I'm Ordering a big BLT for Thanksgiving 2010 NEW 12/3 started TR! see link

[DisMomAmy]

I think you are going to have the hardest time planning without the DHS hours/entertainment schedules. Based on last year's calendars, it looks like MK will have Spectro & Wishes every night during that busy week so you'll just have to worry about EMH. DHS, on the other hand, seems to have Fantasmic on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays right now - though there are some Mondays in October. The EMHs seem to change... right now, and again in the fall, they have EMH am on Saturdays and EMH pm on Mondays (with some Sundays in October). During the busy summer months they have EMH on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. So you have two factors to deal with for DHS...

Hopefully you'll get the park hours early enough to figure it all out. The October hours are out so you can probably expect the November hours at the end of April. So I wouldn't stress too much between now & then. You'll have almost a full month to figure out your itinerary before your ADR day.

Hopefully you'll have your itinerary all done when we get back in May. I can't wait to see what it looks like after the hours are published.

 

[mousescrapper]

I would think Tues would be easier. I hope you get it. Are you making your dining reservations online? If you do, you can start at 6 a.m. That's how we were able to get CRT. I logged on at exactly 6 a.m. and got it no problem.

Yes I plan to book online....I will be up bright and early that morning...now is that 6 am FL time or 6 am CST?

I think you are going to have the hardest time planning without the DHS hours/entertainment schedules. Based on last year's calendars, it looks like MK will have Spectro & Wishes every night during that busy week so you'll just have to worry about EMH. DHS, on the other hand, seems to have Fantasmic on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays right now - though there are some Mondays in October. The EMHs seem to change... right now, and again in the fall, they have EMH am on Saturdays and EMH pm on Mondays (with some Sundays in October). During the busy summer months they have EMH on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. So you have two factors to deal with for DHS...

what...AHHHH way to much info at one time...brain is about too

Hopefully you'll get the park hours early enough to figure it all out. The October hours are out so you can probably expect the November hours at the end of April. So I wouldn't stress too much between now & then. You'll have almost a full month to figure out your itinerary before your ADR day.

Yes that is what I am hoping....


Hopefully you'll have your itinerary all done when we get back in May. I can't wait to see what it looks like after the hours are published.

Oh man that is right...you'll be coming back right before my ADR time...crazy huh?


OK so this EHM thing w/ DHS...

we are not planning to see F! this trip so I am not concerned about that...but do know I need to be wary of the crowds...but personally I think anyone in DHS at night is there to see the LIGHTS!

this is the ONLY reason we want to go to DHS at night...to see those LIGHTS!

that is the one crazy factor for me in deciding what to do w/ DHS.

I know last yr they were on before TG...so I am hopeful that will be the case, as I am thinking less of crowds maybe by 2 people vs after TG...

this is what Heidi (MRYPPNS) sent me in an email:

"I just read that your hopping problem has been solved! Yeah for that. Touring Plans crowd calendar is for the most part based on the EMH schedule....they avoid those parks like the plague..... and historically which days are the busiest on which days. Until the EMH schedule is out for November it's a carp shoot. For planning I would just decide what ADR's you want to go with what park or free day. Then you can just plug those in once the schedule comes out. And really when the crowd levels are that high it's most important to have a good touring plan and be there at rope drop. I would even think about doing the Morning EMH's then hopping to a non-EMH park for the late afternoon evening, with a swim/rest break mid-day most days. That way you can take advantage of the parks being open late (in theory)."

this was my reply:

"thanks Heidi...

for all your good thoughts....

carp shoot huh?

Ok best I just steer clear of the itinerary planning then for now and just sit on what I have till beginning May.

The ADR'S we want yes are somewhat tied to the parks and free day...but I am really stuck w/ those days I am already thinking due to the holiday, b-days and Matt's parents w/ us.

but you may be right w/ the hopper we can just go where we need to go first thing and hop to a hopeful less crowded place in the afternoon/evening.

I am trying to be more flexible..(HA) w/ the touring stuff this yr...just feel good if I have a firm set plan of days.

at least only 3 out of the 7 park days are kind of up in the air.

we shall see."


so my conclusion for now is stick w/ what I have wait and see what is announced end of April early May for my days in question

Sun 21 PM

Mon 22 all day

Tues 23 all day


and then tweak as needed...


