A Planning Guide to Goofy's Great Birthday Bash!

[jaycns]

Hidey Ho (Pre)Trip Report Neighbors!

Welcome to my planning musings. I have excitedly been planning my lil' Goof's 10th birthday bash but I wouldn't allow myself a pre planning thread until I finished up my last trip report (tough love). If you are interested in reading any of my family's past WDW (and some DCL) adventures feel free to click the links below.

TRIP REPORT 2006 (Contemporary, The Disney Magic, Polynesian)- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1246511


TRIP REPORT 2007(Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian)- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1585715


TRIP REPORT 2008(Wilderness Lodge, My Dream Disney Day, The Disney Magic)- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1976201


TRIP REPORT 3/2009 (Stitch's Great Escape a Mom and Me Birthday Trip with my 8 year old son at Coronado Springs)-
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2131621

Now let me get down to the introductions for those of you who I haven't been lucky enough to 'meet' before. My name is Jay and I'm a thirty something mom of four amazing little guys and the wife of one amazing big guy as well. And, if you haven't guessed it by now (me being here at the DIS and all), I am a huge fan of almost all things Disney. Here I am with my boys at the WL last September. Some of my favorite characters include more than a few troublemakers. Naughty but sweet Stitch, Donald Duck, Figment, Abu, Beast, Karl (from Up) and Sebastian. My favorite princess is definately Belle. She's smart, strong, kind, reads a lot and even has a little bit of sassy spunk. She is everything I want to grow up to be.

One of me (note the DCL sweatshirt).

And another snapshot of my little Buzz and I.

Here is another picture from our 9/08 trip. This one is of my four little guys and my big guy together. You see Aladdin, Goofy, Stitch and dh holding our little Buzz

One of just the boys.

And to show just how much they have changed in under a year, one from this past spring.

Our youngest, Buzz Lightyear, is 18 months old and doted on by our entire family. He loves Buzz Lightyear (fittingly enough), Mickey Mouse, Woody, Lightning McQueen, Sully and Stitch. Here is a recent picture of him.

Our second youngest is Stitch. He was lucky enough to have celebrated his 8th birthday at WDW this past March. I took him for a week long mom and me birthday trip. I cherish every moment of the one on one time we got to spend together. His favorite characters are Stitch, Chip, Buzz Lightyear, Donald Duck and Crush.

Our oldest is Aladdin. He is just now 13 and I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that he is now a teenager! Where did the time go! Here he is with dh. He likes Aladdin, Will Turner, Capt. Jack Sparrow, Benjamin Gates (from Disney's National Treasure movies) and King Peter (from the Narnia movies).

Speaking of dh, we will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary shortly before Goofy's birthday bash trip. I could go on and on about what a wonderful husband I have, but suffice it to say, he (along with my boys) are the reason I smile when I wake up every morning. Dh acted hard pressed to come up with favorites when I asked him but he did manage to come up with a few (and I was even surprised at the thought he did put into it). He came up with Kuzco, Mike (from Monsters Inc) and Timon.

Now that I have introduced you to the rest of my family, I will save the star of my upcoming trip report for the next post. This thread after all will plan Goofy's Great Birthday Bash!

 

[jaycns]

Meet Goofy Himself!

Even as a little baby, he was a Disney fan!

Between his 'babyhood' and now he has grown (so quickly) into a terrific little guy. Here is a quick look at how he got from there to here.

And some more recent snapshots of my Goof.

Goofy is sweet, silly, smart and shy. His favorite characters include Goofy, Pluto, Dale, Lucky, Squirt and Nemo. I could go on and on about him (as I bet most moms could about their own little ones). Being able to take him to Walt Disney World and spend one on one time with him there is going to be one of the best treats (for me and hopefully for him too) ever! I am beyond excited. I have been planning a whole slew of surprises for him and I am about to burst. Being as most things about the trip are a surprise, I cannot talk to Goofy about the trip and I am afraid to discuss too much with his brothers either (little lips have loose locks). Although dh does want to know all about the trip plans, he is good with hearing it once.


You might ask, why take just one of your boys to Walt Disney World? That answer lies somewhere in between the fact that my husband (loving and wonderful in every other way but his Disney deficiency) doesn't feel a strong desire to return to Disney for extended periods of time year after year *GASP* while I feel the pull of the mouse most all of the time. The fact that I am a busy mom of four, so I very much appreciate the value of one on one time with each of the boys also weighs in heavily in the decision. This year, our big family vacation will be to Washington DC.

So, in order to get my Disney fix and to allow the boys special time with each of their parents (dh will be sure to spend a lot of fun father/son time with the boys still at home) we came up with the birthday trip system for this year. Each of the boys gets to pick a destination (within reason) and I (because I love to travel) will take them there while dh(because he would rather do his relaxing at home) enjoys time at home with the remaining boys. Throw in a DC bound family vacation with a few shorter family get aways so we still all get time away together and everyone is happy.


