Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog! LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!

[dizneeat]

And yes, Karin, if we're both fortunate enough to be there together this February we are going to make sure we meet up!

I am hoping and dreaming and wishing .............

Thanks for the pix of little Max, well he isn't so little any more! But he is ABSOLUTELY adoreable! Can't wait to meet him (and you and Mark)........ Max is allowed to live on chocolate, isn't he??????????

 

[KatMark]

LOVE the pictures of Max...too cute for words. I'm glad things are looking up and February will be your trip.

 

[tinacaplan]

Now that I have (hopefully) squared away several of our (real) life problems, I can get back to the matter at hand... planning our trip to the World!

I have decided that we will go in February, after all. I am quite happy about this, as I know first-hand what to expect crowd-wise and already experienced abnormally cold Florida weather.

I think that my arrival day itinerary will remain unchanged. I have been showing Max the quick videos of the parks that are on the Disney website and he doesn't seem to quite understand what all is at MK, so I think I'll keep him in the dark! He'll be in for a great surprise when the time comes, that's for sure.

Our favorite park is EPCOT, by far, or as Max says, EFCOT. I plan on hanging out at the resort until around four in the afternoon, just like we did this year, and then heading out to EPCOT for dinner at the Garden Grill with Chip and Dale and the gang, some touring around World Showcase, and then ILLUMINATIONS!

One thing I know for sure going forward with my planning is that anything, and I mean anything, can change at any moment due to my son's mood. I have no idea what he will be able to withstand. He is generally a pretty easy-going kid who doesn't need to a strict schedule to be happy. He also does a decent job of telling us what he wants and I can only imagine he'll be that much beter at it by February. He is not a shy kid, either.

I also know that some of the most simple things about Disney, like the busses, will be quite exciting for him, so... I think I have a lot of flexibility for this trip. Besides, he has no idea what to expect, one benefit of bringing such a young child.

When we were at EPCOT last year, we found that getting anywhere near Soarin' was impossible, but it would be great to sneak onto Nemo after dinner.
Last year we had no problem getting onto the Maelstrom, for example, in the evening before Illuminations, so we might be able to do things like that this year, as well.

That's me...in France...pointing at a poster I happen to really love.

Hopefully, Max will make it through Illuminations, my favorite fireworks display at Disney... Yes, I am a total EPCOT girl, through and through. I just remember thinking it WAS THE FUTURE when I was younger. I would still like to build a little house under a monorail line in Futureworld...think anyone would notice or care?

We would then, quite sleepily, board a bus back to CSR...where I CANNOT WAIT TO HEAR THAT VOICE OVER THE BUS SAY...THIS IS DISNEY'S CORONADO SPRINGS!!

Next up...day two..DHS for Rope Drop, Sci-Fi for lunch, and then California Grill and Wishes! for dinner.

 

[tinacaplan]

If anyone would be able to tell me how to do the cool table of contents links that would be great. Please PM! Thanks!

 

[tinacaplan]

I am hoping and dreaming and wishing .............

Thanks for the pix of little Max, well he isn't so little any more! But he is ABSOLUTELY adoreable! Can't wait to meet him (and you and Mark)........ Max is allowed to live on chocolate, isn't he??????????

Thank you, Karin...and, of course he can live on chocolate, especially on vacation at Disney!

LOVE the pictures of Max...too cute for words. I'm glad things are looking up and February will be your trip.

Thanks, Kathy!

 

[KatMark]

LOVE the first day plans. We have found that while a lot of people were at Soarin', Nemo and Figment were EMPTY at night...so I'd certainly give it a try. We've not done Garden Grill since the boys were probably 8 and 10 (14 years ago...oh my), but we enjoyed it way back then.

 

[annmarieda]

I am joining in..

I am all caught up reading. I have a few things to comment on...

1. I am sorry for your situation...but absolutely NO judging. I know that we have used Disney as an escape more than once. I don't regret it. I do think some thought we were crazy, but...that doesn't matter. All that matters is it was the right thing for our family at the time.

