9/12 great article ! Who am I to say no to going to WDW?

[IluvXU]

Didn't you buy a flag when you were there last year?

You are right-- too funny!

 

[teacher9702]

The June hours should be out March 1. I read on another one of my many Disney sites that the are putting out the current month hours along with the next three months. So when March 1 gets here they should have out also April, May and June. I am PATIENTLY waiting as well because we go June 9-18.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You are right-- too funny!

Did you ever post a picture of that flag? I would really like to see it if you have one.

 

[IluvXU]

While Disney is constantly on my mind we have been super busy lately. School is crazy and with two girls with cabin fever we have been busy! While I wait for June hours, TGM and our reservation window to open here are some of my latest planning thoughts:

Stroller- we will be taking a single stroller for Luke, and renting the double again for the girls. There is no way Hannah can walk it yet, and to get our double stroller on the buses is a nightmare in my mind. I hope to umbrella stroller it with Luke, or take our bigger stroller for him. If I find a good deal on a stroller I might buy something that is lightweight and reclines. Suggestions?


Flying- still might if we find a good deal/tax return is good (still have not figured it). We would be lucky to have my parents being able to bring food/misc stuff since they for sure will drive.

Spending $ for kids- The Easter bunny is bringing a WDW themed basket (for car ride entertainment and necessities) and a gift card for them.

Hoppers- I am 99% sure we will get them. That takes pressure off of deciding how to use the extra days and makes getting our ADRs a bit easier.

Bippity Boppity Boutique- we are not doing this since Emily would want to if I let Hannah. I want to wait until she is at least 4.

Groceries- so excited to know I won't fly with food snacks this trip. We will be able to take water, cokes, juice boxes and snacks along with cereal for breakfast.

Photopass- Already in a group! Yea!!!!

Park bag- I dread to think what I will have to take for Luke. I want to take our backpack and probably a bag to always have with me with essentials (camera, tickets). I have a extra large Vera Bradley Backpack that I might use for these essentials instead of my Sleeping Beauty bag from the last two trips. Still thinking about this.

ADRs- to be honest I have not decided our last meal. I am leaning toward Whispering Canyon Cafe, but have a few other ideas. Now that we are more sure about Hoppers it adds to the options of where to eat!


Has anyone had dinner at Big River Grille and Brewing Works--- I would like to try it out maybe, and since it is between EPCOT and MGM it might fit great in our week!

I know that even though we almost 4 months still it will go quick. Hannah is playing softball this spring, we will be back in swim lessons for the girls and well soon Luke will be mobile... I think time will fly!

 

[MeMom]

Flying- still might if we find a good deal/tax return is good (still have not figured it). We would be lucky to have my parents being able to bring food/misc stuff since they for sure will drive.

Spending $ for kids- The Easter bunny is bringing a WDW themed basket (for car ride entertainment and necessities) and a gift card for them.

Hoppers- I am 99% sure we will get them. That takes pressure off of deciding how to use the extra days and makes getting our ADRs a bit easier.



I know that even though we almost 4 months still it will go quick. Hannah is playing softball this spring, we will be back in swim lessons for the girls and well soon Luke will be mobile... I think time will fly!

I'm hoping flying works for you. Get there quickly and get home quickly. It's very nice. We drove at Thanksgiving, and traffic was horrible coming home. We didn't get in until the middle of the night/morning, and then I had to drive to Nashville from Huntsville a couple of hours later to go to school that morning. We've already got our July flight. It's nice to know we'll just be there shortly after we leave, but it's even better on the coming home end!

The Easter Bunny is a very wise man. Um, hare.
That will create excitement about the trip and give the girls the anticipation of having money to spend all on their own.

Hoppers will make things very much easier for you.

Time probably will fly as you fill your weeks with softball and swimming fun!

Any planning you do just makes the trip seem that much more real and ever closer.

If you want, I'd be glad to send your kids a postcard from their Disney friends when I go in March. Let me know. I know it will still be a few months out from your trip, but they still might like it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

You are right -- I think four months is going to fly by -- I caught myself thinking the same thing yesterday when I realized we are only three and a half months away!

