100 (Nope...It's just about time!!!) Days til Our First Family Trip!

[jana616]

So I finally e-mailed our TA today to say, "Where the heck are the stupid DME tags?" And she replied saying that many, many people are not getting them lately, herself on her last trip included. I'm kind of wondering if it's something she's doing, but I've loved her otherwise, so I'm cutting her some slack. So it sounds like we won't get them. Instead we have to take our baggage claim check to DME and explain what happened. Ugh...what a pain!

And, Ridemax is kind of hard! I mean, I do love it, but making the plans is hard. We have a bunch of Riderswaps to use, and trying to plan breaks. Yuck. I had solid success with AK and DHS. I like the plans for those. Epcot is proving to be very difficult. I would like to get there at RD, tour, eat lunch at Le Cellier, then take a break before coming back, eat dinner, tour, and watch Illuminations. But I can get nothing accomplished this way. So then I thought about getting there later (like 10) and not taking a break. Still don't get much done. Plus Cooper can't ride Soarin or Test Track, so we have to plan those twice, and ugh, it's just making my head hurt!

Alright, enough whining for tonight! Off to watch Project Runway!

 

[racefanof88]

I wish I could convert DH, but he thinks it is silly. If I could get us all matching flowered (Hawaiian) shirts he would be happy............

 

[2shortpeopleruleme]

Hey Jana! I am finally caught up! You are my hero, I love everything. The shirts are really REALLY great!

I wanted to tell you about DME... we didn't get our luggage tags either. I called into Disney and asked and they gave me a number for DME directly. I spoke with them and they told me it was a printer error (??) and that they were going to get them out to me. I just got ours earlier this week. Let me see if I can find the number that I called directly to DME.....OHHH I found it!

1-866-599-0951 I just called it again to make sure. You might want to ask them, they were really helpful to me.

Ohh and I am going to PM you my email addy after seeing those passports I think I have got Chris on board to do some world traveling!!

 

[jana616]

Hey Jana! I am finally caught up! You are my hero, I love everything. The shirts are really REALLY great!

I wanted to tell you about DME... we didn't get our luggage tags either. I called into Disney and asked and they gave me a number for DME directly. I spoke with them and they told me it was a printer error (??) and that they were going to get them out to me. I just got ours earlier this week. Let me see if I can find the number that I called directly to DME.....OHHH I found it!

1-866-599-0951 I just called it again to make sure. You might want to ask them, they were really helpful to me.

Ohh and I am going to PM you my email addy after seeing those passports I think I have got Chris on board to do some world traveling!!

You're alive! Just kidding, I know you're super busy getting ready too.

10 DAYS![/SIZE]

Can you believe it? We are thisclose to single digits. I did on-line check in this morning and it seemed to work. Thanks for the DME info. I e-mailed our TA asking her to check on it, and she resent all our info this morning. We got e-mailed confirmations from them, so at least we'll have that to bring with us if nothing else. Hopefully the tags will come in the next week, that would just be easier. How long after you called did they come?

Thanks for the compliments on the shirts. I am anxiously awaiting UPS with the rest of my shirts right now, but even if they come, I don't think I'll get to do anything on them until Sunday afternoon at the earliest. My mom is baby-sitting tonight so we can have an actual date. Our 8th anniversary was 6/16, and we still haven't gone out for it! Then tomorrow Chad works in the morning, then we have a pool party (though it's supposed to be 69 and rainy, yuck!). And Sunday we have church and a family party thing at our church in the evening. Doesn't anyone realize I have Disney prep to work on?

I'll send you the passport as soon as I get your addy. The girls will love them!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I totally agree that you should call disney. It doesnt make sense that you booked your trip in advance and dont get tags. It must be an error that I am sure they will fix.

