Disney w/ my girlfriend and my parents for 7 days. Woop woop! April/May '09

[autumnpalm]

I do my countdown the same way you do yours.

And that's so funny you caught Jen trying on your Crocs. See, even the doubters get curious! Hey, if you can turn a non Disney lover into a fan, you can do anything! LOL

 

[TeaForTulips]

the crocs have been ordered .... it is very unlike me to spend $80 on two pairs of shoes. but i bit the bullet... i just keep thinking its all for disney and being happy at disney, etc, etc ....

so i order these for me:

and these are for jen:

im crossing my fingers that she will like them and thay they will be comfy for her to walk in. jen has fibromyalgia so im really worried what all the walking for 7 days is gonna do to her. i really want her to have comfy comfy shoes. i am bound and determined that i will be prepared for anything that could go wrong this trip. *knock on wood*

My list of things we still need to do:

- buy disposable ponchos
- buy groceries (bottled water, snacks, etc... we are gonna make sandwiches and stuff for the car...)
- me, jen, and mom will all need some clothes for disney
- cash in change jar (will do this last minute)
- call disney and advise celebrations (jen first timer, us and my parents are celebrating anniversaries...we may not be married, but its still our anni too )
- call disney and request a building near smoking section of resort and room on top floor and on the corner.... is that being too picky? ... my mom and jen both smoke and according to the ASMu map there are three smoking sections... I cant remember which buildings are the preferred rooms... I wonder if they would be able to step into the parking lot to smoke? I wanted to be near the parking lot anyway because we will have the van and aren't doing the buses... Hmmm... Does anyone know information for smokers? I hate smoking but I do not bother my mom are jen about their vice... and to keep the disney peace i will do my best to ensure it is accomodated.
- we have already bought little fans for the parks, but need to get extra batteries to take
- find my light up minnie mouse ears in my memorie trunk out at my moms house
- order extra meds for jens fibromyalgia (gotta order extra online and it can take a couple weeks to come in...)
- order extra meds for my migraines
- pack of course...

Im sure I will think of more things to add to this list as time goes by..
Back to work I go...

 

[autumnpalm]

Oooh I really like the Crocs you picked out for Jen! They really don't look Croc-ish at all. Wow!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

The flip-flops are cute! Good choice!

I understand about the anniversary buttons! Our anni is in June, but we told them we're celebrating in September!

 

[TeaForTulips]

so I got a coupon in the mail from DSW to get $20 off a $50 purchase...

this weekend i went to see what they had... i was determined to get a good deal out of this so i was searching thru the clearance section....

success!

my fave find...im gonna bring these as an option for disney too. i them. i am a huge rocket dog fan and have a ton of their shoes including high heels, flip flops, and sneakers. (reg price was $50)

and then i found these by skechers. they make lots of cute designs but dsw only had these. but i like them. the pictures truely dont do the cuteness justice... they are fuzzy on the inside and super comfy. non disney shoes but a great buy.


these for me... little floweres on top.. again cuter in person. (reg price showed $40)

and these for jen. hers even look cuter in person too... (reg price $45)

so i got all three pairs for $47.14 ... per my receipt i saved $121.59 including the clearance pricing and my discount.

i had to share my good deals with you guys.

in other news... an update is that it looks like we are leaving thursday night after work to get some driving in... it wont increase our disney time, but hopefully breaking the driving up a little bit will make us less exhausted saturday morning when we hit the first park.

so we would leave thursday after work... drive as far as we could... stay wherever... finish driving to orlando friday and again stay wherever... wake up saturday and go to disney... then saturday night begins our 7 nights at all star music... even tho it doesnt increase my disney time im still super excited about it.

so now i can say....37 days!

 

[autumnpalm]

WOW what an amazing deal you got on those shoes! Holy cow! They're really cute too, my favourite pair is the second one!

Even if you aren't getting any extra Disney time you are still getting more vacation time. So woohoo for that! Plus it makes your countdown shorter which is always, always a good thing.

 

[Enchanted]

for leaving early! That's awesome! 36 days left! You're getting so close!

I your flip-flop Crocs. I don't have any Crocs, but my mom has a pair and she loves them. I love the flip-flop ones and the Mary-Jane style as well. So. Cute.

