Chunkymonkey & Chubbyhubby's Year of Disney PTR! NEW 12/27 THE END and New TR Link!

[chunkymonkey]

PTR Update - The Big August Family Trip! Intros​

113 Days until the Big August Family Trip!
Dates: August 11-19th (20th for me and DH!)
Resort: Polynesian Village
Number of Adults: 7
Number of Kids: 6
Total # of people: 15
Dining Plan: No (I will use our TIW card to help cut down the cost of all meals)
Tickets: 6-Day park hoppers for everyone plus bonus water park day, AP for me and DH

I meant to post more PTR updates this week but I have been feeling under the weather. My allergies are really bad this year and I've been taking a lot of medication of which very little has helped initially. I was so miserable every day for the past week that I'd just pass out at home before I get a chance to write up a full post. Maybe I actually had a cold, but it's probably allergies since I'm like this at the same time every year. Spring just sucks for me. Please just get to summer already!

I'm finally feeling better to make some headway on the planning for August. First we added an extra night on the BEGINNING of the trip, so everyone is now arriving on the night of Friday August 11th instead of the Saturday the 12th, so we now have an extra full day to play with! Initially this was going to be our arrival day so I thought we'd take it easy, have a non-park day and go to Disney Springs, but now that it's a full day I decided it has to be a park day since it would make full use of their park hopper tickets. Sooo...that threw a wrench in my already perfectly laid out plans for the week. #obsessivedisneyplannerissues I will share those plans soon.

Anyways I wanted to start by introducing you all to my big family and friends group who will be joining us in August!

1) For those of you who have read my TRs before, she needs no introduction.
She's my resident character-loving picture-obsessed sister, Chunkysis! Aka Su-Queen.
She's younger than me by 5 years (I'm the oldest). She works in custom printing and loves crafting, including making homemade cards which you can see here.

2) Next we have the first of our younger sisters, the twin older by 20 minutes, Chunkytwin1 aka Ying
She's accompanied by her family: her hubby, Kevin, and her two kids, Caylee (3.5) and Bryan (1.5).
Both Ying and Kevin work in finance and they are very busy. My mom and dad watches the kids during the day which is nice.
Caylee is adorable, but very shy. She has the cutest voice and biggest smile though. Once she warms up to you she loves to talk and can even be a bit sassy. She loves princesses, Minnie, and wearing tutus.
Bryan is the only boy in the family - so he's very special! He is a sweet sweet boy who loves Mickey and loves to laugh. He's also likes anything with wheels, and anything round like balloons and balls. He's learning how to talk right now but he can say "ball" really well!

Here's a picture from last fall. It's hard to find a picture of the whole family together!

L to R: Bryan, Ying, Caylee and Kevin

Here's a recent one of Caylee and Bryan:

3) Next is our "youngest" sister, Chunkytwin2 aka Ming!
She's a special needs teacher by day and her hubby is Marc who works in finance. She has 2 beautiful daughters, Eva (4) and Sienna (6 months).
Eva is our first niece and she is so sweet and funny. She cracks us up all the time. She was initially a little shy but she seems much more outgoing now.
She's excited about meeting princesses, especially Cinderella, who is her favorite. She loves anything and everything girly: dresses, jewelry, nail polish and anything pink or purple. Her birthday falls at the end of our trip so she'll be celebrating with a trip to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and some princesses!
Sienna is the newest member of the family and just celebrated her 6-month bday! She is an all around plump and chubby baby who loves to sleep and have everyone carry her around.

L to R: Ming, Sienna, Eva, Marc

Here's one of just Eva and Sienna:

My nieces and nephew are just the cutest things. Chunkysis and I are the aunts who spoil them constantly, lol. They love to tease and play with their Uncle Steve because he just falls asleep everywhere and they throw their stuffed animals at him to wake him up, LOL.

You've seen Chunkysis in some of my TRs but the twins have not been to WDW nearly as often as we do. We did do that big Chunkysisters Birthday Trip back in 2011 and they had a really good time although it did rain for half our trip. My two brother in laws have not really had much experience with Disney at all. And of course it's the kids' first trip. I hope I can plan a wonderful first trip for them to Disney World! #NoPressure

Here are some pictures from our sisters trip back in 2011. This was before any of the twins had kids and they were having a blast.

That was a really fun trip, I hope we can try to "recreate" some of these pictures. I think I still have the Minnie-inspired tank top in the last picture. I'm not sure it fits though.

4) My best friend, Kelly and her family will also be joining us on this trip! Kelly and I have been friends since college. She also has two girls, Sophie (9) and Amelia (5) and her hubby of 12 years, Honyee.
Kelly and I have been to Disney together before, during spring break in college. We were so funny back then, we were single and thought we were so cool walking around Disney in our 4 inch wedge heels and miniskirts. We even went to pleasure island to that dance club (I want to say it was called...Mannequins?) and it had a revolving dance floor. LOL. Those were the days.
Kelly is now a SAHM but she seems to have a busy schedule in her own right, taking her kids to school and to all these different activities in a day.

I am actually very close to Sophie as I wasn't working during the first 2 years after she was born so Kelly and I hung out almost every other day and I got to watch Sophie grow up. She's the oldest kid in the lot and she's extremely smart and observant. This will be here 3rd trip to WDW! She loves Belle and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Eva really looks up to her and she's like the "big sister" of the group.
Amelia is a sweetie with a big smile and hugs for everyone. She's very caring and loves to dote on little babies. This will be her 2nd trip to WDW and she also loves Belle. She was too short to ride mine train on her first visit so she's looking forward to riding that now. Her birthday is also in August so she'll be celebrating along with Eva and the princesses!

