Baseball and Magic! Mar 2014 PTR, Um- make that TWO trips please!

[francis6306]

Just gonna do it… why wait? We all know I'm going to do this anyway…

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Christen! I'm thoroughly addicted to Disney, and I have no shame! This will be our THIRD trip as a family!

Dec 2010


Nov 2012


And our NEXT trip??

March 2014!

Wait, you need to know who else you are looking at in those pictures, huh? Okay, well, there is my DH, Corey. He is 34 and is the marching band director at EIU (I'd try and keep that a secret, but we wear EIU gear all the time! You are bound to see it...). We live in the middle of the cornfields in Illinois.

Cortlyn and Catie are my beautiful daughters! Cortlyn is 5 and Catie is 2. They have each been twice- IF you count that first trip when I was pregnant with her in 2010!

When? Okay, so looks like we'll be there March 9-15. We are going during college spring break! YAY! Mardi Gras will be the week before, and with Easter falling late this year, I'm hoping for a less than crowded spring break trip!!

 

[francis6306]

So, a little history… this little obsession started with my best friend Shelley. She is a bit addicted to WDW herself and we decided to go on a trip together back in 2010. It was WONDERFUL and my husband totally understood why I always wanted to go to Disney and I fell head over heels in love with the parks! I figured we'd go in 2010 and then again in several years after we had our baby- that I was 19 weeks pregnant with at the time! I had no idea that we'd end up back there just 2 years later. Of course, on paper, I'm convincing myself that every 2 years is totally reasonable… and forgetting that the MATH says that we're really going to be going twice in 18 months!

This trip happened when we were sitting around and my husband was watching ESPN (And I was writing my last TR I believe…) and he says "Look- the Braves are at Disney NOW for spring training. Why didn't we go at spring break?" Okay, so… sure. We can go at Spring break…

So, we talked and decided that 2015 would be fine, BUT if we went in 2014, then Catie would still be free. Would it be crazy to go in 2014? I mean, we JUST went… but she'd be free…… sooo….. Here we are… in the planning stages of a 2014 trip!

And my husband told me that we wouldn't be one of THOSE families that travel to Disney all the time…..

 

[jenseib]

Hoping I am first ...now to go and read!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Oh what a fool he was thinking that. My husband still thinks that too.

 

[francis6306]

Hoping I am first ...now to go and read!!!!

Oh what a fool he was thinking that. My husband still thinks that too.

YAY!

Skip needs a dose of reality!! I'll just have it noted for the record that THIS trip was Corey's idea… you know, when he comes back and wants to fuss about this trip!

 

[jenseib]

Oh and we are going to miss each other by exactly one week. That sucks ....again.

 

[francis6306]

Oh and we are going to miss each other by exactly one week. That sucks ....again.

I cannot BELIEVE that we are so close yet so far away yet again!

 

[waltsgirl4ever]

So in! I was debating on joining and making a PTR for my May trip next year but thought it might be too early.. Then I stumbled upon your PTR!So I thought, if she can do it at a little less than a year then why shouldn't I?! Can't wait to read along

 

[sbprincess]

Hello friend!

I was watching the Tony's when you texted me last night. Did you see the Cinderella performance?!?! Sigh...I wish I lived in NYC...or Orlando.

I didn't get a chance to call you yesterday. Why do Sundays always fly by? So, I brought up my idea of Daytona/APs to Brian over dinner on Saturday night. HE DIDN'T SAY NO!!!!! He didn't say yes. I think his exact response was to roll his eyes, smile, and say "we'll see." And then he started reminding me of all of the unknowns. But then we started talking more about the college program.

So, whether I get to go within the next year or not, I will live vicariously through you!

OH - and I found out yesterday, Lindsay and Anthony are planning to take Hunter to WDW over July 4th weekend. I think it's a horrible idea for several reasons. But we both know my sister...

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm here! Getting ready for work but I'll be back to read the details and will comment more then.

 

[francis6306]

So in! I was debating on joining and making a PTR for my May trip next year but thought it might be too early.. Then I stumbled upon your PTR!So I thought, if she can do it at a little less than a year then why shouldn't I?! Can't wait to read along

I figure I actually have some things to "think" about… and trust me- once you join an start writing, it becomes a bit addictive!

Hello friend!

I was watching the Tony's when you texted me last night. Did you see the Cinderella performance?!?! Sigh...I wish I lived in NYC...or Orlando.

I didn't get a chance to call you yesterday. Why do Sundays always fly by? So, I brought up my idea of Daytona/APs to Brian over dinner on Saturday night. HE DIDN'T SAY NO!!!!! He didn't say yes. I think his exact response was to roll his eyes, smile, and say "we'll see." And then he started reminding me of all of the unknowns. But then we started talking more about the college program.

