Here We Go Again...Crazy Trip getting crazier PTR Sept 2012 CANCELED

WyldLynx

Crazy Disney Addict
Joined
Sep 27, 2009
Messages
174
Howdy Howdy,:crazy:

Getting ready for another round with the Mouse and Mr Potter. :cool1:I think I am more excited this time then I was last time if that is possible. :lmao:
I have been working on the planning phase for a while now but have not had a chance to start this PTR until now.

I have started my vacation book or as my hubby jokes my Disney bible...:rotfl2:. I will share pics soon. And my family thinks I'm totally nuts:crazy: because we are not planning on going until next year, September to be exact. I really enjoyed going last Sept. It was a good time to go, the parks were not all that busy even on the weekends. It was still pretty hot but not so hot that we were going to pass out. All major school districts were back in session. But we are going to have a couple major differences this next trip and a couple minor changes.

First minor change (or maybe major change...lol) is no nephew this trip.

Next minor change is that we are adding 2 days going from 7 days last trip to 9 days this next trip.:banana: But one of our major changes is that we have decided to stay on site @ Disney. :yay:We are also going for the Dining Plan. :dance3:I am hoping for Free Dining because I really want to go with the Deluxe Dining and I want to save some $$.

I have run all the numbers at least 50times, and we will have more then enough to stay on site. :woohoo: Also we are going to spend the entire trip accommodations at Disney. :woohoo::woohoo: I did debate on a few days at a Universal Resort but with the dining plan at Disney it is going to be a better bet for us to stay at Disney and visit Universal a couple days. I love Universal but with a younger child still and myself being more of the pooh sized (but working on my Roller Coaster Diet... I want to ride everything!!!!). I think Disney is a better bet, this time.

We are going to do 5 days @ Disney and 2 days @ Universal, giving us 2 blank days. Those two day were really needed last time and maybe we would have wore ourselves out so much that most of us ended up sick by the end of the trip. Hubby and I were the worst both coming down with bronchitis :sick: by the time we arrived home.

We are going to drive down again,:drive: it was a long haul with myself being the only driver but I'll do it again in a heart beat. I don't think I'm going to worry about renting a vehicle and just plan on driving my Explorer again. Another difference though is that we are not telling the kids until the last min:eek:. I will pack their bags is secret and maybe I'll be able to sleep some the day we plan leave out (even if I have to take a sleep aid to get some rest. I am not doing 48hrs+ on only an hour and a half of sleep:scared1:). I have been keeping close care of my vehicle maintenance and I will be buying 4 new tires before we go. (Trying for no ugly surprises this time at least not anything that I can possibly help)

Also my mother will not be with us on the drive. :cool1: She and her BF will be joining us down there but we will not be traveling together. YEAH!!! LOL. My mom is not totally horrible to travel with unless it is by car. She rarely drives anymore and has to stop every 50 miles or so. Will we really have less stops without her in the vehicle? IDK but I can hope... ;)

I think I have rattled on enough for tonight.

Until Next Time....
 
Welcome again to this crazy ride. Originally this trip was being planned for just myself, DH and our two boys. But it has grown to now include 4 generations :eek: and a grand total of 15:eek::eek:, plus meeting up with more step-family for a few days.

Everyone thinks I’ve gone crazy :crazy: (it is hard to go when I am already there:lmao:) but they are all coming to me to for planning advice to the point that I have had to tell them to just give me an idea what their “must do’s” are and I’ll take it from there. My soon to be step-dad laughed and said he was going to send me to travel agent school. :rotfl:

So I am going to write up everything here in the hopes that if I get stuck one of ya’ll may have some advice for me.:teacher:

This is only my second trip to the house the mouse built and the wizard school castle. And will be my first staying at a resort :cool1:and using the DDP.

Our trip details are most of us will be there for 8nights 9days. Some of us will only be down for 3nights 4days. And we will be meeting up with the extra step-family for 4 days.

