Happy Mickey-versary for 15 yrs! An Oct. 2011 PTR NEW: 11/13 Pretend Disney? & TRlink

[mousescrapper]

Mmmmm... F&W desserts! I'm looking forward to that too!!

YUM...good thing we do all that walking for the amount of food to be had

I love it!!! You guys are the sweetest family - I love all the fun stuff you do together!!

And very sweet to dedicate your family night to Jackie!

awww thanks Amy

Ah, Julie! You are the SWEETEST!!! You know I was all excited when I saw this post was about Star Wars family night, and I am coveting that Han Solo action figure. So much fun, you had!

You are most welcome I had Nathan dig out all his little figures...the han Solo came w/ some souvie cup I got years ago for Matt

Here's my latest Star Wars story for you -- Saturday when I went to Walmart to buy groceries, they had the new BluRay Star Wars playing in the electronics department. It took me awhile to peel myself away and continue onward to the milk section.

haha too funny...sounds like nathan one time went to Costco (wharehouse store), and he was w/ me...he didn't want to walk around so stood in front of the tvs

You guys are too funny - looks like your Star Wars night was lots of fun!

we did have a good time

LOVE your Star Wars night!!!

thanks!

Cuuuuuute! Love the Star Wars night! My DH would so love that. He gets his light sabre out every time we watch those movies!

We have some larger light up sabers that belong to nathan but they are packed up w/ some of the kids old toys...so I bought those little flashlight ones

 

[mousescrapper]

Sept. 22nd 24 days till Disney

Enjoy BLT

I love this resort, and although it is appealing to try other resorts at WDW…I want to keep coming back here. The location, the curb appeal, the recreation, the food, FABULOUS! Some things specific to this trip…staying in a Studio first time, hoping for a good view, try out the hot tub, can’t wait to walk to MK in my MNSSHP costume and of course monorails to EP! ​

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Your family nights never disappoint Julie! I love the Swamp Rat Stew! Very creative!

I dream of staying at a monorail resort. If only they had a moderate or value on the monorail line....

I hope you get an awesome view! Did you mention in your ressie that you were celebrating 15 years??

 

[irish dancer]

Love the Star Wars night, that would be a BIG hit around here especially with Daniel. Deirdre though was looking over my shoulder and was coveting the Stitch Yoda figure. She also wants to have a Disney night of our own, might have to do one for our next countdown.

Hoping to try BLT, might even try at 7mos for our June trip. We'd lose at least a day or maybe two since it's more points than AKV but the kids are anxious to try someplace new.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I forgot you guys were going to be in BLT!!! How fun will that be??? Lots of pictures, please!

 

[mousescrapper]

Your family nights never disappoint Julie! I love the Swamp Rat Stew! Very creative!

thanks...that was matt's idea

I dream of staying at a monorail resort. If only they had a moderate or value on the monorail line....

yes it should go everywhere looking into renting points at BLT

I hope you get an awesome view! Did you mention in your ressie that you were celebrating 15 years??

me too, maybe a free upgrade...pretty sure i did but I need to call DVC member services today and that is on my list to confirm

Love the Star Wars night, that would be a BIG hit around here especially with Daniel. Deirdre though was looking over my shoulder and was coveting the Stitch Yoda figure. She also wants to have a Disney night of our own, might have to do one for our next countdown.

yes they are fun, the simplier the better I think

Hoping to try BLT, might even try at 7mos for our June trip. We'd lose at least a day or maybe two since it's more points than AKV but the kids are anxious to try someplace new.

that would be very cool if it works out

I forgot you guys were going to be in BLT!!! How fun will that be??? Lots of pictures, please!

yes our home resort, be our 2nd time staying there. Very excited to be back! (staying there in Jan w/ the kids too ) don't worry I'll take lots!

