Am I crazy? I might be... but I do it for the Mouse!!! Grand Gathering PTR w/new pics

[hmdavid]

Yay! I got my travel docs today! Wow... I just realized how much I still have to do in the next month! I need to get in gear! I am hoping to post a lengthier update this weekend!

 

[hmdavid]

Hi! I am finally back! It figures that I would finally start my PTR and life would get crazy! Oh well, it keeps me on my toes!

If my ticker were working today, it would say that there is one month until our Grand Gathering... ONE MONTH!!! I am not sure if I can contain my excitement but I am also a little nervous about all that I still have to do before we leave ! I am a procrastinator of the worst kind... the kind that works REALLY well under pressure. I think that subconciously I procrastinate because I know that I do my best work with a deadline looming. At least that is what I like to think! Anywho, this means that to pull off the perfect family vacation with something for everyone, surprises at every turn and can turn even the "non-Disney" members of our party into Disney FANATICS, I have a lot to do.

I swear that I will finish this installment tonight, but the timer is going off in the kitchen so I think I should tend to that. i might even throw in a few more pictures. More to come tonight...

 

[hmdavid]

Back again and it looks like my ticker is working! One month to go with lots to do!!!

We originally had thought this trip would happen sometime next year and I had slowly started researching the best options for our group of 11 people. However, right after we returned from our Disney trip in March, we found out that DH would be deploying to Iraq again. It is something we were expecting, so we were not too shocked when the orders came.

We have been a little spoiled since he came back from his first Iraq deployment. We moved back from Germany and moved to Arizona for a few months where he attended a school, then we moved WAY north, away from a military installation where he has held a non-deployable position for the past two years. So, I cannot complain. We are a military family and it is our turn again. But, our Disney vacation with DH's family would either have to happen in his time off before he leaves or not until he gets back in what will likely be early 2010! What to do ??? JUMP ON THE FREE DINING WAGON!!! That is what you do!

Great... we booked a trip for Free Dining a few days before the end of the promotion and were able to score some SWEET ADR's even though we are a large party and booked late. I actually felt like I should buy a lottery ticket when I scored some of the ADR's that I have! Had I been able to get CRT, I would have been on my way to the convenience store to make the purchase. No luck, have to save something for next time! Downfall is that instead of a year to plan, I only have a couple of months total! No worries, things are falling in place nicely. My biggest problem (besides the already mentioned procrastinator in me) is that I keep finding cute projects to make for the kids in the Creative DISigns forum, which I have not yet started (imagine that!).

Wow! If you have not been down to their little corner of the DIS, I suggest scrolling down or clicking here. They are SOOOOOOOOO talented and generous! Holla to everyone who has DISigned something for my trip! You ROCK!!!

So, there you have it. The reason that we are headed back to the World for a second time in a year. I know, I know... we don't need a REASON to go to the World... silly me!

Up next... where are we staying, where are we eating, will we or won't we go to MNSSHP and how do I plan to get all of these projects finished in the next month.

Plus, just to make things interesting, we are moving! Wouldn't want to ever be bored!

Stay tuned!!!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Wow! Only a month to go - so exciting! I too work well under pressure and procrastinate every single time. I always try to convince myself that it would be so much easier to get things done ahead of time but it never seems to happen. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans and see some of your creations!

Also wanted to give a big THANK YOU to your husband (and your family) for his military service.

 

[hmdavid]

Wow! Only a month to go - so exciting! I too work well under pressure and procrastinate every single time. I always try to convince myself that it would be so much easier to get things done ahead of time but it never seems to happen. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your plans and see some of your creations!

Also wanted to give a big THANK YOU to your husband (and your family) for his military service.

I am so glad that I am not alone in the "I can do it later club"! You do not have long to wait for your trip, either!!!

for the !!!!!!!

 

[hmdavid]

Here is how we are thinking we will spend our days in Disney... all input and advice is welcome!!!

Day 1... my family arrives in the afternoon, so we will hang out at the pool and visit Downtown Disney. HAVE to go to Earl of Sandwich right away. I am hooked after eating there only once.

