13 Months To Go, And Already Can't Sleep!

[amyhughes]

**Disclaimer: If you are reading this then you like myself are a Disney-phile. You know that Main Street is modelled on Marceline Missouri; you know about riding up in front of Monorails; how to catch Wishes at the Poly; that sometimes the best things at Disney are free... But you will also slowly figure out by reading this that I plan things way too early for a trip like this! Be forewarned this is the only thing I am OCD about in my life.**


This all started with a simple sentence from my DH. We had just returned in May from WDW and we had spoken about waiting until 2010. Well those are wonderful intentions but slowly my DH rolled over and said "I want to go back. To Disney" I couldn't sleep all night while he dolefully snored on beside me.

For me it isn't a simple lets call make a ressie, throw the kids in the car and go. I used to work for the mouse, I was also the only Granddaughter so I got to go sometimes twice a year with my grandparents. When you are a cast member or regular visitor and are on property so much you start to develop favorites: favorite park attractions, resorts, restaurants, heck even bars and CMs. But I needed to update this list to include things I thought my 4 yo and 2 yo would want to do too.

I read and read and read on our last trip about going to Disney with kids. What are some cool things to see and do. I had Excel Spreadsheets that were titled "Extra Magic Hour Avoidance Program" since those parks tend to be busiest on the day of EMH. Obsessed about renting the perfect house off property since we all were not going to fit into a 345 sq ft room and come out speaking to each other. Then it came and went and I felt like maybe it didn't go off so well. But, a miracle. The aforementioned DH wanted to buy DVC points and go once every year or two. My heart went through the roof!

Now I am planning the next trip. We are renting points at the BWV to see how we like DVC. We are getting the DDP, since we will be on property. My Grandmother will be going with us. So we will be celebrating her birthday and our anniversary. I am flipping through all of the food options at BWV and beyond, trying to figure out a schedule that will work for my family.

The only thing is we are not telling our children until we pull up at the hotel, where we are going. Indeed we are making it into a treasure hunt, and sending treasure chest down to the resort ahead of us to be placed in our room. They have no idea Grandma is going, or why Mom is on the computer more often!

So here is the plan:
* Start to compile our ADRs. Do a character buffet on our first evening there. Other than that it is wide open at this point!
* Type up and age the Treasure Hunt clues, and research the areas we plan on stoppping on the drive down.
* Work out the rental agreement with our wonderful DVC renter!
* SAVE SAVE SAVE, and when I think I have saved enough SAVE MORE.
* Buy a VSmile for them for the trip down and address the card from MM.
* Have a Disney movie week.
* Type letters to the schools.
* Get Grandma situated with flight, Magical Express, and scooter.
* Plan a secret Illuminations Cruise for DH and myself for one evening to celebrate our anniversary, with Private Dining.
* Plan a surprise dinner for Grandma at Grand Floridian (her favorite) and work with Guest Relations to make it extra special. This may be our last chance to all go together.
* Buy larger Disney clothes for the boys.
* Make packing lists.

That's all I can think of right now... More later!

 

[amyhughes]

DH is already tired of hearing about trip. Will vent here from now on!

 

[amyhughes]

With 13 months to go there would be nothing on my list right now other than just reading and compiling info but alas no!

For Starters:
I went through my DS' toys today and took out the spritzer fan they got in AK, their ears, and autograph books. Hid them in DS #1's Mickey Bag.

Started shopping for a Sit and Stand Stroller. I don't know if we should do one of those or a double umbrella stroller. The boys will be 5 and 4 when we travel so not quite at the level to walk a majority of the time, but don't want to sit all the time either.

I contacted my Rentee's reference today and am waiting to hear back from them, though I have read their emails already so I am sure it will be positive.

So I sit here this evening just wondering the boards, lurking here and there. Reading tips and thoughts. It is refreshing to start planning this trip so far in advance. I get to take my time. On our last trip I pulled it together in about 10 weeks. Money, Rental Property, Kid's Clothes, Packing, Rental Car, everything!

