Faster than Fast...Hitchhikers welcome...the Pretrippie with a complex (10/5-16!)

[luvthattink]

So after reading countless PTR's we've decided to take the plunge. This one will be "Faster than Fast" since its coming up so quickly, any hitchhikers (aka lurkers) PLEASE join us we're lonely. We still have some plans to make so we're up for any advice that you may want to give so here we GOOOOOOOO......

This is going to be a joint effort (at least that's the plan) I've coerced my Dad and my DH (who I don't think has ever been on a message board in his life) to help me out with this, so we can give multiple perspectives in these last days before our trip!

We are VERY close to packing up our pixie dust and heading for our happy place!! Our trip date is October 5th-16th And just today at lunch we were all talking about how excited we were and how soon we will be there!!! THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! YAY!!!

So from what I have gathered from reading other PTR's that now is the time where I introduce everyone!! So lets get started.....

Here's our crazy bunch being silly per the request of the ME cast member who we asked to take our picture....he took a "nice" pic too, but this is more fun and probably a better representation of who we are.... O and I would just like to say that my Dad...(he's the only one not making a silly face) is really and truly the goofiest in the bunch so I'm not sure why he chose not to participate in the silliness....Dad? wanna shed any light on that one???? O wait...neither is my DH...what's up boys? Honestly its not my kids best attempt at silliness either....o well I tried, we really are a goofy group and have a lot of fun in the process!

Now for us as individuals.........

Here is my DH...David (aka PIN FREAK)....He is 34, owns his own plumbing business and quite a cutie. I'm thinking that I should let him introduce himself and I will let him, but for now I'll do it....Let's see I've spent most of our married life trying to get him to love Disney as much as I do! I think that is a lofty goal but I am trying and I think he gets it a little more each time we go. Actually the one way that I have "hooked" him is with the pins. When I tell you (and I have my parents who can vouch for me here) that we can't go 50 ft. in the park without him checking out a cast member's lanyard looking for that elusive CM only pin, I am not exaggerating. In fact my two older boys are getting to be just as bad. But I figure...whatever it takes to make him Disney Happy!

My Dad....Joe (aka...PopPop)....with his alter-ego! He is truly a fun-loving goofball. Always has been! In fact he channels Goofy so well that every time we see Goofy in and around Disney my kids tell Goofy that their PopPop can talk like him and have made him do it for Goofy!! He loves us and loves Disney so its a good combo.

My Mom...Kathie (aka...MeeMee). Best Mom ever and I could not be more thankful for her. As you can imagine, life with four kids can get a little hectic and chaotic, and she is always there to talk me out of jumping off the roof. She sees a need a tends to it...that's just her! While we (my dh and I) tend to fly by the seat of our pants...(not big planners and are rather last minute, well except for when it comes to Disney)....she is totally Type A...always has her ducks in a row and I often wish I could channel that! She loves my kidlets and would do anything for them. She also loves Disney and we really can't imagine going without my parents...they are just part of the Disney experience for us!

Owen...8, will be turning 9 in November....aahhh my baby is almost 9, when did that happen. Ok so this is our first born, he is always and forever, FULL OF ENERGY. Never stops, from the time he wakes up till his head hits the pillow at night. He is a handful, likes to argue (argh) but he is a good kid, VERY smart...sometimes too much for his own good! Took his first trip to Disney at the ripe old age of 22 months (and can I just tell you that was the most magical vacation I have ever had....we all were teary the first time he met Mickey).

Cooper...follows closely on the heels of Owen...came 18 months after so he is 7. Coop is a sweetheart, always ready with a hug and an I Love You. He has a tender heart and is a great brother! He is especially fond of his little sister. He is her protector and would do anything for her. He enjoys being silly and is for the most part very easy going. He loves Disney and took his first trip at 4 months.

Grady....he's 3 but will have his birthday while we are there, so I will soon have a 4 year old. What to say about the Gman??? He is hysterical. He literally can make anyone laugh and loves to do it. He brings sunshine to everyone he meets. He is one happy kid. Loves to eat too! He asks everyday if we are going to Disney today. I can't wait until I can say YES!!! He took his first trip to Disney when he was 7 months old. It was so much fun to watch him taking it all in on our trip last year! I think Disney is best when experiencing it through the eyes of a child. I know it is for me! All that wide-eyed wonder...I can't WAIT!!!

