PTR: Invading the world on a budget!

[mouser_momof2]

So, hi all! I am writing this PTR as a word document, then cutting and pasting so I don't loose anything. This PTR will also include a mini TR from our last trip.

So, here goes- welcome to my Disney insanity and thanks to all who venture here!
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Invading the World on a budget!

Pre-trip report (and a condensed report from last trip):

Cast of Characters:

DH, Tim- 32- Petty Officer 2nd Class in the US Navy. His 3rd trip to the World.

Myself, Amber- I will turn 32 about 3 weeks before we travel. Also my 3rd trip to the World.

ODS, Logan- Will be 6 on November 8th. His 3rd trip to the World. He is special needs. The dr’s think ASD but none of them can agree….. We will be getting a GAC this trip for him.

YDS, James- 3. His 3rd trip to the World. He will turn 4 two weeks after we get home.

DD, Mackenzie- 16 months. This will be her first trip to the World.

We will be driving from New Orleans to Orlando and Tim wants to spend the night in between on the beach- we have to wait and see for that one.

This trip is a combination of things: To celebrate DH returning home from Iraq, our 10th Anniversary (it’s aprx 1 week before we travel) and Jamie’s Birthday (2 weeks after we return). James has been asking to go see Mickey for his Birthday for months.

We lived in Jacksonville, FL for almost 3 years before we moved here to the New Orleans area in January of 2010. In 2008 we went only to MNSSHP and stayed off site at the Econolodge on 192. Not a horrible place to stay. Small rooms, old furnishings, but it was clean. And best, it was only about $30 a night.

In 2009 after they began the Military discount tickets and we stayed at the Pop Century for a week. That was a rather stressful trip. Don’t get me wrong we enjoyed it very much but Tim’s mom, sister, brother in law, niece and nephew flew down and we had adjoining rooms. Mom was in the room with Tim, myself and our two boys. We tried to do too much too fast, which resulted in a meltdown for Logan on the day we went to Animal Kingdom.
That trip we spent a little over $1000 for our room, cost split between Mom and ourselves. At that time we were able to do free dining as well. I believe we had to purchase at least 1 day of park tickets with our room to get the free dining plan. We did not upgrade it, but at that time it was still allowed 1CS, 1 snack and 1 TS per person per day even at a value resort.
I do not remember in which order we visited the parks, but I do remember most of the places we ate (mostly thanks to all the recommendations and food porn from this wonderful board!)

Next up: last trip’s review of what dining experiences I remember.

 

[mouser_momof2]

Free dining on our last trip- Hits, misses and a funny story. (Well, funny to me)

Our first night I believe it was, we ate at Chef Mickey’s. This was a group meal with all 9 of us. I remember the Characters visiting each child, signing autographs and posing for pictures. This did not feel rushed at all to me. The food here was decent. I don’t remember exactly what I ate here, but remember thinking it was good enough to come back for. In fact, we wanted to make this our first night dinner this trip, but the earliest available spot when I first booked our trip was 7:45 p.m. and that’s too late for Logan without the possibility of a major meltdown.

Another TS meal we had was O’hana for breakfast with all of us. This will be the only meal we repeat this trip. The characters were such fun, and the food was good for what we received. Everything seemed fresh and hot. The only thing I did not like was their special juice, but I don’t like guava (I think that’s what’s in it). I asked for regular orange juice and received it no problems, no extra charges. We did not feel rushed here either.

Tim, myself, our boys and Mom had lunch at LeCellier. Most of this was un remarkable to me. I don’t remember at all what my entrée was. I do remember the pretzel bread was yummy. And Tim LOVED the cheese soup. I had a little of it and admit I thought it was really good also. I also remember out waiter here though nice, was gone a lot- no drink refills and such. We are going to skip LeCellier this trip.

A side note and the funny to me story: Tim liked the soup so much he had me ask for the recipe. The day we arrived home from Walt Disney World I found out that I was pregnant with Mackenzie (a WONDERFUL surprise). About a week after that I made the soup. Tim thought it was delicious. I got sooo sick from it I made him throw the whole pot away- pan and all because I could not stand the smell of it LOL. And even now the thought of it makes my stomach turn!

We had another all 9 of us dinner at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney. This was AWESOME!!!!! Service was a little slow, but we were seated next to the little stage where they had a step dancer. It was so much fun. I don’t remember exactly what I had, but remember thinking I would eat here again. However, I did steal some of Tim’s dinner. That I remember. He had Sod the Stew- it was DELICIOUS. He licked the bowl he liked it so much.

