I agree! I'm SO glad that we started budgeting. It is such a stress-relief! Looking at the numbers and giving every dollar a name is a good idea for everyone. I can't believe we didn't do this sooner.
Amanda
A Disney-addicted mom plans a trip in August, 2010! *New pics #574*
- Thread starter DrMomof3
- Start date
I agree! I'm SO glad that we started budgeting. It is such a stress-relief! Looking at the numbers and giving every dollar a name is a good idea for everyone. I can't believe we didn't do this sooner.
Amanda
I KNOW Tink is a loooong line. All the fairies are.
I'm so happy for you guys about getting some of that tax money back- it must be a real relief! Does this mean the January trip is for sure on?
Good point about Tink. I'll take her off the list because I am really not willing to wait in a long line. I think I'm going to keep Jiminy Cricket and Pocohontas since we all enjoyed that part of AK.
I wouldn't say the January trip is a definite but I think it's much more likely. The amount of $$$ is question is a lot! We aren't really getting a refund so much as having it applied to 2010 estimated taxes (we pay quarterly). In a way it amounts to the same thing because it's money that I don't have to pay/set aside but I'm not getting a big check or anything! I'm not going to book the January trip yet, especially since 2011 prices don't come out until August. I'd be psyched if we got bounceback or something! I'm also really flexible about where we stay, depending on deals. I want the January trip SO BAD that I'm willing to stay anywhere if it means going. I want to see how CSR works out because that could be a decent option for January if DH isn't miserable. Or maybe AKL or WL since they are a little less expensive for deluxe. We'll have my parents and my MIL with us so I have to consider their comfort. MIL is "pooh-sized" and not super mobile. My mother is almost 72 and has COPD which limits her ability to get around. We may end up with 2 ECVs. I prefer that they rent at the parks because it's a hassle on the buses, especially since we'll have at least one stroller. My MIL would LOVE AKL since she loves animals and doesn't spend a lot of time at the parks. My parents would prefer a monorail or Epcot resort but they'll go along with anything. I strongly prefer villas but the cost may be prohibitive for such a short trip. My fantasy is the Poly or a Tower room at Contemp or BLT.
I got DH to discuss the trip with me today! He said that he was too worried about $$$ to think about vacation. Now that the tax thing is solved, he feels better about the trip. I think we're going to add the Play & Dine lunch for one of our DHS days. Zachary just loves the Little Einsteins and he gets dragged along with the big kids often. It's nice to do something special for him. I had a long talk with the big kids today about the lunch. My 6 year old thinks he's too old for Playhouse Disney. So I explained that I'm too old for Playhouse Disney too but I enjoy it because it's special for Zachary. I asked the big kids to be excited for Zachary. They seemed to understand and I will reinforce it many times. I went thru the whole "We're going to do JTA and Star Tours for N and princess dinner for J and this is what we're doing for Z."
Amanda
We've made a ton of changes to our ADRs. To the point that I'm not even exactly sure what we're doing! 
It's funny how a trip can "evolve" over time....
Here's the current plan:
Saturday, August 21st
Leave home around 10:30am and drive to Islip Airport. This will take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on Long Island traffic. I don't know if our nanny is going to drive with us so she can have a car for the week or if we're going to park at the airport.
Fly Southwest to MCO. Take ME to CSR. Check-in and grab some dinner, probably at Pepper Market (is that the name of the quick-serve place?). By that point it will probably be bedtime.
Sunday, August 22nd
I'm sure my kids will be up early. We'll pack anything there is to pack, call bell services to pick up luggage, and check out. I need to remember to set aside bathing suits and clean clothes. We'll either grab breakfast in the room or grab a quick-service breakfast. Then off to the parks. Probably AK. I need to review "must-see" things for AK. We'll probably eat lunch at AK and then head to BCV and check-in. I've heard that DVC rooms are often not ready until late in the day. Assuming this is true, we'll head to SAB for a nice swim in the pool. We have ADRs at San Angel Inn that evening.
It's funny how a trip can "evolve" over time....Here's the current plan:
Saturday, August 21st
Leave home around 10:30am and drive to Islip Airport. This will take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on Long Island traffic. I don't know if our nanny is going to drive with us so she can have a car for the week or if we're going to park at the airport.
Fly Southwest to MCO. Take ME to CSR. Check-in and grab some dinner, probably at Pepper Market (is that the name of the quick-serve place?). By that point it will probably be bedtime.
Sunday, August 22nd
I'm sure my kids will be up early. We'll pack anything there is to pack, call bell services to pick up luggage, and check out. I need to remember to set aside bathing suits and clean clothes. We'll either grab breakfast in the room or grab a quick-service breakfast. Then off to the parks. Probably AK. I need to review "must-see" things for AK. We'll probably eat lunch at AK and then head to BCV and check-in. I've heard that DVC rooms are often not ready until late in the day. Assuming this is true, we'll head to SAB for a nice swim in the pool. We have ADRs at San Angel Inn that evening.
-Hope-
Always dreaming of adventure...
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- 2,968
We've made a ton of changes to our ADRs. To the point that I'm not even exactly sure what we're doing!
