Frozen.... in the NorthEast - August 2014

[DisMom1981]

So, two years ago, we were fortunate enough to spend a week on the Disney Fantasy with my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousins. While on board we felt it was worth every penny and completed an on board booking for 2014. The cruise leaves this week- July 5, however, back at the beginning of this year we decided the price was just way too unjustifiable when we knew for half the price we could do a Disney Parks vacation and have just as good a time. We were supposed to be traveling with the same family members plus another cousin and his wife and their two kids who are the same ages as my two kids. I was REALLY looking forward to this, as, my kids are the only children in mine and my husband's immediate families. They have second cousins, but they all live so far away we never see any. I am so excited that my cousin and his wife and their two boys are still going on this vacation- it is their first Disney trip and I know they will have a great time. Maybe one day in the future all of our Disney stars will align and we will be able to travel together with the kids before they get too old to want to hang out with us.

I was just reading a trip report of someone's stay in Cinderella's Castle. What an experience! Probably an unattainable one- but I do vow that at some point I will experience upgraded Disney resorts! My dream resort is Beach Club because, .....that pool!!!! followed by Grand Floridian- because I think it is the pretties resort on the monorail track! What are your dream or favorite resorts and why?

 

[Pikester]

So, two years ago, we were fortunate enough to spend a week on the Disney Fantasy with my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousins. While on board we felt it was worth every penny and completed an on board booking for 2014. The cruise leaves this week- July 5, however, back at the beginning of this year we decided the price was just way too unjustifiable when we knew for half the price we could do a Disney Parks vacation and have just as good a time. We were supposed to be traveling with the same family members plus another cousin and his wife and their two kids who are the same ages as my two kids. I was REALLY looking forward to this, as, my kids are the only children in mine and my husband's immediate families. They have second cousins, but they all live so far away we never see any. I am so excited that my cousin and his wife and their two boys are still going on this vacation- it is their first Disney trip and I know they will have a great time. Maybe one day in the future all of our Disney stars will align and we will be able to travel together with the kids before they get too old to want to hang out with us.

I was just reading a trip report of someone's stay in Cinderella's Castle. What an experience! Probably an unattainable one- but I do vow that at some point I will experience upgraded Disney resorts! My dream resort is Beach Club because, .....that pool!!!! followed by Grand Floridian- because I think it is the pretties resort on the monorail track! What are your dream or favorite resorts and why?

Two years ago this week my mom and I were on the Disney Dream for 5 days. We had a blast! It was the first time we had ever vacationed, just the two of us, as adults. I so want to go back again but there are two reasons I'm having a hard time going. 1, it's expensive for a family of 4 and 2, my husband doesn't like to cruise. I could go with my mom again but then I refer back to #1.

I sometimes think about what my dream Disney resort would be. I think I'd like to stay at a monorail resort that has a room with a view of the MK castle and fireworks. Out of the 3 monorail resorts the one I like the best is the Poly. Not sure if you can see the castle or fireworks from there. I know the Contemp does but I don't really like the look of that resort.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

joining after I saw you post in my PreTR!

Looks like you had quite a bit of luck with getting your FP+ ... though that is really annoying about Disney changing the EMH so late in the game. I kinda understand why the did what they did but just doesn't seem right to do it after ADR and FP+ windows were open.

 

[DisMom1981]

Two years ago this week my mom and I were on the Disney Dream for 5 days. We had a blast! It was the first time we had ever vacationed, just the two of us, as adults. I so want to go back again but there are two reasons I'm having a hard time going. 1, it's expensive for a family of 4 and 2, my husband doesn't like to cruise. I could go with my mom again but then I refer back to #1.

I sometimes think about what my dream Disney resort would be. I think I'd like to stay at a monorail resort that has a room with a view of the MK castle and fireworks. Out of the 3 monorail resorts the one I like the best is the Poly. Not sure if you can see the castle or fireworks from there. I know the Contemp does but I don't really like the look of that resort.

This week is dragging and I am REALLY longing for that Disney Cruise and Disney's Castaway Cay- a dream island paradise. I can't imagine anywhere more beautiful in the entire world!!

joining after I saw you post in my PreTR!

Looks like you had quite a bit of luck with getting your FP+ ... though that is really annoying about Disney changing the EMH so late in the game. I kinda understand why the did what they did but just doesn't seem right to do it after ADR and FP+ windows were open.