Here's Kelly and her family, Sophie is the taller one, and Amelia is the shorter one.

Sophie and Amelia get along really well with Eva. Here they are together having a blast:

Kelly and her family did a trip back in 2014 for a week in August. They did have a good time but they complained that it was too hot. Like crazy boiling inferno hot. So it's a miracle they agreed to come again this August. I assume that the magic outweighed the heat so they are coming back for more. It just so happened that everyone's free time lined up during that week and probably when we decided to go it was 20 degrees and freezing in NJ so the thought of something warm seemed like a good idea. Kelly planned most of that trip in 2014 herself with a lot of guidance from me. She thought it was a lot of work, but it's because she wasn't used to making reservations so far in advance. For this trip, aside from booking her own room and flights, she's leaving most of the planning to me. Initially she only wanted to do some of the ADRs that my family was doing but I spoke to Sophie and Mimi and they have made her change their mind so almost all of our ADRs will be together. Although for many of them I had to have Kelly book a separate ADRs for the same times because I could not add additional people to my ADRs. Maybe we'll get to sit together, maybe not, but not that big a deal since we'll all be staying at the Poly.

Here's a picture of them from 2014:

So, that's the introduction to my family and best friend's family! I'm so happy I finally got this trip put together! I'll write up our day to day plans for August sometime this evening!

 

[KathyM2]

Hey I'm so happy to hear more about your plans!! And also yay that you are arriving on the 11th now, which gives us even more opportunities for a DisMeet lol ) What a big fun group it looks like you will have. I can't imagine the logistics of planning a trip for a group that size, especially with so many different aged kids!! It's enough of a challenge planning a trip for just my DD and I...I can't imagine what it's like for you! But you are a pro lol

 

[Tracy161]

Please just get to summer already!

I, too, have tons of allergy issues and spring is the worst! And besides, there are just so many reasons summer needs to get here

#obsessivedisneyplannerissues

Yeah... no one here on the Dis knows anything about those...

Awww, what adorable kids you have in your family and your bestie's family! I'm sure the thought of spending the week together at Disney is so exciting!!! I was in Disney with my nephew (3.5) in January and the look on his face when he got to experience things... Raises the magic to another level

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hey I'm so happy to hear more about your plans!! And also yay that you are arriving on the 11th now, which gives us even more opportunities for a DisMeet lol ) What a big fun group it looks like you will have. I can't imagine the logistics of planning a trip for a group that size, especially with so many different aged kids!! It's enough of a challenge planning a trip for just my DD and I...I can't imagine what it's like for you! But you are a pro lol

Yes! We decided to arrive on the 11th because the flight was cheaper. It was more expensive to fly a family of 4 on Saturday than it was an extra night at the Poly. And because of the labor day discount, the Poly is so cheap so it just made sense. We wouldn't have done if it if were regular Deluxe prices, LOL. So yay to having more chances to meet! I'm sure it'll be more than once in the week that we're there!

And yes, it is definitely CHALLENGING to say the least, to plan a trip that appeals to everyone. There's so much that I think they will like and so much I want them to see, but the hard part is whittling it down to a manageable schedule. If it were up to me we'd be packing in 3 ADRs a day and going at RD every morning and seeing a different show at night, but thankfully I am aware that no one likes to power through a Disney vacation as mush as I do. LOL. I showed them a mock "schedule" of what I had planned for the week and my BIL Marc says that's more on this schedule than he has in a week at work. But at least it's all fun stuff, right? Hahaha.

I, too, have tons of allergy issues and spring is the worst! And besides, there are just so many reasons summer needs to get here

Ugh, yes!! Please...end this miserable season!! A-chooo!

Yeah... no one here on the Dis knows anything about those...

Yeah I figure no one on the DIS would know about obsessive behavior...

Awww, what adorable kids you have in your family and your bestie's family! I'm sure the thought of spending the week together at Disney is so exciting!!! I was in Disney with my nephew (3.5) in January and the look on his face when he got to experience things... Raises the magic to another level

That's exactly why I hope this trip is magical for them...and me! I'd love to see their expressions when experiencing it for the first time. It will make all the planning worth it, I'm sure! That's so awesome you went with your nephew! How cute!!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I remember your sisters trip report - how exciting that you get to return with their families AND your good friend's family! It's such a good looking group!

I'm impressed with your ability to hold the schedule to a "normal" level of activity - I don't know that I could do the same! I'm sure everyone will appreciate all your Disney knowledge! Also, staying at the Poly - I'm sure everyone (especially the kids!) will LOVE it!

I can't wait to see your detailed plans!!!

 

[cinderkelly]

Total # of people: 15

Wow!! I can't imagine vacationing with that size group! You may need nightly trips to the bar

I meant to post more PTR updates this week but I have been feeling under the weather.

Oh no! Sorry you've been feeling bad! Hope you get better soon.

we added an extra night

Yea!! I am guilty of adding on nights frequently

My nieces and nephew are just the cutest things.

They are perfect and adorable!

hope I can plan a wonderful first trip for them to Disney World! #NoPressure

I would feel that way too, like it was my responsibility for them to all have a good time. I'm sure you'll do great

club (I want to say it was called...Mannequins?)

Yes!! I was there once and it was so cool with the rotating dance floor!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi Su-Lynn. And I thought I had a lot of trips planned...Wow! I don't know how you keep everything straight. Kuddos to you! Your trips all sound sooooo wonderful! I bet you are looking forward to your May vaca. It will be here before you know it...

