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

[MiaBella05]

joining in

 

[tofubeast]

Yes I'm still here...haha. Congrats for getting BOG!! Lines to Disney were nuts that day! I tried all day to get through to add a couple of days to my resort reservation but never did get through. Anyways, hope it's wonderful!

Don't give up hope! Keep checking that website, especially at the 45 day mark because some people might cancel their vacations at that point, freeing up some ADR slots.

Joining in from the December roll call. Looks like we'll be at the BCV at the same time.

How exciting to be taking your daughter for her first time. I don't think I truly got the full magic of Disney until I saw it through my children's eyes.

Yay, maybe we will bump into you at BCV!! I am a big kid at heart, so I get the magic. The cup will run'eth over when I see it through DD's eye though! haha. Thanks for letting me know what rides your then 22 month old loved. There is a carousel near us, and I love to take DD to ride on it. She always has a huge smile. I can only imagine how she will react to way bigger rides!

joining in

Welcome!!! Happy to have you on board! Hoping you have a smooth rest of your pregnancy. (I was a bumpie too)

 

[BDL]

Just posting because as of today, we are now in the DOUBLE DIGITS!!

99 days till:

Congrats on the double digits and that is an awesome picture of the Castle.

 

[tofubeast]

Congrats on the double digits and that is an awesome picture of the Castle.

Thanks. I'm at 94 today!! yay!

That picture isn't mine of course. I can't wait to take my own!

 

[RooRach0906]

Wooohooo Double Digits Dance!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tofubeast]

An Update and Shopping Trip

First, let's get through some numbers!

1. It's been awhile since I let you know of my antenna progress, so here it is folks:

2. We will be at WDW in

THREE MONTHS

which is in
91 Days

or if you want to be freaky...

13 Weeks!


Wow, it's starting to feel real here!! I can't believe we are *almost* in the homestretch. Just need to get through Halloween and Thanksgiving which won't be hard for me because (aside from X'mas) they are my favorite holidays!

Yesterday, my husband suggested we go to the outlets. (That is akin to seeing pigs flying). So I jumped at the opportunity because we know my favorite store is there, the Disney Character Warehouse. There wasn't much there that was different from my last visit. I decided to not go crazy because we know we'll be at the World shortly.

Here's what I scooped up:

1. Daisy Duck (at $12), not on sale, but I got it for DD. (I'm a sucker!)
2. Mickey poncho (adult $5.99) and Minnie poncho (child $3.99). Not bad because they go for $14.99 in the parks!
3. Toy Story ticket/FP holder for $2.99 (reg. $5.99)
4. Little toddler Disney dogs purse for $1.99 (reg $9.99) which will be a stocking stuffer!

It was just fun to be surrounded by Disney merch (I know you Dis'ers get that- haha) and the nice Cast Members. DD always ends up with a boat load of Mickey stickers by the time we leave that shop.

Coming up next, that much promised touring shoe review (haha) and I start thinking about park strategies. But wait, oh wait...

I have one more number for you...

409 Days or 58 Weeks and 3 Days

"Wait, what's that?" (you might be saying or I make you say). Well, DH and I were talking about how we want to max the use of our FL AP. We then starting talking about DD's upcoming b'day, which led to her b'day next year. Which then lead to how we don't feel like throwing a big birthday party (just yet), and how it would be a blast to celebrate her b'day at Disney. Which then led to talking about Halloween and costumes and MNSSHP and before we knew it, we shook hands in agreement we are going in October 2013 just shy of DD's 3rd b'day (so we don't have to get her tix just yet!).

I've been to WDW twice before in October. Big fan of F&W and all the Halloween decorations. Never have done MNSSHP, so that is something to look forward to.

I leave you with a pic I took back in '07.

Now I have a WDW trip to plan when this one is all over. That helps makes it easier when we drive back home from the December trip.

 

[khertz]

Woo hoo! It's always fun when you think your trip coming up is the last one for awhile, and then BOOM! you plan on another one! When is your DD's birthday? We will be there in October '13 too! Haven't picked our dates yet, but maybe they will overlap? (Well, I know we will be arriving before the 24th so we won't have to buy Paxton a ticket either!)

