Here goes, my first PTR.....*UPDATE 9/27* only one day left!!

[MARsMama]

Not only is this my first PTR, but I'm also fairly new to DISboards and am not very computer literate so am bound to make many errors along the way....so bear with me and enjoy the ride!

A bit of background......
For as long as I remember I have wanted to take my kids to WDW, even before I had kids it was a dream of mine. In 2009, I finally realized that dream and dh and I took our dd, ds1, and ds2 (then 9, turned 7, and 4). It was also my very first trip and dh's first in 20yrs. We drove to FL from NS, Canada and were at Disney for 9 nights/8 days. When planning that trip I planned it as a 'once in a lifetime' trip as I never thought we'd ever get back again. It was amazing and we had an awesome time, but from the moment we crossed under the WDW sign to head back to NS I started planning, in my mind, our next trip.....determined to get back again.

October 2011 seemed like the perfect time for our next trip. It gave us 2+ years to save and we'd be able to be there for DD's birthday since we just spent dS1's birthday there (and would give us an excuse to plan a third trip as to not leave dS2 out ). DS1 would be 9 so he'd still be considered a child, it would be the month dh turned 40, so it seemed perfect! Once home I told my Mom of my tentative plan and she thought it sounded great. It was the year she would turn 65 and would love to go with us this time as to fulfill her dream of riding the teacups!! Woo hoo, it was decided and we started to save!!

It all sounded perfect, for 6 months, then our lives, and our Disney plans, were turned upside down. My Mom found out her breast cancer had returned (after 12 years) and was in her bones :'( The following nine months were tough, Mom moved in with us so that I could care for her. The cancer quickly spread and sadly she passed away last June. I am an only child and was very close to my Mom so it's been hard. However, DH and I sat down and discussed the fact that Mom would want us to continue with our plans to take the kids back to Disney, and after such a tough emotional year+ we really needed a family trip, we kept going along with our plans. When the FD came out and it was within our time frame of going, we booked and the official planning began......

 

[MARsMama]

Now that I've bored you with the background we'll move right along to the cast of characters travelling on this trip....

DH who will be turning 40 this October, along with WDW, is not into the planning as much as I am, but does give some input now and again. He's a fussy eater so I really have to put a lot of thought into the dining and check to make sure it sounds like a place he could find something to eat. He's the outspoken one, so if a problem arises I turn it over to him to 'take care of' LOL He's pretty excited about this trip, but he doesn't obsess over it like I do....he'll start to stress when we're about a week from leaving!

DD, or MJ as I'll refer to her from now on, is 11 now but will be turning 12 while at Disney. She's the thrill rider of the bunch and managed to get me on TOT last trip. My two words after getting off were "never again", so this time she'll have to try to sweet talk her father! lol

DS1, or RT as I'll refer from now on, is now 9. He turned 7 on our last trip to Disney and was thrilled to get to 'fight' Darth Vader on his birthday. While he does enjoy some rides, he's not much for anything too fast. He surprised us by really being taken with the characters last time, always trying to scope them out for photos and autographs.....with the exception of the princesses that is, they are girls after all!! LOL

DS2, who is AR from now on, was only 4 the last time we went. He says he doesn't remember too much from our last trip, but seems to have a lot to add when we're thinking back and talking about it. He is not a ride person at all, atleast he wasn't, and any ride he went on he did so unknowingly and usually only once....with the exception of the TTA and a carousel. He claimed that his favorite ride of all was the ones he took on Daddy's shoulders! lol

And finally there's me. I'm 38 and will be until exactly two weeks after DH turns 40, which is something I love to tease him about! lol I am the planner of the bunch, the one who researches and reads and tries to come up with the best plan of action for 6+ months down the road! lol I love the planning of our Disney trip nearly as much as being on it, nearly! This time I started the planning so much earlier and am taking time to enjoy every second of it. I even bit the bullet and joined DISboards this time around, even though most of the time I have no idea what I'm doing when trying to quote, subscribe, add a link, etc. I'm amazed that I figured out a ticker, but won't push my luck and try to add photos.....hence this report with remain photoless! lol

 

[PixieMama]

First, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. It does sound as though you had a special relationship with her, and I am sure she will be at WDW with you all in spirit!

It's so exciting to plan, isn't it?!!?!? My DH is the same as yours... he doesn't get into the planning as much as I do, so he is happy to leave it all up to me.

