Countdown to the Clown! A September PTR - Updated 9/13 - TR LINK

[claryche]

How old was your DS last time when he did BTMRR? I'm nervous about the coasters for H because he's a bit of a timid kid when it comes to rides...and he'll be JUST three years old. I'm thinking this coming year between 3 and 4 he'll conquer these rides one by one though. I really want him to try Barnstormer again and Soarin'. Star Tours he might be able to do as well, it's a pretty tame ride, I forgot about that one! I think he'd LOVE TT if he didn't freak out on the last lap...but maybe he'll feel secure enough with the seat belt and all, so maybe, just maybe!!! If he's tall enough I'm going to explain the rides to him and let him make the decision on everything. I hope he decides to be brave!

I've heard that about the spine compressing, a good tip to remember!

My son was 3 and a half when he rode BTMRR, because when we were there right at 3, he was so borderline in height, that we didn't even try. But he rode Goofy's Barnstormer at 2 and a half and loved it, had to ride it again. He is actually a timid kid, doesn't like swings that much at parks, won't do all slides and doesn't like climbing up into some of the play areas like at McDonald's. But when he comes to Disney, he has been game for almost everything.

He didn't like Kali when he rode it at 2 and a half, he was just tall enough. And didn't want to ride again at 3, but at 3 and a half after seeing his Dad and my mom have so much fun, he was game, and rode it 3 times. I really think he picked up on our feelings and if we were excited, he was excited. My DH and I both love BTMR and so did he. TOT my DH doesn't like, so my son only wanted to ride it once. Splash kinda scares me, so my son only wanted to ride it once. So all I can say is be postive and go for it.

As far as Test Track, I think Henry would be fine, since he would be in the middle between the both of you, so I"m sure he would feel safe. Oddly the thing that scared my son was the hot and cold room, that I told him about. The racing part he loved, maybe he is a speed demon in the making.

One thing that I did do was show him videos on You Tube of the rides before our trip and we would talk about it. And I kept talking it up and about how much fun it would be and so on. I think that helped.

We did not try Dinosaur and we still haven't tried It's tough to be a Bug. Because I think they would scare him. But we might try Dinosaur next trip. He watched a video and wasn't scared, so maybe.

 

[MEK]

Thanks for the locations for the frozen chai and the jalapeno pretzel.

The C-F-A sauces are barbecue, buffalo, ranch, and polynesian. Catsup also comes in a packet like a sauce. It's their special ketchup.

You HAVE to get a sandwich. They are really, really good!

The iphone sounds so amazing and I really, really, really want one. But unless Verizon makes a deal with apple or I get a divorce, I will never have one. We have EVERYTHING through Verizon.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I’m going to steal the popular idea, that I believe was created by Heidi (MRYPPNS) and her ever-awesome planning and advice giving and do the “Top 3” for each park.

Thanks for the shout out! I'm glad my idea is helping so many DISers to not become overhelmed during their Disney vacations!!

 

[KatMark]

Brooke, I sent you a PM so we can be friends on FB so that I can watch for your updates (especially since I leave shortly after you get back home and I'll be behind on trip reports).

 

[KristiMc]

Yay!! for live updates!! I am a techno-geek also

 

[ptcrn]

Very cool apps that you have found!! I just had to download Evernote just now after reading about it! And I can't believe Dragon dictation is free- I might have to get that one too!

Can't wait to see live updates from your trip!

 

[A.Mickey]

All caught up again! You have no mention of Boulangarie Patisserie...please tell me you have been here before! If not, I highly suggest adding a beautiful pastry from there to your snack list! If not this trip, a trip in the near future .

Love the links and Nemo decor! How awesome! And woo hoo for now you are in the teens!!

That is so awesome about your new toy! I saw on your Facebook Dragon dictation, and I was like . LOL! Now I understand. That sounds so cool. I really need an iPhone. I have an iPod touch but that evernote sounds cool. I wonder if it will work with the touch, probably I guess right?!

 

[All7OfUs]

My ears were burning this morning--- now I know why! Yeppers, seems like we've got a few humdinger Meets set up!!! Can.NOT. WAIT!!!

