A Tale from Two Sisters---May/June 2012 PTR ***Link to TR--6/13!!***

[mindystar]

Yesterday, today, tomorrow and Friday are great days to me for the countdown to our trip.
Yesterday was the first day we started the countdown calendar (of which I will post pictures when I can get them uploaded on our poor computers).
Today is 30 days out...a month away from the magic
Tomorrow is 29 days left. . .into the next group of tens, out of the 30's
And Saturday is four weeks til we leave baby!!!

Yep, I'm a little excited, even if work has been a drag for the two days so far Just have to push forward to this weekend and then just 3 more after that--whoo hoo
Okay off to check the boards and feed this going-to-Disney-real-soon fever (it is feed a fever right? or is it starve it? if it's starve it I'll have to change "fever" to whatever you feed when your sick )

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

4 weeks, 4 weeks!!! Yay!

 

[mindystar]

4 weeks, 4 weeks!!! Yay!

I know!!!!! And Tuesday we can all say we leave this month!!!!

 

[mindystar]

Day 6 is Thursday May 31st. Pay Day!! Good thing too because it's our "Relaxing Day", and for us girls that translates to Downtown Disney!!!!

PC is going to be doing the Exotic Driving Experience in the morning. Originally Cinderella was going to go along with and sit in the grandstands waiting to watch him drive on the track. Then the rest of us adults (grandparents and aunts) would be responsible for watching over the Littles. After some discussion though they decided that Cinderella should go do something fun for her. Now we'll going to DTD to do some damage. I know PP (who has an AP) talks of taking Minnie (under 3, so free) to DHS, since we won't be visiting there this trip. We shall see how that all pans out.

Lunch will most likely be at either (or both, between our group) at WPE or Earl of Sandwich. We are planning on everyone joining back up at the Poly by 2 pm, so that the Littles may take their naps. That evening we have ADRs at Kona. I'm so looking forward to that Coconut-Almond Chicken with the luscious pineapple and strawberries. My mouth waters at the thought of this dinner. That delicious bread and butter, it can be so hard not to fill up on it! Then box up my Kileuea Torte to take back to the fridge in our room to enjoy for breakfast tomorrow...well maybe it won't make it there (great, now there's a bit of a rumbly in my tumbly!)

I'm sure there will be some pool time somewhere in that night. We were also originally planning to take the monorail and do a resort shop hop, but who knows if we'll have already done that earlier in the week. You know, since we are on the monorail now (it better be up and running then!!!) Eek! I'm still so excited to get the chance to grace the halls of the Poly's longhouses again!!!! Maybe check to see what movie, if there is one, is playing on the beach and watch it. Hang out in a hammock? I know Tink really wants to go see the Wedding Pavilion, and it would be cool to show Ariel where her mommy and daddy were married (where mommy was a bride:, as she would say ) So many things and options we'd have at the Poly--the electrical water pageant, Wishes! from the beach and/or pool.

Tomorrow we have our EPCOT themed Disney Night, including watching Mulan. The next day on our trip is our second EPCOT day as well, nice when that works out Then Tuesday is May Day, and we can say we leave this month--hip, hip, hooray!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Sounds like a great day!! I love DTD! And yay for Epcot night...Mulan is my absolute favorite princess!

 

[MHTeacher]

That evening we have ADRs at Kona. I'm so looking forward to that Coconut-Almond Chicken with the luscious pineapple and strawberries.

I've always looked at that and thought it sounds delicious! But the steak always wins out for me. Maybe this time I order my own, and just sneak a bite of steak off my DH's plate!

 

[mindystar]

It's late and I should be heading to bed for work tomorrow But as I just got the countdown calendar pictures uploaded to the computer I'd like to share them here
I started making our countdown calendars since our first trip in 1993. I'll have to see if I can find pics of them, unless that would bore you all to tears But this years theme for our vacation is that Small Things Make Big Memories. So on each of the "film strip"/"negatives" we write in the days left and a small thing that makes great memories at WDW for our family.
So without further ado. . .
From this

with this

to this

to this

with these

resulting in this:

Close up:

Hope you enjoy

 

[MHTeacher]

Love it! It's very cool!

 

[mindystar]

Sounds like a great day!! I love DTD! And yay for Epcot night...Mulan is my absolute favorite princess!

It was fun and yummy

I've always looked at that and thought it sounds delicious! But the steak always wins out for me. Maybe this time I order my own, and just sneak a bite of steak off my DH's plate!

Boy is it sooo good! I was so glad we added this day, if just to add Kona to the meal line up

Love it! It's very cool!

Thank you I think next time I'm going to do a magnet/fridge one--I had never thought of that before and I love magnets! So, TIA for that idea

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

LOVE the countdown calendar!! What a cool idea!!

 

[mindystar]

LOVE the countdown calendar!! What a cool idea!!

