Bear Hugs & Piggy Kisses - Baby's 1st Trip ~ Updated 12/6: Aulani TR Started!!!

[Dugette]

Yay! Have a great trip! We also take those early morning flights to MCO.
Great score at Target! I wish they would have Disney shirts in the non-juniors section.

The early morning flight was a new experience for me. Before Izzy, we always used to fly out in the evening after work. Worked out really well, though.

I agree, they need non-juniors Disney shirts too!

Have a great trip!

Thank you! It was great!

Have a great trip! Can't wait to "hear" all about it! PS, love the Target finds! And yes, the Juniors section is a bitter reminder lol

Can't wait to share all about it!

I can't believe I forgot to look for a size up, at least on that Olaf shirt. It worked, though. Just a bit more body-hugging than the standard t-shirt.

Great deals!! And I LOVE those tank tops!!
You should definitely post a pic from Disney even if it's not a "real" update. We all wanna see!!
And while you're taking pics can you do me a favor and snap some pics of your lake view if that request gets granted? That's what I'm hoping for on our jan trip but had trouble finding many pics of the view. Have a great time!!!! (I'm sure you will!!)

Thanks! Sorry I only sent you one pic - awfully hard to text while running around with a stroller in a crowd.

Yeah, that lake view did NOT get granted. Actually, pretty much got the exact opposite of my room request. On the bright side, I would have missed the Frozen fireworks anyway (saw them from the bus back to Pop).

Not sure if you need a membership to access it or not, but touringplans website has pics from all the rooms, which is how I chose that list of room numbers!

Woah! Really??
I have a membership but I haven't really explored their site. I'll go check it out!! They have a lot of new stuff from when I last had a membership (2012)

I also really like the menu information on there! Lots of good info.

That's was awesome!!
Sadly I discovered that the king room in the building I'd like is blocked by a tree but I could always check out the view by walking down the hall a little I guess. If I even got that request.

The king rooms seem to be really limited. I looked at that too, since I was going to request one in order to have more space. However, none of them seemed to have a view, so I figured I'd widen the net and leave that off the request. I ended up with a double room and it was fine, though tricky to get the stroller in and out (bed close to door).

I found this a few days ago and finally caught up with the trip, next is the extras! I can't believe it took me so long to find it! You guys went a couple week after us last year. We had a blast too! And you hit the nail on the head, traveling with a toddler is drastically different!

Yay, you're here! I actually wondered what happened to you a while back - I remembered that we had kids pretty close in age. So glad you had a great trip too! Toddlers sure are interesting travel companions - lots of fun, though!

Hope you are having a great time! We loved the Frozen stuff - hope it all works out

We had a great time, thanks! Hope you did too. Frozen stuff was really fun and glad we did the package. Surprisingly, though, I think the highlight of our Frozen day was the afternoon in Epcot. Nothing against Frozen - it was great - but so was Epcot!

I hope you are having a wonderful trip and Izzy is head over heels in love with all the Frozen summer fun stuff!

Thank you! She enjoyed it and actually loved the whole trip. She has become a huge fan of characters and it was so much fun!

I'm late, but hope you're having an amazing time with Izzy! Loved the pic of you and Izzy in front of the castle on FB

Oh and me and you are twinsies. Just yesterday I bought that grey Mickey and Friends tank top from Target on Clearance!

Thanks, we had such a great time together! I loved that pic too! It was right after seeing Minnie go by in the parade - that's why she looks so happy and star-struck!

Yay, twinsies! I like that shirt! When Dug first saw it, he's like, "You're going to layer that, right? It's see-through". So glad I did, since every time I picked up Izzy, her body weight pulled down on the shirt significantly. Anyway, yay for Disney things on clearance!

 

[Leshaface]

Thanks, we had such a great time together! I loved that pic too! It was right after seeing Minnie go by in the parade - that's why she looks so happy and star-struck!

