It’s a marshmallow world in WI, but we’ll be in DISNEY world! Dec 2015 PTR *New Nov 17*

[Dugette]

But not the sort of breezy airport traveling that I’d enjoyed in my pre-kid years.

Yeah, I think those days are a long way off still...

I could NOT figure out the seatbelt (the clip just kept ending up right in the middle of the seat!)

I'm not entirely certain what you're saying here, but if the seatbelt buckle is ending up in the middle of the seat, I heard a tip to ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extender - I did that one flight where I was having trouble and it really helped (brought the buckle to the side of the seat).

I’m considering buying a lighter-weight seat for our Disney trip (a la @duggette backpack seat), but might just do the heavy lifting again and save some money. Anyone have any other recommendations?

Honestly, it depends on what you are willing to have for a travel carseat and how much that is worth to you. For me, I got our travel seat for about $30 and have used it on lots of trips, so it's a no-brainer. And it's like 9 pounds. And I have gate-checked it on flights where we couldn't get a seat for Izzy and I just used one of those cheap orange gate-check bags you can get at the baby stores. No damage, but even if it was beat up, I'm only out $30. I also like that we can leave our "good" seats in our own cars and not worry about them getting beat up on a trip.

I didn’t plan to bring it on the cruise ship… but maybe I should? We aren’t planning to do much in Nassau and will be covered at Castaway Cay. Thoughts?

I doubt you'll need it. We brought ours on only because we didn't keep the rental car while we were on the cruise (did two one-way rentals), so it was just tucked away in the stateroom the whole time.

But what is one more piece of luggage to pull of the baggage claim and throw on a cart?

Depends how big your rental car is - all that baby stuff (stroller, pack 'n' play, luggage, etc.) can really take up a lot of space.

I’m going to be very cognizant of naps and careful to ensure she gets enough sleep.

I agree that is a smart top priority!

During a recent hotel stay, I put her PnP in the corner of the room, wrapped the rooms drapes around her PnP (and a sofa chair, so that she couldn’t pull on it), stuck her sound machine on the floor inside the drapes, and she slept really well.

This reminds me of the staterooms on the cruise ships. You have that curtain between the bed and the rest of the room. We just had Izzy in a pack 'n' play over near the verandah (with the door safely closed and locked, of course) and we pulled the curtain and let her be in "her room" during naps/night. Worked fine.

Fortunately, she’s starting to take a sippy cup more often. Everything I’ve read has said that kids need to be weaned sometime between 12-18 months. She’ll be 18 months on the trip, and hopefully we’ll make the full transition by then

Hopefully you can transition her for the trip. I think it will be easier. Izzy's first trip was at 14.5 months and she was using sippy cups by then (normal and straws). My favorite travel item for milk are the Thermos Foogo straw cups, since they are easy to drink from, more-or-less spill proof (we've had some issues), and they keep milk cold for like 8 hours. Otherwise, I'd bring a small cooler for your cups/bottles so they don't stink by the end of the day.

I’m not above using the semi-disposable (recyclable!) sippy cups while we go through the parks and just toss (recycle!!) them after a single use.

Yes, we've used the Take 'n' Toss cups before and they work fine for that sort of thing.

Is it easy to find whole milk in the parks? Should I plan to bring a small cooler? How about on the ship? Should I plan to bring a gallon (its just a three night).

It's pretty easy to find whole milk. I'm not sure if a gallon would fit in the fridge on the ship? We ordered room service one night and just asked them to bring several cartons of milk (though we weren't picky about skim vs. whole, etc. at this age - not certain they had whole, but probably). I know that the resort gift shops/dining areas have whole milk in good supply, if needed.

And so… I have not walked with her in the stroller in two months. TWO MONTHS! I AM THE LAZIEST/WORST! So, now she kind of hates her stroller and just wants to walk everywhere anyway.

Ugh, I hope you can get her to accept the stroller again. Work on some bribes, if you need to. Find a local place (a mall or something) that you can drive to and practice with her, maybe?

Has anyone ever traveled with a young child WITHOUT a stroller? How was it? Any fears over stroller theft? Ours is a pretty nice one, but it tends to be covered in graham cracker crumbs and stains. Perhaps a deterrent?

