All I Want For Christmas is My Two Mouse Ears//December '08 UPDATED 12/03

[katiebug86]

just subbing in today, i like finding PTR's and TR's of people our age! my boyfriend and i are going to Pop in April and I am overly excited lol cant wait to read more, hoping to maybe steal some of your ideas too b/c im really liking them cant wait to read more!

Hi and WELCOME! I like reading about people my age also. Let me know if you start a PTR. Feel free to steal any of my ideas & I will pretend to know what I'm doing.

How funny! As a middle school teacher, I would actually freak at the thought of teaching elementary. Even though this is the start of my thirteenth year in education, I can still remember my substitute teaching days, and I hated teaching elementary. In fact, the younger the grade, the more I disliked it. Weird, right? It reinforced the idea that teachers are called to the populations they teach. I couldn't imagine teaching any other grade level than middle. I feel bad for your friend. Maybe it's the area the school is in, or maybe it's the age group, but I hope he finds his niche and not give up on the profession.

As usual, I love reading your PTR.

I guess different strokes for different folks. I just can't imagine teaching that age. They are at that awkward stage where they like to defy authority. I think the reason I don't want to teach middle school is that was my LEAST favorite time period in school.

can it come faster, I really want to go.

Yes please.. lets go now!

 

[NYPDwife]

Hey, you didn't get a double-digit dance party...

Here ya go...



Ok, now I'm going to bed with techno music in my head

 

[katiebug86]

Hey, you didn't get a double-digit dance party...

Here ya go...



Ok, now I'm going to bed with techno music in my head

Oh wow .. that beats NJdisneyfreak's dance party.

 

[xoktenox]

Hi and WELCOME! I like reading about people my age also. Let me know if you start a PTR. Feel free to steal any of my ideas & I will pretend to know what I'm doing.


lol i did start a PTR the link is in my sig...have u come up with any new ideas of what to do for ur b/f cuz i'd like to do something like that for mine too but don't know what to do for a 23 yr old guy!

 

[katiebug86]

Guess what guys?!?!

This morning I logged onto tourguidemike. I checked my messages and someone sent me a message about free dining for the dates December 14-20. I called Disney immediately and I got free dining! I originally was not going to use the dining plan because I just don't eat much but I am now. The only thing is since I used the other code I couldn't use both so I had to take one off. So I have to pay $150 difference, but that is no big deal seeing that we would pay that for food anyways. I'm so excited. This is really happening!!

 

[Becx N Gav]

Guess what guys?!?!

This morning I logged onto tourguidemike. I checked my messages and someone sent me a message about free dining for the dates December 14-20. I called Disney immediately and I got free dining! I originally was not going to use the dining plan because I just don't eat much but I am now. The only thing is since I used the other code I couldn't use both so I had to take one off. So I have to pay $150 difference, but that is no big deal seeing that we would pay that for food anyways. I'm so excited. This is really happening!!

Oh wow that is fantastic news I'm guessing the airfair prices are putting some people off (I'm so glad we booked in March). At least you don't have to worry about paying for food now (just gratuity at TS) as you said $150 will be easy to make up. Shame they didn't open it up to DVC too although the new BLT at the Contemporary is looking good and the points look reasonable

It's getting closer now we're on 79 days. It's DH b.day 3 weeks today, then our first Wedding anniversary on the 11th Oct, then my b.day on the 13th It's nice to have something to look forward to (other than a trip to WDW ) - we planned to have our Wedding day on the day between our two birthdays, makes it a triple celebration

 

[joelp]

OK so as I warned you .. I changed my mind again. Ryan actually helped me a little.

So here is the new and improved list of ADR's and kind of an itenerary.

12/15 - Akershus Princess Story Book (Dinner)
12/16 - Chef Mickey's (Breakfast)
12/16 - 50's PTC (Dinner)
12/17- 1900 Park Faire (Dinner)
12/18 - Crystal Palace Breakfast (Breakfast)
12/19- WCC

So here is the plan.

12/15 - Get to Disney World around noon-ish.
Relax a little. (very little we will be excited.)
Go to Epcot. Dinner at Akershus at 6:10 PM.

Good choice - start the trip with some Princesses!! I think the Christmas tree lighting is around 6:00 ...

12/16 - Chef Mickeys at 8:00
Go to Hollywood Studios.
Take a break in the middle if we want.
Prime Time Cafe at 6:00.

