ª"˜˜ª¤.¸Official Team August 2013 Thread!¸.¤ª˜˜"ª&#9733

[cinnderly]

Free 8x8 hardcover photo book from Shutterfly if you buy 2 Johnson and Johnson baby products! Just got the coupon with promo code from County Market! looks like DD's autograph book is covered. Just need to finish and order it by the end of next month.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I got a deal on something like that last year from Travelzoo. It came out great!

 

[mrstomrice]

Kinda quiet in here today . How about a QOTD?

Do you do a "travel binder" (or equivalent) for your trip? Something in which you file away printed copies of ADR's, flight confirmations, etc.? Or do you keep all the pertinent stuff on your smartphone? Or wing it completely?

I organize our park schedule on a 1 page table that includes our anticipated park, any adrs, and other important details. It is quick and easy to grab for the day and make changes to. I took a screen shot of it but I am not sure how to insert here

 

[DMGeurts]

Just a quick update on my DS17. Biopsy came back that he still has significant rejection issues. We are starting a new IV therapy tonight, utilizing the central line he already has in. We had hoped to get that thing out, doggone it!! Anyway, this therapy takes 5 days and then they should know by blood tests whether or not it is working. We KNOW this is going to work. Gotta think POSITIVE. So the earliest we will be out of the hospital is Sunday. Praying for good results and NO side affects!!

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and for keeping me busy on here!! I think I would go CRAZY if I didn't have something to do with all this other stuff going on!

I apologize that I am fairly new to this thread, so I do not know what is going on. But please know that he is in our prayers.

D~

 

[pigletto]

Just a quick update on my DS17. Biopsy came back that he still has significant rejection issues. We are starting a new IV therapy tonight, utilizing the central line he already has in. We had hoped to get that thing out, doggone it!! Anyway, this therapy takes 5 days and then they should know by blood tests whether or not it is working. We KNOW this is going to work. Gotta think POSITIVE. So the earliest we will be out of the hospital is Sunday. Praying for good results and NO side affects!!

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and for keeping me busy on here!! I think I would go CRAZY if I didn't have something to do with all this other stuff going on!

Sending strength and support for you guys!
We'll continue to keep you busy in here and you guys will be ready for this trip before you know it.

 

[squirrel4569]

Kinda quiet in here today . How about a QOTD?

Do you do a "travel binder" (or equivalent) for your trip? Something in which you file away printed copies of ADR's, flight confirmations, etc.? Or do you keep all the pertinent stuff on your smartphone? Or wing it completely?

I was lurking yesterday but it was quiet, just as I was about to log off this popped up. Looks like I've got some catching up to do on topics.

I keep everything in my email. I have a folder just for Disney stuff that has the email confirmations of our ADRs, resort reservations, etc. For Disney travel I also bring along the Mickey Mail packet that has a bunch of info on hard copy as well. I've found that Disney is pretty well on top of things. In my previous two trips staying onsite they had my tickets, room info, dining plan info, ADRs, etc all squared away for me upon my arrival and printed an itinerary for me and everything so I'm fairly confident in their ability to maintain my information.

Last trip we had made a spreadsheet plan with days and times and attractions and such but we quickly realized it wasn't going to work and we just went with the flow as best as we could.

 

[joshsmom]

I apologize that I am fairly new to this thread, so I do not know what is going on. But please know that he is in our prayers.

D~

Short story DS17 is a kidney transplant patient (transplanted 2003) and has been in rejection since March. Been in and out of the hospital. Currently on day 8 of this hospitalization with about 5 or so more to go. Biopsy results weren't what we wanted, so we are trying a new medication for treatment of rejection. We had a rough night, but hope that today will be better!!

Thanks to everyone for prayers and happy thoughts!! We WILL get through this!!

 

[saylorbunch]

It's my first trip to Disney without having a stroller to put all of our crap in!!! I sometimes wish fanny packs would come back in style! And in August, no one wants to wear a back pack... I'm a bit of an over-packer, so I'm soooo nervous! Help!

 

[squirrel4569]

To joshsmom, prayers and good luck that this treatment works. As a parent the worst thing is to see our babies sick and suffering.

