A Tale of 2 Trips: Oct 2015 & Feb 2016 PTR *NEW* 2/20 November 2015 TR Started!

[khertz]

I know it's been a long time since an update, but let's be real, PTRs are not exceptionally exciting anyway. Except to the person going on the trip!

We have actually made some progress on our October trip, though, so I thought I'd share. As of a couple days ago, we are officially going to the MNSSHP on 10/20! I had been dragging my feet to get tickets because I wasn't sure that we wanted to attempt it with an infant, but we decided to bite the bullet and purchase the tickets. We just really couldn't imagine missing out on all the great party stuff!

DS was changing his mind every 5 minutes about what he wanted to be for Halloween, but eventually we got him to pick something, and he went for Baymax!

Untitled by disneymom1024, on Flickr​

We aren't committed to anything else that day, but I think we might try out Splitsville that morning before a nice, long nap. DS has been asking to bowl for awhile now, and what better place to try it out for the first time?

And the biggest thing was we were able to book our FP+ reservations a couple of weeks ago! It was such a pain having to wake up at 11 pm every night for a week to book each day (especially when your baby goes to sleep between 9 and 10 every night!), but we pretty much got what we wanted within reason. Of course, there was no A&E or 7DMT available, but I didn't expect there to be.

Since this is a text heavy update, here's a couple pictures of what's been going on lately in our world. DD is growing like a weed (13 lb 5 oz at her 2 month well visit today!) and DS still loves being her big brother.

Untitled by disneymom1024, on Flickr


Untitled by disneymom1024, on Flickr


Untitled by disneymom1024, on Flickr
My sack of potatoes!​

A couple weekends ago, DD was baptized. She wore the same Christening gown I wore, and has been worn by 11 other babies besides me. My mom and all of her siblings, her cousins, and my sister & cousin have all worn it, so it was very special to me! Unfortunately by the time I got this photo, she was so done & tired, but oh well.

Untitled by disneymom1024, on Flickr​

It's almost time to start packing!! As always, I'll be posting photos on Instagram. My username there is disneymom1024 if you'd like to follow along! I'm not sure I'll be able to get any more updates in before we leave but I will try to do an updated itinerary if I can!

 

[sara1215]

That baymax outfit is the best

 

[Imagineer5]

I love Paxton's Halloween choice! And glad things are going so well with Delilah and you booked the MNSSHP!! EEK Can't wait to hear ALL about the trip. I hope you don't mind me asking - are you nursing Delilah? I am forgetting how often I nursed Aria at 2 months old, but think it was around every 2.5 hours? Trying to plan for that in our Disney days. Are you planning on using a carrier/wrap/etc? If you're nursing, any attempts to use one to nurse? LOL. I only had a Beco Butterfly (and a Bjorn) last time and couldn't do it in either, so this time I also have a Moby and possibly a Maya wrap (someone bought it for me from my Amazon wishlist back in July, but seeing as my birthday was yesterday and I didn't get it, and Andrew has no idea who bought it, I don't know if that was actually an amazon glitch! lol). ANyway my goal is to do on-the-go nursing in one at WDW but we'll see.

 

[khertz]

That baymax outfit is the best

Thanks!!

I love Paxton's Halloween choice! And glad things are going so well with Delilah and you booked the MNSSHP!! EEK Can't wait to hear ALL about the trip. I hope you don't mind me asking - are you nursing Delilah? I am forgetting how often I nursed Aria at 2 months old, but think it was around every 2.5 hours? Trying to plan for that in our Disney days. Are you planning on using a carrier/wrap/etc? If you're nursing, any attempts to use one to nurse? LOL. I only had a Beco Butterfly (and a Bjorn) last time and couldn't do it in either, so this time I also have a Moby and possibly a Maya wrap (someone bought it for me from my Amazon wishlist back in July, but seeing as my birthday was yesterday and I didn't get it, and Andrew has no idea who bought it, I don't know if that was actually an amazon glitch! lol). ANyway my goal is to do on-the-go nursing in one at WDW but we'll see.

I'm excited beyond words about the Halloween party. All summer we would listen to Disney music while we were in the pool and every time something from the party came on I would think we just HAD to go to the party again!!

