1 Child and 10 Adults--A GG to Celebrate DD's 4th Bday :) TR Link is Posted

[Charlefours]

It is probably early to begin a PTR report but I figured why not? I could use all the tips and feedback I can get! It is going to be a resting ground of thoughts, feelings and ideas of this entire process. I hope the DIS community will chime in and offer me tips, suggestions and support--I am going to need it!

I have only been to Disney once and that trip was planned for me other than having input on which resort we should stay at the first go around. I knew from that trip we would be back many times. It has taken five years (by the time we go) but we are heading back! This will be the first time where I will actively be planning everything for the trip—at least for my immediate family. DH will humor me at this point to make a few comments here and there but for him, it is still too far away. Not for me!!

Table of contents:
*Wait, there's a secondary cast? *Why, When and Where's Home going to be? *You're Driving? You're insane! Traveling to Disney *Special Treats for those traveling with us *On the Hunt for Characters *Yummy in my Tummy! Eating while at Disney Part 1 *Yummy in my Tummy! Eat While at Disney Part 2 *Yummy in my Tummy! Part 3 *Shopping: Clothes, Books and Toys oh my! *The Beginnings of a Schedule *On the Dilemma... *Anyone have any suggestions? *MK: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles *EP: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles *Planning Tools *Things to Do *Top 10 Things I am Looking Forward to on Our Upcoming Trip *TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" or winging it: Creating Touring Plans *A Custom Creation for Lilian *ADRs and To Do List Update *ADRs, BBB and Tea all made!! : *DHS: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles *AK: Our Wishes, No Thank Yous and Sprinkles *Character Updates--Please help if you are willing *Night of Joy--what should we do? *Finished Bubble Skirt and a new camera *Have I mentioned I love bags? *Resort-itis!! *Free Dining--Yes or No? *Autograph Book and Album for Lilian *Five Years ago, Day 1--trip flashback *Day 2 of Our First Trip *Flashback, Day 3 *Day Four of our 2005 Trip *Day 5, MGM and EP *We Leave in 99 Days!!!! *Hollywood and Vine versus Olivia's Cafe *FINALLY an update...MNSSHP, pins, Fairy Godmail and changes to come *The Dumbo Debate Organizing, Part 1: Organizational Charts *The countdown has begun!!!! *Transportation or How to Navigate the World Effectively *This Time Next Month...Driving Day 1 *30 Days Until We Leave!!! The Countdown Begins *This Time Next Month: Driving Day 2 *#29 on the Countdown List *This Time Next Month: First Glimpse of Disney!! *28 Days, the third thing on my countdown is... *This Time Next Month: Epcot, Future World Day *27 Days left to go...what's on the countdown today? *This Time Next Month, 9/13 *#26 on My Countdown List *This Time Next Month--DD's Birthday!! *25 Days Left to Go!!! *This Time Next Month, September 15th *24 Days left to go!! *Day 5 at Disney, AK and evening @ MK: This Time Next Month *Creeping towards the teens, 23 days left to go!!! *This Time Next Month: Our Final Full Day at Disney! *A Sweet Treat, 22 on the Countdown *Last Morning at Disney Plans *21 Sleeps left until Disney!! *Almost out of the 20s! Number 20 on the Countdown *DISign Creations and Help Me Decide!! *Birthday Cake and song, #19 on the countdown *18 days and counting! *MNSSHP--number 17 on my countdown!! *Daily Itinerary Card, Day 1 posted *16 on my countdown *Daily Itinerary Card, Day 2 *Princesses, Fairies and Other Characters Oh My! Day 15 on my Countdown--the half way point!! *Daily Itinerary Card, Day 3 *Random Updates *Number 14 on the Countdown *Lucky #13 on the Countdown *Number 12 on the countdown--The Shows!! *Daily Itinerary Card, Happy Birthday Lilian!! *Daily Itinerary Card, Relaxation Day *Thursday, Sept. 16th Itinerary Card *MouseKeeping Thank You Tip Cards *11 Days Left to Go!! *Daily Itinerary Card, AK Day *#10 on my countdown *Daily Itinerary Card for DHS *Single Digits!! #9 on the Countdown *Last Daily Itinerary Card! *#8 on the countdown *Treats for Lilian Number 7 on my countdown!! *#6 on the countdown *Any Requests? *Number five--holy smokes!! It is getting close! *4 Days Left until we Leave!! *3 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!! *#2: Seeing the Castle *Fairy GodMail Anyone?????????? *One Sleep left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *Last Creative Projects: birthday shirt, Halloween Twirl Skirt, Disney Binder, Journal Cards and Dining Plan Tracker

We are back!!

