Dorky Disboutiquing DiserSistas:Destination Disney HeatherSue's(best)version OVER1/27

[susanmbankston]

I love the TR. My DH keeps asking me what I am laughing at. Can't wait to read more. I also had to buy WDW sunglasses after my DD flushed mine down the toilet in Toontown.

 

[CampbellScot]

Okay a few things...

first...YOU are darling. I am positive that we would be fabulous friends if we lived anywhere near each other...which I'm sure we will all do one day b/c we will all be moving to Florida...next door to Steph...we will have a dachshund/schnauzer club and loud and rowdy Disney sewing parties. Yay us!

*ahem*

second...your Disney hating husband is too cute for words and I choked on my cracker when I saw the "sleeping" picture!

third...I cried when I saw the picture of Barbara looking like she was really having a great time. I know it was good for her mind body and soul!

fourth...can't wait for MORE!!!!

 

[eeyore3847]

Anyway, I took advantage of my lovely husband's fake sleeping with a picture opportunity:

No, that's not a cigarette in my mouth, it's a sucker.



After a pretty bumpy flight, we landed in Orlando around 7:30. This wasn't a terrible time to arrive, but it was a little irritating. We were originally supposed to arrive at 5:30, but they had already moved back the flight time after I booked it. So, we ended up getting into Orlando 2 hours later than planned. Northwest is not my favorite airline. They even charge for the snacks.

Up next: Is this guy going to steal my camera?

seriously the funniest picture ever!!!!!!!

 

[HeatherSue]

Cute! Megan just read the whole thing (well, I helped) and she was excited to see Tessa, Lydia, Arminda and Corey again. She named all the kids!

How sweet! Tessa told me this morning that she really misses Megan. Poor Sawyer is cursed with having 2 parents and a sister that get car sick. He doesn't stand a chance.

Another great installment Heather!!! I remember once on a ride home from Cedar Point, a little girl *cough*Heather*ciough* threw up ALL over ME!! And, another time on a trip to Kennedy Space Center, when same said little girl threw up ALL over the bus ride, and my MOTHER used MY jacket to catch it in!!!! YUCK!!! YUCK YUCK!!!

Thank you my darling sister.

I'm sure you needed a new jacket anyway.

BTW, I'm holding out on the next chapter until Yoplit reads my TR. I'm jealous you have a reader that I don't have.

always happen at the wrong time! I totally forgot you were taking the carseat too!

Oh yeah, we always take the car seat. I can't imagine renting one!

Great update!! Sorry about Sawyer...DD has done that a few times in the car aswell!! Not fun to clean out of a car seat!! lol

Car seats are SO hard to clean! How in the heck do you get the straps clean? You can't throw them in the washing machine- UGH!

Back pack for people who throw up?

Why didn't you tell me about such a thing BEFORE my trip?

I still maintain that Henry would enjoy WDW soooooo much more if you went with us. [No offense Theresa.]

He and John would have a good time.

And, if not, then just you and the kids should come with us once.
[Shooting for Fall '09 and crossing our fingers for free dining!]
Stay onsite and hang out with us. How can you turn that down????

Maybe we can get together next week?

Yes, everyone needs to pack a "what if someone pukes" bag. Unfortunately, we always end up using it at least once...

I'd love to do Disney with you. But, how hot is it in the Fall? I can't do heat! It was too hot for me in May, I was melting on a daily basis.

A great update! Poor Sawyer... and your parents! I need to work on the "in case someone pukes" bag for our travels. A super idea! I can't wait to read more about your adventures!

Thank you!

You rock Heather Sue!!!!!I have sunglasses very similar to those that I bought at a garage sale for 25 cents!! They were a desperate purchase because the kids had broke all my others-now they stay in my car all the time & what were meant as stand ins-are now all the rage!!! Sweet!!!

Wow, you are soooo blessed to have turned around & saved your house! Our coffee maker has auto shut off, but I can't imagine how scary that would've been! I wonder if forgetting the Park Hoppers truly was an "accident" or God's way of saving your precious house!

Seriously, what is that? That don't look right!!!! I'm askeered, we're flying "Northworst" in June!!!!

1. We even have the same sunglasses! I think we were seperated at birth!
2. I know! I don't think I really forgot the tickets, either. God just blocked it out so I would go back and save my house. Hmm...wonder why he didn't just tell me to unplug the coffee pot before we left.
3. I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be there...I think.

