*Done! 3/6* Dec 2012 -The awesome now TR report that lacks a catchy title - Done!

[SAT887]

For those of you here for my Trip Report it starts on page 7!

Day One!
Day Two!
Day Three!
Day Four!
Day Five!
Day Six!
Day Seven!
Day Eight!


Completed! Page nine has lots of my favorites from the trip!
​

Pre Trip Report!

So this is my first pre trip report and I am not much of a writer. However I am mildly obsessive about planning any and all things. Especially Disney! So here are some of the basic details. My husband, and 2 daughters will be traveling from NH to Orlando, and my Moms (My mom and my mother in law) will be traveling from NJ into Tampa. So here is a little background on all of us.

Me I work PT at Home Depot and mostly a stay at home mom. Ive been to Disney more times than I can remember from my youth, spent my honeymoon there in 2004, and then have been going back since 2010. My favorite memories are the time I spent with my family in WDW. WDW has always been magical because growing up its when my family got a long best.

Husband works at HD as well, except he is salaried and a workaholic/perfectionist. Loves the outdoors and hiking. Works a lot of hours and gives up so much for our daughters and me that we really use our trips to WDW as our escape. He of course was on our honeymoon and subsequent trips. He really opened up to the idea of vacationing in WDW after seeing the Disney magic through my daughters eyes on our 2010 trip. My favorite memory with my husband was on our honeymoon we spent days taking silly pictures and Im hoping that someday we can take a 2nd honeymoon to WDW, but thinking maybe a few date nights to recreate that fun

Zoey She is my first born Right now almost 3. She is beautiful, confident, and much to none of my influence a princess. She loves Mickey & Minnie mouse, and loves all her clubhouse friends, loves Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Monsters Inc, Nemo& Well let's put it this way she loves all Disney and Pixar movies. Her first trip was in 2010 at 13 months. My favorite Disney memory of her is when she met Winnie the Pooh she latched on to him and didnt want to let go. I think at that moment she would have replaced him for her family.

Olive My 2nd and last munchkin. She will be turning 1 in 2 weeks!!! She loves sorcerer Mickey. She is turning into her own person now. Developing her own little quirks. She reminds me a lot of me. She is driven, determined and not going to stop until she gets it or figures out a way to get it. She has this smile that lights up her entire face. Olives first trip was when she was 10 weeks old. My favorite Disney memory of her was on our first night of that trip. It was late, we wanted to go to a park and decided that a great idea was to walk around the world showcase in the dark, with all the countries lit up and do some shopping (I am a sucker for Guerlain I swear it smells better from Disney and the Japan Pavilion) and this little mush would not lay, sleep, eat or anything in her stroller. I was feeling frustrated that already on the first night our trip might be a bust, until my husband picked her up and she got the view she wanted. She spent the entire time taking it all in and was the easiest traveler on that trip.

My Mom If this were Facebook and we had a relationship status it would be its complicated However, I do want my daughters to know their family. My mom is a big Disney fan and was the original DVC owner from 1993 in OKW.

Zacks Mom She is awesome and I am so excited she is coming. She hasnt been to Disney since 1971 so I am assuming this can be considered a first trip! She is very much involved in our lives, and I do look forward to sharing this trip with her and utilizing her for Date Nights

I am hoping to figure out how to upload photos. I am semi-simple when it comes to technology. Some things I get- they go to me to fix all the electronics at work, but other things I need more time and some figuring out. Both of which I am running out of right now because the girls are waking up! Here are some of our trip basics.

We are all flying in on 11/30. We are taking a morning flight via Southwest into Orlando. My moms are taking an afternoon flight via United into Tampa. All of our tickets have been purchased! We will be departing on 12/8 we will fly out around noon and my moms will be leaving at about 5pm. Our first night which was supposed to be in a value sweet at AoA turned into me buying one time use points for a 1BR Villa at AKL Jambo my husband, his mom and my girls will all spend the night there, while I will be renting a 1 value room for my mom somewhere. Not sure which resort yet any opinions, recommendations are welcomed. It needs to be two things though cheap and on Disney property! That Saturday we will check in at our 3BR villa at OKW! I am hoping for an early check in but I am also requesting a VIP cleaning due to allergens hoping it all works out in my favor! Well this is all I have time for now I will add our basic itinerary and ADRs next time and maybe a few photos!

Also let me apologize in advance for the lack of a catchy title. Im not feeling very clever today!

