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

[MJAJmom]

Those are just the cutest clothes! Can you do all the shopping for me now??? I really like your taste and your determination for finding great bargains. The kids are so lucky to have a mom like you!!

 

[cdotla]

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

Good Plan! And Welcome!!! I see you are getting very close to a trip too!

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

Not long now.

I know...our trips are coming so fast, aren't they???

Those are just the cutest clothes! Can you do all the shopping for me now??? I really like your taste and your determination for finding great bargains. The kids are so lucky to have a mom like you!!

Thanks! No one loves scoring a deal more than me!

 

[cdotla]

Last Disney Movie Nite before the Trip

Next weekend is going to be crazy busy for us getting ready for Katie's party, and doing all the last minute preparations for the trip. So I was so glad last nite that all of us were home (even if DH had to leave very early this morning for his flight).

After supper, we took a walk then came home for Disney Movie Night. The kids and I saw Princess and the Frog twice in the theatre, but DH had never seen it. Katie received the DVD at Easter, so we popped it in and watched it.

What a great night we had! The kids got up to dance at various parts (the kids listen to the soundtrack in the car with me so much that I am growing tired of it), and even DH's foot was tapping. He quite liked the movie...I knew the subplot of the girl following her daddy's dream would strike his heart!

I am also glad that DH now knows exactly who Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are...that will help in case there is an extra-long line up to see them in the Parks!

While we were watching the movie, I even got some tags and gift bags prepared for the party. I still have a lot to do today and tomorrow for the party, plus we have a very busy slate of things in store for the weekend, including a Disney-related event tonite!

With everything on my to-do list, it certainly didn't help that I fell asleep at 9pm when tucking the kids into bed, but at least I got up early to make up for it! We are off shortly for ballet, and then onto the million other things on the agenda, but I promise I will update tonite with my shopping acquisitions for the trip and perhaps a recap of our Disney event later today!

 

[JoShan1719]

I usually can't get in to PTRs or TRs, but I'm hooked on yours, so I'm subbing. Can't wait to hear how your trip goes!

 

[flipflopmom]

Just finished 21 pages. You have a great sense of style, clothes, parties, and resorts! Very impressed! I can't wait to hear about the party!

 

[DrMomof3]

Glad the movie night was so good! We love Princess and the Frog!
I can't believe your trip is so soon.

Amanda

 

[carissanboys]

We still have not seen The Princess and the Frog. My boys just have no interest. I think it's because it has the word "princess" in the title.

 

[Native NYer]

The clothes are adorable.
And I love the Pottery Barn Kids bag. I may have to order that and the matching backpack for my nephews for August.

 

[swwake]

I wonder what your Disney event is tonight? Now you're making me want to see Princess and the Frog.

 

[kcandbella]

We love Princess and the Frog! I'm glad you had a good night watching it and that your DH liked it, too. It sounds like fun! I'm excited to hear about your party next weekend. I can't imagine having to plan that on top of all the Disney excitement. It sounds like you have it under control, though!!!

 

[dismagiclover]

Princess and the Frog is a great movie! I especially love the music! I need to get that CD for the car!!

 

[seamama71]

Wow! I'm new to the boards and found your PTR - such fun plans. I think your family will be the cutest, best dressed bunch in the World

We're going in September and staying at BCV, too! Can't wait to hear how your trip goes. I've been learning a lot from you and everyone here! I've just made note of your park bag suggestions!

Hope you have a magical trip!!

 

[cdotla]

Wow! I'm new to the boards and found your PTR - such fun plans. I think your family will be the cutest, best dressed bunch in the World

We're going in September and staying at BCV, too! Can't wait to hear how your trip goes. I've been learning a lot from you and everyone here! I've just made note of your park bag suggestions!

Hope you have a magical trip!!

Thank you so much! And welcome to my PTR!

I will definitely let you know how we end up liking the BCV...this will be our first time in any of the DVC units. While I am not one to pre-judge, I think we're gonna like it!

And then, just as we get back and I start missing it, I can read your TR to bring back the happy memories!

Princess and the Frog is a great movie! I especially love the music! I need to get that CD for the car!!

