If we can keep this trip a secret, it will be a Disney miracle! *TR LINK ADDED 12/12!*

[Elevationist]

I'm just gonna leave this right here...

http://disboards.com/threads/the-official-december-2015-thread.3315134/


And this...

http://disboards.com/threads/☆☆-the-official-october-2016-thread-☆☆.3411960/

 

[missjackiemcg]

Love all your long term Disney planning!! I like to plan my dream trips that way--I hope you actually get to go on all of yours!!!

Good luck on the Mom's Panel! A friend of my Mom's has gotten through the second round twice, but that's as far as she's been able to make it. My fingers are crossed for you!!

 

[KathyM2]

I saw that the application process for the Disney Parks Moms Panel opens up September 8th and I randomly decided I'm going to apply!

How cool would that be??? I will be rooting for you!!!

Love all your plans and that holiday dinner at DHS sounds fantastic...I'm sad that it is too early when we go in October!!

 

[MissMaryQC]

I'm so behind it's not funny!

Beach trip looks wonderful! Disney is a different kind of vacation, and exhausting one. Beach trip looks like a great, relaxing trip!

I love the Christmas plans, saying that I think you should keep BOG and skip the parade. Seeing Beast's castle all Christmasy would trump the parade for me, especially since you'll be back 5 short months later!

Love the extended Disney vacation schedule! I'm dying to do a land and sea. My dream trip is to cruise to Hawaii and stay at Aulani. Maybe someday!

 

[hokieinpa]

How exciting that you have lots of fun future Disney plans!

Could you get an early morning BOG and then an afternoon Crystal Palace?

Planning for Disney has become a little bit of an obsession for me! And it's so much fun!

I love that idea of a BOG breakfast and CP lunch! I started looking for that and I'll keep checking to see if something opens up!

SAY WHAAAAAAT!!! That's the week I'll be there! I'm already booked! Oct. 22-28, Port Orleans Riverside!

I'm thinking I'll be there either October 22/23-28 depending on flights! And Pop is probably going to be my resort of choice unless AP discounts are really good at a moderate. I'm converting my tickets in November to an AP so we'll see what discounts come out for next fall. Ahhh, even more excited now!!!

Just found the link in your last report and headed over! I've got some catching up to do but I'm here for the ride! Can't wait to keep reading on...

Thanks for joining in!

I'm just gonna leave this right here...

http://disboards.com/threads/the-official-december-2015-thread.3315134/


And this...

http://disboards.com/threads/☆☆-the-official-october-2016-thread-☆☆.3411960/

On my way over!

Love all your long term Disney planning!! I like to plan my dream trips that way--I hope you actually get to go on all of yours!!!

Good luck on the Mom's Panel! A friend of my Mom's has gotten through the second round twice, but that's as far as she's been able to make it. My fingers are crossed for you!!

I long term plan EVERYTHING, so Disney is no different!

And I had no idea the competition for the Moms Panel was so fierce until I looked into in more. Fingers crossed I at least make it to the second round!

How cool would that be??? I will be rooting for you!!!

Love all your plans and that holiday dinner at DHS sounds fantastic...I'm sad that it is too early when we go in October!!

Thank you! There are so many great moms, dads, and grandparents that apply so I'm just excited for the experience!

I'm really excited about the Minnie dinner! I'm not sure when we'll be back at WDW for Christmas so I'm going to take advantage of it while I can!

I'm so behind it's not funny!

Beach trip looks wonderful! Disney is a different kind of vacation, and exhausting one. Beach trip looks like a great, relaxing trip!

I love the Christmas plans, saying that I think you should keep BOG and skip the parade. Seeing Beast's castle all Christmasy would trump the parade for me, especially since you'll be back 5 short months later!

Love the extended Disney vacation schedule! I'm dying to do a land and sea. My dream trip is to cruise to Hawaii and stay at Aulani. Maybe someday!

I understand! Life is crazy sometimes! Hope everything is working out for you!

Oh the beach was so nice and relaxing! Perfect easy vacation!

I think I'm set on keeping BOG and skipping FOF for this trip. I am keeping my eye out for any earlier openings at BOG but I won't be heartbroken if it doesn't work out.

I love long term planning. And of course, I already have rough ideas of daily plans and ADRs worked out through next October.

 

[Elevationist]

I'm thinking I'll be there either October 22/23-28 depending on flights! And Pop is probably going to be my resort of choice unless AP discounts are really good at a moderate. I'm converting my tickets in November to an AP so we'll see what discounts come out for next fall. Ahhh, even more excited now!!!

Yaaasssss! SO EXCITED!!! I don't know what the AP discounts are, but there's a good chance I could hook you up with 30% off of Pop. (Or 35% off of POR, if you want the room next to mine. Heyyyy!) When you're ready to book, hit me up before you lock anything in!

