A Planning Guide to Goofy's Great Birthday Bash!

[marsa1969]

WOW!. You and DH are the best for planning such a great suprise and trip! I can't wait to see all of your plans for the six of you guys for the following week.

 

[jaycns]

Sorry to highjack your pretrippie a bit, but I just realized that DisneyJo was responding to your report and hers was the first trip report that I ever read on Disboards (and got me addicted to reading them I might add).....The fact that she is from the UK (my favorite place outside of Disney) and loves Disney started me reading/lurking!!!

She is a great trip report writer. She is high on my list of favorites in fact. I loved her Disney Mom's Panel TR. It made me smile, laugh and even tear up. It was simply magical!

Ok, Jay...you've done it again! I was catching up on your report, reading along about Goofy digging in the sand and then I read your surprise and I actually think I squealed! I have never squealed before but I do believe you got that out of me! I am sooooo excited for your surprise! I am sitting here a bit misty eyed thinking about it. I just love the whole idea of everyone being together! Super wonderful!!!! I don't know how you are not bursting at the seams with this secret! I love it!!!

Ha ha ha, a squeal! That's awesome! I will take that as the highest form of a compliment.

I get misty eyed thinking of it as well (and I have let out more than a few squeals of happy anticipation). Imagine squealing in front of your kids and NOT being able to explain why! I AM bursting at the seams. I just hope my seams hold!

Awwww, thanks! I am definitely planning on doing a TR for this trip, I so enjoyed reliving the trip with the last one and it made for a perfect way to remember all the little details. Thanks for inspiring me to write it in the first place.

I've got a few little ideas for our Christmas trip. I'm planning on having Memories by Betsy deliver a gift basket for each of the kids for our arrival day, and I'm kicking around the idea of having Gifts of a Lifetime decorate the room for Christmas, it's a little pricey though so I'm still debating - I'm afraid DH would get mad at me for this one. I'm also planning on taking them to do a couple of little things that they know nothing about, but will really enjoy - cane pole fishing @ POR and for a "sleigh" ride @ the WL. Our last night we will be taking a Wishes Cruise, I'm going to contact private dining @ the CR to see what kind of treats I can have waiting for us to enjoy as well.

I must say, I probably never would have thought to throw little surprises into our trip if it weren't for you, so thank-you! I so can't wait to see their little faces light up!

You could decorate the room yourself. Send your boys/dh to the arcade and have at it. Have you seen the little mini adventures that Gifts of a Lifetime can set up? Those REALLY tempt me! Of course. I am so weak. HA HA HA

Cane pole fishing sounds like so much fun! And the sleigh ride. AND the Wishes cruise!! The CR has really expanded recently (in what they can provide). Take a look at the cake thread on the dining board. I just saw someone post pictures of an amazing Haunted Mansion themed cake!

I'm still here. Always reading, rarely posting. Yes, kids are getting ready for school. 7th grade this year. holy cow!

Sorry about the lack of a PM. Overall, life is very good right now. Things are going well. Finally. Will PM soon.

Hey- where's Heidi been? Maybe we can lure her out of hiding, waddya think?

Good to know you are around and even better to know you are doing well. WOW 7th grade! Doesn't life seem like it's on fast forward sometimes! I am looking forward to hearing more details on everything that is going well. I had my fingers crossed for you!

And I don't know where Heidi or Figment have been hiding but I miss them both. I sort of assume they are just busy doing crazy things to Beast and the barbies

We arrive on the 18th, so I know we'll be there at the same time for at least part of the time now. We'll be there the 18th-26th. And I am SO looking around for you guys. I can't wait to see you and tell DH, LOOK! There's that mom I told you about! I don't tell him everything about the DISboards. I actually don't tell him much at all, but I've told him about you. Even he is impressed.

You have so inspired me that I'm already thinking of things we can do for our next trip (next June, just the four of us and MIL as opposed to this one which is the four of us-friend isn't coming anymore, my mom and dad, my brother, SIL, and nephew, my grandparents, and SIL's mom. Yeah. So we're planning fun things for the next trip! ). I've already decided we're celebrating BOTH my DS's birthdays (we'll actually be there for one, but not the other-older DS is March) and DH's and my 10th Anniversary (which is actually in April). And I'm going to think of something to do for MIL too. I'm just in the initial planning stages, but I'm already excited...and we haven't even left for the September trip yet!

I tell ya, you ARE an INSPIRATION!!!
(who agrees with me?)

I am so glad Ginny pointed me to your TR.

