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.
Yes. And we know how much trouble someone (insert LISA) would get into trying to get their Mama some bread!
I really did think that the crowds would be lower, since this is the beginning of the college world spring breaks. But I'm hoping since it is college spring break, that there won't be terrible crowds during the day! Luckily, our school system follows the college schedule, since the majority of students have at least one parent that works at the university. 
Places we've been 
New places. Cinderella's Royal table- We've been here before. We enjoyed it, but it's a little spendy. I know both of the girls would enjoy it. If Corey's parents came, it would be an iconic "Disney" experience. Crystal Palace-We have never been here. I know Catie would like Pooh- but is she ready for characters? Teppan Edo- I have heard LOTS of good reviews on this place. Before, we had lots of chinese/Japanese options, so I didn't feel like it was a contender. NOW, we live in the middle of now where and there aren't ANY good asian places. Coral Reef- I think this would be a lot of fun for the girls. They LOVE looking at fishies! We went to the Aquarium Restaurant in Nashville and they LOVED it. Catie DOWNED some calamari while we were there! Le Ceiller- I think this goes without saying
Garden Grove- Maybe??!!? It would be a good character meal option over there
Akershus- We did breakfast last year, an we were NOT impressed. But we LOVED the character interaction. Maybe dinner or lunch?? Rose and Crown- Corey's parents would like this. They are always looking for a good english/pub like place. Hollywood and Vine- A solid breakfast option AND if we can get a pre-opening ressie, then DUH! Hello TSM Fastpass! 50's Primetime Cafe- This just looks like a fun place to go. Tusker House- I'm fairly certain Corey would veto this whole trip if we didn't go to Tusker House. But there are other places that I would like to try here! Yak and Yeti- Again. No local good asian options. Rainforest Cafe- I just wanna try this place! I know they have one at DTD, so that may also be an option
But don't say anything
I mean, it's not like you could tell who I was talking about
I mean
it's not like I'd post a picture of her
Hi Christen. I meant to stop by and comment earlier! First of all.... Congrats on having a new ticker!!! . I was thinking of going in March next year but if we wait a few weeks I'll be there for my birthday so I think April wins. Too bad because I would love to compete with your MIL to spend time with you!!!
I agree, I think if your in-laws want to tag along, 1/2 way into the trip would be a great idea. It's hard to stand firm on that if you really want some alone time.
I think Crystal Palace is a great dining option - especially staying in the park and if crowd levels are a 9 that would be good to plan.
You have a lot of my favorites for new options. Teppan Edo, Yak & Yeti, and 50's PT Cafe is tops on my list.
I'm looking forward to anticipating this trip with you!!
I'm here!
Thanks so much for the heads up!
Congrats on having a new trip to plan for! What do the girls think? I know I just feel lost if I don't have Disney to plan for, even if it's not for some time.
And what a riot that you and Jen are there a week apart. Maybe I should schedule right between you guys and catch both of you!
I'm biting my nails over you going with the in-laws. I hope it works out great and you can appreciate having some help, including a nice date night along the way. I do think having them come half way though would be the best of both worlds.
Can't wait to hear more about your plans!
So, I'm starting my spreadsheet for our trip. I'm sure all of you have a spreadsheet set up right??? Color Coded and all the info ready??? RIGHT??
Anyway, Of course, I have no idea what the park hours are going to be yet, but Touring Plans does have their "predictions" up. This is what I'm looking at:
Date/ Crowd prediction/ Best park/ Worse Park
Sun, March 9, 2014 7 out of 10 EP AK
Mon, March 10, 2014 8 out of 10 EP HS
Tue, March 11, 2014 7 out of 10 MK HS AK
Wed, March 12, 2014 8 out of 10 EP AK
Thu, March 13, 2014 9 out of 10 EP MK
Fri, March 14, 2014 9 out of 10 AK EP
Sat, March 15, 2014 9 out of 10 EP HS
Sun, March 16, 2014 8 out of 10 EP AK
I'm a little surprised at how Epcot heavy this is. I am POSITIVE this will change as time goes on, since it is likely that the Flower Garden Festival will be starting around this time. But I thought I would post it here, so I can come back and see how things have changed as we go!
