Boo’s First Trip to Disney 2001

[Boo's Nana]

1 - Let’s Take Boo to Disney

Port Orleans-Riverside
November 5-11, 2001

Cast: Nana - “Disney” coordinator, 55 yrs old
Boo - Grandson, 2½ years
DD - Boo’s mama, 29 yrs old
DS - Nana’s son, 25 yrs old
DFDIL - DS’s significant other; future daughter-in-law, 24 yrs old (this changes)

Reader Beware! - Before you get started, this is quite lengthy and may be very boring. Here’s the story of how it all came about. This has been written and updated over the entire planning period of 1½ years and originally was very, very detailed; I’ve condensed for this report to just one “very.”

Let's take Boo to Disney!!!! Great-grandparents said “no - he’s much too young, he won’t remember anything.” I also learned that Gramps (former DH) commented to DD that he wanted to take Boo the first time. Oops, guess I goofed, so we invited Gramps & Cassie (his new wife) to come along, too, but they had other commitments. So, we’re going! This all started in May 2000 with trip planned for November 2001 when Boo would be almost 3.

I am probably more excited about this trip than any of the others and the closer this trip gets, the more excited I get and occasionally tear up talking about watching Boo’s face the first time he enters the Magic Kingdom. My kids and I have talked about going again, but being a single parent put severe financial constraints on yours truly (needless to say, circumstances have improved). My two children and I have not been since 1992; it's been quite a few years since DFDIL has been and, of course, Boo has never been. This will be first time for any of us to stay on WDW property.

Except for a long weekend beach trip about two years ago, this will be first family vacation we have had in many, many years. But this trip is important to me for another reason - with DFDIL finishing college in Spring 2002, the probability of her and DS moving out of state (and perhaps a wedding?), it may be a while before we could again all vacation together. DD & DSIL are also planning another child, which will postpone their traveling for awhile.

I have had and am still having a ball planning this trip. Since May 2000, I have read, planned, revised itinerary, read, revised itinerary (get the picture?) and through much help from www.wdwinfo.com, www.passporter.com and www.wdwig.com, Birnbaum’s Official Guide, Passporter, a few other sites and guides for specific reference information and, as of February 2001, Dreams Unlimited Travel, hopefully have a working game plan. Here are some things we did in our planning, loosely in chronological order, and having a good time:

• In May 2000, note to kids saying this trip was on! We would drive; leaving noon on Tuesday, returning on Sunday. Made resort reservations at Dixie Landings for two rooms (one double for DD, Boo & me; one king for DS & DFDIL) and sent deposit check. Purchased Birnbaums WDW 2000 Official Guide.

• Prepared a looseleaf, 3-ring notebook for each family group with tabs for different phases/activities of trip. Updated each month with insert on part/attraction/etc.

• Each monthly package included countdown calendars and Disney dollars, with extras in some months: film, Disney beach towel, Thorlo socks, Disney tote bag to use as airplane carry-on.

• Saved all change; quarters rolled periodically and exchanged for Disney dollars.

• About July 2000, we seriously looked at travel options. Being the daughter of an Army officer and later the wife of an Army officer, traveling is in my genes and driving long distances never bothered me—at least in my younger days—so we thought driving would be less expensive and with four drivers, not that bad a trip. However, after considering everything (travel time, possible overnight stay en route, tired—and grumpy—adults and toddler, work needed to Nana’s 10-year-old van to make it travel worthy for that long a trip), we decided to fly (DSIL—not traveling with us—said he would rather DD and Boo fly). Delta announced new nonstop flights from GSO to MCO, and return, at rates less than $135/person. I thought the reduced stress/tiredness level was well worth that price (and repairs/maintenance expenses to my van would cost almost as much as, if not more than, the combined air fares). As it turned out, I spent more than twice that on the van just for old-age maintenance so it would keep running for a while longer (which created some Disney budgeting concerns).

• Since we're flying, let's leave a day earlier. Called Dixie Landings, moved both room reservations up one day and sent note to the kids that we were leaving Monday, not Tuesday — 5½ days in WDW.

• Accidentally discovered www.wdwinfo.com & www.wdwig.com - where had I been?

• My coworker’s husband introduced me to Ebay—big mistake!! Luggage tags, fanny packs and child-size backpacks, all Disney of course became package inserts or Christmas stocking stuffers. I made the luggage tag inserts; Boo had laminated cards with his name, picture, mother’s name, my name, hotel name & phone and my cell phone number—one to put in his fanny pack (he says it’s his driver’s license) and one to attach to inside of his clothes.