 

[Elleshoodat]

Yay for thinking ahead! We are actually doing the same thing -- planning to go in October 2013 before DS turns 3.

With the holidays and everything that goes on in the fall, the next few months will fly by for y'all!

 

[tofubeast]

Woo hoo! It's always fun when you think your trip coming up is the last one for awhile, and then BOOM! you plan on another one! When is your DD's birthday? We will be there in October '13 too! Haven't picked our dates yet, but maybe they will overlap? (Well, I know we will be arriving before the 24th so we won't have to buy Paxton a ticket either!)

Yay for thinking ahead! We are actually doing the same thing -- planning to go in October 2013 before DS turns 3.

With the holidays and everything that goes on in the fall, the next few months will fly by for y'all!

I think our kids are all born either on the same day or a day a part. (Well I know that is the case with khertz's son and my DD --she's the 25th). Elleshoodat, what about your son?

Funny how we might all be there in October before the big THREE. Khertz, we are only going to do 3 nights, so arrive the 23th. We can then do MNSSHP on the 24th (assuming same schedule as this year), and hence before she is 3! hehe

 

[Elleshoodat]

I think our kids are all born either on the same day or a day a part. (Well I know that is the case with khertz's son and my DD --she's the 25th). Elleshoodat, what about your son?

Funny how we might all be there in October before the big THREE. Khertz, we are only going to do 3 nights, so arrive the 23th. We can then do MNSSHP on the 24th (assuming same schedule as this year), and hence before she is 3! hehe

How funny! Tofubeast, I knew our kids were about the same age, but I had no idea about yours, Khertz.

DS' birthday is the 21st, and we will probably do a short trip, too. I'm tentatively planning to arrive on the 20th and leave on the 24th or 25th. The rule is that if you check in before they turn 3, they're considered 2 for the entire trip, right?

 

[tofubeast]

How funny! Tofubeast, I knew our kids were about the same age, but I had no idea about yours, Khertz.

DS' birthday is the 21st, and we will probably do a short trip, too. I'm tentatively planning to arrive on the 20th and leave on the 24th or 25th. The rule is that if you check in before they turn 3, they're considered 2 for the entire trip, right?

That is most certainly the rule!! So it works out perfectly for all of us!!

*We all were busy early Feb 2010'ish. HAHAHAHAHAHHA

 

[tofubeast]

News Update


I've been a little quiet on here in the last week and just wanted to say why. DH got laid off last week. It was a huge shock. We were worried about all the "what if"s" in terms of how long unemployment could be and also (maybe trivial to some) the "what happens to our trip?" sad thoughts.

Well, I am happy to say he had a job interview today and just got offered the job tonight! PHEW. It's not his DREAM, forever job, (do people still get those anyway? ) but it is something and we are RELIEVED. Hopefully, they will be cool with him taking the week off in December. I know it will be unpaid.
]
Just happy we dodged a big bullet. I knew seeing those 3 rainbows today and Mickey antenna ears must have meant something. This is my first time experiencing something like this. A real wake up call to save more money for emergencies. Lesson learned.

Glad that tonight DH and I will actually get a restful night of sleep. First one since last Wednesday.

 

[RooRach0906]

Horray that your DH was able to get a job so quickly!!!!!!


Also you finds at the outlets were awesome!!!!!!

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

So glad your DH got a new job!! That's a huge relief!

And how exciting to already have your next ttip in the making! Of course I secretly plan our next trips, DH usually doesn't find out about it until it's closer.

And I LOVE that picture of the castle!! I can't wait to see it live! And for the under 100 days club!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Thank goodness your hubby was able to find a job right away....what a relief (and don't feel bad for thinking about how that would affect your trip......we ALL would have been thinking the same thing)

 

[tofubeast]

Let's talk SHOES

Since I still have 77 days till this trip, I have some time before the 'last push' of planning. Thought I would do a little post about shoes. I never really used to pay much attention to the threads about park shoes until recently. So having taken some advice from those threads, I give you my little shoe review!

