I'm not going to USA I'm going to another world! Coming home from across the pond PTR

[Sundancer UK]

Please post some more...

Awh I could kiss you! Thank you for prompting me back, it's so nice to be wanted

Great start to your PTR! You are going to love ASMu...it was the very first resort we stayed at when my daughter was 6 (she's now 18) and it holds such special memories for us over the years. I can't wait to hear all about your plans and then read your TR when you return!

Wow, I didn't even know that ASMu had been around that long, but then it's all new to me!

 

[Sundancer UK]

Holiday Bargains - You Want 'em? We Don't Got 'Em...

OK, so how to book a Disney holiday:

1. You take a look at the Disney Website, see their prices, things to do, etc.

2. Ask around friends that have been, get some tips.

3. Read something like the Unofficial Guide book.

4. Get on the Disboards, more tips, lots of planning stories and advice!

5. Read, Review, and Revise.

6. Then book the bargain holiday of your dreams!



Except for us, we kind of went:

1. Take a look at the Disney website, see their prices, things to do, etc.

2. There's a 2?! Just book book book!

Then speak with friends, pick up a couple of tips, get the Ultimate Guide on recommendation of one of them, and find the Disboards on recommendation of another.
Read a LOT. Panic slightly. Ask lots of questions of helpful Dis people. Panic a bit less. Read a bit more. Panic a lot more. More questions, change plans where you can. Slight relief.
SELL EVERYTHING THAT ISN'T NAILED DOWN

Get to one week and two days until you leave the country for the first time ever to go to the best place ever and completely brick it (lol, is that even a saying in the states? - I mean panic LOTS)


So what did we do? Well, we booked All Star Music mainly because it was one of the few places that could fit us all in one. I liked the giant icons and loved what my friend had said about the All Stars being more Disney themed than the more hotelish hotels that Disney have.
Fortunately for us, ASMu isn't too expensive, and the time of year we chose to go wasn't too badly priced either, plus it being mid-May it shouldn't be too busy.

Unfortunately for us, we weren't aware of the deals that Disney has going on, and to look around etc. We'd never heard of free dining and to be honest, 14 days of park tickets for the price of 7 seemed like a good idea at the time!
Well, it's not bad, but lesson is learned to look for better next time

As a matter of fact, we've been lucky I think. I've found out since booking that May isn't too crowded, but we're also managing to catch the end of the flower show, the big Pixar event and a Star Wars weekend! But more on that later...

On consulting Dis people at length, I decided to go with a meal plan thing. We had decided against it originally as we didn't want to be tied down to reservations and getting places on time.
In the end we went with the Quick Service plan. I had been having a *huge* worry over how much money to bring for eating and because people had said that QS doesn't always save money, I figured if we brought at least how much that would cost, I'd know we had enough.

But then it was pointed out to me that if I have the QS, it means all worries are off. Yes, we might not save money on it, but it would also mean that we'd know our food is sorted no matter what, and most appealing was being able to give my children free reign over their snacks. I'm normally quite healthy in what I let them eat (not overly so, but I know they don't like me for it at times! ) so this would be a real holiday treat.


I've also taken time to try and work out Universal prices (We come from England - it's ironic that this is the closest we'll ever get to Hogwarts! ), their menu costs and transport. I think we can do it - and if we don't go now I think I'll cry!

The last few 'essential' costs to add on were a hair cut for Baby Robin (his first!), and pick a pearl for a belated gift for my mum's birthday. Anything else I'm seeing as a bonus - I'm hoping we'll be way too busy to want to be shopping!


The good thing to come out of all of this is that I've found out that my husband Liam puts me fully in charge from now on. I'm so used to him leading, or at least co-leading, but he really wants to just go with it now. On the one hand this could be daunting pressure for me, but really I think I can pull this off!

Just keep with me ok? I need hand holding...