I am laughing so hard. A 'me' sighting is sure to be just plain boring. I would love to see another DISer though! How much fun would that be!

Oh anniversaries at WDW are SO MUCH fun! I am excited about our 2010 Disney trip as well. We are going to celebrate our 15th year of marriage there. I am going to start the planning very soon. I want to have a big anniversary party and hopefully talk a bunch of our friends and family into joining us.

I am sure you will plan AMAZING special moments and/or surprises for your family. Please be sure to share your ideas/plans with us!

Sorry for hijacking too Jay but awww you're so sweet, I'm glad you got addicted to the DIS as it's a great place, BTW have you read my most recent TR? It was my training for the Disney World Moms Panel and I got to stay in Cinderella's Castle Suite the night

Everyone should read this trip report. It's AMAZING! I need to put together a list of my favorite trip reports. So I don't forget to direct people to them. Seriously though, Jo's TR is really magical reading. Also, see SoonerGirl's trip report for a great one about Disneyland. BrierRose and Janet2K have both been inspirations to me, they plan kick butt special parties/events at WDW. SO...in short, it's NEVER a hijack to share info about other TRs! It's welcome information!

WOW!. You and DH are the best for planning such a great suprise and trip! I can't wait to see all of your plans for the six of you guys for the following week.

I have already posted the plans for our second day (the surprise day being the first). It was on the page before this one. I am looking forward to sharing more of our plans very shortly.

 

[jaycns]

Day 3 of Goofy's Family Birthday Celebration!


This day will be his actual birthdate. So, we are going to his very favorite park, the Magic Kingdom. I am going to give him the same choice I gave Stitch on his birthday of what they would like to redeem their free admission for. Being as we will have park tickets as part of our room package, he will have the option of choosing to get a gift card in the amount of what his admission would have cost OR birthday fast passes for our whole party. Stitch chose to go the Birthday Fast Pass route and we didn't wait in one single line the entire day (he had eight rides via his birthday fast pass plus we used the regular fast pass system and we were there at a slow time of year). It was great fun and we rode more rides than I ever imagined possible. Either pick will be a good one on his part. I am genuinely curious as to what he will pick.

We are going to start off with breakfast in the club lounge (again) and plan to make it to MK before opening so that we can secure the birthday treat of his choice. To get there we will hop on the monorail (well, I did promise Goofy a monorail ride to get him to the Poly in the first place ). I need to be there early for another reason as well. I plan to get my little Buzz his first ever hair cut at the barber shop inside the Magic Kingdom. This is where you will find us first thing after rope drop.

After our Buzz is the proud wearer of "My First Hair Cut" Mickey ears we will get down to the reason we are all at WDW to begin with, celebrating Goofy's 10th birthday. Our park day is purposely left open so that all of us may follow along with what the birthday boy's heart desires. Rides, shows, snacks, all of it will follow the whims and wishes of our Goof. Per the birthday boys request (when asked to pick his top MK table service place as part of a general conversation so as not to ruin the surprise), we will be having lunch at the Crystal Palace. Dinner will either by at a CS place while still at MK or back at the resort (yum yum room service).

Our evening will be spent enjoying a fun birthday surprise. I have a birthday Wishes cruise reserved for our entire family. Not on the Grand One this time but I doubt that will make our family's time out on the water any less magical. Also, no special treats will be ordered food wise as we are planning on taking full advantage of the nightly dessert offerings in the club lounge. The rest of the evening will be as full or empty as our energy levels allow. Swimming, sleeping, sitting or just vegging out in front of the television. Whatever happens will be just perfect, it's Disney, so I know this will be true!

UP NEXT a fun surprise that I think will knock all of the boys socks off...

 

[LexisAuntieLala]

DisneyJo's one about the Disney World Moms Panel was my first one... I kept saying I can't believe she got to stay in the castle! Everything looked and sounded like so much fun, that I went back and read the old ones...Same thing with your trip report...Found the 2008 one and then read the Stitch one and this pretrip one AND THEN the old ones (took a while! ).... I just love to read the reports from people who seem to take so much pleasure in what they are doing and who they are with!!

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm loving day 3. I guess I didn't realize it was so soon that your family was arriving. I must have skipped something. I thought you had TWO weeks in Disney, one with family and one with just you and Goofy. What did I miss???