Here's the current plan:
Saturday, August 21st
Leave home around 10:30am and drive to Islip Airport. This will take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on Long Island traffic. I don't know if our nanny is going to drive with us so she can have a car for the week or if we're going to park at the airport.
Fly Southwest to MCO. Take ME to CSR. Check-in and grab some dinner, probably at Pepper Market (is that the name of the quick-serve place?). By that point it will probably be bedtime.
Sunday, August 22nd
I'm sure my kids will be up early. We'll pack anything there is to pack, call bell services to pick up luggage, and check out. I need to remember to set aside bathing suits and clean clothes. We'll either grab breakfast in the room or grab a quick-service breakfast. Then off to the parks. Probably AK. I need to review "must-see" things for AK. We'll probably eat lunch at AK and then head to BCV and check-in. I've heard that DVC rooms are often not ready until late in the day. Assuming this is true, we'll head to SAB for a nice swim in the pool. We have ADRs at San Angel Inn that evening.
I wouldn't know anything about 'evolving plans'.
Looks like you're off to a great start on your first couple of days. An afternoon swim is always a good plan, IMHO.
Haha I know all about that evolving plans thing! My trip now does not resemble my trip a few months ago...and I'm sure it won't resemble the one I have now in a few months!
The first few days sound great! Somehow I missed that you're staying at CSR now, great choice. It would drive me mad to stay one night at anyplace and have to pack up in the morning, but I understand the necessity.
AK is a great first leisurely day!
The first few days sound great! Somehow I missed that you're staying at CSR now, great choice. It would drive me mad to stay one night at anyplace and have to pack up in the morning, but I understand the necessity.
AK is a great first leisurely day!
I wouldn't know anything about 'evolving plans'.
Looks like you're off to a great start on your first couple of days. An afternoon swim is always a good plan, IMHO.
Thanks! Don't know what we'll do if it's raining Sunday afternoon....
I agree but we won't unpack very much. I'll pack PJs in our carry-on bags and maybe even clothes for Sunday morning. Then I'll just have to re-pack our day pack with bathing suits and a change of clothing in case our BCV room isn't ready until late. I don't think it'll be too bad. We're arriving late enough that our bags may even arrive until after the kids are sleeping. I just didn't want to blow all of our airfare savings on one night hotel stay!!!
AManda
So what are we going to do at AK? 
My only must-do's are:
Kilimanjaro Safaris and Festival of the Lion King.
I'd like to go on Kali River Rapids but Zachary may not be tall enough (he was 36 inches at his appt this week and I doubt he'll grow 2 inches in 2 months!). We could baby swap the ride but it might not be worth the hassle. Tom and the big kids have ridden before but I stayed with Zachary. It should be hot enough that getting soaked is a non-issue. Especially if we ride in the morning.
We enjoyed the Wildlife Express Train, Camp Mickey-Minnie, and the Maharaja Jungle Trek in the past.
We've never done Flights of Wonder, It's Tough to be a Bug, Nemo, Boneyard, Dinosaur. We might enjoy some or all of those.
Kids like that Dumbo-esque dinosaur ride (can't remember the name?) but I'm happy to skip it!
If we eat at AK, I'd like to try Flame Tree BBQ. We've always either done Pizzafari or Rainforest Cafe. Although Rainforest could be a good option if it's hot.
I'm not in a huge hurry to get back to the resort since we may not have a room so maybe a sit-down lunch is a good idea. Hmmm....
Once nice thing about AK is that I've never felt the need to rush around. It's a more relaxed pace, especially since we only have 2 must-do things.
Amanda
My only must-do's are:
Kilimanjaro Safaris and Festival of the Lion King.
I'd like to go on Kali River Rapids but Zachary may not be tall enough (he was 36 inches at his appt this week and I doubt he'll grow 2 inches in 2 months!). We could baby swap the ride but it might not be worth the hassle. Tom and the big kids have ridden before but I stayed with Zachary. It should be hot enough that getting soaked is a non-issue. Especially if we ride in the morning.
We enjoyed the Wildlife Express Train, Camp Mickey-Minnie, and the Maharaja Jungle Trek in the past.
We've never done Flights of Wonder, It's Tough to be a Bug, Nemo, Boneyard, Dinosaur. We might enjoy some or all of those.
Kids like that Dumbo-esque dinosaur ride (can't remember the name?) but I'm happy to skip it!
If we eat at AK, I'd like to try Flame Tree BBQ. We've always either done Pizzafari or Rainforest Cafe. Although Rainforest could be a good option if it's hot.
I'm not in a huge hurry to get back to the resort since we may not have a room so maybe a sit-down lunch is a good idea. Hmmm....
Once nice thing about AK is that I've never felt the need to rush around. It's a more relaxed pace, especially since we only have 2 must-do things.
Amanda
klacey1
DIS Veteran
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Do your kids scare easily? I've heard little ones can react badly to it's tough to be a bug. I'd definitely go for a sit down lunch, especially if you can't get a midday break. A nice long, airconditioned, unrushed lunch would probably be nice!
That's what I was thinking about the Bug show. My 6 year old is very afraid of bugs! So we'll skip that for sure!!!
