ª"˜˜ª¤.¸Team August 2013 Thread! (Part 2)¸.¤ª˜˜"ª&#9733

[dcolleenkelly]

Hello friends,
Forgive me if someone has already asked this question in this thread,
but it looks like there are quite a few conventions in the last week of August. Do you think that the EasyWDW crowd estimates (4 and 5) would not really be as accurate because of this?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi all!!! I am coming here to find comfort because I'm STRESSED!!!

2. Josh is going in the hospital on Wednesday for 5+ days of treatment. His rejection is worse again and they decided now is the time for more treatment. This in itself is a HUGE stressor!

joshmom, you and your boy are never far from my thoughts. Probably because our kiddos are the same age, so I can have so much empathy for you both. So sorry to hear that his rejection has worsened. I hope it helps to know you are both in my prayers. Sending Josh some good vibes for healing and recovery in the coming days.

QOTD? What are some traditions you do every year when you go to WDW?

Well, I travel with two guys with hearty appetites, so I guess its no surprise that any of our "traditions" involve food .

For some reason that I can't even explain, one of our traditions is to have hot dogs from Nathan's at the airport and Krispy Kreme donuts before going through security. We just happened to do so on our first trip in 2009, and now they insist we repeat the process on every trip since then . Hot dogs and Krispy Kremes are not exactly gourmet, but apparently it makes them feel less sad about the journey home. Men are tough to figure out sometimes.

On each trip, we also have breakfast on our final day at Dunkin Donuts for Jake. He loves their chicken breakfast sandwich though the thought of chicken for breakfast makes me want to hurl. I'm good with a muffin and coffee . The boys, though, they have stomachs of iron.

Overall, we are probably the least traditional of everyone here. All of our trips focus on conquering something new, whether it be a new resort, new attractions, or new dining experiences. We do repeat our favourites from time to time, but overall, we tend to throw tradition to the wind when we're on holidays .

 

[squirrel4569]

Hi all!!! I am coming here to find comfort because I'm STRESSED!!! We leave for vacation in 26 days (I can't BELIEVE its so close now!!). I have SO MUCH to do in the next 3+ weeks I just don't know HOW I'm going to get it all done!!!

1. Josh has Senior Pictures this Monday at 1pm
2. Josh is going in the hospital on Wednesday for 5+ days of treatment. His rejection is worse again and they decided now is the time for more treatment. This in itself is a HUGE stressor
3. Several years ago, Hurricane Ike (or the remnants of Ike) came through and flooded my finished basement, ruining it. My basement is being painted and new flooring put down while we're gone, but right now, it is FULL of all my mom's things because she has been moving in with us over the past month. We need to get it all OUT of there so my handyman can come in. When am I going to do this>???
4. I haven't even BEGUN to pack and I still need to get our snacks for the road, etc.

Lord help me I'm stressed!!!!!

*hugs* to you and Josh. Just take one thing at a time and remember to also take care of yourself while taking care of everyone else. If you aren't well then you are of no use to anyone else.

QOTD? What are some traditions you do every year when you go to WDW?

The girls get Mickey ears with their names on them each trip. My wife wants to start the tradition with this trip that we have dinner on our arrival day at Chef Mickey's. There are a few things we like to do on each trip, but since the girls are in the growing stages we are able to do different things each time we go.

Hey are any of my fellow August travelers purchasing photo pass +? I just learned about it today and wondered if it was worth doing!

We bought it in November when we went and loved it. We do a lot of Character Meals and love to get the ride photos as a bonus. We're getting it again on this trip and as previous posters have said, pre-ordering will save you some money.

In other good news for us we're going to have a bunch of Disney Reward Dollars in time for our trip. It should cover all of our tips and have some left over.

In news that I'm not sure how to take, has anyone seen this? http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/refillable-mug/news/07jul2013-disney-resorts-to-offer-new-refillable-mug-program-called-'rapid-fill'.htm It says it's rolling out July 2013 at the All Star Resorts. I'm curious how this will affect my DDP purchase.

 

[Koh1977]

Very interesting about the mugs...in some ways I think it's a good thing because you could refill them at any resort during your stay, but I also think it silly to track it so carefully...

