Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed

[wdwgirl03]

Yay! TWO WEEKS!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Yeah for your 2 week mark!! It'll be here before you know it!



Heather

 

[SoonerGirl]

You are planning on doing another TR, right?

Yep - I was surprised at how much fun I had writing the last one!

Oooh, so good to know! Thank you! Now, I just have to find a box!

I actually ended up not shipping our box! I got to UPS and it was going to be $35 to ship the stupid thing I can check it with the airlines for cheaper than that! DH is going to check on his corporate rate with FedEx tomorrow, but if it's high too, we'll just check the box like a piece of luggage.


Oh my gosh!!! Do you see my ticker - less than 1 week to go!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks for dancing with me!!!!

YAY!! Let's do a dance... Well let's imagine I am doing a dance since I'm still lying in bed lol

Love it! I can imagine a bit of a leg kick/wiggle as a laying down dance...

Woo Hoo for 2 weeks!!!!

Can you believe it??!

Hurray for two weeks!!!

Party!!!

Yippee for 2 weeks!!!! I can't dance right now, DH had me up until midnight last night because his computer wasn't working right. He got a new one a few weeks ago and windows 7 has been giving him problems! I'm babbling! But, I'm dancing in spirit!!!

Oh man!!! That is awful. We haven't switched over to Windows 7 at home yet - Joe has for work, and his entire first day with it was configuring it to work right! I hope you were able to get it figured out!

Woo-hoo for 2 weeks!!!!

I can't believe it's SO CLOSE.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yay! TWO WEEKS!

Yeah for your 2 week mark!! It'll be here before you know it!



Heather

I know it! The days are FLYING!

Yep - I was surprised at how much fun I had writing the last one!

I actually ended up not shipping our box! I got to UPS and it was going to be $35 to ship the stupid thing I can check it with the airlines for cheaper than that! DH is going to check on his corporate rate with FedEx tomorrow, but if it's high too, we'll just check the box like a piece of luggage.

Oh my gosh!!! Do you see my ticker - less than 1 week to go!!!

I LOVED your last TR - I still have it saved in my subscriptions for a re-read whenever we head out to CA....which will probably be years from now!

$35!!!!!!!! Ya, if ours is that expensive I'll just check it too!! I still haven't gotten the box from my MIL...and I have to still buy things to put in it.

4 days for you, 4 days!!! askdjf;lkajsdflkjasdd! YAY!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Can you believe Christmas is just 10 days away? Where did December go?

We have our first Christmas party this coming Saturday at my Mother-in-Laws. There is sure to be plenty of Disney World talk being our entire traveling party will be there, and we are mere days away....!

Did I share with you all that this is my MIL and FIL's first time on a plane? Well, my MIL once rode a crop duster, but that is it! They have had lots of traveling/flight questions, but I think they are really excited about even that part of the trip. I'm going to try to remember to ask for them to get wings!

I know these don't make for exciting PTR updates, but they help me a lot! 11 items left, 11 days to go...I added a new item, the days are catching up on me!

Today's goals are

1. to get at least some of the Christmas Cards mailed out,
2. update the TR, and,
   
3. get a few more of the items on the non-perishables/ship in a box list

Life

1. Return library books
2. Wrap Christmas gifts - just have to wrap the new items purchased yesterday
   
3. Send Christmas cards
4. Clean house week before we leave
5. Finish September Trip Report!!!!
6. Finish Christmas shopping - DONE!
7. Write Christmas letter - DONE! WRITTEN, FOLDED, PRINTED!!
8. Stop mail - DONE!
   

Disney

1. Get DIS meet info organized and into PassPorter
2. Pack (we can do this at anytime considering how cold MN is now!)
3. Buy a bunch of non-perishable items, send box to resort
   
4. Clean out stroller and car seat
5. Charge electronics
6. Make the inevitable 838 trips to Target for last minute things - I think I've made about 830 so far.
   
7. Reserve parking spot at Park N Fly - Joe's to do list, I just have to make sure he does it! - DONE
   
8. Figure out how much and get cash for tips - DONE
   
9. Organize travel toiletries - DONE
   
10. Print basic trip plan for in-laws (written, but not printed, having printer issues!) and fill in Passporter - DONE
    
11. Get basic touring plan done for parks, "must do's" - DONE
12. Research scooters for Poppa - DONE
13. In-laws need to buy tickets - DONE
    
14. Plan in-room meals - DONE
15. Set up details of NYE meet with MeMom - DONE
    
16. But Passporter inserts - DONE
17. Make grocery list - DONE
    
18. Put in WeGoShop order - DONE
19. Get countdown calendar ready with stickers for Henry - DONE
20. Make budget so I have a clue what we can expect to spend while there - DONE

NOLA

1. Go back to early pages of this PTR and re-read all NOLA advice given, take notes, commit to memory!
2. Buy wedding present for the happy couple! - DONE
   
3. Research cheap/free things to do - DONE
4. Try to find a cheaper hotel - DONE
5. Get a basic map of the area, walking map? - DONE

And a bit more exciting - here is what I have for our Touring Plans for the AM. Joe, KK and I will be going back to various parks in the evening for more the thrill rides, but I didn't devise any plans for those nights, we'll just roll with it. My MIL and FIL aren't big riders, the attractions/slow moving rides are appealing to them.

