Coming from the Great White North in August, what are we thinking? We're back!

[Queenofallthings]

This is our first pre-trip report for Disneyworld and we can’t tell you how excited we are This is the first time since 2002 we have all traveled together, however, now instead of it being 5 of us it’s 6!!!! Purplepeg who is Eeyore below will also be contributing to this trip report. The cast of characters reads like this:

Belle (my 8th trip to the world)
Jasmine (I wanted to call her Drizella, but she had a cow, my beautiful 15 year old daughter)
Eeyore (my much older sister, again, feelin the love from this one)
Lightening McQueen (my brother in law, who 10 years ago started this madness with us)
Snow White (my beautiful 7 year old, turning 8 before we leave niece)
Tink ( my equally gorgeous 3 year old niece, who is more like me than her mother is comfortable with)

We are leaving the beautiful, comfortable August temperatures of Manitoba to embark on the humid, sticky, unbearable heat of Florida…..again…..we’re a little off We begin this adventure on August 9 and return home on August 23, 2008. Go big or go home
We actually booked our hotel in September of 2007 when the ad in the local paper had Disneyworld at par…..did we read this right…..memories of 2002 quickly sprang into our heads…..dollar was 1.65…yup, that’s right, could’ve had a whole other trip in the exchange alone!!!! Whose counting, we were in Disneyworld….oh, by the way, I should tell you Belle and Eeyore may have a small obsession with shopping at the World. It’s a good thing the airlines have weight restrictions, because it could be a lot uglier if they didn’t.

We have booked all of us in at All Star Music (this will be our 4th stay here). We have stayed in the Jazz Section and Broadway, and I must say I love the Broadway section. It’s so quiet and close to the piano pool which we love to lounge around in the afternoons.

On March 10 we came home from a family celebration, and couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened the mailbox to find a 40% off postcard. I quickly called Eeyore who made Lightening McQueen run to the mailbox and low and behold they also had one. We were thrilled, 8 trips and only ever heard of these little gems. I quickly got on the phone to see if I could really use this, and yes it was really real We ended up saving $518 on our trip, which paid for the taxes and airport fees for our flights that we purchased with our air miles credit cards. .

At the beginning of February we got on the phone right away to make our ADR’s and were surprised some days were already pretty booked, but all we really cared about was getting into Le Cellier for dinner. We’ve only had lunch there which was fabulous, but really wanted to try it for dinner and we were lucky enough to get it.

We’re planning on posting lots and lots of pictures and hope to entertain you with this report. Travelling with 15, 8, and 3 year olds should provide a great deal of enjoyment (take that whatever way you will). The 15 year olds first trip was in 1998 when she had just turned 6 and I honestly thought we had scarred her for life. Even though she was terrified I made her go on all the rides. Let’s just say in 2000 when we went she wanted to do NOTHING! Fortunately by the time 2002 came along, she had forgotten the fear! Up next is our tentative itinerary

 

[purplepeg]

Here I am. I will provide tech support as Queenofallthings is new here.
Here are some photos of the cast of characters
This is Belle(aka Queenofallthings) and Jasmine

This is Lightening McQueen, Eeyore(me), Snow White(dd7), and Tink(dd3)

 

[creativeamanda]

I don't really think Florida is "that bad" in the summer. But then again, I live in North Carolina

 

[DWGal210]

I'm in! Great start so far!

And I'm so excited for you that you got that 40% coupon...that happens to me in my dreams. You are going to have a great time, sounds like a great group!

And I know what you mean about the weather...I live in Iowa and we have our share of humidity in August but it was nothing like Florida in September. I think the only reason I didn't gain 10 pounds while we were there is because I sweated it all off!

But that being said, it was still a great time, and you'll have a wonderful time as well!

 

[TCKK]

I'm in. Starting off great.

We'll be there August 6-16 at Pop Century. We got the 40% off code too and are using it for the 10-16, the other days we're using AAA rates. We couldn't go any later because school starts here the week of the 18th.

Looking forward to reading all your plans.

 

[purplepeg]

I don't really think Florida is "that bad" in the summer. But then again, I live in North Carolina

You're funny aren't you? Belle and Jasmine have been to WDW in August twice before. Once with free dining and last year with a week of free dining. This year no free dining and my family and I have never been in Florida in August. I'm worried but Belle keeps reassuring me that we're going back for afternoon breaks which we have never done. The breaks make it bearable(or so I'm being brainwashed )

I'm in! Great start so far!



And I'm so excited for you that you got that 40% coupon...that happens to me in my dreams. You are going to have a great time, sounds like a great group!