 

[Charlefours]

Me: the planner, a bit OC to boot. I am a SAHM and a graduate student working on my master’s degree. Next summer/fall I will be filling out applications for my Ph.D. program!! I actually have only been to Disney one time, when I was 24 years old but we went with Disney Masters so the experience was amazing! You will also come to realize I love exclamation points!!!!

DH: the great and loving husband. He is a computer engineer. His first experience at Disney was the same time as mine—neither of us traveled to Disney as kids but we both definitely wanted to take our daughter!

This from our first trip to Disney in 2005.​

DD: the high energy, lovable three-year-old. She will be turning four while we are down there!! We went through a lot to have her so she is our little miracle baby (to me anyways). She loves the princesses--of course, Marie and the Aristocats in general, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny.

​

The first picture is from her third birthday. We went to the zoo and this is her clowning around prior to leaving. The second pictures is from a beach in NC when we went down to visit her aunt and uncle. This was her first experience with the ocean--needless to say she LOVES it!


Up Next: there's a secondary cast?

 

[Buckeye Princess]

Hey! I am just starting to plan a trip somewhat similar to yours in that we have 9 adults and 1 kid. That kid would be my daughter who will be turning 1 on the trip. We go at the end of January so we will definitely have to compare notes. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plans.

 

[Charlefours]

Hey! I am just starting to plan a trip somewhat similar to yours in that we have 9 adults and 1 kid. That kid would be my daughter who will be turning 1 on the trip. We go at the end of January so we will definitely have to compare notes. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plans.

You are my first poster!! I am glad we are not the only with such an odd makeup. Most of the other GG seem to have lots more children. You are going sooner than us so I will definitely be interested to learn how it goes and any tips you might have. Where are you all staying?

 

[Charlefours]

Besides our family (the immediate cast) there is what I am referring to as the secondary cast—not because they are secondary but because they are add-ons! We knew we were going and offered it out to others to join us. Little did we know our trip down to Disney world snowball into 11 people--a grand gathering of 10 adults and our DD!!

Here is the rest of the party


PaPaw—otherwise known as my Dad. My Dad went to Disney world for the first time with my DS’s family in March over spring break. He had a great time. He loves spending time with his grandchildren and does not want to miss this trip with us. He actually has never been to Epcot b/c DS did not feel like it was appropriate for children therefore did not go. He will definitely be going to Epcot with us this time around! It’s mine and DH’s favorite park.

The picture is not the greatest but there is a lot of feelings tide to it. It is my dad meeting my daughter. ​

DMIL and DFIL—first timers! They have never been to Disney. My FIL pretty much decided they were going--normally MIL makes all decisions like this but he wanted to go! My MIL asked me so what’s at Disney—are there rides?

DBIL--DH’s younger brother, 24 when we go, will also be going. Another first timer!! He is an avid roller coaster lover and is all around easy going.

DH parent's and his younger brother.​

DBF and her DH will be joining us. Her DH, my DH and my first trip to Disney was with DBF and her parents—the Disney Masters! They are both extremely hard working people and need a good vacation! DBF's DH does not get the obsession and says this will be his last trip to Disney for a good long while.

This picture is from our first trip together to WDW also.​

DGM and DGP are DD's honorary grandparents—we refer to them as her grandparents and she is their grandchild (and treated as such)! On a side and sad note: this is DGM’s first trip back to Disney since her Disney buddy past away two years ago. It will be just shy of three years when we head down. It will be very emotional for her but she is very excited and happy to go back down to Disney to celebrate DD’s birthday!

These are also from our first trip together to WDW.​

So there you have it: the secondary cast that makes our trip into the Grand Gathering it is sure to be. 11 people coming to WDW. 1 child with her mommy and daddy, 1 aunt, 2 uncles and five grandparents! Should make for an interesting trip! I will need lots of tips and a sounding board on how to manage a large and diverse group of people.

Up next: you know who, but why, when and where’s home going to be?

 

[Lamping3]

I followed you over! I love exclamation points too!!!!!

Sounds like you have a few Disney veterans going so you should have lots of helpers planning!

