The LONGEST PTR ever...2012 here we come! :) *DATES!! PG 10* [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

*Seanaci*

04-25-2010, 09:10 PM

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation266-1.jpg

I've gone and done it.
I've jumped off the deep end.
After much back and forth, hemming and hawing, (amongst my own inner voices I might add) I've decided to start my PTR.
A PTR for a trip which isn't for another year and a half!
Am I bored? You bet.
Am I crazy? Most assuredly. But, I find myself drawn to others TR's and PTR's and needing something to do during my down time.

So, with a bright smile on my face I :welcome: you!

Now on with the show...or should I say PTR.

The Who:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/October046-1.jpg

Seanaci (31): Me. DIS fanatic who spends most of my days (anymore) on the DIS reading TR’s and PTR’s (I’m beginning to wonder what I did with my days BEFORE the DIS) I. have been to DL once (1995) and WDW 3 times (1997-off-site, 2003 off-site, 2008 on-site). Fell in love with Disney forever ago on my first trip to DL. I was the planner for the 2008 trip (meaning I priced room rates and park tickets, plane tickets, then booked it all as well as made our only ADR; other than that, going with a 14 month old our day to day touring plans were fly by the seat of our pants) and now this trip as well (though this trip I plan to price room rates, park tickets, book ADR’s,, price plane tickets, book it all and have some sort of touring plan). I’m also known as Mom, daughter, wife, sister and aunt (in that order, lol). And even though (right now) the planning surrounding this trip seems intimidating, I intend to plan with gusto!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/October048.jpg

Ken (40): DH. Amazing father to our son and a pretty great husband too. I mean, he does put up with me being on the DIS 12+ hours a day. (Ok, so I exaggerate…it’s not really 12+ hours a day, but it sure feels like it sometimes.) Anywho. He went to DL as a child (around 2 or 3 he tells me) and his first trip to WDW was in 2008. He’s anxious to get back again…as there is a lot he didn’t get to do. He works hard so that I am able to stay at home with our kiddo as long as possible. And for that, I am forever in-debted to him. He’s also working very hard to lose a LOT of weight not only for this trip, but for his health. It was a year ago he was diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medication. It was also when he started watching what he ate, how much he ate, exercising more (eve if it is/was just a 30 minute walk around the office building where he works) and is down 33 pounds. I’m very proud of him. His weight loss also plays into the length of stay for this trip; which I will explain later.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/October014.jpg

Keegan (3): Our only kiddo (for now at least). He’s our world. We took him to WDW for the first time when he was 14 months old back in 2008. He LOVED it. And when he sees pictures now, you can just see the little wheels turning in his head remembering that trip. Currently, all planes that fly over our house are going to “Mickey Mouse house.” He is most like Stitch...or Tigger because he’s soooooo full of energy. However, his favourite movie (and therefore possibly favourite character) is Cars. He doesn’t have one favourite car. No. This kid has the whole LOT of Cars cars. I ordered 6 off E-bay a week before Christmas. And my sister just bought him 6 more. Not to mention every time we walk into the Disney store, he books it for the wall of Cars. And always hands me something he thinks he can’t live without. He will be 4 by the time we go in 2011…and I’m hoping he’s tall enough for some of the bigger rides. We’ll see. (Currently, at 2.5 years old, he is all of 30 pounds and about 34 or 35 inches tall.)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/October042.jpg

My Mom (52): Also known as Mimi (I will most likely refer to her this way in the PTR and TR…heck, I call her Mimi on a day to day basis). She’s been to WDW 3 times (1997 off-site, 2003 off-site, 2008 on-site), and DL once (2006). She is so ready to go back to WDW she can practically taste it. She loves her grandkids (besides Keegan, there are two more grandkids who most likely and sadly will never get to go to WDW, but that’s a story for another day and forum altogether) and she and I are not only mother and daughter, but best friends. Part of this stems from me never leaving home. Well, except for the…7 months DH and I moved out right after we found out I was pregnant. But just before Keegan was born, we decided it would be cheaper for us if I quit my job and stayed home with Keegan. However, that also meant moving back in with my parents. But, alas. Because of the layout of our house (we live in a bi-level), they live downstairs 75% of the time and we have run of the upstairs. So it all works out and we get along just swimmingly. Her favourite Disney Character is Winnie the Pooh. In fact, a 3-4 inch Pooh Bear can be found on her left ankle (I think). And it’s quite funny during the summer (as it’s not covered by her long pants or socks) when little ones notice it and point and tell their parent “look! She has Pooh on her ankle.” The faces of the parents are priceless until they look and realize it’s not the poo they think. ;)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/October060.jpg

My Dad (58): Also known as Papa (again, most likely how I will refer to him during this PTR and TR). He’s been to WDW 2 times (2003 off-site and 2008 on-site) and DL once (2006). He’s ready to get back to the World as well. As with my mom, he and I get along pretty well (and as stated above in mom’s paragraph) it’s because I never left home. :goodvibes: He tries to compete with me in the who loves Disney more department. But I’m pretty sure I win by a landslide. Just saying. Anyway. I’m not sure he has a favoruite Disney character. But, if I had to pick a character that he is like, I’d have to say he’s a mix of Goofy and Grumpy. He has his moments when he laughs at himself and/or life, and thinks himself funnier than he actually is (I love you dad) and then he has his moments where everything is awful…and he’s grumpy and goes along to get along. All in all though, I’d say it’s a pretty good mix.

I must add in a sort of foot note here. My parents may or may not be along for this trip in the very end. It all depends on my mom’s job situation come fall of 2011. She works in the school district, and as I’m sure many of you know, there are a LOT of cuts being made within education. She just missed being cut for the 2010-2011 school year in the last month. However, the 2011-2012 school year appears to still be up in the air. So, we will see what happens in the end.

I think that about covers the WHO. And since this post is already woefully long, I shall save the rest of the W’s for another (or maybe many other) posts. :D

Thanks for joining in! I look forward to suggestions, advice, new friendships, and fun!

*Seanaci*

04-25-2010, 09:11 PM

Intoduction and The Who (remains unchanged) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36409834&postcount=1)

The OLD When & Where (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36422473&postcount=7)

The Why... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36525553&postcount=13)

Resort Change Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37827545&postcount=27)

Kind of Disappointed... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39771046&postcount=72)
New Trip Details will now be in this amazing Magenta color. :rotfl2:

SERIOUS re-evaluation of...everything!! (And reason for the title change) :) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38252111&postcount=34)

NEW DATES!! :) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38371315&postcount=40)

Dining Decided (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39471492&postcount=52)

Mish Mash of trip Gobbledy-gook (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39544277&postcount=59)

Open letter from creator/founder of DISboards...my support (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39593380&postcount=65)

Cars, Vacay, and Squirrels...Oh My! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39744440&postcount=68)

Kind of Disappointed... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39771046&postcount=72)

deslynnpatterson

04-25-2010, 09:20 PM

it is never too early to start a PTR:) I am looking forward to hearing about your plans!!! count me in!

YukiPhnx

04-26-2010, 11:24 AM

You KNOW I'm in. That photo of Keegan in sunglasses is SO CUUTE!

*Seanaci*

04-26-2010, 01:05 PM

You KNOW I'm in. That photo of Keegan in sunglasses is SO CUUTE!

I'm so glad you're here!

We took that picture a couple weeks ago along Clear Creek coming down the canyon. We went back to the same spot yesterday to maybe get another picture...but the rock he was sitting on was surrounded by water. We've had a TON of rain the last 4 days!

*Seanaci*

04-26-2010, 01:06 PM

it is never too early to start a PTR:) I am looking forward to hearing about your plans!!! count me in!

Thank you for joining in! I'm hoping this PTR finds more people joining on. With 18 months still to go till the trip, I'm thinking it's a possibility!

New update coming after while.

*Seanaci*

04-26-2010, 06:10 PM

tinacaplan

04-26-2010, 07:22 PM

*Seanaci*

04-26-2010, 07:39 PM

I had to check this out because I want to start a PTR for a trip that might not be until July of 2012! :rotfl: But I don't know...could be sooner. :confused3 I just know that after my last trip (first as an adult), I am obsessed with planning another one!

Good to know I'm not alone!

Lol. You're never alone when Disney planning is involved. :rotfl:

What I'd like to know is what's the earliest anyone has started a PTR for a trip. KWIM?

ETA: Don't be surprised if this PTR involves a trip with Myself, Mimi, and Keegan to at least Disneyland BEFORE our big trip that this PTR is actually for. ;)

YukiPhnx

04-27-2010, 05:50 PM

The When and Where:

We...no...make that I have several dates in mind for this trip. However, they are all dependant on one thing or another (ie work schedules, finances, weight loss). So, as of now, these are some of the dates we're looking at:

December 16-26, 2011 (we'd be taking an evening/night flight out since the 16th is a Friday and my parents would be working)
December 17-26, 2011 (since the 17th is a Saturday, I'd book the earliest flight out; I look at it this way, our room (or rooms) might not be ready when we got there, but it wouldn't mean staying out of a park)
December 17-30, 2011 (I'm kind of thinking this one is lowest on the list of possibilities because of finances...but we'll see; again with the flight, we'll take an early flight out)
December 17-27, 2011 (again, early flight out on the 17th)

The other thing I am thinking might happen is that some leave for the World earlier...while others come a day or two later. Likewise at the end of the trip, some stay in the World longer and others go home a day or two earlier. This may happen anyway if my DH's work ever switches over to their new shifts (they're looking at working 12 hour days as follows: 3 days on, 4 days off, and then 4 days on, 3 days off)...if that happens, he, myself, and the kiddo might look into flying out sometime on Thursday the 15th. But, again, NONE of this is set in stone. So we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

This option would be great. Gives you guys some time to get to know your resort and for Keegan to get used to your resort before you head for the parks.

On to where we will be staying. When we stayed on property for the first time back in Dec 2008, we stayed at AllStar Music in a family suite. While it saved us a little money, having a 14 month old in unfamiliar surroundings (especially at night) caused some semi-sleepless nights. In hindsight, we should have booked 2 connecting rooms and then DH and I could have taken turns sleeping in the other bed with Keegan.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/ShelbyAD/Pop%20Century%20Resort%20WDW/IMG_1981.jpg
This is not my photo. Thanks to whomever posted this on photobucket!

Hooray for Pop Century! :cheer2: I hope you guys get it. I'm really looking forward to staying there.

My DH suggested we try Pop Century this trip. So, as of right now, that's where we'll be...provided they have rooms available when we are finally able to choose our dates. I'd like to avoid a resort split stay if at all possible. I know I know. I've read other TR's of DISers who did split resort stays and had no issue with transferring luggage to the new resort. I think my not wanting to resort hop is just a comfort thing. I like to get to know the layout of the resort and where everything is. I would most likely be a total spaz if we had to do a split resort stay.

That's exactly how I feel! I understand resort-splitting if you'll be staying for 10 plus days and if a deal shows up for that resort on those dates, but I love just settling into one room for the whole of my vacation, and not have to pack it up and move in the middle of it.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/Copyofdisneyvacation205.jpg
This is my photo. LOL

That being said. If we can't get into Pop for all the days of our trip, AllStar Music is my 2nd choice. I really liked it here 2 years ago. And wouldn't mind this being our "home" resort when we go to Disney. Sure, the buses at the end of the day weren't ideal, but it beat renting a car and paying to park at the parks every day. Plus, the commutes to and from the parks didn't seem nearly as long as my trusty Unofficial Guide prints. :confused3

Ok. I think that about covers the when and where. What's left to cover? The Why? Yup. I think now all I have to cover is the WHY of the trip. But that's a post for another day!

Again, thanks for reading along!

Sorry it took me so long to get here. Been kind of busy lately :sad2:

*Seanaci*

04-29-2010, 10:45 PM

No worries, Yuki.

Sorry I haven't updated this week. I babysit my neighbors spoiled and demanding grandson Monday through Thursday. So I have no time to update while he's here.

I'm hoping to get another update posted over the weekend though!

Thanks for sticking with me. :hugs

YukiPhnx

04-30-2010, 11:30 PM

No problems! Can't wait for that update ^_^

*Seanaci*

05-04-2010, 02:33 PM

Sorry it's taken me so long to update again. Been uber busy (between ignoring calls I should be taking, baby-sitting and not getting paid one time, as well as dealing with a drama DH)...I just haven't been in the mind set to post another update.

Although, when I think about it, since the trip is still so far away, I will probably post an update once a week or so. Just depends on how I feel.

That being said...on to the update.

The Why:

I just realised there are several points to the "why" we're going part. So, I'll be sure to touch on them all.

The first will be "why are we going in December?" Which is easy enough. My mom works in a school district, so she doesn't have to take any extra time off work. We also really love the Christmas decorations and vibe around the world. It also doesn't hurt that the weather is perfect! The only time I have not been to the world at Christmas time was when I went with band back in high school. Back then we went in April. Anywho! I digress. The only downside to going in at Christmas time is the crowds are much higher. But, we deal with it. And having a kiddo under 5, we take it slow anyway.

The other reason we are going is because when we went back in 2008, DH didn't get to ride Dumbo. Now, I realise for some this isn't a big deal. But for us it was a big deal. The reason he didn't get to ride it was because we are both Pooh-size plus some. And since he and I were riding together (our DS was riding with Mimi), we couldn't fit. So, when we go in 2011, we want to be able to ride it together. So this trip will be a celebration of sorts for us in our weight loss (I'll update our weight loss in another post).

Really what other reason does one need to go to the World other than they LOVE it there?

Plus we'd really like to get to a point where we can take a yearly trip. That way if we miss something on one trip, we can just say "no biggie...we'll hit it next time."

So, I guess that about does it for the why. I feel like I'm missing something. And I might be. But my kiddo isn't feeling well today...runny nose...amongst other runny things (I'll spare you). He's been a snuggler today...which is another reason I know he's not feeling well. Most days he'll be all over the place playing with his toys. When he really doesn't feel good, he lays on the couch or curls up next to me and snuggles.

I guess if I think of what I forgot, I'll be sore to post it later!

Thanks for sticking with me!! :hug:

Continued here... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36539014&postcount=15)

YukiPhnx

05-04-2010, 02:42 PM

Hope Keegan feels better soon! One year, I'm going to take a trip in November, when all the Christmas lights are up but the crowds are low. Christmas is my favourite holiday.

*Seanaci*

05-05-2010, 02:43 PM

Ok. Keegan is feeling much better today! :D Guess yesterday was just the really low day for him. *shrugs*

Anyway! On with the PTR. ;D

So, in my last post, I said I was going to keep you guys up to date on our weight loss (which is what we will be celebrating on the trip in 2011 and what might end up turning our trip into a few days more than an 8-10 day trip).

A little backstory I should add in as to how the weight loss really came into play for the trip.

About a year ago, my husband went to the doctor. He had headaches, and was tired all the time. Not to mention bloody noses all the time. Just didn't feel himself. After many many blood draws and tests on those blood draws, he was put on medication for high blood pressure. He was also encouraged to lose weight as well.

So, he's been watching his portions, drinking less pop/soda (whatever you know it as, lol), and talking walks during his lunch hour when the weather was decent. I am happy to say that a year ago, he weighed 346 pounds. And as of a couple weeks ago, we was down to 313. So he has lost a total of 33 pounds...so far. He has a long way to go...but he is getting there and that is the important part.

Me on the other hand...*sighs* I'm a whole different story.

When my DH was told to start losing weight, I made the decision to lose weight with him. That's turned out to be quite a chore. As 2 weeks into my daily workout routines, I fell down two stairs carrying my son and rolled my ankle. I was in a walking boot for 6 weeks after that. Once I was able to start my workouts again, summer was upon me. You'd think that'd be perfect motivation to get out and walk with DS everyday, right? Wrong. :( I spent more time in front of the computer/tv/video games than I did walking.

By the time fall rolled around, I was determined to start working out. But then things started going...south with our Debt Settlement plans (we've got 3 cc's with a debt settlement company...and it seemed we were just getting hounded by the collectors and trying to get those companies to contact the debt settlement company was a stressful time for me).

It took a good two months to get that settled. If you're doing the math...that means by the time it was settled out and we weren't getting harrassing calls anymore, the holidays were upon us. More stress.

Finally, the 1st of this year hit. I was doing well. Working out for at least a half hour on our newly purchased WiiFit. I was down about 6-10 pounds. When I get a phone call from the debt settlement company. You can probably already see where this is going. They called to tell me that the 1 credit card that had been settled about 7 months prior had been pulled back by the issuing bank. And that it meant most likely the $ we'd already paid on it would be lost and we'd have to start all over with the settlement process. :( Ugh! It seemed I could never catch a break.