Yay, twinsies! I like that shirt! When Dug first saw it, he's like, "You're going to layer that, right? It's see-through". So glad I did, since every time I picked up Izzy, her body weight pulled down on the shirt significantly. Anyway, yay for Disney things on clearance!

Aww how cute!

Oh no! I didn't realize it was see through. And DH probably wouldn't have told me Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Dugette]

Hi, all! Just a quick post, since we're back from our whirlwind Labor Day Weekend trip! (got back Monday evening, actually)

I am actually home sick today, hence the posts on the DIS. I was fine for the trip, but came down with something overnight the first night back at home. Went to work anyway yesterday, since it was our big month-end day, which is hard to miss when you work in accounting and are needed at work. I was not in good shape, though, and everyone happily agreed I should take today off to rest up. I obliged and slept 13+ hours overnight and here I am now. Still tired, though. I seem to have one of those lovely Disney stomach bugs - can't keep anything down, achy, tired, weak, etc. Think it's improving, though. Luckily, Izzy seems to be fine.

The trip was a blast! It was completely at a breakneck pace, but we packed in so much fun in that short time. Did all 4 parks and a lot of things on our list, plus many that weren't. I tell ya, though, waking up on your FIRST morning in Disney only to find a Magical Express envelope on your door is pretty depressing! You're all like, "But I JUST got here!!"

Izzy and I made some great memories together, spent some time with our DIS friends again (Lauren and Aria), and met a ton of characters. In fact, given the Frozen stuff and Izzy's newfound love of characters (after being very shy with them in June), I already have a name for the Trip Report: I Like Warm Hugs! Not sure when I'll start it, though, since this December report is still in progress, we still need to do June, and Aulani is getting close - so, nobody go stealing that title! Can't wait to do the report, though - very magical trip!

My task for the afternoon of my sick day (other than trying to catch up on the DIS - still have more to go there) is to go through all my 1600+ pics and video and make notes so that I remember the details when I get to the TR. I tried a new "note-taking" method this time:

1.) Took pics all the time. Many of them are terrible, as I didn't have time to stop moving, but they will at least remind me of things I want to remember.

2.) Lots of screen shots to see what time it was when things happened. I know that I can see that once I import photos, but I find it much easier to have the info right there - that will help me with my notes.

Also, no doubt this report will contain a ridiculous amount of selfies, since that's what happens when you're by yourself and holding a toddler.

Some random highlights:

1.) Character Spot - poor Goofy got left in the dust the second Izzy spotted Minnie.

2.) Izzy learned to sing "Yo Ho" while waiting in line for Pirates. Though her version goes, "Yo ho, yo ho, me." And now that "me" is "Izzy", since I was singing it to her that way.

3.) Late night cheese run at Pop. Only on vacation. Just a random fun thing.

4.) Minnie wanted to put Izzy in her pocket and keep her. I pried her away.

5.) Izzy said so many things and it was so fun to know how much she understood. Like, "I meet Doggie and Minnie" and "Mama, I see cars!" So cool!

I'm sure there are many more things, but I'll leave them for the Trip Report!

But, for your enjoyment, here's the pic Leshaface was referencing (right after seeing Minnie go by in the parade):

 

[Dugette]

Aww how cute!

Oh no! I didn't realize it was see through. And DH probably wouldn't have told me Thanks for the heads up!

Yeah, he probably wouldn't have. It's really thin. Not terrible, but I would have been uncomfortable with it as is, especially with a toddler pulling it all around. Again, Juniors section. Cute shirt, though! I liked having Disney things to wear at WDW.

 

[Leshaface]

Oh gosh hope you feel better soon! I came down with something awful our travel day back home in October It's NEVER fun traveling while sick.

Random cheese run?! That sounds like something I would do...for myself!

I can't believe how many sentences Izzy is saying! That's amazing! Still not much happening from DS. Hopefully soon.

Looking forward to reading about this trip whenever you get around to it!

 

[Dugette]

Oh gosh hope you feel better soon! I came down with something awful our travel day back home in October It's NEVER fun traveling while sick.