Amanda
Charlefours
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 29, 2009
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- 2,773
I know about changes too Amanda! I think it is "normal" for us DISers since we start planning so early normally. I know I have changed things too--I am glad I am in good company.
Do you have any thick-sole shoes for Zachary?
I believe the Dumbo-esque ride at AK is Triceratop Spin or something along those lines. We (at least Lilian and I) are skipping ITTBAB because I know Lilian will freak.
I think it is "normal" for us DISers since we start planning so early normally. I know I have changed things too--I am glad I am in good company.Do you have any thick-sole shoes for Zachary?
I believe the Dumbo-esque ride at AK is Triceratop Spin or something along those lines. We (at least Lilian and I) are skipping ITTBAB because I know Lilian will freak.I know about changes too Amanda!
Do you have any thick-sole shoes for Zachary?
I was thinking that, too. If I hadn't started planning this trip in January, maybe there wouldn't be so many changes!
Zachary has good sneakers. He will likely have orthotics for his shoes by then. We're waiting for Early Intervention to make an appt with a physiatrist to have him evaluated (he has a motor delay and a related choking problem so he gets PT, OT, and speech/swallow).
Now my 6 year old is curious about ITTBAB so who knows!
Amanda
-Hope-
Always dreaming of adventure...
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I was thinking that, too. If I hadn't started planning this trip in January, maybe there wouldn't be so many changes!
Amanda
But then you'd be stuck with an inferior plan.
This is what I tell myself anyway. I think its good to know your must dos and let the day evolve naturally from that. Unfortunately for us our must do list is so long that we needed touring plans to be sure we saw it all!
But then you'd be stuck with an inferior plan.
I think its good to know your must dos and let the day evolve naturally from that. Unfortunately for us our must do list is so long that we needed touring plans to be sure we saw it all!
Like there is an "inferior" way to experience Disney! Our must-do list for the other parks is definitely longer than for AK. Which is why AK is a good place to start for us!
Amanda
Well, if he's not tall enough with sneakers AND orthotics, then you really won't be able to boost him any taller!
BTW, my nephew has orthotics and corrective shoes (he has spina bifida, although, for the most part he's fine due to some amazing surgeons at his birth...he definitely shouldn't have had this outcome!) and he calls them his "special super hero shoes"!
Well, if he's not tall enough with sneakers AND orthotics, then you really won't be able to boost him any taller!
BTW, my nephew has orthotics and corrective shoes (he has spina bifida, although, for the most part he's fine due to some amazing surgeons at his birth...he definitely shouldn't have had this outcome!) and he calls them his "special super hero shoes"!
That's awesome! I take care of some spina bifida children and some can walk and some can't.
Amanda
The kids and I made a count-down chain this morning. It was really fun for all of us. Tom has been on-call this weekend and it's been crazy (he spent most of yesterday in the operating room so I got to manage the weekend activities by myself 
). While he was at the hospital this morning, we did our "project." SIXTY-EIGHT more days!!! I think my ticker is one day behind since we're now leaving on 8/21 instead of 8/22 but I don't want to re-set it because it'll look depressing.
I also downloaded the new Vacation Connection widget last night. It seems pretty cool!
Did I ever mention that after listening to one of the podcasts, I joined this quickrewards thing? I earned my 1st $25 Disney giftcard already! It arrived last week!!!
Amanda
). While he was at the hospital this morning, we did our "project." SIXTY-EIGHT more days!!! I think my ticker is one day behind since we're now leaving on 8/21 instead of 8/22 but I don't want to re-set it because it'll look depressing. I also downloaded the new Vacation Connection widget last night. It seems pretty cool!
Did I ever mention that after listening to one of the podcasts, I joined this quickrewards thing? I earned my 1st $25 Disney giftcard already! It arrived last week!!!
Amanda
cdotla
Trish
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Hey Amanda...just getting caught up. Great news on the taxes! I wish something like that would happen to me!
So happy to hear that the January trip is full steam ahead!
Is Quickrewards where you do those surveys that Teresa spoke about? Sounds great! How much time did you spend on it to get the $25? (Of course, I won't remind you that your hourly rate as a doctor is probably much higher than what they paid you for the surveys - LOL!)
So happy to hear that the January trip is full steam ahead!
Is Quickrewards where you do those surveys that Teresa spoke about? Sounds great! How much time did you spend on it to get the $25? (Of course, I won't remind you that your hourly rate as a doctor is probably much higher than what they paid you for the surveys - LOL!
)
-Hope-
Always dreaming of adventure...
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- 2,968
The kids and I made a count-down chain this morning. It was really fun for all of us. Tom has been on-call this weekend and it's been crazy (he spent most of yesterday in the operating room so I got to manage the weekend activities by myself
I also downloaded the new Vacation Connection widget last night. It seems pretty cool!
Did I ever mention that after listening to one of the podcasts, I joined this quickrewards thing? I earned my 1st $25 Disney giftcard already! It arrived last week!!!
Amanda
We're going to do a countdown chain this week- Thursday is 100 day mark.
I'd also like to hear more about the quickrewards...
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First Look: Disney Parks Holiday Merch Coming Soon
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