Free Dining Designing!

[disneychic2]

How many days at MK? I think the lights are spectacular, but since she's just two, she may not get as much out of them. If it is less convenient to be there when the castle is lit, I wouldn't worry about it. She'll no doubt get a chance to see them another year and maybe appreciate them a bit more in the bargain. I need to go back a refresh myself with your dates and number of days…

That's too bad about the job. I was so hoping he could get something he really loves and get out of his current situation. I know there's something out there for him…I hope he finds it soon!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

We are only going to have one day at each park this trip! But we are going to upgrade to APs so there will be many day trips in our future over the next year - as well as some overnights and weekends

I decided to go ahead and give us the opportunity to see the castle lights. I, for one, love them so I figured it would be silly to miss them for no good reason. As of now, here are the plans:

Sunday - drive down in the morning, check in, head to DHS, rides, dinner at Mama Melrose (6pm), Osborne Lights

Monday - rope drop at AK, lunch at Yak & Yeki (counter service) or Flame Tree, break right after lunch, dinner at Raglan Road (6:30)

Tuesday - rope drop at MK, hoping for lunch FP for BOG, otherwise CHH, early break, HDDR at 4pm, back to MK for some more riding and castle lights

Wednesday - Epcot (not sure if we will shoot for rope drop or not), World Showcase snacks for lunch, probably will make this a 3/4 day

Thursday - pack up and head home

So, Saturday DH went shooting with his cousins and uncle and then we took the girls to lunch at the mall. Peyton and I did her back to school clothes shopping (will do shoes closer to school starting) while DH took Charlotte to the play area. Yesterday we took the girls to their first baseball game. Charlotte was so excited - but a little bit confused. The first thing she wanted to do was ride Dumbo Then she asked if we could go see Cinderella. There is a church next to the baseball grounds and she was convinced that the steeple was a tower, and she wanted to go see the tower. I explained to her what it was, but right before we left she asked if we could go to the tower again.

Thanks to Charlotte's obsession with Disney (I'm so proud!), and mentioning it non-stop yesterday, DH said we could go ahead and get our APs now instead of waiting for our November trip. I need to run the numbers, because I hate to give up free dining, but we may go ahead and get them in August, if I can make it make financial sense.

The rest of today for me is working, eye appointment, and taking a stab at my first homemade mac and cheese - no blue box at our house tonight

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[Chicago Mo]

everything looks great!!!

I will say going to Disney and NOT seeing the lights.. may just be grounds for Disney Jail...

i really want to do HDDR!!!! I wish i had the time to go this year i just can't get it into our plans...

cannot wait to hear all about this!!!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

When I gave it some thought, I couldn't figure out how I could justify not putting the castle lights into the plan. The original plan was to hit MK on a MVMCP day to take advantage of the lighter crowds but there was no way to do HDDR and make it back to MK to see the lights. My kids would revolt if I scheduled dinner at 8:30 - my mom would too! So, the solution was to just switch my MK day for a non-party day. Hopefully the crowds won't be bad so I don't kick myself for this decision.

We did HDDR on our second trip (I think) when Peyton was 3. We were going to go again last year but at the last minute we decided there was no way Charlotte would be able to sit through it. She'll be 3 in October, so we think she'll be ready by November.

Holy heck! The trip to the optometrist was so expensive! It's actually DH's fault, he scheduled his appointment right after mine and we both need new glasses. Mine are fairly reasonable but he likes Transitions and needs progressive lens so his glasses end up costing more than double what mine do. We left the doctor's office almost $700 lighter and I still need to take in an old pair of glasses to have made into sunglasses at a cost of another $100. I think this is why I put this appointment off for so long!

I did not attempt the mac and cheese last night - it was too late by the time we got home. I think I'll give it a try tonight, although I need to check with DH since he and Peyton are getting their hair cut tonight and they've been known to come home with take out

Lots of work to get done today, once I tear myself away from the DIS!

 

[disneychic2]

I'm glad you decided to go back for the castle lights. I really can't get enough of them when we're there during the holidays.


I would love to do HDDR one day. I asked Dan about it this trip and he said he wasn't interested in it. I know if I said I really wanted to do it, he would go, but I want him to be happy too.