 

[chunkymonkey]

PTR Update 4/21/17...August Trip Plans and a trip down memory lane...​

OK, continued from my previous introduction post, here's the massive schedule for our trip...you ready? Here goes!
I've peppered this post with some pictures from past trips as otherwise it's just words and no pictures, so hope you enjoy some pics down memory lane...

Friday August 11th: Arrival Day, to the Poly we go!
Our departure day. We are all on the same flight from EWR to MCO which leaves at 7:30pm. DH and I will probably be working that day. I don't have many vacation days left after this year of Disney trips so I have to preserve as much as we can. Most likely most of my family will take the day off and get prepped.
Barring any flight delays, we'll arrive at around 10-10:30pm at MCO and we'll have to grab our luggage and then head to ME. I hope that this process will not be crazy. This is also my nieces and nephew's first every plane ride! Thankfully it is a short ride. I know that the adults are all worried about the kids behaving but I said, we're on a plane to Orlando. In August. It won't be hard to assume there will be a bunch of kids on this flight. So I think I eased their worries a bit but I can understand the parents anxiety. Luckily my friend Kelly has flown with her kids a bunch of times so she'll be ready to give them tips and stuff for the plane.
When we get to the Polynesian it'll probably be very late and I think after we check in, it'll be straight to the rooms, maybe a quick snack and beverages from Captain Cooks too. Oh and I think I'll allow myself a real drink from Trader Sams, because you know, SOUVENIR CUPS. I was also thinking of placing an order with Garden Grocer or Amazon because the kids will probably want some of their usual snacks and drinks and of course formula for baby Sienna.

From our most recent trip in February 2017: Me with a Trader Sam's "Pearl"

From 2016: Getting Lei'd at the Poly!

Saturday August 12th: MK...then hop to...??
OK this is our "extra" day because initially we were supposed to arrive on this day. I struggled to figure out what to do with this day, just because now that a whole other day of park hopping was available, i needed to make full use of it without overwhelming everyone...get what I mean? I also already booked our ADRs for every other day so I couldn't screw with the existing plans too much. Tables for 15 people do not come easy!
So, I know historically Saturdays are not a good day for MK because it's crowded but I know that the first park the kids see should be MK. It's what they associate with Disney World. So I decided on a late start to the day - we'll take the monorail to MK after rope drop. We'll head into the park, maybe take a few PP pictures, and then start with a big breakfast at 10am at Crystal Palace. We will then do the three FP+ that I will make come June. I am thinking Jungle Cruise, Under the Sea with Ariel, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. We'll do any other ride or show which does not have long lines including my favorite, the Peoplemover. Then, we'll take a break, probably around 2 or 3pm so that everyone can get back to the resort, rest, have a pool break, etc. We'll regroup again for dinner. I am not sure what to do for dinner, maybe we will just do Kona Cafe since it's right at the Poly, or maybe we'll go to a different park. I figure if we have park hoppers, we should watch one of the shows, maybe DHS for Star Wars fireworks as my BIL Marc is a huge fan too. But I also want them all to get some rest for the next day. We shall see. I wanted an ADR for 1900 Park Fare but the only time I could find was 5pm, and that's a bit too early as they won't have a proper break after MK, so I will keep looking.

Here's a picture from Crystal Palace in 2013:

Riding one of my favorite rides, the Peoplemover, in 2015:

Sunday August 13th: MK
This is our "original" first day at the parks. I kept the plans the same. We will have some quick service breakfast at the Poly, or they can choose to have a light breakfast at MK later. We will take the monorail/ferry to MK for rope drop or as close to it as possible. We'll do standby for maybe Peter Pan, then Winnie the Pooh, Barnstormer, Enchanted Tales with Belle, IASW, Dumbo (not necessarily in that order, LOL). I will make FP+ for BTMRR, Space Mountain (using rider swap), maybe Peter Pan. I know that my nieces will want to go on Prince Charming's Carousel once they see it. We'll grab something quick for lunch, it may be too hot to eat outside so there's Cosmic Ray's, PVH, or CHH which is my fave. Then as it gets to the hottest point of the day we'll cool down with some Buzz Lightyear, Carousel of Progress, Tiki Room, Monsters Inc, and/or Philharmagic. We may also meet Mickey and Tinkerbell. I know my nieces will be too scared for Pirates and HM but the older girls will do it. They can opt to do Splash Mountain as well. I decided we'll stay in the park for most of the day because we have an early dinner at 4:00pm at Be Our Guest and it won't be much time for a pool break. After dinner, we'll probably head back for a pool break/rest. I was planning to do Happily Ever After tonight but maybe we'll park hop to another park. Maybe Fantasmic!

Here's an oldie but goodie: DH and I from my very first TR on the Disboards in 2009:

Look how thin I was! I have come to the realization that Disney has made me fat over the years. fat and poor.

On BTMRR in 2010, which was our first time staying on-property at POFQ, and first time with the DDP (for free, yeah!):

In 2013 at Gaston's Tavern:

Monday August 14th: Epcot, maybe Disney Springs
We'll either walk or take the monorail to the TTC and head to Epcot. We'll hopefully be there for rope drop and then head directly to The Land and standby for Soarin'. We'll then head upstairs to our breakfast ADR at 9:50am at Garden Grill. After breakfast we'll do some FP+ for Character Spot, and Spaceship Earth. We'll probably ride Nemo on standby, as well as Figment. Maybe we'll wait for Baymax and Joy/Sadness at some point but I think it will be more for Kelly's kids than my nieces and nephew as they aren't too keen on those movies just yet. I will also FP+ Frozen Ever After and we will make our way around World Showcase. I'd also really like to get an FP+ for Test Track as I know Mark and Kevin would really enjoy it. We'll see if we can obtain one on the fly. The afternoon is open so it's up to everyone if they want to stay or leave. It'll probably be super hot at this point so some may want to leave, although I know Chunkysis will be on a mission to take a PP picture in every pavilion. LOL. We do not have ADR plans for tonight but I was thinking of quick service in World Showcase or Disney Springs. I feel like the twins would love to go to Disney Springs as they absolutely loved Downtown Disney back in 2011. It's so much bigger now and there's more stuff to see and buy. I know them so well. They do not have an entire wardrobe of Disney outfits like me and CS so they will want to spend some time shopping for things to wear that week. Those who want to catch some of the shows can probably head to DHS for some Star Wars Fireworks or AK for Rivers of Light. However, I was also thinking this may be a good night to do a dessert party. I'd really like them to do the Star Wars dessert party if we do.

