Girls-Only Trip ~ Old planning thread, see first post for new link

[BillyFan]

Hi girls!
I met with a friend this morning who is planning her first trip to DLR. The group is her and her husband, their 2 kids, 1 and 4, and a set of grandparents. Of course,they plan their first trip for Thanksgiving weekend. I warned about crowds, but her sister said it will be great. Then I gave her a bunch of tips today, brought her some maps, talked about what is most important to them, etc. She thinks the family just wants to go with the flow and do what the kids want to do. Well we talked about the importance of getting there early and having a plan. I convinced her to get 3-day PHs, since they will be driving in mid-day Friday. that way they can get a MM on Saturday. Well, she just sent me an email saying that her husband only wants to go into the park on Saturday, and he only wants to go to Disneyland. How am I supposed to plan a great day for them, when I know it is going to be crazy crowded? It's like they're setting themselves up for disaster!!!

 

[toocherie]

Hi girls!
I met with a friend this morning who is planning her first trip to DLR. The group is her and her husband, their 2 kids, 1 and 4, and a set of grandparents. Of course,they plan their first trip for Thanksgiving weekend. I warned about crowds, but her sister said it will be great. Then I gave her a bunch of tips today, brought her some maps, talked about what is most important to them, etc. She thinks the family just wants to go with the flow and do what the kids want to do. Well we talked about the importance of getting there early and having a plan. I convinced her to get 3-day PHs, since they will be driving in mid-day Friday. that way they can get a MM on Saturday. Well, she just sent me an email saying that her husband only wants to go into the park on Saturday, and he only wants to go to Disneyland. How am I supposed to plan a great day for them, when I know it is going to be crazy crowded? It's like they're setting themselves up for disaster!!!

Tina--there is nothing you can do. Obviously your friend's hubby thinks he knows more than you--someone who goes to DLR regularly. Think of it this way--they will have an awful time, the kids will be cranky, they will never want to go back and there's more room for the rest of us! LOL. Did you tell her to be sure to see your boyfriend?

Jen--we want pictures from DLP!!!!! I still have to buy my Rosetta Stone software so I can brush up on my French for if and when I get to go!

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Hello! TGIF!

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Tina, that is so frustrating. I gather they never bought the three-day park tickets?

Heather, I'm glad it wasn't your DH who got into the screaming fight. That's a rough, rough night. I doubt you are sick, anyone would be feeling bad after that kind of night. Let's hope for a better rest tonight and a future move!

Im in in the Christmas card Send out I have some Really nice australian Christmas cards to send!!

Hi! You have some interesting locations in your signature. Are you living in Claremont CA now? Someday, I'd love to see Tasmania.

Dawn:

Sarah: Good luck on the job front. Good to hear that your DH likes his new job.

OK, I'm afraid to write it but I think I may be going to DLP next week. Kids want to go too and my DH is folding under the pressure. We would drive, stay at Vienna Dreams Hotel near Disneyland and then take the train into Paris one day. Doesn't that sound just...well...dreamy. I'll keep you posted and will take lots of pictures. Consider it a planning trip for the 2011 International DL Diva Paris Adventure. I'm trying to get DLP annual passes rather than tickets. We'll see how that goes. Even let DH go to play poker last night to try to win some brownie points.

Take care everyone! Be healthy and happy!

-Jen

Oh, Jen that sounds like so much fun. Yes, it's a planning trip.

I am really happy to hear about the new jobs for everyone!! Congratulations!!!

 

[DangerMouse]

Hi girls!
I met with a friend this morning who is planning her first trip to DLR. The group is her and her husband, their 2 kids, 1 and 4, and a set of grandparents. Of course,they plan their first trip for Thanksgiving weekend. I warned about crowds, but her sister said it will be great. Then I gave her a bunch of tips today, brought her some maps, talked about what is most important to them, etc. She thinks the family just wants to go with the flow and do what the kids want to do. Well we talked about the importance of getting there early and having a plan. I convinced her to get 3-day PHs, since they will be driving in mid-day Friday. that way they can get a MM on Saturday. Well, she just sent me an email saying that her husband only wants to go into the park on Saturday, and he only wants to go to Disneyland. How am I supposed to plan a great day for them, when I know it is going to be crazy crowded? It's like they're setting themselves up for disaster!!!

