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

[cdotla]

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.

Oh my gosh...thank you so, so much for your kind comments. The thought that someone may have been inspired to do a mother-daughter trip after reading my TR just warms my heart. That little trip of mine at CBR remains the fondest memories I have from any trip at WDW. And that is why the CBR photo of Jamaica where we stayed that trip will always be my avatar on the Disboards.

I am so happy that you found me again, and I hope you consider writing your own TR from your mommy-daughter trip.

Have fun counting down to July and thank you so much for posting!!!

 

[cdotla]

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!

Totally agree! Thanks Amanda!

My 1st trip with the kids in 2007 (the one I have no photographic record of because I lost my camera at the airport on the way home) was with a group of 13! That trip showed me how hard it is to travel in large groups at WDW. So you are right - I don't think any one of us would want to spend 24-7 together anyway!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hopefully you're feeling a lot better now after 24 hours has passed.

I'm kinda in the same boat with my holiday plans. I'm (2A and 1kid) travelling with by brother and his family (2A and 2kids) and my parents (2A).

We've been to the World before with my parents but my brother and his family haven't. They also have a different budget to us.

I know it's not the same as having additional people come along after you've completed your plans and ADR but in such a big group, it's nice to have together time and time apart.

I was really stressed when I found out that there were things that my brother and dad didn't want to do that I really wanted to do but in the end, I've booked into things that I want to do for myself, hubby and son only, irrespective of what the wider group wants. It's just too hard to try to cater for EVERYONE's needs. So, I don't even try...I don't need the stress; nor do I want to stress the rest of the family.

My brother understands this and we will have rough plans for which parks to hit on which days...and mobile phones to keep in contact.

You'll make it work!!!

 

[eandesmom]

As someone who almost always is traveling in a large group, often with extended family members, I know how stressful it can be.

In my opinion the best way to survive a trip like that is to make sure you have together time but also alone time and so not changing your plans entirely is actually the best route. Allow for family time and consider what others want but also allow yourself to be selfish as well, it is YOUR trip. If you can balance both, that's perfect!

Your nephews are at very different ages and will have different interests anyways. I'd actually be hesitant to rebook things for the larger number unless I knew they were really going to join the group for the meal. If they haven't been before it is very likely they will decided to add tickets/days/hopping once there (resort for 6 days could get kind of boring!) but for now I'd let it go. Is your MIL's room on the DDP? If she adds them, they will have to be as well but I"m sure you've already addressed that.

Don't change the things that are really meaningful to you and in-park, there is plenty of each day that isn't when you are sitting down to eat that you can spend with them and perhaps those are the areas versus the hard to get/rebook ADR's where you can be open to being flexible, even on the day you are there.

I actually decided to back away from my touring plan to allow for more flexibility so I don't stress about this very thing with out group of 9 and it's given me a lot of peace.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oy, Trish. That is quite a monkey wrench for uber planners like us DIS'ers. Great news that you will get to see family but I totally hear you on the carefully laid plans. I agree with the previous posters. You bend where you can but offer no apologies for your other plans. Hopefully I will not be flamed saying this but if you show up to your ADR for 5 with 8 ppl I highly doubt they will turn you away. You may have to wait longer but...

Hang in there. I'm sure it is going to turn out great!!

 

[cdotla]

Hopefully you're feeling a lot better now after 24 hours has passed.

I'm kinda in the same boat with my holiday plans. I'm (2A and 1kid) travelling with by brother and his family (2A and 2kids) and my parents (2A).

We've been to the World before with my parents but my brother and his family haven't. They also have a different budget to us.

I know it's not the same as having additional people come along after you've completed your plans and ADR but in such a big group, it's nice to have together time and time apart.

I was really stressed when I found out that there were things that my brother and dad didn't want to do that I really wanted to do but in the end, I've booked into things that I want to do for myself, hubby and son only, irrespective of what the wider group wants. It's just too hard to try to cater for EVERYONE's needs. So, I don't even try...I don't need the stress; nor do I want to stress the rest of the family.

My brother understands this and we will have rough plans for which parks to hit on which days...and mobile phones to keep in contact.

You'll make it work!!!

Yes...I definitely feel much better after 24 hours. I will just have to remind myself and DH that is it ok for us to go about our plans without the extended family at times if there are things they either don't want to do, or won't be able to join us for.