 

[holleypie]

I use Google Photos to upload my pictures (I think that's what it's called now--it used to be Picasa).

I'm impressed that you took Olive on her first Disney trip at 10 weeks. I still didn't even like walking around the grocery store when my baby was ten weeks.

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans. We'll be there around the same time.

 

[SAT887]

I use Google Photos to upload my pictures (I think that's what it's called now--it used to be Picasa).

I'm impressed that you took Olive on her first Disney trip at 10 weeks. I still didn't even like walking around the grocery store when my baby was ten weeks.

Looking forward to hearing more about your plans. We'll be there around the same time.

Thanks! I am giving Picasa a try right now. Maybe I will have some pictures of the family posted soon

I had stumbled upon yours PTR a day or two ago. Looks like fun! I want to try and do a mini-moon during the F&W Festival one of these years. Hoping next year or in 2014 for our anniversary. My husband is not ready to leave the kids with anyone yet.

On taking a 10 week old - so easy. I was very similar with Zoey but Olive, I was out of the hospital in 24 hours and 2 days later in Home Depot's garden center buying flowers to plant How old is your son now?

 

[SAT887]

Well this is a test let see if it works! If not I am photo upload stupid

**which obviously I am... Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Guess I'll do more searching later!**

 

[SAT887]

So figured I would update this since I have my park passes!! And Amazon shipped my Disney's Junior Encyclopedia of characters, which I plan on using as an autograph book for Zoey...

Ok – So in my planning and organization which I am compulsive about. I have basically already planned out our trip day by day – I have such organizational issues I have made a worksheet in PowerPoint outlining our days, ADR’s, naps, etc etc etc…. I don’t want anyone to get off track! So as it goes this is our plan.

Fri 11/30 wake up at like 2am to have everyone out the door by 2:45 to drive to Manchester for a 6:35 flight. It should be interesting – it’s a lot of back roads/woods driving until we hit the highway and is always interesting on minimal sleep…. So if all goes as planned we will land at 9:50 and head to AKL Jambo house to check in. We are thinking about getting a TIW card for dining – so we might have to make a stop because we have a 12:00 ADR at Sanaa…. The first day and following early morning are basically going to be an adjustment day with no parks.

With 4 adults and 1 kiddo who need to buy meals I am thinking the TIW is a better value – especially since the DDP has a lot of food on it that would go to waste…. I am also prone to purchasing an appetizer for dinner as well.
We will check in for one night at AKL 1 BR Value Villa – this was an afterthought and we couldn’t add on to our OKW 3 Br Villa because we have a Dec use year. I am thinking the first day will be a great pool day and resort activities day. The pool at Kidani looks like it would be a lot of fun with my munchkins. We then have a 6:30 ADR at Boma – a favorite – and hopefully my moms will have gotten in from Tampa by then….

Thinking about trying to grab a cocktail (if sleep deprivation permits it) at the Victoria Falls Lounge with my husband – it looks like it has great ambience… Any drink suggestions?

Our Basic Disney touring day with those who need naps is pretty simple and actually made our vacations seem longer… Odd. Up and out by 8am, nap from 1-3, then park, dinner and back to the room by 7:30 -8pm

Saturday 12/1 : Morning with Zack’s family who lives in Fl; I am thinking we will grab lunch at Fulton’s or Olivia’s… then nap with me taking a trip to Whole Foods; Magic Kingdom with a 6pm ADR at Raglan Road

Sunday 12/2: 7:30 ADR at Chef Mickey’s!! Watching my daughters jaw hit the table last year was great!! Hoping to have a repeat reaction again this year; take the monorail or walk over to MK, during naptime I go to Saratoga Springs Spa and get a pedicure with a friend who is traveling at the same time; after nap Epcot and head back relatively early so Zack and I can have a “Date Night” and go to MVMCP!! I love MK in the dark and I am pretty excited. Last year our date night ended poorly so I am all about having a great time together this year. No matter what.

Monday 12/3 : Animal Kingdom, nap then ADRat 5:15 for Cinderella’s Royal Table! I think I am as excited as my daughter is for this one

Tuesday 12/4: Epcot with 1pm ADR at Le Cellier – hoping when they open up CP I can get a reservation for 11:30 as to not interfere with naptime…. Naptime! Then Hollywood Studios with a QS dinner – maybe Pizza Planet?