We went in 2006 with a larger group....not as large as yours though. My husband and I (we were just engaged at the time), my parents, my sister, her husband and her two sons. It was hard......by the end of the week we were not too fond of each other. Not in a bad way though. It was just too much time together. I would recommend not spending every moment together. Make sure there are mornings or evenings where you split up and do your own thing. I'm sure your DBF and your daughters honorary GP as much as they have gone there will be must do's on their list.

You have lots of time to plan (and lots of helpers at home and on the DIS) so I am sure no matter what you do you will have a wonderful time!

 

[Charlefours]

I followed you over! I love exclamation points too!!!!!

Sounds like you have a few Disney veterans going so you should have lots of helpers planning!

It was hard......by the end of the week we were not too fond of each other. Not in a bad way though. It was just too much time together. I would recommend not spending every moment together. Make sure there are mornings or evenings where you split up and do your own thing. I'm sure your DBF and your daughters honorary GP as much as they have gone there will be must do's on their list.

You have lots of time to plan (and lots of helpers at home and on the DIS) so I am sure no matter what you do you will have a wonderful time!

I know I have lots of time to plan but I sure do LOVE the planning aspect of trips too. What I am primarily worried about is being run over--not having a say b/c DGM will have strong opinions on what should or should not be done. DH and I have talked and said we are going to plan what WE are going to do--the others are more than welcome to join us. I agree with needing time apart, but I am not sure it is going to happen.

 

[Native NYer]

Great start!!

Can't wait to read more

 

[Charlefours]

Great start!!

Can't wait to read more

Thank you!! I am glad I have a reader!

 

[Charlefours]

When was the easiest decision I have made thus far—we are going over DD’s 4th birthday, which is September 14th. So we will be arriving on Saturday, September 11th and leave on Saturday, September 18th, 2010. We are hoping Disney will be offering the free DDP but we are budgeting as if they will not be. It would be great if they did because that would mean more spending money.

With 11 people going, I have had to consider lots of things when deciding where we were going to stay. First, when it was just going to be DH, DD and I we were looking at staying WL! It looks stunning and its proximity to MK made it ideal. However, with the rest joining us we wanted to make sure it was affordable for everyone (including for us as we added extra expenses on—I will get to those at another post).

The Disney Masters do not like staying at the Value level—they have stayed at them in the past but have made the jump up to the deluxe level. Well, deluxe level was going to be out of the question so I turned my attention to the moderate resorts. We stayed at POFQ when we went our first time—it was nice resort. DH and I liked the idea of trying a new one. So I narrowed it down to CBR and POR.

CBR looks so nice but it seems huge. DGM had the opinion it was ok from what she remember from staying there a while back. I was persuaded to look at POFQ but we ultimately decided on the POR because of the trundle bed—DD would have her own bed without having to bring her blow up princess bed.

So I booked the POR for 9/11/2010 through 9/18/2010 with park hopping tickets and the DDP. I was reassured by several CM that we could apply the free DDP if the offer comes available as long as I call in to ask to have it applied. They will not automatically apply it (I cannot blame them for not doing so—they are a business after all). So I am watching things like a hawk hoping to catch it being released! Any idea when they might release this offer? I cannot remember when they released this year.

Part of me wishes I had really looked at the CBR but they do not have trundles so all in all, I think it will be good. We are anticipating going back to the resort for midday breaks so staying on property was the only choice! Has anyone stayed at the POR? What did you think? Did you like it?

Room 1 breakdown: DH, me, DD and PaPaw
Room 2 breakdown: MIL, FIL, BIL
Room 3 breakdown: DBF and her DH
Room 4 breakdown: DGM, DGP

Four rooms for 11 people. I know there are ways we could have all stayed together off property, such as renting a house but we really like the idea of staying on property because of the magic and conveniences. Plus I figure it is going to be chaotic enough that having our own space to head back to would be much more sane!

Up next: You’re driving? You’re insane! Traveling to Disney

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Stephanie,
signing on to follow along...followed you from a few other threads we are both on!!! we are currently planning a return trip the last week of Nov 2010; I would like to go back in Feb 2010 but I don't think that is going to happen. So, Christmas decorations it is!!! I have always wanted to see WDW for Christmas!

What a wonderful large group!! of family and friends it should be a wonderful experience for Lillian. We have not stayed at POR (only POFQ & ASSp) but, we have walked through POR it is a very nice resort. We are still trying to decide where we are going to stay in Nov.