Wow, I can't believe you drove all the way from CANADA! I thought I had it bad with a 10 hour drive, LOL!

Looking forward to reading more about your plans!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am really enjoying your PTR so far. I am very sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, my deepest sympathys to you and your family. I am very glad that you decided to continue your plans to WDW, though I am sure it will be a very emothinal trip for you.

I can't believe you drove all the way from Canada with 3 kids in the car. How long was the trip? If I drove it would take about 20 hours and with gas prices today. The only way I would do the drive is if I had someone helping me, all 4 of the kids were coming, and airfares were just unbarable.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[MARsMama]

Thank you both so much for your sympathies. It has been tough and I have my good days and bad days, but as silly as it may sound, planning this trip has really helped me as it keeps my mind busy, especially when I'm home alone.

Travelling down to FL took us pretty much four days, one way. We were pretty nervous to attempt it, as it was the farthest we'd ever gone with them. However, we were pleasantly surprised as they were wonderful travellers!!! As a matter of fact we'd do it again in a heartbeat if we had the extra time

I had the next post in my PTR all typed up and ready to post, but something happened and I seemed to have lost it, so I'll add the next steps another time as it's getting late. [/SIZE]

 

[MARsMama]

So I've covered the who, and the what is a given, so now I'll move on to the where.....

For this trip we chose to stay at POR. We've only ever been at ASMu, but wanted to try something new. Being a family of 5 our choices were limited. We really liked the family suite at ASMu, and are a bit nervous to go from that to a single room at POR, but that's what we did. Not only was it something different, but it was cheaper too. The POR resort looks lovely, although huge. I think the kids will love the pools and the boat ride to DTD, however, spending 12 nights in a single room, with a single bathroom may be a bit of a challenge......but how much time will we actually be in the room anyway?! No need to stress, right?! lol
Do you think it will be just as 'magical' for the kids even though it's not as animated as ASMu?!

Moving right along to the when....
We decided to travel in the Fall this time. Our last trip we were there for RT's 7th birthday, which was in the Spring, and now this time we will cover MJ's 12th birthday!! (Leaving one more trip to plan for so we can cover AR's birthday!)
Travelling in the Fall allows us to experience the F&W festival at Epcot as well as MNSSHP. I'm hoping to learn a little more about the F&W before we go as I don't know much about it at all! Nearly six months and the DISboards should give me enough time and information to know what it's all about!

now the why....well that's pretty obvious, we're Disney fanatics and it's our first choice for a family vacation!!!!!! It's so magical and who couldn't use a little magic in their life now and then?!
I'm driving everyone crazy around here with all my Disney talk!! lol Thank goodness for DISboards where everyone 'gets' it and I don't seem crazy....or atleast not as much!

 

[PixieMama]

My family has stayed at ASMovies twice. My DH is of the same mind-set... just how much time are you really going to spend in your room, anyway? (We aren't ones who take a midday break to go back to our room) That being said, I don't think we'll be staying at any Value Resort on any return trips to WDW! This last time, DH said he was done with the Value Resorts. Our kids are getting bigger and it seemed we were on top of each other during our last trip. We're hoping to go back to WDW in 2013 and I'm pushing for either AKL or WL! Deluxe all the way, baby!

We did MNSSHP in 2007. Had a great time... the best part was the parade and seeing all the characters dressed up for Halloween. F&W was also going on the times we've been to WDW, but I don't really know much about it. Again, our kids weren't too interested in the World Showcase, LOL!

And I feel right at home here on the boards... you're right, everyone here "gets" it!

 

[MARsMama]

If we are able to sneak in a thrid trip we will likely have to go with a family suite again as the kids will be much older and want/need more of their 'own' space. I was thinking POR would be a good choice this time as the kids are older and they love pools, however, youngest is still only 6 so he probably would've preferred the more 'colorful' value resorts. Of course we will be at WDW so they will be excited even if I told them we had to sleep in a tent in the parking lot!!!

 

[MissStitch626]

Great start to your trip report, can't wait to read more!

I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm glad planning this trip has helped take your mind off things even a little.