Wednesday 12/5 Animal Kingdom, naptime Hollywood Studios and a 6:30 ADR for Kouzzina’s – not 100% sold on this one yet… We enjoyed last time around but almost want to try something new…

Thursday 12/6 – Pancake Breakfast with fellow traveling friends! And the Boys will go golfing at Magnolia I think. My girls, My Moms and I will go to a park – I was originally thinking Hollywood Studios but maybe Magic Kingdom would be more fun… Or maybe Epcot……. Naptime! Then off to MK with an ADR at O’Hana for 6:25.

Fri 12/7 – Our last full day in Disney. So sad! Magic Kingdom in the AM, facial at SSR with my friend during naptime; and the Epcot with an ADR at the San Angel Inn to celebrate my friend’s birthday. Close off the evening with ice cream on the boardwalk and maybe walk back for Illuminations….

Saturday 12/8 7:30 ADR at Cape May Café so Zoey can say goodbye to her “friends” (Secretly me too…) We fly out of Orlando at 12:35 to NH – we have done later flights in the past that have been so stressful with the kids figured might as well get out before they are too tired….

So another thing I am debating is Photopass+ I am a picture junkie and I hate handing my camera around for one or two shots that they might get right…. I also like the idea of the ride pictures and the pics from Chef Mickey’s and CRT…. So I think I’m sold – but $170 is a bit pricey….. I am also trying to think of fun “date” type ideas…. So far I have Fantasia Mini Golf, Splitsville (I think it opens this fall right?) A monorail lounge evening filled with drinks and appetizers, and a night in Epcot….

And I finally think I figured out this whole photo thing…. As I finish my introductions!

Zack & Zoey going on Toy Story Mania!

Zack and I on the Franconia Ridge a few weeks ago! 9 miles, 3 4000+ peaks and 4000 foot elevation gain!

Our view from our 3 BR OKW Villa Sept 2011!! Can't wait for Dec 1st!!!

Zoey Loving Daisy in DTD

Awesome little traveler Olive @ 10 weeks!

Olive's First Minnie Ears!

Olive recently

Zoey the other day looking like a big kid....

 

[BearcatsFan]

Your ADRs look good. Looks like you got the pics thing figured out.

I'll be reading ...

 

[SAT887]

Your ADRs look good. Looks like you got the pics thing figured out.

I'll be reading ...

Hi! Thanks Photobucket was simple enough for me.... A few days to figure that out over the 2 weeks it took me to figure the ticker out. I'm improving!

 

[SAT887]

So a little change in my planning... Decided to do the HDDR on Wednesday and switch my first MK night with HS --- bought tickets today for 4 pm Hoping we have time to check out FW afterwards. Should be fun. We went for the first time in 2010 and had so much fun it will be worth going back!

Also pre bought photo pass plus - Hmmm I must be in a spending kind of mood today. It says HDDR is included - I don't remember a photopass package in 2010... Does anyone know what it is?

 

[havingadisneyday]

Hi I can't answer any of your questions as we haven't been since 2006, but just popped in to check out your pretrip report as we are going the same time you are... 1-8 for us. I've been mulling over doing a pretrip report for the past 4 months, but just can't quite gear myself up to do it... Think I'm going to save all my energy for a post-tripper! But meanwhile, I enjoy looking at everyone else's and maybe gleaning a few ideas. I'll be popping in and out to see how you're coming along -- keep up the good work (congrats on figuring out the pictures by the way, love them, and your babies are just beautiful!) December will be here before we know it (I mean, its JULY already for crying out loud!)

 

[SAT887]

Hi I can't answer any of your questions as we haven't been since 2006, but just popped in to check out your pretrip report as we are going the same time you are... 1-8 for us. I've been mulling over doing a pretrip report for the past 4 months, but just can't quite gear myself up to do it... Think I'm going to save all my energy for a post-tripper! But meanwhile, I enjoy looking at everyone else's and maybe gleaning a few ideas. I'll be popping in and out to see how you're coming along -- keep up the good work (congrats on figuring out the pictures by the way, love them, and your babies are just beautiful!) December will be here before we know it (I mean, its JULY already for crying out loud!)

Hi!
Time is flying by.. My youngest will be turning one on Friday!!! So I imagine the past year has moved rather quickly that times should fly until about mid November Thank you, I am so lucky to have two wonderful girls

I decided to do a PTR (totally out of character for me) to talk to people, make new friends, get great ideas and not drive my husband crazy with my over planning... I am hoping to update it while on vacation; I think it may be possible with the DIS app and the photobucket app... We will see!

