Disney Magic with an ADD Family - PTR for March 09 (Update 4/20)

[trinaweena]

EDIT:: I will be doing a real trip report for this trip!! Keep and eye on my signature for updates!!

So after much debating I’ve decided to try doing a Pre Trip Report and a Trip Report for our upcoming March vacation to Disney World! I’m a bit nervous as I’ve never done one and I’m not quite sure how a Pre Trip Report works, but I’m going to try my best and hopefully someone will enjoy it!

I guess first I should tell you a little but about us!

Me – 22 years old, have always loved Disney. I’m honestly not sure how many times I’ve been to Disney, but Mom and I tried to figure it out the other day and we figure its about 6 or 7 times. I know my first trip was when I was 3 and my last trip was last year with 4 other friends for Spring Break. I guess its proof of how much of a nerd you are when you choose to go to Disney for Spring Break. I’m currently not in school and working on finding a full time job and have thrown myself into planning this trip, something DMom is amazed by, because I have severe ADD and am very disorganized. Our last trip in March was semi-planned, but after being on the DISboards for a year (more of a lurker than a poster) I’m ready to really plan this trip!

Me last year at the animal kingdom, I'm planning on wearing my ears to the airport this year!

DMom – Age withheld because well I know she wouldn’t want me telling the whole world! Has been to Disney many times and enjoys it although probably is not quite as fanatical as I am. But she puts up with my obsession! The trip was her idea and while she wants it to be special she’s also pretty budget concise. (Although she mentioned to me she’s worried it will all be thrown to the wind once we get down there. I told her we should just throw it to the wind now because then I can make some ADR’s) I have no pics of my mom, she is very camera shy

DDad – Age also withheld. The resident Grumpy of the family but really a big kid inside. The only time I ever see him get excited about something is VACATION and he’s going to be my main supporter in doing things that will be going over our budget. He wants to have a true Disney experience, although his favorite is Universal! I’m hoping he’ll work on DMom and make it so we can have at least one nice dinner in Disney (more on that in a minute)

DBro – Age 17. Has been to Disney before and really has no interest in going on this trip. He is severely ADD and ADHD among other things, so his mood swings are numerous. The funny part is this trip is actually FOR him as his high school graduation present! Typical boy and typical teenager. I’ve tried to get him involved in the planning a bit (asking him what he wants to do and so forth) but his interest level remains at zero. The only thing he is excited for is the plane ride. I’m hoping that once we get down there he will start feeling the Disney magic a little bit more!

Bridget aka DSis – Ok not actually my sister but practically so that’s how she will be known. Age 23, I’ve known her forever and she is pretty much apart of my family. Every vacation is planned with her involved and originally she was not going to be able to go on this trip due to money but fortunately she is! She was also my companion last year for our Spring Break trip so it’s her second trip to Disney and she’s a big fanatic like I am.

DSis and I at Pirate's last year

So that’s our happy little family, hopefully we will stay happy throughout this trip!!

I’m not sure how long this is supposed to be, but I suppose I will tell a little bit about where we are staying and what we have planned, since I do have a basic itinerary for what we will be doing and what not…saves me from having to make a separate post later. As always, I’m sure posting this PTR will help me get suggestions from fellow DIS members so if you have any please please feel free to chime in!

Out trip dates are March 21, 2009 through March 29, 2009. We are staying at Orange Lake Village which is a timeshare. I’d love to stay on Disney Property, an experience I’ve only had once and don’t really remember very well but it’s so much money and our family just couldn’t afford it. Plus we own the timeshare so of course we’re going to use it!

Our itinerary for the week so far is as follows

Saturday 21 – Flying day! Flight leaves Boston at 2:30 and arrives at MCO around 6:30. We will be renting a car and actually have reservations at Chef Mickey’s for 9:05 which will most likely be getting canceled. Also my mom didn’t realize we didn’t check into the timeshare till Sunday so we’ll be staying at a cheap motel the first night.