 

[Koh1977]

Better beach - CR or Poly and why

Trying to decide!!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

In news that I'm not sure how to take, has anyone seen this? http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/refillable-mug/news/07jul2013-disney-resorts-to-offer-new-refillable-mug-program-called-'rapid-fill'.htm It says it's rolling out July 2013 at the All Star Resorts. I'm curious how this will affect my DDP purchase.

I saw this, and I like it. We will be staying at the All-Star Resorts, so it will be interesting to see if we get to try it during our trip. I often see families with mugs from trips of years gone by still filling up at the soda machines. So, I totally agree with Disney on locking it down and was pleasantly surprised to see them mention you can fill up at any resort. Since we are currently restricted to our home resort only, I think that's a nice bonus.

 

[racinjunkie]

In other good news for us we're going to have a bunch of Disney Reward Dollars in time for our trip. It should cover all of our tips and have some left over.

Will you be using DDP and then your Disney Rewards Dollars for tips? I've been wondering if this is possible. Do you just tell them how much to charge? I think it would feel strange to me to tell the server how much they're getting tipped. I've contemplated getting Disney gift cards for $20 per TS meal. I'd rather use the Rewards Dollars if possible.

 

[pigletto]

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS ONE....

I can't even believe I am typing this.. but we just cancelled our August trip

It's a little sad. But not really. A) Because we are going December 13th (the kids don't know).
and
B) We are going to get our puppy!!

We've had our name and deposit in for a Labrador Retriever puppy from a very reputable breeder for months. We were set to get our dog in January. We've wanted a dog for a very very long time but put it off over and over until the kids were old enough to be responsible and helpful. For years I have done all day daycare and didn't feel it was fair to my clients to have a dog in the house because that's not what we originally agreed upon. So I waited.. and waited .. and waited.
This fall I will intentionally only have before and afterschool kids over the age of 6. All my toddler clients have grown up and will be in school full time. We decided this was a good time for me to train a puppy, and that during the before and after school period my daughter can keep the puppy occupied while we are in the daycare room. Before school puppy will be crated for half an hour after she leaves, but after school dd is home earlier than everyone else because she is in high school.
So today I got an email from the breeder that someone had cancelled their puppy (virtually unheard of.. she has huge waiting lists) and that the first person on the list to respond could move their date up.

I called my husband, had a quick pow-wow with my kids and they all picked PUPPY!!!!!!
My sister offered to watch puppy for our December trip as she is laid off for 3 months every winter and has a dog of her own.
So.. all signs pointed to puppy. Please understand we're all a little sad but so ready for our new family member that we are mostly just excited.
And the kids don't even know we'll go in December anyway! They just chose puppy because they are so ready!!

I know this sounds crazy unless you are a dog lover, but we've been blessed to go many times, and have another trip planned. I will be sad to no longer be planning with you but will still happily check in and wish you all well and to hear about your plans.
You guys are the best!!
From one VERY excited puppy mommy! (we pick him up in 3.5 weeks!!!)

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS ONE....

I can't even believe I am typing this.. but we just cancelled our August trip

It's a little sad. But not really. A) Because we are going December 13th (the kids don't know).
and
B) We are going to get our puppy!!

It sounds like you made the right decision for your family, so that's all that matters! Your trip in December will be that much sweeter, and your kids will be so excited to find out they got a puppy AND were able to go to Disney after all. Congratulations on the newest member of your family!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS ONE....

I can't even believe I am typing this.. but we just cancelled our August trip

It's a little sad. But not really. A) Because we are going December 13th (the kids don't know).
and
B) We are going to get our puppy!!

We've had our name and deposit in for a Labrador Retriever puppy from a very reputable breeder for months. We were set to get our dog in January. We've wanted a dog for a very very long time but put it off over and over until the kids were old enough to be responsible and helpful. For years I have done all day daycare and didn't feel it was fair to my clients to have a dog in the house because that's not what we originally agreed upon. So I waited.. and waited .. and waited.
This fall I will intentionally only have before and afterschool kids over the age of 6. All my toddler clients have grown up and will be in school full time. We decided this was a good time for me to train a puppy, and that during the before and after school period my daughter can keep the puppy occupied while we are in the daycare room. Before school puppy will be crated for half an hour after she leaves, but after school dd is home earlier than everyone else because she is in high school.
So today I got an email from the breeder that someone had cancelled their puppy (virtually unheard of.. she has huge waiting lists) and that the first person on the list to respond could move their date up.

