/early dinner at Carnation Cafe. Depending on how people are feeling we'll go back to the hotel, unpack, go for a swim and get to bed early knowing where the rides are in FL so we can go straight away on Sunday for our MM. We'll rest in the afternoon and then try to catch either fantasmic, WOC or Fireworks that night. Monday and Tuesday we'll avoid the Parks to avoid the chaos. We'll go sight seeing, maybe visit with DH family who lives in Santa Ana, have a picnic at the beach or sleep late and enjoy the pool. Wednesday through Thursday we have our Ressies and I'm just kind of planning the first 2-3 hours for rides and then the rest of the day I have ideas for shows, parades, etc. depending on what everyone wants to do after Saturday and Sunday when we visit for the first days or what I am calling our orientation to the park days to get a feel for the rest of the week. So I will be planning to have a plan :upsidedow if that makes any sense.

I have surprises for the kids and will include them in my TR but Drama Queen is on the boards so I don't want to say too much ;)!

[kaoden39]

I am all for a lazy trip myself. I normally plan the character meals and all that and I stress my family terribly. Last trip I reservations to eat at the Carnation it was my one and only place I cared about eating at. I got so sick on the way down we ended up sending my niece and our kids to eat without us. I think that was the last time I will ever make the PS.

I love the idea of surprises for the kids. I did autographed pictures for them and my mom last trip because we stayed at the DLH. I also had a special basket brought to my mom's room for her 70 birthday.

[6Smiles]

Time is really starting to fly now. Things I am wondering about. The WOC is holding up the works because I am waiting to see how they are planning to run the show and how it will affect the crowds in the park(s). With GRR FP being used for WOC does that mean huge lines for the ride? Is TSMM going to become a bigger pull with the updates for Toy Story 3? Are they going to offer set times for PFF coronation ceremony? Is Sword and the Stone Show coming back?

[kaoden39]

Time is really starting to fly now. Things I am wondering about. The WOC is holding up the works because I am waiting to see how they are planning to run the show and how it will affect the crowds in the park(s). With GRR FP being used for WOC does that mean huge lines for the ride? Is TSMM going to become a bigger pull with the updates for Toy Story 3? Are they going to offer set times for PFF coronation ceremony? Is Sword and the Stone Show coming back?

I didn't know they stopped the Sword in the Stone show was no longer on.

[6Smiles]

I didn't know they stopped the Sword in the Stone show was no longer on.

I saw a thread on it not too long ago... one where they were talking about the shows and I remember someone saying it hadn't been going on. Someone said it only was happening in the Summer or at busy times? I wonder if anyone saw it over Spring Break?

[kaoden39]

I saw a thread on it not too long ago... one where they were talking about the shows and I remember someone saying it hadn't been going on. Someone said it only was happening in the Summer or at busy times? I wonder if anyone saw it over Spring Break?

That's so sad. I get a kick out of it. It's not super popular so maybe that is why.

[6Smiles]

20 days left until we leave and the Homewood Suites Hotel, Disney tickets, ART, Ariels Grotto and Goofy's Kitchen is paid in full and we should receive our goodies shortly from Getaway Today!

Plans are sketchy at best and will probably be more budget than originally planned because of some medical and pesky financial issues that cropped up but we are still going :banana:!

Itinerary so far:

Saturday June 19th:
Arrival Day
Take the train around DL and just go with the flow until our ressie. When I played with ridemax it looks like this may be the time to try and do the rides with longer waits like Autotopia, Finding Nemo and maybe PLATSI. We'll have been sitting and driving all night standing in lines soaking in the atmosphere may be just the ticket for us. I have also been toying with the idea of starting in DCA if we arrive early enough 9:30am to do Soaring, TSMM, and Monsters Inc, and Muppets 3D. With GRR being used for WOC I don't know what the rest of the park will look like so we'll have to wait and see.
We have Carnation Cafe Reservations for 2:40pm (Lunch and Dinner)
We may ride a few more rides or return to hotel, swim, snack, but either way we will go to bed early to make our MM morning.

Sunday June 20th:
MM Morning: Fantasyland until 9 then Toontown until about 11am
Throughout this time I will be grabbing FP for our return in the afternoon
11:30 AM We have Goofy's Kitchen scheduled for Father's Day Brunch :love:
We'll see how things go but will probably return to the Hotel for a break.
What we are doing for dinner is yet to be determined, but we plan to be back in the parks to see fireworks and second showing of fantasmic.