Emmalee ....yep 3 boys and a girl! She is definitely taken on the princess role well although I affectionately call her "STINKERBELLE"!!! I can't begin to tell you how much fun I am having with a little girl!!! She loves "Cindrelela" although I have just been informed by her at this very moment that her favorite is Goofy. Go figure! She is a well-rounded little girl, loves getting "wipstick" on and getting "booful" on her fingers and toes (that's what she calls nailpolish) but isn't afraid to mess up that mani/pedi being barefoot while digging under rocks.

then there is me...Aimee...33 but I will also be celebrating my bday in the most magical place on earth!! We fly out on my bday and I couldn't be happier! I am a SAHM and love it. I love volunteering at my kids school, love being a baseball mom, love making memories with my family, love taking pictures and my "mommy outlet" is scrapbooking. I also get out of the house every now and again by selling uppercase living. I am, by my own admission, THE disney FREAK of the family!!! I think I'm the one that HAS to go and everyone else just humors me and goes along. I dream of the day that its my dh's suggestion to plan our next trip!

Next post will be a breakdown of our trip!!! Gotta go cut my Dad's hair, have some pizza, get the kids to bed and do some trip planning while my parents are here.

 

[luvthattink]

FIXED IT....I THINK...............

ok...my apologies...i have no idea what's up with the pictures. I don't know why they are so huge, I used the link on photobucket that is suppose to be for message boards. I have used it before and posted on here and they have been the right size...any pointers from the TR veterans???

 

[luvthattink]

So here is a little background...a little about previous trips and more importantly some details about the one that is so close I can almost taste it (after all we do like our Disney food ).......

Since we have been married we have gone in.....

September 1997 - "Disney"moon Two weeks at GF, obviously this trip included only my DH and I. I'd love to do a long weekend with just the two of us again!
September 2001 - I think it was about 10 days or so and this time we stayed off site in a condo that we rented. This time we had our first two kiddos, Owen was 22 mos. and Cooper was 4 mos. We also had my parents.
May 2005 - 10 nights at POFQ, rented two room with double beds (or are they queen....can't remember just remember that we won't subject anyone to that again...nothing wrong at all with the resort, loved it, just didn't like how crammed we were) This trip consisted of DH & I, Owen, Cooper and now another kidlet Grady who was 7 mos., my parents and we also decided to take my 18 year old niece. This is when we decided to go to a DVC presentation...we were going to go in 2001, even had a time scheduled but changed our mind...just didn't want to take the time to go...now wishing we would have. Anyway, went to the presentation and came out the proud owners of DVC!
September 2006 - Used 2005 and 2006's points and went on the Disney Cruise, Eastern Caribbean and had the most fantastic time. It was DH, me, Owen, Cooper, Grady and yep we added another one so Emma was along for the ride at just a little over 4 mos. Two adjoining cabins, with a pack n play in each cabin. What a great week, tons of awesome memories.
September 2007 - Roasted in the sweltering heat and humidity for 11 wonderful nights in a two bedroom at BWV with a water view....this was also our first experience with DDP (which after that trip we decided we weren't going to do again because we felt to scheduled), loved the food, but remember I mentioned DH and I tend to be a little last minute, well we decided on our dates, made our ressies and decided to do the DDP well after that 180 window had passed and being inexperienced with it we just told them the different places we wanted to eat and took what they gave us. So we were kinda out of sync with how we usually do the World and running to and fro being led around by where our next ressie was. It was our fault but one learns from their mistakes...or we try to anyway. This trip was DH, me our 4 kiddos (no new ones added ) and of course my parents

So all of that leads us to the HERE & NOW.....which I will do in the next post because this one is already obnoxiously long and probably really boring.

 

[luvthattink]

First I just have to get this out of my system.......ONLY 19 DAYS!!!!!!

Ok now that that's out of my system (well kinda) here's our trip in a nutshell.

October 4th we will be leaving our house in good old PA and heading to Baltimore where we will spend the night so that we can get up at the crack of dawn rather than before dawn to head to BWI for our flight.


SUNDAY, 10/5 (my bday..... )
Departing BWI @ 8:42 a.m.
Arriving MCO @ 10:54 a.m.