 

[mousescrapper]

Sept. 23rd 23 days till Disney

Get WDW 40th anniversary souvies

I have my eyes/heart set on a few things so I really hope they are still around…I want to buy this grey 40th logo shirt I saw earlier in the yr when I was there in Jan. and actually I plan to save it for my 2014 40th Birthday trip I also love the look of these ceramic replica cups of the old paper/styrofoam cups w/ the original WDW logo on them. I’d like to get a couple pins and maybe anything else that catches my eye…​

 

[mousescrapper]

Packing for two…

These two bags, plus borrowing a garment bag for the costumes…

So I have revised my “normal “ WDW ultimate packing list down to size to fit the needs of just two adults and for 5 days…let’s take a look:

Clothing
Julie-

5 outfits
* Sun-travel: capris for plane/shorts for arrival? Grey Cinderella slipper shirt/tank
* Mon-EP: demin skirt & MM Trick or treat shirt * Tues-DHS: knit skirt & blue floral tank * Wed-AK/EP: shorts/change into capris or jeans & Black MM sparkle shirt * Thurs-MK: skirt/capris & blue castle shirt/tank​

(items in purple are packed)

***Need to decide if I need two capris or one…waiting on weather?

Do you see a color theme for the week? didn’t mean to do that…

1 dress outfit

Grey floral skirt & blue dress tank, jewelry & sandals​

Pajamas

Shoes

Green Clark flip flops (wearing) & dress sandals​

Extra clothes

Extra shirt-tank, sweat capris, jeans, undergarments (and for costume), swim suit, cover-up​

Matt-

5 outfits
* Sun-travel: green shorts & Grey MM * Mon-EP: grey shorts & custom MM Halloween shirt
* Tues-DHS: tan cargo shorts & blue grey ringer t-shirt
* Wed-AK/EP: tan shorts & red MM shirt * Thurs-MK: repeat shorts & white MM/Walt shirt​

The green MM shirt will now be his extra shirt, since he is making a Halloween shirt for himself. Hopefully you can also tell from the above picture of my clothes how I have us pretty well coordinated for pictures

1 dress outfit

Casual pants, blue check button down, shoes??​

Pajamas

Shoes

Gym shoes, black dress shoes (costume), dinner out shoes TBD​

Extra clothes

Extra shirt or two, jeans, undergarments (and for costume), swim trunks​

Costumes

Julie- wedding dress, veil, make-up, bouquet, purse, pearls, undergarments

Matt- pants, vest, dress shirt, jacket, hat, watch chain (attached to vest), ascot, shoes, undershirt, socks, make-up​

WDW items

Rain ponchos Carry-on (CO)
Water bottle (Julie) (CO)
Dis gifts
Extra tote bag (in parks)
Extra carry-on bag (if needed)
Dis items: bag tags, trip notes, F&W review booklet, travel journal, travel binder, DME papers (CO)
Money-gift cards, tip envelopes
Glow necklaces/bracelets
Camera(s) & borrow video camera?
Little green D&B purse (Julie for dinner out)
Matt’s pillow insert
Misc room items: laundry sheets, travel frebreze, disinfectant, cleaning wipes, travel candle, matches
Travel emergency items: bandaids, moleskin, safety pins, extra luggage tag, lint roller, etc​

Toiletries

Carry-on: mini deodorants, soap, med's​

Julie: hair care, soap, lotion, deodorant, make-up, hair clips, sunscreen, razors, hairdryer, dental care

Matt: hair gel, shaving cream/razor, deodorant, dental care

Misc: dixie cups, Q-tips, hand soap pump​

***I have pulled all the toiletries but haven’t packed anything yet…I have an upcoming ladies weekend w/ friends next week. So I will do it after that. Plus I made list of the items I’ll need to replace and buy.

My Mom’s suitcase has a built in toiletry bag:

Which is very nice, so I will mostly use that and 1 other small bag for my make-up


that's the list for now...I think I have everything written down feel like I'm missing something



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Also in planning NEWS:

I called DVC member services this morning, and added the DME info for our January trip, requested another tag for Oct., confirmed the anniversary is noted on our ressie, confirmed what I needed to pick up our MNSSHP tickets, and inquired about renewing my AP while down there.

