The July (2010) Plan needs Pixie Dust: DVC, Minivan & Twins Included

[disneydreamingdebby]

The fees just really do a number on airfare don't they.

The $42 wasn't even accounting for baggage fees!

 

[tinkerbell60]

The $42 wasn't even accounting for baggage fees!

Wow - that was NOT a bargain.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

2010 Disney Dining Plan Pricing for DVC members (seasonal pricing doesn't apply)
* $41.99 per night, per Guest ages 10+
* $11.99 per night, per Guest ages 3-9
Total for our family per day = 107.96
1 counter, 1 table and 1 snack each

I wasn't sure if we should do the dining plan this time. Then, the price increase happened for seasonal travel and I learned that the DVC price was locked in. So, I thought it probably was worth it. Now, just because it looks like a good deal...I had to research to make sure.

Instead of this being a spoiler alert for my future ADR post, look at it as a preview!

I looked at the list of table service restaurants where we want to eat. I am not so concerned about the counter service because they are similar in costs. We usually just eat where it is convenient near the rides where we end up (okay where my touring plan guides us).

I did test this with what/ and where we really would eat, the the most expensive menu items. I didn't factor in tip b/c it is OOP either way.

Sample Day:
Counter: Magic Kingdom Columbia Harbour House

DH #5 Anchors Aweigh Sandwich - White tuna with lettuce and tomato served on a toasted multi-grain bread. Served with chips or carrots. - $8.09
Me#6 Lighthouse Sandwich - Hummus with tomato-broccoli slaw. Served with chips or carrots. - $8.09
(2) Soft Drinks - Coke, Diet Coke $2.19 (2) = $4.38
(not including but included in DDP - (2) Strawberry Yogurt - Strawberry yogurt. - $1.99 = 3.98 )
(2) Kids' Picks: Macaroni & Cheese - grapes & applesauce and apple juice. - $4.99 x (2) $9.98
(not including: (2) Chocolate chip cookies - $1.99 = 3.98)

Lunch total: 30.54 plus 6.5% tax = $32.53

Snack MK Aloha Isle:
(4) Dole Whip Soft Serve - (2) Pineapple, (2) swirl ice cream - $2.89 = 11.56 plus tax

Snack total: $12.31

Late Table Service Dinner: Poly Ohana - 30.99/ 14.99 plus tax
Dinner total: 91.96 plus 6.5% tax= 97.94


Total sample day - $142.78
minus 107.98
savings - $34.80

Now, we are going to be in the world for nine nights, ten days. We are not doing the dining plan for the entire stay. Since we have a split stay, we are able to do the plan for half of our stay.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I love planning our Disney trip. I even had a secret satisfaction in having to call DVC to change our June reservation to July. I am in a stand still with the plan right now.

I do my "planning" on a spreadsheet. This time (heck, I am still a newbie when it comes to Disney planning- I am just obsessive enough to know as much as a seasoned Disney traveller) I decided to create a plan notebook. I used The Passporter for the last two trips- Love it and think it is ideal for Disney newbies or people who are not obsessive...

So, I had this cute little journal that I had purchased at Michaels Craft Store for a dollar. I loved the feel of it and its size. I decided to convert it into our PLAN. It will fit perfectly into a ziplock bag and into the backpack my DH will be carrying this trip. You see, I purchased a DSLR and its bag will be enough for me to manage.

I bought little tabs and created "Stan the PLAN." I added stickers even. Now, it is poetic that the Stan's cover reads "HOPE" due to my father's cancer. I was so proud of Stan. I shared him with my GF who also loves Disney (she was married there.) Even she thinks I am a bit over the top, but at least she gets it.

Here is Stan:

Park Hours:

Snack credit choices:

Back Cover:

At any rate, Stan is not my friend right now. I have tabs for each day beginning with arriving on Sun...Now, we aren't arriving until Monday. Here is just another great part of technology. If I had created Stan on my computer; I could delete, paste, etc. The sad part is that I love technology, but there is something about writing plans for Disney in a journal that feels exciting, personal, and satisfying.

So, I am avoiding Stan right now. I am thinking of it as a break. He and I will make up sometime this week!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Are we there yet? Yes, we sure are! What to do on the first day??? I won't really feel like I am at WDW until I walk into the MK. I know it, but can I really work it in on the first day?

Uhhh... My husband always complains about my hidden agenda. This happens mostly when we go some where because I have a couple of stops for us to make. Do I know about the stops before I leave? Yes, yes I typically do or I think of them early on during the ride. I am unsure about other DHs, but mine is on a needs to know basis. If I rattle the list, I think it seems more than it really is.