I called my husband, had a quick pow-wow with my kids and they all picked PUPPY!!!!!!
My sister offered to watch puppy for our December trip as she is laid off for 3 months every winter and has a dog of her own.
So.. all signs pointed to puppy. Please understand we're all a little sad but so ready for our new family member that we are mostly just excited.
And the kids don't even know we'll go in December anyway! They just chose puppy because they are so ready!!

I know this sounds crazy unless you are a dog lover, but we've been blessed to go many times, and have another trip planned. I will be sad to no longer be planning with you but will still happily check in and wish you all well and to hear about your plans.
You guys are the best!!
From one VERY excited puppy mommy! (we pick him up in 3.5 weeks!!!)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! No trip?!?!?!

Despite my shock, I am soooo happy for you guys!!!! But soooo sad for me......

Who am I going to obsess about hurricanes with for the month of August?!?

Just kidding......a huge congrats on your new fur baby!! Be sure to post pics when he (or she?) arrives .

 

[CuseWazowski]

Traditions:

There are some things we do each trip, but the one that may be the least "traditional" is taking my son's photo with Zurg at the end of the Buzz Lightyear ride in MK. It's fun to see his growth compared to the previous trip.

 

[squirrel4569]

Will you be using DDP and then your Disney Rewards Dollars for tips? I've been wondering if this is possible. Do you just tell them how much to charge? I think it would feel strange to me to tell the server how much they're getting tipped. I've contemplated getting Disney gift cards for $20 per TS meal. I'd rather use the Rewards Dollars if possible.

Yes. Is exactly what we'll be doing. The bill you get is just like a normal bill, but when you pay instead of giving a credit card you give your KTTW card and they deduct a credit. The bill has a space for the tip just like a regular sit down restaurant and you can put in the amount you want to tip there. Then you give them your gift card/rewards card/credit card and tell them to put the tip on that. Each time you use it you should get a receipt with your balance left.

 

[wdwgirl03]

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS ONE....

I can't even believe I am typing this.. but we just cancelled our August trip

It's a little sad. But not really. A) Because we are going December 13th (the kids don't know).
and
B) We are going to get our puppy!!

We've had our name and deposit in for a Labrador Retriever puppy from a very reputable breeder for months. We were set to get our dog in January. We've wanted a dog for a very very long time but put it off over and over until the kids were old enough to be responsible and helpful. For years I have done all day daycare and didn't feel it was fair to my clients to have a dog in the house because that's not what we originally agreed upon. So I waited.. and waited .. and waited.
This fall I will intentionally only have before and afterschool kids over the age of 6. All my toddler clients have grown up and will be in school full time. We decided this was a good time for me to train a puppy, and that during the before and after school period my daughter can keep the puppy occupied while we are in the daycare room. Before school puppy will be crated for half an hour after she leaves, but after school dd is home earlier than everyone else because she is in high school.
So today I got an email from the breeder that someone had cancelled their puppy (virtually unheard of.. she has huge waiting lists) and that the first person on the list to respond could move their date up.

I called my husband, had a quick pow-wow with my kids and they all picked PUPPY!!!!!!
My sister offered to watch puppy for our December trip as she is laid off for 3 months every winter and has a dog of her own.
So.. all signs pointed to puppy. Please understand we're all a little sad but so ready for our new family member that we are mostly just excited.
And the kids don't even know we'll go in December anyway! They just chose puppy because they are so ready!!

I know this sounds crazy unless you are a dog lover, but we've been blessed to go many times, and have another trip planned. I will be sad to no longer be planning with you but will still happily check in and wish you all well and to hear about your plans.
You guys are the best!!
From one VERY excited puppy mommy! (we pick him up in 3.5 weeks!!!)

Bummer about having to cancel, but atleast you are going in December! Just think, it won't be nearly as hot and the parks/resorts will all be decked out for the holidays. I can't wait to go in December!

