He said we could go back. October Anniversary trip!

[chicagoshannon]

Thanks Connie! I need to be better at visiting. I'm waiting fro Crocko to get back so I can see how his trip went!

I think I'll be switching back to Horizons very soon. The Hands on Homeschooling is just made by a mom so I'm sure you can do just as good if not better. It's VERY easy for Madeline. Too easy really. Like today we'll be doing the whole week in one day. lol I got the Trend tracing books and they're great! Madeline loves using them. I also have some Kumon books that Madeline LOVES and would do the whole book in one setting if I let her. lol I'm not entirely sure if we'll be doing homeschooling once she hits kindy or not. I'm afraid that "I'll" miss the interaction with the other moms from church. A lot of them send their kids to our Christian school. We'll just have to wait and see.

Back to disney

We have 19 days until we leave. We've decided to split our first day in the parks between MGM and Epcot. I want to try the cheese platter at F&W and Madeline really wants to ride Nemo. Looks like Living with the Land will be open by then too.

We're finalizing our plans for February at the moment also. Really hoping for a 40% AP discount for our dates.

I just noticed that Crystal Palace will be closed during our Feb trip so maybe we'll have to keep that ADR this time. We still haven't decided which ones to keep and which to ditch. lol

We plan to leave at 4am on the 17th and drive most of the way- probably stopping around 8 or 9. That way we can sleep in the next day and only drive about 3-4 hours or so. We'll see how it goes. We're hoping to enjoy our resort a bit that first day.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Shannon
great plan for the first leg of the journey!
Cp is suppose to close for refurb; but, it is rumored that LTT will reopen for breakfast w/characters during the refurb!
If (and that is a great big IF) we go in Feb we will be leaving the day after ya'll get there! our trip would be jan 31 - Feb 7! something to that effect! Like I said on my post I know where the money for the trip is coming from; just don't have the $200 yet for the deposit!

for the time being I will continue to develop my own circ. for the little ones! Danny does not want me to homeschool again. So, I'm sure Ashton will be going to the local parachoial school/I'm not interested in the local public (it is a good school-but the NAACP it trying to redistrict and they want to bus the kids all over the place to even out the numbers; NO ONE FROM THE AREA is interested in this plan--so I'm afraid it goes into effect once Ashton gets settled into school--I do not want him going to one school only to load another bus for another school ).

have a great day!
Connie

 

[crocko]

Thanks Connie! I need to be better at visiting. I'm waiting fro Crocko to get back so I can see how his trip went!

We're back!

Check the link in my signature.
Will try to get updates going as soon as possible.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Hey! Shannon
great plan for the first leg of the journey!
Cp is suppose to close for refurb; but, it is rumored that LTT will reopen for breakfast w/characters during the refurb!
If (and that is a great big IF) we go in Feb we will be leaving the day after ya'll get there! our trip would be jan 31 - Feb 7! something to that effect! Like I said on my post I know where the money for the trip is coming from; just don't have the $200 yet for the deposit!

for the time being I will continue to develop my own circ. for the little ones! Danny does not want me to homeschool again. So, I'm sure Ashton will be going to the local parachoial school/I'm not interested in the local public (it is a good school-but the NAACP it trying to redistrict and they want to bus the kids all over the place to even out the numbers; NO ONE FROM THE AREA is interested in this plan--so I'm afraid it goes into effect once Ashton gets settled into school--I do not want him going to one school only to load another bus for another school ).

have a great day!
Connie

I'm not interested in the public schools here either. I like having a bit more control over what my child gets taught.

We're back!

Check the link in my signature.
Will try to get updates going as soon as possible.

Great! I'm going there now! Welcome home.