Yes I'm nursing and yes that's about how often she eats too which I'm sure will mean a lot of bench sitting for me!! Lol our carrier is comfortable but I don't see myself being able to nurse her while walking in it. I thought about getting a sling carrier for that reason but then I thought it would really only be good for this one WDW trip. I'm kind of glad I didn't because she's so heavy! I can't imagine that would have been comfortable for either of us. So I'm just mentally preparing that this trip might be a lot of atmosphere for me and that's ok. I'm just happy to be there. I'm also planning to give her a bottle here and there because she starts daycare right after we get back so she has to be used to that and has only had 1 so far. So every now and then daddy can feed her a bottle while me and Paxton get to have a little fun! I got a nice cover but I'm still trying to decide what to do about my wardrobe. Nursing tanks? Nursing bras with a t shirt? Or a women's style shirt?? I just can't decide what to do!!

How are you feeling? You look so great in all the pics on Facebook from your France trip!!

 

[missangelalexis]

I can't believe how close your trip is!! I'm glad you went ahead and bought tickets for MNSSHP!

Love all the pictures of DD

In case you don't make it back on here- have an amazing trip!!! I look forward to your instagram posts

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm excited beyond words about the Halloween party. All summer we would listen to Disney music while we were in the pool and every time something from the party came on I would think we just HAD to go to the party again!!

Yes I'm nursing and yes that's about how often she eats too which I'm sure will mean a lot of bench sitting for me!! Lol our carrier is comfortable but I don't see myself being able to nurse her while walking in it. I thought about getting a sling carrier for that reason but then I thought it would really only be good for this one WDW trip. I'm kind of glad I didn't because she's so heavy! I can't imagine that would have been comfortable for either of us. So I'm just mentally preparing that this trip might be a lot of atmosphere for me and that's ok. I'm just happy to be there. I'm also planning to give her a bottle here and there because she starts daycare right after we get back so she has to be used to that and has only had 1 so far. So every now and then daddy can feed her a bottle while me and Paxton get to have a little fun! I got a nice cover but I'm still trying to decide what to do about my wardrobe. Nursing tanks? Nursing bras with a t shirt? Or a women's style shirt?? I just can't decide what to do!!

How are you feeling? You look so great in all the pics on Facebook from your France trip!!

Yeah I don't know if I will truly be able to do it - esp while walking around, but might be nice to have something like that for the longer rides such as IASW and Pirates? IDK. Are you planning on pumping? I'll be bringing my pump too and will need to start doing bottles before the trip to get her ready for daycare, as well (and also we plan to leave the girls with my IL's for one morning while we go off to AK for the Wild Africa Trek!). How are YOU feeling? Like you can run around the parks all day? Since it'll prob still be hot, I think a t-shirt will be fine for you esp if you plan to mainly nurse in the baby care centers or with a cover. Although the nursing tanks are so nice, just that double layer in the heat doesn't sound too appealing!

Thank you so much!! I am feeling pretty good. I am so glad our France trip was when it was (starting when I was 27 weeks) and not now lol. I feel like baby tripled in size on the trip and my back is hurting a lot more now. I don't think I could do the 10-15 miles of walking we did daily in Paris and DLP now. Now I'm just ready for baby to be here, but I also realize I have almost 2 more months of this! phew!

 

[skier_pete]

Have fun - I'll be following along jealously on instagram.

 

[khertz]

I can't believe how close your trip is!! I'm glad you went ahead and bought tickets for MNSSHP!

Love all the pictures of DD

In case you don't make it back on here- have an amazing trip!!! I look forward to your instagram posts

I'm glad we decided to do the party too. It might not be perfect but I don't think we will regret going, but I can see us regretting skipping it entirely.

Thank you!

Yeah I don't know if I will truly be able to do it - esp while walking around, but might be nice to have something like that for the longer rides such as IASW and Pirates? IDK. Are you planning on pumping? I'll be bringing my pump too and will need to start doing bottles before the trip to get her ready for daycare, as well (and also we plan to leave the girls with my IL's for one morning while we go off to AK for the Wild Africa Trek!). How are YOU feeling? Like you can run around the parks all day? Since it'll prob still be hot, I think a t-shirt will be fine for you esp if you plan to mainly nurse in the baby care centers or with a cover. Although the nursing tanks are so nice, just that double layer in the heat doesn't sound too appealing!

Thank you so much!! I am feeling pretty good. I am so glad our France trip was when it was (starting when I was 27 weeks) and not now lol. I feel like baby tripled in size on the trip and my back is hurting a lot more now. I don't think I could do the 10-15 miles of walking we did daily in Paris and DLP now. Now I'm just ready for baby to be here, but I also realize I have almost 2 more months of this! phew!

