DONE 7/28!! My Life on the DVC Blacklist - an August '09 Pre-Trip.

[boysmom5150]

I know I say this at every post but WOW those are some great pics!!! You really have an eye for things. P loves photography and is a really photographer so I thought I would try out his camera and take a go at it....ME NOT SO GOOD!!
I love CHEESE and would have had a meltdown. I would have asked if they could do the cheese minus the meat(I dont eat meat). They prob would have charged me the full price(after all this is disney)but I would have been a happy camper with my cheese.

Im gonna take a look at those shoes for the boys. I dont think they would look good on my feet. I have small feet 5 1/2 and think they would look "clunky". Are they "clunky". I have a hard time wearing sneakers as they look horrible on my feet not matter how cute they look off

BAGS!!!
Ok I still take a stroller for Bashful as he is only going to be 4 so I know that makes things a bit easier, but truthfully other than straws(my kids wont use UNWRAPPED straws it skeeves them and frankly me too),napkins we dont use the stroller for storage. I have been using this and it works great for me

very comfy strap,stays put,lightweight,holds ALOT,cute and cheap ($38)

 

[englishrose47]

Morning V!!

 

[jillyb]

very comfy strap,stays put,lightweight,holds ALOT,cute and cheap ($38)

That is cute! Where'd you get it?

 

[debraW76]

 

[boysmom5150]

That is cute! Where'd you get it?

bloomingdales or lesportsac(dot)com

 

[jillyb]

bloomingdales or lesportsac(dot)com

Thanks!

 

[PrincessV]

What man doesn't like a good restroom and a good "throne" to sit upon..

Or woman?!

I know I say this at every post but WOW those are some great pics!!! You really have an eye for things. P loves photography and is a really photographer so I thought I would try out his camera and take a go at it....ME NOT SO GOOD!!

Aww, thanks so much! Honestly, it's just practice, practice, practice. I've been shooting for 25+ years now!

I love CHEESE and would have had a meltdown. I would have asked if they could do the cheese minus the meat(I dont eat meat).

This is my new dilemma. I go through these phases of vegetarianism and I'm in one again - it's TOUGH to find healthy protein alternatives at WDW!

I dont think they would look good on my feet. I have small feet 5 1/2 and think they would look "clunky". Are they "clunky".

Surprisingly no - I don't think so, anyway! And I wear a 6, so we're pretty close.

I have been using this and it works great for me

very comfy strap,stays put,lightweight,holds ALOT,cute and cheap ($38)

[/QUOTE]
I got that one for Gramma on your recommendation a while back! It's perfect for her, but I need something a lot bigger - we seem to need a lot of crap, lol!

Morning V!!

Morning Rosie!

 

[PrincessV]

Before I get to the juicy stuff that leads to this installment’s title, I have some changes to report.





You’re not really surprised, are you?!


Although, to be fair, I’m pretty surprised by this first one. I really, really was firm in my Contemporary reservation. It was a good price, for a great room, in a fun resort. However, the planets misaligned and caused me to be short on cash. Right before the big Disney trip.

I worked and re-worked The Plan to save some money, but it really came down to this: the best, most efficient means of saving some money on this stay was to downgrade the resort for our non-DVC portion of the stay.


Let me tell you – it wasn’t easy. The location choice was easy, but getting up the nerve to actually make it happen was hard. And, when I finally did work up the nerve, the cast member on the other end of the phone line did not make it easier.

V: “Hi, I’m calling to change my resort for an upcoming stay.”

CM (can you believe I didn’t get her fictitious name?! Clearly, I was out of my head with grief.): “Certainly Ms. V, which resort do you want to change to?”

V: ~sigh~ “Caribbean Beach. Standard view.”

long pause…

CM: “Are you SURE Ms. V? Because once I make that change, you won’t be able to go back.”

V: “Yes, I know, and I’m sure. I’m not happy about it, but it needs to be done.”

CM: “You know you won’t be on the monorail at Caribbean Beach, right?”

Gah, she went for the jugular! I was all about that monorail access.

V: “Yes, I know. I’ll have my car, though.”

CM: “So you’re certain that you want to make this change???”


She was really very nice about it, and she clearly felt as badly about it as I did.

That, or she was peeved about losing money on that call instead of gaining money for the Mouse.



In any case, she made the change and I saved around $230, which will help cover some of my real life expenses.



