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

[Lady Lallie]

I got a little teary reading about Megs reaction to the trip. *Sniff Sniff*

 

[moparop]

This PTR needs a warning: Will make pregnant women cry!

My younger son arrived 6 weeks early also due to pre-eclampsia and that is my biggest fear in this pregnancy. So far my blood pressures have been normal, but I am sure you know the daily anxiety waiting for the floor to drop out. Megan is gorgeous and amazing! To think you were told she may never walk and is dnacing on stage. And her reaction to going to Mickey's house - AWESOME!

We've never stayed in a value, but I always hear good things. It also sounds like the values may sell out for free dining, but there is plenty of room at the other resorts. I don't think you'll feel it in the parks! Have a great time in St Louis and I am looking forward to more updates. (I'll be sure to have tissues ready for those!)

 

[Jennifer48]

Megs reaction is so cute!! Have a great weekend!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Awww. I love how excited Megs is about the trip!! And I am teary for all that you've been through as a family and so happy that you have all come through it so well and now get to celebrate together in the most magical & happiest place on earth!

Looking forward to more planning and, of course, pictures of the recital!!

Hope you have a good weekend!!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

I am along for the ride and will be in Disney the same week

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh my, a dance recital My girls both did them and I know what an emotional experience it can be. Just to see your daughter on stage looking so cute really pulls at the old heartstrings. Can't wait to see pictures!
How sweet about Megan's reaction to the trip, can't wait to see the chalkboard.

 

[pooh'smate]

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!!!

You will be in my neck of the woods. I am only about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from there depending on where in KC you are. It is also the home of the closest Disney Store now that they closed the one here in Omaha.

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!

I am looking forward to the pictures.

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:

Looking forward to seeing your countdown. I too teared up at Megan's reaction so precious.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Finally! Now I can breath a sigh of immense relief that you not only have a trip in the works, but a PTR as well! I am so excited for you!

 

[trixiequilts]

Hey Jen~I missed the beginning of your wonderful PTR because we were out of town, but I must still say YAY! for you and your family!!! I know the planning of this trip was a long time coming...but you did it! You're going!!!

Your other PTR was the very first PTR I ever read and I'm so excited to be able to share another trip with your family (and to see all your adorable pics of Megan too).

Keep up the good work...consider me a full-fledged fan.

 

[maroo]

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.

I just want to echo what TK said here...

Everything I hear from the boards, podcasts and such is that there are people in the resorts (especially value) and the restaurants are crowded during free dining, but the parks are usually fairly light in the crowds because a lot more people are there to dine - like me!

Also...people will cancel. I agree with TK, check daily. But I just canceled 4 of my nights to shorten my trip some and someone has probably already gotten those, but it was not even time to pay for the rest of the trip. I would imagine that LOTS of people cancel about 45 days out when they have to pay $$$$$$ to Disney. So, I would definitely check then. Same with any ADR's you were not able to get...they will cancel those, too and leave some open for others to grab.

Anyway...that was just my 10 cents.

 

[MegansMom]

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??!!

She was and continues to be thrilled on a daily basis whenever talk of the trip comes up....already has a LONG list of "to-do's!!!!" She looked SO cute in her costume.....and YES, I will be happy to post some here within the next day or so once I get them all uploaded and ready to go!

I didn't realize our countdowns were identical because I can't see mine right now!!! YAY!!!! Wouldn't it be fun if our itineraries were identical too!!!

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!

I will get the pictures up of the chalkboard countdown---it will have to do until we hit the big 3-0!!!! She is so excited, and I feel like our time is just zooming by since we got such a late start!!!!

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

Thanks Lesley!!! Trust me, the rollercoaster planning was NO FUN AT ALL!!! There were days where I almost felt sick to my stomach because it was so close, and then so far!!!

I am so glad too that our girls are SUCH troopers!!! When I see pics of Lauren and all that she can do, I am so proud on your behalf---what survivors we have!!!

I am still uneasy about ASMO, but the FREE DINING is FANTASTIC!!!

I got a little teary reading about Megs reaction to the trip. *Sniff Sniff*

Tom and I teared up too! She was so honestly crying joyfully that it was TOO sweet!

This PTR needs a warning: Will make pregnant women cry!

My younger son arrived 6 weeks early also due to pre-eclampsia and that is my biggest fear in this pregnancy. So far my blood pressures have been normal, but I am sure you know the daily anxiety waiting for the floor to drop out. Megan is gorgeous and amazing! To think you were told she may never walk and is dnacing on stage. And her reaction to going to Mickey's house - AWESOME!

We've never stayed in a value, but I always hear good things. It also sounds like the values may sell out for free dining, but there is plenty of room at the other resorts. I don't think you'll feel it in the parks! Have a great time in St Louis and I am looking forward to more updates. (I'll be sure to have tissues ready for those!)

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during your pregnancy---remember to seriously take it EASY and drink LOTS of water! It really will help stave off the preeclamptic conditions as long as possible, and every day you get to keep them inside, saves about 3 days in the NICU so it is definitely worth it!

