Adventure (and Food) is calling our names – 10/2010 PTR - Six More Hours!!! 10/1

[KathyRN137]

Jim cutting the salvage edge off his material (he liked the ducky fabric and made two with that same fabric).

That fabric is adorable!

My daughter's home economics class made these for Project Linus...

Does anyone know when the shows start?

This is a great site... it gives you all the planning info you need for live entertainment in the parks. Double-check it right before you leave for any last-minute changes, though!


http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm



Kathy


ETA: Ha! ha! We posted this at the same time!!


Kathy

 

[texfinn]

Hi Jane!

I love the blankets, very very cute and look very easy to make. I thought about doing that for our GAD project but was able to find one repairing horse trails at a camp close by. Sabrina and I will be working hard (no doubt) for 5 hours on the 7th to get our day. I was excited to hear we can use them to get FP vouchers instead of the ticket since I had to buy tickets with the package I booked.

I am so happy to hear about your weight loss! It can be so hard to keep it up. I used myfitnesspal but now have the bodybugg so use that site. I only down 6 but it is a hard earned 6. I am taking it really slow this time on purpose. Hopefully by the time we get to WDW in June I will be down 20 total.

So, now that I am booked to WDW I am on the DIS boards all the time reading reading reading. It has become my addiction again!!! I promise to keep up with these PTR now that I have learned to subscribe for updates! Even though me and Sabrina are booked in June I may weasel my way over there for a weekend in Oct if I can pull it off. We'll see. Would love to catch up with everyone!

Ok, I should be working so back to work but wanted to pop back in and say Hi and congratulate you on the wonderful blankets!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Hi Mati,

It's great that you've been able to book your girls trip to WDW! It would be fantastic to see you in October if you can make it over. Belinda and Shawn changed their plans and are going on a cruise instead of WDW, but it would great to see you!

The blankets were a lot of fun. It was easier for us to do that project since trying to find a date that we all could volunteer was pretty much impossible. So the blankets were very doable for us. Like I said these are great present ideas, so if Sabrina is interested in making presents for friends I'd recommend them. I also found instructions on making a scarf with fleece fabric. It just requires sewing a single line down the middle of the fabric. I'm thinking that might be on my christmas present idea list.

I have to fess up, all the progress that I made on the diet has gone south. I was doing really well until our meeting at the end of January. Since I had very limited selection of healthy choices I didn't make the best decisions (and my red light foods - cookies, brownies, breads were the easiest things to grab). I've had a REALLY hard time getting back on the wagon.

Hopefully I'll make it to the gym this weekend. I wish I liked working out, I never have and I really don't think I ever will.

J

 

[texfinn]

It's great that you've been able to book your girls trip to WDW! It would be fantastic to see you in October if you can make it over. Belinda and Shawn changed their plans and are going on a cruise instead of WDW, but it would great to see you!

Bummer that Belinda and Shawn are not going to be there. Trying to convince them to stop over and see me on their next trip to SA but so far no luck. We'll see.

The blankets were a lot of fun. It was easier for us to do that project since trying to find a date that we all could volunteer was pretty much impossible. So the blankets were very doable for us. Like I said these are great present ideas, so if Sabrina is interested in making presents for friends I'd recommend them. I also found instructions on making a scarf with fleece fabric. It just requires sewing a single line down the middle of the fabric. I'm thinking that might be on my christmas present idea list.

I have to go grab the instructions! Sounds like fun and you are right -- she would LOvE to do that. She is so into arts and crafts right now. I just got done helping her make a board game on President Obama for a project at school. The ideas she comes up with just amaze me! The blankets looked great!!!! Have you gotten your vouchers yet?

I have to fess up, all the progress that I made on the diet has gone south. I was doing really well until our meeting at the end of January. Since I had very limited selection of healthy choices I didn't make the best decisions (and my red light foods - cookies, brownies, breads were the easiest things to grab). I've had a REALLY hard time getting back on the wagon.

