I finally found a way to get DH excited about Disney! - ADDED LINK TO TRIP REPORT

[creativeamanda]

First of all, I can't believe I've missed your PTR. How did I do that?

And second of all, I love POFQ and I think you will as well!

I'm a bit envious of you being there for the race, because I wanted to do it, but I don't see myself doing it with my new job!

 

[amandaw]

Hello!!!

Hmm, you leave for your trip the day after my birthday. So you are already off to a great start!

Hi, friend! Since you treated Willow to DLR for her bday, you should treat y'all to WDW for your bday & come see us!

I can't say that I love packing, but I do know what you mean. When I actually get to do it without a small child "helping" me and with enough time to actually check my list and pay attention to what I'm doing, I enjoy it too.

To me, it's just so exciting! Reid does usually try to help but I eventually get him to just sit & play by me. I'm hoping that this year I'll be able to get it all finished while he's in school. In fact, I may pay a little extra at school for him to stay late that day!

I was going to ask whether you had done the night-time drive before, but then I read it was your first time driving. I bet it will be great! I think it's smart to stop - much safer.

Ed & I have done many long drives in our time. I think it'll be good to stop on the night there since we won't leave until dinner time. Our drive back, well that may be a different story.

I'm really excited to hear about how you like POFQ. If we move closer to WDW and get to go more often that is one resort that I would really like to try!

I think it'll be nice to check out. And I have to admit that I'm glad we'll be there for 2 nights instead of just 1 night at Boardwalk. But, when we go in 2014, I'm going to be trying my hardest to trade our Hilton timeshare into a BWV.

Long car trips with little kids are so hard! I've found lots of snacks, new toys, and DVDs to be the most effective. You'll be losing an hour somewhere on that drive, too, won't you?

The longest we've done with Reid is 9 hours. Well, really it was just me & Reid. What should have taken 6 hours took us 9 because of Labor Day traffic. Being stuck at a standstill on the interstate sent him into complete overload. I figure if I can handle that for 3 hours by myself, we should be okay going to Disney.

Yes, we'll lose an hour once we get into FL. I'm glad we'll lose it on the 1st night.

I like the idea of packing, but every time that it comes right down to it, the day before we leave, I find myself completely unmotivated and wanting to do nothing but look at Disney stuff on the Internet. Maybe next time I should make a few lists.

Yes, make lists! Lots & lots of lists!

My problem when packing is that I find myself getting engrossed in TV shows that I don't normally watch. But, I like to have the TV while packing.

First of all, I can't believe I've missed your PTR. How did I do that?

No worries! You're here now!

And second of all, I love POFQ and I think you will as well!

Yay! Another person who loves POFQ. Y'all are really making me feel well about choosing that resort. I am excited to try it out!

I'm a bit envious of you being there for the race, because I wanted to do it, but I don't see myself doing it with my new job!

I have to say that I was very worried about the weather & crowds when we first moved our trip for the race. But now, I'm excited! I think it's going to be fun for Ed & I to both do our 1st Disney races.

 

[marDgreen88]

I think those changes sound great! I bet you'll do awesome with your program. Maybe since you're going next Feb you can stay at the Boardwalk then???

Of all the moderate resorts (keep in mind that I've stayed at zero out of four of them, though, haha) I think French Quarter is my favorite! I bet a Louisiana native would love it.

"Now, I know some of you will color me crazy but I must confess this.......I actually like to pack. I don't like to unpack after a trip. But, I love packing. I think it's the OCD/Anal-retentive monster in me. I love making lists! Santa ain't got nothin' on me - I make lots of lists & check them more than twice!"

Um, are we the same person though? I am the EXACT SAME WAY! Too too funny. I think that your plans sound good, nice and relaxing! The good thing is that traveling really can tire you out, so hopefully Reid will be nice and sleepy!

 

[amandaw]

I think those changes sound great! I bet you'll do awesome with your program. Maybe since you're going next Feb you can stay at the Boardwalk then???

Thank you! I really hope the program will work for me. So far, I've been able to stick to it. I would LOVE to be able to stay at Boardwalk in Feb. We'll see what happens!

Of all the moderate resorts (keep in mind that I've stayed at zero out of four of them, though, haha) I think French Quarter is my favorite! I bet a Louisiana native would love it.

Yeah, for some reason, it's the only one that really appeals to me. I really hope they've done Louisiana right or else it will just annoy me. But since it's Disney, I'm sure (hoping) it'll all be done well.

"Now, I know some of you will color me crazy but I must confess this.......I actually like to pack. I don't like to unpack after a trip. But, I love packing. I think it's the OCD/Anal-retentive monster in me. I love making lists! Santa ain't got nothin' on me - I make lots of lists & check them more than twice!"