One of our other “sit down” dinners was off property at Giordano’s Pizza. They serve Chicago style pizza and it is wonderful. I recommend this place to anyone I know that is going to Orlando (though I believe they have restaurants in other places). We have eaten at 2 of the 3 Orlando locations. The one closest to Disney on 192, and the one on I think, Sand Lake closer to the Florida Mall. Both were hot, fresh and melt in your mouth good. When we went to Chicago for Tim’s boot camp graduation we ate at Gino’s east because everyone raved about it. This was so much better IMHO. The crust and sauce of this is just delicious! We did learn our lesson the first time though- the wait for the pizza can be up to 45 minutes. The next time we went, we called ahead and placed our order so we only had to wait about 10 minutes when we got there.

That’s it for our sit down meals. Off to try to get my little monsters to quiet down and go to bed. Up next: What I remember of our counter service foodstuffs... and forgotten table service!

 

[mouser_momof2]

Oops- I forgot. And Counter service around the world!

Ok, so I remembered the other three table service meals we had. When I glanced back at what I had written last night and I thought there didn’t seem to be enough table service meals.

The only one of the three I would repeat any time soon would be 50’s Prime Time in Hollywood studios. We had lunch there as a group, and were sat at two different tables. The servers were very funny. I had the pot roast and it was pretty good. The only thing we weren’t impressed with was the last part of our meal. Dessert took forever, and the kids got very antsy. Several of the people with us left with the kids. This probably wouldn’t keep me from giving it another try though.

The other two table service we had I wasn’t fond of at all. We at as groups at both.

Hollywood and vine…. Won’t be going back to this one anytime soon. The buffet wasn’t refilled while we were there, so we didn’t have much variety and the food seemed cold. Very unmemorable for us.

My absolute least favorite food of the trip, and probably why I forgot it, was at the Trails End. It was awful from start to finish. We had to wait quite a while for our ADR- I forget why. And the food was not very good…. It tasted off to me. It was just ehhh.

So, now on to quick service- and two of my favorite meals we had the entire trip.

We stayed at the Pop Century and I don’t remember having anything but breakfast there. Just your average eggs and such.

We had three counter service meals in the Magic Kingdom: Casey’s, the Pirate place near Pirates of the Caribbean and Columbia Harbor House.

Casey’s was pretty good for counter service. Though I remember the wildlife more than the food. There was a duck who visited us while we ate outside. Very cute, very bold little duck. Logan Loved him, but James probably not so much since he stole a French fry out of his hand…. LOL.

The Pirate place was pretty good. The taco shells were crunchy, which was good. That’s about all I remember as it was MNSSHP and we were anxious to eat and get over to Captain Hook and Mr. Smee.

Columbia Harbor House, not bad I don’t think. I don’t remember what we had but don’t remember thinking it wasn’t worth going back for.
I think the only counter service we had at Hollywood studios was the Backlot express… dry burger is all I remember of it. Probably won’t go back this trip, just because I really want to try starring rolls.

Epcot, now Epcot had one of my favorite meals of the trip.

Our first day Mom took Logan back to the hotel to swim so Tim, James and myself were able to explore the World Showcase.
Tim wanted to try the German food, so we had the Counter service there. I never can remember the name of the place, but the food was yummy. I would eat there again.

Now, based on the recommendations of this board, I had to get the school bread. I got it to go and ate it later in the hotel. It was pretty yummy, even though it had gotten a little squished on the way back.

The next time we went to Epcot, we went for the fireworks. I knew exactly where I wanted to eat, and beforehand everyone had agreed. We took the boat over from the MK and when we arrived at Epcot, I was ganged up on- blah blah blah- this happens a lot with my husband’s family. We talk about doing x y or z ahead of time, they agree with me but then when the time comes- nope we’re doing a b or c. It drives me crazy. I don’t even know if they realize they do this to me, or if they know and just don’t care- but that’s another topic for another board LOL.

Anyway- back on topic…..
So, Tim, Mom and the boys stayed at the Rose and Crown and had counter service fish and chips. I walked myself down to Tangerine Café, where I wanted to eat and got the sliders- OMG they were soooo yummy. I had to ask for tatzkike sauce because that plate doesn’t come with any. My only disappointment with this place was the Balaklava. I’m picky about my Balaklava and this was dry. I definitely want to go here again.

