Bringing Mom to WDW for MY bday, Sept '09! Day 4 Part 1..AK and Tusker House 12/30!

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Woohoo on getting all your documents!!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

When I went with my DBf a couple years ago, my KTTW said Mrs. Jennifer with his last name! I was like 'Uh, did you forget to tell me something?'

Yay for finally getting your Mickey mail!

Haha, that's too funny

I thought you might get them today. Yay!

Have you been to Vegas? Maybe you did a MWI (Marriage While Intoxicated).

I think I remember all my Vegas trips..hmm.....

Can you hear me throwing my fit all the way from your house???

I told Terry that it is a matter of national security that I have my documents TODAY!!! I am calling Obama... F-15 fighter jets are going to go to Disney and pick up my freakin' docs and hand deliver them to me... They can land on my street for all I care...

My mom has called 3 times this morning cause they are taking the kids camping for the weekend and she has no clue what she is doing... On the 3rd call I answered, "STOP CALLING ME!!!! I am waiting to hear from the travel agent and every time you call I think it is her!" So of course about 10 minutes later, she blocks her number and calls again... She thinks she is so darn funny...

Ugh! I can NOT believe you don't have them yet!!! I would have seriously called Obama by now and escalated this lol

Yay for getting your documents! It's getting close now!

I can't believe I have 20-something days left!!

Woohoo on getting all your documents!!

Thank ya woohoooooooo!!!!!!

 

[MyMuse]

ALL DOCUMENTS HAVE ARRIVED!!!

Today we received the remainder of the Disney docs...the vouchers, luggage tags, etc. But umm...since when am I married? All the docs say Mrs. Jennifer... I'm not even going to bother dealing with that now.

I also got in the mail something I bought off ebay but I'll take a photo of it and post it on here later

I'll also be posting a list of things I need to buy/do before we go.

Good for you! Now, it's official! LOL!

I will follow on Twitter, but via the website. I have not signed up for Twitter yet, but I wll as soon as I get my new phone. Should arrive on Monday!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

27 Days left!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!

I can't believe the countdown is in the 20s! YIKES! I feel like I still have so much to do!

So time for a vent...sorry guys! I was looking for a new camera strap for my DSLR camera. My friend has an awesome Mickey one but they don't sell it anymore. So I went on ebay against my better judgement and found one I liked. It's not the one my friend has but I love it. It's a vintage strap from like the 80s that I totally remember when I was little.

I fell in love...so I quickly bought it. Well? I got it in the mail and it is NOT anything like the photo!! I'm so pissed!! It's a cheap replica, the metal is made of plastic... the photo of mickey is TOTALLY different! It's not even the profile shot but a dinky shot of Mickey's face. And it's shoddy craftsmanship. UGH!! The guy obviously either put the wrong photo up or figured that Mickey is Mickey and who cares. So I emailed him today and he said I can return it and he'll refund the money but I'm annoyed. They normally don't return the shipping fees AND I have to mail it back to him! PLUS buy the strap I really want. Ugh. Sorry for the vent. Just seriously annoyed and it just reiterates why I hate ebay. This guy even had over 3000 positive reviews! So now I have to go back on ebay and buy the one I want So sad.

ANYWAYS....

I finally started putting together a list of stuff that needs to be done and stuff that I need to bring with me (other than clothes). I still know I'm going to forget something though!!!

Bring
- Mickey Journal & pen (I showed you guys the journal I purchased earlier in the report!))
- Mickey camera strap - if I ever actually get the right one sent to me
- Moos - My flickr friends might have heard of these. They're tiny little cards that you can put photos and a message on. They kinda look like this:

I bought them to give to CM's thanking them. I used a few photos that I took on past Disney trips and on the back I said 'Thanks for Making Our Trip Magical! The xxx Family' I think they're so cute! Haven't gotten them in the mail yet but I've used them before for other stuff and they're great. I'll post a photo of them when I get them.
- ADR print out and itinerary
- food list
- Disney helpful tips and hidden gems list
- umbrella (mom won't use a poncho!)
- DME and voucher paperwork
- Camera (xti & waterproof), 3 lenses, tripod, gorillapod, chargers (2), remote, memory cards (2 - in cameras), cords!
- laptop & laptop pouch
- lime green mickeys (if still have them)
- bathing suit?
- airline boarding passes
- puzzle book for mom (she loves word finds)
- garmin gps watch, charger, and usb stick for my runs (if I ever get a chance!)