We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort and hopefully the new pool will be open. The kiddos would be thrilled!!! They told me September 15th when I booked, but the "official" thread over in the Resorts Forum is saying it could be sooner. We come in after the 15th so I am crossing my fingers that it is open!

The rest of our group will arrive at the resort LATE on day 1. However, we have requested connecting rooms with DMIL and DFIL so that one of our 3 girls can sleep in their room, so we will likely see them when they arrive.

Does anyone know if I can check in to their room for them so that the little monkey can get some sleep before they arrive?


Day 2... This will likely be the day that my SIL will enjoy the most. She is not so much a "Disney person" but is definitely a cocktail girl and we will be at EPCOT on this day. I planned it this way mainly so that I could break her in with a tour around the World Showcase, and a tour of the World's adult bevvies!

The kids will LOVE this day, too. I have a lunch ADR at Akershus for the Princess Storybook Lunch. All of those princesses in one place! After this, we will try to get to the Disney Visa Character thingie.

The schedule for every day includes pool time. So we will head back to the resort at this point, swim a little, maybe take a nap and shower. Then it will be back to EPCOT for the evening and evening EMH.

My DH had only one request and that was to eat at Biergarten. It looks like a ton of fun and we have not had German food since we moved back from Germany so we are super excited about eating here. It is a late ressie so we will have had plenty of time to recover from lunch and to be ready for German beer!!! I was told by Dining that we can step out to see Illuminations, so hopefully this is true.

Anyone know if you can see Illuminations well from Germany?

Day 3... MIL's Bday!!!
I have not decided what we will do on this day. We will either head to Downtown Disney in the AM or over to MK for the morning. I think it will be DTD so that the guys can maybe golf. Guess I should check on a tee time. Add that to the "to do list".

I have an early ADR at Jiko on this night. I think it is at 5:30. This is the meal that I am the most excited about. I think it will be a great place to celebrate the big birthday! One of my twins really wants to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I couldn't make that happen, but at least she will get to see it! All 5 of the kids are dining pros, so I think they will be fine at a Signature. I hope so!!!

After dinner, we will head to MK for Spectro and Wishes or to the Poly to have a couple more adult bevvies and watch the Electric Parade. It depends on what time we get done with dinner.

Should be a Magical Birthday for DMIL. It never hurts to be the daughter-in-law planning a great birthday!!!

I really want to order a cake, but am not sure when to do it. If we use TS credits for dinner, dessert is included. However we might be paying OOP for Jiko. If this is the case, I guess we can do cake at dinner.

Day 4... If we see Spectromagic on day 3, this will be our MK day. Morning at MK followed by resort time and eveing EMH at MK. I have an ADR for 6 people at The Cinderella meal at the Grand Floridian and I have been STALKING Disney Dining trying to get a bigger party size. No luck so far. I have been attempting a trade over on the Restaurant Board, but so far no luck there either.

I will not give up!!!

We will eat with Prince Charming!

If we did not see Spectro on day 3, we will do the MK on day 5 which is a day that Spectro runs.

Day 5 (possibly day 4)... DHS day. I am so excited for this day!
I cannot wait to ride ToT and see the Muppets!!! DD4 loves Wall E, so we will be looking for the photo op with him and we will hopefully get a photo with Prince Caspian. The older girls will love that!

We plan to eat at ESPN Club for the guys on this day, either lunch or dinner, not sure which one. We can be flexible since they don't take ADR's.

Not sure if we will see Fantasmic or not. My DD's get a little scared. We will either skip it or send the kids back to the resort with the grandparents so that the rest of us can see it and maybe make a stop at Jelly rolls on the way back!

Day 6... Last full day
Chef Mickey's for breakfast!!! DN4 loves Mickey and the gang thanks to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, so she will be on ! I think we will all love it! This one is EARLY in the morning so hopefully we can get to bed fairly early the night before because we have a full day.

This is also AK day. We will head there after Chef Mickey's and hopefully will be there for rope drop or soon after. We will stay until noonish, then head back for some pool time and a quick nap.

We have a O'hana ADR at 4:20 and then we are off to celebrate Halloween with Mickey at MNSSHP!!! I still have to get the kids costumes and figure out if the adults will be dressing up. If we do, we will probably be Mouseketeers as it is easy to pack and I don't want to pay for more bags than I have to!!!