In the next post, I will outline some of the trip choices that have been considered, made and are in the process of being made.

As a mini cliff hanger rotfl I will list the list of final resort choices Goofy made for me to pick from (he wants the actual resort he ends up at to be a surprise, so he just gave me his top 5 choices).
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Wilderness Lodge
3. Boardwalk Inn
4. Polynesian
5. Coronado Springs

Where will we end up staying? I will post that choice and more details in my next update.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Hi! I read all of your trip reports over the course of about a week and half while I was sick... You kept me entertained, and made me want to be one of your kids... Do you need a 28 year old daughter?? I am looking forward to hearing about this trip! We are going for 2 weeks in September, arriving the 15th...

 

[Nicole786]

Can't wait to see where you pick the resort!

 

[jmamom]

Yay! I'm so glad you are doing a PTR!! Your reports are always full of fun and surprises, I can't wait to see what you've cooked up this time!!

 

[shannn]

Hi Jay!

I'm definitely in once again. I love reading about your trips. Your joy in your life and your boys just comes pouring out of your words!! I can't wait to hear about the surprises you have planned this time.

 

[Illini4ever]

Hey Jay!

I'm so excited you started this! I just can't get over how big the boys are getting.

I can't wait to hear what resort you end up picking. I know what your favorite resort is, but you might have a trick up your sleeve. I think I have it narrowed down between 2 resorts, but then again I could be totally wrong.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Hey Jay,glad you are getting Goofy's TR started. You know I'll be on board. Still lovin your boys.

Ginny

 

[momoftriplets]

Hi, Jay!

Just popping in to let you know I'm here!

Can't wait for the details.

Hugs ~
B

 

[Aburns8]

Jay - I am so excited about this PTR! Buzz is getting sooooo big! I can't wait to hear more about your plans!

 

[mdrob214]

I'm in! Can't wait to hear about all the great surprises!

 

[DisneyJo]

I'm here too Jay, I can't miss one of your fantastic TR's

BTW wow Buzz sure has grown he's a little boy now!

 

[Leitadala]

Hi! I enjoyed your last TR and can't wait to read this new one!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Hey stranger! I can't believe how big the boys have grown! A teenager?! Wow! And just look at Buzz! So adorable! I already know you are going to have another wonderful vacation... but have fun planning!

We're off in a little more than a week to move our oldest down to WDW - she's going to be working there until January in the Disney College Program!

Take care,
Michelle

 

[jess98ac]

Hi Jay!

So glad to see another PTR from you, because that means a TR after!

I'm hoping you'll inspire me enough one of these days to start one of my own for our December trip!

 

[LexisAuntieLala]

I have gotten into your last two reports after they were already completed. As a matter of fact, my eyes are still watery from reading your final thoughts on your birthday trip with Stitch! I am not missing getting in early on this one!! You have a wonderful way with words which so vividly shows us how much you love your family and Disney! Your reports are a joy to read!!

 

[MouseTriper]

Yeah!!! You started Goofy's PTR!!!! I am so excited. He is such a little cutie....and I still think he is the one son that looks the most like YOU Jay!!! I am sooo excited for ALL your surprises!!!!! Goofy is sure to have a super-de-dooper birthday bash!!!!!!!

 

[Kara]

YEAH!!! ANOTHER report!!! I'm so excited!! when is this trip taking place???

Loved seeing te recent pics of the boys!! they are all growing so fast!!!

 

[Amy7979]

I'm in - can't wait to hear your plans for this one!

 

[jaycns]

Hi! I read all of your trip reports over the course of about a week and half while I was sick... You kept me entertained, and made me want to be one of your kids... Do you need a 28 year old daughter?? I am looking forward to hearing about this trip! We are going for 2 weeks in September, arriving the 15th...

Sure, a daughter would be a fun addition. Wow, you did a LOT of reading. Thanks for reading all of that!! I know I talk a lot! I hope you are back to 100%. Being sick is never any fun but it seems especially wrong in the summer.

I love longer vacations. Two weeks seems just about right to me. You really have the chance to do it all without having to pack it in. I love the relaxed pace. Where will you be staying?

Can't wait to see where you pick the resort!

Hee hee hee, I will post that in my next update (within the hour).

Yay! I'm so glad you are doing a PTR!! Your reports are always full of fun and surprises, I can't wait to see what you've cooked up this time!!

Thank you! I have a 'few' surprises swirling around in my head. It's like doing a really fun puzzle trying to figure out how to fit them in/make them work.

Hi Jay!

I'm definitely in once again. I love reading about your trips. Your joy in your life and your boys just comes pouring out of your words!! I can't wait to hear about the surprises you have planned this time.