Unless your stroller is VERY coveted, I'm sure you're fine. Lots of people bring expensive strollers to Disney and have no issues. Just know that if it's missing from where you parked it, a CM probably relocated it nearby and you'll find it. We take Izzy some places without a stroller now, but she's almost 3. And, if there's a lot of walking, I'll bring it anyway. It is EXHAUSTING carrying a kid around WDW for days - I know from experience, as she was a stroller-fighter on this last trip.

But Bronner’s (the World’s Largest Christmas Store, also in Frankenmuth), TOTALLY knocked her out. She was just… crazy with overstimulation and it was so fun to see.

So, I guess you'll be hitting up the Christmas stores in MK and Downtown Disney?

So I was mad. And I'm still a little mad. The rental company couldn't do anything, so we called DVC directly (as the letter suggests to do), hoping that they might be able to do something. And in my opinion, Disney really did make it up to us. Two complimentary 6-day park hoppers and an extra FP each day!!! Free tickets are a huge help to us right now as I start my business and money is tight!!

Wow, what a bummer about the construction and the point rental company being so stubborn! That is great about the free tickets and extra FP+, though!

Anyone have any idea if you can use complimentary tickets towards an annual pass?!

Good question. I know you can upgrade a normal 6-day PH after you've used it at least once. However, there might be extra strings with comped tickets. I know I've heard of people with free 1-day tickets being unable to upgrade. Maybe check with Disney in advance and let them know what happened and what you want to do and see if it's possible...maybe they'll give you free APs instead.

 

[Elevationist]

Next up:

THIS IS SO FUNNNNNN!​

I'm approaching 35 and still do this.

So if you don’t have a child, don’t want a child, aren’t a nanny, hate children OR you have no grandchildren OR you are an alien from space that eats children, you may want to pass on this section. It’s mainly for commiseration.

Thank you for the precursory warning! *scrolls!* (Don't hate children, just don't have them or want them, so I can't contribute!)

Just the other day I got my BOG breakfast reservation!!!

OMG, congratulations!

So I was mad. And I'm still a little mad.

As you should be. When the Poly was a huge mess, I refused to book my clients there. As much as I love Disney, I think it's crap that they still charge full-price for a resort that isn't offering it's full amenities due to construction. It wouldn't kill them to knock the rates down until they are 100% operational again. Not that it would help you even if they did, given your DVC points issue. But still. Yeah. I'd be raging pretty hard if I got that news, too.

Two complimentary 6-day park hoppers and an extra FP each day!!! Free tickets are a huge help to us right now as I start my business and money is tight!!

Whoa. That's pretty impressive, actually. Those are pricey tickets!

So yea, still a bit annoyed, but definitely not as much as before! And really, the best part of the Wilderness Lodge is the main lobby and all of its grandness, and it's overall location. So its just a short walk to the perfect resort that I was looking for. BRIGHT SIDE! BRIGHT SIDE!

Yes! Keep it positive, girl! DISNEY WORLD! MAGIC! PIXIE DUST! YAAAAY!

Anyone have any idea if you can use complimentary tickets towards an annual pass?! We have 6-day passes, and we leave fairly early on the 6th day (planning to head out at 8:30). So I'd like to use the last pass on Christmas Eve when we stop back in. Any idea if the tickets have the same flexibility as regular tickets, that I'll be able to use it later (eg, do I need to use the tickets in 6 consecutive days or no?).

Well, I've received a complimentary Park Hopper before due to an inconvenience at my resort, and I can tell you that ticket does say right on it "COMP." So I'm 99% sure that if you took those and tried to apply the value of them to an AP, they would see that and go "Uhh. Nope." It also won't be a "No Expiration" ticket either, so you'll need to use all 6 days within a 14-day window.

It's getting real. I've got my tickets, MVMCP tickets, airfare, room and rental car reserved. Just need to pay off the cruise and save for meals (of which we have MANY)! Oh, and I need to work on my dole whip fund.

I love this! Isn't it an amazing feeling?

 

[vleeth]

Awesome about the free passes!

