A Whole New WDWorld: A March PTR (NEW! 6/27 TR link!)

[mousescrapper]

wonderful must list for your trip..I love how many of them our firsts.

You will LOVE anything you eat at EOS I'm sure of it, we did the boat ride for POR to DTD many times in 08 it was very nice

we have done HOP pre and post the refurb and I really enjoyed it! makes you feel proud

and the Nemo show is quite a sight

I know you will have quite a magical trip...a picture w/ Mickey is always on our MUST do list too!

J~ (2)

 

[oOJulieOo]

That is a great must do list and I have no doubt you will get everything done on the list!!!!

The boat to DTD from POR is wonderful! I have ridden it many times and I love it!! So relaxing!!

Can't wait to see Claire and Mickey's first pic!

Oh, I'm glad to hear that the boat ride is good. I'm excited to try it!

Claire has just entered a major fear of strangers phase, so I'm very curious to see what her reaction to the characters will be. I'm keeping my expectations low!

That's a great update post and a FAB must-do list!

When we stayed at POR in 2004, we LOVED going on the boat to DTD - it was just so relaxing and lovely seeing so many different things along the way - far less stressful than waiting for a bus! Oh and I remember seeing the "old" tree-houses and you will get to see the "new" tree-houses!

EOS is yummy - by far one of my favourites in Disney! I really enjoyed the tomato soup last time we went. I was 16-weeks pregnant and seemed to have morning sickness for most of the day unless I ate small meals regularly. I remember eating lots of the tomato soup as it was the one thing that settled my stomach well!!!

Happy 9 Months Claire!!! Don't you grow up too fast!

Julie xxx

Oh my goodness! I could never eat tomato soup when I was pregnant because I had such terrible acid reflux! The EOS soup sounds delicious. I hope they have it when I'm there!

The boat ride sounds great!

Happy Nine Months to Claire!!! Just wait until she reaches the toddler stage where she is talking and walking! That was my absolute favorite!

Awesome must-do list -- I like that you are keeping it short! Don't forget to get Claire a First Visit pin -- even if she doesn't wear it, it will look great in the baby book!

You will be able to combine your Earl of Sandwich jaunt with your boat trip -- take the boat to DTD and eat there. Perfect!

I do feel like every age is my favorite age so far. It's hard to even imagine that Claire will talk one day. I can't wait to hear her little voice!

GREAT idea with the first visit pin! I put it on my to-do list!

I am thinking we're going to have to do a DTD boat trip with Earl of Sandwich early on in the trip so we can do it again if we fall in love.

That sounds like a perfect to do list. Earl of Sandwich is so good that we ate there twice in October and have plans to go back twice in June. I have never seen the Finding Nemo show either, it never worked out with nap time for us so maybe this time. I haven't been to Hall of Presidents in years and hope to do it in June as well even though I know my mother in law won't do it with us.

I am going to have to go and stock on up the disposable place mats tonight, I hope they are on sale at our Babies R Us.

Maybe we'll do EOS twice as well. Everything looks so good on the menu...I think I'll have a very hard time deciding what to get!

Did you get the placemats? I tried one today when Claire and I went out to lunch with my girlfriends and I love it! So glad I have them.

wonderful must list for your trip..I love how many of them our firsts.

You will LOVE anything you eat at EOS I'm sure of it, we did the boat ride for POR to DTD many times in 08 it was very nice

we have done HOP pre and post the refurb and I really enjoyed it! makes you feel proud

and the Nemo show is quite a sight

I know you will have quite a magical trip...a picture w/ Mickey is always on our MUST do list too!

J~ (2)

I'll probably cry in HOP. I'm such a sap!

I hope Claire isn't TOO afraid of Mickey. I think she'll be okay with the princesses...she's fine with women. Men, not so much. And big ol' mice, who knows!

 

[oOJulieOo]

Okay, this is not trip related, but I have to "talk" about it with someone, so here goes...

DH is interviewing for a job with a company which is headquartered in Switzerland. If he is offered the job and he accepts, we would move to Switzerland for 2-3 years. This would be an absolute dream come true for me. To this day, Lake Geneva in Switzerland is the most beautiful place I have visited in my life. This company's headquarters is located is right on Lake Geneva. Also, I minored in French in college and loved it. This is the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Perfect! And, the best part: If we moved there, we would make it a point to travel all over Europe on the weekends/vacations.

