I'm so excited! I'm so excited!! I'm so SCARED!

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Okay so maybe not really scared...more like anxious, edgy, concerned, troubled, apprehensive I am so excited to be planning this trip, but to assume that I'll know what we want to be doing 10 months from now? That makes me a little crazy!

So basic plans...

When: May 24-June 3

Where: WDW (of course) but specifically staying at the Contemporary (more on this later)

Who: DH (2nd trip), me (3rd trip), DS (3rd trip), DD (1st trip-will turn 6 while we're there!)

Introductions...

DH...what can I say, this may works his tail off but loves his work so is it really work? He loves being outdoors-fly fishing, hiking, camping, he's all about it. Throw in a good beer and the occasional cigar on the perfect evening and he's completely in his happy place. He only agrees to these trip because he so dearly loves his children.



Me...I work as an administrative nurse for a local hospital and absolutely LOVE my job. It's just enough challenging to keep me sharp and fun/innovative enough to keep me interested. I count this job as one of my many, many blessings! I enjoy planning things, researching everything, and organizing for myself and others. The rest of the time, it's all about my kiddos.

This is sad...only pic I can find and it's one DD took when I was giving her the "give me back my phone NOW" look...



DS..typical teenager...not in any of the pictures on my phone...loves his Xbox One...very involved in MMA. He has been to WDW before and loved the Toy Story movies (hence my screen name). He's 13 now, so he likes to think he's outgrown this "Disney stuff", but he often finds himself watching all things Disney with his little sister and doesn't mind at all. He was too small for the big rides last time, so I know he'll be excited about this time.



And last, but definitely not least...DD. She's five and a complete handful! She's the reason we're taking this trip. She loves Aurora and of course, Anna and Elsa. She HATES bows, loves all things pink, hates having her hair messed with (no BBB ), and is one tough chick! I can't wait to show her WDW!



So there we are! Headed to the World in just 10 1/2 months...stressed already thinking...DDP or OOP....Perfectly Princess Tea or do I dare try BBB...Marceline for the men folk (DS would LOVE it!) or Richard Petty driving experience? Decisions, decisions!! Good thing planning is one of my absolute favorite things to do!

Oh and did I mention...this is all a surprise for the kiddos!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Reserved for chapters...if I can figure that out!

 

[leftaslide]

Sounds like fun! You'll get it figured out. Following!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

So seriously, the last big vacation we went on was last year. We hopped on a plan and went to see my parents in Oregon for two weeks (AR to OR=big trip!). We really had a blast. But it was COLD...











So cold and this was in June! Obviously Florida will be much, much warmer...in plans to be able to handle it, we're all starting to walk after dinner each night. To get us ready to endure the LOADS of walking and side benefit of me (hoping) to drop some weight before we go.

I went back and looked at my old posts from our last trip. DH actually had me ask how big WDW was. He could not fathom that one couldn't do the "whole park" in one/two days. HA! He is much smarter now. He agreed that our last trip of 6 nights/5 days wasn't near enough. So this time, we decided that we would drive to Kansas City and spend the night (no SW flights outta here) and get up the next am and head to WDW for 11 nights/10 days!

 

[missbecca]

How exciting! Can't wait to hear more about your planning! Is that Crater Lake in your photos? I visited my Aunt and Uncle in Oregon when I was much younger and I vaguely remember that lookout point.

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

How exciting! Can't wait to hear more about your planning! Is that Crater Lake in your photos? I visited my Aunt and Uncle in Oregon when I was much younger and I vaguely remember that lookout point.

Absolutley it's Crater Lake! Beautiful, but freezing that day!

So next thoughts on trip planning...

WHERE?

As I said in the beginning, we're staying at the Contemporary. Mainly for the ease of travel to MK. We're planning three days there so it makes sense. I've really looked a lot at the Boardwalk and Beach Club, but in the end, with three days at MK, it just makes sense.

