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

[DrMomof3]

As I was lining up for the 5k I did a month or so ago I was chatting with my friend that used to run cross country in high school. Turns out it's fairly common for runners to ... relieve themselves... just standing there around all of the other competitors. I guess us guys have it easier. And more disgusting.

They actually announced that anyone who relieved themselves anywhere except a potty would be disqualified from this and future races!

I learned long ago not to compare myself to other runners. Nothing good can come of it.

Yes. So true. Especially since I'm a slower runner. And probably always will be!

Congratulations! I have my first 10k coming up in just under 3 weeks. I should be ready.

You're doing great with your training! Keep it up!!!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

August Update:
Tom and I talked a little bit last week about possibly canceling the August Family Trip. Our school taxes are due in September and we're still reeling from our April tax bill. It was especially fun since we owed tons in both federal and state taxes PLUS our municipal taxes were due the same time. And the balance on summer camp was due the same week. Really???
As I listened to a Disney podcast today I heard about a really great price on Sheraton Vistana. I started brainstorming less expensive ways to go to Disney World, especially since our flights are already booked.
I honestly don't think my family of 5 could tolerate staying in a room at POR for a full week. My kids would kill each other and it wouldn't be pretty. I'm having my TA price several other options including a regular room at either BC or YC, any other on-property options that might be less expensive, and several off-property options - including Sheraton Vistana, Hilton Bonnet Creek (although I think they limit you to a family of 4 in one room which eliminates the savings), etc. I guess we should look into the Dolphin prices, too. I'm waiting to hear back from her. It looks like we could be able to find an off-property room for under $1000 which might make the trip do-able.

Amanda

 

[Chelley00]

Try Wyndham Bonnet Creek. You have to rent from an owner, but there are lots of places that do it for you (vacationupgrades or vacationstrategy are 2 companies used a lot here on the DIS, we went with VS) We are getting a 3 bedroom condo for $2,000 for 14 nights. It's right next to Caribbean Beach Resort, so right on Disney property, and has a shuttle and lazy rivers and pools.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

HI Amanda-I dont know how I missed your trip report starting-but I've found you now lol. Loved your previous reports (I dream that someday I may get to run a disney race but I need to actually run first). Have only just managed to read your intro but laughed when I did because I have been doing the rounds with urologists lately for my eldest son! Turns out it's not just disney that classifies you as an adult long before you turn 18 He's 14 and we get to visit with a nephrology consultant next week in the adult dept. Oh well fingers crossed all is ok. Have to go back and read now (between you and Dee and Janet and Feckless we will be living in a hovel here soon)

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

ok it took me a loooooooooooong time to read it all and all I can say is WOW GO U!!

So sorry to hear about Buffy-hope you are all doing ok.

Well done on the 10k and all the trip planning. I'm seriously in awe (even if I now have a numb bum from sitting here reading lol)

 

[DrMomof3]

Try Wyndham Bonnet Creek. You have to rent from an owner, but there are lots of places that do it for you (vacationupgrades or vacationstrategy are 2 companies used a lot here on the DIS, we went with VS) We are getting a 3 bedroom condo for $2,000 for 14 nights. It's right next to Caribbean Beach Resort, so right on Disney property, and has a shuttle and lazy rivers and pools.

I've heard good things about Wyndham Bonnet Creek!

HI Amanda-I dont know how I missed your trip report starting-but I've found you now lol. Loved your previous reports (I dream that someday I may get to run a disney race but I need to actually run first). Have only just managed to read your intro but laughed when I did because I have been doing the rounds with urologists lately for my eldest son! Turns out it's not just disney that classifies you as an adult long before you turn 18 He's 14 and we get to visit with a nephrology consultant next week in the adult dept. Oh well fingers crossed all is ok. Have to go back and read now (between you and Dee and Janet and Feckless we will be living in a hovel here soon)

Aren't you sweet! I'm not sure I'm as thorough as Dee....but I aspire!

ok it took me a loooooooooooong time to read it all and all I can say is WOW GO U!!

So sorry to hear about Buffy-hope you are all doing ok.