DMGeurts - Your creativity is amazing! Between the planning sheets and the crossover bag I'm amazed. I'm curious how much you charge for those bags. My wife would love one I'm sure.

In regards to others complaining about what trips you take, I say they can mind their own business. When we booked this trip my mom told me I was nuts and it was a dumb decision. A few others said I was crazy for going in August because of the heat. Some others still said "You just went there, why not go someplace else?" And a small few offhandedly said "Wow, y'all do travel a lot."

Well yeah we travel a lot. We save our money and live in a modest home so we can do nice trips. We don't have debt and plan things far in advance so that we can pay cash for things. Our kids won't be little forever so while the magic still exists we're taking them to Disney.

I have found another Disney nut here locally. The local branch manager at my bank is a Disney fanatic. She's got a trip booked for Thanksgiving week *and* a cruise booked for next summer already. Stopped in yesterday to make a withdrawal and we wound up chatting for a half hour about Disney stuff. Always fun when you meet someone who is like minded.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Kinda quiet in here today . How about a QOTD?

Do you do a "travel binder" (or equivalent) for your trip? Something in which you file away printed copies of ADR's, flight confirmations, etc.? Or do you keep all the pertinent stuff on your smartphone? Or wing it completely?

I do have a folder, but not a binder, per say. And I tend to print off confirmations. I know I can find them in my phone, but I'd rather have them all in one place.

As for ADRs, in the past I've used Mouse Memo on my iPhone for my flight, hotel and dining reservations. I have actually had good luck with MDE so far, so I am leaving my ADRs there without backup for now. Maybe I should at least print off the itinerary....

I'm sure some of you have fantastic systems - I can't wait to see them (I'm answering this before reading the responses).

 

[momto3gr8boys]

And I'm just thinking about the justifications I feel the need to make to people when I tell them we are going to Disney World. I'm a single mom and sometimes money issues are tough, so I guess it can seem like I'm being irresponsible.

Sigh. I don't like feeling like I have to justify anything to anyone else anyway, since this is my life and my family decisions are up to me. But sometimes the notion of it gets to me... Like today, when I have a lot of pressure to finish school work and have had too much coffee!

I feel like I am doing this more and more lately and it sickens me. You are right, it is our lives and they have no idea what our lives are like and the reasons behind these Disney vacations.....I feel for you! You are not alone.

We have the same struggles. I think many of us do! We went to Orlando three times in 2012......my inlaws almost passed out. But you know what? The rational part of my brain knows that we don't owe anyone any kind of an explanation. We are responsible adults, we make our own decisions, and we can spend our hard-earned money any way we want. I find most people who feel you should justify your travel decisions to them are envious beyond belief. That realization helps a ton!

Our kids are only young once. Take your trips and be proud to affirm that YES, these are experiences that our children will remember fondly for the rest of their lives. There's no better explanation than that.

When someone wants to pay for my vacations, they get a say. Until then, it is absolutely NONE of their business TYVM. My life and finances are handled... nobody needs to give their unsolicited opinion. They do anyway, but they get shut down quickly. I don't owe an explanation. And on the flipside, I try to remember I can't control what other people think and as long as I am feeling good about our decisions I really can't be worrying about what other people think.

I totally agree with all of you! When the kids were younger and we would go at least once a year, people would roll their eyes and comment. Now that they are older, we don't go to WDW as often, but we do travel a lot. And we still get the comments.

I've found those who made the "You're going to Disney AGAIN?" comments who didn't have young children are now those "crazy" Disney people who go several times a year Be careful what you say when you don't have kids the same ages as those you are commenting on.

And as for the people who say, "I can't believe you're going away AGAIN!" - they're just jealous. They'd be doing the same thing if they could. And there really is nothing better than enjoying what the world has to offer with the people you love - those memories are priceless.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Oh no... You had to ask... Yes, I do use a binder - or I used to... Now I use a Mini-planner... I posted my calendar page on the FB group the other day...

My Mini-Planner is a cheapo clear 4x6 photo album... You can usually find them at Target/Wal-mart for $1.99... Then I print out all of my info at the photo lab when they have a .10 cent sale. I did last year's Mini-Planner for under $7, including the album.