As soon as we get off the plane we will make our way to ME so we can hop on that bus that will take us to the magic!!!

I'm hoping to be pulling into our home resort of Saratoga Springs by 12 p.m. This will be our first time to stay at our home resort and I am excited about it. We have requested a DTD view in Congress Park and I REALLY hope we get it. We love DTD and head over that way quite a bit during our trips so I'm looking forward to staying so close. We really went round and round about where to stay. I was kinda pushing for VWL, I thought my boys would love it there, but in the end we decided SSR was less points so we'd go that route this time and do VWL another. I want to stay in all of them anyway!

We have two plans for what we will do after check-in.....

Plan A....If our room is ready, we will go and get settled in, grab a snack from Artist's Palette and spend a little time at the pool, then head back to the room, get ready and head to DTD for some dinner.

Plan B....If our room isn't ready, we will head to DTD for lunch and to walk around some then head back to get settled in our room, hang at the pool and then just relax in the evening.

Either way I want to kidlets to get to bed at a decent time after getting up so early and we have breakfast ressies on Monday. We were trying to figure out something special to do for my Bday but I think we are just going to scrap that idea, I don't want it to be too crazy trying to fit something in. So maybe we'll just do something at one of the other ressies we have.

Now here's a disclaimer, before I tell you about our days etc. I have to tell you that yes I did join TGM and yes I did consult his little chart...HOWEVER, the chart was not out for what days for what parks were good at our 180 mark and I had to make ressies....especially for the places that I knew were harder to get into. Once it came out I was in panic mode because we were in like all the wrong parks on all the wrong days at least for the first few days....we tried to call and rearrange things but it just wasn't working....SO we'll be winging it!

MONDAY 10/6: AKV

9:10 a.m. Ressie at Tusker House

TUESDAY 10/7: MK

9:40 a.m. Ressie at Chef Mickey's (a fave of ours)

WEDNESDAY 10/8:

We're taking the day off....at least most of it. We'll probably head to a park in the evening or something. We do have ressies for lunch at CP and since we're getting 12 day passes, if we decide to keep them we can head over there then head back to swim or whatever catches our fancy.

THURSDAY 10/9: EPCOT

12:00 p.m. Ressies at Tepan Edo...can't wait to see it redone. We have really enjoyed eating there in the past. In fact its my Dad's favorite.

FRIDAY 10/10: MGM

12:40 p.m. Ressies at Sci-Fi I think my boys will love it here!

SATURDAY 10/11:

We will be playing this day by ear...who knows where we might end up. Probably at some point we will end up at the Boardwalk, we love it over there and there are so many yummy restaurants there...Maybe Spoodles this day.

SUNDAY 10/12:

1:10 ressies at CRT!!!! I cannot wait for this!!!! I can't wait to take my little princess here!!! So excited! This will be our first time at CRT! I look forward to next year when she will be able to do BBB before hand and then go!

MONDAY 10/13: MY Gman's BDAY...he'll be 4.

We were looking for something fun to do for his bday so after reading Tim & Leslie's TR we decided on........

12:05 p.m. Whispering Canyon Cafe. From the sounds of it we'll have some fun here!!!!

Don't know what park we'll end up in.

We have no other ressies after that. We kind of thought we'd play it by ear but we are open to suggestions. There are a few places we would like to try and any suggestions would be great!!!

Would you do Ohana's or Kona Cafe?
What is your favorite "nice" place to eat?

We're getting a little lonely here.....

 

[luvthattink]

I think my PTR is getting a complex or wait is it me??? Maybe I can bribe a few readers with some pics....

Because it is very fall like here and it has put me in the mood for all things fall, pumpkin scented candles, jeans, fall flavored coffee, etc....here are a few pics of Disney in the fall...(first time I had ever seen Disney decorated, or starting to decorate, for any holiday)

I want one of these for my front yard...

And if that doesn't work, how bout this cutie eating one of our favorite WDW snacks....

 

[AshleyMWC]

I just stumbled across your PTR and I love it!! Your kids are so beautiful, and yoru plans sound awesome. We will be heading down to the World soon after you return, so tell Mickey hello for us!

As for your question regarding Kona or Ohana, I have only ever eaten at Ohana, but we are trying Kona our first night this year. I think they are such different restaurants that it's really just a matter of do you want a calmer dinenr or a crazy one! I love the food and atmosphere at Ohana and I'm sure the kids would too, but Kona's menu looks amazing I think!

