Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[MegansMom]

Well I would be the wrong one to ask if it was too long. I LOVE to read. I think it is one of the best things my mom ever got my brother and I into. So for me the longer the better.

Hey...I am right there with you---of course I am also an English teacher by trade, so I think it just naturally comes with the territory!!! I will work hard to make them nice and long just for you!!!

Jen-
If you stick with a value you can aways drive yourselves to the parks since you will have your car. We did it in Oct and liked it better then the buses.

I didn't think about that Heidi-----do we have to pay to park??? Tell me about driving to these parks...never thought about that. Do you have to walk a long way to get to the entrances from the parking lots??? Do you have to take another means of transport to get there from the lots??? I have never done this, so I need more info. TIA!!!

Hey Jen!!!

You were one of the first trip reports I started reading and loved!!!

I am so happy you got to plan another trip with the three of you. What a cute family.

I won't get to read too much of the PTR but I will be back just in time to read the TR!!!

I am so glad you found it and hopped on!!! You are too sweet!!! I will leave links up and running so that it hopefully will be easy for you to at least catch up on the updates!!! So glad you are here!

Followed you over from CP's thread!
Subbing!

YEAH!!!! WELCOME!!!! I am SO glad you came over!!!

wow! what an update MM!!!

Thanks for sharing megs story.... what a very special family you are

now for the bad news.... I'm ARRIVING on the 28th!!! I'm gonna miss you AND Julez because I'm not coming til monday rather than the weekend....grrrrr stupid weekend work schedule

Oh well at least there's gnomefest

like others have said... if the busses are too crowded, at least you have your car...so you DO have options!!

Paula

UGGHHHH is right.....I can't believe that we are going to be like two ships passing in the night......SO....CLOSE!!!! I will make sure there is lots of pixie dust left for you!!!

I just read your whole TR- Your family is aboslutely adorable, especially your little one. From a POP lover, i'm sorry they're were no rooms left... but i'm sure you'll have an amazing time with Plan B, ASM.

I can't wait to read the rest of the plans especially your adr's.

I can't believe you just read the entire TR!!! WOW!!! I am so glad you are here!!! Thanks for the sweet words about Megan....we are SO blessed! The ADRs are already in the works.....hoping to share them with you shortly!!!! WELCOME!!!

 

[pooh'smate]

Hey...I am right there with you---of course I am also an English teacher by trade, so I think it just naturally comes with the territory!!! I will work hard to make them nice and long just for you!!!

Well thank you.

I didn't think about that Heidi-----do we have to pay to park??? Tell me about driving to these parks...never thought about that. Do you have to walk a long way to get to the entrances from the parking lots??? Do you have to take another means of transport to get there from the lots??? I have never done this, so I need more info. TIA!!!

I am pretty sure it is free if you are staying on site. I think AAA people get to park closer too but I am not sure. I remeber our AAA travel agent telling me that a few years ago when I had a trip booked through them. Someone let us know if this is correct or not.

 

[PookieB]

Glad your plans came through! Megs is a cutie pie!

 

[The Marsons]

Great update. First off what a lovely family you are so much love and hugs to you!

It's going to be one amazing trip. My mouth is watering right now thinking of that free DDP!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am so giddy that you were able to book your trip. I know how much you were dreaming about it!

And yippee skippee we overlap by a few days. I arrive on the 24th.

Wow, Pop is booked? The Unofficial Guide shows crowd levels to be fairly low. Yikes! Hope the crowd calendar isn't wrong.

But hey, it's Disney... how bad can it be? I'll be happy just sitting at the pool everyday.

Can't wait to do more planning with you!

 

[TarzansKat]

IT WAS A FEAT I SAY!!! OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!!!

Oh, I know. You must be so thrilled after the putting it off (for good reasons, of course) and thinking again, and putting it off, and not it's booked!

We are so glad to be going during Free Dining, and even with all the budgeting and lists that will follow, we are still going crazy over the resort decision.....I just don't know. I think that I would have felt so much better had we gotten Pop, but now I am scared....downright worried about ASMO....more on this later!

Hon, have you tried calling back to see if Pop is available? Is the promo still going on for free dining or has it ended? I mean, I would keep calling if it's still open, it can't hurt.

I CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE MISSING EACH OTHER BY A DAY EITHER!!!! When I figured it out, I was a little then a bit of this followed by and finished off with a little of this SO CLOSE...........and yet......SO FAR!!!!!!!! I promise to leave some Pixie Dust for you....and a Lapu Lapu or two!!!!

I know! I would love to have met you, but I'm sure that there will be many more trips to the World in which to do that.

Dis meet anyone?

 

[MegansMom]

I am pretty sure it is free if you are staying on site. I think AAA people get to park closer too but I am not sure. I remeber our AAA travel agent telling me that a few years ago when I had a trip booked through them. Someone let us know if this is correct or not.

