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

[Parla]

So glad you got everything you wanted. I'm finding making ADRs for October trips is much less stress than the ADRs I had to make for a Spring Break trip five years ago.

Can't wait to try KTTK some time. Either with the kids when they're older or just by ourselves when they're old enough to not have to go on every trip we take. Unfortunately I wouldn't trust a single person in my family with DD's diabetes. I don't believe any of them could do the equations to figure out the insulin.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Beautiful scrapbook pages!!! I really need to make an effort to get caught up on all of mine. I haven't even finished the 2009 trip to AKL yet, and then there is the Food and Wine Festival trip and Chelsea's birthday trip. Maybe, I will bribe myself this summer -- when I get all caught up, I can go again.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Julie, I love your scrapbook pages! I really should take up scrapbooking, I have so many photos (from before I got my digital camera...none after that, they are all on the computer!) that are falling out of old albums and a mess right now. It is a really expensive hobby? It looks like it!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Wow...nice job on the ADRs!

The KTTK tour sounds incredible! You'll love it!

 

[mousescrapper]

Julie,
I completely forgot to comment about the article that was done with Nathan!! I read the introduction and the interview and LOVED it! He sounds so grown up and in charge! I know that you must be bursting with pride at the strides he has made. You and Matt are just the parents that he needs. God put you together for a reason.

thanks for those sweet comments Sheresa...

So glad you got everything you wanted. I'm finding making ADRs for October trips is much less stress than the ADRs I had to make for a Spring Break trip five years ago.

yes it was a breeze making them this time

Can't wait to try KTTK some time. Either with the kids when they're older or just by ourselves when they're old enough to not have to go on every trip we take. Unfortunately I wouldn't trust a single person in my family with DD's diabetes. I don't believe any of them could do the equations to figure out the insulin.

I know how you feel...I am grateful my folks are willing and able to watch my kids especially the twins so we can go out time to time and this trip

Beautiful scrapbook pages!!! I really need to make an effort to get caught up on all of mine. I haven't even finished the 2009 trip to AKL yet, and then there is the Food and Wine Festival trip and Chelsea's birthday trip. Maybe, I will bribe myself this summer -- when I get all caught up, I can go again.

thank you I have been scrapbooking since the mid 90's when it first came on the scene...my style has evloved w/ the trends, but I still love doing it. I try to create various books for vacations and then have books for the 4 kids...I get behind though

Julie, I love your scrapbook pages! I really should take up scrapbooking, I have so many photos (from before I got my digital camera...none after that, they are all on the computer!) that are falling out of old albums and a mess right now. It is a really expensive hobby? It looks like it!

it can and it can not be depending on what you want to scrap and how you go about it. I do a variety of things. smaller keepsake books (like the Disney timeline) and full blown scrap books w/ tons of 12 x 12 layouts. Buy products when on sale is key and buy only what you need. If you are starting up. I'd pick 1 subject gather your phots and then go from there. I have lots of stock and then buy as needed to replenish and/or new itmes to add flourish. I recieve lots of g/c for presents too so that helps I also do digital books on Snapfish or Shutterly...not exactly digital scrapbooking, but helps supplement. I mostly do it for smaller occassions or gifts.

Wow...nice job on the ADRs!

The KTTK tour sounds incredible! You'll love it!

thanks Missy! it does sound that way!

 

[irish dancer]

All caught up. Congrats on the ADRs, boo on having to pay in advance for the KTTK tour. We loved our tour in 2005, hope you guys love it too.

Also liked catching up on your scrapbooking, would love to scrap too maybe a hobby for retirement.

 

[mousescrapper]

Now that the ADR’s are done, it is time to start planning out our park picks for each park and then take those lists and come up w/ our touring plans! I love this part of the planning

So for a refresher here is a look at our basic PARK itinerary:

Sun 16th: arrival * MK say 1ish till closing at 7 pm

Mon 17th: EP morning into mid afternoon

Tues 18th: DHS morning into early afternoon * MK for MNSSHP try to arrive between 4-5 pm stay till midnight

Wed 19th: AK late morning till after 3:45 parade * EP say 5 till closing

Thurs 20th: MK tour in morning and some free time in park till say 4-4:30 pm (departure)​

Let’s start with DHS since we’ll spend the least amount of time there…

I divide up the park picks into 3 categories: Must/See Do List * If Time * Questionable

I also make notes of park hours possible touring days (times)* EMH’s * Events/Parades * dining choices

I use these worksheets first to make the lists:

***I have a pic but PB isn't liking me right now

Then I will use the same worksheet (diff color) for each park touring time

The other steps include filling out basic itinerary sheet

And then before we go I’ll make touring plan cards (I have made various ones for each trip and yet to find the ONE…but I plan to borrow MYPPNS (Heidi’s) design for Oct…

Sounds like a lot huh? Call me a OCD Disney planner and I’ll say Thank you

Now on to DHS:
Possible Touring Day: Tues 18th morning till early afternoon

Park Hours: 9 am to 7 pm * no F!

