Downpours, DIS meets, and the Dining Plan - Our Week at WDW May 16-23 Final Thoughts

[ladybugmom]

What are we up to? Well, we just finished getting all of Ally's school supplies. She starts Kindergarten August 10th. Today was Claire's last day of summer session MDO. I enrolled her for Tues/Thurs. throughout the summer so Ally and I could have some together time before she starts school. Next Saturday (Aug. 1st) I'll be turning the big 30! Uggh! Then August 4th we register for school--Ally will find out who her teacher will be--there are 7 Kindergarten teachers--2 of which go to our church. I used to teach K so I'm praying she gets a good teacher. Then that evening we're going to see The Wiggles! The girls can't wait!! Anywho, we're staying busy!!

In terms of our next WDW trip--we're still looking at the same week that ya'll are going. Still haven't set anything in stone--it's driving me nuts not having a definite plan yet--but Brent is not a HUGE planner like me. We still have time I guess!!

 

[leamom2princesses]

oooooo! a quick trip to see the lights I'm envious...
I would love to do that; Danny would never do that maybe when I get a job again I can plan something like that

we will not have our return dates until ??? Danny just informed me that I can not plan another trip until we go to the beach, this year's is probably not happening due to unexpected medical bills

you really do not want to hear about our summer; so I'll spare ya'll
although Ashton has been having the best three weeks; turning "three" is sooo much fun

so, when the summer slows down do we hear PTR

I understand completely. It has been pretty stressful this year in general. I hope things start to turn around for everyone. I'd really like some of that 26% paycut back..

If I do decide to make a commitment to December it would have to be a value resort and only for a few days. Regardless, as things slow down I will defintely start a PTR if only for May.

Hi Leanne,
Yes I'm pretty much done school shopping already since my kids go back on the 10th of August. They just both need some new shoes and that is about it.Summer has just flown by and been crazy busy. For going back next May and having lots of Dis friends there too! I wish we could too but with school and dance both ending that same week there is no way. Tommy and I might go for a weekend in December for our Anniversary without the kids. That might be hard for me though because I know I will feel terrible leaving them home with grandma. We want to see the Christmas decorations, MVMCP and go out to a special dinner.

I still have some shopping to do and we only have a little over a week left. I understand about the Christmas trip. I'd probably feel guilty about that too. We've talked about going to Cedar Point as a couple but we both agree that if we go we would have to take Lindsey. She loves roller coasters. Ahh the sacrifices we make for the kids. I wouldn't change it though.

What are we up to? Well, we just finished getting all of Ally's school supplies. She starts Kindergarten August 10th. Today was Claire's last day of summer session MDO. I enrolled her for Tues/Thurs. throughout the summer so Ally and I could have some together time before she starts school. Next Saturday (Aug. 1st) I'll be turning the big 30! Uggh! Then August 4th we register for school--Ally will find out who her teacher will be--there are 7 Kindergarten teachers--2 of which go to our church. I used to teach K so I'm praying she gets a good teacher. Then that evening we're going to see The Wiggles! The girls can't wait!! Anywho, we're staying busy!!

In terms of our next WDW trip--we're still looking at the same week that ya'll are going. Still haven't set anything in stone--it's driving me nuts not having a definite plan yet--but Brent is not a HUGE planner like me. We still have time I guess!!

Sounds like you have some busy days ahead. I hope Ally gets a great teacher. It makes all the difference in how the year will go. You are young girl. I wish I could be 30 again....

It would be so cool if you could go the same week. I know Mary is going that week also. Maybe next time I will remember to get some pictures. I didn't get one pic of you or Mary! I get too caught up in the moment and shy. The dorky engineer comes out. If you do decide on that week we need to plan dinner or a meet.