But then, what kind of room? Will we be in the room in the evening to enjoy the fireworks from that view? I tend to think no. I'm planning early mornings, then from about 1-5 an afternoon break, and then evening hours at the park. Just can't decided yet...

And since posts are no fun without pics...someone just graduated preschool and someone else just graduated to orange belt!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

One of my many obsessions with planning a vacaton is the outfit portion...much more on mine later...but DD-that's a fun one! She's not too excited about wearing full Princess dresses so I've gone this route. What do you think?

[

​

I've also got a Little Mermaid version...I made the necklaces and easily found the other pieces at Gap and Old Navy...thoughts?

 

[missbecca]

Congratulations on your children's accomplishments! And that outfit is adorable! I should really work on my Disney vacation wardrobe- I tend to utilize the "tourist mama" chic look. Minus the fanny pack, of course!

 

[LovesTimone]

One of my many obsessions with planning a vacaton is the outfit portion...much more on mine later...but DD-that's a fun one! She's not too excited about wearing full Princess dresses so I've gone this route. What do you think?

[

​

I've also got a Little Mermaid version...I made the necklaces and easily found the other pieces at Gap and Old Navy...thoughts?

Super cute.. and will be comfortable in the parks. Last year some friends were heading down and their granddaughter did not want to wear the full princess outfits, all day in the park and they were staying off site so running back to the room to change was a no go. So I suggested what about making a long tutu of sorts. So she found some wide elastic between 1 to 1 1/2 wide in yellow, red, red & white poke a dots, Lime green, and pink and blue. Then some material and netting in different color, to match and sent it to me. I sew and have some old patterns that were my grandmother, so I dug around until I found a kids pattern for a skirt, and used it as a guide. They were simple to make, I made then so she could just pull them over her shorts. They worked perfectly, she would put them on when meeting the princess and then take them off when touring or when she wanted to. No fuss.. My friend would just fold them in stick them in the back pack when not needed, With the extra material my friend made some headbands and some other hair things. Her granddaughter use them for dress up now. We made all this for less than one of the costume's would have cost.

I look forward to your trip report.

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Congratulations on your children's accomplishments! And that outfit is adorable! I should really work on my Disney vacation wardrobe- I tend to utilize the "tourist mama" chic look. Minus the fanny pack, of course!

Thanks! Oh and please don't be mistaken, this is for my child....much more fun to dress her than myself these days. But I'm working on that, too. As of this morning, I'm down 5.4 lbs.

I'm not planning for myself like I am for her. I don't want to be so HOT! I want to be able to dress like I did the first time I went to Disney-in Nike soccer shorts and a razorbank tank!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Super cute.. and will be comfortable in the parks. Last year some friends were heading down and their granddaughter did not want to wear the full princess outfits, all day in the park and they were staying off site so running back to the room to change was a no go. So I suggested what about making a long tutu of sorts. So she found some wide elastic between 1 to 1 1/2 wide in yellow, red, red & white poke a dots, Lime green, and pink and blue. Then some material and netting in different color, to match and sent it to me. I sew and have some old patterns that were my grandmother, so I dug around until I found a kids pattern for a skirt, and used it as a guide. They were simple to make, I made then so she could just pull them over her shorts. They worked perfectly, she would put them on when meeting the princess and then take them off when touring or when she wanted to. No fuss.. My friend would just fold them in stick them in the back pack when not needed, With the extra material my friend made some headbands and some other hair things. Her granddaughter use them for dress up now. We made all this for less than one of the costume's would have cost.

I look forward to your trip report.

Thanks! I hadn't thought about the no sew tutus! I have a friend who makes those one that you tie strips of the tulle around an elastic band. That is a FANTASTIC idea!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Wow, looking back at my posts I realize I really need to be sure to resize my pics in Photobucket...sorry about that!

So to DDP or OOP? That is the question...

When I first started planning it was DDP for sure! It's what we did before (in 2006 on the old DP that included apps and tip). That way everything would be paid up front and we could hit all the character meals we wanted! The more I read about all the dining plans I realized that maybe running the numbers would be smartest.

