A Disney-addicted mom: 2nd annual August trip and Marathon Weekend *Update 10/7*

[DrMomof3]

Hey Amanda...drop me a line if and when you decide to do a CA trip next year. We are planning a trip out there as well, but haven't finalized a date. Like you, I am thinking about timing it with the DL Half Marathon.

When are you thinking of doing Vero - 2012? It is on my radar for 2013 following our Disney cruise.

Would love to one day have our trips coincide with one another!

We really do have parallel lives!!!
I'm thinking about Vero Beach for Spring Break. For us that starts 3/31. Spring Break is usually iffy for us because of Passover. There are a lot of food restriction which make travel difficult. Luckily Passover starts at the end of Spring Break in 2012 so it's less of an issue. Plus, we'd have a full kitchen so we could cook during Passover.
Tom has NOT agreed to the DL half marathon...yet!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm really worried about something for our August trip. I just read that the Lunching Pad is closing for rehab in the middle of our trip. Who cares, right? The Lunching Pad is the one place I know where you can get Cream Cheese Pretzels!!!! My favorite Disney food.
I think we're going to have to go to MK at the beginning of the trip...

Amanda

 

[-Hope-]

Don't they have the cream cheese pretzels in Norway? I haven't had one but have been over the menus so many times that this seems familiar...

I have no suggestions for which Florida beach (though it seems like you may have already decided). We are planning a beach trip for fall 2012 and after looking at all of the options my suggestion is a house directly on the beach. I don't want a condo or house in the second row, I want to step off the deck and be on sand. This way when I wake up early or stay up later than the kids I can sit and enjoy the beach while the kids are sleeping snugly in their beds.

 

[DrMomof3]

Don't they have the cream cheese pretzels in Norway? I haven't had one but have been over the menus so many times that this seems familiar...

I have no suggestions for which Florida beach (though it seems like you may have already decided). We are planning a beach trip for fall 2012 and after looking at all of the options my suggestion is a house directly on the beach. I don't want a condo or house in the second row, I want to step off the deck and be on sand. This way when I wake up early or stay up later than the kids I can sit and enjoy the beach while the kids are sleeping snugly in their beds.

I think there is another location where they sell cream cheese pretzels. I will have to investigate!
We haven't booked anything for Spring Break yet.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

August trip update: I bought some Phineas and Ferb markers from the dollar section at Target today. They also had some little notebooks (my kids like to write things or doodle so they like having little notebooks available). A bought a few travel-sized items - shout wipes, toothpaste, etc.

January trip update: Today must be 180 days because I got email confirmations for dinner ADRs! We basically got everything - Thurs night we're arriving late so we'll eat in the room or something. Friday night is Le Cellier at 4:40pm. That's a little early but Tom is racing the next morning. Saturday is Narcoossee's at 6pm. Sunday night is La Hacienda.

Life Update: Our closing is scheduled for Wednesday at 4pm.

Amanda

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Here's what I have left to do for the trip in August:
1. Order Guide to Magic for Kids x 3.
2. Order chocolate slipper dessert for CRT. Thinking about ordering a special cake for our 1st dinner Chef Mickey but I haven't decided yet. Opinions?
3. Consider making coloring/activity books for the kids again. Need new ink in my printer first!
4. Renew Nathaniel and Jessica's APs (this can be done when we get there).
5. Do more surveys so I can get at least 2, if not 3 gift cards. I already have enough for 1 gift card. Otherwise I'll order gift cards online.
6. Design family t-shirts. I had a great idea for a Jake and the Neverland Pirates shirt but I can't find the graphic on zazzle or cafepress. We might get Mickey tie dyes instead. Or something else. Hmmm....

I'm also starting to think about a trip for Spring Break. I really wanted to do a Southern California trip - San Diego, Legoland, maybe even Disneyland - but Tom doesn't think we should do another "big" trip since we already have Marathon Weekend and Podcast Cruise planned for 2012. I know he's right so we'll save that trip for another year (or maybe for the Disneyland 1/2 marathon???? ). Now we're considering a beach trip to Florida. Any suggestions for nice resorts? I'm actually considering the Disney property in Vero Beach because it gets better reviews than many other places I've been looking into. I've also heard good things about Captiva Island but the resort is just as pricey - or more - than Vero Beach. We'd definitely take advantage of the kitchen since Passover starts at the very end of Spring Break. It looks like we'll fit in a one bedroom villa.... Opinions? Ideas?