Our original dates were for the 1st-8th... Then I convinced my husband that we might as well fly on Friday and stay in a cheap place in Orlando rather than spending the night in a cheap hotel local to the airport... This then turned into a suite at AoA and then turned into lets buy one time use points for a 1 br value at AKL.... Hehehe I'm just glad he goes along so easily! Guess thats part of the reason I like him so much!

Where are you staying? I see you're from NC - We are thinking about moving down that way... So tired of winter up here.

 

[holleypie]

Oh, there are pictures now! The girls are adorable.

It says HDDR is included - I don't remember a photopass package in 2010... Does anyone know what it is?

When we did the HDDR I think we had a photo taken outside behind some sort of...podium? So it sounds like those kinds of pictures go on the Photopass+, and ride pictures too? That's neat!

 

[havingadisneyday]

Awww! Happy Birthday, Olive (almost)! The years just fly by I'll tell you! I hope it slows down just a bit (when its time for our vacation!) I am going to my favorite place ever with my daughter and two granddaughters (9 and 2)... The 9-yo will be turning 10 while we are there (the main reason for our trip is her birthday present), and my little one turned 2 the end of April. We'll be staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (on Disney property, just not Disney owned). Got a FANTASTIC deal on a 2br condo, and well, I'll just supply the Disney magic on the inside, lol. I think with a little practice I can turn those handtowels into..... something... I'm thinking I could def do the Mickey Head one Yes, we live in the mountains of NC and it's been hovering around 100 degrees the past couple of days, ridiculous weather. We used to have a lot of snow here, too, but now ... eh, not so much. I really miss it. Never been to the New England states, but the pictures always look so beautiful. Oh the AKL... so lucky! I love doing the walk thru at that resort. So gorgeous. Ya'll will have a spectacular time I'm sure. And who knows, maybe our paths will cross (we just might not know it !

 

[wdwtwins]

Hi! Your PTR is looking good! I'll be reading... Have fun

 

[SAT887]

Hi! Your PTR is looking good! I'll be reading... Have fun

Hi!

Awww! Happy Birthday, Olive (almost)! The years just fly by I'll tell you! I hope it slows down just a bit (when its time for our vacation!) I am going to my favorite place ever with my daughter and two granddaughters (9 and 2)... The 9-yo will be turning 10 while we are there (the main reason for our trip is her birthday present), and my little one turned 2 the end of April. We'll be staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (on Disney property, just not Disney owned). Got a FANTASTIC deal on a 2br condo, and well, I'll just supply the Disney magic on the inside, lol. I think with a little practice I can turn those handtowels into..... something... I'm thinking I could def do the Mickey Head one Yes, we live in the mountains of NC and it's been hovering around 100 degrees the past couple of days, ridiculous weather. We used to have a lot of snow here, too, but now ... eh, not so much. I really miss it. Never been to the New England states, but the pictures always look so beautiful. Oh the AKL... so lucky! I love doing the walk thru at that resort. So gorgeous. Ya'll will have a spectacular time I'm sure. And who knows, maybe our paths will cross (we just might not know it !

I am sure our paths will cross! It's odd how the world works like that. I am sure you'll have plenty of Disney magic to spread around. Plus, I think the munchkins make a lot of it when visiting too. I am very excited about AKL - I am actually debating on changing our reservation to stay there the entire time. Getting a Savannah View Studio for my mom and share a 2 Bed Standard with my kids and MIL....

This winter was easy in NH - but waking up to -25 degree weather, and shoveling out FEET of snow after so many storms I am done. I am hoping NC is a good middle ground - I am originally from NJ and family has told me the weather is not too far off during the summer... However it is definitely time for warmer weather, a longer growing season and being within driving distance of WDW!

Oh, there are pictures now! The girls are adorable.



When we did the HDDR I think we had a photo taken outside behind some sort of...podium? So it sounds like those kinds of pictures go on the Photopass+, and ride pictures too? That's neat!

Thanks Your son is a cutie too! That what I was figuring with HDDR pics. I am such a photo junkie and even though photopass+ is expensive I think we will get our moneys worth. I would never go and buy a ride picture or pictures from dining events... However being able to bundle it makes it a better value.. Hopefully... I did get the stock photo CD and it has great pictures on it!

 

[pollymn]

Your kids are beautiful
Your trip sounds great. Btw,
we may pass in the hall at
Boma, we have a 7:30 adr.
We are staying at AK-Jambo

 

[emmysmommy]

Awwww... you precious little ones are adorable!