To Do
- buy mom camera Done!
- buy moos - Done!
- buy camera strap AGAIN
- preorder photopass cd (?) - still debating this
- make sure someone can take our mail in for us
- request time off work (!)
- download more music and upload to ipod
- get laptop fixed at apple store (the camera doesn't work on. not necessary for Disney but still.
- look to see if still have old lime green Mickey heads from 2 years ago
- print out boarding passes
- make tip envelopes for mousekeeping
- get singles from bank for mousekeeping tips
- buy new purse
- download Lou Mongello's Fantasyland album

 

[jenny105]

Sorry to hear about everything with Ebay! That site is a pain. I ordered stuff off there a couple years ago for Christmas and never received anything from the seller. Emailed her, no response. I finally had to put in a claim with Ebay and get my money back. Have you checked Amazon? I've never had a problem with them.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Hey! Yup I checked Amazon...nothing there

I did just buy the camera strap again from a different ebay seller. They have multiple photos of the item and 100% positive feedback. I'm crossing my fingers on this one!

 

[scoot241]

27 Days left!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!

I can't believe the countdown is in the 20s! YIKES! I feel like I still have so much to do!

So time for a vent...sorry guys! I was looking for a new camera strap for my DSLR camera. My friend has an awesome Mickey one but they don't sell it anymore. So I went on ebay against my better judgement and found one I liked. It's not the one my friend has but I love it. It's a vintage strap from like the 80s that I totally remember when I was little.

I fell in love...so I quickly bought it. Well? I got it in the mail and it is NOT anything like the photo!! I'm so pissed!! It's a cheap replica, the metal is made of plastic... the photo of mickey is TOTALLY different! It's not even the profile shot but a dinky shot of Mickey's face. And it's shoddy craftsmanship. UGH!! The guy obviously either put the wrong photo up or figured that Mickey is Mickey and who cares. So I emailed him today and he said I can return it and he'll refund the money but I'm annoyed. They normally don't return the shipping fees AND I have to mail it back to him! PLUS buy the strap I really want. Ugh. Sorry for the vent. Just seriously annoyed and it just reiterates why I hate ebay. This guy even had over 3000 positive reviews! So now I have to go back on ebay and buy the one I want So sad.

ANYWAYS....

I finally started putting together a list of stuff that needs to be done and stuff that I need to bring with me (other than clothes). I still know I'm going to forget something though!!!

Bring
- Mickey Journal & pen (I showed you guys the journal I purchased earlier in the report!))
- Mickey camera strap - if I ever actually get the right one sent to me
- Moos - My flickr friends might have heard of these. They're tiny little cards that you can put photos and a message on. They kinda look like this:

I bought them to give to CM's thanking them. I used a few photos that I took on past Disney trips and on the back I said 'Thanks for Making Our Trip Magical! The xxx Family' I think they're so cute! Haven't gotten them in the mail yet but I've used them before for other stuff and they're great. I'll post a photo of them when I get them.
- ADR print out and itinerary
- food list
- Disney helpful tips and hidden gems list
- umbrella (mom won't use a poncho!)
- DME and voucher paperwork
- Camera (xti & waterproof), 3 lenses, tripod, gorillapod, chargers (2), remote, memory cards (2 - in cameras), cords!
- laptop & laptop pouch
- lime green mickeys (if still have them)
- bathing suit?
- airline boarding passes
- puzzle book for mom (she loves word finds)
- garmin gps watch, charger, and usb stick for my runs (if I ever get a chance!)


To Do
- buy mom camera Done!
- buy moos - Done!
- buy camera strap AGAIN
- preorder photopass cd (?) - still debating this
- make sure someone can take our mail in for us
- request time off work (!)
- download more music and upload to ipod
- get laptop fixed at apple store (the camera doesn't work on. not necessary for Disney but still.
- look to see if still have old lime green Mickey heads from 2 years ago
- print out boarding passes
- make tip envelopes for mousekeeping
- get singles from bank for mousekeeping tips
- buy new purse
- download Lou Mongello's Fantasyland album

That's the trouble with eBay. Never can be completely sure you're going to get what you think you're getting. Fortunately I haven't really had bad experiences with eBay, but I've heard many stories. I've thought about getting a different camera strap (I have the standard Canon one) but haven't done anything about it.

I just added boarding passes to my list. Somehow that didn't get on there. Also added an alert to my calendar to tell me to check in 24 hours prior.

You haven't requested time off yet? I did that in February (maybe I'm a bit crazy ).