As for my favorite "nice" restaurant, I don't know if I can choose just one- but I like Narcoossee's, but we are trying JIKO and either The Wave or Citrico's for the first time this year. Are you planning on bring all the kids to this "nice" place or are you are DH going to try and sneak away for one night?- I guess that would decision would really put "nice" in perspective

 

[luvthattink]

I just stumbled across your PTR and I love it!! Your kids are so beautiful, and yoru plans sound awesome. We will be heading down to the World soon after you return, so tell Mickey hello for us!

As for your question regarding Kona or Ohana, I have only ever eaten at Ohana, but we are trying Kona our first night this year. I think they are such different restaurants that it's really just a matter of do you want a calmer dinenr or a crazy one! I love the food and atmosphere at Ohana and I'm sure the kids would too, but Kona's menu looks amazing I think!

As for my favorite "nice" restaurant, I don't know if I can choose just one- but I like Narcoossee's, but we are trying JIKO and either The Wave or Citrico's for the first time this year. Are you planning on bring all the kids to this "nice" place or are you are DH going to try and sneak away for one night?- I guess that would decision would really put "nice" in perspective

Awww, thanks and thanks for posting, I'm not as lonely anymore ! I think Kona's menu looks fantastic too so maybe we will go with that. I know the kids would probably love the craziness at Ohana's but we are doing crazy at Whispering Canyon. I wish DH and I would have gone to Narcoossee's on our honeymoon, but that was long before the dining plan and we chose to do California Grill instead. I will have to check into Citrico's, heard of it but don't know much about it.

 

[luvthattink]

I can hardly stand it....we are at the 18 DAY MARK!!!

So much to do and so little time to do it in. I literally cannot believe that we are so close!

I'm such a horrible decision maker. Just can't make up my mine for fear there is a better choice or I'll make the wrong decision...even on something as simple as a stroller. This in part comes from the fact that every stroller I have had has been cause for frustration...too wide, too heavy, doesn't push right, breaks the first time ya use it! UGH. So I have done my research, mainly on here and reading every review on every stroller site on the internet and I'm pretty sure that I'm getting a Maclaren this time around. I am refusing to take my double stroller. The thing is falling apart and its only 2.5 years old and its heavy and bulky and lugging it on and off the bus is just a huge pain. But more than that my 2 and 3 year old have taken to torturing each other while in it. Whoever is in front is kicking the back of the one that's in front, and whoever is in the front and in the recline position is squishing the fingers of the one in the back that is holding onto the tray. Some things are innocent enough and other is just plain old sibling pestering. So I have decided to take two singles. We have enough adults in our group that pushing two strollers is not an issue. In fact its slightly more freeing as we can go in two different directions if necessary. In the past I have taken the double stroller and then rented a double stroller for the older boys at the World...but since I could rent a compact car for less than a stroller at Disney, my big boys will just have to tough it out, or sneak a turn when one of the little ones want to walk. ANYWAY..I am between two of the Maclarens, the Triumph and the Quest. I'm open to any suggestions from those who haven't bought all the wrong strollers, like me!!

Off to check out Ebay and see what I can find!

 

[luvthattink]

First let us start off by saying that we are......

and its once again a nice fall day here but fall looks better in Disney

and we would just like to say that hitchhikers (aka lurkers) are welcomed!!

(now those are some cute hitchhikers )

 

[Disneychix]

Love the cute hitch-hikers!!

Your family is adorable and you do not look old enough (or tired enough) to be the mom of 4!! Happy early birthday!

Ohana's isn't really crazy. They do have a little hula lesson but it's not in your face craziness.
For your nice dinner I would say California Grill as the view is just the best!

 

[luvthattink]

Love the cute hitch-hikers!!

Your family is adorable and you do not look old enough (or tired enough) to be the mom of 4!! Happy early birthday!

Ohana's isn't really crazy. They do have a little hula lesson but it's not in your face craziness.
For your nice dinner I would say California Grill as the view is just the best!

YAY...another reader !!

Thanks soooo much for your sweet words. Funny because I feel exhausted most days
The reassurance for Ohana's is good, we were actually reading a review I'll have to see if I can find the link here on the dis....I think it was in dining under the menu part where they put the review before the menu....O wait I found it....