I am not doing ridemax this time but I can say that I have had the same concerns. Some days It doesnt seem like we will have that much time to do things between parades, breaks, meals, etc. I figure I will make the best plan I can. Make a list of must do's and whatever else we dont get to we just do next time. We also are not going to worry about things both of the kids cant do like rock n roller coaster, Tower of Terror, etc. The things ODS can do we will split example- I will go on splash mountain with him and DH will go on Big Thunder Mountain RR, etc. Then if time is permitting we can always go a second time and switch once all the other must do's are done. We also are going to skip the things that are alot like stuff we have done around our home. example being astro orbiter (this is like the rides at the parks we have here), tomorrowland speedway, etc. Once we get to all of our must do's then we will move onto the other stuff.

At epcot I am not worrying about the countries too much. I dont think the kids will be that into it so we will do what we can there.

I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to stress about it and just enjoy spending the time together in such a magical place.

 

[jana616]

I totally agree that you should call disney. It doesnt make sense that you booked your trip in advance and dont get tags. It must be an error that I am sure they will fix.

I am not doing ridemax this time but I can say that I have had the same concerns. Some days It doesnt seem like we will have that much time to do things between parades, breaks, meals, etc. I figure I will make the best plan I can. Make a list of must do's and whatever else we dont get to we just do next time. We also are not going to worry about things both of the kids cant do like rock n roller coaster, Tower of Terror, etc. The things ODS can do we will split example- I will go on splash mountain with him and DH will go on Big Thunder Mountain RR, etc. Then if time is permitting we can always go a second time and switch once all the other must do's are done. We also are going to skip the things that are alot like stuff we have done around our home. example being astro orbiter (this is like the rides at the parks we have here), tomorrowland speedway, etc. Once we get to all of our must do's then we will move onto the other stuff.

At epcot I am not worrying about the countries too much. I dont think the kids will be that into it so we will do what we can there.

I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to stress about it and just enjoy spending the time together in such a magical place.

Hopefully DME has quick turnaround time and gets our tags out today or tomorrow. That would be great. I keep seeing posts from others with the same problem, so we're not alone. I knew I should have pushed the issue sooner, but we only got our Mickey Mail a week ago, so I didn't know. Oh well, it will all work out.

Sounds like you have a good, realistic view of how you're going to tour, that's great! Here is one of the reasons you'll be glad you didn't invite your parents, though: everyone has rides they want to do. Mostly my mom, actually. She wants to add in everything, and that just won't work! I kind of hinted to her and to Chad that all of the adults need to maybe be willing to miss a Rider Swap ride (like one big ride each), but neither of them seems to get how much time doing things twice adds in, even with the swap pass. I'm willing to miss Splash Mt., Dinosaur, and Star Tours. No one else has volunteered. And my MIL, though sweet as can be, is kind of dense. So unless I say, "Will you please sit out BTMR so we don't have to do it twice," she won't get the subtle discussion. Argh...

Epcot is proving to be very difficult, if we want a break that day. I see 3 options:
1) don't take a break, do it all
2) take the break, but 2 adults stay there to do stuff the kids can't/don't want to do. Then on our 2nd day there (really just the morning if we take a break), the other 2 adults could stay there during break time.
3) start later, no break

I'm going to play around with Ridemax some more to see what I like better. AK and DHS were so easy, I just assumed the others would be too. But we're definitely not doing breaks those days, which is why they were easy!

Not stressing about it sounds good! And maybe a little easier when you're just trying to make you and DH happy?

Got my t-shirts today. Ugh...again. One of Cooper's is big even on Griffin. My burnt orange shirts are traffic cone orange (I'm going to use them and look at the silver lining that at least they will be easy to spot in a crowd!) And the shirt I ordered for myself is huge. These things will all work out, right?

 

[2shortpeopleruleme]

I think it was a week exactly for them to get here.

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Popping in from my PTR

I have to go back and read from the beginning to see what your plans are since we will overlap

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

OK caught up!

Sorry you didn't like the Keens
We all wear them and look like a walking commercial.

Love all the toys, shirts and crafts! I would love the passport doc. I will PM you for it if that is okay.