 

[jaycns]

DisneyJo's one about the Disney World Moms Panel was my first one... I kept saying I can't believe she got to stay in the castle! Everything looked and sounded like so much fun, that I went back and read the old ones...Same thing with your trip report...Found the 2008 one and then read the Stitch one and this pretrip one AND THEN the old ones (took a while! ).... I just love to read the reports from people who seem to take so much pleasure in what they are doing and who they are with!!

I know, I still smile wistfully every single time that I think of the night she (and her new friends) got to spend in the castle! What a dream come true! I am so happy that she was able to have that happen and that she shared her pictures/feelings/descriptions with us all. What an amazingly magical treat of a lifetime!

And thank you for your sweet words. I do feel immense happiness over the time I am lucky enough to spend at Disney. Honestly, I don't even know if I have the words to say just how much I love it!

I too go back and read old trip reports when I find someone's trip report that I just fall in love with. Actually, I must admit, I am NOT a patient person, so I do most of my reading on the closed trip reports board. That way I know they are finished before I start and I can read them at my own pace. How silly am I! I always hate not being able to respond there though so I end up sending out PMs and probably driving people bonkers.

I'm loving day 3. I guess I didn't realize it was so soon that your family was arriving. I must have skipped something. I thought you had TWO weeks in Disney, one with family and one with just you and Goofy. What did I miss???

Day three that I just posted is day three of the family celebration. There is still a day 3 of Goofy's and my time alone at WDW too. I just started numbering the days over again after everyone is together. It's like two vacations in one so I am numbering it as it's own trip. Sorry for being so confusing.

Rereading my explanation above I've confused myself too. So simply put, NO you did not skip anyting. We are going to be there a week before the 'family vacation' part begins. For my ease of planning I just started numbering the days over again once the family arrives.

 

[MrsSpratt]

Mrs. Jay -

WOW. This is better than the "Boys, how would you like to spend ANOTHER WEEK AT DISNEY" surprise, and I thought you could never top that! This will be an AWESOME birthday for the whole family - I can't wait for the TR!

And I'm so glad I suggested the photo scavenger hunt - I as afraid to receommend anything because you ARE the QUEEN of surprises - I figured you would have already thought of it!

Ooooh, I can hardly wait! I'm pretty sure sweet Goof will be saying during the solo part of the trip, "Aladdin would really like this," or, "Maybe we should get this for Stitch..." Little will he know he will be able to give them their gifts (or share photos...whatever) MUCH sooner than he thinks!

Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Spratt

ps - I'm sorry to hear about the Washington trip being cancelled - I imagine your family will have a wonderful, educational time when you go..but I can completely understand not wanting to go so soon after you lost your father...maybe next year! (More surprises to plan!)

 

[SoonerGirl]

You could decorate the room yourself. Send your boys/dh to the arcade and have at it. Have you seen the little mini adventures that Gifts of a Lifetime can set up? Those REALLY tempt me! Of course. I am so weak. HA HA HA

Cane pole fishing sounds like so much fun! And the sleigh ride. AND the Wishes cruise!! The CR has really expanded recently (in what they can provide). Take a look at the cake thread on the dining board. I just saw someone post pictures of an amazing Haunted Mansion themed cake!

I would LOVE to decorate the room myself, but here in lies the problem. We are flying, and already packing for both warm & cool weather. I'm not sure that I'll have room to pack decorations as well (I really want a small tree - not sure how much room that will take up!). I suppose buying a cheap suitcase and paying the fee for the additional checked bag would still be cheaper than having GOAL decorate. Hmmmm, you've given me something to think about!

I haven't looked at the cake thread in a long time - sounds like I'm going to have to get over there and check it out, a Haunted Mansion themed cake sounds so cool!

You've also convinced me to check out DisneyJos TR, it sounds fabulous, I'm looking forward to checking it out.

 

[jaycns]

I would LOVE to decorate the room myself, but here in lies the problem. We are flying, and already packing for both warm & cool weather. I'm not sure that I'll have room to pack decorations as well (I really want a small tree - not sure how much room that will take up!). I suppose buying a cheap suitcase and paying the fee for the additional checked bag would still be cheaper than having GOAL decorate. Hmmmm, you've given me something to think about!

I haven't looked at the cake thread in a long time - sounds like I'm going to have to get over there and check it out, a Haunted Mansion themed cake sounds so cool!

You've also convinced me to check out DisneyJos TR, it sounds fabulous, I'm looking forward to checking it out.

It might be cheapest of all (and you could have a tree then too) if you ship a box down to your resort. You don't have to worry about having room to take the stuff home either since you will be able to ship it back in the same box (if you have stuff you would like to keep).

