Heading back to Princess Josie's Castle-An AKV May 22-29 PTR-TR Started 6/3!

[ladybugmom]

GREAT post, Leanne!! Exactly--who would have thought that a trip to WDW with record rainfall and us being soaked to the core 24/7 would be the trip where our family fell in LOVE with Disney?!

 

[racefanof88]

Leanne, reading your post brought tears to my eyes. Everything you said was so heartfelt. I think the trip in May, when we all met, was one of the most memorable trips I have taken. I made friendships that will last a life time and memories to go with them. You are so right about the unplanned happenings being the most special. Our July trip was very special because it was last minute and we just let it happen without planning it to the last minute.
I can't wait for May to get here so I can see my "old" friends again and meet some new ones .
Thank you Leanne for being such a good friend and helping me get through some really crazy times .

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh, your post is so true! So many things happened on our trip this past May that I could never have imagined! We can plan out what days we want to go to which park, and book ADRs but other than that, anything can happen! Oooo, I can't wait to go back!

 

[Bridora]

So true!

Just saw all your Disney Store deals, too! I wish we had one closer...the kids love that place!

 

[leamom2princesses]

That last post actually brought me to tears...everything you said is so true. Going to Disney and planning is like planning everything in life...I think sometimes God points and laughs at us and secretly says.."I'm the only one really in charge here".

When you talked about the package at BBB and the look on their faces, no amount of money can ever buy that. The first year we went Jasmine was 6 and to be honest I was single mom, my income alone, no support coming in, and it took so much discipline to even be able to scrape together enough for 7 days. We didn't dine in any TS restaurants it was CS all the way and a lot of that was shared....but despite all of that I would never again see the magic like I did through the eyes of a six year old. It didn't matter that I couldn't afford a princess dress for her the morning we actually walked up and got into CRT for breakfast....but it was ok, we saw the princesses. My sis and Geodoc were with us and she kicks herself to this day that they didn't buy her a dress.

None of it matters, the fact that we are blessed enough to even go, pictures, memories, laughter, and sometimes tears make some of the best times in our lives.

Your post brightened my day, thank you for it.

I completely understand Queen! How wonderful that you were able to take Jasmine despite the circumstances. What a great Mommy you are. When my Mom and Dad took us in 1987 they had saved all of their change for 1.5 years. When I look back I think how amazing they were for doing that for us. I'm sure Jasmine will (if she doesn't already) look back on that trip and always have fond memories. You are right what a blessing to experience such wonderful memories with our children.

 

[leamom2princesses]

That was beautifully written. Also made me teary. I appreciate the help/advice of those who have been there not a website or travel agent. I also know that no 2 families are alike. What works for some may not for others. Does not make it bad-just different.
I think you have sold me on the BBB package for C. A still wants to bring her Belle dress.
I think one of my best memories from last trip was hanging out with you at the play area under BTMR with J and C while the guys took L and A on BTMR. Also the first night after the parade when we ran arounf FL like crazy people. People and events make the trip, not the plans!

Thanks Mary! You are exactly right...we're all different. A's experience at BBB will be just as amazing because she will be the princess SHE wants to be. That's what it's about my friend. Can't wait to hear about their experiences.

I loved hanging out with you also. The playground under BTMR was most definitely special as was our first night being crazy people.

 

[leamom2princesses]

GREAT post, Leanne!! Exactly--who would have thought that a trip to WDW with record rainfall and us being soaked to the core 24/7 would be the trip where our family fell in LOVE with Disney?!

Thanks Becky! It's crazy isn't it. Every time we go we find something new to fall in love with.

Oh, your post is so true! So many things happened on our trip this past May that I could never have imagined! We can plan out what days we want to go to which park, and book ADRs but other than that, anything can happen! Oooo, I can't wait to go back!

So true Pam so true. I can't wait to get back either. I"m hoping for pleasant weather and clear skies but either way what could be better than being at Disney??

So true!

