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

[tinacaplan]

NINE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!
​

I cannot believe it is getting SO close. And with the holiday fast approaching, times seems to be zipping along even faster! For those of you have been reading along with me since the very beginning (oh, so long ago) our family passed another really important hurdle in our quest to restore our overall well-being and sanity. Won't go into much more detail, but let's just say...things are good and getting better all the time! We are really looking forward to Christmas and Max is super excited. He finally "gets" Santa, so for the first time, he'll go to bed on Christmas Eve with very few presents under the tree and wake up in the morning to an arrival from Santa! We will be spending three days at my mom's, for convenience and comfort this time. Normally, we'd just do Christmas Eve there and spend Christmas Day at our house, but no one wants to be here, sooo....

Just thought I'd jot down a quick list of trip-related tasks that will take me to February! Its a whole week later this year, which is great, as that means the weather should be that much nicer!

1. Make Max's trip countdown calendar. Not sure how I'm going to do this. If anyone has ideas, bring 'em on... I'm giving this to him as Christmas gift, so I need to be get my usually craft-impaired self together pretty soon.

2. Finalize our daily plans. I am debating whether or not I want to bother with Ridemax. I have a subscription to Touringplans With Max a very small three year-old, we won't be doing much on the thrill rides, unless we catch a quick single rider line and work something out. My husband doesn't love them (except for Soarin') and I'll be able to hit the ones at MK on my solo PM EMHs night there. So, I'm not sure its worth it. Especially since my overall plan is to go pretty slowly. We've also got pre-rope drop character breakfasts scheduled at AK and MK, so we'll be in there early.

3. Nail down who is going to be staying with our dog and watching our house. We have a few options, so this should be fine.

4. Finish putting my trip binder together.

5. Create packing lists. If anyone can think of things I should bring along that will make travelling with Max easier, please feel free to let me know. I have plenty of ideas, but a lot of you have done this with kids so many more times than I have!

6. Get Max toilet trained and make him grow about four inches! Just kidding...although, we are going to make a serious pass at the toilet training thing again over Christmas break!



I am sure I'll think of some other things, too. Just can't wait!

 

[dizneeat]

NINE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!
​

I cannot believe it is getting SO close. And with the holiday fast approaching, times seems to be zipping along even faster! For those of you have been reading along with me since the very beginning (oh, so long ago) our family passed another really important hurdle in our quest to restore our overall well-being and sanity. Won't go into much more detail, but let's just say...things are good and getting better all the time! We are really looking forward to Christmas and Max is super excited. He finally "gets" Santa, so for the first time, he'll go to bed on Christmas Eve with very few presents under the tree and wake up in the morning to an arrival from Santa! We will be spending three days at my mom's, for convenience and comfort this time. Normally, we'd just do Christmas Eve there and spend Christmas Day at our house, but no one wants to be here, sooo....

Just thought I'd jot down a quick list of trip-related tasks that will take me to February! Its a whole week later this year, which is great, as that means the weather should be that much nicer!

1. Make Max's trip countdown calendar. Not sure how I'm going to do this. If anyone has ideas, bring 'em on... I'm giving this to him as Christmas gift, so I need to be get my usually craft-impaired self together pretty soon.

2. Finalize our daily plans. I am debating whether or not I want to bother with Ridemax. I have a subscription to Touringplans With Max a very small three year-old, we won't be doing much on the thrill rides, unless we catch a quick single rider line and work something out. My husband doesn't love them (except for Soarin') and I'll be able to hit the ones at MK on my solo PM EMHs night there. So, I'm not sure its worth it. Especially since my overall plan is to go pretty slowly. We've also got pre-rope drop character breakfasts scheduled at AK and MK, so we'll be in there early.

3. Nail down who is going to be staying with our dog and watching our house. We have a few options, so this should be fine.

4. Finish putting my trip binder together.

5. Create packing lists. If anyone can think of things I should bring along that will make travelling with Max easier, please feel free to let me know. I have plenty of ideas, but a lot of you have done this with kids so many more times than I have!