 

[MaryAz]

Well, this summer had had it ups and downs....WDW was a highlight, losing my mom was the lowest point this far in my life. The summer itself has gone by pretty fast.
Avery starts school on Aug 17th. We are going supply shopping today. This was something my mom and I were looking forward to. SHe wanted to buy Avery her first day of school dress I am going with friends so it should be fun but not the same.
We are going to Disneyland in Sep and Dec and WDW next May. Hopefully buying DVC for the May stay. SUPER excited that Leanne and family will be there at the same time and hopeful others will join in the fun!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Well, this summer had had it ups and downs....WDW was a highlight, losing my mom was the lowest point this far in my life. The summer itself has gone by pretty fast.
Avery starts school on Aug 17th. We are going supply shopping today. This was something my mom and I were looking forward to. SHe wanted to buy Avery her first day of school dress I am going with friends so it should be fun but not the same.
We are going to Disneyland in Sep and Dec and WDW next May. Hopefully buying DVC for the May stay. SUPER excited that Leanne and family will be there at the same time and hopeful others will join in the fun!

It's so sad that your Mom isn't going to be there to buy that dress or buy supplies. I'm sure she is looking over you and will be looking down on Avery her first day of Kindergarten.

A major highlight of the summer was meeting you and your family at WDW. We definitely need to call and chat more before this next trip.

Try to have fun shopping for supplies. We will be shopping for shoes and tops this weekend. Found an awesome deal off the budget board for Justice the other day so shorts have been purchased. I got 5 pair of shorts for $19.95 including shipping. I love a good deal!

If Becky goes the same week we need to have a playground meet so the girls can play!

 

[Queenofallthings]

We have not had a great summer weather wise here and we usually have amazing summers, we're wondering this year about global warming, cause it sure doesn't feel like it here. We live smack dab in the middle of Canada where the sun rises at 5am and sets around 10pm...long lazy summer days and our temperatures are usually in the high 80's...not this year.

We are leaving a week today to go to WDW...and we're staying for 3 glorious weeks, all thanks to my sis and her hubby who bought enough DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa. We are all together from the 10th to the 21st then my DD and I move to ASMu until the 30th, couldn't pass up free dining and hey when you travel as far as we have to, you need to make the most of it....well at least that's how I justify it

I must say I am envious when I read that people can go for a weekend, only way I'm going for a weekend is if I win the lottery On the other hand, if I lived that close I would probably be broke cause I'd be going all the time

 

[racefanof88]

I so want to go to see the Christmas lights. I am debating going Christmas weekend for a long weekend. We really enjoyed our long July 4th weekend. It was fun going to Disney and just enjoying the time and not having to keep a schedule. I have 54 days left before we go back and of course it is going to be more scheduled because of keeping up with the ADRs.

I am glad your summer is going good. I think I will feel much better after Dale gets the sleep studies done and maybe that will solve his health issues. I know I am thankful we have insurance. I have been getting the emails from BCBS with the billing costs from his 2 day stay two weeks ago and the heart cath alone was $16169.40 .

 

[leamom2princesses]

We have not had a great summer weather wise here and we usually have amazing summers, we're wondering this year about global warming, cause it sure doesn't feel like it here. We live smack dab in the middle of Canada where the sun rises at 5am and sets around 10pm...long lazy summer days and our temperatures are usually in the high 80's...not this year.

We are leaving a week today to go to WDW...and we're staying for 3 glorious weeks, all thanks to my sis and her hubby who bought enough DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa. We are all together from the 10th to the 21st then my DD and I move to ASMu until the 30th, couldn't pass up free dining and hey when you travel as far as we have to, you need to make the most of it....well at least that's how I justify it

I must say I am envious when I read that people can go for a weekend, only way I'm going for a weekend is if I win the lottery On the other hand, if I lived that close I would probably be broke cause I'd be going all the time

The summer has been unseasonably cool and rainy here. I'm not complaining because it's usually really, really hot every day.
I hope you have a fantastic vacation!!! I live about a 12 hour drive away from WDW. I wish I was closer like my brother. He lives about 20 minutes away. I would be broke! You are a lucky lady to get to spend 3 weeks. I'm so jealous. I would be . Are you going to do a trip report? I can't wait to hear all about your adventure. Be sure to take lots of pics and have a fabulous, safe trip!!!!!