Plus, it will definitely be great to introduce WDW to some first-timers yet again. I love seeing the Parks through the eyes of newbies.

As someone who almost always is traveling in a large group, often with extended family members, I know how stressful it can be.

In my opinion the best way to survive a trip like that is to make sure you have together time but also alone time and so not changing your plans entirely is actually the best route. Allow for family time and consider what others want but also allow yourself to be selfish as well, it is YOUR trip. If you can balance both, that's perfect!

Your nephews are at very different ages and will have different interests anyways. I'd actually be hesitant to rebook things for the larger number unless I knew they were really going to join the group for the meal. If they haven't been before it is very likely they will decided to add tickets/days/hopping once there (resort for 6 days could get kind of boring!) but for now I'd let it go. Is your MIL's room on the DDP? If she adds them, they will have to be as well but I"m sure you've already addressed that.

Don't change the things that are really meaningful to you and in-park, there is plenty of each day that isn't when you are sitting down to eat that you can spend with them and perhaps those are the areas versus the hard to get/rebook ADR's where you can be open to being flexible, even on the day you are there.

I actually decided to back away from my touring plan to allow for more flexibility so I don't stress about this very thing with out group of 9 and it's given me a lot of peace.

Very wise words indeed. And yes, I gave my MIL the crash-course in Disney reservations 101 last nite. She was unaware that my SIL and her boys had to be added to the ressie and registered for ME, and that if she wanted to continue with the dining plan, her daughter's family also had to sign up, plus they had to pay for the entire 7 days even though they will only be there for 5 or 6 days. I think she has it all straight now. I think they are conferring now on what they want to do.

Oy, Trish. That is quite a monkey wrench for uber planners like us DIS'ers. Great news that you will get to see family but I totally hear you on the carefully laid plans. I agree with the previous posters. You bend where you can but offer no apologies for your other plans. Hopefully I will not be flamed saying this but if you show up to your ADR for 5 with 8 ppl I highly doubt they will turn you away. You may have to wait longer but...

Hang in there. I'm sure it is going to turn out great!!

Hi Christine! Yes, I think it will work out just fine afterall. Once I came around to the view that I don't have to completely change our plans I have been feeling much better!

And I hear you about showing up and trying our luck at the podium to see if they will still seat us with 8. I can't imagine that would work at some places (like Le Cellier for instance given its size and popularity), but I have heard Len Testa speak many times on the WDW Today podcast about showing up with 15 people at the podium when his reservation was for 6 and having no problems. Then again, I am no Len Testa!

 

[nettekay]

On our last trip I used a camelpac backpack which not only was was large enough for all of our supplies( autographbooks, pens, camera, video ...) It also hold water so I did not have to buy any or carry around cups or bottles.

 

[TokyoDina]

I'm not going to deny when it comes to Disney I can be really selfish! Because it is a really special place for me and DH. I mean he asked me to marry him for crying out loud! I'm aloud to be selfish when it comes to that. I didn't like when SIL and BIL went with us last year to DL because we have a way we walk the parks and it's always a stroll no running or rushing to get on rides. So since that trip I've said no one else is allowed to go with us to the parks unless it's future kids we are planning on.

So if I were you and since SIL and her sons are coming so late in the planning I would not change my plans at all. I would explain to them this could be your last trip there and that you had these plans set up way before they decided to come. I wouldn't be worried about it at all. If they want to spend time with you then fine set out all day for WDW to do that since they'll be with you. Then if there is room in the schedule where you don't have to change your plans I'd use that time to spend with them. But when you are so close to leaving I wouldn't change my plans at all. (And I've had to change mine three times just because of work.) I know it might sound a little harsh but I'd stick to my original plans besides the day of WDW.

 

[cdotla]

On our last trip I used a camelpac backpack which not only was was large enough for all of our supplies( autographbooks, pens, camera, video ...) It also hold water so I did not have to buy any or carry around cups or bottles.

Thanks for posting and Welcome! Yes, I have definitely decided to go with the larger park bag and skip the Vera Bradley. At least until I am no longer the pack mule for my kids!

I'm not going to deny when it comes to Disney I can be really selfish! Because it is a really special place for me and DH. I mean he asked me to marry him for crying out loud! I'm aloud to be selfish when it comes to that.

