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

[Charleston Princess]

Bekah's hair is adorable -- the perfect summer cut!

It is Big Baby!!!

The fairy village is wonderful!!! Your kids are so creative!

Love all the Fourth of July pictures!

 

[DisMomAmy]

thanks it's the perfect frame...and w/ a tripod simple

And kids that can sit still long enough for the camera to take the picture!

 

[irish dancer]

Great pics from the 4th!! We had great fireworks in Itasca and so glad the rain stayed away!!

Hope the van repairs are manageable - DH just had his Cadillac fixed and it ended up costing $700+ (ouch).

Thanks for the info on the Dells. I think we're just going to stay within the Kalahari except for some meals. Need to save the budget for a trip to NJ at the end of the month for DHs family reunion.

Well, break time is over - off to finish packing.......

 

[mousescrapper]

Great pictures... looks like you have been busy this weekend! I love Bekah's hair - it looks so cute! And good for her wanting to donate it!

thanks...yes she got it cut while Matt was out of town...he was a bit shocked

That is a great family picture of all of you. You look cute in your red, white & blue theme. Love the fairy garden too. And about Big Baby!

thanks

PS - I have that same magnet on my minivan! Hope your air gets fixed! I just got a nice check from Kia for all the trouble I had with my van leaking... it's paying for my girls weekend trip!

on the magnet and oh man that is great news about your lemon-van

Bekah's hair is adorable -- the perfect summer cut!

I agree...I am happy w/ her hair, it was fine long too...but this is way more managable

It is Big Baby!!!


too funny huh?

The fairy village is wonderful!!! Your kids are so creative!

I found the directions on the family fun site...it was a bit tricky, but a fun afternoon activity

Love all the Fourth of July pictures!

thanks

And kids that can sit still long enough for the camera to take the picture!

yes...that is required...the end shot looks easy but not always easy to get

Great pics from the 4th!! We had great fireworks in Itasca and so glad the rain stayed away!!



Hope the van repairs are manageable - DH just had his Cadillac fixed and it ended up costing $700+ (ouch).

YUCK...I know we seriously do not need any more unexpected expenses right now

Thanks for the info on the Dells. I think we're just going to stay within the Kalahari except for some meals. Need to save the budget for a trip to NJ at the end of the month for DHs family reunion.

Your welcome...sounds good and hey anytime away from home is fun...those waterpark resorts are pretty cool too!

Well, break time is over - off to finish packing.......

I'm packing too and really appreciate myself when I pack for big trips like Disney more than just the week of...

 

[lexmas]

I am subbing even though it's going to take me awhile to catch up!

 

[mousescrapper]

I am subbing even though it's going to take me awhile to catch up!

well AWESOME!



use the post links on page 1 post 2...to help speed it along...and yes the names will change half way through but still same kids...

thanks for saying hi here too

 

[lexmas]

Alright, all caught up. DS is sick and DD still takes two naps a day, so that helped me speed through.

I loved every word of it! That is a crazy amount of stuff you have going on (well, with four kids, I guess it's bound to get a little crazy!) but you seem to be planning really well.

I'm taking notes and trying to get organized. I think you're inspiring me!

Those t-shirts are too funny. Is it sad that when I saw the picture of your "disney box" I was like, "those are shirts from disneyshopping!" just based on the packaging.

I love all the designs you have planned out for shirts. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

I think it's so great that you and DH have a no-TV night. That's so sweet!

BLT looks gorgeous. That lounge is just so amazing. I hope you get to spend time there!

Oh, the food lists. I know how that is. I haven't contacted anyone yet about DD, but I'll probably have you send me the lists you have anyway. I'll be in touch about that soon!

You had a lot on your plate with ADR's, but it seems like you got it all in. It sounds delicious!

I bookmarked your blog...I'll hop over there when I get some free time!

Can't wait to read more, I'm so glad that I'm caught up now!

 

[Native NYer]

Bekah's new cut is adorable.
How is your Disney planning coming along?