Here's a picture collage from one of Chunkysis's missions to get pictures all over Epcot. This was from 2015:

The twins shopping for their hubbies at Downtown Disney 2011:

Tuesday August 15th: DHS then Epcot
We'll bus it to DHS, and the first thing we'll do when entering is to sign Sophie, Amelia, and Eva for Jedi Training. #TheForceIsStrongInMyFamily Most likely DH will take the guys and run to TSMM or RnRC. The moms and Chunkysis and me will probably do some character pictures at Red Carpet Dreams and Toy Story. We have a late brunch 10:50am at Hollywood and Vine with Disney Jr. Characters. Kelly and her family will be skipping this one as their kids are a bit too old for Disney Jr.
Then we'll do our FP+, I am thinking Star Tours, TSMM, and probably Frozen or Little Mermaid. We will probably also catch one of the Beauty and the Beast shows. If we have not done the Star Wars dessert party yet then we'll head to Launch Bay, probably do some meet n greets. I'm pretty sure none of my nieces would do Kylo Ren or Chewie, as they are not into Star Wars yet, but they do like BB-8 so that will be an option if the line is not insane. They will do their Jedi Training then we'll do GMR, Muppets, and then see if there's anything else they would like to do, then head back to the Poly.
We have an early dinner at 5:40pm at 'Ohana!!! This was the favorite restaurant of my sisters, in fact we did it twice in that week back in 2011. But really, their favorite part was dessert and now that you can get the famous bread pudding at Tambu lounge at any time, I did not book it for twice this trip. The optional activity tonight was to head to Epcot for Illuminations and EMH and maybe a few drinks around the world. This is if no one passes out from food coma.

Chunkysis's first experience riding Great Movie Ride in 2011:

Don't you kinda miss the hat? From 2013:

A pic at Epcot from a 2014 trip which was just a trip with Chunkysis and myself:

Wednesday August 16th: AK then MK
Today is AK day! I will have more information on the rides at Pandora based on our preview in mid-May, so I will FP whatever ride I think will work best for the kids. Most likely it will be that family-friendly Navi River ride. I don't even think my sisters have seen Avatar yet. Sigh. I don't know if we'll be able to standby for the other Pandora ride considering it's going to be so popular. But we will try. I will also FP+ the Safari (is this in a different tier than any pandora ride? I didn't check on that yet), and to meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost. Then we have an early 11:30am lunch at Tiffins! I was contemplating between Tiffins and Tusker House but I know the adults will really enjoy the food at Tiffin's and I think they will be in need of a nice signature meal at this point. We'll do some other stuff at AK, ITTBAB, Dinoland, FOTLK, maybe KRR. Also Rafiki's Planet Watch, that is always my favorite. We'll hopefully get out early enough for a nice long rest back at the Poly before heading out to Disney Springs. I wanted to make a dinner ADR for Morimoto or Paddlefish. So far though Morimoto only takes parties of 7 or less so I may have to call them to book. Tonight is EMH at MK so I was going to head there and watch Happily Ever After and enjoy the rides at night. It'll be a good time to ride the Speedway and do any rides we missed during the first 2 days.

DH and I Riding Kilimanjaro Safari in 2012:

Who doesn't love Dumbo at night! This was from 2015:

Thursday August 17th: Waterpark for the Fam, Park-hopping for DH and me
Since my family booked a Magic Your Way package, they were entitled to an extra water park day from our travel agent. I'm not sure if they have decided on which water park to visit yet, does anyone have a favorite? Water parks are not my thing so I don't really know. First up, though we will have a 9:30am breakfast together at 'Ohana with Lilo and Stitch and friends. Chunkysis and I even have coordinating outfits for this meal, LOL. Just wait and see. Then they will all head to the water park of their choice, and DH and I will continue the park hopping. We will probably return to AK and FP+ the other Pandora ride, Flight of Passage and do some character meet n greets. I haven't met with Russel or Dug in a long time so I am going to make this happen. Then we'll probably hop to whatever park we want to do more of, maybe Epcot. Then in the evening, at close to 8pm we will all regroup again for a dinner at one of our favorites, Yachtsman Steakhouse!

Here's me in 2014 before breakfast at 'Ohana. I was pretty themed with a pineapple print dress but my outfit for August is much better!

Here's a picture from 2013 with Russel and Dug!