6. Get Max toilet trained and make him grow about four inches! Just kidding...although, we are going to make a serious pass at the toilet training thing again over Christmas break!



I am sure I'll think of some other things, too. Just can't wait!

............. and a few days?
My ticker says 68 days and 10 hours, but you are right we are in the 9 week zone!

I bet, once Christmas is over we won't be able to believe how fast time is flying by! Tom and I are so looking forward to "our" vacation. Meeting you, Mark and Max will be the icing on the cake!

I had to LOL when I read your list - most of the things we still need to do are the same as yours, apart from getting someone toilet trained!

Tom just got a new phone - first thing he installed was a countdown timer!

Daily plans need to be finalized here too! Tom has just discovered I am a member of Touringplans, now he bugs me to check if I picked the perfect days for the parks!

Need to check with the catsitter again - already purchased a new 2 day feeder for Pixie!

Finish my Disney folder - put all the reservation numbers and times down!

No packing list here! I pack by feeling ..........

So, does that sound familiar? It'll be here before we know it! And now I need to go update my own threads!
I definitely spend a lot of time snooping around other people's threads!

 

[tinacaplan]

............. and a few days?
My ticker says 68 days and 10 hours, but you are right we are in the 9 week zone!

I bet, once Christmas is over we won't be able to believe how fast time is flying by! Tom and I are so looking forward to "our" vacation. Meeting you, Mark and Max will be the icing on the cake!

I had to LOL when I read your list - most of the things we still need to do are the same as yours, apart from getting someone toilet trained!

Tom just got a new phone - first thing he installed was a countdown timer!

Daily plans need to be finalized here too! Tom has just discovered I am a member of Touringplans, now he bugs me to check if I picked the perfect days for the parks!

Need to check with the catsitter again - already purchased a new 2 day feeder for Pixie!

Finish my Disney folder - put all the reservation numbers and times down!

No packing list here! I pack by feeling ..........

So, does that sound familiar? It'll be here before we know it! And now I need to go update my own threads!
I definitely spend a lot of time snooping around other people's threads!

Hey, my ticker says two months and one week, which I'm interpreting as nine.

I got a new phone recently, as well, as I downloaded a countdown, too. It says sixty-eight days.

I doubt the toilet training thing will actually happen...and we just measured Max again today. Poor, little thing is still only thirty-six inches tall...he needs to be forty inches for Soarin', TT, and BTR. Oh, well...there's always the next trip to look forward to.

I planned around Touringplans, at least as far as recommended parks goes, for the most part. I think I just blatantly ignored them when planning on going to MK that Sunday, but I think Max deserves to go there right away! Off my mom's for Sunday dinner!

 

[dizneeat]

Hey, my ticker says two months and one week, which I'm interpreting as nine.

I got a new phone recently, as well, as I downloaded a countdown, too. It says sixty-eight days.

I doubt the toilet training thing will actually happen...and we just measured Max again today. Poor, little thing is still only thirty-six inches tall...he needs to be forty inches for Soarin', TT, and BTR. Oh, well...there's always the next trip to look forward to.

I planned around Touringplans, at least as far as recommended parks goes, for the most part. I think I just blatantly ignored them when planning on going to MK that Sunday, but I think Max deserves to go there right away! Off my mom's for Sunday dinner!

I have been a member of Touringplans for at least 3 years, but have NEVER followed their advice, so maybe I should give it some consideration! It is just that they always tell you to avoid the park with EMH and that's the park we are going to!
Will see, how far off I am with my February planning!

Have a wonderful time at your mom's! Only one more weekend until Christmas!

 

[KatMark]

Nine weeks???? Nine weeks? Where the heck did that time go? By the time the holiays are here and done, you'll be so much closer to a trip you weren't even sure would go off. I am so exicted for you guys and Max...he's going to have a blast.

 

[tinacaplan]

Nine weeks???? Nine weeks? Where the heck did that time go? By the time the holiays are here and done, you'll be so much closer to a trip you weren't even sure would go off. I am so exicted for you guys and Max...he's going to have a blast.