Day 7... Departure Day
Ok, right now I think I will be crying buckets, but after a week with my in-laws, I might just be ready to leave!


I highly doubt it , though.

We will head to AK again this morning so that we can eat at Tusker House for Donald's Safari Breakfast. Should be a fun way to spend our last morning before heading back to the resort to hop on ME.

There it is, the itinerary for the trip.

What do you think?

 

[coconutsunshine]

I think you itinerary looks great!! How sweet of you to plan such a nice day for your mother-in-law, she's lucky to have you

I will make two suggestion, at DHS your DN might enjoy Playhouse Disney as the cast from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is supposed to be in it. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, I've never actually seen Playhouse Disney. As well the new ride, Toy Story Mania is supposed to be Fantastic!! Again I don't know too much about it, I want to be surprised when I ride it , but I heard it is supposed to be excellent.

Sounds like a great plan to me. You have ADR's for great restaurants and you're not trying to do "too much". You are going to have a fantastic trip!!! I'll have to keep an eye out for you, I think we may be down around the same time!!

 

[hmdavid]

Thanks for the suggestions! Those two attractions will definitely be a part of our DHS day!!! I am sooooooo excited for Toy Story Mania!

Definitely keep an eye out for me, it looks like our trips will overlap! Yours is coming up VERY quickly!

I think you itinerary looks great!! How sweet of you to plan such a nice day for your mother-in-law, she's lucky to have you

I will make two suggestion, at DHS your DN might enjoy Playhouse Disney as the cast from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is supposed to be in it. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, I've never actually seen Playhouse Disney. As well the new ride, Toy Story Mania is supposed to be Fantastic!! Again I don't know too much about it, I want to be surprised when I ride it , but I heard it is supposed to be excellent.

Sounds like a great plan to me. You have ADR's for great restaurants and you're not trying to do "too much". You are going to have a fantastic trip!!! I'll have to keep an eye out for you, I think we may be down around the same time!!

 

[coconutsunshine]

I'm so excited for Toy Story Mania as well, I know DH is going to love it!! He doesn't know much about it so he's going to come off that ride so pumped!!!

I'll watch out for you guys for sure!! What night are you going to MNSSHP??

 

[hmdavid]

I'm so excited for Toy Story Mania as well, I know DH is going to love it!! He doesn't know much about it so he's going to come off that ride so pumped!!!

I'll watch out for you guys for sure!! What night are you going to MNSSHP??

We will be there on 9/23. YAY! I can't wait!!! Are you going?

 

[coconutsunshine]

We will be there on 9/23. YAY! I can't wait!!! Are you going?

Our last day is the 22nd, but we are going to MNSSHP on the 16th!! I'm excited, we've never been before!! I can't get DH to wear a costume, he keeps saying he'll be too hot, and a hot DH is a cranky DH, so I must obey!! I think I'll make us some tshirts though!!

We'll be in the MK on the 21st though, and it says in your itinerary - day 4 that you might be there as well, so hopefully I'll spy you guys having lots of fun!!!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Your plans look great! Sounds like you have everything planned out just right. I have heard so much about Earl of Sandwich - must try next time!

 

[hmdavid]

Our last day is the 22nd, but we are going to MNSSHP on the 16th!! I'm excited, we've never been before!! I can't get DH to wear a costume, he keeps saying he'll be too hot, and a hot DH is a cranky DH, so I must obey!! I think I'll make us some tshirts though!!

We'll be in the MK on the 21st though, and it says in your itinerary - day 4 that you might be there as well, so hopefully I'll spy you guys having lots of fun!!!

That will likely be our MK day since it is an EMH night and we don't have hoppers. If we miss Spectro on the night before, I will probably just have to deal with it! Be on the lookout for me! I will be carrying a fuschia hipster type bag. If I remember I will print out a lime mickey head from the DISigns board and tie it on my bag!

Your plans look great! Sounds like you have everything planned out just right. I have heard so much about Earl of Sandwich - must try next time!