This time I feel like I can actually make the trip MAGICAL for my guys!

The Treasure Hunt is something I glanced at back in May, someone had done one in the morning for their kids on day of departure and I thought that would be neat to stretch out and make the treasure chests "Magically" appear in the hotel like "You found it!"

The kids last time got into Cinderella's buffet at the GF, versus the Mickey and Friends or Ohana that I believe they would have preferred. Though my sons have a bit of a crush on Cindy herself they were a bit underwhelmed!

Also, BIG MISTAKE, we went the week before Memorial Day, WHOOPS! Not so good on my DH who gets nervous in VERY large crowds. He can handle the evening or early morning doses but the mid day levels get to be too much!

This time we are also going to A. be on property & B. Have the DDP. So that is taking some research time, learning how to use our points effectively. A really neat feature this time around is on Allears.net, they have the menus available for download to your PDA! WOOHOO!!

Some of the best advice I have ever received about Disney World went something like this: "Don't expect your family to eat any differently than they do at home, same goes for behavior!" So since we don't eat burgers and fries everyday for lunch, I don't expect the boys to jump on that train! They are more PB & J kids with fresh fruit for dessert and some Sun Chips on the side. But, since if one of us gets on the Dining Plan we ALL have to get on it, you see my quandry! So I am looking for buffets with PB & J on them!

For my DH and I on our anniversary I am already hatching a plan for an Illuminations Cruise. But, I don't know if he would prefer to go on that alone or all of us... I think in my heart of hearts DH would like to have everyone on board. Part of the reason he and I go on vacation with our kids is to get in more time together. We both work full time so on average we spend about 4 hours a day with our kids. The weekends are MUCH better, but we did love our last trip and being with them everyday!

My Grandma and I spoke earlier about the possibility of her Riding with us versus flying. That way if something did come up she wouldn't be out a flight. I worry though that it will hurt her hip to ride that long.


So that is where I am now, getting my financials in order, going over menus, and trying to hold my tongue around the boys which is proving to be difficult as can be!!!

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

We'll have to plan together - our trip is in June and I'm already soooooo much more addicted to disboards than ever before!!! I've already started looking for the perfect princess dresses for the girls and am anxiously awaiting my $1.00 passporter so I can really get organized!!!! Have been totally searching ebay for the perfect clothes - figure I should start now! I may be tempted to even try an outfit or two myself!!!

We're going w/ my brother and his family (6 kids in all!) Can't wait to read more......

 

[amyhughes]

We'll have to plan together - our trip is in June and I'm already soooooo much more addicted to disboards than ever before!!! I've already started looking for the perfect princess dresses for the girls and am anxiously awaiting my $1.00 passporter so I can really get organized!!!! Have been totally searching ebay for the perfect clothes - figure I should start now! I may be tempted to even try an outfit or two myself!!!

We're going w/ my brother and his family (6 kids in all!) Can't wait to read more......

THANKS! We should!

eBay has some really cute stuff. That's where I got the majority of the boys clothes last time, and they were cheaper than Disney. Though I have to say that Hawaiian Post Card shirt is looking mighty tempting! They have a dress too! If you are going to the Poly for Ohanas or the Luau that would be really cute!

Check out Disney Outlet, all of their summer stuff is on clearance and you should be able to pick ups some nice shorts or capris with Mickey on them! I always wear Capris and Mickey Polos. Kinda my uniform, easy to wear and looks great no matter where we go to eat!

Where are you all staying in June?

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

THANKS! We should!

eBay has some really cute stuff. That's where I got the majority of the boys clothes last time, and they were cheaper than Disney. Though I have to say that Hawaiian Post Card shirt is looking mighty tempting! They have a dress too! If you are going to the Poly for Ohanas or the Luau that would be really cute!

Check out Disney Outlet, all of their summer stuff is on clearance and you should be able to pick ups some nice shorts or capris with Mickey on them! I always wear Capris and Mickey Polos. Kinda my uniform, easy to wear and looks great no matter where we go to eat!