Happy 4th!
Amanda

I love that you are planning another trip!!! My school has a two week winter recess this year and I am trying to plan a mid December trip. I looked at airfare and asked my dh if I should book. He asked if we could get through this trip first.

Sorry I can't offer any advice...

I'm really worried about something for our August trip. I just read that the Lunching Pad is closing for rehab in the middle of our trip. Who cares, right? The Lunching Pad is the one place I know where you can get Cream Cheese Pretzels!!!! My favorite Disney food.
I think we're going to have to go to MK at the beginning of the trip...

Amanda

I am pretty sure you can get them in Animal Kingdom a cart in Africa near the store in Africa. (talk about being specific....) I am pretty sure they were with the regular pretzels.

August trip update: I bought some Phineas and Ferb markers from the dollar section at Target today. They also had some little notebooks (my kids like to write things or doodle so they like having little notebooks available). A bought a few travel-sized items - shout wipes, toothpaste, etc.

January trip update: Today must be 180 days because I got email confirmations for dinner ADRs! We basically got everything - Thurs night we're arriving late so we'll eat in the room or something. Friday night is Le Cellier at 4:40pm. That's a little early but Tom is racing the next morning. Saturday is Narcoossee's at 6pm. Sunday night is La Hacienda.

Life Update: Our closing is scheduled for Wednesday at 4pm.

Amanda

Love target! If the December trip falls through, we will either be going in Jan or Feb. Maybe 2013 it will be race weekend... (I can't believe I just thought that; let alone wrote it.) I am becoming a runner. I read a great post that google stumbled on for me today..."If you go outside and run on purpose and not just because you missed the bus, you're a runner."

Best of luck with the closing! So exciting!

 

[cdotla]

Yay for getting your January ADRs! Sounds great!

Have you ordered your Guide to the Magic for kids books yet? I ordered ours just over a week ago...can't wait to get them. I have 4 coming - one for each of the kiddos coming on our trip, and the other touring book on Tim Foster's site. I should have them soon, so I will let you know how they look.

As for the cake at Chef Mickey's...I always try to avoid ordering cakes in buffet meals (such as CM's) or all-inclusive places (like CRT) where dessert is already paid for. I always think it is better to get it delivered during a meal where you are ordering off the menu and can skip dessert. However, I know that is not always possible. We once ordered a giant cake at Park Fare (buffet) because this was the only meal we were having at the GF, and the GF bakery doesn't allow pick up cake service.

Good luck on your closing!

 

[-Hope-]

August trip update: I bought some Phineas and Ferb markers from the dollar section at Target today. They also had some little notebooks (my kids like to write things or doodle so they like having little notebooks available). A bought a few travel-sized items - shout wipes, toothpaste, etc.

January trip update: Today must be 180 days because I got email confirmations for dinner ADRs! We basically got everything - Thurs night we're arriving late so we'll eat in the room or something. Friday night is Le Cellier at 4:40pm. That's a little early but Tom is racing the next morning. Saturday is Narcoossee's at 6pm. Sunday night is La Hacienda.

Life Update: Our closing is scheduled for Wednesday at 4pm.

Amanda

Mostly for ADRs but really for progress all the way around!

 

[DrMomof3]

I love that you are planning another trip!!! My school has a two week winter recess this year and I am trying to plan a mid December trip. I looked at airfare and asked my dh if I should book. He asked if we could get through this trip first.

Sorry I can't offer any advice...

I am pretty sure you can get them in Animal Kingdom a cart in Africa near the store in Africa. (talk about being specific....) I am pretty sure they were with the regular pretzels.

Love target! If the December trip falls through, we will either be going in Jan or Feb. Maybe 2013 it will be race weekend... (I can't believe I just thought that; let alone wrote it.) I am becoming a runner. I read a great post that google stumbled on for me today..."If you go outside and run on purpose and not just because you missed the bus, you're a runner."

Best of luck with the closing! So exciting!

I love your running quote!
It's hard to plan multiple trips simultaneously. But fun.
Cream cheese pretzels at AK? I'll have to investigate!!!

Yay for getting your January ADRs! Sounds great!

Have you ordered your Guide to the Magic for kids books yet? I ordered ours just over a week ago...can't wait to get them. I have 4 coming - one for each of the kiddos coming on our trip, and the other touring book on Tim Foster's site. I should have them soon, so I will let you know how they look.