Sunday 22 – Epcot, no plans for dinner yet, although I’m hoping for Rose and Crown but this will be a tough sell due to price and most likely we will not be able to get ADRs this late in the game

Monday 23 – SeaWorld, one of my favorite places to go, my love for Shamu is epic

Tuesday 24 – Animal Kingdom

Wednesday 25 – This day will most likely be the day we do Discovery Cove, something that was not planned and the reason that we are having to cut back on Dining a bit but I’m so excited about it none the less

Thursday 26 – Hollywood Studios, including Fantasmic

Friday 27 – Universal Studios but not Island of Adventure

Saturday 28 – Magic Kingdom (this will be such a long day, but our last)

Sunday 29 – Flight home leaves MCO at 11:30

A VERY full schedule I know, but we have a lot we want to do in a short amount of time. DMom has a back problem and can’t really handle a full day at the parks, so we will have to take frequent breaks and DDad also has diabetes and is very sensitive to sun and heat, but hopefully it won’t be too bad in march.

I should also mention that I will be going to Disney again in July with the Boyfriend and his family and finally fulfilling my dream of staying on Disney property, as we will be staying at the WL Villas. There are about 17 of us going I think, we will be celebrating his Grandfather’s 80th birthday and first trip to Disney!! I can’t even describe how excited I am for this trip, as there will be many firsts for me and us, including our first trip away together plus our one year anniversary is the month before so we will be celebrating in Disney! So we are looking for a restaurant to have a nice dinner at and any suggestions would be more than welcome! It looks like we’ll be doing the Disney Dining Plan, (which I need to get more info on as well).

Well this is getting very long so I’ll leave it there. One more quick thing, however, I’d like to link to different parts in this post but I have no idea how to do it! I know I can go back and edit the post and add a link but do I just post the link to the page it’s on in this thread? Any advice on this is appreciated!

I hope you all enjoyed…more to come!

Thanks for reading!

Table of Contents
Part One - Introduction
Part Two - ADRs and How Do I Get My Family More Excited?
Part Three - Discovery Cove Is Booked!
Part Four - Pictures!
Part Five - Still So Much To Do
Part Six - It's The Little Things
Part Seven - Disney Stop Changing Your Hours!
Part Eight - Must List Time!
Part Nine - The Family Doesn't Want A Plan
Part Ten - A Detour Into Our July Trip Planning
Part Eleven - Not A Real Update but My Dog Is Adorable
Part Twelve - Not Packed Yet
Part Thirteen - Leaving Tomorrow!
Part Fourteen - Live Update
Part Fifteen - Still Around

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Trina!
You're headed to WDW about a month before I am....YAY! Sounds like a great trip!

Did you figure out how to link your posts on your first page? If not you can PM me and I'll help you. I had to ask another DISer to help me do the same with my current PTR! Glad to pass the help along if you still need it!

 

[trinaweena]

So I was feeling grumpy because my family is not feeling the Disney Magic and stressed because Dmom has not decided if we would be eating TS or not and I really wanted to get those ADRs made because I knew I already wasn't going to get what I wanted...well DMom noticed and said 'What else do we need to plan? Get your laptop so we can go over it'

Yay! I finally got to make some ADRs this evening and while they still could be canceled at least it is something! Here is what we have so far

Saturday 21 This is our arrival day and we have an ADR at Chef Mickey's for 9:05pm, our flight comes in at 6:30pm so we're probably going straight from the airport to the restaurant after getting luggage and the car. I'm excited for this because of the experience mostly, and DSis has never done character dining and never met Mickey!!

Sunday 22 This is our day at Epcot and my first choice was Rose and Crown to view Illuminations (and because of my obsession with the UK) but I kind of knew Illuminations would be a no go. After reading some reviews I was kind of hoping for Le Cellier but of course they are booked. So we ended up at Rose and Crown at 6:20pm but I have to say this will most likely be getting canceled. DMom thinks its too overpriced/no selection and doesn't like the look of the food. We will probably end up at Sunshine Seasons for CS (I've never been but it looks tasty, any opinions?)

