Giving Santa his Mickey ears! Our toddler's 1st trip!-UPDATE:We're back! Pic inside

[tofubeast]

I don't care what ABC News says about posting food pics, there will be food pics in my TRIP REPORT!! You can be assured!!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I don't care what ABC News says about posting food pics, there will be food pics in my TRIP REPORT!! You can be assured!!

There'd better be!

 

[tofubeast]

Photo Show & Tell: Some of my favorite WDW pictures!

First of all, let's get down to business.

I am so thrilled to finally be at the two month mark. It's about time! I've had this trip thought out for way over a year. Tomorrow, the trip will be 1 month, 4 weeks etc... that sounds even closer!

How I am preparing at this point:

1. I am not packing because I'm just not that organized. However, I am starting to put very 'important' stuff aside such as my Minnie Santa Ears and pin lanyards.

2. My poor DD is subject to watching the Disneyland Sing-a-Long DVD on a weekly basis. It breaks my heart a bit when I turn on the tv (a rare treat,) and she asks to watch "Gabba Gabba" instead. While I love YGG, I am trying to indoctrinate her with Mickey and friends!!

3. I made an album on my kindle so I can show her pictures of her mom and dad with various characters. My luck, she will cry at the sight of Mickey and ask to see Muno or Brobee instead! I've also watched ride videos on youtube with her. The Disney theme park soundtrack is on during playtime too.

4. Starting to plan out each day. I will post those soon to get your feedback.

5. I got some trading pins off ebay (ensured they weren't scrappers) so now I can trade with CMs. I have never done that before!

and most importantly...

6. The trip is pretty much completely paid off!

***
Now on to the Photo Show & Tell portion of this update. Here are some of my favorite pics I have taken at WDW. Most of from our trips in 2009.

Gotta love an empty park! One of the perks of a pre-park opening at CRT!

I love Extra Magic PM hours, especially when the park would close at 3am. It's going to be a long time before I can take advantage of that again.

I love the safari ride at AK. You never know what neat animal interactions await you. This tall guy came even closer after taking this shot.

I love snapping shots of the balloons for sale. Something tells me, we will actually be buying a balloon this coming trip.

It's hard to tell, but that's DH and I in the front row on Dinosaur. I kinda wish we bought this pic now! Yeah, we are that kinda couple, making funny faces. Would you expect any less?

Here's one we did buy. That's our friends and us on Rock & Rollercoaster. ROCK ON!!

I loved the small portion of Star Wars weekend I got to enjoy back in June '09. Definitely plan to do another one day when DD is old enough to appreciate it. Can't beat seeing this (image below) while waiting to gain entry into DHS.

And for fun, here's two retro pics of me circa 29 years ago this month. scared1: I'm old!) This picture was taking during Mickey's Month at Disneyland. It was some promotion that they never ran again. Check out the old school Mickey balloon. You were always lucky if you still had two fully inflated Mickey ears by the end of the day.

I have more pics to share, but will save for a future post. For now I leave you with a VERY important update:

 

[tofubeast]

I like seeing this on the reservations page:

I will take ANY sign that it is getting closer!

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Great pics!!!

I am totally looking forward to those empty park shots! Morning shots, that is. It'll probably be a while before we see the parks at 3am, too. Although I don't know if I'm capable of of staying up that late these days unless I have to with a crying baby!

You know I personally don't think there's anything wrong with packing at this point! I guess the only reason to delay is because I'm not sure what the weather will be like. Our past two trips have been in August and there's only one way to pack for that! For hot, gross heat!!

I am having the hardest time getting Emma to sit still and watch an entire Disney movie from start to finish! We tried watching Cinderella last weekend and the second the movie has a "dull" moment she goes and plays with her toys! So frustrating! I want her to have some idea of who these characters are when she meets them!

And I got some trading pins, too!! I've never done pin trading so I'm looking forward to it!

Come on December!!!!

 

[SAT887]

Great pictures!!! It's amazing how much Mickey & Minnie characters have changed!

 

[mnmrmustard]

Loved the snacks n drinks pics, gotta try that carrot cake cookie - yum! The margarita looks good too

Hooray for 2 months to go!!!!! Just about time to be counting the days.

I'm not packing either, but I am putting together my packing list. Going to post it today if I can get enough of it together.

I'm happy to not know what Gabba Gabba is, but it can't be worse than the Teletubbies, which is what my girls we into when they were wee ones. Sounds like you're giving her a lot of good Disney content to absorb - I hope she runs up and hugs Mickey

I asked DW to order pins for our trip and she just came back to me saying she had ordered 250 of them from a reputable seller - w00t! Pin trading is a blast, good treasure hunt while you're strolling around the park and good time killer in line for rides with other pin traders.

Congrats on having your trip almost paid off! That's a nice place to be

On to the pictures! We're doing Crystal Palace early entry for the first time - looking forward to snapping some of those empty Main Street/Castle pics!

