A pregnant mama, Mr. Crazypants, and Ga-Gae celebrate Epcots 30th! TR LINK-10/16!

[CandleontheWater]

Bribery worked very well with Reid when it came to potty training. He took 2 days to potty train. I did the method where you switch them to regular underwear (except at night - then I used pull-ups). He had accidents the 1st two days & then he was trained. That method really works well! In conjunction with it though I bribed him with his favorite candy - M&M's. Every time he would go potty, he would get 1 M&M for doing "#1" & 2 M&M's for doing "#2". Within a few days, he even stopped asking about the M&M's & would just go potty. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! We're really going to ramp up the potty training when we get back from Norfolk next week, and I like the idea of going straight to underwear. It makes more sense than pull-ups. Everett was actually doing really well with #2 on the potty before we moved, but since then it has all gone to heck. Now the only time he asks to "poop on the potty" is when he is in time out. Seriously, that kid is nobody's fool! I'm hoping to get some of that momentum back! Wish me luck (I'm going to need it!)

 

[amandaw]

Thanks for the advice! We're really going to ramp up the potty training when we get back from Norfolk next week, and I like the idea of going straight to underwear. It makes more sense than pull-ups. Everett was actually doing really well with #2 on the potty before we moved, but since then it has all gone to heck. Now the only time he asks to "poop on the potty" is when he is in time out. Seriously, that kid is nobody's fool! I'm hoping to get some of that momentum back! Wish me luck (I'm going to need it!)

You're welcome! I hope it goes well. If you do the switch straight to undies, just be prepared to clean up lots of messes. But, what I did was on the 1st day, took Reid every 15 minutes to potty. Then, once he started using it, I bumped it up to every 30 mins, then every hour, & so on. If you have an iPhone there is a free app by Pull-ups that allows you to set potty alarms. And after they potty, they can press a button if they went & it cheers or something for them. Yes, there's an app for potty training! It really works well. I had a couple of friends suggest the method to me. I only used pull-ups at night because night training will just come with time. I think Reid was fully night trained about 3 months after he daytime potty trained.

Oh - and you're not alone - every single time Reid goes to timeout, he miraculously needs to go to the bathroom right then & there!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Thank you to everyone who has stuck around! I know I've been a little absent over the last few weeks, but things have been very busy! First the wedding , then our trip to Newport, and then when we got back we had to make the rounds to visit all of Mark's relatives. I completely understand why they wanted to see him before he deployed, but man, it was exhausting traveling all over the state!

Mark left on Sunday to go down to Norfolk for a week of training, and then this Saturday DS and I are going to fly down there to spend some time with him before he leaves for good. He still doesn't know when he is leaving (its tricky because the ship has already left, and he has to fly out to meet it somewhere in the middle east), but it is likely to be soon.

After next week DS and I will be in CT full-time, and then nothing will get in the way of my planning (and obsessing) over this Disney trip!

I do want to do a mini-TR about our awesome time in Newport, but I keep forgetting to get the camera out of DS's room before he goes to nap/bed. I'm going to try to remember it tonight so I can get the pictures downloaded.

In the meantime, I can update you all on some changes I made to our schedule.

One thing I got done was reserving a rental car! I found a decent deal through Alamo, $141 (including all taxes and fees) for our dates for a mid-sized. I'm going to keep checking, usually I find better deals through National, but at least we have something for now.

Originally I was going to do ME, when it was just me and DS flying down and my mom meeting us later, but now that we will all be together, I think it will be easier with the rental car. It will also make getting to our Beach Club photo shoot easier, and we won't have to leave as early on our last day to catch the ME.

I also made some changes to our itinerary, just some smallish tweaks.

The first thing I did was cancel our Fantasmic dinner package.

My mom convinced me that we won't have trouble getting seats (and I think she is completely right), and I didn't really want to eat at 3:40 anyway. Who wants to eat at 3:40? That's a totally bizarre time, especially since there is a 99% chance that there will be a soft opening of the F&W festival that day, and I'll want to do lunch noshing around the world.

So, instead I made a new reservation- we are still eating here-

The Hollywood Brown Derby

mostly because I really want to eat this-

the cobb salad

and this

the grapefruit cake

but our new reservation time is 5:15 pm- much more reasonable for dinner. I was hesitant to take Everett to a signature dining restaurant, because I don't think rowdy toddlers belong there, but it is in a theme park (which makes is a different type of signature) and we are eating really early (so I don't think we'll disturb any honeymooners or date night couples), and I will bring the silver bullet for good behavior (aka the ipad), so I think we'll be OK. Also if I stick to the plan of just ordering the cobb salad and grapefruit cake, we'll be in and out fast.

