2 Adults, 5 kids and we're going in August - what could go wrong?!

[mysparky]

I’ve never done a pre-trip report but figured that now that I have most of the planning done, I need another outlet for my planning energy! This is going to be long, but there’s a lot rambling around in my head! Here we go:

Cast of Characters:
Me (42) – the obsessive planner, but I prefer to think of myself as the “Vacation Strategist”. Like many on these boards, planning a vacation is a hobby and I’m usually planning one trip, or another, at least 12 months in advance. In addition to this upcoming WDW vacation in August 07, I’m also planning a cruise in April 08 and a trip to Costa Rica in Summer 08. Although planning trips is a passion, I figure that if I did this as a career, I’d probably hate it (the jealousy factor??).

DH (42) – happy to go along with whatever I plan and wherever we go. Prefers to have relaxation incorporated in the vacation, but really is ok with whatever we do. Went to Disney a few times as a kid and has never been a coaster fan. Last visit agreed to confront his demon and ride Space Mountain. He’s glad he did it, but indicated that there’s no reason to ride it again (ever).

DS (11) – turning 12 in a week. Is not a Disney fanatic, but loves going to the parks. The bigger the coaster, the better. On our last vacation to WDW surprised me by wanting to take a picture with Tiger during dinner at Crystal Palace. Is an early-riser and wants us all up by 7:00 each morning and then is ready to completely crash at 10:00pm. Will this last through his teenage years? I doubt it.

DD (8) – turning 9 in three weeks. Also not Disney-obsessed, but shares my passion for vacations and is very interested in the planning. Is thrilled that she’s now tall enough to ride everything! Wants to know where we’re going and when, how much swimming we’ll get in, and how late she can stay up. Prefers to get up around 9:30 and go to bed at midnight. I fear that this will only get worse as she gets older.

DN (15), DN (14), DN (11) – have never been to WDW before and we’re taking them with us. The older nephews really like thrill rides (aka Universal) and I’m a little concerned that WDW might not be thrilling enough for them. Fortunately they are great kids and truly appreciate hanging out with “the cousins”, regardless of what we do. Younger nephew isn’t into serious coasters (ie “Hulk” at Universal) and I think he’ll find SM, BTMRR, EE to be his speed.


Background:
For the past 4 years, we’ve taken my nephews on vacation with us to a dude ranch/resort that’s about 2 hours from our home. We initially did this on a whim a few years ago and thought it would be a “one time only” event. Although we live close to them and see them regularly, vacationing with them was truly a terrific experience. DH and I agreed that as long as they were into it, and as long as we could afford to, we’d take them somewhere with us each year. Their parents are divorced and they rarely get to go on vacation. Although we could really use the money to (finally) buy that furniture for our bedroom or to replace our two leather couches in the family room, at this point in our lives, we’d rather share the time with our family. As many of us know, kids grow up so quickly and I don’t want to think that I “should of, could of”. I think that song “Cats in the Cradle” haunts me…

DH, DS, DD and I went to WDW in November (our 2nd trip ever) and we had a great time. As a family, we decided that “the cousins” (as we so fondly refer to them) would love many of the activities that WDW offers and we should definitely make a change in our plans and not go to the ranch this summer and instead, go to Disney. So yup….WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY IN AUGUST!!

The plan so far…

Dates:
8/18/07 – 8/26/07

Resort:
We’re renting a 2BR Villa at BC from a DVC member (we’ve done business with her twice before and trust her 110%). We’ve stayed in a 1BR villa the other two times we’ve gone (once in WL and the other time in BW) and we like the space, the ability to eat breakfast in our room, and having a washer/dryer. We chose BC because we’ll be spending lots of time in the pool and really want to experience SAB.

Food:
I grew up with 2 sisters and continue to be amazed at just how much teenage boys can eat! With 4 very active, growing boys on this trip, we definitely decided that the Dining Plan would be worthwhile for us. Our family of 4 did it in November and it worked out well for us. It was a lot of food, but DH and I often shared our meals and then we had extras so that we could do the signature dining experiences. Too bad we didn’t qualify for Free Dining, but honestly, it comes out almost the same because we got a good deal on the villa by renting points (which would have made us ineligible for free dining anyway).