Now, one of my favorite places to eat at Downtown Disney- where I have been lots of times despite only having been to the parks twice.
Earl of Sandwich. And I am boring, I get the same thing every time. The Hawaiian BBQ- Ham, pineapple and BBQ sauce. OMG it is soooo yummy. Just a little spicy and sweet from the pineapple- delicious!
So, that completes I remember of the food from last time!

Finally, nest up- on to our upcoming visit!!!!

 

[mouser_momof2]

Soooo... looks like people are reading, but I'm not interesting enough to reply to

But since I already have about 7 word pages typed, I'll keep updating

So, on to my spending so far for our room, dining plan and tickets:
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We’re invading the world AGAIN!!!! Woo HOO!

I am so excited for this trip- Tim has been on deployment since May, and while we are very fortunate in that he’s only going to be gone 'til the end of December, I’m not going to lie, It’s been pretty difficult at times. Since he’s been gone, and despite people telling me don’t worry we’ll “help” you, I have had at least Mackenzie (Logan and James are both in school) all of the time. I have had a total of about 10 hours without them since May 22. Now, to be fair one evening when Mom (Tim’s mom when I say this) came to visit, she kept the kids while I went to Wal-Mart, I was going to go to the Casino but because of Tropical Storm Lee, and they were closed otherwise I may have had another 2 or 3 hours.

Now, on top of everything else we purchased a brand new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan the day before Tim left. New car! Woo- ugh, well, definitely not woo hoo. This car is horrible. I have been dealing with having it in and out of the shop (they have had it in the shop over 30 days total, and they still cannot figure out what’s wrong with it. One of the problems is dangerous- sometimes when I am driving the gas pedal doesn’t work. I put my foot on the gas and the car doesn’t want to go. If you want the whole cruddy story, I can link you to my facebook page I have just to tell it. Needless to say it hasn’t been a pleasant experience.

I had planned to take the kids to Orlando to Sea World, and go to Downtown Disney to get a small Disney fix but it didn’t happen- I was afraid to drive the car that far. Right now I’m looking for a lawyer to sue Chrysler to honor the Lemon Law….

But, now on to more pleasant things. We were hoping to go to Disney next September for MNSSHP but Tim really wants to go to Giordano’s so I decided we will just go to Disney when he gets home.

So, since Disney is offering free dining I checked the prices, and wanted to cry.
We stayed at Pop Century last time, and while it was nice, and we loved the atmosphere, we really really wanted to stay at a moderate resort this time (I really want to stay at the Poly but I know that there is no way financially for that right now.)

I did check the value resorts first. To stay at the All Star Movies and upgrade to the regular dining plan was going to be $1862.
Now, before I go any further I should mention, we use the Military discount tickets. And while not as good as they were the first year they came out, they are still such a wonderful value. $138 including park hopper for 4 days. So, the price above only includes 2 days worth of tickets, the minimum requirement for free dining.

So, to back up, All Star Movies, plus the tickets- total $2414. Plus we would have to pay for a rental of a fridge/microwave as that is a necessity for us.
But like I said I REALLY REALLY wanted to stay at a moderate resort this time. So I checked the prices on the Port Orleans Riverside (first moderate to come up) and same deal as before, only 2 days worth of tickets with park hopper, $2090. Add the military tickets bringing the total up to $2642. While that is probably a really good deal considering you get free meals, it’s not feasible for us and to include travel costs, souvenirs etc. And I wanted to cry.

So, I remembered seeing on the website when I clicked on offers that at select resorts, select nights etc. they were offering a Military discount. It of course does not include the free dining but I thought I would ask.
So, I called and spoke with a very nice lady (unfortunately I am bad with names and don’t remember hers) and she checked the moderate resorts, first one to come up for her was also Port Orleans Riverside.

Now, I should note here that I wasn’t exactly over the moon excited to be looking at this resort seeing as how we currently live near New Orleans and can drive a short way to see the scenery so to speak, but after seeing the pictures and the unofficial site, I am looking forward to staying here. It looks relaxed and comfortable.

Now, the price of this room with the Military Discount, add on the dining plan so we still get 1cs, snack and 1ts per person each day. No park tickets included- $1569. Add the Military tickets, brings the total up to $2121. This we can manage!