When dd10 was 21 months we went to Disney. We brought a regular sippy cup of milk and we froze a sippy cup of milk the night before and took it to the park as well. When the milk got warm we would rinse it at a water fountain and throw it in the bag. It worked pretty well.

 

[Steppesister]

I feel like a shmuck! I forgot to subscribe and thus haven't been getting any notices! SO SORRY! But I am caught up and you have a lot going on. I totally feel your pain about the construction around your house. BOO! But hey, it'll be so nice when it's done, right? I mean I HOPE there are some visual improvements that you'll actually be able to see.

Anyway, your ADRs look fantastic. Thinking I'm going to try for a BOG lunch as well. But WAY up high on my radar now is the new Skippers Canteen. That looks SO fun! So happy you got mostly what you wanted, though; nicely done!!

HUGE ugh on the refurb at your resort. YUCK, but I do think it's so awesome you were comped some tickets. That surely eased the pain some. Now you might have a bit more to splurge on a few other things you might not have. YAY! more DOLE WHIPS! Everything looks like it's just so ready to have a great time!

 

[kroseycorn]

Fastpass+ Final Countdown!
October 15, 2015​

Well, what can I say. I'm sorry. This PTR is shameful. August 9th was my last post? GOOD lands.

I managed to get my business (digital marketing) off the ground, and just acquired my first client two days ago. My dream of staying at home AND working on my career seems to be headed in the right direction! Exciting, especially because it will feed this addiction (and more importantly, pay of our student loans and other debt so that we can retire someday).

Our Fastpass+ selection window is fast (very fast) approaching, as in about 36 hours away. AHHHHH!!!!!

That doesn't give me much time to share and get feedback, but hopefully some of you will have some input! This is the first time I've ever done this level of detail on a touring plan. I would not say that it's how I like to travel. I love spontaneity and enjoying things at a slow pace. I like to just walk or sit and watch people, breaking it up with burst of fun and excitement. I do like to meander through shops. There are a couple of reasons I'm actually SCHEDULING almost everything:

1) We have a child. I can't predict what her mood will be, but I know that her mood will be better without a lot of lines, waiting, or frustration/confusion on her parents part. Also, her mama needs regular snacks. Mostly dole whip floats.
2) I think the crowds are going to be unlike any that we've experienced before. I once went for a quick weekend in May with my husband (pre-child) and watched Wishes on Saturday in shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. It was dreadful. I vowed not to repeat it, but here we are!
3) My in-laws aren't totally on-board with FP+ yet... so creating a visual schedule might help them understand where I'm coming from, so that it doesn't all break up when we get there (e.g. SQUIRREL!). One of my biggest frustrations on our previous trips was the mindless criss-crosses of the parks. This was partially my fault, for not quite knowing where everything was. But my husband and his parents are so laid-back, they didn't mind riding POTC and then heading to Dumbo then getting back on the Jungle Cruise, then Carousel of Progress. As a type-A personality AND a VERY LAZY PERSON, this drove me nuts. I'm trying to avoid it by keeping our rides and plans more "regional". I'm sure things will crop up, but at least the touring plan is consistent with the park layouts.
​

It's been a bit crazy trying to get this together, going over it with Brian and tweeking a few things, but it's about as good as I can get it within the time I have. Fortunately, my MIL will be here this weekend and we can make the reservations together.

All of that said, I probably don't even need FP's for a lot of this stuff! Ha! Some, yes... and some I'm just being overly cautious in securing. But we don't need to ride EVERYTHING (in fact --- I re-injured my back two months ago and I'm not sure I'll even be able to ride everything!). So, if you're looking at my schedule and going "why in the heck does she have THAT reserved," it's because I want to make sure Maple gets to ride.

My in-laws will be wintering in Orlando and will have been there for about a week before we get there. So, they don't care too much about what they ride or don't ride. They just want to hang out with Maple and watch her face light up on Pooh, Dumbo, etc. This is awesome because, as I mentioned before, we have 10 free Fastpass+es per day between the 5 of us, due to our resort being under construction. They are good from 9am-10pm and you can just mosey on up to any old ride and jump in the FP line. At any park, at any time, for any ride.