It is tough. This year I just decided I am DONE dieting. Never again. We have made a lot of changes in the food we eat and have a really clean diet. We gave up alcohol for Lent so that helps. I am still working out like crazy but the weight loss is slow. I have to keep reminding myself not to go on a "crash" diet again when I get frustrated at my .5-1 lb loss per week BUT it does add up!!! Hopefully you can get back in the right frame of mind but I understand 100%.

Hopefully I'll make it to the gym this weekend. I wish I liked working out, I never have and I really don't think I ever will.

J

Did you make it yet? If not -- get going. I'll be expecting a report!

Once you get in a good workout routine it is easy to get "used to it". It is still tough getting there but after it is over, I feel really good. I got a Bodybugg and that has helped a ton to keep me moving.

Ok, so killing an hour before the Finland vs Slovakia Bronze medal hockey match. Have to watch it with such deep ties to Finland. Scanning the boards and working out a good strategy for touring with the GAD Fastpasses. I also got advice on the Sunset Safari at AKL and am keeping our reservation. I swear, once I book a trip, these boards become so addictive! I have to make sure I get off of this chair or I won't burn any calories!!!

Talk to you again soon!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

It is tough. This year I just decided I am DONE dieting. Never again. We have made a lot of changes in the food we eat and have a really clean diet. We gave up alcohol for Lent so that helps. I am still working out like crazy but the weight loss is slow. I have to keep reminding myself not to go on a "crash" diet again when I get frustrated at my .5-1 lb loss per week BUT it does add up!!! Hopefully you can get back in the right frame of mind but I understand 100%.



Did you make it yet? If not -- get going. I'll be expecting a report!

Once you get in a good workout routine it is easy to get "used to it". It is still tough getting there but after it is over, I feel really good. I got a Bodybugg and that has helped a ton to keep me moving.

Ok, so killing an hour before the Finland vs Slovakia Bronze medal hockey match. Have to watch it with such deep ties to Finland. Scanning the boards and working out a good strategy for touring with the GAD Fastpasses. I also got advice on the Sunset Safari at AKL and am keeping our reservation. I swear, once I book a trip, these boards become so addictive! I have to make sure I get off of this chair or I won't burn any calories!!!

Talk to you again soon!!!

Didn't make it to the gym today - I'll try tomorrow morning. We had to run a bunch of errands today. Our Christmas presents to each other was a gas stovetop (we have an electric flat top and HATE it). We bought one last month but when they tried to install it, the stovetop was too tall by about an inch. We had to return it and get another model. We finally picked it up today (along with a new exhaust fan). Hopefully I can get the installer out here next week so we can "cook with gas". We then hit Fry's Electronic, Sam's Club (where I bought the iPod Touch) and then over to Costco. By the time we finally got home I just didn't have the energy to go out again. I've seen the body buggs on Biggest Loser they look really interesting. I'm thinking about giving up on WW. I haven't really followed the program for months. I just keep going, because we have an at work program and the company subsidizes it (but you have to attend all but two of the meetings in the session). I'm hoping that I'll be motivated to track my food on the iPod (I'll have to see if there is a good app for it). I liked it better when I was tracking my calrories, fat, carbs, protein & fiber. It gave me a more balanced diet.

I'm rooting for Finland as well (I'm half Finish). Can't wait till the USA game tomorrow.

Talk to you soon,
Jane

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I got Disney email today!!! We got our vouchers for the GAD program. Woo Hoo!! One more step closer to WDW.

Not a lot of planning for our trip, but I have a friend who is taking her kids for a surprise trip to Disneyland for the first time in a week. I’ve decided to make them goodie bags. I’ve had a DISigner create artwork with their favorite characters. I’ve made luggage tags that they can use on their bags, stroller or on the kids themselves with their cell phone numbers on the back (just in case they get separated). I have to go out and get some t-shirts so I can transfer the artwork to that as well.

Other items that I’m going to include:

• Glo bracelets (already had them from last year)
• Small boxes of raisins (the kind with Disney characters on them)
• Small flashlights (I used them when my kids were small so if they got scared on dark rides they could shine the light on the floor of the ride vehicle to take away some of the darkness).
• Small bubble necklaces (the perfect cure for waiting in line or for a parade)
• I may try and make some autograph books, if I’m able to find some generic Disneyland art so the pages aren’t character specific.
• I’m going to run out to the dollar store tomorrow so if I’m able to find some other items to put in the bags I’ll pick them up. Small kids are SO easy to shop for.