I was just so thankful that I was fine throughout the travel day. Didn't start feeling sick until I got a headache on the ride home from the airport. Went right to bed and woke up in the early morning feeling sick. I think I'm better than yesterday, but not back to normal quite yet. Good excuse to DIS, though.

Random cheese run?! That sounds like something I would do...for myself!

Me too. Izzy insisted on cheese (her favorite food) and it was already way past her bedtime, so why not set out on adventure!

I can't believe how many sentences Izzy is saying! That's amazing! Still not much happening from DS. Hopefully soon.

I can't believe it either. It seemed to happen really suddenly. She went from an occasional word to little sentences in the blink of an eye. I'm sure DS will be there soon. I was told that Dug started talking in paragraphs once he decided to talk.

Looking forward to reading about this trip whenever you get around to it!

Thanks, I can't wait to write about it! Making notes right now!

 

[schmass]

Welcome back! I'm so glad you had a great time but am sorry you are sick! A good friend of mine at work is the Accounting Manager so I know all about the month-end frenzy. I'm glad you were able to make it in and then take today off.

Cute picture of you two during the parade!

 

[Dugette]

Welcome back! I'm so glad you had a great time but am sorry you are sick! A good friend of mine at work is the Accounting Manager so I know all about the month-end frenzy. I'm glad you were able to make it in and then take today off.

Cute picture of you two during the parade!

Thank you! Yeah, the timing of this trip was interesting, as our month-end craziness starts on Thursday and continues until our Tuesday night deadline, but not on the weekend/holiday. So, I crammed in a trip on a 3-day weekend in the middle of the madness - that's why I didn't extend at all. Glad that today is a lot calmer and fine to miss, though.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Holy smokes! I missed a lot!
I am all caught up now! I can't believe all the traveling Izzy has done! She really gets around for a toddler! I am so excited to hear all about HI. As much as I love WDW that is on the bucket list for sure!

 

[Denovagirl]

YAY! Glad you're bak and you had fun!

No, I imagine that ME envelope was NOT what you wanted to wake up too! But it beats waking up at home, in your own bed, lol...

So glad Izzy had fun and was able to vocalize all her finding this trip, I think that is what I am most looking forward to with Maddie this time! She already says every single day (several time, in fact) that she wants to "go to Di-ney Worllllllllld"

 

[Dugette]

Holy smokes! I missed a lot!
I am all caught up now! I can't believe all the traveling Izzy has done! She really gets around for a toddler! I am so excited to hear all about HI. As much as I love WDW that is on the bucket list for sure!

I can't believe all the traveling she has done either! Way more than we intended for her at this age. But I'm so glad she's been able to do it and that she does so well on trips. Hawaii was on our bucket list too, but we had no idea it would be at this point in our lives! Super excited for that trip!

YAY! Glad you're bak and you had fun!

Thanks, it was such a fun trip!

No, I imagine that ME envelope was NOT what you wanted to wake up too! But it beats waking up at home, in your own bed, lol...

Totally agree on that. It just really threw me off to see it so soon. I mean, I knew we were taking a quick trip, but that really rubbed it in.

So glad Izzy had fun and was able to vocalize all her finding this trip, I think that is what I am most looking forward to with Maddie this time! She already says every single day (several time, in fact) that she wants to "go to Di-ney Worllllllllld"

I bet you will have a blast with a more able-to-communicate Maddie! It's so fun to hear what they are thinking! Izzy went through a big, "I want go Hawaii!" phase recently, so I can just hear Maddie saying she wants to go to WDW! Too cute! I recommend getting her opinions (and Olivia's) on video during the "boring" times (waiting in line, etc.) I have a few of those and just love them. A quick sneak peek at what I mean:

(click to watch video)

 

[AKL_Megs]

Love the little update! Sounds like you had a blast!!! Last year, we did a short 3 day total trip and it was depressing We squeezed it in after a wedding in Hollywood, FL, but it was more depressing than fun lol you kwim Can't wait for a full week in a week!!! I know, that was mean of me, I know how post-trip depression is Izzy is adorable in that pic! The outfit looks perfect!