 

[mousescrapper]

Alright, all caught up. DS is sick and DD still takes two naps a day, so that helped me speed through.

well glad I can help fill that down time

I loved every word of it! That is a crazy amount of stuff you have going on (well, with four kids, I guess it's bound to get a little crazy!) but you seem to be planning really well.

I'm taking notes and trying to get organized. I think you're inspiring me!

thanks that is sweet

Those t-shirts are too funny. Is it sad that when I saw the picture of your "disney box" I was like, "those are shirts from disneyshopping!" just based on the packaging.


yes lots of pre-sale shopping

I love all the designs you have planned out for shirts. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

thanks I was hoping to do them a week ago but hopefully DH & I can do them very soon

I think it's so great that you and DH have a no-TV night. That's so sweet!

BLT looks gorgeous. That lounge is just so amazing. I hope you get to spend time there!

me too it looks like a great place to chill and see the views

Oh, the food lists. I know how that is. I haven't contacted anyone yet about DD, but I'll probably have you send me the lists you have anyway. I'll be in touch about that soon!

glad to help

You had a lot on your plate with ADR's, but it seems like you got it all in. It sounds delicious!

yes not doing a TS each day helps not to be too tied to a massive time schedule each day

I bookmarked your blog...I'll hop over there when I get some free time!


cool I need to get some more projects done so I can update over there too


Can't wait to read more, I'm so glad that I'm caught up now!

Bekah's new cut is adorable.
How is your Disney planning coming along?

thanks Jennnifer!

I have a huge DHS post but I am up in MI this weekend, so it will have to wait till I get home...

I am also working on my MUST lists and basic info for each major park and just transfer some dining info over on some other palnning sheets I found on the boards..plus making a cool trip note pad...

will share all soon

J~

 

[Native NYer]

Can't wait for the next update.
Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Happy weekend!!

 

[Charlefours]

Hi Stephanie...

missed you over here...thanks for reading through all that...yes that day (end of school yr) was really tough for him and I

I figured the airfare was gonna be bad...wished not...but 6 people + thanksgiving holiday... oh well....if it is the only thing we charge...it's not that bad...

We'll have to play it by ear for the Tink thing...but hopefully it will work out since most likely a few of her other things will be scratched due to budget...

I am enjoying reading your PTR I may not get over as often as I hope, but when I get a chance I do enjoy catching up.

I really love Naomi-Ruth's list. So completely adorable and reminds me the simplest things matter.

Ak trails: from what I remember, I really enjoyed both. We walked them after we got off the safari (which was first thing in the morning) so we were able to see quite a few of the animals. Definitely high up on our list of things to do at AK too. I love your list!!

Wonderful family photo on the 4th! Can you believe I forgot to take on during our celebration? Bekah's hair is really cute! What a wonderful thing for her to do.

 

[mousescrapper]

Can't wait for the next update.
Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

coming up ASAP!

Happy weekend!!

thanks it was a great weekend away w/ our friends...good food, fun and tons of laughing

I am enjoying reading your PTR I may not get over as often as I hope, but when I get a chance I do enjoy catching up.




I really love Naomi-Ruth's list. So completely adorable and reminds me the simplest things matter.

yes it is fun to be 3-4 yrs old

Ak trails: from what I remember, I really enjoyed both. We walked them after we got off the safari (which was first thing in the morning) so we were able to see quite a few of the animals. Definitely high up on our list of things to do at AK too. I love your list!!

that is my thinking and DH wants to do it first thing too

Wonderful family photo on the 4th! Can you believe I forgot to take on during our celebration? Bekah's hair is really cute! What a wonderful thing for her to do.

I know I hate when that happens...w/ just the 6 of us...I can remember...Bekah was very proud of herself!

 

[mousescrapper]

Disney Hollywood Studios….​

“is a theme park dedicated to the process of making films, theatre productions, televisions shows, and music. The park also pays tribute to classic achievements in film and other arts, especially those that have become part of popular American culture.”