Putting together the bags and figuring out what to include has given me some “Disney planning time” while I wait for our 7 month window to open on Tuesday so we can try and switch our reservations to the Beach Club Villas. Cross your fingers!!

Jim and I were talking about our costumes for the ConGaloosh/MNSSHP while we were waiting in line at Costco. I said he should go as Carl Fredrickson (from UP). He would have to shave the goatee, but my Mom already has the four legged cane, get him a hat, tweed jacket, bow tie and he is set. Carl is/was an adventurer. He said that he would do it if I dressed up as Russell. I told him I’d be willing, but I’m NOT getting a boy haircut. Actually we think he’s going to try and do a Dr. Jones character (have I already said that in this PTR? If so, sorry for the repeat). He would have to grow back the full beard, but most likely it would come in pretty much gray so he wouldn’t have to die it. We need to find him a hat, tweed jacket, bow tie and he is all set. Ok, did everyone realize he could do both characters with the same costume pieces?

(sorry the pic is so small)

I’m still not sure about my costume – right now I’m thinking that I’ll just wear the same pants/shirt that I wore last year (without the leather jacket, gloves or aviator hat). I assume that I’ll be running around assisting with the logistics of ConGaloosh and won’t want to be wearing a dress.

I’m trying to get the kids to go as Linguini and Colette (from Ratatouille). Brendan already has the chef outfits from school so we wouldn’t have to buy anything (he has multiple jackets so Charlotte could wear one as well). We would just have to find a stuffed Remy (maybe online) that they could carry around.

Today I bought an iPod Touch (I won an award at work and used the cash to cut the cost down). I’ve got to figure out what apps to add and if I can live with just hooking up to free wi-fi or if I want to bite the bullet and pay for broadband. They said it was $30 per month through AT&T – that’s how much I pay for my cell phone! I can’t dump my phone and get an iPhone since the family shares minutes on Verizon. I was looking at the eTicket app and it looks REALLY interesting. I’ll have to do some research to see if I need broadband to use it. It looks like it would save me typing up our schedule and carrying around all the paperwork on the trip. If I keep it I need to get a hard case so I don’t break the screen.

Well that’s all the Disney related planning (well mostly Disney related) that has gone on lately. Off to check out my PTR subscriptions!

Jane

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Congrats to the Finns on their win! Were you able to stay up for the whole game.

Did you make it yet? If not -- get going. I'll be expecting a report!

Once you get in a good workout routine it is easy to get "used to it". It is still tough getting there but after it is over, I feel really good. I got a Bodybugg and that has helped a ton to keep me moving.

Report on gym - I woke up this morning before anyone else and decided I better get my butt to the gym. Want to know what is sad? It's been so long it took me awhile to find my gym bag (I was tired of tripping over it and shoved it in the closet). Then when I finally got to the gym the computer had wiped my routine so I had to recreate a new set-up). I took it easy today, but hopefully this is the first day of many. After I got home Jim and I took the dog for a walk so even more exercise.

And then.... I had to make chocolate chip cookies for Steven's birthday. I think I may have already had 3 or 4 (don't quite remember).

Steven gets to pick a restaurant to go out to for his birthday and my sweet boy selected IHOP. Its a favorite hang out with his train buddies and since Jenny and Patty are coming along, he wants to introduce them to his favorite waitress. I doubt there will be many healthy choices. I guess I better get on the web and check out thier menu.

J

 

[KathyRN137]

....while I wait for our 7 month window to open on Tuesday so we can try and switch our reservations to the Beach Club Villas. Cross your fingers!!

Hey, that's tomorrow!

Good Luck!

Jim and I were talking about our costumes for the ConGaloosh/MNSSHP while we were waiting in line at Costco. I said he should go as Carl Fredrickson (from UP).

Actually we think he’s going to try and do a Dr. Jones character...

Ok, did everyone realize he could do both characters with the same costume pieces?