BTDT Sister! I hate it when people ask me to plan budget trips for them when they will be spending 1 day in the middle of Spring Break and staying at a hotel in Laguna Beach, and they can't get to the parks until almost noon because their kids like to sleep in. I'm like . . . ummm, I can't do that!!

Jen, have fun at DLP! My dh has a big client in Tokoyo, and I keep begging him for a business-trip so we can visit Tokoyo Sea!

Hope everyone is gearing up for a great weekend! I'm feeling better while on the Flexeril, but it pretty much makes me a walking zombie. We have a Fall Festival here at HomeConnections tonight, but I am wishing I could just go home and get in bed.

Kelly and Becci (it was Becci, right?) - looks like we all might be getting into SNA around the same time. If I end up making ressies this weekend, I'll PM you about sharing ground transportation. K?

 

[cccdisney]

Kelly and Becci (it was Becci, right?) - looks like we all might be getting into SNA around the same time. If I end up making ressies this weekend, I'll PM you about sharing ground transportation. K?

Yes it was me. I haven't bought my tickets yet either. Need to nail down a good return flight time with my husband. It will definitely be Sunday evening though. But I want to stay as long as possible on Sunday.

So - who is flying out of SNA on Sunday late afternoon or early evening??

 

[mommaU4]

Sarah ~ You can still book HOB and get a table for all of you together, you just won't have to go through Event Planning. Just call the restaurant directly.

Jen ~ DLP??? Lucky girl!! Have fun!!


Laurie ~ YAY for Mike and you both. I hope he loved his new job.


Heather ~ I'm sorry for the rough day and all the hassles you are going through. I've had that happen with the false charges to the tune of over $1,000. I hope you feel better!


Kelly ~ Enjoy your nice relaxing weekend. What did you think of Survivor last night???? Crazy huh???


Wendy ~ If I even attempted the segway it would be hilarious and painful. lol


Cristabel ~ Have fun at DL for your cousin's b-day.


Callie ~ I'm so glad to hear you making plans! It wouldn't have been the same without you. Have fun at the festival.




Just a note about the tees: The vote for T-shirt design #1 should really only be at 10. We had a vote cast by some one with the DIS name of "Mortimer Mouse" and as far as I know they are not part of the trip, nor planning to be, and I know we discussed keeping the votes limited only to those who will actually be there or are hoping to be there. Unless of course this is someone I haven't heard of who's wanting or hoping to join, in which case, I stand corrected.



Hope you're all having a nice evening.

 

[mommaU4]

Help!

I need a good stuffing recipe. I'm bored with the one I always use. Anyone have one they want to share??

Thanks!!!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Hmm. So is the Cove Bar officially moved to Friday night now? Or are we doing BOTH Friday and Sunday night?

Okay, let's see!

Heather, get some rest and I really hope you don't get sick!

Tina, ugghhh, how frustrating! I agree with Cheryl, they're probably going to have a miserable time and more room for us who know how to do it!

Jen, I hope you get to go to DLP!! That would be fantastic! Please keep up posted!!

Laurie, congrats on your DH getting a job! I know it's been a long road for you guys! Hoorah for answered prayers!

 

[21yankees]

Help!

I need a good stuffing recipe. I'm bored with the one I always use. Anyone have one they want to share??

Thanks!!!

This is Chef Irvine's (from Food Network) it's one my whole family enjoys (that's a feat in itself )

Cranberry, Apple and Sausage

Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup or 1 stick) butter, unsalted
2 medium onions, finely diced
3 cups chopped celery, (about 6 large stalks)
6 cups coarsely chopped leeks, (about 12)
4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1 pound breakfast sausage or Italian sausage, casings removed
6 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves, (about 4 sprigs)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves, (about 6 leaves)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, (about 4 to 6 sprigs)
2 cups dried cranberries
1 box stuffing mix (not cornbread) (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)
2 cups (1 pint) vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the onions, celery, leeks, apples, and sausage, breaking up the sausage as you cook. After about 10 minutes, add the poultry seasoning, fresh herbs and dried cranberries. Add the dried stuffing mix and moisten with the vegetable stock. Season stuffing mix with salt and pepper, to taste. (I like the stuffing a little wetter - if you don't, just add less stock)

Place into a buttered casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes


steph

 

[MamaKate]

Heather- Hope you get a better nights sleep tonight .