Good to know!!! I will look into it!

Glad your plans came through! Megs is a cutie pie!

Me TOO!!! Thanks for the compliments on Megs....she's a keeper alright!

Great update. First off what a lovely family you are so much love and hugs to you!

It's going to be one amazing trip. My mouth is watering right now thinking of that free DDP!

You are so sweet and thanks so much for the hugs! It is funny you mention it being an amazing trip....my next update focuses on that topic alone!!! I can't wait for my ADR date, because I can't stop thinking of all that yummy food!

I am so giddy that you were able to book your trip. I know how much you were dreaming about it!

And yippee skippee we overlap by a few days. I arrive on the 24th.

Wow, Pop is booked? The Unofficial Guide shows crowd levels to be fairly low. Yikes! Hope the crowd calendar isn't wrong.

But hey, it's Disney... how bad can it be? I'll be happy just sitting at the pool everyday.

Can't wait to do more planning with you!

I am this about the trip !!!! I know we overlap...isn't that fun!!! I couldn't believe that Pop was booked either---I'm hoping that it will still be low crowds, but maybe everyone is just staying at Pop....what do you think? More planning coming up!!!

Oh, I know. You must be so thrilled after the putting it off (for good reasons, of course) and thinking again, and putting it off, and not it's booked!



Hon, have you tried calling back to see if Pop is available? Is the promo still going on for free dining or has it ended? I mean, I would keep calling if it's still open, it can't hurt.



I know! I would love to have met you, but I'm sure that there will be many more trips to the World in which to do that.

Dis meet anyone?

I am going to keep checking....is it better to check online or by phone???? We shall see!!! Should we be scared that Pop is booked?!?!?! Does that mean an ENORMOUS amount of crowds for SEPTEMBER?!?!?!?!??!?! I hope not!

I know at some point in my life, I am going to be down right fortunate to meet all my lovely DISfriends---I will be so happy!




OKAY GANG!!! I have another update in the works, but it won't be ready until later this afternoon at the earliest....I have to trek out today in the pouring down rain/thunderstorms to take Megs to her rehearsal for her dance recital, which is tomorrow. I also have to take care of some sewing issues for her costumes for tomorrow night. Once I can check those things off my list, I will be ready to update for you........so check back soon!!! Have a great WEDNESDAY!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I wouldn't be scared that Pop is booked. I think Pop is very popular for free dining because people take advantage of staying value to make it a more affordable trip. I would call, but that is just me. If you find it online then you would have to call to book it anyways, right?

You get a parking pass when you have a car, Jen just put hers right in her window and we never had to pay for parking. I do believe that AAA has closer parking lots. Just so you know for MK, you would have to park at the Ticket & Transportation Center and then boat or monorail over to the MK. That does make the trip to MK a little bit longer but manageable. We did use the parking lot trams when the walk was a bit longer, they run pretty frequently. I enjoyed driving with Jen and not taking the buses.

 

[If U Had Wings]

So excited to see a new trip report! Can't wait to hear all about it. Your going to have a blast!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Hi!
Just wanted to say that I'm only about a quarter of the way through your page 3 update but totally know what you went through with her! Amelia developed intra-utero growth retardation and then I was hit with severe pre-eclampsia. She was nearly 8 weeks premature. It was a all out bawl-fest when we took her to Disney for the first time. We just couldn't believe we'd made it that far.

Ok....off to read more!!!

 

[Raecheal]

I can't believe you just read the entire TR!!! WOW!!! I am so glad you are here!!! Thanks for the sweet words about Megan....we are SO blessed! The ADRs are already in the works.....hoping to share them with you shortly!!!! WELCOME!!!

It actually didn't take me that long to read... it was a good read. I can't wait to hear about your ADR's and the rest of your plans.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Great start! Can't wait for more updates!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Woohoo for the update, and a good one, it was!!! It stinks that we aren't going to be there at the same time, but I'm just happy that you're getting to go after everything that happened! I have to admit that your story about Megs brought tears to my eyes. That is the sweetest thing ever. I know you are such a proud and thankful Mommy, and you have every reason to be!!
Oh, and by the way-We've stayed at All-Star Movies before. It was actually our 1st ever trip to Disney, so we didn't have anything to compare it to, but now that we've stayed at CBR, it really wasn't that bad. I think you'll be okay.
Thanks for not leaving us hanging...Can't wait for more!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

We stayed All-Star Movies on our first trip then French Quarter on our second trip, the main difference was the pool/hot tub, and play area. I thought the room was a little nicer but it might have been the theming too. The main difference I noticed was the other guests at the value were a little....... hmmmm how can I put this? Un-Disney like, we saw all kinds of antics in the food court at All-Star Movies.
With that said, if it was a choice of going to Disney or not, I would go value in a heartbeat.........