Ok enough said on that right?


J~

 

[Native NYer]

6 am EST

 

[mousescrapper]

Do you want in on a secret?

Do you want to see what is in my Disney planning/trip box?

Do you know the password?


*


*



*




*




*



Ok there isn't a password....





Now if I showed you pictures of everything individually in the box...it would take like 3 posts to share if not more...seriously this is some bad addiction I have

so let's just look at it all togehter:

UM I bet you thinking this is all for going? are you sure you didn't just get back...

when I showed Matt the pictures he was like

Now what is all of that?​

On Feb 26th I decided to empty out the box and take stock of what was in there before I started adding anything else too it and realized I had 1 too many of a certain item…

I’m telling you the dollar bins at target are dangerous!

I also realized I had better start a running total of what I have bought since the last trip in March ’09.

First is what was in the box (not including what new stuff I bought since the last trip)

*1 toddler size rain jacket (store bought)

*1 kid size WDW poncho (have a few adult ones elsewhere)

*Misc traveling papers, old GAC card from 09, old Diser tag, laminated kid friendly maps, DVC member mag w/ BLT on cover for silly photo op at BLT

*Leftover items from 09:

Unused DVC coloring book, sm AK free activity book, blank paper Ariel note pad (for drawing), small kid activity books (semi used) Peter Pan, 2 Princess ones, WTP learning cards, glow bracelets

Leftover pennies and quarters in holder for Pressed Pennies

2 three load each mini bottles of All laundry detergent and 1 anti-bacterial hand lotion

*Kid Boredom busters:

1 Ariel bubbles on rope, 3 mini slinkies, markers on clip, mini MMCH magic reveal book (leftover from a b-day goodie bag), Disney Kid Question cards on a clip, mini MMCH etch sketch, mini pack of crayons, 3 tiny notepads and stickers, mini MMCH light up wand

*Other park touring essentials:

1 plastic snack container (for Margaret), trading pin backs, 2 stroller clip for towel cover, rubberband (you never know), 3 autograph book page holders, mini lint roller, safety-pins, foldable green MM bag and bag holder, straps for Margaret’s 1 Minnie plush and cup (plus that cup), and the rope w/ balls on end that we attach to stroller for kids to hold

Also have (just not in box yet):

3 light up MM head wands for nighttime parades, etc
Partially used autograph books
Kids pin lanyards

And of course the loads of shirts and girls costumes (some set aside)

As I am typing this I realize this will be the last Disney trip w/ a lot of these items…as our next planned family trip will be sometime in 2013 and my youngest Margaret will be going on 7 (Mae going on 11 and the twins going on 14 based on when we go) Scary…​

So what have I bought and added to the box?



*Princess Sticker Art set (on sale, leftover from last Christmas decided not to give Mae) will be good for airport and/or resort room $ 3.50

*Finding Nemo and Princess Color Wonder books for Margaret (put to the side after her b-day and Christmas last yr) no cost

* 2 Magnetic play boards “Fairies” and Mr. Potato Head (one just found in basement unused and other was a set aside gift from Margaret’s b-day or C-mas last yr) no cost

*Incredibles Decoder Kit (for Michael) $1.00

*2 mini activity books plus stickers (Mickey and MMCH) $2.00

* 2 tiny MM board books $2.00

* 1 disposable bib (for Margaret) $1.00

* 2 “I have Aspergers” silicone bracelets (for Michael) $ 6.00

* 6 Fairy pens on rope (autographs) $2.00 (came 3 in a pack)

* 2 lrg Nemo pens (not super size just thick) possibly for autographs $1.00

* 1 pkg of 4 Ariel pop up pencils and 1 pkg of 6 animal pop up pencils (for writing-non parks better than broken tips on reg pencils) $2.00

Misc surprises/gifts:


*Snow white light up musical wand (for Margaret) $ 3.00

* Mini MMCH Holiday see and say (for Margaret and found at after Cmas sale at Kohls) $

