Boo to you & AKV too!! **11/18**52 days to go, freaking out, a bag & next year!**

[mickeysmyboy]

Where to start, where to start!

A little bit of background would be good I suppose!

I’ve been to WDW twice this year! Yea me!! The second trip plays a lot into this upcoming trip...

The first was a family trip in January with DH, myself and our 3 kiddos! We were supposed to be taking my sister, her DH and their 3 kiddos along for the fun! My sisters kids have never been! But do to a bump in the road on their end they were unable to go. We had a blast anyway and thanks to the wonderful 4 and 3 deal we were able to stay 9 days! Our longest trip ever! We stayed at WL, our favorite resort! It was truly a wonderful, magical trip!

The second trip was DH and I all alone! No kiddos! For 4 night MK at Poly to celebrate our 10th anniversary!!!! It was such a great trip and we had a spectacular time! One of the highlight of the trip was taking the DVC tour! Once we got back home and went through all the DVC info we soon signed all the papers, sent in our $$ and are now official owners of 200 points at AKV! DH decided there was no way he was going to be able to control my disney addiction so feeding into it was the best thing for him to do

That brings us to the planning of this trip! There was so much hemming and hawing about what to do, who to bring, when to go. blah, blah, blah!!!

Originally we had wanted to travel in January 2010 and take DH parents. They have always been a big part of our trips to WDW.

Actually our January 2009 trip was the first time we’ve been without them and I kinda thought taking them would be a great way to celebrate our DVC purchase. But much to our delight we soon found out that SIL is expecting her first kiddo in late December and MIL doesn’t want to go away so soon after the baby is born so she can be here to help SIL. I totally agree and we decided to wait to go with them and perhaps SIL, her DH and the baby in either Dec 2010 or Jan 2011.

We discussed waiting to go again until that trip in Dec 2010 or Jan 2011 but who was I kidding?! I had 200 perfectly good points burning a hole in my pocket! I needed a trip to plan before I went into some kinda of withdrawal! Buying DVC was supposed to mean a trip always in the planning stage right?!

So we decided to see if my sister and her family could go with us in January 2010! My sister didn’t see a reason why not! So I started planning! Originally I thought we’d need a grand villa, but thanks to DH’s keen observation that DS Ryan will still be 2 and doesn’t “count” in the number of people I realized that we could fit in a 2 bedroom!

Of course, there was a brief few hours one day when I gave my best shot at going in Dec 2009 but it wasn’t meant to be! I couldn’t find a place to stay without switching resorts 12 times! So I went back to January 2010!

So I finally came up with a plan that worked!

January 9th – 16th we have a dedicated 2 bedroom, savannah view room at Kidani Village reserved! WE'RE GOING HOME!!! I' soooo excited to be staying at Kidani!!! The room models were sooooo beautiful and all the pictures I've seen of the grounds, thanks MEK!, are beautiful too!

We will be using our 200 points for 2009 and 72 points from 2010. Leaving us with 128 in 2010. So for any trip in late2010 we’ll have to borrow from 2011. Ughgh!!! I’m completely point challenged!!!! Unless I get my wish and we add on 100 extra points! Hmmm…


The kicker is that my kiddos have no idea!

The trip will be a Christmas surprise for them if we can keep it a secret for that long! My sisters kids know that we’re going! Their older, 16, 14 and 12 and were very disappointed when they had to cancel last time. My niece (14) is my 4th child for all intents and purposes. She will be coming here this Sunday to spend as much of her summer here as my sister and I will let her. I have to drill it into her head that the trips a surprise for her little cousins!

My kiddos are going to be sooooo excited to go to WDW again! They know that we bought DVC and they know it means lots more trips to come! But I told them that we probably wouldn’t be going to WDW again until at least the fall for 2010.

I’ve never planned a surprise like this before and the kids have always had a lot of input into our trip planning so it’s very hard not to spill the beans! I'm hoping sharing my excitement here will help that! I wasn't going todo a PTR for this trip but then I realized it would be good outlet for all my planning excitement!

So please, come along for the journey! Help me plan and help me keep it a secret!!!!