Where are you all staying in June?

How funny - my postcard dress just came today! I love it - great fit and really cute! I got my ds the matching shirt, but passed on the matching dresses/shirt for my girls and dh because I hit the Disney Outlet at the Semi-Annual Sale and am waaaaaay stocked up for everyone! But I want to get some more of the custom outfits, too - last year was the first year I completely dressed the girls in all Disney stuff and now I'm totally hooked on it!

We're staying at Sheraton Vistana (RCI exchange) - we stayed there for our Honeymoon back in 2000 and are excited about staying there again....

 

[amyhughes]

Well got an email from my Rentee last night about our payment plan. Sounds good and we should be able to do that well over time.

Woke up this morning and HOLY ****, our Water Heater blew sometime during the night!

Still have enough to pay our deposit but *WHEW* that was close!

I have been going through and picking and choosing where we are going to eat lately. It's actually difficult to decide what you are going to want to eat a whole year before you eat by the way!

Also, I think we have a feasible idea for the MNSSHP, thanks to a fellow poster! ALICE IN WONDERLAND! I am going to start piecing the costumes together cause they will have to be sewn by me over the next 12 months! But, I think that will be super cute!

Other than that I am sitting here answering questions, and waiting for the plumber to finish up. Only have about 8 loads of laundry to do for everything that got SOAKED!

 

[Fintastic]

I saw your link in your siggie and thought I'd come over! We're long-time planners too. We started planning for this trip in September 2006. 331 days down - just 64 more to go!

 

[disneyfansx5]

I love this website. It comforts me to know there are other WDW obsessed people in the world.

We went in Jan. 2007; and my DH has given in and we are going back in Dec. 2008. (I was hoping for Dec. 2007, but it did not work out.) I have also started planning. Thought people would think I was crazy to be thinking so far in advanced. What a joy to find others who plan like I do.

Good luck with your plans. I probably keep up with your planning in order to get help with mine.

 

[amyhughes]

Hello to all the Ariels! *Giggle*

!!We have switched our dates!!

We are going now the second full week of November next year! Thought it wouldn't be so hot or humid. And the crowd levels will be mercifully lower!

We also had to avoid Jersey week. The reviews on here were mixed, some were positive (Nadda problem, no crowds, what crowds?!?!?!) Others including Tour Guide Mike said to avoid at all costs. So we opted to avoid!

Lucky my Lessee has been more than fair and very flexible in our agreement to switch dates. This included needing more points and we have worked that out as well. She is such a professional person to deal with! And also very nice!

Outside today it reached into 105 including heat index! Needless to say I don't know how those in Florida do it in the summers! We tried May and found it almost unbearble to be out there for longer than 3 hours during the day. Animal Kingdom was actually alright because of all the foliage and misting sprays! But the rest of the World was slightly less than frost bitten! My poor husband! He does not do well in excessive heat at all! He is a bit bigger than most and cannot stand it being over 80 degrees. He also is Welsh in nature (first born generation state-side) and prefers it to be sub zero!

I took the boys out with a bit of extra money and bought a few Disney DVDs that we did not have in our collection. For them I bought Sword in the Stone, A Bug's Life, Muppet Treasure Island. For Me: Mary Poppins and though not technically a Disney movie though still featured in the parks the Indiana Jones Box Set.

I am saving up to buy hubby the Superman silver box set for his B-Day. He loves Superman, and DS#1 is right behind him! He has a red cape and everything! He runs around in underwear with the red cape flapping behind him and proceeds to jump off furniture as though the cape will suddenly come to life and carry his weight!

Other than that I am researching places to eat, our eating habits (our house has become a sociology lab lately!), and also looking into custom clothes for the boys. I am also thinking about personalized gift boxes for the boys, DH and G-Ma for when we arrive in the room.