So, whether I get to go within the next year or not, I will live vicariously through you!

OH - and I found out yesterday, Lindsay and Anthony are planning to take Hunter to WDW over July 4th weekend. I think it's a horrible idea for several reasons. But we both know my sister...

Hi my best friend!!! He DIDN'T SAY NO!!!!!!

I forgot about the Tony's, until they were half over and Corey was watching something else. I could kick myself. I KNEW they were last night too, because I have another Disfriend who is IN NYC right now and posted pictures on FB about it. Stupid!

I'm here! Getting ready for work but I'll be back to read the details and will comment more then.

Awe! Yay, Lisa! You have are so sweet!

 

[francis6306]

So, we've settled the whole "when" and "why" part of this trip- Let's discuss the "where"!

So, I have stayed at Pop twice (Both times with my best friend Shelley!) and Art of Animation once. I have a laundry list of Deluxe and Mod resorts that I would LOVE to stay at, but I'm trying to keep this trip on the budget. And you know, we loved Pop. However. My husband is somewhat obsessed about the idea of staying at All Stars Sports. And since we're going for the WHOLE reason of him getting to watch baseball spring training AND this trip WAS his idea. I'm inclined to let him pick. You know… let him be involved and everything, right??? So, I've done some research, and I think that we'll be happy with Football section, Building 10- which is roughly in the same location as our building 10 at Pop that we enjoyed so much. BOY are those All Stars are all laid out crazy! Of course, I KNOW that Pop is technically closer to the ESPN-WWOS area where the ballgames will be played, but I'm trying to let Corey have some ownership…

Unless of course we can get a good discount. Which means that I will really try and push for my Moderate dream of Port Orleans Riverside- Heck, maybe even a Princess Room if I can really push it!

So, any experience with All Stars Sports is appreciated- of course, GOOD experience! I know that their QS if going through a reno this fall, so hopefully by March, they will have everything done and all the kinks worked out of the new system!

 

[waltsgirl4ever]

I started my PTR last night, thanks for that little push! I stayed at All Star Sports when I was ten..(almost 8 years ago) I loved it! I know they changed I think a bit since then.. But from what I remember it was a really nice place to stay

 

[mickeystoontown]

Okie dokie, I'm back after getting caught up. My sis-in-law and family stayed at Sports (same time as we were at CBR) and they really like it. They are sports fanatics and the theming was wonderful to them. She said that they ran into bus issues twice but, other than that, they enjoyed the resort immensely. We drove over to pick them up one night and it looked cool!

 

[francis6306]

I started my PTR last night, thanks for that little push! I stayed at All Star Sports when I was ten..(almost 8 years ago) I loved it! I know they changed I think a bit since then.. But from what I remember it was a really nice place to stay

YAY! I will come find your report!

Okie dokie, I'm back after getting caught up. My sis-in-law and family stayed at Sports (same time as we were at CBR) and they really like it. They are sports fanatics and the theming was wonderful to them. She said that they ran into bus issues twice but, other than that, they enjoyed the resort immensely. We drove over to pick them up one night and it looked cool!

Woohoo! Well, the buses are what scare me the most. But I'd prefer riding than dealing with driving… so… I guess that would be the price I pay, right?

 

[francis6306]

So, my husband posted on Facebook about our upcoming Disney trip, and his parents saw the post. They asked if they could come. I struggle with this- because I know there are some families that get along great and everyone truly has a wonderful time… but I'm not always sure that's always the case. My MIL tends to be "ONE BIG HAPPY!" type and I'm way more go with the flow. Corey and I even split up with the girls and go off on our own even when it's just the 4 of us. I'm afraid that my MIL would be upset if we weren't all together all the time, you know? It's a lot to think about. One idea we had, was to tell them that we'd love for them to come half way through our trip. That way we can have OUR family vacation, but then they could come along for the last few days of the trip. They've never done Disney, so they don't really know what a big deal some of this stuff is. And how do you explain that to people who have never been?

Anyway, just throwing that out there.

 

[jenseib]

So, my husband posted on Facebook about our upcoming Disney trip, and his parents saw the post. They asked if they could come. I struggle with this- because I know there are some families that get along great and everyone truly has a wonderful time… but I'm not always sure that's always the case. My MIL tends to be "ONE BIG HAPPY!" type and I'm way more go with the flow. Corey and I even split up with the girls and go off on our own even when it's just the 4 of us. I'm afraid that my MIL would be upset if we weren't all together all the time, you know? It's a lot to think about. One idea we had, was to tell them that we'd love for them to come half way through our trip. That way we can have OUR family vacation, but then they could come along for the last few days of the trip. They've never done Disney, so they don't really know what a big deal some of this stuff is. And how do you explain that to people who have never been?

