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

[thetorit]

So.....not really a QOTD, but a question nonetheless.

For all of you who have long hair, how do you battle the frizzies during the humid weather? Any great tips or products you would recommend?

I am not a ponytail girl and HATE tying it up (pulled back in a headband, yes...ponytail, no).

This is really the only thing that bugs me greatly about traveling in August. I can handle the heat. Struggling with the frizz is another story!!!!

To get my hair out of my face I French braid my bangs (it is super easy, and youtube will walk you step by step!) and for frizz I swear by Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment. It was like $6 at WalMart and you use so little of it each time that it will last forever. It completely tames the frizzies and it smells wonderful, which will help when I'm all gross and sweaty in the World.

 

[Anna114]

Normally we stay onsite. I overpack usually because as mrstomrice just said... August is too sticky to not change in the afternoon. I usually end up doing laundry once or twice in the laundry room and we also bring the Purex sheets.
Having a washer and dryer in the unit this time will be FABULOUS. I have no problem throwing in a load of laundry and folding it while I watch a movie or some t.v. before bed.
So we'll be able to pack lighter this time hopefully. Also we usually have free luggage with Southwest or Jetblue but we are flying Airtran on the way down so I am hoping to pack us all into 3 suitcases and bring a mostly empty fourth suitcase to bring back all the clothes we end up buying when we go to the outlets. We are with Southwest on the way home and get 2 free bags each so it almost might be worth it to just buy a suticase while we're there.

Oh amen! This will be our first stay with a washer and dryer in the room, we usually stay in a studio, this time we are in a dedicated 2 bedroom. I really like having all the clothes clean for when we get home. For a week stay I can use my Dooney and Bourke sketch weekender. I'll pack enough only for 4 days, I won't mind doing laundry

 

[lovingeire]

So.....not really a QOTD, but a question nonetheless.

For all of you who have long hair, how do you battle the frizzies during the humid weather? Any great tips or products you would recommend?

I am not a ponytail girl and HATE tying it up (pulled back in a headband, yes...ponytail, no).

This is really the only thing that bugs me greatly about traveling in August. I can handle the heat. Struggling with the frizz is another story!!!!

I have long, curly hair and the humidity in the south kills me! (I live here so it's a daily struggle.) I am the queen of the ponytail! I was just looking at Pinterest and looking at ideas of how to wear my hair besides the ponytail because I'm already sick of it! Sabino Hair has a product called Moisture Block that I love! It really helps control frizz! I swear by this stuff!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

To get my hair out of my face I French braid my bangs (it is super easy, and youtube will walk you step by step!) and for frizz I swear by Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment. It was like $6 at WalMart and you use so little of it each time that it will last forever. It completely tames the frizzies and it smells wonderful, which will help when I'm all gross and sweaty in the World.

Will totally check that out . I have just finished using some smoothing stuff from John Freida and found it very heavy . I love Fructis shampoo and conditioner but didn't know they made an oil treatment.

I have long, curly hair and the humidity in the south kills me! (I live here so it's a daily struggle.) I am the queen of the ponytail! I was just looking at Pinterest and looking at ideas of how to wear my hair besides the ponytail because I'm already sick of it! Sabino Hair has a product called Moisture Block that I love! It really helps control frizz! I swear by this stuff!

Hmmmmm.....I have never heard of this brand. Must go on the hunt! Perhaps Shoppers Drug Mart will carry it. If not, Walgreens or CVS might be our first shopping stop .

 

[thetorit]

We are in the Disney mood today! Watching Lady and the Tramp while I plan our kids Welcome Packages. On one hand I'm glad it's not August yet, because I still feel like I have a lot to plan, but on the other hand... to heck with planning, come on August!!

 

[pigletto]

We are in the Disney mood today! Watching Lady and the Tramp while I plan our kids Welcome Packages. On one hand I'm glad it's not August yet, because I still feel like I have a lot to plan, but on the other hand... to heck with planning, come on August!!

