Ferb, I know What We're Going to Do Today! - Updated 9/30

[Lady Lallie]

What a lovely last day! I want to resort hop like that and in thinking about it, I could possibly add that in September. Hmmmm....

I love your holiday tradition with your Mom, it's just so nice.

 

[TarzansKat]

I love that the Photopass photographer got the pictures of the four of you. Just because the family expands, doesn't mean that you weren't originally just four, you know? And that's kind of nice to have a little reminder through the years. We focus so much on any children in the family and making sure we get them in the shots, etc, that sometimes I have to remind myself, hey, get a picture with just DH and me. After all, without my DH or myself, the kiddos wouldn't be here!

I'm really not fond of the kiddos attacking Minnie. Kudos to Mickey for sticking up for his sweetheart.

POR looks so beautiful with the decorations!

I know what you mean about walking into your home resort. You know, you just get there and breathe a sigh of relief almost, like ahhhhh...I'm here. You feel that way about POFQ, and honestly, at this point, I'm not sure what evokes that response for me. If we were talking about a trip with my boys, I think it would be the Wilderness Lodge. I swear, my troubles melt as soon as I get under that big sign and see the lanterns.

That's a great picture of you and your mom. What a great tradition.

I can't wait to hear your final thoughts.

 

[skier_pete]

I hadn't taken the boat from POFQ to DTD in quite some time. Normally I've taken a bus there, and then taken the boat home at the end of the night. (Never had a problem taking the boat home). If I ever really wanted to take the boat from POFQ again, I'd just hop on the one going to POR and take a longer ride. That way I'd be guaranteed a seat.

Sadly, it doesn't (or at least didn't) work that way. When we went through that stuff, we asked if we could get on as the boat was going to POR. The pilot (captain?) said that everyone had to get off at POR...and then had to wait in line to get on again at POR. This would work if the line at POR was short, but by the fact that all the boats were coming in to POFQ full, I kind of assumed there was a line over there too, which is why we didn't try it.

I think your initial idea to take the bus down and the boat back is the best! Either that or if you want to try the boat, go to the dock and if there is a line, or if you can't get on the first boat, switch to the bus.

 

[MyMuse]

Ahhh! Another trip done.

Even though it wasn't a perfect trip, I'm so glad it ended on a great note and that you got to do what you wanted.

I did Chef Mickey's for a late dinner last may for my niece's bday. It was.....ok. The characters were fun, it was loud but not bad, we were seated a bit later, but no big deal. the food was....well, it was food. I really don't have an inclination to go back anytime soon, having already tried it recently, but maybe someday for a different meal.

I stayed at POFQ and POR; I do like POFQ. I have taken the boats to DTD a few times while staying there. It definitely isn't a quick ride. The only time it really annoyed me was going from DTD back to POR last May. It took forever and there wasn't even a line issue. It was the CMs talking away the day until a few of us starting getting a little loudly annoyed. As a result of that, we missed Magical Express by moments (and I scheduled in plenty of time!).

Thanks for the NYC outing pics; we did the exact same thing!!!

I would love for you to do a TR from your April! Pretty Please?

 

[If U Had Wings]

What a lovely last day! I want to resort hop like that and in thinking about it, I could possibly add that in September. Hmmmm....

I love your holiday tradition with your Mom, it's just so nice.

I wish I was able to spend more last days like that. I never seem to be able to get a flight that leaves at the right time though. Usually my flights are at about 1pm or so, and don't leave any real time in the morning.

I love our holiday tradition too. It always makes me really feel like it's time for the holidays.

I love that the Photopass photographer got the pictures of the four of you. Just because the family expands, doesn't mean that you weren't originally just four, you know? And that's kind of nice to have a little reminder through the years. We focus so much on any children in the family and making sure we get them in the shots, etc, that sometimes I have to remind myself, hey, get a picture with just DH and me. After all, without my DH or myself, the kiddos wouldn't be here!

That's so true. That's one of the great things about the photopass guys if you get a good one. They really take the time to be sure you get all kinds of shots like that.