Well done on the 10k and all the trip planning. I'm seriously in awe (even if I now have a numb bum from sitting here reading lol)

Thank you for the good thoughts about Buffy. She was a great dog.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

A sad but cute story: A few nights ago Zachary got all serious with me and said, "Mom? I think God is done playing with Buffy. I'm ready for Him to send Buffy back from Heaven now!"

Tonight I was driving Jessica home from piano lessons when she asked if we could please go to the children's service at synagogue. I called Tom and he was too tired to go. So Jessica and I had girls' night at the kidz Shabbat service! What makes this funny, of course, is that I'm the Christian part of our Interfaith family! I sort of figure that when your child ASKS to attend religious services the answe should be YES!

I'm feeling under prepared for our cruise. 8 days and counting! I did buy some items at Target ths week, including Bonine - the non-drowsy sea-sickness medicine. I also bought lots of Ziplock baggies (thanks Dee!). I've been packing some and keeping a running list. I'll have one suitcase with stuff for Saturday night and Sunday. Everything else will be in the other 4 bags.
I want to try to finish our shirts this weekend. It's just been a crazy week! I'm working crazy-hard at work plus the end of the year stuff at school.

Our August trip may be saved. Not sure. Tom started talking crazy talk about moving the August trip to marathon weekend. Blah. Blah. Blah. It'll cost a lot to move 5 plane tickets and I already have plane tickets for marathon weekend and we'd have to pay to bring our nanny and I already have a roommate. Etc. we reviewed various hotel options in August. Tom thinks we should keep CL at BC but cut way back on sit-down meals. As a family of 5 we could really save some $$$$ on meals by taking full advantage of the lounge offerings and then supplementing with quick-serve. I can't deal with it w but after the cruise I'll look over our ADRs and make cuts. I think Tepan Edo will go. I think it's overpriced and they don't take TIW. My kids love it but we have better and less-expensive Hibachi about 1 mile from our house.
Need to really think about the AP situation....

I need advice for ToT weekend. Help!!! Please???
Here's my schedule so far:
Arrive really late Thurs night. DME to BC.
Race Expo opens at noon. Then go to WDW Today Podcast event at Fort Wilderness. Stop at BC to change clothes. Go to Lou Mongello dinner event in Epcot at American Pavillion.
Saturday: Go to Team Studios Central meet at Picabo (either a Swan or Dolphin, can't remember). 10pm race then after party. Goes until 4am but I'll never make it!
Sunday: Either attend D23 event at Epcot from 9am-5pm. Disney Legends and Imagineers will present history of Epcot, etc. OR Relax. Enjoy F&W. Maybe go to MNSSHP. Wander MK. Enjoy doing whatever feels right as I explore solo.
I'm very conflicted about Sunday. I'm sure the D23 event will be amazing. But it's such a crazy busy weekend. I'm not sure that I won't want to just spend the day enjoying being a Disney by myself.

Amanda

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Kids are so thoughtful arent they-poor Zachary-it's hard for them to comprehend. My dad passed away recently and I had told my 5yr old that he was away to heaven to see his mum and dad and brothers and sisters who had gone before him which seemed to work well for about 2 weeks. On the way to school one morning he told me "it's all very well that Granda went to heaven to see his family but we were much happier when he was here on earth with us mum. Phone God and tell him it's our turn to have him back".
I love that you went with Jessica to the service-you are so right to take kids when they ask to go-bet Tom was chuffed too
So excited that you get to keep your August trip (fingers crossed). We are a family of 5 that loves our sit-down dinners at disney. Love my glass of wine in the evening-figure I'm owed it for surviving the day sometimes with 3 offspring whose ages cover 2 decades WDW truly is the only place on the planet where a 5yr old, 14 yr old and 22yr old all want the same things You can definitely save big time by cutting out a few adrs. We've done club once (love it) and we found their desserts much nicer and more than enough plus it was lovely having a class of wine or liquer coffee there to round off a meal. Via napoli is a good cheap option if you share the bigger pizzas and the chip shop in England (epcot) does really good fish n chips that you can easily share and still watch Illuminations. We picked up a couple of glasses of wine from france to enjoy while doing this
Picabu is the Dolphin. I definitely vote for a lazy Disney day Sounds like heaven to me!