Kathy

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Good and Bad but then Good again!
I called Member Services promptly at 6:00am on Tuesday and spoke to a wonderful cast member. She was able to check availability at the Beach Club and they did have a one bedroom available for October 2 – 9 (our dates are Oct 2 – 11). It wasn’t an issue of them not having space, if you are booking a DVC reservation at a non-home resort you can only book 7 nights at the 7 month mark. I’d have to call back on Wednesday and today to get the additional two nights. Not thrilled, but I can get up earlier than normal for two days (who am I kidding, with this looming over my head I woke up a dozen time both nights and was away by 5:30am). Anyway, both yesterday and today I was on the phone at EXACTLY 6:00am and was able to get through right away.

WE ARE BOOKED FOR BEACH CLUB VILLAS!!!!!

The Bad (not Disney related, but taking a lot of my energy right now – this is a long story so be forewarned. I’m in the middle of it all and remember I warned you that I prattle on. Fell free to skip the rest of the post as the rest is me just venting.)

One of the reasons that I wasn’t looking forward to getting up early today was because I took today off and I would have been able to sleep in till about 7:45 if I hadn’t had to make the call. We are FINALLY getting our Christmas presents to each other installed today (or so I thought). Jim and I decided that instead of getting each other traditional Christmas presents we would use the money to finally buy a gas stovetop, we have an electric flat top from the 70s and it is nasty. Well it took us a while to find a stovetop that we liked, order it and have it arrive. It finally came in and we had the contractor come out to install it. Well..it didn’t fit the space (it was about 1” too tall for the space). Back to the store, return that one order a new stovetop that is shorter and was able to get a hood vent and only spend about $100 more (we were already over our anticipated budget but we decided to go ahead and splurge). The new appliances arrived quickly and we were able to book the contractor to come out to install it this morning (hence I took the day off work – otherwise we would have to wait till next Friday when Jim has his day off).

The guys arrived right on time at 8:00am. The older guy is Tony and he is an oddball. Almost as soon as he walked in he said that he had spoken to Mike (the worker that had given us the estimate for the installation – he was booked today so they send Tony) and from what Mike had told him he thought that we would probably need to get a permit for the changing the gas line from a rigid pipe to a flex pipe. He sent his assistant Matt under the house because he (Tony) had recently recovered from a broken wrist and he thought it would be difficult to go under the house. There was much discussion and it sounded like he wanted to leave till I got the permit. I asked if they could install the hood vent while I ran to get the permit so at least they would be that much further along in the job. He waffled and then finally agreed to see how long it would take and I ran out to get the permit. I was able to get there just after they opened at 8:30am and was back in the car on the way home at 8:50am. I got home and they were still trying to figure out how to get the vent installed. Apparently whoever installed the other one used the wrong tape (duct tape instead of foil tape) so they had to take out more of the venting then they thought. Then they were struggling with one of the screws (it was forced in and they had to drill it to get it out) to get the hood apart so they can screw it into the cabinet.

But before that, when I arrived home with the permit I told them that the inspector would be out between 1 - 3. Tony then didn't want to do anything on the stovetop till the inspector checked it out in case they were told not to do it. Since they have another appt this afternoon (Matt had to be in San Ramon at noon) they could come back on Saturday the 13th (originally he was talking about next week and I told him that I had taken today off of work and I'd prefer to not have to burn another day of PTO to get it installed - this was when he told me we needed to get the permit - I said that I could have gotten it earlier if I had only known that I would need one).

I'm just getting the feeling that he doesn't want to do the gasline. Matt hasn't ever done a gas line so Tony WILL need to go under the house.

Tony just seems to be a person that finds all the problems in a situation, doesn’t or can’t think of easy solutions and is not a happy person. I wish that Mike were on the job. If Tony can't do it today - I'm going to tell Phil that we HAVE to have Mike come out and do it.

We were finally able to get the bottom of the hood off. Tony was going to drive all the way to the store that we bought the hood at in Hayward (about an hour away) to see if he could find out how to get the bottom off. Matt was looking at the manual and found an 888 number so we called them and found out that you have to pry off the bottom using an awl. (That would be good information to have in the manual!)