Anyway, just throwing that out there.

I was just going to suggest that. that they come for half of the trip. Actually it would be great for you and them if you arrived early, then did your thing, spend about 2-3 days together and then they should stay another 2- 3 days and explore on their own.
I would be honest with them too that you will enjoy spending time together, but you know there will times they won't keep up with your touring style and it will be good to seperate. She may take the girls for at times too.

 

[mickeystoontown]

So, my husband posted on Facebook about our upcoming Disney trip, and his parents saw the post. They asked if they could come. I struggle with this- because I know there are some families that get along great and everyone truly has a wonderful time& but I'm not always sure that's always the case. My MIL tends to be "ONE BIG HAPPY!" type and I'm way more go with the flow. Corey and I even split up with the girls and go off on our own even when it's just the 4 of us. I'm afraid that my MIL would be upset if we weren't all together all the time, you know? It's a lot to think about. One idea we had, was to tell them that we'd love for them to come half way through our trip. That way we can have OUR family vacation, but then they could come along for the last few days of the trip. They've never done Disney, so they don't really know what a big deal some of this stuff is. And how do you explain that to people who have never been?

Anyway, just throwing that out there.

First off, I must post this disclaimer: I really really enjoyed our trip to Disney with my Mama. I am more than happy that she went and that we made such special memories. I won't ever ever forget them!

Now, let me tell you this: It's tough navigating Disney with a family/group. There's always someone (insert my Mama) who feels the need to keep her eyes on every single person in the group. If somebody stops to look at something and tells you to keep on going, that one someone (insert my Mama) is going to stop dead in their tracks until that person catches up. I know that one someone (insert my Mama) feels like everybody needs to stay together because they, themselves, are unfamiliar with their surroundings and are afraid to get separated from the group.

My mother had forgotten how very big Disney was and how much waiting, stopping, starting, line standing was involved. Not that she ever complained. She never did. A newbie can never ever understand the enormity of Disney. They won't understand that it's not an amusement park like Six Flags. They won't understand how many people will be all around them at all times of the day. They won't understand how hard it will be to keep a group together at all times. They simply won't "get it".

For me, it's tough to come right out and say something when those type of situations occur. I don't want anyone to ever ever feel like they are a burden or a hindrance.

I think that your idea of them coming along for half of the trip is a great idea. That way, ya'll can get as much done as you want before they arrive and still save some things for you all to see together.

 

[francis6306]

I was just going to suggest that. that they come for half of the trip. Actually it would be great for you and them if you arrived early, then did your thing, spend about 2-3 days together and then they should stay another 2- 3 days and explore on their own.
I would be honest with them too that you will enjoy spending time together, but you know there will times they won't keep up with your touring style and it will be good to seperate. She may take the girls for at times too.

I know… it's bad to sit and think "DATE NIGHT!!" but I don't want the price of that us being annoyed or her getting upset about something during the day…

First off, I must post this disclaimer: I really really enjoyed our trip to Disney with my Mama. I am more than happy that she went and that we made such special memories. I won't ever ever forget them!

Now, let me tell you this: It's tough navigating Disney with a family/group. There's always someone (insert my Mama) who feels the need to keep her eyes on every single person in the group. If somebody stops to look at something and tells you to keep on going, that one someone (insert my Mama) is going to stop dead in their tracks until that person catches up. I know that one someone (insert my Mama) feels like everybody needs to stay together because they, themselves, are unfamiliar with their surroundings and are afraid to get separated from the group.

My mother had forgotten how very big Disney was and how much waiting, stopping, starting, line standing was involved. Not that she ever complained. She never did. A newbie can never ever understand the enormity of Disney. They won't understand that it's not an amusement park like Six Flags. They won't understand how many people will be all around them at all times of the day. They won't understand how hard it will be to keep a group together at all times. They simply won't "get it".

For me, it's tough to come right out and say something when those type of situations occur. I don't want anyone to ever ever feel like they are a burden or a hindrance.

I think that your idea of them coming along for half of the trip is a great idea. That way, ya'll can get as much done as you want before they arrive and still save some things for you all to see together.

Lisa… haha… Thank you! I like the honesty. That's why I put it out here! I know you guys wouldn't judge me but have some honest feedback about your own family trips! Thank you! (and I think my MIL would be the same way. Just wants us all together because SHE'S not comfortable in her surroundings).

 

[mickeystoontown]

And I knew that ya'll wouldn't judge me when I talked about how one someone (insert my Mama ) could throw off the park touring.