All the makings of a disaster I’m bringing two reluctant teens and the in-laws!!

[lurkernj]

Alrighty, I see how it is. I take a couple of days off and I'm relagated to page 3!!!

Anyhooo, yesterday was DH and my 25 year anniversary from the day we met (not wedding anniversary). We minorly observe this date because we were together for 6 years before we got married, so for those 6 years, that was our "anniversary" date. So, he agreed to go see Brave with me last night since I wanted to see it before we go on our trip and it won't be out on video before then. He even stayed awake for most of it. I liked the movie, but liked Tangled better. So I said this after the show and he had the nerve to argue with me that Brave was so much better than Tangled. We had a debate for most of the way home, I didn't feel he had enough info to dispute, since he slept through most of Tangled. I also was a little disappointed (spoiler alert here) that there wasn't a "prince" in this one. I thought that the mean bear would turn back to human and they'd get together, since they had mentioned that he was firstborn in his clan. And what Disney princess movie doesn't have a prince?? The brothers were cute and funny and the Pixar animation was breathtaking, and the little Pixar short beforehand was really cute.

Anyhow, it was funny that two forty somethings were having an argument over a couple of Disney movies. See, I guess he is more interested than he lets on, since at least he has an opinion on the subject rather than not caring at all Oh, and incidentally, my boys were beside themselves that we went to see this when we haven't seen the Dark Knight yet, lol. They told DH that he's whipped.

Moving on, I got my Mickey notebook yesterday

Here it is:

I'm so excited for my new little journal!!

And as any good Dis'er does, I'm second guessing my plan for my solo MK day. I'm tempted to scrap the poly and contemporary lunch debate for Art of Animation I have been looking at pics for this resort since it opened, and it is so darn cute. I want to stay here on a future visit, but was thinking of just going for lunch and checking the place out. Although I'm not too keen on their cupcake choices at the moment. They have some mini 4 pks, but they don't look as good as the poly and contemporary. Ugh, why can't this just be easy. I'm wishing I had more days, but just not possible this time around. Guess I'll need to start planning another phantom trip.

 

[JennyWren]

I also was a little disappointed (spoiler alert here) that there wasn't a "prince" in this one. I thought that the mean bear would turn back to human and they'd get together, since they had mentioned that he was firstborn in his clan. And what Disney princess movie doesn't have a prince??

These were my thoughts exactly... Call me old-fashioned, but I require a prince.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Love the Mickey notebook! I have an old one I picked up at the bank to do my TR note-taking in

Congrats on starting up running again. I tried and tried to run on the treadmill this past Spring, but I found out I totally stink at it! Pain in my calves, shins ... the whole 9. If you have any tips, I'll gladly take them!

 

[shalom]

I'll have to jump on over and check it out

Please do! Although I started talking about our first trip and now it's become a "project" to my brain, so it's essentially become a trip report of a non-Disney trip. But the kids are getting a kick out of it, so whatever. And I really like the format -- so much easier to insert pictures than on LiveJournal.

I've been running on the treadmill everyday since Saturday and so far no pain, so I'm hopefull these sneakers a the right ones for me.

Good to hear! I hate shopping for shoes; I've been just buying the exact same shoes again but couldn't find them last time, and the ones I got are not cutting it. I know some people just use sandals, and I was walking in those for a while, but while I think that would work alright at Disney (assuming I manage not to stub my toe on a curb ), my favorite cushy sandals apparently have an affinity for the tree debris for a particular tree I pass on my favorite walk, so that I always have to stop and whack them clean on a post. Also can't cut across grass that's been cut recently -- I swear they've got a static charge going or something.

So really glad that you've found shoes that are working.

Haven't seen Brave yet, but I'd heard your spoiler, and I think I'm going to miss that, too. But how could your hubby possibly sleep through Tangled?

 

[lurkernj]

Oh, I just love when I check back and there's comments! Ok, I'm gonna try my first multi-quote here!!!

These were my thoughts exactly... Call me old-fashioned, but I require a prince.

Seriously, what WERE THEY THINKING!!!

Congrats on starting up running again. I tried and tried to run on the treadmill this past Spring, but I found out I totally stink at it! Pain in my calves, shins ... the whole 9. If you have any tips, I'll gladly take them!

