2011 MNSSHP trip! Need help figuring out DD's costume!

[Parla]

Yay, an update

Glad your daughter had a good time at Camp.

How cool you got to have some alone time. I went and saw Bridesmaids and laughed the whole time. I love it so much, I want to see it again

Looks like you got some great purchases

Those Phineas shirts are great

Haunted Carriage Ride sounds like that will be a blast

I would make a reservation at BBB and Pirate League. THen just do what you said and call a few days before to see what Pirate League is offering. You can make your decision then on what to keep

Bridesmaids was really great. That whole food poisoning scene was the funniest thing I've seen in years.

 

[Parla]

Okay, here we go. How about some serious PTR posting? It’s time I started posting our agenda. Here’s where the 20 questions really kick in. Well actually, it’s just one question. What did I mess up? Please post and tell me where I goofed. I used OLP for their Transport Wizard in several instances but have since read that they aren’t 100% reliable. Please tell me if I’m making a huge error in planning how to get about. We aren’t renting a car and this will be our first time without any transportation of our own.

First let’s start with what I’ll be doing before our arrival. The big thing is ordering from Garden Grocer. I’m really looking forward to experiencing somebody else shopping for us. We’ll definitely need a couple of cases of water and then we’ll need milk, fruit and different boxes of crackers to make up some snacks for DD to have while standing in line if her blood sugar appears to be dropping. I bought a new cooler backpack and plan on having some juice boxes (as well as cold water) on hand. She really detests warm juice (as well as glucose tabs). I know in an emergency she’ll have to do what it takes but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Our flight leaves at 7AM. So we’ll need to leave around 4:30 to get to the airport by 5. Of course that doesn’t allow what will happen to the car. I don’t feel comfortable asking anyone to drive us that early or pick us up as late as we’ll be when we come back. I’m debating parking at the airport, a parking lot that shuttles you to the airport or a hotel near the airport that a friend has turned me on to. If you pay for one night you can park for 14 days. They shuttle you and the night cost less than a week of parking the other ways. I will need to talk to my friend more about that one.

Our flight is scheduled to land in Orlando at 9:15AM. This will be our first experience with Magical Express. I’m looking forward to it but I’m also nervous. Who knows how long the lines will be? How long will we have to wait for our bus to fill up? How many resorts will we have to stop at before getting to AKL? I think I’ve given myself plenty of time to get to AKL and then over to a 1:25PM ADR at Rose & Crown. I know, Epcot on the weekend during F&W! But we loved eating fish and chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop when we first got to WDW on our last trip. This time we have the DxDP so we’re kicking it up a notch. Hopefully there will still be some fast passes left for Soarin’ as we make our way to our lunch ADR. After lunch we won’t have a real plan in place for this day. We’ll be attending Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show at the Polynesian at 8PM. What we do in the middle will just depend on how crowded Epcot is. I would like to take this time to let the kids really explore Innoventions. I’m hoping if there are crowds they are all eating and drinking themselves to death in WS. Also, something that I have never done... GASP! Club Cool is so on the menu for this day. That is on the map, right? I swear I just always forget and never see it.

I plan on taking the monorail to TTC and then change monorails to go to the Poly. To get home I was thinking of taking a boat to MK and then a bus to AKL. Do these sound right? Couldn’t we also just walk to TTC and get on a bus straight to AKL. I’m not sure how long it would take us to walk around the Poly from the Luau Cove.

The one thing I would love to sneak in here is this little baby. I read that they are available in the Tambu Lounge but I don’t know if that is something I can get into just for a drink. Of course this night would be perfect if the show ended in time to watch MK fireworks from the beach with a Lapu Lapu but I’m pretty sure those will be gone by the time the show is over and since I’m not familiar with the Poly at all I’m not even sure if I can get one of those near the beach. I know DD would love to mess in the sand for a few minutes before heading back to the hotel though so if I see an opportunity...

Assuming we make it back to AKL in one piece I’m sure we will all collapse into a deep sleep but not before setting every alarm we have for 2AM since I will need to get up and check DD’s blood sugar every night of this trip.

 

[Parla]

So here's something Disney related. I really need to get some extra money coming in since our final payment is due in August. I've been listing things on ebay this afternoon. It is so much work! Especially when you haven't done it in a long time. I'm trying to sell all the Disney DVDs that I have bought blu-ray combo packs for and anything else I can get my hands on. I'm really dreading trying to sell all the Gymboree clothes my kids outgrew. I know those sell well if you list them properly.