OMG, you got an AMAZING deal on all those shoes from DSW. WOW! Go you for being such a great deal-shopper. I love the Rocketdog ones. The colors are so pretty!

 

[HeatherBelle614]

What great deals on your shoes!

WOHO for leaving early, too! Any extra time towards a WDW trip is perfect in my book!

 

[TeaForTulips]

so our crocs came in... jens are too big. so ive gotta send hers back and get a size smaller. im nervous that the size smaller will be too small. *fingers crossed*

i tried mine on in a store before i ordered them and loved them! but i am wearing them today and they are rubbing my toe... the one next to my big toe. I am gonna buy some mole skin and I'm sure thatll take care of it for Disney. its not too bothersome today, but i could only imagine it getting rubbed raw after wearing them all day at disney...

i tried on jens crocs even tho they were too big.. and o - m - g.. they are the most comfy crocs ive ever tried! it was like little cloud pillows for my feet. soooo... i am debating on getting the girly version of her shoe.

i am not sure though... i am concerned that they wont be AS comfy or that just like mine that i ordered... once i start wearing them all day they will rub something wrong.. ho hum. what to do, what to do...

to top it off, my mom ordered some and hers are too big too. we also ordered some for my newphew whos birthday is this weekend so we are waiting to see how his fit... i might be packing a huge shipment to go back to crocs...


ok. i had to vent. thanks.

on the upside...

1. its friday. hooray!
2. tomorrow is the pancake festival downtown on the river. fun!
3. sunday is my nephews birthday party. hes turning 3.
4. netflix shipped the Twilight DVD today, so i will get that tomorrow. Ive read the entire series and im sooo ready to see the movie!
5. last but not least...

33 days til disney!

 

[TeaForTulips]

so i was reading some new trip reports, just doing my daily disney stuff online.. im sure you DIS people know what i mean.

i all of a sudden got this idea...so as im sure you know we have not made any ADRs... we are planning to be budget friendly with our dining and all. Also, I hate planning our trip around where we have to be by when just so we can eat...

Anyway. I love the idea of getting into the park before it opens. My mom is a HUGE piglet fan. With this being Jen's first trip I was thinking how cool would it be for her first time to see Magic Kingdom that it would be virtually empty! sooo...

I pulled up my spreadsheet... we were going to the magic kingdom on sunday april 26th... its pm magic hours so the park doesnt open until 9...

I picked up my cell phone and started praying that Crystal Palace had an opening for breakfast before 9... The cast member told me 9:20 was the earliest he had... he assured me though that we would still be able to get into the park before it opened.. Hooray!

The plan is that Im not gonna tell anyone about it and then Sunday morning Im just gonna tell everyone to be up and ready and that we're leaving and that they cant eat... I think Jen will really like seeing MK empty for her first time and then marmee will be excited to see piglet and the gang. My dad will be excited for a normal breakfast buffet Im sure.. and Ill be to see all my family happy at disney world.

so whatcha think guys? Will we have a problem getting into the park say between 8-830 for a 920 ressie? i dont know why but im super excited for this surprise! $18.99 a piece, I hope its all everyone says it is because I am paying. i hope it all works out... i have a hard time keeping surprises, but im determined.

 

[autumnpalm]

I've never done CP in the morning for breakfast so I don't know about the timing... but we've been there for dinner 3 times and I LOVE it! It's one of my favourite buffets at Disney, you will love the food and character interaction.

I kind of really want to buy those Crocs you just posted.

Like, really.

Especially if they're as comfy as the ones you got Jen. I will wait and hear your report though!!

Bummer you're sending such a big package back but I hope your next shipment fits better!

You're getting closer and closer to WDW!!!

 

[TeaForTulips]

I've never done CP in the morning for breakfast so I don't know about the timing... but we've been there for dinner 3 times and I LOVE it! It's one of my favourite buffets at Disney, you will love the food and character interaction.

I kind of really want to buy those Crocs you just posted.

Like, really.

Especially if they're as comfy as the ones you got Jen. I will wait and hear your report though!!

Bummer you're sending such a big package back but I hope your next shipment fits better!