Haha, me? give tips?....the only thing I can think of is to get comfortable shoes, it eliminates a whole level of valid excuses

Please do! Although I started talking about our first trip and now it's become a "project" to my brain, so it's essentially become a trip report of a non-Disney trip. But the kids are getting a kick out of it, so whatever. And I really like the format -- so much easier to insert pictures than on LiveJournal.



Good to hear! I hate shopping for shoes; I've been just buying the exact same shoes again but couldn't find them last time, and the ones I got are not cutting it. I know some people just use sandals, and I was walking in those for a while, but while I think that would work alright at Disney (assuming I manage not to stub my toe on a curb ), my favorite cushy sandals apparently have an affinity for the tree debris for a particular tree I pass on my favorite walk, so that I always have to stop and whack them clean on a post. Also can't cut across grass that's been cut recently -- I swear they've got a static charge going or something.

So really glad that you've found shoes that are working.

Haven't seen Brave yet, but I'd heard your spoiler, and I think I'm going to miss that, too. But how could your hubby possibly sleep through Tangled?

I promise I will go check out your report this weekend, and leave a comment! It's so much easier to do one than I thought! I haven't done one before because I thought I wouldn't be able to figure out how to do all this stuff like photos, multi quotes, etc. And also, it helps to have readers so I'm not just babbling to myself

As far as shoes, I hate shoe shopping too. I have Fred Flintstone feet, they are short and fat (and I was born with some of them being webbed together so there are ugly scars on some of them, gross), and it's difficult to find something I'm comfortable in for long periods of time. For Disney, I wear croc flip flops and I love them. If they get wet, I'm not slopping around in wet socks/sneakers. For exercise, I do really need sneakers, unless I'm walking with DH, since he's pretty slow I can get away with the crocs.

I have no idea how he could sleep through Tangled, then have the nerve to say it wasn't any good I'm gonna have to make him watch it again

 

[lurkernj]

So, I'm only 51, that's right 51 Days away!!!!

And my mother-in-law calls me Wednesday to see how much she would lose if she needed to cancel

Her brother(DHs uncle, obviously) who lives about 2 hours away, had surgery a couple of weeks ago to remove something cancerous from his bladder He will be having another scan on Sept 10, and if they find it has grown back or spread, he will need to start chemo, and they said they would send him to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. She wouldn't be able to go away and enjoy herself if this is taking place while we are away. Totally understandable. Also, she is a retired nurse and would more than likely be at his side during this. He is her only sibling and they are very close.

We don't know how quickly any of this will take place after the 10th(only 13 days before our trip), if they even find anything at all. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that he's clean and they will be going with us. She will lose her return airfare (flights there were booked on SW with points, so not worried about those), and they'll possibly lose their $200 deposit on their package. She will wait til they know for sure in Sept.

I asked DH what he would want to do if they don't go, and he said we should go anyway since we would lose close to $900 (return flights x 4, plus package deposit, plus MNSSHP tix).

We'll just keep hoping and praying he is ok.

Anyways, onto happier topics. For the Saturday night of our trip (the 29th), we have a possible Ohana res for 8 ppl, if we spend that night with our friends that live there. When I booked it, I didn't think about our friends parents, who are MILs former neighbors for over 30 years, so we were 2 ppl short. I figured I'd never be able to get a res for 10, so I'd just let the boys go to WPE then Quest, BUT, last night I was messing around with the dining reservation site and found a res for 10ppl at 5:20!!!! A little earlier than I'd like, but I'm shocked there was anything at all for that many ppl. Not even sure how this night will even work out, if we'll even see these people, but at least now I'm covered. DH will probably contact her in the next two weeks to let them know we are coming, and hopefully plan a time to visit.

 

[shalom]

She wouldn't be able to go away and enjoy herself if this is taking place while we are away. Totally understandable. Also, she is a retired nurse and would more than likely be at his side during this.

And he will be glad to have her; chemo is a pain, just about everyone brings along someone to hang out with even if they don't need help. I'm glad your MIL can be there for him, but I so hope it doesn't come to that!