I know what you mean about walking into your home resort. You know, you just get there and breathe a sigh of relief almost, like ahhhhh...I'm here. You feel that way about POFQ, and honestly, at this point, I'm not sure what evokes that response for me. If we were talking about a trip with my boys, I think it would be the Wilderness Lodge. I swear, my troubles melt as soon as I get under that big sign and see the lanterns.

I felt that way when I entered the Boardwalk too, and you can't beat the bump up in luxury over POFQ.

I think that's what I love so much about Disney's resorts. There really is such a variety and something for everyone.

That's a great picture of you and your mom. What a great tradition.

I can't wait to hear your final thoughts.

Thanks. She was so thrilled that we didn't have to miss our annual tradition. I was completely beat all day, but I was happy that I was able to make her so happy by doing it.

Sadly, it doesn't (or at least didn't) work that way. When we went through that stuff, we asked if we could get on as the boat was going to POR. The pilot (captain?) said that everyone had to get off at POR...and then had to wait in line to get on again at POR. This would work if the line at POR was short, but by the fact that all the boats were coming in to POFQ full, I kind of assumed there was a line over there too, which is why we didn't try it.

I think your initial idea to take the bus down and the boat back is the best! Either that or if you want to try the boat, go to the dock and if there is a line, or if you can't get on the first boat, switch to the bus.

That's just crazy! I would flip if they told me that I couldn't get on a boat heading to POR and then just stay on. Really if that's the rule, then they should only let the boat get half filled at POR, and save the other half for POFQ. It's not fair at all to the guests at POFQ.

I'll always stick to the bus though just to be on the safe side.

Ahhh! Another trip done.

Even though it wasn't a perfect trip, I'm so glad it ended on a great note and that you got to do what you wanted.

I did Chef Mickey's for a late dinner last may for my niece's bday. It was.....ok. The characters were fun, it was loud but not bad, we were seated a bit later, but no big deal. the food was....well, it was food. I really don't have an inclination to go back anytime soon, having already tried it recently, but maybe someday for a different meal.

That's kind of how I feel. It was okay, but I'm going to try something else next trip. I've already booked 2 character meals for next trip. A breakfast at Cape May and dinner at Crystal Palace. I'll be curious to see how they are by comparison. I really wanted to do CRT, but I just couldn't justify the cost for breakfast.

I stayed at POFQ and POR; I do like POFQ. I have taken the boats to DTD a few times while staying there. It definitely isn't a quick ride. The only time it really annoyed me was going from DTD back to POR last May. It took forever and there wasn't even a line issue. It was the CMs talking away the day until a few of us starting getting a little loudly annoyed. As a result of that, we missed Magical Express by moments (and I scheduled in plenty of time!).

Thanks for the NYC outing pics; we did the exact same thing!!!

I would love for you to do a TR from your April! Pretty Please?

The boats over there, are defintely not for when your in a rush. They give new meaning to the word leisurely.

I love NY anytime, but in December I find it even more magical. Even with all the tourists.

 

[skier_pete]

That's just crazy! I would flip if they told me that I couldn't get on a boat heading to POR and then just stay on. Really if that's the rule, then they should only let the boat get half filled at POR, and save the other half for POFQ. It's not fair at all to the guests at POFQ.

Totally agree...yes POR is twice the size, but they should split the spaces 2 to 1. (Say 20 from POR and 10 from POFQ, assuming the boat holds 30.) But, nope, they were splitting it about 90 % POR. That's why I'll stick with the bus as well!

 

[miprender]

BOO HOO .... it is always sad reading the end of a TR.

We stayed at the POFQ last year and fell in love with that place. We were there during the Easter week crowds and that place does melt away all the stress of the crowds. It was just so peaceful.

 

[If U Had Wings]

BOO HOO .... it is always sad reading the end of a TR.

We stayed at the POFQ last year and fell in love with that place. We were there during the Easter week crowds and that place does melt away all the stress of the crowds. It was just so peaceful.

It's amazing how peaceful the place always feels. I don't think I've ever been there when it felt crazy or hectic.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Crissy! Just cruisin the threads. I was sad to see your last day creep up on us. But I think you said you'd do some wrap up stuff. Glad you did make it to your ME on time! Phew!