While we were struggling with the hood the inspector showed up and looked at what they want to do. Come to find out that we have to hard pipe the gasline through the floor (so actually a good thing that they didn't start on that yet). Anyway - shock of shocks - that is going to take WAY more time than doing the flex pipe so they will have to schedule another appt. Hopefully we will have a new hood by the end of today, but no gas stovetop.

Well as I’m typing this, they are 90% done with installing the hood. It is attached, but the venting pipe that we had is too tall for this hood so he has to run to the hardware store to get some supplies. Once he is back we will discuss when they can come out and install the stovetop.



To top it off – I’m freezing because they’ve been in and out of the garage so much they are just leaving the door open.

Thanks for letting me vent – if anyone is still reading this.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Since I've got a lot of down time in my planning schedule (no park hours, no dates for MNSSHP, no ADRs to make) I’ve been cruising the boards reading trip reports, checking out the DISign boards, etc and found a link to a thread where a mom had created an Amazing Race like game for her daughters birthday. The girl was turning 9 and she had her doing the BBB, finding items in Epcot, etc. Now I LOVE watching the Amazing Race, it would be the one reality show that I’d love to be on (if I didn’t have to eat anything weird). It got me to thinking how fun it would be to create a game for Brendan and Charlotte to do while on the trip. While I know WDW pretty well, I don’t know it well enough to be able to give specific clues to finding things and figuring out various options of challenges (plus this would pretty much force them to be with us on the day of the race and we want to give them the option of ditching us if they want). So I pretty much scrapped the AR theme.

Then I thought maybe it would be fun to create a scavenger hunt type of list that Jim and I could team up and compete against the kids. I’ve thought of things that are both free and some that have a cost associated with them. The only qualifications for the items on the list are they shouldn’t be trivia related since Jim and I have been multiple times (Brendan has been to WDW before, but his last trip was in 2006 and Charlotte has never been). Here’s what I’ve come up with so far, feel free to suggest other items.

Each item is worth one point the team with the most points at the end of the trip will win the Wood Family Scavenger Hunt trophy, bragging rights and more importantly dessert at a snack cart of their choosing!

No Cost items

• Find a castmember who has your name and take a picture with them
• Take a picture with a character (each picture is worth one point)
• Get the autograph of a character (each autograph is worth one point)
• Take a picture using a crazy pose using an icon from the park (think of all those people that pose “holding” up the Leaning Tower of Pisa)
• Find a girl that has been “Boutiqued” (make sure to get parental approval) and ask her for her autograph and if you can take a picture with her.
• Find a child that has been “Piratized” (make sure to get parental approval) and ask her for her autograph and if you can take a picture with him/her.
• Get photographic evidence (preferably video) of being selected to participate in a parade, show, streetmosphere act, etc by a castmember.
• Using the bubbles provided in your kit – distract a child or group of children waiting in line, for a parade or show (must provide picture).
• See a shirt with a funny phrase? Get a picture!

Money Items (a dollar amount will be provided and teams cannot spend more that the allotted amount to gain points)

• Purchase a Mickey Balloon – carefully consider and pass the balloon on to a most deserving guest (request a picture – but scouts honor will suffice if the recipient doesn’t want to have the picture taken).
• Get a pressed penny from each of the four main parks
• Buy an Epcot passport and get a stamp from each country.

That’s all I can come up with right now. Any suggestions?

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I love that idea! Sounds really fun!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Thanks Sonya!

I talked to Brendan about it and he like the idea. Even came up with a suggestion of his own.

• Video of someone giving the Adventurers Club Salute

He's going to talk to Charlotte and they'll add items as they think of them.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Not much has been happening on the Pre-Trip front. I keep checking to see if the Park hours are released (they aren’t) or if Southwest has opened up any tickets past August (they haven’t). I did play the car rental switch out. I got an email from National about discounted rates so I checked them out and I was able to upgrade from a compact car to a mid-sized vehicle for about $20 less than Budget. Then a few days later I got another advertisement saying that if I used my AmEx card to pay for a rental I’d get 10% off. Checked out the site and it was even less than before. Woo Hoo! Plus I selected their internet special for their mystery car. It will be at least a mid-sized or bigger. We haven’t ever rented with National, but they are located in the terminal which is our primary need. We made the mistake once of renting cheaper off site and that was such a HUGE mistake. Having to take the shuttle to get the car was a pain, but the whole process of returning it, then having to take the shuttle back to the airport takes up so much time.