Will you be there on Christmas? If not, you could still do something like a "Disney Eve" while you are at WDW. If you are shipping (or bring with you an extr a suitcase) stick in some of those cheapy red felt stockings. Decorate each one with your son's favorite character or just a general Disney theme and then have them magically appear one morning during your trip or have your boys set them out one evening. Sprinkle a little bit of sparkly Disney or Christmas confetti around the area where you leave the stockings for them to find and you will have an instant special surprise! Fill the stockings with candy you buy at WDW (overpriced but so appealing to kids ), little trinkets you bring from home (glow sticks, new sunglasses, a paperback book), sneaky purchases you make while at WDW (if your boys see things they like in the stores, quietly buy them and surprise them in the stockings), Disney pins or even a home made gift certificate for one of the events you have planned (like the sleigh ride or cane pole fishing). I love this idea so much I am going to store it away to use during Aladdin's trip!

And yes, I know you didn't ask...I am just addicted to dreaming up ideas. Feel free to ignore any and/or all of them!

 

[hhockman]

Goof gets TWO days to spend at MK and do whatever he wants. One without his brothers and one with. Who can ask for more than that?

And then another Wishes cruise. Your PTR just makes me smile (I'm working my way through last year's and am just past your VERY not nice first night...Sorry you had to go through that...glad you're had so much fun during Stitch's week!)

I am going over to DisneyJo's TR in just a minute.

You should definitely apply for the Mom's panel!

 

[MrsSpratt]

Mrs. Jay -

I totally forgot to tell you - there is a very good review of the AKL picnic in Ms. Heimlich's review over on the dining boards - I think it is on the last page.


Mrs. Spratt

 

[lazydoxy66]

O

M

G

!

Are you for real??? You know, you leave a week before I get there. That's too bad. I would really like to meet you just to prove to myself that you are real.

This is just awesome! The boys will be thrilled out of their minds!!!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Jay what a wonderful real birthday for Goofy. What fun for him and the boys. I cannot wait to see Little Buzz' first haircut. I bet he has grown so. You are one lucky mom. Getting so much time in Disney and getting that special time with your 'boys'. Loving it all.

I'm trying to be nice. It's really hard.

Ginny

 

[jaycns]

Goof gets TWO days to spend at MK and do whatever he wants. One without his brothers and one with. Who can ask for more than that?

And then another Wishes cruise. Your PTR just makes me smile (I'm working my way through last year's and am just past your VERY not nice first night...Sorry you had to go through that...glad you're had so much fun during Stitch's week!)

I am going over to DisneyJo's TR in just a minute.

You should definitely apply for the Mom's panel!

It will actually be my first Wishes cruise ever. We have rented the Grand One and done an afternoon cruise/dessert party on it. And Goofy and I will do an Illuminations Cruise on the Breathless the week before but none of us has ever done a Wishes cruise! I am so excited!

It was pretty darn gross at the WL that first night. I don't know if I have ever been so angry while on vacation. Actually, I know I haven't. Thankfully I had that long walk to the front desk to sort of cool me off before the poor front desk people had to deal with me.

I promise you won't be disappointed with Disney Jo's TR! It's mighty magical reading!

And I do so wish to one day be on the Mom's Panel but I know it's a big thing to so many people who love Disney that it's not much more than a dream. However, this is Disney and at Disney sometimes the dreams that you wish for will come true! I am so happy for all of those who have gotten to live out their own dreams by being on the panel so far! What a great thing for all involved! AND for the tons of people they help...imagine how much fun it would be to be able to help out so many other WDW bound people! AMAZING!

Mrs. Jay -

I totally forgot to tell you - there is a very good review of the AKL picnic in Ms. Heimlich's review over on the dining boards - I think it is on the last page.


Mrs. Spratt

Thank you! I am going to head over there and check that out. It's on my 'must try' for this trip list. I am eager to hear any and all reports about it! Thanks again Mrs. Spratt for all you have added (suggestion and information wise) to my trip planning!

O

M

G

!

Are you for real??? You know, you leave a week before I get there. That's too bad. I would really like to meet you just to prove to myself that you are real.

This is just awesome! The boys will be thrilled out of their minds!!!

Awww, see, I am just missing everybody. Which may be good if that means the crowds are lower but is STINKY because I was hoping to be able to meet up with a few DISers. The only DIS friend I have gotten to spend any amount of time with was LindaBabe (and that was far too short of a time span). I am going to make sure to plan out specific DIS meets on my next trip (if I can find any DISer friends who are traveling when I am).

