It's our "Last" Trip to WDW, so we're going DELUXE! *We're Back After 11 Days in WDW*

[BippityBoo]

PHEW! Ok all caught up! We seem like two peas in a Mommy pod I LOVE planning parties too and, when I read that you were doing yours at the theater, I was dissapointed myself because I wanted to see what you came up with! SO happy you are planning one now! I can't wait to show you pics of my DD's!

I also love all of your kid's outfits. Where do you get your DD's made for WDW? Her Cinderella one was absolutely beautiful!

How lucky are you to 1) Be at WDW for SOOO long! 2) Getting to eat Deluxe! GREAT

I am trying to plan our Christmas trip for, hopefully, 8 people. I will need your help when the time comes, I am sure! You seem to be the perfect planner. I am curious, what program do you use for your spreadsheets?

All of your Resorts sound AWESOME! I love them all (although never actually stayed at any of them either). We are dying to stay at the Poly! Probably for our May 2011 trip

What a bummer about the closings! During our trip, Splash was the only ride down, that is until we got there and then Test Track magically went under rehab! One of the bad things about traveling during down times, I guess.

That is all I have to say for now, but I am sure I will think of more things later Can't wait to read about your trip!!!

 

[cdotla]

PHEW! Ok all caught up! We seem like two peas in a Mommy pod I LOVE planning parties too and, when I read that you were doing yours at the theater, I was dissapointed myself because I wanted to see what you came up with! SO happy you are planning one now! I can't wait to show you pics of my DD's!

I also love all of your kid's outfits. Where do you get your DD's made for WDW? Her Cinderella one was absolutely beautiful!

How lucky are you to 1) Be at WDW for SOOO long! 2) Getting to eat Deluxe! GREAT

I am trying to plan our Christmas trip for, hopefully, 8 people. I will need your help when the time comes, I am sure! You seem to be the perfect planner. I am curious, what program do you use for your spreadsheets?

All of your Resorts sound AWESOME! I love them all (although never actually stayed at any of them either). We are dying to stay at the Poly! Probably for our May 2011 trip

What a bummer about the closings! During our trip, Splash was the only ride down, that is until we got there and then Test Track magically went under rehab! One of the bad things about traveling during down times, I guess.

That is all I have to say for now, but I am sure I will think of more things later Can't wait to read about your trip!!!

Hi Katie! So glad you have joined in!

Katie's party is actually coming together quite nicely. Even if I have completely neglected trip planning as a result. I should have an update on the party very shortly. And I would love to hear your plans for Abby's party.

Yes, I am almost to the point of jumping out of my skin now that we are getting so close. It really is a dream trip for us...meaning everyone in the family but my husband. Actually, I really think (hope) this trip will turn him around. He has never before stayed on property if you can believe it. So what a great introduction to the Disney resorts what with the Contemporary, Beach Club and Poly all in one trip!

Katie's Cinderella outfit was made by TheCharmedChild, but unfortunately last I heard she had really cut down on making customs, so I am not sure how much, if any, she is doing anymore.

As for spreadsheets, I actually use a chart/graph from Word which shows 7 days at a time where I post in point form all of our details. I actually like it far better than any spreadsheet I have ever seen (I generally find them too cluttered for my liking). I can email you a copy if you want!

Yes, hopefully there won't be any other unplanned rehabs popping up during our trip. I am prepared for those that have been announced (even the slide at SAB), but I don't wish for anything else to get added to the list!

 

[LilAnn]

Thanks for posting and welcome!!!

Yes, we are definitely getting close now! Are you getting excited??!!! Where will you be staying this trip? Look forward to keeping each other company as we countdown to vacation!

I am both excited and stressed! I feel like I still have so much to do to get ready for the trip and pack!

