Beast. The awesome PTR of awesomeness June 2012 last update: Universal Resort

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This math teacher is loving this Pythagorean Theorem shirt! :)
 
Your AK plans look great!!:thumbsup2 I love AK but unfortunately it's not very popular with the rest of my crew.:(

I completely agree about buying new clothes for Disney!! I love pulling something new out to wear every day!!:thumbsup2 That Old Navy tank is so cute and looks so comfortable! I could definitely see either of my boys wearing the Phineas one.

Congrats to Tater on his graduation!!:thumbsup2

I almost broke out that tank to wear to school today but I managed to resist temptation. I may end up wearing it on our work day if it's hot.

Congratulations to Tater! :) I love the he is majoring in Elem. Ed! Sounds like the perfect choice for him.

Your party sounded awesome too...

I tried on a pair of Ohanas the other day - I was quite surprised how comfortable they are... I know they have the ergo footbed - which I need for my feet. I might have to order a pair of those some day. Right now, I wear my Orthaheels all day every day - unless I am at work.

I am excited to hear about the rest of your plans. :)

D~

I almost bought Orthaheels instead of Ohanas, but the Orthaheels had mixed reviews and the Ohanas had only 2 bad reviews. I'm in some serious love with the Ohana.

This math teacher is loving this Pythagorean Theorem shirt! :)

It's so perfect for Tater. He just gets math (didn't get it from his mom, no he didn't) and loves that show. I can't wait to get a photo of him with the characters. He's going to love me forever, isn't he?

This morning Tater is off to take his AP Government test. He's a good test taker and is a little irritated that he'll be done in less than 2 hours and has to sit there for 4. No one leaves early. After he's done, I have a list of chores for him. I could get used to this "having a child at home all day" thing.

Seven more days with kids at school. I can do this.

That's pretty much my mantra right now. This is a very difficult group right now and I'm just trying to chug through.

And in great news, check that ticker out! I'm at a month today!
 
Chapter 24: Day Six, Return to the Magic Kingdom

Day six finds us returning to Magic Kingdom. No early ADR today, so we'll arrive for rope drop. Priority today will be thrill rides. Not that we won't have done them on our first visit, but today will be our mountain day -- Splash, Space, Big Thunder. Multiple rides if that's what they want.

In the past, on this day I take Ches and we hit the characters. However, I'm pretty sure my wee one is no longer wee and she's going to be all about thrill rides this trip. Maybe I can talk Tater into being my character buddy. While I like each of those rides, I have no desire to do them more than once per day, and in the case of Space & Big Thunder, I'd be OK doing them only once per trip.

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So I'll walk around to the Mountains and take photos while my family rides. After they've got their fill, it's going to be Pirates and Haunted Mansion time. I think those two rides are truly full of the magic of Disney. Now these I could ride all day.

Also on today's touring plan: Jungle Cruise (Dan loves but I would skip it), Magic Carpets (nostalgia... it was Chesney's favorite ride our last two trips), and Hall of Presidents. I'm pretty sure that no one except me has been in the Hall of Presidents. I went almost forty years ago. I'm thinking it's been updated since then. Brady will love the HoP. If I had to come up with an attraction Brady would love, it would be HoP. I expect the rest of us might even enjoy it a bit.

I'd like to stay over in that area of the park so we can have an early lunch at Pecos Bill's. If Tortuga Tavern is open, I might slip over there for my lunch. And a couple of kids might join me. Dan will want Pecos Bill's. We can meet in the middle to eat.

We will plan to leave the park early, just after lunch. Back to the car, then back to the resort. Pool. Relax. I'd like to encourage naps.

After an afternoon of rest and relaxation, back in the car. Back to MK. This is the only day I'm definitely planning an afternoon break.

Around 8 pm, we'll get in line for the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. I am *so* excited for this.

Let me tell you about our previous experiences with fireworks...

