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

[hokieinpa]

Oh I can't even imagine when I can do double digit dance! Our ADRs lol The bag is awesome! I haven't touched The Disney Store because I know it'll be trouble. Patiently waiting...while I tap my foot. I did order a bag that is going to be made and I'm beyond uber excited! I actually indeed it before our trip was planned. Can't wait to keep reading and see how the shh...surprise works out

The countdown can seem long but I think it will start moving pretty quickly now that school has started!

I have to make myself delete Disney Store emails now. It's way too addicting especially when you get a new offer code every day!

Oh, the bag sounds fun! Excited to see pictures!

The secret is still safe for now! Not too much longer!

Time to DANCE!!! (Even if it's belated...)

Thanks for dancing with me! And your GIFs are always spot on!

Seems legit.

See? Totally legit, totally reasonable.

I can always count on Disney friends to understand the science of Disney logic and Disney math. It's an acquired skill.

Maaaaaan. That Target Dollar Spot always has some of the best stuff! I love that bag!

I have to practice mucho self restraint when I enter the Dollar Spot!

Love these! And I've been eyeballing that grey Minnie shirt myself!

More Disney shirts is always the right answer, in my opinion!

You are the seond PTR/TR I've seen this bag featured on in the last few days! Not that I mind, it's SO CUTE. The thing with Dooneys is that fabric placement, and you got an AWESOME one. It's perfect!

See? Perfect!

It totally evens out! Seriously, this bag is so stinkin' adorable. The only reason I don't have one is the strap isn't long enough for me. Sigh. Maybe someday!

I didn't even notice the rainbow zipper until you said that! SO CUTE!

I am so in love with this bag. I totally wear in front of the mirror just to see what it looks like. And the details are just perfect. I can't wait to use it in the parks!

Gimme them spreadsheets, girl!!! I wanna see!

Just a little more tweaking of our MVMCP plans and they will be here for your examination, promise!

 

[KathyM2]

Just catching up and reading about your day at Legoland...looks like a fun morning so far...but I can't imagine the frustration with the morning delays...did your MIL ever acknowledge that she could have saved all that money (and time in line) by listening to you and buying tickets online? Grrrr. So excited for your Disney trip...and all the gear is awesome. Love the bag and the shirts!

 

[karalecia26]

Starting to follow your PTR! We are also going in December but we will be there the 20th-27th. My DS is obsessed with Legos and has a ton of them everywhere! I can only imagine how many you will have with 3 boys! We were also at OBX this summer for a week at the beach! We had a blast out there!

 

[hokieinpa]

Just catching up and reading about your day at Legoland...looks like a fun morning so far...but I can't imagine the frustration with the morning delays...did your MIL ever acknowledge that she could have saved all that money (and time in line) by listening to you and buying tickets online? Grrrr. So excited for your Disney trip...and all the gear is awesome. Love the bag and the shirts!

We really did have fun at Legoland...different fun than Disney but still a really good day! MIL's response to the whole ticket fiasco (and spoiler - she did the same thing with our Sea World tickets a few days later) was something along the lines of "Oh well, it's not worth my time to have to buy them ahead of time." It blows my mind, but they were taking care of the tickets, so

Thanks! I am on the look out for some Disney Christmas gear now and I think we'll be set!

Starting to follow your PTR! We are also going in December but we will be there the 20th-27th. My DS is obsessed with Legos and has a ton of them everywhere! I can only imagine how many you will have with 3 boys! We were also at OBX this summer for a week at the beach! We had a blast out there!

Wow - small world! I think Disney at Christmas sounds like so much fun!

Yes, our house is completely overrun with Legos! I'm overwhelmed by the amount at times!

And we love OBX! We've been going down there every summer since I was a baby!

 

[hokieinpa]

"No, we're not going to Disney this time..." TR Part 4 - Even More Legoland!

When I last left off, we had just finished up some playtime in the (blissfully cool) Duplo Farm indoor play area.

Since we entered the park so late, it was already 12 and lunch time! Looking at the map, the closest option was in the Lego Kingdoms area. We took a short walk and arrived here!



And to our lunch destination - Castle Burger!



The menu here was simple - burgers and fries. All of the adults got a burger meal and the boys got a kids meal (burger and fruit pouch). The seating was all outdoors but there were umbrellas over the picnic tables so we grabbed as much shade as we could and quickly ate our lunch.

After eating, we backtracked to an area that we had passed on our way to lunch - The World of Chima.



This area is based on the TV show Legends of Chima...which you probably know nothing about unless you have a son who is obsessed with Legos. This "land" was awfully small - one tiny water play area, one Lego racing station, and one water ride.

We headed over to the Lego racing station first.



Nate and Colin launched their cars a few times and then we were ready for the Quest for Chi!