Monday June 21st and Tuesday June 22nd are beach, sightseeing, picnic and/or hanging by the pool days. They will also be planning days to see what the kids have liked and what they would like to do.

I am still debating on how we will plan Wed thru Sat we have the following planned so far:

Wednesday: Cafe' Orleans - Pomme Frites, Monte Cristo, Gumbo and Beignets

Friday: 12:50 Ressies for Ariel's Grotto for lunch and Paradise Pier Hotel for Dinner we will splurge and get the Kitchen Sink for Dinner cause Hey We are on vacation :thumbsup2

Tomorrow I get to go shopping without the kiddos for some of our still needed items including a bathing suit for me :scared1:! Well time to get the kiddos settled down. Ta Ta For Now!

[kaoden39]

Sounds wonderful!! You get there the day we drive away. I'll try to leave it standing!!:rotfl:

[6Smiles]

Sounds wonderful!! You get there the day we drive away. I'll try to leave it standing!!:rotfl:

:rotfl2:

Well we are at 18 days. I go back and forth between being super duper excited and checking and rewriting lists so that I can avoid forgetting something. I'm trying to surprise the kids with stuff but checking things is difficult because they are under foot all day since school let out.

There is a flu that is short but nasty going around my house. Not that I want my family to be sick but I just keep thinking okay run the house now so no one is sick at Disneyland :upsidedow.

The excitement and reality of finally getting to realize our dream of going to Disneyland has set in and the girls talk about the rides they want to try and going to see the beach.

My older kiddos finally saw Tim Burton's Night before Christmas yesterday and his Version of Alice in Wonderland on Saturday with my DM and thought they were both awesome movies.

Shopping went okay and I found a cute swimsuit but for some reason I wasn't into shopping :scared1:, very strange since I was shopping for the trip. Hubby scored travel size purell with 3 antibacterial wipes in each package for .75 cents each then used a $1/2 coupon to get them for .25 cents a piece at Fry's :banana:.

Cleaning and the nevery ending task of :laundy: is on the schedule for today. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

TTFN
Kris

[kaoden39]

Oh laundry is always endless. I know what you mean about wanting the whole family to get sick over with. My son has a fever today:scared1:, I am hoping that if we are all going to get it, that we get it over with. We have three days of school left counting today. This the day I start my final lists and I told m girls we need to recheck each others lists, so today after school between studying for finals we are going to check each others lists.

[6Smiles]

Oh laundry is always endless. I know what you mean about wanting the whole family to get sick over with. My son has a fever today:scared1:, I am hoping that if we are all going to get it, that we get it over with. We have three days of school left counting today. This the day I start my final lists and I told m girls we need to recheck each others lists, so today after school between studying for finals we are going to check each others lists.

Oh man, I'm sorry your son is sick, I hope he feels better soon :hug:.

I just realized today is June 1st :rotfl2:. I wake up change the whiteboard but didn't really realize we are in June :banana:. We need a smiley that Jumps and down :).

You are so close now! :dance3:

[kaoden39]

Oh man, I'm sorry your son is sick, I hope he feels better soon :hug:.

I just realized today is June 1st :rotfl2:. I wake up change the whiteboard but didn't really realize we are in June :banana:. We need a smiley that Jumps and down :).

You are so close now! :dance3:


Thanks, he should be better soon.

I can't forget today because it is my nephews birthday, he is 30 years old today. Man do I feel old.

You are getting close yourself. :woohoo:

[casiland]

We just stayed at the Homewood in April and loved it. It is a nice hotel and the staff was amazing. I understand about the school thing, I am taking summer and fall classes and then should be able to apply for the nursing program. When I was at Disney in September I discovered that Disney staffs an entire department of nurses. I think I discovered what to do in my 2nd career......

[kaoden39]

We just stayed at the Homewood in April and loved it. It is a nice hotel and the staff was amazing. I understand about the school thing, I am taking summer and fall classes and then should be able to apply for the nursing program. When I was at Disney in September I discovered that Disney staffs an entire department of nurses. I think I discovered what to do in my 2nd career......

Wouldn't that be wonderful? To work inside the park? I think I would love it?