 

[tmkinney]

Yay! I've been wondering if you were going to be going this year, so I am so happy for you that you get to go again! I loved your last TR so I can't wait to read this one! We have went in September the past two years and it is GREAT, especially the low crowds. We are hoping to go in January to celebrate our DD's 6th birthday too! Looking forward to more.

 

[TarzansKat]

I am going to keep checking....is it better to check online or by phone???? We shall see!!! Should we be scared that Pop is booked?!?!?! Does that mean an ENORMOUS amount of crowds for SEPTEMBER?!?!?!?!??!?! I hope not!

Hon? As the song goes, "Don't worry, be happy now."

Seriously, yes, Pop is busy during free dining. Are the parks busy during free dining? To my mind, absolutely not. They're still some of the lightest crowds I've seen at Disney, with the exception being January. I've been this past year in September, December, and May, and the heaviest crowds were with Mom and Nana in December. My trip with Tink in May was over Memorial Day weekend, and quite frankly, I expected way more people than what we saw. I've also chosen to go for my family vacations in September for the past...three-four years, and started going even before the inception of free dining. Now that we have free dining September is definitely busier than it used to be, but busy is such a relative term. It's so not busy to me. So by comparison, September is a piece of cake. Savvy? And what I've really learned by my numerous trips is that all you really need is a good plan. A list of things you'd like to do, and chalk the rest up to gravy. Once you have that, you'll be just fine.

I would keep checking online. Religiously. And early in the morning if you can manage it. I'm obsessive like that and I'll freely admit it. But that's how I got my standard room at the Wilderness Lodge last year. Pop just books up so quickly because it's very popular, but that doesn't mean that someone isn't going to cancel. You just never know.

 

[MegansMom]

I wouldn't be scared that Pop is booked. I think Pop is very popular for free dining because people take advantage of staying value to make it a more affordable trip. I would call, but that is just me. If you find it online then you would have to call to book it anyways, right?

You get a parking pass when you have a car, Jen just put hers right in her window and we never had to pay for parking. I do believe that AAA has closer parking lots. Just so you know for MK, you would have to park at the Ticket & Transportation Center and then boat or monorail over to the MK. That does make the trip to MK a little bit longer but manageable. We did use the parking lot trams when the walk was a bit longer, they run pretty frequently. I enjoyed driving with Jen and not taking the buses.

I think I am going to try to make it a daily habit to call in the AM and see if there are any availabilities.....here's to hope!

Thanks for setting me straight on the driving issue....I think I will give Tom all the input and go from there....we will just have to see what it is like when we get there!

So excited to see a new trip report! Can't wait to hear all about it. Your going to have a blast!

Hey sweetie!!! I am glad you made your way over here!!!

Hi!
Just wanted to say that I'm only about a quarter of the way through your page 3 update but totally know what you went through with her! Amelia developed intra-utero growth retardation and then I was hit with severe pre-eclampsia. She was nearly 8 weeks premature. It was a all out bawl-fest when we took her to Disney for the first time. We just couldn't believe we'd made it that far.

Ok....off to read more!!!

Here's a hug for your delivery story too------so glad I'm not the only emotional one there!! Thank you for sharing that with me....I love hearing from others who have had similar situations!

It actually didn't take me that long to read... it was a good read. I can't wait to hear about your ADR's and the rest of your plans.

I am glad you enjoyed it.....and I hope this one can live up to it!!!

Great start! Can't wait for more updates!!!

Thanks sweetie!

Woohoo for the update, and a good one, it was!!! It stinks that we aren't going to be there at the same time, but I'm just happy that you're getting to go after everything that happened! I have to admit that your story about Megs brought tears to my eyes. That is the sweetest thing ever. I know you are such a proud and thankful Mommy, and you have every reason to be!!
Oh, and by the way-We've stayed at All-Star Movies before. It was actually our 1st ever trip to Disney, so we didn't have anything to compare it to, but now that we've stayed at CBR, it really wasn't that bad. I think you'll be okay.
Thanks for not leaving us hanging...Can't wait for more!

Thanks for your input on ASMO!!! I'm glad to hear that!!! I am glad our story touched you so!!! I still get teary-eyed at times when I think about it all....proud Mommy indeed!

We stayed All-Star Movies on our first trip then French Quarter on our second trip, the main difference was the pool/hot tub, and play area. I thought the room was a little nicer but it might have been the theming too. The main difference I noticed was the other guests at the value were a little....... hmmmm how can I put this? Un-Disney like, we saw all kinds of antics in the food court at All-Star Movies.
With that said, if it was a choice of going to Disney or not, I would go value in a heartbeat.........

Thanks for the input!!! I'm stocking up on ASMO input and advice to help us with our decisions!!!