*AiW book (for Mae) $1.00

* 2 Winter Princess Santa style hats for little girls (got at after cmas sale-Target have to see if will fit and then will have my sister surge their names on them) $ 10.00

* And my most recent find on clearance at Target a castle light-up cake topper $ 2.50

Approx total of pre-bought items (including some gifts) = $40.40

For all those shirts I showed you in the fashion show, of what I actually bought this is my rough total (can’t find all the packing slips): $102

Plus clothes that are gifts: $100.80

Grand total as of 3-29-10 for Pre-Disney Purchases (granted this is stretched out since like August of 08) is $243.20


I am sure there will be some more misc things to be bought, new shoes, etc and some special things just for the trip...but I feel pretty good in saying over 7 mo out from the trip, the majority of my pre-trip shopping is done



Up NEXT: Special Creative creations w/ help of the DISigns and ordering of some customs (plus asking for some special Diser made hairclips-Becky)

thanks for reading as always,

Scrappie J~

 

[DisMomAmy]

Sounds like a good plan! I think you could drive yourself crazy if you try to plan much more without knowing the schedules.

 

[mousescrapper]

6 am EST

Ok then that means 5 am me....

 

[DisMomAmy]

You need a bigger box.

 

[mousescrapper]

Sounds like a good plan! I think you could drive yourself crazy if you try to plan much more without knowing the schedules.

Yes I agree....now to wait.

J~

 

[mousescrapper]

You need a bigger box.

yeah, no kidding....

it actually all fits w/ the exception of the clothes they're in a bag on top and the costumes and the gifts...ok that is just silly.

J~

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I was thinking exactly what Amy typed!! Bigger box, anyone?? LOL!!

Honestly though, I have missed having a Disney box for this trip. It was a nice place to put all those "just for the trip" items. Although, without the kids' things I have less, I still have some things that now have no place to go!

7 months out and mostly all pre-trip shopping done! Not bad.....but I'll believe it when I see it!

Glow sticks....an essential and one of the best tips I ever got here on the DIS!! I see them on the bed, but not on the list. That is what I see, right?

 

[Charleston Princess]

That is one super duper Disney box!!!

 

[Native NYer]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.
I have a Disney box. It's so much easier to buy stuff in advance.

 

[mousescrapper]

7 months out and mostly all pre-trip shopping done! Not bad.....but I'll believe it when I see it!

Glow sticks....an essential and one of the best tips I ever got here on the DIS!! I see them on the bed, but not on the list. That is what I see, right?

Yes... there is plenty of things to buy...but mostly big stuff, I have to say the misc little things is done.

and yes the glow sticks are on the list...I realized I had not added them on the list (edit after post)...you actually looked at the pictures

That is one super duper Disney box!!!

thanks CP! what will I put in my box for next trips...w/ no kids and then when the kids are entering the teen yrs...eek! good thing Margaret will still be under 10 I can buy all the cute stuff for her.

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.
I have a Disney box. It's so much easier to buy stuff in advance.

and it's a good place to store that trip stuff in between!

Oh forgot something...


I picked up a new swimsuit/cover-up set w/ Tink on it for Margaret...it was at Costco. now I bought a 4T so a little big, I have to see if she has any hand-me down Disney suits from Mae first and then most likely try it on...so it's still in the maybe "pile"


J~

 

[MRYPPNS]

Ahhhhh....your last two posts confirmed to me that I only what to plan a trip 3 to 6 months in advance. You don't spend as much money and you don't drive yourself crazy planning.

 

[mousescrapper]

Matt and his spinal injury and arm pain....

he has recieved his final hydrocortisone shot a week ago this past Friday and had a Superman weekend for 2 1/2 days...but by last Monday...slowly back to the constant to horrible pain in his arm and neck plus constant discomfort.

He has one week (this week) left w/ PT and then the next phase...



Margaret and her food issues...

she recently came back w/ a positive test to carrying 1 of the genes for celiac disease. still not a positive confirmation of celiac but the gluten sensitivity is firm and most likely something she will deal w/ her whole life. As far as milk and egg...continue on those restirctions of out of her diet till her b-day end of this yr. Then start a re-challange...but I may ask to delay that till after Disney and Christmas...I do not want to risk her getting sick like earlier this yr (she was sick /in 24 hrs and took her from early Dec to end of Feb to recover)

Twins and school needs (Michael HFA & ADHD, Aldine PDDNOS & ADHD)...