EMH’s: AM-N/A for our trip * PM-Thurs 20th

Events/Parades: afternoon 3:00 pm * F! Sun 16th 7:30pm & Thurs

Dining Choices: TS meal @ Hollywood Brown Derby ADR 12 pm

Must/See Do List:

TSM (would like to do twice standby & FP)

I am not too eager to make the TSM mad dash, but unsure if there is any other way to get on twice…

Of course this is a new favorite of ours. I like this even more than Buzz at MK. Don’t think I’ll beat Matt but will have fun trying…needing to get in some practice on our Wii version before we go. Also I have no pix of Matt and I on this ride just the kids…so need to get one!

Matt says:
I am looking forward to seeing what is in the stand-by queue that we have never seen.


Drawing or Animation academy (a first for Matt)

Here is a post by Jack Spence about it…just scroll down a bit:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/04/animation_academy_at_disneys_h_1.html

This was a fun diversion and rest stop when I did it my only time back in 09 w/ Bekah. We drew Tigger. I am looking forward to doing it w/ Matt…even though I stink at drawing.

Matt says:

Is looking forward to seeing what it is.


Our picture @ NY backdrop

You’ve seen our latest pic from 2010 in our Disney history post. Need to make sure we don’t wear the same shirts again. Maybe we should try a silly pose to spice it up a bit?

Matt says:

We can reenact that Time Life Picture from WWII w/ the solider and the nurse…

New Star Tours

I have never been a big “fan” of this ride even though I have gone on it a few times (I even remember going on the original in DL during its opening heyday in the late 80’s). But I am game to see what has changed and get my inner Lei buns on for a SW quickie…

Matt says:

A SW quickie? I hope they didn’t get rid of the robot pilot because he sounded like Pee Wee Herman…


EDIT: DUH thanks to Amy...addition to the list One man's Dream...how could I forget this

If Time:

Have nothing on the list at the moment

What would you add?
What things to do you think would be great for a couple to do?
KIM: Matt doesn’t do thrills sadly one of my fav’s is out TOT
I’d like to check out some of the little things here we seem to not have time for during other trips…what would you look for?
Shopping: any good stops you’d make?​

This type of touring seems all new to me …yes I have been to Disney pre kids and just recently w/ none In Jan. But I want this trip to be more than just going from one attraction to the next…I really want to soak it all in.

So you DHS enthusiasts…bring it on!

Up NEXT: Park picks for AK…

 

[Parla]

You're an OCD Disney Planner.

You're welcome.

I am going to make cards for the first time this trip. I want to make sure DS has something to refer to in case he gets concerned we will miss something. He will have the complete set before we leave.

I would be crushed if DH didn't do thrill rides!

I would love a SW quickie but our kids will be with us on our trip.

Do you have a link to Heidi's cards?

 

[DisMomAmy]

SW Quickie!

What about One Man's Dream? Is that something you spend time doing with the family? I know you were just there in January but Matt might enjoy it.

Are there any shows you would want to see?

Otherwise it sounds good - I like the idea of soaking it all in.

 

[mousescrapper]

You're an OCD Disney Planner.

You're welcome.



I am going to make cards for the first time this trip. I want to make sure DS has something to refer to in case he gets concerned we will miss something. He will have the complete set before we leave.

yes my DS-Nathan has liked having his own touring plan cards and appreciates a list of what we are hoping to do each day


Do you have a link to Heidi's cards?

no, there is no link. I travled w/ Heidi to Disney just earlier this yr...so I going to modify her design to fit my needs...sorry was really just giving a shout out to her...I have used the printed touring plans custom maps, and another touring plan print I found on here.

SW Quickie!

yes when I typed it up...didn't realize how it sounded till reading my post out loud to Matt last night to get his comments

What about One Man's Dream? Is that something you spend time doing with the family? I know you were just there in January but Matt might enjoy it.

OH DUH! how did I forget that...of course that is going on the MUST List....

thanks for that reminder Amy...yes we do enjoy that and Matt will be able to see the new additions!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Thanks for the shout out Julie about my touring cards. I looked in my photobucket for a picture of one but I couldn't find anything

When I went to DHS totally solo I LOVED spending time watching the streetmosphere players....such a stop and smell the roses sort of thing. And very funny!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Now that the ADR’s are done, it is time to start planning out our park picks for each park and then take those lists and come up w/ our touring plans! I love this part of the planning

So for a refresher here is a look at our basic PARK itinerary:

Sun 16th: arrival * MK say 1ish till closing at 7 pm

Mon 17th: EP morning into mid afternoon

Tues 18th: DHS morning into early afternoon * MK for MNSSHP try to arrive between 4-5 pm stay till midnight

Wed 19th: AK late morning till after 3:45 parade * EP say 5 till closing

Thurs 20th: MK tour in morning and some free time in park till say 4-4:30 pm (departure)​

It looks like the only time we'll intersect is at MNSSHP. Our park days are completely opposite. But, things may change. I'm hoping to convice DH's cousin to spend the extra money and go for PH tickets.

Matt says:

We can reenact that Time Life Picture from WWII w/ the solider and the nurse…
Love this idea!!