Yes, I would definitely say that gives you entitlement!

It is funny how we learn from certain trips what we do and don't like about travelling at WDW. On my 1st trip with the kids in 2007 I travelled as part of a group of 13. Four months later I was back again, just me and my 4 yr old daughter. What a difference! Two completely different trips!

I have yet to do a trip to WDW with just my immediate family. Not quite sure at this point exactly when we will be getting back to WDW...DH keeps reminding me that this is our last trip for awhile. But I think the next trip we take will definitely be just the 4 of us. Or perhaps just me and the kids if I can't convince DH to join us!

 

[cdotla]

Brainstorming for Katie's Birthday Party

Well, it turns out our stress-free, hassle-free Movie Theatre Birthday Party is not going to happen. The theatre will be undergoing renovations the weekend of our party and they are not booking any parties.

The only other theatre with a party room is 45 minutes away, and DH and I both agreed this is not a good option.

So we are back to the original plan of hosting the party at home. To be honest, I am not all that disappointed. In fact, I think a part of me would have really missed not planning and hosting the party. As I already mentioned...I love throwing parties!!!

Of course it will be a little stressful. I don't have much time to plan or prepare for the party. And it will be happening just days before we take off for Orlando. But I am up to the challenge!

We have already picked our theme: A Parisian party.

Although neither myself or DH speak French, my daughter is in French immersion and is doing fantastic. Although she is only in Grade 1, I am already amazed at how fluent she is becoming. She reads better in French than in English and her pronounciation is incredible, at least to my anglophone ears! As most everyone coming to the party also attends her French school, I thought a Parisian party theme would be very appropriate.

I already have a couple outfits in her closet that she could wear, including:

-Or-

-Or-

-Or-

Or I may just go with a pretty petti and eiffel tower t-shirt.

I am a sucker for almost any girl's clothing having eiffel towers on it, so luckily we have no shortage of outfits to choose from.

I have been brainstorming all day, coming up with ideas for food, activities, decorations and party favours. I think I love party planning almost as much as I love Disney. Key word is "almost" - LOL!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh Trish, what a fun party idea! I can tell just from the tone of your post that you are excited about hosting the party at home

Your daughter would look adorable in any of those outfits, but I really love the first one!

 

[kcandbella]

Gymboree much? I am an addict too! All very cute outfits!

The Paris party sounds like a lot of fun, especially since the kids will "get" the theme. The only thing I can think of is crepes...but I'm sure you already thought of that!

 

[DrMomof3]

Gymboree much? I am an addict too! All very cute outfits!

The Paris party sounds like a lot of fun, especially since the kids will "get" the theme. The only thing I can think of is crepes...but I'm sure you already thought of that!

I was thinking the same thing! Good thing Gymboree has lots of Paris-themes clothes!

Amanda

 

[jenniferkeala808]

hey there! Another May tripper joining in...(well actually april/may). Back to catching up!!

alrighty, all caught up!! Can't believe you're going to stay at all those places (contemporary, poly, & BCV!!)So exciting! And you're going to be there for 11 days?! I just extended my trip from 7 days to 10 days!! woohoo!!

Your ADRs look great! Hopefully everything works out ok with your party going from 5 to 8!!

Those pics of the shuttle launch are gorgeous!! When is the shuttle launching??

I'm really bummed about Muppets 3D being refurbished!! It's going to be my first time back to WDW since 2002 and my boyfriend's FIRST visit...so I'm pretty bummed! It's ok though, another reason to go back!!

Wow!! You are a great party host!! Everything is so beautiful!! Do you make the cakes yourself?!?! I wish I could've had birthday parties like that when I was little!!

Well, Can't wait to hear more!!

we're almost there!!

*keala*

 

[klacey1]

I love the "Parisian" theme! Those outfits are adorable-- the last one is my personal favorite. Ideas-- french pastries for dessert (napoleons, eclairs, etc), eiffel tower cake, poodle-themed or Madeline favors...the ideas are endless! You picked a great theme-- keep us posted on the planning!

 

[cdotla]

Oh Trish, what a fun party idea! I can tell just from the tone of your post that you are excited about hosting the party at home

Your daughter would look adorable in any of those outfits, but I really love the first one!

Yes, despite the work, I am really looking forward to it! And I think I am leaning towards that 1st dress too.