Up next, the cast of crazies!​

 

[nu2wdisneyw]

I'm Joining you... I'm first

 

[faerieprincess]

i'm here!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm Joining you... I'm first

i'm here!

Yiiiippppppeeee! Thanks for joining in!!! More to come soon!

 

[MEK]

Yeah for January. Such a great time to go! My eventual plan is to go every Sept/Oct and January. Maybe I will through a May trip in there every once in awhile.

My first DVC trip was 310 points! So I will be borrowing points forever. Oh well - that's what they are there for.

Really looking forward to reading about your trip planning. Good luck with not spilling the beans!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Yeah for January. Such a great time to go! My eventual plan is to go every Sept/Oct and January. Maybe I will through a May trip in there every once in awhile.

My first DVC trip was 310 points! So I will be borrowing points forever. Oh well - that's what they are there for.

Really looking forward to reading about your trip planning. Good luck with not spilling the beans!

We loved Jan this year!! The weather was great, it was so nice to get out of a cold NY winter and 75 degree Florida sun! The crowds were good, although there were a lot of the dreed brazilian tour groups. I think it will be a great time to take first timers! I'm also a big fan of Oct! Our Oct 07 trip was great too! Great weather, good crowds!

Before DH's keen observation about Ryan not "counting as a person," when I thought we'd need a grand villa I thought the trip would be 356 points I'm MUCH happier with 272! I don't have a problem borrowing points! If I need um and I have um I'm gonna use um! But DH was like "we're gonna have to keep borrowing year after year," Um yeah. If you don't like "borrowing" buy me 100 more and we can bank what we don't use! Ok, maybe not, I'd find a way to use them!

I'll be back later with the cast of crazies and a little explaining on "crazies" But now I'm off to pick DD up at sailing lessons and run an errand or 2 to get ready for tomorrows exhibition to Rhode Island for the 4th of July!

 

[jenn-]

Can't wait to "meet" your cast of crazies. We have thought about buying into DVC several times, but we just keep using my MIL's points instead . Good luck keeping it a surprise.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Can't wait to "meet" your cast of crazies. We have thought about buying into DVC several times, but we just keep using my MIL's points instead . Good luck keeping it a surprise.

Thanks for joining in!! I'm still so excited about DVC! I probably will be forever!! My MIL wants to buy but FIL says no because their in their 60s so he doesn't see it as a long term thing the way we do. Their opening a DVC preview center on Long Island next month and I'm hoping to take a trip there one day. My MIL will most likely go with me so maybe that will change things a bit

I realllllly hope I can keep it a secret!!! It's so hard already and I have 6 months to go!!

Anyway, cast of crazies coming right up!

 

[MickeyLover20]

Joining in...I can't wait to hear all about the planning!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

As promised, my cast of crazies!!!

I'm going to start with my sisters family, most of whom are 1st timers fingers crossed that this is a jinx!!! Remember they had to back out for January 09

First! My big sister Jen!


this is her dancing with DS Ryan at Christmas last year!

What can I tell you have her?! Hmmm. Well, she is truly a wonderful, special person! She is 6 years older then me. Which means she'll turn, gulp, 40 shortly after we return from our trip! I'm hoping to plan some sort of birthday suprise for her during the trip but I can't think of what!

I'd give her a stay in the castle suite if I could!

Like I said she's my big sister. She's always, not matter what been there for me. She has a heart of gold but isn't to be messed with or crossed.

This is her 2nd trip to WDW. We went in 1987, she was 17 at the time. She's actually been to Disneyland, but I won't count her as lucky because of that trip.

You see, when we were kids Jen was very, very sick. She had a brain tumor that was removed twice by specialists in NYC but grew back bigger and faster each time. Luckily there was a specialist in CA who was perfecting a surgery to take out the kind of tumor she had. So my parents took her to CA for the surgery. That surgery saved her life and blessed our family with having her around for many years to come.

While she was in CA she got to go to different place in the area like Disneyland. But, like I said, I won't count her as lucky.

She has 3 kids and works as a teachers aide in a class for kids with behavior problems She puts up with more crap on a day to day basis that most people should in a lifetime!

Next, her husband John!