 

[that's nice]

Your plans look great and I love your top 3's... Ever think of adding a 4th?

Make sure when you are updating using your iPhone4 you hold it the 'right' way! (i'm just kidding of course) I've stepped up my game with a 'smart' phone too. I love it... although I am on the Dark Side (andriod).

Happy Teens!!!!!!!!

 

[k_reile]

the iphone sounds soo cool! I want one but we live in an area where only verizon is the has the best coverasge. Att is very splotchy here so we will have no iphone until maybe if verizon ever comes up with one! :-(

 

[DisMomAmy]

I was way behind the times with my old cell phone too... until about a year ago when I got an iPhone 3GS. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! Don't know how I lived without it!

I didn't do as much with it as you are planning, but it was great to have everything in there on our Disney trip last year. I just emailed documents to myself and kept them in my inbox - ADRs lists, touring plans, etc. I also use Carbonite for my backups on my Mac (which I actually run windows on because of work software) and I have a Carbonite app. I can look up everything on my computer through that app! It's very cool - a bit more time consuming than what you are planning since I have to log on and find the documents, but at least they are all there if I need them.

I have a few free Disney apps (Wait Times & Park Hours) and also some paid apps (WDW Dining Menus & eTicket). Am I missing any good ones? (I did just download Dragon Dictation & Evernote. )

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I loved your top 3's and the theme of taking it easy and in stride - it goes w/out saying when you have a three year old, right? Good for you guys because they have their moments and it's best when we work WITH them, not AGAINST them! You guys are great parents!

I LOVE THE iPHONE! I completely forgot about the Dragon Dictation, but it's amazing, isn't it? I have it on my Touch and it's funny when it types some words in a funny way - almost like it's being translated from a foreign language! If/when I make the leap, you'll have to remind me about the organizational app you just described because that would rock for Disney. I have everything typed in a spreadsheet but it'd be nice to have on the phone, of course! I love new gadgets myself so am I geek too?

I saw your Facebook pictures from your run and they were beautiful and taken with your phone - that's a bonus!

I can't believe you guys are in the teens!! YAHOO!!

Heather

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

...I forgot to add this in my last post - this is a great thread about apps out there and while some of might have changed (charge versus free) they are still awesome. I found a lot through this thread so hopefully it will pick back up since it's been really quiet lately. Enjoy!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2330141

Heather

 

[brookelizabeth]

19 days until Disney!!!!!!

Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar-tay!


​

 

[brookelizabeth]

That is seriously cool!!! A lot of my friends have iPhones, and so far I have been able to resist. However, if you keep singing its praises that may have to change sometime in the future!

It really is very cool! I could never, ever justify the cost - it was difficult to do...I would kinda argue with Joe about it - he wanted us to get them (of course he does ), but I would come back with the ugly price tag. When he finally said "But, it's more than a phone - it's a computer." I realized he was right. I've hardly use the phone function so far! That helped me all realize the cost wasn't that bad. It's still a hefty chunk of change up front though. I'll comment in the TR about how it all works out for me, or if I miss the binder/Passporter method.

That sounds amazing! I have gone from the cheapi to a palm pre, but I have my eyes on the droid next!

And hooray for losing that day!

The Droid is NICE! We looked at that one first, but turns out AT&T will be cheaper for us and what we want/need. We are slowly turning into a Mac household, so it makes sense for us to have the iPhones instead too. I think there are more free apps for the Droid too.

Hi Brook,
Long time reader here (even though I rarely comment) but I wanted to tell you about 2 iPhone apps I love. One is mouse memo. You can list your hotel, flights, adr's and all your confirmation numbers in it (although you seem to have that covered.) But the other is the Toy Story Mania app.
It does cost $5.99, but it is so much fun and very addicting. I'm really hoping it helps improve my game so I can beat the pants off of my husband on our next trip!!