 

[If U Had Wings]

At the end of my week in December, I was ready to go home. The trip had it's good points, but by the end of the week I was tired and cranky. This really was a first for me this trip, as usually I dread having to go home. This trip I was looking forward to returning to the comforts of my own place. I can point to several small issues throughout the week - not getting as much solo time as I had been hoping, the cold, somewhat wet weather, the crowds of pushy people etc., but it was probably just a mixture of all of these things combined.

Honestly, my pixie dust was a bit shattered this trip. My BFF and I had already been talking about our trip scheduled for next October, but at the end of this week I was dreading it. Yes, dreading a week to Disney! If I hadn't shelled out the money already on the annual pass I probably would have suggested that we think of doing something else next year. I was thinking I needed a Disney break. With an AP purchased though, I was locked in to another Disney vacation, no matter what. The thought was a bit depressing to me. I wish I really knew why I was feeling so bummed at the end of this vacation. I had a lot of fun, and got some real rest and relaxation, but there was just something "off" with my vacation. I really don't know how to explain it. My week was over though, and I was relieved to be heading home.

As much as I loved going to Disney during December and seeing all the Christmas decorations I'm not sure I would do it again any time soon. The holiday decorations were beautiful, and I'm glad I went at least once to see them. Taking a week off in the middle of the holiday season though thoroughly discombobulated me though. I thought I was prepared with a well organized schedule, but then I came down with the flu over Thanksgiving and was continually sick until just a few days before I left for Disney. My very carefully crafted plan got thrown out the window because I was too sick and rundown to follow it. My Christmas decorations never got put up until Christmas Eve, and I was running around playing catch up all month. If I went to Disney with my family it may have been different, but I don't think I would go alone that time of year again. It really put a damper on the holidays for me at home. I hated feeling all Scroogy during the holidays because I was so run down.

I know this isn't the usual, happy kind of trip report, but it's honestly what I was feeling at the time. Even I was shocked at how grumpy I was feeling at the end of my trip. I really did have a good time, but my final feeling was that of exhaustion and fatigue. Maybe I pushed myself too hard while I was there after being sick for so long. I think I was home for about 3 days before I was back at the doctors again, this time with a diagnosis of bronchitis. Maybe I should have eased up on the schedule while in the parks.

I did come home from my trip with a few souveniers, even though I hadn't really been expecting to bring home anything. I think it's just unavoidable. Something about Disney makes me want to come home with the silliest stuff. I tried to limit myself to things that were at least useful, and if they weren't they had to be inexpensive.

Most importantly I came home with my Annual Pass and a Tables in Wonderland card. Not really a souvenier per say, but it is the purchase that will keep on giving. I loved having the Tables in Wonderland card over the DDP. Having the freedom to eat whatever we wanted was great. I made back my money on the card this trip alone with just the two of us. My March trip and my fall trip are pure savings.

With the purchase of some delicious cocktails you too can get your own glowing/blinking cubes. I'm such a child. I will order a drink just to get a glowing cube with it.

I always come home with a few new pins for my collection. This trip I had to pick up a few from the Boardwalk since it's my dream resort.

I saw this Tink one at Epcot and just had to have it. I think it was a Disney Visa exclusive pin. The Donald and Daisy one was from the Christmas party. The Tink one I wanted was already sold out, but I love this one too. The box top actually slides up to reveal a gift of a bowling ball.

While at Downtown Disney I picked up some soap at Basin. I thought the Mickey soap was adorable, but I really didn't like the sugary sweet smell of it very much. I liked the other lime soap much better. I thought they were pretty pricey for the amount of soap that you got, but I wanted to try them at least once. I'm glad I tried them, but I'll probably be sticking with my handmade soaps from Chargrin Valley Farm. Everything in Basin smelled so good!

This was one souvenier that I knew I just had to have. I'm always forgetting how many tablespoons are in a cup when adjusting recipies. I love seeing my Mickey magnet on my fridge.

On our last day I had to run over to Epcot to pick up a few things in the tea shop at the Great Britian pavillion. After seeing the Mickey tea ball on a few other trip reports I had been wanting one of those. I had intended on picking up a tea cup and saucer set as well, but was still hoping for the Coach bag and couldn't afford both. I picked up the tea bag holder instead. I didn't realize until I got home that it wasn't a Royal Albert pattern, and from what I can tell it's been discontinued by the manufacturer. I had been hoping to put together a set on my different trips to Disney.

