Gramma jinxed disney on spring break! PARTING THOUGHTS 06/15/09

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi everyone! It's time to celebrate Spring! With the "what will you celebrate" theme Disney has this year, I thought I would join in the theme on this PTR.

I always wanted to be somewhere exciting and warm for Spring Break when we were raising our boys, but it was always the start of baseball season so we didn't go anywhere - fast forward 6 yrs after graduation of the youngest, and I am now babysitting two grandbabies for said son while he and his wife finish their Masters degree in teaching. Guess what? I REALLY need a break! So Grandma and Papa are heading to WDW March 22nd!!!!

On top of that, DH has tickets to the college basketball finals at the Portland Rose Garden 3 days before, so our vacation will be starting March 19th! That's

35 days and counting!!!!

Let me introduce us:

My DH, Jim is in the Air Force -which means he gets a free 5-day park hopper this year! - we already had the trip booked before the special came out! He coaches high school basketball, and loves to be Papa to our 3 grandbabies, ages 4, 1 and 1. He tries to act like Grumpy, but he's a teddy bear, and lives to make me happy, and loves all things Disney, except for IASW!

I'm Tammie, love being a mom and grandma -I left my job as an office manager 1 1/2 yrs ago to take care of the babies and have my own Arbonne business, which I feel so blessed to be a part of.

Here's a picture of the two of us last Summer at Califorinia Adventure with our youngest and his family. Next up: our plans.

 

[SunnieRN]

Love the shirts!! Sounds like great idea for a trip!! Tell your husband thank you or serving our country!! My son in law is a boots on the ground cavalry soldier who is in Iraq right now!!
Your grandbabies are so cute!! Looking forward to more!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Love the shirts!! Sounds like great idea for a trip!! Tell your husband thank you or serving our country!! My son in law is a boots on the ground cavalry soldier who is in Iraq right now!!
Your grandbabies are so cute!! Looking forward to more!

Thank you for joining me, Sunnie! Thanks for your appreciation, and tell your SIL thank you for doing the hard stuff. My cousin's DH was in the army on the ground there - I really appreciate what they go through over there - my prayers are with your SIL.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Hi Tammie! Ohhhhh.... I'm first from our board! My first time being first!

You need to add saint into your description. You're too modest!

Look forward to keeping up with all the planning you are doing!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Okay, since I have a reader I will go ahead and post our itinerary. I booked this trip at the 11mo. window, so I have planned and replanned a few times, with some changes due to family schedules and airline prices. I love to plan, so now I'm feeling the need to RE-PLAN Does anyone else do that? With the 90-day ADR window, I'm sure reservations will be tight, so I'll keep what we have. (I think Disney knew what they were doing )

When I made my ressies with DVC, I was hoping to change to BWV at the 7 month mark, but the points didn't match up, so I decided to just stay at our home resort and enjoy it! Another side note - we are using some "reservation points" up this trip and don't want to borrow points from next year, so we have 5 nights SSR, and because SOG was already booked up, I found a great deal on an off-site suite at Buena Vista through DIS Unlimited - King Jacuzzi suite with a military discount!

Thurs, March 19th - Leave for Portland, OR for college BB finals. My DH thought it was the Sweet 16, but my DS says there will still be 32 teams in. Maybe its a conference 16 or something? Anyway, DH and DSs are very excited!

Our boys and families and a coaching friend will be joining us - staying at a Marriott - here's a pic of my oldest and his little family from our vacation in Mexico in Sept:

Sun, Mar 22 - 5am - leave for airport - fly to MCO
- arrive MCO 7:50 p.m.
- stop at grocery store for water and a few
breakfast and snack items and some wine
-check in to SSR - eat at Artists Pallete(?)

Mon - Mar 23 - Epcot day -
- lunch at Tangerine Cafe
- dinner at Cape May Buffet
- check out BCV
- dessert at Beaches N Cream
- stay for Illuminations

Tues - Mar 24 - AK for RD
- lunch Flametree
- leave in afternoon for break
- Ohana ADR - 7:30 pm
- watch fireworks from Poly Beach
- check out Poly - have a Lapu Lapu

Wed - Mar 25 - MK for RD
- lunch at Columbia House or Pinnochios
- head over to WL - check out VWL
- rent Sea Raycers
- WCC ADR - 5:30pm
- head back to MK for night rides?

Thurs - Mar 26 - DHS for RD
- lunch CS?
- leave afternoon for break
- Flying Fish ADR - 8:00 pm
- check out BWV
- enjoy Boardwalk, ESPN

Fri - Mar 27 - Check out of SSR -
- Breakfast at Kona Cafe - 9am
- Check in to BV
- 1:00 Braves game at WWS
- Check out a couple of other resorts
- no plans for dinner (maybe Tony Roma's?)

