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

[Charlefours]

Sorry you had to deal with bad renters but glad you found some great people to move in. Good luck with your classwork and playgroup!

Thanks Leanne!! We are trying to move on--nothing we can do about it but that and learn from it. I love how life throws so many learning experiences at you!! The tenants we have moving next month should be great!! We have had some great conversations with them.

That is terrible about the renters. My aunt owns rental property and for the most part has had good luck...except with one family. Among other things, they let their children color on the walls...with SHARPIE markers. And that was one of the more tame things. At least you got it all under control and found new renters. Hopefully they will be 100% better!!!

Thanks Kayce! I think it will be a better experience this go around. I can sympathize with your aunt (though no drawing on the walls, just huge gouges carved out! Live and learn!!

 

[Charlefours]

I've been meaning to get over here, and I finally did. I love how organized you are! But of course, you have to be - with a preschooler AND graduate school to deal with.

Your plans look great. We love traveling with extended family, but it can be tricky. I bet everyone will be so grateful for your planning expertise - you've done all the work, all they have to do is show up and have a great time!

I think you'll really enjoy POR. We've stayed at five different Disney resorts, and it's been our favorite so far

Rebecca to my PTR!! Thanks--you are right, I have to be organized or it throws me off. I sure hope everyone looks at it like that--be sure to tune into the TR that I am anticipating writing to find out.

I hope we like POR! I have to admit it was not my first choice but I am getting excited about it. I have heard a lot of DISers recently raving about it.

 

[kcandbella]

I just posted this same thing on my PTR but I just realized how close you are to making your ADRs!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!

 

[cheryterese]

Just saw you had this so am joining in! Will read later today when the kids are napping. Can't wait to see your plans so far!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Steph
just went back a few pages to play catch up...I probably need to go back a few more than I did...but, first I am so sorry to hear about your friend--she and her family are def in my prayers. Next, great deals on all the disney loot! I just ordered several flip flops but waited too long they did not come in with my order, love your books I have three I'm using this year...the UG mini, UG w/ kids, and the Hidden Magic (I loved this one--I would read from it every night to Danny before we went to bed--I'm rereading it at night when Ashton watches his Disney movies before bed time), and I love all your plans and your outline to help you organize is awesome! I plan this week to start my plans (I need to sit down, w/the times and the UG's numbers).

Connie

 

[Charlefours]

I just posted this same thing on my PTR but I just realized how close you are to making your ADRs!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!

I know!! I AM SO EXCITED!!! You think I would be the one who is heading off to Disney in a few short months!!

 

[Charlefours]

Just saw you had this so am joining in! Will read later today when the kids are napping. Can't wait to see your plans so far!!

Cheryl to my PTR!! Thank you for joining me for the long haul.

 

[Charlefours]

Hey! Steph
just went back a few pages to play catch up...I probably need to go back a few more than I did...but, first I am so sorry to hear about your friend--she and her family are def in my prayers. Next, great deals on all the disney loot! I just ordered several flip flops but waited too long they did not come in with my order, love your books I have three I'm using this year...the UG mini, UG w/ kids, and the Hidden Magic (I loved this one--I would read from it every night to Danny before we went to bed--I'm rereading it at night when Ashton watches his Disney movies before bed time), and I love all your plans and your outline to help you organize is awesome! I plan this week to start my plans (I need to sit down, w/the times and the UG's numbers).

Connie

Connie!!

Lilian loved her flip flops we ordered last year so I am hoping the pair we got will work well for her this summer and at Disney. I have not looked at the UG mini--is it much different than the UG w/ Kids? Hidden Magic I have not started yet. I think I will read it this summer leading up to Disney and on the way down

Plans: I am waiting for hours to come out but I based everything off last year's hours thus far. We really are not planning on taking advantage of EMH unless they are evening ones that we want to take advantage of--I know it is one of the big advantages of staying on property, but I rather not deal with all the extra people if possible!

Things to Do List: I have been adding to it of course!! I do like me a to do list!!

 

[Charlefours]

I have been inspired by others who have been posting Top lists of attractions, foods and shows. Since we have only been to Disney one other time, I thought instead I would post a list of the things I am looking forward to the most.