The Paris party sounds like a lot of fun, especially since the kids will "get" the theme. The only thing I can think of is crepes...but I'm sure you already thought of that!

Yes, I think the girls may get a kick out of the French theme. I try to celebrate and encourage the fact that DD is learning French (which at this point is her "mother tongue" for reading and writing) as much as I can.

I hadn't thought of crepes....hmmmm. DH is the crepe-maker in our family. I will have to think about that one!

Good thing Gymboree has lots of Paris-themes clothes!

Definitely no shortage of French themed clothes for us. I have oodles of French clothes from Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Hartstrings and J.Crew to choose from!

hey there! Another May tripper joining in...(well actually april/may). Back to catching up!!

alrighty, all caught up!! Can't believe you're going to stay at all those places (contemporary, poly, & BCV!!)So exciting! And you're going to be there for 11 days?! I just extended my trip from 7 days to 10 days!! woohoo!!

Your ADRs look great! Hopefully everything works out ok with your party going from 5 to 8!!

Those pics of the shuttle launch are gorgeous!! When is the shuttle launching??

I'm really bummed about Muppets 3D being refurbished!! It's going to be my first time back to WDW since 2002 and my boyfriend's FIRST visit...so I'm pretty bummed! It's ok though, another reason to go back!!

Wow!! You are a great party host!! Everything is so beautiful!! Do you make the cakes yourself?!?! I wish I could've had birthday parties like that when I was little!!

Well, Can't wait to hear more!!

we're almost there!!

*keala*

Hi Keala! Welcome and thanks for posting!

Yes, I am very excited about our trip at BCV, plus our extra nites at the CR and the Poly. I think I am about to experience our dream trip. Plus, we didn't have to break the bank to do it since we traded in thru RCI.

I managed to change another ADR from 5 to 8...so Teppan Edo is officially on our group ADR list!

I believe the shuttle launch is around May 14. But they are always subject to change. I am hoping, hoping, hoping for some reason it gets bumped up even though I know that is unlikely. However, it happened to us last year. It was one of the most incredible things to experience that is for sure! If I was within a day or two, I would have rearranged our trip for it.

As for the jungle cake and tea party cakes - there is no way I could have made those! LOL! Not in a million years!

I love the "Parisian" theme! Those outfits are adorable-- the last one is my personal favorite. Ideas-- french pastries for dessert (napoleons, eclairs, etc), eiffel tower cake, poodle-themed or Madeline favors...the ideas are endless! You picked a great theme-- keep us posted on the planning!

Thanks! I like the French pastry idea. Another one to think about. I have decided to do an eiffel tower cake. I am going to get the same baker to make it who made my kids' cakes last year. She will definitely be up for the challenge. Thanks for the ideas! I will keep you posted on my progress! I have to get cracking and get things sourced this weekend at the latest!

 

[r4blessings]

Love the paris themed birthday party! You should check out birthdaypartyideas.com.....they have tons of ideas and suggestions!


I just went back and re-read your mother-daughter trip report at CBR b/c we just decided to book there for our August trip. That was such a wonderful trip you had!

 

[cdotla]

Love the paris themed birthday party! You should check out birthdaypartyideas.com.....they have tons of ideas and suggestions!


I just went back and re-read your mother-daughter trip report at CBR b/c we just decided to book there for our August trip. That was such a wonderful trip you had!

Thanks for the suggestions! I will definitely check that out!

And thanks for your comments on my CBR Trip! I am sure you will love CBR - we sure did! It is such an awesome resort! If you like a tropical caribbean feel, it is one of the best places on property

 

[cdotla]

Just dodged a Rehab Bullet!!!

Overall, we are continuing to fare quite well for lack of major rehabs on our trip.

The latest bullet dodged is Rockin Roller Coaster, which is scheduled to go down the week after our visit, from May 15-20th. Phew! (But so sorry for anyone this affects!)

Apart from the Muppets and Mexico counter service, we are in the clear for this trip. My only worry is that they may start closing off parts of Toontown for the Fantasyland expansion and I really want to get in here for one last visit before it is gone.

Crossing my fingers nothing else gets closed or scheduled for rehab during our stay!

 

[DrMomof3]

We're getting smacked with a Rehab Bullet.... Toy Story Mania. I'm especially sad since we bought the Wii game as an Easter present.

Amanda