Thanks for joining in! I am enjoying reading about the Hershey DisMeet. I never realized that there was an official Disboards Meet- is it always in Hershey?

 

[DisMom1981]

I don't think I ever formally introduced Auntie K- my sister. She is coming for the entire trip (as are my parents now). I am so excited to have this time with my family (and their help), but last year it was just my parents for only 3 of the days.....this year it will be all of us and for 8 days?! Should be interesting......
Two years ago we all did DCL together, but since I had babies we were at the family pool all day while the rest of the family hung out at the adult pool. We really only saw each other at dinner time.

Auntie K lives in NJ and is also a 3rd grade teacher. She regretted not coming with us last year and almost spend $$$$$$ to spontaneously fly down to WDW and spend a couple days with us last year.

Auntie K is on the left and I am on the right.

I printed and reviewed the touring plans and everyone seems on board with them. My dad did question some of the fp+ times I selected and so I tried to explain to him the recommendations of touring plans in addition to the lack of options that were available. I also assisted him in calling Disney Tech because my sister's ticket was showing up under my DH's name on my dad's MDE. It was strange. The tech fixed it in about .04 seconds and then my dad asked for help..........are you ready for this........providing my mom with an avatar on the MDE. The tech was so nice he just asked her who she wanted to be and did it for them - but I had a really good laugh to myself.

Did I mention I joined a Memory Maker share? I've never had Photo Pass or Memory Maker. I cannot justify the price and my family hates taking pictures and I would stress about getting enough pictures for it to be 'worth it' I read about the shares and decided to give one a try for $35......the price we paid for one photo last year from Chef Mickey's.......if we get just two measly photos.....it will be worth it to me haha.

 

[DisMom1981]

I am facing a new pre-trip anxiety as I could not bring myself to book the special Frozen package that was released. I am so annoyed that in order to get decent viewings for the parade, fireworks and sing a long I have to shell out an extra $200? Have two parades a day! Ugh. In the same breath- I don't want to miss out on a possible limited time experience for a movie that I loved and that my small children are actually familiar with. We aren't doing any other dessert parties or signature meals OOP. Part of what is stressing me is that if we could do all of these activities without crazy waiting times, then we don't need to hand over the extra money to Disney. But if we get there and have to line up for the fireworks/parade three hours early- we will just need to skip it and I will be so disappointed.

This morning I pulled all of our suitcases, day bags, pool bags out of the attic and put them in our spare bedroom. I should really start to make a list to avoid packing disasters such as last year's- oh yea, I forgot my bathing suits. Hello sixteen hours of driving followed by dragging everyone around Savannah, Georgia in search of bathing suits before collapsing at our overnight hotel. Oh and you think "It's the south- they have bathing suits everywhere!!!" WRONG! They clean them out for back to school around the same time as they do up north. Fun, fun, fun

 

[Pikester]

I am facing a new pre-trip anxiety as I could not bring myself to book the special Frozen package that was released. I am so annoyed that in order to get decent viewings for the parade, fireworks and sing a long I have to shell out an extra $200? Have two parades a day! Ugh. In the same breath- I don't want to miss out on a possible limited time experience for a movie that I loved and that my small children are actually familiar with. We aren't doing any other dessert parties or signature meals OOP. Part of what is stressing me is that if we could do all of these activities without crazy waiting times, then we don't need to hand over the extra money to Disney. But if we get there and have to line up for the fireworks/parade three hours early- we will just need to skip it and I will be so disappointed. This morning I pulled all of our suitcases, day bags, pool bags out of the attic and put them in our spare bedroom. I should really start to make a list to avoid packing disasters such as last year's- oh yea, I forgot my bathing suits. Hello sixteen hours of driving followed by dragging everyone around Savannah, Georgia in search of bathing suits before collapsing at our overnight hotel. Oh and you think "It's the south- they have bathing suits everywhere!!!" WRONG! They clean them out for back to school around the same time as they do up north. Fun, fun, fun

Too funny. My husband forgot his swimsuit last year but he just wore a pair of the shorts he brought. Men have it so easy.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Thanks for joining in! I am enjoying reading about the Hershey DisMeet. I never realized that there was an official Disboards Meet- is it always in Hershey?

