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

[PixieMama]

Well, that's a bummer

I had a fleeting thought about having a tee shirt made for my mom... something to do with her birthday. But I don't know if she'd wear it, LOL!

 

[Lidian]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! ​

 

[mtgirl29]

I cannot wait to see your shirts when you get them completed.

So excited for you that your cousin and her family are able to go to Disney with you all. It will most definitely make it doubly special since I know you are sad about going without your mom and losing her so recently . I am sure it will make for a very memorable occasion for you and your family!!!

I hope you had a nice Mother's Day! I know, first hand, how depressing those holidays can be after losing someone so special to you. It will get a bit easier with time. (double hug) Thinking of you.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I hope Mother's Day wasn't too hard for you, I thought about you!

 

[MARsMama]

Thanks everyone, for all the hugs and wishes, I do appreciate them. Mother's Day was a tough one, but my hubby and kids really helped me get through it. There are times when I still find it so hard to believe that Mom is gone
I hope you all had a nice Mother's Day

My cousin and I have been on the phone daily making plans and talking things over. Thank goodness she's got a good long distance phone plan! We've made a few adjustments to our ADRs, as we were able to get some for the 10 of us, which is nice. We have one more place to try and once that gets figured out I'll post an updated ADR list. We're also working on counter service places we want to check out together, so I'll have a list of those as well
Also, we are now leaning toward telling the kids when we go to visit them the end of next month. That way they will find out all together and be able to have the summer to talk, and plan, and just enjoy the time leading up to the trip, together. As much as we would love for them to just run into each other on the trip, it will be hard to pull off and if we can't then they've lost out on nearly three months of enjoying the excitement of the upcoming trip together.
I think my cousin and I are going to make the group shirts the night we arrive at their place and present them to the kids the next day. That's the idea right now anyway. We're also going to do a huge Disney day/weekend when we're there We'll watch Disney movies as well as have a big group discussion on all the things that are 'must-do' for each of us, so that we have a plan of action!

We are just so excited, I can't wait to tell the kids and let them in on all the excitement too!!!!

Here's what I came up with for an original plan to reveal the trip to the kids. I had decided to do up a scavenger hunt and at the end have their t-shirts that I'm going to make for them with their names, WDW, and the date of our trip. This plan is still what I think I will do, but the when is what I am thinking I need to change. I had decided to do the reveal with them on June 17, which will be the one year anniversary of Mom's passing. I thought it would be a good way to give a happy memory to that date (ironically our first day in Disney will be two years to the day of when Mom found out her cancer was back and was in the bones).
However, since I decided on that date I have found out that our town's Relay for Life (cancer fundraiser) is that night. This event is something Mom and I always attended when she would walk the survivor lap and enjoy the survivor meal, and I would walk with her on the caregiver lap. We enjoyed the ceremony of the lighting of the luminaries in memory of those who died of cancer and in honor of those who were living with or had survived cancer, herself included. Even last year, less than two weeks before her passing I took her in to the event (usually held on the first weekend in June) where she rode the survivor lap in a golf cart and attended the survivor meal (that is where I took the last ever photo of her that I've posted earlier). With this being the case, I'm afraid the sadness of the day will put a damper on the trip reveal and think it would be best to leave that day to mourn and choose a different day for the reveal. What do you all think? That Sunday is Father's Day, which will be 101 days from our trip, and I thought about doing the scavenger hunt then and have dh help out with the finding (as I will ultimately be the one to to the hunt myself), but would that just be taking away from him on Father's Day, do you think? I don't want to do that as last year we missed it altogether as it was AR's preschool graduation on top of being the first viewing of Mom Any ideas on what would be a good date to reveal the trip to the kids? We want to wait until June, but need to do it before we head to my cousins on the 24th?

