A Little Bit of Dis and a Little Bit of Dad-Updated 1/24 One Week From Today

[disneylovin24]

Almost one week, how exciting!!!

 

[captainj]

yes, there's something special about a "butt free" main street....It's nice to have pictures without 20 butts in the background.


Are the pooh characters at LTT?

The only thing that will be disappointing is the large crane that will be in my pics, but dh says he can photoshop it out for me. As for the characters, reports have been that it is minnie, chip, dale, and goofy I think. While I plan to make my dad pose for photos and I am bringing my photo mat for autographs, this is one aspect of the disney parks he has never really been into so I will not make a big deal out of it.

That is such a pleasant sight !!!

I can't wait! It will be a happy way to start my last day.

Empty parks are heaven.

I'm super excited, that why we do Tusker House too.

I guess that's a classier way to describe it...no butts involved.

But who ever said I was classy?

Almost one week, how exciting!!!

My kids have been WONDERFUL about this trip. They think it is sad that Grandpa hasn't been for so many years so they understand why I am taking him, and why they are NOT going, but when I told my youngest that one week from today I would be in Disney, his response was, "Then 2 weeks from today you'll be home! Yippee!! " While this is NOT how my mind wants to think, it was a sobering thought that I quickly brushed aside and went back to my "One Week " happy dance.

 

[disneylovin24]

My kids have been WONDERFUL about this trip. They think it is sad that Grandpa hasn't been for so many years so they understand why I am taking him, and why they are NOT going, but when I told my youngest that one week from today I would be in Disney, his response was, "Then 2 weeks from today you'll be home! Yippee!! " While this is NOT how my mind wants to think, it was a sobering thought that I quickly brushed aside and went back to my "One Week " happy dance.

Aww, he's going to miss his mom

I just saw that you are eating at Liberty Tree Tavern, I can't wait to hear about it! I'm thinking about eating there next year, so I'd love to find the most I can about it.

 

[captainj]

Aww, he's going to miss his mom

I just saw that you are eating at Liberty Tree Tavern, I can't wait to hear about it! I'm thinking about eating there next year, so I'd love to find the most I can about it.

I guess while Crystal Palace is being refurbished, they are using LTT as an alternate spot for breakfast so while I will be happy to tell you all about it, it won't be a breakfast option once CP opens up again late Feb or March.

 

[captainj]

Well I checked my park hours after reading Jordan's PTR and it looks like the only major change is DHS staying open until 8:30 instead of 8 on Fantasmic night, and them adding an additional seating for the Fantasmic show. As I already have my Fantasmic package booked, which automatically puts me in the first show, this doesn't really affect my life too much.

So my sister and I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday. I had printed off those fabulous "40% off one item" coupons that they have online and as I walked in the door I saw some really nice leather photo albums that hold 200 pictures. They were $6.99 already so with my coupons, woohoo! So then I went back to look at their AMAZING selection of Disney stickers and found a good one to put on the front. The stickers were half off so my total for my Leather Disney photo albums was $6.50! What do you think??

There were 5 of us shopping so my dh and I checked out separately to get the 40% off both albums. I am leading a photopass share through facebook so I hope I will come back with some great pictures of dad and I and then I will give him the album on his birthday in March.

While we were there, my sons couldn't resist getting a sticker for their albums from last September, I allowed them to each pick one since they were half off. Mason picked Pluto and Riley has been a Toy Story fan since he was a little toddler. He is bummed he is "too old" for all of the cool new toys coming out for TS3. Anyway, this was their selections.

I put a quarter by them so you can see how big they are!

I usually pack several weeks in advance then feel like I have nothing to do right before the trip, so this time I have held myself back. I think tomorrow I will start getting everything together and sorted so I know what kind of laundry needs to be done.

I am soooooooo excited that I can finally say . . .

One Week from today we will be sitting in Epcot watching:

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Your trip is getting so close! Great deal on the Disney albums!

 

[captainj]

Your trip is getting so close! Great deal on the Disney albums!

I was super excited. I'm not a big scrapbooker but I make an effort to get my pictures printed and in an album as quickly as possible.

 

[captainj]

I have always packed a little at a time for our trips, keeping lists of what is left, what is needed to buy, last minute items, etc. but this time I wanted to "save" my packing so I would have something to do other than change ADR's or Heaven forbid resorts just to get my Disney fix.

So I had decided today would be the day. I got out the suitcases (one giant, one carry on) and began bringing in my stacks I had made. I have a giant box that is Disney paraphernalia. You know, that stuff we only use or wear to Disney. I sorted through it eliminating stuff I wouldn't need since I'm not traveling with kids and put everything I thought I would need or want on the bed. I packed my clothes in my carry on and in half of the giant suitcase as I am planning to share this bag with dad so we only have to check one (and pay $20 each way instead of $40!)

Then I looked at what I had left and started eliminating. For example, not doing water parks like we do almost daily with the boys so no need for 3 bottles of sunscreen. If I wear my bulkier crocs and pack my smaller mary jane style crocs that leaves more room. No need to bring 2 boxes of bandaids, just refill my first aid kit and hope dad isn't as clumsy as the boys.

This whole, "packing for adults" thing had to come back to me rather slowly. Those mom tendencies are hard to kick. I loved the simplicity of packing for Disney for 2 adults. Don't tell my kids, but I could get used to this, hmmmm, maybe Food and Wine Festival for DH and I?????????