In 2004, we were at Magic Kingdom for an e-ride night. Remember those? They were awesome. Anyway, after the fireworks, most of the people in the park would be clearing out, leaving only use e-ride people. So lots of people were watching fireworks, and Dan realized that this would be a great time to get on some of the headline rides. So while the fireworks were going off, we were riding Splash Mountain. Three times in a row. No lines.

It really was pretty cool to go down that mountain and see fireworks in the distance. However, I didn't get to see fireworks that trip.

In 2007, we decided to do Illuminations at Epcot as our big nighttime show. So no Wishes for me.

In 2009, we saved a place at Disneyland to watch the premiere of Summer Nightastic and the new fireworks show. We sat in our seats for a good 90 minutes... and then someone from Disney told us we'd have to move. Our spot was reserved for VIPs. I found this ridiculous. Disney could have someone there much earlier to tell people that the spot was reserved. Or put up signs. We had a really good spot, by the way. So I had heard that back by It's A Small World was a great spot to watch fireworks, so we hiked over there (Main Street was packed already). Yeah, VIPs only.

I explained to one of the cast members all that had happened to us. He suggested that if he was going to watch them, he'd head for Fantasyland. It was empty there. The fireworks literally surrounded us. We were right there to watch Dumbo and Tink fly. It was really an awesome spot.

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Love my photos of the fireworks at Disneyland. Right. There.

But I didn't get to see the show as it was intended, with the castle in the foreground and the fireworks surrounding it (because I was just behind the castle). I did get to see Slash from Guns N Roses. That was pretty awesome. And my kids got to see Selena Gomez, which has made me the coolest mom ever. Still.

This trip, I want to see Wishes. Start to finish. Magical. Tears in the eyes. Therefore, I made reservations for the dessert party as soon as they became available. I could care less that my family is not huge for desserts. Me? Getting my desserts and watching my fireworks. The rest of the family is just there to keep me company.

After the fireworks, I'm thinking we might sneak over to Tomorrowland to let the crowds thin out. We'll have to see what we can do without huge waits. Disney just released park hours and they're open until at least 11 that night, so it's definitely possible.

So we'll stay late, stumble home. Full day, but I'm thinking it's going to be magical.

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Happy Wednesday everyone! Six more days for me with kids. And check out that ticker! We're now counting down in weeks and days!!
 

Wow! Can't believe you are almost done school for the year. Our schools here go to the end of June so DS still has over a month left.

Your trip plans so far look awesome! I wished we would have gotten to see fireworks on our trip in March. I loooove fireworks! Definitely have to try Splash during fireworks on our next trip, that sounds amazing!
 
Wow! Can't believe you are almost done school for the year. Our schools here go to the end of June so DS still has over a month left.

Your trip plans so far look awesome! I wished we would have gotten to see fireworks on our trip in March. I loooove fireworks! Definitely have to try Splash during fireworks on our next trip, that sounds amazing!

And here I'm thinking our school year is late. Actually, my district does seem to go the latest in the area. My girls are out today, and a lot of suburban districts will be out before us. Just five days left for me now. I can do it.

And yes, fireworks from Splash is an experience. Love that big drop in the dark, too.

Not much time left now ... looking forward to your live updates!

I know. At work I find myself daydreaming and think, "How am I supposed to concentrate when I'm going to Disney next month?" And then the kids do something crazy and Disney flies right out of my mind...
 
Chapter 25: Thinking about Packing

Now that I'm officially under a month, and we leave for KC four weeks from today, I'm getting serious about packing.

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Earlier this year (maybe over New Year's even) we bought 3 large rolling duffles from Target. 2 Blue, one orange. We already have one nice black one with tons of outside pockets. We also have a nice set of red rolling luggage. I think 2 or 3 suitcases in different sizes. Should probably dig that out and figure it out.

Right now the plan is for each person to have a rolling duffle except me. I'll use the luggage. We will pack 2 empty duffles in the bottom of the duffle. I learned the hard way. On our last WDW trip, we bought too much stuff to get home in the luggage we brought. $100 later, we had it all in bags... and the POR gift shop had provided us with 2 new duffles. In 2009, we packed the empty duffles just in case... and didn't need them. We'll see if that happens this time. Because we have a washer and dryer for a big portion of the trip, I'm not taking nearly as much. That should help with room in the suitcases.