2. We went in February too. Holy Smokes! It was cold. I think one day I wore a long sleeve under a sweatshirt under a jacket with gloves. Then the days it wasn't freezing it was pouring rain. (but still cold)

3. I noticed a few comments regarding Ridemax. I have to say, I love it. I have used it for all but one of my Disney trips.. I will be using it again this trip. I know it seems odd to schedule everything, but when we get to DO everything AND have a ton of free time..it seems worth it to me to have to go to x ride at such and such time.

I look forward to following along!

 

[tinacaplan]

I am joining in..

I am all caught up reading. I have a few things to comment on...

1. I am sorry for your situation...but absolutely NO judging. I know that we have used Disney as an escape more than once. I don't regret it. I do think some thought we were crazy, but...that doesn't matter. All that matters is it was the right thing for our family at the time.

2. We went in February too. Holy Smokes! It was cold. I think one day I wore a long sleeve under a sweatshirt under a jacket with gloves. Then the days it wasn't freezing it was pouring rain. (but still cold)

3. I noticed a few comments regarding Ridemax. I have to say, I love it. I have used it for all but one of my Disney trips.. I will be using it again this trip. I know it seems odd to schedule everything, but when we get to DO everything AND have a ton of free time..it seems worth it to me to have to go to x ride at such and such time.

I look forward to following along!

Thanks for the support! I am going to check out Ridemax...and your PTR.

And yeah, February was SO cold this past year! Foolishly, I opted not to pack any winter clothes, gloves, or hats, so I really froze. I also insisted on wearing flip flops the whole time.

 

[tinacaplan]

...not that I fault anyone who does.

My husband and I decided that a quick trip somewhere was in order. We briefly considered taking off to Disneyworld...but that wasn't exactly feasible. Although, again, much less expensive than I might have thought.

So we decided to go to our default vacation place...Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. Its a little less than four hours from where we live in Connecticut and I've been going there almost every summer since I was three or four. I suppose I should mention that whenever anyone wonders why I'd want to go Disney year after year...

We got to the beach at about nine in the morning and it was deserted.

We had a wonderful day, building sand castles and just enjoying the bright, blue skyes.

Around three, we checked into our hotel.

Waterview from the hotel:

Our room:

All told, we had a wonderful time. Very restful and relaxing, in ways that a Disney vacation just isn't.

It did give me a few thoughts about Disney's cost...we spent over $800 for two nights. Granted, for that we did get a suite, but still... It was only two nights. What we spent on food alone made me realize that the Dining Plan is more than worth it, particularly if you're feeding kids. I know that I am planning on a fair amount of buffet meals and that will pay for the dinining plan more or less right there.

So, my bottom line...when you take the whole thing apart, depending on what you choose to do, Disney isn't all that terribly expensive.
Don't get me wrong, plane fare adds in quite a bit!

We had a great time, though, and it was well worth what we spent, as vacations so often are.

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks for the support! I am going to check out Ridemax...and your PTR.

And yeah, February was SO cold this past year! Foolishly, I opted not to pack any winter clothes, gloves, or hats, so I really froze. I also insisted on wearing flip flops the whole time.

I anxiously watched the weather...weeks before I could see the trend was going to be cool. So I packed quite a few jackets. Now, we did get a few warm days.. but over all it was cold and there were some very rainy days. We were there 2/18 to 3/1. When were you there?

Please do come over to my PTR. I would love to have more company there. Sometimes it seems like I am writing to myself.

My husband and I decided that a quick trip somewhere was in order. We briefly considered taking off to Disneyworld...but that wasn't exactly feasible. Although, again, much less expensive than I might have thought.

All told, we had a wonderful time. Very restful and relaxing, in ways that a Disney vacation just isn't.

It did give me a few thoughts about Disney's cost...we spent over $800 for two nights. Granted, for that we did get a suite, but still... It was only two nights. What we spent on food alone made me realize that the Dining Plan is more than worth it, particularly if you're feeding kids. I know that I am planning on a fair amount of buffet meals and that will pay for the dinining plan more or less right there.

