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

[klacey1]

What beautiful parties! Your children are very lucky I'm sure the movie party will be just as fun-- especially during that busy time. Maybe the easiness/convinience of it will convince you that the "theme" of the year is movie birthday parties!

 

[swwake]

Hi - I just stumbled on your PTR and have caught up on it. It looks like I may need to go back and read your previous TRs. That space shuttle launch looks amazing! Oh, and I also have Katie

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Trish,
Sorry I have been MIA but my computers has been down for the last week . Wow I can't believe Katie is going to be 7! Where does time go? Seems like she was 4 like last year. Kaylee just had her 10th Birthday last week. She had a small slumber with 5 girls. Anyway I think the movie party will be perfect since your going to Disney the next weekend! Wish you lived closer as I would be paying you to plan my kids parties. I love that tea party cake and the jungle cake too, so cute! Thanks for sharing your snowy Spring break trip with us and your shopping trip too. Kaylee always used to wear those shoes with her princess dresses, so much more comfy then plastic and rubber princess shoes. Looking forward to hearing more about this awesome trip you have planned! Still hoping to write a PTR or TR for June. But I have less than 4 weeks to pack an entire house to move and then unpack. Been so busy with Kaylee's dance and Thomas is starting baseball again in April.

Nichole

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love the cakes and cookies from your previous parties - so cute!

Don't feel bad about not hosting the party at your home this year, Katie is getting to go to WDW the next week and she will still have loads of fun with her friends at the theater party. Not to mention it will be much easier on you that close to the trip

 

[dismagiclover]

Hi! I finally made it over and I'm glad I did because I think you've planned my dream Disney vacation A week at BCV with a day on each side at the Contemporary and Poly. That is so awesome! I love the Beach Club! We went there for our vacation last summer and it is what I think heaven will be like. And I love the Magic Kingdom so can't beat those monorail resorts! Plus you're doing Deluxe Dining! Seriously, you're going to live my dream

On another note, can you come down here and make my son's birthday cake for his party this weekend? Those cakes just look fabulous! I'm feeling a bit ashamed that I went to the local Grocery store and ordered one Can't wait to hear more!

 

[carissanboys]

I am the same way as you. I love planning the big birthday bash each year. I love doing all of the research for the perfect theme (all of my boys have birthdays two weeks apart so I just do one big one and then celebrate individual birthdays on their special day) and finding a cake that is easy enough for me to make and decorate.

But, I think you have the right idea for this year. Keep it simple so you don't have to stress about it before your trip.

 

[Charlefours]

Wow--great birthday parties! Did you make the cakes and cookies? I think it is okay to take a break from a time intensive party! You have a big vacation coming up

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Love the party picture! Wow, you are talented and creative. I have none of that. Your kids are going to have fabulous memories of their birthday parties at home. It's probably a good idea to have the theater party this year though, hopefully it will save you tons of stress/time.

 

[kschafer]

WOW...that's all I can say!! I thought I loved planning my kids parties...you put me to shame! Mostly I love to make their cakes (I saw the tea party cake on someones thread last year and remember thinking it was awesome!) these cakes put me to shame!

Don't feel bad about taking the party somewhere else! I would bring your own cake if you want because to me that is kind of the "centerpiece" in my mind. that with the goodie bags is plenty of theming without the hassle of getting your house ready and then cleaned up after. We started having the boys parties elsewhere when they started school because it is just plain easier! We've done bowling and swimming parties, Patrick's b-day is in June so we are already talking a Toy Story 3 movie party for this year!

 

[cdotla]

The hosted parties are fun but you know, the older ones, where they pick just a couple "best" friends and you do something a little more special, are just as neat in their own way.

The movie party will be wonderful. Did you make those cakes? Especially the tea party and jungle. WOW!

Yes, I think the movie party will work out great this year given the timing of the trip.

My husband would bust a gut to think that anyone thought I made the Tea Party and Jungle cakes! No, I certainly didn't make those ones. Everyone has their talents, and mine are not in the kitchen - LOL!

I did make the Ariel and Lightening ones...those were easy though!

Sounds like the perfect solution for your DD's birthday party!

Yes, I think it is our best option this year, everything considered.