Eager to follow along and plan along with you...

 

[Lamping3]

I know I have lots of time to plan but I sure do LOVE the planning aspect of trips too. What I am primarily worried about is being run over--not having a say b/c DGM will have strong opinions on what should or should not be done. DH and I have talked and said we are going to plan what WE are going to do--the others are more than welcome to join us. I agree with needing time apart, but I am not sure it is going to happen.

OOOhhh... you have one of those MIL! Dave's stepmom is similar but he feels the same way about her and is able to tell her that he has heard enough! Maybe you could get an ADR at CRT for just you DH and DD.....say all they had was a 3 person table and you really want DD to eat in the castle! Maybe you can find something that MIL and FIL enjoy and suggest they go on their own?

Don't worry if you ever need to vent about how the planning process is going I will listen!

Oh yeah if you haven't seen my reply on my PTR.....I checked online the difference between 7 and 8 day tickets for 2 adults and 1 child (park hoppers) is $9. I would say go ahead and get the 8 day....you never know! Even without park hoppers the difference was so small!

 

[Charlefours]

Hi! Stephanie,
signing on to follow along...followed you from a few other threads we are both on!!! we are currently planning a return trip the last week of Nov 2010; I would like to go back in Feb 2010 but I don't think that is going to happen. So, Christmas decorations it is!!! I have always wanted to see WDW for Christmas!

What a wonderful large group!! of family and friends it should be a wonderful experience for Lillian. We have not stayed at POR (only POFQ & ASSp) but, we have walked through POR it is a very nice resort. We are still trying to decide where we are going to stay in Nov.

Eager to follow along and plan along with you...

I am following along on your PTR too! It will be fun to have someone to plan along with We have stayed at POFQ too and thought it was nice. I would love to see other resorts this time but I don't think it is going to happen besides the GF.

I would love to see WDW at Christmas time as well but not this year. Perhaps another time

 

[Charlefours]

OOOhhh... you have one of those MIL! Dave's stepmom is similar but he feels the same way about her and is able to tell her that he has heard enough! Maybe you could get an ADR at CRT for just you DH and DD.....say all they had was a 3 person table and you really want DD to eat in the castle! Maybe you can find something that MIL and FIL enjoy and suggest they go on their own?

Don't worry if you ever need to vent about how the planning process is going I will listen!

Oh yeah if you haven't seen my reply on my PTR.....I checked online the difference between 7 and 8 day tickets for 2 adults and 1 child (park hoppers) is $9. I would say go ahead and get the 8 day....you never know! Even without park hoppers the difference was so small!

I was not speaking specifically about my MIL (DGM is my DBF's parents--DD's honorary grandparents) but come to think of it--she is like that too!!!! Yeah, I am going to be battling two of them--look out!

I thought about her birthday day plans quite a bit yesterday (while I was studying...) I think this is what we are going to do but I could use advice:

Breakfast at CP, early as possible to hopefully get some good shots of the castle and then Dinner at 1900 Park Faire because I hear that the GF Bakery is the best and they would be making her birthday cake.

There is another surprise in there (I will get that at some point) too. What do you all think--should we do two TS meals in one day? Is that going to eat up too much time? I am not looking at doing commando touring--plus we will have another day in MK, probably w/o a TS to make up for two on her birthday. I think she would LOVE both of these places.

Thanks for lending your ears (well, I guess eyes)!!! Where else can we vent about Disney things?

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I don't think two sit downs in one day is a bad idea for a special occassion. I like your two choices! I plan to do one sit down a day when I start to plan our trip; so, I wouldn't do it for everyday...but, as I said a special reason...and you plan to have another day in MK so it shouldn't be a bad idea! another way to end a special day since ya'll will be at GF is to hop on the monorail over to the Poly and watch "wishes" and the "electrical light parade" from their beach!!

Happy planning!!

 

[Charlefours]

I don't think two sit downs in one day is a bad idea for a special occassion. I like your two choices! I plan to do one sit down a day when I start to plan our trip; so, I wouldn't do it for everyday...but, as I said a special reason...and you plan to have another day in MK so it shouldn't be a bad idea! another way to end a special day since ya'll will be at GF is to hop on the monorail over to the Poly and watch "wishes" and the "electrical light parade" from their beach!!

Happy planning!!