I actually sat down with each park days plan and realizing our plan of early up, afternoon break, back for evening hours would work well with an early breakfast ADR and then a CS and then ADR/CS depending on where we would be. I went through every single menu. Picked the highest priced thing that I thought each family member would choose, added the beverages of choice (alcohol at some), and the dessert/app of choice (if I thought we'd want it). Adding in "snacking around the world", tax/tip, and the must have snacks I think we'll get, I came out about $850 ahead. Yes, we could make DDP work, we'd be running to reservations a lot (I think) and we could order all the pieces, but knowing how we eat I think most would be wasted as well as time. So, for us, OOP is what's going to work this time.

Also, I read (sorry don't remember who it was) someone's posts saying it was frustrating to have to get this dessert at a meal knowing it wasn't anything special and knowing that a fabulous dessert was right next door. That kinda sold me, too. I'm actively getting more fit by eating less and moving more. I want to be able to taste and try what I want, not feel like I have to eat something because it's what is included.

As far as having it all paid up before, I'll basically be doing that anyway. I've budgeted each day and will have that plus some cushion.

So there you have it. OOP for this trip. I'll be sure to report in my trip report the daily budget and how we did each day. I always find that interesting in other's reports!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

.

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

So haven't had much to post about in the trip planning part of my life so I've slacked...so sorry!

So anxious for 2015 rates to be posted...ready to book this thing! I keep going back and forth on dates...really don't want to fly on a holiday (Memorial Day), want to stay 10 days, but don't want to have my DD's bday day be our last day in the parks...oh well, guess I'll suck it up buttercup and pay whatever the fees are to fly on the holiday...she's more important!

Gotten a few things done today...

Got my Mousekeeping envelopes printed. I know these designs have been around for a while, but I loved them and knew that going ahead and printing these would get one thing checked off my to do list!



We also got new Adirondack chairs this week from a great sale at World Market. We stained them today with some waterproof stuff so they will last a little longer.



And DD had some art fun on a table that was drug out of the attic for a friend's garage sale...



That about does it for today I think...I need to go exercise, but I'm down 7 pounds after a rough weekend last weekend.

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

So this week had some highs and lows...

On Wednesday, we experience an amazingly (although scary) windstorm. It was reported that the winds were 85 miles an hour. I was coming back from a business lunch with my boss and a few coworkers, and oh my, billboards were flying around, trash, trees limbs...it was scary! I came home to this...



And this...it's our beautiful wisteria that has grown over an arbor...this was before the rain came and weighed the whole thing down...We couldn't save her. Had to cut it down and will keep fingers crossed that it grows back...



We have a friend that had a tree break and fall into it's own "V" shape right above her house. She's lucky it didn't fall through, but it did cost her $5K to have it removed!!! That's a Disney trip! Kinda makes me gag and very thankful for our minimal loss!!

We did our first "Game Night/Family Movie night" last night. Not a Disney movie, but we did have a touch of Disney if you watch for it...







Also did a little shopping for our upcoming trip...

Little Mermaid inspired necklace...


New sunglasses-love the shape-will have on in most pics, so they were a necessary purchase!


This, I just loved, we'll say it's Beauty and the Beast inspired...




Also had a birthday party to attend today at the local aquatic center...had to bribe her with ice cream to get her to leave without a fuss...



Not much about our trip planning. Still hanging on to the dates in late May. Still thinking no dining plan, just OOP. Ready to get the real planning with hours and to know the actual budget!! So excited for the rates to be released...just FOUR more days! So ready to get this thing booked. I think then, it will finally feel real!

 

[leftaslide]

Glad everyone was ok.... Glad no tornado!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Another week has gone by...the big excitement this week-I booked our room! Ten nights in a Bay Lake view room at CR. I did decide to go without a package so I can get tickets through UT a little cheaper and can (fingers crossed) get a room only discount...

DS came back from a week at camp today. I love that he enjoys going as I did at his age..but MAN, that boy is cranky when he gets home and the LAUNDRY-OH MY!!