Ohana is the wildly popular restaurant on the second floor of Disney's Polynesian Resort that does not deserve the reputation it has. The large room overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and a pool. What was once a view of the Magic Kingdom is now mostly blocked by the large volcano structure poolside. Appetizers are served family style and entrees are served from large skewers. The food quality varies from mediocre to poor. There is relentless Hawaiian 'lounge act' type entertainment that includes singing, ukulele playing, limbo contests and races where children push coconuts around the restaurant, all on hardwood floors. The noise level is extremely loud and the ambience is best described as chaotic . 'Ohana has a large and loyal following who obviously see something we don't.

My mom and I were dying laughing because we had just made ressies for the day we arrived...MY BDAY. My mom called back and cancelled. Maybe another night but something slightly less "noisy" for my bday...maybe???

 

[island cricket]

Aloha Aimee! your family is beautiful, but i'm sure you hear that all the time! love your mom and dad, how fun to have them be a part of it! I saw you on another thread with chef mickey's and mentioned we'd be there with you. I think it's awesome that you braved a PTR, i'm a weiner and would love to write one but even more, i enjoy reading others. I crack up when i read SAHM ???? whoever coined that phrase needs therapy! I called myself a "domestic engineer" and seriously, i got more oohs and aahs as most couldn't figure out what i did, i guess it sounded as if i spent years at college. Honey... a century at schooling with a masters degree does not prepare you for the "real world", my kids are now 11 & 12 so i work out of the house. I hope to see you there, too much fun meeting another DISer, i'll have our LGMH on staying at POR. don't stop on the PreTR, you've done a fabulous job! i'm really looking forward to the PostTR!

 

[luvthattink]

Aloha Aimee! your family is beautiful, but i'm sure you hear that all the time! love your mom and dad, how fun to have them be a part of it! I saw you on another thread with chef mickey's and mentioned we'd be there with you. I think it's awesome that you braved a PTR, i'm a weiner and would love to write one but even more, i enjoy reading others. I crack up when i read SAHM ???? whoever coined that phrase needs therapy! I called myself a "domestic engineer" and seriously, i got more oohs and aahs as most couldn't figure out what i did, i guess it sounded as if i spent years at college. Honey... a century at schooling with a masters degree does not prepare you for the "real world", my kids are now 11 & 12 so i work out of the house. I hope to see you there, too much fun meeting another DISer, i'll have our LGMH on staying at POR. don't stop on the PreTR, you've done a fabulous job! i'm really looking forward to the PostTR!

YAY....I'm so excited to know I will be dining with a fellow DISer! Post a pic so I can see you and look for you! You should so do a PTR...I'd love to read it. I really enjoy reading what everyone does and how different everyone's trips to the World can be. Something for everyone! I'm so going to join you in the domestic engineer world....LOVE IT! I need to see a pic of your LGMH...I think I need one! I'm still waiting for the fellas that promised me a little help with this PTR to join in...not sure I should hold my breath on that one!!! So now that I am up to THREE readers...I guess I will continue on!!

 

[luvthattink]

ONLY 17 DAYS LEFT!!!!

Yep...the time is quickly approaching for us to hop that plane and take in some magic! So we did a little Disney related prepping tonight. My Mom, Dad and I, (with 3 out of the 4 kiddos in tow) headed to Walmart to do some shopping for some stuff to take with us. Here's what we came home with......

587 wet wipes (got the big case with 3 individual bags in it...will prob. only take 2) between bottoms and sticky fingers these are a must.
4 travel size bottles of anti-bacterial gel...big boys are excited that they get to have their own bottle to take
2 Water bottles with fans....one green (Coop's favorite color) one blue (O's favorite color) which they will be in charge of but have been instructed that they WILL be sharing with their little brother and sister...I think I'm going to assign them a sibling each day of our trip to share with...a little psychology maybe? I'm thinking if I tell them that they are in charge of making sure that Emma and Grady don't get too hot that they will relish the "in charge" part enough to not whine about it being "their" water bottle!!! Oh and $2 sure beats the price in the World.
A couple boxes of Fruit Snacks, granola bars, etc.
Toothpaste (so none of their teeth fall out with all the sugar intake)
Immodium (won't go too much into detail here except to say there's a whole lot of eatin' going on while on the DDP and one can never be too prepare )
And last but not least...one of the most important purchases of the evening.....Crayola Model Magic....I cannot tell you what a lifesaver this was on our trip last year. It kept our kids totally occupied at all of our table service meals and we all had fun playing with it. Its awesome...last year we bought it at the Crayola Factory in a pouch that had like 6 or 8 smaller foil packets of neon colored model magic. We just tossed it in ziploc bags and threw it in the diaper bag and that was that! If you haven't used it, its great because unlike play-doh, it doesn't break apart and get everywhere!

