I said we wouldn't do Disney again. I lied. April Vacation - 4 Days Left! 4/17

[Steppesister]

I may very well have camera bag envy right now. Sweet one; love it!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

30 Days to go!!

OMG, it must be like, 2 weeks now right?!?!

I'm not a good photographer but I invested in an entry level DSLR so I could take better pictures.

This is really cool, I can't wait to see how your photos turn out. I really love the idea of getting a DSLR to take to the parks, but I don't know if I could handle it, they seem pretty bulky, but I reckon the great photos would more than make up for it. I'll probably ask you how you found the DSLR experience once you're back

Today I logged onto My Disney Experience and completed the online check in.

Things are getting so real !!!

I do hope we get a higher floor, I really don't like first floor rooms in hotels for some reason. It's creepy.

I'm totally with you on this one. I really don't like the thought of people walking past my window and looking into the room... Whether they do it intentionally or not. I hope you get a high floor with a good view So excited for you guys

 

[MnNsmom]

47 Days til Disney!!

Time is really starting to fly by now! I've been pretty busy over the last couple of weeks since school's been back in. I've fallen behind on most of the TRs I've been reading. I hope to catch up soon.
I paid off the balance on our package today so we're paid in full and one step closer.

I guess the next milestone is 30 days for Magic Bands and online check in. Did I read something about check in being updated at the resorts so you can actually bypass the front desk to check into your room? That will be interesting.

I've been able to squeeze in another Disney movie night. We all watched Sleeping Beauty and really enjoyed it. We'd watched Maleficent earlier this winter and it was interesting to have the back story.

The biggest news is that I was able to get a lunch reservation at Be Our Guest!! I had pretty much put it out of my mind since I didn't think I'd get one. When Casey and Sarah told me I could make an ADR I was hopeful. It took me a few days of trying since I forgot on the 25th but I finally got one!! We're going to have lunch at BOG on Sunday along with pre-park breakfast at CP. I had to drop LTT but I'm thrilled we get to see the castle. Now I have to get my hands on a Beauty and the Beast DVD for the boys to watch before we go.

I need to start thinking about what we want to bring with us. I'm not actually going to pack until the day before since I always do it at the last minute but I need to make sure I have everything. I'll have to pick up some swimsuits for the boys. Anyone have any advice about must-brings?

Joining in late. Congrats on the BOG ressie! We had lunch there on our last trip and it was, hands down, our favorite quick service of the week. I did a review of it in the link in my signature.

Try your library if you haven't located Beauty and the Beast yet. We've been getting some DVD's that are in the vault from our library.

 

[ursalita]

13 DAYS TIL DISNEY!!!

I can't believe we're so close. I don't think our family has wanted or needed a vacation this much ever. A horrible stomach bug struck our house last week. Sammy and DH were sick for days. Aidan has been struggling in school lately and just working really hard. We are all ready for this trip. I can't wait to be in the warm Florida sun after this miserable winter. I'll just be happy to have spring. We're getting there, the crocuses popped up in the yard this past week but its still so cold.

In positive real life news Aidan was in a fencing tournament and won a gold medal last weekend. I was so proud of him!



Last week we also received our Magic Bands!!



I'm gradually getting everything ready to go. I've got the pets all set to go the kennel. I've been picking up some summer clothing, bathing suits, sunscreen, etc. I've got my haircut scheduled for the Saturday before we leave. I'm hoping to make time for a pedicure right before we leave since I'm still wearing wool socks.

We're flying Southwest and I've opted to take my chances checking in 24 hours before the flight to get a good boarding position rather than pay extra for the early bird check in. This is the first year we won't be able to board early as a family since Sammy is 6. As long as we can find 2 pairs of seats together it will be fine. The only problem with this is that our flight leaves at 9:20 on Tuesday and the boys have dentists appointments at 10 on Monday. This means I have a short window of time to check in online before I leave for their dentist office. Talk about cutting it close.

I just saw the updated rehab and closings and this is what it says for Flame Tree BBQ:

• Flame Tree BBQ- closed 1/5/2015-4/22/2015

Unfortunately we will be at AK on 4/22. I'm assuming that this means it will be closed through 4/22, not re-opening on 4/22. I'm a little disappointed but I knew this might happen since it was supposed to be closed until mid-April. We had really hoped to eat there but I'm sure we'll enjoy another place. Maybe Yak and Yeti?

Ta ta for now!

 

[CaseFace5]

You're so close!!! Bummer about Flame Tree being closed while you are there.

Congrats to your son for getting a metal! That is great news!

Hope the stomach bug leaves quickly and you are all happy and health for the trip!!

 

[pkondz]

In positive real life news Aidan was in a fencing tournament and won a gold medal last weekend. I was so proud of him!

Congrats to Aidan!
I wish I could've taken fencing. It looks like a great sport.

And I hear you about Flame Tree.
Only restaurant I was interested in at AK and it's closed.

 

[ursalita]

That's a great bag. You trip is getting so close, it's very exciting.