I asked DH what he would want to do if they don't go, and he said we should go anyway since we would lose close to $900 (return flights x 4, plus package deposit, plus MNSSHP tix).

I expect that's what your MIL and hubby's uncle would want, anyhow. But, oh, what a bummer. Joining you in hoping and praying that the surgery was effective.

around with the dining reservation site and found a res for 10ppl at 5:20!!!!

There's a thread going in the Dining Board right now on whether people can get ADRs at the last minute (i.e., a day or two ahead of time/morning of), and there are some interesting stories in there and in the dining review thread someone linked to from there that I'm slowly toddling through. No one yet has pointed out that most of the success stories are small parties, though (I keep thinking about it ), and Ohana's remains on the list of, "If you want it, better make the reservation" restaurants.

So congrats! Hope everyone makes it to that and you have a great time.

 

[lurkernj]

And he will be glad to have her; chemo is a pain, just about everyone brings along someone to hang out with even if they don't need help. I'm glad your MIL can be there for him, but I so hope it doesn't come to that! Yes, I'm sure he'll be glad to have her there. He does have a wife too, who will also be there, but with MIL being a former nurse, it's a help to us all (a pain for the Drs, but good for us)


I expect that's what your MIL and hubby's uncle would want, anyhow. But, oh, what a bummer. Joining you in hoping and praying that the surgery was effective Thanks!


There's a thread going in the Dining Board right now on whether people can get ADRs at the last minute (i.e., a day or two ahead of time/morning of), and there are some interesting stories in there and in the dining review thread someone linked to from there that I'm slowly toddling through. No one yet has pointed out that most of the success stories are small parties, though (I keep thinking about it ), and Ohana's remains on the list of, "If you want it, better make the reservation" restaurants.

So congrats! Hope everyone makes it to that and you have a great time.

I couldn't believe that I got this res this close!

 

[BearcatsFan]

So, I'm only 51, that's right 51 Days away!!!!

And my mother-in-law calls me Wednesday to see how much she would lose if she needed to cancel

Her brother(DHs uncle, obviously) who lives about 2 hours away, had surgery a couple of weeks ago to remove something cancerous from his bladder He will be having another scan on Sept 10, and if they find it has grown back or spread, he will need to start chemo, and they said they would send him to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. She wouldn't be able to go away and enjoy herself if this is taking place while we are away. Totally understandable. Also, she is a retired nurse and would more than likely be at his side during this. He is her only sibling and they are very close.

We don't know how quickly any of this will take place after the 10th(only 13 days before our trip), if they even find anything at all. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that he's clean and they will be going with us. She will lose her return airfare (flights there were booked on SW with points, so not worried about those), and they'll possibly lose their $200 deposit on their package. She will wait til they know for sure in Sept.

I asked DH what he would want to do if they don't go, and he said we should go anyway since we would lose close to $900 (return flights x 4, plus package deposit, plus MNSSHP tix).

We'll just keep hoping and praying he is ok.

Anyways, onto happier topics. For the Saturday night of our trip (the 29th), we have a possible Ohana res for 8 ppl, if we spend that night with our friends that live there. When I booked it, I didn't think about our friends parents, who are MILs former neighbors for over 30 years, so we were 2 ppl short. I figured I'd never be able to get a res for 10, so I'd just let the boys go to WPE then Quest, BUT, last night I was messing around with the dining reservation site and found a res for 10ppl at 5:20!!!! A little earlier than I'd like, but I'm shocked there was anything at all for that many ppl. Not even sure how this night will even work out, if we'll even see these people, but at least now I'm covered. DH will probably contact her in the next two weeks to let them know we are coming, and hopefully plan a time to visit.

So sorry to hear about your DH's uncle. I said a prayer for him and your family.

And let me just say HOLY MOLY! How did you score Ohana for 8? Go you!

