It's Never to Soon to go back to Disney: My 1st PTR- Sept. 2009

[DevonsDisneyMom]

somehow I had your report subscribed and today I noticed it not longer was on my list so I didnt realize you updated. Did you see my reponse on my report to you about where you got your carry on. I then went on your report and read your update. How funny is that. We shopped at the same place and got the same exact bag and there was like 15 designs to choose from. I too was going to get the kids phillies crocs but the price was ridiculous. The mickey ones were full price when I was there too. So we didnt get any. I did buy alot at the nike store/gymboree/childrens place and oshkosh. I love those outlets!

I actually was going to let him wear the costume with just undies and a white tank underneath. I am going to take a change of clothes for him when he's done will try to hit up the baby care center to change them. I guess I am going to just stop stressing. It makes me feel better that most of the kids ended up taking there stuff off anyway after awhile. I worry about the silliest things.

Well I love the updates. What a great moment it is when your son says your the best mom in the world. Savor that memory so the days when he is a teenager and he thinks you are the worst mom in the world you'll know that he doesnt really mean that. I dont look forward to those days but everyone says they will eventually come.

I know!!! How funny is that that we both chose the same bag at the same store!!! You know what they say great minds think alike!!!
Tell, me about it... Those outlets are amazing!!! Yep, I could have killed that little stinker for not wanting the Disney croc when they were on sale, oh well, you got to appreciate the fact that he supports this Phillies

Yes, Nike had some great sales when we were there last weekend! Devon goes to private school, so he has to wear black sneaks with his school uniform, and the air maxs that I got him were on sale for $19.99. You can't beat that and the both pair of sneaks he got for gym were both each under 30 dollars! I actually was looking for a dress for an upcoming wedding I have to go to and found one at BCBG Max Azari for $49!!! The original price of the dress was $286!!!

I think that you are wise to bring a change of clothes, and honestly, if he gets hot and changes into his regular outfit, he will not look one bit out of place!! And I agree, relax... Stop stress and enjoy the anticipation build up of the trip!!!

Yes, like you I am not looking forward to those teenage years!!! But believe me, I will be reminding him of all the times he thought I was the best mom in the world!!!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Followed you over from mommyof2Pirates PTR...

Your DS is so cute! My DS loves WWE also... They came to Portland last year so we got him ringside seats for his birthday... I thought the kids was going to pass out...

We will be at Pop the same time you are... We are the 15th to the 28th...

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Followed you over from mommyof2Pirates PTR...

Your DS is so cute! My DS loves WWE also... They came to Portland last year so we got him ringside seats for his birthday... I thought the kids was going to pass out...

We will be at Pop the same time you are... We are the 15th to the 28th...

Looking forward to reading more!

Hey there!!! Thanks for join in!!! It's crazy how popular WWE is with the boys these days!! I did the same thing for Devon last year for his birthday too!!! I thought the boy was going to pass out when John Cena gave him a high five! He was on TV and all when that happened. I had my entire family calling while we were there saying Devon was just on TV! He thought he was a star!!

I have actually been following your report, just never wrote... We are so excited to stay at POP for the 1st time!!! Hopefully we will run into each other!!! Heading over to your report now!!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey there readers and fellow lovers of all things Disney!!! Wanted to get a quick update in before I do the responsible thing and write my paper for my accounting class. I am doing the happy dance that starting on Monday I have a break from school till 9/8!!

Anyway, I thought I share with you my packing list that I have been using for the last 5 year! Yes ladies, I still have the same piece of paper from 5 years ago that I use!! It is a bit tattered and torn, but it till works and when I am done with it, I put it in a safe place util our next trip rolls around.