So the meets are around raising money for Give Kids the World and usually the info it over in the DISUnplugged forum within the board

I think they are up to about a dozen this year - in New England, Delaware, Indianapolis, New Jersey, Nova Scotia, etc. ... this was actually the first year they had one in Hershey

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I am facing a new pre-trip anxiety as I could not bring myself to book the special Frozen package that was released. I am so annoyed that in order to get decent viewings for the parade, fireworks and sing a long I have to shell out an extra $200? Have two parades a day! Ugh. In the same breath- I don't want to miss out on a possible limited time experience for a movie that I loved and that my small children are actually familiar with. We aren't doing any other dessert parties or signature meals OOP. Part of what is stressing me is that if we could do all of these activities without crazy waiting times, then we don't need to hand over the extra money to Disney. But if we get there and have to line up for the fireworks/parade three hours early- we will just need to skip it and I will be so disappointed.

I was tempted by the Frozen package as well - especially about having reserved areas and reserved admission to one of the sing-along parties as I am fearful of what the lines might be for them.

but DHS that is our arrival day and not sure I can even get to the park by 10:30am (our original thinking was only get to the park by 3pm or so) and we are doing the Fantasmic! Dining package so we couldn't do the dessert party anyway as that overlaps with Fantasmic! ... so decision kinda made for me.

Funny thing is I picked DHS for arrival day thinking there wasn't that much there we wanted to do outside of TSMM and Fantasmic! ... and then Disney has to go and add this whole Frozen party thing totally screw with my thinking/plans!

 

[DisMom1981]

I was tempted by the Frozen package as well - especially about having reserved areas and reserved admission to one of the sing-along parties as I am fearful of what the lines might be for them. but DHS that is our arrival day and not sure I can even get to the park by 10:30am (our original thinking was only get to the park by 3pm or so) and we are doing the Fantasmic! Dining package so we couldn't do the dessert party anyway as that overlaps with Fantasmic! ... so decision kinda made for me. Funny thing is I picked DHS for arrival day thinking there wasn't that much there we wanted to do outside of TSMM and Fantasmic! ... and then Disney has to go and add this whole Frozen party thing totally screw with my thinking/plans!

Me too! I'm like eh short day then off to the pools!!! Thanks again, Disney !

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[DisMom1981]

Too funny. My husband forgot his swimsuit last year but he just wore a pair of the shorts he brought. Men have it so easy.

I know, right? The story gets better- put kids in tub upon arrival and drain was broken. DH was so mad at this point he slammed the drain shut and went off to the car to get something. DD then decided to have stomach problem which led to a "sea of green" that was stuck in the tub due to broken drain. I took the kids out of the tub and went out I to the hallway hoping DH was returning. DS ran out after me, naked, and there we were locked out of the room until DH came back. Then we had to decide to call the front desk for help and allow them to see the disastrous state of the tub or fix the drain ourselves. It was at this point that I thought "DH is never going to come to DW again!!!!"

Memories!

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[DisMom1981]

I wasn't going to do it. I was adamant that Disney would not get me to pay them $200 additional dollars to enjoy events that I could enjoy without paying the extra $200. I mocked the "special viewing areas" and the "$200 Mickey Bars." And then......I called and booked the Frozen package. For our entire party the cost is actually over $300. I booked it because I don't want to feel like I have to wait for hours to have a parade or fireworks viewing spot. My plan is to watch the feedback on the boards over the next few weeks and make an ultimate decision about the reservation. Cancellation is most likely inevitable because:

a) My kids like Frozen, but will not want or be able to sit/stand, special section or not, for an hour (even with unlimited Mickey Bars) to see a special Frozen event. As much as I wish they cared or had some form of self-control- they don't. Our experience will most likely be- fight through clouds for a glimpse of parade/fireworks and yell, "Oh look! Cool!" Then proceed to yell at misbehaving child and make a fast escape.

b) I don't know if we would make it back to the park for fireworks- we never do Fantasmic, so it isn't part of our original plan to return. I don't want to force a return for the sake of having bought an expensive package.

c) We have the fp+ available to actually meet Anna and Elsa in MK.

d) One word- Jumbo-tron. Do we really need a good spot for viewing with the giant screen available?

e) Also, this has nothing to do with the package, but an ice-skating rink? I am happy about the rink for one reason only- it is one part of the spectacular that I hate so much I don't feel even a pinch of indecision about should I fit it into our schedule. Disney is really going to allow people to bring essentially sharp blades through their security and run all around the park with their own skates? Sounds like a nightmare.