 

[natebenma]

Getting caught up on your reports! About a week now before your cruise?

I am in awe of your commitment to running! WTG on the 10K. Even though you weren't entirely pleased with the results, its 10 more K than many of us are willing to do!

Sorry to hear about the turmoil with your August trip. It sounds like you have some interesting options, and as you said, you can deal with that trip after your cruise. Sail. Enjoy. Relax.

We have had good luck using Bonine in the theme parks.

Looking forward to reading a little more of your pre-cruise excitement and final preparations if you have time to post.

 

[hbg4]

Thank you for the good thoughts about Buffy. She was a great dog.

Amanda

I'm so sorry, I didn't even realized I missed the post on Buffy.
My sincere condolences. I know how it feels. Just keep the good memories alive.
I still tear up when I remember my rottie Moose who died 4 yrs ago. Our pets are like the child who never grows up, aka 'Peter Pan'.
We've got two big dogs now.
Zeus my great pyrenees hybrid is my avatar.
See you next weekend on Podcast 3.

Brenda

 

[DrMomof3]

Kids are so thoughtful arent they-poor Zachary-it's hard for them to comprehend. My dad passed away recently and I had told my 5yr old that he was away to heaven to see his mum and dad and brothers and sisters who had gone before him which seemed to work well for about 2 weeks. On the way to school one morning he told me "it's all very well that Granda went to heaven to see his family but we were much happier when he was here on earth with us mum. Phone God and tell him it's our turn to have him back".
I love that you went with Jessica to the service-you are so right to take kids when they ask to go-bet Tom was chuffed too
So excited that you get to keep your August trip (fingers crossed). We are a family of 5 that loves our sit-down dinners at disney. Love my glass of wine in the evening-figure I'm owed it for surviving the day sometimes with 3 offspring whose ages cover 2 decades WDW truly is the only place on the planet where a 5yr old, 14 yr old and 22yr old all want the same things You can definitely save big time by cutting out a few adrs. We've done club once (love it) and we found their desserts much nicer and more than enough plus it was lovely having a class of wine or liquer coffee there to round off a meal. Via napoli is a good cheap option if you share the bigger pizzas and the chip shop in England (epcot) does really good fish n chips that you can easily share and still watch Illuminations. We picked up a couple of glasses of wine from france to enjoy while doing this
Picabu is the Dolphin. I definitely vote for a lazy Disney day Sounds like heaven to me!

I think Via Napoli is on our ADR list for August. I need to pull up our ADRs and review them. That'll be a good post-cruise, Disney-withdrawal task.
We usually like sit-down meals but given a choice between sit-down meals and going at all. Well I think you know MY choice!
Sorry about your dad.

Getting caught up on your reports! About a week now before your cruise?

I am in awe of your commitment to running! WTG on the 10K. Even though you weren't entirely pleased with the results, its 10 more K than many of us are willing to do!

Sorry to hear about the turmoil with your August trip. It sounds like you have some interesting options, and as you said, you can deal with that trip after your cruise. Sail. Enjoy. Relax.

We have had good luck using Bonine in the theme parks.

Looking forward to reading a little more of your pre-cruise excitement and final preparations if you have time to post.

Thanks for everything Dee!
We're super excited for the cruise. Packing is underway!

I'm so sorry, I didn't even realized I missed the post on Buffy.
My sincere condolences. I know how it feels. Just keep the good memories alive.
I still tear up when I remember my rottie Moose who died 4 yrs ago. Our pets are like the child who never grows up, aka 'Peter Pan'.
We've got two big dogs now.
Zeus my great pyrenees hybrid is my avatar.
See you next weekend on Podcast 3.

Brenda

Thank you! Buffy was diagnosed with cancer in October. She had successful surgery and did great for several months. She deteriorated rapidly at the end. We miss her every day!
Veronica O'Neil (head GU OR nurse at Moses) is involved in pet rescue and is actively looking for us. We're also on the wait-list for another Guiding Eyes flunk-out (Buffy flunk out of seeing eye dog school).

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Just to share.... Here's the shirt I made.

I think mine actually turned out the best (which is why I'm posting it!).