Sat - Mar 28 - AK - may sleep in (last day )
- lunch at Y&Y
- stay for Jammin' Jungle Parade
- break at resort - pack
- shopping at DTD
- RR ADRs at 8pm


Sun - Mar 29 - 5:00 am - head to MCO to return car and fly
to PDX at 7:45 a.m.
- 5 hr drive home.

When I type this out, it feels like not nearly enough time - we wanted to go at a slow pace and have some relaxation time, but its hard to fit everything in.

Next: The Shopping I've done

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Okay Tammie - what is that? have a Lapu Lapu

It does seem like a good schedule - I'm not the best one to ask - but it seems like you are going to be busy. Are you checking out the Villas to see where you might stay next?

 

[punkin413]

hey, tammie! i'm in. so cool that you get to take a trip with just the two of you! you will have a blast. can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[SunnieRN]

Your itinerary sounds great! I love doing park stuff early before it is too hot and crowded and then doing other stuff in the afternoon!
Sounds like you have some great meals planned also!
Looking forward to seeing what you've purchased!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Tammie! Ohhhhh.... I'm first from our board! My first time being first!

You need to add saint into your description. You're too modest!

Look forward to keeping up with all the planning you are doing!

Hi Lorrie! Thanks for coming along - sorry I didn't see this post the other day.

Okay Tammie - what is that? have a Lapu Lapu

It does seem like a good schedule - I'm not the best one to ask - but it seems like you are going to be busy. Are you checking out the Villas to see where you might stay next?

A Lapu Lapu is that wonderful drink at the Poly that they serve in a pineapple. Jim had one last time we went to Ohana's, and I had drink envy!

Yes, I was going to plan a "resort-hopping" ADR list - to try different resort restaurants, which we are doing a little of - but some of the reviews changed my mind, so I want to see a few of the Villas we haven't seen before - sometimes the points difference makes it come out SSR, anyway - so we'll see. I wanted to try CBR ever since I knew it existed, but the points they charge is way too much to make it worth it for a moderate. I think they do that on purpose so you'll leave it open for cash guests.

hey, tammie! i'm in. so cool that you get to take a trip with just the two of you! you will have a blast. can't wait to hear all about it.

Hi Dawn! Thanks for jumping in! I am so looking forward to this trip!

Your itinerary sounds great! I love doing park stuff early before it is too hot and crowded and then doing other stuff in the afternoon!
Sounds like you have some great meals planned also!
Looking forward to seeing what you've purchased!

Jim will enjoy getting things done early, and I'll enjoy some pool time in the afternoon! I just don't know if we'll really be ready to leave when it's time every day!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Hi Lorrie! Thanks for coming along - sorry I didn't see this post the other day.



A Lapu Lapu is that wonderful drink at the Poly that they serve in a pineapple. Jim had one last time we went to Ohana's, and I had drink envy!

Yes, I was going to plan a "resort-hopping" ADR list - to try different resort restaurants, which we are doing a little of - but some of the reviews changed my mind, so I want to see a few of the Villas we haven't seen before - sometimes the points difference makes it come out SSR, anyway - so we'll see. I wanted to try CBR ever since I knew it existed, but the points they charge is way too much to make it worth it for a moderate. I think they do that on purpose so you'll leave it open for cash guests.

Are you guys planning on seeing about AKV? I thought that might be nice for the two of you since you think AK is a great park! Nicolas and I did a small bit of resort hopping - I got to see the Contemporary (fun, but too "hoppin'" for my taste, WL. This time we'll get to see AKL (secretly - where I've died to stay since Ms. Brown aired her special), POLY, and CSR.

We're having dinner at Ohana, and I love pineapple, so Lapu Lapu sounds like another must do for me! Don't laugh, but I don't do strong drinks. Is it one I need to tell them to go easy on the spirits?

Have you and Jim thought about the EPCOT snorkle in the tank? If we get away without kiddos one day, I'll so book that!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Today I have just a short post with a picture of my shopping. I really didn't need much, as we were just at DL in June and Mexico in Sept. We don't use our Summer clothes much here in the mountains of Oregon- its cold at night, even in the Summer months - really only warm for sure from July - Sept.