I hear you on the expense of the glasses! I get what your hubby gets and mine were $1,000!! I "only" had to pay a little over $500, but still….wowser!!! Dan does contacts and it cost maybe $120/year for those. Can we say high maintenance??? It's always something, isn't it? I need a crown and those are soooo expensive. I've been putting it off since Dan has had to have so much work done due to his extremely cracked tooth and what had to be done for that. Good thing we're both really healthy otherwise!!

I made home made mac and cheese once and our son said he preferred the box! Big deflate there! It was actually quite good, even though I've never been much of a fan of mac & cheese, but Jonathan didn't apparently like the taste of real, actual cheese. Hope yours love it. Take out is always a good choice!!

Have a great day!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

I figured it would be silly to be there and not even have the opportunity to see the castle lights. If we decide we're too tired after HDDR or just don't want to head back to MK, that's fine. The Osborne Lights are my holiday must-do at Disney - I could spend so much time looking at those. But I do love the castle all lit up too

DH's glasses were just under $500 which is just crazy to me. I have had issues in the past when I've worn contacts so I'm hesitant to try them again. Plus, my eyes are so bad I'd still have to get new glasses too so contacts probably wouldn't save me much money at all. Although I miss the convenience of buying cheap sunglasses and just throwing them on when I go outside. It's the stupidest thing but I hate changing from my glasses to my prescription sunglasses when I go outside - escpecially at Disney when you are in and out all day long.

The expenses have been crazy around here recently - a new dishwasher. Charlotte's surgery, and our glasses. I also have to get a new camera before our trip and I'm hoping to upgrade to a DSLR and our laptop is on it's last legs. I hate when things get like this and you feel like you just can't get ahead, or even stay caught up, financially.

DH loved my mac and cheese - Peyton and I were not big fans. It was fine, it just wasn't how I wanted it to be. I was wanting a more creamy texture and that is not what I ended up with. I'll give it another try in a couple weeks with a new recipe.

Hope everyone has a great day! The only thing on my agenda today is getting the 3 work projects that I was told yesterday were needed ASAP done. Nothing going on this evening.

 

[disneychic2]

I totally get the taking the glasses off and putting on the rx sunglasses!! That's why I went to the progressive lenses this time. I was thinking the ease at Disney. It drives me crazy to be changing constantly!

It does seem to come in spurts when it comes to finances. Hope things even out for you soon. I saw you may be able to do a DIS meet with D~….that would be awesome! You could meet her outside the park if you don't want to lose free dining. That's what I would do I think. Gives you longer to save for it too.

Have a great day and I hope you get your three projects done!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Charlie and I love HDDR, but aren't doing it this trip either. Maybe next time..

I love homemade Mac & cheese. Charlie is not a fan so I don't make it often- usually when he is away- lol. I add chunks of velveeta to mine. I think it makes it creamier.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Charlie and I love HDDR, but aren't doing it this trip either. Maybe next time..

I love homemade Mac & cheese. Charlie is not a fan so I don't make it often- usually when he is away- lol. I add chunks of velveeta to mine. I think it makes it creamier.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm valveeta....

 

[lovedonaldduck]

I totally get the taking the glasses off and putting on the rx sunglasses!! That's why I went to the progressive lenses this time. I was thinking the ease at Disney. It drives me crazy to be changing constantly!

It does seem to come in spurts when it comes to finances. Hope things even out for you soon. I saw you may be able to do a DIS meet with D~….that would be awesome! You could meet her outside the park if you don't want to lose free dining. That's what I would do I think. Gives you longer to save for it too.

Have a great day and I hope you get your three projects done!

I'm still working on the DIS meet with D~ - hoping we can work it out. I need to get it figured out soon, though. I'm sure D~ and I will let everyone know what the final plan is, if we can work something out.

Still swamped at work, but I plan on bringing the laptop home this weekend to get caught up/ahead a bit.

Charlie and I love HDDR, but aren't doing it this trip either. Maybe next time..

I love homemade Mac & cheese. Charlie is not a fan so I don't make it often- usually when he is away- lol. I add chunks of velveeta to mine. I think it makes it creamier.