We are doing a split-stay this trip (we're also doing 11 days like you). We are starting off at Pop to utilize some of the Disney perks of staying on property. We went back and forth for a long time on where to stay since we loved the BC in August and I am dying to try the Poly. Plus our little gal is 2yr so the perks of staying within walking distance of some of the parks was such a great perk (especially the 2 min. walk to Epcot). However, my DH told me it basically came down to a little under 1 week at a deluxe or longer at a value. So, the Pop it was. I think she'll enjoy the larger than life characters anyways around the resort.

Our later half will be spent at the Dolphin because we just loved staying in the Epcot area and so we can take advantage of the nurse's rate there. I'm excited about staying there, even though it won't have the disney magic. But we'll still be so close to Epcot and DHS so I won't complain!

I am finally caught up on your PTR. Love the posts on shopping! I too am addicted to JCrew. I love the adorable patchwork/plaid outfits your little girl is wearing in your pics. I need to find some of those for my little one!

SAB is so fun, you will barely miss the slide. There is still so much fun to be had there. I love the sandy bottom!

 

[cdotla]

I am both excited and stressed! I feel like I still have so much to do to get ready for the trip and pack!

We are doing a split-stay this trip (we're also doing 11 days like you). We are starting off at Pop to utilize some of the Disney perks of staying on property. We went back and forth for a long time on where to stay since we loved the BC in August and I am dying to try the Poly. Plus our little gal is 2yr so the perks of staying within walking distance of some of the parks was such a great perk (especially the 2 min. walk to Epcot). However, my DH told me it basically came down to a little under 1 week at a deluxe or longer at a value. So, the Pop it was. I think she'll enjoy the larger than life characters anyways around the resort.

Our later half will be spent at the Dolphin because we just loved staying in the Epcot area and so we can take advantage of the nurse's rate there. I'm excited about staying there, even though it won't have the disney magic. But we'll still be so close to Epcot and DHS so I won't complain!

I am finally caught up on your PTR. Love the posts on shopping! I too am addicted to JCrew. I love the adorable patchwork/plaid outfits your little girl is wearing in your pics. I need to find some of those for my little one!

SAB is so fun, you will barely miss the slide. There is still so much fun to be had there. I love the sandy bottom!

You too? OK - I don't feel so bad. I am stressed too at how quickly this vacation is coming. Then again, I am not complaining either!

I think your plan of a split stay sounds wonderful. Your DD will love Pop I am sure, and the Dolphin will be great! The location can't be beat, it is a great resort, and don't forget those Heavenly beds!!! Plus, doesn't it have Starbucks? Enough reason to stay there in and of itself!

That patchwork/plaid outfit Katie is wearing is from Janie and Jack. I am an addict of that place too! Janie & Jack also made the Paris dress Katie is going to wear for her party. I guess if it is ok for Suri Cruise, it is ok for us too!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great Swimsuit....I've been avoiding pulling mine out of the drawer and trying it on. Might have to go shopping at the weekend.

 

[LilAnn]

I think your plan of a split stay sounds wonderful. Your DD will love Pop I am sure, and the Dolphin will be great! The location can't be beat, it is a great resort, and don't forget those Heavenly beds!!! Plus, doesn't it have Starbucks? Enough reason to stay there in and of itself!

That patchwork/plaid outfit Katie is wearing is from Janie and Jack. I am an addict of that place too! Janie & Jack also made the Paris dress Katie is going to wear for her party. I guess if it is ok for Suri Cruise, it is ok for us too!

I think I am more excited about the Dolphin stay than the Pop portion. We've stayed at Pop before and enjoyed it, but all those reasons you stated above are right up our alley. DH will be all over the coffee situation. Maybe we'll see you around the boardwalk area!

Love Janie and Jack too! They have the cutest things! Suri sure is one well dressed child whenver I see her photgraphed! Love that she is such the girly girl!

 

[cdotla]

I think I am more excited about the Dolphin stay than the Pop portion. We've stayed at Pop before and enjoyed it, but all those reasons you stated above are right up our alley. DH will be all over the coffee situation. Maybe we'll see you around the boardwalk area!