Since my in-laws don't care much about riding some things (like 7DMT, Splash Mtn, Space Mountain, etc), Brian and I will primarily use these during our solo times. They are more than happy to hang out with kiddo, take her back for naps, or spend 45 minutes in line for Dumbo while she plays, and Brian and I can get in a little fun using the freebee passes. It really is shaping up to work out perfectly!

The in-laws have even suggested that we take a date night (or two), so that is the plan on the last night... to stick around at WS in EPCOT until close (our most favorite park). I switched dinner from Les Chefs du France to Le Cellier... Just my preference.

Anyway, I want to get this up to get your feedback! Let me know if there is anything glaring. I'm probably missing a few things, and I don't have times yet, so forgive me! Without further adieu....

 

[kroseycorn]

Oh, and credit absolutely goes to @Elevationist for the excel worksheet format. Because she has the most amazing Disney trip organization I've ever seen!!!

 

[jwwi]

Lucky you to have those extra Fp!

 

[Elevationist]

Our Fastpass+ selection window is fast (very fast) approaching, as in about 36 hours away. AHHHHH!!!!!

OMG! That's, like, tonight now? Right? I think?

As a type-A personality AND a VERY LAZY PERSON

I thought I was the only person who identified this way!

I'm trying to avoid it by keeping our rides and plans more "regional". I'm sure things will crop up, but at least the touring plan is consistent with the park layouts.

Normally when solo on my scooter, I'm more than happy to zigzag and criss-cross across the parks. But now that I'll have people with me on foot, I laid out a more "regional" touring plan as well, as a courtesy to their poor feets!

The in-laws have even suggested that we take a date night (or two)

I love this! Good for ya'll!

Anyway, I want to get this up to get your feedback! Let me know if there is anything glaring. I'm probably missing a few things, and I don't have times yet, so forgive me! Without further adieu....

Awwww, this makes my Excel-loving heart go thumpa-thumpa!

Oh, and credit absolutely goes to @Elevationist for the excel worksheet format. Because she has the most amazing Disney trip organization I've ever seen!!!

I thought the layout looked kinda familiar...

 

[vleeth]

Did you get what you wanted?

 

[ariane37]

OMG I was farther behind reading than you were writing lol! That's awesome about the free PH's even though it's for a lousy reason. And congrats on getting your business off the ground and your first client!!
So.......how'd it go getting your FP's?

 

[Steppesister]

Hi THERE!!

I'm glad I didn't miss too much, but by now you have all your FP+s and your trip is shaping up to be great! I think with some more structure you'll have a much better trip overall.... especially with your inlaws going and being more loosey-goosey. Always good to have a plan and then deviate from that.

 

[kroseycorn]

THIRTY DAYS! AAAHH!!
November 17, 2015
​

I never updated on my Fastpass success (I think I half-wrote a post, then it vanished, and I just didn't have time to rewrite!)... but I did have a good bit of success in making the reservations I wanted, though I had to switch the use of the freebie Fastpasses and others that I had planned to schedule. For instance, I really wanted to get a reservation for the Festival of Fantasy parade and for Wishes the first night that we arrive, but it was completely unavailable. So, we'll just use the Freebie FPs for that. Instead, I used our "real" FPs for things like Splash Mountain and 7DMT.

I'm excited to see how all of the scheduling will pan out, given that this is our first trip with a very unpredictable child. Our motto is "MIGHT HAVE TO SCRAP THE WHOLE PLAN" and I would be OK if all the FPs were scrapped and nothing worked out as we imagined. It will be 100% worth it to have gone just to see her face light up when she sees the castle , the balloons on Main Street, the safari animals at AK and to meet "BEYAH" (Belle), "PUH" (Pooh) and "ANNA" (which she says perfectly).

Of course, characters and a shy kiddo is one of our worries (not really WORRIES, per se, but we want her to be prepared). We've been telling Maple about everyone we are going to see and how BIG they are. She seems to have no idea what we're talking about, but then, I'm always surprised about what she retains when one or two days later she says something that shows that she remembers. To help the situation even more, I made a countdown calendar with fabric pockets. Each day (starting yesterday), she gets to take out whatever is in the pocket on the corresponding day. Each pocket has a laminated photo of someplace in one of the parks, at the resort, or on the ship. Yesterday was a Dole Whip float (my personal favorite), today was Spaceship Earth with the monorail in front of it. Most of the pockets have a little gift in it, as well... like a Christmas lights necklace that flashes, stickers, an Olaf window cling, some jingle bell bracelets... that sort of stuff. I think I dropped a good $40.00 on the whole thing (lamination is surprisingly pricey) including all the little gifts. Oops!