I think you listed all of the positives that I can think of with getting the Photopass +. Especially if you are dining at the restaurants that have the pboto packages.

TiW sounds like a better deal for you if you don't want to be subject to the DDP! I like apps for my meal sometimes as well so it give a lot more flexibility.

Happy planning!

 

[SAT887]

Your kids are beautiful
Your trip sounds great. Btw,
we may pass in the hall at
Boma, we have a 7:30 adr.
We are staying at AK-Jambo

We just might! I tried changing my OKW reservation to AKL but no 2BR Villas available. Oh well. I plan on checking occasionally and maybe if something opens up that fits our needs we will stay there. If not there is always next time. I am so excited to stay in the Jambo house - even if its only for one night Oh and Thank you!! My girls are great

Awwww... you precious little ones are adorable!

I think you listed all of the positives that I can think of with getting the Photopass +. Especially if you are dining at the restaurants that have the pboto packages.

TiW sounds like a better deal for you if you don't want to be subject to the DDP! I like apps for my meal sometimes as well so it give a lot more flexibility.

Happy planning!

Thank you I am curious to see how much I like photopass+, I guess I will know by the end of vacation!! Yeah - I've been going over the money DDP costs and TiW should be a better value. Especially since we will have a few bigger meals in there (Boma, Chef Mickey's, Cape May, 'Ohana) I never feel like I get my money's worth at those meals but I definitely will want to do appetizers and salads at my other meals. Too much food for me in Disney!


now it is time to try and plan some activities for my husband and I. We are doing MVMCP on Sunday 12/2. I am very excited, we had a great date night in 2010 at MNSSHP. I want to find something fun and different to do late one night to surprise him though... Still trying to work through that one...

 

[beedale862003]

I like that you posted pics of your little ones, I may have to copy that idea from you. Also I saw your planning a trip to Whole Foods, are you health conscience? I am and I'm a little worried about they trip, I figure I will try to pack some healthy snacks, and just try to relax for the week. We try to eat organic, and unprocessed. What about you?

I've already found some cute Mickey Mouse sucker covers to put on suckers and I found some organic suckers without artificial colorants & no corn syrup. So I figure a stash of those may save me a few times.

 

[SAT887]

I like that you posted pics of your little ones, I may have to copy that idea from you. Also I saw your planning a trip to Whole Foods, are you health conscience? I am and I'm a little worried about they trip, I figure I will try to pack some healthy snacks, and just try to relax for the week. We try to eat organic, and unprocessed. What about you?

I've already found some cute Mickey Mouse sucker covers to put on suckers and I found some organic suckers without artificial colorants & no corn syrup. So I figure a stash of those may save me a few times.

We try to be. At home its all organic, home grown or local, I make my own cleaners, and avoid chemicals like they were the plauge... Hehe I do like making a few trips to Whole Foods though. I know I can't control the food they we eat for our entire vacation (Did that in 2010 and was not a vacation for me) So, my theory is - it is one week - if we do the right thing the rest of the year 1-2 weeks for "away" vacations isn't going to be the worst thing ever. However, I still go to Whole Foods and get organic milk, eggs, ground coffee, fruit and veggies for us to munch on, as well as whatever organic breakfast options I am in the mood to get. Plus it gives me an excuse to get a VERY awesome Latte... So much better than Starbucks! I get lollipops at my food Co-op - and well so far my daughter is just thrilled with the candy aspect of it on the flight down that I don't need to dress it up!

If you are interested the Whole Foods is on Turkey Lake road and probably about 10 min from DTD - it gets pretty busy on the weekends (just like every other whole foods I have been too!) but is a pretty good store. Also, the Walmart on Turkey Lake road also had a considerable amount of organic as well - however that place was insane on a Saturday afternoon....

 

[beedale862003]

If you are interested the Whole Foods is on Turkey Lake road and probably about 10 min from DTD - it gets pretty busy on the weekends (just like every other whole foods I have been too!) but is a pretty good store. Also, the Walmart on Turkey Lake road also had a considerable amount of organic as well - however that place was insane on a Saturday afternoon....

Thats good to know, I was planning on packing everything in a cooler since we are driving but maybe just hitting the WF down there would be easier. I have the same plan, of having a healthy breakfast, and trying to provide organic fruit for snacks during the day.

I make my own cleaners as well. I'm thinking of making some reusable Mickey Mouse snack bags to take, I have to see if my sewing skills improve by December.