I have to consider this--of course, it is dependent on Wishes being done on a Tuesday. Does anyone know if they try to follow a set schedule for things like Wishes, Illuminations, Spectro-Magic Parade and Fantasmic? We would love to be able to make them all (definite naps/afternoon breaks those days).

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Hi - I am really enjoying your PTR! Thanks for writing! If I could be planning another trip I sure would - Sept. 2010 is not too early - you will really have fun planning!

Mom and I just returned from a trip Sept. 27 - Oct. 2 (free dining) - we stayed at POR. We really liked the laid back feel of the resort - it was so quiet we couldn't believe it. We didn't hear anyone till days into the trip even though it was full. The rooms were larger than I thought they would be and the beds were very comfortable. We were in the Magnolia Section but since you want a trundle you may be in Alligator Bayou - which also seems very relaxed and has great theming.

We also loved the boat to Downtown Disney. The food court was good. Though crowded in the mornings we always found a seat - we ate breakfasts - shared a bounty platter on free dining - it was large enough for the two of us. Bus transportation was good too - we only waited 10 minutes for buses and sometimes didn't wait at all. Sometimes it was standing room only if the buses were picking up from the Parks after closing but Disney transport was really efficient in calling more buses - getting people back to their resorts.

I would definitely stay at POR again. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

at the top of the page you will see different sections...if you click on theme parks you should be able to find the calendar. Also, on the WDW site they list the calendar...both will show you the time schedule of the parks, parades, and firework shows...I wish they would list the show times too! (but they don't)...I believe it is still 90 days out but they should be changing that to 180 days out!

 

[Lamping3]

Sorry I got them mixed up! Hope that didn't offend you. I just know how it is to want to do something a certain way for your family and have "other" opinions on what should be done......

I think doing a breakfast/dinner TS combo on one day would be fine. Especially since you would probably be doing 1900 PF for character interaction mostly (I've heard their food is just "ok"). For your DD the character interaction is probably a big "to do" so eating at those places would get some of that out of the way.

My family has stayed at POR twice.....in '99 and in '06. We stayed in Alligator Bayou in "99 and that is the location where the trundle beds are. In '06 we stayed in Magnolia Bend and I liked AB much better. Our room was VERY close to parking (a plus if you drive....your car will be right there). We had a 60 sec walk to the bus stop (through the bushes)...I will have to look at a map and let you know what building we were in. DTD is only a boat ride away and the boat ride is very relaxing! I was 18 when we went in '99 and I slept on the trundle bed...I don't remember anything bad about it except it was right by the ac unit so I got cold at night (the plus to that was my parents snore.....both of them....loud and the humm from the ac kinda drowned them out!).

I believe that sometime this month reservations move from 90 days out to 180 days out so maybe the park hours will be posted earlier too! You might look at this years September calendar and see when Wishes usually is I wouldn't think they would change things like that around too much year to year it would at least give you a good estimate!

 

[Charlefours]

Hi - I am really enjoying your PTR! Thanks for writing! If I could be planning another trip I sure would - Sept. 2010 is not too early - you will really have fun planning!

Mom and I just returned from a trip Sept. 27 - Oct. 2 (free dining) - we stayed at POR. We really liked the laid back feel of the resort - it was so quiet we couldn't believe it. We didn't hear anyone till days into the trip even though it was full. The rooms were larger than I thought they would be and the beds were very comfortable. We were in the Magnolia Section but since you want a trundle you may be in Alligator Bayou - which also seems very relaxed and has great theming.

We also loved the boat to Downtown Disney. The food court was good. Though crowded in the mornings we always found a seat - we ate breakfasts - shared a bounty platter on free dining - it was large enough for the two of us. Bus transportation was good too - we only waited 10 minutes for buses and sometimes didn't wait at all. Sometimes it was standing room only if the buses were picking up from the Parks after closing but Disney transport was really efficient in calling more buses - getting people back to their resorts.

I would definitely stay at POR again. Have a wonderful trip!

to my little PTR!! I like having a space to write feelings and getting questions answered. Since I am first time planner and only a second time attendee (and my personality in general), I want to learn as much a I can!

I am glad to hear you liked POR. We will be in the Alligator Bayou, since it is the only section with the trundle. Did you eat at Boatwrights? I am curious to know if it is any good. We are hoping for the free dining, but are not counting on it. It would be great for the budget if it did get offered again during that time period.