I also moved the time for our 1900 Park Fair breakfast.

Originally I had it at 9:25, thinking that it would give me time to pack and get everything ready to go on the last day. Well, I thought about it, and I'd rather just get up earlier, and have more park time. Considering Everett likes to get up at the crack of dawn anyway, I should have plenty of time to pack and still make it to a 8:25 reservation. We likely won't make rope drop, but we'll be closer. I'm going to try to show up a little early and see if we could get seated around 8ish. I'm not terribly concerned with seeing all the characters (I'm sure Everett could care less about the face characters), but I want to eat there in my quest to eat at every restaurant at Disney.

I'm also making a change to my plans for the 30th of Sept. Originally I was spending the day at Epcot, and I'm still going to do that- but I am going to be participating in the D23 Epcot 30th anniversary event.

I'm really excited about this, because its pretty much the reason I booked this trip. I'm not sure why they are doing it on the 30th instead of the 1st (maybe because it is a Sunday and more locals could come?) but I'm really excited for the lectures! Here is just a taste-

The Music of EPCOT Center- Some of Epcot’s most passionate fans agree that the park’s soundtrack has created one of its most lasting legacies that continue to help “makin’ memories” around the world. Join Disney historians and songwriters as we explore the incredible world of Epcot music. Along the way, hear stories about the recording sessions, learn about some fascinating alternate versions of some of your favorite melodies, and sing along to your favorite Epcot tunes! (I'm not sure anyone wants to hear my rendition of "Tomorrow's child", but I bet the lecture will be awesome!)

Looking Back at Tomorrow- Few Epcot visitors realize The Land pavilion was almost called “Harvest Tomorrow” or that Figment was slated to co-host an “Images & Imagination” pavilion. With recently discovered materials from the Walt Disney Archives, examine how the “dreamers and doers” developed favorite Epcot attractions of the past including Horizons, Journey into Imagination, Kitchen Kabaret, World of Motion, the Astuter Computer Revue, and the original Universe of Energy.

The EPCOT Center That Never Was- Using rare concept artwork, guests will glimpse what it was like to design Epcot with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Vice President Tony Baxter, and explore early versions of Epcot attractions that never made it off the drawing board.

Since I thought that most of that stuff would take place on the 1st, that leaves me lots of open time on the first to just soak in the park and visit what attractions are left from "classic EPCOT".

One last thing- My friend Shane (who does the Communicore Online podcast) is hosting a dessert party at Epcot on the night of the 1st. I'm going to be there, (so excited for desserts and Illuminations!) and I know some of you guys will be there at the same time. If you are interested in joining us, and getting a great view for the special 30th anniversary tag, send me a PM and I'll get you the info.

 

[afwdwfan]

I understand that other things are definitely taking a priority over this PTR at the time... as they should be. Wishing the best for your DH and your family as he prepares for his deployment.

I think Everett will be fine in DHS. I don't think most people would expect too formal of a dining experience in a theme park. The iPad sounds like a great idea. Is he an Angry Birds fan?

I really think all the 30th stuff at EPCOT looks really interesting. I love that park, both in it's past forms and the current version. It really does amaze me to think of all the changes it has gone through over the past 30 years.

 

[marDgreen88]

All those lectures sound awesome! I bet you'll really enjoy those.

Wishing Mark a safe trip!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I understand that other things are definitely taking a priority over this PTR at the time... as they should be. Wishing the best for your DH and your family as he prepares for his deployment.

I think Everett will be fine in DHS. I don't think most people would expect too formal of a dining experience in a theme park. The iPad sounds like a great idea. Is he an Angry Birds fan?

I really think all the 30th stuff at EPCOT looks really interesting. I love that park, both in it's past forms and the current version. It really does amaze me to think of all the changes it has gone through over the past 30 years.

He does like Angry birds, but is more of a fruit ninja kind of guy!

Really, he loves the episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Dinosaur train that I downloaded onto the Ipad, and even with the sound off, he'll still happily watch them and be still and quiet.

I love the history of Epcot, it is such a neat park. I think I'm really going to enjoy the event.

All those lectures sound awesome! I bet you'll really enjoy those.

Wishing Mark a safe trip!

Thank you, it means a lot that you guys are so supportive, I really appreciate it!