[DizNee Luver]

First trip?!! How very exciting!!! :cool1: Of course I find every trip exciting..... :rotfl:

All girls?? That will be fun if they're all into the Princesses!! Ariel's Grotto is a lot of fun for meeting the princesses.....make sure you have your camera & autograph books ready!!!

So I hadn't thought about staying further away from Disneyland to give our twins the downtime they'll definitely need. Of course, we're still so new to the autism thing that we learn as we go. Hopefully the rooms will be quiet so they can unwind & not be overstimulated in the room. We're staying at the HoJo so the rooms shouldn't visually be too bad..........
I'll be very curious to see how your daughter does on this trip & see if you'll have some suggestions or tips to help us out on our trip!!

Your itinerary looks great!! As you saw from my PTR....I don't schedule rides.....we go with the flow...but do gather FP's for use later in the day. I haven't figured out the "entertainment" part into our schedule yet & usually do that. Our problem is, will the girls be able to handle it & is it during a nap or bedtime. The 6 adults will have to take turns at staying at the motel with the twins during those times....so that also makes it difficult to plan at this point.

I may just have to make a list of entertainment I want to see & go from there. If it's my free afternoon, I'll plan on seeing something then....but I also want to make sure all the other kids get to this stuff too (that's why I usually plan it out). The only thing we know for sure is we're doing WoC together as a family.

[6Smiles]

We just stayed at the Homewood in April and loved it. It is a nice hotel and the staff was amazing. I understand about the school thing, I am taking summer and fall classes and then should be able to apply for the nursing program. When I was at Disney in September I discovered that Disney staffs an entire department of nurses. I think I discovered what to do in my 2nd career......

Thanks for coming by and saying hello Casiland :flower3:. I'm glad you had a wonderful stay at the Homewood, I am really looking forward to it.

An entire staff of nurses at Disney? That is too cool, :idea: DH can transfer to California and I can go work for Disney.

I have one more class before I can apply, but just found out our current wait list extends into 2014 (my oldest DD graduates HS in 2013) :scared1:! When I finish my prerequisites, I think I will take the 11 week course for CNA/PCT after that I should be able to be bumped forward on the wait list.

[6Smiles]

First trip?!! How very exciting!!! :cool1: Of course I find every trip exciting..... :rotfl:

All girls?? That will be fun if they're all into the Princesses!! Ariel's Grotto is a lot of fun for meeting the princesses.....make sure you have your camera & autograph books ready!!!

So I hadn't thought about staying further away from Disneyland to give our twins the downtime they'll definitely need. Of course, we're still so new to the autism thing that we learn as we go. Hopefully the rooms will be quiet so they can unwind & not be overstimulated in the room. We're staying at the HoJo so the rooms shouldn't visually be too bad..........
I'll be very curious to see how your daughter does on this trip & see if you'll have some suggestions or tips to help us out on our trip!!

Your itinerary looks great!! As you saw from my PTR....I don't schedule rides.....we go with the flow...but do gather FP's for use later in the day. I haven't figured out the "entertainment" part into our schedule yet & usually do that. Our problem is, will the girls be able to handle it & is it during a nap or bedtime. The 6 adults will have to take turns at staying at the motel with the twins during those times....so that also makes it difficult to plan at this point.

I may just have to make a list of entertainment I want to see & go from there. If it's my free afternoon, I'll plan on seeing something then....but I also want to make sure all the other kids get to this stuff too (that's why I usually plan it out). The only thing we know for sure is we're doing WoC together as a family.

Welcome Diz Nee Luver :flower3: Thank you for coming by! I had originally planned to stay at the camelot and then it occurred to me that we would be able to see the parks from the hotel and worried that Bugaboo would not be able to settle down. Making the choice to move further away was very tough and I'm still not sure I made the right decision, but we shall see. My husband and I have decided for our MM day we would hire a taxi in the morning so that we could ensure that we'd be at Disney before the park opens.

We've kind of decided that we would do some late nights with breaks and some full days where we will break by taking in shows in the afternoon and having sit down meals. Ater Saturday and Sunday in the park I think we will have a better idea of what the rest of the week will be like for us and how Bugaboo will handle the overstimulation.

I feel your concern of figuring out the entertainment schedule, but I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually. I plan to go with the flow and try hard not to worry about anything to much :).