So far she loves it, she pushed the laminated cards in a bamboo bowl for about 20 minutes.

We got Mickey Mail today that included our cruise documents. Maple's passport showed up a few weeks ago, so we're all set. I start PACKING tomorrow (last minute packing and me are a NO-NO). I'm going to try and share some of the outfits I have planned for her and I.

I also want to share my plans for Christmas to see if you all have any advice. We aren't going to be at the parks on Christmas -- it's just busy and expensive and stressful... not to mention Christmas is pretty great on its own! We've rented a place on the Gulf and are planning to order pre-prepared food from Whole Foods. We'll do Chinese food on Christmas Eve night (family tradition) and then have ham and all of the usual trimmings on Christmas day. This will let us have a more relaxed day to do whatever the weather allows, if it is watching parades and movies on TV or walking the beach... and I can make a nice victoria sponge (anyone else watch the Great British Baking Show on PBS? OBSESSED) or a buche de noel if the mood strikes me. Lazy is the idea!

Anyway, I'm planning to bring some things down for her Christmas. I grew up with amazing Christmases. My mom's childhood Christmas experiences weren't great... so she would go super crazy every year with food and presents and all the weird Santa stuff (think reindeer tracks and bells from the roof). Its definitely rubbed off, and I already go a little overboard (even before kids!). I just get into the spirit and suddenly my credit card is on fire! I'm trying to reign it in though, especially since we'll be traveling. I AM planning to have some things for her at home (to show her that Santa comes to our house no matter what!)... a few big things that I know she'll have fun with (like a plastic slide and one of those basketball hoops that telescopes up). But for out trip, I want to make sure that things are compact and will stuff in our bags without worry.

SO, here is my current list:

• stuffed Jaq and Gus - she loves these guys, and they are small
• Cars Duplo set - its a bit bulky now, but I will bring along a ziplock to throw the pieces in to come home. I think it would be a nice toy to capture her interest while we work on breakfast/brunch and relax.
• wooden Mickey/Minnie bars - I built her a "marche" this summer -- a little french market. She has a bunch of wooden fruits and veggies and cakes. She also has this cute little wooden popsicle set that she loves. I sort of remembered seeing toy Disney Parks food, but its been discontinued (surprising given its popularity!). SO, I checked on Etsy and found a wood toy maker who also made wood popsicles. I suggested the idea of some Mickey Ear ice creams to him and he made them! I think they turned out great... she's going to love them. Heres a photo:

(he calls the "mouse pops")

• necklace and bracelet set - she loves these gross plastic beads. I bought her one on amazon that is made of wood and is a little bit better quality (and maybe not made of cancer). Who knows, it might last 2 minutes. But she'll like opening it!
• Blu Ray/DVD Mickey's Christmas Carol - I got this for free with my Disney Movie Rewards!
• Mickey's Christmas Carol figuring set - on sale from Disney Store! Score! Again -- these are two things that she could sit and do if the weather is crummy or we need to pin her down for a little while.

Thats all.. Ha! Or is it too much? We are flying Southwest and already have to bring three bags for all of our clothes, PLUS a bag for the PnP and other baby stuff, PLUS the carseat, PLUS the stroller. My husbands parents are meeting us at the airport and will help us when we leave, so I'm not too worried about bringing a bit more than we normally would. Anyone have experience with this? I'm just too excited! She'll be getting stuff from her grandparents, too... not to mention she had four Disney gift cards to buy whatever "she wants" during our vacation (she's going to be a year and a half old... but she does have some opinions at this point!). Thoughts?

Clothing and packing plans to come next! THIRTY DAYS!!! I cannot wait to taste the stew and a Christmas tree cupcake from Gaston's. CAN NOT WAIT.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Have an amazing time!!!!

 

[Elevationist]

I hope you're having an AWESOME trip right now!!!!