I'm with you. I'd rather trip plan than do much else today but we're still 4 months away. Not a lot to plan at this point. I don't have any ADRs yet so I suppose I could do that.

 

[thetorit]

I'm with you. I'd rather trip plan than do much else today but we're still 4 months away. Not a lot to plan at this point. I don't have any ADRs yet so I suppose I could do that.

I have every single meal planned, including the grocery list for snacks. My husband says my planning is exhausting him.

 

[lovingeire]

We are in the Disney mood today! Watching Lady and the Tramp while I plan our kids Welcome Packages. On one hand I'm glad it's not August yet, because I still feel like I have a lot to plan, but on the other hand... to heck with planning, come on August!!

Oooo, what are you including in your kids Welcome Packages? I did welcome packages for my kids in December so I'm always curious what others would include! I can't decide if I should do them or not this trip?

 

[Koh1977]

I was up late last night working on my Disney binder. then today I was comparing prices of different resorts, but decided to stay put! and did a quick comparison of deluxe dining plan vs OOP with the ADRs we have right now. I think we at least break even and possibly even save and this way it's already taken care of.

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[Koh1977]

We are in the Disney mood today! Watching Lady and the Tramp while I plan our kids Welcome Packages. On one hand I'm glad it's not August yet, because I still feel like I have a lot to plan, but on the other hand... to heck with planning, come on August!!

I too am curious as to what goes in your welcome packages. And when/how do they receive them?

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[pigletto]

I have every single meal planned, including the grocery list for snacks. My husband says my planning is exhausting him.

Well my laid back approach to this trip is a little misleading. We just got back from a trip 6 weeks ago, and I have booked a surprise Christmas trip at the Wilderness Lodge for the week before Christmas. So this August trip will have a few park days from leftover tickets but it's more of an offsite trip.
I am planning the heck out of the December one, it's just too early for ADR's etc.

So in appearing to be relaxed, if you look a little closer I am actually an obsessed Disney nutjob.

 

[thetorit]

I too am curious as to what goes in your welcome packages. And when/how do they receive them?

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Oooo, what are you including in your kids Welcome Packages? I did welcome packages for my kids in December so I'm always curious what others would include! I can't decide if I should do them or not this trip?

I am having my sister take my kids to look around the resort while my husband and I check in, then put all of our bags in the room and decorate!

I'm making a welcome banner that says "WELCOME BELLA & NOAH!" with each letter on cardstock Mickey Ears. Will have streamers and balloons around the room (including clear ones that will have "pixie dust" inside!), and I'll be making Mickey confetti with the cool Mickey punch thing I bought online earlier. Thinking about making the Mickey foot prints too.

Instead of gift boxes (because I couldn't find ones that sounded sturdy but could also fold to fit in a suitcase while traveling) I'm getting them personalized canvas tote bags from Etsy. DDs is Cinderella themed (white with a blue tulle skirt) and DSs is Mickey themed (red with white polka dots and a black mickey head) with their names on the top.

Inside each will be a picture frame, custom made autograph book with marker, their "1st Visit" buttons, ID bracelets with mine and their dads phone numbers on them (I'm a worrier), stickers, the refillable mug we get for the DDP for DD/a Disney themed sippy for DS (he'll be 1), Disney coloring books with Mickey crayons I found at the dollar store, some Disney themed tattoos, snacks (we're ordering from Garden Grocer so we'll pick that up when we check in and then pop them in the bags), customized Mickey ears, and I'm going to make them each Disney fleece knot blankets and get their names and 2013 embroidered on it.

My DD is not a big water fan, so I'll see how they each do at the pool this summer. If they enjoy it, their bags will include a new swim suit and customized towel.

They'll also get a letter from the Mouse himself welcoming them to his "house" (that's where DD says we're going) and inviting them to dinner at Chef Mickeys!

After everything is set up we're going to meet back at the front desk and pretend we were there the whole time checking in, then walk to the room together for the big surprise.