WDW Themed Basket: This sounds like a cute idea -- you will tell us what the Easter Bunny puts in it, right? The Easter Bunny may want to bring one to us, too. I think I am going to do gift cards this year for Chelsea and Connor -- they will be easier to keep up with, I think.

Hoppers: That's the way I am leaning right now, too -- mainly to avoid DHS crowds and also, because I keep thinking we may want to head to MK in the evenings to play.

BBB: I think this is a wise move, and it will be something to look forward to in the future.

Photopass: Have you done a share before? I am wondering if I should do one or not.

 

[cjackearl]

You're right, 4 months will fly by. Kid activities especially seem to make life busy and time go faster.

I like the Easter basket too. Are you leaning more towards gift cards than Disney Dollars? My dad sent us a bunch of DD for Christmas which I was thinking of putting in baskets and then converting the rest to gift cards? I don't know.

We weren't planning on hopping this time because of the extra cost for 5 people and the length of time we'll be there, but your thoughts have me reconsidering.

 

[MegansMom]

Always so much to do and little to no time to do it in....right?!?!?! BUT OH WHAT FUN!!!

Two notes:

On the stroller front, if you are looking for a stroller that is lightweight and can fold up like an umbrella BUT does recline, I HIGHLY recommend the Maclaren. THEY ARE GREAT!!! Sometimes you can find slightly used ones on eBay for really great deals---even if you don't, I think they are worth their money!!! The only ones that don't recline I think are the Volos---but even those are really nice. They fold up like umbrella strollers and even have a shoulder carrying strap---I think the heaviest weighs only about 13lbs. Just an FYI!!! I think Lesley has one too, so I think she would probably agree on the stroller!

BBB---I TOTALLY think that is a good idea to wait until Miss Em is a little older--I am sure they will be just fine even without the "Royal Treatment!"

 

[Lady Lallie]

Four months will fly by! I think spring/early summer goes by quickly anyways, throw in a Disney trip and it really will.

I think you will like the hoppers. I can't imagine not having them. We used our hopping ability quite a bit last trip. I found that going to a different park, even for dinner kept us going and refreshed instead of getting too tired at one park if that makes sense.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Laura, with your busy life I don't even know how you will find time to pack. The time will indeed fly by

 

[moparop]

Stroller- we will be taking a single stroller for Luke, and renting the double again for the girls. There is no way Hannah can walk it yet, and to get our double stroller on the buses is a nightmare in my mind. I hope to umbrella stroller it with Luke, or take our bigger stroller for him. If I find a good deal on a stroller I might buy something that is lightweight and reclines. Suggestions?

I love our Maclaren stroller. All of them are lightweight, fold and recline easily. the thing I love the most is that they feel like a sturdy stroller. I have had great ordering luck from Albee Baby for strollers. They have free shipping over $100 and get things out very quickly. They also have a lot of earlier year's models that they sell for a song. We have a Volo (which does not recline) that I got for under $100. I think the Quest is the next size up and runs about $150.

BTW... so excited you are planning another trip! I love reading about your family's adventures and living Disney vicariously through you.

 

[lmillercrew]

I love the Disney Crocs! I wish my little girl was still little enough to want to wear the princess stuff. She doesn't even ask to go to the Disney Store anymore. But, she can't wait to go to Disney, so I guess that's good.
Your random trip plans sound like my random trip thoughts. I too am driving this year and am looking forward to being able to bring more food than I normally bring in my suitcase.
I can't refer you to any strollers as mine has been out of one for 4 yrs. But, the last time we took her she was almost 6 and we ended up renting a stroller because she just couldn't do it.

 

[IluvXU]

I'm hoping flying works for you. Get there quickly and get home quickly. It's very nice. We drove at Thanksgiving, and traffic was horrible coming home. We didn't get in until the middle of the night/morning, and then I had to drive to Nashville from Huntsville a couple of hours later to go to school that morning. We've already got our July flight. It's nice to know we'll just be there shortly after we leave, but it's even better on the coming home end!

The Easter Bunny is a very wise man. Um, hare.
That will create excitement about the trip and give the girls the anticipation of having money to spend all on their own.

Hoppers will make things very much easier for you.

Time probably will fly as you fill your weeks with softball and swimming fun!