I did call back a few days later and ask about the Military discount price of staying in a value resort, with the dining plan would save us any money and it was well less than $200 difference.

So, that is how we came to be booked at the Port Orleans Riverside!
If anyone has any recommendations on this resort, feel free to share!

Next up- I make myself dizzy trying to decide which ADR’s to make.

 

[mouser_momof2]

Auuurrrgh! ADR’s and where to eat, and major date night confusion.

So, I’ve only changed some of our ADR’s 3 or 4 times already. I hope I am almost done with them. I get so confused after reading the reviews and looking at the food porn here, lol.
Now, to go look at my reservation page, and see where I stand at this point, because I don’t even remember!

……………………..

So, we will get to Orlando and check in to the resort on Sunday January 8th. I wanted to book Chef Mickey’s for this night but by the time we booked, the only ADR left was for almost 8 p.m. and that’s too late for us for the first night. So I think instead we are going to have Giordano’s this night, and go to the Chip n Dale campfire thing at Ft. Wilderness if it’s going on, so our ADR’s don’t actually begin until Monday, January 9.

Now, one thing that is making me a little apprehensive is the new dining plan list doesn’t include several Epcot QS or TS locations, and is missing quite a bit in DTD. But, I’m not going to let it stress me out…. I am booking what comes up as available with dining plan on the Disney website. And if I have to change later, so be it.

Our ADR list as it stands now:

Monday, January 9
Either Sci-Fi @ 4:10 (Hollywood Studios has EMH this evening til 10 p.m. so we kind of want to stay in the park, have a snack for lunch.

Or

1900 Park Fare @ 6:10. I am afraid if we leave the park, we will not come back…. Nothing wrong with that but we didn’t get to do much more than the Star Wars ride (and Logan and I did the backlot ride thing) and that was it.
Tuesday, January 10
Whispering Canyon @ 5:15, but maybe moving this back to 6 ish. I know it’s the same type of food as Trails End, but all of the recent pictures of the food look fab.

Wednesday, January 11

This day we have set aside for going to the outlet mall or Florida mall to the M&M store, just taking a break. I have afternoon tea booked for Mackenzie and myself… I thought I would start a special tradition with us girls and let the boys play on Old Man’s island or whatever it’s called back at Port Orleans.
This is also the night we have planned as a date night. We plan to hire a babysitter from either Super Sitters or Kids Night Out. I am looking on here to see if anyone has used either service.

This will be the first night out that Tim and I get without the kids in over a year. About usual- we usually get to either get dinner or a movie once a year while Tim’s mom watches the kiddos. We don’t feel comfortable leaving Logan with just anyone, that and if I’m totally honest, I’m a little paranoid.
But we really need a night out.

Sooooo………….. That brings me to my biggest dilemma yet. Where oh where do we go for dinner? We will be paying out of pocket for this dinner, and I don’t want to go over $150 probably. I originally had Narcrosse’s booked, but have since changed it to Flying Fish after reading reviews. I am NOT a seafood person except for King Crab, Snow Crab, Lobster and Halibut. That’s it. I don’t like fishy but I know from reviews that the steak at the Flying Fish is supposed to be really good and I think Tim would enjoy the fish (he does like seafood). I was thinking though about Fulton’s or after reading reviews, Shula’s, but we haven’t been to the boardwalk, and I think that might be fun? Any ideas here would be welcome.

Thursday, January 12

8:05 breakfast @ the Crystal Palace. I am excited for this one. I hope it’s as empty as I want it to be on Main Street but this is an EMH day. This is a place my Sister in Law and Brother in Law ate last trip and they said it was really good and fun.

Tony’s Town Square @ 5:20. I am willing to try this because it’s one I wanted to go to last trip, and all the kids like pasta.

Friday, January 13

The Garden Grill @ 5:20. This is one I have changed several times- Coral Reef, but after seeing some recent pictures changed my mind. Askerhaus, but after reading reviews changed my mind (I am still torn with this one though). This is a night that Epcot has EMH til midnight so we will either take the kids back to the hotel and hire another sitter for a few hours, or just see how they are handling being up later than usual.

Saturday, January 14

O’hana @ 8:45. Our one repeat meal from last visit. Like I said above, the characters were wonderful, the food was good and the boys really liked it.
Then as tradition dictates, we will get a lunch to go from Earl of Sandwich: )
So, that’s the dining plan thus far…………. I am almost set on this one.