At the Yacht Club in 2015 before our dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Friday August 18th: MK, Epcot
Today is Eva's actual birthday! She'll be 5 years old. The kids and moms will start of by going to Disney Springs in the morning for their 9am appointments at BBB. Are there even buses that run to DS at this time? I am not sure, but they can always take a taxi if needed. I am not sure if I am going to go but since I kinda want to see this in person I'll probably go too. DH and the guys will probably head to whatever park they want to and do some rides, I am thinking DHS for TSM and RnRC. We will all re-group at MK in time for our 1pm lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. We will be celebrating Eva and Amelia's birthday here! After lunch we will do our scheduled FP. I am thinking the girls will do Princess Fairytale Hall since they will be all decked out, while the guys will do SM or something like that. I will also FP+ for other rides like Winnie the Pooh and maybe Enchanted Tales with Belle. I think we'll hop over to Epcot later and they can go pavilion hopping and some last minute shopping. I was thinking we will stop in Japan and I will get the girls some pearl cages and they can do pick a pearl as a birthday present. I love the pearl cages that look like Cinderella's carriage. I may have to get one for myself in May, because you know, RESEARCH.
Since they are already decked out in their princess gear, we will end the evening with another princess meal at Akershus at 8pm. It was the only time I could get which probably means we'll have to skip Illuminations although whomever wants to can probably step outside to watch.

From 2015 at Cinderella's Royal Table:

And with my sisters at Akershus in 2011:

Saturday August 19th: Departure day for fam, DH and I continue the fun!
My family, including Chunkysis, will check out and probably just hang around the Poly before leaving for their afternoon flight back home. I think Kelly and family will also be leaving around that time too but they did not book their flights yet. I do have a group breakfast planned for this morning, at Kona Cafe, but I know a lot of the stuff offered there is similar to what they have in Captain Cooks so not sure everyone would want more of the same type of food. Maybe we'll head to 1900 Park Fare instead. We'll see once everyone has their flights booked. DH and I will probably do more park hopping. Maybe DHS or Epcot again, I am not sure. Maybe we'll just take it easy in the afternoon and relax by the pool or go to Disney Springs for a movie or happy hour at Trader Sams. But I know for sure we'll be in MK that evening because we have a dinner ADR with none other than @Tracy161 herself!! Tracy will either be solo or with her sister so I made an ADR for 4, just in case, at Liberty Tree Tavern! When I heard they added the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake to the dinner feast I was so on board! Then we'll catch Happily Ever After! Sounds like a pretty perfect last night for us!

Here's a picture from 2015 from our first DISMeet with Tracy! And it was a spontaneous DISMeet as we ran into each other at BTMRR!

Can't wait to "recreate" this photo too! Boy was I TAN on that trip as it was right after our Disney Magic cruise to the Bahamas and we got a ton of sun! I am severely lacking in the sun department right now so hopefully I'll get some color in May.

Our first time at Kona Cafe n 2010:

Sunday August 20th: Departure day for me and DH
I don't know when we're leaving today because I haven't booked any return flights yet. I think something not too late would be ideal since we'll be back at work the next day. If we do a park maybe we'll head back to AK for more Pandora fun, or do a meet n greet that we've not done yet. Then it's back home for us... ...until labor day weekend when we'll be heading back down to Universal for the Orlando Informer Meetup at WWoHP. We're only there for the long weekend and I've not decided if I wanted to do more than a day at Universal since we've already purchased tickets for the meetup. We may just spend a day at Universal and a day and a half at Disney.

This August trip will actually be the longest time we've spent at WDW...a total of 9 days! I'm not complaining at all. Also included some time this week is another Dismeet with @KathyM2! She'll be there for the week with her DD so I'm sure there will be more than one meetup! She's staying at the Contemporary so we'll be next to each other. I imagine lots of Trader Sams in the future.

So that is sort of a rough plan of August. I hope we'll be able to get all the FP we want. Of course there is so much more I want to fit in, more meals, more shows, more attractions, but I think it's a decent start. Also final hours have not yet been released so that may change things up a bit once they are. Do you think I bit off more than I can chew? Well let's hope not, and I think seeing the expressions on everyone's faces when they experience the magic of Disney like I have will be worth the hours of planning, hair pulling, second-guessing, and indecisiveness that goes along with #ObsessiveDisneyPlanning.

I have to remind everyone to stop for pictures whenever they can since they will have memory maker from our APs. Because who doesn't want a set of gloriously bad PP pics?

From 2013:

I hope you enjoyed my planned itinerary and trip down memory lane. Now let's just hope for no hurricanes, no more than 15 meltdowns, good weather, no monorail breakdowns (especially when we're on it) and lots and lots of Souvenir Cups from Trader Sams.

ALOHA!!​

 

[dizneeat]

Your plans look really good. I think I can steal a few ideas for my own planning here.

 

[bcwife76]

Loving your trips down memory lane!!!

That's a huge group of you going in August, it's going to be interesting but I think a lot of FUN!

 

[Tracy161]

Water parks are not my thing so I don't really know.

They aren't for me either! I went to Blizzard Beach back in 1997 with my family and had a lot of fun, but I wouldn't even consider "wasting" time at the parks in order to do it.

I was pretty themed with a pineapple print dress but my outfit for August is much better!

So excited to see what it looks like!

Today is Eva's actual birthday!

Lucky her! I spent my birthday at Disney in 2013, but it falls in September so I won't be able to pull that off again until after school's over

I love the pearl cages that look like Cinderella's carriage. I may have to get one for myself in May, because you know, RESEARCH.

Yes! Research is absolutely vital.

When I heard they added the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake to the dinner feast I was so on board!

You couldn't have chosen a better place - I've really been meaning to get here, and... Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. Need we say more?!

Then we'll catch Happily Ever After! Sounds like a pretty perfect last night for us!

YES!!! I'm so excited for this!

And it was a spontaneous DISMeet as we ran into each other at BTMRR!

I still can't believe this happened!

I think seeing the expressions on everyone's faces when they experience the magic of Disney like I have will be worth the hours of planning, hair pulling, second-guessing, and indecisiveness that goes along with #ObsessiveDisneyPlanning.