 

[kmedina]

The last time we dined at the Brown Derby (before Connor was born) there were a lot of families in there. I agree with you that signature dining restaurants inside parks are more open to families. The cobb salad there is awesome. Your D23 Expo events for Epcot sound awesome. I love learning more about all things Disney. The Madd Hatter has always been a hit with my boys, so please do not leave 1900 Park Fare before he hits your table. Other than him, I think it will be okay to get out of there early. Although, Poor and Tigger come around too.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Best wishes to you all during Mark's deployment!!!

I think the BD sounds like a good choice for you guys! I'm sure you'll have a great dinner there! And cancelling the F! package definitely let you guys have a better dining time!

I'm SO jealous you'll be there for Epcot's 30th, the different events going on then sound AWESOME!!!!

 

[amandaw]

It's very understandable that you've been a bit absent here. Y'all definitely have a lot going on. Keeping Mark in my prayers for a safe deployment. And for you, Everett & baby girl well-being also.

I think your plan changes all sound great! I think moving the ADR for HBD is a very good idea! Another good iPad app for entertaining the little ones - Jakes Neverland Pirate School. Also - Explore Disneyland. Reid loves those along with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Ralley. Oh! And there's a new Watch Disney Junior app. Now, because we're not Comcast users, we don't get full access to all of the episodes, but you can watch at least 1 or 2 episodes of most of the Disney Junior shows.

Sound like you are going to have a great time doing the D23 stuff. I had seen an article about all the things they were going to be doing & wondered if you would do any. And the dessert party sounds really fun! Almost makes me wish I hadn't cancelled our night in Epcot on the Monday.

 

[PirateKate]

Congratulations on the new baby! A little princess sounds perfect!

 

[MHTeacher]

First, Congrats on the news of a baby girl!

Hope everything goes well for your DH with his travels and deployment.

I don't blame you for canceling the Fantasmic package. 3:40? Is that lunch or dinner? Weird time. Glad you'll be able to eat at BD. We've never tried it before. I'll be anxious to hear what you think!

BTW-I'm with Everett--I prefer Fruit Ninja too!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Hello again!

Everett and I got back from Norfolk late last night and although it was very sad to send Mark on his way, we had a nice week, and now can work on getting really settled in to life in CT (and planning this Disney trip, of course! )

I'm really happy I was able to spend time getting the lay of the land in Norfolk, I now know what areas are OK to live in and what ones to avoid, which will be really helpful when house hunting.

Luckily Mark didn't have all that much to do last week, so we were able to go to the Children's museum, the aquarium, and Bush Gardens. Everett was a little disappointed in Bush Gardens, he kept asking to ride the Haunted Mansion, and was very put out to find that Bush Gardens did not have one.

After explaining to him about 27 times that there was no haunted mansion, by the end of the day he was walking around saying (in a very dejected tone)- "no Haunted Mansion and no mou- choo- choo (monorail) here" He is one spoiled little boy!

The last time we dined at the Brown Derby (before Connor was born) there were a lot of families in there. I agree with you that signature dining restaurants inside parks are more open to families. The cobb salad there is awesome. Your D23 Expo events for Epcot sound awesome. I love learning more about all things Disney. The Madd Hatter has always been a hit with my boys, so please do not leave 1900 Park Fare before he hits your table. Other than him, I think it will be okay to get out of there early. Although, Poor and Tigger come around too.

We've done Brown Derby once before, but that was pre-kids, so I honestly don't remember how many other families were there. Good to hear that it is pretty family friendly!

The Madd Hatter, I'll remember that!

Best wishes to you all during Mark's deployment!!!

I think the BD sounds like a good choice for you guys! I'm sure you'll have a great dinner there! And cancelling the F! package definitely let you guys have a better dining time!

I'm SO jealous you'll be there for Epcot's 30th, the different events going on then sound AWESOME!!!!

Yes, it was a weird time, and I kept calling back and nothing else was opening up. I'm not sure we'd want a three course meal anyway, so skipping the F! dining package is really the best choice.

It's very understandable that you've been a bit absent here. Y'all definitely have a lot going on. Keeping Mark in my prayers for a safe deployment. And for you, Everett & baby girl well-being also.

I think your plan changes all sound great! I think moving the ADR for HBD is a very good idea! Another good iPad app for entertaining the little ones - Jakes Neverland Pirate School. Also - Explore Disneyland. Reid loves those along with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Ralley. Oh! And there's a new Watch Disney Junior app. Now, because we're not Comcast users, we don't get full access to all of the episodes, but you can watch at least 1 or 2 episodes of most of the Disney Junior shows.