And I know what you mean about the weather...I live in Iowa and we have our share of humidity in August but it was nothing like Florida in September. I think the only reason I didn't gain 10 pounds while we were there is because I sweated it all off!

But that being said, it was still a great time, and you'll have a wonderful time as well!

Thanks for the kind words
I personally am hoping it's a great weight loss program That 40% off coupon was a dream come true Keep dreaming for the code, remember dreams do come true.

I'm in. Starting off great.

We'll be there August 6-16 at Pop Century. We got the 40% off code too and are using it for the 10-16, the other days we're using AAA rates. We couldn't go any later because school starts here the week of the 18th.

Looking forward to reading all your plans.

Congrats on getting the code too We don't start school until after Labor Day but there's lots to do that last week before school starts. We didn't want to chance problems with flights and we wanted time to get school things organized and registered for activities. I tell you these kids are a full time job Our plans should be up soon.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I'm working on my next installment, should be up later today or latest tomorrow. I hope to at least get the first 4 - 5 days of our itinerary posted. Hopefully, Ill get quicker at this

 

[Queenofallthings]

Thanks for all the kind comments you have provided over the last week. I can only post once a week, however, my sister Purplepeg, can post anytime she feels like it! We have finalized our itinerary – it’s getting really real now – 18 weeks today and we’re on our way!

We depart at 6am on August 9 from Winnipeg with a connection in Toronto and then off to Orlando arriving just past 1pm. We have decided to use Magical Express again, having used it twice now and man do I love it. I was a nervous wreck the first time, but when we returned to our room in the evening everything was sitting there. My daughter said, “It really is magical here”.

Our first day we have decided to simply hang around All Star Music, splash around in the pool for a little while, then unpack and have an early night. Purplepeg and her family do go to bed the night before, however, Belle and Jasmine do not. Now is as good a time as any to fill you in on Jasmine and flying, they don’t mix well at all. She is much better than she used to be. Our first trip to the World was her first flight. I decided to preboard with her just to get settled and as we were walking toward the aircraft she dropped to the ground in a fit of hysterics. I thought, who’s kid is this?? The screaming was so loud the stewardess came out of the plane to see what was happening. Needless to say, up until this last flight most have been carbon copies of this. It’s just harder to explain when they’re 15 not 6! Anyhoo, our post trip will reveal how embarrassing it was this time.

August 10 – Up and at Magic Kingdom first thing. It doesn’t feel like we’re there until I’m standing in the middle of main street staring at the castle, weeping openly, and Jasmine is saying “Oh God, here we go again, are ya done yet?” At this point she does try and distract me from going into the Emporium to buy stuff (love that store) and head straight to Adventureland. It usually plays out like this; Pirates, Splash, Big Thunder, Splash, Haunted Mansion then maybe Small World, Jasmine just love this ride. The plan is to head back to the hotel, swim, rest, shower, then off to Epcot to Le Cellier for dinner!

August 11 – EPCOT
Soarin’, double back to Test Track, Mission Space (Lightning McQueen and Jasmine will do Orange team, the rest of us green, cause if we do orange we’ll be green). Time permitting Universe of Energy and Spaceship Earth before heading back to the hotel. We have plans to dine at Liberty Tree Tavern for the character meal, then weather permitting, Spectromagic and Wishes.

I have to go for now but the itinerary will get posted I promise

 

[purplepeg]

So Belle started the itinerary and I will finish it. I am just going to put where we are going each day and when she gets back to posting she can fill in her comments. The past few years she has travelled with her daughter either just the two of them or with other adults. They are in for such a shock when travelling with an 8 y/o and 3y/o The 8 y/o will be ok but the 3 y/o can be challenging as we all know and dd8 has some fear issues to deal with as well so I think the best laid plans....you know the rest

Here's the plans;

Aug 12 Tues, Downtown Disney AM, Boma for dinner
Aug 13 Wed, Hollywood Studios AM, 50's Prime Time for dinner
Aug 14 Thurs,Animal Kingdom AM, Coral Reef for dinner
Aug 15 Fri, Magic Kingdom AM, Tutto Italia for dinner
Aug 16 Sat, Pool day AM, Whispering Canyon for dinner
Aug 17 Sun, Hollywood Studios AM, Les Chefs de France for dinner
Aug 18 Mon, Epcot(Princess Breakfast at Norway), Tony's Town Square for dinner
Aug 19 Tues, Blizzard Beach AM, O'Hana's for dinner
Aug 20 Wed, Magic Kingdom AM Liberty Tree Tavern for Lunch, Downtown Disney for the evening
Aug 21 Thurs, Animal Kingdom AM, Rose and Crown for dinner
Aug 22 Fri, Magic Kingdom AM, Bibbity, Bobbity Boutique at 4 pm, 1900 Park Fare for dinner

We spent a lot of time on this and tossed around different ideas. We only have a 10 day hopper pass, and we have the dining plan.
Let us know what you think, would you change anything?