Monday 23 Seaworld, and no reservations anywhere so we will probably end up with CS

Tuesday 24 Animal Kingdom day and we originally were not going to eat lunch at the parks, but I read some reviews of Yak and Yeti and it looks tasty! So we have a lunch reservation for 1pm...DMom thinks we will not have enough time to do the park (as we probably won't get there till 11) but AK is my least favorite park and I'm pretty sure we will be fine

Wednesday 25 Discovery Cove so we'll have there breakfast/lunch and probably do McDonalds or Wendys for dinner (have to keep it cheap after our super expensive day)

Thursday 26 This is our day at Hollywood Studios and we are toying with the idea of the Fantasmic! meal package. The only thing that makes me want to do this is of course reserved seating for Fantasmic! But we're not sure if it's worth it...has anyone done this before and can offer an opinion? Fantasmic! is a must see for us, but I hate showing up and hour early just to get seats

Friday 27 This is our Universal day and I must say I'm clueless about Dining here so it's something I need to look into. I know we will be staying for the parade and concert so I'll have to figure something out. Once again DMom is looking to save money so we'll probably end up with counter service

Saturday 28 Magic Kingdom with reservations at Crystal Palace for 6:40pm. I remember eating there once before and enjoying the food so i hope it's still good, and I believe it's character dining as well?

So that's our ADRs! I feel so much better and now I hopefully can really start getting a touring plan going for the parks. DSis comes home from Hawaii tomorrow and we're going to have to have a meeting with her to discuss all this and what she wants to do and can afford.

I'm having a real problem getting the family excited about Disney, especially DBro...he has absolutely zero interest, although i did at least get him to tell me what rides he would like to do. DMom is excited but more stressed about the money and well DDad just doesn't show emotion! So does anyone have any advice about getting my stubborn family excited for our trip??

I'll post again later this week as my plans for the park become more of a realization in my head, it'll be a busy week for me though, filled with job interviews! I'll just keep thoughts of Disney dancing in my head!

One other tidbit of info about me, I have a job right now, working as an assistant dog trainer/groomer but my boss absolutely refused to let me take time off for my Disney vacation which is why I gave my two weeks today! No one's going to stop me from going to Disney!

Oh and for anyone who is reading feel free to say hi, I'd like to know if people are reading, even though this is really helping me regardless, but still I wouldn't mind making some new friends here at the boards

 

[lilyfrog73]

Your schedule looks as busy as ours. Great start to your report, looking forward to reading more!!

 

[trinaweena]

Your schedule looks as busy as ours. Great start to your report, looking forward to reading more!!

Yes our schedule is busy busy, I'm hoping we don't hit the wall half way through the week.

And thanks its great to know someone is reading along!

Hi Trina!
You're headed to WDW about a month before I am....YAY! Sounds like a great trip!

Oh good i'll be able to have lots of tips for you when I get back! Thanks for the linking help too by the way!

 

[hhockman]

Hi! I'm reading. Our planning will be completely different, since our families are so different, but I've taken trips like yours before. I am very Disney experienced (I even worked for the Travel Company for a little while...but you probably already read that in my PTR), so if you have any questions, just ask.

We also always include SeaWorld in our trips. My oldest (almost 7) has been obsessed with whales since he could talk, and I think he'd almost rather go there than Disney. I'm interested to hear about Discovery Cove. We're planning to go as soon as my youngest (3.5) is 6 and can be included in the swim with the dolphins.

I haven't been to Universal in forever, so I can't help much there. I'm wanting to go to Islands of Adventure, but it probably won't be until our next trip when my kids are a little bigger.

Chef Mickeys and Crystal Palace are great ADRs to start with. Crystal Palace is character dining...it's Pooh and Friends...and their buffet is really good. Your parents are the opposite of mine. My dad doesn't ever want to spend any money and my mom goes crazy at Disney. I hope you are able to get them more excited as the trip gets nearer. You're already doing the best thing you can do...trying to get them involved in the planning.

I'd never admit to agreeing with someone about quitting a job, but if they won't let you go to Disney, you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

As far as an anniversary dinner with your Boyfriend, my first suggestion is California Grill. Especially if you can get it around the time of the Magic Kingdom fireworks (which is HARD to do, even if you call the first day you can make an ADR for the date you're looking for). Other than that I'll have to think. It's been a long time since my husband and I have been without kids. I can't wait to hear about your trip in July. That sounds like a lot of fun!

Looking forward to hearing more from you. Seriously feel free to ask any questions you have...I'll do my best!

 

[trinaweena]

Hi! I'm reading. Our planning will be completely different, since our families are so different,

Welcome! Thanks for reading Yes looks like we have very different plans, but thats the fun isn't it?