What beautiful parties! Your children are very lucky I'm sure the movie party will be just as fun-- especially during that busy time. Maybe the easiness/convinience of it will convince you that the "theme" of the year is movie birthday parties!

Thank you!!! And what a great idea - movie themed parties! See, I didn't cop out at all this year...it was deliberate! That's my line and I am sticking to it!

Hi - I just stumbled on your PTR and have caught up on it. It looks like I may need to go back and read your previous TRs. That space shuttle launch looks amazing! Oh, and I also have Katie

Thank you for reading and joining my TR! Katie is a great name, isn't it?

Hi Trish,
Sorry I have been MIA but my computers has been down for the last week . Wow I can't believe Katie is going to be 7! Where does time go? Seems like she was 4 like last year. Kaylee just had her 10th Birthday last week. She had a small slumber with 5 girls. Anyway I think the movie party will be perfect since your going to Disney the next weekend! Wish you lived closer as I would be paying you to plan my kids parties. I love that tea party cake and the jungle cake too, so cute! Thanks for sharing your snowy Spring break trip with us and your shopping trip too. Kaylee always used to wear those shoes with her princess dresses, so much more comfy then plastic and rubber princess shoes. Looking forward to hearing more about this awesome trip you have planned! Still hoping to write a PTR or TR for June. But I have less than 4 weeks to pack an entire house to move and then unpack. Been so busy with Kaylee's dance and Thomas is starting baseball again in April.

Nichole

Hey Nichole...good to hear from you! Sounds like things have been crazy busy for you as usual! Please send me the link once you start your PTR so I don't miss it!

Unfortunately I ended up ordering the wrong size in the Princess shoes. I liked the sparkly ones, but ordered 1 size too large so I will have to order another pair before the trip. And I did not like the matte silver ones at all once I saw them in person. Oh well...I will get it straightened out soon.

I did end up keeping the silver sandals for myself...at $20 you can't go wrong!

Yes, the Tea Party and Jungle cakes were amazing!!! And they tasted great on the inside. But the fondant icing wasn't that great. None of the kids liked it, and for kids icing is usually their favourite part! So you definitely give up taste for effect with those fondant cakes!

Love the cakes and cookies from your previous parties - so cute!

Don't feel bad about not hosting the party at your home this year, Katie is getting to go to WDW the next week and she will still have loads of fun with her friends at the theater party. Not to mention it will be much easier on you that close to the trip

Yes, I think you are right. I have come around - slowly but surely!

Hi! I finally made it over and I'm glad I did because I think you've planned my dream Disney vacation A week at BCV with a day on each side at the Contemporary and Poly. That is so awesome! I love the Beach Club! We went there for our vacation last summer and it is what I think heaven will be like. And I love the Magic Kingdom so can't beat those monorail resorts! Plus you're doing Deluxe Dining! Seriously, you're going to live my dream.

On another note, can you come down here and make my son's birthday cake for his party this weekend? Those cakes just look fabulous! I'm feeling a bit ashamed that I went to the local Grocery store and ordered one Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks so much for reading along!

Yes, I have been living with these plans for awhile now, and I almost forget how lucky we are to be going on this trip! You reminded me how thankful I should be that everything has worked out for us!

As for the cakes - I should have clarified that I did NOT bake the Tea Party or Jungle cakes. A professional did those. But I take full credit for picking them out!

I am the same way as you. I love planning the big birthday bash each year.I love doing all of the research for the perfect theme (all of my boys have birthdays two weeks apart so I just do one big one and then celebrate individual birthdays on their special day) and finding a cake that is easy enough for me to make and decorate.

But, I think you have the right idea for this year. Keep it simple so you don't have to stress about it before your trip.

Yes, I spend almost as many hours planning my kids parties as I do planning our Disney trips! Love doing both. It will be funny (although a lot less stressful) just showing up to the theatre for the party this year!

Wow--great birthday parties! Did you make the cakes and cookies? I think it is okay to take a break from a time intensive party! You have a big vacation coming up

Thanks! The only ones I made were the Ariel and Lightening McQueen cakes.

Love the party picture! Wow, you are talented and creative. I have none of that. Your kids are going to have fabulous memories of their birthday parties at home. It's probably a good idea to have the theater party this year though, hopefully it will save you tons of stress/time.

