11 years on 11/11/11? That's right! You know where we'll be! 3/31 Day 5 Plans!

[jngwright]

Hello Hello Hello!!! And WELCOME to my trip report!

1 year from today, we will celebrate our 11 year wedding anniversary on 11/11/11 at...WALT DISNEY WORLD!!.

Who are we, you ask?

Drumroll pleeeeeze!

I am Jill, mom. Disney planner and DISNEY NUT I am married to...

Greg, dad. Hard working funder (is that a word?) of our Disney trips. He joins us on our adventures to WDW every few years. We are parents to...

Alex, age 8. Lego maniac, football lover, firey ball of energy. He has a twin brother named...

Evan, age 8 (of course) Talented artist, movie lover, sweet huggable little man.

A little collage of our last trip together in 2006 (Daddy didn't join us in 2008, 2009, 2010 due to work)

I don't have any pictures from that trip that aren't scrapbooked, thus the collage!
The lovely couple on the top are my parents, who will be joining us again for this trip.

So, will these people

In addition to my parents, my sister, brother in law, nieces, and grandpa-we have invited our wedding party and their families to join us. I don't know how many of them will come, but we are hoping for a good turnout!

Here's a little taste of what started it all

We don't have firm plans for anything right now, including where to stay. We will be deciding in the next few weeks if we are buying Disney vacation club!! So I will be needing alot of planning suggestions as we go along!

Thanks for joining me I will put a link to the next update at the bottom of each update. Like this

 

[my2disneyboys]

I am here! Am I first!!!!!???? WAHOOOOO I can't wait to plan this with you!!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Happy 10th Anniversary!!


OK, so Nickie beat me here, but at least I'm here!! Woo Hoo! I can't wait to hear all about your plans! Bring it on, sista!!!

 

[jngwright]

I am here! Am I first!!!!!???? WAHOOOOO I can't wait to plan this with you!!!

Happy 10th Anniversary!!


OK, so Nickie beat me here, but at least I'm here!! Woo Hoo! I can't wait to hear all about your plans! Bring it on, sista!!!

Hello ladies! I knew I could count on you!

 

[jngwright]

Hi-
I thought I would post a picture of our wedding party. These are the lovely folks (in addition to our family) whom we have invited to join us on our trip.

So far, quite a few of them are very interested in coming! Most of them have not been to Disney with their families, so I would be in my glory...helping them plan!!

Right now, I am hoping for an 11/5-11/14 trip. I would like to spend the first part of the trip with just the boys and Greg, and then start the group events between Thursday (11/10) and Sunday (11/13).

I am looking for any group suggestions. I know we will do the Tony's Grand Gathering Breakfast. Any other fun thoughts or ideas??

Have a great day/week!!

 

[jngwright]

Well, we took the plunge and bought DVC at OKW!! I will be making reservations this week and am so excited! We will be taking my parents, my sister and her family as our guests. We are hoping Greg's parents will come too.

I am considering trying to book our first few nights at VWL once the booking window opens. Greg loved WL on our Disneymoon, so I thought it may be fun. We did a split stay a couple of years ago, and it was so easy to move from one resort to another.

I just had to share my joy!

Plans Plans Plans

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Jill
jumping over from Nickie's TR!

Congratulations! on buying into the DVC! how exciting. How wonderful to be celebrating your anniversary with your family and hopefully your friends as well. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.

Looking forward to planning fun....

have a great weekend!
Connie

 

[jngwright]

It has been a while! We have started planning and booking and it is all so exciting!

We are now DVC owners, and have booked 4 studios at Old Key West for our family. So far:
DSis/DBil/2DN
DM/DF/and Aunt C (who sang at our wedding)
DMil/DFil
The four of us

My grandpa is coming, but can't decide yet if he is bringing his girlfriend If he doesn't-I am going to move us, my parents, and him to a 2 bedroom unit. If he brings the ladyfriend-they will get their own studio.

We are staying Wed-Wed (11/9-11/16), while the rest of the family leaves on Sunday. We have never been to Disney just the four of us, so I am looking forward to having Sun-Wed like that.

So...Day one (Wed) will be travel/MK. I hope to take an early flight and arrive at MCO at noonish. I need some advice here. If we get to the resort around 2 and want to do MK early evening-what are your thoughts on doing CM?

An early supper (like 4:30?) then the park? We will have been going since early (3am) so I know a late night at MK is out..
What do you think?

I am also debating on a limo to the airport. The problem is, there will be at least 12 of us (maybe more) and that is the max that a stretch can accomodate. I can't imagine it would have enough space for all our luggage, too. Thoughts or ideas anyone (or two)

Well-that is the day one plan! I promise to be back soon with day two info!

Day 2 Plans and gift bags..Help Please!!

 

[jngwright]

Hi! Jill
jumping over from Nickie's TR!

Congratulations! on buying into the DVC! how exciting. How wonderful to be celebrating your anniversary with your family and hopefully your friends as well. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.

Looking forward to planning fun....

have a great weekend!
Connie

Well HEY Connie!!!! Thanks for coming over! I was just crying on Wendy's FB wall that I don't have any readers.. I am getting caught up on PTR's and can't wait to catch up on yours!

