A PTR for a trip in 6 weeks? It can be done! 31 hours to go!!!

[jmkford4]

So I have not uploaded the pic of the calendar yet. I am waiting on mail, and I am hoping it will come today. I bought some autograph books and Kooky Pens on ebay. I am still waiting for the pens to arrive. I am very excited about them!

I know it is sad to wish your life away- but I want September to come faster! We have had a bit of bad luck recently. The alternator went out on the van, DH got a ticket. It will be so nice to be on vacation. No laundry or dishes, no cleaning and no cooking. I can't wait.

I am also contemplating our next vacation. I would like to go in September again, and for 9 days this time. But we have a lot of remodeling to do in the house, and it is about $15000.00 that will need to be spent before September. However, I was just offered and accepted a job that will start in 2 weeks. The idea was that all of the money I made would be emergency fund money. Then it would be remodeling money, and THEN vacation money.

Theoretically, we have money from DH's job too, that would make the process of getting to vacation again quicker- but it means less spending and eating out and more saving. Saving is hard when you are used to life's little luxuries. There are so many times this summer that we did not go out to eat, did not go to the movies, etc b/c we are saving for Disney. I am sure that it will be worth it, but sometimes you need the pick me up of a movie. I feel deprived!

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I know exactly how you feel. It's been tough not spending as much as I'd like to but it's all worth it to go to Disney!

Also, if you may end up finding out you don't need these things in the furture saving even more money!

I also don't think you're the only one wishing September would get here faster!!!

 

[jmkford4]

My pens did not come today. I was so excited to show them to you all!

I did start reading a great thread in the Walt Disney World Tips section about giving. I was planning on doing a little myself- I have bought extra glow bracelets to pass out at night and am thinking about stickers as well. Any ideas for great customer service from CM's? I want to make sure they know they are appreciated!

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

Hi...found your PTR and just read through it. I think we are going to be leaving the day before you arrive. We go Sept 15 - 20. We also got the upgrade to SSR from ASMu, our first upgrade and our first free dining. Not our first trip, kind of spoiled, being from FL and all, but had to come and say thanks. Great tips and links. Must say I "borrowed" a few

I'm this close to writing my own PTR/TR...been tossing the idea around in my head for awhile?!? But having too much fun and spending too much time reading other great PTRs, like yours

Now that I'm only 27 days out I think it's too late to write a PTR...but I'm putting a notebook in my park bag for TR notes. That's the plan and I'm sticking too it

Have a fabulous trip!!

 

[jmkford4]

Hi...found your PTR and just read through it. I think we are going to be leaving the day before you arrive. We go Sept 15 - 20. We also got the upgrade to SSR from ASMu, our first upgrade and our first free dining. Not our first trip, kind of spoiled, being from FL and all, but had to come and say thanks. Great tips and links. Must say I "borrowed" a few

I'm this close to writing my own PTR/TR...been tossing the idea around in my head for awhile?!? But having too much fun and spending too much time reading other great PTRs, like yours

Now that I'm only 27 days out I think it's too late to write a PTR...but I'm putting a notebook in my park bag for TR notes. That's the plan and I'm sticking too it

Have a fabulous trip!!

Thanks for joining in! I am glad I could help a little!

I am just about to post pics of some things I bought off ebay....

 

[jmkford4]

These are all seven of the Kooky Pens that came today. They are normally $5.95 each, but I got these off ebay for $15 shipped!

Close up of the clip

The autograph books also from ebay (one is for my cousin and one is for my DD)

Inside

Inside

Our countdown calendar

Our Halloween bags we will be using at MNSSHP. I bought them at the Disney store for $2.50 each. I bought three.

 

[jmkford4]

So today we did some more shopping. As fun as it sounds, it was not. Andy (my DH) and I took all three kids and went to the mall. I had to buy a bday present for my mom, wanted shoes for three of us, and wanted to go to the Disney store. DS about had a meltdown at Disney, and the kids were super crabby.

We did accomplish a lot though. Bought shoes for me, DH, and DD, several bday gifts for my mom, and more school supplies for DD. I still need to buy her some lunch stuff, and wash clothes, but that is it. School starts Tuesday, and I am definitely more excited than her!


There are some super cute costumes at the Disney store, but I think they would be too hot for the kids. Still don't know what they will be yet.