Thank you, I think the bag will work out great. Even closer now. I can't wait!!

I love the camera bag. I need a new one for my DSLR. Mine isn't very user friendly.

We used the new check-in at AKL. They texted me about 11 AM on our check-in day that our room was ready and gave us the room number. When we got there, we went straight to the room and right in - no check in desk!

Yeah, the bag that comes with the camera is pretty bulky. I think this one will double as a regular bag quite well. I'll make sure to comment on how it worked out when I write a TR. Wow, that sounds really seamless. It will be so weird to skip the front desk but really cool if it works right.

I may very well have camera bag envy right now. Sweet one; love it!

Thank you. I love it.

OMG, it must be like, 2 weeks now right?!?!

This is really cool, I can't wait to see how your photos turn out. I really love the idea of getting a DSLR to take to the parks, but I don't know if I could handle it, they seem pretty bulky, but I reckon the great photos would more than make up for it. I'll probably ask you how you found the DSLR experience once you're back

Things are getting so real !!!

I'm totally with you on this one. I really don't like the thought of people walking past my window and looking into the room... Whether they do it intentionally or not. I hope you get a high floor with a good view So excited for you guys

I will definitely let you know how I did with the camera and the new bag. I remember last trip I just had the camera and the kit lens and it wasn't too bad. I had a regular sling backpack that didn't offer much protection so I had to be really careful with it. Honestly Katie, I don't think my pictures will be nearly as good as yours are. The pictures I took at Disney in 2011 with a point and shoot were so bad. I wouldn't have even gotten a DSLR if my pictures were as good as yours.

That's exactly my issue with the ground level, that people could look in. Disney hotels are a far cry from the skeevy Motel 6 off the highway that you see in horror movies but still...

Joining in late. Congrats on the BOG ressie! We had lunch there on our last trip and it was, hands down, our favorite quick service of the week. I did a review of it in the link in my signature.

Try your library if you haven't located Beauty and the Beast yet. We've been getting some DVD's that are in the vault from our library.

Thank you! So glad to hear you had a great experience at BOG. I will have to check our your review.

That's a good idea about the library. I haven't seen it at my local branch but maybe I'll put in a request and get a copy last minute from another branch. Thanks!

 

[SarahDisney]

Less than 2 weeks! Yay!!

Congrats to Aidan on the fencing medal - that's awesome!

Depending on what time you have to leave for the dentist's office ... hopefully you'll have time to check in. If not ... well the boys can be late for the dentist, right? Getting a good boarding group is more important!

 

[MnNsmom]

That's a good idea about the library. I haven't seen it at my local branch but maybe I'll put in a request and get a copy last minute from another branch. Thanks!

I do online reserve from the other branches and pick it up at ours a couple/few days later

 

[ursalita]

You're so close!!! Bummer about Flame Tree being closed while you are there.

Congrats to your son for getting a metal! That is great news!

Hope the stomach bug leaves quickly and you are all happy and health for the trip!!

Yeah, we're bummed about Flame Tree but I'm sure we will find something we will enjoy. We have so much to look forward to this trip. Thank you, Aidan was thrilled. Everyone is healthy finally. I'm just glad it happened when I did so it doesn't affect our trip.

Congrats to Aidan!
I wish I could've taken fencing. It looks like a great sport.

And I hear you about Flame Tree.
Only restaurant I was interested in at AK and it's closed.

It is a good sport. What can be better for a young boy than sword fighting? I'm hoping that Flame Tree will magically open a little early for us but I won't hold my breath.

Less than 2 weeks! Yay!!

Congrats to Aidan on the fencing medal - that's awesome!

Depending on what time you have to leave for the dentist's office ... hopefully you'll have time to check in. If not ... well the boys can be late for the dentist, right? Getting a good boarding group is more important!

Sarah, thank you for the kind words about Aidan. And you could not be more correct. Boarding order is way more important than their teeth. I'm not even kidding, priorities. I think that I can probably check in online and make it to the appointment with just enough time to spare.

 

[ursalita]

9 DAYS TIL DISNEY!!

I think I've gotten to that point that happens during the holidays where I just want to enjoy the anticipation leading up to it since I know it will all go so quickly.

I finally managed to get my hands on a Beauty and the Beast DVD - a lovely friend let me borrow her copy - and we all watched it tonight. The boys absolutely loved it. They are starting to get really excited about the trip now. When we were months out I don't think it seemed real to them. Now that we are 10 days, almost a week away, they are starting to get excited. Sammy made a calendar to mark off the days until Disney and the days we will be at Disney.

I got an email from Disney today. Among other things it included a calendar of events at YC. They have movies every night at the beach. There were 2 movies that I think we'll try to catch - "Big Hero 6" on Friday and "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" on Sunday. I think it should actually work out well with what I'd already planned.

I'm making lists like crazy so I don't forget anything - hold the mail, cancel the milk man, pay the taxes, etc. I know I'll forget something anyway but hopefully the lists will help me.