I'm excited to do HDDR again, and to see how Charlotte reacts to it.

I think I am actually a bigger fan of restaurant mac & cheese than homemade. That is what I was shooting for, but I didn't get it quite right this first time. I am not a fan of velveeta, but that might be key to the creaminess.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm valveeta....

Work continues to be challenging and frustrating and I really hate that. I would love to have a job that I love, and as of now, this isn't it!

No news on the trip front, although I need to get things moving if I'm going to be able to get ready for a family planning meeting next weekend. Any idea of where I could get a picture of every attraction at each park, other than the Disney website?

We don't have any real weekend plans. I think tomorrow we may take the girls swimming or head down to the Alligator Farm. My MIL mentioned hanging out with the girls for a little bit on Sunday which means DH and I may get a lunch date.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[Chicago Mo]

I need to see pictures of alligator farms...



PLEASE!!!

 

[lovedonaldduck]

We didn't end up going to the Alligator Farm this weekend - we went and walked around St. Augustine and had lunch instead. I have zero pictures of the alligators at the alligator farm - they kind of creep me out. Next time we go, I'll take pictures just for you, Mo! We have annual passes so it shouldn't be long before our next trip down there.

 

[disneychic2]

Hi Jennifer!

I wish you had a job you loved too. I like that old saying "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life". I'm so glad Dan loves his job, even though right now he's under quite a bit of stress. At least he knows that after November he'll be able to go back to normal. At work at least.

How are Charlotte's ears? Still getting along okay? I know our little neighbor is doing just great. It's amazing what a little thing like tubes can do to improve everything.

Sorry, I don't know where you can get pics of all the rides other than Disney's website or Allears or youtube. Can you hook your laptop to your tv? That would be a great way to show the attractions. Hope your meeting goes well.

Have a great day!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Thank you!!! Ya know we don't have those things up here!

I mean the first time the kids were in Florida they flipped out over all the little lizards all over the place. Honestly so did i!!! Fun seeing the animal differences in states!!!

How IS the weather there???

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Just a quick drive by to say hi, and that I will be back once I get through this incredibly busy time at work - probably late this week.

Also, some big Disney news - hopefully D~ won't mind that I am officially stalking her vacation! We will be at POFQ the same time that D~ is (although only for 2 nights)! I still have to officially book everything, but as of now it looks like we'll be spending a day at DHS to experience all of the Frozen stuff and a day at MK. Our parks won't overlap with D~'s, but I figured since our resort will, we can schedule a quick meet sometime This also means that as of this afternoon, I should be the proud owner of a brand new annual pass and frantically scrambling to schedule whatever FP+ are still out there. I'm thinking we'll save meeting Anna and Elsa and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for November

So, if you have a trip scheduled over a weekend any time in the next year, you need to be careful I don't crash your vacation too

 

[DMGeurts]

This is SOOOO awesome Jennifer! I cannot wait to meet you! I'll send you my cell # via FB, so you can contact me easier when you are there! YAY!!!

And congrats on the AP!

D~

 

[disneychic2]

AP Time!!!!!!

Congrats!!!!

And how great that you will be meeting with D~ and the girls! Here I was just thinking a day trip for you and you go and get my favorite resort for two days. I need to live in Florida!!!! I'm really excited for you.

Sorry you're still so swamped at work, and hoping it does get better by the end of the week.

 

[lovedonaldduck]

It's official - my parents have our AP vouchers in hand!

Living in Florida certainly has it's benefits! I was lucky that things worked out how they did - my dad is leaving for work travel at the beginning of September and he wanted to do something with the girls before he left - add to that, that we are Frozen freaks in our house (plus my mom), and we are all having Disney withdrawl and it was an easy sell

I'm excited that I'll get to meet D~ and the girls too! I'm thinking an evening beverage by the pool might be perfect I'll look for your message on Facebook (can't get to that at work), D~. I'll also send you a PM here or there with our details. And, you'll get to see another of your bags in action - my mom was just saying yesterday as we were hatching our plans that she needed a new park bag for this trip - so the Cruella bag will be an even earlier Christmas present than I was planning - August instead of November And now I need a park bag too Want to bring a spare UPB down for me to rent/borrow for the weekend?