As for the cake at Chef Mickey's...I always try to avoid ordering cakes in buffet meals (such as CM's) or all-inclusive places (like CRT) where dessert is already paid for. I always think it is better to get it delivered during a meal where you are ordering off the menu and can skip dessert. However, I know that is not always possible. We once ordered a giant cake at Park Fare (buffet) because this was the only meal we were having at the GF, and the GF bakery doesn't allow pick up cake service.

Good luck on your closing!

I just ordered the Guide to the Magic books yesterday. I also bought the Lost Journals because I think Nathaniel will love it.

Great advice about cakes! I'll have to look at our ADRs and decide when to do a cake. Or if. Maybe we have enough "extras" that I'll just order the chocolate slipper for CRT.

Mostly for ADRs but really for progress all the way around!

Thanks Hope!!!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Gosh I've done a bad job of updating my journal!!! And I've actually DONE some trip planning!

I ordered t-shirts for the trip off Etsy. I found some cute ones. They come in all sorts of bright colors with a silhouette of Mickey on the front and the classic Mouse Ears on the back. We ordered a different color for each person. The seller was super easy to work with and said she'd get them to me in early August. I'll post pics when I get the shirts.

I ordered 3 copies of the Guide to the Magic for Kids. And one copy of the Lost Journals (mostly for Nathaniel). I decided NOT to make our own autograph book (even though I have it all ready to order - I can use it for another trip). I think I'm not going to tell the kids and just have them in the carry-on bags. I like the idea of having little surprises.

I've totally neglected to think about which park on which day and what we want to do. I think we should have a more spontaneous trip (which is pretty funny considering how many months I've been planning this trip!). Tom and I are pretty stressed at work and the house stuff has been stressful so I want this to be a more low-key trip. Swimming, relaxing, and then some rides and attractions. Nice meals, good wine , sleeping late when we're tired. I'm sure we'll make a few rope drops but I don't want us to come home more exhausted than when we left!

Speaking of house...We closed on Wednesday! The house is ours!!! It was painful up until the very end and I think I'm still too traumatized by the experience to be truly happy...yet. But I'm very happy!!!! We have some repairs that already are looming but we'll probably wait until the late fall.

A note on our October cruise. I paid it in full yesterday. Tom got an unexpected check this week (perfect timing with the closing) so I wanted to pay that off first. The final payment was due in early August anyway. Now I can pay off BLT and put aside the $$$ for Nathaniel and Jessica's AP renewals in the next month or so.

Still no decision on Spring Break. I feel like I'm using A LOT of vacation time but I'm not sure if anyone will say anything. Jet Blue expands their schedule on Sunday and I would love to book those flights early but it's hard to talk to Tom about it right now (because of the house). I know if we wait much longer the airfare will increase a lot! I'm really leaning toward Vero Beach because I know Disney will have lots of kid activities....

My training is going pretty well. I just finished week 3 of marathon training so the distances aren't very high yet. I've only missed one run in 3 weeks and it was a short run.

Amanda

 

[Kat in GA]

Gosh I've done a bad job of updating my journal!!! And I've actually DONE some trip planning!

I ordered t-shirts for the trip off Etsy. I found some cute ones. They come in all sorts of bright colors with a silhouette of Mickey on the front and the classic Mouse Ears on the back. We ordered a different color for each person. The seller was super easy to work with and said she'd get them to me in early August. I'll post pics when I get the shirts.

I ordered 3 copies of the Guide to the Magic for Kids. And one copy of the Lost Journals (mostly for Nathaniel). I decided NOT to make our own autograph book (even though I have it all ready to order - I can use it for another trip). I think I'm not going to tell the kids and just have them in the carry-on bags. I like the idea of having little surprises.

I've totally neglected to think about which park on which day and what we want to do. I think we should have a more spontaneous trip (which is pretty funny considering how many months I've been planning this trip!). Tom and I are pretty stressed at work and the house stuff has been stressful so I want this to be a more low-key trip. Swimming, relaxing, and then some rides and attractions. Nice meals, good wine , sleeping late when we're tired. I'm sure we'll make a few rope drops but I don't want us to come home more exhausted than when we left!