The problem is that I think I would break my mom's heart if we moved there, even if it were just for 2-3 years. DH and I moved to Arizona a few weeks after we got married. 3 years later, we moved back to Chicago and then had Claire a little more than a year later. It's been 5 years since we got married and we've been back in Chicago for 2 years now. It has been wonderful to be back near my family, especially with the baby. But DH and I both miss the adventure that came along with living in a new place and exploring all the surrounding areas.

So we haven't told our parents and I haven't told my friends because I am nervous about their reactions. I had to tell someone though!

I just had to get this out, so if you're reading this, thanks for reading and I'd love to hear your thoughts...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow - that's amazing Julie!! But I totally understand the situation with your mom! I hope everything works out for the best!

I know that doesn't help much... but I'm listening!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I'd say go for it! Opportunities like this do not come along all that often and it will also be a great experience for Claire.

Your parents will miss you but you won't be gone forever and I am sure they would understand and they can always come over and visit.

Keep in mind this is coming from a girl who has never lived close to my extended family. Since my dad was in the Navy we were always moving around. In addition to that my grandparents lived in Egypt the first 16 years of my life! We still saw them about once a year though and they were a part of our childhood if that is what you are worrying about with Claire.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

What a decision! MeMom would have to move to Switzerland with us and so would Trent. We could not function that far away from each other for that long. I'll be thinking of you and praying that God helps you make the right choice for His plan.

 

[WDWCP96]

I say jump at that chance. Right after we found out we were pregnant with our first DH got a job promotion that moved us from MA (where all my family is) to VA. It was really hard for me. I think that your mom would understand because it sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you and your family.

 

[oOJulieOo]

Wow - that's amazing Julie!! But I totally understand the situation with your mom! I hope everything works out for the best!

I know that doesn't help much... but I'm listening!

It definitely helps to know that you're listening. And understanding!

I'd say go for it! Opportunities like this do not come along all that often and it will also be a great experience for Claire.

Your parents will miss you but you won't be gone forever and I am sure they would understand and they can always come over and visit.

Keep in mind this is coming from a girl who has never lived close to my extended family. Since my dad was in the Navy we were always moving around. In addition to that my grandparents lived in Egypt the first 16 years of my life! We still saw them about once a year though and they were a part of our childhood if that is what you are worrying about with Claire.

DH's family has been all over the place, too, like your family. His dad was in the Air Force and DH was born in Japan. My BIL currently lives in Taiwan, and the rest of DH's family is spread all over the states. They're all still really close to one another, so I know it can work. It's just scary to think about it! It's good to hear from someone who has been all over the place and appreciates it!

What a decision! MeMom would have to move to Switzerland with us and so would Trent. We could not function that far away from each other for that long. I'll be thinking of you and praying that God helps you make the right choice for His plan.

Thanks Jill. I am very worried about what my mom would do without me, and especially Claire. I think my dad would be just fine. He'd miss us for sure, but nothing like my mom.

I told DH that if we do this, I will need to come home many times each year, for extended trips. And that we will have to fly my mom out several times each year as well.

I say jump at that chance. Right after we found out we were pregnant with our first DH got a job promotion that moved us from MA (where all my family is) to VA. It was really hard for me. I think that your mom would understand because it sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you and your family.

It is most definitely a wonderful opportunity. And I don't know that there would be a more perfect time to do this, since Claire won't start school for several years. So now we just have to decide if we will regret it if we pass up this opportunity...

 

[hollisterluva92]

What a good idea to make a must-do list! Another few ideas for Claire would be
1. Get her first hair cut at the barber shop, they'll save some of her hair for you and she will get a bunch of stickers!
2. First Mickey Ears! They have ones specifically made to fit babies heads!

I'm not sure if you've seen this or not, but this is a great pdf guide!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...en_us/PDF/Travel Tips - Walt Disney world.pdf

 

[MeMom]

Thanks Jill. I am very worried about what my mom would do without me, and especially Claire. I think my dad would be just fine. He'd miss us for sure, but nothing like my mom.

I told DH that if we do this, I will need to come home many times each year, for extended trips. And that we will have to fly my mom out several times each year as well.



It is most definitely a wonderful opportunity. And I don't know that there would be a more perfect time to do this, since Claire won't start school for several years. So now we just have to decide if we will regret it if we pass up this opportunity...

Here's an honest Mom/MeMom opinion:

It is an exciting opportunity, no doubt, and a good time to do it if you are wanting her to settle in when she starts school. Would you for sure be back after a couple of years?