Here you go:
Soap
Shampoo and conditioner
face wash
razor
baby bath
toothbrushes/paste
listerine
floss
powder
tissues
lotion
brushes
hair straightener ( believe it or not, my hair is actually curly )
hair clip and bobby pins
hair dryer and flat iron
deodorant
perfume
shorts/shirts for Devon and I
Undie and bras
shout wipes (never fails at some point I need to pre treat a stain! )
socks
A sweatshirt for me b/c I alway get chilly on the plane
Disney $$$/Dev's lanyard and pins
sneak/crocs/flip flops
bathing suits and towels
makeup
wet ones ( I always carry them with me to the parks, Devon has a habit of touching things)
Q-tips
extra contacts/solution and glasses
Meds for Devon and I
sunscreen
Camera and charger
phone and charger
trash bag for dirty clothes
iPod and charger
Devon's PSP and charger
nightlight ( the rooms in Disney are just so dark at night!)
bandaids
gum
all travel docs
goggles for Devon
my pillow (I never leave home without it!)
book to read on the plane
PJ's
extra bag for "souvinears"

So what do you think, am I forgetting to bring anything??? I usually pack Devon's autograph book and pen , but I promised him on our December trip that he could get new ones on uour next visit.

Now that you know what I bring with me, I have already started a bag of things I bought for the trip or already had for the trip. Here is what I got gathered in the goody bag so far:

Shampoo & conditioner
face wash
razor
baby bath
Devon's new toothbrush
toothpaste
travel listerine
powder
shout wipes
tissues
wet ones
Q-tips
sunscreen
Minnie Ears


And here is what I still need to by for the trip:

Toothbrush for me
travel bar of Dove soap
gum
travel sized tylenol and aleve
travel size lotion

Overall, I think I am in good shape for our trip, DBFF Judy on the other hand, she is all over the place!! I am sure I will be packing her the night before too!! She actually has to work the day we leave and she will not get home from work till 430p that day and we need to leave for the airport around 5! I have been threatening her with bodily harm if she is not packed and ready to go when we come to pick her up!!!

Well, I will leave you with that for now, hopefully I will be able to do another update later today after I take my brother Tim to the doctors. Helping my parents out since both of them are working today and they wanted to have him checked out before he leaves to go back to college on Monday!

Oh, I almost forgot to let you know that Devon's first soccer practice last night went great, he had a blast and the coach actually complimented him on how well he plays defense! He did play soccer once before when he was 4, but he always plays in the back yard with his uncle Tim, who has played soccer for years so apparently his teaching have rubbed off on Devon!!

Talk to you all later!!! ~Reese

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Hey there!!! Thanks for join in!!! It's crazy how popular WWE is with the boys these days!! I did the same thing for Devon last year for his birthday too!!! I thought the boy was going to pass out when John Cena gave him a high five! He was on TV and all when that happened. I had my entire family calling while we were there saying Devon was just on TV! He thought he was a star!!

I have actually been following your report, just never wrote... We are so excited to stay at POP for the 1st time!!! Hopefully we will run into each other!!! Heading over to your report now!!!

We have Alec on the DVR!! Every once in a while he watches it... Did Devon make signs? Alec had like 4 with him...

I will keep an eye out for you! I don't think we have the same parks on the same days, but maybe we will run into each other at Pop...

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

We have Alec on the DVR!! Every once in a while he watches it... Did Devon make signs? Alec had like 4 with him...

I will keep an eye out for you! I don't think we have the same parks on the same days, but maybe we will run into each other at Pop...

You know, I was so mad at myself, because I got home from work late the night we went and in rushing around, I forgot to set the stinking DVR!!! I wanted to cry when I got home and realized that! I was able to go on WWE.com and see picture of him thou. No, Devon didn't make signs, mainly because we ran out of time when I took him for his birthday and since he did not know he was going to night of champions he didn't for that one either. I was very animately told that we would definitely make one for the next show he goes to! He is now preparing himself for Summer Slam this weekend. Since I bought my brother ticket last month, the deal was that he had to pay for SS on pay pre view!

I sure hope we run into each other at POP!! That would be neat. I'm sure I'll be the one yelling at their kid to get out of the pool!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

I sure hope we run into each other at POP!! That would be neat. I'm sure I'll be the one yelling at their kid to get out of the pool!