I so want to go to see the Christmas lights. I am debating going Christmas weekend for a long weekend. We really enjoyed our long July 4th weekend. It was fun going to Disney and just enjoying the time and not having to keep a schedule. I have 54 days left before we go back and of course it is going to be more scheduled because of keeping up with the ADRs.

I am glad your summer is going good. I think I will feel much better after Dale gets the sleep studies done and maybe that will solve his health issues. I know I am thankful we have insurance. I have been getting the emails from BCBS with the billing costs from his 2 day stay two weeks ago and the heart cath alone was $16169.40 .

I hope Dale is going to be okay. Insurance is a must when you have anything major happening. I don't know where we would be without it either. Joe has fantastic benefits. Unrelated, we have learned that my FIL has cancer in his lymph nodes. He is being treated at Vanderbilt Hospital. We find out today if he is going to have surgery/chemo/radiation or chem/radiation. He is very positive as are the doctors. It was caught exceptionally early. I will continue to pray for you guys. I hope all is well with Dale. You could use a break.

You should definitely go at Christmas. I want to see pics. I think I've pretty much talked myself out of going this year. Mostly because I would really like an upgraded vacation in May and I've already talked some friends into going at the same time. I'll take one fantastic no-holds-barred vacation over two shabby ones this year. I'm already starting to get the fever for May. What's wrong with me?

 

[racefanof88]

I hope Dale is going to be okay. Insurance is a must when you have anything major happening. I don't know where we would be without it either. Joe has fantastic benefits. Unrelated, we have learned that my FIL has cancer in his lymph nodes. He is being treated at Vanderbilt Hospital. We find out today if he is going to have surgery/chemo/radiation or chem/radiation. He is very positive as are the doctors. It was caught exceptionally early. I will continue to pray for you guys. I hope all is well with Dale. You could use a break.

You should definitely go at Christmas. I want to see pics. I think I've pretty much talked myself out of going this year. Mostly because I would really like an upgraded vacation in May and I've already talked some friends into going at the same time. I'll take one fantastic no-holds-barred vacation over two shabby ones this year. I'm already starting to get the fever for May. What's wrong with me?

He is still having dizzy spells, but he hasn't complained of any chest pains so I am glad for that. I will keep your FIL in my prayers. I am glad to hear that it was found early. The earlier it is found the better the prognosis. My mom had colon cancer in 1995 and it was also in her lymph nodes and since it was caught early she is now 14 years cancer free. She didn't have the radiation, she had surgery and chemo.

I want to go Christmas, but I know we will have to wait and see how the money is after doing our Christmas shopping.

How is the diet going? Are you still training? I tried running a long time ago and I just didn't find it enjoyable for me. I have such bad knees . I went to the doctor yesterday and had a weight check, I have lost 10 lbs since July 7. I know some of it was stress related because when I am stressed I can't eat.

 

[leamom2princesses]

He is still having dizzy spells, but he hasn't complained of any chest pains so I am glad for that. I will keep your FIL in my prayers. I am glad to hear that it was found early. The earlier it is found the better the prognosis. My mom had colon cancer in 1995 and it was also in her lymph nodes and since it was caught early she is now 14 years cancer free. She didn't have the radiation, she had surgery and chemo.

I want to go Christmas, but I know we will have to wait and see how the money is after doing our Christmas shopping.

How is the diet going? Are you still training? I tried running a long time ago and I just didn't find it enjoyable for me. I have such bad knees . I went to the doctor yesterday and had a weight check, I have lost 10 lbs since July 7. I know some of it was stress related because when I am stressed I can't eat.