Yes...it is an awesome movie *and* soundtrack! Definitely a great one for the car.

We love Princess and the Frog! I'm glad you had a good night watching it and that your DH liked it, too. It sounds like fun! I'm excited to hear about your party next weekend. I can't imagine having to plan that on top of all the Disney excitement. It sounds like you have it under control, though!!!

Do I sound like I have things under control? You should see my upside down house right now! We just got home after being out for most of the day. I tucked the kids in bed and came here for a brief rest before I tackle the laundry, party prep, and packing. The state of my house and to-do list right now is getting me very nervous! .

Tonite is gonna be a REAL late one! I've got Starbucks in hand as we speak ...a Venti was the last thing I picked up on the way home! Hoping by tomorrow things are in a bit better shape.

I wonder what your Disney event is tonight? Now you're making me want to see Princess and the Frog.

You won't have to wait much longer...I will update shortly on our Disney-related event.

And yes, you really should see Princess & the Frog. It is fun.

The clothes are adorable.
And I love the Pottery Barn Kids bag. I may have to order that and the matching backpack for my nephews for August.

What a great gift the bag and backpack would make for your nephew! My kids loved the bags!

We still have not seen The Princess and the Frog. My boys just have no interest. I think it's because it has the word "princess" in the title.

Believe it or not, my son and husband both liked it. It is not as "princessy" as some of the others. Rent it one nite and you may be surprised...you may get some company on the coach.

Glad the movie night was so good! We love Princess and the Frog!
I can't believe your trip is so soon.

Hey Amanada...yes, it seemed like just yesterday we each had plenty of time before our trips. Now yours has come and gone and mine will be here before I know it. At least you have a couple more planned!

Just finished 21 pages. You have a great sense of style, clothes, parties, and resorts! Very impressed! I can't wait to hear about the party!

Thank you so much for joining and posting! It is great to know I have some readers! Look forward to having you along!

I usually can't get in to PTRs or TRs, but I'm hooked on yours, so I'm subbing. Can't wait to hear how your trip goes!

Aw...thanks so much! I am so happy you joined...Welcome!

 

[cdotla]

Tonite's Disney-related Event...Peter Pan Musical!

This evening the kids and I attended our local theatre for a live performance of Peter Pan. It was wonderful! While it was a musical, it was the dancing that impressed us the most.

Tiger Lilly was our favourite character...she was beautiful and a spectacular dancer!

We had a great time!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Tonite's Disney-related Event...Peter Pan Musical!

This evening the kids and I attended our local theatre for a live performance of Peter Pan. It was wonderful! While it was a musical, it was the dancing that impressed us the most.

Tiger Lilly was our favourite character...she was beautiful and a spectacular dancer!

We had a great time!

Katie and Declan are so adorable. No question about it...your kids are going to be THE best dressed kids at WDW in May.

 

[cdotla]

Katie and Declan are so adorable. No question about it...your kids are going to be THE best dressed kids at WDW in May.

Thanks!

 

[cdotla]

Giving Up Disney for the Beach

- OR -

Five...goes to Eight...goes to Twelve...goes to FOURTEEN!!!​

So, remember awhile back when I mentioned that at one month before the Trip my sister-in-law and her 2 boys decided to join us? Well since then our numbers have gotten a LOT larger...at least for one day!

Chris' cousin lives in Tampa, and we really wanted to get to see her on this trip, especially because she and her husband have 2 daughters who are right around my kids' ages.

A few years ago (before any of us had kids) Chris & I spent 2 weeks on the Gulf Coast and a fair bit of time with his cousin and her husband. Since then we have seen them at various family functions in Montreal (where Chris and his cousin each grew up), but we really haven't had any quality time with them since our trip to the Gulf Coast so, so many years ago.

Originally the plan was going to be that Chris' cousin, her husband, and their two daughters would drive over to WDW and stay with us for the afternoon at Stormalong Bay. (I have no idea if this would have been "allowed" as I have never tried to bring other people into a resort pool before, but we were going to chance it. If it didn't work out, there was always Cresecent Lake)

The plan was that our family, my MIL, my SIL and her 2 boys would all have lunch at 12noon at Teppan Edo, then meet Chris' cousin and her family back at BCV shortly after 1pm, where we would then spend the afternoon at SAB.

