It's Never to Soon to go back to Disney: My 1st PTR- Sept. 2009

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi everyone and to my very first trip report!!! My name's Reese and I will be taking you along this magical journey. I have been on the fence about writing a PTR for a few weeks now, but since my graduate course are coming to an end this week, I figured I have a little extra time on my hands so why not? Well, here it goes... Sit back and enjoy the ride!!! Caution, it may be bumpy at times!

Ok, lets start out with how this trip came to be. In December 2008, my DS, Devon and I took our second annual "Mommy & Me" trip to Disney to celebrate his 7th birthday. (Note: we celebrated a bit early, he's a New Years baby and there was no way I wanted to deal with the holiday crowds) While there I was talking to my mom about how much more awesome Disney was during the holidays so I suggested that we plan a trip in Dec 2010. She said that sounded like a plan and that we talk about it when I got home. Later that day, my BFF Judy called to see if we were having a good time... Seriously Jude, we're in Disney do you think I'd say NO!!! Anyway, I mentioned to her about planning a trip in Dec 2010 too, immediately she said she was in! Sweet, I'm in Disney and I am already planning our next trip with my family back home in Philly!!!

Fast-Forward to January... I am sitting in the kitchen talking with my mom and Disney came up. And she says Reese, I don't think Dec 2010 is going to work! WHAT!!! NOT GOING TO WORK!!! What do you mean? Long story short, 2010 is going to be a busy year financially for my family. I am graduating from grad school, Devon is making his first Penance and Holy Communion, my cousin Dan is getting married out of state in the stinking boondocks and my other cousin Dave is graduating from Med School. So I guess I see my Moms point. Dang, I hate when she's right!

Anywho, I am sitting in work the next day and I see that an email was sent to my Spam Box. I open it and low and behold, it's a pin code for free dining for this year (2009). As soon as I saw it, I knew it was an omen! So I call my mom and tell her about it and of course she says no b/c she wants to go during the holidays. Ok fine, I respect that. So I call Judy and tell her. Want to know what her response is... I'm in!!! What?? Your in??? YES!! we are going to Disney 2 times is less then 12 months!!! Needless to say I was more then happy! So after all the excitement we started talking about when to go. We both knew we couldn't go in August due to prior engagements so we said September it is. But when? I had mentioned the beginning mainly b/c I didn't want to take Devon out of school so early in the school year, but Judy checked with her job and unfortunately there were already too many people off during the 1st 2 weeks in Sept. b/c of the Labor day holiday. So, after much deliberation, we decided we would go 9-22 to 9-27 and would stay at POP Century with a 5 day park hopper!!!

Our trip was booked and my half paid (thanks to a nice little commission check) before Feb rolled around! Now we just needed airfare! Well, lets just say I found a killer deal with Airtran for less than $120 round trip from Philly to Orlando. Now we were good to go... Or were we?

Feb seems to drag by here in Philadelphia, Phillies didn't start spring training yet and the freaking Eagles blew a trip to the Superbowl yet again! Basically Feb was a pointless month cold and boring! In rolls March, and boy do I get the shock of my life!!! I got laid off!!! After a week long depression and anxity attacks worrying about how I was going to support my son and I (I am a single parent too by the way if you didn't pick up on that) I had a bit of a break thru and realized this was a blessing in disguise! And since my trip was already paid for, I had Disney to look forward to!

Oh side note: Devon knew I was thinking about going to Disney again, just not so soon. So I made a deal with him... If he continued to do well in school and come June he had an awesome report card that said he was going to the Second Grade in Sept. We would go to Disney in Sept. when he started 2nd grade. Deal accepted! And of course he upheld his end of the bargin. Beautiful grades and a letter saying he was going to second grade!

Well, I'll be shocked if I still have any readers after that LONG back story, so I figure I better introduce the Cast of this crazy much anticipated trip!

Here ya go:

Here's me, Reese, I am currently unemployed and a full-time grad student working towards her Masters in Business. I can not wait for June 2010 to stroll around because I will offically be done with school and have my MBA!!!
I love all things Disney to the point that I drive my family and friends crazy talking about it all the time. This will be my 7th trip to Disney and am very excited to go again!



This is Devon, my DS. He is 7 1/2 years old, and this will be his 6th trip to Disney. I guess you could really say that this is this 7th trip to if you want to be techical. He was in mommy belly on her first trip! He loves all things Disney too and shocks everyone with this Disney knowledge. He is the reason that we are staying at POP. He has been craving to stay here! Looks like he got his wish. Who am I kidding, the boy always gets what he wants. Guess thats the benefit of being and only child and gradchild in the family. Here he is waiting patiently for the plane to take off for Disney in December.