Anybody else here use ebay that much? I know that when I signed up for he dis it said something about not posting direct links to items you're selling on ebay but you could put some kind of ebay link in your signature. Probably not worth it since everybody on this board already has all those movies.

 

[Trentmom]

Bridesmaids was really great. That whole food poisoning scene was the funniest thing I've seen in years.

That scene was the best

 

[Trentmom]

I think your plans sound good so far

Boat to MK sounds good, then you can catch bus to AKL

I always forget if you can catch a bus at MK or need to go to TTC

sorry

 

[Parla]

Well, at least I know you're still reading Trentmom (can't remember if you use you're real name on here). I wasn't sure about having to go back to TTC or just being able to get on a bus from taking the boat or not either. I wish I were super knowledgeable on transportation. It can really save you some time if you know what you're doing. I'm doing good to take the quickest route from my house to work though.

 

[mousescrapper]

I think my pirate league vs. BBB dilemma has worked itself out. I was really stressing over it today because I don't want to wait until it's too late to make a reservation. I called for DD one more time and asked if she was sure the order she wanted was Rapunzel, mermaid or pirate. She grabbed an Ariel doll off of the shelf and said, "Mom, I don't know why you're freaking out did you forget about her? If they don't have Rapunzel I can still be a mermaid!" Why didn't she say that the first time?

well at least you have that figure out

We aren’t renting a car and this will be our first time without any transportation of our own.

I think you will be ok we have always just used the Disney transportation have had a few glitches over the yrs but nothing that would make us put up the white flag...

I always say give yourself 30 minutes from resort to park (a little more to MK, that will be the farthest from AKL) and 1 hr from a resort to resort and DTD...that always takes awhile (unless you are nearby)

having line detertents in place can be helpful, but we are not going during a super busy time or heat, so i think your kiddos will be ok...


First let’s start with what I’ll be doing before our arrival. The big thing is ordering from Garden Grocer.

I have used them twice now and great service and super easy too...pick your time for delievery when you know you'll be back to the room, and bell services will bring it up at the deluxe resorts (I tip them too)...they usually send you an email or text when it has arrived to the resort too

I’m debating parking at the airport, a parking lot that shuttles you to the airport or a hotel near the airport that a friend has turned me on to. If you pay for one night you can park for 14 days. They shuttle you and the night cost less than a week of parking the other ways. I will need to talk to my friend more about that one.

we paid to park once for our march trip in '09 and it worked out quite well for us...

Our flight is scheduled to land in Orlando at 9:15AM. This will be our first experience with Magical Express. I’m looking forward to it but I’m also nervous. Who knows how long the lines will be? How long will we have to wait for our bus to fill up? How many resorts will we have to stop at before getting to AKL?


DME is wonderful...now you don't always get an actual DME bus, sometimes it's the cruise bus or a mears bus, but all have AC, the plush seats, and little movie

lines vary based on time of day...9:30 ish am shouldn't be that bad...I have never felt we have waited a huge amount of time either. Make sure you have your DME booklet in your purse or carry-on bag (both rides) they will need it to scan! (I tip for any luggage, stroller they put underneath)

OH and the luggage comes pretty quick too, only time we had a dely was our stay at POP for 1 night in Nov...I think they deliever to deluxe first then down to value... pack a carryon w/ anything you need access to right away, snacks for DD, med's, emergency clothes...etc

I don't recall waiting to long for the bus to fill up either...you are anxious to get there so it may seem longer than it is...the movie starts about 8-10 minutes after you leave the airport I think.

you will stop I belive at 3 resorts prior to arriving at AKL...I was just at AKV you'd think I'd remember but I know POP and CBR are two of the stops

I'd say it takes just under an hour

I think I’ve given myself plenty of time to get to AKL and then over to a 1:25PM ADR at Rose & Crown.

I think you'll be ok but it may be tight...getting to AKL, checking in (doubt room will be ready), probably should have a snack at the CS there 9beware right by pool) and put feet up a bit to chill...then catch EP bus, go thru security, ticket line and a round to there...

Hopefully there will still be some fast passes left for Soarin’ as we make our way to our lunch ADR.

you may good if you are arriving before 1 pm...good luck! (think about the back-up plan though I mentioned to you in a PM before )

Also, something that I have never done... GASP! Club Cool is so on the menu for this day. That is on the map, right? I swear I just always forget and never see it.