I can actually say, that in the last week, I've just started working out again and doing well. In fact, I should probably wrap up this update and get on my WiiFit. :P Before I do, I will just say that I am down about 5 pounds in the last week. And on my way. Finally!

Again, thanks for sticking with me! :cutie:

YukiPhnx

05-05-2010, 03:58 PM

*Seanaci*

05-05-2010, 05:58 PM

Glad to see you've started working out again!

For me, I have a goal to get fit and get my body more toned. I know I'm certainly not pooh-sized, but I'm terribly unfit. 2-3 flights of stairs and I'm huffing and puffing. It just goes to show you, just cause you're skinny does not mean you're fit.

I've been going to the gym more often to train my endurance, doing more weights (mostly for my thighs and abs), and been walking to and from school as much as possible. It's about a 20 min walk each way.

I'm going to try to get to the gym at least once a week. Let's hope we succeed in our fitness goals!

Good job! I wish I had time to make it to a gym. But since I babysit from 7:30-4 Monday through Thursday, I just don't have time. If I knew the mom I babysit for wouldn't mind, I'd take both boys with me and leave them in the daycare center at the gym to work out.

Oh well. Least I have my WiiFit. Which I am learning I really love. I found a free-step "game" on it last week. It gives me a speed/beat to step to, and I can turn the channel and watch tv or pop a movie in the DVD player while I exercise (step up and down off the wii fit board). Today I watched Days of Our Lives and stepped. It was great!!

*Seanaci*

05-10-2010, 02:15 PM

I'm hoping to get an update posted sometime this week. I was dealing with a sick kiddo from Friday on (stomach bug :(). So, once I get my thoughts together this week, I'll get an update posted. :D

YukiPhnx

05-10-2010, 04:33 PM

I hope Keegan is feeling much better by now!

*Seanaci*

05-12-2010, 07:36 PM

Ok. Keegan is feeling much better. I never caught what he had...but I haven't had a decent nights sleep since last Friday :headache:...because I am now having to deal with the stress of my daycare charge and her baby daddy (SO) splitting up. :headache::scared1:

She text messaged me Sunday night to see if I would keep him starting at 7 this week. It's only a half hour earlier. But when her mom dropped the baby off, she told me it was only for this week and that she wasn't sure what was going to happen next week. So, I deduced (deducted?) in my own thoughts what it might mean for me:

1) She takes baby to him when she leaves for work at 5:30 am

OR

2) I offer to start keeping him at 6am (putting me at a 10 hour "work" day) as she is living with her parents who happen to live across the street from us and her mom can bring him at 6 just before she leaves for work.

or

3) I don't keep him any more because she finds someone who will keep him 10 hours a day (this option was looking good to me because then my son and I could actually go to the mall or museum or zoo like we used to before I started keeping the baby)

So, what do I do? I think about it all day Monday...talk to my mom about my thoughts/idea and call them offering to start keeping him 6-4 so she doesn't have to worry about finding other care OR having to shuffle the baby so much in the mornings. However, I did request $5 more per day for the increase in hours (so rather than $20 a day, it'd be $25 a day). She accepts the new hours and terms and all is well.

Until LAST night. :sad2: She text messaged me to tell me that her SO was keeping the baby last night so he'd be bringing the baby at 7:30. :headache: Really? Ugh.

Baby will be here at 6 tomorrow. Thank goodness I only keep him 4 days a week. But I foresee this one early morning, one late morning thing being a trend for some reason. And if that's the case, I'm going to gently tell her she needs to either bring him early or bring him late or find other care for him...cause I'm not doing this whole sleep in one day, get up early the next for the baby. It's not worth it for $90 extra a week...not to mention the headache.

I'll keep ya posted on how things go with it.

And I won't even mention my credit card settlement situation (it was settled almost a year ago...the final two payments were never cashed/deposited on the collection agencies end leaving me to call the original issuing bank to work things out...come to find out today that because the settlement was reached nearly a year ago, they very likely WON'T honor the remainder of the agreement and I'll have to resettle it for even more $...luckily I have a debt settlement company that has been a Godsend and walked me through exactly what to say to the credit card company.).

Ok...that's it, I've got to go nurse this dull headache I've had since lunch time.

Disney update coming HOPEFULLY Friday or sometime over the weekend.

Thanks for sticking with me! :hug:

YukiPhnx

05-13-2010, 11:49 AM

*Seanaci*

05-14-2010, 08:52 PM

Wow....sounds like a pretty big headache there with the baby situation. So she hasn't really confirmed that she'll be bringing you the baby at 6 everyday right? Sounds like they have issues they need to work out, and you're just kind of there trying to hold onto something that isn't very tangible.

I would suggest you think about it some more? It seems like you've made up your mind though. If she doesn't go for the same-time-every day thing, then you'll just ask her to find someone else.

Maybe you can find another way to get that extra $90 a week without all this stress. And be able to spend more time with Keegan too.

:hug:

You have no idea what a headache it is.

I'm going to give it one more week (since last week was the first week of the 10 hour days) to get her stuff together. If I get a text message Monday night that I can "sleep in" because her SO is bringing the baby Tuesday morning, I'm done. I either want to be in bed early so I can be up early for the baby OR stay up to watch my 9 o'clock shows and then go to bed at 10 to be up at 7:30 for the baby. It's hard enough on me when the freaking time changes twice a year. I'd feel like I was doing a time change every day if that's how she thinks she'll be doing things.

We don't really need the money I'm making watching the baby (the money I make from watching the baby is our "fun" money so to speak...we save it for a rainy day or go out to dinner more, stuff like that)...so I dont' really need to be watching him. The only reason I'm watching him is because she asked while she was pregnant with him. And other in-home day care (or even public, out-of home day cares) charge way more than $25 a day for an infant. Not to mention, she knows he's being treated well, fed on his schedule, diaper changed every couple hours, etc etc. The money was really just a bonus for me to say I'd keep him.

Anywho. I digress. I'll keep ya'll up to date on this drama as it unfolds. lol :D

Next post is a Disney update. :D

*Seanaci*

06-29-2010, 02:57 PM

So much to update on. It's been far too long since I've been on the DIS.

1) Babysitting front: Things are going well. The baby's mom and dad are getting a divorce (he's an abusive butthead, long story short, she got a restraining order against him because he made threats against her and her family, he got a restraining order against her stepdad because he beat the **** out of him after he egged the stepdad on about how stupid she is; they go to court next month for the divorce and custoday hearing). Baby does so well here...and I'm glad I didn't lose him as I thought I would when everything turned really sour. He's like my second kid. :)

2) Keegan is doing well. Allergies are driving him (not to mention myself) crazy...but children's Zyrtec really helps during the day. I also started potty training him 2 weeks ago. The first week was really bad. And I kept questioning whether or not I should continue on. By Friday, I had talked to several mommy friends who suggested the naked method (naked from the waist down). So, last Monday, I tried it. And what do you know, it worked!! He is wearing big boy underwear all day, except for at nap time and bed time...he still gets put in a pull up then. He does still have little accidents, but he's got the hang of it. Though it is a continued struggle every day to get him to tell me before he has an accident...and so I do a load of laundry every evening to wash his undies. lol :D

3) My mom has been on vacation from work since then beginning of June...so that is part of the reason I've not been on the DIS near as much. We take the boys to the zoo, or park and go run errands several days a week. And since she's home, she uses her laptop all day. I still don't have a laptop and one of the boys naps in the computer room, so I don't have access to a comptuer until after 4pm. And by that time I am always so tired, all I do is hop on the net, check facebook, read a few PTR'S and TR's and log off again.

I am hoping with DH's work bonus coming next Friday, we can go invest in a netbook. That would at least allow me to surf the net, reply on forums and play the online games I play.

And finally. DH and I will be going away for our first ever no kid weekend the 9th through the 11th. I must admit, I am going to have seperation anxiety more than my kiddo will. lol. But, it will be fun. We're staying at a hotel 45 minutes from home. And we'll be driving up to the mountains on the 10th just for fun. I really can't wait. It should be a nice, relaxing time. :D

Anywho!

That's it for the real life update...trip update coming in the next post. :)

YukiPhnx

06-29-2010, 03:38 PM

Yaaay! It's great having you back~ :hug: So glad to hear things are working out well for you.

1) It must be hard to see some people being so abusive. I'm glad she's been brave enough to separate herself from him and that her kid is safe with you. Not a lot of women can do that.

2) The naked method! Now THAT sounds really smart. When I was potty training my cousins, I just put them on the toilet every hour or less, to get them used to it. After about a MONTH of it, they finally started using the potty. It was a beautiful thing. Those pull-ups trainers only work as fail safes in case of accidents. When it comes to potty training, they're not good at all! Kids feel the "cool" but do nothing, or they don't really notice the colour changing cause they're too busy playing. I'm so proud of Keegan.

3) Ooh, netbooks are VERY affordable nowadays. You should definitely be able to get one for less than $300. A good one too.

4)Oooh, a getaway! Sounds like a lot of fun! I hope you guys have a great time!

Can't wait for that update!

*Seanaci*

07-08-2010, 12:00 PM

going away for the weekend for our anniversary tomorrow...my parents are going too watch keegan for us.

I'll get an update posted on the wdw trip after we get home. The update has to do with a change in resort. Stay tuned!

*Seanaci*

07-11-2010, 05:34 PM

We are back from our anniversary weekend.

We had a wonderful time! Left for our hotel at 10am Friday morning...checked in and had a room at 11:45. Because I had noted we were celebrating our anniversary, they had taken two hand towels and made a heart on the middle of the bed...and then place chocolates around the heart! So sweet. They also brought us a bottle of champagne to celebrate with...but since I hate the taste and smell of alcohol, and DH doesn't drink much aside from the occassional Guiness, it never got opened up.

I thought those were very sweet and generous gestures.

After we had settled into our room (we actually unpacked our one suitcase into the drawers and closet rather than live out of the suitecase for the couple days we spent there), we went over to Buffalo Wild Wings and had lunch and played some Buzztime Trivia.

After lunch we went back to the hotel and made use of the pool. It was an indoor pool...so we didn't stay in more than 20 minutes...but it was nice to jump in and cool off. Then we went up to our room, showered, and played some Scrabble (I had picked up the game at Target that morning while DH got his hair cut) and watched TV. At around 4, we headed up to Estes Park to have some dinner.

We ate at the local Brewery, but I told DH for the price, we should have just stayed closer to the hotel and had comfort food. :( Oh well, live and learn. After dinner we went and played a round of mini golf and rode the go-carts.

Overall it was a nice evening.

Have to go get dinner started...so I'll have to finish the weekend update later!

*Seanaci*

08-15-2010, 03:46 PM

OMG! These last few months have been absolutely crazy!! I'm hoping now that my mom is back at work, I'll have more time for updates...even if they are only weekly. We'll see though.

Anywho!

Mom and I were talking about the trip this summer. I mentioned how we'd just book two connecting rooms...possibly at Pop. She chimed in with "I enjoyed our family suite at Music. Let's do that. Keegan will be old enough he can sleep on the pull-out love seat, you and Ken can sleep on the pull out couch, and dad and I will have the bedroom again." I was shocked. As we had agreed next time we'd do connecting rooms. But, after discussing it more, we agreed it would be more cost effective (what with the room including a mini-fridge, microwave, and room to store a gardengrocer.com order). So, unless I hear that Pop has family suites (which I haven't heard they have any or that they are putting any in), we will be staying at AllStar Music again in a family suite. :)

I should also add that I bought a copy of PassPorter last month and have practically devoured it cover to cover. lol DH says I'm nuts, but I like being well informed and knowing what options I have. :)

That's it for the trip update.

Real life update...wow. Lots going on. DH was taken to the hospital via ambulance last month before our anniversary weekend. He'd been super stressed at work (and holds his stress in his stomach apparently), and after getting a chance to sit down and talk with the new boss (the old boss passed away from cancer in June) felt relieved and really great. Until the stress in his stomach relaxed and he felt pains, his blood pressure dropped, and he almost passed out. >_< When my phone rang, I didn't recognize the number and let it go to voicemail. Turned out to be DH's boss calling to let me know what happend. I was pissed and upset. Pissed because my husband is a bit obsessive when it comes to his health (I swear he'd go see the doctor for a paper cut if I didn't stop him) and upset because I had no idea what was wrong and he was 45 minutes away and I couldn't even leave to go down to see him until after the baby got picked up. Anywho...long story short, after the baby got picked up, mom, myself and Keegan went down to the hospital. MRI found nothing and he was released...being told it may have been all the stress he's put on himself lately and to follow up with our doctor if the pain came back. He's fine now. Work is going smoother...and all is well. (Aside from the $1300 we now owe the hospital for his...ordeal. But that will be paid off in the next year.)

Things go along great...we had our anniversary weeeknd...amazing time. Fast forward to this past Friday. Had a wonderful day at the downtown Aquarium with DH, Keegan, my mom and myself...then lunch at a local place called Casa Bonita and then home to relax for the evening/night. Mail comes (I tell you all this for a reason), mom gets a letter saying she isn't eligible for a $50 refund on the new TMobile MyTouch phone she bought back in June (ultra long story short, we went in on a day t-mobile was having a promotion to upgrade her phone, the kid that helped us didn't want to be dealing with an upgrade, he was less than helpful, didn't do his job fully, ended up sending us home with a worthless piece of POOP phone as he hadn't activated the new SIM card he put in it, and on and on). Anywho. We call t-mobile to find out why she's not eligible as from reading the letter I KNOW she was/should be eligible. Turns out, the jackhole who sold us the phone didn't extend her contract as we had told him to. We hang up, hop in the car (it's 6pm) and book it to the store where we bought the phone to tell them to fix it...after much attitude from us (I was not nice to the girl who helped us out), the problem was fixed. Yay.

Drive home. Earlier in the afternoon, DS started limping and not bearing weight on his right foot. We couldn't figure out why. He never cried, and we couldn't find a splinter or sticker. So, we let him be for a few hours. Come home from the phone fiasco to find him in the tub, playing happily but not wanting to stand or bear ANY weight on his foot. It is 8pm, we take him out of the tub, dress him and head to Children's Hospital Urgent Care (checked in at 8:30pm). After several x-rays, showing no breaks/fractures etc, they send us home telling us he sprained it. It's 11:20pm when we get to go home. He started bearing weight on his foot while we were waiting in the hospital waiting room, but by the time we left, he was tired, cranky, and sore from us making him walk for the doctor. Gave him Children's Motrin every 6 hours yesterday...and wouldn't you know it by yesterday evening (after a 2.5 hour nap and a dose of Motrin) he was bearing weight on the foot and a happy child again. Same thing today. Bearing weight on the foot, hasn't limped or crawled once to get around...and happy as can be. I'm beginning to wonder if it was an overstretched muscle in his foot or something. Oh well, he's doing better and now I get to sit and wait to see how much of the visit our insurance will cover. That being said, I guess we will consider ourselves very blessed if we get to go to Disney World after all next year. >_<

As far as me, I'm doing ok. Kicking myself for not exercising this summer...and hating myself every time I look in the mirror or eat ANYTHING and feel horribly sick afterwards. :( I've got to get myself on track and lose this weight. It's holding me back/down and I HATE IT!!! I'm open to suggestions on what to try, what to do, how to stay motivated (as motivation seems to be my biggest downfall with losing weight).

Alright. I've made this long enough. I'll update again when I can! :) Thanks for sticking with me.

DenGrampy

08-15-2010, 08:44 PM

Mind if I tag along?:banana::banana::banana:

*Seanaci*

08-22-2010, 07:26 PM

Lol. Of course you can tage along, dad. :)

*Seanaci*

09-14-2010, 02:59 PM

So. My mom made the suggestion over the weekend that we do Disneyland over Disney World. The catch is she wants to go at Halloween. No big deal. However because she would have to take time off of work, we wouldn't be going for more than four days Max.

Could we save money? Sure. But I'd rather save and go to World. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go to Land...but AFTER Cars Land is open. :)

Alright. It's tough to write or type all this on my phone. So I'll add to it later.

YukiPhnx

09-14-2010, 04:33 PM

Hm....what's her reason for going to Land? World has a Halloween thing too.

Personally, I think it's worth it to save for the World.

*Seanaci*

09-14-2010, 06:19 PM

Hm....what's her reason for going to Land? World has a Halloween thing too.

Personally, I think it's worth it to save for the World.

A few years ago (when my son was born) she and my dad were going to go for the weekend to DL...because DL used to (still do?) deck out the park in all Nightmare Before Christmas stuff for Halloween...and she really wanted (wants?) to see it. But, like I said, in order for us to go at Halloween, she'd have to take a day or two off work (and with budget cuts in the school districts, it's just she and the libriaian (sp?)).

Us going to Disney during her holiday breaks (ie Christmas/Winter Break, or Spring break) are our only options without mom getting in trouble for being gone, or TRYING to find someone to sub for her (as it's unclear whether or not the high school or district is paying for subs for ANYONE in the building now).