So, my bottom line...when you take the whole thing apart, depending on what you choose to do, Disney isn't all that terribly expensive.
Don't get me wrong, plane fare adds in quite a bit!

We had a great time, though, and it was well worth what we spent, as vacations so often are.

The pics are beautiful! Sounds like a wonderful place. I agree though about Disney. People tend to think it is so expensive or that there are hidden costs. Well, we are not souvenir people so once we are there we really don't spend much. Last february was a strange trip for us. We were not planning on going to florida, or on any trip since dd is getting married. However, I came across a deal for a room for $29 a night. Of course I had to jump on that. Since it was so cheap, I ended up booking for longer than I normally would. Then came the reality. We would need a car for that length of time. (also gas, toll and parking) We would need food for that length of time. AND we would need entertainment. It was all nice that the hotel was only going to cost just over $300 for the entire time..but when I started adding in the other costs... and then I priced out a stay at disney...it was of course the better route to go to Disney (secretly I couldn't have been happier)...even paying for a moderate and 10 day park tickets and ddp.

 

[KatMark]

I can't believe how deserted that beach is. I'm so glad you had a good time.

 

[disneydreamer1970]

I just read through your PTR. Max is absolutely adorable!!

I can't wait to hear how all of your plans unfold, and I now have the Hot Dog song in my head.

Trish

 

[tinacaplan]

I anxiously watched the weather...weeks before I could see the trend was going to be cool. So I packed quite a few jackets. Now, we did get a few warm days.. but over all it was cold and there were some very rainy days. We were there 2/18 to 3/1. When were you there?

Please do come over to my PTR. I would love to have more company there. Sometimes it seems like I am writing to myself.

I just did! And I know what you mean, I often feel the same way, too, but slowly but surely I'm getting more readers!

The pics are beautiful! Sounds like a wonderful place. I agree though about Disney. People tend to think it is so expensive or that there are hidden costs. Well, we are not souvenir people so once we are there we really don't spend much. Last february was a strange trip for us. We were not planning on going to florida, or on any trip since dd is getting married. However, I came across a deal for a room for $29 a night. Of course I had to jump on that. Since it was so cheap, I ended up booking for longer than I normally would. Then came the reality. We would need a car for that length of time. (also gas, toll and parking) We would need food for that length of time. AND we would need entertainment. It was all nice that the hotel was only going to cost just over $300 for the entire time..but when I started adding in the other costs... and then I priced out a stay at disney...it was of course the better route to go to Disney (secretly I couldn't have been happier)...even paying for a moderate and 10 day park tickets and ddp.

I can't believe how deserted that beach is. I'm so glad you had a good time.

Thanks, Kathy! It was so strange. It was mostly because we got there so early in the mornging. And it was still relatively early in the season. The crowds won't get super huge until this weekend.

I just read through your PTR. Max is absolutely adorable!!

Thanks! I have to check out your PTR, as going to Disney at Chrismas is a dream of mine. And I am definitely looking at this trip as a do-over.

I can't wait to hear how all of your plans unfold, and I now have the Hot Dog song in my head.

Trish

Yes, Max is a HUGE fan of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I also got the soundtrack on CD and we listen to it a lot in our house. It makes everyone happy!

 

[tinacaplan]

Domesticity has not been my strong suit over the last six months or so...working twelve hours a day and feeling like you're in constant crisis mode does that to a person. Luckily, I am now on the road back! I actually made a (somewhat) fancy meal this evening for my husband and Max and I started working on Max's birthday cake. I HATE bakery cakes and figure if I can't make my son his birthday cake once a year, what am I good for?