That's true, I am planning to attempt during dark rides or shows if needed! I am definitely bringing my pump because she has a bad habit of being lazy and only nursing on one side, especially at night. I'm bringing my double electric for using at night or during breaks at the resort. I was thinking of bringing that one to the parks too because I heard they will hold it for you at First Aid, but then I thought I wouldn't want to have to hike there every time I needed to pump. The kit I got from the hospital has a manual set up (which I have never used...guess I need to try it out before the parks!) so I'm bringing that one too. It will mostly be just for comfort for me though because she has a bad habit sometimes of only nursing on one side.

That will be great getting away to do the Trek!! Ideally, we would have wanted some help on this trip with DD being so little, but with the family trip coming up in February my parents and sister couldn't swing two trips so close together. I have been feeling really good, so I hope I'm up for the challenge of this trip! I know it definitely will be a lot slower paced than previous trips, which is why I'm not harping too much on having a plan for each day as I know we will have to be relaxed and go with the flow.

I know what you mean. I was definitely happy we did our DL trip when we did because it was right after the constant nausea subsided but before the swelling and back pain started. I hope your back doesn't bother you too much. Mine was AWFUL. I started out fine every morning but sitting for a long time really made it start flaring up so by the end of the day my back was in agony and all I could do for relief was lay down as much as possible when I got home. Luckily the back pain and the acid reflux went away once DD arrived! I know to you 2 months seems long, but she will be here before you know it!!

Have fun - I'll be following along jealously on instagram.

Thanks, Pete! I haven't had a chance to comment on your TR yet but I have read it all! I do most of my DIS'ing on my phone and don't get a lot of time on the laptop anymore. I have a rare moment that DD is content with chilling in her seat to do replies. lol

 

[hokieinpa]

I love the Baymax outfit! We didn't see that at any of the stores here but it looks like fun!

DD has gotten so big! It seems like this trip will be very different for you with an infant along. But it may be nice to slow down a little when she needs to nurse.

I'll follow along on Instagram - excited to hear all about it after!

 

[Dugette]

I can't believe your trip is coming up so soon! Adorable pictures, by the way. I love how sweet DS is with DD.

The kit I got from the hospital has a manual set up (which I have never used...guess I need to try it out before the parks!) so I'm bringing that one too. It will mostly be just for comfort for me though because she has a bad habit sometimes of only nursing on one side.

Just thought I'd mention that I had a little manual pump (I think it was the Avent brand? whatever had the best reviews) - I didn't use it often, but it was really handy when traveling, since it was so small and light. I would think that, unless you plan to give a bottle and pump an entire feeding, it would be much easier to carry a manual one around vs. a double-electric (unless you have one of the smaller styles, maybe).

 

[BadgerGirl84]

Great update! Loving the 2 month pictures.

When we took DD at 3 months, it really was all about the atmosphere and just being there for me, most of the time. I had to spend A LOT of time feeding because I had a legit low supply issue so our feeding routine was nursing for 20 min and then doing a formula bottle. Add in mixing the bottle, cleaning the bottle, and a diaper change, I was easily spending 45 minutes a feed...every 3 hours or so. I didn't have post partum depression, but there were some moments that were sort of "dark" for me in those early weeks as a mom--probably due to lack of sleep and the changing hormones! It was just so wonderful just being at WDW, I was totally happy enjoying the atmosphere. It was probably one of our best trips, despite the fact that we went on the fewest attractions. I will say that when we do our maternity leave trip at the end of Feb that I will probably be a tad more impatient with all the feeding time...but just because I will also want some time to enjoy attractions with my older daughter.

I second bringing a good manual breast pump to the parks instead of a double electric.

I was comfortable using a nursing cover, so I think I wore regular tees/tanks with a nursing bra most days...but if mom or baby don't like a cover, some nursing tanks might be a good idea.

 

[purplelover88]

I'm late to the game I know but I have caught up on your pre trip report and it sounds great! Very ambitious taking a 11 week old but I'm sure it will be fine especially since you already have the mindset that you will have to go slower and are okay with that. One thing I'm very excited to hear about is how you like Hard Rock compared to Royal Pacific since I am considering a trip to Universal next year and can't decide between those two. Your trip is so soon! I hope you have a blast!