12/17 - Animal Kingdom Day.
Eat breakfast at foodcourt or CS.
Leave about 4.
1900 PF at 6:00 PM.
Probably go to DTD after dinner.

You may also want to consider touring the monorail resorts and checking out the decorations ...

12/18- Magic Kingdom.
Crystal Palace 8:00.
MVMCP.

Get there early so you can take your time walking - practically by yourselves!! - up Main Street!!

12/19- Magic Kingdom again.
We will probably take this day slower.
WCC at 6:35.

12/20-Last day
We will go to one more park before we go
but we will play that by ear. Probably Epcot.

Sounds like our plan for our last day ... (now - if the airline will only stop changing the time of our return flight!!)

I finally have some time to check in ... looking good so far ...

 

[joelp]

Wow when I started planning this trip it was more than 200 days away. It's getting closer and closer. They are starting to put Halloween stuff in the stores now.

Halloween - that stuff is already on sale up here in NJ!! I was shopping Monday and they were putting out the Christas merchandise already!!

I have been so excited this week, because it is going by so fast for me! I thought I would make a list of my MUST do's to help me. (I will also include Ryan's)

Magic Kingdom
Splash Mountain (If It's open, I read that sometimes in Dec it's closed)
Space Mountain (Dad said the first time I went on it I barely made it through and tried to stand on my tip-toes. I was only 6)
I won't be doing SM again - once was enough for me!! Splash Mtn - first time - this trip (at the end of the day ... )
Monster's INC Laugh Floor (I LOVE Monster's Inc.. it's my favorite Pixar movie .. tied with Toy Story)
Just be careful where you sit - my DW was one of their "victims" our last trip ... ... (not that she didn't deserve it ... )
Buzz Lightyear
Bet you can't do it just once ...
POTC
BTMRR
I'm not a coaster guy - but I like this one!!
HM
Boo!!
And don't forget Mickey's Philharmagic!!

Hollywood Studios
Indiana Jones (Ryan didn't get to see it before and really wants to)
Star Tours
Beauty and The Beast
Rock N Roller Coaster
TOT
Little Mermaid (Again one of my favorites)
Lights, Motor, Action! Stunt Show (Ryan is so excited about this)
Toy Story Midway Mania
Good luck!! I've heard the waits are loooooooooooong .....

... and watch out for those "street people" - especially the starlets ...

EPCOT
Misson Space (Orange Team!)
NOOOO WAAAAAY!!
Test Track
Soarin' Oh Yeaahh!!

Turtle Talk With Crush (Ryan really wants to see this and I have a funny story about Ryan coming up) ... and I have a sort-of-funny story about me and the DD and Crush ...
Club Cool (To let Ryan taste his soon to be favorite drink any guesses on what that could be??)

Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest
... I don't think so ...
Dinosaur
Primeval Whirl
Killimanjaro Safari
Kali River Rapids
Finding Nemo
Lion King??

I hope we get to do everything we want to, but if we can't that just means I have to come back right?

When I was talking about Turtle Talk with Crush it reminded me of a funny story about Ryan. Ryan and I first met right after he graduated from highschool. One day I was at his house and found his junior year journal for his English class. Well the topic was "Who is my hero" (or something like that) and who do you think Ryan wrote about? That's right he wrote about Crush. He wrote how Crush is the hero of the movie, because if it wasn't for him Marlin never would have found Nemo. Yes, this was moment I knew we were meant for eachother.

Still catching up ...

 

[joelp]

Guess what guys?!?!

This morning I logged onto tourguidemike. I checked my messages and someone sent me a message about free dining for the dates December 14-20. I called Disney immediately and I got free dining! I originally was not going to use the dining plan because I just don't eat much but I am now. The only thing is since I used the other code I couldn't use both so I had to take one off. So I have to pay $150 difference, but that is no big deal seeing that we would pay that for food anyways. I'm so excited. This is really happening!!

Mickey Bars for everyone!!!

Unfortunately - no deals for when we'll be there (the prior week ...) And it looks like it may be unusually crowded ...

But who cares?!?

Cuz - it's Disney World!!

OK - all caught up now ... and the DP has been waiting patiently to go to the park ...

Have a great weekend!!

 

[katiebug86]

Mickey Bars for everyone!!!

Unfortunately - no deals for when we'll be there (the prior week ...) And it looks like it may be unusually crowded ...