Hmmm, I can't seem to find a picture of him! Probably because he kinda trys to avoid a lot of family events. DH and I and the kids get along with him great. But my parents and my othe sister, not so much.

He adores my sister and worships the ground she walks on. He is a real, genuine, good person and would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar in his pocket if need be!

He retired from a long service in the Coast Guard last year and now works as a green exterminator. Meaning they only use products that won't harm the environment.

I know he's been to WDW before. Including once when he and my sister were recently married and he was out on the Coast Guard boat for a few months on patrol and they docked somewhere around port canaveral. So, some of them took a trip to WDW for day or 2. My sister was staying at home with my Mom and Dad and I and he called her from MK. Other then that I'm not really sure...

Next, their oldest kiddo! My Nephew Justin! Our first, first timer!!


Not the greatest picture ever but DD took it with the camera she got for last christmas!

He's 16, will be 17 shortly after our trip! Oh my! That means he will be able to drive! He is an all around great kid! He has no where near the attitude most kids his age do. He has an autism spectrum disorder called Asperger's Syndrome. Somehow, with a lot of work and a lot of self confidence he's kinda been able to work past it!

He was my starter baby! He was born 9 months after my sister and her DH got married. Because BIL spent so much time out on the coast guard boats my sister and Justin basically lived at my parents house. I was still in high school so I was home all the time and help my sister out. There were times that I was the only one who could stop him from crying or make him happy.

Next, my niece Jessica!! Our 2nd first timer!!


With DS Ryan!

Jessica is for all intents and purposes my 4th kiddo! She is my god child! She'll turn 14 in a few weeks and has all the attitude and baggage that goes along with that! But, she knows she ain't allowed to pull that crud with me!

She is super smart and spunky and doesn't take crap from anyone, anytime, anyplace! She's going to be one powerful women someday!

We will be picking her up at home in CT on Sunday on our way home from our 4th of July trip to RI and bringing her back here. She'll be spending as much of her summer her with us as my sister and I will let her

Next, my niece Julianna! Our last first timer!!



Otherwise known as the Kirate Kid! She's 12 and just got her black belt in May!!

She is quiet, sweet and cute! But, she could kick your butt in a second! Her life revolves around kirate. She's at the kirate studio at least 4 hours 6 days a week! My sister is hoping that now that she has her black belt that will ease a bit

Before I get to my part of the crazies I'll share a little with you!

As I mentioned, they were supposed to go with us last January but had to cancel.

I really wanted to take the kids because I love them like their my own and I know there going to have a blast!!

So, when we took our March 08 trip I picked up a few things for them, a lanyard, a few pins, a tee each etc. When we came home I made Magical Moments certificate like things for them and invited them down here for the weekend to give them a huge suprise!!

Of course, I video taped it...

PLEASE CLICK HERE!

So, as you can see they were super excited!! After they had to cancel we thought we'd have to wait until later in 2010 to try again but thanks to DVC an earlier trip was in reach! Yippeee!!!

Ok, I gotta go now and get some more stuff done around here! I'll be back tonight with my half of the crazies!!!​

 

[jenjolt]

I'm in!!! I definitely can't wait to hear more about this trip in the planning stages!!! You and your sister's families are going to have a great time!!

Thanks for the intros!!

 

[jenn-]

Fun cast so far, I might have to steal the picture idea when I finally get to introducing my cast for this coming trip. As far as I know, we don't have any first timers going with us.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Joining in...I can't wait to hear all about the planning!

Thanks for joining in!!! More to come soon!

I'm in!!! I definitely can't wait to hear more about this trip in the planning stages!!! You and your sister's families are going to have a great time!!

Thanks for the intros!!

Thanks for joining in! I can't wait for this trip!! We're going to have a blast and I know my sister and her family are going to love it!!

Fun cast so far, I might have to steal the picture idea when I finally get to introducing my cast for this coming trip. As far as I know, we don't have any first timers going with us.

Thanks! Steal away!! I think it will be so much fun to take first timers! My niece Jessica is her own little wealth of Disney knowledge without ever having been! She read all my Disney books last summer and know all the in's and out's!