Promising a much less boring update next time! Now that sickness, easter and the big Royal Wedding are out of the way I'm feeling like I can move.
But now that I have so little time left I'm really feeling the need to move fast...

Next update:
Plans so far - help me arrange my thoughts!

 

[Sundancer UK]

I'm trying to get my head straight tonight. I have 10 days to go and a ton of stuff I wanted to do - you know, all those things to add to the excitement?

Well over the past few weeks we have had a prolonged virus dragging us down one by one, we've had school holidays, and because of guilt for taking my children out of school for Disney I've made fun educational projects for them based on the topics they have this term (the teachers loved them)
Liam is working shifts as usual and tonight is a pretty normal night of him finishing at 10pm. Add on an hour to get home and I'm feeling like a single parent today!
I've been childminding for a friend in need - it works out for all of us really; she needs childcare until the new nursery (daycare to you guys?) has a place, her baby (not even a year old yet!) needs one to one care, and I get a little extra holiday cash. But boy is it hard. Her daughter is adorable, but clingy. Understandably so, and I'm happy to wrap her up on my back where she feels secure, but having her and my own four children is more draining than I anticipated.

At the best of times I struggle to keep on top of housework, and right now I'm worried because my sister in law will be house, dog and cat-sitting while we're away, and I don't want to leave her living in a dump!


So, yes. I need to tidy and clean more.
I need to manage this around 4 or 5 children.
I want to continue with my part time work as a breastfeeding peer counsellor.
I need to begin packing.
I need to think of more topic work for my children to get on with this weekend.
I need to make up a list of how to care for the pets and home for my SIL.
I need to find some things to take on the 9 and a half hour flight to entertain 4 young children.

And then there's the fun stuff!
I *really* want to try my hand at tie-dye Mickey head t-shirts.
I need to make a last minute countdown to stick up on the wall and excite us all!
I need to get on with making the autograph books (Instructions taken from the DISigns board!)
I really wanted to make a journal for the children to fill in. I can't afford 3 copies of the one I've seen online and it wouldn't get here in time anyway, but as this might be our only Disney trip, I want to do everything possible to help up remember it!
I *must* make up our itinerary! I don't have a clue where we're going on what day anymore - I started a while ago but lost track and now I feel lost...

Possible in 10 days? Doubtful. Mad to try? Indeed.
Going to attempt it? Probably...

 

[Queenofallthings]

I was tired just reading that post I have a feeling you can do it though! Mom's are amazing under pressure. Have you thought about having the journals send to ASMu and you can pick them up when you arrive...it would be one less thing you have to do? Hope you're having a great weekend!

 

[lamb616]

I'm trying to get my head straight tonight. I have 10 days to go aurnal for the children to fill in. I can't afford 3 copies of the one I've seen online and it wouldn't get here in time anyway, but as this might be our only Disney trip, I want to do everything possible to help up remember it!
I *must* make up our itinerary! I don't have a clue where we're going on what day anymore - I started a while ago but lost track and now I feel lost...

Just found your PTR from the ASMU thread. How exciting for you to come so far after such a looooong time of dreaming about it. I can't wait to read your Trip report when you get back!

We also just had our first "Family trip" to WDW and stayed at ASMU family suites. LOVED it! DH & I had been to WDW years and years ago, way before we had our own kids.

I can kind of help with your itinerary if you want, that's my "thing". I'm an obsessive planner, down to the hour. And since all my obsessive planning has come to an end (for now), I have nothing to fill the Disney void but to help others plan their trips. We spent 5 days in WDW parks and 2 days at Universal parks.

Shoot me a message if you like.

 

[Sundancer UK]

I was tired just reading that post I have a feeling you can do it though! Mom's are amazing under pressure. Have you thought about having the journals send to ASMu and you can pick them up when you arrive...it would be one less thing you have to do? Hope you're having a great weekend!

Amazing or insane under pressure, hmm?

I had thought about getting them sent to ASMu, but I really hoped the children could use them on the plane, but they are just a bit pricey anyway! I've had a lovely link given to me on here, one that uses mercifully less ink too I've downloaded it, but am thinking of assigning the task of tweaking it to Liam, I have enough to do! He can do the autograph books too, delegation is survival!

Just found your PTR from the ASMU thread. How exciting for you to come so far after such a looooong time of dreaming about it. I can't wait to read your Trip report when you get back!

We also just had our first "Family trip" to WDW and stayed at ASMU family suites. LOVED it! DH & I had been to WDW years and years ago, way before we had our own kids.

I can kind of help with your itinerary if you want, that's my "thing". I'm an obsessive planner, down to the hour. And since all my obsessive planning has come to an end (for now), I have nothing to fill the Disney void but to help others plan their trips. We spent 5 days in WDW parks and 2 days at Universal parks.

Shoot me a message if you like.

Heya, lovely to 'see' you here! I hope I don't end up boring you with my ramblings.

Thank you for the offer of organising me! I will come back to this thread with a list of must do's, want to do's and things we've already booked. We only have 3 ADRs, so we're fairly flexible.


Well, the weekend is going as nice as can be here. It's a 4 day weekend thanks to May Day tomorrow and the lovely Royals getting hitched on Friday! This is nice for me as Liam is working Saturday and Sunday, so at least we get some family time together.
Glorious weather too! Bright and sunny but not too hot or humid. The only problem is how dry it is (yes, in England! ), as the pollen feels like it's trying to kill me via hayfever - I'm rarely seen without my huge sunglasses at the moment, but that doesn't stop the coughs.

We aren't royalists particularly, but I do like the idea of having a monarchy. We ended up glued to the TV most of friday watching the wedding thanks to my daughter, and I must admit that seeing the loving glances between Will and Kate really removed some of the cynicism I've developed over the years.
I'm actually wondering if we'll be able to make it over to Westminster Abbey to see the trees, that would be fantastic!


OK, back to the grindstone. I'd better get lunch and a movie on for the children (Disney of course, it's revision!), I'm still singing 'A Spoonfull of Sugar' since yesterday...

 

[Sundancer UK]

I just realised I never showed you who we are! If you'd like to see our ugly mugs and point and laugh, take a look at page one where I've put up photos of us

Yes, if I've ever mentioned I'm a redhead, I meant it, though not naturally
My daughter was celebrating her birthday Oz style, hence the Dorothy dress (which she will be bringing on holiday I've been told), and Frazer normally isn't nearly as quiet at he looks in that picture!

 

[lamb616]

yes, let me know your dates and ADRs as well.

I wanted to add as a PP has stated - I also read this entire thread with a British accent.

 

[lamb616]

your hair looks to be the *exact* shade of Ariel's!

 

[Sundancer UK]

yes, let me know your dates and ADRs as well.

I'll get right on it!

I wanted to add as a PP has stated - I also read this entire thread with a British accent.

But you know what this makes me wonder - what British accent?? There's so many!
You should hear me trying to do an american accent

your hair looks to be the *exact* shade of Ariel's!

Hehehe - cool right? Well I think so...
It's a bit shorter now though, which I thought I liked, but having looked at that photo I'm now thinking again!

 

[Sundancer UK]

Plans so far


Well, the plans so far, are that I pretty much have none! I'm trying to dig out the sheet of paper with a few notes on as I type...

Well, we leave on Tuesday 10th of May.
Leave the UK at 1pm, arrive in Orlando at 5pm
(yet it's a 9 and a half hour flight - fascinating to someone that doesn't travel!)

How long do you think it would take to get to the hotel from the airport?
We'll be on the Magic Express, though I was recently slightly disappointed to find out that we wont be getting the yellow tags for luggage that I keep reading about.

I was hoping that we could make it to Wishes on our first night - we have passes for that day anyway so I want to use them! Can't think of anywhere better to start off, even if we go on no rides at all.

And although it's not time efficient, as it's our first ever Disney trip, I was thinking of getting to MK via the ferry. Sure it'll mean going around the long way, but for someone who has never seen the Castle, I like the idea of how it looks, from what I've read of other people

Scarlett and I have a reservation for lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table on Thursday at 1:15. I hope I wont be bringing the baby with us, but might need to.
If possible, thinking of something for the boys and Liam to do while we're there would be good. Although I could let them wonder around aimlessly, just to reinforce to Liam that my plans are the best plans

Saturday 14th is breakfast at Chef Mickey's (at the Contemporary I think?) for 9:35

Tuesday 17th we have dinner booked at O'hana. Unfortunately the only time we could get was late at 8:45, so we're hoping the children will nap that day.

As I mentioned before, I need to get to Island of Adventure for Harry Potter one day.

We also need to get to Jedi training, was thinking on a non star wars weekend day - so we could do one day at HS for SWW and one for regular HS stuff.

I really want to make the flower and garden and pixar show too.

Fortunately we have enough days to do each park twice Oh, and Liam wants to make it to a water park at some point (I'm not nearly as fussed lol) and I'm pretty sure he'd like to get to a Walmart - seriously! I can picture you guys laughing at this but Walmart is like a tourist attraction for us!

 

[Sundancer UK]

Not an update today, but just because I forgot to say...

I'm down to single digits!!! Time for the single digit dance!





.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Goodness, times have flown. I can't believe you guys are going to be at Disney in just over a week

Plans so far


Well, the plans so far, are that I pretty much have none! I'm trying to dig out the sheet of paper with a few notes on as I type...

Well, we leave on Tuesday 10th of May.
Leave the UK at 1pm, arrive in Orlando at 5pm
(yet it's a 9 and a half hour flight - fascinating to someone that doesn't travel!)

Time travel really amazes me when you cross diffrent time zones. Our 2 1/2 hour flight takes 3 1/2 hours to get there and 1 1/2 hours to get home. Well not really, but it looks like that on paper.

How long do you think it would take to get to the hotel from the airport?
We'll be on the Magic Express, though I was recently slightly disappointed to find out that we wont be getting the yellow tags for luggage that I keep reading about.

I would expect at least an hour and a half before you get to your room, and that is a minimum. Orlando is a big airport and you have to take a tram to get your luggage and than have to check in at the ME. It takes about 30 min to get to WDW property and than it depends on how many resorts the bus goes to and where you position in the drop off is.

I was hoping that we could make it to Wishes on our first night - we have passes for that day anyway so I want to use them! Can't think of anywhere better to start off, even if we go on no rides at all.

I totally agree. We plan on going our first night even if we just do the evening parade and fireworks. Though with EMH hours that night we will get a few rides under our belt when lines are low.

And although it's not time efficient, as it's our first ever Disney trip, I was thinking of getting to MK via the ferry. Sure it'll mean going around the long way, but for someone who has never seen the Castle, I like the idea of how it looks, from what I've read of other people

We took the ferry when we did MNSSHP in 2009 and it was great seeing the castle from the water. Sometime the ferry takes less time because people tend to head to the monorail and there is not wait for the ferry. Even if the ferry takes more time, it is definalty worth it.

Scarlett and I have a reservation for lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table on Thursday at 1:15. I hope I wont be bringing the baby with us, but might need to.
If possible, thinking of something for the boys and Liam to do while we're there would be good. Although I could let them wonder around aimlessly, just to reinforce to Liam that my plans are the best plans

They might have fun exploring Tom Sawyer Island or the Swiss Family Treehouse. Though I do like the idea of letting him know what doing WDW means with out a plan.

Saturday 14th is breakfast at Chef Mickey's (at the Contemporary I think?) for 9:35

Yep, it is at Comtemporary. Great character interaction.

Tuesday 17th we have dinner booked at O'hana. Unfortunately the only time we could get was late at 8:45, so we're hoping the children will nap that day.

As I mentioned before, I need to get to Island of Adventure for Harry Potter one day.

I am so jealous. I wish we could do TWWOHP., but alas not this trip. I love Harry Potter books and movies and can't wait to read all about it in your TR.

We also need to get to Jedi training, was thinking on a non star wars weekend day - so we could do one day at HS for SWW and one for regular HS stuff.

Don't forget to sign up for this at the stage nest to Star Tours when you get there. I would suggest one of you running with your park tickets to get FP for TSM while the other takes the kids who want to do JTA to sign up for that. FYI- While FP can't be used before there times, they can be used after there window on that same day (except Soarin' I here.)

I really want to make the flower and garden and pixar show too.

Fortunately we have enough days to do each park twice Oh, and Liam wants to make it to a water park at some point (I'm not nearly as fussed lol) and I'm pretty sure he'd like to get to a Walmart - seriously! I can picture you guys laughing at this but Walmart is like a tourist attraction for us!

How great that you guys get to spend so much time there. If you guys do a water park I hear that the shark area at Typhon Bay is great. Make sure to bring a water proof camera for any cool water park pics.

Can't wait to hear about your finally preperations. I bet the kiddies are getting excited now. We are 27 days away and my DS Liam is over the walls excited.

 

[Sundancer UK]

Hey thanks for that! Any help always appreciated Especially as I have *SO MUCH* to be doing this week - I'm worried I wont get to plan at all! It'd be easier if I thought I could do it on the plane (It would take the pressure off at least) but I'd need net access! lol

Awwh, I wish my Liam was excited! He's dozing on the sofa when he should be studying. Must wake him... *A-hem!*

 

[Queenofallthings]

YIPPPEEE FOR SINGLE DIGITS

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Hi Elaine,
Your story is awesome, what a fantastic trip you will have! I'm so excited for you and your family!

From your last post, I have a couple of suggestions/comments for you:

Plans so far


Well, the plans so far, are that I pretty much have none! I'm trying to dig out the sheet of paper with a few notes on as I type...

Well, we leave on Tuesday 10th of May.
Leave the UK at 1pm, arrive in Orlando at 5pm
(yet it's a 9 and a half hour flight - fascinating to someone that doesn't travel!)

How long do you think it would take to get to the hotel from the airport?
We'll be on the Magic Express, though I was recently slightly disappointed to find out that we wont be getting the yellow tags for luggage that I keep reading about.
I would say at least 2 hours to get to your resort due to having to go through customs and gathering your luggage. As long as you don't run into any problems you should be able to make it to wishes.

And although it's not time efficient, as it's our first ever Disney trip, I was thinking of getting to MK via the ferry. Sure it'll mean going around the long way, but for someone who has never seen the Castle, I like the idea of how it looks, from what I've read of other people
It would be a fantastic way to get there!


Scarlett and I have a reservation for lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table on Thursday at 1:15. I hope I wont be bringing the baby with us, but might need to.
If possible, thinking of something for the boys and Liam to do while we're there would be good. Although I could let them wonder around aimlessly, just to reinforce to Liam that my plans are the best plans
My suggestion would be to send all the boys to the Pirate Tutorial with Jack Sparrow. It's across the way from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. They have several shows a day, and I believe the boys might enjoy it!

Saturday 14th is breakfast at Chef Mickey's (at the Contemporary I think?) for 9:35

Tuesday 17th we have dinner booked at O'hana. Unfortunately the only time we could get was late at 8:45, so we're hoping the children will nap that day.
DH and I just did this in April, and we loved it. They really do get the kids involved and the food is all you can eat awesomeness!!

As I mentioned before, I need to get to Island of Adventure for Harry Potter one day.

We also need to get to Jedi training, was thinking on a non star wars weekend day - so we could do one day at HS for SWW and one for regular HS stuff.
Get there early! You will want to do this first thing because they fill up very fast. They do have 10 shows a day typically though. They sign people up right outside of Star Tours

I really want to make the flower and garden and pixar show too.
We loved this!

Fortunately we have enough days to do each park twice Oh, and Liam wants to make it to a water park at some point (I'm not nearly as fussed lol) and I'm pretty sure he'd like to get to a Walmart - seriously! I can picture you guys laughing at this but Walmart is like a tourist attraction for us!
Walmart! Too funny! I hope that you have a good experience and not see something that will shock and appall you into never wanting to come to America again!

HOORAY FOR SINGLE DIGITS!!!

I truly hope that you have a fantastic time. Try to remember that you won't be able to do it all, and that's okay. Do the things that you know you'll regret not seeing and live the experience through your children's eyes. I look forward to seeing a trip report on this adventure!

P.S. I hope you take my advice as it is intended, hopefully not sounding pushy or bossy. I really want you and your family to have the best experience!

 

[lamb616]

I'm LOL about Walmart. Have you, perchance, visited the Peopleofwalmart.com site to prepare yourself?

I sent you a PM.

What is your last day there? Do you plan to do each park twice? and then 2 days at Universal? Also, do you have Hoppers?

 

[Sundancer UK]

YIPPPEEE FOR SINGLE DIGITS

I know right?!?!

Hi Elaine,
Your story is awesome, what a fantastic trip you will have! I'm so excited for you and your family!

From your last post, I have a couple of suggestions/comments for you:

Thank you sooooo much That is a huge help!

I'm LOL about Walmart. Have you, perchance, visited the Peopleofwalmart.com site to prepare yourself?

I sent you a PM.

What is your last day there? Do you plan to do each park twice? and then 2 days at Universal? Also, do you have Hoppers?

Hehehe yes we might have seen it Source of much hilarity!
Over here we do have Asda, which is as the sign says 'Part of the Walmart family' - but it's not the same! Liam wants to see if it really does sell guns I suspect. Now that idea is *so* odd to us. Guns are just never seen here except very rarely on some police. My husband works for the police and only occasionally sees the coppers that has them I think.
I just want him to bring me new and interesting flavours of Ben and Jerry's!!!


OK, last day there is the 24th, and we'll be leaving America in the evening. I'm not sure yet what time we'll need to get on the ME though.

I'm keeping parks slightly fluid. I've read through the Unofficial Guide book and it seems like it'll be good to do each park twice at a more leisurely rate.

Yes, we do have park hoppers

Only one day at Universal - I was kind of yikes at the price, so we're only going for WWoHP, and only because I think I would cry at being the closest I will ever be and not being able to look!


Well, the night sure crept up on me today. It's almost midnight and I need to tidy up for the morning. I've spent so much time packing and caring for my poorly baby who has conjunctivitis, he's a bit miserable with it


Oh but some news I simply must share before bed! Last week we filled in three separate forms for school, requesting time off for the holiday. I was worried as with all the bank holidays, the timing of Easter, the days off for the Royal Wedding, children are only getting 18 days of school this half term! Because of Disney my lot will only get 8!

But here it is:

We'd have been going anyway - but phew - *huge* sigh of relief



.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Congrats for getting the leave request approved! Poor Robin, I hope his condition improves very soon!

The park hoppers will give you so much flexibility. You may even be able to get to some of the parks more than twice with those!

 

[Sundancer UK]

Congrats for getting the leave request approved! Poor Robin, I hope his condition improves very soon!

Thanks, he's a bit miserable today His eyes were completely glued shut this morning.
It's all hayfever related! This season has been awful for dry weather - we've had very little rain but a *lot* of pollen, so it's swirling around with the dust making a kind of smog in the city. My sister in law was at the beach last week and said it's nothing like London down there for hayfever.
I'm hoping that when we get to Disney we'll find the heat and air different enough to ease any suffering, but I'll be taking antihistamines anyway - especially for that garden show