I truly don't know. It seems like it was the summer just yesterday and now its almost Christmas! It doesn't slow down, does it? I'm looking forward to the holidays, hopefully I'll have some time to relax and gear up for the last seven weeks before we go!

 

[tinacaplan]

So, when I came home this evening, what do I spy on the dining room table? Is it a package? Yes, it is! Hmmm...everything I ordered for gifts already came, so what's this? Oh...wait...its from ....

AUSTRIA!!!!​

Karin and Tom sent us a package!!! And what an amazing package it was, too. I called Max downstairs right away so we could open it. Sorry these pictures are blurry. I wanted to catch the moment, so I grabbed my new phone (with mobile photobucket on it).

Max opening the Disney Land Paris calendar...how amazing! Its super cute and the pictures in it are great. We'll have to get there someday. I really wish they had half of that super cool Cars and Toy Story over here that they have there.

The whole assortment, including the Pooh Advent calendar. Max was quite happy to open more than a few nights this evening after dinner. Karin and Tom sent a really neat assortment of treats, including the original gummy bears and Werther's candy.

Max checking the Advent calendar out.

I would never have thought the Dis would bring such wonderful people into our lives, but it certainly has. Karin and Tom, you guys are the sweetest! Max was so excited. And, so was I. What a wonderful surprise to come home to. We can't WAIT to meet you in February. So soon!

 

[KatMark]

Aren't Karin and Tom just the best?!?!?!?!?! You are right, the DIS brings wonderful people into our lives, and makes life so much nicer and more fun.

 

[dizneeat]

Tina, Mark and Max,

You are very welcome to your little Christmas treat! I would have just wished that it would not have taken SOOOOOOO long to get to the US!

I am glad you liked the calendar and that Max can enjoy at least a few days of his countdown calendar!
Hope you like the sweets!

AND ......... we are ONE day closer to our February vacation!!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Tina, Mark and Max,

You are very welcome to your little Christmas treat! I would have just wished that it would not have taken SOOOOOOO long to get to the US!

I am glad you liked the calendar and that Max can enjoy at least a few days of his countdown calendar!
Hope you like the sweets!

AND ......... we are ONE day closer to our February vacation!!!!

We sure do, Karin. Mark has a major sweet tooth. The hazlenut sticks are delicious, btw. I love hazlenut and chocolate. I think I actually like it better than chocolate and peanut butter. Max loved the gummy bears, as well..

And now we're even another day closer... I can't believe its this close already. I know I keep saying that, but it is so true.

 

[tinacaplan]

I wish I had a bunch of great photos to go along with this, but I don't. I think I used most of our pictures at the beginning of this PTR. Tells you how few pictures I took on our trip in February... All I know is that there will be many more pictures for this upcoming trip. I think we're going to get the Photopass CD, as well, as I'm not the best photographer and my husband barely knows how to use the camera at all.

Just to recap, my last plans had us arriving sometime late in the day Sunday and going home Saturday. We are not going for the full week! It didn't cost that much more to change the flight and seven days just seems but better.

Day One -- Saturday -- February 19

We will be flying out of Bradley, which is just north of Hartford, about a half hour from our house. There is usually little to no traffic, one of the many benefits of flying out of a small airport. My dad will pick us up at the house, very early, and we'll be off! While I would like to think we would get up early enough to eat breakfast at home, I know this probably won't happen. I also know, from last year, that there is a McDonald's at the terminal where we can grab breakfast. I had my first hotcake platter there last year in longer than I can remember. And...it wasn't horrible!

At this point, I will start popping Dramamine, which means a little bit later, I'll be trying to keep my eyes open. Luckily, the sleepiness wears off pretty quickly.

We fly out at eight and will arrive at MCO around 11. Last year, as we were about to land, I heard the captain announce the temperature: "Fifty degrees here in Orlando..." No, no, no. The first time in my life I ever got to leave New England in the middle of the winter and the best you can do, at noon, is fifty degrees? I am planning on this winter being much warmer.

Can't Disney control the weather?