Seeing the expressions on their faces will make everything worth it

Because who doesn't want a set of gloriously bad PP pics?

 

[KathyM2]

my BIL Marc says that's more on this schedule than he has in a week at work. But at least it's all fun stuff, right? Hahaha.

That is quite hilarious. I think anyone I know would be pretty freaked by the fact that I have a spreadsheet in the works, lol nevermind how detailed it is!! But they just don't get it.

So because I'm a crazy stalker (no really I'm not) but I went through your day by day plans to see where ours might line up...Because I based most of my park day choices on what ADR's I could get because, you know, it's all about the food lol. It looks like some things might work ..

A few ideas I saw where we had things in common:

Sunday August 13 - I had us going to Epcot for most of the day but but no real evening plans - so I think you said your plans that evening were loose - so that might work for a Dismeet. And we would love to come to the Poly for some Trader Sam's if that work...or even a DoleWhip (or both)

Wednesday August 16th - I think you have this as AK day? I had planned to head to AK that day in the early afternoon like 1-2 pm so if you are still there...that might be another chance to say hi!!

Also August 17 and 18 - those days I hadn't planned that thoroughly yet - I'm torn between not wanting to get up for EMH at MK...and wanting to sleep in and avoid the EMH parks...so because it's on the tail end of our trip and we may be exhausted...I'm leaning towards not doing the EMH and doing MK on the 17th and Epcot on the 18th...but...since the whole Park Hopper thing is new to me...I could easily be persuaded to do a bit of both lol or...here's a crazy idea...I've been thinking about trying the 4 parks in a day thing...but I have to see how my DD feels about that. She still actually doesn't know about our trip...I will go into the reasoning for that on my own PTR lol and not take over yours...but anyway...

Looks like we will get to meet somehow anyway lol

Love your plans...so many fun things and new experiences for everyone!!!

 

[Raeven]

Chunkysis's first experience riding Great Movie Ride in 2011:

This photo looks so professional!

First up, though we will have a 9:30am breakfast together at 'Ohana with Lilo and Stitch and friends. Chunkysis and I even have coordinating outfits for this meal, LOL. Just wait and see.

I have a Stitch outfit planned for our breakfast too

I have to remind everyone to stop for pictures whenever they can since they will have memory maker from our APs. Because who doesn't want a set of gloriously bad PP pics?

So true!

 

[soniam]

Your plans look awesome! Looks like a lot of work. Your family is going to have the trip of a lifetime BTW, you are not fat. Plus, it's been 8 years all in your 30s+. It's not just Disney.

 

[ArielSRL]

I meant to post more PTR updates this week but I have been feeling under the weather.

Sorry to hear!

My allergies are really bad this year and I've been taking a lot of medication of which very little has helped initially.

Have you tried local, raw honey? A teaspoon or so a day really helps you build up an immunity to the local pollen.

First we added an extra night on the BEGINNING of the trip

Yay! More Disney!

My mom and dad watches the kids during the day which is nice.

My parents watch my boys when they aren't in preschool and Pre-K. They have always watched my kids. It is so nice!

Here's a picture from last fall. It's hard to find a picture of the whole family together!

Here's a recent one of Caylee and Bryan:

Cutie pies!

Here's one of just Eva and Sienna:

And even more cuties!

We even went to pleasure island to that dance club (I want to say it was called...Mannequins?) and it had a revolving dance floor. LOL. Those were the days.

Haha...so did I! A few of our family trips were when I was in college. I would bring a friend and we would hit up Pleasure Island and Mannequins!

So, that's the introduction to my family and best friend's family! I'm so happy I finally got this trip put together! I'll write up our day to day plans for August sometime this evening!

So excited to read about your plans!

 

[ArielSRL]

We are all on the same flight from EWR to MCO which leaves at 7:30pm.

Wow! Good job! I bet you have a very fun flight!

I was also thinking of placing an order with Garden Grocer or Amazon because the kids will probably want some of their usual snacks and drinks and of course formula for baby Sienna.

I like Amazon Prime Now...though I know a lot of people use GG.

start with a big breakfast at 10am at Crystal Palace.

Yay! We almost always have CP breakfast and we have it on our first full day!

Riding one of my favorite rides, the Peoplemover, in 2015:

Love it!

Here's an oldie but goodie: DH and I from my very first TR on the Disboards in 2009:

Nice!

Look how thin I was! I have come to the realization that Disney has made me fat over the years. fat and poor.

But you are not fat!

We'll then head upstairs to our breakfast ADR at 9:50am at Garden Grill.

Yay! We have this booked as well!

'd really like them to do the Star Wars dessert party if we do.

FYI: I am fairly certain August is bookable already. It is crazy but they released June and July the first week of April and I think they just released August.

We have a late brunch 10:50am at Hollywood and Vine with Disney Jr. Characters.

We also have this booked, as a PPO. So we can go sign up for Jedi Training before the ADR. Last year, we got to DHS gates at around 8:20 and they were already letting people in to sign up. By the time we made it over, we waited 40 minutes to sign up. I think the only booked up show was the first one, but it was just a lengthy process, so be aware of that.

I will also FP+ the Safari (is this in a different tier than any pandora ride? I didn't check on that yet),

Yes, it is in a different tier.

meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost.

Love this meet. It was probably the best of our whole trip.

Who doesn't love Dumbo at night! This was from 2015:

Nice!

First up, though we will have a 9:30am breakfast together at 'Ohana with Lilo and Stitch and friends.

We have this booked as well!

I haven't met with Russel or Dug in a long time so I am going to make this happen.