I'm pretty positive we'll be going to World still. And maybe in 2012, once Cars World opens (my son is OBSESSED with the movie and quotes it all the time now), we'll hit DL maybe on a different school break for her.

YukiPhnx

09-15-2010, 02:32 PM

Yeah, that sounds like a better idea. I bet Deegan's excited about Cars 2!

*Seanaci*

09-16-2010, 07:45 PM

Why?

I'm not feeling so confident about the money part. I know, we are still 15 months out from the actual trip, but we're only about 6 months out from having to BOOK in order to get what we want. We have $1200 to pay on my DH's JULY ER visit/ambulance ride, $150 on my sons August urgent care trip, not to mention we've got to get to a point where we don't have to rely on the CC to get us through between paychecks. I'm also hoping that by putting it off...no, scratch that, POSTPONING it for a year, we'll be done paying on DH's car hopefully in April 2012 (+$340 a month toward the 2012 trip), and have our 2 CC's settled out and paid off through our debt settlement company (+$310 a month toward the 2012 trip) though the earliest for that to happen is Spring or Summer of 2012.

I should give a little back info on our 2008 trip. We were all set for it...saving money. Had the trip paid for and it got down to the wire as far as having spending money goes. I think, if I remember correctly, we went with about...$1000 between DH, myself and DS. That would include meals and souvies. That didn't make the trip very fun because we mentally had to say "Ok, we can afford this much for this meal." or "I'd like this souvie, but what meal can I scrimp on so that I CAN get it." I don't EVER want to do that again.

There's also the little addition of this (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/?int_cmp=SOC-intDPFY10Q3ArtOfAnimationResort16-09-10@0002). I think it would be just amazing to be able to stay in a family suite decked out in either Nemo or Cars (I'm sure my son would LOVE the latter). Not to mention, it'd be darn near brand new still. :)

So, as of now, I've talked to my mom (showed her the link above) and I told her I'd be totally willing to postpone a year so we can stay there (it's rumored to be across the lake from Pop Century, so we'd hopefully be able to go over there and explore that resort). Talked to dad on FB chat, and he said it'd give us more time to save enough money (:thumbsup2). And DH is all for waiting as well. :)

Don't get me wrong, we loved the family suite at ASMu. But with a resort 75% dedicated to family suites in decor such as Lion King, Cars, and Nemo, how can we say "no" to postponing.

So, I'll keep this PTR somewhat updated...as I'm sure we'll all have that urge to say "forget it...we can stay at DAoAR another time...we can't wait till 2012" and debate it more. :)

Thanks for sticking with me!! :)

DenGrampy

09-17-2010, 09:17 PM

Maybe you should rename this "The Longest PTR..Ever!!!"

*Seanaci*

09-19-2010, 06:27 PM

Maybe you should rename this "The Longest PTR..Ever!!!"

LMAO!!

No kidding. I've been thinking about renaming it. :)

YukiPhnx

09-20-2010, 12:46 AM

Yeah, it's always worth waiting and saving more.

I know what you mean by money restraints because that's what happened during my trip and I HATED IT. I'm gonna work hard to save more so I won't have to worry so much about getting something I really want.

I may be staying in those family suites when I go in 2013! Hopefully, they might be cheaper than ASMu? If not, then 3 standard rooms is still cheaper than 1 suite and 1 standard. How weird is that?

The themes for the suites look super awesome though. I would love to swim in their pools.

LuvsTigger80

09-24-2010, 09:47 PM

yay!!! i'm not the only one going in 2012 with a PTR!!! Thank goodness...lol. =) I can be a bit OCD when it comes to WDW. Especially now that I don't have my DL AP anymore.

Have you thought about renting DVC points for you vacation?? We will be this time around...and since there are 6 of us going (split 3 ways)..it actually comes out to be cheaper than a value. We will be hopefully staying at Beach Club in a 2 bedroom villa for about $5824 for 10 nights. Might be something to look into. Not sure if I can list the website...so if you want to know...just PM me...:thumbsup2

Can't wait to read more about your trip....haven't updated mine in awhile..(but i don't have anyone responding either...lol)

*Seanaci*

09-26-2010, 01:27 PM

*Seanaci*

09-26-2010, 02:10 PM

Ok. So I figure it's time to update my dates...as that post soooooooo long ago with 2011 dates is pretty much null and void now (unless anyone in my family wins the Lotto OR stumbles upon a maddening amount of money, then those dates will still be good, and we'll just go 2 years in a row).

So, we...ok I...will now be looking at dates that will be based on Mimi's job, Papa's job and DH's job (he's on a new schedule, that I'm pretty certain will remain in place from here on out, he works 3 12 hour days and has 4 days off, then works 4 12 hour days with 3 days off)...as well as DS's preschool (because he will be in pre-school by then). That being said...the new dates are as follows

Friday December 14th 2012 through Sunday December 23rd 2012
Saturday December 15th 2012 through Monday December 24th 2012
Friday December 21st 2012 through Saturday December 29th 2012
Saturday December 22nd through Monday December 31st 2012

So you could pretty much say we're looking at any combo (of an 8-10 day trip) of dates from December 14th 2012 through December 31st 2012. It is also entirely possible we stay through till New Years as well. But, it all depends on when my parents can take off...and when we can pull my son out of pre-school.

Also, as stated in the original dates for the now defunct (sp) 2011 trip, I'd also consider people arriving in Orlando or leaving Orlando early should that need (or want) arise.

I think pin pointing dates will be the toughest part of the planning process...something we'll need to pinpoint ASAP so that I have concrete dates for booking at the new Disney World Art of Animaition Value resort. However, if all else fails, and we have no concrete dates by the time I need to book the new resort, we'll just stay in a Family Suite as ASMu.

Ok. All this planning and date picking is wearing out my brain. So I must be off!

*Seanaci*

10-16-2010, 09:18 PM

Not a trip update. But just a quick "check out the 1st post update!"

We went to the pumpkin farm today and picked out pumpkins (myself, DH, Mimi, Papa, Great-papa, and Keegan). Sooooo there are new pics of everyone...including the so far elusive PAPA!!! :)

Anywho!

Hope my followers are doing well! :)

Happy Halloween!

penni520

10-17-2010, 03:43 AM

*Seanaci*

10-19-2010, 09:37 PM

I am in :cool1:
The days you want arrive is the day I plan to leave...I am going Saturday, Dec 1st until Saturday, Dec 15th, 2012
I have not started my PTR but have started it on my Word pad :thumbsup2 I am also going to try the New Resort

Welcome and Thanks for joining in. :)

We'll be staying in the Cars building because that is my sons favorite movie. :)

*Seanaci*

11-02-2010, 01:11 PM

Have some Halloween pics to post this week. Disney pumpkins and my sons Halloween costume. Hope all my followers are doing well!

DenGrampy

11-21-2010, 08:59 AM

It's time for some home "Disney Christmas" decorating :banana::yay::dance3:

YukiPhnx

11-22-2010, 12:42 PM

Heeey! I love your new Halloween pumpkin pictures!

*Seanaci*

12-22-2010, 07:11 PM

Goodness. I've not updated in over a month. Bad Seanaci. :p

Not much going on really. My dad was reading info on the AoA resort...and found an article that said it's not slated to be open till the END of 2012 now. However, upon my own investigating, it looks like they may be opening it in shifts/phases. So, maybe what it meant was that the whole resort would be open by the end of 2012. We'll see.

Not a lot going on in our lives. Been a busy month or so. Thanksgiving was great...quiet. We spent a couple weekends putting up trees and decorating the house for Christmas. And I am happy to say that we are no longer a traditional family when it comes to Christmas decorations. We will only buy Disney Christmas decorations from now on. :) I am sooooooooooooooo excited about this. You just have no idea. :)

Anywho! My sister is here for the holiday weekend...and I'm working on my "free" calander from snapfish.com. So I am off for now!

Hope all my friends are doing well!

YukiPhnx

12-22-2010, 09:30 PM

It was good to hear from you! Oooh, a free calendar! Sounds nice.

*Seanaci*

01-01-2011, 05:57 PM

Ok...since my trip is now UNDER 2 years away (:rotfl2:), I figure I better start getting serious about this PTR. :P

I'm beginning to think I'd better keep my old resort choice in reserve, as my dad found an article saying the new resort isn't going to be open till late 2012...which could make getting in a real bugger. So, should the plan to stay at Disney's Art of Animation, we'll be staying at AllStar Music in a family suite. Which isn't a bad thing...because we liked it back in 2008 when we stayed there. And with my sister (most likely) not going in 2012 (long storty...might tell it someday), Keegan being big enough to sleep on the pull out ottoman or loveseat, we should be comfy and not as...cramped this time. :)

Anywho!

Happy New Year to my dear followers. May this be a fabulous year for all of you! :)

DenGrampy

01-03-2011, 07:55 PM

As the "Dad" or "PaPa" of this report, I really hope we get to stay at AofA but will be totally satisfied with ASMu. Anywho, you should all know that I love my DD so am looking forward to going back to WDW in 2012. :banana: :banana:

*Seanaci*

01-09-2011, 01:46 AM

Updating from my phone at 12:40am...or 20 minutes to 1am. Why am i still awake? I don't know.

Anywho. Tenative OOP sit down/buffet meals were discussed today...don't remember how or why they came up either.

Character breakfast: Chef Mickey's
Sit down meal: 50s Primetime

More tomorrow.

*Seanaci*

01-09-2011, 03:15 PM

As I already posted above, I have a small update...or addition to this PTR.

We (the 5 of us) went to lunch/dinner at Olive Garden yesterday. And I really wish I could remember how we got on the subject of where to eat on our trip (dad, if you remember, please chime in). But, we did.

Mom said, as much as she LOVED the whole experience and the food at Crystal Palace...she wants to do Chef Mickey's in 2012. I can do that. I mean, Mickey is the main reason I like to go to WDW...so why not go and actually meet/greet with him and NOT wait in a line? :) So, I believe we'll be doing breakfast at Chef Mickeys. Oh...and it'll be fun to actually go to a resort for a meal rather than use up a park day for an ADR. :)

The converstaion then turned to wanting to do other places...but not knowing how to choose (as we most likely won't be on a dining plan of any sort and will be paying OOP). I told her the ONE place I've heard great reviews (from the service/atmosphere to the food) was 50s Primetime. She looked at me funny. And so I started explaining it to her. She said it sounds like fun. So, I'm thinking that will be a lunch ADR.

As far as the rest of our meals go, it'll be CS or in-room (as we plan on doing another Gardengrocer order with breakfast foods, milk, kid snacks, juice, water, Pepsi, etc). Perhaps when Keegan is older (much older) and we're going for something other than the rides and to see the world through his eyes, we'll consider a dining plan and more TS meals. :)

Ok. Think that's it. :)

TeaForTulips

01-11-2011, 08:40 PM

YukiPhnx

01-11-2011, 10:30 PM

Yeah, dining plan now probably isn't the best idea. 50's primetime sounds like a great lunch ADR!

*Seanaci*

01-12-2011, 02:36 PM

Hello! :goodvibes

I'm all caught up! I cannot wait to stay at the new hotel either! It looks like its gonna be soooo amazing and I think they did a great job picking the four movie themes! :wizard:

I :lovestruc Cystal Palace breakfast. We have not done Chef Mickeys yet. I hear mixed reviews.

I think a 2012 PTR is delightful! I have a mental PTR going for a 2014 trip so I think you are a-ok! :thumbsup2

Can't wait for more! popcorn::

Yay! Welcome!! :) It's nice to have another reader. :)

I need to go catch up on all the PTR's and TR's I'm subbed to...which includes yours. :P

Anywho! I always plan WAY ahead. In fact, DH and I have been working with a debt settlement company to settle our credit cards (2 of mine, 1 of DH's). I got a letter from the settlement company for my other CC...it's been settled...or will be once the final payment is made to the company the end of February. SO that will leave just DH's CC to be settled out. I figure we'll have his settled out by June of next year (at the very latest, I'm hoping more for Jan/Feb, but we'll see). We pay in $300 a month to a special account which the settlement company uses to negotiate settlements on the CC's. SO, once DH's CC is settled, that's an extra $300 a month we can throw into a vacation account. Not to mention DH's car will be paid off next April...so that's an extra $300...for a total of $600 a month going into a vacation account. I'm so excited. There are a few friends (whom we've met online but never met in person) that we would like to go meet in the near future. Not to mention, I'm hoping, a yearly Disney trip (can you say heaven?). :)

So, I'm planning our 2012 Disney trip now...and just started a rough plan to go visit some online friends in 2013, as well as a possible October trip to Disneyland for Halloween. :D I'm such a nerd. :lovestruc

Yeah, dining plan now probably isn't the best idea. 50's primetime sounds like a great lunch ADR!

My cousin and her family ate there last May and LOVED it. Plus, I've heard soooo many great reviews.

I did tell my dad that with the 2012 trip, if he and mom wanted to try a restaraunt that DH and I weren't up for, they should go for it. :) So, we'll see if any more ADR's (than Chef Mickey's and 50s Primetime) show up between now and the trip. :)

Ok. I think I talked ya'lls ears off long enough now. :P Time to go catch up on PTR's/TR's. :)

LuvsTigger80

01-12-2011, 02:59 PM

Anywho! I always plan WAY ahead. In fact, DH and I have been working with a debt settlement company to settle our credit cards (2 of mine, 1 of DH's). I got a letter from the settlement company for my other CC...it's been settled...or will be once the final payment is made to the company the end of February. SO that will leave just DH's CC to be settled out. I figure we'll have his settled out by June of next year (at the very latest, I'm hoping more for Jan/Feb, but we'll see). We pay in $300 a month to a special account which the settlement company uses to negotiate settlements on the CC's. SO, once DH's CC is settled, that's an extra $300 a month we can throw into a vacation account. Not to mention DH's car will be paid off next April...so that's an extra $300...for a total of $600 a month going into a vacation account. I'm so excited. There are a few friends (whom we've met online but never met in person) that we would like to go meet in the near future. Not to mention, I'm hoping, a yearly Disney trip (can you say heaven?). :)

So, I'm planning our 2012 Disney trip now...and just started a rough plan to go visit some online friends in 2013, as well as a possible October trip to Disneyland for Halloween. :D I'm such a nerd. :lovestruc

:)

We are alike in alot of ways..=) we too were paying off DH's cc from years ago...they garnished his wages and were taking out $750 a month! Being a one income family made it difficult but not impossible....but I was always counting ahead.(still do:lmao:) And now we are finally free from that! Now I can start saving for our 2012 trip!

your dining plans sound yummy. We haven't been back to Chef mickey's since our disaster last time we were there in 2009! But I remember the food being good from our first trip there! We did 50's Prime time on out last vacation...i personally enjoyed it. Although our waiter didn't really do any of the antics with us. My hubby was just so so on it...But I would go back!

So if you do make it out our way for a 2013 Disneyland Halloween we will totally have to meet up! That is my favorite time of year...when all the decorations start going up. First for Halloween then for Christmas! We kinda missed it all this year because we had to let the annual passes expire.(we will be getting them back in a couple of weeks).

MisplacedTexan

01-12-2011, 04:40 PM

I'm gonna jump in here on this ride. 2012 is NOT too far away to plan your trip, lol. DH and I took the kids in 2009 for the first time. DH's first time an DS9 and DD 8 at the time. I cried when DD saw the castle for the first time. :sad:

We drove as well. We live in near Dallas and after picking the kids up from their dad's we began our journey. DD puked all the way there. She gets carsick easily.

50's Prime Time was a BLAST!!!!!:love: Love, Love, Love that place. Our waitress was great and picked on my kids like you wouldn't believe. IT was great!

Just got my first Disney code last night and am waiting for DH to get home so we can decide on a resort. Right now its btwn Pop, POFQ and CSR.

As far as your weight loss journey, baby steps is the only way. Make small changes, it will make you feel successful. Drink an extra glass of water a day, walk for 10 mins, start eliminating prrocessed sugar. DH lost over 100 lbs just by doing that . When we got married 7 yrs ago he weight 270 lbs. Now he goes btwn 165 and 170. You can do it, and we are here to help!

:hug:

*Seanaci*

01-12-2011, 11:36 PM

Sam, totally would love a DISmeet if we do make the 2013 trip to DL.

As for paying off the cc's, it's been the slowest, most exhausting process. I pray everyday that we are done with it soon.

Overall, it's awesome that we are so much alike. :) Thanks for joining in.

Misplacedtexan (Hehe, love the name), thanks for joining in. And the kind words and advice. It means a lot and helps keep me motivated. :)

*Seanaci*

01-14-2011, 08:01 PM

So I have a mish mash of gobbledy gook trip related things to get down for future planning ease.