My oldest (almost 7) has been obsessed with whales since he could talk, and I think he'd almost rather go there than Disney.

The first time i went to Seaworld I was three and I just got obsessed with that stupid whale haha, I actually tear up when I see Shamu it's pathetic...I've also take quite a few Marine Bio courses so Seaworld interest me...it sucks that Boyfriend hates fish so much! They make him incredibly uncomfortable..i'm very excited for Discovery Cove and I'll be sure to post about it...I've always wanted to do it and it seems to be the only thing my brother is excited about

Chef Mickeys and Crystal Palace are great ADRs to start with.

I've been to both before but not for about 7 years but I remember them both as being good. Since we're paying OOP we can't afford to do that many expensive restaurants but I think these will fall within our budget

I'd never admit to agreeing with someone about quitting a job, but if they won't let you go to Disney, you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

Well when they only gave me four hours a week it wasn't really worth it anyways, started a new job today and already enjoy it more!

s far as an anniversary dinner with your Boyfriend, my first suggestion is California Grill.

i was thinking California Grill but the two things i'm worried about is he might think its too fancy and he's a picky eater but I'm going to be giving him a list of places I would like to eat and he gets to choose one haha! And then his Dad is making all our ADRs for us so I don't even have to do anything! Do you happen to know if California Grill is included on the DDP?

 

[trinaweena]

We booked Discovery Cove today and of course DMom is all up in arms about the price. But that's ok, because it is booked and we are going and I am excited! One less thing to worry about not getting reservations for. Also DSis is definatly going as well which makes me even happier because it wouldn't have been the same without her!

Her sister has decided to go to Daytona around the same time we are is Disney and asked us if we could switch our Discovery Cove day so we could go with her and her Boyfriend. I had to explain to her that I already had each day scheduled for certain things and there was no real way I could change it around. I hope I didn't come off as sounding snotty but I'm sure you guys will understand my reasoning of already having ADRs for certain days and not being able to change them.

I had a nightmare last night that we went to Disney and didn't follow the schedule and I think that may be a sign...obsessive much?

Question for everyone, how important do you consider a 'plan of attack' when doing the themeparks? Do you just go and hope for the best or do you have a plan for what rides you will do first and so on? I'm just trying to figure out how strict I should be with our plans. We have a lot we want to see and only one day in which to see it sooo...

Anyways, sorry I don't have more of an update for you, our trip still feels so far away, but i'm thinking about it all the time. I need those warm thoughts cause the weather here is brrrr cold!

 

[rsjj]

wow...sounds like a packed vacation! packed w/fun!! can't wait to read more! i hear you about the family not as excited as you are! i feel like that sometimes...that's why i'm here on the disboards. i think for our family fun night, i'll have to put on the vacation planning dvd i got in the mail...and just make them sit thru it...

 

[trinaweena]

wow...sounds like a packed vacation! packed w/fun!! can't wait to read more! i hear you about the family not as excited as you are! i feel like that sometimes...that's why i'm here on the disboards. i think for our family fun night, i'll have to put on the vacation planning dvd i got in the mail...and just make them sit thru it...

Welcome! Yes it will be a packed vacation..I know I can do it, it's just the rest of the family I'm worried about! Oh well, I've already started them walking on the treadmill everyday so that's something!

And yes force them to watch the DVD, it will def put them in the mood! I got mine yesterday and I watched it by myself and I was like 'I should have made everyone else watch this too...tie them to the chairs and force them to get excited!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Question for everyone, how important do you consider a 'plan of attack' when doing the themeparks? Do you just go and hope for the best or do you have a plan for what rides you will do first and so on? I'm just trying to figure out how strict I should be with our plans. We have a lot we want to see and only one day in which to see it sooo...

I did go with a plan of attack. I used the UG touring plans and they worked really well. I did tailor them to include only the attractions we wanted to see, so there was some built in flexibility. Also, I believe that most of the plans include a rest in the afternoon which we did not always do. The great thing is that you don't spend time in the park trying to figure out what to do or where to go next. They also give you some great ideas about where to view the parades, etc. I LOVED them and am using the touring plans again for our April trip.

 

[mooneyda]

I just wanted to say I love the start to the report and can not wait to hear more.