Yay! I've been wondering if you were going to be going this year, so I am so happy for you that you get to go again! I loved your last TR so I can't wait to read this one! We have went in September the past two years and it is GREAT, especially the low crowds. We are hoping to go in January to celebrate our DD's 6th birthday too! Looking forward to more.

Welcome Back!!! I am definitely looking forward to the low crowds! I am so glad you are back to read along again!

Hon? As the song goes, "Don't worry, be happy now."

Seriously, yes, Pop is busy during free dining. Are the parks busy during free dining? To my mind, absolutely not. They're still some of the lightest crowds I've seen at Disney, with the exception being January. I've been this past year in September, December, and May, and the heaviest crowds were with Mom and Nana in December. My trip with Tink in May was over Memorial Day weekend, and quite frankly, I expected way more people than what we saw. I've also chosen to go for my family vacations in September for the past...three-four years, and started going even before the inception of free dining. Now that we have free dining September is definitely busier than it used to be, but busy is such a relative term. It's so not busy to me. So by comparison, September is a piece of cake. Savvy? And what I've really learned by my numerous trips is that all you really need is a good plan. A list of things you'd like to do, and chalk the rest up to gravy. Once you have that, you'll be just fine.

I would keep checking online. Religiously. And early in the morning if you can manage it. I'm obsessive like that and I'll freely admit it. But that's how I got my standard room at the Wilderness Lodge last year. Pop just books up so quickly because it's very popular, but that doesn't mean that someone isn't going to cancel. You just never know.

Thanks sweetie for all your input and advice....I will be calling habitually, and if it doesn't work out, I will still enjoy a WONDERFUL trip with my lovely little family----I can't wait!!!


Okay Gang.....I hope your Wednesdays and Thursdays were GREAT!!! Mine were CRAZY!!!! Megan had her first dance recital tonight, so the past two days have been filled with rehearsals, practices, costume fixing, etc. all building up to the big event.....the RECITAL!!!! I am sorry that life has gotten in the way of the PTR.....how DARE it!!! I wanted to hop on here tonight and give you a little tidbit before we leave in 4 hours to travel to Kansas City, MO to visit our good friends. I will be deluging you with an onslaught of updates upon my return on Monday.....so be READY!!!

Just a quick note on the recital......it was WONDERFUL....BREATHTAKING.....AMAZING....and of course, brought me to a stream of "happy tears" in pride and amazement in what my little sweetie has accomplished in her short five and a half years. We were once told that she might not ever even walk, and tonight she was out there with the biggest smile on her face tapping and dancing her little heart out like the best little ballerina I have ever seen. It was a very emotional night for Tom and I to see how far she has come, and to acknowledge that SHE DID IT!!! There were quite a few "WOOHOOS" coming out of the mouth of this proud Mommy at the end of each brilliant number!!! I will share more and pictures upon our return, but couldn't leave without telling you about it!

On a WDW TRIP note: Megan is excited about the trip----so excited and happy that when we revealed that we were going to be going to "Mickey's House" in September right before her birthday to celebrate, she melted into a pile of "happy tears," smiles, and giggles as she went back and forth between Tom and me hugging the life out of us. (I am talking some serious, crocodile tears too!!!) You could definitely tell that we could not possibly have told her any better news in her entire life!!! Megan is so excited about the upcoming trip that she insisted that we start some type of countdown going NOW!!! We usually make a creative one around the 30 day mark (and we will still be doing that) but yesterday we started our own chalk countdown on the chalkboard in our kitchen---102 days to go!!! Pictures of that to come SOON!!!! I can't believe that I will be doing the Double-Digit Dance out-of-town, and away from the PTR.......SO I will just have a little pre-party dancing before I go:



dance your tooshies off while I am gone!!!! I'll be home soon---with a little mini-TR in the midst of the BIG PTR for you!!! Have a great weekend!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Ahhh, cute! Glad she was so thrilled! Also glad her recital went well....she must have looked totally cute!

p.s. - do you realize our countdowns are identical??!!

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh, congrats on the recital! That sounds wonderful.

And I'm glad that Megan had such a great reaction to the trip and wants the countdown now! You know, my little nut over here talks about it so much, I should probably start one soon, but I really wanted to stick with the 30 day thing. I'd love to see pictures of what you're doing on your chalkboard when you have time!

 

[timandlesley]

Yeah! Great update. Wow, I couldn't have taken all of those ups and downs of planning and cancelling, makes me super duper excited for ou now!!! I remember your story of Megan being a preemie because of Lauren's similar preemie story -glad she is doing well and both our preemies are thriving. Glad Tom decided to take the trip and that you guys are staying at All Star Movies, can't wait to hear all about it! I think Free Dining is a GREAT deal, how could you pass it up!?!
Can't wait for more.
Lesley