Been There, Done That, and Yes, We’re Going Back! New 5/8- I'm back!

[disney<333]

No, I did NOT fall off the face of the earth! I've just been so busy. In fact, I lost count of how many days until Disney.
I did however, make March ADRs.
I've been having 18 hour day for the past week. Amy's wrist has gotten worse to the point that she can't write at all. I've been having to write all of her homework. The doctor wants a MRI but the thought of that brings poor Amy to tears. She starts therapy tomorrow. I told her she can do something special in Disney.
So... Any Ideas?!?

 

[MickeyisBeast]

Oh no, poor Amy!
I broke my arm in 5th grade, I couldn't write for a while, and it was bad because it was around the time we had to take our EOG's (End of Grade Tests). So my teacher had to fill in my bubble sheet for me. I hated it haha.

Something special to do in Disney? Hmm... I'm clueless.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Poor Amy!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh no, that is awful to hear about Amy's wrist!

Something special in Disney - is she into anything at the spa? Or a special shopping excursion, maybe? Maybe something art related, since she's into that....Hmmmmm! Or is she into any water sports type things? Rent a jet ski? Though if her wrist is still giving her problems, a jet ski would NOT be a good idea! Maybe a boat instead!

 

[mousescrapper]

so sorry to hear Amy's wrist is bothering her....

something special...

"Amy's Disney Day"

surprise her w/ a special gift or message on her pillow

let her pick a treat for breakfast...ice cream anyone?

first ride at that Park day is her choice

buy a balloon or mouse ears or a special something you nomrally wouldn't get
let her pick where to go to dinner...

ask a CM to serenade her


hope that helps...

 

[MHTeacher]

7. Beauty and The Beast! Can you believe I haven't seen this beauty yet?!

2. Carousel of Progress. My poor kids have never had the joy of seeing this. O.k, o.k, either have I! We must fix this.
7. Dole whip! I've yet to have the joy on noshing on one of these bad boys.

1. Polynesion. I haven't been here in at LEAST 8 years. I must investigate if the 'scent' everyone talks about it actually true! Our Kona ADR will bring us here at last.
.

7. Not seen Beauty and the Beast? Barbara!!! You WILL fall in love, and watch it every time from here on!

2. COP--- Hokey, but in a good way. It makes us all happy.

7. Dole Whips--- I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't tried one, either!

1. Scent at the Poly---Oh, yes, Barbara, it is definitely real! (BTW, during our May trip, our meal at Kona was our favorite! )

******************************

Hope everything works out well with Amy's wrist.

 

[disney<333]

The Thanksgiving trip is really sneaking up on me and the March trip is crawling up to the horizon, too.
I made ADRs for the March trip and this is what I was able to score.
March 13th: Get to Disney and check into the Dolphin. The plan for the day is Beaches n' Creme (Hello kitchen sink!) and DTD. Maybe we'll even do some mini golf.

March 14th: We'll wake up and raid the Magic Kingdom. I'm having issues ADR wise.
I have 3 ADRs for this day and we're only using one.
There is brunch here:

Lunch here:

Or dinner here:

What do you guys recommend? We've eaten at both MANY times. I just don't want to be involved in those scary spring break afternoon crowds.

March 15th:
Hollywood Studios in on the agenda for today.
I need to call and back a Fantasmic dining package for here:

I'm thinking I'll book lunch for MM to avoid those horrible afternoon crowds. We'll probably leave after lunch and head to CBR to rent a canoe and then come back for more rides and F!

March 16th:
This day will bring us to Epcot.
I'll get to see my beloved Flower And Garden Festival again!
We have a lunch ADR at Via Napoli.

March 17th:
We'll wake up on St. Patty's day and be in Walt Disney World. The plan is to raid Animal Kingdom and our dinner plans will bring us here.

I'm not sure what we'll do in the afternoon.

March 18th:
Our last full day in Disney.
We'll be at the Magic Kingdom during the day and then we'll go back to the resort to rest and pack before heading out to Epcot for EMH!

March 19th:
Departure day.
I have yet another ADR for Chef Mickey's incase we don't make it here earlier in the week.

For those who have been at this time how are the crowds? Are they worse then Thanksgiving. We went during Spring Break in 2005 and the crowds were terrible but this was also Easter week. This year our Spring break is a month and a half before Easter. I was told that as long as you aren't in the parks during the peak of the afternoon it shouldn't be too bad. So that is why I made all of those lunch ADRs and we have plans for resort hopping.