THANK YOU for your tips! I looked at Mouse Memo - and almost bought it, but figured I could do the same in Evernote, which was free - I'm so cheap. Do you have Evernote too? If so, how do the two compare? I think I also decided against it because it didn't seem I could add my "Top 3's" into it and I just wanted everything in one place. Or can you add your own notes and agenda items, like DIS meets? It seems to be a very popular and well reviewed program with DISers!!

I didn't know there was a TSM app!!!!!! I will LOVE this and I know a certain little boy who will too. And the side bonus of beating the pants off the hubby...ME LIKES!

Just spoke to Joe...buying it right now!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

My son was 3 and a half when he rode BTMRR, because when we were there right at 3, he was so borderline in height, that we didn't even try. But he rode Goofy's Barnstormer at 2 and a half and loved it, had to ride it again. He is actually a timid kid, doesn't like swings that much at parks, won't do all slides and doesn't like climbing up into some of the play areas like at McDonald's. But when he comes to Disney, he has been game for almost everything.

He didn't like Kali when he rode it at 2 and a half, he was just tall enough. And didn't want to ride again at 3, but at 3 and a half after seeing his Dad and my mom have so much fun, he was game, and rode it 3 times. I really think he picked up on our feelings and if we were excited, he was excited. My DH and I both love BTMR and so did he. TOT my DH doesn't like, so my son only wanted to ride it once. Splash kinda scares me, so my son only wanted to ride it once. So all I can say is be postive and go for it.

As far as Test Track, I think Henry would be fine, since he would be in the middle between the both of you, so I"m sure he would feel safe. Oddly the thing that scared my son was the hot and cold room, that I told him about. The racing part he loved, maybe he is a speed demon in the making.

One thing that I did do was show him videos on You Tube of the rides before our trip and we would talk about it. And I kept talking it up and about how much fun it would be and so on. I think that helped.

We did not try Dinosaur and we still haven't tried It's tough to be a Bug. Because I think they would scare him. But we might try Dinosaur next trip. He watched a video and wasn't scared, so maybe.

Henry is just like your DS! He doesn't like swings too much, won't do all slides and we often have to convince him down, and only does the McDonald's playland after some convincing - and I've had to climb up in there more than once to get him. I'm relieved to hear your DS enjoys all the WDW rides! And I think you are right, it does depend on the excitement of the parents and thankfully Joe and I both quite excited. We will definitely have to try Barnstormer again. This past winter we rode on a similar ride at the Mall of America - he insisted - and he cried the whole time...but he has done a TON of growing up since then, so maybe, just maybe!

I think you are right about TT too. He'll be between us, plus locked in with the safety belt, and it's kinda lower so he won't experience any "falling out" sensation.

We've done some of the YouTube videos too - I did of Soarin' and he just loved it! I will try that with TT and the others too. I completely forgot about the hot/cold room, that might bug him too.

Thank you SO much for the tips! Sounds like our kids are pretty similar in style. It makes me even more excited to imagine Henry going on the rides with us!

Thanks for the locations for the frozen chai and the jalapeno pretzel.

The C-F-A sauces are barbecue, buffalo, ranch, and polynesian. Catsup also comes in a packet like a sauce. It's their special ketchup.

You HAVE to get a sandwich. They are really, really good!

The iphone sounds so amazing and I really, really, really want one. But unless Verizon makes a deal with apple or I get a divorce, I will never have one. We have EVERYTHING through Verizon.

No prob on the locations! All from your fellow DISers!

They have special ketchup?! I love ketchup, so trying special ones is always fun. All the sauces sound soooo good too. I heart buffalo sauce. Okay, nuggets for H, sandwich for me and we can share. My stomach is seriously growling! 19 days!!! (CFA is a much anticipated highlight of the WDW trip, that is HILARIOUS!)

Well, about the iPhone and Verizon....it's your LUCKY DAY! They ARE! Should be out sometime early next year. AT&T or Verizon! Seriously! We debated waiting since Verizon has much better reviews in NYC than AT&T, but we just took the plunge now - mostly so I could update for the trip. Sad, but true! And we figure once it opens with Verizon half of the New Yorkers will be going to it and it will help the AT&T infrastructure. So far I haven't had too many problems with it though, so maybe they have already made some improvements. Anyway, you will be able to go iPhone if you so desire too sometime in 2011!