 

[hokieinpa]

Yaaasssss! SO EXCITED!!! I don't know what the AP discounts are, but there's a good chance I could hook you up with 30% off of Pop. (Or 35% off of POR, if you want the room next to mine. Heyyyy!) When you're ready to book, hit me up before you lock anything in!

I think AP discounts for values have been around 20% so I will check with you before I book! So excited!!

 

[hokieinpa]

"No, we're not going to Disney this time..." TR Part 2 - Legoland

The first day of our "Florida but not Disney" trip was here! Legoland was on the agenda and I was excited! Now, I'll admit that I had never played with Legos until about 2 years ago when Nate got his first real set. At 5, the boy is OBSESSED! It is his favorite toy, hands down. We have an entire cabinet and desk counter top in our kitchen desk area dedicated to Legos with a few bins in the basement and a mini Lego table in his room. He loves the build with Legos, read about Legos, watch movies about Legos...you get the idea. So this was like heading to his homeland or something.



I snapped this picture just now. And this is only about 1/3 of his Lego collection. With 3 boys, I have no doubt that the Legos will soon be completely out of control.

So to say he was excited about a day at Legoland was an understatement.

As most of you may have guessed, I am quite a Type A planner. I like to plan the who, what, when, and where down to the little details. I love organization and punctuality. And my in laws...do not.

This has led to a few headaches over the years. But for the most part, I do my best to go with the flow and not be "that" daughter in law. So this trip was no different.

When we first planned this trip, I jumped onto Undercover Tourist and found some deals on tickets. I told MIL about them (they were doing the ticket purchasing, we had taken care of our airfare and car rental) and explained that we needed to purchase them online ahead of time to take advantage of the discount. But this would require her to take care of it in advance and that just wasn't going to happen. More on that later.

I also had noted that Legoland had an opening time of 10:00. It was about a 1.5 hour drive from Cocoa where SIL lives, so I suggested we leave at 8:00 to allow for traffic/parking issues. The night before everyone agreed. So I got up, got the boys ready, made sure my park bag was ready...and we waited. And waited.



Everyone got up at their leisure, chit chatted over coffee, and wandered off the get dressed. We didn't end up leaving the house until 9:30!! I was beyond frustrated that I had woken the boys up early, that we would be arriving well after park opening, that we would be missing the relatively cooler morning hours, etc. What good is a plan if you don't stick to it??




On our way...finally!



We got out onto I-4 and started passing the Disney signs. And the ache started again.



Seeing this did cheer me up a little!



The boys watched Finding Nemo during the drive and we paid quite a few tolls. I had heard the Florida has lots of tolls but I was shocked at how often we went through a toll booth!

Finally, we were there!



We parked and sunscreened the boys before walking to the gate. It was almost 11 by this point.

But soon we saw this and Nate's excitement made it all better!





Jim and his sister with the boys.

So remember MILs reluctance to buy tickets ahead of time? That meant that she had to stand in line to purchase them at the window. With no discount. That came out to $89 per adult and $82 per child. We could have saved betwee $15-20 per person by purchasing them online!

Jake and I snapped a selfie while we waited.



I think we used them time for potty trips as well?

Soon we had our tickets and were ready to enter the gates!



Right after we entered, we saw some cool statues that the boys checked out.





These were really amazing. Made entirely of Legos! And the detail! Very cool.



A visit with Wlydstyle and Emmett from Lego Movie!

I think I'll leave off their for now. Next up - we manage one whole ride before we stop for lunch!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Growing up my brothers and I loved Lego, I bet a trip here would be very fun. Can't wait to hear more about your time there as I know next to nothing about it!

 

[Elevationist]

Yaaaaay Legoland Florida! At work, I've sold tickets to this park ever since it opened a few years ago, but I still only know as much about it as what's on their website. I'm really looking forward to reading your TR about it!

 

[Leshaface]

And the secret is still a secret!

Wow you are awesome!

In other Disney news, I saw that the application process for the Disney Parks Moms Panel opens up September 8th and I randomly decided I'm going to apply! I did some research and it seems like there are 10,000-15,000 applicants each year and they select 20-40. So that makes my chances...almost non existent. But it's worth a shot even if it's a long one! Not only would I get to answer Disney questions every day but the training trip sounds pretty special!

OH my gosh GOOD LUCK and keep us posted!

This portrays everything about your secret trip!

Woah!

Everyone got up at their leisure, chit chatted over coffee, and wandered off the get dressed. We didn't end up leaving the house until 9:30!! I

I'd be soooooo annoyed and frustrated. I like the fact that when we used to travel with my DB and DSil, they were always up on time and ready to go. This is just....blah!

We got out onto I-4 and started passing the Disney signs. And the ache started again.