 

[chicagoshannon]

So, I think it's about time for our itinerary

Sat Oct 17- leave 4am and drive til about 8 or so
Sun Oct 18- sleep in ( like 7am lol) enjoy a leasurely breakfast. We figure we'll have about 4 hours of driving this day depending on how the previous day turned out. When we arrive at our resort (Marriott Harbour Lake) we'll try to check in early and then enjoy the pool and mini golf.
5pm- Chef Mickey's

Mon Oct 19
8am- ADR for the playhouse Disney breakfast (still not sure if we're going to do this or not
9am- park opens and we'll head to TSMM ride and then grab fast passes
I will then take Madeline to the Little Mermaid while Eric goes to TOT and RnRR
10:30- eric will meet us at the Playhouse Disney show
11 ish- we'll go to Star Tours and the person not riding will play with Madeline inthe HISTK playground, then we'll switch
next up will be lunch
12:45 Beauty and the Beast show

if there is time before that show we'll ride Great Movie Ride or just explore a bit

After BATB I want to do One Man's Dream

We'll ride TSMM and then head out of the park around 3pm maybe

EPCOT will be next

things do to:
Nemo
Imagination
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Countries on the right side
Maybe we'll get a chance to explore Innovations a little bit too

Tuesday 20th
Sleep in (if possible)
Hang out at the resort for a leisurely day
3pm ish we'll leave for MNSSHP-- need to find somewhere to eat this evening might just see what's available when we arrive at MK <gasp>
--- we plan to get in line for the dwarves before 7pm, that is our one must do besides the parade and fireworks


the rest of the itinerary will come later. I have to go mow the lawn. We have a showing tomorrow!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

sounds good so far...does Eric not mind riding alone...I asked Danny if we went w/o the kids would he be ok to ride the big rides alone! since I don't ride them anyway!
need to check to see when Star Tours if closing for refurb I think it is suppose to be soon (but not positive--when?!?)
hope your showing goes well tomorrow; maybe you'll get an offer

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Awesome start to the itinerary! Can't wait to see more! Hope the lawn goes well. I HATE mowing the lawn. Stinketh mucheth.

 

[crocko]

Sounds like good plans so far!

On Playhouse Disney....if she loves the characters, then do it....otherwise, it was our least favorite character meal of the 5 that we did on our trip.

 

[chicagoshannon]

sounds good so far...does Eric not mind riding alone...I asked Danny if we went w/o the kids would he be ok to ride the big rides alone! since I don't ride them anyway!
need to check to see when Star Tours if closing for refurb I think it is suppose to be soon (but not positive--when?!?)
hope your showing goes well tomorrow; maybe you'll get an offer

Eric doesn't mind riding alone. He even rode some rides alone on our honeymoon. I like the rides with loops but HATE the giant hills and free falls. He cant' wait til Madeline is tall enough to go on them with him.

The people didn't show up for the showing. We had an open house yesterday and 1 person came. Our realtor says she has some "suggestions". We'll see what those are but if they have anything to do with the house itself she will be shot down since the house isn't the problem getting the people IN the house is (HER job!). Seriously she's going to end up with like $5K when our house sells and she's not getting people in (HER JOB). At this rate we could do better listing it ourselves!

Awesome start to the itinerary! Can't wait to see more! Hope the lawn goes well. I HATE mowing the lawn. Stinketh mucheth.

I don't mind mowing the lawn, gives me a break from entertaining Madeline.

Sounds like good plans so far!

On Playhouse Disney....if she loves the characters, then do it....otherwise, it was our least favorite character meal of the 5 that we did on our trip.

Well Madeline loves some of the characters but doesn't know who JoJo is and the Einsteins aren't her favorites. I'm thinking we'll skip it for sure, thanks.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Ok, where did we leave off?

Wed Oct 21 MK
We have an ADR for Crystal Palace at 8:10 I was going to cancel it but then saw that CP will be closed in Feb when we're there. We aren't planning to go back til M is 5 or 6 so she might be too old for Pooh at that time. So depending on what Eric says we may keep this one.

After breakfast (or right at rope drop) we'll head to Fantasy land. I think Madeline is most excited to ride the carousel. Luckily she hasnt' talked about Dumbo so we might be able to skip that. We're going to take our time.

We'll probably head to Toon Town after Fantasyland. WE didn't spend much time there in May. I want her to see Mickey and Minnie's houses before they take them away.

I guess our itinerary for MK is very loose this time. I want to just take our time and enjoy the scenery. I'm really hoping these 90 degree temps are gone by the time we get there!

We have a Liberty Tree Tavern ADR for dinner that we will probably cancel. I would love to ear here though. We'll see.