Thanks! Just to set the record straight, I have only very basic skills in the kitchen - the only cakes I did were the ones that came from the cake molds. Easy peasy!

WOW...that's all I can say!! I thought I loved planning my kids parties...you put me to shame! Mostly I love to make their cakes (I saw the tea party cake on someones thread last year and remember thinking it was awesome!) these cakes put me to shame!

Don't feel bad about taking the party somewhere else! I would bring your own cake if you want because to me that is kind of the "centerpiece" in my mind. that with the goodie bags is plenty of theming without the hassle of getting your house ready and then cleaned up after. We started having the boys parties elsewhere when they started school because it is just plain easier! We've done bowling and swimming parties, Patrick's b-day is in June so we are already talking a Toy Story 3 movie party for this year!

Oh don't overestimate my skills! I certainly didn't bake the tea party cake! My husband would be roaring with laughter over that suggestion!

Yes, I did post a pic of the tea party cake on Carrie (lurkyloo's) PTR, i.e. the Cake thread. Carrie is the biggest hater of fondant on planet earth so it didn't impress her in the least!

 

[cdotla]

Looks like we are going from 5 to 8!!!

Big, big news just broke tonite about our trip. In fact, I just heard about it less than an hour ago!

As you know, my MIL is joining us on this trip, which will be her 1st ever trip to WDW. She is arriving the day after us, and staying for a week. She will have a Studio at the BCV and we will have a 1 Bdrm.

My husband called his mom to chat this evening, and within a couple minutes I heard him say "You better speak to Trish about that" and handed me the phone.

As it turns out, my MIL has invited her daughter and her two teenaged boys to come on the trip with us, staying in her Studio.

Obviously I am very pleased to hear that they are coming. My kids hardly know their Aunt and cousins. In fact, I don't think my son has ever met his cousins, and my daughter would have only seen them as a baby. So to have them join us will be great.

Unfortunately, where my stress level is rising is with respect to our dining reservations and park touring plans. Perhaps I am completely alone here, but dining is really one of the things I look forward to the most at Disney. I plan and plot out our ADRs literally months before our reservation window opens, and I am up at the crack of dawn at 180 days before the trip to book them.

Now that we have gone from a party of 5 to a party of 8, as you can well imagine, it is a little more difficult to obtain ADRs for our chosen restaurants. Especially just 1 month before our trip!!!

So far, I have been able to convert our dinner reservation at Jiko on my birthday, and one lunch reservation at the Plaza from a party of 5 to a party of 8. I have struck out in converting our reservations at Le Cellier (surprise, surprise), CRT, Akerhaus, and California Grill. And I haven't even attempted the others yet.

To top it off, my MIL advises me that my SIL is likely only planning on buying tickets for the Magic Kingdom for 1 day during their stay. (They will be there for 6 days). She and her 2 boys (ages 15 and 17) have never been to WDW before. Since many of our reservations are for in-Park dining, this will add extra complications as we won't be able to dine with them at any restaurants in the Parks except for the one day that they are planning on visiting the MK. And I doubt that they will want to spend the money on many of the signature dining restaurants on our list.

As a result I am completely stressed. I am already cringing at the thought of saying goodbye to them each morning as we head off to the Parks, and each evening as we head out to our ADRs at the restaurants I booked months ago and then to the Parks for the nightly entertainment. Obviously it is a no-win situation: either we end up looking like we don't want to spend any time with them, or completely change our trip plans, giving up all of the park touring plans and ADRs I spent so many months planning and anticipating leading up to this, our "Last" trip.

If anyone has any words of wisdom (or sympathy) I am all ears.

 

[swwake]

I'm sorry that this change has thrown a wrench in the dining plans. My advice, for what it's worth, is first, breathe. Just sit back and take a few breaths and let it sink in.

Think about how much fun it will be to have a larger group there and more, different people to split off to different areas, events and interests. All the bonding that is likely to go on between you and your sister-in-law, the kids as cousins, etc. So make the most of the positives first.

The next thing I would do is reach out to your SIL. I'm not sure how your relationship is with her, and I wonder if she's been to WDW before. Maybe you could let her know how excited you are that they'll be joining the trip, talk about some of the things you're most excited about, and give her some tips (like multiple-day, park-hopper passes ).