 

[mtgirl29]

Thanks everyone, for all the hugs and wishes, I do appreciate them. Mother's Day was a tough one, but my hubby and kids really helped me get through it. There are times when I still find it so hard to believe that Mom is gone
I hope you all had a nice Mother's Day

My cousin and I have been on the phone daily making plans and talking things over. Thank goodness she's got a good long distance phone plan! We've made a few adjustments to our ADRs, as we were able to get some for the 10 of us, which is nice. We have one more place to try and once that gets figured out I'll post an updated ADR list. We're also working on counter service places we want to check out together, so I'll have a list of those as well
Also, we are now leaning toward telling the kids when we go to visit them the end of next month. That way they will find out all together and be able to have the summer to talk, and plan, and just enjoy the time leading up to the trip, together. As much as we would love for them to just run into each other on the trip, it will be hard to pull off and if we can't then they've lost out on nearly three months of enjoying the excitement of the upcoming trip together.
I think my cousin and I are going to make the group shirts the night we arrive at their place and present them to the kids the next day. That's the idea right now anyway. We're also going to do a huge Disney day/weekend when we're there We'll watch Disney movies as well as have a big group discussion on all the things that are 'must-do' for each of us, so that we have a plan of action!

We are just so excited, I can't wait to tell the kids and let them in on all the excitement too!!!!

Here's what I came up with for an original plan to reveal the trip to the kids. I had decided to do up a scavenger hunt and at the end have their t-shirts that I'm going to make for them with their names, WDW, and the date of our trip. This plan is still what I think I will do, but the when is what I am thinking I need to change. I had decided to do the reveal with them on June 17, which will be the one year anniversary of Mom's passing. I thought it would be a good way to give a happy memory to that date (ironically our first day in Disney will be two years to the day of when Mom found out her cancer was back and was in the bones).
However, since I decided on that date I have found out that our town's Relay for Life (cancer fundraiser) is that night. This event is something Mom and I always attended when she would walk the survivor lap and enjoy the survivor meal, and I would walk with her on the caregiver lap. We enjoyed the ceremony of the lighting of the luminaries in memory of those who died of cancer and in honor of those who were living with or had survived cancer, herself included. Even last year, less than two weeks before her passing I took her in to the event (usually held on the first weekend in June) where she rode the survivor lap in a golf cart and attended the survivor meal (that is where I took the last ever photo of her that I've posted earlier). With this being the case, I'm afraid the sadness of the day will put a damper on the trip reveal and think it would be best to leave that day to mourn and choose a different day for the reveal. What do you all think? That Sunday is Father's Day, which will be 101 days from our trip, and I thought about doing the scavenger hunt then and have dh help out with the finding (as I will ultimately be the one to to the hunt myself), but would that just be taking away from him on Father's Day, do you think? I don't want to do that as last year we missed it altogether as it was AR's preschool graduation on top of being the first viewing of Mom Any ideas on what would be a good date to reveal the trip to the kids? We want to wait until June, but need to do it before we head to my cousins on the 24th?

I think the scavenger hunt and the shirts sounds like a wonderful idea. I am not so sure you should do the reveal on the 17th. I know the 1st anniversary of my dad's death was a very emotional day for me and my family and I needed that time to sort through my emotions. You may be different, though and need to focus on something more positive. That first year was such a blur. I was just merely existing instead of living. My dad and I were so close and he was my hero. My world was shattered when he found out he was terminal and passed away 3 wks. later. I also found out I was pregnant with my DS the week before he died. I remember him sauntering across the kitchen (weak with cancer) singing that he was going to be a grandpa again and calling anyone who would listen to the wonderful news. He had 2 daughters (my sis and myself) and a grand daughter (DD) and if only he would have been around to see his only grandson. DS reminds me sooo much of my dad. We named DS after my dad and I still miss him more than I could ever express to you on here. I totally feel your pain and my heart aches for you and what you are going through right now. Believe me, the 1st year is by most the hardest. You have the first holidays, their birthday, their anniversaries and their death date. It is such an emotional rollercoaster time. I am literally sobbing just remembering it all. The pain never goes away, time just makes it easier to figure out how to deal with it. I can still hear a song that my dad loved or say something to my children that reminds me of something that my dad used to say to me growing up and it just brings back such raw emotion.
I think it is wonderful that you are trying to focus on more positive things during this difficult time. I think this will really help keep your mind busy.