Our long list of cast members begins:

Me :crazy:(Lynxie) – 30something crazy redneck Disney/Potter addict.
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I’m a bit overweight (but working on it), I have bad knees and can’t walk or stand for long period of time anymore, but I can handle short sessions. I will be renting a ECV for myself, but plan to walk some. I am still a commando when it comes to planning and times at the parks. I will be at the parks from rope drop to close and will use every moment of EMH, but to do so without me really killing my knees. I work from home most of the time, homeschool my boys, take care of my 83yr old grandmother, have a B.S. degree in Agriculture and run a small farm where we breed fainting goats and rescue horses. We also have several critters that we share our house; 4 rescued cats, 2 Netherland dwarf bunnies, and a very protective Great Pyrenees dog, whom was injured a few years back when someone jumped our pasture fence and hit him in the leg breaking it just above his elbow.

In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Animal Kingdom and Epcot (can’t decide between the two)
Favorite Non-Disney Park: Islands of Adventure
Favorite Water Park: Splash Country (whoops not even in Florida…lol)
Favorite Rides: Expedition Everest, Dragon Challenge
Favorite Disney Character: Tigger, Chip and Dale (ok I know that is 3 but don’t make me choose)
Favorite Potter Character: Luna Lovegood

DH :darth:(Tazz)- just turned 40, almost as big a Disney addict as myself, and just really getting into the Potter series. He works hard for our family both at work and here at home. His first ever trip to Disney last year and he was hooked. It is a very powerfully emotional moment at rope drop at MK the very first time you see it. But then again it may be that way every time. He and I both got a bit teary eyed (but in a oh so good way).
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In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park – Epcot
Favorite Non-Disney Park – does not have one
Favorite Water Park – does not like to swim
Favorite Ride – Kilimanjaro Safaris
Favorite Disney Character – Eeyore
Favorite Potter Character: Reubus Hagrid

DS :chewy:(Chewie aka Chewbacca [sounds so much better then big foot. LOL he wears a size 12.5 shoe already and still growing]) 13.
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He is a major Disney freak too but loves the thrill rides at IOA. But he will sit with me and help with the planning stages. He is a pretty good kid, he has his moments but overall he makes me real proud of him.

In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Animal Kingdom
Favorite Non-Disney Park: IOA
Favorite Water Park: Wet and Wild (only because he was able to try wake boarding)
Favorite Rides: Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Dueling Dragons, and Soarin’ (guess he takes after me more then I knew)
Favorite Disney Character: Woody
Favorite Potter Character: Harry Potter

DS:hyper: (Boo Bear) 7. He tries to get all his school work done fast enough so that he can get on his computer and play on Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is his favorite. He has a bit of trouble with ADHD but is a pretty well behaved boy. He loves to draw and play with legos.
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In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Non-Disney Park: Dollywood
Favorite Water Park: does not have one he is happy as a clam with a big kids play area
Favorite Rides: Flight of the Hippogriff and Buzz Lightyear
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse
Favorite Potter Character: Harry Potter

 
Well that is my main characters now for the supporting cast (some have no pictures at least until I ask for their permission):


My mom ::MinnieMo(Barb) 57,
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she is great with my boys and loves Disney. Last year was her first trip as well and would never forgive us if we went without asking her to come along.

In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Non-Disney Park: Dollywood (she loves the shows and misses Opryland)
Favorite Water Park: any with a lazy river
Favorite Rides: Kilimanjaro Safaris (she is not into thrill rides at all)
Favorite Disney Character: Cinderella

DS-D ::MickeyMo soon to be (Big Daddy – we are very southern lol) 60, has been dating my mom for four years now and is hoping to “pop the question” later this year (no worries his secret is safe my family doesn’t read the forums here, they leave that to me). He has been to Disney twice in his life but his most recent trip was over 20 years ago. He wanted to join in last year but had a family emergency that took precedence.

In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Epcot
Favorite Rides: Jungle Cruise
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse

DGM :eeyore:(Grandma aka Granny) 84, her first trip ever, she will be flying down with my Aunt and her 2 kids. It is a present from Big Daddy. He is paying for everything so they can come for a few days. Will be staying at the Polynesian so that they will be close to MK and Epcot. We are renting her a ECV to help her get around.
In for 3nights and 4days

DA :earsgirl:(Piddy Pat) 53, has been to Disney once but that was about 30years ago. She is coming along to help take care of Granny. Not that it is a lot of work it is mostly to remind her to take her pills at the right time. They will only have 2 days at the parks but Granny says that is all she thinks she can handle anyways.
In for 3nights and 4days
Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Rides: “It’s a small world”
Favorite Disney Character: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Cuz (Daffy) :earsgirl: 30, Piddy Pat’s daughter, been to Disney once but she was only about a year old. Flying down with Granny and Piddy Pat.
In for 3nights and 4days