The boys are very cute....I can't wait to hear if ODS does Dinosaur. That ride would scared the bejeebees out of Gabriel

 

[dahall]

I LOVE YOUR REPORT!! I am so sorry I just found you. I would have loved to follow and comment through out. I have learned so much from you. I have one addition to you bag and one question please
addition to bag:
I have 2 boys 8 and 3 turning 9 and 4 on our trip in 4 WEEKS!!! We bring match box cars in our bag and a few little action figures for the wait at dinner. Just a thought.

Question:
Where did you get the shirts? I LOVE THEM I have my iron ons but I am working on the designs and would love some help. They are wonderful.

The first day picture of you little one is wonderful. I can't wait to see your Disney pictures.

One last thing, I am not sure if I saw this anywhere on your posts, if you are a picture person, you can preorder your Disney CD. It is a little cheaper and it will make you ask all the CMs with cameras to take your picture. You can also ask them to take them with the special effects, holding Stitch, Tinkerbell, your family with balloons. Sometimes the CMs don't ask you to pose that way but you can ask them.

Only a few days left for you.

 

[jana616]

OK caught up!

Sorry you didn't like the Keens
We all wear them and look like a walking commercial.

Love all the toys, shirts and crafts! I would love the passport doc. I will PM you for it if that is okay.

The boys are very cute....I can't wait to hear if ODS does Dinosaur. That ride would scared the bejeebees out of Gabriel

Welcome! I wanted to love the Keens, but they just did not feel right. And I figure if they don't feel right here, they're going to feel even worse on day 5 at Disney! I am going to rotate between my sneakers, a pair of white (kind of old lady) sandals that are the most comfortable things I own, and a pair I found at Kohls that are kind of Keens rip-offs, but more comfortable and less sweaty on me. If I could find the Nike flip flops I might add those, maybe for the evenings after our break.

Thanks for the compliments on what I've made so far. I printed and cut out another 10 or so transfers last night and have just a few more to get ready. Then my iron and I have a hot (get it?) date! I'll be happy to e-mail you the passport doc when I get your e-mail addy!

I am very nervous about Dinosaur, but my DH is overruling me on this one. We don't do AK til our 5th day, so I figure I'll have some time to see how he is on other rides and get a better feel for his scare level.

I'm really enjoying your PTR too!

I LOVE YOUR REPORT!! I am so sorry I just found you. I would have loved to follow and comment through out. I have learned so much from you. I have one addition to you bag and one question please
addition to bag:
I have 2 boys 8 and 3 turning 9 and 4 on our trip in 4 WEEKS!!! We bring match box cars in our bag and a few little action figures for the wait at dinner. Just a thought.

Question:
Where did you get the shirts? I LOVE THEM I have my iron ons but I am working on the designs and would love some help. They are wonderful.

The first day picture of you little one is wonderful. I can't wait to see your Disney pictures.

One last thing, I am not sure if I saw this anywhere on your posts, if you are a picture person, you can preorder your Disney CD. It is a little cheaper and it will make you ask all the CMs with cameras to take your picture. You can also ask them to take them with the special effects, holding Stitch, Tinkerbell, your family with balloons. Sometimes the CMs don't ask you to pose that way but you can ask them.

Only a few days left for you.

Welcome! You're so sweet to love the report...please keep reading and commenting, even if you're starting late. I'm getting to the "panicked, OMG we have one week left stage," and need all the help I can get!

Matchbox cars are an awesome idea!!!! I've thought of them from time to time (I keep them in my bag at home), but I don't have any set aside, and they will definitely buy some happiness there.

Thanks for the compliments also. Do you mean where did I get the shirts, or the designs? The shirts were mostly from Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and then I ordered some (not pictured yet) from jiffyshirts.com. The transfers were from the Creative Disigns board on here, and several different designers. If you tell me a design, I can try to tell you who made it. I have some other really cute ones still to come, including one for T-Rex restaurant that I !

I have actually already preordered our Photopass. A few months ago they had a discount, and I got it for $85. I was very excited to hopefully be IN some of the pictures this way! And I love the special effects I've seen in some.

Hope you keep reading! Do you have a PTR? I'd love to read it!

 

[dahall]

What a deal on the photo pass, I am going to keep a look out for that for my trip.