There is still more to get for Disney, although not too much more. Next post I think I'll do what's on my mental checklist (because much to my Mother's dismay, since she's a Type-A list maker....my checklist is in my head and not written down, basically because I'd probably lose the piece of paper I wrote it on anyway! lol)

 

[island cricket]

YAY....I'm so excited to know I will be dining with a fellow DISer! Post a pic so I can see you and look for you! You should so do a PTR...I'd love to read it. I really enjoy reading what everyone does and how different everyone's trips to the World can be. Something for everyone! I'm so going to join you in the domestic engineer world....LOVE IT! I need to see a pic of your LGMH...I think I need one! I'm still waiting for the fellas that promised me a little help with this PTR to join in...not sure I should hold my breath on that one!!! So now that I am up to THREE readers...I guess I will continue on!!

yikes, i gotta find a pic of me first, i'm usually behind the camera..hmmm, i'll look, if not, i'll have the kids take one of me so i can send it. do you have LGMHs? i can mail some to you if you want, let me know, i have some, i can pop them in mail tomorrow, pm me your info or i can send them right to the resort, just let me know your last name so they can hold it... yeah!!

 

[jcc19480]

Okay....it's time for me to post a quick note on your thread and since this is my first time, it will probably be brief until I figure what's going on.

I can't believe that we begin our next journey to Disney in just two short weeks. Now that the weather is getting cooler here, I'm getting even more excited to head South...especially now that the hurricanes have moved one!

Thanks for all the hard work, research, planning, and phone calls that you've done in preparation for our trip. I still need to get another battery for my video camera before we leave. The one that came with the camera is small and will only last a couple of hours. Hoping to find a larger capacity one that will provide longer recording time. Probably will stop at Sam's Club and pick up some additional video tapes.

Did you make a decision regarding the Stroller dilemma? You can log into my Consumer Reports online and do some research if you need to. I can email you the link with my logon and password. Let me know.

 

[luvthattink]

yikes, i gotta find a pic of me first, i'm usually behind the camera..hmmm, i'll look, if not, i'll have the kids take one of me so i can send it. do you have LGMHs? i can mail some to you if you want, let me know, i have some, i can pop them in mail tomorrow, pm me your info or i can send them right to the resort, just let me know your last name so they can hold it... yeah!!

Well I will be waiting for that pic and you have a PM!

 

[luvthattink]

Okay....it's time for me to post a quick note on your thread and since this is my first time, it will probably be brief until I figure what's going on.

I can't believe that we begin our next journey to Disney in just two short weeks. Now that the weather is getting cooler here, I'm getting even more excited to head South...especially now that the hurricanes have moved one!

Thanks for all the hard work, research, planning, and phone calls that you've done in preparation for our trip. I still need to get another battery for my video camera before we leave. The one that came with the camera is small and will only last a couple of hours. Hoping to find a larger capacity one that will provide longer recording time. Probably will stop at Sam's Club and pick up some additional video tapes.

Did you make a decision regarding the Stroller dilemma? You can log into my Consumer Reports online and do some research if you need to. I can email you the link with my logon and password. Let me know.

Please say hi to my Dad who finally decided to take the plunge and help me on our pretrippie! Luv ya Dad! Now to get my DH on here.

 

[jcc19480]

Hey Pork...thanks for updating my profile and adding a signature. I am really looking forward to eating at Japan in Epcot. Missed eating there last year and all the fun the kids will have "watching" their food being cooked.

 

[Disneychix]

Hey Pork...thanks for updating my profile and adding a signature. I am really looking forward to eating at Japan in Epcot. Missed eating there last year and all the fun the kids will have "watching" their food being cooked.

Hi Dad!

What's a "pork"?