< I can't believe we're less then 2 weeks away and I still don't know for sure what ADR's we're going to keep>

I need to see if Spectro is playing this night. If it is we might stay, if not we'll probably head home around 7pm. I'm not sure if we'll be doing afternoon nap or not.


Thursday Oct 22 AK

Tusker house 8:00- this is Eric's favorite before park breakfast, meeting Donald doesn't hurt.

We plan to explore the park more this time. In May it was just way too hot! Hopefully we'll see the Jungle Parade. We'll do the Safari, Everest, and the dino dig playground. I think we'll skip Dinosaur this time. We did Nemo last time so maybe we'll catch Lion King this time. I doubt we'll be here the entire day.

Friday Oct 23- Our 5th anniversary
We have an ADR for Boma at 5 ish this day. Other then that the day is open. We'll hopefully relax by the pool or do some shopping.

Saturday Oct 24- MK

We plan on rope drop. We'll let Madeline pick what she wants to do today. We have a lunch ADR for the Plaza.

Sunday Oct 25- we'll leave the resort very early to head back home.


In other news we booked our plane tickets for our trip with grandma and grandpa this weekend. We decided on Southwest since luggage is included in the price. We'll leave Midway at 9:10 am on Feb 6th and leave Orlando at 5:55pm on the 12th. My mom has to call POP to let them know our flights for ME.


Here's a question for you plan travelors, do we need a car seat? I mean I don't see a point on the plane and do they even let you use them on ME? I know you can't on the regular busses.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Shannon
great plans!!! Liberty Tree Tavern is suppose to add the character breakfast during the refurb of CP in Feb! so if you choose not to do LTT this go round maybe ya'll can add it next go round...the characters there in the past were Minnie, Goofy and friends.

How is the curb appeal on your house...when you read or watch shows about selling that is what they suggest to get people in!! so maybe some fall plants and a little color will help!!! Good luck!!!

other TR's I have read the where they fly I have not seen carseats...even on the MExpress so I really do not think you will need it.

Have a great day!
Happy planning!
Connie

 

[chicagoshannon]

Connie- curb appeal is ok I think. It's a newer home- 5 years so the landscaping isn't all that mature but none of the houses around here have mature landscapping. We have a nice front porch wiht a little bench and big flower pots on each side of the garage with flowers in them. I'm still waiting for an email from our realtor.




I just cancelled some ADR's. Eric wants to do more then I thought. Here are our ADR's

Sunday Chef Mickey's 5:25 pm
Wednesday Crystal Palace 8:10am
Thursday Tusker House 8:10 am
Friday Ohana 5:05pm
Saturday The Plaza- lunch-- this one we're still in the air about.

so 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and a lunch.

I'm debating now if I want to try autographs with Madeline this time or maybe start pressed pennies.

Is anyone else picking up Snow White tomorrow? We are and can't wait!

 

[my2disneyboys]

Sunday Chef Mickey's 5:25 pm
Wednesday Crystal Palace 8:10am
Thursday Tusker House 8:10 am
Friday Ohana 5:05pm
Saturday The Plaza- lunch-- this one we're still in the air about.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE CM, CP, TH and Ohana... Plaza I wasn't too crazy about. There are these ladies that come in and YELL and I found them so annoying... not to mention that Owen was asleep and they woke him up with their yelling and scared him! The service was REALLY good though and the food was pretty decent. (Milkshakes were so good) Did you consider Tony's for Lunch? If you sit outside you can watch the Move it Shake it parade and it is really yummy too!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Shannon,
I like all your ADR's--I can't wait to hear your report on CM's dinner! I have heard so many mixed reviews that I was going to stay away from the buffets at dinner time.

11 days to go for some magic ...how exciting its almost time to start the

 

[chicagoshannon]

Sunday Chef Mickey's 5:25 pm
Wednesday Crystal Palace 8:10am
Thursday Tusker House 8:10 am
Friday Ohana 5:05pm
Saturday The Plaza- lunch-- this one we're still in the air about.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE CM, CP, TH and Ohana... Plaza I wasn't too crazy about. There are these ladies that come in and YELL and I found them so annoying... not to mention that Owen was asleep and they woke him up with their yelling and scared him! The service was REALLY good though and the food was pretty decent. (Milkshakes were so good) Did you consider Tony's for Lunch? If you sit outside you can watch the Move it Shake it parade and it is really yummy too!