-excerpt from the Unofficial Guide Color Companion to Walt Disney World


“is a theme park dedicated to the mad rush of guests trying to ride and get FP’s for Toy Story Mania, or scream and be thrilled on some great thrill rides like Tower of Terror. It has a confusing layout not a hub and spoke style like the magic Kingdom and it can require lot’s of zigzagging to catch your FP attractions and live shows. Most of the park’s attractions are live shows which makes this park one of the most difficult to fully plan in advance. Rain at this park is a blessing in disguise as it helps clear out the non brave patrons. This park can appeal to all ages, but not as well as the classic magic of MK. It is doable in one long day of touring, but still not possible to see it all. This park has some of the best hidden secrets and fun extras that most people don’t see or go right past…”

-excerpt from Scrappie’s guide to WDW

Let’s talk DHS:

Lessons Learned from our previous trips:

* If we do not want to see everything, this is still a 1-day park for us

* pictures from the BrownDerby restaurant look cool in B&W

* Star Wars Weekends are cool, but you can not do the Star Wars stuff and still have a full day of regular park stuff to accomplish…must split it up between two days…1 non SWW day and 1 SWW day

* I think it always rains in Disney's Hollywood...

* ABC comm. Counter service is mediocre for food and service…but still if you time it right before the normal dinner rush is one of the best quiet indoor areas to take a break in…

* GAC card works semi well here

* Touring list needs to be a bit smaller for breaks, meals, etc at this park for us

From our 2009 trip:

What we missed that was on original touring plan for the day:

* Action Stunt show- times didn’t work once there

* HSM pep ralley- rain had it stopped and canceled several times

* HISTK playset- after rain just too wet

* Eating at Studio Catering Co CS

* We skipped Beauty and Beast Show and MV3D

* Some of the stores

What we’d like to Do AGAIN!

* Arrive for pre-park opening to see the opening show again…try to get there earlier to be farther up

* Participate in the Drawing Academy

* Fantasmic

* If ever possible again time in right for the awesome character explosion meet and greet in the Animation area

NOT again for 2010:

* I should try RnRC instead of ToT for a change

* Skip beginning of Animation Tour…though kids thought Mushu was funny…just not necessary or worth waiting for.

cont in next post (need to upload pictures)

 

[mousescrapper]

Past trip FUN and MEMORIES:

check out these pictures of some of our best memories/moments...

Twins w/ Woody-2005 (ages 6)

Matt and I on the NYC back-drop- 2005

Rachel playing in the HISTK playset-2005 (age 2 ½)

Matt and Sorcerer Mickey -2005

Meeting the “Director” – 2008 (Rachel age 5 1/2)

Nathan outside of his new Favorite Ride TSM-2008 (age 9)

Naomi-Ruth meeting Jo-Jo-2008 (age 18 mo)

Trading w/ the Jawa-2008

Matt and I on a speedracer-2008

Naomi-Ruth getting ready for TSM-2009 (age 2)

Grandma (my Mom) and Rachel waiting to be seated at Sci-Fi-2009 (R-age 6 ½)

Ja-Ja (my Dad) w/ some of the kids -2009

Meeting BOLT and Rhino-2009

Meeting Mike and Sully-2009

Nightime-2009

cont in next post...

 

[mousescrapper]

What’s in the works for Nov 2010?


On the starting out MUST LIST:

* TGMR
* TSM
* Backlot Tour
* VotLM
* Picture of Matt and I on the NYC backdrop
* Drawing Academy
* Osborne Lights
* Take picture by Singing in the Rain Umbrella
* Have kids pull Indiana Jones Rope
* Meet and Greet w/ Buzz, Woody….
* Any new characters?
* Get a Butterfinger Cupcake at SRC

On the Starting If Time List:

* Characters
* Beauty and the Beast Show
* HISTK play set
* PHDL
* One’s Man Dream
* Mom-ToT or RnRC


Eating Choices:

QS only-Studio Catering Co, Sunset Market (Heidi’s recommendation), Backlot Express, and Staring Rolls Café (snacks)

Dining Plans…lunch once and snacks


Touring Days:

Day 4 Monday 11-22
Opens at 9:00 am PM EMH this park
Tour day w/ GP’s (grandparents-Matt’s parents)