Food:
TS (for certain):
Chef Mickey's
50's Primetime Cafe,

TS (for future trips):
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Wave
Sci-FI Drive-In
ESPN Club (I love hot wings, bonless and bone-in)
Plaza Restaraunt
Biergarten (dunno if I'm brave enough for German food though)
Tutto Italia
Teppan Edo (love love love places like this...sooooo fun)
'Ohana
Coral Reef (we have a Downtown Aquarium Restaraunt here, but it'd be fun to say I dined at the Disney one :P)
Le Cellier Steakhouse (OMG, if DH and I could get a date night while we're there, we'd SO make an ADR)

CS:
Magic Kingdom:
Cosmic Rays
Pecos Bills
Pirate and Parrot (sorry, not looking up the proper name in spanish, lol)
Casey's (maybe for a snack)
The Pinocchio Village Haus
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station (ate here in 2008 on our girls night out...food was good...and a nice change from burgers or chicken)

Epcot:
Sunshine Seasons
Mexico's CS (I think it's still there...?)
Electric Umbrella
Liberty Inn

Animal Kingdom:
Flame Tree BBQ
Pizzafari
Restaurantosaurus

Hollywood Studios:
ABC Commissary (ate here in 2008...not too bad)
Backlot Express
Min and Bill's
Pizza Planet
Starring Rolls Cafe (ate here at breakfast one morning...chocolate crosants...OMG!)

Now, I realise, we most likely won't eat at ALL of the CS places. However, it'd be nice to try something new this trip.

Non-park activities:
Tour other resorts (being Christmas, I would love to see the gingerbread houses, not to mention the decorations at the other hotels)
Take the boats (for fun)
Ride the Monorail (I realise this sounds lame, but we rode the monorail 1 time in 2008...I would love to ride the resort line, as well as ride it to Epcot, so perhaps a park hop from MK to Epcot will be on our plans)
Swim (we didn't take our bathing suits with us in 2008...we figured it'd be too cold and that we'd be in the parks all day...so not the case...we were back at the resort 3 or 4 times during our 8 day stay in 2008...and our son was just itching to jump in the pool)
Mini-Golf (this would be a fun activity on a non-park day in between resort hopping or just a relaxing day at the resot)

Dates:

I would really like to get these pegged down a bit better. So, here is what I am thinking...

Dec. 15th - 24th (9 nights, 10 days)
Dec. 14th - 24th (10 nights, 11 days)
Dec. 22nd - 31st (9 nights, 10 days)
Dec. 21st - 31st (10 nights, 11 days)

Depending on work schedules, we may subtract days (leave a day or two early coming home). We'll just have to see what mom's schedule is with the school district (provided they don't cut the librarian position leaving mom (she's the media clerk/secretary) by herself to run a high school library...(if they cut the librarian, my mom is quitting...and I don't blame her one bit...her job is/has been stressful enough withut her having to deal with rude/demanding students and teachers on her own), DH's boss (he was told for this year that he couldn't take the week of Christmas off because "everyone is trying to take their remaining days off that time of year"...last I checked, that wasn't my DH's problem (he gets his vacation request in by the end of January every year), and whether or not my dad can get the time off (he shouldn't be too big of an issue...he's been with his current employer for...shoot 18 years...so he's got the seniority).

And myself. As I've posted previously, I babysit for my neighbors daughter...and due to recent events, I am seriously considering quitting the end of this year (mainly because the money I make watching her son will pay a hefty chunk of my CC bill every month, thus virtually paying it off by the end of this year). We'll see how things go though...I may keep him till the beginning (or end) of next summer (again, the money plays a big part in how much longer I keep the kid).

Ok. Think that's about it for this update. It's been a really long one. :P Thanks for reading. And I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! :cutie:

DenGrampy

01-14-2011, 09:39 PM

:cool1: It's been 20yrs next month :cool1:

DenGrampy

01-14-2011, 09:45 PM

:grouphug: I like the 21st - 31st best, provided Mom stays with her job.:thumbsup2

*Seanaci*

01-14-2011, 10:46 PM

:grouphug: I like the 21st - 31st best, provided Mom stays with her job.:thumbsup2

I seriously doubt Ken would be able to stay the whole time. :( Month end, year end, quarter end. So, we'll have to just wait and see. :P

*Seanaci*

01-14-2011, 10:47 PM

:cool1: It's been 20yrs next month :cool1:

Wow...I knew it was getting close to 20 years. :D You're old. ;)

DenGrampy

01-15-2011, 12:02 PM

Of course I'm getting old, just look at the age lines above your ticker.:rotfl2:

*Seanaci*

01-18-2011, 01:48 PM

I am truly touched by the open letter from the founder/creator of these amazing boards.

I have read many of the WISH trip reports...and think it is such a great thing that GKTW does for WISH kids. :)

I have posted a link to the website for the Power of 10 website on my facebook...and would encouarage all of my followers (as few of you as there are, hehe) to do the same. I will also be posting the link on my twitter.

Not to mention, donating $10 this Friday after DH gets paid.

I find myself every year donating to at least one Child-centered worthy cause (locally, one of our radio stations holds a 36 hours for kids in where they cease music broadcast for 12 hours each of 3 days to raise money for our local Children's Hospital; I know that without Children's Hospital, our kids wouldn't get the level of care they need; my sister grew up having to visit Children's yearly for blood draws for her Hypothyroidism...it was great that she was able to go in and tell the nurse how to draw her blood as she has tiny veins that roll...and the nurses would listen; I also know that my son got fabulous care when we had to take him back in August for a foot sprain...my mom went back with him for x-rays and the technician started to be stern with him, my mom quickly took over and the tech was impressed and didn't say another word to my son; so I know that GKTW serves the same purpose...to give kids a once in a lifetime experience). :)

So please...if you haven't done so already, read the open letter and lets be the caring, giving DISboards we all know we are by reaching (and perhaps SURPASSING) the 1 million dollar goal. :)

PirateKate

01-20-2011, 11:13 AM

*Seanaci*

01-21-2011, 06:31 PM

Hi! It's never too soon to start a PTR! You guys are going to have so much fun. I think Keegan would love to ride the Monorail and I definitely think it is a good plan to not have too many table service meals. How old will Keegan be on the trip? Four or five, I guess? Very cute Keegan pictures with the pumpkins.

All your dates look great, except possibly for the one where you'd be checking out on Christmas Eve. That just seems too sad.

Yup. He'll be 5 when we go. :) And thanks. We think he's pretty cute too. ;)

And yeah...the checking out on Christmas Eve would be sad. BUT when we went (back in 2003, just mom dad and i), we actually checked out and went home Christmas day. So that was sad. :)

Anywho!

Welcome!

*Seanaci*

01-29-2011, 01:35 PM

Someone call PETA on me now. As what I'm about to say is fully worth reporting me. However, you'll understand why after I tell my story.

I'm buying a gun...or some sort of trap...or poison and killing the frakking squirrels in our neighborhood.

So, we are a 4 car family (most of the time). When I say most of the time, we were a 4 car family until last July when my DH started working a new schedule (he works 3 12 hour days one week with 4 days off, and then works 4 12 hour days one week with 3 days off; I think I talked about this actually somewhere on this thread, but I digress)...then we pretty much became a 3 car family because he is always off on Friday's now...meaning I can use his car when Keegan and I go for our weekly lunch with my mom on Friday's.

ANYWHO! The car I drive (it's a 98 Ford Contour) now just sits in the driveway...being driven only on rare days that DH actually has to go work a few hours on Friday. So, in the last 6 months, it's been driven maybe half a dozen times (oh wait, that's a lie, we had swim lessons in Sept and Oct...so it got driven a couple times a week back then). The last time the Contour was driven...or even started before this last Wednesday, was back in December (one of those rare Friday's DH had to go in and work part of the day).

So. The car is up for emission testing and new license plate tags. We have until the end of February to get everything in order. This has been a busy month so far. The car hasn't been used much. Needs to be driven a bit before we take it in for testing (most of the time, driving it for about a week blows all the cobwebs out so to speak and it passes with flying colors).

So. That brings me to Wednesday. My dad got called early that morning saying they didn't need him at work that day...so they gave him a day off. Cool. Mom wanted him to bring her lunch. No big deal. He figured he'd take the Contour...blow out some cobwebs. Well, he starts it, and I'm in the house sitting with the boys eating lunch. And I'm thinking "God. Is that my car? It sounds AWFUL!" I kind of shrugged it off. Until dad started pulling down the driveway and it got LOUDER! I ran outside and asked him what was wrong with it. Cause it certainly hadn't sounded like that when I drove it last month. He said the check engine light was on and the radiator light was on. I asked him not to drive it (so as not to do any more damage to it before we get it looked at). So, he obliged...backed it into the driveway (it hadn't backed in before cause I was lazy and tired the last time I drove it). He took mom lunch and had to stop at the store for a few things before coming back home.

When he got back home, he opened up the hood and couldn't see anything, and assumed the squirrels had chewed the vacuum hose/tube/thingy. So, he went and got our neighbor (who is a mechanic) and had him take a look at the car.

Well, what do you know. Those litte rat $%&^#@! squirrels had chewed 3 of my spark plug wires. The neighbor looked some more. They also chewed the line from my windshield washer fluid to the sprayers AND they chewed a line/wire/something that hooks to the radiator somehow.

Those little...@@#&%*(!&#$^%. I was sooooooo mad. Little buggers have now cause me even further stress over getting the car emissioned and new tags on it. Because now we have to replace the spark plugs, AND the other two wires they chewed...and pray they didn't chew anything else.

However, if worse comes to worse, and the damage is more than the car is worth, we junk the car...and make do with 3 cars. Heck, warmer weather is coming...and if DH runs into any more rare Fridays of having to work, Keegan and I can always walk to mom's school and take her to lunch in her van (I'm not willing to give up my Friday lunches with her just because I don't have a car (theoretically speaking)...we LOVE our Friday lunches with her).

So. Dad says he should be able to replace the spark plugs easy (and cheaper than a mechanic). And the other stuff...no idea on the cost of replacing/fixing those things.

On the plus side, my neighbor said depending on the insurance coverage on the car, car insurance should cover it. So, dad, if you're reading this, you may start looking into it. :)

So, that is why I am going to kill the squirrels in the neighborhood. And why if anyone is offended, I'm sure I'll be getting a visit from PETA or Animal Control or the Department of Wildlife. :P

Also. I am taking a week off this summer. I haven't had a solid week off EVER since keeping the baby. So, I am taking a week off. Mom wants me to do 4th of July week. But, I have an idea in my head. One that I won't even run by her until AFTER the aforementioned car is fixed and tested and tagged. Once I run it by her, I shall post again and let ya know what she says. :)

Until next time, dear followers.

DenGrampy

01-30-2011, 07:50 PM

Would this idea involve DL or WDW?

*Seanaci*

01-31-2011, 01:49 PM

Nope. Neither of the two. Something else. :P

PirateKate

01-31-2011, 02:10 PM

Stupid squirrels. PETA won't hear about it from me...;)

*Seanaci*

01-31-2011, 02:12 PM

Ok. Not really. Lol

My SIL posted on her facebook the other day that she is planning a nice weekend for her and my borther for their anniversary in March. AS WELL AS planning a Spring 2012 trip to DLR for all four of them.

Now. I don't remember if I posted about this somewhere already or not on this thread, she had mentioned wanting to take them this Spring...to which I had suggested to her saving their money and taking the kids in December 2012 when we go. Part of the reason for that is because my mom has expressed a desire to be able to enjoy WDW (if only once) with all her grandkids while they are little (before they outgrow the magic...I know I know...some of us never grow up and outgrow the magic; and while I know my son will be like myself and not outgrow the magic, I am pretty sure my niece and nephew will outgrow the magic eventually).

So, now it appears they are saving up for Spring 2012 (after the Cars Racers attraction opens, which I've read won't be till June 2012; but you never know I guess)...totally throwing out the window a grand vacation to the best place on the earth...WDW.

Don't get me wrong...DLR is great...but, it's so much closer to us and relatively cheaper to go for us (roughly half the price for a 5 day trip; which is a bit much since there are only 2 parks at DLR, but I digress). And I think if you're going to save up and take your kids to a Disney park while they are 6 and 4, (as my niece and nephew will be next Spring) you save up and go BIG!

Anywho. So while I am a bit disappointed, I'm also not disappointed. Why? Because them not going at the same time as us is kind of nice as well. Let's just say that the kids can get kind of out of control at times...and while it would be a dream come true for my mom to have all her grandkids at WDW together, the stress level it would create would not be worth it in the end.

So, I'm not really disappointed in that respect.

*Seanaci*

02-09-2011, 06:13 PM

This just blows! But, it's not putting a damper on the trip.

I was attempting to cube potatoes for dinner tonight (PChef knife). Got a fourth of a potatoe cubed before I sliced my thumb open right by my finger nail. >_< It's painful. It bled a lot...probably needs stitches. BUT, I'm not paying $75-$150 for a copay (urgent care or ER) to go sit for who knows how many hours to have them stitch it. Or worse yet, glue it closed (I can do that myself for free, thankyouverymuch).

Plus, about 8 years ago, I was putting away a knife (it's PChef...super sharp) and sliced my pinky open. Went to my regular doctor for that...and all they did was bandage it...very poorly. Mom and I ended up hitting the drugstore on the way home for gauze and paper tape. Kept it covered for a few days back then until the flap of skin had reattached/readhered. So, I plan on doing the same thing with this. Unless of course it starts bleeding again. Then I'll head to my doctors office and have them stitch it (cheaper to pay that copay than er or urgent care). :P

Ok. That is all!

PirateKate

02-12-2011, 03:44 PM

*Seanaci*

02-16-2011, 03:26 PM

Sorry to hear about your thumb. It sounds pretty bad. I think you're probably right that there's not too much the doctors could do.

On a somewhat cheerier note- I took your recommendation on the Graco Ipo from a stroller thread I was reading and ordered two of them. They haven't come yet, but I'm very excited.:thumbsup2

Thumb is looking much better. :)

Yay for the strollers. :) They are fabulous! Like I said, we still put our DS3 in his when he's too tired to walk...or freaked out by the big crowds wherever we go.

Another update shortly.

*Seanaci*

03-02-2011, 02:54 PM

Wow. I am louzy at updating this. :P

Guess that's what happens when life gets crazy.

Outside of the trip, here is a life update:

Did our taxes. Ended up getting back just under $2000 between federal and state. State hit our bank account first...which was a blessing cause we were running short and pinching pennies before it hit. Federal hit on Monday morning. YAY! That means $1000 went to pay on the CC...the other $800 went into savings. So, what are our plans with that money?

Well, tomorrow morning, we're taking the car to the mechanic to drop it off and have it fixed. Hoping and praying it's under $500. However, if it's not, we did find out insurance will pay anything over $500 (our deductible). The only hassle with that is submitting the claim and getting paid...or having the money sent directly to the mechanic. So really praying it's not over $500.

We are also looking into getting a new couch for our living room. Right now we have an over-sized love seat and oversized couch. Both pieces have recliners on either end. So their over-sized and take up lots of room and their heavy and difficult to move when I need to vacuum under them.

What else...oh, DS has been asking to take swim lessons again...so I've got to get him enrolled this month. Not to mention he'll be starting pre-school in the fall and sign up for that begins next month. So sad to know he's going to pre school. And what's even more sad is that in the state of Colorado it used to be kids had to be 5 by mid-september to enter kindergarten. Now, they extended it...and kids have to be 5 on or by the 1st of October. Which is Keegan's birthday. :( So, there is a good possibility he'll be going to kindergarten beginning fall of 2012. :( It's a sad time as a mommy to know your only kiddo is growing up so fast and starting school. But it is exciting that he is starting school. :)

Ok. I think that's it for the update. :) I'll try to have a trip related update posted soon.

Thanks for sticking with me.

*Seanaci*

03-02-2011, 03:14 PM

Oh. Wait. Trip update.

So, it looks like school districts have to make cuts again for the 2011-2012 school year. So, like last year at this time, we are currently sitting on our hands waiting on news regarding mom's job...and whether she'll be saved or cut...well RIF'd (reduction in work force).

This will play heavily on going on this trip in 2012. Well...kind of. My dad doesn't know it yet...and my husband doesn't know it yet...but, if DH and I can get our CC paid off between now and this time next year, we'll be paying for the whole trip...room, tickets, airfare (everything aside from mom and dad's food/spending money). I also look toward next June when we are putting away an extra $600 a month thanks to DH's car being paid off and our credit cards being settled (as of today, both of my CC's are paid off and we now just have DH's left to settle; knowing we pay $309 a month toward our savings account to settle these CC's, and the amount the debt settlement company was able to negotiate to pay off my cards, I'm positive we'll have DH's settled and paid off by no later than June next year). The good news is, we'll be able to pretty much pay off the trip by the time the trip rolls around anyhow...which will leave DH and I with plenty of spending money and food money.

