January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning Snowbirds!

ONE WEEK!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning Snowbirds!

Post card stamps...thanks! My list keeps getting longer and longer and longer and I can't seem to get ANYthing crossed off!
How much does it cost to mail a postcard these days, anyway?

My latest panic...well, background info first, we're going to be moving this summer--DH is military so this is not a surprise--and we're planning to rent out our house here (we bought it 2.5 years ago for a lot more than it would sell for now ). We posted it "For Rent By Owner" and have received a few inquiries about it, which is encouraging. However, someone is going to be in from out of town and wants to come see it...next week when we're at WDW! And someone else wants to see it...the day we get back! Now, I like to have the house clean when we go on vacation so we don't come home to a dirty house, but this time it needs to be "model home tidy", without all the clutter that we've become so used to. I can't complain, because I really am glad that we've had some interest in the house this far in advance, but I'm stressing over getting the house in shape before we go. Sorry to vent on you!

Postcard stamps - 27 cents. Just got some!

Good luck renting the house!

 

[Monny2AE]

Morning Snowbirds!!!!! I can't believe my ticker...someone pinch me!
I have so much to do yet. I'm done shopping...I think. I just have to get packed, t shirts made, get my kids to make a surprise Happy Birthday poster for my hubby since his birthday is during our trip, and contact Chase to let them know we'll be using our credit card on vacation and to expect charges while we are in other states. (That tip is from my sister- her MIL went to get gas while on vacation in FL and it was declined b/c the credit card company thought it was fraudulent.)

Question for all the mom Snowbirds...
I've read some things about child safety while on vacation. Of course hubby and I will be super vigilant to keep our eyes on the kiddos- we're good parents- but you never know in a crowded situation. Things happen. Do any of you put some sort of ID/parents cell phone # on your kids in case they become separated? If so how? dh suggested a Sharpie. I don't know how I feel about writing on my kids with a Sharpie.

Morning! It's the rare occassion that I have a few minutes before I actually have to leave for work. I'm usually 15 minutes late, but couldn't sleep.

Non-Disney question: Do any of your kids have problems with nightmares? Keaton (the 2 1/2 yr old) has woken up crying about 5 out of the last 8 nights. This morning, the first thing he said when I went in his room was "Dinosaurs get me." I guess I thought that was too young? He goes right back to sleep when I put him in our bed. Am I being manipulated or could he really be having nightmares? BTW: I'm going matress shopping today to get him a big boy bed so I'll have somewhere to sleep!!

Hope you all have a good Tuesday! One day closer to DISNEY!!!!! 10 days for me until we leave, 11 unti Disney!!!

Poor guy...perhaps you should skip the dinosaur stuff at Disney? We're going through the scared of the dark phase with my son. he's 4 but a good nightlight works for him and before he falls asleep we talk about happy things that he can dream of. I've seen other parents use cute ideas like a magical spray (decorated Febreze bottle ) to keep the bad dreams away...if anything his room will smell nice.
Although, kids are really good at manipulating to get into mom and dad's cozy bed- even at such a tender age !

Good morning Snowbirds!

Post card stamps...thanks! My list keeps getting longer and longer and longer and I can't seem to get ANYthing crossed off!
How much does it cost to mail a postcard these days, anyway?

My latest panic...well, background info first, we're going to be moving this summer--DH is military so this is not a surprise--and we're planning to rent out our house here (we bought it 2.5 years ago for a lot more than it would sell for now ). We posted it "For Rent By Owner" and have received a few inquiries about it, which is encouraging. However, someone is going to be in from out of town and wants to come see it...next week when we're at WDW! And someone else wants to see it...the day we get back! Now, I like to have the house clean when we go on vacation so we don't come home to a dirty house, but this time it needs to be "model home tidy", without all the clutter that we've become so used to. I can't complain, because I really am glad that we've had some interest in the house this far in advance, but I'm stressing over getting the house in shape before we go. Sorry to vent on you!

Good luck getting everything cleaned...as if you don't have enough on your mind. Don't these people know you're going to Disney and have to pack?

 

[Monny2AE]

Morning from sunny Saratoga Springs. Well sunny for the next few minutes. Showers are expected today, but should be ending by early evening, which is great because we have Crystal Palace at 6:40 pm.

Stay warm everyone!

Why do I get the feeling that the last sentence is a "dig" at the rest of us still freezing our tushies off up north?

 

[jenjolt]

Postcard stamps - 27 cents. Just got some!

Good luck renting the house!

OOOH I didn't think about sending postcards...I wonder if I can get to the post office before tomorrow...well I'm surely going to try!!!

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

We're back! On one hand, it is good to be home. On the OTHER hand, we had a fantastic time and hated to leave! The solution, of course, is to start planning another trip! It really is an addiction.

We had wonderful weather. Beautiful, sunny, 70's...only one shower, and it was short. Two days were a bit cloudy. We wore our fleece jackets two evenings, and long sleeved tshirts the other evenings. I wore walking shorts several days, capris some days, and there were lots of people wearing jeans. It was quite different from our usual September trip!