Cuz (Draco) :earsboy: 20, Piddy Pat’s son, went to Disney for his high school graduation present. Also Flying in for a short trip.
In for 3nights and 4days

DS (Heath) :hippie:31, Big Daddy’s youngest daughter and my best friend. She has been to Disney 4 times. She is planning on hanging with my crew and bringing her DNephew (you’ll meet him shortly).
In for 8nights and 9days
Favorite Disney Park: Hollywood Studios
Favorite Non-Disney Park: does not have one
Favorite Water Park: Typhoon Lagoon (loves swimming with the sharks)
Favorite Rides: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror
Favorite Disney Character: Tinkerbell

DS (Meg)princess: 42, Big Daddy’s oldest daughter, has been to Disney numerous times. Loves the resorts and signature dining.

In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Rides: Jungle Cruise, “It’s a small world”
Favorite Disney Character: Aurora

DNephew (Hoss) pirate:13, Meg’s son, also homeschooled, good kid, great farm hand (helps on his grandpa’s (Big Daddy) cattle farm), hates to do schoolwork but will do it if threaten to be left at home instead of going to Disney, good friends with my oldest Chewie. Has been to Disney numerous times.

In for 8nights and 9days

Favorite Disney Park: Hollywood Studios
Favorite Non-Disney Park: IOA
Favorite Water Park: Typhoon Lagoon
Favorite Rides: Rock “n” Roller Coaster
Favorite Disney Character: Buzz and Woody

DNiece (Cat) princess:9, Meg’s daughter, also homeschooled, she is a very girly girl, loves the Disney Princesses, has been to Disney several times.
In for 8nights and 9days
Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom
Favorite Non-Disney Park: there are other parks instead of Disney?
Favorite Water Park: Blizzard Beach
Favorite Rides: Tea Cups and Carrousel
Favorite Disney Character: Ariel

DNiece (Brit) :tink: 5, Meg’s daughter, youngest and meanest of Meg’s kids, bit of a tomboy, rather be a pirate then a princess. Has been to Disney twice.
In for 8nights and 9days
Favorite Disney Park: Animal Kingdom
Favorite Water Park: any swimming pool available
Favorite Rides: Kilimanjaro Safaris
Favorite Disney Character: Lightning McQueen

Others joining us for 4 day are Big Daddy’s Sister, her DH, and four of their kids. All are AP holders and Florida residents. They don’t need help with itineraries or ADRs.
 

Well here we go. Watch out I've gone about plum loco... 300+ days to go and my planner is HUGE...

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This is a 3" - 3 ring binder. I love it I bought it at back to school time and only paid about $2 for it. It has a zipper to keep everything inside and lots of extra pockets.Now I haven't done much to decorating it but I will add to it as I go.

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I love iron on sheet that I can run through my printer only problem it once you iron them on to a dark surface it bleeds through. I guess I should have bought the ones for dark colors.

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It will end up with pictures and captions. I found that my last one made a really cool keepsake after the trip was over.

Oh well I still like it and that is all that matters.

Next pictures are of my inserts/tabs...

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Like I said I have gone a might bit crazy with it. LOL I can't wait to be able to make my ADRs.

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I even have printed copies of menus...

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I'm going to go stir crazy before our trip gets here.

Side note The Planner will come to the resort but I will not be carrying it to the parks. Only that day's note card will come with me.

Next Update....???
 
Here are my Mousekeeping envelope designs.

I made a different one for each day.
These are not necessarily in the order I will use them but....

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I really want to thank all the creators on the craft pages for the inspiration.