Thanks for the prayers. I hope the outcome for Pop is the same as your Mom. That would be fantastic! Hooray for your Mom btw! I hope Dale's dizzy spells go away and the problem is something really simple. Chest pains are really scary. I'm glad he's not experincing those.

I've been working out about 5 days a week but still no luck. I really need to go to the doctor but I hate to spend the money for something I should be able to control on my own. Hooray on the 10 lbs. Stress normally does that to me too. I took on a consulting job on top of my day job and everything else so maybe some weight loss is in my future. That would be great.

Hope things start to get better. All this Christmas talk is making me want to go again.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi! Leanne,
sorry to hear of your FIL; my dad was just DX w/prostrate cancer this past month. We find out next week weather he will do radiation or just have it removed. I think he is leaning towards the radiation.

The May trip sounds like a wonderful line up!! we went with friends in 2001 and it was sooo much fun. Although, a quickie in Dec. for Christmas sounds nice also...

for you diet...I can diet and exercise all I want; if I do not cut out rice, pasta and white potatoes I can forget it...I do not have diabetes although I do fight with high sugar every once in a great while...depends on my exercise levels...

Good luck! on the wt loss, and decision on your WDW trips, and I will keep your FIL in my prayers along w/my dad.

more later
Connie

 

[leamom2princesses]

Hi! Leanne,
sorry to hear of your FIL; my dad was just DX w/prostrate cancer this past month. We find out next week weather he will do radiation or just have it removed. I think he is leaning towards the radiation.

The May trip sounds like a wonderful line up!! we went with friends in 2001 and it was sooo much fun. Although, a quickie in Dec. for Christmas sounds nice also...

for you diet...I can diet and exercise all I want; if I do not cut out rice, pasta and white potatoes I can forget it...I do not have diabetes although I do fight with high sugar every once in a great while...depends on my exercise levels...

Good luck! on the wt loss, and decision on your WDW trips, and I will keep your FIL in my prayers along w/my dad.

more later
Connie

Hi Connie! Thanks for the prayers for my FIL. I will pray for your Dad too. Hopefully both of them will be cancer free very soon. I hope all the illness and overall bad luck is over for everyone very soon. Seems like (although other than FIL things have been much better) I hardly hear any good news these days.

I've been counting calories and fat. Maybe I should switch to low carb and see what happens. Diabetes runs in the family so it probably wouldn't hurt anyway.

How is Ashton doing? His b-day looked so nice and he looked so happy.

 

[MaryAz]

Prayers fro your FIL. DO your friends have kids L and J's age?? Should be quite a party in May!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

dbl posted
Have a great day!!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hi Connie! Seems like (although other than FIL things have been much better) I hardly hear any good news these days.

How is Ashton doing? His b-day looked so nice and he looked so happy.

Ashton is doing well! He as always is happy and active. Although, I still find he tires easily (maybe not quite as bad as before), and his breathing is still very raspy when active...I really hope he outgrows that soon, but, I guess it will probably be a few years for his trachea to harden.

I'm sure things will start to look up; sounds like ya'll had a great summer and were very busy... that is always good...

Have a great day!!!

P.S. was just watching the weather channel---are ya'll floating away up there...hope your family is not being affected by all the flooding and relentless rain...

 

[leamom2princesses]

Prayers fro your FIL. DO your friends have kids L and J's age?? Should be quite a party in May!!

Thanks for the prayers Mary! I thought after the scare with my dad a few months ago that we were in the clear. It didn't work out that way, however the scare with my Dad encouraged Pop (FIL) to get checked out and that's when all of this was detected. How's CA? The other kids that are going are 10, 7, and 9. 2 boys and 1 girl. All of them are fantastic kids though. We need to talk Becky into going at that time and we can have a playground meet. The kids can play and the adults can chat. My friends are much more outgoing than me. I surround myself with chatty people so I don't have to be that way.

dbl posted
Have a great day!!!

Thanks you too!