That said, here's phase one of the results:

I have one friend who's as Disney-obsessed as I am (although I haven't managed to turn her onto these boards...YET) and we were at the pool talking this afternoon. She's had a very hard time and been very sick the last several months, causing her family to skip their summer trip to Disney. However, she's decided to start planning her hell-or-high-water trip back for May, 2011. She mentioned the 7/4 deal, where you pay for four days and get seven. Its the same deal my husband and I took advantage of last year. Needless to say...it got me thinking... and I think I just might start planning an alternate itinerary, just in case they offer that deal again... its too good to pass up, as we'd be paying for five days anyway. The way that I'm looking at the budgeting for our trip is this: we have a certain amount to spend on this trip; coming in any higher isn't an option, but anything less...

Be on the look out for lots of pictures soon of Max's party...and here's hoping I finish the cake well!

 

[tinacaplan]

It has occured to me that a lot of people have written a lot more about their personal lives in their PTR's. While I feel no compulsion to overshare, I do have a few more things to say.

As I've said before, I never really thought of myself as a Disney person. In fact, I was completely embarrassed to admit to anyone that my husband and I were planning a Disney trip just the two of us. We ruled out several other options, as we don't enjoy just sitting around on a beach, and we don't drink or gamble. So...yes, DISNEY!! And, if I am being truthful, some of the most heart-warming, chill-inducing moments I had as a kid I had at Disney. Even when my family was going through some difficult times, Disney seemed to heal all wounds, so to speak.

My father, like a lot of kids who grew up in the 1950's, has an unwavering respect and adoration for the man he lovingly refers to as "Uncle Walt." In my dad's mind, Walt Disney can do no wrong, so... He took me to all of the Disney movies each time they were re-released theatrically. They were our special "dates."

I have also LOVED every Pixar movie I have seen (I have yet to watch all of Cars, however, something about it doesn't quite connect with me) and the Disney/Pixar merger is a match made in heaven, as far as I'm concerned.

My husband, on the other hand, did not grow up so steeped in all things Disney. He went once about twenty-five years ago and didn't remember much about the trip. He is convinced that his family skipped a lot of Disney, in favor of other central Florida attractions. My husband is also not nearly as a huge a fan as I am of Disney movies, though he does enjoy Pixar movies. He fails to see the utter brilliance of "Mary Poppins" or "Lady and the Tramp.

Bottom line: several of my favorite movies EVER are Disney movies!!!

When we arrived at Disney last winter, our first thoughts were about how quickly we would be able to bring our son down. This was the beginning of my understanding that certain changes to our financial situation had to be made, as saving the money for an (or even semi-annual) trip to Disney shouldn't be that much of a hardship at this particular point in our lives. Thus, changes to our situation (i.e...dumping the house, etc.) that are making my planning this trip a reality!

When we got back I showed Max a couple of episodes of Mickey's Clubhouse, not expecting him to go crazy for it. But he did. We then began taking him to the Disney store, where he absolutely freaked over the life-size Mickey cut-out at store's entrance.

Since then, Max has seen all three Toy Story movies and I am proud to say that Toy Story 3 is the first movie he has sat through in a theater. He also loves Up and Finding Nemo, which was the first movie he really liked and would sit through. He also enjoys Pinnochio and I'd like to get him to watch Peter Pan and Snow White before our trip.

So now we have a whole new reason to want to go to Disney and as soon as we possibly can. This trip will serve two important purposes: to bring the joy and magic and to my son, as well as a do-over for my trip in Febuary. No matter what, I will NOT cry, at all, at any point.

 

[tinacaplan]

...I find watching television with my husband a little boring sometimes and need something else to distract me. It will be more work, soon enough, but for now, let me update my PTR!

Now...onto DAY TWO!

I have now made a few adjustments to my original plans...I am adjusting for what would happen IF they offer the 4/3 deal and we can go for a whole week. It won't be that hard to take some things off. This doesn't really change my first day plans, except we probably won't see Illuminations that night...but how knows? The evenings, I suppose, are going to be touch and go...there are certain things that if he makes it, great, if not...well, then, he doesn't make it and we go back to the resort. I will NOT be that woman I saw with a toddler at about midnight in MK this past February whose kid was SCREAMING. They were clearly not there for that little boy and that really bothered me. I just wanted to take him someplace to sleep.