You're getting closer and closer to WDW!!!

I have only read very few bad reports of CP... im glad its one of your faves! im really hoping everyone enjoys it.

arent those crocs cute? they of course have more colors, but those are the most neutral ones and i like thinking that i could wear them with more things. im gonna wait until crocs says they got my return before i place my next order. it will prolly be a couple weeks, but i will for sure report what i think when i get them in. jen's were so crazy comfy when i walked around in them i couldnt believe it! i hope these are just as nice. i found a 20% off code for the website that is good thru 03/31 .. in case you end up ordering something- the code is CHOICES009



in random news, one of my good friends is having her baby girl tonight. i will soon meet Camila (ka-meel-a) since i am a nanny, any time one of my friends has children i get more work. everyone needes a nanny to watch their kids sometimes... she wasnt due til april so we are excited to meet her so soon!

i hope everyone has a good weekend!

 

[TeaForTulips]

Hello everyone! This weekend has been very busy and crazy for me and my family.

The recent bad news is that my uncle (moms brother) is in the hospital. In the past couple weeks he has had 3 strokes. The last stroke caused a blood clot in his brain. Last night we were updated that he also has swelling in his brain. He is not breathing on his own, is unresponsive, and may be paralyzed. The doctor states that even if he does wake up he will not remember anyone, etc. They are not giving him very long to live and there is now a battle on if he should be taken off the respirator or not. I do not really know this uncle. I have not seen him since I was a little girl, but seeing my mother so upset is so hard I cannot explain. Not only is this horrible in its own, but depending on when things go badly (because we are told that it's not "if" but "when")... this could ruin our vacation. I hope that didn't come out completely selfish. My mom is really concerned about it. She would have to go to Nebraska for the funeral. I hope everything works out on all ends...*sigh*

Moving on to something a little brighter...

This weekend was also my nephews birthday.

Here is Pierce with his Cars cake... he sang happy birthday along with everyone.. it was really cute.

He is spoiled rotten and got a ton of clothes and toys for his birthday. One of the things I got him was this Mickey Mouse Clubhouse play set... it was originally like $45 at Walmart and I got in on clearance for $19... yay for sales!

This is him opening it and clappping. I was so happy he liked it.

Hallise was all cute for the party with her bow. She reminded me of Minnie Mouse.

She discovered the world of balloons.

We got our luggage tags and everything in the mail finally from Disney. I called this morning and requested Building 9 at the ASMu... the cast member was not the nicest person, but at least I got it noted on our reservation.

I ordered some pins from ebay. Here are some of the ones I got in so far. Theres a mixture.. some for me, jen, mom, and dad. I dont know if everyone is gonna participate, but thats ok.

I'm slowly getting things marked off my to do list...

Oh! I almost forgot!
I joined the Disney Movie Club.. I was a member a long time ago and I joined again. I got an offer in the mail. I got 6 movies for $21.90 and I only have to buy 3 more at full price over the next 2 years... I ordered TinkerBell, WallE (my mom and sister have it so i can stop borrowing theirs), Monsters Inc (mine was eaten by the dvd player), Mary Poppins (i her), Hidalgo (one of jen's faves) and DuckTales the movie Treasure of the Lost lamp. Im so excited!

so theres a lil update... hope everyone is enjoying their Monday!

 

[Angela0917]

Aww, I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. I hope everything works out.

I just received a thing to join the disney movie club last week! It's still sitting on my dining room table. I want to join, it's such a good deal, and there's always new movies coming out!

 

[Trista_Daisy]

#1 - I want your shoes...all of 'em!

#2 - How freaking cute are my kids?!

I'm so excited you guys are going in like..less than 30 days!! I can't wait to get all the cool Disney stuff you're gonna bring back for me!

 

[TeaForTulips]

im so excited!

i called disney dining this morning to see if anyone cancelled so that we could get an earlier time for the crystal palace breakfast... they had 8:10 hooray! also the cast member this morning told me to have a magical day! i of course have a killer headache today so it is far from magical but i was excited.

i also called them yesterday and got a ressie for fultons crab house... anyone been there before? i know its pricey.. me and jen are making it the surprise anniversary dinner for us and my parents. its our 3 years together and my parents 28th year... they win. the menu looks really yummy and something that everyone would like. we were gonna be at DTD that night so we wanted to pick something down there... I really wanna go to the new T-Rex place..