We are heading to T-Rex as well, I would love that one, and the one with the names and the Disney charters would be so great as well. I have not found the thread with the iron ons so if you could point me in any direction that would be great.
The only shirts I found were the tie-dye and my DH was not a big fan. I started to make my own iron ons but if others already have some, that would be so great.

I’m starting to feel the pressure, with school getting ready to start, and 2 grad classes starting next week, don’t people know I have a Disney trip to plan for.

Thanks!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Hopefully DME has quick turnaround time and gets our tags out today or tomorrow. That would be great. I keep seeing posts from others with the same problem, so we're not alone. I knew I should have pushed the issue sooner, but we only got our Mickey Mail a week ago, so I didn't know. Oh well, it will all work out.

Sounds like you have a good, realistic view of how you're going to tour, that's great! Here is one of the reasons you'll be glad you didn't invite your parents, though: everyone has rides they want to do. Mostly my mom, actually. She wants to add in everything, and that just won't work! I kind of hinted to her and to Chad that all of the adults need to maybe be willing to miss a Rider Swap ride (like one big ride each), but neither of them seems to get how much time doing things twice adds in, even with the swap pass. I'm willing to miss Splash Mt., Dinosaur, and Star Tours. No one else has volunteered. And my MIL, though sweet as can be, is kind of dense. So unless I say, "Will you please sit out BTMR so we don't have to do it twice," she won't get the subtle discussion. Argh...

Epcot is proving to be very difficult, if we want a break that day. I see 3 options:
1) don't take a break, do it all
2) take the break, but 2 adults stay there to do stuff the kids can't/don't want to do. Then on our 2nd day there (really just the morning if we take a break), the other 2 adults could stay there during break time.
3) start later, no break

I'm going to play around with Ridemax some more to see what I like better. AK and DHS were so easy, I just assumed the others would be too. But we're definitely not doing breaks those days, which is why they were easy!

Not stressing about it sounds good! And maybe a little easier when you're just trying to make you and DH happy?

Got my t-shirts today. Ugh...again. One of Cooper's is big even on Griffin. My burnt orange shirts are traffic cone orange (I'm going to use them and look at the silver lining that at least they will be easy to spot in a crowd!) And the shirt I ordered for myself is huge. These things will all work out, right?

Yes I would agree that things would be harder if it wasnt just the 4 of us. I feel for ya. Im sure in the end you will be glad that the grandmom's got to experience the magic too. I spent alot of the weekend with my parents and although I love them to death they get on my last nerve sometimes. They bicker like an "old couple", they give in to every demand of my kids, and they are constantly offering them junk to eat. Now I know they were not like this with me at all but somewhere between the crossover into grandparenthood they picked up these traits. So long story short it reminds me why I am keeping them home.

Anyways I am sure everything will turn out perfectly with the rides and the shirts and the grandmoms. You will have a wonderful time. I cant believe its a week away. I am so excited for you.

 

[jana616]

What a deal on the photo pass, I am going to keep a look out for that for my trip.

We are heading to T-Rex as well, I would love that one, and the one with the names and the Disney charters would be so great as well. I have not found the thread with the iron ons so if you could point me in any direction that would be great.
The only shirts I found were the tie-dye and my DH was not a big fan. I started to make my own iron ons but if others already have some, that would be so great.

I’m starting to feel the pressure, with school getting ready to start, and 2 grad classes starting next week, don’t people know I have a Disney trip to plan for.

Thanks!

I hear you on being busy, and just wanting time to get Disney stuff done. We had a busy weekend, including two events where I had to bring a food dish. So this afternoon, instead of doing Ridemax plans, I was making chocolate mousse cake! Now it's yummy, don't get me wrong, but c'mon people-I have 8 days til WDW!!!! What are you going to grad school for?

The board is Creative Disigns, http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105. Then in there are a ton of threads started by people who like to play around and make designs for others. For free! Some of the best ones I saw were by Natalie (Natalie's Place), Wendy (Wendypooh's Designs), and Veronica (taekwondo mom). Those are almost always on the first page, just scroll down. Each person will have a link to their photobucket account (some use 4shared files, but it's not as easy to look through). Then just look through their account and find designs you like. If you want something changed (a color, a name added), post on their thread and ask them. Let them know your trip is really soon, some of them (esp. Natalie) are really backed up. Then you have to check back and see if they've been done. Some take a couple of days, some (Natalie) can take weeks (so again, beg her to hurry!).