There was also a possibility that Chris' other cousin (the sister of the 1st cousin), and her husband, who also live in Tampa, may also join us depending on their work schedules.

I was quite happy with the plan. Great opportunity to not only enjoy SAB, but also to catch up and have fun with the family. All 14 of us!!!!

However...there has been a slight change in plan. To make a long story short, turns out we are now the ones who are going to drive to the Beach to join the cousins and their families there.

Let's be clear: I LOVE the beach. Plus I am really excited about spending time with Chris' cousins and their families, who I quite adore. And I am thrilled that my kids will get a chance to hang out with their 2 cousins, who are almost exactly their same ages.

However....and I would only ever admit this here, where (hopefully) I will have a sympathetic and understanding audience...there is a tiny part of me that is not keen at all to be stepping off Disney property. I KNOW!!! Have I been drinking the koolaid, or what?!!!

After OD'ing on WDW throughout my childhood, as a teenager I would not dream of letting my parents drag me off the gulf coast beaches to drive to central Florida to attend decidedly uncool Disney. Instead, I was happy soaking up the rays on Clearwater, St. Pete's or Maderia Beach. And if we visited any theme park, it was always Busch Gardens, not Disney.

My how we have come full circle...now I am having a mini panick attack at the thought of missing a full day in Disney to attend the beach!

I will be honest: if I had total control over the agenda we would be sticking with the original plan and taking our chances on being able to smuggle the cousins into SAB.

However....my SIL was apparently intent on going to the beach, and DH quickly jumped on the bandwagon. So I have given in and lost Round One. Along with 2 coveted reservations in the process: Teppan Edo and Coral Reef.

While it will be fairly easy to book Teppan Edo again, the challenge will be to decide what we have to give up to get it back on the agenda.

Coral Reef is basically fully booked. So if we miss it, we lose it. Very disappointing because I think the kids would have loved it.

I tried to encourage DH to agree to leave the beach in time to make it back in time for our 5:30pm ADR at Coral Reef, reminding him of all of those DxDP credits that would be going to waste. Didn't work. He could care less about the dining credits. So I suspect we will be missing the entire day in WDW and losing Teppan Edo and Coral Reef in the process.

Just typing that kinda makes me cringe. So what if we lose a day at Disney, and an experience in 2 Disney restaurants? We are going to have a great time with extended family on the beach. I hate the fact that this is even an issue for me. Fortunately I have not voiced these thoughts to anyone (except you guys!), or I am sure they would think I am completely and utterly Disney-obsessed. Wait...I think the cat is already out of the bag on that!

Anyway...like I said, I have conceded without a fight on this. My family will love the Beach Day and I will too.

However...if anyone else tries to mess with my remaining ADRs or Disney Park plans, they are going to have a fight on their hands!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Five...goes to Eight...goes to Twelve...goes to FOURTEEN!!!

So, remember awhile back when I mentioned that at one month before the Trip my sister-in-law and her 2 boys decided to join us? Well since then our numbers have gotten a LOT larger...at least for one day!

Chris' cousin lives in Tampa, and we really wanted to get to see her on this trip, especially because she and her husband have 2 daughters who are right around my kids' ages and they do not get a chance to see each other too often.

A few years ago (before any of us had kids) Chris & I spent 2 weeks on the Gulf Coast and a fair bit of time with his cousin and her husband. Since then we have seen them at various family functions in Montreal (where Chris and his cousin each grew up), but we really haven't had any quality time with them since our trip to the Gulf Coast so, so many years ago.

Originally the plan was going to be that Chris' cousin, her husband, and their two daughters would drive over to WDW and stay with us for the afternoon at Stormalong Bay. (I have no idea if this would have been "allowed" as I have never tried to bring other people into a resort pool before, but we were going to chance it. If it didn't work out, there was always Cresecent Lake)

The plan was that our family, my MIL, my SIL and her 2 boys would all have lunch at 12noon at Teppan Edo, then meet Chris' cousin and her family back at BCV shortly after 1pm, where we would then spend the day at SAB.