I got the Photopass CD, but I'm splitting the cost with my parents. I figure it'll be easier than trying to hand the XSi off to someone and giving them a brief tutorial in DSLR. Heck, my wife is scared of the XSi; I can only imagine what some random person would think.

We're bring bathing suits; not sure if they'll be used, but I figure it's better to have them than not.

Need some sort of rain gear; another thing to add to the list.

I'm leaving the laptop at home. I can get on the Internet on my phone, and I have enough SD cards to last me the entire trip (I think).

I've been putting some CDs I haven't listened to in a while on my iPhone. A couple of the bands are from Jersey: Less Than Jake and Midtown. Listened to them a lot when I was in high school and at the beginning of college.

Should probably get some cash from the bank too. I hardly ever carry cash anymore.

Still have a lot to do here too...

 

[jwhtewolfd]

That is SUCH a cool strap; I would be furious too!

You might want to get to requesting that time off before you leave. I requested mine a year in advance, and the OM didn't have a 2009 calendar yet!

 

[jenjolt]

OOH I'm so sorry you had a terrible experience with Ebay!! I have had the complete opposite and have gotten some great things (like my Veras and recently a gorillapod) on that site!!! I wish you luck finding your new camera strap.

I love the idea of the CM cards..how much fun to be able to make those!!!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

OMG, Jenn! You are so close to your trip!!!! That is so exciting!!!!

 

[Lynn5700]

OMG those picture cards are soooo cute!!! I never heard of them!!

Sorry about the strap. That guy stinks, lol! They sell straps down in Disney if you don't find one by then, so don't worry.

 

[stacikristine]

So sorry about the ebay camera strap! That REALLY stinks. I've had good and bad experiences with ebay. One time I thought I was buying a cute black dress and it turned out to be the tramp dress of the century--and it wasn't the least bit cute But I just got a VB bag I bought on there and it's great. I hate that it's such a gamble...

Anyway...Your to-do and to-buy lists are great! I might have to steal some of them. We're still trying to figure out what all we still have to do before we leave on the 20th. And that's SUCH a good idea with the MOOS! I saw them for the first time at a graphic design conference in Austin this past summer. They're so awesome! And your idea is great--I'm sure you'll make the CMs day Good luck getting everything finished!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

That is SUCH a cool strap; I would be furious too!

You might want to get to requesting that time off before you leave. I requested mine a year in advance, and the OM didn't have a 2009 calendar yet!

Ha, I JUST requested my time off! I'm sure it won't be a problem. They're pretty good with vacation here, luckily!

OOH I'm so sorry you had a terrible experience with Ebay!! I have had the complete opposite and have gotten some great things (like my Veras and recently a gorillapod) on that site!!! I wish you luck finding your new camera strap.

I love the idea of the CM cards..how much fun to be able to make those!!!

Crossing my fingers for the 2nd attempt of the camera strap! I got an email already from the seller thanking me for the purchase and saying it will be shipped soon. I thought the CM cards were a cute idea too! I was trying to think of what else to give them as a token of our appreciation. I honestly couldn't think of anything cute!

OMG, Jenn! You are so close to your trip!!!! That is so exciting!!!!

I can NOT wait! 26 more days!!!

OMG those picture cards are soooo cute!!! I never heard of them!!

Sorry about the strap. That guy stinks, lol! They sell straps down in Disney if you don't find one by then, so don't worry.

My friends on flickr get those cards all the time using their photos and we send them to each other. I thought it was a perfect way to say thanks. I'll post photos when they come in!

So sorry about the ebay camera strap! That REALLY stinks. I've had good and bad experiences with ebay. One time I thought I was buying a cute black dress and it turned out to be the tramp dress of the century--and it wasn't the least bit cute But I just got a VB bag I bought on there and it's great. I hate that it's such a gamble...

Anyway...Your to-do and to-buy lists are great! I might have to steal some of them. We're still trying to figure out what all we still have to do before we leave on the 20th. And that's SUCH a good idea with the MOOS! I saw them for the first time at a graphic design conference in Austin this past summer. They're so awesome! And your idea is great--I'm sure you'll make the CMs day Good luck getting everything finished!

Thank you and welcome! I just read your whole pre-trip and you guys have awesome plans too

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I completed a few more things on my ToDo list and added a few more things too.

Here's the camera I bought mom...I asked her to pick the color and she wanted blue!

Finally requested off work, yay!