They took Dug away, fyi!

The kids and moms will start of by going to Disney Springs in the morning for their 9am appointments at BBB.

So fun!!

I love the pearl cages that look like Cinderella's carriage.

I just saw these today in an article!

Do you think I bit off more than I can chew?

Haha. It will be an experience, for sure. But I think you have the right idea of being flexible. It is definitely smart to have a plan...and know that it might get thrown out the window! Kids seem to bring that to the table...lol.

I have to remind everyone to stop for pictures whenever they can since they will have memory maker from our APs.

Yes, please do! We didn;t stop enough last year so I even built in some time for it in our plans!

Now let's just hope for no hurricanes, no more than 15 meltdowns, good weather, no monorail breakdowns (especially when we're on it) and lots and lots of Souvenir Cups from Trader Sams.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I remember your sisters trip report - how exciting that you get to return with their families AND your good friend's family! It's such a good looking group!

Haha thanks! I was thinking of getting matching t shirts but I think that is a task I would probably not want to undertake along with all the planning I'm doing. Maybe I'll delegate it to Chunkysis.

I'm impressed with your ability to hold the schedule to a "normal" level of activity - I don't know that I could do the same! I'm sure everyone will appreciate all your Disney knowledge! Also, staying at the Poly - I'm sure everyone (especially the kids!) will LOVE it!

Haha yeah normal for us is not necessarily normal for everyone else so I have to constantly remind us of that. I'm sure no one will want 14 hour park days with no breaks but hey, usually I'm having so much fun I don't realize how long Iv'e been awake. The adults in the group will appreciate the actual vacation parts of the trip, like sipping drinks by the pool while someone else watches their kids hehe. I'm sure the kids will have a blast. I think at that young age they will probably like the pool the best out of everything.

Wow!! I can't imagine vacationing with that size group! You may need nightly trips to the bar

Haha why do you think I suggested the Poly? I'll be a regular at Trader Sams.

Oh no! Sorry you've been feeling bad! Hope you get better soon.

Thanks! I do feel better but not 100%. Pollen go away!

Yea!! I am guilty of adding on nights frequently

It's so dangerously easy to do so!

They are perfect and adorable!

Thank you!!

I would feel that way too, like it was my responsibility for them to all have a good time. I'm sure you'll do great

Yeah totally! Trying to balance the fun with the relaxing and the meals can be hard, especially in August.

Yes!! I was there once and it was so cool with the rotating dance floor!

That's so funny! That place was the bomb.

Hi Su-Lynn. And I thought I had a lot of trips planned...Wow! I don't know how you keep everything straight. Kuddos to you! Your trips all sound sooooo wonderful! I bet you are looking forward to your May vaca. It will be here before you know it...

Hi Jenny! Haha yeah many trips planned this year. I pretty much use this PTR as my planning too. I don't bother with my usual "spreadsheets" much anymore - only for the August trip since it's so massive.
Thank you so much! About 8 days until our next trip!

Your plans look really good. I think I can steal a few ideas for my own planning here.

Thanks! Steal away, I hope I have some idea of what I'm getting myself into. LOL. For the most part

Loving your trips down memory lane!!!
That's a huge group of you going in August, it's going to be interesting but I think a lot of FUN!

Thank you! It was fun to look back at these trips.
Yes, it's going to be very interesting going with such a large group as well as kids for the first time. This is the first trip my sisters have traveled on a plane with kids. Luckily they will have a help with CS and I being on the same flight. I can just imagine having to chase my nephew down the aisles. He's quite the active one!

They aren't for me either! I went to Blizzard Beach back in 1997 with my family and had a lot of fun, but I wouldn't even consider "wasting" time at the parks in order to do it.

Me too! I went to Typhoon Lagoon, I think in 1996. It was fun but decided that parading around in my bathing suit is not really my thing. Although those wave pools are fun.

So excited to see what it looks like!

Let's hope it still fits in August...I bought it planning to wear it on another trip but we had cancelled Ohana and then my sister said she had a matching outfit so I said, ok I'll save it for August!

Lucky her! I spent my birthday at Disney in 2013, but it falls in September so I won't be able to pull that off again until after school's over

Birthdays in Disney are fun!
Although you can just ask for a bday pin at any time. They never really check! It's not unheard of to celebrate your b-day in October when it's really in June. I see that a lot at Disney!

Yes! Research is absolutely vital.

Of course, I consider it a crucial part of planning. No trip would be complete without it. With that said I have ordered myself a silver carriage pearl cage, for the sole purpose of vendor quality control, of course.

You couldn't have chosen a better place - I've really been meaning to get here, and... Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. Need we say more?!

I'm so excited! I really enjoyed the pilgrim's feast we got and now with that cake...mmmmmmmmm

YES!!! I'm so excited for this!

Wishes was good but this has to be great, right?

I still can't believe this happened!

It was meant to be!!!

Seeing the expressions on their faces will make everything worth it

Yay! I know my heart will just melt when I see their faces light up. When they have a melt down I'll get myself a Grey goose slushie...

 

[Heidi Lou]

Sounds like you are planning yet another wonderful trip....loving all the details! And seriously, how cute is your family?! Those kids are all absolutely precious!

 

[chunkymonkey]

That is quite hilarious. I think anyone I know would be pretty freaked by the fact that I have a spreadsheet in the works, lol nevermind how detailed it is!! But they just don't get it.

Haha, only my DISboard peeps understand "the spreadsheet"
It's a fine-tuned instrument, is what it is!

So because I'm a crazy stalker (no really I'm not) but I went through your day by day plans to see where ours might line up...Because I based most of my park day choices on what ADR's I could get because, you know, it's all about the food lol. It looks like some things might work ..