I can tell you that the T-Rex one is by Wendypooh-she's super nice, and even made me extra designs for T-Rex (look in her photobucket), and the names with characters is by Natalie (I love that one). She is super busy and bombarded with requests, but when I told her I was desperate for it, she did it quickly. She makes Test Track licenses too, which are adorable. You can send her your kids' pictures, and she'll put them on driver's licenses. If you need any more help, just let me know. Plan to devote several hours (or days, if you're obsessive like me) to looking through all the designs. Some of these people are seriously talented. And if there's something you want and can't find, start a new thread and someone may make it for you.

HTH!

 

[jana616]

Yes I would agree that things would be harder if it wasnt just the 4 of us. I feel for ya. Im sure in the end you will be glad that the grandmom's got to experience the magic too. I spent alot of the weekend with my parents and although I love them to death they get on my last nerve sometimes. They bicker like an "old couple", they give in to every demand of my kids, and they are constantly offering them junk to eat. Now I know they were not like this with me at all but somewhere between the crossover into grandparenthood they picked up these traits. So long story short it reminds me why I am keeping them home.

Anyways I am sure everything will turn out perfectly with the rides and the shirts and the grandmoms. You will have a wonderful time. I cant believe its a week away. I am so excited for you.

That's so funny that they're so much more laid-back with your kids than they were with you. Grandparenthood can make them crazy! I know it will be fun to have them there, and I am so excited for them to get to see the joy the kids experience. And I also know that they both think this trip is for the kids (though of course we want to have fun too), so it will all work out.

I made our MK plans today and feel much better. You can get a boatload done there if you get there at RD. I was shocked. Between the first 1 1/2days, if things go according to the plan (always a huge IF), then our 2nd full day should be almost repeats of rides we liked. That's fun. Plus I know if we fall off the plan, we'll have time then to hit those rides. A cushion is always nice! And I think I have Epcot figured out too, which thrilled me. I tried explaining it to Chad, and his eyes glazed over. But I'm happy!

Thanks for the reassurances and the excitement! I need it. I wake up thinking of things I need to do, buy, make, pack...I will most definitely need a vacation from my vacation when I get back!

 

[princesspaige]

Can you believe how close you are to leaving? I know I can't...have you started packing yet? I haven't because, luckily, Paige still doesn't know about our trip. In fact we told her if she was really good this week we would take her bowling. Do you think she will be disappointed when she finds out we are going to Disney instead?

 

[jana616]

Can you believe how close you are to leaving? I know I can't...have you started packing yet? I haven't because, luckily, Paige still doesn't know about our trip. In fact we told her if she was really good this week we would take her bowling. Do you think she will be disappointed when she finds out we are going to Disney instead?

Oh, man, now why would you get a kid's hopes up about bowling, just to dash them with a stinky trip to Disney instead? Boy, what mean parents you are! That's so funny!

I am very impressed that you've been able to keep it a secret for so long. I can't even imagine the expression on her face when she finds out your real destination. When are you going to tell her?

I have not started packing yet, really. I have the suitcases out and a zillion things strewn around them, and Chad's clothes are picked out and sitting on top of the suitcase (does that count as packed?). I've been working on my Ridemax plans most of the time these last few days. I figure there are lots of things I can't really pack yet, so I can get these done and devote more time this weekend to packing. Tomorrow the boys have school in the morning, and then Chad's (wonderful) mom is taking them for the afternoon. So I should have a huge chunk of time to really be productive. I need to finish all my shirts, match up said shirts to shorts for the boys, pack in ziplocs what I can now, and figure out what I'm going to wear. I have about 10 other things on my to-do list as well, so we'll see. Stupid disboards, I always get sucked in on here for a few hours too!