Ashton is doing well! He as always is happy and active. Although, I still find he tires easily (maybe not quite as bad as before), and his breathing is still very raspy when active...I really hope he outgrows that soon, but, I guess it will probably be a few years for his trachea to harden.

I'm sure things will start to look up; sounds like ya'll had a great summer and were very busy... that is always good...

Have a great day!!!

P.S. was just watching the weather channel---are ya'll floating away up there...hope your family is not being affected by all the flooding and relentless rain...

We have had a very busy yet fun summer. I'm glad that Ashton is doing okay and hope that he has a speedy complete recovery. It must be scary when he is raspy. Josie has asthma and when she starts to wheez it scares the fire out of me.

Thanks for checking on us! We haven't floated away yet but we have gotten a lot of rain. This summer has been so weird. Normally we are in a big drought this time of year. My yard looks pretty though!

 

[MaryAz]

You gonna tell us about the new puppy??

 

[ladybugmom]

Praying for you FIL, Leanne!!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Hey!!! So have you decided whether or not you're going in December? I hope you will. I can't believe our trip is in less than 2 weeks! The time is flying by now. I have so much to do.

I was just looking back at the update I missed. The front ride in the monorail. I will never do that again! It was so much fun riding up there but I will always think of those pictures of the crash. Thank God there was not a family up there with that poor guy. I feel so bad for him and his family. I saw him on the past two trips. He was always up by the ticket/transportation drop off. I never saw him driving a monorail...just on the platform.

Can't wait to see the tour pics. I wonder who that Dismeet was with!?

 

[leamom2princesses]

You gonna tell us about the new puppy??

I will try to get an update out on her, the trip, and recent happenings out tonight. I'm finally through all of my overcommitments. Still got the consulting going but the parties and cakes are done for now.

Praying for you FIL, Leanne!!

Thanks Becky! We found out Friday that statistically 20% of the people with this type of cancer beat it. They did an MRI on Friday morning to see if it has spread to his brain. We should get the results today or tomorrow. Pop can use everyone's prayers right now. He says he's not going down without a fight. He starts chemo and radiation this week for 6-8 weeks. We should have a prognosis in about 2 months.

Hey!!! So have you decided whether or not you're going in December? I hope you will. I can't believe our trip is in less than 2 weeks! The time is flying by now. I have so much to do.

I was just looking back at the update I missed. The front ride in the monorail. I will never do that again! It was so much fun riding up there but I will always think of those pictures of the crash. Thank God there was not a family up there with that poor guy. I feel so bad for him and his family. I saw him on the past two trips. He was always up by the ticket/transportation drop off. I never saw him driving a monorail...just on the platform.

Can't wait to see the tour pics. I wonder who that Dismeet was with!?

Hey girl!!!! With everything going on with my FIL we have decided not to go in December. It's not looking good for the home team so we are going to delay our Christmas trip until next year and just go in May like usual. Luckily I didn't see the crash pictures so all I have are good memories of our trip up front. I agree, thank goodness no one was up front when that poor guy was killed.

Tour pics are up tonight I promise. If we don't chat I hope your trip in a couple of weeks is awesome. Can't wait to read about your next adventure!!!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Well here we go for Day 5...I know it's taken long enough huh!

Day 5 started out cloudy and drizzly but about the time we were getting to rope drop at EPCOT it was actually starting to clear up! For once we could take the ponchos off. I swear I thought I was going to melt because it was the first time in several days that we had seen the sun.

Just as we entered the park we saw Daisy. Josie was so excited to meet her that we had to stop.

Next we headed over to the Seas and went on Nemo and Friends. Josie loved it of course. Afterwards, we checked out the aquarium and I scoped out a spot to take pics of Joe and Lindsey. Next we went over and tried some cola from different countries, rode Spaceship Earth, emailed ourselves and headed over to the Land Pavillion. We had lunch at Seasons. It was pretty good (my sandwich had a lot of bread and little meat) but the strawberry shortcake was fantastic! Everyone enjoyed their lunch. We went upstairs and got a fastpass for Soarin'. We had about 45 minutes until Joe and Lindsey started the Seas Aqua Tour so we took a ride on Living with Land. I don't know why but we really enjoy this ride.

