Cruising towards 10 days of fun... a July/Nov 2012- & We're BACK!!! Pg.50-51

[that's nice]

I just got home from the mall... Christopher and I went to the Disney store to get our free 25th Anniversary Mickey Ears.

I got to the mall about 10 minutes before the Disney Store opened and I was about the 100th person in line. The store opened right at 10 and the CMs handed out vouchers for the hats. The line moved pretty quickly and by 10:10 I had my ears in hand. The entire store was 25% off and I started browsing. It was hard to navigate with the stroller since I had Christopher with me. I couldn't find the limited edition vinylmation. I asked the CM and they were behind the counter. She handed me 2 and said they only received 44 of them. I ended up buying 4 tshirts too. Here are a few pics....

For Melody..

For Juliana...

For Christopher...

For me!

I hope everyone likes what I bought them.

 

[Woth2982]

Love all the things you bought! I may have to venture over to the Disney store at some point. I have been so busy and tired lately.

I signed up for the Wine and Dine 5K, so looks like I may be in Disney at the same time! I have yet to book a flight, like you Jet Blue was just CRAZY high! $350 to fly out of Boston. Nuts! I'm also waiting for the Southwest fares to come out. So I have no hotel reservations or flights, but I DO have a spot in the race. My doctor told me today though that running is out of the question for another 3 months and I probably have to wait ANOTHER year to run the Marathon......so 2014 here I come :/

 

[chloe770]

I think you did a great job a the Disneystore. Our local store is being remodeled so no ears for me. I thought about trying the outlet but I know they don't carry Vinylmation and I just wasn't motivated this morning. I did however shop online

 

[that's nice]

I definitely vote for putting your swimsuits in your carryon luggage! And anything else you might need for a few hours, sometimes it takes awhile to get your bags!

What else would I need?

That's really sweet that Juliana picked Chef Mickey's with Christopher's love of Mickey and Minnie! You guys HAVE to do Carousel of Progress this time around!!

She is so good to him. She really loves him.... probably until he starts walking and getting into all her stuff!

Flights are CRAZY expensive right now. I booked at $336 for the girls and $394 for the boys. Those flights now are $405 and $463. My in-laws paid even more to fly out of JFK which was the cheapest in there area. The times they needed in Newark were like $800 each

CRAZY... this was for NOV?

Things we plan on doing this trip we haven't done before:
Nemo Show
Beauty and the Beast show

Never done that I really want to do but probably not this trip:
Fantasmic!

Nemo is awesome! You will love it!

I've never done Kali River Rapids...and I have no intention to either!

We haven't done Kali either. It is on my TO DO: list.

Ok, so no Where's Tim-O game

I'm sure Kathy will play that with you... make sure it is played in your PMs.

CM will be a lot of fun for the kids, can't wait to see Christopher's face the first time he see's the characters

Now I need to figure out where to fit that in.

bummer about you not getting to do Palo's, but the food in the dining rooms is very good!
that is a good price for parking in NYC airfare is getting crazy, I've been pricing out some for our trip this summer to Atlanta and Charlotte and WOW lucky I won't have hotel to be paying too so that makes it a bit better for my budget

There is so much to do on the ship to try to fit it in 2 days.

I won't pay 2K to fly... I'd drive for that price.

 

[mommy2mrb]

love the anniversary stuff....don't know how I missed that, must not of been looking at my emails very carefully
great shirts! love Ana's, so her!

 

[eandesmom]

Cruise update

Well we are getting close to our 75 day mark. That is when we need to make our final decision if Christopher is coming or not and make our final payment. We are almost certain that Christopher is going to be staying with Mel's mom while we are on the ship. We are trying for the earliest port arrival time as possible. Our drive to the NYC port is only 1 1/2 hours and we are just going to park there. The first embarkation time is 11am. It would be awesome if we were able to be on the ship that early! I think we are going to sign Juliana up for the Kids Club- even though I doubt we will use it.... it will give us something to do while we are waiting to board the ship.

Our TA suggested to pack bathing suits in our carry-on. That way if we are on the ship early, we could enjoy the pool while we wait for our stateroom to be ready. Also we should be able to grab some lunch once we get on.

I was thinking about upgrading to an oceanview room but I am just going to keep what we have. I might inquire about that when we check in- maybe I could get it at a discounted rate but if not no biggie. We aren't going to try to get an reservation for 'adult dining' since we want to have Juliana with us. There is a 2 day cruise a month before ours so we should be getting a glimpse of what kind of activities and events will be happening on the ship. DCL hasn't indicated what will be going on yet.