And I will be the one yelling at her daughter to stop flirting with the cute little boy who's poor mom is trying to get him out of the pool... I am going to apologize for that now...

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

And I will be the one yelling at her daughter to stop flirting with the cute little boy who's poor mom is trying to get him out of the pool... I am going to apologize for that now...

Ha Ha!! Absolutely love your sense of humor!!! Well, looks like we will be meeting each other after all!!!

 

[Porturican]

Hi everyone and to my very first trip report!!! My name's Reese and I will be taking you along this magical journey. I have been on the fence about writing a PTR for a few weeks now, but since my graduate course are coming to an end this week, I figured I have a little extra time on my hands so why not? Well, here it goes... Sit back and enjoy the ride!!! Caution, it may be bumpy at times!

Ok, lets start out with how this trip came to be. In December 2008, my DS, Devon and I took our second annual "Mommy & Me" trip to Disney to celebrate his 7th birthday. (Note: we celebrated a bit early, he's a New Years baby and there was no way I wanted to deal with the holiday crowds) While there I was talking to my mom about how much more awesome Disney was during the holidays so I suggested that we plan a trip in Dec 2010. She said that sounded like a plan and that we talk about it when I got home. Later that day, my BFF Judy called to see if we were having a good time... Seriously Jude, we're in Disney do you think I'd say NO!!! Anyway, I mentioned to her about planning a trip in Dec 2010 too, immediately she said she was in! Sweet, I'm in Disney and I am already planning our next trip with my family back home in Philly!!!

Fast-Forward to January... I am sitting in the kitchen talking with my mom and Disney came up. And she says Reese, I don't think Dec 2010 is going to work! WHAT!!! NOT GOING TO WORK!!! What do you mean? Long story short, 2010 is going to be a busy year financially for my family. I am graduating from grad school, Devon is making his first Penance and Holy Communion, my cousin Dan is getting married out of state in the stinking boondocks and my other cousin Dave is graduating from Med School. So I guess I see my Moms point. Dang, I hate when she's right!

Anywho, I am sitting in work the next day and I see that an email was sent to my Spam Box. I open it and low and behold, it's a pin code for free dining for this year (2009). As soon as I saw it, I knew it was an omen! So I call my mom and tell her about it and of course she says no b/c she wants to go during the holidays. Ok fine, I respect that. So I call Judy and tell her. Want to know what her response is... I'm in!!! What?? Your in??? YES!! we are going to Disney 2 times is less then 12 months!!! Needless to say I was more then happy! So after all the excitement we started talking about when to go. We both knew we couldn't go in August due to prior engagements so we said September it is. But when? I had mentioned the beginning mainly b/c I didn't want to take Devon out of school so early in the school year, but Judy checked with her job and unfortunately there were already too many people off during the 1st 2 weeks in Sept. b/c of the Labor day holiday. So, after much deliberation, we decided we would go 9-22 to 9-27 and would stay at POP Century with a 5 day park hopper!!!

Our trip was booked and my half paid (thanks to a nice little commission check) before Feb rolled around! Now we just needed airfare! Well, lets just say I found a killer deal with Airtran for less than $120 round trip from Philly to Orlando. Now we were good to go... Or were we?

Feb seems to drag by here in Philadelphia, Phillies didn't start spring training yet and the freaking Eagles blew a trip to the Superbowl yet again! Basically Feb was a pointless month cold and boring! In rolls March, and boy do I get the shock of my life!!! I got laid off!!! After a week long depression and anxity attacks worrying about how I was going to support my son and I (I am a single parent too by the way if you didn't pick up on that) I had a bit of a break thru and realized this was a blessing in disguise! And since my trip was already paid for, I had Disney to look forward to!

Oh side note: Devon knew I was thinking about going to Disney again, just not so soon. So I made a deal with him... If he continued to do well in school and come June he had an awesome report card that said he was going to the Second Grade in Sept. We would go to Disney in Sept. when he started 2nd grade. Deal accepted! And of course he upheld his end of the bargin. Beautiful grades and a letter saying he was going to second grade!