WOW! I've never seen the giraffes that close, nice capture. Love the balloons too, they are just magical. And great job hamming it up on the ride pics. And love the old school pics, I remember those balloons - you are right about the ears.

 

[tofubeast]

Great pics!!!

I am totally looking forward to those empty park shots! Morning shots, that is. It'll probably be a while before we see the parks at 3am, too. Although I don't know if I'm capable of of staying up that late these days unless I have to with a crying baby!

You know I personally don't think there's anything wrong with packing at this point! I guess the only reason to delay is because I'm not sure what the weather will be like. Our past two trips have been in August and there's only one way to pack for that! For hot, gross heat!!

I am having the hardest time getting Emma to sit still and watch an entire Disney movie from start to finish! We tried watching Cinderella last weekend and the second the movie has a "dull" moment she goes and plays with her toys! So frustrating! I want her to have some idea of who these characters are when she meets them!

And I got some trading pins, too!! I've never done pin trading so I'm looking forward to it!

Come on December!!!!

I so hear you about 3am. I want to be in BED! One day, I will appreciate that kinda stuff again!! I laugh now because we get home from a weekend dinner out (with child in tow) BEFORE we would have normally gone out to start a fun night out.

Reacking. The weather change is exactly why I am not really starting to pack. Plus, I am not getting on a plane, so it's fine for me to overpack if need be. As I live in S FL, I am still wearing the clothes I will probably be wearing at Disney anyway!

Re: movies. My DD is too young to sit through a full feature. We just enjoy the 25 min Sing A Long dvds and MMClubhouse

Great pictures!!! It's amazing how much Mickey & Minnie characters have changed!

Minnie sure had a LOT more make up back then!!

I'm happy to not know what Gabba Gabba is, but it can't be worse than the Teletubbies, which is what my girls we into when they were wee ones. Sounds like you're giving her a lot of good Disney content to absorb - I hope she runs up and hugs Mickey

WOW! I've never seen the giraffes that close, nice capture. Love the balloons too, they are just magical. And great job hamming it up on the ride pics. And love the old school pics, I remember those balloons - you are right about the ears.

WELCOME!! Glad to have you on board!! Re: Yo Gabba Gabba... it is WAY WAY WAY better than Teletubbies. It actually features a lot of bands that DH and I love, so it is quite geared to adults too. I agree though, I sure hope she wants to run up and hug or at least post for a pic with THE MOUSE!

Thanks for nice words re: my pics!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Hi Danielle!! I'm a former VMK'er also. It closed right before my birthday I love all of those Mickey ears. It's too bad my next to WDW isn't until 2014 I love the old pictures. I was born in '95 so I didn't get to see that stuff.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Great pictures! The nighttime shot of the Magic Kingdom is my favorite. I think that park is so beautiful when it's all lit up at night, especially Tomorrowland.

Congrats on paying off your trip! That is THE best feeling, isn't it? (And isn't it funny how 1 month, 4 weeks sounds so much better than 2 months?!)

 

[tofubeast]

Hi Danielle!! I'm a former VMK'er also. It closed right before my birthday I love all of those Mickey ears. It's too bad my next to WDW isn't until 2014 I love the old pictures. I was born in '95 so I didn't get to see that stuff.

Happy to have you on board. I miss VMK SOOOO much. It was the best online game ever. wah.

Great pictures! The nighttime shot of the Magic Kingdom is my favorite. I think that park is so beautiful when it's all lit up at night, especially Tomorrowland.

Congrats on paying off your trip! That is THE best feeling, isn't it? (And isn't it funny how 1 month, 4 weeks sounds so much better than 2 months?!)

It totally sounds better!! But I like this too:

 

[tofubeast]

Fall Fun in Florida

Time is starting to finally go fast or at least it feels that way! We are at the 48 day point till we drive up and check in at BCV!!

Aside from counting Mickey antenna toppers -- (here's an update)

I've been starting to prep a bit for the trip. I can't really pack because, unlike for many who will experience warm weather come December vs. what they have back home, it will be nearly the same for me in Orlando as it is for me down here. Since the weather doesn't change much, unless you have a cold front, I will pretty much be wearing the same stuff now as I will be in December.

I've hit up the dollar rack at Target for Mickey and Minnie stuff. This year, we will be doing "Elf on a Shelf" for the first time. We had our pal, Björn, last year, but DD was too young to do much with him. This year, Björn will be coming to visit starting 12/1 and going to WDW with us! I have been helping Björn find little gifts to bring to DD.

Here is Björn in all his glory!

I also re-arranged the schedule a bit. More on that later this week.

Fall is starting to come to South Florida. Here, our fall means dryer weather (a nice relief) and highs in the low 80s. The sun is not as high up in the sky at noon, so the sun casts a different gold hue during the day.

Yesterday, we took our DD (who will be 2 in a few days) to the pumpkin patch. Due to the heat, they don't grow the pumpkins there (they are trucked in but don't tell her that!). Not many pumpkin patches where you have to keep your eyes open for a gator!