Yes it's on the West side before crossing under monorail track and heading toward Land...not actually on map...but if map hasn't changed it's right by the # 6


I plan on taking the monorail to TTC and then change monorails to go to the Poly. To get home I was thinking of taking a boat to MK and then a bus to AKL. Do these sound right? Couldn’t we also just walk to TTC and get on a bus straight to AKL. I’m not sure how long it would take us to walk around the Poly from the Luau Cove.


I'd walk from TTC to the POLY, actually quicker (we stayed POLY in '08 loved this access)...just follow the signs, path. the boats are a bit slower than the monorail although it's nice...you better bet may be to take the monorail to MK and then catch bus back to AKL

The one thing I would love to sneak in here is this little baby. I read that they are available in the Tambu Lounge but I don’t know if that is something I can get into just for a drink. Of course this night would be perfect if the show ended in time to watch MK fireworks from the beach with a Lapu Lapu

not positive but I know they have some fun fancy drinks at the Luau too

Assuming we make it back to AKL in one piece I’m sure we will all collapse into a deep sleep but not before setting every alarm we have for 2AM since I will need to get up and check DD’s blood sugar every night of this trip.

whew...I'd be collasping too...sounds like a fun, but packed arrival day have fun!

 

[Trentmom]

Well, at least I know you're still reading Trentmom (can't remember if you use you're real name on here). I wasn't sure about having to go back to TTC or just being able to get on a bus from taking the boat or not either. I wish I were super knowledgeable on transportation. It can really save you some time if you know what you're doing. I'm doing good to take the quickest route from my house to work though.

You can call me either..no biggie

mousescrapper had some good answers

Looks like you can catch bus from MK

 

[Parla]

well at least you have that figure out

Thanks for all the extra tips! I know you're a seasoned Disney traveler so I took notes on my itinerary as I was reading your reply.

whew...I'd be collasping too...sounds like a fun, but packed arrival day have fun!

You can call me either..no biggie

mousescrapper had some good answers

Looks like you can catch bus from MK

Catchin' the bus from MK.

I still remember when your mom said the name Trent in one of her first posts and you told her that we don't use real names. Even though your username kind of said it all. Good times.

 

[Trentmom]

Catchin' the bus from MK.

I still remember when your mom said the name Trent in one of her first posts and you told her that we don't use real names. Even though your username kind of said it all. Good times.

Yeah, that was pretty funny

Lot of people think my names I am a mom from Trenton, NJ, too

 

[exwdwcm]

Hey there- love all the shirts you got- especially yours- those are so cute!

So glad everyone had a great time at camp and sending pixie dust that the pump purchase goes smoothly!!!! so should she have it in time for the trip then? will that make life a lot easier on the trip?

WE loved Garden Grocer. On parking the car at the airport, just build in plenty of time and make sure the shuttles are running that early. they usually are, but one time we had a flight and got on the shuttle from the parking lot and it ended up taking almost 45 minutes after they stopped at 3 other terminals at DFW and ours was last. so just be prepared, but with such an early flight, hopefully it won't be too crazy. We also splurged last year and used a town car service- it was so nice to not worry about driving and just being dropped off. This year, I'll be asking my parents since we have a lunchtime flight. if it was a 7am flight, not sure anyone would do that.

since you are coming in early, here's hoping ME won't take too long. I've never used it since we prefer renting a car. but you would think that early in the am, there won't be huge crowds. i am hoping so for you anyways! I think a 1:25pm is plenty of time though, you shouldn't have a problem making that. if your room isn't ready (ours wasn't ready until 4pm last year), you can leave your carry ons at the hotel and head to Epcot. club cool is a must- we stop there a few times every trip.

i think you could just walk to the TTC from the poly and get a bus there, although i am not a good one to ask since we drive everywhere (or monorail it from BLT). the walk to the TTC isn't bad at all.

yes, you can just go upstairs in the poly, back by Ohana and there is a bar, anyone is welcome to the bar, or the lounge area with seating right there. i usually just go up the bar if the lounge area is crowded and order a drink! i love the lava colada! you can even get a dole whip at the the Poly fast food place downstairs near the back at capt cooks and take that out on the beach to watch WISHES.

 

[Parla]

We drove up to the Disney Store on Friday after DD's endocrinologist appointment downtown. I had to exchange one of DD's shirts. The first time I washed it the thread came out of the entire hem at the bottom of the shirt. I had misplaced the receipt but after reading the back knew I could exchange it with an ID. I called first to make sure they had another of the same kind. The cashier didn't even check my ID since I was just exchanging for the exact same shirt.