My big Disney regret this morning is that I didn't book Hollywood and Vine this year. DS 5 and DD 3, so we LIVE watching the Disney Jr. shows and how can we not take advantage of this only opportunity to get pictures with these characters? Time to start stalking the reservations- hoping to snag a lunch time from someone who feels obligated to cancel their ADR to fit in all the Frozen spectaculars.

 

[mom2clr]

I am one of those parents who doesn't like to get sucked into the hype of things. With that said, I think if we were going this summer, I would have caved on this HS Frozen sham. Another good thing about having to wait the extra year is I get to save for 1 or 2 special activities.

I did photopass once. It was worth it because I'm always behind the camera and that year I have pictures of all of us together.

How's the summer going? Ready for kiddos to go back to school yet? We were home over the long weekend and by the 2nd morning, I was done! We have a pool in but because of the rain we had last week, the water was COLD so my Saturday plans were shot. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how changing plans up on kids can get.

Hope you have a great week!

 

[DisMom1981]

I am one of those parents who doesn't like to get sucked into the hype of things. With that said, I think if we were going this summer, I would have caved on this HS Frozen sham. Another good thing about having to wait the extra year is I get to save for 1 or 2 special activities.

I did photopass once. It was worth it because I'm always behind the camera and that year I have pictures of all of us together.

How's the summer going? Ready for kiddos to go back to school yet? We were home over the long weekend and by the 2nd morning, I was done! We have a pool in but because of the rain we had last week, the water was COLD so my Saturday plans were shot. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how changing plans up on kids can get.

Hope you have a great week!

Summer is going way too fast! It's bitter sweet because I can't wait for Disney, but I love playing stay at home mom, too. Hope yours is going great!

 

[Pikester]

Summer is going by fast and I don't like it. I too like being home with the kids and I'm enjoying being able to do what I want without a schedule. Looking forward to Disney but not wishing this time away.

 

[mom2clr]

Summer is going way too fast! It's bitter sweet because I can't wait for Disney, but I love playing stay at home mom, too. Hope yours is going great!

Summer is going by fast and I don't like it. I too like being home with the kids and I'm enjoying being able to do what I want without a schedule. Looking forward to Disney but not wishing this time away.

Although I'm enjoying having money back in my pockets due to being back at work full-time, I do miss those every day stay at home moments. I miss picking them from school and being able to just go do "something". I miss being home over the summer where we would get up and just go! But everything happens for a reason and the timing for this new opportunity came at the right time.

We have a year to go before our trip and I also have moments where I feel like I'm wishing the time away. I have told the girls we will be going back (of course they have no concept of time lol). Oldest DD complains it's "so far away" but gets excited to watch YouTube videos and tell me what she wants to do again or try. My little one asks me every morning if we can go after school.

I know it seems far but it will be here before we know it I'm sure.

 

[DisMom1981]

This is the time of the summer where I am desperately thinking of ways to finagle staying home full time, work with a more flexible schedule, and/or sell our house or rent our house and move here/there/everywhere.......oh my gosh it is exhausting! With TJ starting kindergarten we are feeling less flexible with options than ever before. He especially needs stability and we have his program set up and know who his teacher will be so we really are praying that we will be able to qualify for a construction loan and add on to our house. It is amazing that we work, pay every cent of every bill on time always, have phenomenal credit- but our house is just not worth what it was worth when we bought it- far far less and so we can't really sell it for enough to pay it off, nor can we assume we will get a construction loan because it possibly won't "appraise" at the value it would need to. So frustrating and pretty scary- we did nothing wrong and this is America we shouldn't be so stuck! I digress!

I bought myself several dry fit tanks for our trip. I discovered that t-shirts were not for me last year. Too hot. I haven't worn tanks in many summers which is a testament to how far I've come and the work I've been doing on running. Makes me think I am CRAZY for considering starting over and having another baby with all of this going on.