I also spent some time on the food front. Initially, I thought to eliminate a bunch of table service meals, figuring that would free up a bunch of money. But then I did the math – and I’m not talking Fuzzy Disney Math, but the real-deal here. Going by the actual choices Leo and I are likely to make at most table service restaurants, those meals should come within $5-10 of what we’d otherwise spend on counter service! So I did what any good DISer would… I booked more ADRs.

And I did this online! Amazingly enough, the computer people at Disney actually got something right; online ADRs have been easy AND fun! I don’t think I’ve ever before used the words “easy” and “fun” to describe anything Internet-related with Disney. I’ve been able to pull up ADRs I made by phone at my 90-day mark and cancel them. I’ve been able to make new ones, cancel them, and make more! I’m an online ADR-making machine.

I plan to bring snack items, less for money savings and more because I struggle to find good, healthy snacks while touring. And we’ll eat breakfasts in the room to save money and make sure we get a good start to our days. Leo without his whole wheat bagel, cream cheese and glass of milk ain’t pretty. V without a protein-rich breakfast and cup of excellent coffee is even less pretty. Needless to say, I don’t touch that brown swill WDW passes off as “coffee.”




So anyway, along with cost-saving changes, I’ve been talking with Leo about touring plans lately. I figured I’d find out which attractions he wants to hit, combine them with those I want to experience, and then put them into the Ridemax engine.

Magic Kingdom was pretty easy – Leo wants:

*BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!
*Peter Pan
*Winnie the Pooh
*It’s a Small World
*Barnstormer
*Walt Disney World Railroad
*Pirates of the Caribbean
*Jungle Cruise

No surprises so far. And then came:

*Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

And then it was removed.

And then it came back.

And then it was removed.

Gah. He’s still pretty worried about being scared by the ding-dang plastic bats. So we had a little chat about fear and overcoming it. I may or may not have resorted to peer pressure, pointing out that “ALL the other kids will be riding it – do you want to be the only one who doesn’t?!”

And then… “Mommy, if I ride it with my friends Maddie and Michael I won’t be scared at all.”

So it’s back on. Until further notice.


Sadly, the peer pressure methodology has zero effect when it comes to Splash Mountain; it still receives a firm “NO.”


But there was another surprise:

*Astrorbiter

Really??? The last time we rode it, Leo said “Never again.” But he seems pretty sure, so it’s on the list.


On V’s list are:

*Hall of Presidents
*Carousel of Progress

Notice that both my choices are lengthy and air-conditioned.




The Plan was even easier with Epcot, where Leo requests:

*Spaceship Earth
*Nemo
*Soarin’
*Living with the Land
*”that ride in the pyramid with the ducks”

See any glaring omissions? I immediately pointed out the absence of Test Track and Mission: Space.

Leo claims he’s still having nothing to do with Test Track: “Too scary and too fast.” And yes, I’ve pointed out ad nauseum that Mommy’s car travels faster across I-4 than Test Track can ever hope to get.

But he may be on board for Mission: Space. I’ve never been on it myself, which makes him nervous; I can’t tell him much about what to expect. His main fear? That it’ll be “too loud.” I told him I’ll bring earplugs and he agreed to “maybe” try it.

On V’s Epcot list are:

*Innoventions East and West
*Margarita
*Grey Goose Slushie
*Sake
*Bass Ale
*Champagne

Hey, we’re talking multiple days in Epcot!



This planning stuff is zooming right along, isn’t it? Just wait – it gets better…

Moving along to Hollywood Studios, Leo requested:

*Toy Story Mania
*Indiana Jones show


Yes, that’s it. No Star Tours (“too bashy”), no Great Movie Ride (“too alien-y”), no Backlot Tour (“too fire-y”), no Muppets (“too silly”), and certainly no Little Mermaid (“too girly”). As for Tower of Terror? “NO WAY. WAY too scary.”

Know what?

Ridemax won’t even make a Plan for only two attractions.



Which I kept in mind as we discussed Animal Kingdom…

*Safari
*Tiger trail



Well, I needn’t worry about getting out of the parks before it gets insanely hot! (As opposed to the merely psychologically-challenged warmth of a Florida morning.)


Frankly, my Plan is mostly to hit the couple things most critical to us and then wing it.