Definitely keep a lookout for us...we will be there and it would be great to meet you!

 

[cdotla]

Last minute Shopping and Packing for the Kiddos!

I can't believe how quickly this trip has snuck up on me. Two weeks from tonite, we will be at Chef Mickey's!

I am hoping to get all packed for the trip this weekend. This would be quite a departure from my usual routine of staying up all night getting loose ends tied up at work and packing for the trip.

While I haven't started packing my stuff, I am already way ahead of the game with packing for the kids. I already have each of their clothes for each day packed into separate ziplock bags by outfit, with a couple of extra outfits thrown in for good measure! I already know that we will be way overpacked but I have no intention of washing clothes while we are down there!

As mentioned before, I really love shopping for cute suitsuits. Just not for myself these last few years! Fortunately I have been able to transfer that interest over to my daughter. While I know that she doesn't *need* this many swimsuits for the trip, I can justify taking them because they pack so well and don't take up too much space.

I actually bought each of the kids these Lilly Pulitzer ones that were from the Colorful Cause charity line designed by Gwyneth Paltrow:

I also picked up these swimsuits and cover-up/dresses for her from Janie & Jack:

We have always loved, but never owned a Kate Mack tutu bathing suit, so I saw this one at Janie & Jack and couldn't resist!

Declan is also more than covered for pool attire. In addition to the Lilly Pulitzer trunks which match his sister's (geeky I know, but I figure this is the last year that I can match my kids!), he has a great pair of trunks that I picked up at the Disney store last year with very subtle Mickeys on them. He also has another great suit that I picked up at the Gap a month or so ago, but they now appear to have sold out so I can't show you pictures.

The other great item I recently picked up for the kids in Atlanta for the trip are these:

I ordered them from Pottery Barn Kids, and got their names embroidered on them. They were in their stash of Easter goodies and the kids love them. They will hold all of their toiletries for the trip, as well as all of Katie's hair clips, ect. They are really adorable and I am so glad I bought them!

I also have 2 swim masks on order from Land's End which should be arriving shortly. Plus, I also have to order some lanyards and pins for trading in the Parks. This is something we have never done before. We are looking forward to trying this out. The kids are finally old enough and I think they will really enjoy the added interaction with the Cast Members.

I also picked up a few odds and ends...like this cute terry hat for Katie:

This tee:

This skirt:

and this headband:

For Declan, I got this shirt:

this tee:

and these shades:

Overall, I think the kids are in good shape for the trip. Next up, I will fill you in on a couple things I have picked up for me!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh, you are really making me yearn for a little girl to buy for! Girl stuff is just so much cuter than boy stuff

I'm totally with ya on the laundry thing - I refuse to do laundry on vacation, I'll pay to check another suitcase full of stuff first!

 

[kimbo0569]

I'm in! I also love the Beach/Yacht Club areas and the Poly! My dh and I spent our honeymoon at the Floridian back in 1999 but we stopped at the Poly nearly every night for a drink before heading back to our room. And Ohana is one of our absolute fave restaurants!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[DrMomof3]

Cute clothes! My kids desperately need summer clothes but I'm trying not to go crazy!

Amanda

 

[kcandbella]

Very cute stuff! They will look adorable all decked out!

 

[LilAnn]

oh my gosh! Your shopping post makes me want to go shopping for my little girl now! It looks like you guys will be one well dressed family! The Lilly Pulitzer suits are so cute. Unfortunately, I don't think DH will enjoy my shopping sprees as much as I would, especially since we are in the midst of gearing up for wedding season when we get back.

The next two weeks can't go by fast enough!

 

[kschafer]

Oh, you are really making me yearn for a little girl to buy for! Girl stuff is just so much cuter than boy stuff

Agreed...but I'm not sure I could afford a little girl

 

[BippityBoo]

WOW!!!! I LOVE all of the things that you got Your kiddos will be soo cute!