 

[amazingact21]

That Baymax costume is awesome! Paxton's going to be the coolest kid at the MNSSHP.


I can't believe your DD is already 2 months old. She's adorable. I love those cheeks! I'm looking forward to hearing all about how her first trip to Disney goes.

 

[IowaTater]

Your DD is so adorable. Those cheeks! I love Paxton's costume too. Are you going to dress DD up too?

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I hope you had a fabulous trip! I can't wait to read the trip report!

 

[khertz]

I love the Baymax outfit! We didn't see that at any of the stores here but it looks like fun!

DD has gotten so big! It seems like this trip will be very different for you with an infant along. But it may be nice to slow down a little when she needs to nurse.

I'll follow along on Instagram - excited to hear all about it after!

I don't remember seeing the Baymax costume in stores either. I believe we bought it online. It was a huge hit, both at MNSSHP and trick or treating in our neighborhood.

It was definitely very different for all of us, but I think we still had a lot of fun! I have to say, I didn't hate sitting in some a/c at the baby care center to feed her with how hot it was the whole week we were there.

I can't believe your trip is coming up so soon! Adorable pictures, by the way. I love how sweet DS is with DD.



Just thought I'd mention that I had a little manual pump (I think it was the Avent brand? whatever had the best reviews) - I didn't use it often, but it was really handy when traveling, since it was so small and light. I would think that, unless you plan to give a bottle and pump an entire feeding, it would be much easier to carry a manual one around vs. a double-electric (unless you have one of the smaller styles, maybe).

I ended up bringing both, but luckily never needed one in the parks at all. I used the double sometimes in the morning and evening when needed, but never needed the manual, so that was good. I'm glad I didn't have to stop for that!

Great update! Loving the 2 month pictures.

When we took DD at 3 months, it really was all about the atmosphere and just being there for me, most of the time. I had to spend A LOT of time feeding because I had a legit low supply issue so our feeding routine was nursing for 20 min and then doing a formula bottle. Add in mixing the bottle, cleaning the bottle, and a diaper change, I was easily spending 45 minutes a feed...every 3 hours or so. I didn't have post partum depression, but there were some moments that were sort of "dark" for me in those early weeks as a mom--probably due to lack of sleep and the changing hormones! It was just so wonderful just being at WDW, I was totally happy enjoying the atmosphere. It was probably one of our best trips, despite the fact that we went on the fewest attractions. I will say that when we do our maternity leave trip at the end of Feb that I will probably be a tad more impatient with all the feeding time...but just because I will also want some time to enjoy attractions with my older daughter.

I second bringing a good manual breast pump to the parks instead of a double electric.

I was comfortable using a nursing cover, so I think I wore regular tees/tanks with a nursing bra most days...but if mom or baby don't like a cover, some nursing tanks might be a good idea.

Oh goodness, that would definitely put a lot of stress on you! As to the sentence I highlighted, I absolutely had times when I felt like that! Especially when the moms would come in the nursing rooms with their older infants who were done in 10 or 15 minutes. Our feedings easily took up 30-45 minutes each time, so there were times I was a little impatient, especially when DH was texting to let me know where they were and I felt like I was missing out.

I'm late to the game I know but I have caught up on your pre trip report and it sounds great! Very ambitious taking a 11 week old but I'm sure it will be fine especially since you already have the mindset that you will have to go slower and are okay with that. One thing I'm very excited to hear about is how you like Hard Rock compared to Royal Pacific since I am considering a trip to Universal next year and can't decide between those two. Your trip is so soon! I hope you have a blast!

Since I don't know how long it will take to get the TR started, I will say that while we love Royal Pacific, HRH definitely took it up a notch! The rooms were nice and big, and we loved being such a close walk from the Studios, especially since we spent a lot of our time there. But really, I don't think you can go wrong with either one. If you have any specific questions about our stay, I'd be happy to answer as best I can!

That Baymax costume is awesome! Paxton's going to be the coolest kid at the MNSSHP.


I can't believe your DD is already 2 months old. She's adorable. I love those cheeks! I'm looking forward to hearing all about how her first trip to Disney goes.

Paxton's costume was a big hit, both at the party and trick or treating at home! He loved all of the attention he got.

The time is just flying by! She is already 3 months and getting bigger all the time.

Your DD is so adorable. Those cheeks! I love Paxton's costume too. Are you going to dress DD up too?

Thank you!