 

[AKL_Megs]

Oh, and feel better!!!

 

[AprilRenee]

Oh my gosh! That video!! Precious!! She's a good talker!
Caden is about at the same point, but several months older and you have to decipher it around his thumb. Lol. I'm working on him removing the thumb when he talks so that I can understand him better. But the best part is all the baby talk between the real words. I'm gonna be sad when that's actually gone.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad that you had such a good trip - though sorry to hear you got/are sick (definitely no fun). Though, very glad that Izzy didn't catch it as well (clearly I have mixed emotions at the moment )

Sounds like a fun trip - though that must be so crazy to get the "going home" info the first day you wake up there!

Must also be so much fun to see how Izzy keeps changing and growing each trip. Glad you thought the Frozen package was worth it

 

[LuvEeyore]

All caught up...I was so far behind I thought I was ahead!!
Glad you are back safe...sorry you are feeling a little under the weather.

 

[Disneymoon09]

I have a hard time keeping up with the different TR's most of the time! I'm having Disney Withdraws so I have picked a few from my favorite posters to devote my time to! Beckett is maybe a month and a half older than Izzy?

I was so hoping we could take him back before the magical free time was over, but it looks like we won't make it back until next November, so we'll have to pay. Bummer! I think we are going to rent DVC points

I am so hoping you do an Aulani post, it looks gorgeous!

 

[Dugette]

Love the little update! Sounds like you had a blast!!! Last year, we did a short 3 day total trip and it was depressing We squeezed it in after a wedding in Hollywood, FL, but it was more depressing than fun lol you kwim Can't wait for a full week in a week!!! I know, that was mean of me, I know how post-trip depression is Izzy is adorable in that pic! The outfit looks perfect!

Oh, that's not mean! I'm actually doing pretty well, maybe still on the fun-trip-high and Hawaii is just two months away! Enjoy your week!

Oh, and feel better!!!

Thanks! I'm feeling much better now. However, Dug got sick and he's just getting to that feeling-better point now too. Luckily, Izzy seems to have avoided getting sick!

Oh my gosh! That video!! Precious!! She's a good talker!
Caden is about at the same point, but several months older and you have to decipher it around his thumb. Lol. I'm working on him removing the thumb when he talks so that I can understand him better. But the best part is all the baby talk between the real words. I'm gonna be sad when that's actually gone.

Aw, thanks! I cannot believe all these things she's saying now! We're lucky she doesn't have the thumb issue, but she does have the same thing happen if she has her paci. The baby talk is cute, except when you feel like you need to decipher it. So fun to hear our little ones making their thoughts known!

Glad that you had such a good trip - though sorry to hear you got/are sick (definitely no fun). Though, very glad that Izzy didn't catch it as well (clearly I have mixed emotions at the moment )

No worries, I had the same mixed emotions!

Sounds like a fun trip - though that must be so crazy to get the "going home" info the first day you wake up there!

That really threw me off to get that notice when I opened the door that first morning! But the trip was totally worthwhile and we did a TON in a short time! (in fact, my TR "notes" are 34 pages long!!! )

Must also be so much fun to see how Izzy keeps changing and growing each trip. Glad you thought the Frozen package was worth it

It really is neat to see her respond differently each time. In June, she was very shy and scared of the characters (warmed up a bit at the end). This trip, she started a bit shy, but quickly decided that running up to them for unending hugs was the correct protocol. We had a great time with the Frozen stuff too, even though we ended up missing out on one of our package perks.

All caught up...I was so far behind I thought I was ahead!!
Glad you are back safe...sorry you are feeling a little under the weather.

Glad you're here and all caught up! I'm feeling so much better now, thanks!

I have a hard time keeping up with the different TR's most of the time! I'm having Disney Withdraws so I have picked a few from my favorite posters to devote my time to! Beckett is maybe a month and a half older than Izzy?