 

[Chicago Mo]

awesome! you get to meet D!!! Awesome stalking Jennifer!!!!

can't wait to read about it!

Big Congrats on your AP's!!!



How is the weather going?? We are UNSEASONABLY COLD here so wondering how you guys are down there?!?

 

[lovedonaldduck]

I almost walked out of work yesterday. Our accounting operations are handled out of 2 locations due to an acquisition, my boss is in our other office in Virginia. One of the Virginia employees is out on maternity leave and I have taken over about 75% of her job while she is out - in addition to the full time job I already had. Needless to say, despite working lots of extra hours, I am still way behind on everything and completing stuff at the very last minute. Yesterday afternoon, I went ahead with an entry that needed to be booked. I'd spent 2 weeks talking to various people about the entry and couldn't really get anyone to commit to what needed to be done. Finally, yesterday afternoon, I got someone to make a decision. Then my boss decides to second guess me and question how I came up with what I did. After all of the work I'd done, I was overruled in 15 minutes and had to change my entry. Not really a big deal, but after working at the office until 11:30 the night before and at home until 12:30 Sunday night, I was over it. Plus, where was this decision when I went looking for one 2 weeks ago? I was so frustrated.

So when I got home last night, I vegged out for too long. I had intentions of going to bed very early (I was shooting for 8, since I'd only gotten a total of10 hours of sleep over the last 2 nights) but ended up staying up until 9:30
(night owl, I know) so I could get our APs linked and make FP+ reservations. I thought I had realistic expectations but I was shocked that in addition to not being able to get Anna & Elsa or 7DMT, there were no FP+ available for Toy Story! I think FP+ may really change how we do the parks as Annual Passholders. In the past, we would sometimes decide on a Friday to go down for a day trip on Saturday or Sunday but I'm not sure we'll be able to be that last minute anymore.

I called this morning and booked POFQ with the military discount. I called to book Cooper at Best Friends Pet Care but they didn't have anything available for our dates So, he is on the wait list and I have a back up reservation at our vet.

As of now, plans are to leave here when Peyton gets out of school. That should put us in Orlando around 6pm, depending on traffic. Not sure if we will be dropping Cooper off there or before we leave. We'll get settled in the room and grab dinner at the Food Court.

Rope drop at DHS.

We will watch the Frozen opening show and then head straight to TSMM - if the family feels like waiting in the regular line to ride. Otherwise, we can skip it this trip and get a FP+ for November.

FP+ for RnR 9:20-10:20
FP+ for ToT 10:25-11:25

After ToT we will head over to get a spot for the Frozen processional.
After that we will get tickets for the first Frozen Sing A Long.
Plan to take the girls to the HISTK playground until it's time for the Sing A Long.
After that, it will be a late lunch at Mama Melrose (1:25)
Then we will try to see American Idol for DH before calling it a day.
Rest time, pool time, dinner time, and meeting D~ at the resort.

Rope drop at MK

Not sure if we will head straight to 7DMT or not even bother. I think we'll go straight there to see if Charlotte is tall enough, if she is, we'll probably wait in line for it. If she isn't, it will be Barnstormer, Dumbo, and possibly VotLM. The child has a Barnstormer obsession, last trip she rode it 3 times in a row and was disappointed we wouldn't let her keep going. My little daredevil! Meanwhile, her 8 year old sister won't ride it because it's too fast and scary.

We have FP+ to meet Ariel from 9:20-10:20
I was just able to grab a 10:20 breakfast at Crystal Palace! We've never eaten there and I had lunch scheduled, but I like the idea of breakfast a lot more!
FP+ 11:20-12:20 for BTMMR
FP+ 12:20-1:20 for Splash

Then it will be time to call it a day and either pick up Cooper and head home or head home and pick up Cooper the next day (if he stays at our vet).

It will be a whirlwind trip but I am really looking forward to it!

We got a really good deal on our rooms, so I am off to crunch the numbers and see if it would be worth adding the Dining Plan.