But who cares?!?

Cuz - it's Disney World!!

OK - all caught up now ... and the DP has been waiting patiently to go to the park ...

Have a great weekend!!

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I forgot all about Philharmagic and Lion King. What's wrong with me.

Sorry about your lack of deals. For some reason I'm thinking that when I am going to be there it's going to be slow, because I've seen tons of deals that only apply from the week 14-20. Hopefully this is the case, but if not it's ok as you said IT'S DISNEY!!!

Oh btw. What is the story with your DD and crush?

 

[joelp]

You wanted to know about my "adventure" with Crush ... here you go (from the TR from our May 07 trip ... I guess I should get around to posting it on DIS one of these days ... )

Vicki wanted to hang out with her folks and cousins in the World Showcase (they ended up doing a "musical tour" of the WS, including the British Invasion at the UK, Mo Rockin', and the B. J. Thomas Flower Power Concert) - so I took Danielle back to POFQ for a nap. The plan was meet back at Mexico around 6:00 pm and do the Gran Fiesta Tour.

But that's not what happened: once back at the hotel, Danielle decided she'd rather play with her dolls and toys than get some sleep - or rest while watching some TV - or lying down while her Daddy read her some stories – or... (well, you get the idea). Neither of us got a nap …

So around 4:30 I had a choice to make: stay at POFQ until Danielle fell asleep (which, based on experience would happen about 5:00-5:30) and then maybe make it back to Epcot by 8:00 pm (if I was lucky), or head back to Epcot now and hope she would get a short nap on the bus. I chose the latter option.

So I packed up her stroller, including her fan/spray bottle contraption-thingy (which I did not let her have on the bus!) and the videocamera. And of course Danielle did not fall asleep on the bus to Epcot. So I put her into the stroller and headed to the turnstiles, and once through the gates - looked down to see her out cold.

Now, the smart thing would have been to leave Danielle in the stroller napping, call Vicki, and meet up with the rest of the group in the World Showcase. But that's not what I did (and boy - would I pay for it!)

I was looking forward to a little solo "Daddy and Danielle" time and had planned to take her to the Living Seas with Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush, before heading over to Mexico. And since she had just fallen asleep, I figured she could wake up easily and I wouldn't have any problems. So I parked the stroller, picked Danielle up, and got onto the Living Seas (no line). Danielle woke up about halfway through the Living Seas ride (not a must see - even for kids...) and was a little drowsy but in good spirits.

And I lucked out again - no line for Turtle Talk with Crush!

Danielle was fully awake by the time we entered Turtle Talk - and although in a good mood, she didn't seem too thrilled with seeing the show (she had seen it earlier in the day with her GFs) and did not want to sit on the floor with the other kids. So I sat down and held her in my lap. Then, right on cue when the doors closed, she says to me "Daddy, I have to go to the potty." Now, just the night before at Disney-MGM the very same thing happened, and she was fine for a good 45 minutes - so I figured we would be all right for the 10 minute Turtle Talk show.

Uh-uh - didn't happen … and about 30 seconds later: "I'm sorry, Daddy!"

So we scooted out of there …

Fortunately, I had a spare change of clothes for Danielle. Unfortunately, I didn't have extra clothes for me (remember, she was sitting on my lap!). Oh, well...

So we got cleaned up in the Men's Room and went outside into the warm sun, sat down on some benches by The Land, and I started to dry off . And Danielle, tired and upset with herself, switched into cranky mode ... and I, a little disappointed and not in the best of spirits, forgot about the bubbles (another mistake...)

I called Vicki, and the group came to my rescue. Vicki and I convinced Ed, Barbara, Jim, and Grace that they HAD to do Soarin' (Claire has motion sickness issues and passed) - and while they got in line (about 45 minutes at that point in the day), we headed over to Mexico (and I continued to dry off...)



So I'm hoping for a better "reception" this year ...

 

[njdisneyfreak]

You wanted to know about my "adventure" with Crush ... here you go (from the TR from our May 07 trip ... I guess I should get around to posting it on DIS one of these days ... )

Vicki wanted to hang out with her folks and cousins in the World Showcase (they ended up doing a "musical tour" of the WS, including the British Invasion at the UK, Mo Rockin', and the B. J. Thomas Flower Power Concert) - so I took Danielle back to POFQ for a nap. The plan was meet back at Mexico around 6:00 pm and do the Gran Fiesta Tour.