Having said that, I would cry my eyes out if my girls went that far away, as I know your mom will. If you know you can make several extended trips home and you know she can make several extended trips there, then it might work out. The goodbyes would be really hard, but if the time between visits would not be long and money to travel would not be an issue, you could all probably make it. I know I would support Jill if she really, really wanted to make a move, but of course I would be torn up inside. Your mom is a mom - she will support what you want to do and deal with whatever she has to as well as she can. I did that when Trent left. Luckily, he is only hundreds of miles away and not thousands.

I always make lists when it comes to important decisions - the pros and the cons. I leave it out and add to it and tweak it over time until something feels comfortable for me. My heart goes out to you as you think this through and decide what to do.

 

[Charleston Princess]

What an opportunity! I would go for it! What a chance to live someplace completely different, and the prospect of visiting Europe would be just too hard for me to resist. It's a hard decision to make though.

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

WOW Julie! What an amazing opportunity!
I don't envy you having to make the decision though. I know it would tear me apart having to decide something like this myself.
I know you will come to the right decision for you, your OH and mainly, Claire. Thinking of you and sending hugs!
And if you go, and take a trip to England during your travels, you must promise to meet Toby and I in London (we're not in London, but only about 40-mins on the train!)!



xxxxxxx

 

[oOJulieOo]

What a good idea to make a must-do list! Another few ideas for Claire would be
1. Get her first hair cut at the barber shop, they'll save some of her hair for you and she will get a bunch of stickers!
2. First Mickey Ears! They have ones specifically made to fit babies heads!

I'm not sure if you've seen this or not, but this is a great pdf guide!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...en_us/PDF/Travel Tips - Walt Disney world.pdf

Thank you SO much for that great link! I just skimmed it and it looks very helpful!

Yes, we are doing the first Mickey ears for sure. As far as the haircut, that's going to have to wait because Claire doesn't have much hair!

Thanks so much for the suggestions and help!

Here's an honest Mom/MeMom opinion:

It is an exciting opportunity, no doubt, and a good time to do it if you are wanting her to settle in when she starts school. Would you for sure be back after a couple of years?

Having said that, I would cry my eyes out if my girls went that far away, as I know your mom will. If you know you can make several extended trips home and you know she can make several extended trips there, then it might work out. The goodbyes would be really hard, but if the time between visits would not be long and money to travel would not be an issue, you could all probably make it. I know I would support Jill if she really, really wanted to make a move, but of course I would be torn up inside. Your mom is a mom - she will support what you want to do and deal with whatever she has to as well as she can. I did that when Trent left. Luckily, he is only hundreds of miles away and not thousands.

I always make lists when it comes to important decisions - the pros and the cons. I leave it out and add to it and tweak it over time until something feels comfortable for me. My heart goes out to you as you think this through and decide what to do.

I have a big mental pros and cons list going right now. I guess I need to start putting it down on paper because it's getting to be too long.

We would absolutely be back after 2 to 3 years. I want Claire to go to school here in the states for sure.

I know that it was a very sad day for my mom when DH and I moved to Arizona. She is so very happy to have us back here now. The thought of leaving her again makes me a bit sick to my stomach. But the thought of passing this opportunity also makes me sick.

I almost want to just stop thinking about it until Gordon gets a job offer (IF he gets one, that is.) I kind of hope he doesn't get an offer because then we won't have to decide!

What an opportunity! I would go for it! What a chance to live someplace completely different, and the prospect of visiting Europe would be just too hard for me to resist. It's a hard decision to make though.

Yes, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. And really, it's a perfect time in our lives for us to go.

SUCH a hard decision though...

WOW Julie! What an amazing opportunity!
I don't envy you having to make the decision though. I know it would tear me apart having to decide something like this myself.
I know you will come to the right decision for you, your OH and mainly, Claire. Thinking of you and sending hugs!
And if you go, and take a trip to England during your travels, you must promise to meet Toby and I in London (we're not in London, but only about 40-mins on the train!)!



xxxxxxx

We will definitely visit you and Toby in London if we decide to move!

Thinking about this is tearing me apart. But we'll think about it and talk about it and then we'll make the decision that's best for us as a family. I just wish I knew what that was!!!!

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

When are you likely to hear? Keep us posted!
Sprinkling lots of pixie dust over you to help you make the right decision for your little family xxx

 

[ksl5f123]

I enjoyed your "must do" list. I have a couple of the same things on mine. We have also not eaten at EOS or seen Nemo. We will have to wait on Nemo, however, because my 2 yo will certainly not sit still for a 35 minute long show!