Thanks for the shout out! I'm glad my idea is helping so many DISers to not become overhelmed during their Disney vacations!!

Your welcome! It's genius! I'm excited about having it, it really does help me just let the rest BE. Whatever happens, happens!

Brooke, I sent you a PM so we can be friends on FB so that I can watch for your updates (especially since I leave shortly after you get back home and I'll be behind on trip reports).

I got the PM, I added you!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yay!! for live updates!! I am a techno-geek also

They are so fun to do! I'm excited to be able to include pictures this trip too!

Very cool apps that you have found!! I just had to download Evernote just now after reading about it! And I can't believe Dragon dictation is free- I might have to get that one too!

Can't wait to see live updates from your trip!

I was surprised Evernote was free, it's a great app so far from what I can tell! I just labeled all my notes as per the days of the trip followed by what park we'd be going to, then have a note just for Postcards for people, Souvies, etc. It's awesome!

I was surprised about Dragon Dictation as well. The first thing I had it say was "supercalifredulisticexpialidocious" and it GOT IT.

All caught up again! You have no mention of Boulangarie Patisserie...please tell me you have been here before! If not, I highly suggest adding a beautiful pastry from there to your snack list! If not this trip, a trip in the near future .

Love the links and Nemo decor! How awesome! And woo hoo for now you are in the teens!!

That is so awesome about your new toy! I saw on your Facebook Dragon dictation, and I was like . LOL! Now I understand. That sounds so cool. I really need an iPhone. I have an iPod touch but that evernote sounds cool. I wonder if it will work with the touch, probably I guess right?!

Is the Boulangaire Patisserie the one in France? I have never been there! Adding it to the list right now...okay done. We will check it out!

I ended up putting Henry's "art table" along with the Nemo decor out in the little entryway to our apartment, the people upstairs also use this area when they leave, so they could see the decor and they all LOVED it! Thought it was so adorable. My landlady stopped me on the street and told me about how cute they all said it was. They are so sweet!

I am near positive Evernote will work with the Touch. It's a SLICK program. I am really liking it!! I'm having a ball with this iPhone, updating FB with it all the time. Now I have the TSM app too - it's addictive and fun!!

My ears were burning this morning--- now I know why! Yeppers, seems like we've got a few humdinger Meets set up!!! Can.NOT. WAIT!!!

I'm VERY excited about them too!!!! I'm so craving CDN's right now.

Your plans look great and I love your top 3's... Ever think of adding a 4th?

Make sure when you are updating using your iPhone4 you hold it the 'right' way! (i'm just kidding of course) I've stepped up my game with a 'smart' phone too. I love it... although I am on the Dark Side (andriod).

Happy Teens!!!!!!!!

I thought about adding a 4th to almost every day! But I resisted. I have #4, #5, etc. in mind, but WILL NOT get upset if they don't work out. WILL NOT.

Ha ha about holding the phone the right way! I forget that it can turn, it's so nifty! I'm a Dark Side kinda gal, but hubby has found The Light, so we are slowly converting - he makes the money, ya know? I gotta go...however he did put a Windows VM on his laptop, so while I'll be using a Mac hardware with it, I'll still be on Windows. I'm resisting it I tell ya!!! The Droid is a great phone, we almost got it...but hubby... No, really, I'm loving it - it's a great phone!!

the iphone sounds soo cool! I want one but we live in an area where only verizon is the has the best coverasge. Att is very splotchy here so we will have no iphone until maybe if verizon ever comes up with one! :-(

Next year!!!! The iPhone and Verizon are getting hitched! It will be AT&T OR Verizon! I think it's supposed to come in January, but who knows for sure.

I was way behind the times with my old cell phone too... until about a year ago when I got an iPhone 3GS. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! Don't know how I lived without it!