You will LOVE POR!! It's such a beautiful resort. I understand your concern about it not being quite as animated as the All Star Resorts, but your kids will love the boat ride to DTD. There is bike and boat rental at POR, a horse and carriage ride, Yee Ha Bob Jackson (who I am determined to see from start to finish this year!), not to mention the amazing pools (don't forget you can also use the pool at POFQ too!). POR has one of my favourite foodcourts at WDW, it's so spacious and relaxed and has a great theme. Don't forget to say hi if you see us roaming about the resort, I'll be sporting my Lime Green Mickey Head in the hopes that some of my fellow Disers will say hello!

 

[MARsMama]

Welcome to my PTR, MissStitch...so glad to have you, PixieMama, and Corrine following along and any input is always helpful!

I guess now we're up to the how, as in how are we gonna get there now that we're going? lol
As I mentioned before we drove down for our first trip. Three full days of travelling and four overnight stays just to get there takes up a big chunk of our vacation time, considering we have to use up the same amount of time to get back!! lol So this time we decided to keep an eye out for flights. If we could find one that would be comparable to the cost of driving down we would go with flying.
I checked the airlines daily, waiting and hoping that a seat sale or price drop would occur so that it would be feasible for us to fly. Not that we didn't enjoy our drive down and back the last time, because we really did. The kids were good and we love to travel, but we thought it would be nice to take the kids on a plane this time.....not to mention getting there quicker! lol
Then one day I was checking the flights as per my daily routine and much to my surprise I found a great price on a flight down!!! I was so excited! Dh and I mulled over it for a day or two (which would have been just our luck to miss out because of being uncertain) and finally decided to book. So we're all booked to fly down We are still on the lookout for a flight back, which doesn't seem to be the top of my mind when thinking of our trip and I often forget to check the prices
So it will be nearly 11 years since Dh or I have been on a plane and although Dd flew with us then, she was just 15months old at the time so has no memory of it. The boys have never been, so it will be like a first flight for all of them, and a first for Dh and I with three kids!! lol
I am, of course, nervous of missing our connection and losing our luggage, but other than that I am excited about getting there the same day we leave!! However, needing to be at the airport by 4:30am leaves me questioning what shape we'll be in when we do arrive at WDW!!

 

[MARsMama]

You will LOVE POR!! It's such a beautiful resort. I understand your concern about it not being quite as animated as the All Star Resorts, but your kids will love the boat ride to DTD. There is bike and boat rental at POR, a horse and carriage ride, Yee Ha Bob Jackson (who I am determined to see from start to finish this year!), not to mention the amazing pools (don't forget you can also use the pool at POFQ too!). POR has one of my favourite foodcourts at WDW, it's so spacious and relaxed and has a great theme. Don't forget to say hi if you see us roaming about the resort, I'll be sporting my Lime Green Mickey Head in the hopes that some of my fellow Disers will say hello!

POR does sound wonderful. The kids would love a horse and carriage ride! I hope I can schedule in enough resort time to take it all in now
I've seen mention of this Lime Green Mickey Head in other threads, it is something DISers wear to identify themselves to others, am I right? Where do you wear it, shirt, hat, etc? What is it made of, material, paper, etc?

 

[PixieMama]

The Lime Green Mickey Heads started off being the little paint sample card that's available at some home improvement stores. Here's a link to a post that has a photo:

http://www.www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39397727&postcount=53

I think people still use these, but others make their own. I've never worn one myself (just never thought about it, I guess) but I've read about them here on the boards. I would think the easiest way to wear it would be to attach it by a clip or something to your bag you carry with you in the parks.

And that's awesome about finding a flight!

We live about 10 hours (give or take) from WDW, so we drove. The most recent trip we actually drove down the day before and just stayed the night at a hotel. Got up the next morning and drove the rest of the way to our resort, checked in, got our park tickets, and hit Epcot just in time for lunch.

What time will your flight arrive?

 

[DearPrudence]

Popping in to say "hi" -- followed you over from my PTR!

So sorry to hear about your mom.

I will look forward to seeing how your plans unfold! I think POR sounds awesome. For us it was a toss up between there and POFQ, which is where we will end up in November. I've never stayed at either place so I'm really looking forward to checking them out. I like that they're somewhat connected and share restaurants, pools, recreation activities, etc.

Good luck with finding a cheap flight back! I can't imagine doing a four day drive. It would take us two days each way and just the thought of doing that gives me hives.