Michael ended his Friday before school in a fight and being shoved so hard he came home w/ a bruise...yes he is OK, but the Friday after school resumes next week is his IEP eligibilty meeting (he does not have one...been trying for 3 yrs)...Mom has been having stomach pains since Saturday afternoon...yeah right to their request don't let this ruin your SB...maybe this wouldn't have happend if he had an IEP w/ a better Behavorial Plan in it...this fight shouldn't have ended w/ a child being hurt and that is how the teacher found out....

Aldine is managing homework better...but I still do not think the school get's it...begining some new med's to help w/ some rigidity issues


Other what nots...

working on my first "for sale" custom Disney book...almost done will post pic's on BLOG when done...Mae is scrapbooking a small Disney book from 08 and 09 and plans to add after this yrs trip.

MY Mom and Dad had a great day at Disney on Sat (27th) they arrived just before 9 am and parked in lot A...did LwtL, Seas, SSE, got FP's for Soarin had lunch in the Land before that...then did countries...saw everyone except Norway and Mexico. saw entertainment in UK, France, USA and China...loved Teppan Edo...came away w/ a Chef's hat for her b-day. Stayed for Illuminations and sat on a bench right at the railing opposite Norway. Also went shopping at Mouse Gear! Plus my Dad's sister and BIL turned in a 1 day left on an old 1985 passport and got in for free...had never been to Epcot before...just loved everything!

said she had a wonderful day and my plan (w/ Heidi and you all's suggestions) was great...

May be off the Dis for a few days now while kids on Break...

Enjoy Spring if you can,

AND if you think of it...Thursday is not just April Fool's Day...but start of AUTISM Awarness month....WEAR BLUE! TYPE IN BLUE, whatever you can this one day in support of autism awarness...not just for my children but for so many out there living each day w/ it...

to Billy, Alex and Zach, irishdancer's son, Triple P's son, Gabriel, and all my other friend's special children
J~

 

[mousescrapper]

Ahhhhh....your last two posts confirmed to me that I only what to plan a trip 3 to 6 months in advance. You don't spend as much money and you don't drive yourself crazy planning.

yes last March did not seem very crazy to me...this one doesn't either...but I have put alot more thought into it....

 

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks for the updates on everyone! You need a vacation!

Also thanks for the reminder about autism awareness blue on Thursday. And for the shout out to my kiddos!!

Hang in there this week!

 

[Native NYer]

I hope everything with your children works out. An IEP would definitely make things easier for your son. I have a student with an IEP and the modifications help her so much.

 

[mousescrapper]

Thanks for the updates on everyone! You need a vacation!


just wish it was away from my house...


Also thanks for the reminder about autism awareness blue on Thursday. And for the shout out to my kiddos!!



Hang in there this week!

thanks going ok...today (at a museum) was a bit dicey at first, but had a nice conversation w/ another Dad who's son is HFA..noticed Michael's autism lanyard he wears when we go out...made me feel a bit better...at least there are those who understand.

I hope everything with your children works out. An IEP would definitely make things easier for your son. I have a student with an IEP and the modifications help her so much.

thanks, appreciate that

AND if you think of it...Thursday is not just April Fool's Day...but start of AUTISM Awarness month....WEAR BLUE! TYPE IN BLUE, whatever you can this one day in support of autism awarness...not just for my children but for so many out there living each day w/ it...

Ok so I had my days confused...the buildings including 4 in downtown Chicago are lighting blue tomorrow on Thrusday the 1st BUT Autism World Awarness is the second...

so hey wear blue on Friday or everyday...

If we go to see the lights...I'll post after Easter...

J~

 

[KathyRN137]

Aw, shucks, Julie! You know I could probably fit all that stuff in my Disney Bag!


Thanks for the shout-out to Billy! And hugs to Matt... Hope he doesn't need surgery.

Sending a monorail full of pixiedust for Michael's IEP eligibility meeting...






Kathy