28 days!

 

[tiggersam00]

Hey there! Just found your PTR and love your plans so far! Also your niece and nephew are too flippin' cute! Your DN does look like Minnie mouse in that pic lol!

An 8:10 ADR at Crystal Palace is amazing! You will be able to take some pics of you all with the castle all alone, how awesome!! I have headr good things about Fulton's (I am not a huge seafood fan though) but my DF really wants to try it soon

Your trip looks like fun, can't wait to follow along... it's only about a month to go horray!!!

 

[jewels1916]

Hey Tarah! Just got all caught up. Your neice and nephew are precious!! I love Crystal Palace in the am for breakfast. Or, if you have to have a later ressie (which I saw you got an earlier one!) it makes for a nice little break in the day, run around the park for a while, then go in and sit in the ac for a nice break.

 

[autumnpalm]

We've eaten at Fulton's before and it was SOOOOO good. I got the King Crab and to this day, it is the best crab I've ever had. The service we had was absolutely fantastic and they even have pop rock martinis! Can't beat that!

I'm really sorry to hear about your uncle.Lots of prayers and pixie dust to your entire family.

Woo hoo for getting an earlier reservation at CP!Way to go!

Pierce is so cute and looks so thrilled with his present. Looks like it was a great party.

 

[TeaForTulips]

Hey there! Just found your PTR and love your plans so far! Also your niece and nephew are too flippin' cute! Your DN does look like Minnie mouse in that pic lol!

An 8:10 ADR at Crystal Palace is amazing! You will be able to take some pics of you all with the castle all alone, how awesome!! I have headr good things about Fulton's (I am not a huge seafood fan though) but my DF really wants to try it soon

Your trip looks like fun, can't wait to follow along... it's only about a month to go horray!!!

Hello there and thanks! I started reading your report the other day at work... It must be so close to when you leave I hope I didnt miss it! I have to go sub so I can keep myself up to date!

Hey Tarah! Just got all caught up. Your neice and nephew are precious!! I love Crystal Palace in the am for breakfast. Or, if you have to have a later ressie (which I saw you got an earlier one!) it makes for a nice little break in the day, run around the park for a while, then go in and sit in the ac for a nice break.

I'm glad the big move all went well. I'm also glad you have good reviews of the Crystal Palace breakfast. Im SOOOO excited for it! I wanted to do the Boma breakfast, but the foods didn't sound appealing to the entire group. Then when I thought of the perks of getting in the park early I jumped on it. Plus like I said, my mom is a HUGE Piglet fan.

We've eaten at Fulton's before and it was SOOOOO good. I got the King Crab and to this day, it is the best crab I've ever had. The service we had was absolutely fantastic and they even have pop rock martinis! Can't beat that!

I'm really sorry to hear about your uncle.Lots of prayers and pixie dust to your entire family.

Woo hoo for getting an earlier reservation at CP!Way to go!

Pierce is so cute and looks so thrilled with his present. Looks like it was a great party.

Oh goody! I told Jen about your Fultons review. it made us both very happy! I was having a hard time finding some reviews about it other than ppl saying it was pricey which i knew. oh and i am so getting a pop rocks martini!


On a sad update note, my uncle passed away yesterday. After what he went through the doctors said he was going to be a vegetable even if he did wake up because he was paralyzed and had almost complete brain damage. his life would be laying in the bed and unaware of anything. that being the case, my grandmother and my aunt decided to take him of the machines. he lasted 3 hours and passed away. I feel like he is in a better place. Anyway, moving on before I cry!


Back to Disney...
I have slowly been collecting the stuff we'll need for our trip. I was in Wal-Mart last night and got some little travel size things, we found some disposable LSU ponchos on clearance. Whats bad though is I feel like instead of looking for the things I already know we need, I feel like I'm looking for any excuse to buy something for the trip! Ive got to control myself!

I will have some better updates after this weekend with some pictures I think. I hope everyone has a happy friday!