Sound like you are going to have a great time doing the D23 stuff. I had seen an article about all the things they were going to be doing & wondered if you would do any. And the dessert party sounds really fun! Almost makes me wish I hadn't cancelled our night in Epcot on the Monday.

Thanks for the app recommendations, I'm always looking for new things to entertain Everett. I'm actually thinking of adding the ipad to our verizon account, so we'll get be able to connect to the internet anywhere, so I'm sure he'll love the Disney junior app!

I'm thinking Epcot's 30th is going to be awesome, and I'm even a little excited that DH isn't going to be around, because there will be no one to give me the stink-eye over all the merchandise I'm planning on purchasing!

Congratulations on the new baby! A little princess sounds perfect!

Welcome back Kate! How is everything going with you guys!

Thanks, we're really excited to inject some girly-ness into this all boy household!

First, Congrats on the news of a baby girl!

Hope everything goes well for your DH with his travels and deployment.

I don't blame you for canceling the Fantasmic package. 3:40? Is that lunch or dinner? Weird time. Glad you'll be able to eat at BD. We've never tried it before. I'll be anxious to hear what you think!

BTW-I'm with Everett--I prefer Fruit Ninja too!

Thank you so much!

Yes, 3:40 is a bizzare time, although at this point, I'd be happy to eat anytime/anywhere, but I know that my mother and DS don't share my ravenous appetite!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hi Marissa! I am all caught up after my long absence! I think the last time I was on the boards you had just started the PTR, so I just read through everything. Yay for the Contemporary! I think that is such a great choice, especially since Everett loves the mou-choo-choo so much! The CR is at the top of my list for our first trip with the baby next year. It just seems like the perfect location with a little one.

And speaking of - congratulations on your little princess! I know you and your DH are just so excited!

I'm glad you guys are getting settled into your new home, and I hope Mark's time away goes by quickly and he is back home safely before you know it!

 

[marDgreen88]

Hahah, no monorail at Busch Gardens, but next time, yall should go on DarKastle! It's similar to the Haunted Mansion in that it's a 'scary house'. It does move a lot more than HM, and it may be scarier... but something to look at in the future!

P.S. I am positive I didn't spell the ride name right.

 

[hollisterluva92]

I'm in! A little late, but I am all caught up! Congrats on your little princess All of your plans sound great so far!

 

[amandaw]

I'm so glad y'all got to have a good week with Mark! Hopefully, his time away will pass very quickly for y'all.

I love how disappointed Everett was in Busch Gardens! You definitely have a Disney lover for a son!

 

[Imagineer5]

All caught up too! Seems a lot of us had pretty busy July's. Sorry you had to say goodbye, that must have been so difficult. Nice to have something fun to focus on, like your new town, and WDW! I wish I could be there for the 30th / or the 1st party! So fun!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Hi Marissa! I am all caught up after my long absence! I think the last time I was on the boards you had just started the PTR, so I just read through everything. Yay for the Contemporary! I think that is such a great choice, especially since Everett loves the mou-choo-choo so much! The CR is at the top of my list for our first trip with the baby next year. It just seems like the perfect location with a little one.

And speaking of - congratulations on your little princess! I know you and your DH are just so excited!

I'm glad you guys are getting settled into your new home, and I hope Mark's time away goes by quickly and he is back home safely before you know it!

Yes, I think the Contemporary is going to be just perfect! I don't think Everett is going to want to stay anywhere else after this trip, which is just fine with me, but I don't know how it will fly with his penny-pinching Dad!

I'll be sure to let you know how it all worked out in the TR!

Do you guys know what you are having yet? Are you going to find out?

Hahah, no monorail at Busch Gardens, but next time, yall should go on DarKastle! It's similar to the Haunted Mansion in that it's a 'scary house'. It does move a lot more than HM, and it may be scarier... but something to look at in the future!

P.S. I am positive I didn't spell the ride name right.

Oh my gosh, I did see DarKastle, but I didn't know what it was, and it looked like it had a height requirement, so I didn't investigate further. I'm going to be kicking myself if it would have been an acceptable HM substitute. I mean, the first few times it was cute, but having to listen to "now we ride Haunted Mansion" after every ride, got a little tiresome!

I'm in! A little late, but I am all caught up! Congrats on your little princess All of your plans sound great so far!

Thanks for joining! We're really excited about a little princess! She already has a rapidly expanding wardrobe thanks to my mom, and according to her she is "taking it easy with shopping" until we get 100% confirmation. I'm going to hate to see what happens when she gets free reign!