On a sad noteH requested 3 days off for Disney from his second job. Just tonight he was told he was denied the time off! His co-worker texted him the info. DH texted him back that it was too bad, it was already booked and paid for. Ridiculous. We don't NEED the income to survive, but still. I am starting work at a new job about a week before we leave. The condition of me accepting the job was that I was already going on vacation. I am sure they will give him the time off, but come on. He requested it more than a month in advance, and that is more than the required time!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

That sucks about the time off not approved... I stressed of DH's cause he had to wait until 90 days out and request each day separately... Luckily they all got approved, but it was a long 2 weeks!

 

[jmkford4]

Our second car died this morning. It wasn't unexpected- it was my first car. It was a 1996 Chevy Cavalier. LOL! We knew it would go, but we were hoping it would last until October. No such luck.

We are fans of Dave Ramsey- which means we don't like debt and will avoid it at all costs. We were planning to purchase a new to us car around October, so we will have to finish saving until we can purchase said car in cash. Until then we will use my van. It will suck a little, but honestly, I don't go out much with all the kids.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Not good!!!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I just found your PTR today and got all caught up.

Your kids are so cute and you have gotten so much cool stuff for your trip. I especially love the pearl cages and the Kooky pens - too cute!

I am so sorry about your car and your DH not getting his vacation approved.

On a happier note, that is so amazing that you got upgraded to SSR. You must be so excited!!!

I'm subbing so I won't miss your updates.

 

[jmkford4]

I just found your PTR today and got all caught up.

Your kids are so cute and you have gotten so much cool stuff for your trip. I especially love the pearl cages and the Kooky pens - too cute!

I am so sorry about your car and your DH not getting his vacation approved.

On a happier note, that is so amazing that you got upgraded to SSR. You must be so excited!!!

I'm subbing so I won't miss your updates.

Thanks for joining!

We are very lucky about the upgrade! In all actuality- we are pretty lucky all around. I am just a little disappointed about the car. DH's boss will approve his vacation, it is just his immediate boss who is being a pita. He is requesting 6 days in two weeks (he is part time there), and he has never ever asked for time off. His main boss really likes him and will give him the time, but still! lol Whatever happened to rewarding the good employees? Him working so much is the reason we can go to Disney!

 

[jmkford4]

My friend Lisa is at Disney right now. Today is her last day. I was so excited for her call, b/c I had a ton of questions! This is what she told me:

She had a plan the first day, but with small children it was out the window by day 2. They used fast passes.

They changed their clothes at least once due to stickiness.

She said she would have had a hard time park hopping or going to a water park. It would take too much time.

She said the bus system was okay.....

I have a minivan reserved for the week, and have been waffling about getting it. All the guidebooks suggest getting one if you have small kids and plan on leaving the parks for naps. But then the say avoid using a rebtal to get to Ak rope drop and anytime at MK b/c of trams.

We have a huge folding stroller and buses sound like a nightmare. I think we will stick with the car. I think.

 

[jmkford4]

I just ordered my boys the Safety Tat travel pack. It is a 6 pack of the tattoos, and they can last up to 2 weeks. I am worried about Alex the most, as he is three and a wanderer. I guess $10 is worth a little peace of mind!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I have a minivan reserved for the week, and have been waffling about getting it. All the guidebooks suggest getting one if you have small kids and plan on leaving the parks for naps. But then the say avoid using a rebtal to get to Ak rope drop and anytime at MK b/c of trams.

We have a huge folding stroller and buses sound like a nightmare. I think we will stick with the car. I think.

Honestly, I would stick with renting the minivan. Almost all the complaints I hear from people here are due to the buses. If you can avoid that I say go for it. If you get to the parks early you can usually park close enough to just walk and avoid the trams all together anyway.

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

So today we did some more shopping. As fun as it sounds, it was not. Andy (my DH) and I took all three kids and went to the mall. I had to buy a bday present for my mom, wanted shoes for three of us, and wanted to go to the Disney store. DS about had a meltdown at Disney, and the kids were super crabby.

On a sad noteH requested 3 days off for Disney from his second job. Just tonight he was told he was denied the time off! His co-worker texted him the info. DH texted him back that it was too bad, it was already booked and paid for. Ridiculous. We don't NEED the income to survive, but still. I am starting work at a new job about a week before we leave. The condition of me accepting the job was that I was already going on vacation. I am sure they will give him the time off, but come on. He requested it more than a month in advance, and that is more than the required time!