Just saw all your Disney Store deals, too! I wish we had one closer...the kids love that place!

Thanks B! I went back to the store on Friday night with my Mom. A wonderful Dis'er on the Big Give board sent me a PM telling me the entire store was 60%. I walked out with 4 more bags. I'm so ridiculous. I do have one filled to the rim giant bag of pixie dust for the Wish kids. (I have to give props to Mary (maryaz) for telling me about this wonderful group.) Unfortunately when I was there I found out the other store in Nashville is closing too. Now where will I go??

 

[leamom2princesses]

Leanne, reading your post brought tears to my eyes. Everything you said was so heartfelt. I think the trip in May, when we all met, was one of the most memorable trips I have taken. I made friendships that will last a life time and memories to go with them. You are so right about the unplanned happenings being the most special. Our July trip was very special because it was last minute and we just let it happen without planning it to the last minute.
I can't wait for May to get here so I can see my "old" friends again and meet some new ones .
Thank you Leanne for being such a good friend and helping me get through some really crazy times .

it was wonderful wasn't it. I can't wait to see my "old" friends either. You have helped me as much as I may have helped you my friend. Can't wait to get to WDW so I can give you a real hug.

 

[pooh'smate]

I am joining in. I came because the Poly is my dream resort. I know someday I WILL stay there. Now I am going back to read.

 

[leamom2princesses]

I am joining in. I came because the Poly is my dream resort. I know someday I WILL stay there. Now I am going back to read.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll stick around for the fun!

 

[pipersmom]

I loved your post Leanne! I have scheduled our trip to the brim, so to speak, and I have to keep reminding myself that more than likely the plan will change at least once while we're there, and that I need to embrace that and not fight it. Your post just reaffirmed that for me. It doesn't matter how much we spend (or don't spend) or if we get to do everything we'd like to do. Piper is going to love the trip regardless, and will just add to the great memories she already has thanks to the kindness of everyone on these boards. Just because!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I have been thinking a lot this morning about all of our trips and how our plans always change once we get to the world for various reasons. I devour all things Disney but the websites, podcasts, and books can only give you so much. The people that offer this information do not know you or your family and can only predict things. Sometimes even Disney doesn't know what will be happening on any given day. With respect to WDW and vacation plans, personal experience is invaluable.

The following is a list of items that have adjusted our plan each year we have visited:

1) in 2009 I didn't expect record level rain because accuweather nor weather.com expected it. The rain prompted a lot of indoor character meets, rudeness in guests, and the ability/desire to visit indoor attractions we would normally dismiss. I also didn't expect to meet so many great DIS friends....definitely a highlight.

2) In 2008 I didn't expect an impromptu character meet would cause me to miss an ADR because it was so magical (all ears, the DIS, nor Steve Soares told me I would be meeting these characters in this location)

3)In 2007 I never expected our bus to breakdown or the weather to be so beautiful that we were able to stay at the parks and not need rests. I also was advised that the castle package at BBB wasn't worth it. Despite the advice, I booked it anyway. Let me tell you, the look on Lindsey's face and her excitement when her FGM opened the door to the dressing room with her dress, wand, shoes, and tiara laid out before her was PRICELESS. Josie had the same reaction in 2009. I will continue to pay the $100 extra despite the opinions of those who hadn't, in most cases, even experienced the full package. You can't put a price on the memories we've made with a complete princess makeover in the most magical place on earth. That's just MY opinion and still brings tears to my eyes as I type this.

4) In 2006 I didn't expect record level crowds and heat because touring plans nor weather.com expected it. Because of the heat the characters were all over the place and not where the Times Guide, the DIS, nor All Ears told me I could find them. For example, we met Snow White & Dopey, Belle & the Beast, and Aurora in the courtyard to the UK when the Times Guides said Germany and France. It was great though because most people couldn't find them, there was NO line, and they spontaneously got together for a group photo with my girls. If it weren't on my external hard drive I'd post it...it's really special.

