Best graduation present ever! July 2012 PTR

[solana131]

And here's the super cute wallet D made to match my backpack. So in love with this!

And this one is from my own photobucket account D

 

[solana131]

Okay, now I have a WWYD question for you all.

When we went in Feb, we didn't do online checkin because it was our first time staying onsite and we wanted to hear the whole speil they give. Plus I had heard you had a better chance of getting your requests if you waited and just did regular checkin. But this time I really don't have any requests (though I would love to be in a top floor corner room, but not important) and I don't care about the speil.

Dani and I get into MCO at 10:30, so it will probably be 11:30ish when we get to POFQ. Have you had better luck with your room being ready early when you do the online checkin or not? Or does it not really matter?

I know there are lurkers out there, so please jump in on this one if you have any experience with online vs regular checkin.

 

[anjalee6]

Suzi,
We have done both and it doesn't seem to matter or so it seems to us. We have done online check-in three out of the last five times and with online check-in our room was ready two of the three and with no online our room was ready one of the two. I don't really see a great pattern. We got our request three out of the five times. The two times we didn't get our requests were with online check-in. I think everyone has a different opinion on this one. I am not doing online this time because we went through out TA. She already made notes on our reservation.

 

[solana131]

Shopping update!


I am so excited about these new sandals I ordered! I have been looking and looking for a "teva-esque" sandal that was comfy. Tevas (and even Keens) are so uncomfortable to me. The straps are scratchy and my feet blister in minutes. So I have been searching ever since the last trip. I was at our mall this weekend and I happened to go into The Walking Company store. They have their own brand of shoes called Abeo. You first step on a machine that tells you what type of heel support you need, then custom fits you to their products to tell you which ones will work best for you. They had these sandals at the store in my size, but not in the color I wanted, but they ordered them for me right then and there and I will have them this week.

They are called Dunes. The straps are a soft flexible neoprene and they are so incredibly comfy. I can't wait to wear them.


I also made a trip to Freeport to LLBean. My brother has worked there for years and he bought me a couple of their BeanSport Tees for my birthday last month. I seriously am washing and wearing them constantly....so comfy! They are athletic shirts with moisture wicking fabric. I was so excited to find these...usually athletic clothing is so skintight I can't even begin to fit into them. But these are fitted enough without hugging my belly pooch I went to Beans to return the white one he gave me (too sheer) and exchange it for another color. Low and behold, they have added colors and have lots of tanks too. So I traded the white one for a black one and bought 3 other tanks of the same material. And I bought 2 more of their active skorts.

Hard to see the patterns on here, but if you go to Beans website and look at them closely....the top one has tones of blue fireworks. So cute! The bottom one is olive and magenta little mosaic. Both have a black background to go nicely with my new sandals.

I know I won't look as wonderful as that girl, but I think I look pretty good in the outfits. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them and I think they will be great for the heat and humidity of FL in July!

So now I am much much poorer than I was on Friday, but I will be comfortable and styling in 16 days

 

[Chicago Mo]

I am BACK! sorry life kicked in again and haven't had time for DIS!
I LOVE the update
I LOVE the Bag!!!!
I love the shoes!!!
Good grief i love it all.....

 

[solana131]

Suzi,
We have done both and it doesn't seem to matter or so it seems to us. We have done online check-in three out of the last five times and with online check-in our room was ready two of the three and with no online our room was ready one of the two. I don't really see a great pattern. We got our request three out of the five times. The two times we didn't get our requests were with online check-in. I think everyone has a different opinion on this one. I am not doing online this time because we went through out TA. She already made notes on our reservation.

Sorry, I missed this one somehow...I always feel like I am alone here, then I go and ignore someone who was nice enough to reply

I am glad to hear you think it doesn't really matter because I think I am just going to wait until we get there. Its not my first time, but it is Dani's and I want her to hear all about the place

I am BACK! sorry life kicked in again and haven't had time for DIS!
I LOVE the update
I LOVE the Bag!!!!
I love the shoes!!!
Good grief i love it all.....

Thanks! I am wearing the top skort and blue tank top today and it is hot and sticky here. I'm still hot, it isn't a miracle fabric, but I'm pretty comfortable.






So I got my Squishy bag set last night! Let me just tell you how amazingly talented that lady is! Thank you so much D....I just love it. It just makes me smile everytime I look at it. The only thing wrong with it is that I have to wait two more weeks to fully appreciate it!