I think it's fair for you to be 100% honest with her (and your MIL) that this is what you think might be your last trip, and there are certain things you want to make sure you get to experience. If they want to join you, great. If they don't, that's fine too. That will set the expectations so they know you may not always be with them at every park and/or every meal.

Maybe there are close-by counter service options for some of the signature dining restaurants that they can do while your family is eating, then meet up afterward. Or for the ones they're interested in joining you, maybe you can just find another table for 3 (or 4) near the same time as your ADR for them.

I just think if everyone is honest and open, and the expectations are set, everyone will get the most out of the trip, and no feelings will be hurt.

Whatever you do, remember this was your vacation to start, and you're not required to make sacrifices because someone else is joining you. On the contrary, it should add to the experience for you and your family.

It will all work itself out. I'm sure. I'll be interested in hearing others' advice and what you ultimately decide to do.

 

[SoonerGirl]

No words of wisdom except to say that I wouldn't change my plans this late in the game to accommodate extra people who are jumping on board one month out and don't really seem to want to do the same things you are doing. I certainly wouldn't cancel all the ADRs you planned for! Have you sent your MIL a list of what you have planned? I would just share those plans with your new guests, let them know that you tried to have the dinner reservations changed to include them, but that there was no availability. I don't think that they can expect you to cancel all your ready made plans. I wouldn't stress over it, go and enjoy your vacation the way you want to and if they want to join you when you go to the parks they can, if they don't then they can find something else to do that interests them.

 

[dismagiclover]

I definitely sympathize with your dilemma. It is always a challenge to have large groups on vacation and to balance the time together and the time apart. Obviously since I don't know the habits and personalities of the individuals it' impossible to know what will work, but I'll tell you how my family would think about this. First of all a couple of teenagers probably don't want to spend tons of time riding rides with a 4 year old and 6 year old. They obviously aren't planning on spending every day with you because I assume they know you're going to the parks and they chose to get just a 1 day ticket. That takes some of the stress off. As far as ADRs go they probably aren't planning on eating with you every meal either. They are probably looking this as a vacation to central Florida and it will be nice to see you sometimes too. So I would just tell them your schedule, maybe give them some suggestions of things they can do out of the parks. (Maybe they should consider getting APs to the waterparks). I don't think they are too expensive and teenagers would love that. And then rearrange your schedule for an afternoon or 2 where you can meet up with them at the pool or maybe watch movies on the beach with them one night. Then I would tell your MIL you understand that she can't be 2 places at once and make it clear that it is OK if she spends time with her daughter's family. I would guess that she is actually the one that is going to feel the most pull trying to balance time with both of you. Anyway these are just my thoughts and like I say I really know nothing about the people so I could be totally wrong. Trust me it wouldn't be the first time (or I'm pretty sure the last) Good luck!

 

[carissanboys]

Ugh! Sorry you're feeling the stress from last minute changes. The good news is you're happy about the family members going along. Personally, I would just try to move things around to accomodate as much as you can, but not to the point of getting stressed. It's your vacation and you have to plan it with that in mind.

 

[kschafer]

wow, exciting and stressful news! That is really too bad that your SIL won't purchase tickets for more park days but obviously that is there choice and you will have to deal with that. Just like they will have to respect the fact that you have made your plans for visiting the parks and dining.

I would suggest you give them a brief outline of your plans (real simple like...day 1: Epcot morning, lunch in the park, afternoon at pool, dinner at resort) and let them know they are welcome to join you at the pool and resort dinner if they choose. Maybe look at your plans and see if you can give up a little more park time to spend at the pool, visit DTD or resort hop together.

I would NOT stress about not being able to get ADR's for the entire group. Offer those you can change and say "sorry" for those you can't. I would also not feel bad about spending your time in the parks that they can't. They are going to have to respect the fact that you had YOUR vacation planned and although they are welcome to join you where possible, coming at the last minute was their choice and will have to accept the limitations that comes with.

Good luck!

 

[kcandbella]

Wow, that is a big change. I would be stressed out, too! Personally, I would not change my park plans or ADRs. I would accomodate them when I could (the ones you already moved to 8 people) and tell them that you have been planning this and can't make any other changes. Also, give them warning. Print out your agendas and then if there is anything they want to join you on, they can make the necessary arrangements themselves. You made all of the plans for your family, they can make them for theirs. That is my opinion, anyway! Good luck!!!