 

[DWFan4Life]

Great start of your report. It looks that you will have a good time with your great plan. Enjoy your trip and have fun.

Have a nice and safe trip coming.

 

[trinaweena]

I did go with a plan of attack. I used the UG touring plans and they worked really well.

That's what I was planning on doing I think, I've heard good things about the touring plans and I have my UG that i'm slowly working my way through reading..finally up to Epcot haha

I just wanted to say I love the start to the report and can not wait to hear more.

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying hopefully I will have more to post soon!

Great start of your report. It looks that you will have a good time with your great plan.

Thank you!

 

[trinaweena]

Wow 44 days left! When it hits 30 it's going to seem even more real!

I wish I had time to post some more planning stuff but actually I don't have much to report and I'm leaving for NYC in a bit for the weekend so I'm running around trying to get everything together. I thought I could take a minute to share some pictures of last years trip with you guys, that was at least i'm posting something!

But first a cute little story. I work in a children's clothing shop and we get a lot of mom's that come in with Birthday lists, one such mother showed me her child's list which had a column for what she wanted and how much it was. About halfway down the list it says 'A Trip to Disney World' and next to it 'Lots of $$$$' I was like 'Forget the clothes, get her that!' It was very cute.

Now pictures!

Us after the Kali River Rabids...one of us did not get wet

Drinks in Mexico

Me and Sis

Epcot is so pretty

Tom Sawyer Island

Really I was supposed to live here

It was my goal to find this

Being silly in the gift shop

That's all I have for now..hope everyone has a nice weekend!

 

[rsjj]

nice pix! have a great time at nyc!

 

[hhockman]

Great pics! Hope you have a good weekend.

 

[trinaweena]

Back from NYC and although I had a great time it was exhausting and it's good to be home. Really made me realize I am not in shape at all for Disney...my feet have never hurt so bad!

I just looked at my ticker and realized the trip is only 39 days away! Seems unreal and I still have so much to do. I kinda put all planning on hold the past few days and concentrated on work and NYC and now I realize that much more still needs to be done, although I'm not even sure what that is!

I think it's just little things now, plans for the parks, packing lists, getting together all our confirmation numbers and what not, stuff like that but it still feels like a lot, espeiciallly when I can't get anyone in this family to talk about the trip. I guess sometimes real life prevails over Disney.

I suppose the next step is to get some sort of packing list set so I know what we need to bring and what will have to be bought. I know DMom wants a new camera so I'll have to talk to her about that as well.

I know it's not much of an update but I'm off to work so it'll have to do for now!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I guess sometimes real life prevails over Disney.

Oh no you didn't!! LOL!

 

[trinaweena]

I think we've reached the point in planning where the problems overshadow the excitement. Is anyone else feeling like they have so much left to do, but you're not quite sure what that stuff is, but you're still positive there is no time to do it? Maybe it's just me haha

Biggest problem right now is these guys

I haven't introduced these members of my family but they are my two babies, Scutter and Que and they are causing major problems at the moment (one is currently sitting on my head). I really have no idea whose going to watch them while we are away since we are taking our regular dog sitter with us! My other dog sitter isn't answering my phone calls and I will not put them in a kennel because I've worked in many and they are awful awful places. I may have found someone to watch them for a few days but i still need someone for the rest of the week!

It's just one of many things that are on my mind right now, plus I haven't really had time for much planning since I've just started a new job and then I went and left my UG Book at Boyfriend's house for a few days...I was so lost without it!!

But still I'm trying to continue on with planning..I've started my Disney binder although there is nothing in it! I'm working on it! I was trying to talk to my mom about what exactly her plans are for parks, whether or not she wants to go early and take a break or go late and stay till closing. Couldn't get a straight answer! She says "We'll have to see how we feel when we get there." Oh no!! She does not understand the importance of planning obviously!!

We're coming up on the 30 day mark and i'm trying to think of something I can do as a countdown. I have wednesday off so i'm thinking of some sort of calendar or something...anything to get the family a little excited...it's just so difficult!

Boyfriend and I were talking about vacations and what not the other day and I said how a friend of mine wanted to go to the Bahamas or something and he shrugged and said "There's better places you can go, like Disney." I mean really that's how you know it's true love.

Hope everyone had a nice Valentines day!!