Let's hope that the plans go off without a hitch and that Mother Nature cooperates! Earl of Sandwich is sooooooo good! Even the kids sandwiches are yummy. They are heated so the peanut butter and jelly is so good! My personal fave is the tuna, though!

 

[hmdavid]

I am beyond stressed this morning. We have just recently decided that while DH is deployed, I will move back to my hometown with the girlies so that I am closer to family. DH will not be returning to our current location when he comes back from Iraq, we will then be moving to San Antonio. So, it does make sense but I have been having a hard time wrapping my mind around living in my hometown again. Both sets of grandparents will be close and I still have a lot of friends in the area, so that will be nice. However, our twins will be going in to 1st grade and this is a lot of moving for them, much more than typically happens in the military. On top of that, I really LOVE where we are now. We live on a lake and it is so much fun, but the winters are rough and there is a lot of upkeep on the house that we are in that I will be doing or paying someone else to do.

Did I mention that all of this will be happening the week after we get back from our vacation?

I finally was starting to be ok with moving when I was blindsided by two things. First there are not any decent rental houses available. NONE. We were hoping to just rent since we will only be there for 18 months at most. My options now are to buy or live with my parents. The latter really isn't an option if I still want to be on speaking terms with my Mother! So, we are now in the process of looking for a house long distance. We will be going home Labor Day weekend sothat we can look at a few and make our decision so that we can be in something the first week of October . This is going to be a quick process!!!

Second, we have been looking at houses in certain school zones, knowing that there are certain elementary schools that are better than others. It is a smallish town and there are 6 public elementary schools and three faith based private schools. 3 of the publics are definitely more desirable than the other three. Turns out that it doesn't matter what area we buy in, the schools I want my girls in are full and the girls will be open enrolled and bussed to one of the remaining, less desirable locations. However, they did say that the schools of choice might open up after Labor Day. keep your fingers crossed for us!

So, I need to do something for our trip today to get my mind off of the move. I will be calling Dining, yet again, to see if 1900 Park Fare has opened up. I doubt it, but you never know.

I am a Disney Dining stalker. It would be scary to know how many times I have called them since June. The number is programmed in to my cell phone. I will continue to stalk them until I get what I want. I will continue calling until the day that I need the ressie. After all, that is what all good DISers do, right?

Maybe I will even get started on some of the shirts that I am making with some of the DISigns from our friends, the Creative DISers. Right now, I am making the kids a shirt for each day of the trip and I have had to cut back! I have enough cute images that I could make them shirts for an entire month!

I guess I should get sarted creating and dialing! Hope you have a good day!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Sorry about all the stress you are having about your upcoming move(s). I'm sure it will all work out - it's just the massive stress trying to get it all figured out. How nice to be able to be close to so much family while your hubby is gone though.

Any dining changes? Glad to know I'm not the only one who stalks disney dining!

 

[hmdavid]

Sorry about all the stress you are having about your upcoming move(s). I'm sure it will all work out - it's just the massive stress trying to get it all figured out. How nice to be able to be close to so much family while your hubby is gone though.

Any dining changes? Glad to know I'm not the only one who stalks disney dining!

You are definitely not the only one stalking Dining! A couple of days ago the woman that I spoke with remembered me from a previous day!

No luck in getting different ADR's. If I could just pick up 1900 Park Fare I would be sooooo happy, but if I do not get it, it will not be the end of the world! I am sure that we will be visiting again and we can eat there on the next trip!

I am a little less stressed today. We are heading to Iowa this weekend to look at houses on Sunday afternoon. It will be a VERY quick trip, down tomorrow and back on Monday morning. I am definitely not looking for my dream house, just something nice in a good neighborhood to get us through the next 18 months. Choices are limited, but there are a couple we are definitely interested in. Hope they look good in person! It is so hard to tell online!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!!!

 

[hmdavid]

I am so excited.... the ticker says three weeks!

Oh so much to do yet!

Still trying to add to our 1900 Park Fare dinner on the 21st so that the whole group can go. I have 6, so at least someone can take the kids, but it would be nice if all of the adults can go, too.

Still need to make the shirts for the kids... procrastinating... imagine that!

Still need to stock up on $$$ store goodies for little surprises.

Will I get it all done? Of course, but I think it will be a race to the finish!