[6Smiles]

The decision that I seem to go back and forth on is whether to bring a stroller or not for DD. My girlfriend offered to lend us her stroller. On one hand I think it would be good to have, on the other I feel like we probably won't need it. Bugaboo can do the Zoo, Desert Museum, and walked 1k of a 5k AIDS Walk at the age of 3; she refused to be in the stroller and this pretty much ended her stroller days! So knowing this she is never in a stroller anymore.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated!

[kaoden39]

The decision that I seem to go back and forth on is whether to bring a stroller or not for DD. My girlfriend offered to lend us her stroller. On one hand I think it would be good to have, on the other I feel like we probably won't need it. Bugaboo can do the Zoo, Desert Museum, and walked 1k of a 5k AIDS Walk at the age of 3; she refused to be in the stroller and this pretty much ended her stroller days! So knowing this she is never in a stroller anymore.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated!

One thought to think of is that the average person walks 10 miles a day at Disneyland. Granted you have up and down times but it is a lot of walking. Also I would base my decision by how many hours I was going to spend in Disneyland a day. One last thought, even if Bugaboo princess: decides she doesn't want to ride anything you are carrying can ride ion the stroller instead.

[6Smiles]

That's true. We are driving so I think I'll bring it in the van, so if we need it we'll have it.

[DizNee Luver]

We've used a stroller every trip. In 2005 our son was 4 & I'm thankful we brought it. First of all, his short little legs don't keep up with his big brothers & he would have gotten left behind. He was able to ride or walk when he wanted & we used the stroller like a grocery cart at times.

In 2008, our daughter was not quite 3 & in 2009....not quite 4. She used the stroller all the time....to & from the parks, in the parks & she napped in it as well. After a long day of walking in the parks.....the walk out of the park to either the tram to take you to the parking or walking to the transit area or the motels seems like an eternity. There was no way we'd be able to carry her....so I highly suggest taking & using it.

This trip we're bringing strollers for the 3 yr old twins & most likely will rent a stroller for the 5 yr old.

Your daughter may find it a welcomed break!!

[6Smiles]

Thanks Laurie and Michele. We'll be bringing the stroller cause if we don't I'll be wishing we had it.


:cheer2::cool1::woohoo: Fedex just delivered my Getawaytoday package! We are really going to DISNEYLAND! :banana::banana::woohoo::woohoo:

9 days 8 nights in California! Beaches, Relaxing and seeing the Mouse who started it all! Now if I could just stop crying like a big baby :lmao:.

[DizNee Luver]

:jumping1: Woo Hoo the travel package!!! SWEET!!!!! :jumping1:

[6Smiles]

:jumping1: Woo Hoo the travel package!!! SWEET!!!!! :jumping1:

Thank you! I am so excited we have so much prepaid we will only have to worry about incidentals. I have been stashing gift cards away too. Now if my DH feels better :sick: we'll be all set.

[kaoden39]

:dance3:Yay for the package coming!! That is so exciting!!:dance3:

pirate:Sorry to hear hubby is sick.:sick: Better now though.

[6Smiles]

:dance3:Yay for the package coming!! That is so exciting!!:dance3:

pirate:Sorry to hear hubby is sick.:sick: Better now though.


I'm excited about our trip but DH has been going to work even though he's been sick. If he misses any work right now we have to cut three days off our trip because he'll have to work one day and we are weekend to weekend. He has health issues to begin with so I am a bit concerned right now. He has to work today and tomorrow also but is off Saturday and Sunday and my DMIL and DFIL will have our kids so he should be able to rest and hopefully recover :thumbsup2.

[kaoden39]

I'm excited about our trip but DH has been going to work even though he's been sick. If he misses any work right now we have to cut three days off our trip because he'll have to work one day and we are weekend to weekend. He has health issues to begin with so I am a bit concerned right now. He has to work today and tomorrow also but is off Saturday and Sunday and my DMIL and DFIL will have our kids so he should be able to rest and hopefully recover :thumbsup2.

Thank goodness for DIL's. My husband is the same way. He cannot miss work, he has 5 work days left and then he will be off.

[6Smiles]

Thank goodness for DIL's. My husband is the same way. He cannot miss work, he has 5 work days left and then he will be off.

It is a bit nerve wracking. However, I'd rather cut days than cut the vacation entirely!