Thanks! I do love those guys of mine beyond all reason. And life is such a wonder to me. Each and every day, I cannot help but smile. So, if a little of that bleeds into my trip reports...I guess it's to be expected. It's so much more fun to be happy than sad.

Hey Jay!

I'm so excited you started this! I just can't get over how big the boys are getting.

I can't wait to hear what resort you end up picking. I know what your favorite resort is, but you might have a trick up your sleeve. I think I have it narrowed down between 2 resorts, but then again I could be totally wrong.

I KNOW, I KNOW...I wanted to pick my favorite. I also wanted to try something totally new. Then again, saving a little bit of money wouldn't hurt anything. Oh and revisiting one of Goofy's favorites might be fun...DECISIONS, DECISIONS! Ha ha.

Hey Jay,glad you are getting Goofy's TR started. You know I'll be on board. Still lovin your boys.

Ginny

Hey there, Ginny! I am enjoying your trip report! Thanks for stopping by my new pre trip one. It's always good to 'see' you.

Hi, Jay!

Just popping in to let you know I'm here!

Can't wait for the details.

Hugs ~
B

Barb, I owe you a PM and I will send it soon. Could you PM me to let me know how things are going when you have any new news? I PROMISE to get around to responding VERY soon. I miss you!

Jay - I am so excited about this PTR! Buzz is getting sooooo big! I can't wait to hear more about your plans!

He is getting so big. I look back at pictures from this time last year and I am stunned by how much he has grown/changed.

I'm in! Can't wait to hear about all the great surprises!

I don't know if I would call them great...but I am hoping that Goofy will love them!

I'm here too Jay, I can't miss one of your fantastic TR's

BTW wow Buzz sure has grown he's a little boy now!

SSSSHHHH. I refuse to let him grow up anymore. Maybe I should have given him the name Peter Pan. Ha ha ha. It seems every time I blink all four of the boys are growing and changing and turning into little men. I am so proud of all they do and have become and I am so excited about watching them grow and become wonderful men BUT...a part of me (a selfish part) wants to freeze them and keep them how they are forever.

It's good to have you here, Jo. Not long until your next trip now either! Will you be writing another trip report? Are you doing a PTR for it?

Hi! I enjoyed your last TR and can't wait to read this new one!

Thanks! It's good to have you here! And I can't wait to go to WDW so that I have something to write about! I am getting to the 'antsy' stage of waiting now.

Hey stranger! I can't believe how big the boys have grown! A teenager?! Wow! And just look at Buzz! So adorable! I already know you are going to have another wonderful vacation... but have fun planning!

We're off in a little more than a week to move our oldest down to WDW - she's going to be working there until January in the Disney College Program!

Take care,
Michelle

MICHELLE! I owe you a HUGE debt of gratitude and must give you credit. Reading your trip reports and seeing the magic you weave into your trips for your family. The special meals, cakes, your time on the Grand One...all of your special moments that you have so graciously shared with everyone over the years have been an inspiration to me! I thought of you during our time on the Grand One last year!

Does she know where she will be working at WDW or what she will be doing? HOW EXCITING! Did she end up majoring in art or did she go the business route?

Hi Jay!

So glad to see another PTR from you, because that means a TR after!

I'm hoping you'll inspire me enough one of these days to start one of my own for our December trip!

Hi!! You should so write one! I would love to hear about your daugther's firsts at WDW. HOW FUN THAT WILL BE!! Please do write one. I might not be able to inspire you...but I am not above begging.

I have gotten into your last two reports after they were already completed. As a matter of fact, my eyes are still watery from reading your final thoughts on your birthday trip with Stitch! I am not missing getting in early on this one!! You have a wonderful way with words which so vividly shows us how much you love your family and Disney! Your reports are a joy to read!!

Awww, thanks for reading! And sorry for the teary eyes. I was all teared up myself writing that. Sap that I am.

Thank you again, your words made my day!

Yeah!!! You started Goofy's PTR!!!! I am so excited. He is such a little cutie....and I still think he is the one son that looks the most like YOU Jay!!! I am sooo excited for ALL your surprises!!!!! Goofy is sure to have a super-de-dooper birthday bash!!!!!!!

You know I love it when you say that (that I might actually have a child that looks anything like me...they all favor dh so heavily), so KEEP IT UP! I will send your check in the mail. Seriously though, I am excited to share another fun trip planning report with you (all).

YEAH!!! ANOTHER report!!! I'm so excited!! when is this trip taking place???

Loved seeing te recent pics of the boys!! they are all growing so fast!!!

We are going to celebrate his birthday in late September. Aren't they! It's a blessing and a curse (how quickly they grow). I wish I could hit pause or at least a slow button sometimes!

I'm in - can't wait to hear your plans for this one!

Thanks for joining in! I will post again momentarily.