"Going Back To The Princess' House" ~ Trip Report,Pics, Updated 11/11

[Jaelynnandmom]

Hello everyone! Yet again, another longtime lurker comes out of the rafters to write a first time Pre-trip report. I am learning how to do all of this along the way, so please bear with me.

Meet The Cast

Me, Tiffany (25) ~ 6th trip to Disney World, Absolute Disney fanatic, Lover of photography, Homemaker

DH, Rob (26) ~ 7th or 8th trip to Disney World, Secretly loves Disney, Computer geek to the core

DD, Jaelynn (4 1/2) ~ 4th trip to Disney World, Lover of all things princess and Minnie Mouse, Very excited to be going to Disney for her 5th birthday

That's the family! We were going to go just the 3 of us, since we have never had a family vacation, but once the rest of the family found out they were along for the ride as well.

DS, Jenny (23) ~ 4th Trip
DBIL, Scott (25) ~ 4th Trip
DNephew, William (4 1/2) ~ 4th Trip

DNephew, Steven (1 1/2) ~ 1st Trip, will be 2 in June

DNiece, Olivia (8Months) ~ 1st Trip, will be 1 in August

and then there is...

DM, Momma
DSF, Eric
DB, Jeremy (14)
DB, Justin (12)
DS, Jemma (10)

There is the cast, stay tunned for the next installment: Dates & Resort

Index
Pre-Trip Report
~ Dates & Resort
~ Where Will We Be Staying?
~ The "Fur Babies"
~ ADRs
~ Itinerary
~ DD's Dresses
~ The Start Of Shopping
~ Poster Board Has Been Bought
~ Countdown Calendar & More
~ DD's Surprise & Scrapbook
~ Double Digits Baby!!
~ Lists & Projects
~ Much Apologies & A Move
~ The Big Decision
~ Shopping Pictures
~ M.I.A.
~ Tip Envelopes
~ Disney Tomorrow!!!

Trip Report
~ August 26th, 2008, Arrival Day, The Airport
~ August 26th, 2008, Magic Express
~ August 26th, 2008, Whispering Canyon Cafe & More
~ August 26th, 2008, The Evening

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Our Travel Dates:
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 - Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Were We Will Be Staying:
I will start from the beginning, originally we were planning on staying at a moderate resort... our logic was we were going for DD's birthday, and we could afford it, so why not. We eventually settled on Coronado Springs and were pretty excited about our choice. Now we just had to sit back and wait to book it.

But now it wasn't that easy because DS Jenny found out we were going and wanted her family to go with as well. All they could afford was value resorts so once again we researched and decided POP.

DH had other plans in mind...

Stay tunned for the next installment: Where Will We Be Staying???

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Where We Will Be Staying... Cont.
So when I left off we had decided we were going to be staying at POP since it was affordable for everyone, little did I know DH had other plans in mind...

A little back story first, we are fortunate enough to live near a doorway to dreams, so we can go view the AKV floor plan whenever we want. One day we were at Woodfield Mall and I said to DH "Look Honey, it's something Disney we should go check it out" long story short, he agreed. DD loves everything Disney so of course she agreed. We toured the villa first and then a wonderful man named Alan gave us the best timeshare presentation I have ever sat through. Sadly to say, we didn't buy that day. I was bummed, but if DH didn't want to do it, he must have had a good reason.

A few days later he surprised me with a second meeting with Alan. He said and this time we were going to sign papers I was so excited!!!

We purchased 160 points with AKV being our home resort. As for perks, we received 2007's points, 2 adult annual passes, as well as dinner at Rainforest Cafe later that night.

DH didn't want Mickey ears.

DD, She was very excited to sit in the daycare and watch Disney movies while we signed the papers.

The bag of goodies we received

I absolutely love the pin that was given to my daughter... Not only is it princess, but it is Minnie as well.

So one might assume that we will be staying at AKV... but sadly no, all the 2 BR were booked for our dates So we moved onto our second choice VWL, I have alway wanted to stay here, but I never thought I would have the chance. DH called and hurray they had available 2brs we booked right away.

Resort: Disney's Villas at the Wilderness Lodge

Stay tunned for the next installment: The "Fur Babies"

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

I forgot to introduce our "fur babies" ... they will be taking care of things while we are gone for the week.

This is Bear (1 1/2), He is our 120lb gentle giant, he is great at knocking things over with his tail and bruising feet and he seriously thinks he is a lapdog. We were told he is a lab mix... we have been told by other people that he is mixed with great dane and greyhound.