I love the boat ride from POR to DTD. It is especially nice in the mornings when everything is quiet. The boat captains can be lots of fun too.

Good luck with your decision about Switzerland. The drive to my parents' place takes about 13 hours and I am an only child, so I know how hard it is to be separated. It will work out whatever you choose.

 

[oOJulieOo]

So my DH got a call today from the company in Switzerland and they would like to fly him out for an interview at the end of this month. I feel little bit like this and a little bit like this .

We are going to have a big sit down this weekend and go through all of our questions and concerns and make a joint pros and cons list. Soooo...I'll keep you updated!

When are you likely to hear? Keep us posted!
Sprinkling lots of pixie dust over you to help you make the right decision for your little family xxx

Thanks Julie!

I enjoyed your "must do" list. I have a couple of the same things on mine. We have also not eaten at EOS or seen Nemo. We will have to wait on Nemo, however, because my 2 yo will certainly not sit still for a 35 minute long show!

I love the boat ride from POR to DTD. It is especially nice in the mornings when everything is quiet. The boat captains can be lots of fun too.

Good luck with your decision about Switzerland. The drive to my parents' place takes about 13 hours and I am an only child, so I know how hard it is to be separated. It will work out whatever you choose.

Oh, I guess I never thought about Claire having to sit for 35 minutes. Hmmm...maybe I need to rethink that!

Thank you. My husband and I were just having that conversation today...whatever we choose will be the right choice. Getting to that choice is going to be tough though!

 

[oOJulieOo]

Thank you for letting me get all that out about Switzerland. It is a very tough choice that we have in front of us. So please do keep us in your prayers or your thoughts while we decide.

Getting back on track with the PTR...

I am looking forward to many a counter service meal at Disney World. I have been so very good about sticking to my diet since the beginning of the year and I am definitely going to let myself splurge while we're on our trip!

So let's talk food!

At Magic Kingdom, my favorite counter service option is a tie between corn dog nuggets from Casey's (YUM!) and fish from Columbia Harbor House. I'm pretty sure we'll have the opportunity to have a meal from both places. The thought of fried deliciousness is more exciting to me than it should be right now! Have you ever had one of those cream cheese filled pretzels at Magic Kingdom? I have read about them in some reports and they sound delicious! I just might have to try one.

At Animal Kingdom, we'll have Flame Tree BBQ for lunch. I have never eaten at any other counter service place at AK and I have no desire to do so because I love me some Flame Tree! Sure, I'm a little curious about the other places, but not enough to sway me.

At Epcot, I love, love, love grazing in all the different countries in the World Showcase. I especially love the bakery in France and the bakery in Norway. My favorite dining experience at Disney World was the food and wine festival. It was wonderful to try all the foods from all the different countries. And the drinks weren't bad either! I wish the food and wine festival was every day!

At DHS, I have never had a counter service meal I have enjoyed! Where do you eat counter service at DHS and what do you normally get? I am sure there are good foods to be had at DHS, but I have no idea what they are!

And of course, at Downtown Disney, I'll be trying Earl of Sandwich. Maybe twice!

So...what is YOUR favorite counter service meal or snack and Disney World and where can it be found?

 

[DisMomAmy]

We have the same problem with CS at DHS! Not the best choices there. They have all the usual, but nothing that stands out.

At MK it's usually Cosmic Rays for some rotisserie chicken and plenty of other choices or most recently Columbia Harbour House. I'm interested in trying out Pecos Bills too.

We always eat at Flame Tree BBQ at AK too.

There are so many great TS places at Epcot so we usually end up eating TS. As for CS options, I think the only place we have ended up at is Liberty Inn for chicken nuggets. I've also had breakfast at Sunshine Seasons. It was yummy!

 

[Stasieki]

I am so glad you PM'd me to tell me you are here

Claire is precious! Ellie turned 9 months 1/4 (I posted some pics on Memom's report). It will be fun hearing the similiarities in our trip since the girls are the same age. Of course, I am also chasing after a 5 year old. Sounds like fun trip planning. I think we will be there the same time! Are you doing the Small World meet at the beginning of March?

 

[hollisterluva92]

Well let's see! My favorite restaurants at DHS are Mama Melrose's (YUM) and Sci-Fi Dine In (More for the atmosphere, but the food was good!). I would say you should definitely try Yak and Yeti at AK! I ate there for the for the first time last April and I LOVED it!