Speaking of house...We closed on Wednesday! The house is ours!!! It was painful up until the very end and I think I'm still too traumatized by the experience to be truly happy...yet. But I'm very happy!!!! We have some repairs that already are looming but we'll probably wait until the late fall.

A note on our October cruise. I paid it in full yesterday. Tom got an unexpected check this week (perfect timing with the closing) so I wanted to pay that off first. The final payment was due in early August anyway. Now I can pay off BLT and put aside the $$$ for Nathaniel and Jessica's AP renewals in the next month or so.

Still no decision on Spring Break. I feel like I'm using A LOT of vacation time but I'm not sure if anyone will say anything. Jet Blue expands their schedule on Sunday and I would love to book those flights early but it's hard to talk to Tom about it right now (because of the house). I know if we wait much longer the airfare will increase a lot! I'm really leaning toward Vero Beach because I know Disney will have lots of kid activities....

My training is going pretty well. I just finished week 3 of marathon training so the distances aren't very high yet. I've only missed one run in 3 weeks and it was a short run.

Amanda

Welcome to home ownership! I think that we are in a constant state of working on our house

Isn't it exciting to get a vacation paid off? I just made the final payment on my girls trip in August - that feeling of it being done!

So, is Vero beach where you think you'll end up? I ought to look a little closer to what all they offer there.

Can't wait to see the shirts you found on etsy.

 

[DrMomof3]

Welcome to home ownership! I think that we are in a constant state of working on our house

Isn't it exciting to get a vacation paid off? I just made the final payment on my girls trip in August - that feeling of it being done!

So, is Vero beach where you think you'll end up? I ought to look a little closer to what all they offer there.

Can't wait to see the shirts you found on etsy.

Yup. The work on the house will never end....
I need to pay off the August trip but the deadline for final payment was earlier for the October cruise.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

We had a nice weekend this past weekend. Saturday we went to the Bronx Zoo. They had huge lego animals scattered around the zoo. It was really cool! The event was sponsored by DVC which made us laugh. I really want to buy DVC and my DH is pretty much against it. I did talk to a DVC person there (I was actually wearing a Mickey shirt that I got at Old Navy) and it killed her that we don't own DVC. I won't finance DVC so we'd have to be able to pay cash. We'll see...
Sunday we took the train to NYC and went to American Girl, Lego Store, and Disney Store. It was fun. Each child picked one gift at Disney. Jessica chose a Belle doll, Nathaniel chose a large Vinylmation-type thing, and Zachary chose a Nemo toy. I got myself a t-shirt that says "I (Mickey Ears) NY). It was cute! I'll eventually take pics of it. Probably in my trip report when we go.
I also booked our Spring Break trip. JetBlue expanded their schedule on Sunday. Our flights from White Plains to West Palm were about $300 per person. For Spring Break this is a good deal! We'll be at Vero Beach Sunday thru Thurs. Friday of that week is Tom's birthday and Friday night is the first night of Passover. I didn't want Tom to have to travel on his birthday or to stress about getting home in time for the Seder (the special dinner for the beginning of Passover). Plus it's Easter weekend so it'll be nice to be home for that. Ah the joys of an interfaith family! I think Sun-Thurs will be the right amount of time at Vero Beach since we haven't really done beach vacations since Nathaniel was a baby!!!
I received our Fish Extender for the cruise. It's beautiful. There was a minor typo (an extra "i" in the last name - Tom's last name has 13 letters). I was able to remove the "i" and it looks great. Kids are psyched, even though they don't know about next year's cruise yet!

Amanda

 

[klacey1]

Love that we were in the Disney store a day apart! When we walked by the American Girl store on Saturday, I wistfully told Zach that I wished we could go in! I was a little older when those dolls came out but always thought they were so cool and wanted one!
Your shirts from Etsy sound really cool-- can't wait to see what they look like!

 

[beebeeryan]

I feel so outta the loop being internet less for so long and finding it hard to get back in the groove even being home. So much to do outside during the summer and it's been so hot we've been spending every afternoon at the golf club pool nearby. LOL

YAY On the house finally being settled, that's great news!

Can't wait to see the shirts too, I've been debating shirts I found on Etsy, but I know my DH would laugh at me and then sternly say..."No @%$#^ way.!"

Vero Beach sounds like a nice relaxing vacation, I agree, a few days is probably enough when you're used to more active vacations.