Bear in the bath... he has grown a little bit since this picture.

and then there is Ollie (4), He is our grumpy old man of the family and he dislikes the dog.

finally there is Keeley (3), DD named her after the Phil of the Future character. She is definitely a meower.

There you have it.

Stay tunned for the next installment: ADRs

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Advance Dining Reservations
We decided to go with the basic dining plan since we usually eat one table service and one counter service meal per day. Here is what we have:

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008
Whispering Canyon Cafe 2PM

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
BBB 8AM
Liberty Tree Tavern 5:20PM

Thursday, August 28th, 2008
Coral Reef 6:10PM

Friday, August 29th, 2008
Mama Melrose 5:10PM

Saturday, August 30th, 2008
O'hana 7:40PM <--------When it came time to make the reservations DH just didn't understand why I was stressing the we needed to call on the 180 day mark, now he knows why.

Sunday, August 31st, 2008
Donald's Safari Breakfast 8:05AM

Monday, September 1st, 2008
Teppan Edo 5PM

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
Cinderella's Royal Table 9:15AM

We are extremely excited because we have never eaten at any of these restaurants before I have pulled menus for each and DH & I have been planning on what we are going to eat... just looking at the food porn thread makes me wish it were tomorrow.

118 more days!!!

Stay tunned for the next installment: Itinerary

 

[Princesskeyblade]

Subbing!!!!

I can't wait to read more!!!

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Subbing!!!!

I can't wait to read more!!!

Hurray, my first subscriber

 

[IluvXU]

I am joining in too. We went to the WL for our dd's 4th birthday last August. We had a great trip there, loved it!

You have some yummy ADRs, we loved the WCC, Coral Reef, OHana's Donald's Breakfast! We did all those last trip and had tons of fun!
Your dd is darling!

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Our Itinerary
I love to plan for trips, DH thinks I am crazy but I love knowing where I am going to next day and what I will be doing.

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008
~ Arrival day
~ Early morning flight
~ Arrive at MCO around noon
~ Take Magic Express to resort
~ Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch
~ Explore resort
~ Dinner
~ Electric Water Pageant

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
~ Magic Kingdom
~ BBB for DD
~ Share A Dream Parade
~ Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner
~ Wishes

Thursday, August 28th, 2008
~ EPCOT - Future World Only
~ Coral Reef Dinner

Friday, August 29th, 2008
~ Hollywood Studios
~ Block Party Bash
~ Mama Melrose Dinner
~ Fantasmic

Saturday, August 30th, 2008
~ Break Day
~ Shopping at Downtown Disney
~ O'hana Dinner

Sunday, August 31st, 2008
~ Animal Kingdom
~ Donald's Safari Breakfast
~ Jammin' Jungle Parade

Monday, September 1st, 2008
~ EPCOT - World Showcase
~ Teppan Edo Dinner
~ Illuminations

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
~ Magic Kingdom
~ Cinderella's Royal Table Breakfast
~ Departure back home


I am sure it will probably get changed a zillion times, but for now it is what it is.

Stay tunned for the next installment: DD's Dresses

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

I am joining in too. We went to the WL for our dd's 4th birthday last August. We had a great trip there, loved it!

You have some yummy ADRs, we loved the WCC, Coral Reef, OHana's Donald's Breakfast! We did all those last trip and had tons of fun!
Your dd is darling!

Thank you!! I am glad you had a wonderful time for your DD's birthday trip, I am sure we will have a great time as well.

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

I absolutely love shopping for vacation! We generally only go on one family vacation per year, so shopping for the trip is like my second Christmas. Although only one of the dresses is new, here are the dresses DD wants to bring with to wear around the parks:

This is the dress we bought for her to wear during our February 2007 Disney Trip, She also wore it to her 4th birthday party which was themed Princess/ Pirate party. <~~~ Pictures to come later

This was DD's Halloween costume for 2007 <~~~ Picture to come later for this as well.

And this dress I bought at the Disney Store for 75% off in December... DH was so proud at how much money I saved.

Now, I am not too sure the DD will actually wear the dresses when she figures out how hot and humid it is going to be. I do plan on her wearing a tank top and little shorts underneath, but I still think she will be to hot. I suppose we will see.

Stay tunned for the next installment: The Start Of Shopping

 

[Tinker74]

great start.... ...I'll be at VWL the same time as you...