But that's not what happened: once back at the hotel, Danielle decided she'd rather play with her dolls and toys than get some sleep - or rest while watching some TV - or lying down while her Daddy read her some stories – or... (well, you get the idea). Neither of us got a nap …

So around 4:30 I had a choice to make: stay at POFQ until Danielle fell asleep (which, based on experience would happen about 5:00-5:30) and then maybe make it back to Epcot by 8:00 pm (if I was lucky), or head back to Epcot now and hope she would get a short nap on the bus. I chose the latter option.

So I packed up her stroller, including her fan/spray bottle contraption-thingy (which I did not let her have on the bus!) and the videocamera. And of course Danielle did not fall asleep on the bus to Epcot. So I put her into the stroller and headed to the turnstiles, and once through the gates - looked down to see her out cold.

Now, the smart thing would have been to leave Danielle in the stroller napping, call Vicki, and meet up with the rest of the group in the World Showcase. But that's not what I did (and boy - would I pay for it!)

I was looking forward to a little solo "Daddy and Danielle" time and had planned to take her to the Living Seas with Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush, before heading over to Mexico. And since she had just fallen asleep, I figured she could wake up easily and I wouldn't have any problems. So I parked the stroller, picked Danielle up, and got onto the Living Seas (no line). Danielle woke up about halfway through the Living Seas ride (not a must see - even for kids...) and was a little drowsy but in good spirits.

And I lucked out again - no line for Turtle Talk with Crush!

Danielle was fully awake by the time we entered Turtle Talk - and although in a good mood, she didn't seem too thrilled with seeing the show (she had seen it earlier in the day with her GFs) and did not want to sit on the floor with the other kids. So I sat down and held her in my lap. Then, right on cue when the doors closed, she says to me "Daddy, I have to go to the potty." Now, just the night before at Disney-MGM the very same thing happened, and she was fine for a good 45 minutes - so I figured we would be all right for the 10 minute Turtle Talk show.

Uh-uh - didn't happen … and about 30 seconds later: "I'm sorry, Daddy!"

So we scooted out of there …

Fortunately, I had a spare change of clothes for Danielle. Unfortunately, I didn't have extra clothes for me (remember, she was sitting on my lap!). Oh, well...

So we got cleaned up in the Men's Room and went outside into the warm sun, sat down on some benches by The Land, and I started to dry off . And Danielle, tired and upset with herself, switched into cranky mode ... and I, a little disappointed and not in the best of spirits, forgot about the bubbles (another mistake...)

I called Vicki, and the group came to my rescue. Vicki and I convinced Ed, Barbara, Jim, and Grace that they HAD to do Soarin' (Claire has motion sickness issues and passed) - and while they got in line (about 45 minutes at that point in the day), we headed over to Mexico (and I continued to dry off...)



So I'm hoping for a better "reception" this year ...

You have to write all of these great memories down, so when your DD is older and going on trips with her kids, you can remind her of all the fun you had!

 

[katiebug86]

You wanted to know about my "adventure" with Crush ... here you go (from the TR from our May 07 trip ... I guess I should get around to posting it on DIS one of these days ... )

Vicki wanted to hang out with her folks and cousins in the World Showcase (they ended up doing a "musical tour" of the WS, including the British Invasion at the UK, Mo Rockin', and the B. J. Thomas Flower Power Concert) - so I took Danielle back to POFQ for a nap. The plan was meet back at Mexico around 6:00 pm and do the Gran Fiesta Tour.

But that's not what happened: once back at the hotel, Danielle decided she'd rather play with her dolls and toys than get some sleep - or rest while watching some TV - or lying down while her Daddy read her some stories – or... (well, you get the idea). Neither of us got a nap …

So around 4:30 I had a choice to make: stay at POFQ until Danielle fell asleep (which, based on experience would happen about 5:00-5:30) and then maybe make it back to Epcot by 8:00 pm (if I was lucky), or head back to Epcot now and hope she would get a short nap on the bus. I chose the latter option.

So I packed up her stroller, including her fan/spray bottle contraption-thingy (which I did not let her have on the bus!) and the videocamera. And of course Danielle did not fall asleep on the bus to Epcot. So I put her into the stroller and headed to the turnstiles, and once through the gates - looked down to see her out cold.