Here's some pics from our lovely morning.

Here I am with my sweet Miss J.

"Which one do I pick?"

Laughing it up with Daddy

Overexposed shot. Sepia to the rescue!

What a difference a year makes:

We are still busy watching the Disneyland Sing-a-long DVD. Does she look sick of it to you?

She stole my ears and was running around the house with them.

48 days, child! Patience, patience. That's more so for me than her.

Coming up next: Disney clothes for DD (just cause) and b'day fun!

 

[SAT887]

Ok so what is Elf on a Shelf.... Ive heard of it but no idea what it is about...

And your daughter!!! She is adorable!!! Love the smile so vibrant!

 

[Leger13]

Love the pictures!! I guess I didn't realize you live in south Florida. What part? I grew up in Boca Raton and miss it so much!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Elleshoodat]

Aww, too cute! My DS turned 2 on Sunday, and if I'm remembering correctly your DD's birthday is today or tomorrow. Happy birthday to our beautiful babies! Can you believe they're 2 already?!

We are trying Elf on a Shelf for the first time this year, and I'm just hoping DS isn't afraid of him. He's kind of creepy-looking, and DS is a scaredy-cat like his mom!

Hooray for fewer than 50 days to go!

 

[tofubeast]

Ok so what is Elf on a Shelf.... Ive heard of it but no idea what it is about...

And your daughter!!! She is adorable!!! Love the smile so vibrant!

Thanks for sweet words about my pumpkin!

Here's some info on Elf on a Shelf. Basically, children can't touch him. He comes daily to visit children. He brings notes or goodies from Santa. He also reports back to Santa as well! (Parents have fun hiding him each day or doing unique things with him etc)

Love the pictures!! I guess I didn't realize you live in south Florida. What part? I grew up in Boca Raton and miss it so much!

I am just south of Boca! We are only a few mins drive, so are in Boca pretty much all the time.

Aww, too cute! My DS turned 2 on Sunday, and if I'm remembering correctly your DD's birthday is today or tomorrow. Happy birthday to our beautiful babies! Can you believe they're 2 already?!

We are trying Elf on a Shelf for the first time this year, and I'm just hoping DS isn't afraid of him. He's kind of creepy-looking, and DS is a scaredy-cat like his mom!

Hooray for fewer than 50 days to go!

Happy B'day to your son!! Can you believe they are two now?!?!?! Today is the big day for DD. I am battling a stomach bug, but it appears she didn't get it. B'day saved! PHEW! (knock on wood)

I agree Elf is kinda scary looking, but I like how he looks retro (like a toy from the 50s). I think DH and I are going to have lots of fun with him over the next few years. (that doesn't sound right. But you know what I mean..I hope!)

 

[Leger13]

I am just south of Boca! We are only a few mins drive, so are in Boca pretty much all the time.

That is awesome!! I'm totally jealous! I haven't been back since we moved to GA 17 years ago. I went to whispering pines elementary and omni middle

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Elleshoodat]

Happy B'day to your son!! Can you believe they are two now?!?!?! Today is the big day for DD. I am battling a stomach bug, but it appears she didn't get it. B'day saved! PHEW! (knock on wood)

I agree Elf is kinda scary looking, but I like how he looks retro (like a toy from the 50s). I think DH and I are going to have lots of fun with him over the next few years. (that doesn't sound right. But you know what I mean..I hope!)

Hahahahaha!! Yes, I know what you mean. Your secret is safe with me.

 

[tofubeast]

One More Day!

Doing a HUGE happy dance!!!!

I had a brainstorm today that since we have to book our Westie at doggy daycare till Saturday anyway...we might as well just come back on Saturday vs. late Friday afternoon. Since we have a DVC studio we are renting, we couldn't add a day (too much hassle plus prob no availability), so we decided to just go with a value for a night. Found me a Little Mermaid room at AoA!!!

Super excited that we get to check out this new resort, and hopefully enjoy the Nemo pool! Now I have a wide open night to book an ADR!! hmmmm

I kick myself for not booking 6 nights back in January, so now we get 6 nights. yay yay yay! We missed the Leap Day promotion, so this is my One More Day®!!

 

[tofubeast]

That is awesome!! I'm totally jealous! I haven't been back since we moved to GA 17 years ago. I went to whispering pines elementary and omni middle

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I am still a relatively new Floridian. I grew up in So Cal and also spend 7 years in Boston during my 20s. I never got used to the COLD weather in Boston, so Florida is more reminiscent of California for me (minus the Mountains and humidity and swapping earthquakes with hurricanes).

Hahahahaha!! Yes, I know what you mean. Your secret is safe with me.

PHEW!!

Just thought I would share a couple b'day pics of my chica with you (and others of course).

Excited over a cupcake that is about to be presented to her!

Post cupcake MESS!

Yummy b'day lunch at Benihana (she loves it there)

And a little Mickey magic! You would have thought we were at Teppan Edo at EPCOT!