Crowds were generally manageable, but they definitely were not as low as I was expecting. We were able to get on all of the big attraction rides by getting there at rope drop each morning and by using Fast Passes and evening extra magic hours.

We stayed at All Star Movies, which was fine. One of these trips, we will be ready for an upgrade out of the values, but for the price, it was ok. We were in a preferred room in the Fantasia building, very close to the pool, food court and bussing. We had no car, so we exclusively used the Disney transportation system. The buses went directly to and from the parks from each All Star during prime time, but in off-times the buses went to all three All-Stars, which is kind of a pain. I think we preferred Pop Century over All Stars.

Food...We had the DDP with reservations for one TS each day. Our favorites were Le Cellier, The Wave, Grand Floridian Cafe and Kona Cafe. We had excellent food and service at each one. I don't think we will do Chefs de France or Captain's Grille next time, but they were pretty good. We enjoyed CS meals at Sunshine Seasons, Pecos Bill and Flaming Tree BBQ.

A highlight of the trip was Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian with my daughters. It was beautiful, elegant and delicious. The timing happened to coincide with the Eagles game, so DH had a great time sitting at the pool bar at the Grand Floridian watching the game while we were at tea.

Rides and attractions...My new favorite is Toy Story Mania. It is fun! We were there at rope drop, so rode first thing, then got a Fast Pass. We got another Fast Pass as soon as it was time, so got to ride it multiple times! We enjoyed Wishes and Illuminations. Fantasmic, on the other hand, was a disaster. We arrived at 6:20 for the 7:00 show, which was WAY too late (we were busy on TSM!). It was standing room only, and we were packed in like sardines. We ended up leaving. As my daughter said, "I hope they fire the bean-brain who had the idea to cut Fantasmic to twice a week." I agree.

I looked all week and didn't see any LGMHs!

Anyone have any questions?

 

[MAGGIED]

Why do I get the feeling that the last sentence is a "dig" at the rest of us still freezing our tushies off up north?

and the really cold stuff is on its way.... brrrrrr.

as far as the little kids go.... what we always did with our kids was stick in their pocket an index card with our names and phone numbers on it... we also would tell them if they get lost to just stop and sit down and we would find them. They shouldn't walk around trying to find us. Luckily we never lost them... but it always made me feel better....

when they were a little older and we would let them leave together (the two kids)... it was always with the rules they had to stay together and that we would meet at certain place at a certain time. And if they got there before us just sit and wait... don't look for us....

now... we try to lose them...... just kidding.... we have such a wonderful time traveling with them... we are very fortunate our kids like to spend time with us still... I know when I was a teenager I couldn't wait to get away from my parents...

 

[trixiequilts]

Anyone have any questions?

I've been wondering about the picture/painting in your siggie for a long time. What's the story with it? It's absolutely beautiful!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

TWO MORE DAYS WOOT!!!!!

Well my t-shirt is finally done!! I've been packed for days!! I'm almost finished with my park plans on my notecards and all I really need to do is finish filling out my passporter!! I'm ready to leave for Disney!!

I pick up the rental car tomorrow night and then I'm off early Thursday Morning to arrive to my favorite place on Earth YAY!!!!!!!!!

OMG.... are you excited..... can't believe the trips are almost here.... I want to see photos.... take lots of them..... have a wonderful time.....

 

[RFrank9504]

I just checked the 10 day weather-as I'm trying to determine my wardrobe thought I'd share:

Walt Disney 10 day outlook:

Today Jan 13 Currently: 68°F
PM Rain
68° high
42° low
Chance of rain:70%

Wed Jan 14
Mostly Sunny
63° H
39° L
Chance of rain 10%

Thu Jan 15
Partly Cloudy
61°H
39°L
Chance of rain:10%

Fri Jan 16
Partly Cloudy
58°H
40°L
Chance of rain:10%

Sat Jan 17
Mostly Sunny
62°H
41°L
Chance of rain:10%


Sun Jan 18
Partly Cloudy
68°H
44°L
Chance of rain: 10%

Mon Jan 19
Partly Cloudy
66°H
51°L
Chance of rain:10%

Tue Jan 20
Partly Cloudy
73°H
49°L
Chance of rain: 10%

Wed Jan 21
Sunny
70°H
52°L
No chance of rain (woohoo!)

Thu Jan 22
Mostly Sunny
71°H
52°L
No chance of rain (woohoo!)

I'm spending my weekend prepping for Disney-and so excited. Window cling shopping, packing-i cant wait!

 

[krolyat]

I just checked the 10 day weather-as I'm trying to determine my wardrobe thought I'd share:

Walt Disney 10 day outlook:

Mon Jan 19
Partly Cloudy
66°H
51°L
Chance of rain:10%

Tue Jan 20
Partly Cloudy
73°H
49°L
Chance of rain: 10%

Wed Jan 21
Sunny
70°H
52°L
No chance of rain (woohoo!)

Thu Jan 22
Mostly Sunny
71°H
52°L
No chance of rain (woohoo!)