Well, I'm glad you chose to come here! That looks about right - Izzy turns 2 on 9/20, so they're very close! The DIS is great for those Disney Withdrawal times, but can definitely be hard to keep up with if you don't limit it.

I was so hoping we could take him back before the magical free time was over, but it looks like we won't make it back until next November, so we'll have to pay. Bummer! I think we are going to rent DVC points

Aw, that's too bad you'll miss another "free" trip! But, hey, going back at all is still good - and that's during Food & Wine, right? And probably early Christmas decorations too? Great time! And renting DVC points could be a good option too.

I am so hoping you do an Aulani post, it looks gorgeous!

I will for sure do a TR! I've got to preserve my memories of that trip. I do have a PTR going for it too. Not very long yet, link in my siggie, if you're interested.

 

[dtr_angel]

Welcome back! I’m sorry I’ve been so terrible at commenting, I really do read though! I’m sorry to hear you came home sick. I hope you are feeling better! Looking forward to reading about your June AND August trips. I love the picture of you and Izzy in front of the castle!

So it looks like we are going to go in October. We’re going to be there 4 nights/3 full days and then possible partial park days on arrival and departure days. Our focus is going to be on character meets since that is what Gavin loves. Since it’s a “bonus trip” I don’t really feel like we have to do everything, but since this is the first time we’ve done this short of a trip I’m having a hard time figuring things out. I guess I need to look back at your trip plans for June and August and see how you planned it. We’re planning on doing 2 parks per day, with a nap at the resort in the middle of the day. Not sure how to schedule our FP+, morning or evening. I had planned our parks around avoiding EMH and going to the recommended park but now I’m wondering if we should take advantage of morning EMH at least.

 

[Dugette]

Welcome back! I’m sorry I’ve been so terrible at commenting, I really do read though! I’m sorry to hear you came home sick. I hope you are feeling better! Looking forward to reading about your June AND August trips. I love the picture of you and Izzy in front of the castle!

No problem, I got way behind on my comments too! Yes, feeling much better now, thankfully! I can't wait to write reports for both trips. Heck, I have 34 pages in Word of "notes" for a 3-day August trip, so I've practically written the report already, but can't wait to share. We had such a great time on our summer trips! Toddlers are fun travel companions!

So it looks like we are going to go in October. We’re going to be there 4 nights/3 full days and then possible partial park days on arrival and departure days. Our focus is going to be on character meets since that is what Gavin loves. Since it’s a “bonus trip” I don’t really feel like we have to do everything, but since this is the first time we’ve done this short of a trip I’m having a hard time figuring things out. I guess I need to look back at your trip plans for June and August and see how you planned it. We’re planning on doing 2 parks per day, with a nap at the resort in the middle of the day. Not sure how to schedule our FP+, morning or evening. I had planned our parks around avoiding EMH and going to the recommended park but now I’m wondering if we should take advantage of morning EMH at least.

Glad you are going to get another trip in! Honestly, short trips are really HARD. They are fun, of course, and worthwhile, but tough. I think you have two major choices: 1.) Run yourself ragged, but do a ton (what I did) or 2.) take it easy and miss a lot of things (nothing wrong with that, I just couldn't do it).

We ended up doing tons of character meets this last trip. I didn't plan that many, but Izzy turned out to LOVE them, so we made time. Missed a few rides I'd wanted to do, but it was worth it. And we caught a lot of short character lines, which helped.

Will Gavin nap in his stroller? I've found that to be a big time-saver vs. getting in and out of the parks, especially having to fold up the stroller on a bus. Time becomes so valuable on a short trip, since there's never enough of it.

The other tip I'd offer is that Gavin's Magic Band can pick you up some extra FP+ at a kiosk. I'm not sure how much that will help, since one of you would have to sit out, but we ended up maximizing our time that way. (I know it's questionably ethical, but it made sense for us to use it while we could - nobody benefits from a toddler waiting in line for too long ).

I'm sure you'll have a great time!