I'm also pretending every morning to have mail delivered from the characters we will be eating with that day - we're doing 6 days of character meals - inviting the kids to eat with them. The last night is a girls night, and DD is going to eat at the castle, so along with her letter she'll be getting a package with her Cinderella dress and accessories with a note from Fairy Godmother saying that she noticed she forgot them at home and thought they'd might come in handy.

Ah, the magic.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I am having my sister take my kids to look around the resort while my husband and I check in, then put all of our bags in the room and decorate!

I'm making a welcome banner that says "WELCOME BELLA & NOAH!" with each letter on cardstock Mickey Ears. Will have streamers and balloons around the room (including clear ones that will have "pixie dust" inside!), and I'll be making Mickey confetti with the cool Mickey punch thing I bought online earlier. Thinking about making the Mickey foot prints too.

Instead of gift boxes (because I couldn't find ones that sounded sturdy but could also fold to fit in a suitcase while traveling) I'm getting them personalized canvas tote bags from Etsy. DDs is Cinderella themed (white with a blue tulle skirt) and DSs is Mickey themed (red with white polka dots and a black mickey head) with their names on the top.

Inside each will be a picture frame, custom made autograph book with marker, their "1st Visit" buttons, ID bracelets with mine and their dads phone numbers on them (I'm a worrier), stickers, the refillable mug we get for the DDP for DD/a Disney themed sippy for DS (he'll be 1), Disney coloring books with Mickey crayons I found at the dollar store, some Disney themed tattoos, snacks (we're ordering from Garden Grocer so we'll pick that up when we check in and then pop them in the bags), customized Mickey ears, and I'm going to make them each Disney fleece knot blankets and get their names and 2013 embroidered on it.

My DD is not a big water fan, so I'll see how they each do at the pool this summer. If they enjoy it, their bags will include a new swim suit and customized towel.

They'll also get a letter from the Mouse himself welcoming them to his "house" (that's where DD says we're going) and inviting them to dinner at Chef Mickeys!

After everything is set up we're going to meet back at the front desk and pretend we were there the whole time checking in, then walk to the room together for the big surprise.

I'm also pretending every morning to have mail delivered from the characters we will be eating with that day - we're doing 6 days of character meals - inviting the kids to eat with them. The last night is a girls night, and DD is going to eat at the castle, so along with her letter she'll be getting a package with her Cinderella dress and accessories with a note from Fairy Godmother saying that she noticed she forgot them at home and thought they'd might come in handy.

Ah, the magic.

Totally impressed . Fantastic job, Mom!

 

[DisMom1981]

I am having my sister take my kids to look around the resort while my husband and I check in, then put all of our bags in the room and decorate!

I'm making a welcome banner that says "WELCOME BELLA & NOAH!" with each letter on cardstock Mickey Ears. Will have streamers and balloons around the room (including clear ones that will have "pixie dust" inside!), and I'll be making Mickey confetti with the cool Mickey punch thing I bought online earlier. Thinking about making the Mickey foot prints too.

Instead of gift boxes (because I couldn't find ones that sounded sturdy but could also fold to fit in a suitcase while traveling) I'm getting them personalized canvas tote bags from Etsy. DDs is Cinderella themed (white with a blue tulle skirt) and DSs is Mickey themed (red with white polka dots and a black mickey head) with their names on the top.

Inside each will be a picture frame, custom made autograph book with marker, their "1st Visit" buttons, ID bracelets with mine and their dads phone numbers on them (I'm a worrier), stickers, the refillable mug we get for the DDP for DD/a Disney themed sippy for DS (he'll be 1), Disney coloring books with Mickey crayons I found at the dollar store, some Disney themed tattoos, snacks (we're ordering from Garden Grocer so we'll pick that up when we check in and then pop them in the bags), customized Mickey ears, and I'm going to make them each Disney fleece knot blankets and get their names and 2013 embroidered on it.

My DD is not a big water fan, so I'll see how they each do at the pool this summer. If they enjoy it, their bags will include a new swim suit and customized towel.

They'll also get a letter from the Mouse himself welcoming them to his "house" (that's where DD says we're going) and inviting them to dinner at Chef Mickeys!