 

[DrMomof3]

Love that we were in the Disney store a day apart! When we walked by the American Girl store on Saturday, I wistfully told Zach that I wished we could go in! I was a little older when those dolls came out but always thought they were so cool and wanted one!
Your shirts from Etsy sound really cool-- can't wait to see what they look like!

Too funny that you wanted to go to the American Girl store. It was fun going with Jessica!

I feel so outta the loop being internet less for so long and finding it hard to get back in the groove even being home. So much to do outside during the summer and it's been so hot we've been spending every afternoon at the golf club pool nearby. LOL

YAY On the house finally being settled, that's great news!

Can't wait to see the shirts too, I've been debating shirts I found on Etsy, but I know my DH would laugh at me and then sternly say..."No @%$#^ way.!"

Vero Beach sounds like a nice relaxing vacation, I agree, a few days is probably enough when you're used to more active vacations.

This summer has flown by! I feel out of the loop, too. Surprisingly, Tom and the kids love the "matching" shirts. We only do one set per trip so it isn't too much matching, if you know what I mean! I think the fact that we were wearing matching shirts the day we lost Nathaniel in AK, helped convince everyone that there is a benefit.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Quick update:
I pre-ordered a photopass CD today. I need to order silicone bracelets for the kids. The shoe tags don't work as well on the Keens. I asked the kids what they prefer and they said bracelets.
No t-shirts yet but she said early August so I'm not worried.
I started printing out some coloring pages and stuff like that to make travel books for the kids.

Amanda

 

[-Hope-]

Seems like your plans are moving right along.

 

[DrMomof3]

Seems like your plans are moving right along.

Thanks Hope!

I ordered glow-in-the-dark silicone bracelets for the kids. I got 10 of them because I figure they'll get lost at various points in time. Not sure if Zachary will keep one on but I figure I could try his ankle.
I ordered crocs for the kids. Jessica has a pair of hand-me-down crocs from her cousin but the boys don't have any. I got Zachary some Mickey Mouse ones!
I think I'm almost done printing out coloring pages. I'm going to try to go to Staples tomorrow and get the pages bound.
Still waiting for Guide to the Magic and t-shirts and bracelets to be delivered.
Took Zachary to see the new Winnie the Pooh movie. It was cute. I think I like "classic" Pooh better than the newer version from the Disney Channel. It made me think of the Winnie the Pooh ride (which I LOVE!). Zachary really enjoy having a date with mommy.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Our trip is happening in less than 5 weeks!!!
I thought I might do a quick summary of our plans so far. I desperately NEED a vacation and this might help get me psyched.

Saturday, August 27th:
JetBlue has changed our flight times a million times but I think we're leaving White Plains airport at 11:17am and arriving in Orlando at 1:54pm.
We're picking up a rental car (minivan) from Budget and then stopping at Publix. (Note to self: need driving directions and location of Publix).
We'll check into BLT (one bedroom - Bay Lake view). We then need to activate our APs/renew Jessica and Nathaniel's APs and buy a new TIW card.
If there's time we'll go to the pool. Otherwise we have an ADR for dinner at Chef Mickey's at 5:20pm.
Planning an early bedtime for everyone!

Sunday, August 28th:
I was originally planning to go to MK this day. After listening to WDWToday and reviewing Touring Plans, I have come to understand that Sundays are the busiest day at MK.
It looks like DHS is having EMH in the AM so I think we'll go there instead.
I don't have lunch ADRs - yet - but I'm guessing we'll eat at Hollywood and Vine.
Some must-do's:
Toy Story Mania! (a favorite for all of us)
Star Tours (Nathaniel and Jessica loved the old one so I'm sure they'll love this one more. Not sure if Zachary is tall enough.)
Playhouse Disney (Zachary loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates so I'm sure it'll be a hit)
Disney Channel Rocks! (Jessica's #1 choice of what to do at Disney)
Animation Academy (for Nathaniel)
Tower of Terror (for me but hopefully the kids will go on it this time)

Maybe's:
Great Movie Ride (I like this but kids are so-so)
Muppets (I've never seen it!)
Honey I Shrunk the Kids (A big hit in our family but it'll depend on weather and time)
Beauty and the Beast (We've never seen this)
Fantasmic! (Probably too late at night but we can come back another night)

We'll probably skip Rock n Roller Coaster since none of the kids is tall enough. I'm dying to ride this but I can certainly wait.

What am I missing?

Amanda