It fits great. Love the adjustable straps. It fits fine on my large frame and also fits good for my little man. I told him he was getting one later too. I told him it was going to be Goofy and he said he would rather have Chip N Dale But we will talk about that later D

From the front.... she even included a lanyard to match. It fits great and that will come in really handy if I just want to have a few little things with me.


We are getting down there! Two weeks from today Dani and I will be leaving to stay overnight near the airport. I decided to pay the extra to book a room in Manchester so we don't have to get up at 3am. Now its just 5am But that will allow us to stay up later and maybe enjoy some MK EMHs that night. Plus, I would rather make the 2 hour drive in the afternoon and be able to relax a little than to have to be rushed in the morning and cut it close for our flight.

 

[blessedmom4]

I LOVE your Squishy Dory Backpack! It will be perfect for your trip, which is almost here!!!

from

​

 

[solana131]

Thanks so much Judy! And Happy 4th to you too





Happy 4th to everyone!

It is rainy here today, so my plans for the beach are cancelled I guess. But maybe Bradey and I can go see Brave instead. I have been wanting to see it, it looks so good. DH had to work today, but he should be getting done around 3 this afternoon. Maybe we can plan to meet him at the movie theater. Hmmm....

Anyway, have a great day everyone! Hope its nicer in your part of the world and you get some fireworks in tonight

 

[Lidian]

Great pics of the bag! I can't wait to see it in action!

Enjoy Brave (if you go see it)! It's a really great movie!!

 

[solana131]

Great pics of the bag! I can't wait to see it in action!

Enjoy Brave (if you go see it)! It's a really great movie!!

Thanks Liddy...and I can't wait to use it



We didn't end up going to see the movie. The rain cleared up and it was such a beautiful day so we decided to have a picnic at the ocean. I called my mom to see if she wanted to go with us and my grandmother (the one that watches my little guy during the day) was with her, so they both came. It was such a nice day. This is at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Its about an hour and a half from me, but well worth the trip.

That last shot was taken right before a big wave came up to get us! It was COLD! Bradey got a little freaked out at first, but I think it just startled him. It was pretty funny

That's my Gram. We just love her to death! She is 85 years young and still takes care of my little guy for me. I don't know what I would do without her! He is very upset that next year when he goes to kindergarten he can't go to her house anymore. She lives in one town and we live in another. Even though it is still in the same district, and we would've driven him so the buses were not an issue, they still won't let him go to the other school so he can be bused up to her house after. So I have to either pay for him to go to a stranger's house (no official daycare in our town), or I have to leave work early each day to pick him up. Not a happy camper.

Anyway...we had a great day at the park yesterday. It was a perfect way to spend the 4th. Well, perfect would've been if hubby could've been with us too, but he had to work. Hope everyone else had a great 4th as well!

 

[KatMark]

And here's the super cute wallet D made to match my backpack. So in love with this!

And this one is from my own photobucket account D

I WANT ONE...lit would make my DH so jealous (he loves the Mine Mine's!).

Thanks Liddy...and I can't wait to use it



We didn't end up going to see the movie. The rain cleared up and it was such a beautiful day so we decided to have a picnic at the ocean. I called my mom to see if she wanted to go with us and my grandmother (the one that watches my little guy during the day) was with her, so they both came. It was such a nice day. This is at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Its about an hour and a half from me, but well worth the trip.

That last shot was taken right before a big wave came up to get us! It was COLD! Bradey got a little freaked out at first, but I think it just startled him. It was pretty funny

That's my Gram. We just love her to death! She is 85 years young and still takes care of my little guy for me. I don't know what I would do without her! He is very upset that next year when he goes to kindergarten he can't go to her house anymore. She lives in one town and we live in another. Even though it is still in the same district, and we would've driven him so the buses were not an issue, they still won't let him go to the other school so he can be bused up to her house after. So I have to either pay for him to go to a stranger's house (no official daycare in our town), or I have to leave work early each day to pick him up. Not a happy camper.

Anyway...we had a great day at the park yesterday. It was a perfect way to spend the 4th. Well, perfect would've been if hubby could've been with us too, but he had to work. Hope everyone else had a great 4th as well!

Great pictures, and it looks like you had a great day.

 

[blessedmom4]

The pictures from the State Park are BREATHTAKING and I LOVE that you had four generations enjoying the beauty of the day!

They should give some type of waiver so your Grandmom could keep helping out...maybe a "been with him since he was born" waiver! Have you asked about an appeal..just a thought....

 

[solana131]

I WANT ONE...it would make my DH so jealous (he loves the Mine Mine's!).
Great pictures, and it looks like you had a great day.

