Disney or BROKE!!! MAGIC MOMENT!! 6/18 We had the greatest trip ever!!!

[planetcaravan19f]

Check out the Dis meets we have set up on the PTR board Yearbook, Marsh & myself all have PTRs We'd love to meet you. Even if you acciently posted on my thread Maybe it was an omen( a GOOD one)!!

Fate brings us all together!!!
Well, I know my boyfriend will rebel if I try to make him spend time with strangers, but I would love to!!! Maybe I will try to plan a "Boys day out" and then I can sneak off alone.

I'm signing up. Followed you from Jordan's thread. I about cried when I saw this picture. I rode Dumbo for the first time at WDW in 1971 with my mom. One of my precious memories. Love your vintage pics. Looking forward to more updates and for your TR.

I know everytime I look at that picture my heart swells and the water works start !!! Welcome to my Pre-TR and thanks for reading!!

Look familiar - - - well we are just about 30 minutes south of the bridge.

I jumped over from Jordan's - - - you will have a grand time!! We have been going to Disney every year since 1979 - - - so be ready for the addiction!!

Great report and wishing you the best time ever!!

Hey there fellow Michagander(sp?)!!! Wow thats a great picture of the Mackinac Bridge!! Did you get covered in snow last night also??!!?? Its pretty deep up here!! Welcome and thanks for reading!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

You have some great tips.....

I particularly like the one about the postcards...I'm going to take that one..

I also have to remember to label all my stuff........

Thanks for those tips. I'm sure people will find it helpful...

 

[Shmu]

You have some fantastic tips and notes.
I am jotting them down. Thanks for sharing.

 

[MickeyMaz]

You are a planning God! I tip my hat to you. One extra tip for you that paid off for us if you have a digital camera is to take a picture of your name, where you are staying, and a your cell phone number.

Keep the updates coming and ask any questions that you might have. I might have missed it, but where are your ADR's?

Maz

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Oooh, I like the address labels idea too! I think I will do this too. Last time I was supposed to bring the entire address book but I forgot it. Which I guess was sort of good because I really didn't want to sit and write out addresses during our free time at the resort. Anyway, your planning looks GREAT!!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

You have some great tips.....

I particularly like the one about the postcards...I'm going to take that one..

I also have to remember to label all my stuff........

Thanks for those tips. I'm sure people will find it helpful...

Thank you!
Yes the dog tags I ordered are nice!

I have gone over our "lost child" plan with my DSS. I will slide his shoe laces through a dog tag and should we get seperated he is to go to the nearest CM and take off his shoe and hand it to them and explain his situation. His tag will have his name, his father's name, my name and our cell phone number. We will look around frantically and then head straight to the the First Aid, which I believe is where CM are supposed to take lost kids now.

You have some fantastic tips and notes.
I am jotting them down. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks

You are a planning God! I tip my hat to you....where are you ADR's?

STOP!!
I am writing your digital camera tip on my daily reminder thingy right now!! Thats a good one, because everytime I write my info on my camera with marker it wipes off !!

I have ADR's at Liberty Tree and also at Hollywood and Vine /Fantasmic Package, more on those it my next few posts!!

Oooh, I like the address labels idea too! I think I will do this too. Last time I was supposed to bring the entire address book but I forgot it. Which I guess was sort of good because I really didn't want to sit and write out addresses during our free time at the resort. Anyway, your planning looks GREAT!!

Thanks!! I have also already bought my postcard stamps and packed them away so I don't forget them!!


Well guys I will be gone for a few days, going down state to party and have a cook-out with old friends for New Years!! We may even go down river Kayaking too!! I hope! It should be 26 degrees with only few snow showers so it should be perfect!! Dont worry we bundle up and cheat using sock and mitten warmers and take thermoses of hot cocoa! We are addicted to the Ausable River, Michigan's best!!! Hope I can get some pictures to show you guys when I get back!!

Anyway, my point is I will post some of my park/Orlando plans now!! Hopefully I can post more from my friends house!!

 

[jordanyosh]

Have a great time.....

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Chapter 3

Okay I’ve decided to get my Daily itineraries out of the way!! I am only posting my packing list for people searching for tips/help, so I will do that last.
This is where you guys start to see the real madness behind the planning, sorry if it gets scary!! Oh, and I should mention that some of the days and times I post will be fake to throw off any “stalkers” out there!!

TIP : One tip I followed when planning the first few days was…If your taking a younger child save the parks they will enjoy the most (magic kingdom probably) for last so everything else doesn’t seem boring.