Up next will be T-shirt designs...(time to break out the Yudo:goodvibes)
 
It sounds like your trip is going to be great! You have a great sounding bunch going with you! My gosh, your planning books look GREAT! You all will have a great time thanks to your planning! I don't think Disney is really a place where you can "wing it" all that much, so I don't think you're going overboard at all :goodvibes I'm ready for more! :thumbsup2
 
It sounds like your trip is going to be great! You have a great sounding bunch going with you! My gosh, your planning books look GREAT! You all will have a great time thanks to your planning! I don't think Disney is really a place where you can "wing it" all that much, so I don't think you're going overboard at all :goodvibes I'm ready for more! :thumbsup2

:welcome:

Welcome bkandreu

I have to agree I don't think you can "wing it" especially with a large group even if you break down into smaller groups. Which I know we will be doing. I am working on Itineraries for each smaller group and will be posting them as I get them completed. Now whether or not they follow them even a little will be up for grabs. I was asked to do them by the other adults of our group so I shall. But we will have to wait for the TR to see how well all my work actually works out.

Thanks for the :goodvibes I may need them come trip time.:lmao:
 
the binder is looking really good!
I can't imagine all those family members coming along.
Look forward to reading more.
 
Hi!! Awesome trip & what a COOL binder!! I'm super impressed!!

You do have a big group, but it should be a blast!! I've been twice with groups & my (unsolicited) advice is to plan a few together times & then each person can do their own thing. It worked for us. :)

Can't wait to hear all about it!!
 
the binder is looking really good!
I can't imagine all those family members coming along.
Look forward to reading more.

:welcome:

newtexan - Thank you and welcome, this trip should be interesting at the least. But it is going to take a lot of work to pull it off.
 
Hi!! Awesome trip & what a COOL binder!! I'm super impressed!!

You do have a big group, but it should be a blast!! I've been twice with groups & my (unsolicited) advice is to plan a few together times & then each person can do their own thing. It worked for us. :)

Can't wait to hear all about it!!

Thank you DWGal210 and :welcome:

I was asked by the adults of our group to come up with separate itineraries for smaller breakdowns of our larger group. So I have asked everyone to send me their must do lists. I am in the process of working on those tentative itineraries. I will post them along with the smaller group make-ups as soon as I get them finished.

But I so agree if we stayed at a group of 15 which I just found out is adding 4 more and meeting up with another 6. :scared1::scared1::scared1:
 
Wow! I love the binder! And what a group you have going! I am a commando planner too so I completely feel for you!! I have considered doing a PTR very early for October 2012 just so I can use it for opinions also! Of course I need to be sure I am actually going and finish my TR first---I could nto keep up with writing two at once!! :rotfl:
 
Wow! I love the binder! And what a group you have going! I am a commando planner too so I completely feel for you!! I have considered doing a PTR very early for October 2012 just so I can use it for opinions also! Of course I need to be sure I am actually going and finish my TR first---I could nto keep up with writing two at once!! :rotfl:

:thanks: TinksThree :welcome:

I almost had a PTR and TR going at once, I kinda got off track with the TR from last year's trip but finally finished it.

I have to have so much detail done well in advance with this size of group so that I can ask their opinions of it and if everything seems like it could work or if there are things that could be tweaked some. Plus having parts done now keeps me from :scared1::scared1::scared1: and pulling my hair out. :)
 
:rainbow::rainbow::rainbow::rainbow:
We break down into crews


First crew we are calling the COMMANDOS (this does not mean we are not wearing underwear:rotfl:). This crew will consist of myself:crazy:, DH:darth:, my youngest sis:hippie:, my DS:chewy:, my other DS:hyper:, and DNephewpirate:. We are the ones who like all the thrill rides and will go from dawn to dark as long as the parks are open.



Next crew we are calling the Parents. Consisting of my mom::MinnieMo, BD::MickeyMo, his sister :cutie:, and her hubby;). They will be joined by Granny:eeyore: and my Aunt:earsgirl: for two days (Magic Kingdom and Epcot - World Showcase)



Now we have the Girls crew. Meg princess:, her two girls Catprincess: & Brit:tink:, Meg's friend Dot:cheer2:, and her 3 girls Fleck:butterfly, Speck:flower1:, and mite:squirrel:.



And last but not least is the Pack, which have been grouped together only because they said that they are on their own for the most part with the only exceptions of a couple meals.




So now you know but up next are the tentative itineraries for each group...changes have already been made how many more will happen in the next 300+ days....

until next time.....have a :wizard: magical day....
 