I really would like to take this trip before we get to a point with Keegan in school where we don't feel we can pull him out for a day or two to take a trip to Disney.

As it stands right now, a concrete date still hasn't been set (due to not knowing work schedules this far ahead yet; not to mention mom's job being on the line again). However, dates COULD change to earlier in December if mom does get RIF'd...because we wouldn't have to wait for her to be on Winter Break...then again, if we do start Keegan in Kindergarten next year, dates could still be an issue. So, we'll see.

Also, as of now, we will still be staying (fingers crossed) at Disney's Art of Animation resort...in the Cars section. However, I'm open to going back to an All-Star should we not be able to get into the new resort. Which is another reason DH and I are trying to get our CC paid down...so we have the money on it to book the new resort when booking dates open (I don't know how it works with new resorts as far as just paying a deposit to book and having it paid in full 45 days before the trip, or having to pay up front the entire total; so having the amount on our CC to pay out right if that's what we have to do is important to me).

I think that's it for now on the trip update front. If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to post. :)

Again, thanks for sticking with me.

DenGrampy

03-02-2011, 07:40 PM

You secret is out.....LOLOLOL!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes:banana::ban ana::banana:

PirateKate

03-03-2011, 01:30 PM

I would think that booking a new resort would be exactly the same as booking an old one. :confused3 Would you be booking a vacation package or room only? We do room only, unless we have a discount that only works with a package, since the cancellation policy is better and the payment is due later.

It's exciting that Keegan might get to start school soon. I know a lot of moms are sad to see their kids go to school, but I always think it is kind of cool. A chance for them to show their quality and see what they can do. Of course, I'm still three years out from Kindergarten, so I might feel differently once the time comes. :rotfl:

*Seanaci*

03-03-2011, 04:18 PM

*Seanaci*

03-03-2011, 04:29 PM

Car is at the shop. Diagnostic determined what we already knew...car is in good running order aside from the chewed wiring.

The cost of repairs exceeds our insurance deductible by $10! So, we won't be fighting with them about that.

All said and done, we'll walk away paying no more than $700 (diagnostic and oil change wouldn't be covered by insurance).

Hoping it'll be done tomorrow. I'd really like to get it to the emission testing place this weekend so that I can go next week and get the new tags. Which are now 60 days past due. Which means a late fee on top of the $75 renewal fee. However, I plan on taking my paperwork from the mechanic with me and seeing if they'll waive that fee due to it being in the shop to be repaired so it passed inspection. We'll see. Worst they can say is no and I pay $105.77 instead of $75.

*Seanaci*

03-03-2011, 04:33 PM

:P double post

*Seanaci*

03-07-2011, 03:16 PM

So, I'm going to post the life update in Green. :P Then I'll post the trip update in blue so ya know when it switches over. :)

Ok. Car was actually ready the same day I dropped it off. I was super excited. $687 later, it runs great again. Friday morning, I woke up at 7 so I could take it to the emissions testing place (which opened at 8) and get that out of the way without having to drag the babies. Since they got me in and out and my car passed with flying colors, I decided to drive over to the motor vehicle office and renew my tags as well. All the while mind you, I'm checking my rearview mirror and looking around panicked thinking "Ok. Where's the cop that's going to stop me for my expired plates?" Come on, tell me you wouldn't have been thinking the same thing? :P Luckily, I made it to the MV and got in and out of there in less than 20 minutes with my new tags in hand. Oh, I had to pay $105...the lady didn't even seem partially interested in my sob story of why I was so late in renewing them. *shrugs* Oh well. I'm sure she's heard every excuse in the book.

Anywho! I left there and promptly found a car wash (the thing was filthy and the tags wouldn't have stuck had I just popped them on the dirty license plate). After it was washed and dried, I pulled over and plopped those tags on and was officially leagl again. :)

Now we just have to get to Home Depot and find Critter Ridder. The janitor at mom's work told her about it. It's basically fox or cyote(sp?) urine. Not sure where we'll have to spray it...if it's safe to spray it under the hood...we'll have to read the bottle first and see. But, for now my car is parked further down than normal to hopefully throw those little buggers off the scent.

And I'm planning on driving it a couple times a week when dad's not driving it (he decided he's going to switch between driving his car and my car back and forth to work...which makes sense as I don't go places with the boys that much...right now :P).

So yeah. $850 later (between car repairs, the cost for the emission test, and the cost of the renewal tags) the car runs great and is legal for the next year.

Trip Update!
So, I am actually excited to say that mom is rather excited about the trip. See, normally, she's the person in the group that's the...Debbie Downer (so to speak) and doesn't even like to talk about it until things are booked, paid for, etc. This time around she's really pretty excited for it.

We were sitting at lunch Saturday talking about various Disney related things, and trip related things. we all pretty much agreed that we will be staying in a family suite; be it at DAoA resort OR ASMu again. We liked the convinence of two bathrooms, a living area, and a little kitchen area including fridge and microwave. It was nice to be able to come back to the room for a break and be able to sit on a couch and relax to watch tv rather than on the bed and risk falling asleep (not that it would be a bad thing to nap, but we're just not the napping kind of people).

Anywho. We also discussed a suite vs one room (with 5 of us, 4 adults and a child) it would be cheaper (I think) but cramped (what with suitcases, shopping bags, day packs, etc). And I told her that having a family suite is the equivelant to having two connecting rooms as far as price goes (minus the extra charge to have a fridge in one of the two connecting rooms)...so it just makes sense to book a suite. Not to mention, while regular beds in two connecting rooms would be more comfortable...for Disney, I'm willing to sleep on the pull out couch and be uncomfortable for 7-10 nights. :)

So, we will be staying in a family suite...be it at DAoA or ASMu.

Personally, I'm excited for either resort. Would I like to stay at the new Resort? You betcha. But, it's Disney, and let's be honest, even if you have to stay at the same old place you stayed last time, you'd do it. :)

I'm getting excited for the trip. And so is my son.

Whenever we see a Disney commercial...heck when us adults TALK about the trip, his reply is (and rather excitedly I might add) "We're going to Disney World!" And we ARE! (Unlike my bro and SIL who have told their kids the last 2 or 3 years they were taking them to Disneyland, only to not follow through because they can't save the money to go. Or spend the money they're saving/have saved to apoint and blow it something unnecessary for themselves. :( )

Anywho! I am so looking forward to the trip. Keegan will be 5...and should tall enough for Soarin' and Test Track. He might be tall enough for the roller coasters and ToT...but I'm not sure he'd want to ride them...at least right now. But I know he'd enjoy Test Track and Soarin' (or at least I hope he'd enjoy Soarin'...I have no idea...I've never ridden it...sadly, when we went in 2008, that one got overlooked...and I was sad :().

Ok. I guess that's about it for the trip update. :)

Thanks for reading!

PirateKate

03-08-2011, 01:56 PM

You've never ridden Soarin'? It's such a great ride! It'll be fun going on all the big rides with Keegan. :goodvibes

I agree, really anywhere on Disney property is fine. I'd be eager to check out the new resort, but I'd certainly be happy to stay at an old one, too. Anywhere to be at Disney. :cloud9:

*Seanaci*

03-09-2011, 02:55 PM

Kate...I've never ridden Soarin'. :( It wasn't there in 2003 when mom, dad, and I went. Mom and dad rode it for the first time at Disneyland (2005 or 2006, can't remember when).

When we went in 2008, Keegan was 14 months old...and while we made it to the Land Pavillion to ride The Land...by the time we got there, Fastpasses were out. And I believe we only did one full day of Epcot.

Oh well. 2012 is the year to ride it. :P No matter what.

Oh. And can I just add...I'm really really really eager to be at MK for rope drop...mainly for the show that opens the park. Watched one I found on YouTube from December...and it made me cry. :love:

We actually had a Crystal Palace breakfast reservation in 2008...got into the park before the opening show...so we JUST missed it. :P

PirateKate

03-09-2011, 04:31 PM

*Seanaci*

03-11-2011, 07:28 AM

Need prayers my friends.

My sister lives blocks from San Francisco bay. She is set to evacuated in the next 3 hours due to tsunami strong wave surges from the earthquake that hit Japan. Scary stuff. Mom woke me up thirty minutes ago to tell me what is going on. No way in he11 can I go back to sleep now.

*Seanaci*

03-11-2011, 09:25 PM

Sister is great. Due to it being low tide the waves are simply raising the water to where it would hit normally during high tide. So all is well. :)

LuvsTigger80

03-13-2011, 04:17 PM

*Seanaci*

03-16-2011, 02:38 PM

hey there! seems like you have had a busy few months.....

that's scary that your sister had to be evacuated...at least everything was ok! I live miles from the beach and thankfully no one had to be evacuated here. And I think we only got 3 ft waves at the most.

You'll love soaring...it is one of our favorite rides. But we can't ride it at Disneyworld...it makes us miss home too much...lol. We did it once and walked off confused:confused:.

She actually didn't have to be evacuated...thank goodness. The city just prepared for the worst. :)

And yes...it has been a busy few months. I need a laptop of my own (thinking of taking mine in for a diagnostic...it was only 3 years old when it "died"...I'm thinking it's the fan that went...and it probably needs a new power cord...but for $140 I can at least find out if it's worth it to fix it rather than get a new one) so I can really dig into my trip planning. :)

Lol about Soarin at WDW. :P

*Seanaci*

03-16-2011, 03:06 PM

So, budget cuts in education continue on...as I believe was mentioned earlier in this TR.

Today is the day mom finds out if she's got a job next school year.

She just called me and says that she is safe for another year. So she has a job for the 2011-2012 school year. :)

Always good news.

About this time next year we should find out if she'll have a job for 2012-2013(trip year). Crossing my fingers she makes the cut next year as well. :)

So, guess now it's time to start saving. :P

*Seanaci*

03-18-2011, 06:36 PM

God I love my son. :)

We have about 5 or 6 Disney Specials on instant view on Netflix. He just said to me

"We are excited to ride on a plane and go to Disney World."

He melts my heart. I've got a Disney-lover on my hands. :)

DenGrampy

03-19-2011, 09:57 AM

May the "Magic" live in my roos heart forever...:wizard::love:

PirateKate

03-20-2011, 03:59 PM

That's cute, your son excited about Disney World. Isn't it fun when they start to really get into Disney stuff? :goodvibes

YukiPhnx

03-21-2011, 06:51 PM

It's great that your mom will have work for the coming school year!

*Seanaci*

03-28-2011, 03:42 PM

That's cute, your son excited about Disney World. Isn't it fun when they start to really get into Disney stuff? :goodvibes

It's awesome!! :)

It's great that your mom will have work for the coming school year!
We are so very greatful that she has work for the coming school year. Now we just have to cross our fingers that she has work for the 2012-2013 school year. :)

*Seanaci*

03-28-2011, 03:54 PM

Nothing to...exciting to update on. At least not on the trip end.

We went Mimi Camping Thursday night and Friday night. Mimi camping is when we go stay in a hotel and swim in the pool and generally just get out of the house for a few days (we're not tent or RV camp people...just can't do it, lol). Anyway. It was fun. All 5 of us in a studio suite. Had lots of munchies...drinks...and toys for Keegan.

However, his favorite part was the pool! I'm so proud of this kid. We did mommy and me swim lessons last fall...and he did well. I figured we'd be back to square one with swimming those two days. But nope. He was totally cool in the water with us. He'd even lay back and backfloat like he was taught during swim lessons. He was also jumping in with no fear. And he was even letting my mom and dad and DH hold him in the deeper water. Which is what I was really wanting...for him to be comfy swimming with any of us and not just me.

Overall...Mimi Camping was great. Well, aside from the 4am fire-alarm wake-up call. :P After gathering Keegan up (I ended up on the pull out couch with him during the night because he kept getting woken up by doors slamming shut) and walking down 5 flights (yeah, we were on the 5th floor) of stairs to the lobby...we found out that a broken fire sprinkler had caused the rukus. :confused3 So, back up 5 flights of stairs (because really, we didn't feel like waiting for the elevator) and back to bed. But not to sleep. :P That day also ended with a tragedy in the family. My lovely little camera, that I've barely had for 2 years (cause my dad bought it for me before we took Keegan to see his other grandparents back in 2009)...it bit the dust.

Well. Took a swim is more like it. :P I took it down to the pool to take some pictures of Keegan swimming and playing. I got out of the pool, dried off my hands, grabbed the camera and walked over to the side of the pool; intending to sit with my feet in the water so I could take pics of just Keegan (come on, I see myself naked...I certainly don't need bathing suit pictures of it :P). Well, as I was turning the camera upright (I was still standing up), I dropped the camera on the wet pool deck...from there, it bounced right into the pool and down to the bottom of the shallow end. >_< Let me tell ya, if the water didn't kill the camera, the drop did. It's dented on two corners badly. Oh well. I did want to buy a new camera for the Disney trip anyhow. Now I just have more time to shop for it...and justify buying a new camera. (I'm one of those people who, even if it's a few years old, I'll use it...even if I really wanted a new one.)

So, now it's time to shop for a new camera. And I am open to any and all suggestions from my DISer friends! :)

Ok. Guess that about wraps it up. :) Hope everyone is doing great.

I feel more trip updating in the near future. :) :yay::woohoo:

*Seanaci*

03-28-2011, 03:55 PM

Also...I need to get my dad's siggy a ticker. It looks...bare. :P

DenGrampy

03-28-2011, 08:37 PM

giving me my own ticker...that would be wonderful...you are a good daughter.:worship:

*Seanaci*

03-29-2011, 11:01 AM

giving me my own ticker...that would be wonderful...you are a good daughter.:worship:

I do try. :) ;)

*Seanaci*

03-30-2011, 01:14 PM

Alright dad...hope you like your new ticker...AND siggy! :)

YukiPhnx

03-30-2011, 07:24 PM

DenGrampy

03-30-2011, 08:15 PM

@ Sean, thanks for the "siggy"...I love it....@ Yuki, It is called Mimi camping because that is what Keegan calls his grammy.:banana:

PirateKate

03-30-2011, 09:19 PM

*Seanaci*

04-01-2011, 10:37 PM

You should invest in a water proof camera! There are great models out there right now. I'm not very good with technology but I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on the DIS that can recommend a good one!

It's great to hear that Keegan can swim like that! I know some teen girls that never learned how to swim! Our families took a trip together and it was...interesting teaching her how to swim.

Why do you call it Mimi camping?

Yeah...water proof would be nice. But, in the end I'll have to weigh how relevent that option is when purchasing a new camera. We really aren't near water enough to need a water proof camera...and when we are going to be at a pool or lake or water park, I try to remember to buy a disposible water proof camera. :P So, we'll see. :) I'll def be hitting up the photography section of the boards to get suggestions. :)

And Mimi camping came from my son. He calls my mom Mimi. Mimi camping started about 3 years ago when my uncle passed away suddenly. My parents drove to Nebraska (it's about a 4 hour drive from where we live) to help get things together and plan the funeral. DH, Keegan, and I (along with my bro SIL and their kids) caravaned up to Nebraska and we ended up staying in a hotel for the night rather than turning around and driving 4 hours back after the funeral and get together. And since we were in connecting rooms and all the grandkids were there, Mimi camping was born (so to speak). :)

*Seanaci*

04-01-2011, 10:42 PM

Mini camping sounds fun! I'm with you on the real camping- such a hassle when I have a perfectly good bed at home. We've only camped a couple times and once we made the mistake of bringing the dog, who circled the tent and whined all night. After that, we made a pact- we hate camping. :laughing:

We've never gone camping...and I just don't get the point of it. Sleeping in a tent on the hard ground (or on an air matress) in sleeping bags...just not my idea of fun. lol

A Mommy and Me swimming class is such a good idea! I would love to do something like that, but it's kind of trickier with two kids. You just don't see a lot of Mommy and Brother and Me classes.

You should look into it. Here they are actually called parent/tot (so dad's don't feel left out I guess hehe). You and DH could each take one of the boys and get them acclimated to water (if they aren't already; that was the main reason we did them for Keegan...he fell in the neighbors small 3 foot deep pond when he was 18 months old and HATED water after that, but parent/tot swim classes really relaxed him and made him love water again).

Camera shopping, that's exciting. I don't have any suggestions for you. We sometimes toy around with getting a new camera before our next trip, but there's really nothing wrong with the one I have.

I'm a little...bummed that now I have to camera shop...cause my camera was perfectly fine...before I dropped it and it counced in the pool that is. And I was planning on sucking it up and using it for our 2012 trip. But alas...fate had other plans...and apparently those plans include a new camera. hehe

*Seanaci*

04-11-2011, 09:28 PM

Incredibly sad...and a request from my DISer friends.