If you can see on the sign, there was an estimated wait time of 5 minutes. At Legoland, these estimated wait times seemed to be a wild guess. I'm not sure how they were updated but I didn't find them to be accurate on any of the attractions.

But at least the waiting area was shaded and/or indoors! Our wait was much closer to 20 minutes, longer than the posted 5 minutes!

There was a cool kids play area in line!



It was a gated off area with several Lego tables. I'm sure with older kids, you could send them in there alone. But since the boys are still on the young side, Jim went in to supervise.

I put my phone away at this point since this was a water ride. And we got SOAKED! It was a fun, but quick ride!

After that (and since we were already wet) we went to the water play area- Cragger's Swamp.





I made the executive decision at this point to not change Nate and Colin. It was SO hot that I knew they would dry off quickly. I did change Jake since I was hoping he would lay down for a stroller nap at this point.

We decided to head back through Lego Kingdoms to get to some more attractions!

 

[Leshaface]

It looks like he's saying, "Nice to meet you!" So darn cute.

The boys had a blast. And best of all, it was air conditioned!

Heck yes to AC!

So naturally, any celebration had to be quiet

It must be so hard to not just blurt it out! You're doing amazing so far! But i'm really waiting to see what you do days leading up to the actual trip.

I charged everything to my Disney Visa...which will be paid in full at statement time! And I get Disney Rewards Dollars for it...essentially a Disney Gift Card. So in purchasing these items I am really contributing to our Disney Vacation Fund in the form of Rewards Dollars. Are you with me?

Yep, that's EXACTLY how I would look at this too.

Oh my gosh, I SO wanted to get the one in the middle until I noticed that they left off on 'A' on Trooper.

Now that's a good buy right there.

Woah, you're shopping included a Dooney! Good job!

If you can see on the sign, there was an estimated wait time of 5 minutes. At Legoland, these estimated wait times seemed to be a wild guess. I'm not sure how they were updated but I didn't find them to be accurate on any of the attractions.

But at least the waiting area was shaded and/or indoors! Our wait was much closer to 20 minutes, longer than the posted 5 minutes!

Oh wow that's way off.

Yay for wet areas! I bet that totally helps in the heat. They need to have more areas like this in Epcot.

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a fun afternoon! I'm sure the water felt good on a hot day!

 

[hokieinpa]

It looks like he's saying, "Nice to meet you!" So darn cute.

It was a super cute moment! I think Jake totally expected that guy to start talking back to him!

Heck yes to AC!

A lifesaver when it was almost 100 degrees before lunch!

It must be so hard to not just blurt it out! You're doing amazing so far! But i'm really waiting to see what you do days leading up to the actual trip.

Ah, it's getting harder not to slip up! Nate has been talking about Disney more and more lately since we just went back and looked at some pictures. I've almost said things like "Well, when we go at Christmas..." so many times! Trying to keep it under lock and key!

Yep, that's EXACTLY how I would look at this too.

It's totally logical, Disney-based math. The best kind, in my opinion!

Oh my gosh, I SO wanted to get the one in the middle until I noticed that they left off on 'A' on Trooper.

I KNOW! I didn't notice that until I got it home and was looking over everything. It really bothers me and I'm looking for another option for Colin. And it's disappointing since it's such a cute shirt!

Now that's a good buy right there.

I love the Target Dollar Spot! I always have to practice some serious self restraint!

Woah, you're shopping included a Dooney! Good job!

I went back and forth on this bag for months! I'm so happy that I finally got it - I love everything about it!

Oh wow that's way off.

I'm not sure how Legoland estimates the wait times but it obviously needs to be adjusted. It was quite a shock to find out that the boards out front were in no way a true picture of how long we would be waiting, especially since we're used to Disney!

Yay for wet areas! I bet that totally helps in the heat. They need to have more areas like this in Epcot.

Since this was our first trip to Florida in the heat of summer, I was totally unprepared for how miserably hot and humid it would be! I agree that there should be a few more fun splash areas throughout Disney!

Sounds like a fun afternoon! I'm sure the water felt good on a hot day!

It was a fun day but HOT! The water areas were a big hit and made the day much easier!

 

[Dugette]

I am really enjoying seeing Legoland. Looks really cute. I haven't seen much of anything about it before in TRs. Thanks for sharing!

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Legoland looks fun! We've debated doing it in San Diego since Austin is obsessed with Legos. For now the Lego Store at the Mall of America is enough for us! Btw your shopping was a huge hit! Way to go! I'm thinking our November trip to Mall of America may bring on a visit to the Disney store!!!

 

[hokieinpa]

I am really enjoying seeing Legoland. Looks really cute. I haven't seen much of anything about it before in TRs. Thanks for sharing!

We had a great time! It would be quite out of the way during a trip to WDW and I'm not sure we'll be going back for a few years. But it was a fun experience, especially for Lego-obsessed Nate!