Thats it for the cruise for now...

Up next... our Nov trip & responses.

Definitely put swimsuits and coverups in your carryon, luggage won't make it to your room for a bit and this way you can experience as much of the ship as possible! I'd have Ana check out the kids club right when you get on there. What we found is that if we didn't, kids had already met other kids and the vibe was just a little different. She's younger so maybe not such an issue and as you said, you might not use it. But...she might really like it so if you can check it out early, I'd suggest it.

Fun things from the disney store!

 

[Poolrat]

Patricia, the shirt looks great on you!! Doesn't she look amazing, everyone?!? Pat has worked really hard to get in shape and it really shows!!

Thanks Camillie

 

[chloe770]

CRAZY... this was for NOV?


Nemo is awesome! You will love it!

Yes, that is for November

I'm really hoping Meadow will sit through a few of the shows. We haven't seen most of them. Time will tell

 

[jenb1023]

Nov. Trip update
We still need to firm up our ADR choices and Juliana has stated that she wants to eat at Chef Mickey's. Out of all the restaurants she has eaten at, I think it is funny she says CMs. I truly think she wants to eat there for Christopher. He LOVES Mickey. Anytime he sees Mickey or Minnie he just laughs and coos. It is really cute.

Tell me what YOU haven't done in WDW and are you planning on ever doing it?

That is so sweet about Juliana picking CM's for Christopher!!! I bet you will get some great photos of him when he sees the characters!

I think the only things we have not done yet are Astro Orbiter in the MK, Ellen's energy Adventure in Epcot, Sounds Dangerous in DHS and we have not watched the movies in World Showcase. Off the top of my head, I think we've done everything else. I would like to try everything at some point.

Cruise update
I think we are going to sign Juliana up for the Kids Club- even though I doubt we will use it.... it will give us something to do while we are waiting to board the ship.

We are cruising on the Dream in May and I've done some research on the kids club because Jordan (my DD) will want to do them but I would like to experience some of it with her. Apparently, they have open houses on the schedule (I think the first day) that parents are welcome to attend with their kids - that's probably what we will do.

 

[MEK]

Congrats on 75 days until your cruise. I really can't wait to hear about the 2 day cruise. It sounds so fun!

Your November plans also sound like they are coming along nicely. I personally love Carousel fo Progress. It's just one of those old rides that in some ways is timeless.

I don't think there is anything in the MK I haven't done at least once. So let's see - what haven't I done? I know there has to be something, but I'm not sure what. Well, actually, I haven't been through the new Winnie the Pooh queue so perhaps I will do that when my nephews vacation with us this summer.

 

[that's nice]

Love all the things you bought! I may have to venture over to the Disney store at some point. I have been so busy and tired lately.

Thanks! It's good when your busy... you don't spend money then!

I signed up for the Wine and Dine 5K, so looks like I may be in Disney at the same time! I have yet to book a flight, like you Jet Blue was just CRAZY high! $350 to fly out of Boston. Nuts! I'm also waiting for the Southwest fares to come out. So I have no hotel reservations or flights, but I DO have a spot in the race. My doctor told me today though that running is out of the question for another 3 months and I probably have to wait ANOTHER year to run the Marathon......so 2014 here I come :/

REALLY? I am thinking of running in the 5K too!

The prices are nuts. Come on Southwest!!! I hope they are less than $300.

I think you did a great job a the Disneystore. Our local store is being remodeled so no ears for me. I thought about trying the outlet but I know they don't carry Vinylmation and I just wasn't motivated this morning. I did however shop online

Thanks!!! That stinks that you couldn't get to the Disney Store... what did you buy me?

love the anniversary stuff....don't know how I missed that, must not of been looking at my emails very carefully
great shirts! love Ana's, so her!

The only way I knew about it was a flyer Mel got when she picked up the Muppets movie last week. I kept debating whether I wanted to drive up there with the baby but I figured what the heck.

 

[that's nice]

Definitely put swimsuits and coverups in your carryon, luggage won't make it to your room for a bit and this way you can experience as much of the ship as possible! I'd have Ana check out the kids club right when you get on there. What we found is that if we didn't, kids had already met other kids and the vibe was just a little different. She's younger so maybe not such an issue and as you said, you might not use it. But...she might really like it so if you can check it out early, I'd suggest it.