Since we have a larger group and I had some specific places that I wanted to try, I made our ADR’s as soon as I could. We are primarily using our TS credits for dinner. Good thing that our plan hasn’t changed a whole lot since I made these!

8/18: Dinner at ESPN (no ADR)
8/19: Fantasmic Dinner Pkg – Brown Derby
8/20: Dinner at Crystal Palace
8/21: Dinner at Boma
8/22: Dinner at Spoodles
8/23: Dinner at Wolfgang Puck Café
8/24: Dinner at Le Cellier
8/25: Dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express (CS – no ADR)



Our Itinerary:
Involves some rest and hopefully provides the older kids with enough freedom in the afternoons. We will expect them to get up each morning with us, go to the parks with us, and eat meals with us, but when we have downtime in the afternoon, I’ll be fine if they want to stay in the park a little longer, walk on the boardwalk and get some ice cream, or check out DisneyQuest. We’ll all be together in the evening. Here’s the plan so far:

Sat: 8/18: Early flight, spend afternoon at resort, evening at Epcot
Sun: 8/19: Morning - MGM / Afternoon – Pool / Evening - MGM (Fantasmic)
Mon: 8/20: Morning - Typhoon Lagoon/ Afternoon - Resort / Evening – MK
Tues: 8/21: Morning – AK / Late afternoon – Blizzard Beach / Evening –Boardwalk
Wed: 8/22: Morning – MK / Afternoon – Pool / Evening – MK
Thurs: 8/23: Morning – AK / Afternoon – DisneyQuest / Evening – DTD
Fri: 8/24: Morning – Blizzard Beach / Afternoon – Resort / Evening – Epcot
Sat: 8/25: Morning – Epcot / Afternoon – pool / Evening – Cirque de Solei
Sun: 8/26: Morning – Epcot / Afternoon – pool / Leave for home  at 3:00


August Planning:
I’ve been trying to read up on the various “tips & tricks” for WDW in August. Here are some of the things we’ll be implementing:

• Hydration, hydration, hydration – we’ll each have our own camelbak. I purchased them for all of the kids for Xmas. Their primary function is to hold water, but there is a small pocket on each to hold a rain poncho (folded tightly), and a misty mate. When full with water, these smaller camelbaks weigh about 3.5 lbs. We got a slightly larger version for the 2 older nephews and for DH and me. We’ll be able to pack our camera, cellphone, sunscreen, anti-bacterial wipes and cool wash cloths. The point is to make sure we carry only the bare necessities. Our camelbaks, when full, will weigh just over 5 lbs each.

• Keeping “cool” while in the parks (I know, this is an oxymoron) – we’ll each have Misty Mates, cool wash cloths and will make sure to alternate inside and outside attractions/shows.

• Early in the parks, rest in the afternoons. We plan on being at rope drop each day, and then trying to get out of the parks by 1:00 (at the latest). We’ll rest and enjoy the pool in the afternoon and then go back out around 5:00.

• Good sandals/Use of BodyGlide. We all have decent sandals (tevas, keens) and will make good use of BodyGlide to help prevent blisters. I’ve used this product before and it really is great.

• Hats & Sunscreen – I need to find a decent, ventilated hat for myself. I want something that doesn’t look like I’m going to a baseball game, or the Kentucky Derby.


At this point, I plan to continue combing the disboard for other great ideas. I’ve read lots of other pre-trip reports and saw a picture of a great scrap book. I haven’t done a lot of scrapbooking, but the picture really inspired me! I also need to read more about photopass because we didn’t use it last time, but I really think it will be a good option for us. Finally, I’m contemplating making 7 matching t-shirts for one of the days that we’re in the park. They’d probably be tie-dye, but I think it would be fun and I wonder if it would help identify us for certain dream team prizes. By the way, no one in my family knows about the YOAMD and I’m not saying anything because I don’t want to build up any false hope. If anything happens to come our way, it will just make the trip that much more magical.