I'd be super bummed too.

So remember MILs reluctance to buy tickets ahead of time? That meant that she had to stand in line to purchase them at the window. With no discount. That came out to $89 per adult and $82 per child. We could have saved betwee $15-20 per person by purchasing them online!

Yikes that would have been a huge savings. But you did tell her so you did your part.

BTW, we're considering going to LegoLand in San Diego for DS's 3rd birthday. Do you think that's a good age? And thanks for reminding me about going through UT! I wonder if they'll have San Diego tickets..

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Growing up my brothers and I loved Lego, I bet a trip here would be very fun. Can't wait to hear more about your time there as I know next to nothing about it!

Oddly I think your brothers would have fun there, at least from what you say about them in TR.s

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

I just bit my tongue for you! Wow I would have had to go for a run literally to calm myself down! I have to be very careful with my words now that my kids are older and repeat things! I'm guessing and praying Legoland was all worth it! Our house is infested with Legos even the pink ones with horses We have DS though with OCD and he has 12 bins separating all colors, wheels, windshields, you get the point.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I TOTALLY commiserate with your in-law issues....biting my tongue is the hardest thing ever!! Thankfully they've never taken us up on offers to join us at Disney World (that is actually pretty sad, especially for our son, but I think overall it's best for everyone if they just stay home!!)

I LOVE your gif of the little girl waving her brush in anger!!!!! That is SO me when things dont go according to plan!!!!

 

[hokieinpa]

Oh my - you did very well not to lose your mind!

Lots of deep breaths and singing "Let it goooo..." to myself!

Again, it must have been very hard to bite your tongue. I'm sure that your husband appreciates the advantages of your planning skills, both for time and money. Your pictures look great - I could almost step into the computer screen!

I know he enjoys having the plan laid out for him...just not making the actual plan. After our October trip he said many times that it was much more relaxing than the way his family usually tours a park!

Growing up my brothers and I loved Lego, I bet a trip here would be very fun. Can't wait to hear more about your time there as I know next to nothing about it!

It was really such a cool park. Different than WDW but just SO MUCH LEGO! Which is great for a Lego-loving boy!

Yaaaaay Legoland Florida! At work, I've sold tickets to this park ever since it opened a few years ago, but I still only know as much about it as what's on their website. I'm really looking forward to reading your TR about it!

Now you can give them insider information! But it was a really fun park, great for families...not such much for adults.

Wow you are awesome!

My lips are sealed! But it is getting harder not to let it slip in a normal conversation with Jim when the boys are around!

OH my gosh GOOD LUCK and keep us posted!

I'm really excited! I have no expectations that I'll make it to the panel but I know it will be a fun experience!

This portrays everything about your secret trip!

Love Santa Goofy! And is that picture just perfect for a surprise Christmas trip!

I'd be soooooo annoyed and frustrated. I like the fact that when we used to travel with my DB and DSil, they were always up on time and ready to go. This is just....blah!

I feel like 95% of what I do around the in laws is herding and prodding to get them moving! But after this trip, I was so happy they have never wanted to join us for a Disney trip!

I'd be super bummed too.

The Disney ache was real!

Yikes that would have been a huge savings. But you did tell her so you did your part.

That's exactly the way I looked at it. I'm not a total bargain hunter but when it's so easy to save money, why not?

BTW, we're considering going to LegoLand in San Diego for DS's 3rd birthday. Do you think that's a good age? And thanks for reminding me about going through UT! I wonder if they'll have San Diego tickets..

Our 3 year old had a blast! And he could ride everything except a few of the big coasters. There were quite a few play areas, which were a big hit with all 3 boys. And I think their favorite part was the "Mini Land" with all the of the Lego models!

I just bit my tongue for you! Wow I would have had to go for a run literally to calm myself down! I have to be very careful with my words now that my kids are older and repeat things! I'm guessing and praying Legoland was all worth it! Our house is infested with Legos even the pink ones with horses We have DS though with OCD and he has 12 bins separating all colors, wheels, windshields, you get the point.

It was really hard not to tap my foot and get huffy. I'm not perfect but I do my best to stick to a schedule, especially when other people are depending on me!

Legoland was worth it! I think it would have been better if we had arrived 1.5 hours sooner!

Oh I would love that kind of organization! Nate has his Legos sorted by type now - Avenger, Star Wars, City, etc. I've seen so many great Lego storage ideas on Pinterest!

I TOTALLY commiserate with your in-law issues....biting my tongue is the hardest thing ever!! Thankfully they've never taken us up on offers to join us at Disney World (that is actually pretty sad, especially for our son, but I think overall it's best for everyone if they just stay home!!)

It was so hard to stay calm and keep my cool! But I'm glad I did or it may have been a bigger mess!