Anybody know if ordering your perishables through a grocer like Gardengrocer.com is the same as going to Publix. I think we will have time I would just like to stay on property! We are going to bring our dry goods (Cheerios, DH's cereal, oatmeal, snacks etc) but I am going to have to buy milk etc when we arrive!

Well, time to cut the pizza for the boys. DS#1 hasn't stopped watching Sword in the Stone yet! He loves this movie, he asked me to call him "Wart".

Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust.
Amy

 

[tinkercat]

Woo hoo! Another early planner! We should start a club....

"Hi, My name is Jen and I'm a Disney-Plan-A-Holic. My next trip is 13.5 months away (October 11-18th)"




Seriously though, I'm enjoying your pre-trippie so far. Its nice to know that there are others obsessing and planning as much as I am this early in the game. Like you, we planned the last trip in under 3 months and I'm relishing having the time to plan.

I'm debating getting TGM...do you think its worth it?

 

[tinkercat]

Oh! I forgot to ask in my last post...
Since you changed your dates and won't be able to do MNSSHP, are you still going to do the family costumes? Will yoo do something special for MVMCP? (If you plan to attend.)

I'm still looking for costume ideas for my gang. With 2 Princesses, 1 Prince, DH and myself...I'm having trouble coming up with something that will work. Any ideas?

 

[amyhughes]

Actually I was thinking of doing something with Mickey Heads, Santa Hats, and Sweatshirts or Fleece Pullovers! I have stumbled into that Kids Boutique thread a few times and come out determined to figure out how to do those appliques!

For the Halloween ideas... 2 Girls, 1 Boy, Husband and Wife...hmmm... Maybe the Alice in Wonderland idea would work for you all too! You have Alice and the Queen as the two daughters, your DS can be the White Rabbit, and you and your husband could be the March Hare and Mad Hatter! Then you can carry around a small door mouse plush (he sleeps alot in the movie anyhow!)

Also I always thought this would be neat, and it doesn't matter the ages but making OLD fashioned Mickey Mouse Club sweaters and Ears and walking around as ORIGINAL Mouseketeers! All you would need to do is print out the old style logo on to a iron on transfer sheet, find someone who can embroider names (they usually charge between 5-8 bucks a name) and if you have ears then you are all set! The girls can wear capris or skirts with saddle shoes. And if its cold you can wear a cardigan over it!

 

[mariacj]

Yay, another early planner! I thought I was early planning something 8 months away. I also don't have children to have to plan around. I can't wait to be able to share Disney with my future kids.

I am glad you were able to change dates. I was thinking about joining DVC but it is kinda scary. Maybe renting points would be a good way to test the waters. I will have to check it out. So far all your planning has come out wonderfully! I will be back again.

 

[amyhughes]

Did you think I forgot to keep posting? Hahahahaha, silly rabbits!

Actually, I have been A. Working, B. Dealing with my lovely 3 year old son who is not responding at all to structure at his preschool, and C. STOMACH FLU! Also I have been on a deadline with my editor! Woohoo! It has been grreat fun in my house lately. But, I thought I would carve out some Mommy time to post as it has been a week and so much can happen in 7 days as we all are only too aware!

So, I signed our contract today!

I have faxed it to our DVC rentee(?) who has been ever so patient, and also just got back from The World herself! (Think Napolean Dynamite) LUCKY! So aside from putting pen to paper I have really been swamped with deadlines, my real job and mommy duty.

OT I think my younger son is either really stubborn or ADD, either case he is going to his pediatrician this week so we will have a nice roundtable about therapy options (he already has speech delay). So just in case you were wondering, I think he will be fine. His teacher loves the stuffing out of him, but I think there is a firmness he needs in his teachers to make him do what needs to be done. He is a very smart and intelligent little guy and can be very sweet, just don't ask him to do something he doesn't want to do! Anyone have Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee's numbers handy?