• "Boo, where are we going?" "Disney - see Mickey - No-ember - on airpwane - up up 'way." Seeing “Cruelda” (the villainess in Dalmations for those who require toddler-ese translation) was later added to his must-see’s - she had become his favorite character. My grandson's quite intelligent (trait inherited from Nana!) - he knew there was something to get excited about. From more info I learned on the Disney sites to which I had become addicted (imagine that), I purchased the sing-along video, Disneyland Fun. Great video for a child. He plays it frequently when he visits my house - and gets excited every time he hears Goofy start whistling at the beginning. We later found the beach video, Halloween party and Flik’s Animal Kingdom (this one, however, did not hold his attention like Disneyland Fun).

• Learned about Passporter from Ebay auction. Found their site and ordered 2000 deluxe edition and used it as a base to create my own travel book. Ordered the 2001 update as soon as it was available.

• Reviewed stroller info and downloaded Stroller FAQ with pictures from www.wdwig.com. We decided to take our own, so I purchased reclining umbrella stroller with canopy. Cost including shipping was less than half what rental at WDW would be for the week. We found one of those mesh bags that attaches over stroller handles and Boo’s backpack hangs easily over stroller handle. This stroller is lightweight and easy enough to carry on plane, WDW transportation system, etc.; and we will “gate check” it at airport (another tip from these boards). Considered using DS’s travel golf bag cover (since golfing on this trip had been vetoed both by his mother and his girlfriend—cruel & unusual punishment, I know) to carry the stroller in while not in use. This plan changes later, though.

• Following tips from these sites, I created “money” envelopes, each envelope a different color:
• housekeeping tips (2 per day since we have 2 rooms)
• car/van service (tip envelopes for each occasion plus separate ones for the rental fees)
• air cap and hotel bell services
Each was decorated with Disney stickers. Every time I had a little extra cash (even a dollar or two), I would add to an envelope until all were complete with required funds.

• Joined the Disney Club (formerly Magic Kingdom Club).

• Considered surprising DS with a tee time at Magnolia for Wednesday (I'm such a pushover) - he had expressed interest on many occasions about playing the course with the Mickey-shaped sand hazard—revised itinerary one more time; maybe massages at GF for DD & DFDIL while DS is playing golf; DD (majored in horticulture) also wanted time to do the Behind the Seeds tour at The Land. Upon receiving March package, DS said, "I may rebel, Mom, and sneak away one day to play golf. But—knowing you, the day before we leave, you're going to tell me to pack my golf clubs, so I'm just going to be ready." So much for using golf bag cover to store stroller.

• Read some really good reviews on Discovery Magic Package and Dreams Unlimited Travel, so I did some number crunching. Magic wishes can be used for golf, spa and miniature golf, so the numbers look pretty good. Will continue research; since we have rooms already, waiting another month or so shouldn't matter. And what a luxury for me if Dreams Unlimited takes care of PS's, golf & spa appointments and other details. Have done major trip planning in the past for corporate functions, so I know how, but it surely would be nice to have someone else pamper me. We'll see.

• Coworker brought back from her trip park maps and some other brochures. Boo likes to "read" the maps and find the boats, castle, monorail, MK train and Epcot ball.

• Kids keep reminding me that I need to get back in shape 'cause they're not waiting on me. They, however, are convinced that they are the ones who will be worn out because they're expecting Nana to be in "commando" mode and on the go constantly. However, Nana, determined to get back in shape, started walking regularly. [Since the man of my dreams needs to be a Disney fan, maybe Prince Charming will find me at WDW and take me away to Never Land!] (Side note - I’ve been telling everyone I’m going to meet my Prince at WDW, but they all laugh. But it really can happen - MommaPooh & GoofyWill is a Disney story come true and we’ve shared their story with everyone. Of course, I’m envious - she actually found her Disney prince! Do you think there’s one left, just a little-or a lot-older?)

• Sent request to Dreams Unlimited to quote on Discovery Magic Package. They were able to get package with my DC discount and it's less than I had estimated individually. Yes! - we will do this. Kids don't know about the package, but DD often says, "Mom, you're up to something you're not telling us." Did I say my children know me so well. Beth with DU continually sent me updates. I’ve read both pros and cons about the “package deals,” so let me interject some thoughts of my own - it’s definitely a personal decision based on individual family plans. It’s important to calculate individual costs, i.e. number of desired “sit-down” meals, activities other than parks, park passes, etc. Based on my cost breakdown, the Discovery Magic Package saved us quite a bit. Will I do it next time? Depends on several factors for the specific trip. This time it was more than worth it to me and everyone (primarily Beth) I was in contact with at Dreams Unlimited Travel were more than helpful and saved much telephoning for me in acquiring meal PS’s, golf tee time, spa appointments and answers to questions that saved me research - even though I had done, and continued to do, much on my own.