Amanda

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

It looks GREAT Amanda!!! You are so close now!!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

That was funny about the service w/ Jessica- I didn't even know you weren't jewish You're right when they ask to go to something like that how can you refuse.

We've stayed at both Wyndam BC and SVR. Both are nice but for the convenience of being so close I liked WBC better. It's also a newer resort. So glad you'll still be able to go.

Poor Zachary it's so hard for them to understand.

on the t-shirt.

 

[natebenma]

Great shirt!!!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Just to share.... Here's the shirt I made.

I think mine actually turned out the best (which is why I'm posting it!).

Amanda

Love this shirt
Mind you I think you need a Superwoman shirt too! Runner, doctor, disney trip organiser (ok so that one can be a hobby lol), t-shirt maker, oh and a Mom You deserve a cruise

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Just to share.... Here's the shirt I made.

I think mine actually turned out the best (which is why I'm posting it!).

Amanda

Looks great!

 

[hbg4]

Nice. Are these for pirate night ?
Sent you a PM, there's availability again.

Brenda

 

[DrMomof3]

That was funny about the service w/ Jessica- I didn't even know you weren't jewish You're right when they ask to go to something like that how can you refuse.

We've stayed at both Wyndam BC and SVR. Both are nice but for the convenience of being so close I liked WBC better. It's also a newer resort. So glad you'll still be able to go.

Poor Zachary it's so hard for them to understand.

on the t-shirt.

Yup. I grew up in a Congregational Church and I'm actually a member of our local Congregational Church. I taught Sunday School when I was in High School and I played in the youth bell choir. I was also an active member of the youth program. Weird, right?

Thanks for the input on the off-site resort and the compliment for my shirt!

Great shirt!!!

Thanks Dee!

Love this shirt
Mind you I think you need a Superwoman shirt too! Runner, doctor, disney trip organiser (ok so that one can be a hobby lol), t-shirt maker, oh and a Mom You deserve a cruise

You're too kind! If you only knew me, you'd know that I'm a little crazy but mostly just normal.

Looks great!

Thanks Barry!

Nice. Are these for pirate night ?
Sent you a PM, there's availability again.

Brenda

I know and I keep missing it! I'll try on board or check again tomorrow. You're so diligent!!!!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

THREE more days! Or really 2.5 more days!
I just did on-line check-in for our post-cruise stay at Fort Wilderness. It's absolutely wild that in less than 10 days our cruise will be over. Hard to believe that!
I'm having major packing angst. I've been packing and just keeping a list of what is packed. I'm sure I'm overpacking some things and underpacking others and now I want to unpack everything and start over. I'm driving Tom crazy and I'm super stressed. I also learned that the 10 lbs I gained in marathon training means that NONE of my summer clothes fit. I have one pair of shorts, one skort, one skirt, and a handful of sundresses. I actually packed some running shorts as regular clothing so I won't have to go naked. I discovered that Zachary has few pairs of dress slacks (where oh where did Nathaniel's hand-me-downs go????) and one pair of khaki shorts (I did find a 2nd pair of size 5 shorts that were still in Nathaniel's drawer because he's skinny enough at age 8 that he was probably still wearing them). Anyway I'm a total mess and clearly NEED a vacation immediately!
Work has been crazy this week and now we're having a crazy heat wave so the kids suddenly need swimsuits and summer clothes. I guess Friday night will be a laundry night!

My other big news is regarding the Goofy! After much thought and consideration I signed up for e-coaching with Jeff Galloway. He's one of Marathon Gurus and happens to be the one associated with runDisney. I get 6 months of e-coaching, including a personalized training plan and weekly check-ins. I actually emailed him Monday night (he has a standard form that you fill out but it includes space for comments and questions) and he emailed me back on Tuesday morning. I was pretty impressed, especially since I received my training plan on Sunday night! I'm super excited to have a coach to help guide me through the Goofy. I need accountability and now I have it. There's something about laying out money that helps force me to do the things I should. To be honest I was starting to worry about how I'd get through the training and now I have an answer.

I'll try to check in here again before we leave. I'm excited and nervous and stressed about life. I definitely need a trip to Disney and a cruise!

Amanda