There was also a possibility that Chris' other cousin (the sister of the 1st cousin), and her husband, who also live in Tampa, may also join us depending on their work schedules.

I was quite happy with the plan. Great opportunity to not only enjoy SAB, but also to catch up and have fun with the family. All 14 of us!!!!

However...there has been a slight change in plan. To make a long story short, turns out we are now the ones who are going to drive to the Beach to join the cousins and their families there.

Let's be clear: I LOVE the beach. Plus I am really excited about spending time with Chris' cousins and their families, who I quite adore. And I am thrilled that my kids will get a chance to hang out with their 2 cousins, who are almost exactly their same ages.

However....and I would only ever admit this here, where (hopefully) I will have a sympathetic and understanding audience...there is a tiny part of me that is not keen at all to be stepping off Disney property. I KNOW!!! Have I been drinking the koolaid, or what?!!!

After OD'ing on WDW throughout my childhood, as a teenager I would not dream of letting my parents drag me off the gulf coast beaches to drive to central Florida to attend decidedly uncool Disney. Instead, I was happy soaking up the rays on Clearwater Beach, St. Pete's or Maderia Beach. And if we visited any theme park, it was always Busch Gardens, not Disney.

My how we have come full circle...now I am having a mini panick attack at the thought of missing a full day in Disney to attend the beach!

I will be honest: if I had total control over the agenda we would be sticking with the original plan and taking our chances on being able to smuggle the cousins into SAB.

However....my SIL was apparently intent on going to the beach, and DH quickly jumped on the bandwagon. So I have given in and lost Round One. Along with 2 coveted reservations in the process: Teppan Edo and Coral Reef.

While it will be fairly easy to book Teppan Edo again, the challenge will be to decide what we have to give up to get it back on the agenda.

Coral Reef is basically fully booked. So if we miss it, we lose it. Very disappointing because I think the kids would have loved it.

I tried to encourage DH to agree to leave the beach in time to make it back in time for our 5:30pm ADR at Coral Reef, reminding him of all of those DxDP credits that would be going to waste. Didn't work. He could care less about the dining credits. So I suspect we will be missing the entire day in WDW and losing Teppan Edo and Coral Reef in the process.

Just typing that kinda makes me cringe. So what if we lose a day at Disney, and an experience in 2 Disney restaurants? We are going to have a great time with extended family on the beach. I hate the fact that this is even an issue for me. Fortunately I have not voiced these thoughts to anyone (except you guys!), or I am sure they would think I am completely and utterly Disney-obsessed. Wait...I think the cat is already out of the bag on that!

Anyway...like I said, I have conceded without a fight on this. My family will love the Beach Day and I will too.

However...if anyone else tries to mess with my remaining ADRs or Disney Park plans, they are going to have a fight on their hands!

You win! I thought I had issues with my group of 9. At least I'm not giving up any time at the World nor am I having to cancel ADRs. And I won't be a pretty sight if anyone tried!

You seem surprisingly calm. If it were me...

But I'm sure you'll have a great day at the Beach and spending time with the family.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Well, at least your trip to Disney is long enough that leaving for one day probably won't effect you being able to do all you want to do in the parks. And, you know you guys will have a great time at the beach once you get there, it could be a nice break.

That does stink about your ADRs though, especially if those were places you were really anxious to try. We really enjoyed Teppan Edo in December, the kids got a real kick out of watching the chef cook.

 

[swwake]

Hooray for Peter Pan? How was it? Did Peter or Tink fly?

Ok, I have to say, that was very nice of you to concede to the beach day. It disappoints me that the SIL won here (although I guess lots of the others were pulling for the beach day, but still). I know how frustrated you were when they first decided to join you on the trip, and now she's starting to call some shots. I just hope this was the last one for her to call.

I agree - stand your ground. Guard those ADRs! Don't let anymore of them get hustled.

All that said, I'm sure you'll have a great time at the beach with the extended family. And it sounds like some great bonding and re-bonding time.