After everything is set up we're going to meet back at the front desk and pretend we were there the whole time checking in, then walk to the room together for the big surprise.

I'm also pretending every morning to have mail delivered from the characters we will be eating with that day - we're doing 6 days of character meals - inviting the kids to eat with them. The last night is a girls night, and DD is going to eat at the castle, so along with her letter she'll be getting a package with her Cinderella dress and accessories with a note from Fairy Godmother saying that she noticed she forgot them at home and thought they'd might come in handy.

Ah, the magic.

Wow that is hardcore. Definitely something to think about as this is my kids' first trip too!

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[jaz0308]

Here's the only packing tip I have:

It's funny cause it's true (in my house anyway!!!!!!!!)

 

[DisneyGuy758]

We like Columbia Harbour House and Pecos Bill's for CS at MK. Haven't done any CS at Epcot that I can think of recently except for the Yorkshire Fish Shoppe which had awesome fish.

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Does anyone have any other CS recommendations?

 

[thetorit]

Ok, so here are my ADRs. They are all dinners, minus the last day, which is a breakfast.

8/12 Biergarten 5pm

8/13 Liberty Tree Tavern 5:25pm

8/14 Rose and Crown 5:35pm

8/15 Sanaa 5:25pm

8/16 Kona 9am

Now, for lunches, we'll be doing CS meals. On 8/15 we are going to DHS and hitting Pizza Planet for lunch for sure.

I would like to go to BOG on 8/13 but I'm not sure on what the wait will be like by then, and don't really want to subject my kids to a 30+ minute wait for lunch. We don't have hopper passes, so the places we're eating dinner at is where we'll be for the day. What CS meals do you guys highly recommend. Keep in mind we're a family of 5 with an almost 2 year old (who will have his own food).

I'm open to anything...so no holding back!

Does anyone have any other CS recommendations?

Epcot - The only place my whole group will agree on in Sunshine Seasons. Everyone finds something they like!

MK- We are also hoping to do BOG for lunch (okay, I'm MAKING them do BOG even if I have to camp there the entire vacation, gosh darnit) but our back up is Pinocchio Village Haus

AK - We're going to Restrantosaurs because it had the most gluten free options (part of our party has celiac) but if that wasn't an issue I'd pick Yak & Yeti.

 

[Koh1977]

I am having my sister take my kids to look around the resort while my husband and I check in, then put all of our bags in the room and decorate!

I'm making a welcome banner that says "WELCOME BELLA & NOAH!" with each letter on cardstock Mickey Ears. Will have streamers and balloons around the room (including clear ones that will have "pixie dust" inside!), and I'll be making Mickey confetti with the cool Mickey punch thing I bought online earlier. Thinking about making the Mickey foot prints too.

Instead of gift boxes (because I couldn't find ones that sounded sturdy but could also fold to fit in a suitcase while traveling) I'm getting them personalized canvas tote bags from Etsy. DDs is Cinderella themed (white with a blue tulle skirt) and DSs is Mickey themed (red with white polka dots and a black mickey head) with their names on the top.

Inside each will be a picture frame, custom made autograph book with marker, their "1st Visit" buttons, ID bracelets with mine and their dads phone numbers on them (I'm a worrier), stickers, the refillable mug we get for the DDP for DD/a Disney themed sippy for DS (he'll be 1), Disney coloring books with Mickey crayons I found at the dollar store, some Disney themed tattoos, snacks (we're ordering from Garden Grocer so we'll pick that up when we check in and then pop them in the bags), customized Mickey ears, and I'm going to make them each Disney fleece knot blankets and get their names and 2013 embroidered on it.

My DD is not a big water fan, so I'll see how they each do at the pool this summer. If they enjoy it, their bags will include a new swim suit and customized towel.

They'll also get a letter from the Mouse himself welcoming them to his "house" (that's where DD says we're going) and inviting them to dinner at Chef Mickeys!

After everything is set up we're going to meet back at the front desk and pretend we were there the whole time checking in, then walk to the room together for the big surprise.

