Island Hopping: A WDW PTR for Sept. 2012-- Link to TR! 10/10

Your plan so far sounds great! :thumbsup2
Thanks! I sure hope things are a bit easier this time around.

Wow! It takes you 10 hours to drive!!! Man, might have to re-think kiddos if they're going to put a kink in my Disney plans! :rotfl:

I'm hoping it will only take us about 8 or so. But we will traditionally stop at Cracker Barrel somewhere in south GA around breakfast time so maybe more like 8 and 1/2! We're gettin so close though! We're almost a month away!!! :cool1:
Oh, girl. When the kids were smaller, it took even longer. I'm telling you, those bathroom trips and food stops are killer with the younger set in tow!
AHHH! We are getting so close!

Hi Jennifer! I have joined your PTR!! Let me tell you, I am in love with any and all things Hawaiian!! So I am super excited you are staying at the Polynesian. I have stayed there only one time. It was with my mom, my Aunt, my Grandmother, and younger cousin. I am counting down teh days until I stay there again! :)

Oh, and I am so glad you said hi today!! :goodvibes
I'm so glad you're here! I am so excited about staying at the Poly that I think I've convinced myself that it's too fantastic to actually be happening. I am in total disbelief!
I LOVED having my first official (accidental, somewhat creepy) dismeet with you today! We will definitely have to plan one soon.

I dissappeared for a while, but I'm back now!! The birthday looks awesome! For someone that doesn't have any kids, or even younger siblings, it's definitely surprising that I know about Yo Gabba Gabba haha!! The Pirates League looks like so much fun! Definitely an added bonus that it's cheaper than BBB, not to mention no need to run around in hot itchy princess dresses all day!

It looks like you guys will be headed over to PL right as Mom & I are headed out of MK, haha! We have a Crystal Palace ADR that morning, but then will be park hopping elsewhere.

The plan for MK looks pretty good! I'm glad the PL settled the argument of what to do first! Aw man, the caprese flat bread is delicious! I had it a few days ago, my one comment: where all the forks are, they have extra bags of like, ranch, and balsamic, grab one of those as I was all "it needs more balsamic" but just kept eating, only to find the extras at the station when I was done...yup...:rolleyes:

Chef Mickey's is a place I definitely want to try one of these days!
Yo Gabba Gabba has some great music, no doubt! I think if more adults knew about it, they'd like it! LOL!
Ooooh, you've had the carpese flat bread?! I'm so happy to hear it's good, and also that there is extra balsamic (YUM!). Brandon won't be on board for that one since he doesn't like tomatoes (weirdo), but I'm sure they'll all find something they like. I know Brynn is excited about the IASW view!
 
Love your MK plans! Nothing beats that Welcome Show, except the view of the Castle once you go under the train station!! :thumbsup2 This will be our first time traveling with a little guy under the age of 3, so it will be very different for us. My DD was 3 1/2 on her first trip and we only went to MK and Blizzard Beach. We do go out to eat quite often and he absolutely loves it. He loves to eat!!!
 
hey you! i thought I had subbed, but I guess I did not! haven't read it all, but i like the idea of loosely planning! its what we do mostly. We know what parks, but hey if it changes it changes!

subbing!
 
Love your MK plans! Nothing beats that Welcome Show, except the view of the Castle once you go under the train station!! :thumbsup2 This will be our first time traveling with a little guy under the age of 3, so it will be very different for us. My DD was 3 1/2 on her first trip and we only went to MK and Blizzard Beach. We do go out to eat quite often and he absolutely loves it. He loves to eat!!!
I wish my kids loved to eat! It's really hit-or-miss with them. Add in characters, and I'm not sure how many bites will actually make it past their lips!

hey you! i thought I had subbed, but I guess I did not! haven't read it all, but i like the idea of loosely planning! its what we do mostly. We know what parks, but hey if it changes it changes!

subbing!
Hey, girl! I was *just* thinking about you a couple of days ago. I was trying to come up with some good lunches for Julia at school, and of course I thought of your bento box creations! So glad you're here:cheer2:!

 



I wish my kids loved to eat! It's really hit-or-miss with them. Add in characters, and I'm not sure how many bites will actually make it past their lips!