Last but not least, my DBFF, Judy. She is so excited to go to Disney, this will be her 4th time going, but she hasn't been there in years. And when she was there, it was always for cheerleading competitons so she never really got to experience the "Magic"! Don't have a picture of her by herself so this will have to do. She is the one top left hand side directly above me in the picture.



Well there you have it the cast of our September trip. I have a few things I have to get done around the house before I take Devon to the pool. I'll be back in a bit with the next installment of "what have we been doing all summer to pass the time till Disney." ~Reese

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Not sure if anyone is even following along, but figured I keep going… Before I get to what we we been up to to past the time till Disney, I thought I should give you the details of the trip. Here is our itinerary for our trip.

Tuesday September 22nd- Our flight does not leave from Philly till 6:52pm. The reason being, I wanted a later flight out so that Devon would not have to miss another day of school. Plus when we booked our airfare, Judy and I figured it would be one less full day of work we would have to miss as well. Our flight is expected to arrive at MCO around 9:30pm. I am used to getting there much earlier then this… Do you think that since it is so late that we should get our luggage ourselves then head to the DME counter? What time do you think we will make it to POP by?

Wednesday September 23rd- Today we are heading to DHS with 8:55 breakfast ressies at Cape May Café. This is our first time eating here. Devon is pretty excited to see the characters in their beach attire. It also is pretty neat that we visit Cape May NJ annually. Tonight we plan to either hit up EMH at Epcot, stroll the boardwalk or head back to POP and swim.

Thursday September 24th- Today we are heading to MK. We have 8:50 breakfast ressies at ‘Ohana this morning. This is also a first. We have made ressies here in the past, but never seemed to be able to wake up the day they were for. Well this trip we are definitely going! We are also going to Whispering Canyon for dinner today. Our ressies are for 4:40. I absolutely love this place. So much fun and the food has always been good when we have gone in the past. I just hope we are seated in the main dining hall. Do you think the easiest way to get to WL from Mk would be the boat? That’s what I had planned. After dinner planning on going back to MK for Wishes and SpectroMagic, my favorite!!!

Friday September 25th- Today we are going to AK. We also have tickets for MNSSHP party tonight!!! Woo Hoo!! I love this event! After AK we plan to head back to the resort and change for the party. Going to 1900 Park Fare for dinner at 5:10. Have ate breakfast here, but never dinner. I am a bit nervous to eat here since I been hearing mixed reviews. Once we are done dinner, we are making a Beeline to MK, not just b/c of the party, but because Devon has a 6:40 appointment at Pirates League!! He is so VERY excited! As soon as they started to take ressies, I jumper right on it! This works out great, it is so hard to find a costume that is light and airy to stand the Florida heat! So I plan to just put him in kacki shorts and a black POTC shirt and with the makeover, he will be good to go! Luckily when we were there is 2007, I was able to find the cutest Ratatioulle chefs outfit that worked out great… See, isn’t he the cutest? I got so many compliments on the get-up as well!



Now, what should us girls do?? I planned to buy Minnie ears once we got to Disney and just wear them to MNSSHP, but lucky me, I was in the Disney store over the weekend and found Minnie ears there!!! Score! And I am sure they cost half of what they would have in Disney! I also got Judy a pair (actually, my mom bought them for both of us! Love her!) mine have the traditional red bow and Judy’s has the pink bow with white dots ( I believe that’s the one Minnie wears in playhouse Disney). So we are ALL set for the Party! I also picked up the Disney Halloween bag they are selling at the Disney Store (for those of you following MeMoms and Jills report, it’s the same one they posted a picture of). Figured it would be good to hold all of our goodies we collect. Because heaven knows Devon will not carry any of his stuff!

Saturday September 26th- This is our last full day in Disney!! Today we are heading to Epcot. It is also the start of the F & W festival so this should be a fun day! We also have dinner ressies at Teppan Edo at 6. So excited to try this place. I really wanted to eat at LeCellier this night, but even trying online at 6am the day of my 90 day mark I could not get in! Oh well, there is always next time! Unfortuately, when I made this ressie, I wasn’t thinking… I am allergic to seafood and being that everything is cooked together on the same grill, that might me a problem. Ended up just calling Disney food line and they noted my allery on my ressie and will have the chef speak with me the night we dine there.

Sunday September 27th- We leave today. Our flight leaves for Philly at 11:52a so basically we will be waking up and heading right to the airport reliving the magic of the week and dreaming of our next trip.

[DisneymoonJess07]

Looking forward to reading your trip report!! You're leaving so soon!

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Originally Posted by DisneymoonJess07

Looking forward to reading your trip report!! You're leaving so soon!

Hi there Jess! Thanks for reading... Geese, I am so jealous, your trip is less than 2 weeks away!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!