Day 1 Is Travel day for the bulk of our group. 14 of us will be traveling down driving overnight. We will be driving in shifts at least 3 drivers per vehicle. We have at least an 11 - 12 hr drive and then depending on how many stops we make it could be quite a bit longer. :scared1: With my mom in the mix it most likely will be quite a bit longer :eek::scared1::eek::scared1::rotfl2:

We are planning on a late dinner in Georgia. Couple thoughts for stops are Cracker Barrel, Applebees, Logans, or Chili's.

We should arrive early morning day 2.

I am hoping to plan it well enough that we can at least check into the resort. The kids will be able to sleep on the way down. We will meet up with BD's sister and her family. They should arrive about the same time we do but they only have about a 2 hr drive.

After checking into the resort we will head out to Animal Kingdom for breakfast at Tusker House and some touring. After breakfast is where we first break off into our crews.

Commandos :crazy::darth::hippie::chewy:pirate::hyper:
Kilimanjaro Safari
FP for Expedition Everest & Ride EE
Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails
Explore the Oasis zoological exhibits
Kali River Rapids
Maharaja Jungle Trek
Ride the Wildlife Express
See Conservation Station
Visit Affection Section
Visit Habitat Habit!
Ride the Wildlife Express
Kali River Rapids
Eat Lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ
Expedition Everest
Kilimanjaro Safari
Expedition Everest :rotfl:
Kilimanjaro Safari :rotfl:
Leave AK
Check out our rooms
Eat Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe
And if anyone has any energy left we can swim.

yes you are reading that right no Dinosaur. My apologies to those who enjoy that train wreck. It is not my thing I love a good ride but a ride that I end up half deaf and bruised across my ribs (I mean literal bruises):crutches: is not my idea of fun. Even my oldest son who absolutely love rough rides hated this one. So we are just leaving it out of our plans.

up next Parents Day 2 & Girls Day 2...
 
OK shall I continue.

Parents Crew ::MinnieMo::MickeyMo:cutie:;)
Breakfast @ Tusker House
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Walk the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Ride Kali River Rapids
Walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek
Maharaja Jungle Trek
Ride the Wildlife Express
See Conservation Station
Visit Affection Section
Visit Habitat Habit!
Ride the Wildlife Express
Eat Lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ
See Flights of Wonder
Finding Nemo: The Musical
Festival of the Lion King

Eat Dinner at Sanaa

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Girls crew princess::cheer2:princess::tink::butterfly :flower1: :squirrel:

Breakfast @ Tusker House

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Ride Kali River Rapids
Walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek
See Flights of Wonder
See It's Tough To Be a Bug
Discovery Island Trails
Eat at Pizzafari
Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails
See the Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Musical
Head for Discovery Island for the Afternoon Parade
Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

Eat Dinner at Sanaa

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The Pack :jumping3::Pinkbounc:stitch::hmghost:

Animal Kingdom
Will join us at lunch - Flame Tree BBQ


Up next day 3 Itinerary.....
 
That is one busy day commando style!
It only gets better :lmao: Day 2 is our short day, just because it actually starts the previous day doesn't mean a thing.:rotfl2: I'm just going to need a good stock of 5hr energy drinks:rotfl:
 

OK this will be our quiet day. Which mean no parks this day for most of us.

Commandos :crazy::darth::hippie::chewy:pirate::hyper: -
Breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe around 9-10am
Fishing and renting some boats to cruise the lake
About 1-2 head out to Downtown Disney
Eat Lunch @ Earl of Sandwich
Shopping
Head to Ft Wilderness
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Head back to Resort for some swimming

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Parents ::MinnieMo::MickeyMo:cutie:;) -
Breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe around 9-10am
Swim
About 1-2 head out to Downtown Disney
Eat Lunch @ Earl of Sandwich
Shopping
Dinner @ Narcoossee's
Explore the Grand Floridian

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Girls crew princess::cheer2:princess::tink::butterfly :flower1: :squirrel:
Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
Back to resort for relaxing day
Swim
Lunch @ Whispering Canyon Cafe
Nap time 2-3hrs
Head to DTD for shopping
Dinner at 'Ohana

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Pack :jumping3::Pinkbounc:stitch::hmghost:
They are all older teens so they are going to Blizzard Beach.



Next up Day 4, we'll be joined by Granny and her crew......

 














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