Um, are we the same person though? I am the EXACT SAME WAY! Too too funny. I think that your plans sound good, nice and relaxing! The good thing is that traveling really can tire you out, so hopefully Reid will be nice and sleepy!

We just might be! I could just be the much older version of you. Thank you.....I really do hope Reid will be ready to crash come Friday night. If not, that will make for an interesting night.

 

[dizneeat]

I have seen you on most of the threads I visit, so I thought I'd come to check out yours as well.
Your son is too cute! And I love that intro photo of you all together.
Have you ever stayed at OKW before? It is our all time favourite resort.

As for your ADR dilemma ....
Not a fan of H&V, but it will be nice if Reid likes the characters.
Sci-Fi is a lot of fun, but the movies can be a bit "odd" for a 4 year old.
Mama Melrose for FP - good value, because it is only 1 DDP credit (forgot if you are on the DDP). Pros - less queueing for Fantasmic. The seating area is to the far right facing the stage, so not the best. Cons - you could get the server we had last year, who was as slow as molasses.

As for your Epcot ADRs - both in one day is daring - it takes out a lot of time of touring.
Via Napoli is VERY good - get the Zeppole for dessert, they are so yummy. Going to France (the one in Europe, not Epcot) on a regular basis, we were NOT impressed with the food. If you are going for atmosphere and cute servers, than yes!

I can recommand B&C, good basic food and out of this world desserts! Staying at OKW - you might consider fitting Olivia's into your dining plans. It's a really overlooked hidden gem.

Okay, that's enough, don't want to bore you too much.

 

[amandaw]

I have seen you on most of the threads I visit, so I thought I'd come to check out yours as well.

I'm so happy to have you over here! Thank you for joining in!

Your son is too cute! And I love that intro photo of you all together.

Thank you! I have to say that is one of my favorite photos of the 3 of us.

Have you ever stayed at OKW before? It is our all time favourite resort.

This will be our 1st time staying at OKW. I am so happy to hear that you like really like it! I was a little worried about it at first but now I'm actually starting to get excited to try it out.

As for your ADR dilemma ....
Not a fan of H&V, but it will be nice if Reid likes the characters.
Sci-Fi is a lot of fun, but the movies can be a bit "odd" for a 4 year old.
Mama Melrose for FP - good value, because it is only 1 DDP credit (forgot if you are on the DDP). Pros - less queueing for Fantasmic. The seating area is to the far right facing the stage, so not the best. Cons - you could get the server we had last year, who was as slow as molasses.

As for your Epcot ADRs - both in one day is daring - it takes out a lot of time of touring.
Via Napoli is VERY good - get the Zeppole for dessert, they are so yummy. Going to France (the one in Europe, not Epcot) on a regular basis, we were NOT impressed with the food. If you are going for atmosphere and cute servers, than yes!

I can recommand B&C, good basic food and out of this world desserts! Staying at OKW - you might consider fitting Olivia's into your dining plans. It's a really overlooked hidden gem.

Okay, that's enough, don't want to bore you too much.

You won't bore me! I love getting ideas & suggestions from everyone, especially when it comes to ADRs!

 

[emma212010]

Yay!! Long time no see! I just found this! I'm definitely going to follow along, but I'll have to come back later to read- I'm just taking a break from essay writing for finals! But I'm so excited for your new adventure!!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

Yay!! Long time no see! I just found this!

Hi, there! It has indeed been a long time! I'm so, so sorry I forgot to PM you when I started this up. I'm so happy you found me!

I'm definitely going to follow along, but I'll have to come back later to read- I'm just taking a break from essay writing for finals!

I definitely understand! Sometimes real life just gets in the way DISing even when we don't want it to. Best of luck on your essay!

But I'm so excited for your new adventure!!!!!!

Thank you! I'm really starting to get excited about our trip.

 

[merbobear]

I am new to your PTR I read through your entire TR from your cruise, but I think I had read it after it was completed because I don't recall ever commenting! But anyway, here I am joining in the fun!

 

[jennyjinx3]

All caught up...I love lists too! They just make me feel good...especially Disney ones!! Except like everything else about Disney right now, I hide them and then can't find them again!! Friends of ours stayed at POFQ last year and loved it! so hopefully you all will too!

 

[amandaw]

I am new to your PTR I read through your entire TR from your cruise, but I think I had read it after it was completed because I don't recall ever commenting! But anyway, here I am joining in the fun!

And thank you for joining in!

That's so nice of you to have also read my cruise TR. I promise lots of planning fun or madness here. One of the two!

All caught up...I love lists too! They just make me feel good...especially Disney ones!! Except like everything else about Disney right now, I hide them and then can't find them again!! Friends of ours stayed at POFQ last year and loved it! so hopefully you all will too!