1. Lilian reaction to seeing the Castle in person
2. Watching and seeing her all dolled up after her BBB appointment
3. Seeing her birthday cake and her face when she gets it while we are at 1900 Park Fare
4. Rides, favorites from before: BTMR, Soarin’, TT, KS, Living with the Land
5. Rides, ones we have yet to try but are looking forward to riding for the first time: Dumbo, Tea Cups, TSM, Nemo (we walked through the aquarium before they redid it)
6. Shows: Beauty and the Beast, VOTLM, FOTLK, FN will all be new to us! We also like LMA and are planning on doing it again.
7. Riding rides with Lilian!!
8. Eating all kinds of yummy foods! Some I am looking forward to trying: Mickey Ice Cream bar, possibly a Dole Whip and Cream Cheese Pretzel
9. My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party with the girls!!
10. I am sure the guys are looking forward to golfing trip too

What about all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list.

 

[Charlefours]

There seems to be a lot of TR I am reading as of late that have used either Tour Guide Mike or RideMax to help create their touring plans. There are, of course, several mentioning using UG’s plans as well. I am curious to know what you all have done in the past—do you use TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" (in the words of my daughter for doing it yourself) or wing it?

 

[BabyEeyore]

What all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list.

This is a great idea. Let's see... my top 10 list for my upcoming trip...

1. Getting to see my dad after 2 years.
2. My dad and daughter meeting for the first time!
3. Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.
4. Getting my daughter her very first princess dress, tiara, and shoes (if she was old enough for BBB, we'd be there!).
5. Going to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and (possibly) DHS for the first time.
6. Riding my favorite rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
7. Riding new rides like Kilamanjaro Safari and maybe trying out Baby Swap to get on other favorites (like the mountains in MK) and new rides (like EE).
8. Decorating the hotel room when we check in at Pop (I have a few surprises up my sleeve for everyone).
9. Seeing the World through my daughter's eyes.
10. Getting my daughter's picture taken with Princess Tiana!

 

[mousescrapper]

Hey Scrappie J! I cannot believe you trudge through it all!

Us long planning planners must stick together...

Ahh yes my To Do List I love having them as crazy as that sounds!! I am working on the Disney School as I like to call it and will post more about it once I work out more details.

Thanks for taking the time to read through it all and make so many helpful comments and suggestions!!! I hope you will stay on board and keep doing so!!

Your very welcome...it was a fun read and I look forward to more of your planning and fun stuff!

What all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list.

Ok my "TOP 10 list" of things I am looking forward to on our next Trip...

1) Seeing Palm Trees- then I know I am on vacation...

2) Eating Tie-Dye Cheesecake at POP

3) Walking into our DVC home for the first time BLT!

4) BBB and Pirates League for the kids

5) experiencing Mae and Margaret's birthdays at Disney

6) Going on BTMRR w/ my oldest DD Aldine...it's our favorite!

7) Eating at CRT (hopefully) for the first time

8) Seeing all the Holiday decorations

9) Helping DS Michael w/ his "food report"

10) Sharing a portion of this trip w/ DH's parents


(I know I didn't mention anything special just for my DH and I ... but we have our own trip just the two of us coming up the following yr )

There seems to be a lot of TR I am reading as of late that have used either Tour Guide Mike or RideMax to help create their touring plans. There are, of course, several mentioning using UG’s plans as well. I am curious to know what you all have done in the past—do you use TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" (in the words of my daughter for doing it yourself) or wing it?

I have used TGM (08) and touringplans plus my self in (09)...this yr I hope to consult TGM but use The UG touringplans again as my guide and I draft my own touring plan...

 

[longing2Batdisney]

There seems to be a lot of TR I am reading as of late that have used either Tour Guide Mike or RideMax to help create their touring plans. There are, of course, several mentioning using UG’s plans as well. I am curious to know what you all have done in the past—do you use TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" (in the words of my daughter for doing it yourself) or wing it?

Last year I did the "all by myself" and lots of research...but, could never have predicted the rain to through a damper into the mix...
this year...I am again researching park times, EMH, firework shows, and for the first time UG...but, when it is all said and done...I will have made the list, the cards, and when we get there may throw it all to the wind if things do not appear as I dreamed;
Connie

 

[longing2Batdisney]

What about all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list:

1. seeing Ashton's reaction to it all!
2. hearing Ashton say "can we do that AGAIN!"
3. Soarin'
4. enjoying the magic with all three of my children (I know this will not happen often in the future--but, I hope I'm wrong)
5. character dining with Ashton
6. seeing the magic through Dayne's friend Luke's eyes for the first time (even if he is 17)
7. seeing Ashton's reaction to the larger than life figures of Mowagli and Baloo at the POP
8. finding Donald (we missed him iin 2009) and of course Ashton's reaction--there seems to be trend here
9. riding TSM and Buzz w/Ashton and letting him "beat me"
10. absorbing all the magic I can handle since this is my last trip for at least five years

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

You ask better questions than me!