 

[cdotla]

Thanks for the advice all! I think I was still in shock when I posted. I am the classic Type A, obsessive planner, so having something unexpected get thrown into the mix at the last minute like that took me a bit offguard. I definitely feel better after sleeping on it, and of course it will be great to see family!

It really helps to read all of your posts and know I would not be the only one in this scenario to feel some amount of stress. I really appreciate all of your excellent advice and feedback!

Think about how much fun it will be to have a larger group there and more, different people to split off to different areas, events and interests. All the bonding that is likely to go on between you and your sister-in-law, the kids as cousins, etc. So make the most of the positives first.

Yes, you are right. I am just going to focus on the positives.

I wouldn't stress over it, go and enjoy your vacation the way you want to and if they want to join you when you go to the parks they can, if they don't then they can find something else to do that interests them.

Exactly! Hopefully we can have some good times together, and clearly with a group this large we can't be together 24-7 anyway.

They are probably looking this as a vacation to central Florida and it will be nice to see you sometimes too. So I would just tell them your schedule, maybe give them some suggestions of things they can do out of the parks. (Maybe they should consider getting APs to the waterparks). I don't think they are too expensive and teenagers would love that. And then rearrange your schedule for an afternoon or 2 where you can meet up with them at the pool or maybe watch movies on the beach with them one night. Then I would tell your MIL you understand that she can't be 2 places at once and make it clear that it is OK if she spends time with her daughter's family. I would guess that she is actually the one that is going to feel the most pull trying to balance time with both of you.

You are completely right. We have never done a vacation with my MIL before, and the kids only see her briefly once or twice a year. That's why we were looking forward to having time with her on this trip. It is a little disappointing that she will now be spending a fair bit of time away from us with my SIL and her boys because she sees them literally all the time and travels on the road with them quite a bit for the boys' hockey. (Both are very serious players). However, I can't focus on that and simply have to focus on the positive side - my kids will hopefully have some great bonding time with their Aunt and cousins.

That is really too bad that your SIL won't purchase tickets for more park days but obviously that is there choice and you will have to deal with that. Just like they will have to respect the fact that you have made your plans for visiting the parks and dining.

I would suggest you give them a brief outline of your plans (real simple like...day 1: Epcot morning, lunch in the park, afternoon at pool, dinner at resort) and let them know they are welcome to join you at the pool and resort dinner if they choose. Maybe look at your plans and see if you can give up a little more park time to spend at the pool, visit DTD or resort hop together.

Actually, my MIL advises that there is a possibility they may buy more days on their tickets. Whatever happens, I can't control it, so I am just going to go with the flow. Repeat: go with the flow!

And yes, I am definitely going to re-jig things to ensure that we have a fair amount of downtime at the resort to hang out with family. Hopefully then it won't feel as bad when we do have to leave them for certain ADRs (such as CRT at the MK, when they will also be in the Park that day). Although I am sure missing CRT is something my nephews won't loose too much sleep about! Given that we already have a reservation for 5, there is also the possibility that they may allow us to add one, given that the table will likely seat 6 anyway. That way my SIL could join us and the boys could have some time to themselves in the park.

Print out your agendas and then if there is anything they want to join you on, they can make the necessary arrangements themselves. You made all of the plans for your family, they can make them for theirs.

That is exactly what I will do.


In the end, I hope everything works out, and we still end up having the trip that I have been imagining for the last year or so.

 

[DrMomof3]

You'll make it all work out. We've traveled with extended family and find that having some plans together and some separate works better anyway!

Amanda

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

I have only read one TR from start to finish in all my years on the DIS, and that was your mother/daughter TR after you lost your camera. It inspired me to take my five year old daughter Evie on a trip to Disney, just the two of us. That TR of yours made me laugh and cry and really touched my heart.

Today (many months later), I decided to look at pre-trip reports, because I am thinking of writing one myself. The first title that caught my eye was this one. After clicking on it, I cannot believe the coincidence!

I am really looking forward to reading the rest of your pre-trip report and also following your TR in May. We are planning another trip for July. After I learn some of the ropes, I will hopefully have reports of my own!

Here's hoping your DH is so wowed by this trip, that he wants to return to Disney in the not-too-distant future.