I checked the balance left on my gift card from my Jan trip (from this yr) and figured out a little more of the monies...all we have left to gather is rest of food, souvies & tip $...seem to be in good shape! **** NEED to add to my To-Do LIST convert cash into gift cards

I have updated my Trip shopping list

looked over my master To-Do list and crossed off/made some notes/adjustments...I'll share where I am on it after the 1st of Oct

that's it for now

J~

 

[DisMomAmy]

Woo hoo!! Packing time!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Super organized!

 

[KathyRN137]

Packing for TWO is soooo much easier, don't you think?

You're much further along than I am and I'm going this weekend!!

I really can't wait to see the pictures of you both in your costumes... they're going to be amazing!


Kathy

 

[mousescrapper]

Woo hoo!! Packing time!!

always means the trip is coming fast

Super organized!

thanks...lets hope it pays off as I had THE Disney nightmare of all time last night, actually woke me...I'm serious first off they didn't put us in a studio but some freakish common room w/ a ton of other guests sharing one bathroom and then if it couldn't get worse I forgot a ton of stuff, my bouguet, matt's shoes, and i know more....

Packing for TWO is soooo much easier, don't you think?

yes and i learned from our Vegas trip mistake...me packing the week out is so bad...I was scrambling at the last minute gettiong stuff together and forgot things...this is way better

You're much further along than I am and I'm going this weekend!!

I always recall you being the last minute packer

I really can't wait to see the pictures of you both in your costumes... they're going to be amazing!


Kathy

thanks, they are coming together have an awesome trip!

 

[mousescrapper]

Sat. Sept. 24th 22 days till Disney

See our future together on SSE

This will be another first for us doing TOGETHER! Normally we are split up w/ the kids, so this time our little freakish bobbing heads will be in that snappy Jetson car zipping under water together!

*****************************************************************************************

Sun. Sept. 25th 21 days till Disney

Do Epcot RD

Another general first…we have arrived pre park and after park opening but never before…unfortunately I have recently read there isn’t much to be said about RD at EP, which is stinky IMHO…but oh well we still plan to arrive before 9 am, find Stephanie and family and then do the Soarin run….

**********************************************************************************************

Mon. Sept. 26th 20 days till Disney

WE’VE HIT ANOTHER COUNTDOWN MILESTONE ….WOW WHERE DID THOSE LAST TEN DAYS GO? STAY TUNED AS WE’LL BE HAVING OUR NEXT FAMILY COUNTDOWN NIGHT ACTUALLY TOMORROW!

Take a train ride around MK

Matt loves trains (like most boys) and especially the Disney trains…so we are looking forward to riding around the park at least once!​

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I believe that they actually aren't doing the RD ceremony at Epcot anymore. I think at 9 you're just allowed into the turnstyles. Which will cut down on the mad rush to Soarin, I think.

I love seeing our little bobbing heads on Spaceship Earth! We've started to just pick random options just to see the different scenerios

 

[Marshay]

Sept. 22nd 24 days till Disney

Enjoy BLT

I love this resort, and although it is appealing to try other resorts at WDW…I want to keep coming back here. The location, the curb appeal, the recreation, the food, FABULOUS! Some things specific to this trip…staying in a Studio first time, hoping for a good view, try out the hot tub, can’t wait to walk to MK in my MNSSHP costume and of course monorails to EP! ​

Yeah, there is something just oh-so-cool about BLT!! We've stayed at everyone except OKW (going in Jan) and although everyone has its great appeal, we love BLT and Kidani the best ... and they are so at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Love, love, love your Star Wars dinner night. You are so very creative and fun!

Don't you feel like you're missing a LOT of stuff only packing for 2????

Can't wait to see the costumes.

 

[mousescrapper]

Sept. 27th 19 days till Disney

Have a Mickey rice krispie treat

This Mickey Crispie (which I have now learned is the unofficial term for these sweet delectables…) was the last in my stash brought home from WDW back in Nov. and was eaten not that long ago …so hey ever looking for that Disney treat to satisfy that Disney fix…these will do the trick

Oh and I’ll be hunting to see if they have these:

​

 

[mousescrapper]

Let’s talk CAKE…

Not sure how many of you out there have ordered a cake or a specialty cake from WDW before so any advice, tips, etc I am happy to hear…for I am a newbie at this. Back when planning for our Nov. trip, Matt and I looked into the possibility of ordering 1-2 cakes for the little girls’ birthday we celebrated during our week down there…we opted not to order anything then…but now I’ll be calling the beginning of next week to order us a special anniversary cake to be delivered while dining at Naraccoossee’s .