Legoland looks fun! We've debated doing it in San Diego since Austin is obsessed with Legos. For now the Lego Store at the Mall of America is enough for us! Btw your shopping was a huge hit! Way to go! I'm thinking our November trip to Mall of America may bring on a visit to the Disney store!!!

I wish we had a Disney Store close to us! I have to settle for the online store or drive 2 hours! But the online store may be more dangerous because it seems way easier to spend too much!

I think Legoland is a fun add on to another vacation! If you're going to be in CA anyway, I would add it to the list, especially for a Lego lover!

 

[hokieinpa]

It's Spreadsheet Time!


****************************************
17 Days until FP+
77 Days until Disney!

Secret Status -
****************************************



Lots of news, a real life update, and a spreadsheet!

First up - real life updates!

Nate just finished his second week of Kindergarten! He is having a blast, but obviously an expert on EVERYTHING, now that he is in Kindergarten. And he has no problem making that very clear to me.




Colin started preschool this week as well and he's feeling very big, since this is Nate's old school.



And just because I can't leave him out, here is Jake playing dress up. I guess he is Captain Iron Thor?




Applications for the Disney Parks Moms Panel opened up this week too! I submitted my answers for Round 1 on Thursday and I should be notified in late September/early October if I make it on to Round 2.




As I'm sure everyone has heard, this will be the last year of the Osborne Lights. I'm so glad we have this little quick trip planned! I've also been hearing more rumors about One Man's Dream closing at the end of September, so I guess I can take that off the daily plans for our trip. I don't think it's official yet but it seems inevitable with all of the changes coming to Hollywood Studios.

If you remember, I ordered some special bows from Magical Ribbons. They came in a few weeks ago!



And here is each one on my Minnie ears. I still need to send them out to be transformed so hopefully I can do that this week!

Ariel



Classic Minnie




Christmas Mickey




There was a special when I ordered and I got a free bow! This is a cute little clippie. Maybe I'll wear it on arrival day and our Ohana breakfast? I have it with the Classic Minnie for size comparison.





Finally, my bare bones spreadsheet. I have each day broken down with the order of attractions but I'm going to wait until after FP+ reservations are all set to post that.




Any problems or suggestions? I'm pretty set on all of my FP+ choices and I made decisions regarding the ADRs I had booked at multiple times. We're going to be going to EMH both days, which will be a first! I'm planning on catching the 2nd showing of Fantasmic during EMH while my parents take the boys back to Pop.

I think that's all for this update! FP+ reservations are September 29th! That's the same day that Southwest will be releasing flights for our May trip so it will be a busy day!

 

[Elevationist]

Dude, I'm totally gonna jack your kid's lunchbox. That's awesome!

YAAAAY! Good luck, girl! I hope you make it through! I'm not eligible because I work in the travel & tourism industry. But if I ever change careers, I would totally apply too!

As I'm sure everyone has heard, this will be the last year of the Osborne Lights. I'm so glad we have this little quick trip planned!

Yaaaaasss! So happy I decided to plan this year's trip for my birthday, that way I can be there in December to see them for a final time (and so my aunt and uncle will get to see them at all)!

If you remember, I ordered some special bows from Magical Ribbons. They came in a few weeks ago!

HOLY CRAP, THOSE ARE SO CUTE. What was the turn-around time on them? I have the silver sequined ears, and the silver bow just blends into them in photos. I would dearly love to get some cute bows to dress them up with!!!

Any problems or suggestions?

The only thing I see, and it's just a suggestion, is on your HS day. I think you might have a better flow if after lunch, you went ahead headed back over to Sunset Blvd and did ToT at 2pm, then TSMM, then Star Tours, you're right by the Osborne Lights, you can walk along through those on your way to your ADR at H&V. Just a thought!

 

[Dugette]

Wow, the boys are getting so big! Glad they are liking school!

Super cute bows!

Good luck with the Moms Panel!

Love Disney spreadsheets! I hope it's not really 11:55pm that you're getting home after that early morning, though!

I think the schedule looks good and the trip sounds really fun. So glad you get to see the Osborne Lights too. The only comment I had was Fantasmic. I can't remember which show you're going to or if there's more than one that night. I was just remembering hearing that DURING the first Fantasmic is a good time to see the Osborne Lights, as it's less crowded. In case that's relevant. But looks really fun! Glad it's still in top secret status!

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Oh I love the bows and now I'm even more excited to order our ears good luck on the moms panel although I honestly have no idea what it is...to google I shall go! I need to figure out when our ADR and FP+ dates will be! My OCD is loving your spreadsheet!!!

 

[missangelalexis]

The boy looks so cute in those pics!

Best of luck on making it to round 2!