I think the FD is the reason Pop was booked....not too worried about the crowds in the parks....just on the buses. Tom has already said that if we have problems in that area, we are moving.....we shall see! I'll try to alert you from here on out when tissues are needed!!

Megs reaction is so cute!! Have a great weekend!

It was SO cute!!! I wish one of us thought enough to tape it, but we didn't!!! We had a great weekend---a mini-TR is already in the works!

Awww. I love how excited Megs is about the trip!! And I am teary for all that you've been through as a family and so happy that you have all come through it so well and now get to celebrate together in the most magical & happiest place on earth!

Looking forward to more planning and, of course, pictures of the recital!!

Hope you have a good weekend!!

We had a GREAT weekend!!! I have LOTS of pictures to upload from the recital and the weekend to share with you all---so now you have something to look forward to over the next couple of days!!

I am along for the ride and will be in Disney the same week

SO glad you are along for the ride!!! SO EXCITED that we are going to be at the Mouse's House at the same time!!! Where are you staying?

Oh my, a dance recital My girls both did them and I know what an emotional experience it can be. Just to see your daughter on stage looking so cute really pulls at the old heartstrings. Can't wait to see pictures!
How sweet about Megan's reaction to the trip, can't wait to see the chalkboard.

I am trying to upload these pictures tonight---hoping to share them with you all soon!!! She looked SO cute!

You will be in my neck of the woods. I am only about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from there depending on where in KC you are. It is also the home of the closest Disney Store now that they closed the one here in Omaha.



I am looking forward to the pictures.



Looking forward to seeing your countdown. I too teared up at Megan's reaction so precious.

We were in the heart of KC, MO---we had such a great time....mini-TR is already in the works!

Megan was so cute!!! I just wished I would have thought enough to video it!

Finally! Now I can breath a sigh of immense relief that you not only have a trip in the works, but a PTR as well! I am so excited for you!

HEY JACKIE!!!! I am so glad you found your way over here!!! I fully intended to have this thing rolling before you left, but then the computer broke....so sorry to leave you hanging....you must have thought about it ALL WEEK at WDW!!!! I hope you had A GREAT TRIP!!! I thought about you and your gang---hoped you were having a great time!! Can't wait to hear all about it! BUT, I must warn you......I have caught a HORRIBLE case of RESORTITIS......I am going to need your help curing me of this dreadful disease!

Hey Jen~I missed the beginning of your wonderful PTR because we were out of town, but I must still say YAY! for you and your family!!! I know the planning of this trip was a long time coming...but you did it! You're going!!!

Your other PTR was the very first PTR I ever read and I'm so excited to be able to share another trip with your family (and to see all your adorable pics of Megan too).

Keep up the good work...consider me a full-fledged fan.

I am SO glad you found it!!! I started it, then I too went out-of-town....now that I am back, the PTR is going to be hopping!!! I have SO much to discuss and share with you all----I made a list while I was away! You made me blush and giggle when you said you were a "fan!" I am SO touched!!! I think this one is going to be even better!!!

I just want to echo what TK said here...

Everything I hear from the boards, podcasts and such is that there are people in the resorts (especially value) and the restaurants are crowded during free dining, but the parks are usually fairly light in the crowds because a lot more people are there to dine - like me!

Also...people will cancel. I agree with TK, check daily. But I just canceled 4 of my nights to shorten my trip some and someone has probably already gotten those, but it was not even time to pay for the rest of the trip. I would imagine that LOTS of people cancel about 45 days out when they have to pay $$$$$$ to Disney. So, I would definitely check then. Same with any ADR's you were not able to get...they will cancel those, too and leave some open for others to grab.

Anyway...that was just my 10 cents.

I love your 10 cents---you know I will take your wisdom anytime!!! I am going to keep trying....so much to think about....so little time!!! I am so glad you came on board over here!

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYBODY!!!!!

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a wonderful weekend with our friends in Kansas City, MO.....I am already working on the mini-TR within the PTR so you can see a little of the fun we got ourselves into while I was away! I am so sorry I had to put the PTR on pause over the weekend, but have no fear---now that I am back, we are going to be going full speed ahead from here on out....I have MUCH to say and share and VERY little time to do it all in!!!! PHEW!!! I am already feeling pressed for time in getting everything ready, but I know that it will all fall into place!

Although gone from the DIS, I was still very much focused on planning for this trip while we were on the road. I made so many lists---a list of PTR topics (yes, I am THAT bad ), a list of possible itineraries, ADRs based upon those itineraries, etc., etc., etc.!!!!! I filled up a large part of the notebook I took with me!!!

NOW, I have quite a bit of pictures I want to upload so that I can share with you, but shortly I will be updating about the recital, our trip, and of course, ALL MY PLANS!!! Expect daily updates, and even multiple daily updates over the next couple of days.......by the way, I hope you all did some DOUBLE DIGIT DANCING for me----98 days to go!!! Updating soon!!!! On what??? Just wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'm so happy to hear that Megan's recital went so well. My nieces had their first recital this year and it was just wonderful. She'll probably be driving you nuts until you get to Disney.