I'm spending my weekend prepping for Disney-and so excited. Window cling shopping, packing-i cant wait!

That looks good! We are doing laundry and packing today as well

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Good morning all!
well DD5 went to school today - coughing. So far so good. She's been there about an hour and no phone calls yet. So I came to work and crossed my fingers! She didn't sleep well, kept getting up to get a drink, go to the bathroom, just dumb stuff. I think when she coughed, she woke up and had to get up.

My kids so far have not had nightmares - DD5 used to go through phases of months where she'd wake up a lot, and want to come in our bed. We'd send her back, tuck her in and she'd be fine. But it was every night for a while. I bribed her - if she stayed in her bed every night for a week she'd get rewarded. Okay to get up to pee though. It seemed to have worked, or she grew out of it. I've heard about nightlights and monster spray too. My kids both like a little light.

Plutofan- Yikes! I'd be in such major trouble trying to keep my house clean! that's why we can NEVER move! I'm asking my neighbor to become my cleaning lady (it's her job) and clean while we're gone. I will have it tidy anyway, so it will be easier for her to clean if all our crap isn't lying around!

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

I've been wondering about the picture/painting in your siggie for a long time. What's the story with it? It's absolutely beautiful!!!

Thanks for asking! It is an acrylic painting that my daughter painted a couple of years ago. It is from the perspective of when you are standing near the entrance to the Living Seas in EPCOT, with a closeup of the bautiful flowers and the monorail and the ball in the background. It is one of my favorite paintings.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

TWO MORE DAYS WOOT!!!!!

Well my t-shirt is finally done!! I've been packed for days!! I'm almost finished with my park plans on my notecards and all I really need to do is finish filling out my passporter!! I'm ready to leave for Disney!!

I pick up the rental car tomorrow night and then I'm off early Thursday Morning to arrive to my favorite place on Earth YAY!!!!!!!!!

YAY! Are you going to post a picture of your t-shirt? We will miss you here, but I'm sure you'll have a Magical time!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Thanks for asking! It is an acrylic painting that my daughter painted a couple of years ago. It is from the perspective of when you are standing near the entrance to the Living Seas in EPCOT, with a closeup of the bautiful flowers and the monorail and the ball in the background. It is one of my favorite paintings.

WOW! Your Daughter painted it? That's really amazing. What a talent. I can see why it's one of your favorites!

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

WOW! Your Daughter painted it? That's really amazing. What a talent. I can see why it's one of your favorites!

Thanks. She really is amazing. I often wonder where she will end up and what she will do with her talent.

 

[trixiequilts]

Thanks for asking! It is an acrylic painting that my daughter painted a couple of years ago. It is from the perspective of when you are standing near the entrance to the Living Seas in EPCOT, with a closeup of the bautiful flowers and the monorail and the ball in the background. It is one of my favorite paintings.

Wow!!! This is Mickey'sOtherGirlfriend? Is she majoring in art? It's incredible! Did she do a bunch of Disney scenes?

I have not one artistic bone in my body.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Welcome back Epcotisaverb!

We missed you! So glad you had an awesome trip!

I can't wait to do TSM! So does everyone run there at opening now instead of to RNRC/TOT?

What about Fantasmic, did you have the package? I was planning to go around 6:20, but we have the package.

So you didn't meet any Snowbirds??? Bummer. Has anyone met another Snowbird yet?

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

Wow!!! This is Mickey'sOtherGirlfriend? Is she majoring in art? It's incredible! Did she do a bunch of Disney scenes?

I have not one artistic bone in my body.

Yes, this is Mickey's Other GF. She is actually majoring in nursing AND art. I have no idea how that will play out, but she is enjoying both right now. She hasn't done too many Disney pieces. We have a whole stack of paintings and drawings that she has done.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I just checked the 10 day weather-as I'm trying to determine my wardrobe thought I'd share:

Walt Disney 10 day outlook:

Today Jan 13 Currently: 68°F
PM Rain
68° high
42° low
Chance of rain:70%

Wed Jan 14
Mostly Sunny
63° H
39° L
Chance of rain 10%

Thu Jan 15
Partly Cloudy
61°H
39°L
Chance of rain:10%

Fri Jan 16
Partly Cloudy
58°H
40°L
Chance of rain:10%

Sat Jan 17
Mostly Sunny
62°H
41°L
Chance of rain:10%


Sun Jan 18
Partly Cloudy
68°H
44°L
Chance of rain: 10%

Mon Jan 19
Partly Cloudy
66°H
51°L
Chance of rain:10%

Tue Jan 20
Partly Cloudy
73°H
49°L
Chance of rain: 10%

Wed Jan 21
Sunny
70°H
52°L
No chance of rain (woohoo!)

Thu Jan 22
Mostly Sunny
71°H
52°L
No chance of rain (woohoo!)

I'm spending my weekend prepping for Disney-and so excited. Window cling shopping, packing-i cant wait!

Thanks! My arrival day is looking better all the time. It has gone from 58, to 63, to 73. Hey maybe by the time it gets here it will be 80!!