Aww, thanks

 

[mindystar]

It was a busy week and a great Disney planning weekend for me! The Sunday before little baby Marie was baptized, and this past Sunday my oldest Goddaughter was confirmed Which means this coming Sunday is Mother's Day and the following is Minnie's Birthday. Since two days later it will be Ariel's birthday (two years apart), they will have a shared family Birthday party that Sunday. And the theme. . .you guessed it The Little Mermaid and Minnie Mouse (for real!) Then the Sunday after we will be finishing our two day drive and end up at the Poly. . .in WDW!!!!

Today is the last day of my weekend, then four work days. My next weekend will be spent getting my things ready for the neighborhood garage sale. Since I'll be at work for that though, Tink, PP and the Littles will run said garage sale. Hoping for some souvie money to come from the sale of the HE front loading washer and dryer (only three years old), as well as other things. Then there will be only one final weekend before leaving and that will consist of packing and doing last minute things. Then go to work three days. . .send off poor puppy to the vet for boarding. . .and early wake up call to leave for WDW!!!!

This weekend though I went through and started a brand new packing list, since I can't get to my old ones any more. I took pictures of all the outfits (shirts/capris) that I will be wearing. Then wrote out what days I'll wear what. Resisted trying to plan that much out, but needed to make sure I had enough to go around

yep. . that says Walt Disney Wopld--LOL It's how it came, and I was too lazy to return it

and I'll wear this little beauty to the Littles' birthday party as well

I should be covered if I don't do any laundry, but do have my plastic baggie with enough quarters, travel size detergent, and dryer sheets to do two loads if I need/choose to. Went online and ordered some comfy capris that I'll wear for our car traveling days and some swim shorts. Oh not really looking forward to that, but I still fit into my swimsuit from last year. I don't remember the last time I've taken my chubby, bright white body out to a public pool, lol, but it's for my nieces Continuing on, I gathered all the items that will need to be packed and did a dry run of packing them in the suitcase and WDW tote. Figured out what little things I still needed to purchase and wrote them on my list to get.

I also wanted to get a new bag to take to the parks/shopping, but also use it at home as well. I've used my baggallini for quite a few trips now and it served me well. To be truthful though I was getting a little tired of unzipping all those organizing zippers to get into the parks and really tired of walking and trying to zip them all up at the same time. Plus I wanted a new bag that could hang cross body as well just my shoulder and fit and look nice. (You know to look nice in all of those pictures ) So when I had everything laying out I took everything I thought I may want to take in the parks with me and then went to the bags I had researched and decided on either the Vera Bradley Hipster or Mini Hipster. I just needed to see one in action, so I checked out QVC video and you tube and came to the realization that I needed the Hipster.

this one!

Then I started looking for discount codes and found you could get one if you signed up for their e-mails, so I did last night. But I'd also need to add more to the total to get the discount. So after looking around I saw the Curling Iron Cover, and I had actually been looking at them on etsy. So I went with the older style, even though the pocket for the cord would be nice, I have to save where I can.

and this one.

This will be lovely to have to throw my straightener in right after I use it, or before it completely cools down, especially on early mornings/driving days. This afternoon the discount code came through so I have those ordered as well I had to make one more purchase this afternoon for puppy dog (ok so she's really almost 5, but she'll forever be my puppy dog) for food and bully sticks (eww I know!) Got to make sure I feed her and treat her up real nice so she'll still love me when I get back.

Just a few more odds and ends to purchase, get all the new clothes washed and ready, load up the ipods with music and podcasts, one more shot for puppy, and then pack for reals 11 more days of work, and yes I am counting Still enough time to peruse the web and especially the disboards to find some more "must haves" and "must dos" before heading out. Only 18 days left

Hidden Mickeys---they're everywhere. . .

Still need to post about our Disney Nights and the rest of our Itinerary

 

[MHTeacher]

Can't believe you're already packing---You are on top of things!

Love your new VB! We have quite a collection at our house. I usually carry a VB backpack (cupcakes pink) in the parks.

Gotta buy that gum ahead of time and carry it with you to Disney since they don't sell it. I've never noticed the hidden Mickey's on the orbit box.

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

Ooh...love the new VB!! I'm a VB collector too! I am impressed that you are so organized! I've got my lists, but we won't start packing until Memorial Day weekend! Our trips are getting close!!

 

[mindystar]

Can't believe you're already packing---You are on top of things!

Love your new VB! We have quite a collection at our house. I usually carry a VB backpack (cupcakes pink) in the parks.

Gotta buy that gum ahead of time and carry it with you to Disney since they don't sell it. I've never noticed the hidden Mickey's on the orbit box.

Ooh...love the new VB!! I'm a VB collector too! I am impressed that you are so organized! I've got my lists, but we won't start packing until Memorial Day weekend! Our trips are getting close!!