I am really looking forward to finding out how you are going to surprise the kiddos!!!!

 

[PixieMama]

Sorry, but I'm confused...

Are you only doing the scavenger hunt/tee shirts for your kids? I thought you were surprising the cousins, too... meaning you'd tell all the kids at the same time, which would be after you arrive at your cousin's?

 

[MARsMama]

I think the scavenger hunt and the shirts sounds like a wonderful idea. I am not so sure you should do the reveal on the 17th. I know the 1st anniversary of my dad's death was a very emotional day for me and my family and I needed that time to sort through my emotions. You may be different, though and need to focus on something more positive. That first year was such a blur. I was just merely existing instead of living. My dad and I were so close and he was my hero. My world was shattered when he found out he was terminal and passed away 3 wks. later. I also found out I was pregnant with my DS the week before he died. I remember him sauntering across the kitchen (weak with cancer) singing that he was going to be a grandpa again and calling anyone who would listen to the wonderful news. He had 2 daughters (my sis and myself) and a grand daughter (DD) and if only he would have been around to see his only grandson. DS reminds me sooo much of my dad. We named DS after my dad and I still miss him more than I could ever express to you on here. I totally feel your pain and my heart aches for you and what you are going through right now. Believe me, the 1st year is by most the hardest. You have the first holidays, their birthday, their anniversaries and their death date. It is such an emotional rollercoaster time. I am literally sobbing just remembering it all. The pain never goes away, time just makes it easier to figure out how to deal with it. I can still hear a song that my dad loved or say something to my children that reminds me of something that my dad used to say to me growing up and it just brings back such raw emotion.
I think it is wonderful that you are trying to focus on more positive things during this difficult time. I think this will really help keep your mind busy.

I am really looking forward to finding out how you are going to surprise the kiddos!!!!

I'm sorry to hear that you've been through this with your Dad, it's really hard imagine how tough it is until going through it This past year has certainly been the toughest I've been through.
I originally thought that the scavenger hunt and 'reveal' would be good for the kids on the 17th as to give them a happy memory for that day, but I'm beginning to think that my mind and heart won't be in it and that it will damper the happiness of the trip. Sort of the opposite effect.

Sorry, but I'm confused...

Are you only doing the scavenger hunt/tee shirts for your kids? I thought you were surprising the cousins, too... meaning you'd tell all the kids at the same time, which would be after you arrive at your cousin's?

Yeah, my Dh was confused as well When we are all together at my cousin's house we were planning to tell them that we'll all be in Disney at the same time, but I want to tell them about our Disney trip before we go to my cousin's (so they'll know we're going, just not that they're going at the same time as their cousins). I still really want to do the scavenger hunt with my kids, but my cousin is just going to tell her kids, and probably sooner than later as her hubby won't be able to wait until we go up there. I actually think her oldest knows that they're going. However, I think MJ is starting to get suspicious, so I may end up just telling them!

I guess I'm still just not sure what I'll do, or when, but once I make a definate decision, I'll post it here.....and hopfully it won't sound so confusing and complicated!

 

[PixieMama]

Ah, got it. I was thinking you were going to tell all the kids at the same time, which would (obviously) be after you arrived at your cousin's.

How far away are they? Could you plan on telling the kids at the same time? Maybe then they could call each other, but you wouldn't want to call them if your cousin hasn't already told her kids about the trip...

 

[MARsMama]

We live about a 4hr drive away from each other. We're planning to head to their place the last weekend of June. It would be neat to tell the kids all together, but I don't think my cousin will wait that long to tell her kids. I should be talking with my cousin again today sometime (she usually phones atleast once a day) and I'll see what her plans are for telling her kids. I'm starting to burst at the seams I'm getting so excited to tell them!