I am super excited about DVC! There is no way we could be taking everyone as our guests if we hadn't done it. I am looking forward to years and years of Disney (do I sound like a DVC rep?)

Have a great weekend

 

[my2disneyboys]

Hey Twin! Can I even still call you that?! Ok, SO FUNNY! I am having the SAME debate today... trying to figure out our day one/travel day for the next trip! I had the same plan... up early, travel, check in at hotel, hit MK, early dinner at CM and wishes in the MK.

We never go to a park on the first day and usually hang at hotel and have dinner at CM and watch the fireworks from there which is nice and relaxing. This trip is only 4 days so I think it would be a waste to be there so early and not hit the MK. So I think I am going to do what you are thinking and go to the MK that first day. So are you guys taking the disney busses or renting a car? I was thinking that we will drive to Contemporary resort and park and then walk to MK.... then monorail back for our dinner at Chef Mickey's- maybe catch the fireworks again from CR??

I was also thinking maybe dinner in the castle or crystal palace might be good so we dont have to leave the park... leaving the park seems like a pain and I think watching the fireworks from the MK is really something to not miss!

Have you thought about dinner at crystal palace? I think with a big group going back and forth between MK and CR might be a pain!

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

Sounds like so much fun; can't wait to hear the rest of your plans!

 

[jngwright]

Hey Twin! Can I even still call you that?! Ok, SO FUNNY! I am having the SAME debate today... trying to figure out our day one/travel day for the next trip! I had the same plan... up early, travel, check in at hotel, hit MK, early dinner at CM and wishes in the MK. Well, you sure still SOUND like my twin...

We never go to a park on the first day and usually hang at hotel and have dinner at CM and watch the fireworks from there which is nice and relaxing. This trip is only 4 days so I think it would be a waste to be there so early and not hit the MK. So I think I am going to do what you are thinking and go to the MK that first day. So are you guys taking the disney busses or renting a car? I was thinking that we will drive to Contemporary resort and park and then walk to MK.... then monorail back for our dinner at Chef Mickey's- maybe catch the fireworks again from CR?? We are using ME/Disney bus..I really don't want to blow almost 2 hours at CM, but thought it would be fun for those who hadn't been there yet..IDK..

I was also thinking maybe dinner in the castle or crystal palace might be good so we dont have to leave the park... leaving the park seems like a pain and I think watching the fireworks from the MK is really something to not miss!

Have you thought about dinner at crystal palace? I think with a big group going back and forth between MK and CR might be a pain!We are doing CP for an early entry one a.m. I have to, now that you taught me all about it Maybe we should just do a CS and not worry about a TS the first day. Gosh knows we won't be hungry...EVER!

See red above. Also, dear twin-any thoughts on the limo/transport thing? I want to do something special, but I have the large party dilema...

 

[jngwright]

Sounds like so much fun; can't wait to hear the rest of your plans!

Hi! Thanks for reading!!!!

West Africa??!!! Holy WOW! Is it amazing there? Have you always lived there-or are you a transplant?

Welcome Welcome!!

 

[my2disneyboys]

Hey Twin- You know we did the limo thing this year. With an early flight I am not going to do it again... to me it was a waste. The kids never mentioned it again!! Maybe get a big taxi van!?

So, I am also thinking that maybe we will just do CS that first night. I WISH WISH WISH that Beauty and the Beast place would be open but I think they said 2013??!!

Your boys are older and I think I remember in your last TR you said the character meals were not the same. anymore... the food at CM isn't all that great either- we go for the characters!

Crystal Palace 8AM ADR was one of my very favorite meals of this trip!!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Jill
sounds like a great group....love that DGP might be bringing his DGF along, how fun is that.

I think the limo would be a fun way to start the trip; maybe you need to call to see how much luggage they can accomadate. Next question would be how long of a ride do you have to the airport/ and what is the cost difference of limo vs cab. Another question I have is the idea of everyone having to meet at one house to leave than just meeting up at the airport. If I were traveling with my parents and my DD it would be OK to have everyone meet at one house. But, if we were traveling with my DMIL/DSIL it would be easier to meet at the airport.

As for your first evening; what about (I think Nickie mentioned the same) a ressie at CP for dinner. I know you plan to do a breakfast there or maybe just CS that evening. After all that riding and the excitment of being there a long sit down dinner may not be the right time. It might be time for a quick sit down and enjoy the magic of MK. Although, a nice walk from the Contempary to MK after a dinner with Mickey at CM...that sounds like a great way to start the magic too.

Hmmmm....I'm not much help on the matter at all

 

[jngwright]

Hey! Jill
sounds like a great group....love that DGP might be bringing his DGF along, how fun is that.