Any planning you do just makes the trip seem that much more real and ever closer.

If you want, I'd be glad to send your kids a postcard from their Disney friends when I go in March. Let me know. I know it will still be a few months out from your trip, but they still might like it.

You are too sweet MeMom.. I will take you up on that! I know they would love it, I think they are getting one this week from their cousins.

I think that the Easter baskets will be practical. I need to look at our packing list and make some of the items we need to buy become their basket treats (sunscreen- Disney perhaps)...

You are right -- I think four months is going to fly by -- I caught myself thinking the same thing yesterday when I realized we are only three and a half months away!

WDW Themed Basket: This sounds like a cute idea -- you will tell us what the Easter Bunny puts in it, right? The Easter Bunny may want to bring one to us, too. I think I am going to do gift cards this year for Chelsea and Connor -- they will be easier to keep up with, I think.

Hoppers: That's the way I am leaning right now, too -- mainly to avoid DHS crowds and also, because I keep thinking we may want to head to MK in the evenings to play.

BBB: I think this is a wise move, and it will be something to look forward to in the future.

Photopass: Have you done a share before? I am wondering if I should do one or not.

I am going to start on their baskets soon... I know for sure some things Luke needs, but the girls I am not sure about.

I love the photopass shares... I enjoy the pics without the crazy price!

You're right, 4 months will fly by. Kid activities especially seem to make life busy and time go faster.

I like the Easter basket too. Are you leaning more towards gift cards than Disney Dollars? My dad sent us a bunch of DD for Christmas which I was thinking of putting in baskets and then converting the rest to gift cards? I don't know.

We weren't planning on hopping this time because of the extra cost for 5 people and the length of time we'll be there, but your thoughts have me reconsidering.

Our church sells Script cards (Disney is one they sell) and so I will do the gift cards. I actually plan to pay for our trip using them.

Always so much to do and little to no time to do it in....right?!?!?! BUT OH WHAT FUN!!!

Two notes:

On the stroller front, if you are looking for a stroller that is lightweight and can fold up like an umbrella BUT does recline, I HIGHLY recommend the Maclaren. THEY ARE GREAT!!! Sometimes you can find slightly used ones on eBay for really great deals---even if you don't, I think they are worth their money!!! The only ones that don't recline I think are the Volos---but even those are really nice. They fold up like umbrella strollers and even have a shoulder carrying strap---I think the heaviest weighs only about 13lbs. Just an FYI!!! I think Lesley has one too, so I think she would probably agree on the stroller!

BBB---I TOTALLY think that is a good idea to wait until Miss Em is a little older--I am sure they will be just fine even without the "Royal Treatment!"

I am stalking looking for a stroller steal deal. We will see!

Four months will fly by! I think spring/early summer goes by quickly anyways, throw in a Disney trip and it really will.

I think you will like the hoppers. I can't imagine not having them. We used our hopping ability quite a bit last trip. I found that going to a different park, even for dinner kept us going and refreshed instead of getting too tired at one park if that makes sense.

I am sure that we will enjoy the chance to park hop and hop to eat where we want. I think it will ease our ADR stresses too!

Laura, with your busy life I don't even know how you will find time to pack. The time will indeed fly by

Last year I packed on the sly... this year I will have little helpers who think they can pack with me!

I love our Maclaren stroller. All of them are lightweight, fold and recline easily. the thing I love the most is that they feel like a sturdy stroller. I have had great ordering luck from Albee Baby for strollers. They have free shipping over $100 and get things out very quickly. They also have a lot of earlier year's models that they sell for a song. We have a Volo (which does not recline) that I got for under $100. I think the Quest is the next size up and runs about $150.


BTW... so excited you are planning another trip! I love reading about your family's adventures and living Disney vicariously through you.

I was on that website as I read your post!

I love the Disney Crocs! I wish my little girl was still little enough to want to wear the princess stuff. She doesn't even ask to go to the Disney Store anymore. But, she can't wait to go to Disney, so I guess that's good.
Your random trip plans sound like my random trip thoughts. I too am driving this year and am looking forward to being able to bring more food than I normally bring in my suitcase.
I can't refer you to any strollers as mine has been out of one for 4 yrs. But, the last time we took her she was almost 6 and we ended up renting a stroller because she just couldn't do it.