Yes, wing it.
Go with the flow.
Be chill.
Stop and smell the roses.
And just plain enjoy being in our Happy Place together.



Next up: I’ve been stimulating again.

 

[Trentmom]

Sorry you had to change your resort to Carribean, but glad it saved yo uthe money u needed

I love all of Leo's Reasons were the rides in DHS

 

[sharkB8HooHaHa]

the cast member on the other end of the phone line did not make it easier.

V: “Hi, I’m calling to change my resort for an upcoming stay.”
V: ~sigh~ “Caribbean Beach. Standard view.”
CM: “Are you SURE Ms. V? Because once I make that change, you won’t be able to go back.”
V: “Yes, I know, and I’m sure. I’m not happy about it, but it needs to be done.”
CM: “You know you won’t be on the monorail at Caribbean Beach, right?”
Gah, she went for the jugular! I was all about that monorail access.

I think there is a special camp or training they have to attend to perfect this. I had one CM tell me she was so disappointed for me that I was going to miss WDW at Christmas. Like I needed that!

In any case, she made the change and I saved around $230, which will help cover some of my real life expenses.

I plan to bring snack items, less for money savings and more because I struggle to find good, healthy snacks while touring.

Do I need to ship you a bag of trail mix?

And then… “Mommy, if I ride it with my friends Maddie and Michael I won’t be scared at all.”

Awwww....

But there was another surprise:

*Astrorbiter

On V’s list are:

*Hall of Presidents

Did you read the blog about it! I can't wait!

Moving along to Hollywood Studios, Leo requested:

*Toy Story Mania
*Indiana Jones show


Yes, that’s it. No Star Tours (“too bashy”), no Great Movie Ride (“too alien-y”), no Backlot Tour (“too fire-y”), no Muppets (“too silly”), and certainly no Little Mermaid (“too girly”). As for Tower of Terror? “NO WAY. WAY too scary.”

Oh NO!!! Those are the very rides he rode with us in October. We've ruined him

Yes, wing it.
Go with the flow.
Be chill.
Stop and smell the roses.
And just plain enjoy being in our Happy Place together.

That sounds awesome, V.

And as for your stimulating comment...I'll leave that one for T

 

[DisneyJo]

V I have been racking my brain over those flowers you photographed in the UK, I even have some growing in my garden but for the lofe of me couldn't remember their name. Anyway it finally came to me, they're called Hollyhocks and here's a photobucket photo of some

 

[cmp1111]

That, or she was peeved about losing money on that call instead of gaining money for the Mouse.

Hmmm...

I’m an online ADR-making machine.

Woohoo!

And then… “Mommy, if I ride it with my friends Maddie and Michael I won’t be scared at all.”

So cute!

Notice that both my choices are lengthy and air-conditioned.

But he may be on board for Mission: Space. I’ve never been on it myself, which makes him nervous; I can’t tell him much about what to expect. His main fear? That it’ll be “too loud.” I told him I’ll bring earplugs and he agreed to “maybe” try it.

I don't think of it as loud. It's a smoother (on the green side, anyway) Star Tours. Not "too bashy" and my kids love getting their "assignments." FWIW.

On V’s Epcot list are:

*Innoventions East and West
*Margarita
*Grey Goose Slushie
*Sake
*Bass Ale
*Champagne

Hey, we’re talking multiple days in Epcot!

I think there is a special camp or training they have to attend to perfect this. I had one CM tell me she was so disappointed for me that I was going to miss WDW at Christmas. Like I needed that!

Oh, no!

 

[Hedy]

As an excustomerservice (not Disney!) rep, the part which amuses me is that you know *someone* had booked CBR and wanted the monorail.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Sorry to hear you had to cancel the Conteporary. I know that had to sucketh. (Can you say that on the DIS?) We'll see I gues. I'm glad the dining website is working well. I had my doubts. I know you guys will have a fantastic time not matter what. Can't wait to hear how the plans translate to reality!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

She was really very nice about it, and she clearly felt as badly about it as I did.

That, or she was peeved about losing money on that call instead of gaining money for the Mouse.

OMG! I didn't realize you were seriously cancelling CR! Why didn't I realize this? I'm sure we had a full-on conversation about it, too. Holy crap, I'm getting old!