Fun things from the disney store!

Thanks for the tips Cynthia! I think we will explore, swim, and eat lunch once we get on. That way we can be in our room before the ship leaves so we can be showered and ready to be on the deck when the ship leaves... then go to dinner. (still hoping for the first seating!)

Yes, that is for November

That is just crazy. I'll DRIVE before I pay that. (ok, I probably won't but that is still a lot of money)

I'm really hoping Meadow will sit through a few of the shows. We haven't seen most of them. Time will tell

I'm sure she will do fine.... how old is she again? 3?

That is so sweet about Juliana picking CM's for Christopher!!! I bet you will get some great photos of him when he sees the characters!

He just adores Mickey and Minnie! Now I need to figure out where to fit that in.

I think the only things we have not done yet are Astro Orbiter in the MK, Ellen's energy Adventure in Epcot, Sounds Dangerous in DHS and we have not watched the movies in World Showcase. Off the top of my head, I think we've done everything else. I would like to try everything at some point.

I'm going to post my complete list and you might be shocked of what we haven't done yet.

We are cruising on the Dream in May and I've done some research on the kids club because Jordan (my DD) will want to do them but I would like to experience some of it with her. Apparently, they have open houses on the schedule (I think the first day) that parents are welcome to attend with their kids - that's probably what we will do.

Since our cruise is only 2 days, I want to be spending time with Juliana. The whole point was for us to have some 1 on 1 time with her without her little brother. If it was a 'normal' 4 (or more) day cruise, I think she would LOVE the kids club.

Congrats on 75 days until your cruise. I really can't wait to hear about the 2 day cruise. It sounds so fun!

Well, we didn't hit 75 days yet.... we are like 120 away.

Your November plans also sound like they are coming along nicely. I personally love Carousel fo Progress. It's just one of those old rides that in some ways is timeless.

That is on my TO DO list.

I don't think there is anything in the MK I haven't done at least once. So let's see - what haven't I done? I know there has to be something, but I'm not sure what. Well, actually, I haven't been through the new Winnie the Pooh queue so perhaps I will do that when my nephews vacation with us this summer.

Wow! You are good! I will post my list in the coming days. I can't even believe some of the things that are on there.

 

[afwdwfan]

Well we are getting close to our 75 day mark. That is when we need to make our final decision if Christopher is coming or not and make our final payment. We are almost certain that Christopher is going to be staying with Mel's mom while we are on the ship.

Wow, it's getting closer! I think I'd probably lean towards letting Christopher stay at home. I'm sure you'll all miss him, but it is only a couple of days and this is Juliana's trip. I know she'll enjoy the extra attention and you'll all be able to do things together that someone might miss out on while caring for Christopher.

I was thinking... we have been to Disney quite a few times and there still is a ton of rides and attractions we STILL haven't done.

Carousel of Progress
The Hall of Presidents
The Liberty Square Riverboat
Stitch's Great Escape

Tell me what YOU haven't done in WDW and are you planning on ever doing it?

You need to do Carousel of Progress and Hall of Presidents at least once... they're classics. I'd just keep Stitch right there on that list though.

I haven't done the Riverboat or Tom Sawyer Island yet. We talked about it during our last trip, but didn't make it that far. I think I'd like to sometime though.

Others that I haven't done are Primeval Whirl, American Idol Experience, and the Lion King and Nemo Shows at Animal Kingdom. I think I've tried everything else at least once. Of all those, I have no interest in the AI show, but I'd like to do the others.

 

[chloe770]

That is just crazy. I'll DRIVE before I pay that. (ok, I probably won't but that is still a lot of money)


I'm sure she will do fine.... how old is she again? 3?

I agree the price is CRAZY but to me the extra money was worth not hearing hours and hours of "Are we there yet?" and "I'm bored."

Meadow is 2. She will be just shy of her 3rd birthday when we are in Disney. ( Last free trip for Meadow). Actually I may plan a little party for her and my niece who will be turning 10 a few days after we get home.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I was thinking... we have been to Disney quite a few times and there still is a ton of rides and attractions we STILL haven't done.

Carousel of Progress
The Hall of Presidents
The Liberty Square Riverboat
Stitch's Great Escape

Tell me what YOU haven't done in WDW and are you planning on ever doing it?

I don't think I've ever done the Carousel of Progress, either. I know, people say it's a classic, but it always loses the battle when I ask myself, "Self, do you want to do CoP or ride Space Mountain again?"