Basic starting plan:

* Arrive pre-park opening shooting for 8:30/8:45 am

Must do’s

* Matt get FP’s for TSM (for GP's)
* TGMR
* Backlot Tour
* Picture of Matt & I NYC
* TSM
* VotLM or FP and come back
* Buzz & Woody Character Meet and Greet
* Drawing Academy (may split up for this-PHDL ?)
* LUNCH in there somewhere shooting for the elusive 11:30 time frame

If time allows:

Other characters
Beauty and Beast Show

***think the time allows list is unlikely w/ our time frame for the day...

Try to leave by 1PM…

Concerns:

* I feel like we have a small list…but maybe it’s still to big for only 4 hrs in the park…we (our 6) can always push an extra hour and let the GP’s head back to BLT first and skip resort hop to BCV for holiday sighting?

* How will we save time on transportation? Taking bus back to CR or going through EP and taking monorail?

Other plans for the Day:

Possible resort hop to BCV to see Holiday chocolate carrousel
Cut through Epcot (no rides) to take monorail back to BLT
Break and rest
HDDR at 5 pm

Try and arrive around 3:30 pm to look at Horse Barn/Museum before check-in

Back to resort for night

Most likely night for Matt to do his 1-ride night at MK, just needs to avoid Spectro/Wishes crowds

Changes from 1st plan….originally all going back to MK for Spectro and Wishes but decided to crazy to try and crunch that in w/ HDDR ending at 7 pm and making it over to get a decent spot…still have two other nights to try and see it.



Day 5) Tuesday 11-23 or Day 8) Friday 11-26Park closes at 8 pm each night
F! on Tues 6:30 pm, unsure Fri
The night option is based solely on if OL is up and on…

Going in the evening ONLY
Tues tour w/ GP’s Fri just our 6

Basic Starting Plan:

Arrive before dusk…what time would that be around 5 pm?

Must do’s:

* Grab snacks (butterfinger cupcake) from SRC
* Find a spot to sit and wait (is that how you do it?) for Osborne Lights to
be turned on (location Streets of America)

If time allows:

* HISTK playset
* PHDL last show is roughly ???
* Mom-ToT or RnRC
* stuff missed from other DHS touring day

Concerns:

How does this whole OL thing work?

If we don’t leave before the F! (scheduled for 6:30 pm) crowds exit will we get caught up in a mass exodus?

The PLAN B option for both of these nights is going to MK.

Tues MK plan is for Spectro/Wishes

Fri MK plan is for possible night for just Bekah and I

Other plans for the day:

Morning Tues is 1900 PF B at 8 am, MK touring through mid day, Nathan’s PL appt at 12:30, and a rest at BLT, dinner at CS in CR

Morning Fri is AK or MK first then hop to AK in early afternoon for parade then resort break and dinner at resort villa


well how does that look?

thoughts on our possible touring plans

ideas regarding my concerns

suggestions or


Up NEXT...a look at some creative fun for our trip...

thanks always for reading,

J~

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Love all the DHS pics! I just love that park!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Welcome Back!! Love all the pictures from past trips!

It sounds like a lot of your plans depend on OL... when will you know the timing on that? This seems to be the biggest unknown leaving many of your other plans up in the air. I'm guessing a lot of things will fall into place once you have that figured out.

I don't think your to do list is too long... some of the things on there are quick things. But I agree it's a hard park to plan with all the shows.

It sounds really fun to walk through Epcot & take the monorail... just not sure if it will save you time or not.

 

[Native NYer]

Your plans look great! I like that you listed your musts for your DHS day. The studios does have a confusing layout. We end up walking back and forth a lot.

The photos of your family from past trips are beautiful!

 

[lexmas]

Oh my, that was a lot! I love all the flashback pictures, too cute!

When we saw the osborne lights (in January of 2006) we just arrived after dark and walked through. It wasn't very crowded and it wasn't like, lines or anything, you just showed up and enjoyed them. Very simple.

I too, am going to try cupcakes from starring rolls. It may be one of my most anticipated things! Is that sad?