• Reserved GSO ground transportation; confirmation in hand; car seat reserved.

• Found 4x6 loose-leaf photo album with Tigger on front & created our own autograph book: printed clipart of each character with room on each page for signature.

• March 2001 - Went to Delta's website, requested preferred flights ($132.50/each, non-stop to MCO and return to GSO). Flights confirmed, seat assignments chosen. And, hurray—e-tickets arrived one week later.

• Reserved ground transportation in Orlando - Tiffany's Town Car; ordered car seat and requested grocery stop at Publix; received confirmation number from TTC.

• Finished itineraries - converted everything to 8½x5½ notebook size, personalized days with PS#’s, location, etc, included graphics (i.e. Hundred Acre Wood gang for Crystal Palace meal; Grand Floridian logo for spas; golfing Mickey for golf, plus much more). Made “travel book” for each family group.

• Weekend of 9/21 planned family pizza party to disclose all. We went through itinerary page by page. After being assured that the tee time was really for him, DS commented that this trip just got 18 times better. Both DD & DFDIL were excited about the spa appointments, too. Needless to say, all plans seem to meet with everyone’s approval. Boo kept telling me to "calm down, Nana." DD also realized she could use a magical wish for horseback riding; she’s really looking forward to this vacation - I think she’s counting on some toddler-free time.

• Sorted (pre-1982) and cleaned pennies for pressed penny machines. Tried several of the methods learned from Tips board, i.e. Coke, vinegar, vinegar & salt. They all worked, but required soaking. The best cleaning solution is a product called TarnX; it’s hard to find, but the results were instantaneous.

• Ordered GOH badge & Mickey ears from Gifts of a Lifetime. I plan to give them to Boo before we depart as part of his activity package from Mickey. Prepared Boo’s toy bag - divided coloring, storybooks, etc. into different Disney bags so he could have one “activity” at a time. Also packed his daily “necessities” in his other Disney backpack.

• Start packing. Organize my fanny pack and carry-on tote. DD & I decided to share a carry-on to lessen number of bags and relieve some of the new security checks.

• 14 days ‘til we leave; e-mail response from Disney confirms no e-nights scheduled for November and weekend update from DU announced cancellation of early entries. Revise tentative schedule one more time. Fortunately no big problems; daily schedule really doesn’t change except for e-night & early entry. At 7 days out WDW dining left message changing PS time at Coral Reef since it will not be opening ‘til noon.

• DD called. She told Boo this morning, “14 days.” and his response was “don’t you say that.” I told her to tell him it was really 13 days; I could hear him say in the background, “I told you not say that!” I guess he’s tired of this waiting, too - let’s get on with the show.

• Reconfirm everything. Reserved VIP fireworks areas for Magic Kingdom & Epcot.

• October 30 - The roof partially caves in; DS & DFDIL called to say they were coming to see me to talk. Guess what my immediate thoughts were - they were not going! For the next 45 minutes, I accomplished nothing. They were both upset when they arrived; DFDIL had been crying for 2 days, DS was crying and so was I. DFDIL’s parents live in the northeast, her father is employed in law enforcement with a government agency and is quite involved with events/aftermath of September 11 and have serious immediate concerns about whatever events may happen next week and absolutely do not want her traveling. Granted she’s over 21, but still a full-time student and, well - parents’ wishes. She says there is the possibility they will change their minds; I told her if that happens, she’s to get on a plane; her parents have agreed to pick up the air fare if they reconsider. Needless to say we are all upset - this is supposed to be a family outing. I was sure DS would cancel, but he’s going; we’re just going to cancel one room and the four of us stay in one room. Flexibility is the key - we’re disappointed and considered postponing, but we’ve looked forward to this for too long and there’s no assurance that postponing would work, especially since DFDIL will be graduating in the spring and missing school would probably not be advisable. So - I gave her the household duties i.e. checking the mail, watering plants, feeding fish and promised we would call daily and bring home lots of pictures. She’s also going to take us to airport in my old van and save the ground transportation fees & tips.

• Fax hotel with special room requests (non-smoking, Magnolia Bend).

• November calendar is 5 pages, not one: 4 days to go; 3…; 2…;1…; & “Here We Go” with traveling Mickey & luggage.

• Here are the preliminary plans: (I'll let you know how well we kept them.)

November 5, 2001 - We’re off!!!! Hurray!!!!!