 

[jenn-]

Thanks! Steal away!! I think it will be so much fun to take first timers! My niece Jessica is her own little wealth of Disney knowledge without ever having been! She read all my Disney books last summer and know all the in's and out's!

I think some first timers are fun as long as they are receptive of the advice of others. The worst first timers are the "know-it-alls" that really have no clue . But we live and learn.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Now onto the cast of crazies part 2!!

My family!!!


First ME!


Me during our WL photo session in January! Not my favorite picture ever, but ok, you get the gist! I don't seem to make it into many pictures because usually I'm the taker not the takee!

Anyway, I'm Melissa and I'm 33. Most of the time I feel 18 sometimes I feel 105! I'm a stay at home mom to my 3 wonderful kiddos and wife to my wonderful hubby! I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, I just started digital scrapping, I do a little bit of sewing etc

I'm a HUGE disney freak! One of these days I will perhaps take pictures of my many disney treasures and post them. I love all things Disney!! I have been in LOVE with Mickey since before I can remember. In fact before I knew there was a place called Disney World! Mickey has always been a part of my life and he always will be! I went to college with a boat load of mickey stuff given to me by various people as high school graduation gifts. One of things was a pad of paper that was given to me in a gift basket by my best friend with mickey on it. I used that paper to write my phone # on the night I met DH! We still have it somewhere.

Sorcerer Mickey is my very favorite and I swear I'm getting him tattooed on my ankle one day when I'm not a big chicken! I'm also a big fan of Cinderella and Peter Pan! My favorite things at WDW are PhilHarMagic and Wishes!

Enough about me! Now onto DH!!


DH in 05 after his ride on Space Mountain! Hmmm DH gets motion sick SM, not a hot idea


DH in 06 on Halloween during MNSSHP in a picture I like to call Prince Charming or Goofy?!


DH and I during our March trip!

DH is John, 34. He's a civil engineer who owns his business with FIL! He works very hard so I don't have to work outside the home and so we can live the life we do!

He is a competitive sail. Trips to Disney are kind of a consulation prize for me for all the trips he takes to go sailing. He'll go away for a weekend anywhere to a week and I stay home with the kiddos. So I get to go to WDW!

He is a closet Disney freak! He's been on Keys to the Kingdom twice and also did the little tour they do at WL! His favorite things at WDW are Buzz Lightyear SRS, TSM, WL and drinking all the adult beverages in WS

Next, our oldest kiddo DD Dorothy!


during WL photo session!


As Jasmine on her 7th b-day during our trip in 08!

She is 8 and will be in 3rd grade in the fall. She's super smart and generally wonderful kid! She's very shy and quiet. She makes us proud everyday with the things she's does and says and the achievements she makes!

She is a HUGE disney fan and has plans for both the college program and a WDW wedding!

Her favorite things at WDW are IASW, Buzz, TSM and the pool!

Next, DS Johnny!!


WL photo session!


Fighting Vader at the Jedi Training Academy in January

He is 6, and will turn 7 in November! He is sweet and innocent and truly just a happy go lucky kid! He is also an unintentional ladies man! He's got an entourage of little girls who follow him around and adore him! It's hilarious!!

He loves all things disney and is a HUGE fan of Star Wars and Indiana Jones! So Star Tours, Jedi Training and Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular are among his favs! He is also a lot more of thrill seeker then the rest of us! Him and I had a blast together on BTMRR in January and he can't wait to get on Splash Mountain (which was dry this past Jan. for rehab)

Last but definitely not least is DS Ryan!


being silly at WL photo session!


Kissing Sorcerer Mickey!

He is 2! All 2, terrible and all! But cute, sweet and so lovable!! He's been to WDW twice and loved it and been great both times! Well, I lied a bit. He's been 3 times. Once in utero! On our Oct 06 trip I was about 10 weeks pregnant!

He loves Pooh! He also loves Key (Mickey) Fee (Goofy) and Mimmie (Minnie) bunches!!

Not sure what his favs at WDW are yet! I know he didn't like the fact that when we went on the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in January Pooh kept coming and going. He really enjoyed IASW and giggled at the drop on Pirates!

I'm sure he's going to grow up to be a huge Disney fan!