Next up: Questions, budget and new clothes!

 

[mouser_momof2]

First, I have to say I have added a breakfast for Wednesday at Kona. We will be paying out of pocket for this one but all the reviews and pictures from here look wonderful. Plus, Tim is a coffee person. He loves to try different varieties the way people like to try different wines, so I really want him to have some of the coffee there.

I have to confess that I have also purchased everyone but me new Disney shirts! (I will explain the “except me” part in my next post.)

I was very lucky to purchase 3 for each of the boys at JC Penney on clearance for about $2 each: Cars 2 and Toy story. Plus, we hit up the Disney store at the Prime Outlets in Gulfport and I picked up a few more for less than $5 each. Grabbed one or two for Mackenzie there also. So far for about 15 shirts between the three of them, I think I’ve spent less than $50 and it’s been spread out over several weeks. I have also purchased 2 or 3 for Tim at around $5 each.

Now, I just need to make my tie-dye Mickey’s! I had such fun making them last time, even though they were a PITA. I don’t have the shirts for those yet, but when I was at Target the other night I picked up 2 tie-dye kits at 50% off, which should be more than enough to take care of all of our shirts.

Now that the fun stuff (shopping!) is over- on to our budget crunch:

So, we’ve already discussed resort/ticket prices, now on to food, childcare and souvenirs. If this gets a little muddled, forgive me. I haven’t put so much thought into this yet (been putting off the not so fun stuff.)

Budgeting for food is one of the main reasons I wanted the dining plan again this trip. I know that most of our meals are taken care of ahead of time, and I don’t have to worry about well, can we afford to get the Steak? Or do we have to get counter service or go off property to eat every meal.
I know for our Date Night, and the night we have Giordano’s we’ll spend over $150, but this date night is important to us. Like I said, we haven’t been out together in ages. Our last date night we went to see the new Harry Potter movie on Christmas evening, 2010. Then went to Walgreens and picked up a frozen pizza. That’s it. Before that it was the Christmas before I think- one night we went to see Sherlock Holmes, then on my birthday we went to Red Lobster. Let me tell ya, its weird being out without the kids when you’re with them all the time.

I also plan to budget another $250 for breakfast at Kona, whatever else that isn’t covered on the dining plan, tips etc.

So, next on to the child care. Something we normally wouldn’t budget, but it’s a necessity to go out without the kiddos. I’m not sure how much this will be yet- will depend on which company we go with. For budgeting purposes, I’ll go with the higher priced place, at $21 an hour for 3 kids. Wednesday night, I am going to budget for 7 hours, though we probably won’t be out that long. I am also going to budget for 5 hours on Friday, just in case we decide to bring the kids back, and then head back to Epcot. So total for that- $252 plus tip- how much to tip, I have no idea. If anyone knows that reads this, feel free to help me out here…. Would a flat $20 each time be enough, or should I go with 15% or 20% each time? I’m clueless about this aspect of tipping.

Souvenirs- now I have no idea about this one. I am guessing $75 for each child would be a good number. It seems a little much, but I am going light on Christmas for this one.

Tim will probably have $100 for whatever he wants to spend it on. Same for me. I am also going to save my Christmas and Birthday money. I really really want a Dooney and Bourke Mickey bag, but I know even with my birthday and Christmas money maybe coming close to covering the cost, I probably won’t be able to spend that much on myself. I am not a big drinker, but plan to spend at least a couple of dollars on a mixed drink or two. Plus, Mackenzie and I’s tea will come out of my spending money.

I also have to plan $100 for a characture portrait. We had this done in 2009 at Downtown Disney, and I absolutely LOVE it. We need an updated one with Mackenzie in it. I’ll have to take a picture of the one we have and post it to show how awesome it came out.

I don’t know if I am going to do the Disney photographer pics or not. I need to check on costs first.

That is our basic travel budget. I still need to figure gas and a first night hotel on the trip over.

But that’s what I have for while we are at the World……

Next up: Why I haven’t purchased any new clothes for me yet.

 

[mouser_momof2]

Sooooooooooooo........... still nobody loves me.

That's ok, I know I'm just not that interesting.

So, this is a post written here and now, not cut and past form word.

First off, to explain why I haven't purchased any (well, I have 1 tshirt now) new Disney shirts for me.