I'm also pretending every morning to have mail delivered from the characters we will be eating with that day - we're doing 6 days of character meals - inviting the kids to eat with them. The last night is a girls night, and DD is going to eat at the castle, so along with her letter she'll be getting a package with her Cinderella dress and accessories with a note from Fairy Godmother saying that she noticed she forgot them at home and thought they'd might come in handy.

Ah, the magic.

Wow! Totally impressed! This will be DS's 5th trip and he's only 6 going on 7!! DD's 2nd trip (will be 2 this time) so I don't know about going all out, but we are trying to make it a surprise. Just not sure how or when to tell them since we're driving and we're going to Sea World first (staying offsite 2 nights before CR)

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[lovingeire]

I too am curious as to what goes in your welcome packages. And when/how do they receive them?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I am having my sister take my kids to look around the resort while my husband and I check in, then put all of our bags in the room and decorate!

I'm making a welcome banner that says "WELCOME BELLA & NOAH!" with each letter on cardstock Mickey Ears. Will have streamers and balloons around the room (including clear ones that will have "pixie dust" inside!), and I'll be making Mickey confetti with the cool Mickey punch thing I bought online earlier. Thinking about making the Mickey foot prints too.

Instead of gift boxes (because I couldn't find ones that sounded sturdy but could also fold to fit in a suitcase while traveling) I'm getting them personalized canvas tote bags from Etsy. DDs is Cinderella themed (white with a blue tulle skirt) and DSs is Mickey themed (red with white polka dots and a black mickey head) with their names on the top.

Inside each will be a picture frame, custom made autograph book with marker, their "1st Visit" buttons, ID bracelets with mine and their dads phone numbers on them (I'm a worrier), stickers, the refillable mug we get for the DDP for DD/a Disney themed sippy for DS (he'll be 1), Disney coloring books with Mickey crayons I found at the dollar store, some Disney themed tattoos, snacks (we're ordering from Garden Grocer so we'll pick that up when we check in and then pop them in the bags), customized Mickey ears, and I'm going to make them each Disney fleece knot blankets and get their names and 2013 embroidered on it.

My DD is not a big water fan, so I'll see how they each do at the pool this summer. If they enjoy it, their bags will include a new swim suit and customized towel.

They'll also get a letter from the Mouse himself welcoming them to his "house" (that's where DD says we're going) and inviting them to dinner at Chef Mickeys!

After everything is set up we're going to meet back at the front desk and pretend we were there the whole time checking in, then walk to the room together for the big surprise.

I'm also pretending every morning to have mail delivered from the characters we will be eating with that day - we're doing 6 days of character meals - inviting the kids to eat with them. The last night is a girls night, and DD is going to eat at the castle, so along with her letter she'll be getting a package with her Cinderella dress and accessories with a note from Fairy Godmother saying that she noticed she forgot them at home and thought they'd might come in handy.

Ah, the magic.

That is awesome! I love a lot of your ideas. Give me some new ones for what we might put in ours! I like the idea of the swimsuits and towels.

Last year I did red beach pails and used my Silhouette Cameo to put Mickey ears and their names in Waltograph on them. I then put some light up Mickey spinners I got on sale at the Disney store, temporary tattoos, coloring books & crayons, autograph books I made, Disney pens, water toys for the pool. I too got most of the items from the dollar store. We also had Cars themed, since we were in a Cars suite, letters for the boys. We sent our oldest out to walk around while the youngest was napping and set the gifts out then, but my kids are 10 years apart so it worked!

Last trip was a surprise trip and our first trip in three years due to DH's deployment schedule so it was a big deal! It was also the youngest's first trip. I made a huge deal of it! We did the letters telling them where we were going each day for meals. I can't decide if I'll do that again since we're not surprising them this time. I am hoping to surprise them with the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage so I'll probably do a letter for that and I might splurge for a cake for DS2's birthday later in the week. We shall see.

 

[lovingeire]

Here are the Welcome Gifts we gave the kids in December: