A Disney-addicted mom: Disney cruise, Family trip, Running trips! *Update 2/18*

[Native NYer]

Love your must do list.
And I agree that Epcot needs a little work. I'm happy Test Track is closed for a refurb. I miss the Wonders of Life section. I wish they'd open it up again.

 

[DrMomof3]

This post just reminded me I purchaced the photopass CD last year before the price went up (the code never expires!!!)....thanks for the reminder!!!!


I have some catching up to do on your post...off to do that now before I get my paperwork in order to see my patients tomorrow

I'm wondering if the photopass + will be worth it... I guess we'll see!

All caught up!!!!

Glad you are able to make it happen this month!!!!!

Thanks!

Love your must do list.
And I agree that Epcot needs a little work. I'm happy Test Track is closed for a refurb. I miss the Wonders of Life section. I wish they'd open it up again.

I wish Test Track weren't closed during our trip but I'm curious to see the updating.
Future World just isn't very "future" anymore, is it?

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

So this is going to be a random update of all of my various trips....

Late August:
1. Disney gift cards arrived. I ordered $100 each for Tom and me and then $25 for each child. That's their spending money. I like pre-purchasing the gift cards because it cuts down on surprise spending during the trip.
2. Got our final confirmation from Vacation Upgrades (the people who we rented our Wyndham Bonnet Creek villa from). I just sent them the entire cost in one check because the balance was going to be due less than 2 weeks later and it just seemed easier. I certainly didn't want to forget to send the balance! Even after we were paid in full I sent an email inquiring about room requests. The wife got right back to me with her suggestions for a room request and then offered to call the request in for us. I was very impressed with their customer service!

Tower of Terror 10 miler:
1. I cancelled the room reservation I had made with runDisney. I'm officially staying in a studio at BCV with my friend. She got a great rate on DVC points.
2. I bought a ticket to MNSSHP for Sunday, September 30th. I convinced a few friends to go that night. Some will be in costumer. Others will not. I'm trying to find a good costume. Why are all adult women's costumes so ****ty looking? I have NO creative or sewing skills so I'm a little limited. One thing I'm considering is getting a Minnie Mouse running skirt for January and just buying a Minnie headband. At least then I know I'll re-use it. Opinions? Ideas?
3. I'm still not 100% sure of my running outfit for ToT. I bought a shiny green running skirt that looks exactly like a mermaid so I could be Ariel. But I might save that for the January half marathon. I totally could wear it twice.

January Marathon Weekend:
1. Still don't have a room reservation. No discounts yet.
2. Training is going great! I can't remember if I posted it here but I signed up for Jeff Galloway e-coaching and it's been AWESOME! I haven't missed a single training run since signing up. I ran 10 miles this morning and it went really well. I'm feeling really good about my training and think I have a chance to beat last year's marathon time - even though I'm doing the Goofy.

Funny story. We took the kids to the local diner for breakfast (we used to go often on the weekends but we've been trying to save $$$ so we haven't been in a while). I asked the kids what they wanted. Zachary wanted to order Mickey waffles. Proud mommy moment!

Amanda

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I'm thinking that we might try Sunshine Seasons or something in World Showcase for lunch. I guess we can see where we are at lunch-time and make a decision.
We have great Chinese food in NY so it's hard to get excited for Disney Chinese food...
Rain, rain, go away!

Amanda

Funny just last night my husband was saying he loved NY and that we should all save to go there next!
I prefer our chinese food here to disneys but by the time I'm a week into my vacation I cant face anymore fries so I'm always happy to eat at World showcase

 

[ddluvsdisney]

It's been a crazy week at work but I'm here with an update!

I used to say that Epcot was my favorite park. Or almost my favorite park. Now I'm sure that MK is my favorite. Epcot has lost some luster for me. I LOVE World Showcase and Epcot dining. But I really feel that Future World needs some help right now.
Here's the list of Must-do, Maybe, and No go:

Must-do:
Soarin'
Mission:Space (I'll ride Orange with Nathaniel and maybe Jessica. Tom can take Zachary on the Green side)
Nemo
Turtle Talk
Spaceship Earth
Maelstrom
Gran Fiesta Tour (Must drink avocado margarita from La Cava del Tequila!)
Ellen's Energy
Journey to Imagination (Can you believe we've never been on this?)
Living with the Land
Illuminations (I asked Tom if we could please make an effort to see this and he said yes. I think it'll be easier with strollers and a car since the kids will certainly be tired.)

Maybe:
Sum of All Thrills (I really want to do this if there's time and interest)
Any of the World Showcase shows/movies

We'll eat dinner in Epcot a few times - Via Napoli ,Garden Grill, and Akhershus. Plus lunch and any other dinners we decide to do.

Amanda

JII w/ Figment~ I don't really like it. I don't think you were missing anything That just might be me.
I thought my DS11 would love to try SoAT but he didn't have an interest. Even when there was no wait!
I LOVE TT w/ Crush!!! Unfortunately we haven't been in a while. The boys don't want to go anymore- can't understand why

BTW I have 2 interviews this week!!! Please send pixie dust!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

So this is going to be a random update of all of my various trips....

Late August:
1. Disney gift cards arrived. I ordered $100 each for Tom and me and then $25 for each child. That's their spending money. I like pre-purchasing the gift cards because it cuts down on surprise spending during the trip.
2. Got our final confirmation from Vacation Upgrades (the people who we rented our Wyndham Bonnet Creek villa from). I just sent them the entire cost in one check because the balance was going to be due less than 2 weeks later and it just seemed easier. I certainly didn't want to forget to send the balance! Even after we were paid in full I sent an email inquiring about room requests. The wife got right back to me with her suggestions for a room request and then offered to call the request in for us. I was very impressed with their customer service!

Tower of Terror 10 miler:
1. I cancelled the room reservation I had made with runDisney. I'm officially staying in a studio at BCV with my friend. She got a great rate on DVC points.
2. I bought a ticket to MNSSHP for Sunday, September 30th. I convinced a few friends to go that night. Some will be in costumer. Others will not. I'm trying to find a good costume. Why are all adult women's costumes so ****ty looking? I have NO creative or sewing skills so I'm a little limited. One thing I'm considering is getting a Minnie Mouse running skirt for January and just buying a Minnie headband. At least then I know I'll re-use it. Opinions? Ideas?
3. I'm still not 100% sure of my running outfit for ToT. I bought a shiny green running skirt that looks exactly like a mermaid so I could be Ariel. But I might save that for the January half marathon. I totally could wear it twice.

January Marathon Weekend:
1. Still don't have a room reservation. No discounts yet.
2. Training is going great! I can't remember if I posted it here but I signed up for Jeff Galloway e-coaching and it's been AWESOME! I haven't missed a single training run since signing up. I ran 10 miles this morning and it went really well. I'm feeling really good about my training and think I have a chance to beat last year's marathon time - even though I'm doing the Goofy.

Funny story. We took the kids to the local diner for breakfast (we used to go often on the weekends but we've been trying to save $$$ so we haven't been in a while). I asked the kids what they wanted. Zachary wanted to order Mickey waffles. Proud mommy moment!

Amanda

The gift cards are a good idea!!
Can't you mickey waffles everywhere??!- So cute!!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

BTW I have 2 interviews this week!!! Please send pixie dust!

Sending you lost of pixie dust from this side of the atlantic

Meant to comment earlier -love that proud mommy moment

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Sending you lost of pixie dust from this side of the atlantic

Meant to comment earlier -love that proud mommy moment

THANK YOU!!!
I have always wanted to visit Ireland. My DH & DS11 look like they would fit in perfectly there. They both have red hair. (DH's roots are Scottish)

 

[natebenma]

Congrats on your training! I'm glad to hear it is going well.

Things look like plans are falling into place for your August trip. It will be here before you know it!

Trying to think of ideas for costumes for MNSSHP. I have a Princess Leia wig, if you want to borrow that. Just wear something white. The Minnie-Me with the skirt and headband totally works. You should run with it.



Bummer on the lack of travel discounts! We are finding that problem, too. We want to book a trip to the Barcelo in Mexico in February, but the prices are outrageous compared to what we have paid in previous years. This is probably the longest we have gone without having a trip "in the hopper" (booked), and I am so discouraged!

 

[cogero]

what are your dates in August again? w e are there from 8/27 - 9/1 though I have done no park planning yet LOL

 

[DrMomof3]

Funny just last night my husband was saying he loved NY and that we should all save to go there next!
I prefer our chinese food here to disneys but by the time I'm a week into my vacation I cant face anymore fries so I'm always happy to eat at World showcase

New York is a great city! Come visit!!!

JII w/ Figment~ I don't really like it. I don't think you were missing anything That just might be me.
I thought my DS11 would love to try SoAT but he didn't have an interest. Even when there was no wait!
I LOVE TT w/ Crush!!! Unfortunately we haven't been in a while. The boys don't want to go anymore- can't understand why

BTW I have 2 interviews this week!!! Please send pixie dust!

I don't know if we'll like Figment either but I figure I need to try it. Or not.
Sending lots of pixie dust on the job interviews!!!!

The gift cards are a good idea!!
Can't you mickey waffles everywhere??!- So cute!!

I wish our local diner made Mickey waffles!

Sending you lost of pixie dust from this side of the atlantic

Meant to comment earlier -love that proud mommy moment

THANK YOU!!!
I have always wanted to visit Ireland. My DH & DS11 look like they would fit in perfectly there. They both have red hair. (DH's roots are Scottish)

I'll come!

Congrats on your training! I'm glad to hear it is going well.

Things look like plans are falling into place for your August trip. It will be here before you know it!

Trying to think of ideas for costumes for MNSSHP. I have a Princess Leia wig, if you want to borrow that. Just wear something white. The Minnie-Me with the skirt and headband totally works. You should run with it.



Bummer on the lack of travel discounts! We are finding that problem, too. We want to book a trip to the Barcelo in Mexico in February, but the prices are outrageous compared to what we have paid in previous years. This is probably the longest we have gone without having a trip "in the hopper" (booked), and I am so discouraged!

Thanks for the costume offer. My biggest concerns are 1. Not being overheated in Florida sunshine 2. Not looking like a **** and 3. Wearing something comfortable enough that I can go on rides and enjoy myself. That's one reason I was thinking about a running skirt.... (and you're very punny!)

January discounts aren't usually out yet so I think we'll be ok. It's just hard to book rack rate at the Poly - even with a roommate. I was hoping that the Bounceback offer I had used for our CL room at BC would transfer for January but it expires in December.

what are your dates in August again? w e are there from 8/27 - 9/1 though I have done no park planning yet LOL

We arrive on 8/25 and leave 9/1 so we overlap! Yay! Where are you staying again?

Amanda

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

THANK YOU!!!
I have always wanted to visit Ireland. My DH & DS11 look like they would fit in perfectly there. They both have red hair. (DH's roots are Scottish)

Make sure you let us know how you get on
Lots of redheads here and in scotland (not me though)

New York is a great city! Come visit!!!
You never know what 2013 will bring. I'd love to see NY. My neighbours were there for St Patrick's Day and had a blast


I don't know if we'll like Figment either but I figure I need to try it. Or not.
We always do Figment-normally to get a wee blast of air-conditioning-and we enjoy it. I preferred the old ride though (not fussed on Captn EO either).
Thanks for the costume offer. My biggest concerns are 1. Not being overheated in Florida sunshine 2. Not looking like a **** and 3. Wearing something comfortable enough that I can go on rides and enjoy myself. That's one reason I was thinking about a running skirt.... (and you're very punny!)

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Make sure you let us know how you get on
Lots of redheads here and in scotland (not me though)

Thanks I will

 

[Chelley00]

1. Disney gift cards arrived. I ordered $100 each for Tom and me and then $25 for each child. That's their spending money. I like pre-purchasing the gift cards because it cuts down on surprise spending during the trip.

2. Got our final confirmation from Vacation Upgrades (the people who we rented our Wyndham Bonnet Creek villa from). I just sent them the entire cost in one check because the balance was going to be due less than 2 weeks later and it just seemed easier. I certainly didn't want to forget to send the balance! Even after we were paid in full I sent an email inquiring about room requests. The wife got right back to me with her suggestions for a room request and then offered to call the request in for us. I was very impressed with their customer service!

1. I've also been stocking up on giftcards for Disney and for Universal. I like that it keeps me accountable to my budget

2. I'm so glad to hear you are so happy with Vacation Upgrades. Most people complain about how long it takes to get their confirmation but you don't hear good things often.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Was just thinking of you today-not too much longer until your trip
Hope things are coming together for you

 

[DrMomof3]

I need to respond to everyone but I don't know how to multi-quote while using the app so forgive me please!

Some updates:

I finally bought my AP renewal today. I've been trying to do it on the Disney website and it wouldn't let me. I had time to call today and it's done. I must say that it ticks me off each and every time that Disney is a toll call (instead of 1-800). I have free long-distance but still...
2 weeks from today we'll be in Orlando! Kids are getting excited! And, obviously, so am I.
I need to continue my day by day update but work has been crazy. I'll get there.
Tower of Terror race is 7 weeks from tonight! I really think that'll be a fun weekend. Exhausting but fun.
My roommate for Marathon Weekend was able to get a CM discount so we're booked at the Poly. I think that's a great location for the race. Walk to TTC and take monorail to start. Easy!

A few funny stories:
Zachary has a habit of going to sleep for like an hour and then magically appearing in our room with a big goofy grin. The other night I was tucking Jessica in bed and came to my room to find Zachary in bed with Tom (he has been asleep in his own bed). Zachary looks at me and says, "So mommy, what's your favorite ride at Disney World?" Does he know how to play me or what?

Jessica and Zachary were fighting in the car today. I explained that if they chose to do this at Disney, Tom would lose his temper and it would be a good long time before we return to Disney. Jessica started crying and said, "You mean we might have o go a whole year without going to Disney World?" Um, yeah. Like most people who go less than once a year...

Amanda

 

[Chelley00]

Jessica started crying and said, "You mean we might have o go a whole year without going to Disney World?" Um, yeah. Like most people who go less than once a year...

Tell her you know someone that only goes every other year, and that you'll send her to live with me. That should straighten her right up

 

[DrMomof3]

Tell her you know someone that only goes every other year, and that you'll send her to live with me. That should straighten her right up

I think you'd probably set her straight. She's usually a good girl. Just some Diva moments!
My kids are a bit spoiled. Especially with vacation. I work so darn hard that I need my escape. But my 2 running trips are solo so maybe send a message!

Amanda

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I know what you mean about being spoiled. My DH is always telling the boys how spoiled they are and that they don't appreciate anything.
We do usually go once a year. And do other things too in the summer. We went to N.H. for a couple of days last week.
Wow 2 weeks-that's exciting!!! I wish I was going.
My BIL and his family are going on their first family trip tomorrow!!! Their boys are beyond excited (ages 4 and 6) I can't wait to hear how it was. I hope all the pointers we gave them makes their trip truly magical.

 

[natebenma]

Jessica and Zachary were fighting in the car today. I explained that if they chose to do this at Disney, Tom would lose his temper and it would be a good long time before we return to Disney. Jessica started crying and said, "You mean we might have o go a whole year without going to Disney World?" Um, yeah. Like most people who go less than once a year...

Amanda

I'll take that punishment!

I'm so happy that your trip is getting close!