While picking up a present for my niece in the Japanese department store I picked up a lucky cat for myself. The gold cat is supposed to bring me money and wealth. So far he's not doing a very good job.

With all the deliciously scented gingerbread displays at all the resorts, I couldn't leave without bringing a piece home. I loved the Small World ones at the contemporary.

On my last day I realized that I didn't have a decent shirt to wear home to Connecticut where the temperatures where down in the teens. I had been eyeing the same thermal waffle knit shirt all week, and since I had a bunch of money left on my food gift card I decieded to pick it up for myself. I just took a shot of one of the sleeves, because the rest of the top is just a plain grey. While I love the more traditional t-shirts with the characters on them, I never really wear them once I get home. They just aren't really me. I loved this shirt, because unless you were paying attention it's wasn't an overly obvious Mickey shirt. I loved the pattern running down the sleeves.

Of course there was my Coach wristelet in the black print. The white print was just not meant to be this trip, but I love that I don’t have to worry about this one getting all dirty.

Finally I couldn't leave without picking up something for the nieces. They love stuffed animals, but my SIL had asked if possible not to bring anymore home. I didn't have much of a problem finding something else to bring them.

My older niece loves art and is quite the artist. One of her favorite activities is her after school watercolor art class. For her it was easy to pick out a learn to draw Disney princesses kit.

My other niece was even easier. As much as she loves the Disney characters, she adores Hello Kitty even more. She's obsessed. The only other thing she's loves more than the Kitty is money. I have to be sure that I've hidden any change that I don't mind giving up to her. Any loose change she finds on me or in my bag is free game, and she has it stashed away in her piggy bank faster than you can blink. A Hello Kitty bank was perfect for her.

Well that just about wraps up this trip report. I need to get some pictures from my mom, and then I'll be posting a small mini-trip report up about my March trip. It was unexpected, but it really helped bring back some Disney magic to my soul.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I understand how you were feeling after your trip. That is how I felt after my May 2009 trip. I was just in a funk, thinking I didn't want to go back to Disney for awhile, not that it happened.

I love your souvenirs! I need one of those lucky cats!

 

[skier_pete]

Well a bit disappointing, I would agree. It's too bad that ANY vacation (not just Disney) doesn't live up to your expectations.

I totally agree with your christmas assessment...it's a nice time to go...but it so screws up "normal" Christmas that it just isn't worth the stress for the other twenty-some days of the holidays. I don't think we will be going back at that time anytime soon ourselves. I think I like going in October much better!

And though we haven't hit that wall yet, I can also totally see where you could get "Disney'd" out. Of course, you fail to mention that you went back again just 3 months later...did you have a better response to that trip?

However, the great thing (to me) about Disney, is that each vacation there is new and unique. Perhaps in October you should change things up. A couple things to try:

1) Other than your ADRs...don't have a plan. Just get up in the morning and go on a whim. You have the APs, so you can "hop" to dinner
2) Give yourself a "Shopping" day. I don't mean at DTD necessarily, but just spend a day going to a couple of different parks & resorts to check out the shops.
3) Have a "resort" day. Again, I don't mean going from resort to resort...just spend the whole day hanging at the resort. Bring a book and sit by the pool.
4) Do you consider going back to POFQ? You said that resort felt most like "home".

Just throwing out a few ideas to you...hope whatever you do the magic returns in force...and keep us here on the DIS informed!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I understand how you were feeling after your trip. That is how I felt after my May 2009 trip. I was just in a funk, thinking I didn't want to go back to Disney for awhile, not that it happened.

I love your souvenirs! I need one of those lucky cats!

I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I was really feeling anti-Disney when I got home and it felt so alien to me. Needless to say no one was more surprised than me that I found myself going again in March, when I didn't even want to go back in October.

I saw the cats and had to have one. (Never hurts to bring a little luck into the house, right?) It was really inexpensive too. A few dollars at the most.