My youngest is home from school today, sick. He had a fever of 103 last night and ended up vomiting. He seems to be some better today, so hopefully the worst is passed. Hopefully the rest of us won't catch anything. This is Dh's weekend off, and even though it's calling for crappy weather (yet again), we don't want to be sick!

I think I've got our updated ADRs all ready, so I will post them later on today, maybe include another photo I've been going through counter service places (with my cousin) and I think we've decided on a few, atleast narrowed it down quite a bit [/COLOR]

 

[PixieMama]

Awwwww, hope your DS feels better soon!

 

[exwdwcm]

found you on the Oct thread!! Hey there- new subscriber here! Your trip looks amazing! so glad your cousin's trip can overlap some too!! congrats on the new ADRs for 10 too!! We had a party of 15 a few years ago- be aware at Sci Fi, they will split you up into multiple cars if possible, but it wasn't for us- sowe had to sit at a long table near the back, not in a car. so you might request when you check in whether you want to be split up into cars or take the table (not a car). HDD is a blast, you guys will really enjoy it! It is a favorite of ours.

i agree, don't do the reveal on the anniversary date. I would wait and do it another day- reserve that day especially for your special angel! The pics of your mom are so beautiful. I am so sorry to hear of her passing- big HUGS!!!

Can't wait to read more about your great trip!!!!!!

 

[MARsMama]

Awwwww, hope your DS feels better soon!

Thank you. He's doing better, his fever seems to be gone and no more vomiting. He says his head still hurts when he gets up and walks to the bathroom, but when he's laying on the couch he feels ok.

found you on the Oct thread!! Hey there- new subscriber here! Your trip looks amazing! so glad your cousin's trip can overlap some too!! congrats on the new ADRs for 10 too!! We had a party of 15 a few years ago- be aware at Sci Fi, they will split you up into multiple cars if possible, but it wasn't for us- sowe had to sit at a long table near the back, not in a car. so you might request when you check in whether you want to be split up into cars or take the table (not a car). HDD is a blast, you guys will really enjoy it! It is a favorite of ours.

i agree, don't do the reveal on the anniversary date. I would wait and do it another day- reserve that day especially for your special angel! The pics of your mom are so beautiful. I am so sorry to hear of her passing- big HUGS!!!

Can't wait to read more about your great trip!!!!!!

Welcome to my PTR It's not as organized as yours appears to be, I took a glance and am hoping to get caught up on it soon. Love the links on your first post
Thanks for the tip about Sci-Fi. It's our second time there, but my cousin's first so they would prefer a car I'm sure. I will make sure to request that when we check in for our meal that day.
I think I'm leaning toward doing the reveal on Father's Day, and maybe have the final clue at my Dad's house so he can enjoy the look on the kids' faces as well. The next day will be 100 days out from the trip and we could build our 100-day chain that day too (or I might have pieces of it strung together with the clues?!)

 

[MARsMama]

So, I think we've made all the changes we are able to make to include my cousin and her family with some of our meals. Here's what we've come up with.....

Arrival Day -
T-Rex for dinner, party of 10
Day 1 -
Epcot day
Hoop De Doo for late dinner, party of 10
Day 2 -
Hollywood Studios day
Sci-Fi for lunch, party of 10
Day 3 -
Magic Kingdom day
1900 Park Fare for dinner, party of 5 (my cousin and her family are doing CP for breakfast this day I do belive)
Day 4 -
Hollywood Studios day
Mama Melrose for dinner, party of 5 with Fantasmic! dining pkg (my cousin's family are doing a dinner at H&V)
Day 5 -
Epcot day (last day with my cousin and her family)
Le Cellier for lunch, party of 5
Garden Grill for dinner, party of 5 (we didn't want to give up either of these places for the HDDR, so we are doing two TS in the one day. My cousin and her family are going to lunch at Coral Reef this day)
Day 6 -
Animal Kingdom day
'OHana for late dinner, party of 5 (all ADRs from now on will be for 5)
Day 7 -
Blizzard Beach day
Boma for breakfast
Day 8 -
Magic Kingdom day, MNSSHP
no TS meals, just do counter service at resort then a late afternoon entry to park for another CS meal.
Day 9 -
Animal Kingdom day
Tusker House for lunch
Day 10 -
Magic Kingdom day, MJ's 12th birthday
CP for early breakfast
CRT for surprise dinner
Day 11 -
Epcot day, and final day in Disney
Chef Mickey's for breakfast
Day 12 -
Check-out and head to airport hotel, rent a car and possible find a Golden Corral to eat at for dinner
Day 13 - Fly home