Well, I'll be shocked if I still have any readers after that LONG back story, so I figure I better introduce the Cast of this crazy much anticipated trip!

Here ya go:

Here's me, Reese, I am currently unemployed and a full-time grad student working towards her Masters in Business. I can not wait for June 2010 to stroll around because I will offically be done with school and have my MBA!!!
I love all things Disney to the point that I drive my family and friends crazy talking about it all the time. This will be my 7th trip to Disney and am very excited to go again!

This is Devon, my DS. He is 7 1/2 years old, and this will be his 6th trip to Disney. I guess you could really say that this is this 7th trip to if you want to be techical. He was in mommy belly on her first trip! He loves all things Disney too and shocks everyone with this Disney knowledge. He is the reason that we are staying at POP. He has been craving to stay here! Looks like he got his wish. Who am I kidding, the boy always gets what he wants. Guess thats the benefit of being and only child and gradchild in the family. Here he is waiting patiently for the plane to take off for Disney in December.

Last but not least, my DBFF, Judy. She is so excited to go to Disney, this will be her 4th time going, but she hasn't been there in years. And when she was there, it was always for cheerleading competitons so she never really got to experience the "Magic"! Don't have a picture of her by herself so this will have to do. She is the one top left hand side directly above me in the picture.

Well there you have it the cast of our September trip. I have a few things I have to get done around the house before I take Devon to the pool. I'll be back in a bit with the next installment of "what have we been doing all summer to pass the time till Disney." ~Reese

I saw you over on OregonMommy of 2 / OregonDaddy of 2's PTR, so I thought I would pop over to read your PTR also. I'm just starting to read but thought I would say Hi! I see you requested one of thoe letters aren't they cool!?
It looks like we will also be going around the same time also. We can't wait! It's our first trip!
Where in the parks can we find Baloo n King Louie?

 

[Porturican]

Ahhhhh I see you are Phillie Fanatics huh? Good Deal, my family and I are BIG SF Giants fans. Not sure if you care for this player but we liked him so much and he is now a Phillie...Pedro Feliz. He is just soooo nice my son & I were in a local Target and we saw him come in with his daughters and wife or GF Anyhooo my son went up to him to ask if he could take his picture and that his friend wouldnt believe he saw him and he said sure no problem. Then talked with him for a little bit. My son was on Too bad the pic was on a cell phone because now I have no idea what happened to that phone. (this was a few years ago)
Good Memory though.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I saw you over on OregonMommy of 2 / OregonDaddy of 2's PTR, so I thought I would pop over to read your PTR also. I'm just starting to read but thought I would say Hi! I see you requested one of thoe letters aren't they cool!?
It looks like we will also be going around the same time also. We can't wait! It's our first trip!
Where in the parks can we find Baloo n King Louie?

Hi and Welcome!!! Thanks so much for joining in the fun!!! Yes, I saw the link you gave to OregonMommyof2 and checked it out!!! How cute are those letters!!! So thanks for the heads up on them!!!

Do you have a trip report? When are you going and where you staying??? You are going to have such a magical time!! Bet you are so excited!

Baloo and King Louie are at Animal Kingdom... They can be found in Africa right across form the Tusker house... If you don't see them out, just ask a CM.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Ahhhhh I see you are Phillie Fanatics huh? Good Deal, my family and I are BIG SF Giants fans. Not sure if you care for this player but we liked him so much and he is now a Phillie...Pedro Feliz. He is just soooo nice my son & I were in a local Target and we saw him come in with his daughters and wife or GF Anyhooo my son went up to him to ask if he could take his picture and that his friend wouldnt believe he saw him and he said sure no problem. Then talked with him for a little bit. My son was on Too bad the pic was on a cell phone because now I have no idea what happened to that phone. (this was a few years ago)
Good Memory though.