I totally agree with your christmas assessment...it's a nice time to go...but it so screws up "normal" Christmas that it just isn't worth the stress for the other twenty-some days of the holidays. I don't think we will be going back at that time anytime soon ourselves. I think I like going in October much better!

That's exactly how I feel. I'm always so busy that time of year anyways. I thinking the stress of the trip helped make me sick before I left. I never really felt in the swing of the holidays the whole season. I much, much prefer going in October, although I have to say that transportation not withstanding I did like going in March.

And though we haven't hit that wall yet, I can also totally see where you could get "Disney'd" out. Of course, you fail to mention that you went back again just 3 months later...did you have a better response to that trip?

I did. I'll be writing about that soon, but it was just the kind of trip I needed to bring a bit of Disney magic back to me.

Other than your ADRs...don't have a plan. Just get up in the morning and go on a whim. You have the APs, so you can "hop" to dinner

I'm going to try this as much as possible next trip, but since we'll be doing the half marathon, and spending two days at Universal I still had to do a bit more planning than I would have liked. I have left a free and clear day in there though, so that should be good.

Have a "resort" day. Again, I don't mean going from resort to resort...just spend the whole day hanging at the resort. Bring a book and sit by the pool.

We have a half day planned like this the day after we do the half marathon. I might go for a massage early in the day, but after that I'm doing nothing but sitting around the pool until it's time to go to MNSSHP. Bliss! I can't wait. My friend is not a pool person, but she's free to do whatever she likes that morning.

Do you consider going back to POFQ? You said that resort felt most like "home".

I was back home again for my March trip. It was wonderful. Maybe that helped, I don't know. But it's always such a great feeling being back there.

 

[Flossbolna]

I really love your souvenirs, I think it is a nice selection of small things!

I knew you were so unhappy with your trip when you came back and I really understand now why. I am so sorry that that trip didn't work for you! But I know that you got your Disney magic back soon after it, so all is well!!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

My mother and I have a yearly tradition of having a December girls day out in NYC. We get tickets to a Broadway show, eat at a really nice restaurant and soak up the holiday decorations.

Crissy - I'm not sure if we've ever had this discussion before, but every year for her birthday (which is 12/22) I take my mom into Boston for a day of shopping, dinner and the Nutcracker performed by the Boston Ballet at the Opera House. We've been doing it for, gosh, close to 10 years I'd think and I wouldn't miss it for the world!

This trips definitely had its ups and downs. I've had those kinds of trips too. You just have to chalk it up to Life, I suppose. And we always have the opportunity to learn a little bit about ourselves, so there's that.

I, for one, can't wait to hear all about the Wine & Dine run!

Oh, and great souvies. I can't come home from the World without them either!

 

[aprilisis]

I love your mickey shirt & wristlet! My gold lucky cat hasn't exactly brought me fortune, either!

 

[praisehisname]

I really enjoyed your report and will be sticking around for the March mini-report. I also love your souvies!

 

[miprender]

I totally understand how you feel. This happened to us on our trip in 2006. It was our first time taking our two youngest and though they had a blast (DD3 and DS10mths at the time) we ran into so much attitude from the bus drivers and bringing our strollers on the bus.

We had two single strollers and on several times we were yelled at by the bus drivers we were taking up too much room, why are we taking them on the bus, etc.... it was so awful that when we got home I was done with Disney, but a year later I felt the urge to start planning another trip so in 2009 we returned and had a great time, went again in April and now are thinking of going back in November.

But I can't wait to read you minitrip report...

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so sorry to hear that your trip didn't live up to your expectations. It is always hard to spend that much money and not have an absolutely wonderful time.

On to happier things, I love your souvenirs!!! All of your pins are so cool, and I can't help but be envious of your annual pass and the Tables in Wonderland card with the great Alice artwork on it! That's actually one of Mary Blair's concept pieces for Alice in Wonderland.

 

[All7OfUs]

You did really well on your shopping, for sure.

I'm so glad that you could re-capture some of those Disney warm fuzzies in March and can't wait to read all about how you were able to do that! Pete had some great ideas there- I'd definitely try some of those too.

I was planning on getting one of those tea bag rests too- I'm so happy to know that they are for sure there!!!