Day One: Arriving in Orlando
2:00 Arrive at Enclave Suites
Go shopping at the Super Wal-mart down the street for cheap Disney souvenirs and Groceries for in the room. We will eat seven breakfasts in the room and two or three dinners!!
Next go to Prime Outlets and hit the Disney store there for more cheap souvenirs!!!
Back to Hotel maybe a quick swim before bed. Cook Dinner: Burritos, chips, salsa


Day Two: Gatorland
Sleep in, Breakfast in room: cereal, toast
Gatorland!! The only thing my boyfriend “insisted “ on doing. I guess it was the only thing he liked as a teenager. DSS and I are also excited to see all the animals!!
Tip: Bring change and dollar bills to buy animal food. They do not have lockers on property.
Lunch: Gator meat….maybe.
Back to Hotel for a swim or if its warm enough there is a sand box/playground on grounds my DSS is looking forward to!!
Dinner: Red Lobster!! YUMMY!!
NOTE: If we (DSS and I) are just dying to be in WDW we may use our extra day on our ticket to go see fireworks at MK!!

TIP: This is a personal tip/goal of mine. I don’t want to eat anything on vacation that I can get at home or cities near my home anyway. (there are no commercial restaurants in my town)!! The closest Red Lobster to my house is three hours!! I can’t wait!!

Budget Update: Beware of "Fuzzy Disney Math"!!

Balance $2,460
Shopping: out of pocket
Groceries: 100ish
Gatorland: 80
Red Lobster: 30 (entrées only)
--(entrees only)= I should mention that from here on out, all the
amounts for food CS or otherwise are entrée
only, no drinks or dessert. DSS and I will always
be sharing!!--
------------------------------
Total: $2,670


Need a break will post another in a bit!

Since it's all I got right now, more old pics!!

Anyone remember what the blue and pink stripes on my face are? Or did you ever use this product?

Chapter 4
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22328337&postcount=29

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Chapter 4

Okay I know my Disney parks itineraries will seem over-planned and that I’m trying to do everything, but I promise that they are just “guidelines”. If something magical is happening I wont be worried that we are "running late"!!

TIP:I’ve had my DSS watch the planning DVD that Disney sends, and Sing-a-long Disneyland, and some videos off of “You Tube” to see which rides he was most interested in. and make sure he had a hand in making the plans.
Personal Tip: I made sure to show the videos to him early on and I have put them away until after the trip, because I’m hoping the parks will seem new and amazing to him still.


Day Three: Epcot!!!
Sleep In, swim, me and DSS will need to get some video games in!!
12:30 late breakfast in room: Jimmy Dean skillet/Frozen
2:00 leave Hotel
3:15-4:00 Innovations sad1: no spaceship earth)
4:00-4:45 Lunch Electric Umbrella (would rather eat at Seasons but, we’ll see)
4:45-5:30 Nemo and friends
5:30-6:15 Soarin
Hopefully we will have time to bake some cookies!!
6:15-6:50 Honey I shrunk the audience
Walk to Norway
7:15-8:00 Maelstrom
TIP-Get bamboo in China(cheap souv.)
8:00-9:00 Dinner Mexico To-go
Find spot to sit near Showcase plaza while we eat.
TIP-watch wind direction to stay out of the smoke from the show!!
ILLUMINATIONS!!

As you can see we aren’t doing very much of the World Showcase. DSS is athletic, but I don’t think he’d like the Kidcots enough to walk all the way around. If he seems to like them in Mexico, Norway and China we can always do another half day at Epcot on Day Four .


Day Four: Day Off
Breakfast: Ponderosa Buffet
Glow in the Dark Mini-golf at the Festival mall
Lunch: TGI Friday’s
I think the closest TGI’s to my house is also three hours away!!
Back to Hotel, swim, we love board games so maybe Disney Scrabble Junior!!!
Dinner in room: Swedish Meatballs, potato salad, bread n butta


Budget Update:

Balance $2,670
Epcot Food: 45
Parking: 11
Ponderosa: 20
TGI’s 55
Mini-golf 35
------------------------
Total: $2,836



Okay, twist my arm, I will just HAVE to show you pictures of my "other" babies!!

Piglet

Dozer "the king of the house"

Drake "the jester"

EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEARS!!! UP NEXT CHAPTER 5
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22333765&postcount=30

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Chapter 5

Okay I couldn't help myself I just had to post one more before I left town!!