I’m going to try and boost my exercise level up (ok, to be honest – it wouldn’t be a boost, but a start-up) so I can drop some weight before the trip. I went to the gym yesterday and did 30 minutes on the treadmill (only 1.59 miles), some weight machines and stretched. Jim is in the process of starting up the BBQ to slow cook some ribs, and then we are going to take the dog for a walk. Not sure how long, but I’m going to try and find my pedometer to capture the distance.

I sent Charlotte a message today to have her check out the Sci-Fi Dine in and 50s Prime Time Café to see which one she’d like to try. We are getting close to 180 days so I want to get her input (since she is the first timer).

OT Update - we were in the process of trying to get the gas stovetop installed. Well good news – on Friday the original contractor came out and finally installed it. It works perfectly. The bad news (heck isn’t there always bad news?) for some reason since they had to turn off the gas to the house, we can’t get our water heaters’ pilot light to stay lit. It was cold showers for us yesterday . We’ve called Sears and they should be out tomorrow morning. Please everyone cross your fingers that it is something simple and easy to fix. We hadn’t budgeted to buy a new water heater. Somehow I think the house knows that we are getting a little refund from our taxes. Or maybe the water heater is a little jealous of all the attention the kitchen has been getting.

Well off for our walk! Hope everyone has a fantastic Sunday.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I’ve been checking flight times and prices for a couple of months they’ve been running close to $400 round trip. I was waiting for Southwest to open up their booking to hopefully get cheaper flights. So I looked at Southwest today and the cheapest option ($208 round trip) but unfortunately the only way that works is if we add an additional day at the end of the trip.

To add another day to the hotel would be another 27 points (they only had one room available when I called to check). Or we could switch hotels and try for one of the All Star Resorts for $105 for a Standard room or $120 for a Preferred room (have no idea what that means). Of course that would mean additional park tickets + food costs. Or we can just wait and see what the airfare costs do and hope for some good discounts to come out.

Now Jim and I have no problem extending the trip that extra day. The biggest problem is the kids college school schedule. We will already have them missing one week. Since we haven’t any idea of what classes they will be taking (the schedules don’t come out till April and registration isn’t until May) and how missing classes will affect their grades.

Ughhh! I wish the airlines would cut some deals!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I have been scouring airline sites every night and Southwest wasn't dropping their fares, even trying to go through Houston and staying overnight with a friend so we could get to Florida earlier in the day. The flights were still around $400. I subscribed to a bunch of notification sites to find out about any price drops and was surpirsed when I got an email about Virgin America flights from SFO. Normally we fly out of Oakland because it is a smaller airport and we don't have to cross the Bay Bridge (and worry about huge traffic jams) so I've been checking SFO every once in a while but the flight times were really bad.

Anyway the Virgin America flights were non-stop from SFO to MCO (we have NEVER been able to fly non-stop) and the same price as Southwest flights. I found out I could reduce the cost of our flights by using my American Express points. I was waiting for Charlotte to come up for a visit so I could make sure I input her name for the ticket correctly (and get her middle name). Then I searched the site again and the price had jumped over $100 Back to searching for lower priced airfares. Well, luckily I double checked, because after messing around with so many different possiblities I had the wrong departure date. Corrected the date and the price was back. I couldn't input the information fast enough to lock in the price.

I now have to un-subscribe to all those websites so I don't drive myself crazy if the price drops.

I'm thrilled for non-stop flights (and not at nosebleed early in the morning either). The only things that I will be fussing over is we weren't able to confirm our seats on AmEx website so I need to contact VA and select our seats and there is only one flight per day from SFO to MCO so if they cancel the flight we are in big trouble.