I plan to bring snack items, less for money savings and more because I struggle to find good, healthy snacks while touring. And we’ll eat breakfasts in the room to save money and make sure we get a good start to our days. Leo without his whole wheat bagel, cream cheese and glass of milk ain’t pretty. V without a protein-rich breakfast and cup of excellent coffee is even less pretty. Needless to say, I don’t touch that brown swill WDW passes off as “coffee.”

I much prefer to eat breakfast in the room. Disney eggs are questionable and don't even get me started on their coffee!

Gah. He’s still pretty worried about being scared by the ding-dang plastic bats. So we had a little chat about fear and overcoming it. I may or may not have resorted to peer pressure, pointing out that “ALL the other kids will be riding it – do you want to be the only one who doesn’t?!”

OMG! I said the same thing to Mads!!!

And then… “Mommy, if I ride it with my friends Maddie and Michael I won’t be scared at all.”

Awww.... But we'll have to work out those details.

Sadly, the peer pressure methodology has zero effect when it comes to Splash Mountain; it still receives a firm “NO.”

But, but.... all the other kids ride it? Maybe a little on the spot peer pressure is in order.

On V’s Epcot list are:

*Innoventions East and West
*Margarita
*Grey Goose Slushie
*Sake
*Bass Ale
*Champagne

We'll be stalking eachother all day!

Hey, we’re talking multiple days in Epcot!

D'Oh! I thought that was one day.

Next up: I’ve been stimulating again.

I'll just leave that one alone.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Sorry to hear about the change of resort. It's only for part of the vacation, right? Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!! Now, I had to get up from the floor after reading the "wing it" portion!!!! Wow.....how "different" of you!

 

[englishrose47]

V I have been racking my brain over those flowers you photographed in the UK, I even have some growing in my garden but for the lofe of me couldn't remember their name. Anyway it finally came to me, they're called Hollyhocks and here's a photobucket photo of some

Jo I knew what they were before I read your answer !!I am sooo proud of me !!

V Sorry about the loss of the monorail!! I haven't tried online adrs I wonder why Rosie would be scared I might screw up the whole system for months!!! I'll stick to talking to a real person!!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

In any case, she made the change and I saved around $230, which will help cover some of my real life expenses.

$230 is $230....sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do. Sorry about missing out on the Contemporary. But at least you're going, right?

But then I did the math – and I’m not talking Fuzzy Disney Math, but the real-deal here.

And I did this online! Amazingly enough, the computer people at Disney actually got something right; online ADRs have been easy AND fun! I don’t think I’ve ever before used the words “easy” and “fun” to describe anything Internet-related with Disney. I’ve been able to pull up ADRs I made by phone at my 90-day mark and cancel them. I’ve been able to make new ones, cancel them, and make more! I’m an online ADR-making machine.

How cool! Can't wait to give that a try!

No surprises so far. And then came:

*Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

And then it was removed.

And then it came back.

And then it was removed.

Gah. He’s still pretty worried about being scared by the ding-dang plastic bats. So we had a little chat about fear and overcoming it. I may or may not have resorted to peer pressure, pointing out that “ALL the other kids will be riding it – do you want to be the only one who doesn’t?!”

And then… “Mommy, if I ride it with my friends Maddie and Michael I won’t be scared at all.”

So it’s back on. Until further notice.

You go for it Leo!

On V’s list are:

*Hall of Presidents
*Carousel of Progress

Notice that both my choices are lengthy and air-conditioned.

It will be August after all....good choices!

On V’s Epcot list are:

*Innoventions East and West
*Margarita
*Grey Goose Slushie
*Sake
*Bass Ale
*Champagne

Hey, we’re talking multiple days in Epcot!

NICE!!

Yes, wing it.
Go with the flow.
Be chill.
Stop and smell the roses.
And just plain enjoy being in our Happy Place together.

That will be so nice...enjoy!

 

[Sooze]

Wow... I've never heard of a CM giving people a hard time about making a change! I guess she felt bad for you... but I don't! I LOVE Caribbean Beach.. I do!! Hammocks?!?! You don't need to monorail when you've got HAMMOCKS!!

Do you and Leo plan on seeing any shows? Is he into that? Nemo? Festival of the Lion King? Lights, Motor, Action? Voices of Liberty? Just wondering, since I don't think I saw that in your plans!

Great update... thanks again for sharing, V!!

 

[LouDisney]

All caught up. Love your pics from Memorial Day weekend.
I was there as well. We had a great time.