Hey, girl! I was *just* thinking about you a couple of days ago. I was trying to come up with some good lunches for Julia at school, and of course I thought of your bento box creations! So glad you're here:cheer2:!


awe! you're sweet! Go on pinterest! FULL of great bentos, easy and hard ones! We tend to do the simple ones, so that the kids can pack their own :)
 
I'm a trip report-aholic... Found your report while reading another. I read your most recent report and thought it was superb! Can't wait to read more details in this PTR!
 
Man, I get busy for a few weeks and come back to lots of updates! Oh, life with small kids and always on the go, right? Here's my responses:

-Yo Gabba...OMG I am right there with you. I don't even no where to start but for whatever reason my kids love it. Initially it use to annoy me but I guess it's gotten better. And they do have good music/guests on it. My husband thinks it's great. Ha.

-Brynn...so glad that everything checked out ok and that you got the answers you were looking for. As a fellow former teacher in my previous life I know you are glad she'll be able to receive the services she deserves.

-Video Camera...Ha. You sound like me with the whole 'count it for your birthday. Christmas. And next three birthdays.' Two years ago, Andy decided he really wanted to try for UGA season tickets...well, I told him sure but that was Birthday/Anniversary/Christmas all rolled in to one. (And yes, we are now season ticket holders!) Hopefully, you'll get some great video of the kids.

-I understand the whole 'Relaxed Touring Schedule' with kids. When I make park day plans I map out ADRs and park options based on the crowds and that's it. The rest we just go with the flow and where the kids want to go. We also make sure to use FP to our advantage and don't wait in long lines but other than that we go with the flow. Makes for a much more relaxed touring experience. And it's funny to see what rides the kids are really in to each trip. Last trip AG was on a huge "Vegetable Ride" kick aka Living with the Land and the Tea Cups. On a previous trip it was all Pooh, Pan, and Pirates.

You'll be there soon! Can't wait to see purchases and the rest of your park plans! :)
 


I can't wait to see how your resort hop goes. I debated and debated over it for our trip too but didn't end up doing it for various reasons! We are staying at POR. Good for your for staying at CBR because once Sawyer hits 3, you'll be more limited!
Shannon
 
Man, I get busy for a few weeks and come back to lots of updates! Oh, life with small kids and always on the go, right? Here's my responses:

-Yo Gabba...OMG I am right there with you. I don't even no where to start but for whatever reason my kids love it. Initially it use to annoy me but I guess it's gotten better. And they do have good music/guests on it. My husband thinks it's great. Ha.

-Brynn...so glad that everything checked out ok and that you got the answers you were looking for. As a fellow former teacher in my previous life I know you are glad she'll be able to receive the services she deserves.

-Video Camera...Ha. You sound like me with the whole 'count it for your birthday. Christmas. And next three birthdays.' Two years ago, Andy decided he really wanted to try for UGA season tickets...well, I told him sure but that was Birthday/Anniversary/Christmas all rolled in to one. (And yes, we are now season ticket holders!) Hopefully, you'll get some great video of the kids.

-I understand the whole 'Relaxed Touring Schedule' with kids. When I make park day plans I map out ADRs and park options based on the crowds and that's it. The rest we just go with the flow and where the kids want to go. We also make sure to use FP to our advantage and don't wait in long lines but other than that we go with the flow. Makes for a much more relaxed touring experience. And it's funny to see what rides the kids are really in to each trip. Last trip AG was on a huge "Vegetable Ride" kick aka Living with the Land and the Tea Cups. On a previous trip it was all Pooh, Pan, and Pirates.

You'll be there soon! Can't wait to see purchases and the rest of your park plans! :)
Gift giving at its finest!! Except I know he'll try to convince me he just "needs" something else around those holidays;).
Purchases pictures coming up soon, but not quite yet. I'm about to do a quick update and you'll find out why.

I'm a trip report-aholic... Found your report while reading another. I read your most recent report and thought it was superb! Can't wait to read more details in this PTR!
:welcome: And THANKS! Glad you're joining us!

I can't wait to see how your resort hop goes. I debated and debated over it for our trip too but didn't end up doing it for various reasons! We are staying at POR. Good for your for staying at CBR because once Sawyer hits 3, you'll be more limited!
Shannon
I really had that in mind. I don't want to get two rooms at a resort once he's three, so we'll be pretty limited. We're going to enjoy the heck out of it!
I debated whether to stay at CBR or POR. In my opinion, they are the two most beautiful mods.
 
