I'm going! celebration thread

[broberts]

Sounds like a much deserved escape from reality. We will be there May 23 - 30.

 

[annnewjerz]

Not going to have a big itinerary this time. I'm going to figure 3 things at each part that are musts for me on this trip, then after that, just a lot of wandering around enjoying everything and taking lots of pictures.

Sounds like the perfect type of trip. I convinced DH to go back this year on the promise that it would be a more relaxing trip (like that really exists in WDW) and was going to use the same game plan---go with the flow.........


........needless to say, that went out the window a long time ago.

 

[Amy]

Hey Kyle! Glad to hear your DW is feeling better. WDW is the perfect therapy. Sounds like this is also a vac w/o the kiddies?

I'm looking forward to seeing your photos when you get back! Like Ann, I'm going to "visit" WDW through other people this year since we can't afford a trip this year.

HAVE FUN!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Hugs to you and your family. Sorry to hear about the problems you all have been going through. It's a tough thing to have to deal with, but your wife can and will get through it. Have a fun trip! Take lots of photos and how them off here!

 

[jann1033]

Thanks guys.... I slept pretty good last night after making the reservations. I stayed up a little later to get it done. I figured if I didn't then it would be bugging me all day and I probably wouldn't have slept to well thinking about it. The price had already gone up once since we first started seriously looking into it. Not a big deal though because it was one of the value resorts that weren't available. DW was actually glad because she really wanted to stay at Port Orleans. Much more relaxing resort. The Value resorts can be very stimulating with all the decor and stuff. PO is a lot more laid back. We stayed there on our last trip.

Not going to have a big itinerary this time. I'm going to figure 3 things at each part that are musts for me on this trip, then after that, just a lot of wandering around enjoying everything and taking lots of pictures.

last time hub and i went alone and while i had as usual planned everything down to the min ( it's a sickness;0), my back went out and messed up my plans so then we threw caution to the wind and basically didn't follow it after day one or two except for meals.... and had the best trip ever!!..so much for itineraries i really enjoy the planning but it was so much more relaxing i may intentionally "unintentionally" leave all my future "itineraries " at home from now on

 

[annnewjerz]

[/B]

last time hub and i went alone and while i had as usual planned everything down to the min ( it's a sickness;0), my back went out and messed up my plans so then we threw caution to the wind and basically didn't follow it after day one or two except for meals.... and had the best trip ever!!..so much for itineraries i really enjoy the planning but it was so much more relaxing i may intentionally "unintentionally" leave all my future "itineraries " at home from now on

TOTALLY agree. Last trip was my first trip as an adult and I had no idea about all of this "best park for the day" and crowd level calendars and touring plans. We went and had the best time. We just woke up and picked a park and walked up to a restaurant for a meal and if we got in---we got in. If not, no big deal.

This trip, I am planning everything down to what we will snack on in the World Showcase and it's so stressing me out! Besides one reservation each day, I think we may just wing it again this trip. I'll keep making my plans to keep me busy---but once we are there, I may toss them and have fun.

 

[handicap18]

Yeah, the first year we went together we had no itinerary what so ever. We had a blast. It was my first time but DW had been 4 or 5 times already and on that trip she went down a few days earlier with the school band.

I'd like to see some of the little shows around MK (the stage show, Jack Sparrow and a few others). At AK I want to go to FotLK and the new Nemo show and of course Kiliminjaro. I haven't seen Indiana Jones since my first trip in '01 and I'd also like to see Beauty and the Beast. Other than that, I'm just going to do a lot of wandering around. Do a few rides here and there.

We're not doing the dining plan so we don't have to make plans around specific dinner times. Though I do really enjoy planning everything out, though its mostly just gathering information on what is avaible on what days. Better to know what is going on and decide not to do it than it is to not know anything about it and wish you would have known so you could have done it.

We're really looking forward to going. And yes its without the kids. We probably wont tell the 7 year old till after we get back. The other 2 will get over it about 10 seconds after we tell them.

 

[annnewjerz]

We're really looking forward to going. And yes its without the kids. We probably wont tell the 7 year old till after we get back. The other 2 will get over it about 10 seconds after we tell them.

Without the kids? I'm sure it's a blast when you do take them---but this will be an even better much needed break for you and your DW. I don't have kids, but I'm sure you appreciate whatever alone time you can get and 4 whole days worth is probably more than you imagined you'd get for a long time!

 

[handicap18]

You ain't kiddin Ann. They're stresfull enough (at ages 7, 4 1/2 and almost 3) when your not dealing with post tramatic stress disorder. The 2 youngest togther will drive the sanest people crazy!!!

I love them to death, but every now and then I need a break from them. So this is great for both us and my parents who get to spend some quality time with them for more than just an afternoon or 1/2 a weekend.

On a side note about them.... every night when I put them to bed I say,,, "Night night, love you, go sleepy". And the 2 younger ones always repeat what I say. Well my daughter the other night, before I could say that,,, said "night Daddy" so I say back to her good night. Then she says to me first.... "love you daddy". Now it may not be a big deal for a 4 1/2 year old to say that, but when that 4 1/2 year old has Down syndrome (even though she is VERY high functioning, she still has her delay's) it was very touching. That was the first time she did it all on her own. She has said "love you" quite a bit, but has never added the mommy or daddy (or anyone else) to the end of it.

 

[Amy]

You ain't kiddin Ann. They're stresfull enough (at ages 7, 4 1/2 and almost 3) when your not dealing with post tramatic stress disorder. The 2 youngest togther will drive the sanest people crazy!!!

I love them to death, but every now and then I need a break from them. So this is great for both us and my parents who get to spend some quality time with them for more than just an afternoon or 1/2 a weekend.

On a side note about them.... every night when I put them to bed I say,,, "Night night, love you, go sleepy". And the 2 younger ones always repeat what I say. Well my daughter the other night, before I could say that,,, said "night Daddy" so I say back to her good night. Then she says to me first.... "love you daddy". Now it may not be a big deal for a 4 1/2 year old to say that, but when that 4 1/2 year old has Down syndrome (even though she is VERY high functioning, she still has her delay's) it was very touching. That was the first time she did it all on her own. She has said "love you" quite a bit, but has never added the mommy or daddy (or anyone else) to the end of it.

Oh, how precious! I'm sure you had tears in your eyes, 'cause I do!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

On a side note about them.... every night when I put them to bed I say,,, "Night night, love you, go sleepy". And the 2 younger ones always repeat what I say. Well my daughter the other night, before I could say that,,, said "night Daddy" so I say back to her good night. Then she says to me first.... "love you daddy". Now it may not be a big deal for a 4 1/2 year old to say that, but when that 4 1/2 year old has Down syndrome (even though she is VERY high functioning, she still has her delay's) it was very touching. That was the first time she did it all on her own. She has said "love you" quite a bit, but has never added the mommy or daddy (or anyone else) to the end of it.

So you're going by yourselves, eh? I hope you have something romantic planned. We could always help you with that if you don't, you know.

 

[handicap18]

So you're going by yourselves, eh? I hope you have something romantic planned. We could always help you with that if you don't, you know.

 

[Angrypenguin]

Have a wonderful time! You both sound like you could use the break. Get some great shots, relax, swim in the pool, and bask in the sun.

Oh, and share the photos when you get back. I'm also a little jealous you'll get some time to just wander and take pictures; I always lag behind and have to run and catch up because I just *had* to take a shot of something.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hmm, did that somehow come out wrong?

(I meant we'd be happy to help you plan it - right, guys?)

 

[handicap18]

Hmm, did that somehow come out wrong?

(I meant we'd be happy to help you plan it - right, guys?)

Yeah, just having a little fun with ya.....


Got out luggage tags in the mail yesterday!!!

 

[bostran1]

Sounds like this is the trip the doctor ordered. I'm jealous and hope it delivers it sounds like it will. Enjoy yourselves, take it easy, and soak it all in. I've slowly learned that just being at Disney makes for a great trip. It no longer seems to matter what I do so long as I am there. Like most on this site, some of my greatest childhood and adult memories happened at Disney World and just being there and remembering helps a lot.

Please enjoy it however you see fit!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

It's T-Minus 12 days for us. We still have a lot to do to get ready. I plan to have the Car PC ready by tomorrow. Local rain has forced us to scrub the tent AC test until next weekend - dangerously close to our departure.

I think I've got my gear list worked out:

Cameras: Canon 5DM2 for stills and video, Canon G9 w/ shell for spouse use and waterparks, Pentax W30 and JVC Everio for kid use

Lenses: Canon 70-200 f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 24-105 f/4, 17-40 f/4, 50 f/1.8 for lenses

Filters: 77mm polarizer, ND filter, possibly a variable ND filter and blue-gold polarizer (if I get them before we leave)

Flashes: Canon 580 EX II, 580 EX, ST-E2, assorted gels

Sony PCM-D50 for audio

Memory: 32 gig CF and 16 gig CF for 5DM2, 8 gig SD for G9, 8 gig SD for W30, 4 gig CF for Everio, 4 gig MS for D50

Tripod: Gitzo 2450 tripod, Acratech Ballhead, Acratech leveling base, Gitzo 2380 fluid head, RRS L bracket

Lowepro S&F deluxe waist belt for gear carrying. I'll probably leave the harness at home.

Laptop and 2 Seagate Freeagent Go 500 gig external drives for backups.

Stuff: Bubble level, cleaning kit, remote shutter release, Hoodman loupe, Black Rapid strap, Op/Tech tripod strap

Did I leave anything out as far as photgraphy/videography gear? I've never really seriously shot any video at the park. I'll mostly just play this time. Any suggestions? I thought I'd try to video some of the more exciting rides (Everest, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad). I want to do some morning and evening interviews with the boys.

 

[ukcatfan]

Have fun and thank you for stimulating the FL economy! Hopefully our weather pattern will be normalized by the time you get here.

 

[revrob]

I'm way too much of a newbie to off you any suggestions. I've just got to say when you get all of this gear loaded up, I think I'd like to see a pic! All of that gear in one place - wow! Kinda like heaven! Will you carry all of this gear in the park in one bag? Will you have help carrying it all? Will you rent a locker? This is the one thing about carrying extra lenses and tripods that scares me - carrying it all around.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'll only carry a few items at a time. On a typical day, I'll go in with a camera, flash, a lens on the camera, and a switch out lens. Sometimes I'll throw in the 50mm as a third lens. Or the 1.4x TC, which I guess I forgot to put on my list.

I'll only take the tripod stuff in a few days or evenings.