I thought I'd share my packing lists with you. It's a work in progress. They're just photos here, but if you want them in .pdf form, send me a private message and I'll get them to you for printing.

This one is for my children/husband to help me with their packing:

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My plan is to devote a full day to packing. Call each child in and give them this page. Together, we'll work on getting it packed. They're all pretty good about getting their stuff in a suitcase and I generally let them do it alone, but it's time to teach them how to pack with a purpose. Not just throw everything in, but make sure it takes as little space as possible. Take only what is necessary.

This list is for me. All the extras we need to bring:

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As you can see, I've even designated what should go in each bag. The toiletry list isn't complete simply because we'll have a car and I plan to just buy some things -- shampoo, contact solution, sunscreen -- once we get there. No sense flying with stuff that could leak and make a mess when we can purchase it there.

I do have a shopping list started for once we arrive and it has those things on it.

P.S. The Xanex is for Tater. He has a few pills just for flying. He says he's not as nervous about flying this trip, but I'm not taking any chances. He made my last flight with him not so fun. I'm not the best flyer myself but when I have to take on his anxiety as well... not fun. Apparently Dan is no good when it comes to being a calming influence, either.

So there's my packing plan. I have 4 days off in the first week of June, so packing is definitely scheduled for one of them. Probably Friday since Dan will be home, too.

Then again... maybe it's better to do it when he's not around....
 
What great lists...it looks like you will have everyone in charge of their own things...I like that. I took an entire day off from work to pack in secret!

Funny how normally packing is not much fun, for in the case of Disney we cant wait to get it started!
 
What great lists...it looks like you will have everyone in charge of their own things...I like that. I took an entire day off from work to pack in secret!

Funny how normally packing is not much fun, for in the case of Disney we cant wait to get it started!

I love packing! It always means we're getting out of town. Not always as excited about it when we're going to my parents vs. on vacation, but I enjoy the process. I'm usually the type of make lists like this. Then the family comes in and completely ignores my lists and packs all crazy. Hoping I manage to keep control this time.

And, I'm making notes on your packing list....... :rotfl:

I used a couple of master lists I'd downloaded from DISboards and I think the Lines app and created my own. I keep it on my computer and add/delete every few weeks. I'm obsessed.

I woke up, wide awake, at 4:30 this morning. I always get insomnia in the summer (I think I just can't handle having so much down time) but I still have 4 days to go. And then I'm working right up until we leave. I thought I'd skip the whole insomnia thing this year.

Today Tater and Kiah are going to work with me. It's water day. The fire department brings out a pumper truck and sprays the contents of the truck all over our students. Thankfully it's going to be hot this year (last year it was chilly) and I have some parents coming to help as well.

And then we do it all over again in the afternoon.

We're going out for Mexican tonight and I'm having an adult beverage. I figure I will have earned it by then.
 
Your MK plans look great!! It sounds like a magical night!!:goodvibes

I'm loving your packing list!!! It's so organized! Great idea to devote a full day for packing!! I usually do it myself little by little but getting everyone involved would be so much better...and less work for me.:thumbsup2
 
LOVE your packing list!!!

The thing I did on this last trip, that I'll probably never do again... I thought I was so smart - I divided all of our clothes between all the suitcases, so if we lost one, one of us wouldn't have to go nekkid (gulp!). But, because of that - it was horrific trying to find our clothes for the entire 10 days... Digging though every suitcase, trying to remember where everything was packed = awful! It wasn't until I started organizing for the trip home, that we got everything sorted out, and our last 2-3 days was so much easier. So, now I know - if I ever decide to do my packing that way again - I will take an hour to organize it once we arrive... Lesson learned. :)

Lovin' your ticker too!!! ALmost there!!! :)

D~
 
Your MK plans look great!! It sounds like a magical night!!:goodvibes

I'm loving your packing list!!! It's so organized! Great idea to devote a full day for packing!! I usually do it myself little by little but getting everyone involved would be so much better...and less work for me.:thumbsup2

I will be taking pictures to document the packing process. We'll see how the reality fits with my plans. :rotfl:

LOVE your packing list!!!