But I am game to see what has changed and get my inner Lei buns on for a SW quickie…

Matt says:

A SW quickie? I hope they didn’t get rid of the robot pilot because he sounded like Pee Wee Herman…

Okay, I'm horrible, but I have no idea what SW stands for.....

What would you add?
What things to do you think would be great for a couple to do?
KIM: Matt doesn’t do thrills sadly one of my fav’s is out TOT
I’d like to check out some of the little things here we seem to not have time for during other trips…what would you look for?
Shopping: any good stops you’d make?[/SIZE][/INDENT]

What about the Great Movie Ride? I'm sorry Matt doesn't do thrill rides. Maybe he'd let you sneak in on RNR in the single rider line? Bummer TOT is out. I know how you feel. Back in 2009 when we went I was pregnant and couldn't go......

Honestly, DHS isn't my park. I do love RNR, TOT & TSM, but everything else I can take or leave. I feel like they need to refresh their show selections. Once you've seen them, etc. etc.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Love your DHS list, after your TSM dash maybe just walking around slowly hand in hand and noticing things you never noticed before, there is always the great movie ride or the backlot tour (I like the props/costumes in the beginning and end of this-something I didn't get the chance to look at and enjoy with the kids) otherwise to me your plans sound perfect

 

[mousescrapper]

Thanks for the shout out Julie about my touring cards.

You bet

When I went to DHS totally solo I LOVED spending time watching the streetmosphere players....such a stop and smell the roses sort of thing. And very funny!

that sounds fun! is that stuff sporatic or in the times guide (steve Soares)

What about the Great Movie Ride? I'm sorry Matt doesn't do thrill rides. Maybe he'd let you sneak in on RNR in the single rider line? Bummer TOT is out. I know how you feel. Back in 2009 when we went I was pregnant and couldn't go......

We do TGMR just about every trip...and since we have a semi limited time frame today it's just not must...but I could add it to the If Time...I think getting the Cowboy after like FOREVER in Nov...I want to keep that memory fresh AND maybe I'll go stick my shoes in Judy Garland's impressions...love Wiz of Oz


Honestly, DHS isn't my park. I do love RNR, TOT & TSM, but everything else I can take or leave. I feel like they need to refresh their show selections. Once you've seen them, etc. etc.

mine either (and I LOVE the movies)... speaking of shows...I am looking forward to the new Disney Junior for Jan-Fam trip and want to take everyone to see Beauty and the Beast Show...saw it in Jan w/ the Spectrum Mom's it was GREAT!

Love your DHS list, after your TSM dash maybe just walking around slowly hand in hand and noticing things you never noticed before,

Yes that is what i am hoping for Jess


For whoever didn't know what SW stood for Star Wars....

 

[MRYPPNS]

Yeah Steve Soars site will have some info. They are mainly on Sunset and Hollywood Blvd. morning to mid afternoon I believe.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

DHS plans look good. The best part my MK day with Jeff last May was being able to slow down and just take it all in. Take the time to watch the street performers, linger at lunch and people-watch..... ENJOY!!

 

[Native NYer]

I love your DHS plans!
I wonder if the new Star Tours will mean less crowds at TSM.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I have Drawing Academy on my list of things to do this fall as well! We have never done it and I'm really looking forward to taking things a little slower at DHS this time b/c we've seen a lot of the shows and probably will not repeat them. I think DHS is the perfect park to go with the flow and take things slow, soak it all in!

Oh, we have to do Muppets though, it's a favorite of mine.

 

[mousescrapper]

Yeah Steve Soars site will have some info. They are mainly on Sunset and Hollywood Blvd. morning to mid afternoon I believe.

DHS plans look good. The best part my MK day with Jeff last May was being able to slow down and just take it all in. Take the time to watch the street performers, linger at lunch and people-watch..... ENJOY!!

yes I am looking forward to a nice lunch...a nice adult lunch

I love your DHS plans!
I wonder if the new Star Tours will mean less crowds at TSM.

oohh I like this thought! I bet we'll need FP's for Star tours...

Oh, we have to do Muppets though, it's a favorite of mine.

another thing I didn't think of haven't done that since 05...been awhile...I should add that to the if time list. I know we'll do it in Jan w/ the kids. Nathan hated the 3d shows too over stimulating for him...but he handled MPHM w/ flying colors last Nov and his latest obession besides Monopoly is the Muppets

 

[exwdwcm]

Yeah, glad you got all of your ADRs with no issues. We loved the KTTK tour. It was a lot of fun!!! you will totally enjoy it, especialy if you have never been backstage. Heck, i worked at WDW (although n ot at MK) and i even found it interesting although i had been in the utilidors previously. i learned a lot too that I didn't know.

on your DHS must dos- i love the Great Movie Ride- i know, it is sort of cheesy, but i love it! We haven't tried the animation academy yet, but i want to. the problem is i will have DS4 and not sure he is old enough to do it, but DH loves drawing and i know he would enjoy it. i also love One Man's dream!! i do love the shopping here- don't miss the shops along the street on the way to ToT. the villians shop is fun! We also really enjoyed streetmosphere this last trip- caught a couple of their acts- it was usually over on the streets in front of the Villians shop area. Definitely worth some fun! and don't forget a treat from Starring Rolls bakery!