It's great that you will get to see the Osborne lights for their final year! I'm so sad that they are going away

Omgosh the bows are adorable, and I love how they look on the Minnie Ears. Especially the holiday striped one, really stands out against the black ears!

 

[NJlauren]

So excited that you get to see the Osborn Lights! It is going to be amazing since it the last year!

Plans look great!

 

[hokieinpa]

Dude, I'm totally gonna jack your kid's lunchbox. That's awesome!

Isn't it totally awesome?? And the best part...his backpack matches. The boy is Star Wars obsessed!

YAAAAY! Good luck, girl! I hope you make it through! I'm not eligible because I work in the travel & tourism industry. But if I ever change careers, I would totally apply too!

Thank you! Round 1 ended today so I have a few weeks to wait until I hear back. My hopes aren't high, especially as I learn about the people that have been applying for 8 years!

Yaaaaasss! So happy I decided to plan this year's trip for my birthday, that way I can be there in December to see them for a final time (and so my aunt and uncle will get to see them at all)!

Right? I'm so happy we planned this quick trip! I have a feeling I would have been working in a long weekend trip after hearing this is the last year for the lights.

HOLY CRAP, THOSE ARE SO CUTE. What was the turn-around time on them? I have the silver sequined ears, and the silver bow just blends into them in photos. I would dearly love to get some cute bows to dress them up with!!!

Aren't they adorable? I think it took 6-8 weeks. She has an express option listed on her website so you can check that out! She has bows for every character, park, land, attraction, show, etc. All are super cute!

The only thing I see, and it's just a suggestion, is on your HS day. I think you might have a better flow if after lunch, you went ahead headed back over to Sunset Blvd and did ToT at 2pm, then TSMM, then Star Tours, you're right by the Osborne Lights, you can walk along through those on your way to your ADR at H&V. Just a thought!

I do like the idea of moving in a straight line...but I'm worried about Tower of Terror right after lunch. I was hoping to ease into it a bit. But I'm all about saving steps so I might switch it up!

Wow, the boys are getting so big! Glad they are liking school!

They are LOVING school! And the best part is they are exhausted and going to bed an hour earlier than before!

Super cute bows!

Thanks! I love all of them - excited to add a few more each trip!

Good luck with the Moms Panel!

Round 1 closed today so I should hear something in a few weeks!

Love Disney spreadsheets! I hope it's not really 11:55pm that you're getting home after that early morning, though!

Ah, good catch! Definitely 11:55am! Nate has his winter concert at school that night so we have to get back in time for that!

I think the schedule looks good and the trip sounds really fun. So glad you get to see the Osborne Lights too. The only comment I had was Fantasmic. I can't remember which show you're going to or if there's more than one that night. I was just remembering hearing that DURING the first Fantasmic is a good time to see the Osborne Lights, as it's less crowded. In case that's relevant. But looks really fun! Glad it's still in top secret status!

I'm so happy I get to see the lights for the first and last time!

I'm really hoping to see Fantasmic but we/I are planning on seeing the second showing during EMH. We might take second walk through the lights after our H&V dinner since it should be less crowded!

Oh I love the bows and now I'm even more excited to order our ears good luck on the moms panel although I honestly have no idea what it is...to google I shall go! I need to figure out when our ADR and FP+ dates will be! My OCD is loving your spreadsheet!!!

Thanks - the bows are really cute! My order did take almost 2 months to arrive so make sure you order in plenty of time if you want to get some!

I love reading through the moms panel! Hope you found it - great info for planing!

I do love me some spreadsheets!

The boy looks so cute in those pics!

Thank you! They are loving school!

Best of luck on making it to round 2!

I should hear something in a few (long) weeks!

It's great that you will get to see the Osborne lights for their final year! I'm so sad that they are going away

I'm so happy that we have this trip planned! I think people are probably booking lots of last minute trips after hearing this is the last year.

Omgosh the bows are adorable, and I love how they look on the Minnie Ears. Especially the holiday striped one, really stands out against the black ears!

The holiday one is my favorite on the ears too! There are so many cute options...I may have to order a few new ones before each trip!

So excited that you get to see the Osborn Lights! It is going to be amazing since it the last year!

Plans look great!

I'm so excited to see them for the first and last time! Can't wait to see them!

 

[Ladyfish77]

Love the bows! I'm going to attempt to make some ears for our next trip--wish me luck!

Congrats on applying for the panel--I'll be cheering you on!

The boys grow fast--enjoy every moment! I remember the first day of kindergarten and now they are in college and medical school--how did THAT happen?

Wish we could have taken my oldest to Legoland--he would have loved it. As mentioned above he's just started medical school and moved into his own apartment. Guess what's still in my basement--tons of legos. He won't let me get rid of them!

 

[vleeth]

You're making me want to go to legoland.

Love the lunch box and the ears.

How's keeping the secret going?