The thing I did on this last trip, that I'll probably never do again... I thought I was so smart - I divided all of our clothes between all the suitcases, so if we lost one, one of us wouldn't have to go nekkid (gulp!). But, because of that - it was horrific trying to find our clothes for the entire 10 days... Digging though every suitcase, trying to remember where everything was packed = awful! It wasn't until I started organizing for the trip home, that we got everything sorted out, and our last 2-3 days was so much easier. So, now I know - if I ever decide to do my packing that way again - I will take an hour to organize it once we arrive... Lesson learned. :)

Lovin' your ticker too!!! ALmost there!!! :)

D~

I like the dividing up clothes idea in case suitcases get lost. However, I have decided that since we have a car on this trip, I refuse to worry about losing luggage. If I forget something, there's a Walmart (and Walgreens) down the street. I would hate to have to replace someone's wardrobe while we're there, but I could. I'm going to pack a bag per person and call it good. Last trip when we were onsite, I packed a carry-on with swimsuits but I'm not doing that this trip. No waiting for DME to bring our bags. We're sacrificing the magic of Disney, but gaining some flexibility.

Love all the lists!

Thanks! I'm a list kind of person. Need to start one for closing down my classroom on Thursday.... I'm not too worried about it since I'll be back there a week later, but I do want to be sure I don't forget any of the "must be done" stuff.

So yesterday was exhausting. I was wet most of the day. I took spare shirts and bras... because last year I found out it's not enough to just change the shirt when the bra is soaking wet. I didn't take spare pants because I wore work-out type pants that I thought would dry quickly. I did not take into account that I would be literally dripping wet. I had to make a daring rescue of a little one who got overwhelmed by the water pressure and ran with some of my kids through the water in the morning. In the afternoon, I picked up one of my little girls and ran her through the spray, thinking maybe she would like it once she tried it. I was wrong. :lmao: She was actually hopping mad. I laughed so hard.

My two older kids got to see what my daily life is like when they're not with me. I think I shocked them a bit at how hard it is to teach pre-K. Kiah is always pressuring me to get out and exercise when I get home from work, and I do usually go for a 1.5 mile walk with her, but I think she understands now how hard it is for me to find the energy to do that as soon as I get off work. Tater actually stayed with me all day and he had a headache when we got done... and he spent most of the time just watching and then playing with the kids during playtime.

I'll get another update up later today or early tomorrow. Kiah is off to driver's ed this morning and again tomorrow afternoon. She's a little nervous, even though this is just the classroom part. I'm just excited that I'll be picking her up and there's a Schlotzky's right there. :)
 
Chapter 26: My Touring Cards Project


The last two weekends, Kiah and I have curled up on my bed with a bunch of printouts from Disney websites and spent time going through them to create the best plan for our family. By plan... I mean plan. We are sitting there deciding the order in which we will visit the attractions in the park.

I firmly believe the secret to having a successful Disney vacation -- and not waiting in line forever -- is to have a plan. This plan should utilize Fastpass to its fullest, put rides that get long lines first at the beginning of the day, and generally give us a purpose while we're in the parks.

We will not be one of those families walking around, looking at a map, wondering where we should go next.

So we made up a plan for each park we'll visit (8 in all) and I scribbled them on the back of scrap paper.

Because I like to have something to do on the weekends, I decided to digitally create index cards with our plans on them. I used some cards from Project Life to do this on Saturday morning, and I had fun choosing the cards and fonts and just playing with them.

I do a lot of things digitally that I never print, but since I decided to use Project Life for our Disney album, I bought some supplies to do some basic printing at home. I opened up Photoshop, put 2 cards on each 8.5x11 canvas, put some gorgeous white cardstock in my printer (orange peel texture from Bazzill) and hit print.