Monday, Nov 5, 2001
7:45 am - depart Nana’s; depart GSO at 10:15 am. 11:55 am - Arrive MCO; meet Tiffany Town Cars; bus to Magic Kingdom

Train to Toontown; PS at Liberty Inn Tavern; monorail to Epcot; IllumiNations

Tuesday, Nov 6, 2001
Epcot; Future World; lunch at Coral Reef

Boat to MGM;

Downtown Disney Marketplace

(This will be a long day, but two sit-down meals will help break it up and Wednesday will be easier.)

Wednesday, Nov 7, 2001
DS - golf at Magnolia
DD - spa appointment at Grand Floridian (my dream resort)
Boo & Nana - whatever & a nap
DD - Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot
Dinner PS at Teppanyaki (Japan in Epcot)

Thursday, Nov 8, 2001
Magic Kingdom; Breakfast PS at Crystal Palace
Ft. Wilderness pony ride for Boo (?)
Horseback Trail Ride for DD & DS (Boo & Nana back to PO-R for nap)
Blizzard Beach (?)

Friday, Nov 9, 2001
Bus to Animal Kingdom; lunch at Rainforest Café

MGM - Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood & Vine

Saturday, Nov 10, 2001
Breakfast PS at Chef Mickey’s
Magic Kingdom
Dinner at Tony's
Fireworks & Fantasy in the Sky

Sunday, Nov 11, 2001
Very, very early rise and check-out
8:15 am - Depart MCO for home

Other Activities
Blizzard Beach; Downtown Disney; Disney Quest, Pleasure Island; horseback trail ride for DD and maybe DS; Vacation Club tour for Nana

All my children, including grandson, are late sleepers when work/school schedules permit (DD is a stay-at-home mom, so Boo’s schedule is like hers - stay up late/sleep late). With the elimination of early entries, mornings should not be as bad as I originally anticipated and once the kids (adults and child) are up and going, they’re fine. Boo is a flexible napper and probably will do so in his stroller. Since we are traveling during a season when the parks close early, returning to the hotel for naps every day is not in the schedule. Sit down meals and hopping to another park are planned to allow for relaxing, with some slower days/afternoons.
If you made it this far, hope you were not too bored. This is still pretty detailed and a lot was deleted - oh well, I’ve enjoyed reading other schedules/reports and have learned and benefitted from them. Perhaps my notes will help someone else and it’s been fun to write. It’s surprising what we may have missed on previous trips because we were uninformed. We did NO planning—just went (didn’t know about character meals, pressed pennies, and lots of other stuff). I had already gotten started on planning this trip before I learned these boards even existed. So with planning info out of the way, perhaps actual week in ‘Fantasy World’ will be more entertaining to read.

I was hoping to wait 'til last minute to post this, but it seems I will be working all weekend (both at my “real” job and for two of my outside bookkeeping clients) to get my desk(s) cleaned up. Perhaps when I return there will be only one small hill of backlog - rather than an entire mountain range.

Boo's Nana
Port Orleans-Riverside - November 2001

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

I did not find this at all boring. I'm thrilled to find someone who is as into planning as I am! You've done a wonderful job and I can't wait to hear all about the magic when you return! Have a fantastic time!

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

Great start! Sounds like you have everything ready, Nana. Now go and enjoy yourself and your family. BTW, we are from Greensboro as well. Aren't thos non-stop flights great. We had them on our last trip in September and theywere great!

 

[Andrew's Mum]

Wow, what an amazing planner you are. I won't get to go to Disney for a few years yet so I get to visit through these reports. I cannot wait to read your finished one when you get home. You have given me a few ideas for preparing Mickey bags and suchlike to help get fellow travellers in the 'disney spirit'. I will think of you in 4 days time!

 

[Nanajo1]

I'm so excited for you. We are going mid-November with our 2 1/2 yo DGD. I can't wait to see her face when we enter MK. I'll be anxious to know how Boo reacted to the characters etc.
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[kathymc]

wow! what effort (the planning and the report!) too bad about the FDIL, maybe things will chagne. Have a safe and wonderful trip - I'll look forward to your report when you return, I'm sure it will be a blast!

 

[HookedonMagic]

What a WONDERFUL mom and nana you are! Give yourself a hug for all the planning and thought you've put into making such a special trip for your family. I'm sure you'll all enjoy a trip of a lifetime! Please post more when you return!

BTW, we call my nephew Boo, too, and I was lucky enough to be with him on his first trip to the World. Fantastic!

 

[swankybeth]

Wow! Sounds like one great trip is planned. You did some heavy-duty planning there, missy! Can't wait to read the actual report and find out how Boo liked everything, how DS enjoyed the golf, how DD's liked the spa treatments, and most of all, how you held up during the whole ordeal!

Beth