Anyway...onward. So even though I know better, we will brave the MK on the Sunday of President's Day Weekend. I think I'm going to check out Ridemax when the time comes, but I should be able to make my basic plans until then.

I plan on making the earliest possible ADR at Crystal Palace. I know that Max will appreciate some time with these guys:

We will then conquer Fantasyland. If we make it through and have some time, we might venture to Fronteirland or the Hall of Presidents, which I'm sure my three year old son will LOVE. Actually, Max is a pretty big Obama fan, so he might actually enjoy it.

I don't think that Mark and I will want to eat a real lunch after that big breakfast, so we'll use snack credits for lunch and buy something OOP for Max, if need be. I also plan on making our dinner ADR's fairly early for this reason.

We will head back to the resort around one-ish. I don't think we'll encouter two FREEZING Febuaries in a two...could be wrong, but I'm hopeful it will be warmer. I know Max will want to spend some time in the kiddie pool, the arcade, and the playground. If our most recent trip was an indication, we should be able to get Max to at least rest for awhile back at our room.

After that, we're going to make our way to EPCOT around four and have dinner at Beirgarten. Mark and I had a great time there last year and I think Max will LOVE it, too.

We can tour around World Showcase for awhile, check out any rides and/or movies we may have missed at other times, and make it for Illuminations, which we might not make the first night!

Then it will be back to the resort, where I'm pretty certain Max will fall asleep pretty quickly.

 

[dizneeat]

Just caught up again!

Your plans for day 1 and 2 sound really good! I can't wait to read all about how Max is going to like it all. Maybe see for myself??

You did very well with Max's birthday cake so far, can't wait to see the finished product and most of all to see Max dive in!

OT: For how long are you going back to do Summer Academy? I sure hope it at least leaves you a few weeks to spare and spend with Max.
We have one more week to go and I cannot wait for it to be over!

Have a magical Sunday! Karin

 

[tinacaplan]

Just caught up again!

Your plans for day 1 and 2 sound really good! I can't wait to read all about how Max is going to like it all. Maybe see for myself??

Sure hope so!

You did very well with Max's birthday cake so far, can't wait to see the finished product and most of all to see Max dive in!

OT: For how long are you going back to do Summer Academy? I sure hope it at least leaves you a few weeks to spare and spend with Max.
We have one more week to go and I cannot wait for it to be over!

I have "family chats" this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning. We meet with the families of our incoming fourth graders and they sign our family contract and we get to know them a little bit. Then I teach and have planning time for the following two weeks. After that, I have about three weeks off before we start another school year!

Glad to hear you're almost done. Would love the luxury of nine weeks off... Of course, it also means you're that much closer to your big trip. You must have a lot of packing and preparing to do.

Have a magical Sunday! Karin

You, too!

 

[tinacaplan]

I managed to make Max's Mickey cake without a single temper tantrum. And I think it turned out pretty well.

Max seemed to enjoy it!

Max was totally all about Mickey today...he even had a Mickey shirt on.

"We've got ears...say cheers" Max went right for the ears on his cake:

All in all, the party went well, but if I'm being completely honest, and the Dis is one of the few places I can be, I am really thinking that for our first family trip to Disney, with my three (and a half) year-old baby, it would be best if its just my husband, Max, and I. A lot of my family members are really super stressful and seem to sometimes forget how to deal with a three year-old. This is not helped by the fact that Max is the only small child in our family and probably will be for a very long time.

Hard to believe that three years have passed since I had my baby, though. Time does fly!

I also have to say that almost all of my Max's toys were Toy Story Three related!

 

[annmarieda]

What a nice cake! How lucky he is to have you to make him one. I totally get how fast time goes by. My oldest is just about 20 and my youngest (who I swear was just born) is 5. It goes by way to fast. This is why I don't regret our Disney trips. My boys...they are a bit beyond it now...and sadly I doubt will want to go back until they themselves have kids. I am so glad that we took the boys when they were still young enough to enjoy it.

Happy Birthday to Max!