So I have done a bit of research here and there, looking at cake threads, jotting down notes, reading reviews and reading up on ordering info on the disneyfoodblog too.

Here is an excerpt from the blog w/ info about GF cakes:

Grand Floridian Resort* — 407-824-1951
• 6-inch $21 chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream or vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream ($28 at Victoria & Albert’s; flavors same as 8-inch cake)
• 8-inch $32 vanilla cake with white chocolate filling and frosting or chocolate cake with dark chocolate filling and frosting ($35 at Victoria & Albert’s)
• 10-inch $45 chocolate, vanilla, or marble cake; filling is vanilla or chocolate buttercream, white or dark chocolate mousse, custard with strawberries, strawberry mousse or raspberry mousse; frosting is vanilla or chocolate buttercream, white or dark chocolate ganache or whipped cream
• Mickey Mouse Cake $48 (serves 12): Vanilla or chocolate Mickey head-shaped cake with chocolate mousse filling, covered in chocolate ganache; only customization is writing on plate
• Mini cake with white chocolate castle topper comes in chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse, yellow cake with white chocolate mousse or cheesecake for $30; other styles of mini cake are available at $30 and up
• White chocolate Cinderella slipper dessert costs $15
• Fancy, fondant-covered cakes start at $75; additional flavors are available​

I highlighted the one that most likely apply to us!

Here is a link to a lot of awesome info (that fellow Diser lurkyloo helped put together) from the foodblog:

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/disney-world-cakes-faq/

From there Matt and I have narrowed it down to a few choices:

We want to go w/ something simple and classic like these little 2 tiered cakes:

The anniversary one seems so tiny though, but maybe better so we won’t have a ton of left-overs, but worried we can’t get a topper or have a filling inside…(I don’t like the tacky flowers on top)

The mini Mickey one I think is very fun and think we can do more w/ this.

Now this cake pictured on the foodblog…seems to be the perfect combination:

For toppers I am unsure? I like the chocolate castle:

But Matt doesn’t it…I haven’t seen much else except for chocolate Mickey or Tink unless we ask for something else more custom. But to be perfectly honest I am pretty nervous about this task so I don’t want to ask for something I am unsure of.

Not sure I just want frosting flowers

Or we could go totally out of the box and get this:

(but then I’d feel the need to be in costume to eat this cake…)

The cake itself, I’d like to order marble since I like white and Matt likes chocolate cake. And would love a mouse and fresh strawberries filling, I know this most likely will jack the price, but it would be like our wedding cake.

Frosting I guess a standard or maybe if we can get a whipped vs buttercream…I am not a huge frosting fan anyways, so I don’t mind picking around it.

Well there you have it…ideas, suggestions?

Thanks for reading,
J~

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Those little cakes are so cute! The only thing we've ever special-ordered is the slipper, which was really good. There's no cake in it (at the GF), it's just chocolates and mousses though.

I'm not sure why, but the castle topper keeps making me think of the Little Mermaid, and King Tritons castle. It is a bit vague-looking .

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Julie, you are so creative with your family nights! Love the Star Wars theme and all the food and fun....nice job!

Yay...time to pack! So exciting.

I don't have much to offer on the cake front. I'm not a big cake fan and I've never ordered a custom cake. But...the little one with the yellow Mickey heads is cute!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Hi Julie!

Ooh, it's getting close now. I can feel it in the air. The weather is starting to change here, and really begin to feel like fall. That just makes it one step closer to Disney for us!! 18 Days!!

I am afraid I cannot be of any assistance as far as the cake goes, but if opinion matters, I like the Mickey two tier cake. You can make it different colors, and it's playful but nice enough for what you want. I know that you will end up with the right thing.