I know Hannah would turn into a big mess if we did not have a stroller for her. 7 days is a long time to do the parks on foot!

 

[IluvXU]

Just a random question and comment on this Sunday night!


Does anyone have this CD?

This is part of our nightly dinner hour... we get ready for dinner to this CD and listen after dinner too! I love it because it has Soarin' but we have really fallen in love with it! The girls love to dance to the opening of MK song! I hope to find another great Park CD this trip!

 

[KathyRN137]

Park bag- I dread to think what I will have to take for Luke. I want to take our backpack and probably a bag to always have with me with essentials (camera, tickets). I have a extra large Vera Bradley Backpack that I might use for these essentials instead of my Sleeping Beauty bag from the last two trips. Still thinking about this.

Suggestion: The girls might be old enough now to carry cute little backpacks or fanny packs. Even if they just carry just a little bit of their own stuff, it will lessen the load of the primary bag!

And, don't forget, there are lockers you can rent!

Kathy

Edited to add: Yes, we have that CD...perhaps the edition that came after the Happiest Celebration promotion...but essentially the same. Love it!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Just a random question and comment on this Sunday night!


Does anyone have this CD?

This is part of our nightly dinner hour... we get ready for dinner to this CD and listen after dinner too! I love it because it has Soarin' but we have really fallen in love with it! The girls love to dance to the opening of MK song! I hope to find another great Park CD this trip!

Does it have parade and wishes music on it too? I would love to have it on my ipod for classroom music. We start each morning with Zip a Dee Do Dah by Aly and AJ, Welcome Back Kotter, then Beautiful Life (John and Kate plus 8) by then they need to have their agenda's filled out and pencils sharpened, I use lots of music cues in my room and would love to have some more park music...

 

[MegansMom]

Just a random question and comment on this Sunday night!


Does anyone have this CD?

This is part of our nightly dinner hour... we get ready for dinner to this CD and listen after dinner too! I love it because it has Soarin' but we have really fallen in love with it! The girls love to dance to the opening of MK song! I hope to find another great Park CD this trip!

Thanks Laura---now I am beginning to covet your CD ---sounds like a great one!!! I bet if you shut your eyes long enough, you almost feel like you are there!!!!

 

[DreaGirl]

When we went in May (before Blake) we bought our McClaren and I loved it! I can't wait to be able to use that stroller again. It is lightweight, reclines (halfway, but Ava slept fine in it), and folds so easily. Def. worth the money IMO.

 

[IluvXU]

Suggestion: The girls might be old enough now to carry cute little backpacks or fanny packs. Even if they just carry just a little bit of their own stuff, it will lessen the load of the primary bag!

And, don't forget, there are lockers you can rent!

Kathy

Edited to add: Yes, we have that CD...perhaps the edition that came after the Happiest Celebration promotion...but essentially the same. Love it!

I doubt my girls would be carrying anything in the heat and in strollers! It is a fun CD!

Does it have parade and wishes music on it too? I would love to have it on my ipod for classroom music. We start each morning with Zip a Dee Do Dah by Aly and AJ, Welcome Back Kotter, then Beautiful Life (John and Kate plus 8) by then they need to have their agenda's filled out and pencils sharpened, I use lots of music cues in my room and would love to have some more park music...

This CD doesn't but those would be something I would like too! It has ride pavillion theme music mostly.

Thanks Laura---now I am beginning to covet your CD ---sounds like a great one!!! I bet if you shut your eyes long enough, you almost feel like you are there!!!!

My kitchen never smells as good as the Main Street Bakery.... despite Hannah and my efforts when we made cookies yesterday! But yes I can imagine being there!

When we went in May (before Blake) we bought our McClaren and I loved it! I can't wait to be able to use that stroller again. It is lightweight, reclines (halfway, but Ava slept fine in it), and folds so easily. Def. worth the money IMO.

Which one do you have?

 

[Happy Elf]

Ohh...that CD sounds great! Wish I had that one!

We have a Mac Quest a cute pink one we got for Hannah. We liked it so much we ended up buying a second one for Owen. We are keeping Hannah's just for Disney trips until she is over the weight limit.