On another note: Is anyone interested in a Photo Pass share for November or March?

 

[disney<333]

Happy belated birthday, Amy!!! The 12th is my dad's birthday, too!

Woo hoo for a quick Disney get-away! Did you get the ADRs you wanted?

Yum! I love crepes, but haven't had them in a long time.


I'm glad I'm not normal!

Twins! Who just so happen to be a few years apart.
Being normal is boring.

I'm glad that the girl admitted the fault for the car accident. It is great your insurance is paying for the rental too.

Happy belated birthday to Amy!!

Yummy crepes!

I am, too. I got the car back about a month ago now and it's good as new.

I LOVE THIS! I wish we had the cabinet space!

We only keep very few dishes out since there are just two adults in our house and it keeps the pile of dirty dishes low, plus we have ONE cabinet for all dishes. Almost half of them are Disney themed though. Our guests are just forced to drink coffee from Minnie and water from "Year of a Million Dreams" mugs. Maybe I should just take the leap and get Disney plates next....

We have very few dishes. I still have the same dish set that I got as wedding gift 20 years ago. I just can't find another set that I like.
We use a lot of paper plates because they are my joy in life.
I finally bought glasses after my mom complained enough. When she came over for dinner she would bring her OWN glass!

I hope the first day went well! I remember always wanting to wear my new school clothes the first day, but all my new clothes were long sleeves and pants! I was roasting - even in Minnesota it's still hot in August.
I hope Amy's wrist heals quickly!

The first few week have gone well. I think we're on week 7 now.

good catching up w/ you...not borring at all...hey it's life and Toy Story mac and cheese I agree...very cool!

We haven't had m and c in a while now since I've fallen in love with a cookbook I got at Ross.

Hope everyone had a great first day. I always thought first days were the toughest! Everyone still wants to be in the "summer state of mind".

Speaking of summer... When is it?!

Hi Barbara! Just checking in!

Hi Denise!
Thanks for checking in on me.
We're doing great! I've just been super busy the last few months.

Emily may be older than Hannah but I think they would get along just fine!

Emily will start talking to your girls like she has known them her entire life. Amy will be a little shy at first.

Too funny! I can't tell you how many times I have said similar things at dinner -- sometimes they all (Charles being the ringleader) act like hooligans at the table -- luckily they seem to remember how to behave when we are out in public.

Oh the things my family does sometimes. Even in public. I love them anyway.
Mitch is definitely the ring leader.

Cute! I love Disney craft projects!

Me too!

I love the autograph book!
And the passport is cute too

Thanks Sara!

Great job on theautograph book and passport! I need to get the girls passports bound and finish printing out the autograph cards.

You and Julie are probably doing a lot better trip preparation wise then me.

Why don't you like the Passport? I think it looks great!!!

Love your idea on the index cards - so easy, yet will be so nice!

I decided I didn't like the concept. I dumped it and I need to start all over.

ruh-roh /COLOR]


I like the cover's paper...maybe it's the stickers though that doesn't match...here is a thought...have an old Epcot map? cut out a Mickey head from that center that and use black stickers to spell out the title around it....

JAT
and looking forward to more of your updates under 70 days now for us

I dumped the old one and I'm starting all over.
I think tomorrow is 50 days! Yikes!

Happy Seventy Days!!! Love all of your lists! You will have so much fun crossing everything off of them!

Thanks Jackie! Close to 50 now.

Great lists Barbara...we have many of the same things on our list...

I can't wait to see all the Holiday stuff...I'm sure I'll cry when they light the castle...I get chills just thinking of it

trying new things I like that mantra!!!

The castle lighting show is amazing.

Hope you love Beauty and the Beast.

Brooklynn wanted to do the Tiki Room this summer, but for some reason, we just never got to it. It's going high on the list for the one day we will be in Magic Kingdom in October.

Soarin'.

#1-4 of Animal Kingdom =
#5 =

Resort hopping is always a favorite way to spend Disney time for me.

Happy trip planning!

There is no way I'm riding Everest, I'll just be getting pictures.

Great list! You are sure to make some wonderful memories.

I hadn't heard if they re-did Muppets? If so I will KICK myself for not going this past trip!!! I just thought it was "in the works"...

I'm not sure what they did. We missed it last trip so that's why it's on the list.