 

[squirrel4569]

I saw this, and I like it. We will be staying at the All-Star Resorts, so it will be interesting to see if we get to try it during our trip. I often see families with mugs from trips of years gone by still filling up at the soda machines. So, I totally agree with Disney on locking it down and was pleasantly surprised to see them mention you can fill up at any resort. Since we are currently restricted to our home resort only, I think that's a nice bonus.

I read in another article that in the future they will eliminate the drink from the QS dining options and instead you will use this cup to get your drinks at the parks. That would make it pretty sweet. I wondered why you could only use it at the resorts. We're hardly at ours but it comes with the DP so we get the mugs each trip.

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS ONE....

I can't even believe I am typing this.. but we just cancelled our August trip

It's a little sad. But not really. A) Because we are going December 13th (the kids don't know).
and
B) We are going to get our puppy!!

Congrats on your new addition. A lab should provide you with many years of joy. You should name him Pluto.

 

[racinjunkie]

Yes. Is exactly what we'll be doing. The bill you get is just like a normal bill, but when you pay instead of giving a credit card you give your KTTW card and they deduct a credit. The bill has a space for the tip just like a regular sit down restaurant and you can put in the amount you want to tip there. Then you give them your gift card/rewards card/credit card and tell them to put the tip on that. Each time you use it you should get a receipt with your balance left.

Cool! Thanks!

 

[pigletto]

Thank you guys! I knew you'd get it

My husband suggested we name him Walt to take the sting out of it.

 

[DisMom1981]

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS ONE....

I can't even believe I am typing this.. but we just cancelled our August trip

It's a little sad. But not really. A) Because we are going December 13th (the kids don't know).
and
B) We are going to get our puppy!!

We've had our name and deposit in for a Labrador Retriever puppy from a very reputable breeder for months. We were set to get our dog in January. We've wanted a dog for a very very long time but put it off over and over until the kids were old enough to be responsible and helpful. For years I have done all day daycare and didn't feel it was fair to my clients to have a dog in the house because that's not what we originally agreed upon. So I waited.. and waited .. and waited.
This fall I will intentionally only have before and afterschool kids over the age of 6. All my toddler clients have grown up and will be in school full time. We decided this was a good time for me to train a puppy, and that during the before and after school period my daughter can keep the puppy occupied while we are in the daycare room. Before school puppy will be crated for half an hour after she leaves, but after school dd is home earlier than everyone else because she is in high school.
So today I got an email from the breeder that someone had cancelled their puppy (virtually unheard of.. she has huge waiting lists) and that the first person on the list to respond could move their date up.

I called my husband, had a quick pow-wow with my kids and they all picked PUPPY!!!!!!
My sister offered to watch puppy for our December trip as she is laid off for 3 months every winter and has a dog of her own.
So.. all signs pointed to puppy. Please understand we're all a little sad but so ready for our new family member that we are mostly just excited.
And the kids don't even know we'll go in December anyway! They just chose puppy because they are so ready!!

I know this sounds crazy unless you are a dog lover, but we've been blessed to go many times, and have another trip planned. I will be sad to no longer be planning with you but will still happily check in and wish you all well and to hear about your plans.
You guys are the best!!
From one VERY excited puppy mommy! (we pick him up in 3.5 weeks!!!)

Can't believe it!!! But congratulations on the puppy!

Did you have ADRs??? LOL

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[squirrel4569]

Thank you guys! I knew you'd get it

My husband suggested we name him Walt to take the sting out of it.

Walt is awesome! You must post pictures of Walt when he arrives.

 

[pigletto]

I will be cancelling my ADR's tomorrow. I don't think I have anything anyone would be dying for but I'll put them in here before I do. Maybe the Ohana for four at 6:50 on August 31st.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

I read in another article that in the future they will eliminate the drink from the QS dining options and instead you will use this cup to get your drinks at the parks. That would make it pretty sweet. I wondered why you could only use it at the resorts. We're hardly at ours but it comes with the DP so we get the mugs each trip.

Hmmm...I'm not sure I like the idea of having to carry our mugs around with us in the parks and on rides. I'd have to think about that one!