There are the shoes I intend to wear all 6 touring days. Good decision, eh?

Maybe if I were Carrie Bradshaw. Yeah, these shoes are staying home. My feet can barely stand being in these cute shoes for just one evening, so I can only imagine! I am not much of a heel person.

In recent years, I have worn either flip flops, my New Balance sneakers, or some flat shoes. I will never wear flip flops again for a Disney park day as they give my feet no support at all.

I also made the mistake of wearing the same shoes day after day. Had I paid attention to the Dis shoe threads, I would have read sound advice that said it is a good idea to switch/rotate shoes each day (even in the same day). I will be doing that this time around.

During my last couple of WDW trips, I wore these Jimmy Choos, I mean Crocs.

Crocs are much loved on here. They are okay for me. My feet would still hurt at the end of the day, and if it was hot out, they felt extra warm in there. Another piece of advice on the shoe threads is to bring an extra pair of socks with you. Wish I had followed that advice as I bet it would have helped. I have learned that the average human foot releases approximately 1/2 a pint of sweat through the feet on any given day. Who knew? So having shoes that breathe and extra socks can make your feel feel better. (Hope you aren't eating while reading this! That 1/2 pint factoid made me gag a bit.)

A couple months ago, I decided to get some new shoes for walking around (and for Disney). I read through the shoe posts and noted various brands that were recommended. I decided to go with the Keen H2 Newport. Close to $100 was a lot to spend for sandals (at least for me), but I figured I would give them a try. I wanted a shoe with good arch support, breathability, and that would hold up in rain (waterproof/slip-proof) especially since I live in Florida.

Now, they aren't the most gorgeous shoes on earth. But after wearing them now for 2 months, I give them two enthusiastic thumbs up. They do everything I hoped for! After a day of wearing them, my feet do not hurt like they do with other shoes. I believe these will do great at Disney. If it's cold out, I will just pair them with some dark socks. I know that isn't the most stylish thing to do, but who cares?!

A couple weeks ago, one of those online flash sale sites was having a Keen sale. For less than the price I paid for the Keen Newports, I was able to get two more pairs of shoes. This time, I went with a pair of Coronado Mary Jane and some 'dressier' leather sandals (Naples). Like my Newports, these other Keen shoes rock!! Super comfortable and supportive. I am definitely taking the Mary Janes with me to Disney as well.

I feel confident my feet will be in better shape this coming trip. While I know they will still be tired at least they will have better support throughout the day. It will also be nice to soak my footsies in the bathtub or pay a visit to the hot tub at the end of the day.

I know everyone's feet are different. I also hear great things about Tevas, Merrell, Ecco, and shoes from The Walking Store. What shoes do you love to wear to the parks? Any tips to share with me?

Here's to finding a great pair (or two or three) of shoes so your feet don't scream at you at the end of a long day.

Next post will be another Photo Show & Tell! Stay tuned. For now, I leave you with an update...

 

[SAT887]

We love Keens in this house I will be bringing my Keen Flip flops and a maryjane/sandal type pair... I buy Newports for my girls, and my husband wears trail shoes outside of work. We do a lot of hiking and you seriously can't go wrong with Keen. I do also have a soft spot for Patagonia and the North Face- I try to buy them at EMS on clearance....

 

[oboedm]

I am so glad that your DH was able to find something quickly. What a relief! Hopefully dream jobs will exist again once the economy is back on track! =)

Thanks for the shoe review! I have never thought about bringing a lot of extra socks and switching them out. The 1/2 pint really threw me for a loop as well. The mary janes look super cute and stylish as well! Hooray!

 

[khertz]

That is most certainly the rule!! So it works out perfectly for all of us!!

*We all were busy early Feb 2010'ish. HAHAHAHAHAHHA

Too funny!

 

[BDL]

I am 100% behind you. New Balance is the way to go. I have a New Balance outlet near my house and it is the only place I get my sneakers and shoes from. They are quality shoes that are very comfy and break in real easy. It also helps having it nearby because of their variety of sizes and widths. It's tough finding size 13/4E.