[kaoden39]

It is a bit nerve wracking. However, I'd rather cut days than cut the vacation entirely!

Or go on vacation when one or more of you are sick. Last time we were there I was so sick and this is my triumphant return. It is so hard to have someone sick while you are there.

[DizNee Luver]

:tinker: Sending some *+*+*Pixie Dust*+*+* to your family....so they'll all get better quick & be healthy & ready to go!!!! :thumbsup2

[6Smiles]

Or go on vacation when one or more of you are sick. Last time we were there I was so sick and this is my triumphant return. It is so hard to have someone sick while you are there.

I'm really hoping he will recover this weekend, but I think we will still go even if he is sick, though not my first choice :sad2:.

:tinker: Sending some *+*+*Pixie Dust*+*+* to your family....so they'll all get better quick & be healthy & ready to go!!!! :thumbsup2

:hippie: Thank you for the pixie dust.


I've been trying to finish :laundy: and I've been taking the kids holey jeans and turning them into cute shorts. I'm just about done and they all now have 3 - 6 pair of shorts to wear to Disneyland and school. I'm in the next stage of matching and mix matching clothes for the kiddos. We are getting close :cool1:.

[kaoden39]

I'm really hoping he will recover this weekend, but I think we will still go even if he is sick, though not my first choice :sad2:.



:hippie: Thank you for the pixie dust.


I've been trying to finish :laundy: and I've been taking the kids holey jeans and turning them into cute shorts. I'm just about done and they all now have 3 - 6 pair of shorts to wear to Disneyland and school. I'm in the next stage of matching and mix matching clothes for the kiddos. We are getting close :cool1:.

Did I see 15 days?:cool1:

I hope that DH is feeling better.:hug:

[6Smiles]

Did I see 15 days?:cool1:

I hope that DH is feeling better.:hug:

15 days! Girls are looking forward to tomorrow when we hit the two week mark :thumbsup2.

Thanks for the hug :). DH is still under the weather today. He'll sleep until he has to go in as he works 2nd shift. Tomorrow he'll take the kids over to his parents house, come home and crash. I'm hoping to pick up the rest of the medicine and toiletry items, go to the dollar store and then pack up my younger two. I think I'm bringing shorts and capris for the most part and then a few pair of jeans. My kids tend to run warm and the weather should be comparable to ours.

[kaoden39]

15 days! Girls are looking forward to tomorrow when we hit the two week mark :thumbsup2.

Thanks for the hug :). DH is still under the weather today. He'll sleep until he has to go in as he works 2nd shift. Tomorrow he'll take the kids over to his parents house, come home and crash. I'm hoping to pick up the rest of the medicine and toiletry items, go to the dollar store and then pack up my younger two. I think I'm bringing shorts and capris for the most part and then a few pair of jeans. My kids tend to run warm and the weather should be comparable to ours.

I am bringing shorts, capris, and only one pair of long pants. I figure that I may end up doing laundry while we are there. It won't be the first time and I doubt it will be the last.

[6Smiles]

I am bringing shorts, capris, and only one pair of long pants. I figure that I may end up doing laundry while we are there. It won't be the first time and I doubt it will be the last.


I'm still watching the weather but for the kiddos their outfits consist of shorts and capris and then I will bring a couple of pair of jeans for them.

Good News DH was tormenting me before he left for work :lmao: means he is starting to feel better :thumbsup2.

[kaoden39]

I'm still watching the weather but for the kiddos their outfits consist of shorts and capris and then I will bring a couple of pair of jeans for them.

Good News DH was tormenting me before he left for work :lmao: means he is starting to feel better :thumbsup2.

Glad to hear about hubby!!

You know the jeans might be nice in the morning or in the evening, because of fog.

[6Smiles]

:dance3::dance3::dance3::cool1::cool1: 11 days!