 

[MARsMama]

Thanks for the link, PixieMama! I might have to wear one for this trip now that I'm a DISer! lol Remembering would be key for me though, I can be forgetful! LOL

Welcome, DearPrudence POFQ sounds really nice too, and I think it's been newly refurbished as well. I don't think they accomodate five (without two rooms or a suite), so we went with POR.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Joining in! We're going during the same dates, it will be fun following your PTR too! I'm glad you found a flight! We're a family of 5 as well and I just couldn't find flights cheap enough. It will be a 17 hour drive for us! We're bringing dd's friend, and my boys are teens, so after much deliberation, we decided on a house instead of POR, but I can't wait to hear about it b/c I think it looks like a GREAT resort!

 

[MARsMama]

Joining in! We're going during the same dates, it will be fun following your PTR too! I'm glad you found a flight! We're a family of 5 as well and I just couldn't find flights cheap enough. It will be a 17 hour drive for us! We're bringing dd's friend, and my boys are teens, so after much deliberation, we decided on a house instead of POR, but I can't wait to hear about it b/c I think it looks like a GREAT resort!

Welcome, Karen! I am in the process of trying to catch up on your PTR. I was late finding the PTR board and yours was already in full swing, so I haven't finished reading all your reports. When I get caught up I'll be sure to post and will keep following along. I will say you have some awesome photos. I love photography and had started a course online a bit back (just before Mom got sick) and never got a chance to finish it. It's on my list of things to do in 2011 though!

 

[MARsMama]

Now that I've covered the basics (who, what, where, when, why, and how) it's time to get into the jucier stuff.....the planning details!

So, we have our room booked at the POR, our flight down booked, and our park tickets....with the waterpark option for the first time since now AR finally considers swimming something more than sitting on the edge and putting his feet on the step
Once again we chose not to add the park hopper option, so we can visit only one park per day....no problem, except our date for booking our ADRs was landing on April 1. Anywhere I ever looked the park hours weren't posted until the first of the month, which meant October hours would come out the same day I could make my ADRs!!! I started to panic, how could I figure out which parks we wanted to eat at on which days in time to make the ADRs, if I didn't know the park hours in advance?!
Dh just couldn't understand the seriousness of the situation so he was no help at all! The best I could do is figure out where we wanted to eat and list them according to park. (Of course, I could do Sept. 29 and 30, but without knowing where we were going the rest of the trip, even that was hard to decide on).

So, I set out looking through the restaurants and menus to see where we would like to try again and added them to our must do again list from our last trip. Here's what I came up with.....

Places we wanted to return to -
Crystal Palace (MJ's favorite)
Tusker House (Dh's favorite)
Chef Mickey's (RT's favorite, although I think it had more to do with it being his birthday meal that we ate there, than the restaurant itself, but I put it on the list)
BOMA (my favorite)
New Places we want to try (and when I say we, I mostly mean me! lol) -
'OHana
1900 Park Fare
Le Cellier
50s Prime Time
CRT
Garden Grill
T-Rex
Fantasmic! Dining Package

Fantasmic! was MJ's favorite show, so we were hoping to do that on her birthday, but was still unsure if that would be possible as no schedule!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Oh man, I had the park hours a few weeks before April 1st from the Disney travel agent site! It won't help now, but it might in the future...do you have this page? They usually come out with the hours before Disney gets them up officially on their site, this is the October link, but if you change the month at the end, you can get any month as they become available!

Disneytravelagents

Anyway, I LOVE Boma as well, just made my ADR for it yesterday!!! We have quite a few meals at the same places!

 

[MARsMama]

Oh man, I had the park hours a few weeks before April 1st from the Disney travel agent site! It won't help now, but it might in the future...do you have this page? They usually come out with the hours before Disney gets them up officially on their site, this is the October link, but if you change the month at the end, you can get any month as they become available!

Disneytravelagents

Anyway, I LOVE Boma as well, just made my ADR for it yesterday!!! We have quite a few meals at the same places!

Thanks for the link, I eventually found it....which will come out in the next installment of my PTR lol I was late starting my PTR, so I'm playing catch-up to where I am today in my planning.

 

[cgerdon02]

Joining in on your PTR!! First off, so sorry about your mom I'm glad you decided to go ahead with your trip though! Looks like we are going to be eating at lots of the same places!!! AHHHH trying to get it all worked out before my ADR date hits!!