I am Pooh sized- I wear a women's 26/28 (why lie about it, it's obvious when you see me.) It's very hard for me to find clothes that fit me that I like. I hate my arms- more than any other body part I think. I don't wear sleeveless shirts at all. And I HATE the way most women's t-shirts are made now days with the shorter sleeves and then, they fall right at my waist (I have a long torso) so every time I move, my tummy shows- I'm almost always bending and lifting kids.

Sooo......... that's why I haven't gotten more than 1 shirt for myself. And the 1 shirt I just bought day before yesterday. It's a really cute vintage looking Mickey tee. Of course I hate the sleeves, but I plan to either wear a long sleeve under it (we'll be at Disney in early January) or my cardigan over it.

Plus, I am trying to loose weight. Since Tim left for Iraq in May I have lost about 17 lbs. I had hoped to loose about 40 before we go to Disney. I don't know if that will happen or not- I only have 2 more months. But every little bit helps.

Soooooooooooo........ my Pooh sized butt for the record, has fit on every ride at Disney that I have tried to ride. Thanks to this board, I felt comfortable at least trying to ride everything. I did not get to ride any of the Hollywood Studios rides, or Soarin at Epcot. I plan to remedy this in January!

So, question for anyone reading this- anyone know where to get cute plus size Disney shirts? And does anyone have the name of the website to order plain shirts? I need to get an order in so I can get started on my tie-dye.

So, off to sweep, mop and put in a load of laundry before I go pick my little monsters from school.

 

[mouser_momof2]

Ohhh- I almost forgot!

I found a super cute Mickey hoodie/tshirt combo at Target for James! It was $18, a size 5T. The hoodie is grey, and the shirt under it is red with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto I think. I have it put up for Christmas.

They had a cute one for little girls that was I think ms.Piggy on the tshirt and all over muppets on the hoodie- it was ADORABLE. But I was hoping for Minnie, and wondered if they were maybe sold out- gotta check my other Target!

 

[mouser_momof2]

Excited! I think I have fixed our ADR's - I am going to try really hard not to change them again!

1/8- Sunday- arrival day- Giordano's off property

1/9- Monday- Sci-fi @ 4:10 p.m. (a little earlier than I'd like, but I think the kids will love this one.)

1/10- Tuesday- Crystal Palace @ 8:15 a.m.- empty Main Street
also Whispering Canyon @ 5:15 (may push this one back to 6ish)

1/11- Wednesday- Kona @ 8:05 for breakfast (so DH can get some real coffee!) Planet Hollywood @ Noon, just because we will have the voucher from the hotel and will be ready for a break by then. Our date night, no kids! Flying Fish @ 7:25

1/12- Thursday- Had Tony's but changed it to Crystal Palace @ 6:20- honestly, the reviews scared me because they were so mixed and I know the kids won't complain about another Character meal.

1/13- Friday- Garden Grill @ 5:20, take the kids back to the hotel, then go back to Epcot and have a frozen beverage or two!

1/14- Saturday- O'hana @ 8:45- our farewell breakfast

I think I'm tired of fooling with them, and while I would love O'hana for dinner one night, all I can get are ressies after 8 p.m.- too late for the kiddos. So, I'll have to save that one for next trip.

Plus, a lot of places are starting to fill up!

 

[mouser_momof2]

So, first, I've been a good girl and have not changed any ADR's, but did add Chef Mickey's on Monday at a later time than Sci-Fi and will decide after talking to Tim which one to keep.

Did get some really good news though. Tim will be home before Christmas!!!!!

We knew he would probably be home sometime in December, but it probably wasn't going to be before Christmas, if not even as late as January. But he has a leave date!!!

He can't tell me because of OSPEC, but through hints I know it'll be after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas! I won't go into any more specifics though. So it stinks, but I won't know he's left until he's already back in the states. Then, it'll stink because where he will come to is an hour from here- but won't get to go see him until he's ready to leave.... though we're hoping his Mom will be able to make it down to watch the kids overnight so I can go pick him up and we can spend the night in a hotel, sans children....

Also did some Christmas Shopping for the kids.... I put the new vtech innotabs on layaway for the boys- I was torn between those and the leap pads, but the leap pad has fixed memory of 2gig. The innotab you can add an SD card and put cartoons, music, photos etc on it... that sold me.