A few ideas I saw where we had things in common:

Sunday August 13 - I had us going to Epcot for most of the day but but no real evening plans - so I think you said your plans that evening were loose - so that might work for a Dismeet. And we would love to come to the Poly for some Trader Sam's if that work...or even a DoleWhip (or both)

Haha feel free to "stalk" away! But you're not stalking!
Sure the evening of the 13th would be great! If it's not at Trader Sams we can always go elsewhere. Maybe even a Dole Whip in MK!

Wednesday August 16th - I think you have this as AK day? I had planned to head to AK that day in the early afternoon like 1-2 pm so if you are still there...that might be another chance to say hi!!

Yes of course! We'll probably just be finishing up lunch at Tiffins so we can meet after, probably when you are arriving.

Also August 17 and 18 - those days I hadn't planned that thoroughly yet - I'm torn between not wanting to get up for EMH at MK...and wanting to sleep in and avoid the EMH parks...so because it's on the tail end of our trip and we may be exhausted...I'm leaning towards not doing the EMH and doing MK on the 17th and Epcot on the 18th...but...since the whole Park Hopper thing is new to me...I could easily be persuaded to do a bit of both lol or...here's a crazy idea...I've been thinking about trying the 4 parks in a day thing...but I have to see how my DD feels about that. She still actually doesn't know about our trip...I will go into the reasoning for that on my own PTR lol and not take over yours...but anyway...

Yeah I usually skip Morning EMHs I just don't feel like they are that worth the less sleep for me. It's only and hour and we do 2 rides then it's crowded again.
I do love nighttime EMHs though!
On the 17 we're pretty free for now since my fam will be at the water park. We're definitely going to be around the Epcot or DHS area before our Yachtsman dinner anyways. Maybe a grey goose slushie break? I've also wanted to do a bit of resort hopping. Maybe I'll finally get to visit the Wilderness Lodge.

Love your plans...so many fun things and new experiences for everyone!!!

Thanks! I hope it actually turns out according to plan! Or at least 50% of it...haha.

This photo looks so professional!

Thanks! I used a better camera before but it got too big to bring each trip.

I have a Stitch outfit planned for our breakfast too

Haha maybe we're wearing the same thing. I got it at Hot Topic!

Your plans look awesome! Looks like a lot of work. Your family is going to have the trip of a lifetime BTW, you are not fat. Plus, it's been 8 years all in your 30s+. It's not just Disney.

Thanks! It was a lot of work to get the plans down and ADRs done. Now just FP+ in June.
Haha Thank you! Yeah, age is definitely catching up with me...and so are all the Disney trips...and my lack of self-discipline in general.

Sorry to hear!
Have you tried local, raw honey? A teaspoon or so a day really helps you build up an immunity to the local pollen.

Thanks! I have heard about that! But does it have to be really local? Because where I live in NJ is just a bunch of malls and restaurants and more strip malls. No local raw honey unless I travel a good distance away.
Although last summer, a swarm of bees made a hive in our backyard. A beekeeping association sent someone to take the hive away. They took the Queen Bee and then all the worker bees dissipated. It was pretty insane to see.

My parents watch my boys when they aren't in preschool and Pre-K. They have always watched my kids. It is so nice!

It is! My parents love it!

Cutie pies!
And even more cuties!

Thanks! They really are cute.

Haha...so did I! A few of our family trips were when I was in college. I would bring a friend and we would hit up Pleasure Island and Mannequins!

Haha that's so funny, maybe you, me, and @cinderkelly were there at the same time and didn't know it

Wow! Good job! I bet you have a very fun flight!

Haha yeah I hope so!

I like Amazon Prime Now...though I know a lot of people use GG.

I have prime too! I keep forgetting I can send stuff to the Disney resorts. This will be great, thanks!

Yay! We almost always have CP breakfast and we have it on our first full day!

I'm so exited!

But you are not fat!

Thanks but I only post the "good" pictures. LOL

FYI: I am fairly certain August is bookable already. It is crazy but they released June and July the first week of April and I think they just released August.

I have to check it out...I wasn't able to see it last time I checked.

We also have this booked, as a PPO. So we can go sign up for Jedi Training before the ADR. Last year, we got to DHS gates at around 8:20 and they were already letting people in to sign up. By the time we made it over, we waited 40 minutes to sign up. I think the only booked up show was the first one, but it was just a lengthy process, so be aware of that.

Thanks for the heads up!

Yes, it is in a different tier.

Love this meet. It was probably the best of our whole trip.[/quote]

One of my favorites for sure!

We have this booked as well!

So looking forward to this!

They took Dug away, fyi!

What, no! So it's just Russel?

I just saw these today in an article!

I'll have to show a a picture of the one I got to "test" out in Epcot, you know for research purposes.

Haha. It will be an experience, for sure. But I think you have the right idea of being flexible. It is definitely smart to have a plan...and know that it might get thrown out the window! Kids seem to bring that to the table...lol.

It's definitely going to be a learning experience for everyone. They will learn what is the best way for them to tour the parks as well as their own favorite rides, characters, attractions, shows, parks, meals etc. Let's hope it's magical enough that they will return for more!

Yes, please do! We didn;t stop enough last year so I even built in some time for it in our plans!

Yeah good idea. But I do know Chunkysis is shaping everyone up to be pp picture pros like her.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Sounds like you are planning yet another wonderful trip....loving all the details! And seriously, how cute is your family?! Those kids are all absolutely precious!

Thank you!! It's gonna be a wonderful, exhausting, crazy trip.....sigh, is it over yet? LOL