My in laws have said no to our offers to join us at Disney as well, which I'm so thankful for now! Life would not be pretty if this had happened at Disney!

I LOVE your gif of the little girl waving her brush in anger!!!!! That is SO me when things dont go according to plan!!!!

That was me on the inside!

 

[missangelalexis]

Looks like I'm a little behind!

I'm glad you were able to get the ADR for Minnie's!

Sorry about your BOG/FOF dilemma! I would say keep the ADR and either somehow try and catch FOF or just save it for your next trip!

I love the list of future trips you have planned Always nice to have stuff to look forward to!

Argh, sorry Legoland day did not start off the way you planned! I would be annoyed too. And then to not have your tickets already in hand on top of that!

 

[tabrizia]

Yay legoland! We are deliberately leaving it for our second trip the one with just our family rather then with everyone for a reason. The same reason we are going back to Disney World for a second trip 10ish months after the first one. If we don't get the things done we want on the first trip, which is likely since I don't think I am going to even get FP+ done at all, let alone 60 days out, considering we are less then 6 months out and only have accommodations for half of us and that piece at least my Mom is semi worried about. I don't expect tickets until the week before we leave if that.

I love my family, but they have the same, we'll get there when we get there thing going on. If people tell me, we'll be ready by 8, I expect them ready at 8, maybe 8:15, not at 9 or 9:30, which happens far too often. I am just hoping everyone makes it to the ADRs we scheduled for the January trip, I hold out minor hope since my sister tends to be better then some of the other family members about time, so I just have to worry about my parents.

 

[Dugette]

Thanks for the Legoland update! Look forward to seeing more!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Coming over from your last TR - though obviously way behind.

Sounds like it will be a fun trip thought. Glad to see you got the ADRs you wanted. We haven't done T-Rex before as my kids found it very loud in there (and the giant animatronic T-Rex in the front freaked them out) but have heard pretty good things about it. We have used the dig area out front though - it uses the same material that the dig area in the bone-yard in AK uses, so not real sand, which is great.

Side note as you may appreciate this given the planner you are: I am trying to schedule our ADRs for our October Disneyland trip and they still haven't released park hours for October yet so a lot of the in-park restaurants are still not taking ADRs yet. As someone used to planning WDW trips the idea of being 7 weeks out an not knowing park hours or being able to book all ADRs is kinda freaking me out.

Glad you settled on a resort too and that is great you got the pin and the 15% off - better location for less $ is always good

Well, I was reading a blog a few days ago and found a girl that makes awesome Disney bows! And not only that, she will transform your Minnie ears so you can switch the bow out! So instead of ears with the same bow everyday, she adds a loop and you can change the bow!

Those are really cool - we've been looking for things for our upcoming Disneyland Trip and I see she makes some 60th anniversary ones so think that may be a possibility. Thanks for posting this!

I really like Bush Gardens Williamsburg, though it has been a while since we have been there. Actually, last time we found out we were expecting our first child (actually just in time so that my wife was unable to go on any of the roller coasters) .... might be time to go back again given that my oldest really loves roller coasters. (though disappointed my favorite there (Big Bad Wolfe) got made over to something else)

I think your plans for the day sound pretty darn good and I think even being "red", the time you are going and with FP+, etc. you should be fine. Only thing I might question is if a 2:20 ADR for BOG (even if just for dessert) gives you enough time to get out and get spots for watching the 3pm FOF
edit: just saw in a later update that you noticed this

Oh, and for the 3rd FP, of the options you listed I'd probably say Big Thunder, although an option might to be to get it for the parade so you have that spot set.

You are becoming a pro with handling all the kids and stuff at an airport ... I mean, the youngest falls asleep while walking down the aisle? That and some black belt level stuff right there!

That is cool that they have a play area and even better that it is in a gated off area.

Great that you got a Minnie's Breakfast! I definitely think it makes sense to keep the focus on Christmas related activities - especially the Osborne Lights as this very well may be the last year they have them

I think your long term trip planning sounds good. I bit jealous of your solo trip plans ... I would love to do that or at least an adults only one. I actually have tentative plans out about that far as well, ending with DCL in 2018 as well (though targeting president's week in February which will also be for my 40th birthday) - though the new rule change for alcohol has me bummed

Oh, I have similar experience with my in-laws as detailed plans ahead of time are not their sort of thing. We always host for Christmas and they never know until right before if they car coming, how many days they are coming for, who from the family is coming, etc. To them it's not a big deal just going to a family house but I am like "um, we'd like to have some idea of how much food we need to have in the house, how many beds we need to account for, etc." Fortunately for vacation planning they just let us handle everything and then anything for them to pay for they give us the money after the fact.

Legoland looks fun! We thought about it for the upcoming San Deigo/Disneyland trip but just couldn't justify the cost. Some day though.