Bought a purse from Aldo...love their purses! They're fairly cheap and good for the season. I don't have to worry about ruining them since they're not too expensive either. It's a plain grey BIG purse but I'm going to use it as my carryon for the flight. It'll hold my laptop, etc so I'm happy.

also bought Lou Mongellos audio guide for fantasyland. I have his main street and adventureland ones and I LOVE them!

To Do
- buy mom camera (with mem card and pouch....b&h?) - done
- buy moos - done
- buy camera strap - done
- preorder photopass cd (I caved and bought it)
- make sure someone can take our mail in for us
- request time off work (!) - done
- download more music and upload to ipod
- get laptop fixed at apple store
- look to see if still have old lime green Mickey heads from 2 years ago
- print out boarding passes
- make tip envelopes for mousekeeping
- get singles from bank for mousekeeping tips
- buy new purse - done
- download Lou Mongello's Fantasyland album - done
- go to Target and buy travel sized items (or Harmon)

 

[MyMuse]

on 26 days! It's sooo close!

Ebay - I've always done pretty good by them. But it really is hit or miss on things.
My sister's wedding was a total Ebay wedding as I bought so much stuff there! She wanted a particular Precious Moments theme, so that was the only place I could think of. I bought all kinds of cute little things to add that special touch. My sis and her husband paid for their wedding as we don't have parents to help. Though, the fam and some guests was super awesome and their gifts to them were generous.

My bro and I paid for the photographer, her wedding dress and all the little things like the program, gifts given out at the church, cake topper, unity candles, welcome bags for the hotel peeps and the gift bags at the end of the wedding.

Harmons - I them! I only mean to pick up one or two thngs and pow! Before you know it, the bill is $50!
I have amassed quite a travel collection, so I don't think I need anything for December.

I hope your camera strap is awesome!!!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

on 26 days! It's sooo close!

Ebay - I've always done pretty good by them. But it really is hit or miss on things.
My sister's wedding was a total Ebay wedding as I bought so much stuff there! She wanted a particular Precious Moments theme, so that was the only place I could think of. I bought all kinds of cute little things to add that special touch. My sis and her husband paid for their wedding as we don't have parents to help. Though, the fam and some guests was super awesome and their gifts to them were generous.

My bro and I paid for the photographer, her wedding dress and all the little things like the program, gifts given out at the church, cake topper, unity candles, welcome bags for the hotel peeps and the gift bags at the end of the wedding.

Harmons - I them! I only mean to pick up one or two thngs and pow! Before you know it, the bill is $50!
I have amassed quite a travel collection, so I don't think I need anything for December.

I hope your camera strap is awesome!!!

Ebay is such a mixed bag...I figure eventually i'll have to have good luck with them My cousins wedding was totally an ebay wedding too,

Harmons! I love it too but everyone keeps talking about the travel aisle at Target so I wanted to go check it out. I might have to go to both though. And YES! I always go in for one thing and end up witha $50 bill

 

[scoot241]

The camera looks nice. A friend of mine just bought the SX200. He likes it, but it pushes up the ISO quickly in the auto modes. Something to keep an eye out for.

I was just looking back up the thread and didn't realize how long my last post was. It was one of those stream of consciousness things where I was looking at your list and thinking "oh I need to do that too" and then typing it in. Not trying to hijack your PTR!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

The camera looks nice. A friend of mine just bought the SX200. He likes it, but it pushes up the ISO quickly in the auto modes. Something to keep an eye out for.

I was just looking back up the thread and didn't realize how long my last post was. It was one of those stream of consciousness things where I was looking at your list and thinking "oh I need to do that too" and then typing it in. Not trying to hijack your PTR!

thanks! My waterproof point and shoot bumps up the ISO too all the time when in auto. But there's a setting where you can specify the Auto ISO value. I'm hoping this one isn't so bad. I'm not expecting mind blowing photos since I'm now a tainted DSLR owner

Haha and your post wasn't tooooo long! It was because you quoted my long post so it just looked long.

 

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Oh I'm so sorry about your camera strap from ebay. That's horrible that he would do that. You're so nice giving him the benefit of the doubt that he didn't do that on purpose, I wouldn't have been that nice! Cute camera! Ooo you're getting so much done on your list! Your trip is so close now!!

 

[jenjolt]

You are really making progress on those to-do lists YAY!!!! That is awesome!!! I'm very excited for you!!! That camera looks amazing I'm sure your mom is going to LOVE it!!!!

Glad you got work off...as a teacher the first thing I did upon returning was filling out my leave form and finding a sub both were done YAY...I'm very excited about all of that!!!