Day Five: Animal Kingdom
Breakfast in room: Bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches
TIP- Arrive early parking lot is small
TIP- Before parks opens, cut through Rain Forest Café, go through gift shop and enter park this way. It’s a shortcut to Kilamon Safari
9:30-10:15 Kilamon Safari
10:15-10:45 Pangani Trail
TIP- Keep an eye out for DEVINE!!!
10:45-11:45 Train to Petting Zoo
11:45-12:15 Lunch Flametree
TIP- Go to lower “snake” dining area!
12:15-1:00 Kali River Rapids (unless its cold outside)
1:00-!:45 Maharajah Trail
1:45-2:15 Everest YETI!!! I may be the only one riding this!!
Walk to Dinoland
2:30-3:30 Bone yard This is also for me and DBF to rest we plan on bringing a snack to eat while here
3:30- 4:15 Dinosaur
TIP: Use net bags to store belongings so they don’t fly out of ride!
4:15-5:00 Tough to be a bug
Dinner: Outback, there is one on property, kind of!! I have never had a Bloomin Onion!!! YUMMY!!



Day Six: MGM, I mean Disney Studios…
Breakfast in room: Pancakes, sausage
This one was confusing not sure if this plan will work with all the different show times!!!
9:00-9:35 Walk straight to Lights, Motor, Action for fast pass
9:35-10:15 Honey I shrunk playground
10:15-11:00 Lunch pizza at Toy Story Arcade
11:00-12:15 Indiana Jones
12:30-1:45 Car stunt Show????
TIP- Boring between stunts have Gameboy ready!!
1:45-2:15 Muppets
2:15-3:00 Star Tours
NOTE:Okay I am the Star Wars FREAK I have loved the movies since I was a little girl and even though I'm not as big on the newer movies I still like them!!
This is the only area I may sacrifice the ride in order to stand in line to get autographs and pictures!! I hope I see Darth Vader, and he will mock a lightsaber fight with me!! DOWN WITH THE EMPIRE!! (yes I will have a lightsaber handy, feel free to call me a nerd!!)
TIP: Another option for getting Autographs is getting a 8x10/4x7 picture frame mat(sp?) for characters to sign, then insert your favorite picture from the trip and you have a great, personal, cheap souviner!!
3:20-4:05 Playhouse Disney (DSS loves all the characters that will be performing while we are there)
4:05-4:20 Making of Narnia
4:20-5:20 Dinner Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic Package. It’s worth it to NOT have to wait in line too long. We will bring a gameboy or deck of cards to entertain while we wait for everyone else to get seated.
5:20-6:00 Great Movie ride
6:00-7:00 Get in Package seating!!!
7:00 FANTASMIC!!!!

Budget Update:

Balance $2,816
Animal Food 30
Outback 30
Studios Food 80
Parking 22
--------------------------
TOTAL $2,998


Yeah!!! We've still got 1,000 dollars left and only 3 days of Vacation left!!!

Here are some pictures of stuff I have accumulated over the past year for our trip!!
Some stuff we will sneak into our bookbag in the morning to give to DSS while we are in the parks, to save our money for bigger toys we know he will cherish. Mostly stickers, glow sticks/necklaces, and lightup/spinning toys. I hear during the night-time show CM walk around with expensive light-up/glow toys to guilt you into purchasing!!

Here is the journal/sticker/info book I got for Christmas!! I know it says "For Kids" but its perfect for me!! I would show you some of the pages inside but not sure if I'm allowed!!

Here are the pins I got for DSS, you may notice one "girly" pin I got to encourage him to trade!!

Here are the pins I got for myself!! I plan to get some good Star Wars pins while I'm in the park , the only thing I plan on buying for myself!!

PLEASE DON"T DRINK AND DRIVE!! HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!
Chapter 6
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22363692&postcount=37

 

[winkers]

Wow! You've got lots of good stuff already!

 

[jordanyosh]

Wow..you have alot of stuff already!!!! Hey is there an echo in here....

You write your itineraries much like I do...I like it...

 

[winkers]

Wow..you have alot of stuff already!!!! Hey is there an echo in here....

great minds think alike.........or is it sick minds???

 

[jordanyosh]

great minds think alike.........or is it sick minds???

the latter.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Wow, you've got great Disney items there!! I did manage to find a small canister of glow bracelets in the $1 section at Target. I bought them so he has one for each night. But, you are my HERO!!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Have a great time.....

Thanks Jordan!! We didn't go down river because it was alot colder than it was supposed to be but the cook out was great and all my friends had fun reading this thread and looking at the old pictures of me!! (not that they had a choice )

Wow! You've got lots of good stuff already!

Thanks, I have been very patient waiting for everything to go on sale and have gotten lucky. Got all those pins off E-bay for low-low prices!!