Working on the itinerary. Playing with ridemax and getting nervous. We are all getting really excited but I am wondering how WOC will affect crowds. We are probably not going to see WOC this time. It is really hard planning when you haven't been there since 1982 as a kid. I have to say I am definitely excited but feel a bit unprepared. My DH just laughs because I am constantly running through itineraries, meal plans and ride plans for the morning. It will definitely be interesting to see what the girls think. I am really looking forward to our beach day as well. Growing up on Long Island, NY I really miss the beach, walking the boardwalk and seeing the gorgeous sunsets reflecting off the water :cloud9:. I have my younger kiddos pretty much packed but will pack some jeans for them aside their daily oufits for weather changes. I am hoping we don't see 100 degree weather since we will be leaving this type of weather including a heat advisory yesterday. Heres hoping for the eighties! We start wearing capris and shorts in the sixties so I'm thinking we'll be okay in the mornings and bring sweaters for the night time chill. Will do the final shopping this weekend while my kids are off with their grandparents. We leave next Friday night/early saturday morning :woohoo:.

[kaoden39]

In think the jeans are a great idea because the weather in the mornings and the night they may be needed. The funny thing about the California coast is we have fog during the summer a lot of days. Anaheim is close enough to the beach that the fog can affect it. But, on the other hand when it is hot it is HOT. We live a little further in from the coast, nit much and today it is much cooler but we have been in the high 80's and whiny because we had been having so much cooler weather. You just never know.

[6Smiles]

:dance3::dance3::dance3:

SINGLE DIGITS 9 MORE DAYS :cool1:

[kaoden39]

Woo hoo on the single digits!!

[6Smiles]

One week from today we will be enjoying Disneyland. Although I have been once before I really can not remember it. I feel as if I am going for my first time.

Today the girls are going to a birthday party so DH and I will be doing some shopping, getting the oil changed in the van and going through the car wash. This week will consist of packing, lists, ridemax, and baking some yummy treats to take with us.

The excitement is building as we are getting closer, not long now.

[DizNee Luver]

One week!! :cool1: It does start to get real about now....hope the week flies by quickly & you have a wonderful trip!!

[kaoden39]

One week from today we will be enjoying Disneyland. Although I have been once before I really can not remember it. I feel as if I am going for my first time.

Today the girls are going to a birthday party so DH and I will be doing some shopping, getting the oil changed in the van and going through the car wash. This week will consist of packing, lists, ridemax, and baking some yummy treats to take with us.

The excitement is building as we are getting closer, not long now.

Sounds wonderful to me!! We are leaving as you are coming!! I'll wave going down the highway!!

Have a great time!! And I look forward to your trip report!!

[6Smiles]

One week!! :cool1: It does start to get real about now....hope the week flies by quickly & you have a wonderful trip!!

Hi Laurie-
It is getting very real now. I didn't get as much as I wanted to today but I did get the oil changed and found some cute clothes for me, a dress for my oldest and a couple of pairs of shorts for DH. I hope the time goes quickly also but at the same time I still have a lot to do. We're celebrating Father's Day with the DH's Dad tommorrow since we won't be here next Sunday.


Sounds wonderful to me!! We are leaving as you are coming!! I'll wave going down the highway!!

I'll wave back and remember you said you would try and keep the parks standing :laughing:!

Have a great time!! And I look forward to your trip report!!

I hope you and your family have an awesome and magical vacation :wizard:.


Thanks for teaching me how to multiquote look ^^^^ it worked :thumbsup2!

[kaoden39]

Hi Laurie-
It is getting very real now. I didn't get as much as I wanted to today but I did get the oil changed and found some cute clothes for me, a dress for my oldest and a couple of pairs of shorts for DH. I hope the time goes quickly also but at the same time I still have a lot to do. We're celebrating Father's Day with the DH's Dad tommorrow since we won't be here next Sunday.




I hope you and your family have an awesome and magical vacation :wizard:.


Thanks for teaching me how to multiquote look ^^^^ it worked :thumbsup2!

Yay!! I am proud of you getting that down. It took me a while to get it. I finally asked some friends of mine. My day has been insane. We are ready to go except for Scotty and I packing our stuff. Mine because I am waiting for the last of it to dry. His because I won't pack it this trip.

[Sherry E]

I'm finally subscribing! I'm going to get caught up in reading the TR!!:goodvibes

[6Smiles]

:welcome: Sherry, So happy to have you aboard! I will be updating as the week goes on.

[disneydreamer74]

JUst got caught up and subbing..!! yay you are almost there!! woohoo!!:cool1: And I totally feel your pain..I transferred to NM from Sierra Vista, AZ to finish my degree at the university here. Once I arrived, I found that I had to re take several classes I had taken at the community college..ugh!!:confused3 I will be driving to my sister's home in SV the night before,,then hit the road to DLR from there..so it is an 8 hour road trip for us as well!! But a fun one!! weeeeee!! I know you and your family will have a wonderful time!