 

[pooh'smate]

Welcome home, glad to hear you had a GREAT weekend! Looking forward to all the updates.

 

[micandminforever]

I look forward to the pictures and mini-TR within the PTR.

 

[Charleston Princess]

You want ME to cure you of your resortitis, Jen??? You are too, too, too funny! However, I will help you change resorts a whole bunch in the next 53 days (yes, I did the math of how many days you have until your package has to be paid off and no more changes can be made) .

Can't wait to see all the pics from your trip to Kansas City!

Don't worry -- I made lists of PTR topics as well. I think it is normal.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Daily updates, multiple daily updates and double digit dancing?! It's too much. In a good way. A very good way!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

We are staying at POR. We love Pop and have been stying there alot on teh last few trips but wanted to try something new this time.

 

[moparop]

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during your pregnancy---remember to seriously take it EASY and drink LOTS of water! It really will help stave off the preeclamptic conditions as long as possible, and every day you get to keep them inside, saves about 3 days in the NICU so it is definitely worth it!

I think the FD is the reason Pop was booked....not too worried about the crowds in the parks....just on the buses. Tom has already said that if we have problems in that area, we are moving.....we shall see! I'll try to alert you from here on out when tissues are needed!!

Thanks for thinking of this pregnant woman -- We saw Up over the weekend and my boys kept asking me what I was crying for. It was a bit hard to explain to a 4 year old exactly why a cartoon could make his mother an emotional mess!

I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Things have been going well so far this pregnancy, but we have decided that I need stick close to home until this baby arrives. Although the extended family is 300 miles away and I miss them dearly, car rides like that certainly don't help the ol blood pressure. And since I am already prone to have high blood pressure, the last thing we need is to have it develop into pre-eclampsia. My goal is to get past Doug's (my older son's) birthday (August 5th) which would put the baby at 35 weeks. My ultimate goal is to make September 1... which is the goal I am really trying to get to. That would make me 39 weeks.

That's awesome that Tom has said that it would be ok to move resorts if the crowds are bad -- such a relief! And did you see that you can now do ADRs on-line?! I was playing with the site earlier today and it seems very cool!

Looking forward to the miniTR and upcming updates!

 

[MegansMom]

I'm so happy to hear that Megan's recital went so well. My nieces had their first recital this year and it was just wonderful. She'll probably be driving you nuts until you get to Disney.

So far she hasn't driven us nuts yet.....she is just so cute though because everyday when we change the countdown, she gets all giddy and excited just like the day we told her!!! She can't WAIT!!!!

Welcome home, glad to hear you had a GREAT weekend! Looking forward to all the updates.

Thanks so much! Updates will be posting shortly!

I look forward to the pictures and mini-TR within the PTR.

Thanks!!! BTW---where are you staying this time around????

You want ME to cure you of your resortitis, Jen??? You are too, too, too funny! However, I will help you change resorts a whole bunch in the next 53 days (yes, I did the math of how many days you have until your package has to be paid off and no more changes can be made) .

Can't wait to see all the pics from your trip to Kansas City!

Don't worry -- I made lists of PTR topics as well. I think it is normal.

YOU DID THE MATH!!!! That is why I love ya Jackie!!! I knew I could count on you to "help" me with my crisis! BTW---Miss Megan shrieked with glee when she pulled her postcard out of the mailbox yesterday!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! That was SO sweet of you to think of her!!! Sending you great big hugs!!!

Daily updates, multiple daily updates and double digit dancing?! It's too much. In a good way. A very good way!

I KNOW!!!! My brain is just moving 90 miles a minute though---I hope they don't all come out sounding like gibberish!

We are staying at POR. We love Pop and have been stying there alot on teh last few trips but wanted to try something new this time.

Enjoy your trip to POR!!!! We stayed there once with my family when it was still Dixie Landings....it was so nice and beautiful!

Thanks for thinking of this pregnant woman -- We saw Up over the weekend and my boys kept asking me what I was crying for. It was a bit hard to explain to a 4 year old exactly why a cartoon could make his mother an emotional mess!

I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Things have been going well so far this pregnancy, but we have decided that I need stick close to home until this baby arrives. Although the extended family is 300 miles away and I miss them dearly, car rides like that certainly don't help the ol blood pressure. And since I am already prone to have high blood pressure, the last thing we need is to have it develop into pre-eclampsia. My goal is to get past Doug's (my older son's) birthday (August 5th) which would put the baby at 35 weeks. My ultimate goal is to make September 1... which is the goal I am really trying to get to. That would make me 39 weeks.

That's awesome that Tom has said that it would be ok to move resorts if the crowds are bad -- such a relief! And did you see that you can now do ADRs on-line?! I was playing with the site earlier today and it seems very cool!

Looking forward to the miniTR and upcming updates!

I remember having goals like that too!!! When I was on bedrest, Tom would bring me home a "treat" on the day that marked another week gone by.....I was so disappointed I didn't make it further!!! You just take care of you!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Woo-hoo for more updates! I can't wait to hear about it ALL!!