We will arrive around noon. Since we are driving instead of flying, we won't be "park" ready just yet. The plan is to check in. If the room is ready early, fantastic, if not, no problem. We will change into swimsuits, grab lunch, and hit the pool. DH can sleep on a chaise while the girls test out the waterslide. If they can break away from

maybe we will go over and check out this:

Meanwhile, I can be poolside with this:

Okay so I am really not a drinker, but maybe poolside on my first day at AKV, I will indulge!

After rest and relaxation, it will be time to head to Yak and Yeti for dinner and some EMH at AK. I am excited to experience AK at night; I am hoping it isn't high on the priority list for the rest of the July crowd.

Here is where the dilemma comes in... do I plan on a visit to MK after AK closes? MK is open two hours after AK. We can hop over there and catch the fireworks, a couple of rides, and the magic I associate with MK. OR Do I suggest the trip to MK as we are leaving AK?

***Works Cited (I am an English teacher, so I would hate to "steal" anyone's work.)
The photos of the pools and the drink are not my photos. I used google images to locate the photos to fit my report. Two of the photos came from about.com/ not sure on the other. I cropped it and uploaded it to my photo account. However, I will try to use our photos when I can.

 

[Raecheal]

Great PTR so far...

We participated in the Give-a-Day/Get-a-Day as well. It was such a great experience...

Your family is beautiful, i'm so excited to continue along with your planning. Oh by the way, your photos are amazing.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Great PTR so far...

We participated in the Give-a-Day/Get-a-Day as well. It was such a great experience...

Your family is beautiful, i'm so excited to continue along with your planning. Oh by the way, your photos are amazing.

Thank you - I am a bit biased about my girls.
I am glad you are joining me! I see that you will be a month behind me. The photo of you and your bf is stunning. I just bought a DSLR and am excited to use it in the world. I am glad you mentioned the photos. I need to go back and revise to include that the AKL ones are not mine. I found them on google images. The CSR ones are mine, however. I took them with my Nikon coolpix in Feb 2009.

I will read more of your report (esp. for summer). I love how you began with secrets! Tonga toast is a must have - make an effort to try it. (You can even get it at Capt. Cook's instead of a table service at Kona.) I'll have to post on your PTR comments to your other "secrets."

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

My DDs were not interested in seeing The Princess and the Frog in the theater. They are a bit anti-princess. This really isn't a "new" phrase. They were only ever briefly interested in the princesses. It was long enough that my mother made them Ariel and Belle Dresses (their favorites at the time) for Halloween one year. The following year we purchased a BLUE sleeping beauty and a Cinderella costume. (The costumes my mom made are so much nicer, but I was sad that her time and effort was wasted. My girls didn't use them for dress up like I had hoped. I promise to post some pictures soon.) Now, they reject the princesses at every opportunity.

I planned on going to the theater to see it alone. (Oh, that seemed wonderful - no eight-year olds needing something.) Unfortunately, it didn't run long enough. Plan B - buy it. I can't tell you the last DVD I purchased. We used to buy movies for the girls, so we have a small collection.

Last night, I finished school work and watched the film. About 1/3 of the way in, my girls joined me. I'm not sure that I loved it. I enjoyed it. It seemed like something was missing, but I can't put my finger on it. I did absolutely love the themes. I especially loved "You're only happy when you recognize that wanting doesn't lead you to happiness." I think it is a wonderful film for little girls, heck older girls too. I found myself using the two girls (Charlotte, whose father gave her everything, and Tiana, who had to work hard) when my daughter asked for a new toy and was upset that I told her that she could use her own money.

I'd love to hear other's opinions of the film.

 

[tinkerbell60]

My DDs were not interested in seeing The Princess and the Frog in the theater. They are a bit anti-princess. This really isn't a "new" phrase. They were only ever briefly interested in the princesses. It was long enough that my mother made them Ariel and Belle Dresses (their favorites at the time) for Halloween one year. The following year we purchased a BLUE sleeping beauty and a Cinderella costume. (The costumes my mom made are so much nicer, but I was sad that her time and effort was wasted. My girls didn't use them for dress up like I had hoped. I promise to post some pictures soon.) Now, they reject the princesses at every opportunity.

I planned on going to the theater to see it alone. (Oh, that seemed wonderful - no eight-year olds needing something.) Unfortunately, it didn't run long enough. Plan B - buy it. I can't tell you the last DVD I purchased. We used to buy movies for the girls, so we have a small collection.

Last night, I finished school work and watched the film. About 1/3 of the way in, my girls joined me. I'm not sure that I loved it. I enjoyed it. It seemed like something was missing, but I can't put my finger on it. I did absolutely love the themes. I especially loved "You're only happy when you recognize that wanting doesn't lead you to happiness." I think it is a wonderful film for little girls, heck older girls too. I found myself using the two girls (Charlotte, whose father gave her everything, and Tiana, who had to work hard) when my daughter asked for a new toy and was upset that I told her that she could use her own money.

I'd love to hear other's opinions of the film.