This is my first VB, and I'm looking forward to enjoying it in the Parks and back home as well I always seem to load up on gum and then bring the majority back home, but good to know it's there if I need it I usually chew it at work, and believe me it was a nice little pick me up to see Mickey Heads
I feel better knowing that everything fits in the suitcase, what still needs to be bought, and all that needs to be washed
Almost two weeks til we head out. . .hurray

 

[magickingdom]

Great posts Sleeping Beauty!! Sorry I have not been on...the end of the school year is so busy! Can't wait the trip is almost here

 

[mindystar]

Happy Mother's Day!!

Mmmmm . . .thank you for the uber delicious Ohana dinner Cinderella!!! I'm in a food coma now

 

[mindystar]

Day 7 of Vacation or 2nd EPCOT Day!!!
Friday June 1, 2012

As a group we plan to head over to EPCOT to explore the World Showcase around 10 a.m., as we visited Future World on EPCOT Day 1. Though I can't guarantee that Aunt Aurora won't get there earlier

Our must-do's for the day are Snacking Around the World, Gran Fiesta Tour and Reflections of China. I love doing different things around the world. I remember doing the Passport Around the World when I was younger. I've also done Hats Around the World with Cinderella before, Antennae Mickey Toppers with Flags from Around the World, and when we went in December I did Ornaments Around the World. I've done Candy Around the World, and don't really have a desire to do Drinking Around the World, so I'll attempt Snacking/Eating Around the World again. Tried before and failed miserably. Hoping us sisters, along with whoever else wants to join/help out can accomplish this Around the World trip I've been looking, as well as Cindy, at allears for snacks/food to eat/drink at each pavilion. I think what we've got is:

Mexico-we will use Cinderella's CS for a lunch meal, her choice. (had previously)

Cinderella was at the end of her pregnancy with Ariel--so the little hat is for Ariel

Norway-School Bread (had previously) for sure for me, and I think she's going to get Rice Cream--is that right Cinderella?

China-Egg Rolls (have not had here previously)

Germany-it was Bavarian Cheesecake, but after reading about Karmel Kuche I'm leaning toward the Dark Chocolate Covered Caramel with Sea Salt (have not had either here previously)

Italy-Tiramisu (had at the TS before)

America-the American Dream (have not had here previously), it sounds so yummy and cool. Plus Snow had it last year and says it's awesome!

Japan-Kaki Gori for a light cooling refreshment; and California Roll for Cinderella (have not had either from here previously)

Morrocco-we'll use my CS for a Shawarma Platter with Chicken (have never eaten from here)

France--had down a Cream Puff, but am thinking we should go the way of a Napoleon from here from the rave reviews I have been seeing (might have had either or both from one of our first trips, don't remember for sure)

UK-Fish and Chips (have not had from here previously)

Canada-Booo to no CS here!!! Will either do a candy from the Trader Shop or a souvie popcorn bucket and save the popcorn for later

So after our tummies are either nicely full because we did a good share, or busting a gut cause it was all too good and we had too much, we'll head back to the resort for some down time. Then we'll head back over to go to Cape May Cafe for dinner at 6:45 p.m. We've never eaten here, though we know that most of Cinderella and PC's Wedding Dinner was catered from here, so we're excited for that reason. Otherwise I, Sleeping Beauty, am sure there is plenty I will like, but the whole "fish" aspect does NOT appeal to me. I am prepared to be won over and have everyone tell me, "told ya so!"

After dining while the rest of the gang head over to watch Illuminations, I'm going to take Marie back, via monorail, to the Poly for rest time. While the rest of the clan are absolutely smitten with this gorgeous performance and unity feeling, I've been stood in front of and blocked so many times I've given up trying to enjoy it. Plus being a *bit* claustrophobic, it's a show I'll bow out of, where I'll take it for some other rides and shows. Maybe Marie and I will see Wishes! from where we are at the time, or just be cooling down in the room, either way!!! Most likely though I'll be doing my packing so that there is only a bit left to do the next day/evening.

Tomorrow will be our last full day in the World Here's where it gets a little sad when we're planning, because I already know how it feels to leave the place where Dreams Come True. I am going to try to just live in the moment while we're down there and just worry about that day, where ever we are in that day. We'll be spending the day in the MK.

 

[MHTeacher]

Candy around the world/Snacking around the world sounds great to me!

It's always sad to think about the last days at Disney, isn't it? I think we've discussed this before, but Illuminations is not exactly my favorite either. We will make a point to watch it the first night we're at Epcot though.

Can't wait to see that welcome mat in front of the Poly doors!

 

[mindystar]

Candy around the world/Snacking around the world sounds great to me!

It's always sad to think about the last days at Disney, isn't it? I think we've discussed this before, but Illuminations is not exactly my favorite either. We will make a point to watch it the first night we're at Epcot though.

Can't wait to see that welcome mat in front of the Poly doors!

It is sad I think I'm going to type that last day up tonight. . .as we will both grace that welcome mat in 10 days