 

[lurkernj]

I'm back! Only 47 more days to go


Let's see, I'm starting my packing list, which isn't very long yet, so I won't post it. I generally don't put shorts, underwear, socks on there, as that's a given. I see some of these lists people post on the boards and I'm simply amazed. How do you fit it all in your suitcases?? I suppose if you're driving, you have more space

I've been working out a separate plan for if MIL cancels. Just a few modifications like where I would dine when alone. I was thinking I would cancel Whispering canyon and make a Narcoosee's reservation. I would have our original 4 credits for Whispering Canyon, plus the 4 I was going to use with MIL before the guys got there, giving me 8 credits. But, I was thinking to just use 6 credits at Narcoosees, having the boys split the surf/turf (one likes steak, and the other likes lobster), and order a Mickey mac/cheese, and a separate dessert to supplement. Me and DS11 did this the year we went alone and it worked out great. I know the steak portion is small, but he could have most of mine too.

This would give me 2 credits to use alone. I was thinking of either Liberty tree lunch, or Ohana dinner (if we don't see our friends on Saturday) on my MK day. Then keep Boma on my DHS day. and not have a TS on my Epcot 1/2 day, just counter service, which would be better anyway since I won't have much Epcot time. I won't cancel anything with them until I know for sure what their plan is, but I was thinking to add a couple of things just in case.



There is currently not a res open for Narcoosees, but I'll keep trying and just make it when I see it, then cancel which ever one we aren't going to use once MIL knows what she is going to do.

Well, if nothing else, it gives me something trip related to do. It's always extremely satisfying to get a res on short notice.

Oh, and I get to pay my balance off on Thursday Actually, I might do it today since my credit card statement ended Sunday, so it doesn't really matter if I do it today or Thursday.

 

[lurkernj]

So sorry to hear about your DH's uncle. I said a prayer for him and your family. Thanks

And let me just say HOLY MOLY! How did you score Ohana for 8? Go you!

Actually it was 10!!!! I know, I was shocked!!!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Actually it was 10!!!! I know, I was shocked!!!!

10? I must have read wrong. This is for you:

 

[shalom]

I generally don't put shorts, underwear, socks on there, as that's a given.

I had to put them on the list when I started doing lists for my kids when they were old enough to pick out their own outfits -- apparently, not so much a given as I thought. Mind you, my eldest will go without shoes if she can get away with it.

I see some of these lists people post on the boards and I'm simply amazed.

Ditto, but the ones that really get me are the people who are on the Disney Dining Plan in the summer. Where do they put it all?

How do you fit it all in your suitcases?? I suppose if you're driving, you have more space

I think it also depends on how many you've got in the vehicle. And how high you're willing to pile it! I read some of those lists and imagine those vans you pass sometimes where the back and some side windows are blocked, plus there are two suitcases on the rooftop. Maybe the suitcases are meant to discourage tailgating. But we travel with seven people in a seven passenger van; I expect a lot of those people do have more space.

Oh, and I get to pay my balance off on Thursday

 

[Dancegrl624]

When I make my packing list, I do have to put down the obvious. I'm a list maker by nature. I have post it notes all over my dresser!!! You should see my packing list....I think it's now at 4 pages and there are 2 columns on each page!!! My DD and DS each have a page to themselves. On my last page, I have a list of things to do before we leave, what to pack in our carry-ons and park bags, etc. I like to cross things off as I pack (I only pack the day before we leave).

 

[lurkernj]

10? I must have read wrong. This is for you:

Thanks, I'm quite the ADR stalker when I want one.

I think it also depends on how many you've got in the vehicle. And how high you're willing to pile it! I read some of those lists and imagine those vans you pass sometimes where the back and some side windows are blocked, plus there are two suitcases on the rooftop. Maybe the suitcases are meant to discourage tailgating. But we travel with seven people in a seven passenger van; I expect a lot of those people do have more space.

Seven people in a seven passenger van That must be a fun ride

When I make my packing list, I do have to put down the obvious. I'm a list maker by nature. I have post it notes all over my dresser!!! You should see my packing list....I think it's now at 4 pages and there are 2 columns on each page!!! My DD and DS each have a page to themselves. On my last page, I have a list of things to do before we leave, what to pack in our carry-ons and park bags, etc. I like to cross things off as I pack (I only pack the day before we leave).

four pages I guess with a younger one, I could see needing a lot more stuff. I think now that we're older and the kids are older, we try to pack just one large suitcase, and each of us will pack a carryon. We even managed this last year when we went to Hawaii for two weeks (we had a washer/dryer for one of the weeks). I can definitely appreciate the art of crossing things off though. It does feel like a sense of accomplishment

 

[BearcatsFan]

Did you get your balance paid off yesterday?