Sorry Kathy...Mark's gonna have to get in line like the rest of 'em
And, yes we did! Hope everything is going ok over in your world....maybe not ok, but at least steady??

The pictures from the State Park are BREATHTAKING and I LOVE that you had four generations enjoying the beauty of the day!

It was so great. Gram hardly ever gets to go anywhere...she is a super homebody and usually says "no" when we ask her to do something. This was pure luck that she was there at the right time. She was so glad she came after.

They should give some type of waiver so your Grandmom could keep helping out...maybe a "been with him since he was born" waiver! Have you asked about an appeal..just a thought....

I'm sure if I really wanted to fight it, we could....but they will all be in the same school once they hit middle school anyway and we might be moving up next door to my Gram in the next couple years, so we could move him at that point too. The school superintendent is a woman that my Gram used to babysit, so I'm sure one phone call from her and we would be all set, but I actually like the small size of his school to the big one anyway. I just wish they could bus him up to her house after. She will still have him on holidays, vacations, and teacher workshop days. And in Maine we have a ton of snow days, so she will have him then too. Its not like they won't see eachother, just not everyday. It'll be fine.

 

[Chicago Mo]

12 days?!?!?!?!?!
​

 

[bigsis1970]

WooHoo! Just booked the Wishes Dessert Party for that Friday night! Price seems a little steep for just dessert, but to have an assigned seat for Wishes....I would pay alot more

Stay tuned......big changes coming up

I've only had time to ready to here on PG 5 but OMG YES the dessert party is expensive but OOOOOOOH SOOOOOOOOO TASTY!!!!!! Don't regret spending the $50 on Disney Dessert but would have a hard time parting with it at home.. Enjoy!!!!!


oh gosh I missed the big changes part hope you didn't have to cancel the party..

 

[solana131]

12 days?!?!?!?!?!
​

I know!! WooHoo!

I've only had time to ready to here on PG 5 but OMG YES the dessert party is expensive but OOOOOOOH SOOOOOOOOO TASTY!!!!!! Don't regret spending the $50 on Disney Dessert but would have a hard time parting with it at home.. Enjoy!!!!!

Yeah, I will totally eat my $50 worth for sure

oh gosh I missed the big changes part hope you didn't have to cancel the party..

Oh my, I can't even remember what the big changes were....maybe switching hotels??? Hmmm...I'm excited to find out too

Welcome aboard Michelle!

 

[DMGeurts]

Ack Suzi... I totally missed your PTR the other day when I was on here - I hope you had a Happy 4th!

I am so very glad you like the bag - it does look awesome on you... It would look great in a picture in Epcot where they have the Nemo scene. LOL

I love your LLBean purchases - I haven't purchased from them in years - but everything I have ever purchased from them has held up for YEARS... Um yah - the girls' backpacks... We "splurged" on LLBean backpacks when the girls were in Kindergarten... They are going into 8th & 9th grade (respectively) and still use their backpacks. Granted they get other bags in between - but they ALWAYs go back to their Beans. We actually used them on our trip to WDW... See, right there in the back...

Anyways... I can't believe your trip is almost here! I can't wait to hear all about it! Dani must be getting so excited!

Oh, and I loved all the pictures you posted, you can tell that Bradey is close to his Granny! Love it!

D~

 

[solana131]

Ack Suzi... I totally missed your PTR the other day when I was on here - I hope you had a Happy 4th!

I am so very glad you like the bag - it does look awesome on you... It would look great in a picture in Epcot where they have the Nemo scene. LOL

I love your LLBean purchases - I haven't purchased from them in years - but everything I have ever purchased from them has held up for YEARS... Um yah - the girls' backpacks... We "splurged" on LLBean backpacks when the girls were in Kindergarten... They are going into 8th & 9th grade (respectively) and still use their backpacks. Granted they get other bags in between - but they ALWAYs go back to their Beans. We actually used them on our trip to WDW... See, right there in the back...

Anyways... I can't believe your trip is almost here! I can't wait to hear all about it! Dani must be getting so excited!

Oh, and I loved all the pictures you posted, you can tell that Bradey is close to his Granny! Love it!

Thanks D. We did have a good 4th. I was struggling that morning trying to find something fun for Bradey and I to do while Daddy was working. Glad it cleared up and we were able to have a great day!