I know I said I'd be updating more,and now I haven't. There's a reason for that, and I'll get to it. Let me catch you up with what's been happening around here quickly. Even this won't be a full update, I'll admit, as I don't have pictures of my purchases yet. Coming soon. For those of you who are FB friends, a lot of this will be old news. And for those of you who aren't my FB friends...well, why the heck not!?!

Way back a couple of weekends ago, I did go shopping and bought lots of things. On that trip, I had my first Dismeet ever, and it was totally unintentional! I saw Heather (hlrababy) getting in the elevator with Sawyer and me at the mall while my girls and their dad rode the escalator upstairs. She was maybe a little creeped out that I stared her down. I was SURE it was her, and I'm not sure where I got the nerve, but I ran over to her and asked if she was a Diser! How cool is that!?!

Like I said, I haven't taken photos of those purchases yet, but I promise promise promise that's coming in the next couple of days. Likewise, I purchased six pairs of Crocs for $60 for the kids on sale the other day and I can't wait to post pictures of those, too!

Next cool thing? I paid off the package portion of the trip! That makes it official, right?

As I told you, Julia started first grade this past Wednesday. Our school system is on a "modified year-round" system that gives us tons of breaks throughout the school year and a little over two months off during summers. One of those lovely breaks, fall break, is why we're going to Disney on the dates we've chosen. We love this set-up, because just when you're feeling like you could use a break, you get one! (Plus, it makes for a great time to travel when everyone else is in school :thumbsup2.)

Here she is on her way out the door on her first day!
1stgradeJulia.jpg


Doesn't she look so proud!? She was totally rockin' her new glasses (she's doomed to extreme near-sightedness like both her parents), Pinkalicious backpack, Spongebob lunch box, and Nikes that "make her as fast as those people in the Olympics!" She has not one single person in her class from last year, and she hasn't really found anyone she likes as much as her old friends, so she's been finding her other friends at recess, lunch, and in the car-rider area in the afternoons. I'm hoping she starts to find someone interesting when they begin changing classes for math and reading next week. This week they're doing all the leveling testing, but I'd be willing to bet she'll end up with many of her old friends for a majority of the day.

On Friday, I decided that I needed and wanted a haircut. It is RARE that I ever cut my hair. I just end up throwing it up in a ponytail and forgetting about it. I just got to thinking that it was so pointless that I had such long hair when I never have time or motivation to fix it, and that someone would probably better appreciate this hair than me. So? I went and chopped off eleven inches to donate to Locks of Love! Even better, my hair is so very thick that I had enough to donate two ponytails' worth! One wig for a child needs between 6-8 ponytail donations, so I was happy to donate quite a bit!
jenn-newhair.jpg


And for those who followed my last TR, you're not going to believe this...or maybe you are.
In the middle of the night Friday, Brynn woke up with a stomach virus:sick:...and then Julia...and then Sawyer. OH MY GRACIOUS GOODNESS. Seriously? What is it with this family? We rarely get sick, but when we do, we do it all together! Luckily, Brandon and I got by with slight nausea and Julia kicked it within hours, but the other two are just now getting better today. They still don't have appetites, but I think we're on the mend now. I'm just hoping this is our once-a-year illness so that we can skip this whole thing at Disney in a few weeks.

(A FEW WEEKS! SQUEEEEE!!!:yay:)

Tonight's our first night of ballet and tap for the year, and you know pictures of that are coming!

Be on the lookout for my purchases and more trip plans now that things are *hopefully* settling down and smelling less like Lysol around here.

38 DAYS:cheer2:!
 
Joining in again (although I have to read the rest of yout TR...I took a 'no trip planned, too sad to be on the DIS break, but we are back..and a trip is planned).


Our 8yo was just diagnosed with Aspergers, anxiety, ADHD and tourettes in Jan. We are now involved in a lawsuit with the school district to get him services (based on their eval, he does not qualify for services, which is garbage as he has an ASD diagnosis). Our court date is 9/11 unless we settle before then, but that is not looking promising. Apparently our district likes to waste tax payer dollars and fight everything in court!

We are going next Sept and if I plan correctly, for Free Dining...so it may make more sense to pay for a Mod rather than a Value....hmmmm, may have to look into that then!
 
Love the haircut! My hair is so curly that I have to be super careful when it comes to haircuts. I actually just got my hair done on Friday...had to touch up the highlights. I hadn't had my hair done since May!
 