Another list lover! They do make you feel good, right? And organized. And like you're accomplishing something......even when it's the 10th time you've written up the same exact list.

I'm so excited to hear about all these people who love POFQ! I'm hoping we're going to have a great experience also.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, Amanda, I loved the update!! Love the packing and getting on the road...with a special destination!

I'd love some hints on how to find fun places to stop along the way! We (DD DGD and 2 pups!) will be driving to St Pete June first...about 11/12 hours...going straight through (too much trouble to stop with an almost 4 yr old and 2 pups ). I've no idea where to look to find playgrounds or small towns with a park etc. Suggestions most welcome!

Reid is just so cute...and I do love the photo of the 3 of you.

p.s. I want to do the 5k one of these days...had considered the half, but no way I will ever get back in shape for that...but definitely could walk the 5k with some training. (used to walk 3 to 6 mi day to/from work...now 0 mi ever!! . )

Oh, and this was NOT a boring update at all!!

 

[amandaw]

Oh, Amanda, I loved the update!! Love the packing and getting on the road...with a special destination!

Thank you!! I just love the packing part! It's like the vacation has started & it's the very beginning of it so you know you have a lot to look forward to.

I'd love some hints on how to find fun places to stop along the way! We (DD DGD and 2 pups!) will be driving to St Pete June first...about 11/12 hours...going straight through (too much trouble to stop with an almost 4 yr old and 2 pups ). I've no idea where to look to find playgrounds or small towns with a park etc. Suggestions most welcome!

I have recently read that some rest stops on the interstates actually have small playgrounds. I'm going to try to find out if any of the ones on our route do. But, if not, I'm thinking about bringing a ball so we can play catch for a few minutes. That would be fun for your DGD & the pups! Just something to help burn a little energy.

Reid is just so cute...and I do love the photo of the 3 of you.

Thank you!

p.s. I want to do the 5k one of these days...had considered the half, but no way I will ever get back in shape for that...but definitely could walk the 5k with some training. (used to walk 3 to 6 mi day to/from work...now 0 mi ever!! . )

You should definitely do a 5K! I'm sure you could do it! I know how hard it is to go from doing nothing to working yourself up for one of these things. But, hopefully, it'll be worth it in the end. When I feel myself wanting to give up, I envision my Disney race medal that I'll be getting!

Oh, and this was NOT a boring update at all!!

Awww, thank you! Life is a little crazy right now but hopefully I'll be getting into the real fun details soon!

 

[pas130]

Amanda....letting you know I DID NOT FORGET YOU....going to catch up!!! Someone may be switching back to her Sept dates BTW

 

[amandaw]

Amanda....letting you know I DID NOT FORGET YOU....going to catch up!!! Someone may be switching back to her Sept dates BTW

No worries, buddy! It'll be here when you have a chance to catch up!

You may be going back to your Sept dates?

But, I'll wait until it's set in stone!

 

[pas130]

No worries, buddy! It'll be here when you have a chance to catch up!

You may be going back to your Sept dates?

But, I'll wait until it's set in stone!

Set in stone you forgot who you're talking to girl But HRH actually mentioned her bday...if $ is the issue...we'll just hit Pop...or LM all good....but Sept 27=Oct 1st more doable than Aug

 

[amandaw]

Set in stone you forgot who you're talking to girl But HRH actually mentioned her bday...if $ is the issue...we'll just hit Pop...or LM all good....but Sept 27=Oct 1st more doable than Aug

I'm excited about you going back to the Sept dates. But, I'll wait until Sept. 26th to be completely convinced that you'll be there.

The Little Mermaid rooms would be so fun!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Set in stone you forgot who you're talking to girl But HRH actually mentioned her bday...if $ is the issue...we'll just hit Pop...or LM all good....but Sept 27=Oct 1st more doable than Aug

I'm excited about you going back to the Sept dates. But, I'll wait until Sept. 26th to be completely convinced that you'll be there.

The Little Mermaid rooms would be so fun!

HRH might feel like a princess in the Little Mermaid rooms - have you had a peek at the latest photos? A little one might love staying in one!

 

[amandaw]

HRH might feel like a princess in the Little Mermaid rooms - have you had a peek at the latest photos? A little one might love staying in one!

I agree! I know I would feel like a mermaid princess in one of those rooms!

 

[pas130]

I'm excited about you going back to the Sept dates. But, I'll wait until Sept. 26th to be completely convinced that you'll be there.

Fair enough

HRH might feel like a princess in the Little Mermaid rooms - have you had a peek at the latest photos? A little one might love staying in one!

And Mommys purse would be thankful....