Yep, we love are Phillies and Eagles too!!! Feliz does seem like a cool guy! That is awesome that your son got to meet him... I love hearing stories like that, thats how all professional athletes and movie stars should act... They are role models to these kids! I actually interned at the Phillies when I was in college and every single player and coach that I met were very very nice!!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hi All!!! Happy Saturday!!! Wanted to get a quick update in before I start cleaning the house. Boo!!!

So first, you see my ticker... Do you?? Yep that's right 1 Month till Disney!!! Can you tell I'm just a bit excited!!

Well, when I left off yesterday, I was on my way out to take my brother Tim to the doctors. I'm happy to report, he was given a clean bill of health and he is good to go to start his Sophmore year of college Only problem now is, I'm gonna miss him!!!

Of course the doctors office was a freakin zoo with all the kids getting physicals for back to school, so needless to say, I had alot of time on my hands to think of my trip! Remembered a few more things that I need to get and pack and I also started thinking about what Devon was going to wear each day! Yes I am a freak like that!! As well as wrote a list of what to pack in Devon's carry-on bag. Without further ado, here ya go:

Ok, so I remembered that I need to get a few stamps for postcards. Stupid question, but is it the same cost to mail a postcard as a regular piece of mail?? And I also added UNO cards to the list, that's Dev's new favorite game, so I figured that would keep him entertained for a bit on the plane ride. Lastly. when I was in Target the other day, I saw this cute little HSM journal, and I decided that I want to pick that up so I can keep notes in it for my Trip Report!! I think that about covers my packing list additions.

Now for Devon's outfits:

Wait, Wait... pardon this interruption!!!! I just GOT my MICKEY MAIL!!!! YAY!! So extremely excited!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Ok, I calmed down and am now ready to continue!! Devon's outfits, right?

Here ya go...

Tuesday- This is our travel day, so I am going to have Devon wear Nike mesh shorts and an Eagles Shirt.

Wednesday- Today we are going to DHS so he will wear kacki cargo shirts and his Hollywood ToT shirt that we got when we were there in December.

Thursday- Planning on him wearing one of his many Phillies shirts and checkered red, white and blue shorts. I want him to look alittle nicer today since we are going to 'Ohana and Whispering Canyon on this day.

Friday- Think I'll have him wear his white, green and gray Nike b-ball shorts with this green Nike B-ball shirt. Tonight is MNSSHP night, so we will go back to the resort after AK and he will change into a black t-shirt and kacki short for the party... Remember he is going to pirates league to be tranformed into a !

Saturday- Epcot day! Having him wear his yellow gold lion head shirt from Lucky with his yellow gold, black and tan plaid shorts. We are going to Teppen Edo tonight, so I don't want him to look like too much of a dirt ball!!!

Sunday- I don't even want to think about this day!!! Because we leave today! Since we are traveling home today and we will be landing in just enough time for the Eagles game, he will be wearing his Westbrook jersey and some kind of shorts.

Well that about sums up the Dude's outfits for the trip...

On to his carry-on bag: He decided that he wants to use his new Penn State school bag as his carry-on, which is fine, but since he is going to school the day we are leaving, that means that I can't get his carry-on situated until he gets home from school that day!!! Oh, well no biggie I guess... I'll just have everything he needs to put in it gathered on his bed so I can just throw everything in it when he gets home.

Devon's Carry-on:

PSP and Games
iPod
UNO Cards
4 wrestling guys
Homework (hoping to get the work he is going to miss before we leave so he can do some on the plane, if not, no big deal)
Wordsearch book and pencil

That about covers it, I think anyway. I'm sure the boy is going to be throwing in other things as well... Got to be careful with him, he'd bring his whole room if I weren't looking!!

Well folks, that's it for this update... Off to clean and then hitting the gym, at least that's the plan as of now! Hopefully I'll have another update up by tonight or tomorrow morning!! Enjoy your day!!!

 

[abbadabbadoo]

I am right there with you about the carry-on! If I don't watch Chloe she'll put EVERYTHING in there! In fact, last year I had to empty the carry-on and repack it because it was full of My Little Pony's! Do you guys pack snacks? We usually pack a few things, I think we'll have a little more this year because Kaol is a snacker!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

Yay for Mickey Mail!!!