There was a 24 hour period where my parents were talking about upgrading to a mod. It would have cost them $500 and us a little less. I researched the mods and was excited to just have an experience in a different resort and then they pulled out. I get it- it's a lot of money for really not much more, but this is what I get excited about an I want to see/experience as much Disney as possible. This will be our last extended family vacation! DH did get an extra few days off ahead of the trip so maybe we can get in a couple days early and stay somewhere else!

We made our countdown paper chain about a week ago. On each link we write something we want to do in WDW and we read then as we pull one off each day. Half the chain is red and yellow to represent Mickey and the other half is blue and white for Donald. We save all links and read all of them again before we go and when we come back to see that we did everything.

Lastly, I am going to cancel the Frozen package. I feel confident that we can see the parade and sing a long in a way that will work for us without the package. My kids are too small and too hyperactive to sit and wait for things in the heat. The desserts will hold them for about five minutes. I really want to see the fireworks so I'm hoping to do everything in the am and then get back in time to find a spot for the fireworks- maybe the dance party will hold over the kids.

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[DisMom1981]

Although I'm enjoying having money back in my pockets due to being back at work full-time, I do miss those every day stay at home moments. I miss picking them from school and being able to just go do "something". I miss being home over the summer where we would get up and just go! But everything happens for a reason and the timing for this new opportunity came at the right time. We have a year to go before our trip and I also have moments where I feel like I'm wishing the time away. I have told the girls we will be going back (of course they have no concept of time lol). Oldest DD complains it's "so far away" but gets excited to watch YouTube videos and tell me what she wants to do again or try. My little one asks me every morning if we can go after school. I know it seems far but it will be here before we know it I'm sure.

It is scary how fast a year goes by although it can feel so slow at points throughout, right??

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[mom2clr]

Funny you mentioned cancelling the Frozen package because of their ages. I'm struggling with the whole "wanting to do as much as we in the time we are there because we haven't been in so long" mind-frame. I have to keep reminding myself that my girls will only be 7 1/2 and 4 1/2 and although the 7.5yo would be more up to my speed, the randomness that is my younger child may not adapt well to it. So, as with all kids, they are completely different creatures 3 months down the road so I can imagine I will get a better gauge of what I truly want to accomplish closer to the trip.

I was "forced" into becoming a stay at home mom as I was laid off when oldest DD turned 1 so we decided I would just stay home. Another baby later and it was over 5 years before I held a full-time job (worked part-time like I mentioned but I don't really count that. ) It was by far the hardest and most rewarding time of my life. I wish I could stay home 2 more years (when DD3 goes into Kindergarten) but it's time for me to start this new chapter. I hope you can figure out a way to stay home. It takes some planning and creativity budget wise, but it can be done.

I love the countdown chain idea. I did one I got from the Dis, but I like the idea of writing fun things to do on it.

Time passes whether we want it to or not. We just have to go with the flow and make the best of it. My friend's kids are 30 and 23 and she tells me all the time that although those tough times are brutal at the moment, they will pass. I just have to take her word for it.

 

[DisMom1981]

Funny you mentioned cancelling the Frozen package because of their ages. I'm struggling with the whole "wanting to do as much as we in the time we are there because we haven't been in so long" mind-frame. I have to keep reminding myself that my girls will only be 7 1/2 and 4 1/2 and although the 7.5yo would be more up to my speed, the randomness that is my younger child may not adapt well to it. So, as with all kids, they are completely different creatures 3 months down the road so I can imagine I will get a better gauge of what I truly want to accomplish closer to the trip. I was "forced" into becoming a stay at home mom as I was laid off when oldest DD turned 1 so we decided I would just stay home. Another baby later and it was over 5 years before I held a full-time job (worked part-time like I mentioned but I don't really count that. ) It was by far the hardest and most rewarding time of my life. I wish I could stay home 2 more years (when DD3 goes into Kindergarten) but it's time for me to start this new chapter. I hope you can figure out a way to stay home. It takes some planning and creativity budget wise, but it can be done. I love the countdown chain idea. I did one I got from the Dis, but I like the idea of writing fun things to do on it. Time passes whether we want it to or not. We just have to go with the flow and make the best of it. My friend's kids are 30 and 23 and she tells me all the time that although those tough times are brutal at the moment, they will pass. I just have to take her word for it.

That is so true! I am blessed to have a good job with great benefits. Staying at home is by far much harder work than my job- it's just so much more personal. But I do think that everything is for a reason and one day I'll look back and know why

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