I'll post a full itinerary before we leave too!

• Each park is a RD on an AM EMH. Joe is the FP runner, I will hang with the family to get my FIL a wheelchair each day (he has a bad back).

EPCOT

• Joe to Test Track and Soarin' for FPs - half of us will get Soarin' FPs, the other half Test Track - the other half of the group will go in on the Baby Swap pass.
  
• Family catch up with him and ride Livin' with the Land
• Nemo/aquariums/Turtle Talk with Crush
• SE
• Club Cool - gotta get Beverly shots.
  
• World Showcase
  

DHS

• Joe to TSM for FPs
• GMR
• Streets of America - gotta meet McQueen and Mater!
• Backlot Tour
• Muppets or Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Whichever is more appealing to the family.
  
• HISTK Playground (in-laws may go do something else?)
• Playhouse Disney
• One Man's Dream. I think my MIL and FIL are going to really enjoy this since they remember the early days of Walt Disney.
  
• Either IJ or LMA, I'll let the family choose
• I really want to do the Animation Studio, so I might go off on my own for a while too
  

MK - um...everything?

• Joe FP to Jungle Cruise
• Teacups
• Tomorrowland Cars
• Riverboat - is this now only for Princess Tiana, or do they have the normal cruises too?
  
• Hall of Presidents
• Country Bear Jamboree
  
• Jungle Cruise
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Monsters Inc
• Buzz
• TTA
• CoP
• Toontown
• "Mickey's Choo-Choo"
  
• It's a Small World-if we have time
• We also want to watch the parade at Noon and perhaps browse through the Exposition Hall since FIL is a photography buff.

AK

• Joe FP to Safari
• Oasis
• Rafiki's Planet Watch
• Some of the trails, whichever ones are least crowded.
  
• Boneyard / Dinoland
• Either Nemo, Lion King, or Flights of Wonder. I'll let the family choose

I tried to keep it minimal.

I failed!



We'll see how much we get to...

Thoughts, opinions?

And I'll leave you with what my temperature widgit was telling me yesterday:

​

 

[Lady Lallie]

You are so organized. I feel like I need to make myself some to do lists as my trip gets closer.

Love your tempature widget. I need to get me one of those.

All of your park plans look great. I think you have a good balance going.

 

[DWGal210]

Your plans do look great!! I agree with you about the "taking it easy" part; we've done that they last few times and it makes a HUGE difference on everyone's nerves. Even just a break to go back to the hotel and swim makes a big difference in people "going the distance" for that day.

Can't wait to meet you! Perhaps one of the mornings or evenings, we can get together for a zebra dome and some coffee.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think it will be absolutely adorable if you get your in-laws wings for their first flight!

I am amazed that there is a 72 degree difference between Florida and Minnesota!

 

[IluvXU]

Getting so excited for you all! I can't wait to see what you think of your resort and everything. I bet Henry is into the holiday fun this year!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Your plans look great and you've made GREAT progress on your list!!

On the Riverboat - I think I read that it is strickly for the Princess Tiana show right now. I remember being disappointed because we've never been on it and were going to try this trip - maybe another time!!

I was laughing about your remark on the Beverly shots - we've yet to go into Club Cool - maybe that's where we can meet, and we can trick our unsuspecting family members together!

 

[jenjolt]

Wow talk about climate shock LOL!! It's definitely warmer here in Florida!! LOL!!!

Love your lists!!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!!! You are all going to have a great time LOL!!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Brook, everything looks fabulous! I think you have everything under control!!!

You have to meet McQueen and Mater! Ryan was sooo excited to meet them in Oct!! I haven't gotten that far in my TR yet, maybe by the end of the week!

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

You are so super organized. Only a week and a half to go and I have done nothing. John still hasn't gotten the dog sitter lined up yet!!! The holiday is just sneaking up on me this year. The shopping has been done since before Thanksgiving, but that is the extent of it. I still have to wrap everything and this weekend we are headed to the in-laws. We'll leave Friday evening after Brooklynn's holiday program and won't get home until late Sunday night.