Wow..you have alot of stuff already!!!! Hey is there an echo in here....

You write your itineraries much like I do...I like it...

Wow, you've got great Disney items there!! I did manage to find a small canister of glow bracelets in the $1 section at Target. I bought them so he has one for each night. But, you are my HERO!!

Thanks for all the compliments, it encourages me to keep posting!!!

Speaking of posting.......

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Chapter 6


Day Seven: Magic Kingdom!!
Sleep in!!
Breakfast : IHOP
Take boat over (remember its slow)
1:00-1:45 Swiss tree house
TIP-Try the Dole Whip pineapple drink
Jungle Fastpass
1:45-2:30 Tiki Lounge
2:30-3:15 Jungle Cruise (snack time)
TIP-Ask to be skipper
3:15-3:30 Pirates
3:30-4:15 Lunch Mexican
4:15-5:00 Thunder Mountain
No Splash mountain
5:00-5:45 Riverboat
5:45-6:30 Tom Sawyer Island
6:30-7:15 Presidents
7:15-8:00 Haunted Mansion
8:00-9:00 Dinner-Columbia To-go
Find spot to sit for Spectro/Fireworks
9:00 Spectro parade
10:00 Fireworks
TIP-When leaving take the “Resorts” monorail, instead of Trans center, the second stop is the parking lot.
TIP- Main street stays open later than the rest of the park.



Day Eight: Day Off
Breakfast in room: Cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, toast
Chuck E. Cheese!!! Okay I know its not as cool as Disney but it’s a family tradition for me, and DSS LOVES Chuck E. Cheese for obvious reasons!!!
Then to Downtown Disney
First the BIG Lego store!! Heaven knows how long we will be in here. Not only does DSS love legos but so do DBF and I!!
I want to get some custom rice crispy treats from Goofy’s candy store but I will go alone while DSS is in lego heaven, so I can surprise him after dinner!!
Dinner: Rainforest Café!!


Budget Update:

Balance $2,968
IHOP 30
MK Food 65
Parking 11
Chuck E. 60
Rainforest 50
Lego/Candy out of pocket
------------------------------
TOTAL $3,214


My only regret with this plan is I would have rather gotten to Tom Sawyers Island first thing in the morning to find the paint brushes!!! Oh well, I will just HAVE to plan to do it next time we go down. (Nov 2011!!!)

Okay I have been putting off all my questions long enough here are a few I hope you guys can help me with!!

DBF wants to get me a nice set of Disney earrings!! Where is the best place to find jewelry? Is there one place that has a better variety than another?

I want to get some cool kitchen-ware for our housesitter. Where can I get cool Disney kitchen-ware. Like ice-cube trays, or mixing bowls, stuff like that?

As you see in Chapter 5 I am hoping to go from Animal Kingdom to the Outback Steakhouse in Lake Buena Vista. I have Mapquested everything and I can't find an address for Animal Kingdom!!?! So I am worried that it will be confusing or impossible to go straight from AK to the restaurant. I am looking at the WDW transportation map and it looks like I can just take Osceola Parkway from AK, to Buena Vista drive , past epcot and straight to Lake Buena Vista!!??!! Anyone know for sure?

What are the current toll prices in Florida, is there a website? How many tolls should I expect to drive through, from Georgia to Orlando?

Okay, I can't find my list of questions and thats all I can remember right now!! More questions later!


DSS wants to pick the pictures I post today so here are his favorite Disney-related pictures!!

He wanted to take a picture of his misc. legos (he has other sets that are kept seperate), to use as a reference as to what NOT to buy in the Downtown Disney store. I thought that was a great idea!!

Here are some pictures from the "Pirates of the Carribean" Birthday party we threw him this march ......I mean last year!! Can you believe I found a "treasure chest" pinata (sp?)!!!

Chapter 7
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22410337&postcount=48

 

[1andrea]

There is a shop in Downtown Disney not far from Goofys Candy Co that sells all kinds of Disney things for the home. I have only been in a couple of times as I cant buy big things cos theres no room inthe luggage to get them home.
They sell lots of different things like Mickey toasters glasses and tableware so you should be able to easily find something for your house sitter in there.

 

[PolishMickey]

Here are two websites with info on Florida's Turnpike/Tolls. IMO the wikipedia site is better!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida's_Turnpike
http://www.floridasturnpike.com/about_faqs.cfm

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Is that the total of what you've spent so far or is that your grand total??

Your plans look good! I have no answers for the questions you asked but I'm interested in reading any answers.

CUTE, CUTE, CUTE Pirate party!!