I also got DD a couple more shirts, beach towel and we got two Prince dolls for $20 (Flynn and Aladdin) since she has a slew of Princess dolls and Prince Eric appears to be hiding out somewhere in the house.

Then we walked over to the Lego store. DD made three Lego characters for $9.99. DS decided he wanted the Lego Universe CD-ROM. It only comes with one month and I'm worried he's going to be upset at the end of the month. I was disappointed because a customer there said to ask about a second free month that she got when she bought her son's a few weeks ago. When I asked they said it was a "while supplies last" monthly special and was all gone. He still really wanted it though and I felt better about it when I realized they had actually cut the price because the same disc cost $19.99 at Target.

So glad everyone had a great time at camp and sending pixie dust that the pump purchase goes smoothly!!!! so should she have it in time for the trip then? will that make life a lot easier on the trip?

It looks like we should have it before the trip. I'm mostly nervous about getting it going before school starts. We met with the pump rep at camp and she already has all of our paperwork processed with the insurance company. They just need a letter of medical necessity from the Doctor. We have to take an introduction class before they will provide the letter to the rep. Then when we get the pump we have to schedule a class to go in and learn how to use it. I believe there is a third follow up class. We just spent the last two weeks signing papers and writing down all the food DD ate. The last two days have felt like a vacation not having to write everything down.

They basically make you jump through hoops to get a pump. The chances of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis go up quite a bit because of the increased control (basically you need to prove that you are on your game because if the pump messes up and you don't catch it quickly you could end up in the hospital much easier).

Sorry, if someone asks a diabetes related question I kind of start rambling.

yes, you can just go upstairs in the poly, back by Ohana and there is a bar, anyone is welcome to the bar, or the lounge area with seating right there. i usually just go up the bar if the lounge area is crowded and order a drink! i love the lava colada! you can even get a dole whip at the the Poly fast food place downstairs near the back at capt cooks and take that out on the beach to watch WISHES.

Good to know. We haven't really visited other resorts so I am still not 100% comfortable just wondering around. I think Chef Mickey was our only other visit to a resort other than the one we were staying at. I need to explore a little this time though because we when go for Christmas in 2013 a lot of our time is going to be spent exploring other resorts and checking out all the decorations and popular foods of that resort.

 

[exwdwcm]

so how is the pump hunt coming along - did you guys get one yet?

I really recommend visiting the Poly and maybe schedule an hour or so to explore. You can take the monorail over and that has you enter onto the second floor where O'hana and the bar is, plus a little store up there. Great views out the window there. Downstairs is the checkin desk, more stores and outside, is the amazing volcano pool- worth walking out to see. Plus Capt Cooks is out there, where you can get a dole whip! WE liked just hanging on the beach there- there are hammocks, chairs and places to just relax. There is also a torch/fire lighting ceremony each night out front!

 

[jubelee1872000]

To OP-

Can you tell me where you got your maps from that are in your tinkerbell planner?? Thanks!!

 

[Parla]

so how is the pump hunt coming along - did you guys get one yet?

I really recommend visiting the Poly and maybe schedule an hour or so to explore. You can take the monorail over and that has you enter onto the second floor where O'hana and the bar is, plus a little store up there. Great views out the window there. Downstairs is the checkin desk, more stores and outside, is the amazing volcano pool- worth walking out to see. Plus Capt Cooks is out there, where you can get a dole whip! WE liked just hanging on the beach there- there are hammocks, chairs and places to just relax. There is also a torch/fire lighting ceremony each night out front!

We decided to go with the Animas Ping. We got it via UPS on Monday but don't have our class to learn how to use it until Thursday. Probably for the better though. She has to eat the same things at the same times every day for the first seven days of pumping and she's going to Holiday World this Saturday and has a dance camp Wednesday.

Thanks for the tips on the Poly. I think we will just plan on heading over really early for the Luau and wander around the grounds for a while.

To OP-

Can you tell me where you got your maps from that are in your tinkerbell planner?? Thanks!!

My AAA TA gave me the map. I think you can find similar ones online though. Maybe Allears? I think I've googled and found some maps before. I love getting them elsewhere though since ink is so expensive.