I just have to tell you how much your future SIL Luke is enjoying your trip report! He thinks Tessa's daddy is so cool because he paints cars, builds houses AND is going to be a police officer. TOO COOL! And he wonders why Tessa had to sit in the "way back" of the Tahoe. He loved seeing her enjoying a hamburger happy meal, catsup only (he prefers a regular cheeseburger himself) and Tessa's pencil stuck in the plane comment with explanatory photo completely crackied him up. He loved meeting and seeing all of her family members ("she has lots of cousins") and loved the photo of Henry "sleeping" on the plane. He said "Daddies are always sleepy" I asked him if he wants a countdown calendar like Tessa's for his birthday Disneyland trip in October and he said "I want a countdown to ALL of my birthdays!"

ETA: He is also jealous that Tessa has TWO dogs. We went to look at puppies and he said "which two do we get to keep" and he keeps talking about "our dogs" I have to keep telling him we only get one! He has his heart set on two.

Awww...I'm so glad Luke is liking the TR! Tell him that Tessa has a really big car seat, so we didn't want to try to squeeze her grandma in next to her seat. She really liked being in the back, plus I could pretend I couldn't hear her incessant chatter!

You really need to get that boy TWO dogs! See how much help I am?

Tessa does have a cool daddy! He just got his uniform yesterday and I must say I really like it!!!

As much as I LOOVE our big family trips and look forward to them for years, I don't think either Brian or I would enjoy Disney as much if we ONLY went in a massive group! It is a totally different experience from our normal just us Disney family vacation!
So, I'm all for you and John getting Henry to if not love, at least LIKE Disney!!!

Although, if we went with John and Sarah, we'd only have 2 people less than when we went as a big 'ol family!

When you mentioned your sunglasses I thought you were going to be like me and arrive in Orlando only to realize that your sunglasses were still on the dash of your car. Yup, my first purchase at Disney was a $20 pair of sunglasses that I didn't like nearly as much as the ones I bought for $5 at WalMart about 2 years ago.

Nope, not yet...

Wow...great chapter with fantastic pictures!
I love the idea of your backpack for those special emergencies! We will be driving when we go to Orlando from Texas and this is an absolute must have! My daughter is the queen of the diaper wipes, but having all the other stuff handy sounds like a great idea!
Looking forward to more!!

It's a must have!

Does this man look happy to be going to his "favorite" place or what

How can you tell?

I love the TR. My DH keeps asking me what I am laughing at. Can't wait to read more. I also had to buy WDW sunglasses after my DD flushed mine down the toilet in Toontown.

YIKES!!! Sawyer just put his toothbrush in the toilet last night. Needless to say, he now needs a new toothbrush.

Okay a few things...

first...YOU are darling. I am positive that we would be fabulous friends if we lived anywhere near each other...which I'm sure we will all do one day b/c we will all be moving to Florida...next door to Steph...we will have a dachshund/schnauzer club and loud and rowdy Disney sewing parties. Yay us!

*ahem*

second...your Disney hating husband is too cute for words and I choked on my cracker when I saw the "sleeping" picture!

third...I cried when I saw the picture of Barbara looking like she was really having a great time. I know it was good for her mind body and soul!

fourth...can't wait for MORE!!!!

Aw...I'd love to be IRL friends with you. After Tessa and Luke get married, we all plan to move on down to Orlando!

Yes, my husband is too cute for words! He's pretty darn sweet and funny, too.

Barbara really did have a great time. I got teary watching her, too.

seriously the funniest picture ever!!!!!!!

I'm glad you like it!

You guys make me so happy that you're enjoying my TR! I was afraid it was going to be a big flop. Teresa tends to be the only one that enjoys my humor, IRL!

 

[karebear1]

I think you hjave a very clever sense of humor! thanks for writing this report- I know it takes alot of time, but I am REALLY enjoying reading it.

 

[Hedy]

At the coffeemaker story. If I had a dollar for eveytime i turned around to make sure things were unplugged...

 

[DisneyMom5]

Does this man look happy to be going to his "favorite" place or what

Actually, that's a pretty pleasant look for Henry, considering the forgotten tickets, puke, and going to Disney.
He usually doesn't vary too much from that face, unless he has heard something wickedly funny, and that's even rare. LOL

BUT - he is one of the nicest guys you will EVER meet.

Yes, everyone needs to pack a "what if someone pukes" bag. Unfortunately, we always end up using it at least once...

I'd love to do Disney with you. But, how hot is it in the Fall? I can't do heat! It was too hot for me in May, I was melting on a daily basis.

That would be BRUTALLY HOT. I only put up with it for the free food. LOL

Tessa does have a cool daddy! He just got his uniform yesterday and I must say I really like it!!!

I'll have to tell John, he will be sooooo jealous. LOL

Although, if we went with John and Sarah, we'd only have 2 people less than when we went as a big 'ol family!

Ah, yes, but it wouldn't be YOUR family. That's a selling point in itself!
If you get tired of us, you can just go on your merry way.

We are a party unto ourselves, aren't we?

We had 13 last trip. I'd do it again.

You know you are honorary family, so you are welcome any time!