[DisneymoonJess07]

Originally Posted by DevonsDisneyMom

Hi there Jess! Thanks for reading... Geese, I am so jealous, your trip is less than 2 weeks away!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!

12 days! before we go for the first time in ten years!!

[abbadabbadoo]

Hey Reese! I found your PTR through Kristen's (kmartin555). I can't believe how many of us are going to have overlapping trips! Your son is adorable - loved his costume! Aren't you excited about MNSSHP? We went last year on our first ever trip to WDW, and we got hooked! It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Also, wanted to tell you that we have breakfast reservations at Ohana on the 24th too! Ours are for 9:00 - maybe we'll see you there!

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Originally Posted by DisneymoonJess07

12 days! before we go for the first time in ten years!!

Oh WOW!!! Well, a lot has sure changed since then!! You are going to have a blast!

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Originally Posted by abbadabbadoo

Hey Reese! I found your PTR through Kristen's (kmartin555). I can't believe how many of us are going to have overlapping trips! Your son is adorable - loved his costume! Aren't you excited about MNSSHP? We went last year on our first ever trip to WDW, and we got hooked! It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Also, wanted to tell you that we have breakfast reservations at Ohana on the 24th too! Ours are for 9:00 - maybe we'll see you there!

Hey there!! Thanks for reading! I know, I am shocked at how many people are going that week!! We are so excited, as I am sure your family is!!! Our trips are sure approaching fast, but just not as fast as I like! Thanks for the compliments on Devon's costume, it was such a great find! This will be our 2nd time going to MNSSHp as well. We were there is 2007. We did MVMCP in 2008... I really love MNSSHP, thinkg it may be the best event Disney has! We are pumped! What night are you going to the party?

So you will be at 'Ohana's too on the 24th? Sweet, hopefully we will run into each other. DS will being wearing his Phillies gear, so keep and eye out.

I see that you weer in Disney the same week last year... How was the weather? I sure hope it is a great week!!

Working on an update for my report now. Thanks again for following along!

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi there! Thanks to those following along... I know its not the best and most interesting pre-trip report, but I'm trying!

So when I last left off, I promised to tell you what we been doing to past the time till our trip. Well here it goes...

June here is Philadelphia was a complete waste! The weather was terrible and chilly for summer, but that did not stop us from going to the shore! We had hoped for a break in the bad weather and actaully got it the week we were away, well sort of. It was a bit windy during the day, so it was hard to sit on the beach, so we spent most of the days lounging poolside. And at night it was a little cold, but that's pretty normal on the boardwalk even during the HOT summer months b/c of the sea breeze. Anywho, we went to Wildwood, NJ. It is by far our favorite shore point, and it is less then a 2 hour drive from where we live.

Here's Dev playing in the pool with a little glimpse of my piggys!



And here's a picture of Dev on the beach, as you can tell, it was hard to keep your eyes open b/c of the blowing sand!



We rode bikes on the boardwalk and played mini golf too!! Apparently Devon now wants to do both of these things in Disney as well. We'll have to see if we can fit them in, but I for one wouldn't mind.





As I mentioned earlier are nights consisted of going to the boardwalk to rise rides and play games.









And of course Devon had to point out that the rides in Disney are so much better!! Really Dev? You Think?


Well that pretty much summed up or beach adventure. All in all it was a great time. There is something about the atmosphere of the shore. If I could I'd stay there all summer long! Here's wishing that someday that dream comes a reality!

Coming up next: July happenings

[mommyof2Pirates]

Great report. I am so glad you started it. I love wildwood. we havent been there since 2001. We are thinking of doing a week at the shore next year. I am unsure if we will go there or oc,md. My dh loves the boardwalk at wildwood. Anyway I am still trying to convince dh to go back to disney in the spring so we will see.

Ok so I am hoping you can help me on something I am thoroughly stressing over. We too as you know are going to MNSSHP on 9/25. My sons insisted on picking costumes at the disney store. Buzz and woody. Woody is lightweight although both pants and long sleeves but buzz in a little thicker material with a hood like thing to go over the head. My ds4 is insisting that he doesnt care how hot it is he's wearing it. Is this going to be a total disaster? When did you go last year and what was it like at night?

[abbadabbadoo]

Originally Posted by DevonsDisneyMom

Hey there!! Thanks for reading! I know, I am shocked at how many people are going that week!! We are so excited, as I am sure your family is!!! Our trips are sure approaching fast, but just not as fast as I like! Thanks for the compliments on Devon's costume, it was such a great find! This will be our 2nd time going to MNSSHp as well. We were there is 2007. We did MVMCP in 2008... I really love MNSSHP, thinkg it may be the best event Disney has! We are pumped! What night are you going to the party?

So you will be at 'Ohana's too on the 24th? Sweet, hopefully we will run into each other. DS will being wearing his Phillies gear, so keep and eye out.