I still am torn on what to get Mackenzie though. I put one of the Fisher Price learn through music touch pads on layaway, but am thinking about changing it to the innotab (even though she's really too young, I know she'll try to play with her brothers and it'll save me a headache) or the ixl, which Jamie got for his birthday last year and LOVED... it's a little more her size... too many decisions lol.

Other than that, I have an appointment with an attorney 3 hours away on the 1st to file a lawsuit against Dodge/Chrysler to get them to honor the lemon law. I called half a dozen local attorneys, and either the didn't handle lemon law, didn't return my calls, or were already full. But I seriously hope that this gets fixed soon... I would like to drive to OK for Thanksgiving knowing I'm not going to have any problems.

Plus I think I have decided where we are going to stay on the way over- Tim wants to stay on the beach, so I found a hotel on the beach for $77/night- not bad I don't think.

So that's all for now!

 

[kittylady1972]

Just wanted to let you know somebody is reading. Love your plans so far! Staying on a budget in Disney is tough but a necessity more and more these days for us too. Good luck and can't wait to read more!

 

[mouser_momof2]

Just wanted to let you know somebody is reading. Love your plans so far! Staying on a budget in Disney is tough but a necessity more and more these days for us too. Good luck and can't wait to read more!

Yay! Someone loves me!

I'm excited, I was able to talk to Tim today and based on lots of hints- remember what day we did this, what day who's birthday is etc lol. I now know when to expect him home!!!!

Taking the kidlets to get pictures this afternoon and then going to a Halloween thing on base.... hopefully we will make it without any major meltdowns.

But I also have to make a confession-

I changed an ADR

I changed Whispering Canyon back to Tony's. I know I know... pick one and stick with it already. But I'm hoping to still run across an O'hana. One opened up yesterday at 8:40, but that's still just a tad late for the kids.

So my fingers are still crossed.... as well as my toes lol.

I am still working on our exact budget..... I've been putting it off and I need to not put it off anymore.

I am however NOT including Christmas or Birthday money in it- For once Tim and I are going to spend our Christmas money on ourselves and not the kids or bills LOL. (I am more guilty of this than he is- mostly on using it for after Christmas sales for stuff for the kids LOL.)

I am drooling over a Disney Dooney purse- I wanted one last time we were at the World, so I am selling a few things on Ebay- well, I only have one auction up right now- 6 brand new, on the card, still in plastic bags 3D vinlymation trading pins. Each of these are $10.95 at the parks- so I have all 6 listed with a starting bid of $19.95- and not one bid yet... 1 day left, so fingers crossed. I also have an Elvis ken doll I want to list- and am thinking about selling my Friendly Village pattern china.... I'm torn on this one, plus wouldn't know where to begin.

So off to wrangle kids, feed them a snack and give them a bath and cross my fingers they will behave for pictures.

 

[mouser_momof2]

So we had pretty well behaved kiddos for pictures last night, yay! Guess what the grandparents are getting for Christmas

So after much thought and number crunching, I have decided to drop a day off of our stay : (

It's not affecting our park time- Instead of Checking in on Sunday, we'll check in on Monday morning. It's saving almost $300. Instead we'll be paying about $30 to stay at the Econo Lodge on Irlo Bronson.... we've stayed there before, so I know it's clean (we've actually stayed in 4 or 5 different hotels in Orlando- one on International, closer to Sea World, the others all off 192, and haven't really had a bad experience.

I think I've just about decided to try to talk Tim into going back in September or October to MNSSHP, a day at Sea World, and maybe a day at either Universal (I want very badly to go visit Harry) or check out the new Lego Land for a day. We'll just have wait a few months and budget and see how it goes. If we do that, we'll stay off site again for budget purposes probably.

So now we are down to owing $302 on our room/dining plan, and still need $352 towards tickets (buying gift cards for that) so $652, and spending money to go! And only 2 months OH, and $100 for the 2 nights before we check in- one in Destin, one in Orlando.

Doesn't sound that bad, until you remember we still have a
drive to OK for Thanksgiving, 3 kids to buy for for Christmas, a hotel night when I go pick Tim up when he gets back, and Logan's birthday in a little over a week!- I'm gonna be pinching pennies- but it's going to be worth it!

Sorry kidlets- no more Cheese for a while! (James asks to go to Cheese- aka Chuckie Cheese- at least once a week- but we usually go 1 or 2x a month)

 

[mouser_momof2]

OH- now to decide which ADR to drop!!!! But I don't wanna : (.........