Joining in again (although I have to read the rest of yout TR...I took a 'no trip planned, too sad to be on the DIS break, but we are back..and a trip is planned).


Our 8yo was just diagnosed with Aspergers, anxiety, ADHD and tourettes in Jan. We are now involved in a lawsuit with the school district to get him services (based on their eval, he does not qualify for services, which is garbage as he has an ASD diagnosis). Our court date is 9/11 unless we settle before then, but that is not looking promising. Apparently our district likes to waste tax payer dollars and fight everything in court!

We are going next Sept and if I plan correctly, for Free Dining...so it may make more sense to pay for a Mod rather than a Value....hmmmm, may have to look into that then!
YAY! I completely understand taking a DIS break--I always end up doing that for a bit myself when I'm feeling like a trip is too far away. Hooray for a planned trip!
That's horrible that your school system is like that! I think you'll easily win the law suit, but that's just horrible that they'd want to deny him services with a legitimate diagnosis and then pay to back up their strange position! I'll admit that beginning the process of stacks of paperwork and jumping through the right hoops is already exhausting to us, and we're nowhere near done, but I absolutely cannot imagine having to go through what you're going through :sad2:.
Definitely look into the mod vs value--that free dining is a great excuse to upgrade:thumbsup2!

Love the haircut! My hair is so curly that I have to be super careful when it comes to haircuts. I actually just got my hair done on Friday...had to touch up the highlights. I hadn't had my hair done since May!
Thanks! Yeah, I have to flat iron mine or else just put some gel in it and let it kink up. My hair texture is really horrible--not straight, not curly, just an annoying wavy. I can't let it just dry on its own or even blow-dry it straight with a round brush. Must completely straighten it or just forget it and try to tame it as best I can! LOL!
 
Your hair looks awesome!!!!!!!!!! And Julia is styling heading back to school. Sorry that all the little ones got sick at the same time - that stinks. Can't wait to see your purchases.
 
Your hair looks awesome!!!!!!!!!! And Julia is styling heading back to school. Sorry that all the little ones got sick at the same time - that stinks. Can't wait to see your purchases.

THANKS! It feels so much lighter. I could really get used to it! I'm sure I'll be much cooler at WDW, at least:thumbsup2!
Julia was so excited that pretty much everything she had on was pink and white. Even her glasses have tiny pink stars at the corners and are pink behind the brown on the inside (does that make sense?), but you can't really see that in the picture. It's the little things in life, you know:lmao:?!

Unfortunately, just when I thought they were getting better, Brynn and Sawyer continued with their sickness as of last night (Sawyer) and this morning (Brynn):sick:. BOO! It's definitely not the Disney sickness we had, because this is lasting FOREVER! I am just praying this is the one sickness of the year and that we won't catch anything while we're there!
 
EWWWWWWWW Sorry about the sickies. Knock on wood, it's been awhile since my kids have had the throwing up sickies that have run thru the house (and of course now that I have tempted the gods, we will all start throwing up tonight!).

I forgot to comment on the hair...it looks so much healither!!! I had mine cut off in March (and not since!) and it is sooooooooo much lighter!!! I'm due for another cut (and shhhhhhhh, color), actually overdue, but now that we are in Disney mode, I will hold off to save money!

Our kids go back to school at the end of the month. Part of me is excited to get them back in school and part of me is not.
 
That's awesome that you and Heather had an unofficial DIS meet!!! How random and fun! :thumbsup2

Julia looks so cute heading off to school! The modified schedule really does sound great!

Your hair looks fabulous!! Good for you for donating!! :goodvibes

Hope everyone is feeling better soon!!
 
Your hair looks great!! Can't wait to see the purchases and pictures of the tap and ballet classes. Your trip is just around the corner. :goodvibes
 
I love your haircut! That is wonderful you donated your hair to Locks of Love.

I hope everyone feels all better soon! :goodvibes

I can’t wait to see all of your purchases!
 
Ahh sorry, I'm a little late in responding. But what a bummer about the kids being sick again! That has got to be the worst. :( Also, can I just say how jealous I am how SOON your trip is?! Man, September will be here before you know it, and you'll be back in the best place on Earth! I love the school year for you guys; must make vacations WAYS easier to take, especially during the slower times of year at Disney World! :thumbsup2
 

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