We will make our way to what Max is now calling the Mickey bus; Magical Express straight to Coronado Springs! Last year, I was so excited on the ride and just couldn't believe that we were REALLY here! In some ways, that's almost the best moment of the trip; its all there, right in front of you, yet to be experienced. All you have is your excitement and hope that this will be a magical trip.

I am sure I will do on-line check-in, as I did it last year and it went fine. I couldn't resist. I thought being able to check-in ten days in advance was so super cool. It made the trip seem that much more real in the days leading up to it.

This time, I requested Cabanas 8A, hopefully on the ground floor. I really want to be close to the Dig Site. Whatever the weather is like, Max can't wait to play in that playground. He's also intrigued by the arcade, as well.
I also won't mind being closer to places where we can refill our refillable mugs. While the walk wasn't super long, it did seem kind of long to refill that mug, which was sort of small to start with.

Since we'll probably get to CSR by one, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am not planning on our room being ready. It would be fantastic, but I'm not going to bank on it. So, we'll grab lunch at Pepper Market. I'm interested to see if the Reuben is, indeed, back on the menu. Its a sandwich I always love.

Hopefully, our room will be ready a little early and we can get inside. I'll unpack and hopefully Max will take a nap. Either way, we'll relax a bit and eventually get ready for our evening at EPCOT.

We have a dinner ADR at Garden Grill for Max's very first character meal. I can't wait. If Max had any idea what he was in for, I'm sure he wouldn't be able to wait, either. He isn't sure what to expect. He does know which resort we're staying at, though.

I know that Chef Mickey's might have been a more traditional choice, but Mark and I love EPCOT so much we can't wait and I'm thinking it will work out better to be a bit more low key on our first day.

After dinner, we'll see what rides we can ride...possibly the Land and maybe Nemo, before we make our way over to World Showcase. I am hopeful that Max will make it to Illuminations, which is my favorite fireworks show.

After that, it will be back to CSR for a good night's sleep before we hit MK the next morning!

 

[KatMark]

I wish I had a bunch of great photos to go along with this, but I don't. I think I used most of our pictures at the beginning of this PTR. Tells you how few pictures I took on our trip in February... All I know is that there will be many more pictures for this upcoming trip. I think we're going to get the Photopass CD, as well, as I'm not the best photographer and my husband barely knows how to use the camera at all.

Just to recap, my last plans had us arriving sometime late in the day Sunday and going home Saturday. We are not going for the full week! It didn't cost that much more to change the flight and seven days just seems but better.

Day One -- Saturday -- February 19

We will be flying out of Bradley, which is just north of Hartford, about a half hour from our house. There is usually little to no traffic, one of the many benefits of flying out of a small airport. My dad will pick us up at the house, very early, and we'll be off! While I would like to think we would get up early enough to eat breakfast at home, I know this probably won't happen. I also know, from last year, that there is a McDonald's at the terminal where we can grab breakfast. I had my first hotcake platter there last year in longer than I can remember. And...it wasn't horrible!

At this point, I will start popping Dramamine, which means a little bit later, I'll be trying to keep my eyes open. Luckily, the sleepiness wears off pretty quickly.

We fly out at eight and will arrive at MCO around 11. Last year, as we were about to land, I heard the captain announce the temperature: "Fifty degrees here in Orlando..." No, no, no. The first time in my life I ever got to leave New England in the middle of the winter and the best you can do, at noon, is fifty degrees? I am planning on this winter being much warmer.

Can't Disney control the weather?

We will make our way to what Max is now calling the Mickey bus; Magical Express straight to Coronado Springs! Last year, I was so excited on the ride and just couldn't believe that we were REALLY here! In some ways, that's almost the best moment of the trip; its all there, right in front of you, yet to be experienced. All you have is your excitement and hope that this will be a magical trip.

I am sure I will do on-line check-in, as I did it last year and it went fine. I couldn't resist. I thought being able to check-in ten days in advance was so super cool. It made the trip seem that much more real in the days leading up to it.