I was just reading your updates. Love the pens, by the way

My DH name is Andy too, well at least that's what everyone calls him. He's William Andrew, but no one ever calls him William Sorry about your Andy's not getting the time off?! I keep telling my Andy, you did check and make sure you have the time off, right

I hear you about the meltdowns...my DS is 3 and had a doozy of one the other day. Usually happens when he's tired and/or needs to eat.

Our second car died this morning. It wasn't unexpected- it was my first car. It was a 1996 Chevy Cavalier. LOL! We knew it would go, but we were hoping it would last until October. No such luck.

We are fans of Dave Ramsey- which means we don't like debt and will avoid it at all costs. We were planning to purchase a new to us car around October, so we will have to finish saving until we can purchase said car in cash. Until then we will use my van. It will suck a little, but honestly, I don't go out much with all the kids.

sorry about the car dying. just in time for Disney?! we just had to do $500 in service to my Andy's car (the car we take to WDW) last week?! and the car is only 1 1/2 old...of course?!

I just ordered my boys the Safety Tat travel pack. It is a 6 pack of the tattoos, and they can last up to 2 weeks. I am worried about Alex the most, as he is three and a wanderer. I guess $10 is worth a little peace of mind!

Thanks for the link to SafetyTat. I went online and ordered the same pack myself for my DS. I am worried about him too...in past trips he's been ok for long stretches in the stroller (so I felt a little safer), now he wants to run and he's fast!! That's how I felt, any $$ is worth a little peace of mind!!

My friend Lisa is at Disney right now. Today is her last day. I was so excited for her call, b/c I had a ton of questions! This is what she told me:

She had a plan the first day, but with small children it was out the window by day 2. They used fast passes.

They changed their clothes at least once due to stickiness.

She said she would have had a hard time park hopping or going to a water park. It would take too much time.

She said the bus system was okay.....

I have a minivan reserved for the week, and have been waffling about getting it. All the guidebooks suggest getting one if you have small kids and plan on leaving the parks for naps. But then the say avoid using a rebtal to get to Ak rope drop and anytime at MK b/c of trams.

We have a huge folding stroller and buses sound like a nightmare. I think we will stick with the car. I think.

I've been to WDW several times and DS - 3 has already been 5 times. Definitely can't do commando touring with a toddler, but you can get a lot done with FP and luck (aka )

We've always used the buses, even though our car is right there since we drive to WDW. We mostly stayed at the values and one mod - POR and had good experiences almost all the time. Once in awhile a little longer wait, but worth it to not have to worry about the car. This will be our first time at SSR too so not sure about the buses there, but I think it will be okay!

Also, we have a fold up stroller and my DH uses an ECV when we're there as his Diabetes foot issues act up with too much walking. So it can be done with a stroller, toddler and ECV

IMHO it's harder to get everything on the trams if you use the parking, than onto the buses, in terms of stroller, etc.?!

Also, we've done park hopping without a problem, but haven't tried the waterparks with DS yet...too young. But in terms of the buses, no problems...it's easier to get from park to park sometimes than from hotel to park...usually less wait in my experience.

Hope some of this helps

 

[jmkford4]

Thanks, the advice does help!

We got our DME for my mom yesterday. It is for Pop Century and not SSR. They said they will send new tags. We are still up in the air about the rental, so I want to have a back up in case we need to take DME.

So the bad news keeps coming! LOL!

Andy was punched in the eye at work by a patient. This happens occasionally, but he has never had a black eye. He was pretty upset, but he knows in can happen in his line of work.

I hope this is the end of the bad luck. Only a few more weeks and we will be on vacation, and by then we will need it!!!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Poor Andy with the black eye...

My DH is also in a field where he can be physically harmed... It scares the crap out of me... In 4 years it has only happened twice and both have been minor... I am thankful for that...

 

[jmkford4]

Poor Andy with the black eye...

My DH is also in a field where he can be physically harmed... It scares the crap out of me... In 4 years it has only happened twice and both have been minor... I am thankful for that...

Andy has been hit about 7 times, but never this bad. It is horrible b/c you always worry, so IKWYM.

Finally, some good news!!!!

As you all know, I have been trying to come up with a family themed costume. PixieDust32, from here on the DIS, is making my family some Halloween colored Mickey Tye Dye shirts for MNSSHP!!!!!! I am so freaking excited I could pee my pants!!!!!!!This will be perfect for the heat and we will match.

I will post pics when I get them, of course!

YAY!!!!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I'm sorry to hear about your DH's black eye.

I can't wait to see pictures of your new shirts!