 

[HeatherSue]

I think you hjave a very clever sense of humor! thanks for writing this report- I know it takes alot of time, but I am REALLY enjoying reading it.

Thank you!!! I'm glad to have you reading it because I really enjoy you, too!

At the coffeemaker story. If I had a dollar for eveytime i turned around to make sure things were unplugged...

I KNOW! Henry plugged the coffee pot in when we first moved into our new house without putting water in it first. It melted overnight. So, I can't imagine what would have happened if it was plugged in for weeks!

Actually, that's a pretty pleasant look for Henry, considering the forgotten tickets, puke, and going to Disney.
He usually doesn't vary too much from that face, unless he has heard something wickedly funny, and that's even rare. LOL

BUT - he is one of the nicest guys you will EVER meet.



That would be BRUTALLY HOT. I only put up with it for the free food. LOL




I'll have to tell John, he will be sooooo jealous. LOL



Ah, yes, but it wouldn't be YOUR family. That's a selling point in itself!
If you get tired of us, you can just go on your merry way.

We are a party unto ourselves, aren't we?

We had 13 last trip. I'd do it again.

You know you are honorary family, so you are welcome any time!

That was Henry's face BEFORE the forgotten tickets, the puking, and everything else. I'll post a picture in my next installment of what he looked like after we actually made it to the airport.

You are a party!!! Thank you for calling me an honorary family member. I love being your friend and I love your family.

 

[RachelNinja]

I'm hooked! I like your writing style and all your pictures! You know a TR is fun when even the writing about the journey to WDW is interesting Looking forward to more

 

[CastleCreations]

Why does your refrigerator look so clean (besides the dorky disney magents, kidding!)? I don't have room on my fridge to even put a countdown calendar!

Your dogs have pee stains above their heads. I want to see customs!

I was thinking the same thing...LOL

 

[teresajoy]

Ah, yes, but it wouldn't be YOUR family. That's a selling point in itself!

You just keep telling yourself that!!!

 

[Disney Brat]

 

[DisneyLaura]

Coming over from the boutique thread. Enjoying it a lot. Oh I'm joining you in the being a dork too, I love magnets on my fridge. Poor baby that he got car sick. Glad you had enough time to go back and get your tickets. Now off to read your sister's TR.

Laura

 

[HeatherSue]

I'd like to start this chapter off by saying that Barbara had her mastectomy this morning. Please pray that she heals up quickly, and that she continues to keep her spirits up.


I bet you thought we'd be off the airplane when this chapter started- WRONG! You are underestimating my longwindedness (oh yes, that is a word).

This chapter starts as I struggle to unhook Sawyer's carseat from the airplane. WHY, oh WHY do they make this so difficult!? It's nearly impossible to get your hand in between the 2 layers of car seat plastic and then lift that little flap on the seat belt.

There was a super-sweet woman behind me who was trying to help. She even tried reaching around the seat from the back to unhook it. I finally gave up and had Henry do it. After threatening to cut the seatbelt off- his exact words were "We paid $280 for this car seat, I am NOT leaving it on the airplane. Too bad I don't have my knife.", he finally got it unhooked. We didn't miss a beat and were able to file out with the rest of the (apparently really slow) passengers.

Look at the loveliness that greets us as we step off the plane:

No, not my brother and his super-cool shirt. Look at the ceiling- EW! They were working on something and the whole area was tore up and it smelled funny. Everyone besides David, Casey, Sawyer and I decided it was a good time for a bathroom break. So, we starting snapping some pictures. What? doesn't everyone do this while standing outside a bathroom in an airport?

Here's Sawyer getting sick of sitting and trying to wriggle out of the stroller. He was so perfect on the airplane that I didn't mind a bit of stinker-ness on the ground. Casey was so excited!

As David and I stood there with the kids, an older gentleman came up and asked if he could take our picture together. We looked at each other questioningly and then said "Sure." I'm quite sure he thought we were married- EW!! I handed the guy my camera and he starts backing up. Around this time, the rest of my family starts filing out of the bathroom. So, more and more people start getting into the picture. So, the old guy keeps backing up more and more. He tried to shoo Dad out of the picture, thinking he was a stranger. He was very careful to center us all in the frame and took quite a while to snap the picture. He also kept backing up, and backing up. I was getting a little nervous that I had been hoodwinked and he was going to take off with my camera. But, he was pretty old. So, I was quite sure I could take him in a foot race.

He finally took the picture- here's his masterpiece:

He only cut my dad's head off a little bit. What a sweet old man, though.

We all headed off to the airport monorail- our first taste of Disney! Tessa thought we were going straight to Disney World.