What about all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list.

1. Staying onsite, all 5 of us! Never done that!
2. Riding rollercoasters with my kids!
3. MNSSHP!
4. Indulging in food I don't normally indulge in with my family!
5. Using our GAD Fastpasses and not having to stress over touring
6. The beginning of Food & Wine
7. Free Dining!!!!
8. Taking pictures that I didn't get on our last trip. New lenses.
9. Being immersed in that Disney feeling, no cares in the world, feeling ageless.
10. Seeing the joy in my children's eyes.

As for touring, I'm using TGM, myself, and UG. I used a mixture of all of them in the past as well.

 

[DrMomof3]

There seems to be a lot of TR I am reading as of late that have used either Tour Guide Mike or RideMax to help create their touring plans. There are, of course, several mentioning using UG’s plans as well. I am curious to know what you all have done in the past—do you use TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" (in the words of my daughter for doing it yourself) or wing it?

I like UG but we've never been very diligent about following the plans. My parents hired a Disney guide in May (it was expensive but awesome - he had a way to get us on all the rides without waiting) and we've used his ride order a bit in the past. We've never gone during busy season so it hasn't really been an issue. We let the kids guide us a bit. I'm sure we miss a lot but we have gone at least once a year for the past 3 years so we make up for our poor efficiency by going frequently!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

My 10 top:

1. A week off of work!
2. Staying in a villa - having a kichen, washer/dryer, separate bedroom
3. Staying at BCV - access to SAB, easy access to Epcot and DHS
4. My 6 year old (hopefully) doing JTA
5. Fantasmic! We've never seen it before!!!
6. The kids doing the Albatross cruise. I think they'll like it and it'll give us quality time with the little one.
7. Yummy food!
8. Date night with the hubby. At Bluezoo, no less!
9. Making happy memories with my family.
10. The little things that make Disney so magical. I never know what moments are going to be the special Disney moments but we always have them!

Amanda

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I have been inspired by others who have been posting Top lists of attractions, foods and shows. Since we have only been to Disney one other time, I thought instead I would post a list of the things I am looking forward to the most.

1. Lilian reaction to seeing the Castle in person
2. Watching and seeing her all dolled up after her BBB appointment
3. Seeing her birthday cake and her face when she gets it while we are at 1900 Park Fare
4. Rides, favorites from before: BTMR, Soarin’, TT, KS, Living with the Land
5. Rides, ones we have yet to try but are looking forward to riding for the first time: Dumbo, Tea Cups, TSM, Nemo (we walked through the aquarium before they redid it)
6. Shows: Beauty and the Beast, VOTLM, FOTLK, FN will all be new to us! We also like LMA and are planning on doing it again.
7. Riding rides with Lilian!!
8. Eating all kinds of yummy foods! Some I am looking forward to trying: Mickey Ice Cream bar, possibly a Dole Whip and Cream Cheese Pretzel
9. My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party with the girls!!
10. I am sure the guys are looking forward to golfing trip too

What about all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list.

Great list! I'll have to give some thought about it. I don't know if I'm awake enough yet to put together and cohesive list, in order of importance, but here are a few that would def make the top ten:

• The restaurants - trying new ones and revisiting favorites
• Hearing the background music in future World
• Exploring a new resort
• Space Mountain with my Dad
• The excitement of the girls on the plane
• Sharing a dolewhip

There seems to be a lot of TR I am reading as of late that have used either Tour Guide Mike or RideMax to help create their touring plans. There are, of course, several mentioning using UG’s plans as well. I am curious to know what you all have done in the past—do you use TGM, RideMax, UG, "All My By Self" (in the words of my daughter for doing it yourself) or wing it?

Typically, we do a lot of preplanning, with the help of the Unofficial Guide's Best Days calendar - but we definitely do not plan out what rides to ride in what order. Which is what Ridemax and others do for you. There is no need for this in September, its just not busy enough to worry about it. On our first trip, I did sort of write out notes of a recommended touring plan, but we didn't need it and didn't use it. We use fastpass, and we never wait in lines longer than 20 minutes. Now if I was going in July or over Christmas... well I still probably wouldn't use those programs. I would just make sure to be there early and head straight for the most popular ride. I like to preserve a little bit of spontaneity.