Kelly ~ Enjoy your nice relaxing weekend. What did you think of Survivor last night???? Crazy huh???

I loved it!! I'm actually rooting for Russell now .

Help!

I need a good stuffing recipe. I'm bored with the one I always use. Anyone have one they want to share??

Thanks!!!

Grab a box of Stove Top & add chicken broth .

Hi girls!
I met with a friend this morning who is planning her first trip to DLR. The group is her and her husband, their 2 kids, 1 and 4, and a set of grandparents. Of course,they plan their first trip for Thanksgiving weekend. I warned about crowds, but her sister said it will be great. Then I gave her a bunch of tips today, brought her some maps, talked about what is most important to them, etc. She thinks the family just wants to go with the flow and do what the kids want to do. Well we talked about the importance of getting there early and having a plan. I convinced her to get 3-day PHs, since they will be driving in mid-day Friday. that way they can get a MM on Saturday. Well, she just sent me an email saying that her husband only wants to go into the park on Saturday, and he only wants to go to Disneyland. How am I supposed to plan a great day for them, when I know it is going to be crazy crowded? It's like they're setting themselves up for disaster!!!

I wouldn't waste your breath. There are always those who ask for your advise and then don't take it & have a horrible time. I've had it happen to me a couple of times .

 

[Queenbillabong]

Help!

I need a good stuffing recipe. I'm bored with the one I always use. Anyone have one they want to share??

Thanks!!!

Like Steph, I do a fixer upper to a box of stuffing - and everyone always loves it! I saute onion, finely diced carrot and celery until soft. We like to use cooked sausage, but one time I didn't have sausage so I used bacon and it was just as yummy I use a mixture of melted butter and chicken stock to moisten the stuffing mix, add in some poultry seasoning and bake alongside the turkey (I never actually stuff the thing - ewwwww!). I sometimes use pecans as well or chestnuts - yummy! My guys don't like fruit in stuffing, but apple and cranberry are nice additions (just wouldn't work out here )

What do you normally use for stuffing/dressing? I saw a Paula Dean show one time where she made oyster dressing and it looked so bizarre to me - she used cracker crumbs and it was a really wet dressing. I don't think I'll be trying that one here, but if it works for you

 

[DizNee Luver]

I do:
Bread cubes
Onion
Granny Smith Apples
Broth
Seasonings

My mom's recipe...easy & delicious!!

 

[jordansmomma]

Help!

I need a good stuffing recipe. I'm bored with the one I always use. Anyone have one they want to share??

Thanks!!!

I do Stove Top! I haven't had a complaint yet!!


The Segway is not really that hard! It's a lot of fun

 

[toocherie]

This is Chef Irvine's (from Food Network) it's one my whole family enjoys (that's a feat in itself )

Cranberry, Apple and Sausage

Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup or 1 stick) butter, unsalted
2 medium onions, finely diced
3 cups chopped celery, (about 6 large stalks)
6 cups coarsely chopped leeks, (about 12)
4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1 pound breakfast sausage or Italian sausage, casings removed
6 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves, (about 4 sprigs)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves, (about 6 leaves)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, (about 4 to 6 sprigs)
2 cups dried cranberries
1 box stuffing mix (not cornbread) (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)
2 cups (1 pint) vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the onions, celery, leeks, apples, and sausage, breaking up the sausage as you cook. After about 10 minutes, add the poultry seasoning, fresh herbs and dried cranberries. Add the dried stuffing mix and moisten with the vegetable stock. Season stuffing mix with salt and pepper, to taste. (I like the stuffing a little wetter - if you don't, just add less stock)

Place into a buttered casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes


steph

Yummy! Just don't serve it to Amy Sue (she's allergic to sage).

Heather-

Grab a box of Stove Top & add chicken broth .

Works for me!

What do you normally use for stuffing/dressing? I saw a Paula Dean show one time where she made oyster dressing and it looked so bizarre to me - she used cracker crumbs and it was a really wet dressing. I don't think I'll be trying that one here, but if it works for you

I don't think I would like oysters in my stuffing either. Ick.

I heard from Dawn today--she is feeling "slightly" better so keep thinking good thoughts for her.