Having said that, of course I had to by SOMETHING. So a couple of months ago, I got online and ordered some Minnie Jane crocs in chocolate. I also ordered a Bagallini - small across the body model - I am now official!!! It's not lime green - it's chocolate. I must coordinate my shoes with my bag! I also ordered a pair of the Athena croc sandals in pearl with a lime green sole. I have a pair of pink mickey crocs, so with those three pair of crocs, I'm not bringing other shoes. The sandals can be worn with a skirt or to the pool! I used surfndirt.com and shoebuy.com. The surfndirt site offfered free shipping if I spent $15 more, or shipping was $14.75. Let's see I ordered a T-shirt for $15! The way I see it, I got a shirt for 25 cents!

Now, for the best purchase yet - MY 2009 PASSPORTER!!!!!
I used TGM for this trip, but I'm a hands-on, picture book kind of girl, and I just had to have that pretty book in my hands! I got it on Friday, and I have been putting my new ADRs in the book, and writing in our itinerary. I don't carry it at the parks, but I like the pockets and planning pages.

I'll make up note cards like a couple of my DIS friends have suggested, and bring them along to remind us of which things we really wanted to do, and our ADR #s, etc.

Okay, here is a pic of my fabulous new purchases, and then I have to get some work done - have a great rest of the weekend and stay in touch! (I see its a little blurry - sorry, I was trying to hold the camera up to get a good angle.)

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Today I have just a short post with a picture of my shopping. I really didn't need much, as we were just at DL in June and Mexico in Sept. We don't use our Summer clothes much here in the mountains of Oregon- its cold at night, even in the Summer months - really only warm for sure from July - Sept.

Having said that, of course I had to by SOMETHING. So a couple of months ago, I got online and ordered some Minnie Jane crocs in chocolate. I also ordered a Bagallini - small across the body model - I am now official!!! It's not lime green - it's chocolate. I must coordinate my shoes with my bag! I also ordered a pair of the Athena croc sandals in pearl with a lime green sole. I have a pair of pink mickey crocs, so with those three pair of crocs, I'm not bringing other shoes. The sandals can be worn with a skirt or to the pool! I used surfndirt.com and shoebuy.com. The surfndirt site offfered free shipping if I spent $15 more, or shipping was $14.75. Let's see I ordered a T-shirt for $15! The way I see it, I got a shirt for 25 cents!

Now, for the best purchase yet - MY 2009 PASSPORTER!!!!!
I used TGM for this trip, but I'm a hands-on, picture book kind of girl, and I just had to have that pretty book in my hands! I got it on Friday, and I have been putting my new ADRs in the book, and writing in our itinerary. I don't carry it at the parks, but I like the pockets and planning pages.

I'll make up note cards like a couple of my DIS friends have suggested, and bring them along to remind us of which things we really wanted to do, and our ADR #s, etc.

Okay, here is a pic of my fabulous new purchases, and then I have to get some work done - have a great rest of the weekend and stay in touch! (I see its a little blurry - sorry, I was trying to hold the camera up to get a good angle.)

Funny - my Passporter was my first purchase too! I have already started thinking about shoes. Being a SAHM, I have Teva flops, Crocs (cayman - ugly but comfy) and tennis shoes. I'm trying to figure out which to take to the parks. I'm thinking crocs -but they're so darn ugly!

I bought a blue Bagallini - looks the same - last year. I haven't used it yet. I took a backpack to the parks last year. I'll have a lot of gear with clothes, diapers, etc. Carlos may turn into my pack mule!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Are you guys planning on seeing about AKV? I thought that might be nice for the two of you since you think AK is a great park! Nicolas and I did a small bit of resort hopping - I got to see the Contemporary (fun, but too "hoppin'" for my taste, WL. This time we'll get to see AKL (secretly - where I've died to stay since Ms. Brown aired her special), POLY, and CSR.

We're having dinner at Ohana, and I love pineapple, so Lapu Lapu sounds like another must do for me! Don't laugh, but I don't do strong drinks. Is it one I need to tell them to go easy on the spirits?

Have you and Jim thought about the EPCOT snorkle in the tank? If we get away without kiddos one day, I'll so book that!

Yes, I want to check out AKV for sure! We stayed at AKL on points for two nights by ourselves at the end of our 2007 trip. I loved, loved, loved it! I loved watching my buds the giraffes from our balcony, and we got to watch a baby flamingo hatching!

Oh! the Lapu, Lapu? Very strong! You would be wise to ask them to go easy!

I think the idea of snorkeling in a tank where other people could look up and see me is pretty scarey! We did snorkel at Typhoon Lagoon (or we tried to take my nephew) It was cold, and the CMs were yelling at us to get going - I need a little time to feel comfortable, and my nephew backed out, so my DSIS and I jumped out!