A few bonus pictures of the whole fam!


my favorite from WL!


With Sorcerer Mickey!!!


With Ryan in belly all dressed up for Halloween 06!


That's the complete cast! No exceptions, in additions, no changes Yeah, sure, right!


So, why Crazies! Well, everyone in my family is nuts in someway, shape or form. I think it's how we get through be related to one another. It's almost a requirement to be a bit crazy in my family, otherwise you wouldn't last! We love and adore each other. But at the sametime drive one another completely crazy! Also, both of our last names start with C! So it fit perfectly

That's it for now! We're getting up super early tomorrow to head to Rhode Island to visit friends for the 4th! I'll post more when we get back and have pics of the holiday festivities!!! ​

 

[jenn-]

What a great intro to the main players in your cast! Love the all red shirts family shot! Have a safe 4th.

 

[xoktenox]

Hey Melissa, I'm here albeit a little late! Can't wait to hear about another trip for you and you're wonderful family.

Hope you had a happy 4th!

 

[MEK]

Melissa:

I read all about your cast of characters and enjoyed all your descriptions, even without the pictures! It is so great of you to take your sister and her family. You are going to have one crazy, busy trip to plan! I think you're utilizing your points very well. Getting alot of bang for the points, so to speak. I have a feeling your DH will break down and add more points, especially after your trip. It really is nice to be able to take people along with you. It's such a great way to spread the magic!

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

What a great intro to the main players in your cast! Love the all red shirts family shot! Have a safe 4th.

Thanks!! Before we did the photoshot I was reading different tips for family photos and one said you should all wear the same color and no prints. I figured red was good because of the colors at WL. I figured it would kinda pop! We had a great 4th! Will post about that soon!

Hey Melissa, I'm here albeit a little late! Can't wait to hear about another trip for you and you're wonderful family.

Hope you had a happy 4th!

Your not late! I just barely started!


More to come soon!

Melissa:

I read all about your cast of characters and enjoyed all your descriptions, even without the pictures! It is so great of you to take your sister and her family. You are going to have one crazy, busy trip to plan! I think you're utilizing your points very well. Getting alot of bang for the points, so to speak. I have a feeling your DH will break down and add more points, especially after your trip. It really is nice to be able to take people along with you. It's such a great way to spread the magic!

Looking forward to reading more!

At least you can read the report!! Back in my working days I couldn't even access these type of things!

Your definitely right about it being a crazy, busy trip! I'm not even sure how I'm going to do it!! Not to mention my niece told me that her mom wants to go to Sea World for a day! Ok with me! DD has been dying to go there and I know we can take a mears shuttle there. I just don't know how I'm going to fit it in!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Ok, well I'm planning an update for tomorrow as it's a big day


But, I did want to share some pictures of our 4th and such!


First, I had to share this because I thinks it's too cute!


DS Johnny lost a tooth 2 nights in a row last Thursday and Friday! He was so excited and he looks too cute!!


please excuse his dirty face and shirt! He's magnetic to all filth!


Now onto the 4th of July! DH and I went to college at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. Bristol boosts the countries oldest 4th of July parade. I believe this years was 224. It's a VERY big deal with a Marching Band competition that draws bands from all over. We've been going up every year and staying with good friends from college who no live in Bristol. We have a nice party with all of our college friends afterwards!



DH, DS Ryan and DD Dorothy on the Ferry ride from Long Island to CT


DD sporting a very interesting 4th look

Some pics from the parade!




the infamous former mayor of Providence, RI Buddy Cianci!! Buddy recently got out of the federal pen where he was serving a sentence for such gangster like things as money laundering. Back in college I was a public relations intern at his office! Not sure how an ex-con gets to ride in the parade but people in RI LOVE this man no matter what he does!








DH and his boys enjoying the parade


VERY cool hat on a stranger!










Ryan taking his girlfriend for a ride at the BBQ!

We had a great time!! The parade is always worth the trip and so in hanging out and catching up with old friends!

Like I said, I'm planning an update for tomorrow!! So, come by again tomorrow for another exciting installment of Zebras, Giraffe,& Okapi! Oh My!!! ​