5)In 2003 I didn't expect the crowds to be so low that we did everything and actually got the chance to check out Sea World

6)In 1999 we didn't expect our extended family trip to be affected so much by waiting on others and illness

7)In 1987 I didn't expect to only ride 4 or 5 attractions per day due to crowds. We didn't even travel during peak season.

I could go on and on because I too scour websites, the boards, religiously listen to podcasts etc. I use this information to put together a game plan but I have learned (the hard way) that ALL plans will be revised when you get to the park. THAT is the real magic of Disney. Something unexpected can happen almost any time, almost any where. No two people will have the same exact experience. That's why we keep going back.

Great post! Don't you love those unexpected moments? On our trip in Jan. '08 (right after New Year's) it was our last full day in the parks. We were at AK and planned on going to see FOTLK but a friendly CM started talking to us and asked us if we wanted to ride in the parade! Of course we said yes! It was such an awesome experience.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Leanne
wonderful post! thank you for sharing your insight and experiences...I agree that not all families agree on what is worth it and not. Even within a family we find this. Isn't it wonderful how each visit and each tour is different and brings new experiences.
Hope all is well!
Happy planning!
Connie

 

[MaryAz]

4 more bags Think we need some more pics. Wowser. You go girl!

 

[my2disneyboys]

Great post Leanne! I am leaving in 11 days and cant wait to report back on the unexpected!!

 

[leamom2princesses]

I loved your post Leanne! I have scheduled our trip to the brim, so to speak, and I have to keep reminding myself that more than likely the plan will change at least once while we're there, and that I need to embrace that and not fight it. Your post just reaffirmed that for me. It doesn't matter how much we spend (or don't spend) or if we get to do everything we'd like to do. Piper is going to love the trip regardless, and will just add to the great memories she already has thanks to the kindness of everyone on these boards. Just because!

Amanda, your trip is going to be so awesome. Don't fight the plan changing there is always something phenomenal and breathtaking around the corner. I can't wait to see WDW, US, and SW through yours and Piper's eyes. It's going to be so magical for Piper. I'm really excited for both of you.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Great post! Don't you love those unexpected moments? On our trip in Jan. '08 (right after New Year's) it was our last full day in the parks. We were at AK and planned on going to see FOTLK but a friendly CM started talking to us and asked us if we wanted to ride in the parade! Of course we said yes! It was such an awesome experience.

I do love them. Those are the things that keep WDW from getting boring and incidentally those are the things that people, who think I'm a nut for going back each year, don't understand. Ooooh, I'd love to be in a parade. I bet that was so great.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Hello! Leanne
wonderful post! thank you for sharing your insight and experiences...I agree that not all families agree on what is worth it and not. Even within a family we find this. Isn't it wonderful how each visit and each tour is different and brings new experiences.
Hope all is well!
Happy planning!
Connie

It's true that we all enjoy different things but that's why there are different experiences around every corner. Disney knows that. I love that every time I go I come back loving the place even more.

All is well here. Hope you're well also. I'm having a ball planning.

4 more bags Think we need some more pics. Wowser. You go girl!

Girl, I can't take pics, I'd be all day uploading them photobucket. I have a bunch of pixie dust now.

Great post Leanne! I am leaving in 11 days and cant wait to report back on the unexpected!!

I can't wait to hear all about it Nickie!

 

[pooh'smate]

I read all your report. I love the Polly. It is my dream resort. I love unexpected moments too. They often turn into the best memories.

 

[leamom2princesses]

I read all your report. I love the Polly. It is my dream resort. I love unexpected moments too. They often turn into the best memories.

Thanks for reading. The Poly is our dream resort too. I was perusing pics again on All ears and some other sites last night. Josie was in my lap and we ooooo'ed and ahhhhhhed together. The girls can't wait for a dip in the volcano pool. I'm really praying for the climate and conditions we had on our 4 May trips prior to 09. Hoping the rain stays away.

Thanks again for reading along.