Ditto!

Christmas time at Disney World is so magical!

Oh no, poor Amy!
I broke my arm in 5th grade, I couldn't write for a while, and it was bad because it was around the time we had to take our EOG's (End of Grade Tests). So my teacher had to fill in my bubble sheet for me. I hated it haha.

Something special to do in Disney? Hmm... I'm clueless.

Amy does not like having to giver her teachers all the answers for the test.
She's doing therapy now.

Poor Amy!

Thanks Jackie!

Oh no, that is awful to hear about Amy's wrist!

Something special in Disney - is she into anything at the spa? Or a special shopping excursion, maybe? Maybe something art related, since she's into that....Hmmmmm! Or is she into any water sports type things? Rent a jet ski? Though if her wrist is still giving her problems, a jet ski would NOT be a good idea! Maybe a boat instead!

She's into art. I was thinking she'll do 2 art classes with me and then 2 with just DH. I'm not making it that much of a big deal anymore since her 'prize' is going to Epcot with her school in December! I'm super jealous.

so sorry to hear Amy's wrist is bothering her....

something special...

"Amy's Disney Day"

surprise her w/ a special gift or message on her pillow

let her pick a treat for breakfast...ice cream anyone?

first ride at that Park day is her choice

buy a balloon or mouse ears or a special something you nomrally wouldn't get
let her pick where to go to dinner...

ask a CM to serenade her


hope that helps...

I know Tink will have a surprise for her on her bed that morning. I was thinking a digital camera but we'll see. She's playing with the school band in Epcot in December so that is her big prize, but she'll still get something special in November. I like your ideas!

7. Not seen Beauty and the Beast? Barbara!!! You WILL fall in love, and watch it every time from here on!

2. COP--- Hokey, but in a good way. It makes us all happy.

7. Dole Whips--- I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't tried one, either!

1. Scent at the Poly---Oh, yes, Barbara, it is definitely real! (BTW, during our May trip, our meal at Kona was our favorite! )

******************************

Hope everything works out well with Amy's wrist.

Hey Michelle,
I don't know how I've never done these things!
You and MeMom were my inspiration for booking Kona for Thanksgiving dinner.
Amy's wrist is slowing getting better. She's doing therapy now she loves it! She gets to make shapes with silly putty and she thinks that is very fun!
******
There! Done with replies from.... Oh, I don't know.. about the last month and a half!
Now go read them!
Please.

 

[mousescrapper]

The Thanksgiving trip is really sneaking up on me and the March trip is crawling up to the horizon, too.
I made ADRs for the March trip and this is what I was able to score.


March 14th: We'll wake up and raid the Magic Kingdom. I'm having issues ADR wise.
I have 3 ADRs for this day and we're only using one.
There is brunch here:

Lunch here:

What do you guys recommend? We've eaten at both MANY times. I just don't want to be involved in those scary spring break afternoon crowds.

I'd go w/ the brunch or lunch


March 17th:
We'll wake up on St. Patty's day and be in Walt Disney World.




For those who have been at this time how are the crowds? Are they worse then Thanksgiving.

since I haven't been during Thanksgiving yet...I can't compare...but we did our SB last yr March and it was the 26th thru April 2nd...so I think that was 2 weeks before Easter. the first few days were OK...but you could feel the crowds as the week progressed...maybe you'll be OK...I know Chicago area SB is after your's for 2011.

On another note: Is anyone interested in a Photo Pass share for November or March?

hmmm for Nov?


PS can't wait to see your new passport book! I'll be posting the one I made for my DS Nathan soon on my PTR

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great ADRs! I am stumped on your Magic Kingdom dilemma! My gut says to go with the Chef Mickey's brunch. I have heard great things about their breakfast! We tried dinner there before and just weren't wowed at all by the food.