We took our son (and the little boy I babysit) to the zoo today. We took Keegan's favorite hat... (below)

And LOST it. :( I'm thinking we dropped it in the parking lot and someone picked it up...but upon checking with Lost and Found...nothing. (I'll be turning my house and the car upside down tomorrow to be SURE we didn't just over look it.) :( We bought the hat in Disney World in 2008. He wore it ALL the time.

I was hoping they'd have it online to buy...but I couldn't find it. So, I have a request. If anyone is going to Disney any time soon and would purchase the hat for me and mail it to me...I would be greatly appreciative. Money can be sent to you ahead of time via mail or paypal...but I don't remember what I paid for it. I'm thinking no more than $20. *shrugs*

Any help is GREATLY GREATLY appreciated.

Ok. Not 5 minutes after posting the above (took the picture out just now)...I walked into the living room to help Keegan finish picking up his toys for bed...and decided to just browse through his toys. Well, he's got a shopping cart...and puts EVERYTHING in it. Picked up a few things on top of the cart...and FOUND the hat. So that little twerp, picked it up off my pile of stuff for the zoo, and put it in his shopping cart. *shakes head* Ahhhh 3 year olds. Gotta love them. :)

PirateKate

04-12-2011, 10:03 PM

That's a funny story. :laughing: I'm sure it wasn't too funny at the time, but things like that happen around here, too. Carter's started being very interested in putting things where they go and for some reason, he has it in his head that my oven mitts go in his toy basket. :rotfl:

*Seanaci*

04-14-2011, 05:30 PM

Have to give cred where cred is due for this post.

I've been reading Dan's TR since he started it back...oh...sometime last year. And I have to say...his family is the greatest! Not only because they're close to grandparents (as my little family is to my parents)...but because I am now inspired and determined to make this an amazing trip by following some of the ways his family toured. :)

What do I mean? Well. In Dan's TR, the cast was his wife, son, himself, and a set of grandparents (whom, I can't remember if it's his parents or the wifes...so will edit this later, as I'm in a hurry to get this posted before we have to take Keegan to swim lessons). And they way they toured was so smart! If only we would have thought to go at our 2008 trip that way, it would have gone smoother.

Anywho. I'm rambling. In short, when Dan and his wife wanted to go ride a grown-up ride, the grandparents would take the grandson and ride things with him or take him to a play area or what have you. And when mom and dad were done riding, they'd meet back up and do some rides as a family. Then grandma and grandpa would leave the little family of 3 (soon to be 4, congrats to them) and go ride a few things on their own. Peace and harmony. Everyone got to do what they wanted to do...and there was always someone to keep an eye on the kiddo and play with him.

Like I said, had we only known this back in 2008, our trip would have gone so much smoother.

So, for this trip I will be making it clear that when my parents want to go off and ride rides, it's cool. Ken and I will go find things the 3 of us can do, then meet back up with my parents later. :)

Onto another trip subject matter. Every time I walk into a book store, I have to practically glue my hands together so I don't buy any of the 2011 edition travel books. I want my info to be as up to date as possible when I start hardcore planning about this time next year.

However, today...in a moment of weakness...I bought Keegan the Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids book. OMG! He LOVES it. He's flipped through it dozens of times already. And I really can't wait to sit down with him next year when he understands a little more (and has a little more patience) which things he'll want to see and do. I'm one proud mama to have a Disney-loving kid at 3.5 years old. :)

On a side note...if you've not yet read them, either BUY them and read them or go check your local library for them and read them.

KINGDOM KEEPERS Series by Ridley Pearson.

BEST BOOKS EVER! It'll make you look at the Magic Kingdom (and Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, and DHS) in a whole different way. :) I finished book one in about 24 hours...didn't have book 2 cause they were in transit to the store (which they store STILL doesn't have them as I've not recieved the call saying they're holding them for me). However, I went to a different Boarders bookstore and found books 2 & 4 (geek me went ahead and bought book 1 and 3 last Friday)...and I started reading book 2 today. Wow. I just love them!!

Ok. Guess that's about it on an update for now.

Oh aside from adding in that I will most likely be planning 2 trips at the same time next year...though on different coasts of the US. DH and I have talked about it, and we are pretty certain we'll be hitting Disneyland and CA in the Spring of 2013 (within 6 months of our 2012 Christmas trip). So, if my PTR gets a little wacky around then, don't be surprised. :)

Anyway. Thanks for reading! :)

PirateKate

04-15-2011, 03:28 PM

Sounds like you all will have a good time touring the parks together this year. It's nice to have grandparents along to get a break sometimes, but it's also nice if everyone feels free to go their own way.

A Disneyland trip will be really fun! I've never been, but I'd love to see how it compares to Disney World. I have high hopes for the Matterhorn.

I love the Kingdom Keepers books, too. I've only read the first three so far, since I'm waiting to get the fourth from the library. Can't wait!

*Seanaci*

05-03-2011, 06:33 PM

I'm SOOOOOO excited!

No idea how I found this...it was a link on Facebook maybe?

Anywho!

I emailed the link to my hubby (whose still at work right now) and told him I seriously want this for our anniversary. It's sterling silver, which won't break me out...and DISNEY!!!

http://www.bradfordexchange.com/products/112569001_disney-mickey-mouse-ring.html?cm_ven=SMO&cm_cat=Facebook&cm_pla=Like&cm_ite=112569001&utm_source=SMO&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=Like&utm_term=112569001

He text messaged me to see what my ring size is. So, needless to say...I'm 95% certain I'm getting that four our anniversary in July. :D

LuvsTigger80

05-08-2011, 04:39 PM

That is a very cool looking ring!! Gotta let me know how it looks when you get it. :thumbsup2 I've ordered the charm bracelet from them before and had to send it back. It looked like a 2 yr old made the charms. So if this looks better(which it seems like it would since they don't have to do face characters) i might have to get it....:thumbsup2

PirateKate

05-10-2011, 03:36 PM

Love the Mickey ring!! :thumbsup2

*Seanaci*

05-24-2011, 11:43 PM

Wow...just realised, that this time next year, I'll have my trip booked...be shopping for airfare...finalizing ADR's...AND saving spending money. Amazing how quickly time goes. :D

Also...I'm so inspired right now...to get healthy and lose weight before our trip (after watching a woman who was my size win tonight...I'm inspired...and know if I put my mind to it, I can do it)! For the summer, I have a Walk Away the Pounds DVD that I'm going to start using after I put the baby back to bed in the mornings...and on the nicer days, get out and take a walk around our neighborhood. Come the fall (once Keegan starts pre-school) I'm going to look into joining a womens gym to get some extra help (provided we can afford it; I called/emailed one gym for a quote, granted it was a gym for men and women, and they gave me a price of liek $110 a month; far too expensive for us). If we can't afford it...I'll just stick to using the DVD...and my parents treadmill (which hasn't been used for it's intended purpose in probably a year :P). I'm not looking to be stick thin by the time we go. Cause I know losing weight is easier said than done. But, I'm pretty sure losing 50-75 pounds in the next year and a half is doable. :D So I'll be sure to keep you all up to date on that. :D

In other trip related news...there's not a whole lot to add. My son is still talking about going to Disney World to ride Test Track...on a daily basis. Seriously. He'll tell anyone who'll listen that he's going to Disney to ride Test Track. Sadly, it's always to people who are like "WTH is he talking about?" The only time he walks away satisfied having shared his story, is when we go to the Disney Store. XD I love my son. <3

Ok. I guess that's about it for the update. Not much to update on.

Perhaps I have to start posting what ADR's we'll look at getting. Or something along those lines. Perhaps I may tell little stories from our 2008 trip. Who knows. ;D

But thanks for sticking with me. :D

DenGrampy

05-25-2011, 08:09 PM

I believe stories from our 2008 trip would be an excellent way to keep the spirit alive. :cool1:

*Seanaci*

05-29-2011, 11:36 AM

So...I shall start from the beginning of our 2008 trip...

A little back-story on this. I became a Disney-aholic during my 2nd trip to a Disney park...1997...in high school for a band trip. Even though in 1994 we'd gone to Disneyland for our band trip...and I liked Disneyland...it wasn't until we hit the World that I fell head over heels. :) On the 1997 trip, my mom went along as a chaperone. Loved everything...except the kids in her chaperone group. :P Anywho. In 2003, we decided to take a trip back to the World...mom, dad, and myself. Dad had NEVER been and was eager to go. And when it came to picking a date...we knew it had to be while mom was on vacation from her work (with the school district). Since it was October...we decided on December. So, dad got on Expedia, found a reasonable vacation package and booked it. I don't remember the price. But I do remember we did not stay on property...though we were just around the corner from Downtown Disney (which we did not find out until a couple days into our trip). It was the Double Tree Club Hotel. It was pretty fun. We were near a grocery store...and several restaurants.

I believe the worst part of our stay was the buses to/from the theme parks. >_< There was one bus for a group of like 5 hotels along the road our hotel was on. And our hotel was the last one picked up and dropped off. So, in the morning, we were standing on the bus all the way to the theme park (a much longer ride than the buses within the property). Not so fun. And the bus "home", while it wasn't horrible...it was just like "get me back to my hotel...I'm tired, cranky and want to sleep." I remember riding one bus to the parks and one bus home from the parks. The rest of our trip we took cabs (shoot, it was under $15 to/from our hotel to any of the parks).

And going at Christmas was amazing! We fell in love with the decoarations (Christmas is THE holiday in our house...we go all out with decorating). And took the Disney buses to DTD (I don't remember who we asked, but they told us to take a bus from a theme park to one of the value resorts and then transfer to the DTD bus).

Upon returning home, we all decided next time we went, we were staying ON property. (Seems like we chatted with several people in line for rides about on-prop vs off-prop, and those staying on-prop convinced us.) So, that's just what we did in 2008. We stayed on property for the first time. :D

*I will have to update this post with pics later...I have to scan some in, edit a bit, and upload to photobucket. :D

And I will leave this post here for today.

Up next, Day 1 of our 2008 trip. :D

PirateKate

05-30-2011, 07:27 PM

*Seanaci*

06-02-2011, 05:52 PM

I've never had the nerve to try using off site transportation. It seems like all the hotels outside of Disney offer complimentary transportation, but I've always worried it would be crowded and take forever. $15 for the cab seems like a good choice, but of course, staying on site is even better. :thumbsup2

When we went as a family in 2003...we were newbs to the whole Disney experience...which is part of the reason we stayed off property. But now that we've been and stayed on property...we're forever on-property guests. :D

New bit of story coming soon!

LuvsTigger80

06-02-2011, 06:07 PM

*Seanaci*

06-12-2011, 06:50 PM

WEST!

Yes. That is correct.

This trip report is turning and heading West for the 2012 trip.

Why?

Well...after much discussion as a family (and given the uncertainty of mom's job for the 2012 school year), we have decided a Disneyland trip is much more affordable for us next year.

Now. Don't get me wrong. I'll miss all 4 parks out on the East coast. But, this really does make sooooooooo much more sense!

Sure, when I look at my quick spreadsheet, we're not saving MUCH on the hotel. But, we're saving about $1000 on airfare (and that's just between United, Frontier, and Southwest fares).

So, this plane is now headed to the West coast...the BIRTH of Disney. :D And I can't WAIT to see it. I haven't been to Disneyland since 1995. So I really look forward to seeing all the changes they've made. Plus, seeing California adventure.

Not to mention, we've thrown the idea of going to the beach one day while we're there. Something we'd NEVER do going to Disney World (just too much and an added expense of renting a car for the day). I mentioned renting a car in CA for this reason. But, she countered back with "Or a taxi." So, yeah. Probably be cheaper to take a taxi to the beach since we'd only use the rental to/from the airport. As the hotel we're staying at is across the street from the parks. :D

So. There you have it. A BIG change in plans! Which means I'll DEF have to get a waterproof camera so I can take it on the water rides!! :D

YukiPhnx

06-13-2011, 01:25 PM

A west coast trip sounds like fun! You'll get to the East coast another time! Saving all that money and still being able to go to Disney is much better right now.

PirateKate

06-13-2011, 03:09 PM

It sounds like Disneyland is a good choice for you all this time. I've never been, so I don't know much about it, but it will definitely be something different. :thumbsup2

*Seanaci*

06-13-2011, 06:38 PM

It sounds like Disneyland is a good choice for you all this time. I've never been, so I don't know much about it, but it will definitely be something different. :thumbsup2

Thanks! :D

A west coast trip sounds like fun! You'll get to the East coast another time! Saving all that money and still being able to go to Disney is much better right now.

I'm actually REALLY excited for Disneyland and California Adventure. Mostly CA because I'll get to ride the ORIGINAL Soarin!! :D Not to mention Slash Mountain at DL. We're not sure about riding it at WDW because we always go in December when temps are cooler...and we don't want to freeze going back to the resort to change. But, at DL, we'll be across the street from our hotel and can go take a break to change clothes...and then go back for more fun. :D

Anywho! I am one excited DISer this summer! A trip to DL/CA in 2012...plus some home improvements going on this summer. Of which the only thing I can speak of is our pool! We're hoping to get it up and filled in the next couple weeks. So mom and I will be out back working on the final clean up and prep for the pool. :D As we complete other projects, I'll be sure to talk about them on here. BUT, there is one thing we are doing that is going to be a surprise to ALL the boys in the house. DAD, DON'T EVEN ASK OR TRY TO GUESS! :P

Anywho! :P

*Seanaci*

06-15-2011, 11:34 PM

Day 1 is ALWAYS a travel and settle in day for us...no parks. Sadly, we live 2 hours behind Orlando...so even taking an 8am flight, we don't get into Orlando till after 2 pm Orlando time.

But none the less, it was a fun filled day.

I believe our day started early. Up and out of the house by like 6am.

Keegan was not (and still is not) a morning person. I can't say I blame him.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation001.jpg

HOWEVER, I suspect he'll be like me as get gets older and jump out of bed the morning we leave for a Disney trip. We'll see.

Before long, we were on the road for the 20 minute drive to the airport.

Once there, we checked in (line for check in was sooooooooo long...but, luckily, they opened the que line and had us (as well as many behind us) go to another counter they were opening up. So we ended up checking in and getting our tickets in less than 15 minutes.

Then it was on to security. But, this part, we'd worked out a plan at home. Since there were four adults and one kiddo, not to mention a stroller, carry on liquids/snacks for Keegan, diaper bag, and a couple other carry ons, we had to have a plan.

So, mom was responsible for herself and Keegan. I was responsible for the diaper bag and snack/juice bag for Keegan, dad was responsible for the other carry-ons, and DH was responsible for the stroller. We'd already packed the snack/juice bag in it's own bag(used a small soft sided lunch box for the snacks/juices) so TSA was able to identify it and pull it and test it without us having to take anything out of the diaper bag.TSA was impressed and told my mom "You must travel with him a lot. You're very organized." :D

Anywho! Through security anddown to the trains.

Keegan wasn't quite sure what to think of the train.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation002.jpg

Once we got to the gate, Keegan was much happier with a bit of breakfast and juice in his belly.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation004.jpg

We were actually a couple hours early for our flight. So, Keegan did a lot of playing with his cars on the window ledge, plane watching, and walking around with us.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation005.jpg

Poor thing...changed his clothes to something cooler and comfy for the flight. And he started to get tired.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation008.jpg

But once we were on the plane, he got his second wind..."Where are we?"
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation010.jpg

But, the excitement (and perhaps boredom of being confined for such a long time) got the best of him.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation011.jpg

Luckily, he slept for the last leg of the flight and woke up as we were decending into Orlando. Poor kiddo...even though he had his binky and a cup of juice, the pressure still hurt his little ears. :( But, he was find once we got off the plane and headed down to the DME counter.

Got checked in there and boarded our bus (first on so we sat in the front).
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation012.jpg

We sat in the front mainly so I could get the standard shot of
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation014-1.jpg

I think at that point, we all forgot about home and just relaxed till we got to the resort. :D

And since this post is getting long...and I have a few more pictures to share of our first day, I'll leave our story here for today. :D

I promise to try and get a new post up more than once a week. :D

Thanks for sticking with me. :D

YukiPhnx

06-16-2011, 06:06 PM

Wow, what a nice start to your vacay! I love how organized you guys all were!

Keegan was SO ADORABLE. I love that photo of him playing with his car. So cute.

*Seanaci*

06-16-2011, 09:34 PM

Lots of ideas brewing in my head for the trip now.