I'm just going to focus on the good and try not to dwell on things that I dont have control over (yea right).

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Yey! Pleased you got your flights sorted Jane!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Thanks! It certainly does make it seem more real. Now I have to adjust our rental car and figure out if we want to try and go to a park on our departure day.

Decisions, decisions!!!

Hey, are you still arriving on the 11th?

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

We are!!! Should land at MCO about 11am, then have got to collect the rental car. Am so excited! What time do you fly - we may pass you at the airport!

We have been looking at booking a 2011 trip today, but part of me thinks we should do something different. I just don't want to though!!!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Our flight leaves at 5:25pm so we'll probably get to the airport around 3:30 - 4:00. We're trying to figure out if we want to hit a park that morning and get in some more park time before we leave OR we might just hang around DTD and get one last shot at Goofy's candy company and rice krispy treats. If I don't bring some home for my co-workers I won't be allowed back in the building.

For 2011 you could always do California. There is LOTS to do and depending on when you are thinking of traveling the rehab of California Adventure might be progressing nicely. Or you could do a Western Cruise and do Alaska. Just some suggestions.

I'm pushing to do a 2012 Cruise for my BIG birthday celebration. So nice of Disney to launch a ship just for that.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Since we have our flights booked and we are only a couple of days away from our ADR window I finally got Jim to sit down and re-work the schedule. The hours for October came out and they were a little different than last years hours. The first decision was if we were to go into a park on the day that we go to MNSSHP. After looking at everything we’ve decided it would be better to get Annual Passes than to worry about how many days passes we might need. That way we can go into the park on our arrival day, departure day and MNSSHP day!!! We’ll either use the GAD vouchers for a single day trip to DL or donate them. Heck, this might also give us a good excuse to go back before the year expires.

Anyway here’s the new proposed itinerary.

October 2 - Saturday
Fly to MCO – rent a car (already booked) drive directly to BCV pick up our annual passes and go to Magic Kingdom for EMH dinner will be grabbed on the drive to the park or at the park depending on how hungry everyone is.

October 3 - Sunday
Sleep in (try and get adjusted to the time difference)
Breakfast in room
Epcot in the AM
Lunch at Teppan EDO
Afternoon back to room to change
Hopefully MNSSHP (MK is scheduled to close at 7:00pm so assuming that this is going to be the night)

October 4 - Monday
Breakfast in room (yup it’s a trend)
Studios in AM
50’s Prime Time Café for Lunch
Epcot for PM - Illuminations

October 5 – Tuesday
Breakfast in room
Animal Kingdom in AM
Lunch in Room (or go offsite)
Afternoon at Stormalong Bay
Early evening at Ft. Wilderness to explore and relax
Hoop De Doo Review for Dinner (shoot for the 7 or 9 show)

October 6 – Wednesday
Breakfast in room
Free morning hang out in the room or Epcot
Biergarten for lunch
Studios for Afternoon
Epcot in Evening for EMH (dinner at F&W or back at the room)

October 7 – Thursday
Breakfast in room
Free Day – what ever park strikes our fancy
Keeping the day pretty open thinking there might be some pre-work for ConGaloosh

October 8 – Friday
Sleep in
Breakfast in room
1:00pm ConGaloosh Meet with Jim Korkis at DHS
Brendan and Charlotte on own for rest of the day. Jim and I’ll probably be helping set up stuff for the ConGaloosh event this evening.

October 9 – Saturday
Breakfast in room
1:00pm ConGaloosh meet
Jim and I’ll leave this day open for ConGaloosh meets and prep for the evening function at the hotel.

October 10 – Sunday
ConGaloosh meet at (?)
Jim and I’ll leave this day open for ConGaloosh meets any clean up from the previous events.

October 11 – Monday
Probably go to Epcot one last time to get our fill of F&W
Leave around 3:00pm to fly back home.

In the past I scheduled every single day and had reservations every day. For our last trip in October we only had two ADRs and it was really relaxing. Since we don’t know exactly how much time I’ll need to be available to help out with the ConGaloosh pre-event we didn’t want to book too many things and then have the kids be disappointed.