This is my calendar page:

And this is an example of what I have for each day... I always put in the park we are planning to go to, any ADRs (times and confirmation #s), any planned Dismeets, snacks or food we want to try and location, and also how my DDP is divided up for that day.

All of my pages are created in Photo shop, and most of the pictures I use belong to Dznefreek and are used with his permission.

I love making these, and I've made them for every Disney trip we've ever taken... I like having everything at my finger tips, and I love that it's easy to carry this planner around - it weighs nothing and fits in every bag I carry.

Sorry for the "more info than you needed"... but you asked.

D~ <--- who is slightly obsessive about creating anything to make her Disney trips easier.

I was waiting for this when Gina asked the question Your planners are so awesome! I had planned to attempt one - not sure if it's going to happen. But it's still on my maybe list

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Just a quick update on my DS17. Biopsy came back that he still has significant rejection issues. We are starting a new IV therapy tonight, utilizing the central line he already has in. We had hoped to get that thing out, doggone it!! Anyway, this therapy takes 5 days and then they should know by blood tests whether or not it is working. We KNOW this is going to work. Gotta think POSITIVE. So the earliest we will be out of the hospital is Sunday. Praying for good results and NO side affects!!

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and for keeping me busy on here!! I think I would go CRAZY if I didn't have something to do with all this other stuff going on!

I'm so sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for. Lots of positive thoughts and prayers coming your way that the therapy works and Josh is home soon!

 

[momto3gr8boys]

It's my first trip to Disney without having a stroller to put all of our crap in!!! I sometimes wish fanny packs would come back in style! And in August, no one wants to wear a back pack... I'm a bit of an over-packer, so I'm soooo nervous! Help!

I feel like I am on a never-ending quest for the perfect way to carry my stuff at the parks! It is hard once you give up a stroller! My kids are generally very independent, but for some reason at Disney I always end up carrying everything. Not really sure why other than I've always done it and never stopped. DW made a declaration a few weeks ago that "the slave is taking a break this summer and everyone is in charge of their own stuff!" I was a little surprised as it came out of nowhere, but I'm now between panicking that they won't have everything they need and excitement over not having to lug everyone's stuff around These are teens - they manage to carry all their stuff every day everywhere and not lose or forget anything - so I'm not really sure what my issue is

So, I'm thinking draw string bags for the kids during the morning hours and then after our break for the evening they'll be fine with just their phones and wallets in their pockets. Probably something similar for me - I usually pack a lot for the morning hours - extra water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. But by the time we go back after our afternoon breaks, I find we don't need that stuff, so my goal is to go as light as possible. I will probably still have a backpack. I also have a waistpack - not really a fanny pack but it's more for camping. Personally, I love it and will most likely sneak it past my family and wear it Here's a link: http://www.ruggedreviews.com/Eddie Bauer Waist Pack.html It's great because you are hands free and your back doesn't get all sweaty like with a backpack.

Ok, this was a long rambling post that probably didn't help you at all. Hopefully someone comes up with the ideal solution!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

It's my first trip to Disney without having a stroller to put all of our crap in!!! I sometimes wish fanny packs would come back in style! And in August, no one wants to wear a back pack... I'm a bit of an over-packer, so I'm soooo nervous! Help!

We have a foldable lightweight knapsack that we sometimes use. It is a whisper thin nylon that can be collapsed down into the size of a cosmetic case or expanded to a full knapsack. I also have a Vera Bradley hipster that is a crossbody bag which can hold alot of stuff!

 

[jdd]

Just a quick update on my DS17. Biopsy came back that he still has significant rejection issues. We are starting a new IV therapy tonight, utilizing the central line he already has in. We had hoped to get that thing out, doggone it!! Anyway, this therapy takes 5 days and then they should know by blood tests whether or not it is working. We KNOW this is going to work. Gotta think POSITIVE. So the earliest we will be out of the hospital is Sunday. Praying for good results and NO side affects!!

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and for keeping me busy on here!! I think I would go CRAZY if I didn't have something to do with all this other stuff going on!

Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. My oldest had open heart surgery when he was 6, and I know how hard it is to see your child in a hospital bed. I'm sure the new therapy is going to work for him - you're in our prayers.