HA HA HA I want to be 'real'.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Will you be there on Christmas? If not, you could still do something like a "Disney Eve" while you are at WDW. If you are shipping (or bring with you an extr a suitcase) stick in some of those cheapy red felt stockings. Decorate each one with your son's favorite character or just a general Disney theme and then have them magically appear one morning during your trip or have your boys set them out one evening. Sprinkle a little bit of sparkly Disney or Christmas confetti around the area where you leave the stockings for them to find and you will have an instant special surprise! Fill the stockings with candy you buy at WDW (overpriced but so appealing to kids ), little trinkets you bring from home (glow sticks, new sunglasses, a paperback book), sneaky purchases you make while at WDW (if your boys see things they like in the stores, quietly buy them and surprise them in the stockings), Disney pins or even a home made gift certificate for one of the events you have planned (like the sleigh ride or cane pole fishing). I love this idea so much I am going to store it away to use during Aladdin's trip!

And yes, I know you didn't ask...I am just addicted to dreaming up ideas. Feel free to ignore any and/or all of them!

I love you, Jay!!! That's a great idea! We will be there on Christmas Day, so the stockings would be a perfect thing to leave out for Christmas morning along with an invitation to the sleigh ride I'm hoping to book for later that day (if my 90 day window will ever get here ).

And please, don't hesitate to pass along any of your ideas. They are very much appreciated

 

[jmamom]

Sounds like a great day at the MK. Buzz's first haircut will be so cute!! And another fireworks cruise - WOW. Just magical.
Thanks for your advice on the IPO shopping - I think I'll give them a call!

 

[mymainmouse]

Good grief! You have quite a trip and some awesome surprises planned for Goofy and the rest of your family! I got a little behind (okay-alot behind) on my Dising this summer and this is what I come back to.
It sounds like you are going to have such a great trip. Make sure that you record the surprise at the beach so we can all see it. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It will be sooo sweet!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm all caught up and, oh my goodness, you totally need to be nominated for Mother of the Year! Your family is blessed to have you as a mother and wife.

 

[jess98ac]

Wow!!! I somehow missed the big surprise post! Holy MOLY you are the master secret keeper (other than my friend who knows the sex of her baby she's having next week and hasn't even told her DH!!)...the boys are going to LOVE it. I'd love to see the look on Goofy's face!!

 

[jaycns]

I love you, Jay!!! That's a great idea! We will be there on Christmas Day, so the stockings would be a perfect thing to leave out for Christmas morning along with an invitation to the sleigh ride I'm hoping to book for later that day (if my 90 day window will ever get here ).

And please, don't hesitate to pass along any of your ideas. They are very much appreciated

Glad I could be of service. You so need a Christmas tree too! Ship or buy there (a cab ride to the nearest Walmart has to be cheaper than letting Disney provide it). Oh the fun! I cannot wait to read your trip report!

Sounds like a great day at the MK. Buzz's first haircut will be so cute!! And another fireworks cruise - WOW. Just magical.
Thanks for your advice on the IPO shopping - I think I'll give them a call!

I just talked to the IPO at the Boardwalk two days ago and they are also doing a bit of shopping for me before we arrive. So, although I had read about people having issues with shopping requests as well, I am happy to report that I had none myself.

Did you have any luck with the IPO doing a bit of shopping for you?

Good grief! You have quite a trip and some awesome surprises planned for Goofy and the rest of your family! I got a little behind (okay-alot behind) on my Dising this summer and this is what I come back to.
It sounds like you are going to have such a great trip. Make sure that you record the surprise at the beach so we can all see it. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It will be sooo sweet!

I'm so glad you are 'back to DISing'. I am SO excited to record the surprise on the beach. That is my 'dream moment' of this trip!

I'm all caught up and, oh my goodness, you totally need to be nominated for Mother of the Year! Your family is blessed to have you as a mother and wife.

I'm not mom of the year material...I just love my family and love surprises and love Disney World. I am the lucky girl who gets to be the mom/wife of my great guys and enjoy a Disney vacation with them.

Wow!!! I somehow missed the big surprise post! Holy MOLY you are the master secret keeper (other than my friend who knows the sex of her baby she's having next week and hasn't even told her DH!!)...the boys are going to LOVE it. I'd love to see the look on Goofy's face!!

I am good at keeping secrets but keeping my mouth shut about surprises is SUPER HARD. I am to the point now where I need a super sized tube of super glue to help me out!

WOW...how is she holding that in!? I would have blabbed for sure!