I see that you weer in Disney the same week last year... How was the weather? I sure hope it is a great week!!

We are going to MNNSHP on 9/22. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it - it was sooo much fun last year!

We are hoping to go to Disney during the holiday season sometime. It won't be this year or next year, but hopefully soon. We'd like to try to do MVMCP, too. I have seen so many pictures of the castle with the "icicle" look, and I know it's so much more beautiful in person!

I hope we do see you guys at Ohana! My DD, Chloe (same age as Devon), will probably be wearing a hawaiian print dress - she's picked out a lot of the outfits she wants to wear this trip already! LOL she cracks me up about her clothes.

The weather was great that same week of last year. We had a mid-day shower one day that lasted about 10 minutes, and the day we were in Animal Kingdom it poured (but not til right before the parade was supposed to start, so we still got to do and see a lot that day!). No crazy weather. It was hot, but the humidity was low so it didn't seem so hot. So it's gonna be a great trip this year, too!

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Originally Posted by mommyof2Pirates

Great report. I am so glad you started it. I love wildwood. we havent been there since 2001. We are thinking of doing a week at the shore next year. I am unsure if we will go there or oc,md. My dh loves the boardwalk at wildwood. Anyway I am still trying to convince dh to go back to disney in the spring so we will see.

Ok so I am hoping you can help me on something I am thoroughly stressing over. We too as you know are going to MNSSHP on 9/25. My sons insisted on picking costumes at the disney store. Buzz and woody. Woody is lightweight although both pants and long sleeves but buzz in a little thicker material with a hood like thing to go over the head. My ds4 is insisting that he doesnt care how hot it is he's wearing it. Is this going to be a total disaster? When did you go last year and what was it like at night?

Hey there!!! Yes Wildwood is awesome!! it's funny been to OCMD a few times and it just isn't the same "shore" feeling fro me. I think it's b/c I grew up going to the Jersey Shore... I have to say, for the amount it costs to do to the shore for a week, you could almost go to Disney cheaper!

Ok, when we were there in 2007, we went the 2nd week in October, so it definitely was not as hot and humid as Sept. is. I will say that I saw boys in both costumes and most of the boys in the Buzz outfits had there hoods off. Honestly, I think he should be ok wearing it. I assume you are having him wear clothes underneath? If so, if he gets hot you can just take the costume off him. One thing that I did notice, mostly all the kids at the party were out of their costumes half way thru the party anyway. I know Devon had his off! It's a shame, if he wanted to be Woody, I have the costume from the Disney store hanging in my closet! I would gladly have shipped it to you! Dev only wore it once for less then an hour!

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Originally Posted by abbadabbadoo

We are going to MNNSHP on 9/22. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it - it was sooo much fun last year!

We are hoping to go to Disney during the holiday season sometime. It won't be this year or next year, but hopefully soon. We'd like to try to do MVMCP, too. I have seen so many pictures of the castle with the "icicle" look, and I know it's so much more beautiful in person!

I hope we do see you guys at Ohana! My DD, Chloe (same age as Devon), will probably be wearing a hawaiian print dress - she's picked out a lot of the outfits she wants to wear this trip already! LOL she cracks me up about her clothes.

The weather was great that same week of last year. We had a mid-day shower one day that lasted about 10 minutes, and the day we were in Animal Kingdom it poured (but not til right before the parade was supposed to start, so we still got to do and see a lot that day!). No crazy weather. It was hot, but the humidity was low so it didn't seem so hot. So it's gonna be a great trip this year, too!

Hey!!! MNNSHP is definitely better then MVMCP in my opinion! But both are great!!! I highly recommend going during the holiday season if you can!!! If you can believe it, Disney is even more magical then!!! And Cindy's castle looks amazing with the "twinkle" lights on it!!!

I know I hope we do run into each other at 'Ohana, I am sure we will both be waiting to be seated at the same time since our ressies are 5 minutes apart! It is crazy that are kids already have their outfits picked out a month before we leave! I guess that's what happens when you have OCD Disney planning moms!

So glad to hear that the weather was great the same week last year! I am praying that we have awesome weather the week we are there!!!

I really need this vacation to hurry up and get here!!! I see you are staying at All Star Music. Have you ever stayed there before? Oh and I just found your trip report! Have to take Devon to the Allergist and as soon as I get back, I'm heading to read it!!! It crazy, I have an accounting final due at the end of the week that I should be preparing for and instead I am on the Dis boards!!!

[tarak]

Hi, there! I followed you over from my PTR. Your son is adorable! I think it's easy to get spoiled by the Disney rides. We live really close to Hershey Park and it's nice. But not Disney nice.

[Chelley00]

Following along. Taking my DD7 in november, so I can't wait to see what you do with your 7 year old!