 

[thetorit]

Has anyone ever done 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner in the same trip? We're doing it for breakfast on our no-park day because my sister loves Alice, but I want to see Prince Charming gosh darn it!

 

[DMGeurts]

I was waiting for this when Gina asked the question Your planners are so awesome! I had planned to attempt one - not sure if it's going to happen. But it's still on my maybe list

I think you should do one Christine... Many people do them different ways... I've heard of people doing them using Word... They are a lot of time - and all of it is "part of the fun of the trip" ya know? I just LOVE to plan.

Short story DS17 is a kidney transplant patient (transplanted 2003) and has been in rejection since March. Been in and out of the hospital. Currently on day 8 of this hospitalization with about 5 or so more to go. Biopsy results weren't what we wanted, so we are trying a new medication for treatment of rejection. We had a rough night, but hope that today will be better!!

Thanks to everyone for prayers and happy thoughts!! We WILL get through this!!

Thank you for taking the time to tell me what is going on. I am so sorry that this has been such a rough road for all of you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

It's my first trip to Disney without having a stroller to put all of our crap in!!! I sometimes wish fanny packs would come back in style! And in August, no one wants to wear a back pack... I'm a bit of an over-packer, so I'm soooo nervous! Help!

I really don't want to say this, because it is not something I really like to talk about, outside of my own PTR, but I carry my own bags. I feel awkward posting pictures, but here's the link to my most recent ones (there are also more pictures of my Mini-Planner pages here too) :

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45730576&postcount=2

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

DMGeurts - Your creativity is amazing! Between the planning sheets and the crossover bag I'm amazed. I'm curious how much you charge for those bags. My wife would love one I'm sure.

Sorry I missed this quote in my last post... I will send you a PM with the info. And thank you so much for the compliment!

Well yeah we travel a lot. We save our money and live in a modest home so we can do nice trips. We don't have debt and plan things far in advance so that we can pay cash for things. Our kids won't be little forever so while the magic still exists we're taking them to Disney.

This! We are a HUGE cash only family... Never ever put a trip on credit - ever. And I totally agree about enjoying your kids while the magic is still there... my girls are 14 & 15, and I am ashamed to say that we missed out on the best magical years... Trying hard to catch up now - but my time is running out, and they will be off to college in the blink of an eye. So, yes - enjoy every moment... and take as many trips as you'd like, I don't mind.

D~

 

[julieanddanny]

Has anyone ever done 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner in the same trip? We're doing it for breakfast on our no-park day because my sister loves Alice, but I want to see Prince Charming gosh darn it!

We have! Different food, different characters - why not?

 

[momto3gr8boys]

T
Yes, I am just a slacker! LOL It sounds like you had an amazing trip - so glad your boys still "get" the Disney magic... I am worried that my girls will be "too cool" for it this year, as they have already told me that I can't talk about the trip with them anymore. Kind of makes it hard to plan.

Awww... I miss FQ... So happy that we get to stay there again.

As Victoria and I were driving home from her choir concert last night - my air has recently gone out in my Edge, and I am awaiting the arrival of a part that had to be ordered to fix it... Anyways, I told V that "this is what is it going to be like in Florida on our trip"... Not sure how we are going to hanld the heat??? Really nervous about it.

Anyways - glad to be here, I will try to stop in a bit more frequently.

D~

I meant to respond to this the other day, and your latest post about the girls being older just reminded me to look for it. I was feeling the same way about the enthusiasm. Then our cruise and just a taste of Disney (visiting DTD and POFQ) totally threw them back into the magic and excitement!! In fact Connor is still asking if we can watch all the movies before we go back! The problem is finding two hours when we are all together and can sit and watch I miss the easier times when they were less busy. But I am sure your girls will get all excited as the trip draws closer and once they are there, they will be so excited!

As for the heat...I got a taste of it the other day. Just keep remembering you can always slip into an air conditioned store or attraction. We were discussing the August heat and realized that on our last trip we were at US/IOA for the first two nights and it is much harder to beat the heat there - WDW with the exception of AK makes it pretty doable. You'll be fine!