I mean, I know there really isn't a "slow" time anymore and maybe I'm wrong. But this was the exact week we were there for our honeymoon (granted 6 years ago...omg, how crazy!), and I thought it was just moderate crowds. And, with Easter falling on April 20 next year, I just can't imagine mostly 8s and 9s. I know you hope I'm right and it may just be wishful thinking! I guess we'll see 
I'm also starting to think about what dining reservations that I'm hoping to make! I'm guessing you want to see my list, huh?? Here are some of the places we're considering while were at the Parks!
MK:
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
So can you keep a secret?? My Bestiest Friend (Whose name begins with SH and ends in ELLEY) is considering joining us on part of our trip now too!
I have to be honest here. I simply don't believe these predictions
I'm kinda like you! I just can't believe it will REALLY be that crowded! Plus, the crowd predictions in November were like this, and I honestly didn't feel like it was THAT bad!
Oh and I loved everything you said about the ADR's!
OMG...blonde hair and plus 15 pounds! AHHHHH!!! It burns my eyes!!!
Oh how I hope this works! For anyone else reading, Christen knows this is only about 50/50 right now. Emotionally, I'm about 90% committed. Practically, we're at about 45%. My husband is starting his sophomore year of college in the fall. I'm working full-time but he hasn't been able to find anything part-time. So money is TIGHT. On top of that, he's considering applying for Disney's College Program, probably for Fall 2014. If he does that and is accepted, we would be moving to either California (his preference) or Orlando just a few months after this trip. So, not sure a vacation would be the best idea.
As an alternative, I've considered this: My grandmother has a second home in Daytona that we might could use this week (which happens to also be Brian's spring break!) We could either go into Orlando for one day without needing a hotel or stay at a value for 2-3 nights and bookend the trip with her Daytona home. But that poses the question about tickets vs. APs. The possibilities are endless, really. And then I had the thought of surprising Brian with all of this! I just don't know!!! Unfortunately, I won't have a clearer picture of our situation until the end of this year. And even if Brian does apply for the CP in January, we may not know if he's been accepted until March or April. And what if he doesn't get accepted?!?! Ahhh!
REALLY hoping it works out for you to come and see us for a few days!! We just don't see you guys enough!!!!!!!!! 
I can't wait to start making my real plans and making ADR's for SIX instead of FOUR!
That would be AWESOME! I could feel like I could REALLY start planning, you know?!?!? 
(I love this smilie, but goodness
he doesn't have to look so GRUMPY!) I've been talking to Corey about getting a little part time job
It's hard because I really need the flexibility to deal with some family issues back home (I'm the POA for my grandfather who is in a nursing home in GA) but I want to do SOMETHING to earn a little extra cash for the trip! He doesn't mind if I work, but he also doesn't want me to stress myself out
I mentioned possibly doing a few early shifts at Starbucks and he laughed at me- I'm NOT a morning person, BUT I think if I could do that before he had to go to work in the morning, we wouldn't have to pay for childcare. He doesn't necessarily like that idea, but I'm playing around with it
we're a college town. I'm sure the college students HATE that shift, so I'd think it would be an easy shift to pick up 3 days a week or so?? I dunno
we'll see. I can sew, but I'm not sure if I could do enough sewing to actually MAKE real money plus, I don't have an area that I could dedicate to that. I don't really want to deal with other kids, so home daycare is out
So, I'm hearing some rumors about the rates for 2014 packages coming out- as early as NEXT WEEK!!!!
I just checked and we have about $60-ish in reward points on our Disney Visa. Not much, but that's just been since our Nov trip (since I cashed it out for that trip!). I hope we'll add another $60-ish or so, and then that can be our "tip" money for our TS meals.
And it's like I've told Brian, if you hate it - quit! Not really a big deal.
Well, if you are going to get a job of some kind, especially part-time, I would think now is the time. Students are traveling, graduated, etc., right?