Going to start pricing hotels (we're pretty sure where we'll be staying, but if we could stay ON property in two rooms, as I'm not sure any of the Disneyland hotels have suites, for the price we'll be paying to stay in a suite at a Good Neighbor hotel, I'm sure I could get everyone on board)...and throwing info out here on the thread...plans! :D

The other idea going through my head is VLOGGING...video blogging...and twitter updates (can't decide how often on those...but I'm pretty sure it'd be at least every hour). I would just want to have followers enjoying my tweets and short daily blogs while we're at Disneyland. Let me know what ya'll think of that. :D

Anyhow. I'm sure you'll see my first Disneyland PLANNING update before the weekend. I can't sit still...and to be honest, changing plans means I have loads to research now. :D

PirateKate

06-17-2011, 02:15 PM

*Seanaci*

06-17-2011, 03:02 PM

Keegan looks like he enjoyed his flight. It's nice when they sleep on the plane. :thumbsup2 I think Landon has the same backpack as Keegan did.

I agree that if the Disneyland onsite hotels are affordable that they would be preferable, although I have heard that the Good Neighbor hotels are pretty nice, too.

The Good Neighbor hotel we're looking at (Anaheim Fairfield by Marriot) is right across the street from DL. AND they've just updated a bunch of the rooms to Disney Themes!! Plus they have family suites in Disney themes. :D So, we're pretty sure we're staying there. Good news is, if we book the hotel through Disney's website, we get some of the same benefits as people who actually stay on property (talked to an agent online the other day and she listed everything we'd be able to take advantage of by booking with Disney). Bad news is, after I book through Disney, I'll have to call the hotel and see about an upgrade to a suite OR 2 connecting rooms (we're seriously thinking about doing 2 rooms so we have 2 bathrooms, so we'll see). :D

*Seanaci*

06-17-2011, 04:29 PM

Looking into shuttle service from airport to hotel and vice versa. Looking like Disneyland Resort Resort Express. Can get a family pass, round trip for $80...good for up to 5 people. It's a STEAL considering if we paid individually, it'd cost $130. :D

Also looking into a rental car in the event we decide to go to the beach one day. Trust me dad, it'll be cheaper in the long wrong...a taxi to the beach could be as much as $50 one way. :P Plus there are about a half dozen companies within a quick walk of the hotel. :D

Oh...and dad, no telling mom yet. :P When I suggested a rental if we wanted to do the beach, she poo-pooed it.

DenGrampy

06-17-2011, 10:43 PM

You have been a busy girl..:thumbsup2

*Seanaci*

06-19-2011, 02:04 PM

You have been a busy girl..:thumbsup2

ROFLMAO!!! :rotfl2::rotfl2:

Of course I've been a busy girl. Changing from East Coast Disney to West Coast Disney is totally new for me. :D WDW was an easier plan...because we've done it once and know pretty much what we want to do...not a lot of details to plan out there.

Disneyland on the other hand...TOTALLY new to me...between ground transportation, hotels, meals, etc.

Plus...I'm kind of OCD when it comes to planning trips anyhow. So, I need to start finding/printing important info (height requirements for one). As well as the transportation to/from the hotel/airport at the very least. :D Once all of that comes together...the rest is cake!!

Plus, it gives me something to do.

Speaking of which...I need to go to Boarders one of these days...look into the Disneyland trip planning books they have.

ooooooooooo...grand idea. Going to get Keegan the Birnbaums Disneyland for kids for Christmas! The 2012 edition...it should be out by then. :D

I'm just a planning fool!

And rambling now. :P

ETA: I need to change your ticker dad. :P

LuvsTigger80

06-19-2011, 06:28 PM

YAY for Disneyland!! My home away from home. How exciting to be planning a trip here! you will love it. If you need any help about the parks let me know, they are my stomping grounds. :cool1: Can't wait to hear about everything that you will be planning to do.

*Seanaci*

06-20-2011, 11:58 PM

WHAT?!? You're asking.

I'm going to start "walking" to Disneyland. I haven't exercised in...ugh...I don't even know how long. But, I've been slowly motivating myself to start walking. Bought a step counter the 3rd of June. Have worn it every day (save for one cause I forgot to clip it on my pocket). Have written down on my calander how many steps I took that day.

Today...I was trying to motivate myself to pop in a DVD. Text messaged DH...and he text back with "Just think about Disney. That should be motivation enough." And I actually popped my Walk At Home DVD in and did the 2 mile walk!

So. I have decided I'm "walking" to Disneyland. It is around 1100 miles from my house, to Disneyland.

So...if you divide that out into 17 months (not sure on dates yet for the trip, ticker is estimated, so I'm not including Dec 2012). That's roughly 65 miles per month. As I will only be using my DVD's 5 days a week (and to make SURE I use them 5 days a week), I'm dividing the 65 by 25 days...which means I have to walk just over 2.5 miles a day to "walk" to Disneyland! :D

Yeah. I know. Geek/nerd...whatever. :P Too much time on my hands. :P

Anyway...now that I've bored you...I'll figure up how far I've "travelled" so far tomorrow. :P It's late...and I need to get myself to bed!

Night, Dis Friends!

PirateKate

06-22-2011, 02:48 PM

Walking to Disneyland sounds very motivating. Much more interesting than walking aimlessly, just to be walking. :thumbsup2

YukiPhnx

06-22-2011, 05:31 PM

*Seanaci*

06-23-2011, 12:18 PM

This sounds like a great idea, walking to Disneyland!

I've been motivating myself by thinking of how good I'll look in a bikini when I go to the beach...

Wow, so many things to think about! Have you decided to stay on site afterall? That shuttle sounds like a great idea.

No...I"m pretty sure we'll be staying just across the street in a Good Neighbor hotel. A suite (or even two connecting rooms) there will be the same price as a single on Disney property.

YukiPhnx

06-29-2011, 06:59 PM

Will you be able to use the shuttle at the good neighbour hotels?

*Seanaci*

07-01-2011, 01:39 PM

Will you be able to use the shuttle at the good neighbour hotels?

From everything I've been able to find on the shuttle to/from the airport, yes. We will be able to catch one to/from our hotel. :D

As far as getting to the parks goes...it's like a half mile or less from the hotel. So...we'll be walking to/from the parks.

DenGrampy

07-13-2011, 04:44 PM

I believe it is time for some more back story on our 2008 trip, don't you Missy?:cool1:

*Seanaci*

07-13-2011, 08:11 PM

I believe it is time for some more back story on our 2008 trip, don't you Missy?:cool1:

Yes yes yes. I know. >_<

Soon. I promise. Perhaps this weekend. Late night last night cause of the rain and storms (loads of scary lightening and thunder)...I'm beat tonight. Playdate tomorrow...so nothing tomorrow. This weekend...I promise!! :D

DenGrampy

07-26-2011, 07:31 PM

:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

DenGrampy

08-06-2011, 08:09 PM

promises, promises...:confused3

DenGrampy

09-11-2011, 08:49 AM

When last we left our 2008 TR, we were headed to our resort. If you don't already know, we stayed at All Star Music in a Family Suite. We picked this based on the size of our family (5 of us upon arrival, soon to be 6 when DD2 got there the next evening).As we pulled thru the gates, we all couldn't believe we were finally here. Got thru check-in quickly and were given our room assignment. (I'm sure DD1 will have pics to share later) We got to our room and relaxed for a bit waiting on luggage to arrive. I think we all went to the food court for a bite to eat after a couple hours. When we got back to our room we found 2 of our 3 suitcases. Of course the suitcase that didn't show up was DD and DSIL's. After numerous trips to customer service the errant suitcase finally arrived (I think it was around 11pm). The luggage tag had come off and had been stuffed inside the outside pocket of the suitcase. We all finally went to bed, tomorrow was a big day!

DenGrampy

10-02-2011, 10:15 AM

After a short night of sleep...we were up early to get ready, have breakfast and head out for the day.:cool1: And where did we head today...DHS:banana:. Since we didn't make here in 2003 we just had to check it out. After arriving in shorts and t-shirts while everyone else was in more appropriat attire, we had to at least get some jackets to keep a little warmer.

*Seanaci*

11-02-2011, 11:33 AM

Hehe. Thanks dad for posting what you could remember of the rest of day 1. :P I'm back. Time to get to work now.

Day 1, Arrival and Evening at Resort:

DME was awesome. So quick and easy. And such a quiet and enjoyable ride to our resort. We ended up staying at AllStar Music resort as they had Family suites which slept 6...and since my sister would be joining us the next evening, it worked out perfect. I believe even until we knew my sister was joining us, we were going with a family suite as it had 2 bathrooms and the kitchenette (things we felt were important since we were traveling with a 14 month old).

Anywho. We got off the bus, and I got in line to check in. Which didn't take too long. And soon we were off to our room...first floor, Calypso building. Perfect! With a stroller we could just open the door and roll right in if DS was passed out at night. :)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation017.jpg

Sadly, I don't have a pic of our room number. Something I WON'T forget to do anymore. :D

Anywho. It was nice to be able to go drop all our bags and things and sit for a bit. We only sat for 10 minutes or so, then headed to the food court to get a bite for dinner. In the time it took us all to get our food, pay, and walk back to the room with it, our bags were in our room. Yay! But wait. There were only 2 bags. Crap. Not to mention the basket I had ordered for mom a month prior and paid for was MIA (I'll touch on this one after the luggage).

We called luggage services and they said "it's missing, you'll have to call your airline and report it missing." Great. Of all the bags to lose, they lose mine and Ken's. So, we get on the phone and try to get in touch with United to report the bag lost. Thing is, every time we follow the prompts, and get to the correct menu for lost baggage, it drops our call (something I will be writing a complaint about to United).

So, many calls to luggage services at our hotel, many trips down to the front desk to actually talk to them and give them a description of the bag, I finally get through to United. Only it wasn't to the proper department. I was so pissed, I finally just hit the general baggage question prompt and spoke to someone. Mom and I tag teamed talking to this girl, as she was desperatly trying to help us get through to the lost baggage line.

After 2 hours of being on hold with this girl, we get through. Also, sometime in all of this, Disney took a description of our bag as well, I'm assuming to go look for it. Back to United. The girl I spoke to said it had been scanned into Orlando International Airport (score one for it actually being in the same state as us, we may actually get it in a day or two if they find it and deliver it), and that we should have reported it lost at the airport. DOH! She didn't know how the magical express worked, so I had to explain. She was sweet, and told my mom she would file the report for us; took a description of the bag and told us she would be in touch with us. So, dad and Ken come back in time to hear the end of the conversation.

Dad and I walk to the lobby once more to thank the cast memebers there for their help and to let them know we'd keep in touch about the bag and it's whereabouts. Dad and I get back to the room and we all sit down and start discussing our options. Disney offered to pay for a cab to Walmart or Target so Ken and I could get a couple changes of clothes until the bag was delievered. Mom and dad would help us pay for it if we needed it.

Just as I was saying "let's just go, get it over with tonight, and if the bag does show up tonight, then we consider ourselves lucky and have a few extra pairs of clothes for the week" there is a knock on the door. Without even looking out the peephole, I open the door and nearly faint. There is the missing/lost bag in all it's wonderful glory. We thanked the cast member who brought it profusely and told him we could have hugged him for bringing that bag. YAY! Crisis averted. (Thanks Bianca, Linda, Renee, and John at ASMu luggage services!) No need to spend time or money shopping for clothes. Oh, and when the bag came, it didn't have the nice bright yellow tag on the handle. So between Denver and Orlando, the tag was pulled off. And guess where we found it (as we were packing up to head home later int he week). In the outside zipper pocket of the bag. >_<

Now, back to the basket I had ordered and paid for. I ordered it from a local Orlando woman...I believe the company is Memories by Betsy (use her, she's awesome!). She put together a basket with a Mickey throw and a 2008 Mickey Head ornament for mom. It was to be delivered to our hotel, and left in our room when it was ready. Well, it was delivered to the hotel...but not to our room. Because of the baggage situation above, I couldn't remember the name of the company (non-DISer moment for not having brought that info with me) and so had to describe the basket to the cast member over the phone. I was in tears...as it was supposed to be a surprise for my mom, and there she was, in the room with me, listening to me bawl my eyes out (what can I say, when I'm super stressed out, I'm a cryer) having to ruin the surprise. Well, somewhere during the call, the cast member came up with the correct company name and said she was sure she'd seen one and that when they found it, they'd deliver it right away. Within 10 minutes the basket was at our door. YAY! Mom was soooooo excited. We left the throw over the back of the couch all week, and hung the ornament from the tall lamp in our room.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a365/SeanaciFarmer/WDW%20Dec%202008/disneyvacation021.jpg

All things considered, we ended up having a peaceful evening and decorated our windows with our Disney clings, christmas lights, and garland. I did not get pictures of our windows somehow, but it doesn't matter as our garland/light tree we taped to the window fell off by the morning, so we were left with our window clings and our cool mickey head wreath (I'll take a picture of it at least so you can see it).

Sadly, I don't have pics in my photobucket of the sleeping arrangements/room. So, I'll have to remember to do that later and update this post.

In the next update...our first park day. Where do we go? What do we ride? How does DS do with the characters. And does my sister make it on DME and get to the hotel ok?

Stay tuned! :)

*Seanaci*

11-02-2011, 11:46 AM

Ok. To keep this PTR on track, I suppose it's time for a small update.

As you know, plans changed and we are now headed to Disneyland in 2012 rather than Disney World. I'm pretty excited about it. Found out recently that the hotel my parents stayed in a few years ago has actually remodeled some of their rooms to be Disney themed. So excited about that. And they have made some rooms into suites. Super excited about that!

However, I am wondering how many days we'll end up going...the full standard week...or less...as it's Disneyland...and only 2 parks. I'm sure we could get done what we want to get done in about 5 days (with days for rest in between). But, we'll have to wait and see. I am also wondering if it may be cheaper to stay "on property" rather than in a good neighbor hotel in a suite. *shrugs* I just don't know. I suppose I have some research and digging to do. Speadsheets anyone? ;)

The only other thing I'm worried about is my mom's job. It is again in an unstable position due to budget cuts. My heart aches because there was a proposition on the election ballot this year that would halt the budget cuts for like 5 years and raise taxes slightly with the money going to recover education basically. Election day was yesterday, and sadly the proposition was defeated. So no halt on the cuts, and no increase in taxes. So, we'll have to wait and see what happens with mom's job come March (as that's about when they start deciding who/where to cut). On the other hand, DH and I will be done paying on our debt settlement and his car will be paid off by no later than June of next year...which gives us an extra $650 a month. So, the trip MAY still happen...might be a few days shorter than usual...and we might have to cram into one room rather than a suite or 2 rooms. But, somehow, we'll make it work.

Anywho. I guess that's about it for an update. Not a lot to update on. Just kind of thinking about staying on prop versus off and possible dates. :)

DenGrampy

12-06-2011, 08:31 PM

Now that we have dates for 2012, it is time for the planning to begin!!!:banana::banana::banana:

*Seanaci*

12-08-2011, 02:17 PM

MAJOR trip update.

We've finally nailed down dates. A bit of...fluff before I post the dates. My mom works for the school district. This year, she has the week before Christmas, and the week of Christmas off (so the 19th through the 30th). Next year, because Christmas falls on a Tuesday, it is entirely possible, she won't get out for break until the 21st of December; and then have Christmas week off and New Years Week off.

So, we had to pick the ONLY week we knew was safe for her to be off. So we are headed West, to the Mouses House the week of CHRISTMAS!!! Not exactly sure when we'll be leaving (if she works until the 21st, we'll probably leave Sunday the 23rd; unless of course mom wants to get the heck out of here on the 22nd). As far as coming home, I'm going to assume we will come back either the 28th or 29th. We'll see though. :)

I am soooooooo incredibly excited. I wish we could go the week before Christmas (could be a little cheaper, but I'm not positive on that)...but, all that matters is WE'RE GOING!!!

So, our dates look as follows (will change between now and the time we actually book and find out what weeks mom has off):

December 22 - December 27
OR
December 23 - December 28
OR
December 23 - December 29

We will be staying at The Fairfield Inn, in a suite. And I KNOW we'll be getting park hopper tickets. I'm sure food will be mostly fast (with a few sit downs thrown in at restaurants located within walking distance from the parks/hotel).