 

[onelilspark]

Do me a favor and keep the weather in MN ok? It's 40 here right now and I'm liking it!!!

 

[tiggrbaby]

What wonderful, organized plans!

 

[TyRy]

Your plans look awesome and you are right on track with everything. Thanks for the tip about travel aisle...I never even thought about doing that!!

Also - I may have mentioned this about NOLA, but...everyone goes to Cafe DuMond for Beignets. It's a must with tourists. Soooo - go there once and then go to Cafe Beignet on Royal Street (I just googled it to make sure.) We were in there once a day for the Beignets and never looked back at DuMond again. It was just a couple blocks from the hotel. And they have coupons on their site too!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Your plans look great! I think the riverboat is just for the Princess Tiana show now. But I think that would be worth seeing. I wish they were going to keep it around longer.

Love the weather thing. That's about what it was like last year when we came home from our trip. It was literally an 80-degree temperature change!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You are so organized. I feel like I need to make myself some to do lists as my trip gets closer.

Love your tempature widget. I need to get me one of those.

All of your park plans look great. I think you have a good balance going.

I do feel like I have been more organized this trip than previous. I think it's because I stay at home and can take more time to focus on it during Henry's naps, AND, I just HAVE to be for this trip. So much going on at one time-and I want to be sure the in-laws have a great time!

The temperature widget makes me happy sometimes, like now, seeing that FL is in the 70s and knowing we will be there soon. But come March, I'll hate it! We'll still be in the low temps while the rest of the nation is defrosted! It is a whopping 10 degress here today though...

Your plans do look great!! I agree with you about the "taking it easy" part; we've done that they last few times and it makes a HUGE difference on everyone's nerves. Even just a break to go back to the hotel and swim makes a big difference in people "going the distance" for that day.

Can't wait to meet you! Perhaps one of the mornings or evenings, we can get together for a zebra dome and some coffee.

It really does make a difference to just take it easy and roll with it. We have done that now the past 2 trips, scheduling some things and having an idea of what to do, but just taking it as it comes and not worrying about what we missed, etc. It's GREAT. Very, very enjoyable! It helps to know we will be back again though!

The Zebra Dome and coffee sounds DIVINE. I still have to check my PMs and organize all that info...I will get back to you!

I think it will be absolutely adorable if you get your in-laws wings for their first flight!

I am amazed that there is a 72 degree difference between Florida and Minnesota!

I can totally see my FIL wearing them. He's so goofy and fun!!

I bet the temperature difference will increase as the winter goes on too...we haven't really hit the big negatives yet...-10 is NOT unrealistic around here!

We truly treasure our winter getaways....

Getting so excited for you all! I can't wait to see what you think of your resort and everything. I bet Henry is into the holiday fun this year!

I'm SO excited to stay at the resort in one of those villas with the TUB. And that shower!!!! dfjal;skdjf;lkasjdf makes me so excited!

Henry is getting more into all the fun with Christmas! He likes looking at the lights, and is very anxious to open presents...

Your plans look great and you've made GREAT progress on your list!!

On the Riverboat - I think I read that it is strickly for the Princess Tiana show right now. I remember being disappointed because we've never been on it and were going to try this trip - maybe another time!!

I was laughing about your remark on the Beverly shots - we've yet to go into Club Cool - maybe that's where we can meet, and we can trick our unsuspecting family members together!

Every time I look at my list it makes me feel better, because I am actually getting things DONE. Not everything will be last minute this trip! Miracles DO happen!

That is a bummer about the Riverboat...but I understand too. The Princess Tiana show does look like fun, but I don't think we'll make it a "must see" - if we run into it, so be it, otherwise, no loss.

Oh, that would be funny about the Beverly meet! I like it!!! I'll be checking my PMs and getting the DIS meet info organized soon - today/tomorrow for sure! I'll PM you or text ya and we can figure it all out! So far I have been able to trick Joe twice with it too because he forgets which one is nasty...and I don't tell of course!

Wow talk about climate shock LOL!! It's definitely warmer here in Florida!! LOL!!!

Love your lists!!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!!! You are all going to have a great time LOL!!!

Even if it's in the 60s while we are there, it will feel like a heat wave! I am hoping for 70s though.... Wait a sec, we are at 10 DAYS I can start checking the forecast! Woot!

I hope it is a good time, I can't imagine it not being. I have no idea if the family will like Disney World, and if they don't, I just have to not let that bother me. I can't imagine not liking it though...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh, goodness....I had replied to everyone, but had to cut/paste into a few posts due to the number of smilies rotfl and was doing 2 things at once, not thinking...and LOST all the rest of the replies. Sigh.

I will come back and reply, I just gotta get my update posted and finish washing the dishes before Henry wakes up!