 

[Geodoc]

Loving this pre report, anxiosly waiting for more!!

 

[Geodoc]

This will be my 10th post!!! Yeah!!

 

[Hypermommy]

Great plans! Can't wait to read more! Yep... she's going to definitely have to adjust her plans when travelling with a 3 year old. Especially since it's mini Montana (see purplepeg's cruise trippie). That little girl can do no wrong, we all know. So y'all just moderate your plans to meet her schedule and everyone will be fine!

Florida's not too bad, but then again I grew up in South Carolina so heat and humidity are a birthright to me. You guys just remember to take it easy and drink lots and lots and lots... and not just sodas - water! Remember that anyplace they have fountain drinks you can ask for and get a cup of water free. If you don't like water, get some of those little individual packets of Koolaid. But drink lots and lots. Like we tell the Cub Scouts, your pee should be clear and copious. If it's not you run the risk of dehydration.

I'm the same way about Mission Space and I love your description! If I do Orange I'll definitely be green!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[purplepeg]

Great plans! Can't wait to read more! Yep... she's going to definitely have to adjust her plans when travelling with a 3 year old. Especially since it's mini Montana (see purplepeg's cruise trippie). That little girl can do no wrong, we all know. So y'all just moderate your plans to meet her schedule and everyone will be fine!

Florida's not too bad, but then again I grew up in South Carolina so heat and humidity are a birthright to me. You guys just remember to take it easy and drink lots and lots and lots... and not just sodas - water! Remember that anyplace they have fountain drinks you can ask for and get a cup of water free. If you don't like water, get some of those little individual packets of Koolaid. But drink lots and lots. Like we tell the Cub Scouts, your pee should be clear and copious. If it's not you run the risk of dehydration.

I'm the same way about Mission Space and I love your description! If I do Orange I'll definitely be green!

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks for the advice regarding the heat and humidity. I know things will be different with a 3 yr old. She will turn 4 a few days after we get home. My sister hasn't travelled with a wee one for quite some time so it may be quite an adjustment for her and Jasmine. Jasmine thinks mini Montana can do no wrong most days but the true girl I'm sure will show up when we are away I think the heat will be our biggest challenge because we'll all be hot and cranky Quennofallthings loves how you say y'all You aren't by chance planning on being there when we are are you? As soon as my Cruise report is done which should be soon, I'll focus on this full time. We spent the afternoon today writing down all the rides we want to do and the ones we'll only do once. We are at each park at least twice, Epcot for dinner alot and of course MK alot.

Thanks for reading and posting

 

[Hypermommy]

Hey there! Sorry I haven't been over here in quite a while but it's the whole they-expect-me-to-be-productive-at-work thing. And I've been having quite a time with this program I'm working on as of late!

As long as the rest of you remember that Mini Montana is in charge, everything will be just fine.

Do make sure you take lots of breaks, though. The heat can be brutal, even for those of us born down here. Y'all will be just fine if you take some breaks, though, and drink plenty, plenty, plenty of water. Not soda, water!

Tell QoAT that, unfortunately, she's not going to hear too much y'all down there. Florida is a funny state. The upper half of the state is firmly in the Deep South but as you go south past Ocala it becomes more like New York.

I don't know if I'll be able to get down there or not. Trying to come up with the $$$ for the boys to have tickets and/or passes is the problem. I, of course, have an annual pass, but they don't. I could just ditch them, right? Nahhhhh... even I'm not that mean a mommy. But maybe we could meet at Downtown Disney for lunch or something? It'd be fun!

Okay... back to this program. I'll tell you what.. if it doesn't decide to behave soon....

 

[purplepeg]

No pressure Hypermommy, just thought if you were in the area, which you aren't, we could meet. DD sounds good for lunch but I think the day we're there is during the week. I'm dreading the heat. It hasn't even been remotely hot here yet, it better warm up soon or we won't even have some advance prep time.

 

[Hypermommy]

No pressure Hypermommy, just thought if you were in the area, which you aren't, we could meet. DD sounds good for lunch but I think the day we're there is during the week. I'm dreading the heat. It hasn't even been remotely hot here yet, it better warm up soon or we won't even have some advance prep time.