How does it sound? We're pretty pleased with what we have. We'll have to pay OOP for a couple of TS meals in order to get the HDDR and CRT in, so we'll likely do Chef Mickey's and CP, they will be the cheaper.

Here's a photo taken on our first day in March 2009. We were at the Magic Kingdom, and spotted Alice by the teacups. MJ wanted to see her so we lined up in the short line and I'm glad we did, I just love this photo

 

[PixieMama]

I think your ADR plans sound great. You have several that I've been to and love (Boma, Sci-Fi, CP) and some that I've never been to but really want to try (Le Cellier, 'Ohana)

And that is one precious photo!

 

[taymacsmom]

Hey! Just found your PTR and read the whole thing. As you can see in my siggie we are "opposite" from you in some ways. We stayed at POR in 2009 and loved it!!! This year we are in a family suite at ASMU for the first time. Any insight or photos you could share?

I had a great time on the disign boards last time and made each of us 4 matching tee shirts. Luckily, we all still have them so I will probably only make 1 more for each of us for this trip.

Here is one example:

I am looking forward to hearing about all of your plans!

Kelly

 

[MARsMama]

I think your ADR plans sound great. You have several that I've been to and love (Boma, Sci-Fi, CP) and some that I've never been to but really want to try (Le Cellier, 'Ohana)

And that is one precious photo!

Le Cellier and 'Ohana were two that I wanted to try last time, but being less than a month out when we decided to go with the DDP we couldn't get in, so this time I had them on my 'must-do' list
Thanks, I just love the look on MJ's face

Hey! Just found your PTR and read the whole thing. As you can see in my siggie we are "opposite" from you in some ways. We stayed at POR in 2009 and loved it!!! This year we are in a family suite at ASMU for the first time. Any insight or photos you could share?

I had a great time on the disign boards last time and made each of us 4 matching tee shirts. Luckily, we all still have them so I will probably only make 1 more for each of us for this trip.

Here is one example:

I am looking forward to hearing about all of your plans!

Kelly

Welcome to my PTR
I see we do have some opposites going on We loved ASMu family suite, and were really unsure about going to POR where it is a smaller area. We decided the price difference was worth it since the kids are still young we won't feel too cramped, or atleast I hope not! I know that I have photos of our suite, I'll post some in the next few days Love your shirts! I have the shirts for the boys, just need to find one for MJ and then get the transfer paper so I can get started with the making of them!

 

[mtgirl29]

Your updated ADR sounds wonderful. I cannot wait to see how you like HDDR. I have heard so many fabulous things about it and would like to maybe do it on our next vacation.

Super precious photo!!!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

What a sweet pic! I always look at your days/meals trying to figure out what day is what, but you don't put the date! I just sat here for 10 minutes trying to figure out if day 1 was the 28th or the 29th!

 

[MARsMama]

Your updated ADR sounds wonderful. I cannot wait to see how you like HDDR. I have heard so many fabulous things about it and would like to maybe do it on our next vacation.

Super precious photo!!!!!

I haven't read too much about HDDR, so I'm hoping it was a good decision. I will likely read up on it more before the trip, but from what little I've read I'm thinking we'll like it

What a sweet pic! I always look at your days/meals trying to figure out what day is what, but you don't put the date! I just sat here for 10 minutes trying to figure out if day 1 was the 28th or the 29th!

LOL, Day 1 is the 29th, our arrival day is the 28th. If I remember correctly we're at the same parks on Day 3 (Oct. 1 at MK) and Day 5 (Oct. 3 at Epcot)