In the queue, we spotted this and had to take a pic. How cool that this girl was from our hometown!

The ride was fun and uneventful. The girls enjoy seeing the Mickey pumpkins, pineapples, and bananas. It was finally time for Joe and Lindsey to meet up for their tour. By this time, the sun was completely out and it was beautiful. We left Joe and Lindsey outside the main gate, got our time to be at the aquarium and headed to have some fun all by ourselves.

Josie and I headed in and went to check out the really cool sand sculpture. I was a big dummy and didn't charge my camera battery so I didn't take any unnecessary pics. I wanted to save what was left for Joe and Lindsey's swim. Anyway, the sand sculpture was phenomenal. Next to it was a little booth to decorate a flower pot. Josie had so much fun doing this...again I wish I could have captured it! After that the CM directed us to the fairy garden. Right outside was another booth and you could decorate a card with Tink and then the CM would give you some pixie dust and seal your card. At the end she gave Josie some seeds for her flower pot. This was so much fun-she was so happy doing her thing and soaking everything in.

About the time we finished, it was time to head over to the Seas. We weren't there two minutes when I hear "Lee!". I turn around and snapped this....

They were gone about 15 minutes before we spotted them in the aquarium. I snapped these while we waited.

Finally I spotted Joe and Lindsey. They told Lindsey that she was the smallest person they had ever had on the tour. She was so brave. As you can see the suit was a bit big for her. I took a ton of pics but here are the two important ones...

The thumbs up...

and after about 45 minutes the last wave goodbye.

Joe and Lindsey loved this experience. Lindsey jabbered with her teacher today about getting so close to a sea turtle and a female ray. Yes, after the tour she can distinguish between the two. Joe said out of all the things we have done at Disney this was by far the coolest. He wants to do it again next year!

After they got out of the aquarium they had another 30 minutes or so of the tour. Unfortunately they didn't tell me where they would be coming out so Josie and I headed to the front of the park where we had left them. On the way, it came a flood. I mean strollers were flying across the park, people were running, (which I couldn't do because I had Josie in a stoller), it was crazy. I felt like I could be swept away at any minute. We got inside the photo shop and held up for awhile. It was just too much. A few minutes later Joe sent me a text message and they were back at the Seas... We waited about 15 minutes for it to let up and headed that way.

I was so bummed when I got back because I missed this (which I think is amazing...I don't see how Mickey did it).

At this point, Tammy (OneTreeHillAddict) and I had been texting back and forth and decided to meet up at Innoventions. Our kids hit it off immediately. They ran all over the place, doing the fire drill, playing the piggy bank game, and making velcro frogs. Of course, no pics but trust me we had fun. It was wonderful to meet up with another DIS family. Tammy has great family!! I hope we can meet up again on another trip.

The girls really didn't want to split up but it was time to say goodbye. We had a little bit of time so we stopped at the character spot to meet our favorites.

We needed to make our way over to Teppan Edo for our dinner ressie. This was our first time there and it was one of our favorite meals. For some reason Disney had this date noted as Joe's birthday rather than Sunday so the ladies in Japan made a big deal out of his birthday. We have laughed and laughed about it. Josie says "Tank you fo yo patience" almost perfectly. Soooo fun! Here's little bit trying out her chopsticks...

It was a great meal and a great time. You can't beat that! The family we were seated with were really nice too so it made it even more fun.

After dinner it was time to get back to CBR. The rain wasn't letting up and we just wanted to dry out a bit. We snapped these during a brief moment of no rain...look at that sky though! Probably about 5 minutes after these pics the sky opened up again....

So there you have day 5...another fun yet soggy day!

Up next: day 6....the beach day...