We are spending our first 5 nights at BCV then the weekend at Hard Rock hotel then checking into VWL on August 31st till sept 6th

Sept 2nd is My sons 16th birthday..

can't wait to read the rest of your plans..

 

[Williamandmom]

Hey! Everything sounds like so much fun!! You are always so good at making plans for differents vacations!! I really can't wat to leave!!

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

great start.... ...I'll be at VWL the same time as you...

We are spending our first 5 nights at BCV then the weekend at Hard Rock hotel then checking into VWL on August 31st till sept 6th

Sept 2nd is My sons 16th birthday..

can't wait to read the rest of your plans..

Sounds like you have an awesome trip planned! Perhaps we will see each other at VWL.

Aren't birthdays in Disney the best I am sure you son wil have a great time!

Hey! Everything sounds like so much fun!! You are always so good at making plans for differents vacations!! I really can't wat to leave!!

Thanks so much! 116 more days!

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Lately the only music my DD will listen to in the car is the theme to Splash Mountain all I can say is it getting me in the mood for Disney.

Every time we go to a store, if it has a travel section, I am there I love travel sized items. DH is slowly letting me get clothing for the trip... I suppose it is a good idea because we can great deals on end of summer stuff.

So far this is what I have gotten:

The beginning of the toiletries... Contact stuff, DH's deodorant (with travel size, perfect for park bag), Dryer sheets, Arbonne Sunscreen & After sun care (I am an independent consultant for them so I had to get it for the trip, it smells great), & Luggage tags.

DD's Swimsuit & Flip-flops, Disney Store was having a swim sale so I couldn't pass that up.

More stuff for DD

DH's Shirt front

Back

All these pictures are making me want to do more shopping , but I will hold back for now!

The next thing on my agenda is making a countdown calendar for DD... I am thinking a poster board type of thing.

Stay tunned for the next Installment: Poster Board Has Been Bought

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

I went to the store today and purchased the poster board for DD's countdown calendar. Now the only thing I need to figure out is how to decorate it and if I should have it countdown from 100 days or 50 days .... I think I am leaning more towards 100 days.

Here are a few photopass pictures from our March 2006 trip to tide you over:

DD was 2 on this trip, even then she wanted to ride splash mountain!

DD didn't understand why we were putting her in the middle of the street in front of a camera guy.

Then she figured it out.

Stay tunned for the next installment: Countdown Calendar & More

 

[bcbmom]

Thank you for being the first to subscribe to 'Our first Vacation'.
I am excited I found yours and looking forward to getting some great ideas & advice from someone with experience. Off to start home daycare for the day but then will be back later to catch up.

 

[ddstratton]

Sounds like you've got a great trip planned!! I look forward to reading more

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

Thank you for being the first to subscribe to 'Our first Vacation'.
I am excited I found yours and looking forward to getting some great ideas & advice from someone with experience. Off to start home daycare for the day but then will be back later to catch up.

I am glad you found my pre-tippie! I will try to give you as much advice as I can, most of the things I have learned about Disney have come from these boards.

Are you starting a home daycare? How much fun is that?

Sounds like you've got a great trip planned!! I look forward to reading more

Thank you very much! I look forward to reading your pre-trip report as well.

 

[Jaelynnandmom]

111 Days to go

I finally finished my countdown calendar I decided to countdown from 100 days, perhaps this will get DD to stop asking me everyday if we are going to Disney tomorrow. Everyday I am going to have her glue on a mickey head over the number... Kids just love to glue things The calendar is not the prettiest thing, but I needed something that was easy for DD to help me with. Here it is:

DD was so very proud that she helped out.

Under the days I started writing down things I need to do that day for the trip. I hope it keeps me organized. Speaking of organized, I started my trip binder, I just need to make the cover for the binder and get dividers to keep the sections seperate.

I also finally decided on what to do for DD's autograph book... she loved last year's book so much we just decided to do it again this year. Last year we bought her an 8x8 Disney scrapbook and put just enough pages in there for the characters to sign. When we got home I put a picture on the other side of her with the character. I think this year I will make it more scrapbooky so she has the whole trip in one book instead of a character book and a trip book. Here is the scrapbook we just bought:

It came in a kit this year with some stickers and 4 sheets of 12x12 paper

Out of the package

A little personalizing and the cover is ready to go... I think I may put a few stickers of Minnie Mouse and the princesses on the cover as well.

Stay tunned for the next installment: DD's Surprise & Scrapbook