I have not watched it yet. I bought it for the kids to watch on the DVD player in the car on the drive. I will let you know!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Hi Debby! Okay, just read everything so far and I have to say...

you are crazy and I love it!!! It really makes me so happy to see other people even more insane about Disney planning than me. It's just such fun! I love to have all the little details all planned and leave no stone unturned. You really get a sense of accomplishment, on top of an awesome vacation!!

You are a bit neurotic about people "finding" you!!! I had to laugh! I was wondering if you were going to post your ADRs on the July thread! We are definitely going to plan to meet at some points during the month and I really hope you and your family are a part of it.

Beautiful girls, by the way. Are they in the same class in school? There are so many multiples in my grade level this year. 2 sets of twins and 3 sets of triplets! I have 2 girls that have sisters in the other classes. It's difficult for the parents because the teachers are so different in regards to homework, grading, etc...and as much as they try not to, you can't help but compare.

Anyway, sorry for rambling so much on your PTR!! Can't wait to read more!

 

[Raecheal]

Thank you - I am a bit biased about my girls.
I am glad you are joining me! I see that you will be a month behind me. The photo of you and your bf is stunning. I just bought a DSLR and am excited to use it in the world. I am glad you mentioned the photos. I need to go back and revise to include that the AKL ones are not mine. I found them on google images. The CSR ones are mine, however. I took them with my Nikon coolpix in Feb 2009.

I will read more of your report (esp. for summer). I love how you began with secrets! Tonga toast is a must have - make an effort to try it. (You can even get it at Capt. Cook's instead of a table service at Kona.) I'll have to post on your PTR comments to your other "secrets."

I am really excited to try Tonga toast, goint to try to squeeze it in during our summer trip. Thank you for popping over to my ptr.

The photo of Dbf and I was taken by Roots Photography.

I will be bringing my dslr camera to the parks for the first time this summer... I'm a little worried: what to carry it in, getting it wet etc.

My DDs were not interested in seeing The Princess and the Frog in the theater. They are a bit anti-princess. This really isn't a "new" phrase. They were only ever briefly interested in the princesses. It was long enough that my mother made them Ariel and Belle Dresses (their favorites at the time) for Halloween one year. The following year we purchased a BLUE sleeping beauty and a Cinderella costume. (The costumes my mom made are so much nicer, but I was sad that her time and effort was wasted. My girls didn't use them for dress up like I had hoped. I promise to post some pictures soon.) Now, they reject the princesses at every opportunity.

I planned on going to the theater to see it alone. (Oh, that seemed wonderful - no eight-year olds needing something.) Unfortunately, it didn't run long enough. Plan B - buy it. I can't tell you the last DVD I purchased. We used to buy movies for the girls, so we have a small collection.

Last night, I finished school work and watched the film. About 1/3 of the way in, my girls joined me. I'm not sure that I loved it. I enjoyed it. It seemed like something was missing, but I can't put my finger on it. I did absolutely love the themes. I especially loved "You're only happy when you recognize that wanting doesn't lead you to happiness." I think it is a wonderful film for little girls, heck older girls too. I found myself using the two girls (Charlotte, whose father gave her everything, and Tiana, who had to work hard) when my daughter asked for a new toy and was upset that I told her that she could use her own money.

I'd love to hear other's opinions of the film.

Watching it right now... i'll post my opinion when i'm done.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

you are crazy and I love it!!! !

me??? just a bit...

You are a bit neurotic about people "finding" you!!! I had to laugh! I was wondering if you were going to post your ADRs on the July thread! We are definitely going to plan to meet at some points during the month and I really hope you and your family are a part of it.

I am still not sure how to handle this. Okay, so if I make someone read multiple threads to figure it out am I better prey? hehe... maybe I am safer not making it a game. I don't know why this stresses me so...I worry about bizarre stuff.

Beautiful girls, by the way. Are they in the same class in school?

They are in different classes. Together k, different 1st as well. One has at least double the homework every night. Their dibels test scores are nearly the same though, so I don' t think extra homework is making one stronger. (They have always both had very similar skill sets. I am very blessed that they love to learn.) The one who gets less homework was jealous the other night that the other is studying "harder" words, so she practiced them. They want to be together for third grade, but I just don't know if I should request that.

I will be bringing my dslr camera to the parks for the first time this summer... I'm a little worried: what to carry it in, getting it wet etc.

Rach - This will be my first time with the DSLR - I am concerned about it being too heavy and cumbersome. I did get a fantastic bag. I posted info on the photography board. If you have a chance, check it out Newbie's camera bag- the process of my decision shared.

 

[crmscotland]

I'm enjoying reading our PTR.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

crmscotland -

I am glad you jumped over. How long are you staying off site? Are you still going to visit the parks?