*DAD! PLEASE DO NOT SAY ANYTHING TO MOM ABOUT THE FOLLLOWING!*
I have also come up with the bright idea (more research is still needed on it though; as well as a discussion with the family once said research is done), to perhaps take a day trip down to Legoland. From what I have found so far, it's a little over an hour south from Disneyland (down the I-5). And my son would LOVE it. It looks as though a 1 day ticket is as much (or a little less) than a Disney ticket; so cost wouldn't be a HUGE issue. However, we'd have to rent a car and a booster seat for the drive down and back. So, we'll see how that one pans out. :)

I'm also considering VLOGGING the trip (perhaps several short videos a day of our adventures in the park) and posting it to Youtube. Either that or using Keek (it's like Twitter, but rather than words, you post like 1 minute videos). And of course I will be tweeting our adventures...and doing live Facebook status updates. Make my friends and family who also love Disney a little jealous...or giving them a bit of the Disney magic through me. :)

One last thing. Keegan LOVES to play with my husbands tape measure. And we have used it a couple times to record his height on the door frame in the bathroom. The other day, he asked me to measure him again. So I did. He is now 41 inches tall. So he is and will be tall enough to ride a LOT of the rides when we go next year. I'm soooooooooooo excited! :)

Ok. That's it for the update. :) I'll have to hop back on this weekend and post about our trip back in 2008. :)

Thanks for reading and sticking with me!! :wizard:

DenGrampy

12-11-2011, 04:23 PM

Is it wrong that I am more excited for this trip than our trip to WDW in 2008? I can't wait to start planning more. :banana::banana:

*Seanaci*

12-12-2011, 01:33 PM

Is it wrong that I am more excited for this trip than our trip to WDW in 2008? I can't wait to start planning more. :banana::banana:

Ummm...yes and no. I mean...it's my first trip back to Disneyland since...1995 (holy cow, that's a long time)...and you were there like 5 years ago. Plus, we're going at a perfect age for Keegan to really be able to take it all in and be in awe. So it will be exciting. :D

*Seanaci*

12-17-2011, 08:24 PM

After Mimi camping last night in two connecting hotel rooms, we have decided to go with connecting rooms for the trip rather than a family suite. :)

*Seanaci*

12-17-2011, 08:43 PM

It's looking like 2 rooms (plus 6 day park hopper tix) is going to be $3532.24. Which works out to 1766.12 per couple. And that's for 6 nights. We'll see if we decide on 6 nights, or if we go for 5 or less. Airfare will be another task. But that will have to wait until PROBABLY February to start pricing out.

AHHHHH! Can't believe we are really going to Disneyland!

DenGrampy

12-17-2011, 09:14 PM

What if we do 4 parks days plus a side to Legoland? I'm assuming park hoppers are 6 days.

DenGrampy

12-17-2011, 09:33 PM

Just re-read your post and saw 6 day hoppers....must be tired from all that "camping" last night.:confused3

QueenDoOver

12-20-2011, 10:07 AM

Hello there!
Just saw your ptr as I was browsing about because I am in the process of planning my families first trip to the world. We have been to DL many times, stayed both onsite and off and have booked with packages and without. We have taken the shuttle and have rented cars.

Have you made your way over to the Disneyland board yet? There are some really great tips over there. If you are not dead set on staying at the Fairfield, you may want to consider The HOJO. It is a favorite with many on the board. My family has stayed there 3 times and love it. It is right across the corner street from Fairfield, but actually more convenient to crosswalk by MIMI's if you like to cross there. (we do as it is much less crowded) They have a pirate themed splash pool area as well as a large garden pool that is lovely to swim in all year round and also has a great view of the fireworks. The best part of the HOJO is that the rooms are huge. Seriously, the largest hotel rooms I have ever stayed in. Their rates are also pretty good. They offer a 15% discount if you mention the disboards, they offer 50% off with an entertainment card (although not likely the week you are going).
http://www.hojoanaheim.com/
They have a forum
http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/

They do have two suites.
http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=9
http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=8

Anyhow, worth considering and it seems like the rooms usually end up around $120 after discount in the high season. The advantage of booking not as part of a package is that you will be able to rebook, or cancel at will clear up to 48 hours before the trip to take advantage of any specials that come out if bookings are down. I really like that flexibility.

Normally I book off-site, and then if the onsite hotels run a special, will switch to that if it makes sense. You can't do that if you book with a package because of the penalties.

And then you are paying a lot for a package over booking seperately. Basically if staying 6 nights, hotel cost should not exceed $800, maybe $900. Tickets are $700 for family of 3 and $500 for family of two.
Total cost booking seperately: $3000 with potential to save more and or apply additional cost to stay on-site.

Also, there is an alamo rental counter right in downtown disney. I have snagged a car there for a day for as little as $24. I have also just grabbed a 5 day rental for around $100, and then we use it for our day trips and then drop off at the airport when we go home so save the shuttle cost of the return.

You might look into that as you could get your shuttle down to $8.00 per person, booked with coupon from entertainment book, one way, then apply savings to cost of rental car. It is nice if you want to just go to a character dinner, you can drive to DLH and park for free. You can run to target for cold medicine and/or few groceries, etc. etc. Not to mention on two trips hubby has had to go to the walk in clinic and having the car was a life saver.

I would just bring your booster with you on the plane. They will check it for free.

As far as length of trip and days at parks? Well, we have been many times, yet when we planned a 9 day trip, we thought we would spend more time at beach etc. because we have been to disney so much and we ended up going all 9 days! Crazy, huh? But we love all the shows and we love the rides and just sort of enjoy really absorbing everthing in the resort. Based on your love of Disney I think you will easily enjoy 6 days. I would recommend that you consider the christmas tour also.

I will be following along and look forward to hearing about your plans. Let me know if you have any questions and I am happy to help. I have two boys, ages 15 and 9, and we started going when my youngest was almost 3.

Tracey

*Seanaci*

12-22-2011, 11:09 AM

Holy cow....we'll be at Disneyland one year from today!!

DenGrampy

12-22-2011, 08:24 PM

Time to get some major planning started :banana:

*Seanaci*

12-22-2011, 08:27 PM

Because there is a LOT of stuff going on in our family at the moment...I thought I'd take a minute to post lyrics to a song from my FAVORITE Christmas movie. The best line is "The World is at her best, you know, when people love and care." I just hope that no matter what situation you're in right now...be at mad at your family...or alone for the holiday...or even if you're the happiest you've ever been...just remember to love and care for everyone.

One More Sleep Till Christmas:

There's magic in the air this evening
Magic in the air
The world is at her best, you know
When people love and care
The promise of excitement
Is one the night will keep
After all, there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas

The world has got a smile today
The world has got a glow
There's no such thing as strangers when
A stranger says hello
And everyone is family
We're having so much fun
After all, there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous
With a burst of pleasure, we feel it arrive
It's the season when the saints can employ us
To spread the news about peace and to keep love alive

(spoken):

Merry Christmas! So long!

There's something in the wind today
That's good for everyone
Yes, faith is in our hearts today
We're shining like the sun
And everyone can feel it
The feeling's running deep
After all, there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas
After all, there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas day

*Seanaci*

01-02-2012, 03:36 PM

Happy New Year all! Hope everyone had a safe and fun New Years Eve/Day! We had a ball. Keegan got to stay up till midnight...which he really wasn't sure why. Of course...had he taken a nap and not been so tired, he may have gotten the idea. *shrugs* Oh well. There's always this year. ;)

Ok. Now that we are out of 2011, it is official that we are going to Disney THIS YEAR!! I just can't believe it.

And I am formulating things in my head for this trip...especially if mom and dad's funds can't stretch far. I know we can make ours stretch. My hope is to book hotel and tix by March...and have it all paid for by...October or so.

Looking at the Hojo vs the Fairfield, we're still going with Fairfield. My parents stayed there a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Plus, based on google maps, the crosswalk isn't terribly far from the Fairfield...and a little more walking NEVER hurt anyone. ;)

We just have to get our departure TO Disney nailed down...so I need to check and see if the school district has put up the calendar for next year yet. If Mom has the week of the 17th off, we'll be flying out on Friday. If she's not off that week, we'll be flying out on Saturday.

It's really going to be fun to really start planning things out. :) I'm super excited. As planning is the BEST part before you actually get to the park, in my opinion.

Also, I need to take a trip to Barnes and Noble this week and look for Disneyland tour books. :) Haven't been in YEARS myself and love having a tour book with helpful info while planning.

Alright. Guess that's it for now. Time to start planning and writing and marking up the calendar. :D

*Seanaci*

01-07-2012, 04:18 PM

I am officially in full on planning mode. :) Gathering height requirement information, printing out a countdown chain I've had in my email inbox for almost 2 YEARS (crazy), filing info, reading books, marking up calendars. I really couldn't be more happy right now.

*blissful sigh*

*Seanaci*

01-12-2012, 10:20 PM

Number Crunching!!

Leaning toward just 6 nights (meaning the 22nd through the 28th) to save money. $370 is more souvies PLUS a character meal (if we choose). Plus, I'd rather not have everyone rushing to pack and leave on a Friday. *shrugs* Anywho. Also thinking we'll just do a package on DL.com and then have them connect the reservations (since we're doing 2 rooms)...it's only $131 more than booking hotel and tix seperate. And we'll get luggage tags, lanyards, a collectors pin, character calls, preferred seating to certain shows, and EMH (I know it's not called that at DL :P).

Total for 6 night package (with 6 day park hoppers, this could go down if we decided to do just 5 day hoppers, we'll see) is 3532.24...so $1766 per family/couple. Not too shabby I think. *shrugs*

Now the only thing I have to wait on to price is flights. Won't be able to price those till early to mid next month. Oh well. Least I am getting SOME planning and research done.

By the way...anyone know if there is an outside stroller rental company in that area? I know that Orlando has OrlandoStroller Rental...which is cool. But, I was wondering if there was anything like that for Disneyland? Cause I'm thinking we'll end up taking a stroller with us if there isn't. My kiddo, while he can walk long distances just fine, does not do well with loads of crowds. I think it's because he's little and the feeling of being in a crowd of tall people (even holding our hands) scares him. But, my other option is this. (http://www.thepiggybackrider.com/) Has anyone here used it? Seen it? Or at least tested it out? DS will be 5 when we go...and right now he's about 42 inches tall...so I don't want to spend the amount of money on it, if he's not going to want to use it or is too tall to use it.

Ok. That's the update for tonight.

DenGrampy

01-16-2012, 07:43 PM

OK, here is my comment....only 11 mo 5 days :banana::banana:

*Seanaci*

01-18-2012, 05:25 PM

OK, here is my comment....only 11 mo 5 days :banana::banana:

LMAO!!! :laughing::rotfl::rotfl2:

*Seanaci*

01-23-2012, 06:08 PM

So, I'm feeling a bit...BLEH right now. Little sad...just a little.

Found out late last week that mom's winter break weeks are the week of Christmas & the week of New Year's. Meaning, my hopeful plan of being able to go the week before Christmas (when it's a little less crazy) is gone. Forever. :(

I don't mind going Christmas week. But I know it will be CRAZY :scared1:! And it would have been nice to be able to replan to go the week before (perhaps save some money on the hotel at the very least). But alas, it was not meant to be. Seems kind of crazy to me that the school district has chosen those two weeks as Winter Break. I mean this year, they had off the week before and the week OF Christmas...and then had a half week off the week of New Years (well, the kids did at least).

Meh. I'm not going to dwell on it. Everyone requested Christmas week off...and will most likely get it. I have to be truthful and say I'm a little bit scared of the hubby getting it off...it's never been an issue in the past...but...I dunno. We'll see.

Ok. On to planning and reading...and BOOKING!!!!

DenGrampy

01-23-2012, 08:35 PM

So sorry you are feeling "bleh". We will make this work. After all, we know Christmas can be a challenge, but lots of fun non the less. I for one am looking forward to this trip. :dance3:

*Seanaci*

01-25-2012, 05:35 PM

So sorry you are feeling "bleh". We will make this work. After all, we know Christmas can be a challenge, but lots of fun non the less. I for one am looking forward to this trip. :dance3:

No no no no. Don't get me wrong...I'm still super excited for the trip...but was really hoping we would have been able to go the week before Christmas. :P

But, we'll make it fun and exciting. We just have to remember to communicate this time around. ;)

*Seanaci*

01-26-2012, 07:54 PM

OMG! Sooooo ordering before our trip in December!! Soooooooooo cute!

Haha. Opps...forgot the link. :)

Custom made hand crocheted Mickey or Minnie Mouse Ears (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-Crocheted-MICKEY-MINNIE-MOUSE-EARS-Beanie-Hat-/400128872902)

DenGrampy

01-31-2012, 08:12 PM

Communicate? like who wants to do what, or where we gonna eat? stuff like that:confused3

*Seanaci*

02-04-2012, 01:29 PM

Communicate? like who wants to do what, or where we gonna eat? stuff like that:confused3

Haha. You don't remember the meltdown at Animal Kingdom back in 2008? Mom wasn't ready to go back to the hotel after we saw the Nemo show and found our stroller sopping wet...and she had a melt down because no one would talk to say what they wanted to do? :P

DenGrampy

02-05-2012, 07:49 AM

I had forgotten about that...so this time we have to be willing to go our separate ways if need be.:rolleyes1

*Seanaci*

02-12-2012, 10:32 AM

I had forgotten about that...so this time we have to be willing to go our separate ways if need be.:rolleyes1

Exactly! :)

*Seanaci*

02-12-2012, 01:54 PM

May have just changed our mode of transport to/from the airport/hotel.

http://24-7ride.com/

According to the online quote I was able to look up (aka pretend book), it's $38 from airport to hotel and $33 from hotel to airport. And that's for ALL 5 of us. So...$71 total (not including tip). That's pretty good I think.

ETA: Random links for things we MAY need

http://www.citystrollerrentals.com/Disneyland-Stroller-Rentals.html (this is up in the air...depends on how much Keegan grows between now and the trip; if he still fits within the requirements of his current stroller, we'll just take that with us; cause the walk back to the hotel at night will be awful without it)

DenGrampy

02-12-2012, 05:23 PM

I'm guessing this is for a shuttle to and from...am I correct? If so, this is a great price.:woohoo:

*Seanaci*

02-14-2012, 07:37 PM

I'm guessing this is for a shuttle to and from...am I correct? If so, this is a great price.:woohoo:

Yes. It is much like the private town car we took to/from the airport here in Denver back in 2003. Only this would be a van (like Super Shuttle size) to pick only the 5 of us up from the airport to take us to the hotel, and then picks all 5 of us up from the hotel and take us back to the airport. No waiting on Super Shuttles to fill up...or big buses to fill up before heading to the hotel (or back to the airport at the end of our trip). :)

PirateKate

02-15-2012, 08:32 PM

How exciting that your trip is finally this year! It must feel great to get some of the details planned out.

*Seanaci*

02-16-2012, 08:17 PM

How exciting that your trip is finally this year! It must feel great to get some of the details planned out.

It's awesome to be ironing out details. :D

DenGrampy

02-24-2012, 10:10 PM

pixiedust::jumping1::goofy:

*Seanaci*

03-25-2012, 12:57 PM

After a short discussion with my mom, we have decided we won't need to take a carseat with us for Keegan (dad had mentioned possibly needing to take a carseat with the new transportation arrangement). Because it's public transport, we'll just buckle him in between a couple of us for the rides to/from airport/hotel. :)

*Seanaci*

04-07-2012, 06:24 PM

Oy. 8 months to go and I STILL haven't booked anything.

However, we are looking at going less days to save money. As much as we'd like to go for a full week (or 6 nights), we have some major repairs that have to happen on our house ASAP. Our roof needs reshingled (homeowners insurance won't cover it because it's worn out from regular wear and tear, not the wind and crap we've been seeing lately) and we need to have the electrical in our house replaced or there's something they can do for cheaper on older houses like ours rather than ripping walls open to replace it all...I think it's called piggy-backing the wires. *shrugs* I dunno.

Anyway. without going into detail, my mom feels like we're not helping out or willing to help out with repairs to the house even though we live here and contribute to the wear and tear that needs repairing. SO, rather than her put her foot down and decide they aren't going and be mad at us FOR going, I'm looking at options to cut costs.

So far, going 5 nights and getting 4 day park hopper passes is helping. But, I'm wondering if cutting it down to 4 nights w/ 3 day hoppers (we're a hopping family, lol) would be the best bet without us feeling rushed. That's my main worry is that with less days at the parks, I'm afraid we'll feel rushed and break downs will ensue. *shrugs* I dunno.

I can say that since my parents have AAA, we would be able to do hotel and tix for all 5 of us for just under $2000 (that's a no frills, no Disney themed room at the Fairfield Anaheim across the street from the parks with 4 day hoppers). BUT, airfare is another story. I'm afraid we're looking at no less than $1500 total for airfare. Which brings me to my other option of transport...car trip. It's an option what with 4 drivers. However, I don't think my mom's van is in good enough condition for that far of a trip and I KNOW my hubs car isn't. So, we'd have to rent something. Most likely an SUV or mini-van so we all fit comfortably. Not too bad...but we'd only save like $500 doing that...MAYBE. That would all depend on gas prices. The other hurdle is the time of year we're going...December...winter. We'd probably take I-70 through the mountains. However, that could be covered in snow. We could also take I-25 south through New Mexico and then I-40 through New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Ugh.

I just don't know. We'll see what happens with the house repairs and all that first...and then decide I guess. :headache: