I'm Not Old Enough to Drive to Disney World? May/June 2011 PTR**Back Home! 6/5**

[zianha]

In a perfect (Disney) World, I would spend an entire 14-30 days at Walt Disney World! I can see it now! Touring the parks at a more leisurely pace, hanging out at the resort pool, hitting up the water parks, Downtown Disney and spending some time just doing whatever we feel like doing! But for now, that's not possible so for our May/June 2011 trip, me and my 2 kids will just be at the World for 7 days. I CAN'T WAIT!!

Ok, my original plan was actually 5 days, May 29th to June 2nd at Pop Century. Just me and my boys, like it has been for the past 6 years. Back in October when I was making my plans, I mentioned to my sister that she should try to go. I was giving her plenty of time to plan and save for the trip. She said "Maybe." I left it at that and made my plans. I decided to drive since airfare was alot more than gas getting there and back, even having to get an inexpensive room on the road both ways.

Now, fast forward to the beginning of January. I saved more money than I planned so now our trip is set for May 29th to June 5th! My sister and her husband finally decided that they wanted to take their 3 kids and go at the same time as me. YAY! But my mom, who hasn't been to WDW in about 10 years because of her bad knees, hears me and my sister discussing our travel dates and she perks up and said she was interested in going. At first, I was excited because she hadn't been to Disney World in all these years because she refused to even consider a wheelchair or scooter, but then I found out quickly her actual intentions.

Yes, I'm a single mom.
Yes, I'm aware there's safety in numbers on a road trip.
Yes, I'm 36 and not only know how to use a map and GPS, but have driven myself to other Texas cities 200 miles or more away and even other nearby states.
No, my mom doesn't think I'm "old enough" to get me and my boys to Disney World and back without "a serial killer hopping in our car along the way."
Yes, these were her actual words.

The short version of our conversations about this goes like this: I told my mom it doesn't make sense for her and my dad to go to FL just to drive me and my boys there when they aren't going to stay at WDW resort or visit any parks. They need to spend their money going somewhere that they enjoy. But nope, she feels it's her civic duty to drive me because apparently serial killers don't like my ex-cop father and will leave us alone. <Sigh>

A few weeks ago, she tells me, "I wish I could find an airfare special so that I could just buy you tickets and fly you to Disney!" Once again, they need to spend their money on themselves, plus now my kids are excited about the road trip. My mom is un-phased by this notion, and about 2 weeks ago she hands me an email printout. She found an awesome deal and has purchased (non-refundable) airline tickets on Priceline. D'oh!!!

I look at how much it costs, and immediately plan to visit my bank to withdraw the cash to pay her because I know she'll just tear up my check. She's way ahead of me and says, "Don't bother trying to pay me back. I'll just use it to buy Disney gift cards and give them to the boys." Keep in mind, she is fine with my sister and her husband driving themselves to Disney. Once again, apparently serial killers don't like families of five.

Soooooo, now instead of starting my road trip to our Magical Vacation in the early morning hours of May 28th, I'll be going to the airport at 4:30a.m. on May 29th. I'm happy to get there faster and get to ride Disney's Magical Express (I love it!!), but I'm having lots of guilt that my parents won't let me pay them for the tickets. Despite this debacle, I'm still SO EXCITED!!!!

So let's review: Our 2011 trip is reserved for May 29th to June 5th at Pop Century! We've NEVER stayed at Pop even though I always do a Value resort. Tune in next time for Part Two: The Obsessive Planning!

And hopefully I will have added some pictures by then!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Your mom seems alot like my mom. Once they have her mind is set on something you can't change it for anything.

We also seem to have a lot more in common. I am a 37 year old single mom. I have four kids, but I am only taking my son this year to disney to celebrate his 9th birthday. The other thing we have in common is that we are going to be at Disney at the same time. We are scheduled to be there from May 29-June 3. Do your boys (or any of your party for that matter) like Star Wars? If so you will be going during Star Wars Weekend. They are Friday, Sat, and Sun.

I checked out the crowd levels and they seem not to bad except for Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[zianha]

Your mom seems alot like my mom. Once they have her mind is set on something you can't change it for anything.

We also seem to have a lot more in common. I am a 37 year old single mom. I have four kids, but I am only taking my son this year to disney to celebrate his 9th birthday. The other thing we have in common is that we are going to be at Disney at the same time. We are scheduled to be there from May 29-June 3. Do your boys (or any of your party for that matter) like Star Wars? If so you will be going during Star Wars Weekend. They are Friday, Sat, and Sun.

I checked out the crowd levels and they seem not to bad except for Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day.

Can't wait to hear more.

Yep, there's no changing my mom's mind! She's stubborn! Hmmm, wonder where I got that from??

My youngest is 8 and will turn 9 in August! I like Star Wars and my kids mostly like Star Wars. I have been debating if we'll go on Sat the 4th! Maybe we'll cross paths!!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

We have a late flight on June 3rd, so we are going to SWW on that day. I also here the crowd on Friday's are not as bad (except for opening friday.)
I am going to post my itenerary on my PTR if you want to check it out. If things work out maybe we can plan a DisMeet. I am sure my son would love to go on a ride with someone his own ride and not his Mom.

 

[iheartbelle87]

Happy planning! Can't wait for the rest! We're arriving 10 days after you leave!

 

[zianha]

We have a late flight on June 3rd, so we are going to SWW on that day. I also here the crowd on Friday's are not as bad (except for opening friday.)
I am going to post my itenerary on my PTR if you want to check it out. If things work out maybe we can plan a DisMeet. I am sure my son would love to go on a ride with someone his own ride and not his Mom.

I haven't checked your PTR yet to see your itinerary yet, but that definitely would be fun if we have any chances for a DISmeet! What resort will you be staying at?

 

[zianha]

Happy planning! Can't wait for the rest! We're arriving 10 days after you leave!

Hi! As you'll see, I've been planning for months but now it's getting close and I have to make sure I have all my (Donald) ducks in a row!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I haven't checked your PTR yet to see your itinerary yet, but that definitely would be fun if we have any chances for a DISmeet! What resort will you be staying at?

I am currently staying at All-Star's Sports because that was the only thing that was available in the dates we were going for the Kids Play for Free special. I was looking yesterday and see some spots have opened at Pop for a little more money.

Hey, just saw that you are doing Pop. Wouldn't that be nice to have a meet at the Hotel.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

You would have had a nice road trip, but there is definitely perks to just hoping on a plane and getting there in a few hours! Enjoy it!

 

[zianha]

I am currently staying at All-Star's Sports because that was the only thing that was available in the dates we were going for the Kids Play for Free special. I was looking yesterday and see some spots have opened at Pop for a little more money.

Hey, just saw that you are doing Pop. Wouldn't that be nice to have a meet at the Hotel.

Sounds fun!!! Let's see if we can work it out!

 

[zianha]

You would have had a nice road trip, but there is definitely perks to just hoping on a plane and getting there in a few hours! Enjoy it!

Believe me, I prefer flying! The last time we drove to WDW my oldest was less than a year old! I just didn't want my parents paying for it. Of course, now that gas has gone up so much (and continuing to rise!!! ) my road trip would have been more expensive. I am very happy to get to the World faster and let the memories begin!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Sounds fun!!! Let's see if we can work it out!

Great news!!!! I have officially changed to Pop Century.

 

[zianha]

Great news!!!! I have officially changed to Pop Century.

AWESOME!!!!

 

[zianha]

While I see if I can get pics of my nieces and nephew to add to my PTR, I decided to pop in for a update.....

My sister and her family are still planning on driving to WDW (even with the cost of gas going up uP UP!!) so I've asked her if she'll have room to take a few of my things so I won't have to cram as much in my luggage. I pretty much just want her to take some snacks I want to have for late nights in the room and the loads of junk I bought that i deem as "must haves." This includes the misting fans, the light up toys and some of the swimming pool inflatables that I got for all of the kids. That's the other down side to my change in travel arrangements. I've got all kinds of stuff I was gonna be able to take in the car that I don't really want to stuff in my suitcases.

Turns out the inside of her Jeep Liberty isn't as big as I thought.
I've got to limit what I send with her or pack it very compactly to save space. Guess I'll see how this is going to work out. I'm thinking of shipping some of the stuff to the resort to meet me in a flat rate box through USPS.

Is it bad that I'm REALLY hoping my sister doesn't decide to fly too? I'm all about using her to take the stuff I don't want to take in my suitcase....shhhh, don't tell her....

 

[zianha]

My 8 year old twin nieces were 2 the last time they went to WDW. My 6 year old nephew has NEVER been (poor guy!). I was extremely excited when my sister said she and her husband decided to go ahead and go in May/June with me and my boys! I've spent the past few months showing my nieces and nephew pictures of POP, of all of the parks, of DTD. I even pulled out pictures of me and my sister from 1986, (our very first visit!) and all of the years til now! Awwww, memories!

Over the past several months I've stocked up on Disney related goods from Target, Dollar Tree, online.....anywhere I found cute (and inexpensive) items so that I can make some trip goody bags for the kids!

I lucked out and got some Disney Flashing light sticks!

These non Disney made Mickey Head shaped light up spinners

Found some fans on clearance for everyone

And a gaggle of other items....I'm not even sure everything is in this picture...

Maybe I shouldn't have done that last Mini Update saying that I was planning on having my sister take some of my things in her vehicle since I'm now flying. Maybe I went too far when I said "I'm all about using her to take the stuff I don't want to take in my suitcase....shhhh, don't tell her...."

I just found out a couple of hours ago that my sister doesn't think she wants to go at all anymore!!

I realize gas prices are going up and could very well be way higher by the end of May. But my sister is just kind of taking the easy way out because her husband didn't really want to go anyway, and he's already spent a couple thousand on his hunting lease that he uses all year. Plus, she has other things she'd rather spend their money on. That's fine and all, it's just that my nieces and nephew have been looking forward to going especially since my sister and her husband have been TWICE over the past six years and they didn't take their kids either time!!! One year, my sister won a prestigious award at her job and part of her prize was 4 days at WDW. She and her husband stayed at the Dolphin! The next time a year later, they had a conference at WDW (they work for the same company) and they got tickets for 2 days. Yep, my Disney hating brother-in-law went twice but they didn't make arrangements to take the kids

Ok, I think I'm getting way off track. But my sister has disappointed me but she has to make decisions that are best for her family. I get that, I'm just sad cuz I had all these plans of having pictures with the princesses with my nieces and group photos of all 8 of us all around the World. Oh well, maybe another time......

Ok, so being Disney obsessed as I am, I've actually been roughly making my plans for what park on what days since October. But now that it's 80 days, I've got what I want to pretend will be my "final" plan:

Sun- (Arriving around 1:00pm) DTD, might go to MK for EMH that night
Mon- Epcot
Tues- AK
Wed- MK
Thurs- DHS
Fri- Epcot
Sat- DHS for more Star Wars Weekend

So these are just the parks I'm going to in the morning (rope drop) until lunch or a bit after. We have hoppers because I like to go let the kids swim and rest after lunch then we go back to whatever park we feel like in the evenings. I keep it Commando touring in the mornings then only part Commando touring in the evenings.

We only have one ADR at Sci-fi Dine In Theater at HS on Thurs. We're not big foodies and I prefer just doing the CS.

Since my normal post was preempted by my rant about my sister.....next post will be official introductions and I'll tell you about all the Firsts that will happen on this trip even though I've been numerous times!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am very sorry that you sister is thinking of pulling out of the trip. Me and Liam will happily fill in for your adoptive family while at Disney World.

Looks like we are plans for the 29th, 30th, and 3rd are the same. Are you heading to MK right after you arrive at Pop or you going to go swimming until your room is ready and than head out. I was thinking that I would let Liam swim until our room is ready and than head out to MK. I have no real plans for that day except to see the Electric Parade and Wishes.

Page Two! Yeah!!!!!!!

 

[zianha]

I am very sorry that you sister is thinking of pulling out of the trip. Me and Liam will happily fill in for your adoptive family while at Disney World.

Looks like we are plans for the 29th, 30th, and 3rd are the same. Are you heading to MK right after you arrive at Pop or you going to go swimming until your room is ready and than head out. I was thinking that I would let Liam swim until our room is ready and than head out to MK. I have no real plans for that day except to see the Electric Parade and Wishes.

Page Two! Yeah!!!!!!!

Yes the plan is to swim when we first get to Pop, even if the room is ready we'll swim a bit, then rest a while incase I think I want to push our limits and do EMH at MK that night! Sounds like we'll have plenty of opportunities to hang out together with you and Liam!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

Do you have a certain pool in mind? This is our first time at Pop (first time at any resort for that matter) so we don't know much about the pools and are open to which one.

 

[zianha]

Do you have a certain pool in mind? This is our first time at Pop (first time at any resort for that matter) so we don't know much about the pools and are open to which one.

Mostly, we're gonna wing it when we get there and see which pool the boys agree on......who am I kidding? They probably won't agree but I'll see what happens!!

 

[zianha]

I had the most horrible dream last night! I was dreaming that my parents drove us to WDW after all (no, this was not the horrible part) and we got there on Sunday but very late in the evening so me and my kids just went to the room and went to bed to make rope drop at Epcot the next morning. In my dream my cousin went with us and we were staying at Ft Wilderness, only there were All-Star Movies rooms there that we were staying at.

Anyway, for some reason there were Christmas decorations up in the room and I was baffled why they were still there in May. We all went to bed but the next morning I didn't hear the alarm and woke up at 8am and immediately was upset that we wouldn't make rope drop. Me and my cousin start getting ready and getting my kids ready only to figure out I left all of our luggage at home in Texas! My cousin says we can just buy clothes from the shops! Oh ok! No problem, until I realize that I lost our park bags with our ponchos, fans, etc!! I was all panicked! We decided to go and make the most of it but it started raining as soon as we got to the turnstiles and then for some reason my KTTW card wouldn't work and the CM just said "Sorry, you'll just have to wait here for your family to get done." My kids and cousin waved bye to me and left me standing in the rain!!!! I woke up then but I was stressed out like it really had happened!

Luckily that was only a dream!

On the bright side, my sister has decided (again) to go ahead and make the trip this year after all! She couldn't stand the idea of breaking her kids' hearts by canceling! Woo hoo! GAME ON! Now I can continue with planning for all of us.....kind of....

First things first......since I haven't actually done introductions....here's the cast of this PTR:

These are my twin nieces and my nephew. Mikiah is on the left, Mikade is in the center and Mikenna is on the right.

My sister and her husband are Melonie and Mickey. They like the letter M a little.... But we actually call the kids Kiah, Kenna, and Kade most of the time.

Here are my kids! Zethan is on the left of Stitch, and Zadrin is on the right.

This picture is actually from 2009 but so far it's my all time favorite picture of them! And yes, I like the letter Z

Here's one more picture of all the kids together

I'm Shandale! I fell in love with Disney World way back in 1986 and have just become more obsessed and addicted every year!

So, this year's trip has alot of firsts for us even though I've been several times! I think It's been 13 or 14 times but I lost count of a few so I'm not sure. Here's a list of our "Firsts" of this trip:

It will be our first time with all 5 kids together!

First time staying at Pop Century

First time ever doing the dining plan! We're doing the QSDP with the Free Dining promo

First time riding TSM. How sad is this!! The past 2 years I just looked at the line and wait times and passed on TSM. I didn't bother getting a FP because both times the return window was 3-4 hours away and I knew at the time we wouldn't want to come back that day to ride it. But we're gonna make sure to ride this year!

First time to play mini golf at Winter Summerland. We've never played at either mini golf course.

Kade's first time to visit EVER!

First time we've actually added my son Zadrin's birthday as a special celebration. His birthday is a few days before we arrive.

First ADR meal all together. Ok, so that's not entirely true. 6 years ago we did a character breakfast at Ohana but Mikade wasn't born yet. This trip we have an ADR at Sci-fi Dine In Theater. It's only my 2nd ever sit down meal/ADR. I'm not much of a foodie and we just always do QS while at the World.

I always order the customized maps from the Disney World website before our trip and my nieces and nephew are excited for the maps to arrive!

We're all very excited! I can't wait! I've got to get my "pre-packing" started!!