I've been walking every afternoon and taking our dog, too. He's always excited to go...but this is what we come back to



And...



Seriously, if I can do this you can, too pup!

Also, stopped by our Dollar General and picked up a couple things...


And, excited about this one. I have long hair that takes FOREVER to dry. Picked these up this week to help with that issue. Not just for the trip, but think they will come in handy while in the World, too!



Side note, DH had to work late last night and I was bored. I started watching Sister Wives on Netflix. Have you watched this? I am so intrigued. It's one of the strangest while one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. I would never be able to share my husband, nor do I believe you should. But these women, it works for them. They are some amazing people.

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

 

[missbecca]

Congrats on booking your room! I will have to check out our local Dollar General for those cute glow wands- I got some average glow bracelets so far, but my girls would love those wands.

 

[chocolateavocado]

Just found your trip report & following along! We're planning our 2nd trip to WDW (1st was last Nov) for end of April/ beginning of May 2015 now... we were planning om end of Jan/early Feb but had some serious concerns coming from the northeast of possible flight delays/cancellations- so we changed our dates & are getting very excited and am so happy to follow your plans as well!

I LOVE all the beautiful jewelry finds you got!

You're much further ahead than I am w/the planning... trying to decide on our resort! the more I read the more I change my mind We stayed the Poly last year & while we loved it, with all of the construction, we kind of ruled that one out.

Good luck with your planning & Congrats on your weightloss!! I have about 10 more pounds I'd like to have gone (and keep gone!) by time we leave too

Following along & Getting super excited!!

 

[ToyStory#1fan'sMom]

Holy smokes, it's been forever since I posted! Let's see if I can recap...vacation and oh yeah, school started! This year I have an 8th grader and a kindergartener...sniff, sniff





So far we have survived the first two weeks. But, eighth grade, STINKS! He's had so much homework! Already looks like this around here I think this year is going to be much harder than last and last year almost did us in! Little Miss seems to be doing well so far. She's made two friends, Tayla and Alexis. She was really worried because none of her daycare friends are attending her school. So far, it's all working out!

But before school started we went on vacation...just a quick week away before school started....









It really was amazing! Such a beautiful place! But, honestly, the best part...sitting poolside while the kids swam and just slightly shaking our glasses caused new ones to appear...HEAVEN!

The weight loss kinda went by the "weigh" side during vacation and then with school starting it was hard to get into a good routine for meal planning and exercise, but I'm back on it. As of today I'm down 20.2 lbs...getting there!

This last weekend, our son had another MMA competition. DD was tasked with bringing Max home from school and taking him on a journey and then journaling about him. I actually think this might be a fantastic idea for our upcoming WDW trip! Usually she hides from the camera unless I bribe her, but with Max, she was eager to have her picture taken. Might need to find a mascot for WDW!





Ds brought home two golds and a silver! Very proud of him and these accomplishments! His next belt testing is in two weeks and then (probably) the last competition of the year is in about a month. School needs to be a focus for the next few months so backing off competitions is a must do.

Not much on the trip planning. I've taken to reading trip reports from around the time we'll be there next year. I have noticed MANY jackets when people return in the evening. Hoping that's a good sign that temps are at least tolerable during late May/early June.

Haven't really purchased any new items for the trip either. Y'all will think me crazy, but I've about finished my Christmas shopping so the extra shopping time and money have been focused there. I know, I know, but I like to enjoy my holiday time, not run around like a crazy person trying to buy the perfect gift. By the way, I gave up on that notion a long time ago. I do the best I can, give it with love, and call it good. My husband rolls his eyes at my early shopping, but does enjoy not getting all that extra expense at one time!

Still have fingers crossed for a room only discount to come out in the beginning of the new year. Also have been watching for Southwest to open their flights for May...it's getting close!

Hope you've all had a wonderful last few weeks and promise to update this more often. The goal is every weekend...we'll see if it's ones I can keep!