Now, the smart thing would have been to leave Danielle in the stroller napping, call Vicki, and meet up with the rest of the group in the World Showcase. But that's not what I did (and boy - would I pay for it!)

I was looking forward to a little solo "Daddy and Danielle" time and had planned to take her to the Living Seas with Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush, before heading over to Mexico. And since she had just fallen asleep, I figured she could wake up easily and I wouldn't have any problems. So I parked the stroller, picked Danielle up, and got onto the Living Seas (no line). Danielle woke up about halfway through the Living Seas ride (not a must see - even for kids...) and was a little drowsy but in good spirits.

And I lucked out again - no line for Turtle Talk with Crush!

Danielle was fully awake by the time we entered Turtle Talk - and although in a good mood, she didn't seem too thrilled with seeing the show (she had seen it earlier in the day with her GFs) and did not want to sit on the floor with the other kids. So I sat down and held her in my lap. Then, right on cue when the doors closed, she says to me "Daddy, I have to go to the potty." Now, just the night before at Disney-MGM the very same thing happened, and she was fine for a good 45 minutes - so I figured we would be all right for the 10 minute Turtle Talk show.

Uh-uh - didn't happen … and about 30 seconds later: "I'm sorry, Daddy!"

So we scooted out of there …

Fortunately, I had a spare change of clothes for Danielle. Unfortunately, I didn't have extra clothes for me (remember, she was sitting on my lap!). Oh, well...

So we got cleaned up in the Men's Room and went outside into the warm sun, sat down on some benches by The Land, and I started to dry off . And Danielle, tired and upset with herself, switched into cranky mode ... and I, a little disappointed and not in the best of spirits, forgot about the bubbles (another mistake...)

I called Vicki, and the group came to my rescue. Vicki and I convinced Ed, Barbara, Jim, and Grace that they HAD to do Soarin' (Claire has motion sickness issues and passed) - and while they got in line (about 45 minutes at that point in the day), we headed over to Mexico (and I continued to dry off...)



So I'm hoping for a better "reception" this year ...

That is is so funny. This time let Danielle nap!

 

[joelp]

You have to write all of these great memories down, so when your DD is older and going on trips with her kids, you can remind her of all the fun you had!

The TR is already in a 3-ring binder ... ... with pictures ...

... and I put together a photo album with hard copies of about 250 pictures ... and there's 2 1/2 hours of video and a total of about 700 photos on the computer ...

The DW on the other hand ... spent the entire week in WDW agonizing over finding the "right" scrapbook, pages, etc ... Guess how many pages she's done?

 

[joelp]

That is is so funny. This time let Danielle nap!

Are you laughing with me? ... or ... ??

Now that she's started kindergarten - no more naps at school (but I still need them!!) ... which creates the "problem" that she's dead tired by 8:00 pm ...

So I don't know what's gonna happen this December ... ...

 

[katiebug86]

WARNING:KATIE IS ABOUT TO VENT

Today I found out my computer has a VIRUS. I have been online for 6 hours today trying to get rid of and I spent $60 for anti-virus software. I am beyond ticked off at this whole thing. The ANTI-VIRUS software people keep telling me what to do to get rid of it and it isn't really helping. I asked them if there was anyway I could contact them on the phone becasue the chat thing isn't really helping. Please tell me why the representative tells me "THEY DON'T HAVE A PHONE." I know that is B.S. because I talked to someone on the phone today when I paid $60 for Anti-Virus software. The company is Mcafee and from what I know they are good company, but these people just keep jerking me around. My computer on the other hand isn't too SERIOUS, but there is a TROJAN on my computer and there are a lot of pop-ups coming on my screen.

My mom has a friend who works for Microsoft so I will call him tomorrow and see what he can do. The good news is I can still get online and everything, but it is just more annoying than anything. Sorry for all my venting I am just very mad, and I know I can come here when ever I get mad.

On a lighter note I'm going to disney in 77 days!!!

 

[Bloodhound]

sometimes doing a system restore helps...set it a couple weeks before the problems started happenning

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

im going to disney in 68 days, sorry about your virus hope it gets better

 

[Bloodhound]

im going to disney in 68 days, sorry about your virus hope it gets better

Im down to less than a month and cant wait....woooo hooooo
first trip to the west coast too

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Im down to less than a month and cant wait....woooo hooooo
first trip to the west coast too

just kidding hope you have a great time that area is alot of fun, went there growing up, also liked knotts berry farm that was a fun place.