 

[Parla]

Well, at the rate I’m going I may post all of my agenda about a week after I get back. First off, let me start with a health update. We are going to DD’s pump class early Thursday morning. I’m excited and scared to death. She won’t get her long acting insulin the night before so she will be running high until we get the pump started with a basal rate. As for myself, I’ve had numbness come and go on the right side of my right thigh ever since I was pregnant with my son 12 years ago. For the last several months when I’m driving it will often feel like I’ve spilled something wet on my leg when I don’t even have a drink with me. Since about last Wednesday it went numb and hasn’t gone away (used to only happen when I was sleeping and would go away if I changed position). Feels like I sat on it wrong and it fell asleep and hasn’t woke up yet. Then it got really painful. So now it’s numb and painful at the same time. WTH? I called the doctor Friday morning and I’m heading in to see the nurse practitioner this Tuesday. I worked Saturday night but told them I wouldn’t make my shift on Sunday. I don’t work again until Thursday. I’m really worried about it. If there is something going on with the nerves in my spine couldn’t that cause further damage by being numb for so many days? Well, I’ll put that out of my mind for the moment and move on to happier things…

Day Two! Monday, October 16, 2011
MAGIC KINGDOM

This day will start with breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. DS specifically requested this after seeing Mary Poppins would be there. We are going to bus to MK (that just takes us to TTC right?) and then take the monorail to GF. Our ADR is at 8AM so I plan on being at the bus stop before 7AM.

Then it’s back on the monorail and off to MK. I would love to make RD at 9AM but I’m not sure how long our breakfast will take. I haven’t worked out a plan for the order we will ride things because I actually plan on giving RideMax a try this year. The things we are most excited about though are

POTC, Haunted Mansion and getting Splash Mountain out of the way early since DS and DH will be heading to PL at 10:20AM and I’ll be taking DD to BBB at 11AM. The kids have never rode POTC (closed for refurb and then the line was too long for our schedule next trip) or HM (DS would have been too scared the first trip and closed for refurb the next trip).

DD is really looking forward to another sail on IASW.

DS can’t wait to take another spin with Buzz.

When the excitement dies down and the kids are in proper pirate and princess attire we will be sitting down to a late (2:40PM) royal lunch at CRT. DD was so shy her first time there, she wouldn't take any pictures unless her big brother got up and stood there too. I debated between dinner and lunch. The lunch menu just looked more appealing to what my family would order. We will probably stop for snacks to get through dinner time especially since we will be attending MNSSHP in the evening and will have bags of candy for any low blood sugars that pop up. I would love to close the party down and wear out our welcome but that will depend on how well we do from the previous day. I’m looking forward to seeing those characters that only come out on Halloween and the disappearance of Eugene from the Rapunzel meet and greet was softened by the fact that we should be able to see him and get some pics at the party. I’m also really looking forward to Hallowishes. I’ve heard such great things about those fireworks. Plus, who can miss the Halloween parade if it is the only MNSSHP you’ll ever go to?!? If we leave the party on this night and feel like we missed too much then Friday night will be a built in make up night. I’m hoping that we leave feeling completely happy with our experience though because we will miss our dinner at Boma if we come back on Friday night. Plus the kids would like to make a DTD excursion and Friday would be the only time for that if we skip the second party. Of course it is torturing DS to have a night that is in limbo and not know for sure if he is or isn’t going to DTD but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Right???


P.S. Sorry, those last pictures from my own collection came out much bigger than the ones I borrowed online. And my shorts are wet because we had bought a new cooler and didn't realize it wasn't sealed well and we shouldn't use ice in it.

 

[mousescrapper]

sorry to hear about your leg issue...really hope the nurse can help lead you to some answers


MK day looks fun! any day started w/ mary Poppins is a good one we did the 8 am bfast here in Nov...and didn't make RD...jat

Can't wait to see pixs of the kids all gussied up after PL and BBB!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Your days look great. I can't really add anything that others haven't already said.

I hope your leg gets better and they can figure out what's wrong. It's hard dealing with medical issues, as you know with your DD and her diabetes. I have to think about the same things when travelling --- snacks, insulin, meter, etc...sometimes it's very overwhelming for me and I'm an adult!!

So, so far, so good on your plans!!!

 

[Shannon84]

Hey there!!! we are going to MNSSHP the same night too funny!! Its going to be the best week ever at WDW

 

[Trentmom]

Day 2 look like it will be a fun one

Breakfast with Mary Poppins is great

Cute pics

Hope your appt with the doctor went okay