I didn't do as much with it as you are planning, but it was great to have everything in there on our Disney trip last year. I just emailed documents to myself and kept them in my inbox - ADRs lists, touring plans, etc. I also use Carbonite for my backups on my Mac (which I actually run windows on because of work software) and I have a Carbonite app. I can look up everything on my computer through that app! It's very cool - a bit more time consuming than what you are planning since I have to log on and find the documents, but at least they are all there if I need them.

I have a few free Disney apps (Wait Times & Park Hours) and also some paid apps (WDW Dining Menus & eTicket). Am I missing any good ones? (I did just download Dragon Dictation & Evernote. )

I am certain I will feel that way about the iPhone very soon - "How have I NOT had this?" I will say that it's already keeping me better up to speed with my email and other things. I like that.

That's a great idea too about emailing it to yourself! I didn't even think of that.

I've never heard of Caronite - might have to look that one up. I am going to be taking over Joe's Macbook since my Dell is dying - he's got a Windows VM already on it for me, so I'll be doing the same as you. I CANNOT get used to the Mac OS, it just frustrates me.

The only other one I have looked into was MouseMemo, which I think is 99 cents. How do you like eTicket? We almost bought it - and I still might, just for the user-friendly app for the DIS here. Do you use that feature of it?

 

[brookelizabeth]

I loved your top 3's and the theme of taking it easy and in stride - it goes w/out saying when you have a three year old, right? Good for you guys because they have their moments and it's best when we work WITH them, not AGAINST them! You guys are great parents!

I LOVE THE iPHONE! I completely forgot about the Dragon Dictation, but it's amazing, isn't it? I have it on my Touch and it's funny when it types some words in a funny way - almost like it's being translated from a foreign language! If/when I make the leap, you'll have to remind me about the organizational app you just described because that would rock for Disney. I have everything typed in a spreadsheet but it'd be nice to have on the phone, of course! I love new gadgets myself so am I geek too?

I saw your Facebook pictures from your run and they were beautiful and taken with your phone - that's a bonus!

I can't believe you guys are in the teens!! YAHOO!!

Heather

Exactly on the 3 year old!!! We have so much more fun when we aren't just dragging him around, but taking it slow with him and hitting the rides he wants, playing with the water features, etc. It's so fun to experience it all with him! I think that was a big difference in our December trip too - it was more about our in-laws, so I felt like Henry was just "along for the ride" sometimes. We certainly did stop and do things just for him, but it wasn't the same...

Yep, I think you sound pretty geeky with your gadget love. Geek is a good term nowadays though! Dragon Dictation is going to be a very handy app for the trip I think! How does it do with accents and foreign languages? That could be pretty hilarious I bet! I think Evernote should work on the Touch too? I think... I also read of some people just taking a picture of their spreadsheets and using that on their iPhones/Touch - since you can zoom in so easily...might be a good option!

I love the view we have when we run! It's soooo nice and calming. The breeze off the water is nice too. There are always tons of people sitting down there, just enjoying it, I love that!

...I forgot to add this in my last post - this is a great thread about apps out there and while some of might have changed (charge versus free) they are still awesome. I found a lot through this thread so hopefully it will pick back up since it's been really quiet lately. Enjoy!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2330141

Heather

Oooh, thanks for the link! I'll dig into it. I have this one bookmarked: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2102922 which has been very handy too.

 

[DisMomAmy]

It's Carbonite not Caronite... not sure if you made a typo or read the name wrong - but if you are searching you probably won't find Caronite.

As far as e-ticket... it's OK. I don't love it... I have really only used the DIS portion of it. It's easier to post using the app than it is to post over the internet (on the phone). But it's harder to move around the DIS & find TRs, etc. I wish they had a User CP feature where you could see all of your subscriptions. If there is something like that, I haven't found it. To locate a PTR, you have to go to the main menu, then TRs, then PTRs, then scroll through the whole list until you find the one you want. Kind of tedious.

I liked using the Mac side of my MacBook but I use QuickBooks for Windows for work & it was a huge pain in the neck to switch back and forth between the two so I just wiped out the Mac side & do it all on Windows now.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Morning BE!

Congrats on the teen digits!

Can't wait to see all the photos from your latest excursion to The World!