So I am all packed other than those last minute items that I need this week, but I have on a list so I don't forget. The entire process took 3 straight hours!!

So one week from today Dad will get his very first ever glimpse of:

But being the thrill ride man that he is, I know he will be even more excited to see these:

 

[jordanyosh]

One week from today...NICE!

I have had my suitcases out for awhile, but just now started pulling out clothes this morning....

 

[captainj]

One week from today...NICE!

I have had my suitcases out for awhile, but just now started pulling out clothes this morning....

It's a good thing I didn't "save" my packing for Friday because I keep thinking of things that I forgot! The bad thing is, when we go in September, I only have to pack for one season . . . HOT! Now, I am needing to pack for anything ranging from 75 degrees to 32 degrees, just in case! DH says I have more packed for myself than I normally pack for both of us and it is almost true! I am trying to bring "layering" clothes, but it all takes up more room than what I normally bring.

Even if its cool, it won't be NEARLY as cold as it is here today 19 degrees with a "real feel" of 5 degrees) so I guess I won't complain too much!

 

[scooby9932]

It's a good thing I didn't "save" my packing for Friday because I keep thinking of things that I forgot! The bad thing is, when we go in September, I only have to pack for one season . . . HOT! Now, I am needing to pack for anything ranging from 75 degrees to 32 degrees, just in case! DH says I have more packed for myself than I normally pack for both of us and it is almost true! I am trying to bring "layering" clothes, but it all takes up more room than what I normally bring.

Even if its cool, it won't be NEARLY as cold as it is here today 19 degrees with a "real feel" of 5 degrees) so I guess I won't complain too much!

Oh, my! It's 65 here today & sunny. I think you'll REALLY enjoy the warmer Florida weather even if it does get cool.

We're up & down during the winter in the South - Friday's high is going to be 45, so a 20 degree difference in just 2 days. And it drops down to the high 30's at night even when it gets up to the low 70's during the day. So, being prepared with layering is an Excellent idea.

Your trip is getting so close! Woo Hoo!

 

[captainj]

Oh, my! It's 65 here today & sunny. I think you'll REALLY enjoy the warmer Florida weather even if it does get cool.

We're up & down during the winter in the South - Friday's high is going to be 45, so a 20 degree difference in just 2 days. And it drops down to the high 30's at night even when it gets up to the low 70's during the day. So, being prepared with layering is an Excellent idea.

Your trip is getting so close! Woo Hoo!

I can't wait until we get there! I am so sick of snow, and ice, single digit weather! We are planning to move south as soon as I am done with school. Won't bee too bad being closer to Disney either!

 

[captainj]

Sorry I've missed a couple of nights, I've been trying to spend time with my boys before I leave. I have exceeded my work hours as of 1pm tomorrow so that will be the end of my work week. I also found out mom and dad will be home some time tonight so I actually went to the american airlines site to see what the price difference would be if I changed our tickets and we left tomorrow. Unfortunately it was over $500!

Sadly, that plan will not work.

Wouldn't that have been fun though? I checked Pop and there was room for us there if the airfare hadn't been so darn high.

But, I will survive because we leave early Saturday morning, and one week from today . . .

and

 

[jordanyosh]

you are leaving soooo soon!

 

[englishrose47]

Don'tforget to call me on the 4th and the 5th!!!!!

 

[captainj]

you are leaving soooo soon!

I can't wait! I was actually kind of glad that there were lots of rooms available for the next couple of days, that means fewer crowds and a better chance of getting the room I want, right??

Don'tforget to call me on the 4th and the 5th!!!!!

Oh, I won't forget! I am sooooo excited about meeting you. I just need to know if you would prefer me to bow when I meet you or if you are a hugger ??

 

[captainj]

Mom and Dad are home, I called to find out how much room Dad needs in the suitcase and was asked to check into a hotel with park and fly in St. Louis. It seems mom is worried about us traveling so early in the morning in case we have weather issues. I looked around and lucked into a La Quinta with airport shuttle for a decent rate. I called to ask about adding on park and fly and she gave it to us with no charge!

This means for the price I was going to pay for parking, we get to leave early and stay in a hotel tomorrow! I know it's not Disney, but the second you leave home, your trip has started in my mind!

Only downfall is leaving my boys one day earlier, I guess that guilt has started to kick in. Anyway, this may be it until I get back, so thanks for reading!!

 

[disneylovin24]

I'm with you, whenever I leave home the vacation starts

Your vacation starts tomorrow!!! HOW EXCITING

 

[captainj]

I'm with you, whenever I leave home the vacation starts

Your vacation starts tomorrow!!! HOW EXCITING

As soon as the mailman arrives, I'm out of here!!

 

[captainj]

I am sitting here packed and ready to go on Disney Eve! I fly out tomorrow morning, but Dad and I are heading to St. Louis as soon as my stupid mailman arrives! The boys bought me a charm bracelet for my birthday and I had to exchange it for a larger size. It was supposed to come yesterday, but didn't so now I have to wait for it to arrive before we can leave! I can hardly sit still I am so excited to be leaving!!

I think I hear the truck so I'll catch you all next week when I'll be sad and depressed but full of new Disney memories and stories!