 

[disney<333]

I can officially say next month I'm going to Walt Disney World!
Am I excited, you ask?! Not really!
I've been second guessing my dates again, as usual. I've been thinking maybe we should skip Thanksgiving this year and spend it with family.
Then there is that darn Mrs. Date Changer! (I'll call her DC from here on out!) Those from my last trip report know well enough how she likes to come over and miss with me.
Yesterday she rings the door bell and I go running! (I'm expecting a package from the Disney Store!) Who is at the door? Yup, that 'friend' of mine. She says "Barbara, we need to chat!" This can't be good.
We sit down and she says one word. "January!" I sprint to the school calendar and notice that we have a long weekend January 21st-25th! Hmmm...
DC reminds me that free dining is going on then. I told her it's too late to get good ADRs she told me to check. So, I go to the motherboard and check online for ADRS! Holy cow! I couldn't believe what was available for a normal dinner hour for a party of four!
EVERYTHING!
There's so many openings for:
Le Cellier
Chef Mickey's
'Ohana
You name it, there was availability.
I ran numbers for that weekend at Port Orleans French Quarter with free dining. Me likey. A lot cheaper than if we went in November. So much cheaper that I could justify shelling out the extra money to upgrade from weekday passes to seasonal.
Plus November is already so exciting I could live with out Disney.
January, on the other hand is really boring. A Disney trip would be nice to add some pep to my step.
Plus the crowds are so MUCH lighter than Thanksgiving.
I told you DC always makes some great points. I thanked her and she told me she would go to Jackie's house to talk Charles into going back.
Soooo.... What should I do?
Should we do November 22nd-27th! Pay peak prices and have high crowds, but be there on Turkey Day.
OR
January 20-25th!
First night at Hilton DTD and then move to Port Orleans French Quarter
on the 21st and stay for free dining until the 25th.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh man. Not a good dilemma!

My gut says January. Lower crowds. Less money. Seasonal Pass means more trips in the near future. It will be a nice break in January, the holidays are already busy... January has very, very low crowds. We were there during a very cold week, but it was still wonderfully UN-busy!

But, postponing a trip is not fun either!

 

[praisehisname]

If your girls will take it in stride, it seems like a no-brainer. Switch to January!

 

[MickeyisBeast]

I say go with January... only because you'd be going 4 days after my birthday

 

[disney<333]

hmmm for Nov?


PS can't wait to see your new passport book! I'll be posting the one I made for my DS Nathan soon on my PTR

That PP share might just turn into a January share.

Great ADRs! I am stumped on your Magic Kingdom dilemma! My gut says to go with the Chef Mickey's brunch. I have heard great things about their breakfast! We tried dinner there before and just weren't wowed at all by the food.

We ate at Chef Mickey's for everyone's birthday when we lived in Orlando. My taste buds have gotten a lot pickier since.

Oh man. Not a good dilemma!

My gut says January. Lower crowds. Less money. Seasonal Pass means more trips in the near future. It will be a nice break in January, the holidays are already busy... January has very, very low crowds. We were there during a very cold week, but it was still wonderfully UN-busy!

But, postponing a trip is not fun either!

That's what I'm thinking.
What were the peak attractions like in the middle of the day?
Since I have too many projects started and none finished postponing it might be good. Plus we can do some holiday disney things.
I have about 2 weeks to make a final decision but I did make a January ticker because that's where I'm leaning.

If your girls will take it in stride, it seems like a no-brainer. Switch to January!

I don't think they'll mind. Emily likes having big countdowns and Amy likes to now really close. Amy has a Disney trip in December and E has her birthday and party in November. The rest of the year is super busy that I can hold off on Disney.

I say go with January... only because you'd be going 4 days after my birthday

If I go then I'll have to remember to take a picture of something with birthday and a yeti for you.

 

[MeMom]

I'm liking the January idea, too. There are enough holiday things happening in November and December to make them easy to get through. January is lacking. I always look forward to our March trips for that very reason - that we've made it through a long, boring winter.

I am hoping that we will be in Disney World the morning of March 13th (Saturday, right?) and leave on Thursday evening.

 

[Charleston Princess]

January sounds wonderful to me -- free dining and low crowds -- there's a lot to be said for both those things.

 

[brookelizabeth]

As per the Unofficial Guide's Touring Plans site, January is pretty much crowds of 1, 2 or 3 - on a scale from 1 to 10. Which generally means most wait times are under 30 minutes.

I can't remember exactly what our wait times were, but we do think back on that trip as very relaxing. We were there for 9 nights, so that helps, but even still, we just wandered through the parks and had lots of time for everything!

 

[oboedm]

I am always a fan of lower crowds and cheaper prices! I would totally choose January over November!

 

[Chelley00]

DD and I were at WDW last year the weekend before Thanksgiving, and the crowds were already insane. When we were at Epcot the Sunday before Turkey Day, the wait for Test Track was 90 minutes.

January January January​