Funny - my Passporter was my first purchase too! I have already started thinking about shoes. Being a SAHM, I have Teva flops, Crocs (cayman - ugly but comfy) and tennis shoes. I'm trying to figure out which to take to the parks. I'm thinking crocs -but they're so darn ugly!

I bought a blue Bagallini - looks the same - last year. I haven't used it yet. I took a backpack to the parks last year. I'll have a lot of gear with clothes, diapers, etc. Carlos may turn into my pack mule!

I think crocs are so ugly they're cute - kind of like pug puppies!

It's great when you have a baby, because you can put stuff in or on the stroller and you don't have to carry it the whole time! We won't have that excuse this time, so I'll have to travel light - which I do!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Tammie - it is only 30 minutes of snorkling, so it couldn't be that long. They also have the dolphin encounters. Just trying to think of something "special" for you and Jim. Prices weren't that bad either.

We did scuba diving on our honeymoon - I FREAKED. I hyperventalated and had to accent quickly. It took 15 minutes for the instructor to talk me into going back down with him. I was glad I did - it was so wonderful! I love to snorkle though. LOVE IT!

Oh yea - stollers are the best! Thanks for the drink 411. Definately need to tell them heavy on the juice then. I won't drink anything that I can taste the alcohol in too much. I'm a whimp.

Are you making shirts this trip?

 

[podsnel]

Hi Tammie! I'm in- sounds like a lot of fun so far!! I just got all my ADRs and safaris today for my May trip- VERY excited!!! The concierge from AKV just sends this nice little PDF itinerary- it's excellent!

And I ordered my 2009 Passporter refill just last night- that book is the rock star of all tour guide books, isn't it? So nice to have everything you need in one place, I love those pockets in the back!

Oh- I haven't forgotten your pm- I've just been doing a little hands-on research before I give you some recs- HICCUP!

Ellen

 

[anewmac]

Just saw your link in Ellen's trip report. Im in cant wait to see what yall do kidless! hmm a Lapu Lapu... making note of that now for when we go in August LOL. Between you and Ellen I will know all the spots to go to get my drink on!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Tammie - it is only 30 minutes of snorkling, so it couldn't be that long. They also have the dolphin encounters. Just trying to think of something "special" for you and Jim. Prices weren't that bad either.

We did scuba diving on our honeymoon - I FREAKED. I hyperventalated and had to accent quickly. It took 15 minutes for the instructor to talk me into going back down with him. I was glad I did - it was so wonderful! I love to snorkle though. LOVE IT!

Oh yea - stollers are the best! Thanks for the drink 411. Definately need to tell them heavy on the juice then. I won't drink anything that I can taste the alcohol in too much. I'm a whimp.

Are you making shirts this trip?

Dolphin encounters at Disney? I'm so in! Thanks for the suggestions. I do want to take scuba lessons - its one of the things on my dream list - I did the parasailing in Sept, so why not? I still need to scuba dive and take a balloon ride! IKWYM about the freak out in the water - I tend to be that way when I snorkel sometimes - then I need to hang on to Jim - he's a diver, so he takes good care of me.

I'm not making shirts ahead, but I think we'll make some at that new DTD shirt shop.

Hi Tammie! I'm in- sounds like a lot of fun so far!! I just got all my ADRs and safaris today for my May trip- VERY excited!!! The concierge from AKV just sends this nice little PDF itinerary- it's excellent!

And I ordered my 2009 Passporter refill just last night- that book is the rock star of all tour guide books, isn't it? So nice to have everything you need in one place, I love those pockets in the back!

Oh- I haven't forgotten your pm- I've just been doing a little hands-on research before I give you some recs- HICCUP!

Ellen

ELLEN! Thanks for joining in! Congrats on your ADRs and Safari! It always feels so real when you can get your ressies made! You girls are going to have so much fun!

Yes, the passporter is a must have! I love all the organization, and the comments by a "real" family help, too!

Thanks for the research - I appreciate your "sacrifice."

Just saw your link in Ellen's trip report. Im in cant wait to see what yall do kidless! hmm a Lapu Lapu... making note of that now for when we go in August LOL. Between you and Ellen I will know all the spots to go to get my drink on!

HEY DREA! Welcome! You know we have your back!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Tammie - this goes along with the PM. I found it - so this is a way to save a bit too...

This is definitely a tour that we will do again! Oh, and by the way I booked using my Disney Visa and saved 20%...lots of fun and saved money too!

 

[jordanyosh]

Did I know you were going?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Did I know you were going?

JORDAN!!! I'm not sure - we haven't talked much lately How was your trip? I can't wait to hear about it.

We booked this trip after last Spring Break - we were left home alone (which I didn't mind) while the kids left for a vacation. I decided that THIS year we were going to go!