As promised, I’ve rambled. I have to thank disboards and anyone who is reading this for allowing me to be so indulgent!!!

60 days to go…now all I need is one of those ticket counters!

 

[Avivasmom]

What a great aunt you are...sounds like you have a great trip planned.

We are going july 29th and definitely going to be drinking lots of water (I live in South Florida but do not go out much in the summer). Taking my SIL from Jamaica who has never been so she is used to the heat.

 

[IluvXU]

I like to read about August trippers...we are headed then too. In fact our MGM days are the same. Thanks for sharing the tips, they apply for us too. Keep it coming!

 

[mysparky]

I like to read about August trippers...we are headed then too. In fact our MGM days are the same. Thanks for sharing the tips, they apply for us too. Keep it coming!

I like to read August trip reports as well! I've spent a decent amount of time reading reports from last year. I've also been trying to find reports geared towards families with teens. The one thing I can't find is someone who has a crystal ball and can tell me that my park choices/days are perfect!

 

[mvazul]

Sounds like you're going to be very busy with 5 kids!! It sounds like a ton of fun! Have your nephews ever been before?

We are going in August, too. We are arriving the day you leave. Maybe we'll pass each other in the airport!

I look forward to reading more of your plans!

 

[IluvXU]

Have you subscribed to him? He has lots of great information on his site.. like best touring days... touring plans.. hints! I have found a wealth of information to help us plan our trip. He is my Crystal Ball!

 

[rentayenta]

Love the tips and tricks!

 

[mysparky]

Have you subscribed to him? He has lots of great information on his site.. like best touring days... touring plans.. hints! I have found a wealth of information to help us plan our trip. He is my Crystal Ball!

I actually have subscribed to TGM and his advice on best touring days is great. I think you are right....he is like a crystal ball! (or at a minimum, someone with lots of expertise!!)

 

[Who'syourMickey]

I am enjoying your trip planning report. We are going with some of the same aged children. I had never heard of a camelback before. I googled it and wow. really cool idea for staying hydrated. I have been on a what to bring thread and read about buying chamios cloths from walmart that you can use to wet yourself to keep cool, or dry yourself if it rains. The camelback would be excellent for carrying autograph books, passports, or cameras. If i gave the kids each one they would take care of their own needs like baby wipes, etc. I'd Love to know what you are packing in each one of yours! I was going to get some misters (we're going to wdw end of sept 2007), did you say some camelbacks come with misters built in? I agree that keeping people cool and hydrated is very important. Some great ideas you have here.

 

[mysparky]

I am enjoying your trip planning report. We are going with some of the same aged children. I had never heard of a camelback before. I googled it and wow. really cool idea for staying hydrated. I have been on a what to bring thread and read about buying chamios cloths from walmart that you can use to wet yourself to keep cool, or dry yourself if it rains. The camelback would be excellent for carrying autograph books, passports, or cameras. If i gave the kids each one they would take care of their own needs like baby wipes, etc. I'd Love to know what you are packing in each one of yours! I was going to get some misters (we're going to wdw end of sept 2007), did you say some camelbacks come with misters built in? I agree that keeping people cool and hydrated is very important. Some great ideas you have here.

There are many different sizes of camelbaks that have different carrying capacity, but none of the types that we purchased for the kids will hold much as we really wanted to keep down the weight (and the complaints). Theirs, when filled, will be just under 3 lbs. The packs will also hold just their mister, and disposable (aka $1) poncho. There is a size slightly larger (think it's called the mini-mule) which would definitely hold more.

DH and I have packs that have extra sections that can hold add'l items such as sunscreen, camera, phone, tix, anti-bacterial hand wipes, and baggies of cool washclothes. Our bags will be heavier, but still should still be only around 6 lbs! Not a bad weight when you consider that this includes our water for the day. None of the bags that I've seen have misters (we're bringing the misty mate pumps).

If you can find the bags on sale (ebags is a great place to start), I think they are well worth the investment. In fact, we just came back from a trip to VT, where we did a lot of hiking with the kids and we all brought our bags. It was great to not be the designated water carrier pack mule!