Well, remind me of your weekend plans again? Maybe by August I could throw some $$ together to buy the boys some tickets to a park. Of course, they wouldn't join us for lunch. One of the joys of having older children - especially in a place like Disney where I know there's security everywhere -- is that they can be off doing their own thing and I can have time to myself again. It might still be do-able and even if it's not I might just be able to use you as an "excuse" to get down there

As for the heat, yes, it can be rough. But it's the humidity that really makes it awful sometimes. Just make sure you plan your day so that you've spread out the attractions with air conditioning. Also, if it helps at all, it seems that AK is the hottest park. I'm sure it has to do with the "jungle" feel of the place and all the trees that block the wind.

Now, one more thing to remember -- and this is just a bit indelicate. But this is what we teach the Cub Scouts and it's a simple enough thing to learn that even the little 7 year old Tigers get it. What you want to remember is the phrase "clear and copious". You need to drink enough water that you pee often and when you do it's not dark but more clear than anything. If you stay "clear and copious" you won't have to worry so much about dehydration. And it's a simple enough thing that even little Mini Montana can understand it and once the girls get past giggling (or maybe it's just little boys that giggle at the thought of peeing) then they'll have an important new bit of knowledge.

Hope that helps.... now.. I've done my good samaritan bit for the day. Now I can revert to my true colors. When the heck are we gonna get some more pre-trip report? Surely you're preparing??? The trip is only a few months away. Is it close enough you can make ADRs yet? I can't remember -- are you trying for the Cindy's Castle meal? How about the princess breakfast? You know about the "paying it forward" thread on here right? Where you can get the girls postcards from their favorite character (and then when you're down there, you'll send a postcard to some other little kid to help build their excitement)? Okay, so come on.... tell, tell... surely there must be preparations going on and we need more PTR from you!

 

[purplepeg]

61 days today We can't wait.I'm hoping to call in the next week and pay the balance then it will be even more real. Time to start on the packing lists and buying items that we'll need. Why do we always leave those things til the end when we know we need batteries and bandaids and all those little things. I'll post our packing lists here. We started a ride list of rides we only want to do once and ones we have to do more than once. We're working on dd8 to go on Rockin' Rollercoaster and the Haunted Mansion. She's scared of both. I think she would enjoy them both but I've never been on Haunted Mansion so she has to take my word for it Dd3 wants to do ToT. I hope it doesn't ruin her for all the other rides by scaring her.I think we'll just make it real fun for her and dd8 likes it so she'll help.

Here's some recent photos, cause I love looking at other people's pictures so I assume you want to see mine


Soccer dd8

soccer dd3

Shopping trip. The purse lights up

Piano recital

Birthday cake I made for dd8.

Dd8's birthday

I have finally completed my DCL TR so now I can devote all of my attention to this one. I have to make a trip to Home Depot so I can make a countown calendar and I need those Mickey heads. Do you think Home depot is on to all of us yet? I will share our ride lists soon and our packing lists. I will also dig up some photos of our first trip and share them. DD8 was only 2 then I can't believe it's so close. We've been planning it for a year Of course half the fun is in the planninga nd being on the DIS interacting with all of you. Talk soon.

 

[pooksma]

Yes! More Canadians invading WDW in August. We are temperature challenged aren't we?


What a beautiful birthday cake-wow! You are very creative.
Now that I have found this I hope to read more soon.

 

[purplepeg]

Yes! More Canadians invading WDW in August. We are temperature challenged aren't we?


What a beautiful birthday cake-wow! You are very creative.
Now that I have found this I hope to read more soon.

Thanks for the kind words. Are you going in August as well? I better read your pre tr. I'm not really that creative, it's a kit you buy and it comes with pictures and instructions and everything. It was alot of fun. I went to Home Depot yesterday and picked up the countdown calendar supplies. I need to pick up some more but I didn't want to be too suspicious

If it doesn't warm up soon here we really are going to be temperature challenged. It was 17 degrees in our house today! I had to put the heat on again. It's cold and rainy again. Thay said it's supposed to be a hotter and wetter summer than normal. They got the wet part right, we're still waiting for the heat. If does materialize we'll have mosquitos the size of small birds here.

 

[purplepeg]

Just thought I would check-in. Yesterday was my birthday and the day before someone nicely smashed our passenger window in our vehicle when we were out for dinner Winnipeg is known for auto theft and if they can't steal it they vandalize it So yesterday I spent all day on the phone with incompentent people for a number of problems we have been dealing with, one of which was getting the glass replaced. DD3 or mini Montana as we like to call her said "someone needs to say sorry to us!" How right she is. I have been catching up on some tr's and today we were at the Disney Store and I bought us all those neon colored t-shirts. I'm sure Jasmine(15) will be thrilled to wear hers. It actually looks like we may be getting warmer weather by the end of June Have a great weekend everyone.