Can't wait to see what you buy for yourself

 

[klacey1]

Love the clothes-- especially the Lilly bathing suit and that really cute headband! The bags are also super cute!

 

[Charlefours]

What a cute swimsuit and flip flops! I am putting off a swim suit for as long as I can too.

I cannot believe you have less than two weeks until you go!! It is going to be such an amazing trip!! Cute items for your kiddos!! They are going to be so stylish. :

 

[cdotla]

Oh, you are really making me yearn for a little girl to buy for! Girl stuff is just so much cuter than boy stuff

I'm totally with ya on the laundry thing - I refuse to do laundry on vacation, I'll pay to check another suitcase full of stuff first!

Yes, there is definitely more cute stuff for girls...I find it is much harder to shop for boys.

Glad I am not the only one who has no use for washers and dryers in my unit! DH may be using ours to clean his running gear, but as I won't be the one running, I won't be the one using it!

This is the LAST thing I want to be doing on vacation!

I'm in! I also love the Beach/Yacht Club areas and the Poly! My dh and I spent our honeymoon at the Floridian back in 1999 but we stopped at the Poly nearly every night for a drink before heading back to our room. And Ohana is one of our absolute fave restaurants!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much for posting and welcome!

I have never stayed at the GF before, but it must have been a great place to honeymoon. Funny you should mention stopping at the Poly lounge before heading back each nite - we have very close friends who are devotees to the GF and they do the exact same thing! But they love their GF. In March they stayed at the BC and did not like it at all. They tried to switch over to the GF but it was completely booked. Actually, even Heatherlynn (who I think may still be reading this PTR - Heather, Heather, are you there????) switched from the Boardwalk back to the Grand a few weeks ago. You GF people are very loyal indeed! Personally, though I haven't met a Disney resort I didn't like!

Cute clothes! My kids desperately need summer clothes but I'm trying not to go crazy!

Oh, then don't talk to me. I am the married with kids version of Shopaholic!

Very cute stuff! They will look adorable all decked out!

Thanks!

oh my gosh! Your shopping post makes me want to go shopping for my little girl now! It looks like you guys will be one well dressed family! The Lilly Pulitzer suits are so cute. Unfortunately, I don't think DH will enjoy my shopping sprees as much as I would, especially since we are in the midst of gearing up for wedding season when we get back.

The next two weeks can't go by fast enough!

Yay to the final countdown!!! This time in 2 weeks we will be getting ready for Mickey's Backyard BBQ!

Agreed...but I'm not sure I could afford a little girl

WOW!!!! I LOVE all of the things that you got Your kiddos will be soo cute!

Can't wait to see what you buy for yourself

Thanks! My things are coming up next! Today or tomorrow!

Love the clothes-- especially the Lilly bathing suit and that really cute headband! The bags are also super cute!

Thanks!

That headband is wonderful!!!! We have that same one in 4 colors, plus about 6 more in different styles.

I used to be a big bow person, but Katie has kinda outgrown them. The flower headbands are a great alternative!

And yes, the bags are great. They were a super hit with the kids. You know when a 4 and 6 yr old both get excited about a toiletry bag it must be pretty good. Maybe it was seeing their names on them...don't know. But it definitely was a hit!

What a cute swimsuit and flip flops! I am putting off a swim suit for as long as I can too.

I cannot believe you have less than two weeks until you go!! It is going to be such an amazing trip!! Cute items for your kiddos!! They are going to be so stylish. :

Thanks! Yes, I can barely believe how quickly this thing has snuck up on us. I have a million things to do before the trip so I know I am going to blink and the trip will be here!

 

[hedgehog2owl]

What is everyone else who will be in WDW on May 9th planning to do?

We also will have 3 generations, and we are eating at Biergarten (my mom's choice) on Mother's day.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Agreed...but I'm not sure I could afford a little girl

I'm not even sure I can afford my 9 yo DS much less a little girl!!

Not long now.