 

[somesong2sing]

Thanks for joining in BearcatsFan!!

I know there are lurkers out there, it's ok, I'm often a lurker too.

I'm thinking DH must be thinking it's not manly to love Disney. He can pretend all he wants, I know he likes it too, maybe not as much as me, but I'm working on it.

Yeah, they don't seem to get the Disney food obsession, which is why I love the Dis.

My other half thinks hes too "Manly" for Disney too. However, I do think its boiling inside him to be just as excited as me and the kids. haha
11 I can't wait until all the hidden excitment pops out of him when we get there. He's just like a big kid anyway even though he looks like Vin Diesel! I told him to watch the movie, "The Pacifier" so he could see that even manly guys to fun things!!

 

[lurkernj]

44 days to go!!!!!!

I can't believe it is coming so fast now!!! I'm starting to get that feeling that I'm not doing enough to get ready, so I think this weekend I shall get moving. That broken suitcase is still sitting by the front door waiting for me to take it to see if it can be fixed. I think I'll work on my lists, and maybe even start packing the bathroom bag (advil, anti-itch stuff, shampoo, stuff we won't be using).

I haven't been able to procure the Narcoossee's backup res to replace Whispering canyon yet. It's just a back up plan, so I'm not stalking as much as I usually do. I'm still going under the assumption that MIL is still coming with us.

DH left this morning for Baltimore with the boys to go see an Orioles game with a couple of dads and their sons, so I will have peace and quiet today, tonight, and tomorrow morning I think this will be a good time to get in the attic and check out the suitcase scenario and make sure we have enough carryons for each of us with or without the broken one. I also think I'll watch a disney movie or two. Which one will it be???? Hmmm, I'll have to see if I can find a vcr that works in my house, cause I really want to see Cinderella, and only have it in VHS (til October). I always enjoyed watching the Sword in the Stone with the boys when they were little, so maybe that one. I think it's very under-rated

I'm still continuing with my running/walking regimen, trying to get into better shape. It appears that I've lost 3 lbs in the last two weeks. Not too bad, but I was hoping for more since I've exercised every day but one, plus eating quite a bit better (notice no cupcake photos lately). Seems like an aweful lot of effort for such a small result!! I just saw the newer info for the Tower of Terror 10 mile that will be going on while I'm there and I just love, love, love that medal!!! Look at it, it glows in the dark!!

I want one.

So I think I'll need to stick with the running thing so I can talk DH into going next year so I can get one. Oh, and next year it will be 2013, even better.

We were talking the other night after I read the announcement regarding the FLE opening dates, and I said I wanted to go back in 2014 when the mine train opens, and he actually said he does too He's such a fake. I know he loves Disney too. I'm guessing if I'm actually able to run 10 miles, he'd go back sooner though.

 

[lurkernj]

Did you get your balance paid off yesterday?

I ended up doing it on Tuesday Getting so excited now! It seems so official. Then I was reading other threads where people are getting their Mickey mail around the 35-45 day mark, so I'm very much looking forward to that I even get excited when they sent me the vacation DVD, or when I get my movie club info each month, I just love getting anything Disney in the mail, but when it's trip related, it's just 10 times better

My other half thinks hes too "Manly" for Disney too. However, I do think its boiling inside him to be just as excited as me and the kids. haha
11 I can't wait until all the hidden excitment pops out of him when we get there. He's just like a big kid anyway even though he looks like Vin Diesel! I told him to watch the movie, "The Pacifier" so he could see that even manly guys to fun things!!

Welcome aboard

Haha, I just love it when manly men let down their "cool". It's pretty hot

 

[BearcatsFan]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your Narcoosee's back-up ADR. You seem to have a knack for getting the hard-to-get places though (Ohana for 10 ), so either you are incredibly lucky or doggedly persistent!

LOVE the medal! Can see why you would want it. I gotta give you huge kudos on the walking/running AND on the 3 pound loss. <jealous> (wish we had a clapping smiley, but this will have to do)

Enjoy your quiet time!