 

[jana616]

getting VERY excited! And a little stressed out. OK, a lot stressed out. I have a mile long to do list today, but have instead chosen to be completely unproductive and just talk about how productive I need to be!

Seriously, I'm going to make t-shirts in just a sec. I'm also going to: (red means I actually got it done! Woo Hoo! Going to keep working on the other stuff this evening)

1) figure out my outfits and set aside what I can (and make a list of what I can't)
2) figure out the boys outifts and do the same
3) pack the park bag and get it ready
4) get all the meds we are bringing bagged up
5) get our carry-on bag ready (the one with the DVD player-have to pick out movies, find headphones, mags for DH and I, and misc. other stuff)
6) order our cases of water from Costco
7) write up my room request to POP-will fax tomorrow
8) go to Victoria's Secret for free panties and Baja Fresh for a free burrito! (I love freebies!)
9) work on Ridemax plans if time

Plus some laundry, mopping, and cleaning of bathrooms, so I don't have a pit of a house to come back to!

And finally, something that made me happy and then really ticked off. I just heard the UPS truck outside, but wasn't expecting anything. So I go out there, and it's a flat envelope from DME! Yay! I was all set to come on here and say how fabulous they are, to send it ASAP, blah blah blah. Well, I open it, and there are only vouchers and tags for the grandmas! No mention of us! So frustrating... Do you think I should contact them and ask to have ours sent the same way? It's the only way we'll get them in time, esp. now.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

getting VERY excited! And a little stressed out. OK, a lot stressed out. I have a mile long to do list today, but have instead chosen to be completely unproductive and just talk about how productive I need to be!

Seriously, I'm going to make t-shirts in just a sec. I'm also going to:

1) figure out my outfits and set aside what I can (and make a list of what I can't)
2) figure out the boys outifts and do the same
3) pack the park bag and get it ready
4) get all the meds we are bringing bagged up
5) get our carry-on bag ready (the one with the DVD player-have to pick out movies, find headphones, mags for DH and I, and misc. other stuff)
6) order our cases of water from Costco
7) write up my room request to POP-will fax tomorrow
8) go to Victoria's Secret for free panties and Baja Fresh for a free burrito! (I love freebies!)
9) work on Ridemax plans if time

Plus some laundry, mopping, and cleaning of bathrooms, so I don't have a pit of a house to come back to!

And finally, something that made me happy and then really ticked off. I just heard the UPS truck outside, but wasn't expecting anything. So I go out there, and it's a flat envelope from DME! Yay! I was all set to come on here and say how fabulous they are, to send it ASAP, blah blah blah. Well, I open it, and there are only vouchers and tags for the grandmas! No mention of us! So frustrating... Do you think I should contact them and ask to have ours sent the same way? It's the only way we'll get them in time, esp. now.

absolutely I would call them. Boy you have a lot on your list today. But all exciting stuff. Your trip is so close now...... I am so excited for you I am trying to do the same thing with my house. We cleaned good this weekend so we are trying to keep up with it as we go. Good luck with completing your list. Let me know what happens with ME.

 

[jana616]

Alright, quick update...I e-mailed my TA about the DME packet, and asked her to find out. I figured she made the initial request, so she might know more, plus isn't that why she gets the big bucks?! She e-mailed right back and said that DME sent both packets via UPS, so we should get ours ASAP. Why they didn't send them together is beyond me, but hopefully they'll actually come!

And my big news...t-shirts are DONE!!! I ended up making 21 (2 for Chad, 1 each for me and the grandmas, and 8 each for the boys). So without further ado, here they are!

The blue ones are for the boys to wear on the plane, the white ones with red squares are for either coming home or the day we get back so they can wear them to school, and the Colts ones are for Sunday.

Black ones for Saturday when we go to T-Rex and DTD, orange ones for Friday at AK, and yellow for Weds. at DHS

Chad's Epcot shirt, and the boys shirts for Epcot on Thursday

The shirts we are all wearing on Tuesday (our first full day at MK). There's one more Grandma one, but my mom already took it home!

So excited that is done! No more excuses to start packing now!