I'm so glad y'all got to have a good week with Mark! Hopefully, his time away will pass very quickly for y'all.

I love how disappointed Everett was in Busch Gardens! You definitely have a Disney lover for a son!

It was a pretty funny experience, he has never been to any other theme park or amusement park but Disney, so I guess I can understand his confusion. I mean, we were at a hotel, and we did get on a plane to go there, how could it not be Disney, right?

All caught up too! Seems a lot of us had pretty busy July's. Sorry you had to say goodbye, that must have been so difficult. Nice to have something fun to focus on, like your new town, and WDW! I wish I could be there for the 30th / or the 1st party! So fun!

Its never fun to say goodbye, but that is the hardest part, now I can concentrate on counting down until his return (and this Disney trip, and the holidays and the new baby, and the next move...) Yeah, I think this deployment is going to fly by!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I’ve got some new updates about our itinerary, MNSSHP, and a detailed look at our first day!

First things first, I’ve been thinking long and hard about costumes for MNSSHP. First up was Everett. I didn’t want to plan anything that could be bulky or too warm, and he WILL NOT wear a hat or have anything touching his head, so my options were limited. I decided to go with practical- themed pajamas.

I thought these were super cute, because not only does he look like a jungle cruise skipper, but if he falls asleep at the party, I won’t have to worry about changing him back at the room. Plus they were only $11, score!

Ok, once I decided on Everett I thought about ways that I could match him, but still be comfortable and not look completely ridiculous. I was thinking about the jungle cruise, and an idea came to me “hey, I could be one of the jungle cruise animals!”- so I am going to be a zebra. I found this shirt

And these ears and tail

And I have black maternity shorts. Simple, easy, and still festive. I wonder if I could get my mom to be a lion. I’m sure I could find lion ears (similar to my zebra ones) and she could just wear a tan colored shirt, hmmm. I’ll have to work on her.

Next I decided to make the difficult decision and drop my AK day entirely. This is a tough one for me, because AK is my favorite park and I just love being there, but the problem is I was looking at the day through “magic-colored” glasses and not really seeing the reality. I’m sure we’ve all been there, where we get so wrapped up in the Disney magic and the fantasy of a perfect vacation that we forget the realities on the ground. The reality is that I have a very active and antsy 2 year old, and no way on God’s green earth is he going to sit through a showing of both Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo. Disney magic or no Disney magic, he is still the same kid.

This became painfully obvious to me at Bush Gardens, when we decided to try out the Celtic Dance show in an attempt to get out of the rain. Everett loves music and he loves dancing, so I thought he would maybe make it through the show. Well, Everett did great for the first 5 minutes, that is until he decided that he really needed to try out the dance moves. He stood in front of his seat and started stopping his feet and spinning, and while that was pretty bad, it wasn’t to full panic ejection mode- that is until he decided that he also needed to be making the clickety-clack noises that the dancers feet were making AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS. Well, there was no getting around that and after about 3 seconds of desperate shushing, we bailed.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like the show, it was that he was just a little over-enthusiastic, and we were treated to his best Michael Flatley impression all the way back to the parking lot.

I do not need Everett doing his best tumble monkey impression in the middle of FotLK.


Since I’m pregnant, there really isn’t that much I can do at AK anyway, no safari, EE, Dinosaur, or Primeval Whirl. That leaves the two shows, the trails and Rafikis planet watch (I don’t do ITTBAB). After our last disastrous encounter with Everett chasing the goats at the affection section, I’m not in a real hurry to get back, and if you take out the shows, well, there really is no reason to trek over there.

So no AK this time around.

I canceled our ADR for Tusker house, but I managed to replace it with an early breakfast at Cape May. We’ve never done breakfast there, so that will be a nice change, and Everett will still get a fab 5 character meal. I figure we can then go to Epcot and maybe MK in the afternoon/evening.

cont- next post

 

[amandaw]

I love, love, love the costumes for MNSSHP! That really was a brilliant idea on your part - especially the pajamas. Your mom should definitely go as a lion. Y'all are going to look so cute!

I don't blame you for taking AK off the schedule. Sounds like it just wouldn't be a good park this go around for y'all. And I am envisioning Everett doing some Celtic dancing.

That's great that you were able to get an ADR for breakfast at Cape May. I had thought about doing that one this year since I've heard good things about it & we've never tried it. Unfortunately, it just didn't make the cut. So many Disney restaurants, so little time.