This time, I requested Cabanas 8A, hopefully on the ground floor. I really want to be close to the Dig Site. Whatever the weather is like, Max can't wait to play in that playground. He's also intrigued by the arcade, as well.
I also won't mind being closer to places where we can refill our refillable mugs. While the walk wasn't super long, it did seem kind of long to refill that mug, which was sort of small to start with.

Since we'll probably get to CSR by one, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am not planning on our room being ready. It would be fantastic, but I'm not going to bank on it. So, we'll grab lunch at Pepper Market. I'm interested to see if the Reuben is, indeed, back on the menu. Its a sandwich I always love.

Hopefully, our room will be ready a little early and we can get inside. I'll unpack and hopefully Max will take a nap. Either way, we'll relax a bit and eventually get ready for our evening at EPCOT.

We have a dinner ADR at Garden Grill for Max's very first character meal. I can't wait. If Max had any idea what he was in for, I'm sure he wouldn't be able to wait, either. He isn't sure what to expect. He does know which resort we're staying at, though.

I know that Chef Mickey's might have been a more traditional choice, but Mark and I love EPCOT so much we can't wait and I'm thinking it will work out better to be a bit more low key on our first day.

After dinner, we'll see what rides we can ride...possibly the Land and maybe Nemo, before we make our way over to World Showcase. I am hopeful that Max will make it to Illuminations, which is my favorite fireworks show.

After that, it will be back to CSR for a good night's sleep before we hit MK the next morning!

Great plans, Tina. Do not forget to do Figment too while at Epcot (there's usualloy no wait).

 

[Mindy5767]

Hi all,

I've been lurking. I'm so busy with the holidays that I haven't been reading all my disposts!! We don't have a trip in the works yet. Three this year was a financial stretch to say the least, but I think I can convince DH to go at least once before Oct of 2011 because that's when our AP's are good until. I gotta get back to my beloved Saratoga Springs. If DS19 needs a ride back to college ( 1 hour from WDW) next August... who might volunteer to take him?

 

[dizneeat]

Great plans for your first day, Tina!
That sure is going to be a long day for Max! But I guess he will be real excited!

We can't wait to meet you all!
AND ........ glad you all like the little treats! Tell Max, that if he likes his gummi bears, he's gonna get more in February!

 

[that's nice]

I would never have thought the Dis would bring such wonderful people into our lives, but it certainly has. Karin and Tom, you guys are the sweetest! Max was so excited. And, so was I. What a wonderful surprise to come home to. We can't WAIT to meet you in February. So soon!

I agree with this statement!

OH Hi by the way.. I joined your TR!!!

Aren't Karin and Tom just the best?!?!?!?!?! You are right, the DIS brings wonderful people into our lives, and makes life so much nicer and more fun.

YES! I know a few DISers who are nice too!

We will be flying out of Bradley, which is just north of Hartford, about a half hour from our house. There is usually little to no traffic, one of the many benefits of flying out of a small airport. My dad will pick us up at the house, very early, and we'll be off! While I would like to think we would get up early enough to eat breakfast at home, I know this probably won't happen. I also know, from last year, that there is a McDonald's at the terminal where we can grab breakfast. I had my first hotcake platter there last year in longer than I can remember. And...it wasn't horrible!

Don't forget that Dunkin Donuts is just past McDonalds around that corner!

At this point, I will start popping Dramamine, which means a little bit later, I'll be trying to keep my eyes open. Luckily, the sleepiness wears off pretty quickly.

Sounds dreamy!

We fly out at eight and will arrive at MCO around 11. Last year, as we were about to land, I heard the captain announce the temperature: "Fifty degrees here in Orlando..." No, no, no. The first time in my life I ever got to leave New England in the middle of the winter and the best you can do, at noon, is fifty degrees? I am planning on this winter being much warmer.

Look at the weather they are having now... you might be jumping for joy with 50's! LOL

 

[tinacaplan]

Hi all,

I've been lurking. I'm so busy with the holidays that I haven't been reading all my disposts!! We don't have a trip in the works yet. Three this year was a financial stretch to say the least, but I think I can convince DH to go at least once before Oct of 2011 because that's when our AP's are good until. I gotta get back to my beloved Saratoga Springs. If DS19 needs a ride back to college ( 1 hour from WDW) next August... who might volunteer to take him?