 

[pkondz]

Lists are a good thing.
I'm always thinking, "Oh! I forgot _____, better put it on the list!"

So... single digit days to go now!

 

[KathyM2]

I'm here...following along!! Your trip sounds like a lot of fun and I'm excited for you!! I had to laugh though...you were kidding about the Milk Man...right? You don't actually have one do you? lol

 

[ursalita]

Lists are a good thing.
I'm always thinking, "Oh! I forgot _____, better put it on the list!"

So... single digit days to go now!

So excited to be in single digits. I know I'll forget something, it's inevitable. But I feel like the more I write this stuff down somewhere the more likely I'll remember.

I'm here...following along!! Your trip sounds like a lot of fun and I'm excited for you!! I had to laugh though...you were kidding about the Milk Man...right? You don't actually have one do you? lol

Thanks for following along. I'm so excited for this trip. Could it be possible I've built it up too much?

Yeah, that comment was mostly tongue-in-cheek (taxes, really? ) but we do have a milk man. He delivers fresh milk in glass bottles and other local items to my porch every week.

 

[Nichellebelle]

13 DAYS TIL DISNEY!!!

I can't believe we're so close. I don't think our family has wanted or needed a vacation this much ever. A horrible stomach bug struck our house last week. Sammy and DH were sick for days. Aidan has been struggling in school lately and just working really hard. We are all ready for this trip. I can't wait to be in the warm Florida sun after this miserable winter. I'll just be happy to have spring. We're getting there, the crocuses popped up in the yard this past week but its still so cold.

In positive real life news Aidan was in a fencing tournament and won a gold medal last weekend. I was so proud of him!

View attachment 86735

Last week we also received our Magic Bands!!

View attachment 86737

I'm gradually getting everything ready to go. I've got the pets all set to go the kennel. I've been picking up some summer clothing, bathing suits, sunscreen, etc. I've got my haircut scheduled for the Saturday before we leave. I'm hoping to make time for a pedicure right before we leave since I'm still wearing wool socks.

We're flying Southwest and I've opted to take my chances checking in 24 hours before the flight to get a good boarding position rather than pay extra for the early bird check in. This is the first year we won't be able to board early as a family since Sammy is 6. As long as we can find 2 pairs of seats together it will be fine. The only problem with this is that our flight leaves at 9:20 on Tuesday and the boys have dentists appointments at 10 on Monday. This means I have a short window of time to check in online before I leave for their dentist office. Talk about cutting it close.

I just saw the updated rehab and closings and this is what it says for Flame Tree BBQ:

• Flame Tree BBQ- closed 1/5/2015-4/22/2015

Unfortunately we will be at AK on 4/22. I'm assuming that this means it will be closed through 4/22, not re-opening on 4/22. I'm a little disappointed but I knew this might happen since it was supposed to be closed until mid-April. We had really hoped to eat there but I'm sure we'll enjoy another place. Maybe Yak and Yeti?

Ta ta for now!

Wow! Congrats to your son on the gold medal! You are so close! We have 3 weeks left and I keep thinking about seeing palm trees and laughing with excitement. We are flying Southwest too and decided not to go early bird. Starting to read your report now and having fun reading!

 

[KathyM2]

So funny...love that you actually have a milk man!! That's so awesome!! So what happens if you aren't home when the milk arrives?? Sorry..just curious! You are getting soooo close to your trip...I'm so excited for you...and a bit jealous )

 

[ursalita]

Wow! Congrats to your son on the gold medal! You are so close! We have 3 weeks left and I keep thinking about seeing palm trees and laughing with excitement. We are flying Southwest too and decided not to go early bird. Starting to read your report now and having fun reading!

Thank you! It came at the perfect time and was a great confidence booster for him. You are close, too! I know the feeling. I've been dreaming about stepping out of the airport in Orlando and feeling the sun on my cheeks and shoulders.

I'm glad to hear that you passed up early bird also. I hope it works out for us. I'm glad you're enjoying my PTR, thanks for stopping by.

So funny...love that you actually have a milk man!! That's so awesome!! So what happens if you aren't home when the milk arrives?? Sorry..just curious! You are getting soooo close to your trip...I'm so excited for you...and a bit jealous )

It's a nice convenience for sure. We have an insulated box on our porch that he puts the order in. He usually hits our street at about 5 a.m. so he'll put it in the box and I'll grab it when come down in the morning. If he delivered while we were gone it would sit in the box and fester until we got home which is why I want to make sure I cancel the order. Just a week from Tuesday, I can't believe it!

 

[Elevationist]

I'm so excited that you're so close to your trip! I get to do my single-digit dance on Wednesday!!!!

 

[afwdwfan]

Clearly, I'm late to the PTR. I've skimmed through, but I just wanted to pop in to say that I hope you have a wonderful trip, and I look forward to the TR, if you choose to do one.

 

[KathyM2]

OK now that I'm clear on the whole "milk man" thing lol...you are SO CLOSE to your trip!!! Yeee hawww!!!