She took this picture herself. Isn't she a little photographer?:

We herded the whole crew to the luggage area and got our luggage with no problems. Then, we went to get our rental cars (vans). Now, I have to tell you about the great deal we got on rental cars. I bid on priceline.com every 3 days for 3 months or so, trying to get a mini van for $21/day. Finally, a few days before our trip, my price was accepted! So, I got a mini van for us, a mini van for my parents (my brother rode with them), and a mini van for Teresa, for 2 weeks, for about $400/each (total with taxes and fees)!!! Now THAT'S what I call a deal!

The great thing about the Orlando airport is that you don't have to take a shuttle to the rental cars- they're right outside the door in a parking garage! So, I waited with the very antsy kids

, the stroller, the car seats, and "Mount Luggage" while Henry went and checked in with Alamo.

Look how excited Henry is to be in Orlando, carrying a Go Diego Go backpack:

Next, we head over to the rental cars. Mom and Dad's car was from National, but they were all together in the parking garage.

That is not a body bag, it's Tessa's car seat:

I was so impressed that they just told us to pick any minivan in the row when we got there. How cool is that!? We started going towards a really pretty electric blue mini van. This must have been the same minivan that almost trapped my sister into driving a Dodge earlier in the day.

Pretty blue...must choose...pretty blue....

But, we tore our eyes away from the Dodge van and walked toward the row of Chevys. We decided to let Tessa pick the van out. To my surprise, she chose this one:

Silver? Not the dark blue or maroon? Dad nabbed the maroon van.

My mom, brother, and his family all stood back by the entrance to the rental car parking, about 50ft away. We kept waving them over to the vans so they could put the girl's booster seats in (they're very small girls, they still need booster seats) and put in all of their stuff. But, they just stood there. So, Dad had to go and pick them up. I found out later from Mom that David wanted mom to carry his HUGE bag because his shoulder hurt. Needless to say, my 64 year old mother refused to carry my 41 year old brother's bag for him (she had already been helping him with it because she's incredibly sweet and strong). So they just stood there.

We found our rental house with no problems at all, even though it was dark by this time. It was a cute yellow house on a cul de sac in a pretty nice subdivision. We also got a great deal on the rental house, thanks to Teresa- $500/week for a 5 bedroom, 3 bath house, with our own pool!! Here's a pic I snapped on our last day, but it fits better here:

Here's a link to the house website, if you want to see more: http://www.dolphinvillaflorida.com/index.htm

It was 9:00pm and we were absolutely exhausted and pretty darn hungry. Henry went out to find some pizza while I unpacked and got the kids in their pajamas. Being the wonderful husband that he is, he got back within a 1/2 hour with a big 'ol pizza and some stuff for breakfast the next morning. We all ate and then went to bed.

I couldn't figure out the alarm clock and I wasn't sure if I had set it right. I wanted to get up at 6:45am so we'd be ready to go by 8:15am. So, all night I kept waking up, worried that the alarm wasn't going to go off.

I do this almost every time we go to a hotel and have to get up early the next morning. UGH!


Next up: We Get Lost and The Magic Begins

 

[tadamom]

Yippee...another installment!! Great trippie!!! Can't wait to hear about you getting lost!

 

[HeatherSue]

I'm hooked! I like your writing style and all your pictures! You know a TR is fun when even the writing about the journey to WDW is interesting Looking forward to more

Thank you!!

I was thinking the same thing...LOL

You just keep telling yourself that!!!

Your wish is my command!

Coming over from the boutique thread. Enjoying it a lot. Oh I'm joining you in the being a dork too, I love magnets on my fridge. Poor baby that he got car sick. Glad you had enough time to go back and get your tickets. Now off to read your sister's TR.

Laura

Hi Laura! Thanks for subscribing!

 

[Disney Brat]

Love the update!! We had the 'pleasure' of seeing the wonderful ceiling at MCO as well when we went in Jan. Can't wait to hear your getting lost story!!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Nice update!

That is a VERY good deal on the house!

If I didn't love staying onsite so much...I'd be REALLY tempted....

But, part of John's enjoyment of WDW is NOT having to drive once we're there, and we're spoiled by all the onsite conveniences. Sigh.

Why don't they have any 5 bedroom houses onsite for $500 a week!!!!

 

[teresajoy]

Ok, Heather, calling me on the phone just as I was finishing reading your trip report was an evil plot, wasn't it!!?? Now look at all these other people that commented BEFORE me!

Yet another great installment!!! The ceiling in OUR part of the airport wasn't falling on us. What did you do to it?? The picture of Henry with the Diago backpack is really funny, and I love the bodybag comment!!!

Ok, so I guess I can post my next update soon, huh? It will probably be later tonight. I have to get us to the house yet, don't I!

We make a fantastic bargain vacation team you and I!!!!

 

[Hedy]

Glad to hear Priceline worked out for you.