Hi, Mindy! I totally understand. This is just a crazy busy time of year for all of us, for so many reasons. Good luck convincing your husband to take another trip. I can't even comprehend getting to go to Disney three times in a year. Amazing.

Great plans for your first day, Tina!
That sure is going to be a long day for Max! But I guess he will be real excited!

We can't wait to meet you all!
AND ........ glad you all like the little treats! Tell Max, that if he likes his gummi bears, he's gonna get more in February!

You are so sweet, Karin! It will be a long day. I'm hoping he naps at some point in the afternoon and if we don't do anything but have dinner at EPCOT, I'm totally fine with that. There are a lot of other nights we can catch Illuminations, too.

I agree with this statement!

OH Hi by the way.. I joined your TR!!!


YES! I know a few DISers who are nice too!





Don't forget that Dunkin Donuts is just past McDonalds around that corner!


Sounds dreamy!


Look at the weather they are having now... you might be jumping for joy with 50's! LOL

Hi, Tim! I find it really amusing that you have flown out of Bradley, too. CT is such a small state that when it comes to national venues (such as the Disboards), I'm always excited to come into contact with people from CT. When I saw the Traveler's umbrella pics on your TR, I thought, hey...I know that hallway. Feel free to clue me in to anything I'm missing when it comes to travelling with a small child, too.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am here, but waaaaaaaaaay back on page 7. Trying to catch-up!

So far 2 comments: No judging at all on the short-sale (I hope it all worked out, looking forward to that post hopefully!), we had to do the same thing due to several circumstances. It sucks, but there was NO way we could take a $50,000 blow to sell our house!!

Your son is ADORABLE! Oh my word, I want to squeeze him. I love his hair and those eyes...so so cute!

Okay-3 comments. The Mickey Mouse cake from his birthday is AWESOME. You rock!

 

[tinacaplan]

I am here, but waaaaaaaaaay back on page 7. Trying to catch-up!

So far 2 comments: No judging at all on the short-sale (I hope it all worked out, looking forward to that post hopefully!), we had to do the same thing due to several circumstances. It sucks, but there was NO way we could take a $50,000 blow to sell our house!!

Your son is ADORABLE! Oh my word, I want to squeeze him. I love his hair and those eyes...so so cute!

Okay-3 comments. The Mickey Mouse cake from his birthday is AWESOME. You rock!

Hello Brooke...don't mind the mess! This thing has been such a long time in the making and so much has happened. I am actually kind of scared to go back and read some of it.

Thanks for you support! I truly appreciate it. The Disboards really became an important outlet to me last spring when things started to really not going very well and never failed to leave me with a smile on my face.

And thanks for the compliments about the cake. I figured I had to try and pull off something impressive. It was far easier than I would have ever guessed. Just required getting some supplies from Michael's.

Please feel free to give me any and all feedback on my touring plans as I post them. While I've travelled on my own and with my husband before, we've never attempted any thing like this was our son!

 

[tinacaplan]

I just want to stop and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I can't believe its here. I'm so looking forward to the next couple of days. This is the first year that Max really understands it all and he can't wait for Santa to come!

One of the things I wanted to give Max for Christmas was a countdown calendar for our trip. There are Disney stickers under each circle. I can't quite believe that I pulled this off, as I am NOT a crafty-person.

Here are the results:

 

[annmarieda]

I love the count down calendar. You ARE crafty.

I am sorry I have not been around. A lot has been going on here...and it has just kept me away from DIS. I have been thinking about you though.... I figured you had to have some more planning going on since your trip was getting so close. It really will be here soon!!

BTW, I LOVE the pic of Max with Lotso. Max looks so happy and the semi raised eyebrow on Lotso makes it look as though he is putting up with Max. Too cute!

Have a Merry, Merry Christmas!!!