I typically skip the other ones on you list, too, although I wouldn't mind riding the riverboat. I keep trying to convince the kids to skip Dumbo and IASW.

 

[jenb1023]

Since our cruise is only 2 days, I want to be spending time with Juliana. The whole point was for us to have some 1 on 1 time with her without her little brother. If it was a 'normal' 4 (or more) day cruise, I think she would LOVE the kids club.

I agree with you - when we take a vacation we want to spend time with Jordan which is why we are planning to do the open house at the club where parents can stay and play with their kids. (though she will probably be begging to go back on her own without us LOL!)

 

[mommy2mrb]

since we will be gone wanted to send this early...

 

[jenseib]

Yay for 75 days coming up. Thats an exciting day.
I rode Carrousell of Progress for the very first time on Thursday. It was nice to see, but not anything I will need to get back to anytime soon.
Skip wanted to go on the Liberty Boat, but I vetoed it it..kind of. I just kept directing him away from there.

I haven't been on Stitch and don't have a desire to. I did go on it when it was the Alien thing....and it was the scariest thing I have EVER been on.

We have yet to do Hall of Presidents as well. Skip did it one year while Claire and I did something else.

I have the same shirt you bought Mel. I brought it down with me this week, but I never wore it. I ended up wearing a different shirt on our Disney day. It will be coming with me in Nov though.

 

[marvali]

Hey Tim.....my it has been a while since we were able to chat anything other than just Pokes on FB to keep in contact! Been very busy lately with work and soccer and LIFE! Trying to get caught up a little on the DIS! Seems like the few minutes I have had lately to do so it has been so slow, I just got frustrated and gave up!

Cruise update

Well we are getting close to our 75 day mark.

It is getting close! Will be here before you know it!

Nov. Trip updateWe might be possibly adding another family to our trip as well. They are looking into if they would be able to make the trip so there could be family #4 on this trip!

Wow, four families!!! Should have a great time!

We still need to firm up our ADR choices and Juliana has stated that she wants to eat at Chef Mickey's. Out of all the restaurants she has eaten at, I think it is funny she says CMs. I truly think she wants to eat there for Christopher. He LOVES Mickey. Anytime he sees Mickey or Minnie he just laughs and coos. It is really cute.

Sounds like Princess Ana just being, well, Princess Ana!!! So glad Christopher is already learning the important things in like, but then, how could he not!!!

Sunday Jetblue extended their schedule and I was so excited that grabbed my credit card before I logged on to their site. I was shocked to see the prices on flights. It would cost us $475pp out of Hartford. That is just CRAZY! I hope once Southwest extends their flights, the prices will go down. I do not want to pay over $300pp. $250 is more like it. So I have to keep watching prices.

Hope those fares come around for you! Those prices are ridiculous!!!

Finally, I don't know if you remember, but we will be in Florida over Easter. We are flying into Tampa and are hanging out with Melody's grandfather from Friday- Wednesday. Melody's cousins family is coming down to spend a day or two with us there as well. Unfortunately, we aren't able to get to Disney since we are only going to be there for a few days. It will be nice to get away and relax. We are planning on heading to the beach for a few days, go fishing, and just spending some down time.

Hope you are having a great trip!!!

I was thinking... we have been to Disney quite a few times and there still is a ton of rides and attractions we STILL haven't done.

Carousel of Progress
The Hall of Presidents
The Liberty Square Riverboat
Stitch's Great Escape

Tell me what YOU haven't done in WDW and are you planning on ever doing it?

Finally did CoP to mark that one off the list! Haven't done HoP since we went when I was in my teens! And yes Kathy and Lisa, there were a lot less Presidents then!!!

I just got home from the mall... Christopher and I went to the Disney store to get our free 25th Anniversary Mickey Ears.

Love the Mickey ears!!!

For Juliana...

Now that is about perfect right there!!!

For me!

Loving this one too!!!

 

[lbuzz52]

Hi Tim and family! I had to just skim but i hit all the posts on the table of contents.
First of all, congrats to Juliana on five years!
The cruise looks like so much fun! I'm truly jealous!
I think we are trying Port Orleans this time too- although i think we will go for the Princess Rooms in Riverside.
We were there the last week of Oct/ first week of Nov in 09 and the crowds were great!
I can't believe how big Christopher is getting!
Looking forward to more!