I chose the Plaza because it's one of the cheapest TS places. Tony's would be a good choice too. Maybe I'll see if they have any availability. Remember we're paying OOP for everything and this was supposed to be a cheap trip.

Shannon,
I like all your ADR's--I can't wait to hear your report on CM's dinner! I have heard so many mixed reviews that I was going to stay away from the buffets at dinner time.

11 days to go for some magic ...how exciting its almost time to start the

I hope we like CM's. I think it will be the most expensive place we eat (well Ohana might be more I'm not sure) We like buffet's cause Madeline is still free

 

[lisalonglash]

Your ADRs look great! We loved Tusker House breakfast - nothing like being in the park when it's empty! We had a lovely meal at the Plaza on our first trip - it's so pretty in there! As for CP, I doubt she'll be too old for Pooh next time - our 10yo and 7yo boys loved it (oh, and dh and I did too ).

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Still catching up, but great looking ADR's! The Plaza seems to be a love it, hate it type of place. I've never been so I can't say for sure what I think of it. I did just read a review of it on Princess V's TR. . (That's a link to the update with the review.) I've never been so I can't adivse you either way. I will say that we loved Tony's when we ate there on our Honeymoon, but that was 12 years ago so I wouldn't bank on that. I can't wait to hear what you guys wind up going with.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Your ADRs look great! We loved Tusker House breakfast - nothing like being in the park when it's empty! We had a lovely meal at the Plaza on our first trip - it's so pretty in there! As for CP, I doubt she'll be too old for Pooh next time - our 10yo and 7yo boys loved it (oh, and dh and I did too ).

Glad to hear you liked the Plaza. Eric loved Tusker House in May and I really enjoyed walking into the park when it was empty.

Still catching up, but great looking ADR's! The Plaza seems to be a love it, hate it type of place. I've never been so I can't say for sure what I think of it. I did just read a review of it on Princess V's TR. . (That's a link to the update with the review.) I've never been so I can't adivse you either way. I will say that we loved Tony's when we ate there on our Honeymoon, but that was 12 years ago so I wouldn't bank on that. I can't wait to hear what you guys wind up going with.

I still haven't checked into Tony's. We may just end up doing counter service or bringing something.

We've been having realtor issues so I've been consumed with that the last couple of days. I think we have it straightened out now.



<<<<<< OPINIONS NEEDED>>>>>>>>>

We have 2 rooms booked at POP for our Feb trip. I'm thinking that maybe we should just get 1 room at a deluxe resort. If you guys had a choice 2 rooms at POP or 1 room at say AKL or WL or maybe even Poly, what would you do? Remember the trip is me and Madeline and my parents.

 

[my2disneyboys]

Glad to hear you liked the Plaza. Eric loved Tusker House in May and I really enjoyed walking into the park when it was empty.



I still haven't checked into Tony's. We may just end up doing counter service or bringing something.

We've been having realtor issues so I've been consumed with that the last couple of days. I think we have it straightened out now.



<<<<<< OPINIONS NEEDED>>>>>>>>>

We have 2 rooms booked at POP for our Feb trip. I'm thinking that maybe we should just get 1 room at a deluxe resort. If you guys had a choice 2 rooms at POP or 1 room at say AKL or WL or maybe even Poly, what would you do? Remember the trip is me and Madeline and my parents.

I would go for splitting a room at a deluxe!! Especially because it is just you and Madeline and your parents. The rooms at the Poly and CR (Not sure about the other Deluxes) have the 2 queen beds AND the day bed- so more than enough room. The rooms are quite large and then you would be at a Deluxe and get all that the resort offers!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Shannon, I agree w/Nikki! But, only if sharing a room is not a bad idea! The only downfall would be one bathroom...but other than that is should be plenty of room! My dream resort is AKL! I just think Ashton would love it there; and I think I would love the Poly or GF!

But, there is nothing wrong with the POP for TWO bathrooms!!

JMHO!!! Happy planning!