 

[Charlefours]

This is a great idea. Let's see... my top 10 list for my upcoming trip...

1. Getting to see my dad after 2 years.
2. My dad and daughter meeting for the first time!
3. Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.
4. Getting my daughter her very first princess dress, tiara, and shoes (if she was old enough for BBB, we'd be there!).
5. Going to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and (possibly) DHS for the first time.
6. Riding my favorite rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
7. Riding new rides like Kilamanjaro Safari and maybe trying out Baby Swap to get on other favorites (like the mountains in MK) and new rides (like EE).
8. Decorating the hotel room when we check in at Pop (I have a few surprises up my sleeve for everyone).
9. Seeing the World through my daughter's eyes.
10. Getting my daughter's picture taken with Princess Tiana!

Great list Christina!! Especially your daughter meeting her grandfather and you seeing your Dad!! So special I would love to meet Tiana too but not sure if she will still be out in the parks in September. From what I have read, she is a riot!!

What about all of you who are reading? What would be your Top 10 List? I am looking forward to reading what makes your top 10 list:

1. seeing Ashton's reaction to it all!
2. hearing Ashton say "can we do that AGAIN!"
3. Soarin'
4. enjoying the magic with all three of my children (I know this will not happen often in the future--but, I hope I'm wrong)
5. character dining with Ashton
6. seeing the magic through Dayne's friend Luke's eyes for the first time (even if he is 17)
7. seeing Ashton's reaction to the larger than life figures of Mowagli and Baloo at the POP
8. finding Donald (we missed him iin 2009) and of course Ashton's reaction--there seems to be trend here
9. riding TSM and Buzz w/Ashton and letting him "beat me"
10. absorbing all the magic I can handle since this is my last trip for at least five years

Great list Connie!! Ashton is one very lucky little boy and he is going to have a great time!! I am looking forward to reading about your trip!! (I am assuming you are planning a TR )

Soarin!! My favorite attraction of all the parks!!

You ask better questions than me!

1. Staying onsite, all 5 of us! Never done that!
2. Riding rollercoasters with my kids!
3. MNSSHP!
4. Indulging in food I don't normally indulge in with my family!
5. Using our GAD Fastpasses and not having to stress over touring
6. The beginning of Food & Wine
7. Free Dining!!!!
8. Taking pictures that I didn't get on our last trip. New lenses.
9. Being immersed in that Disney feeling, no cares in the world, feeling ageless.
10. Seeing the joy in my children's eyes.

As for touring, I'm using TGM, myself, and UG. I used a mixture of all of them in the past as well.

I could not really name my top 10s of things but I figure I could do a Top 10 of what I am looking forward to on our trip!!

I think you are going to love staying on site!! You give up space bbut the convenience I think is worth it IMO. You are so lucky you got free dining definitely Karen!! I am hoping the offer it in September, they are sending out the right signs but we will wait and see. While the gift card is not as good of a discount, I would take it too.

Ahh Disney Magic! I am hoping that comes over all those traveling with us--especially my DMIL!!

Great list!!

 

[Charlefours]

Your very welcome...it was a fun read and I look forward to more of your planning and fun stuff!

I especially will enjoy looking forward to your suggestions on scrapbook related stuff upcoming in the future!!


Ok my "TOP 10 list" of things I am looking forward to on our next Trip...

1) Seeing Palm Trees- then I know I am on vacation...

2) Eating Tie-Dye Cheesecake at POP

3) Walking into our DVC home for the first time BLT!

4) BBB and Pirates League for the kids

5) experiencing Mae and Margaret's birthdays at Disney

6) Going on BTMRR w/ my oldest DD Aldine...it's our favorite!

7) Eating at CRT (hopefully) for the first time

8) Seeing all the Holiday decorations

9) Helping DS Michael w/ his "food report"

10) Sharing a portion of this trip w/ DH's parents


(I know I didn't mention anything special just for my DH and I ... but we have our own trip just the two of us coming up the following yr )

I commented on your TR but I will here too. I love all us mothers have incorporated something about seeing Disney through our children's eyes!! I think that is going to be so amazing!! I have never experienced Disney with a child or as a child so this part is going to be extra special to me!!

Love the palm trees!!