DD was dressed as a pumpkin on Halloween. We did bring it to the party for photo ops, but she was wearing her black cat onesie underneath so she was still in Halloween garb when her costume wasn't on!

I hope you had a fabulous trip! I can't wait to read the trip report!

Thanks! I'm hoping I can get started on it soon!!

 

[khertz]

A Tale of 2 Trips Becomes a Tale of 3 Trips!​

Well, we have been back from our October trip for 2 weeks, and I feel like I am just now getting to take a deep breath and relax! We got home soooo late Sunday night and I had to get up and go back to work for the first time in 12 weeks the very next morning! Needless to say, that first week was a blur of exhaustion and emotions as I had to drop DD off at daycare for the first time. She is doing really well there, and they tell me every day what a great baby she is. But it doesn't come without it's downside, which is GERMS! She started with a croupy cough this weekend so I am home from work with her today as she is coughing in her sleep while I type this. Poor baby! But luckily it's not too bad, just can't send her while she's contagious.

Last weekend was Halloween, and then just yesterday was DS's birthday party, so we have just been going nonstop since we got home it feels like. And life is about to get a little busier, hence this post!

How do you turn A Tale of 2 Trips into A Tale of 3 Trips? You plan a last minute trip to see the Osborne Lights!!

It's an idea we had been talking about for awhile, but a couple of things happened that have pushed us over the edge and gotten us to book the trip. I had been resisting the idea because it basically requires us to drive since flights when we are trying to go are outrageously expensive for such a short trip. But then we looked at the Disney site and found a fall passholder room only discount available, so we booked!

The plan is to leave in the evening the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and drive part of the way, then drive the rest on Thanksgiving morning and check in at Caribbean Beach. That night, we will go to DHS to see the lights. I got FP+ for Star Tours, TSM, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid, but the only one we may end up using would be TSM. Friday, we will spend a few hours at Epcot in the morning with FP+ for Journey Into Imagination, Soarin', Test Track (split these between DH and I so we can do both with rider switch), and Nemo. Then we will leave and possibly go check out AoA for lunch and to look around during the middle of the day when the crowds are high. Hopefully we won't have any trouble getting into MK that evening just to see the castle lighting. We won't stay late enough for the parade & fireworks because I know it will be a madhouse getting back to the resort after that. Saturday we will spend the morning at MK with FP+ for Peter Pan, Under the Sea, and Small World, and we want to check out the Jingle Cruise too. We'll get out of there when the crowds get heavy to take a rest at our resort and maybe swim, then go back to DHS in the evening for the lights again. Sunday will be a loooooong drive home.

We have never been during a major holiday, so I'm REALLY nervous, but we are focusing on the lights, so anything else we get to do on top of our FP+ attractions will just be lagniappe (or extra, if you're not a New Orleans native! lol).

I know that was a lot of text with no photos to break it up, but thanks if you decided to read it all. We are all excited for our very quick but hopefully fun upcoming trip! Hopefully the long drives are not too brutal, but we know that in 20 years looking back we will remember going to see those lights one last time and not the drive!

 

[missangelalexis]

I can only imagine how hard it was to go back to work! Hope the little one gets better soon!

Wow, going for Thanksgiving! That's a bold move! But you get to catch the Osborne Lights one last time, so I would say it's worth it. I hope the crowds aren't too crazy but I know you will make the best of it. And like you said, you have your FP+ attractions and anything else you can just consider a bonus!

Please post lots of picture of the lights on your Instagram, I need to live vicariously through you!

 

[BadgerGirl84]

A third trip? YAY! How exciting! I'm assuming the October trip with baby girl was a success!

Thanks for sharing your feedback on being "stuck" feeding the baby while DH is out enjoying the park with the older child ("Stuck" isn't the right word and sounds awful--but you know what I mean!). I will just have to set my expectations appropriately that our trip will have some extra daddy/older child bonding time and I will miss out on some of that. No big deal--visiting the parks for the first time as a family of four will just be magical.

 

[amazingact21]

I'm glad you decided to take a quick trip to see the lights! It's hard not to see them one last time.

I think so long as you go into it knowing it's a holiday weekend you'll still have a good time. Just pack your patience and go in with the mentality that there will be crowds. You'll have a great time, I'm sure! And 2 trips for DD by 4 months?! That's awesome.

I know you stopped in Destin on a previous trip. If that's where you guys decide to stop again let me know and maybe we can plan a quick meet.