Wish mine would hurry up and get here...

Alec is taking his Oregon State backpack for his carry-on...

And my packing list for his, is exactly what you have on your list... Only difference is you have worksheets, and I have homework...

I have a feeling those boys would get along just fine... Well, beside's that whole Penn State vs. OSU thing...

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I love the way you plan that outfits out specifically just like me! It makes me feel so much better about my obsession to plan when I know there are others like me.

Woohoo for the 30 day mark! and on getting mickey mail.

I didnt get mine yet I give the TA until friday.....If she doesnt call me by then Im calling her!

 

[mousecrazy425]

Just got caught up on your PTR -- it looks like you guys are going to have a lot of fun! I'm so jealous that you've only got a month left!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I am right there with you about the carry-on! If I don't watch Chloe she'll put EVERYTHING in there! In fact, last year I had to empty the carry-on and repack it because it was full of My Little Pony's! Do you guys pack snacks? We usually pack a few things, I think we'll have a little more this year because Kaol is a snacker!

Well I'm glad my kid is not the only one like that!!! I usually have to do the same thing, and repack his bag as well!! Honestly, I haven't been packing snacks the last few times we went. Now that Dev is a bit older, we grab something at the airport to eat before departure and snack on the pretzels they give us on the plane. But, believe me, I used to be a heavy snack packer, b/c like Kaol, Devon was a snacker too!!

Yay for Mickey Mail!!!

Wish mine would hurry up and get here...

Alec is taking his Oregon State backpack for his carry-on...

And my packing list for his, is exactly what you have on your list... Only difference is you have worksheets, and I have homework...

I have a feeling those boys would get along just fine... Well, beside's that whole Penn State vs. OSU thing...

I know!!! I was shocked when the mail came today and it was there!!! I would definitely stalk call your TA on Monday! Have you thought to call Disney directly, they should be able to pull up your ressie for you and get the packet out... I would ust say you can't get a hold of your TA.

How funny that are boys carry-on items are the same!!! I have no doubt Devon and Alec would get along great, minus the Penn State/Oregon State issue!!! LOL... My fingers are crossed that you get your Mickey Mail Monday!!!

I love the way you plan that outfits out specifically just like me! It makes me feel so much better about my obsession to plan when I know there are others like me.

Woohoo for the 30 day mark! and on getting mickey mail.

I didnt get mine yet I give the TA until friday.....If she doesnt call me by then Im calling her!

I know, I am so excited!!! Yeah definitely call your TA you leave a day before me so you should be getting it too! What happen with the camera?

Just got caught up on your PTR -- it looks like you guys are going to have a lot of fun! I'm so jealous that you've only got a month left!

Thanks and !! I sure hope we have a lot of fun!!! Your jealous of me!!! Your going to Disneyland in a week. WDW in a month and then again in Dec!!! I'm totally jealous of you!!!!

 

[abbadabbadoo]

I had to laugh when I saw you'd planned his outfits, and that another poster had, too. I am so glad I'm not alone! I have been OCD about what my kids are gonna wear, plus now Princess Chloe has her own ideas about what she wants, too!

I'm not sure what kind of snacks I'm going to pack yet. Probably Goldfish, pretzels, fruit roll ups, stuff like that. And I'll probably end up packing a bag of Oreos for Josh! LOL

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I had to laugh when I saw you'd planned his outfits, and that another poster had, too. I am so glad I'm not alone! I have been OCD about what my kids are gonna wear, plus now Princess Chloe has her own ideas about what she wants, too!

I'm not sure what kind of snacks I'm going to pack yet. Probably Goldfish, pretzels, fruit roll ups, stuff like that. And I'll probably end up packing a bag of Oreos for Josh! LOL

It is such a relief to know that I am not the only crazy person out there when it comes to planning!!! But like Chloe, Devon has a mind of his own, so there may be a fight each morning with what he is wearing. But it still nice to plan!!

Now are your snacks just for the plane ride, or for the room as well?