Yes, I plan on getting pictures at Nemo for sure

I recognized your backpacks when I first saw that picture They had those ones at kingdergarten??!! Aren't they a little big for a 5 year old? I am trying to find one for Bradey for next year. Can't believe my little man is going into kindergarten!

Dani is getting very excited. She texts me almost daily to ask about whether or not she should bring something or other. Its cute. I can't wait to share this with her!

And yes, Bradey and Gram are very very close. I see alot of her in him every single day. I owe her alot of credit for how well behaved he is. He never was exposed to the "rotten" kids at daycares and he actually know what respect is. It is amazing! I am so afraid of what will happen to his personality once he gets into school and away from her everyday







So, funny story....

I work at a automotive dealer/garage and yesterday I helped them return a vehicle to a service customer. They are teachers here at the local school (Dani's school) and they know Dani. Well, while I was driving their minivan I noticed they have a Mickey antenna topper and a Mickey keychain. So of course I have to talk to them about Disney. I asked them if they had ever been in the summer and if they could give me some tips about heat and crowds. They said "We are actually going in a week"! Yep, we will be there the same time! And come to find out....they are even staying at POFQ! Well, they are split staying somewhere off site first, then moving to FQ two days before we leave. How cool is that?! Dani loves these two people, the man was her basketball coach every year. Trying to decide if I should tell her they will be there, or just surprise her with a "chance meeting".

 

[KatMark]

Thanks D. We did have a good 4th. I was struggling that morning trying to find something fun for Bradey and I to do while Daddy was working. Glad it cleared up and we were able to have a great day!

Yes, I plan on getting pictures at Nemo for sure

I recognized your backpacks when I first saw that picture They had those ones at kingdergarten??!! Aren't they a little big for a 5 year old? I am trying to find one for Bradey for next year. Can't believe my little man is going into kindergarten!

Dani is getting very excited. She texts me almost daily to ask about whether or not she should bring something or other. Its cute. I can't wait to share this with her!

And yes, Bradey and Gram are very very close. I see alot of her in him every single day. I owe her alot of credit for how well behaved he is. He never was exposed to the "rotten" kids at daycares and he actually know what respect is. It is amazing! I am so afraid of what will happen to his personality once he gets into school and away from her everyday







So, funny story....

I work at a automotive dealer/garage and yesterday I helped them return a vehicle to a service customer. They are teachers here at the local school (Dani's school) and they know Dani. Well, while I was driving their minivan I noticed they have a Mickey antenna topper and a Mickey keychain. So of course I have to talk to them about Disney. I asked them if they had ever been in the summer and if they could give me some tips about heat and crowds. They said "We are actually going in a week"! Yep, we will be there the same time! And come to find out....they are even staying at POFQ! Well, they are split staying somewhere off site first, then moving to FQ two days before we leave. How cool is that?! Dani loves these two people, the man was her basketball coach every year. Trying to decide if I should tell her they will be there, or just surprise her with a "chance meeting".

Oooh...I would surprise her with a chance meeting...if they don't spill the beans first.

 

[solana131]

Oooh...I would surprise her with a chance meeting...if they don't spill the beans first.

I'm sure she won't see them before we leave as she isn't in school any longer. But I have such a hard time keeping a secret....remember, this whole trip was originally a surprise for her, but that didn't last long






So I am officially doing the single digit dance!

So much for doing Online Checkin....I tried to do it this morning, but I would get to the room request section and it would kick me off It's okay, I didn't really want to do it anyway. I know its a busy time of the year, but we are arriving before noon on a Wednesday, so I don't think there will be that long of a line. And I want to see if they can add a bunch of GiftCards to my KTTW card for me. I would also love it if they could add my tickets to it as they are just paper tickets and I am afraid they will rip. I have heard several times that if the check-in desk won't/can't do it, to go to the concierge desk after. I just think it will make it so much easier to have it all linked and I didn't do a package. Next time we are doing a package.

Just wanted to show you all where I chose to stay the night before our flight in Manchester. Well, actually the hotel is in Londonderry, NH....but its closer than some in Manchester.

The Sleep Inn....cheap, cute and close...

Don't the rooms look nice??! Very pretty and clean looking. I tell you.....some of the places (even nice ones like the Hilton) had really scary pictures online. This one was one of the cheapest, but nicest looking. I guess we will see...

The front desk

Lobby

And free breakfast starting at 5. Most places don't start until 6 and that would be too late for us. Another plus!

So, it doesn't look like the Plaza, but I think it will do for one night. Getting very excited! One week from tomorrow we will make the 2 hour drive to beautiful downtown Londonderry