I think the limo would be a fun way to start the trip; maybe you need to call to see how much luggage they can accomadate. Next question would be how long of a ride do you have to the airport/ and what is the cost difference of limo vs cab. Another question I have is the idea of everyone having to meet at one house to leave than just meeting up at the airport. If I were traveling with my parents and my DD it would be OK to have everyone meet at one house. But, if we were traveling with my DMIL/DSIL it would be easier to meet at the airport.They are all within 5 minutes of each other-and are on our way to Minneapolis.. We usually have someone drop us at the airport (about 1 hour away) but all those "someones" are coming with I found some 20 passenger limo options, so I may check that out!

As for your first evening; what about (I think Nickie mentioned the same) a ressie at CP for dinner. I know you plan to do a breakfast there or maybe just CS that evening. After all that riding and the excitment of being there a long sit down dinner may not be the right time. It might be time for a quick sit down and enjoy the magic of MK. Although, a nice walk from the Contempary to MK after a dinner with Mickey at CM...that sounds like a great way to start the magic too.Arrrgh! Decisions!

Hmmmm....I'm not much help on the matter at all

I will take all the help I can get!!

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

West Africa??!!! Holy WOW! Is it amazing there? Have you always lived there-or are you a transplant?

Welcome Welcome!!

We've been here for 21 months; it's defniitely different and an experience! We work for an NGO and if I didn't feel that this is exactly what we are supposed to be doing then I would probably have a hard time staying. (Missing family and friends and not being close enough to go to WDW yearly are two big ones, but I won't tell you in which order. )

I am super excited for you and this trip!

I was thinking, "Wow! 11 years! That is so long and so wonderful!" And then it hit me..."Oh, my 11 years will be in June!" Yay for weddings in 2000! We can't possibly be old enough to have been married 11 years though, right? I still feel 18.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[jngwright]

We've been here for 21 months; it's defniitely different and an experience! We work for an NGO and if I didn't feel that this is exactly what we are supposed to be doing then I would probably have a hard time staying. (Missing family and friends and not being close enough to go to WDW yearly are two big ones, but I won't tell you in which order. )

I am super excited for you and this trip!

I was thinking, "Wow! 11 years! That is so long and so wonderful!" And then it hit me..."Oh, my 11 years will be in June!" Yay for weddings in 2000! We can't possibly be old enough to have been married 11 years though, right? I still feel 18.

Can't wait to hear more.

So funny! A toss up between loved ones and Disney Somedays, I find it hard to choose, too!

Congratulations on your 11 yearsAt least our husbands don't need to do complicated math to figure out how many years, right? Did you honeymoon at WDW?

I am going to put up my thoughts and plans for day 2 soon! Thanks for reading

 

[jngwright]

My plan for our first full day (day 2) is Epcot.

We will do breakfast at OKW and lunch and supper at Epcot.


I should also mention that we are going to segment our trip and do the Deluxe Dining Plan for the first 4 nights, and the Regular Dining Plan for the last 3 nights. This way we can use our dining credits towards our anniversary meal (more on that on day 3!)and still have some left for other meals.

Breakfast: CS kids, snack credit for us at OKW
Lunch: Coral Reef (I think!) We have never been there and I like the idea of an early lunch in Future world, rather than having to rush and trek to a WS meal. I am also considering LeCellier...what are your thoughts? We have been to Le Cellier and really like it, but also want to try new things!
Supper:San Angel Inn. I know-not a favorite around here, but the boys LOVE it and Greg has never been there. I will admit that I love it too

We will head back to OKW early afternoon for some swimmin' and chillin' then back to Epcot for supper and Illuminations.

Now, I need some help and advice on gift bags for our guests. How does is work to have gift bags that I make delivered to everyone's rooms? Should I just hold off and sneak them onto their doorknobs early a.m. on our first full day?
Here's what I have so far for the kids:

(Do you like the cutie patootie bag from the Disney Store??) Shirts, sunglasses, waterbottles, and watches.I am going to add a stuffy, vinylmation, and some glow wands. Any other ideas?

What about for the adults? I am thinking these T's for the ladies:

I have already been vetoed on matching T-shirts for everyone.
Baseball caps (I can have them done locally) or visors for the guys, coffee, refillable mugs (they won't get them with the regular dining plan), maybe a pin?

Help! What else??
Jump to "more gift bag/OKW ideas"

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Jill!

Day 2 sounds like a great Epcot day!
I really like your decision about Coral Reef (we have not done sit down dining so I can't review the food) but the atmosphere looks liek something everyone would enjoy. Especially the kids.

Love the idea of the bags; you can either ship the bags to the resort ahead of time with the ressie info. Or if you are bringing the bags with you just bring them down to conceigere (sp-I can't spell worth a flip and my fingers do not like to keep up with my brain half the time ), with the room info attached and they will deliver them for you. But, NIckie should be able to tell us exactally how to do it!

I love all the stuff you have chosen, great job! the stuffy, vinylmation character and pin are great ideas. What about lanyard's (last year Michael's had a selection for only $1 haven't been in quite some time to know if they still have them?!?) As for the guys I like the cap and visor idea.

I like the idea of the refillable mugs too! can you get them ahead of time? they just came out with the new design have you seen them? they are sooooo cute!

Not sure need to go back and look; how many kids or big kids (men) do you have going...maybe some inflatable balls for the pool.