 

[mouser_momof2]

I'm so excited!!!!! I have been trying to get an early ADR at 'Ohanas for dinner for WEEKS and the earliest they have had is after 9 p.m.- once or twice I have seen like an 8:20 p.m.

Well, I JUST NOW scored a 5:10, which is perfect for the kids!!!!! yayayayayayayayyaya!

Now to drop Tony's!

 

[kittylady1972]

I'm so excited!!!!! I have been trying to get an early ADR at 'Ohanas for dinner for WEEKS and the earliest they have had is after 9 p.m.- once or twice I have seen like an 8:20 p.m.

Well, I JUST NOW scored a 5:10, which is perfect for the kids!!!!! yayayayayayayayyaya!

Now to drop Tony's!

Yippeee! Glad you got it! The rest of the plans sound great too!

 

[MylilTink]

Found your PTR on the Disney Dooney & Bourke boards and thought I'd say hello and that we're going to be at Disney during the same week! We're also celebrating a birthday, DD will be turning 5, and an anniversary (our 3rd).

 

[mouser_momof2]

Thanks for posting on my PTR ladies!

I am so excited! I haven't posted in forever (more on that in a bit) and just looked today and 1 month and 4 days

So I haven't been spending much time on the computer lately- the 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, I was sick, and my oldest was sick. In 2 weeks he was at school about 3 days or so.... then we (the 3 kids, myself and our huskey) drove from New Orleans to Tulsa to visit family for a week.

Plus, on top of that we had more car trouble.... had to have the Lemon towed this last time. So much fun, especially since we were on base and I had to walk about a mile with the kids to meet the guy to jump it, that didn't work, so I had to walk about another half mile the next morning to meet the tow truck.

The car wouldn't do anything, and the key (electronic key) wouldn't come out of the ignition. It sat from Friday evening, towed to dealership Sat morning and still wouldn't do anything, they didn't work on it then. Then on Monday it started up.... so they gave it back and said there is nothing wrong with it

I am so sick of this car. I drove 3 hours to hire an attorney to file a lemon law claim on it last month. Hopefully it will be taken care of soon....

I probably shouldn't have driven it to OK by myself, but I'm so tired of being scared to drive my car! I'm still having problems with the starter/ignition; still issues with it not wanting to go when I put my foot on the gas sometimes. Plus, now the automatic doors are giving me even more problems. I think there is something electrical going on because one morning when I went out to the car in OK, the driver and passenger front windows were rolled about half way down- equal distances for each one. I KNOW they were not down the night before- it was cold out. And both sets of keys were in my purse, next to my bed. My mother in law was the only one there- so I have NO idea how that happened. Plus, I've gone out a time or two to doors that I had closed and locked open. It's driving me insane.

So, rant over on to the really good stuff- Tim should be back in the states soon! And home very shortly! Can't go into detail for OSPEC reasons but I'm a happy camper. My MIL is coming down to visit next week, so I'm off to clean some more- been re arranging and cleaning out cabinets, and rearranging furniture to put up our Christmas tree!


And I haven't thought too much about changing ADR's lately, though I need to cncl one or two and thinking about adding another character if I can-!

 

[mouser_momof2]

So, haven't posted in a while- my computer has been giving me problems- I finally spent over 14 hours on it in the past 2 days and ended up resetting it to mfg defaults- ugh.

Anyhow- we're at less than 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!! And MY HUSBAND IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy dance! He's been home for a little over 2 weeks now- so excited. He made it home before Christmas, and tomorrow is our 10th anniversary

So, on to the plans- booked Sat and Sun night before we check in at POR, at the Howard Johnson's closest to Maingate- I got the 2 nights, including taxes and such for $44 total, not per night. AWESOME. Going to hit the outlet malls, Florida mall for M&M world (kids love it), and Tim's favorite pizza place.

Then, awesomeness- I JUST scored 6:10 p.m. ressies for La Cellier on the Thursday night we're going (Tim LOVES their Cheddar soup) and I'm a steak gal. So, cancled O'Hana. : ( But after reading a lot of reviews and thinking about it, we decided O'Hana might be better for next trip, as Logan has a hard time with waiting a long time/long dinners.

So while that makes me sad, it means we're doing 2 signature's this trip.

So I'll update once or twice more- we're going to do tiedye Mickey shirts next week So, if they turn out ok, I'll post pics!