Then I got out my trimmer and trimmed them up. Watched Air Force One while trimming. Showed them to Dan. Found a ring to bind them.


IMG_2611 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Dan said, "What if they get wet?"

Yeah, what about that? It rains in Florida in the summer. Almost every day.

I'd dropped Kiah off at driver's ed early in the morning and we still had to pick her up and get some lunch. I used to work in the area and I seemed to remember that there was a Kinkos next to the sandwich shop in the area.

I was wrong. It was a UPS store... but it was still there. And they did laminating.


IMG_2620 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Yes, I have lost my ever lovin' mind when it comes to planning this trip. Lamination sent me right over the edge.

Came home -- after lunch and a trip to a huge grocery store that was really fun -- and cut the lamination. (Side note: There's something calming about cutting lamination. Maybe it's because it's a mindless activity at work, but I really enjoy it.)


IMG_2619 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Punched a hole in those puppies. Put a red ring in it. Final result? Some really pretty touring cards. They make my little OCD heart happy.


IMG_2618 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

I'll be honest. I used to think people who laminated stuff for Disney were a little cuckoo. I wouldn't have laminated these, but they were so pretty. I just couldn't bear to let them get all wet and ruined. I'll probably change our touring plans yet, but this will at least give us a rough guideline.
 
You should open a little business on the side &
offer your trip planning expertise to people. You
have some great ideas. Can't wait until C gets up
so I can share your latest post. She is always begging
me to do Disney planning.
 
You should open a little business on the side &
offer your trip planning expertise to people. You
have some great ideas. Can't wait until C gets up
so I can share your latest post. She is always begging
me to do Disney planning.

I could totally see myself doing that. Custom planning materials, with your own logo and everything.

Just three days of teaching this week for me, then a work day and I'm done with this school year. Not done working for the summer, but done with this year.

Big news here is that the girls have decided to get their hair cut short for our vacation. I really wanted Ches to keep hers long and do the ponytail (especially after I spent money making all those pony-o's) but her hair is so thick and has just enough curl to it that it simply will not stay up for more than a few hours. I put it up nicely before school... and she comes home from school looking eerily similar to Medusa. I took her to the salon a few weeks ago and had them really thin her hair out to see if that would help, but it didn't. She hates it when it starts to come apart and asked if she could just get it cut short for the summer.

Since I need a trim before we go, and I'm thinking I'm going to go for a Jamie Lee Curtis look:


Jamie_Lee_Curtis+Sept_18_2008 by miss kim 09, on Flickr

Minus the gray hair, of course. In fact, I have a reminder in my phone that I need to buy hair color in two weeks. I'll go black or dark brown, I think. I usually do. I could do darkest red. That might be fun.

Anyway, I know I need a trim, and with Ches wanting to go short, I asked Kiah what she wanted to do. She decided to get a few inches taken off as well. I made an appointment yesterday for the three of us to go to a local beauty school and have a morning of beauty a week before we leave. It's a fun way to spend a morning, and since it's a beauty school, it's not that expensive. I may even let them get manicures while we're there.

I chew my nails. Manicures are a waste of money. I'll get my brows done instead.

It's getting so close now. I find myself concentrating on getting through this week. The freakout will begin... I'd guess Friday.

Have a great Monday everyone!
 
Yes, I have lost my ever lovin' mind when it comes to planning this trip. Lamination sent me right over the edge.

:rotfl2: You had me cracking up here!

Came home -- after lunch and a trip to a huge grocery store that was really fun -- and cut the lamination. (Side note: There's something calming about cutting lamination. Maybe it's because it's a mindless activity at work, but I really enjoy it.)

Must be a teacher thing.....Cutting lamination is fun because you don't have to actually cut. You just start and slide the scissors along! :upsidedow
 
Love your touring cards!!:goodvibes We are the same way..we like to make sure we have a plan for each park and know which attractions to visit when. As you said it makes for a much more successful Disney trip:thumbsup2
 














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