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

As promised, here are the photos of the costumes my mom made. The pics don't do justice to them. The Ariel one is actually a sleeveless shirt (it was cold Halloween).

 

[crmscotland]

crmscotland -

I am glad you jumped over. How long are you staying off site? Are you still going to visit the parks?

Thanks for the welcome. After our 6 nights at CBR at the start of the holiday we're staying 8 nights off site, (4 nights Gulf Coast + 4 nights Orlando). Will likely be back at WDW for at least one day during the last 4 days in Orlando.

Your daughters are adorable, love their Halloween costumes, your Mom (or Mum as we say here in Scotland) is very talented.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

DH thinks we will just drive to Disney, no need to stop. He is a little bummed that we will be leaving on Sunday after a wedding evening on Sat. and a b-day party for my dad on Sunday. He wanted to come home after a day of delivering mail, shower, and go- wait will he be delivering mail on a Saturday in July? He thinks he will be less excited when we leave on Sunday instead of Saturday. This is just faulty logic - how could anyone be less excited to go to Disney? If anything, you would grow more eager!!!

I am not sure about DH's driving stamina; I know mine - it is not enough to make it to Disney. When I was little, my parents shared the driving responsibilties. My mom always drove in the middle of the night; the sun made her tired. My dad drove the rest. My dad had the endurance; he was a tractor-trailer driver. Also, as a result, he used to CB (yes, we had a CB in the 79 Malibu and in the 85 Celebrity - you youngins haven't a clue, huh?) to radio other truck drivers to see if we could tailgate them to break the wind. I know there was a better term for this...

So, there was the long intro (I am long winded...); here is the short one:
The planner is creating a parallel plan: Possible hotels to stop if driving straight through falls through

If our drive is 16 hours, where do we stop?

Leaving at 5 pm on a Sun... So, the place to stop about 10.5 hours into the drive is Waltersboro, SC. Recommendations from DIS friends:
Holiday Inn Express
Microtel

This means we stop to sleep at 3:30 AM??? YUCK! New plan:

I drive 5pm to 10pm - maybe 11 pm? If I listen to podcasts the entire time; I will can probably do that... Can hubby sleep from 5 to 11? dunno. DH is asleep on couch by 9:30 pm each night (unless he already put himself to bed.) However, in his defense, he is up by 5am (at the latest) every morning. So, if he sleeps from 9 to 11...

This is silliness- I can't plan this, too many variables! My excitement for Disney; DH's excitement for Disney; DTs excitement for Disney. DTs knack for fighting in the car; my tears bc of Dad's illness; DH's frustration over not helping to make my tears better. UGH! New Plan for Drive: NO PLAN.

We'll have directions; we'll have activities for the kids; we'll have a GPS, cell phone, etc.

We'll be fine! (Of, course, I reserve the right to revise this non-plan into a plan!)

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Haha, I love it! I totally do the same thing....just start thinking about all of the variables and possible scenarios and DHs just tunes out after a while. But eventually, I either come up with the PERFECT plan or just say SCREW IT! (Which is what you've gone with this time!)

I think leaving at 5pm is the problem. It's just such a weird time...like too early to sleep a little before you leave but too late to make any progress before stopping for the night. I like the idea of just going and see what happens!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Day 2 - Option A

EMH at MK - can't miss this... we are early morning folks (well not so much me, really.) I do tend to get up by 7 when I don't have school, but only because everyone else in my house is usually already up!

So, I'll set up our touring plan for the morning. We'll have lunch at MK, grab fast passes for Splash Mountain, and head back over to AKV for a rest/ swim.

Then, we can head back over to the Poly for our Ohana reservation! After Ohana, we can head to MK hit a couple rides, see the Main St. Electrical Parade, and watch the Summer Spectacle Fireworks!

Option B - Drive to the Poly, EMH at MK, back to the Poly for lunch at Capt Cook's, swim at the Poly and relax, change and have dinner at Ohana. (Before anyone flames me on this - we are DVC members and provided it isn't too crowded, we are allowed to pool hop to the Poly.) As cool as I think this option is, it is problematic. I made our ressie at Ohana too late unless we plan on swimming for three hours. I don't really see this happening. Also, I think my cool soccer mom ride will not be anyone's option for our mode of transportation. We happen to like buses.

So, I think I will go with Option A.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Topics for further exploration/items to take care of:

Dining Plan- I thought I saw somewhere that kids can order from adult menu at some locations. Also, Mara has two different kid picks menus?

Emergency clinics - someone spoke about this on a podcast. I think since we are DVC members and plan on annual/ biannual visits, this is important info.

Offerings at the resorts - night goggles at AKV - what else?

Countdown calendar - I am almost at our 100 day countdown!!!

Car activities

Grocery store

Any advice, resources, or comments that you have to offer would be greatly appreciated! (Lurkers , help please??)