[6Smiles]

Welcome Disneydreamer74, Glad to have you aboard :goodvibes.

Well we have three days left and have firmed up our dining:

Sat 6/19 - Carnation Cafe
Sun 6/20 - Goofy's Kitchen (Brunch)
Mon 6/21 - Beach Day (IN-N-Out)
Tues 6/22 - Hanging out at hotel (Dominoes)
Wed 6/23 - Cafe' Orleans
Thurs 6/24 - Wetzel Pretzels/Jamba Juice
Fri 6/25 - Ariel's Grotto (Lunch) PPH (Dinner)
Sat 6/26 - Fire & Ice for Lunch/ TBD Counter Serve for Dinner
Sun 6/27 - Leave for Home

Snacks mostly trying for the first time:
Mint Julip
Tigger Tail
Cheshire Tail
Dole Whip
Baked Goods

We are bringing:
Choclate Chip Cookies
Banana Nut Bread
Trail Mix
Gold Fish
Wheat Thins
Life Savers
Water
Power Aide
Capri Sun
Have some powdered mixes of kool-aid/lemonade


I just finished cutting Bugaboo's hair and am waiting for the margarine to soften to make Chocolate Chip Cookies. We are all raring to go and can not wait. Four Days left :woohoo:.

[DizNee Luver]

:cheer2: Woo Hoo~~~4 Days!! :cheer2:

Your itinerary looks great!!

[6Smiles]

:cheer2: Woo Hoo~~~4 Days!! :cheer2:

Your itinerary looks great!!

Thank You for all your help :goodvibes!

[6Smiles]

:cheer2: We leave in a few hours for the happiest place on earth! :cheer2:

[DizNee Luver]

:cheer2: We leave in a few hours for the happiest place on earth! :cheer2:

:jumping1:HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!:jumping1:

[GoofySon'sMom]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana::banana:

Have a great trip!!

[kaoden39]

Have a wonderful time!!

[6Smiles]

:jumping1:HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!:jumping1:

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana::banana:

Have a great trip!!

Have a wonderful time!!


Thank you! We arrived safely and are having a wonderful time. We arrived this morning about 11:30 am and our room was ready! So we checked in and got situated. We waited 5 minutes for the ART and went to Disneyland. Our first ride was small world and then went on the carousel. Mary poppins and Bert rode and that was so cool. Bugaboo had some minor breakdowns and so we went to our Ressie at Carnation cafe. The loaded baked potato soup, fruit, steak sandwich etc. was soooooo delicious we are debating trying to go again for lunch just for the potato soup!!! It was that good. We came back to the hotel and went for a swim and are now settling down our exhausted family so we hit our MM day tommorrow morning and Goofy's kitchen for brunch! Will upload pictures when I get a chance. TTFN!

[kaoden39]

So, they are going to have the MM tomorrow? They cancelled it this week while we were there. But I think I may know why. The first lady brought the girls on Thursday night to DCA and maybe they were giving her the option to bring the girls during MM.

[Karenann*]

So glad for your first magical day!!!! Enjoy!

[disneydreamer74]

Yay! you made it..bet you are having a magical time!:goodvibes

[DizNee Luver]

Sounds great so far........enjoy your time & feel free to share some of the magic with us when you can!!! princess:

[6Smiles]

We are home and I have to say it has been tough being home after a wonderful vacation. I've been going through California/Disneyland withdrawls and have been feeling quite :sad2:. As I get my stuff in order I will tell you all about our magical adventure with some awesome magic that happened along the way.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Glad to hear your trip was a good one but ugh it is so hard coming home! :sad1:

Looking forward to the details!

[DizNee Luver]

We are home and I have to say it has been tough being home after a wonderful vacation. I've been going through California/Disneyland withdrawls and have been feeling quite :sad2:. As I get my stuff in order I will tell you all about our magical adventure with some awesome magic that happened along the way.

Welcome home & I know that feeling all too well.......I guess that's why we're always talking & planning the "next" trip!!! Can't wait to see the report & pics!!

[kaoden39]

Welcome Home!! I missed you!! I am glad you had a magical time and I can hardly wait to hear all about it.!!