My weekend? I have to go to a memorial service tomorrow--my friend's Mom passed away right before I went to WDW and they are having the service tomorrow (she was cremated). Otherwise, I am going to do a little admin work and then hopefully clear out my dead tomatoes.

 

[lulubelle]

Like Steph, I do a fixer upper to a box of stuffing - and everyone always loves it! I saute onion, finely diced carrot and celery until soft. We like to use cooked sausage, but one time I didn't have sausage so I used bacon and it was just as yummy I use a mixture of melted butter and chicken stock to moisten the stuffing mix, add in some poultry seasoning and bake alongside the turkey (I never actually stuff the thing - ewwwww!). I sometimes use pecans as well or chestnuts - yummy! My guys don't like fruit in stuffing, but apple and cranberry are nice additions (just wouldn't work out here )

I do the exact same thing. My family like Mrs Cubinson's so that's what I start with. No fruit for my family, either. I like it but they prefer the sauteed veggies, real butter and Swanson chicken broth. It's funny how our family likes what they like and it's almost like comfort food during the holidays.

I loved Survivor this week. I don't like Russell but sure give him props for playing such a clever game. I like Natalie, Mick and Jaison, too. Guess I'm one who pulls for the underdogs.

Anyone doing anything fun this weekend? We aren't, but it's ok. I'm gearing up for the Vegas trip with a few of the girls. And Beth is so sweet with all her help. Can't wait to see you Beth.

 

[mommaU4]

This is Chef Irvine's (from Food Network) it's one my whole family enjoys (that's a feat in itself )

Cranberry, Apple and Sausage

Thanks Steph! That sounds good. I've never had sausage in my stuffing, maybe we should try it. I found a similar recipe on allrecipes.com and it got great reviews.

I loved it!! I'm actually rooting for Russell now .

I know!!! I never liked him, but he's going great. I mean, like him or not, he's playing the game. Can't argue with that.

Like Steph, I do a fixer upper to a box of stuffing - and everyone always loves it! I saute onion, finely diced carrot and celery until soft. We like to use cooked sausage, but one time I didn't have sausage so I used bacon and it was just as yummy I use a mixture of melted butter and chicken stock to moisten the stuffing mix, add in some poultry seasoning and bake alongside the turkey (I never actually stuff the thing - ewwwww!). I sometimes use pecans as well or chestnuts - yummy! My guys don't like fruit in stuffing, but apple and cranberry are nice additions (just wouldn't work out here )

What do you normally use for stuffing/dressing? I saw a Paula Dean show one time where she made oyster dressing and it looked so bizarre to me - she used cracker crumbs and it was a really wet dressing. I don't think I'll be trying that one here, but if it works for you

I've done that before. For a few years I'd just get the Stovetop cornbread version and doctor it up with chicken broth, apples, walnuts, etc. It was good. And then last year I used a cornbread and onion recipe where I made the cornbread from scratch and it was good, but time consuming.

Oyster dressing sounds unpleasant to me to say the least. lol

I do Stove Top! I haven't had a complaint yet!!

It is pretty tasty. I should just go back to doctoring that up and make it easy on myself. OR maybe I will do that and make the recipe Steph posted and do a little taste test among my family so I'll know for next year which they prefer.

I heard from Dawn today--she is feeling "slightly" better so keep thinking good thoughts for her.

Oh, good news!

Anyone doing anything fun this weekend? We aren't, but it's ok. I'm gearing up for the Vegas trip with a few of the girls. And Beth is so sweet with all her help. Can't wait to see you Beth.

Nothing fun here. Shopping, mainly for Christmas presents. I cannot wait to see you again too!! It's been too long.

 

[VintageDisneyRules]

NO NO NO he's a creep !!!!

 

[cheshiregirl]

Just a quick drive by hello. Things are really busy with having my mom here, so I just took a few minutes to catch up on the last couple days, and I probably won't get to read again until early next week. But, please know that you are always in my thoughts!

 

[mommaU4]

Just a quick drive by hello. Things are really busy with having my mom here, so I just took a few minutes to catch up on the last couple days, and I probably won't get to read again until early next week. But, please know that you are always in my thoughts!

JANE! I forgot your mom was in town. Check your inbox on FB if you get a chance. Thanks!! Have fun with mom.