For my older son's school I am the PTO President. We are ramping up into our fundraisers so life is getting Interesting, very interesting. Very quickly. Actually it doesn't take up too much time because I DELEGATE! Have to, if I didn't I would die! But, DS#1 is having little problems aside from being a 4 year old, and he even had a new lesson this past week which makes him very proud indeed. He also is stubborn but in a profoundly different way.

On the Disney front, I have been reading. Reading while in bed, reading on the couch after the little ones are asleep. Just constantly reading. I did happen to find a great deal of comfort in the other trip reports. And I of course thank the other ladies who have posted here! You make me feel less freakish everyday! I am just glad there are more out there like myself.

The one thing I am finding by reading is that most of us on here know Disney but are unsure of planning for other's who "Don't Get It." My DH was one of those guys. I had to pull his eye teeth to get him to go last May, now he is begging for another week there. The subtle Disney transformation won't happen overnight. It just doesn't. DH didn't really miss Disney until we were 844 miles away, then I saw the tears N/K Tears as he said, "I want to go back." So, it does happen that a "I Don't Get It" person becomes not necessarily a DIS-er, but understands the obession a wee bit more after they tour.

Again it all goes back to: Don't expect your family to change their behavior once they go on vacation. (Of course there are exceptions to this rule, mainly alcohol but let's not go there with kids and Disney.)
People will continue to act as they always have no matter the climate shift.
So, my DH likes to sleep in. For me, Rope Dropper if there ever was one, this took some getting used to. But by mid-week he understood if he wanted to actually do ANYTHING he had to get there early. He did wise up and this next time I have sworn to leave him at the hotel if he isn't aware at 8:00.

Also, another point that I would like to address when attempting to tour with a hubby or someone who has never felt the same about Disney, DON'T BE DISAPOINTED IF THEY DON'T WELL UP WITH TEARS, OR CALL YOU A GOOFBALL WHEN YOU DO. There are a multitude of people who were not lucky enough to got to Disney as youngsters or experience it at pivotal moments in their lives. The magical thing about Disney is the ability that wonderful place has to HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY. So, just b/c your friend or hubby doesn't quite get the quaintness of Main Street, they may really enjoy Rock n' Roller or maybe they would like a round of golf or the Richard Petty driving experience or shopping at DTD. The lists are endless for folks who may not like rides but want to enjoy a vacation. My DH summed it up best, "If you could plan a vacation for everybody we know you could direct them to WDW and they would all have a wonderful time."

All for now DIS-ers, next time I post I should have some information regarding ADR's and what we plan on eating next November!

 

[amyhughes]

Hey forgot to state earlier: check out live365.com. Type in Walt Disney World in the search engine. This will bring you a bevvy of choices of music FROM THE PARKS! Wait time music, acutal ride narration and sounds everything. If you turn it on even for 20 minutes and shut your eyes you would swear you are there!

Check out mouseworld radio1. I have been listening all day while I work!

 

[downunder]

Hi

My name is Jess and i am from sydney australia!
I have just read your TR your plans look great

I have been counting down since 12 months. We are now going in 116 days i think. We are staying at POP for 11 nights in Jan 08 and then onto the DCL for a 4 night cruise with MIKCEY

I cant believe i am nearly doing the double digits dance

 

[amyhughes]

G'Day Jess!

I took a glance at your planning and it looks wonderful!

So glad you are going to come up for summer vacation and enjoy the cooler weather! Keep us posted and I will deff check your thread!

 

[amyhughes]

Okay... I admitted myself for the Disney Moms Panel! I have knots in my stomach I am so excited at the possibilities! *Breath* I know that the odds are likely I won't get picked but "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" to quote Cinderella. I just cannot wait to see the results in October... keep your fingers crossed for me!

 

[LMEJ]

Hi Amy,

I, too, am a Disney planning freak. I saw your post about the Sit and Stand. I would NOT recommend that for Disney. I have one, and it is very nice for some uses, but would find it difficult and burdensome to maneuver around the World. I use a cheapo double umbrella that folds up quick and easy for our trips.