January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part I !!!

[MindyLuvsMickey]

I am really hoping that the rumors about packages and pricing being released on Sunday are true! I am so impatient!

To answer the question of the day . . . I would start packing today if I thought my husband wouldn't make fun of me. I'll probably start packing a month out.

 

[susieq76]

My husband packs (for him only, of course) the night before we go to disney

 

[2disneygirls]

My Disney Shopping package arrived already!! Too bad the kids spotted it before I did. The UPS guy left it in the garage. Now they are hounding me to open it. So I told them that it was just some shirts! I'll open it after bit when they go to VBS and make sure it's all there and then hide everything until Christmas!!

Mine came today too, Shelly! Luckily I noticed it first & stashed it in the hall closet so I can open it after they're in bed.

We just got back from a long weekend doing Little House on the Prairie stuff.....any other LHOP fans? We stopped in Kansas City on the way back and went to......THE DISNEY STORE! There is not one in my state anywhere, so I was in heaven. Can you believe it, though, I left without buying ANYTHING? The DDs were with me, so all my shopping must be online till xmas morning.

You ladies have been busy!! I had 10 pages to read when I got back...

 

[trixiequilts]

I'll pull out my bin tonight after DDs are in bed and let you know all of my dollar store treasures.

So here they are (everything is Disney): coloring books (heros and animal friends), gel pens, mechanical pencils, shimmery stickers, temporary tattoos, little plastic "purses", photo albums, stickers, small poster art sets, stamp sets, silly putty, lip glosses, magic growing towels, zip seal bags, and various glow stick thingies. Some of the stickers I'm sure I'll use for LGMHs, count down calendar, etc. Got it all at Dollar Tree, Dollar Castle, or Target Dollar section. Do I seem cheap or what?

 

[tammythetwinsmom]

We went to our Disney store at the mall too and didnt' find as much as we wanted but got sunglasses and the beach ball for the beach- Ariel of course! Wanted tshirts for them but will have to order those online now.. something fun to do now! There were also some purses for the girls good to surprise with! I had them pick them out so maybe now they are thinking we went to the store and mom won't get them online! Do you do a week countdown with surprises or a whole month? I'm afraid that the kids will get too excited and never sleep! Them me

 

[peach3es]

Looks like the snowbirds are waking up! It's mid-afternoon here, and I'm avoiding work and doing Disney!

Now I'm trying to decide which decade building I'd like to request at the Pop Century hotel. I'm leaning towards the 70s based on the theme (I am a child of the 70s/80s afterall!) and the proximity to the parking lot/classic hall. Anyone have any advice for me about this choice?

Background: looks like we'll be driving, which means we'll use our own car for everything but the MK.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

Good Morning Snowbirds!

I just downloaded the Disney LiNK from the wdw website Does anyone else use this? It says it will send changes/updates/etc directly to your desktop whenever there is a change on the wdw site! So, I'm thinking, when they update for 2009 prices, it *should* notify my LiNK immediately! That would be cool to get updates as soon as disney posts them on their site

Hmmm, it did seem to slow my graphics down a little bit

 

[Remmy]

I too am packing totes for all the family members and started a few months ago. Every time we go to the Disney Store or Outlet we pick up the specials like t-shirts and towels, etc. Luckily we are driving a pick up truck, so lots of storage room in the back.

I am looking forward to knowing the new rates, but a bit scared too. Changes can be good but sometimes bad. I hope prices don't go up too much or else we will have to scale down our trip time.

It looks like there will be no Pirate and Princess Party for the time we will be down and the Super Bowl has us a bit concerned. We are thinking of taking that weekend off and resort hop to the max to see what all have to offer for our next visit, 2011?. This time down we have booked the POP but next trip we hope to move up to a moderate and want to see what the differences are.

 

[AussieAngel]

Packing for Disney?

I've already starting putting special Disney things away in a quiet corner of my bedroom - like all the Disney shirts I've bought on ebay, for example!

This trip, we'll have a big packing dilemma though. We're going to New York first, which will be snowy and freezing, then down to Miami, Florida Keys, and Orlando, which hopefully won't be snowy! It might still be a bit cold, but hopefully not ear-muffs cold! So we'll be packing a bit of everything!

 

[Gillettes]

Good morning snowbirds!! I am going to let this group in on a secret....shh. I work for Target (and I love my job). The dollar section is going to re-set around August 17th. When it does, all the current stuff will go clearance!! Talk about a deal! I plan on shopping for the girls stuff then esp. seeing I still get my discount on top of it. I will let you know the exact day it goes clearance. I am assuming all the stores are the same because our boxes come off the truck with 8/17 on the sides and it would seem silly to have to print all different boxes. I am trying to think what we have there that would work in packages....bouncy balls, lotions, scented pencils, magnetic list pads, kung fu panda and angeline ballerina stuff, lots of summer stuff like dive toys for the pool, hmmm. I will have to take a look when I go back to work. I have the week off because my dd7 had foot surgery yesterday and the poor thing has to stay off it for 10 days!!! Today is only day 2 and she is BORED. anybody got any ideas to entertain her?? I told her I would go to the library later and get her some books to read and maybe to blockbuster if I can find enough change in the couch cushions. I might invite a couple of her friends over to play board games with her later in the week. Alright I told myself I would get off the computer as soon as my coffee cup was empty Have a good day snowbirds! And I will list my ADRs this afternoon. Bye for now!

 

[Laumau]

We just got back from a long weekend doing Little House on the Prairie stuff.....any other LHOP fans?

Where were you and what were you doing exactly? I'm a LHOP fan. My name is Laura and I have a sister named Carrie. Our mother read the books as a young girl and decided that if she ever had two girls she would name them Laura and Carrie and she did! She didn't like the names Mary and Grace though. I was born in Wisconsin too, like Laura, but on the other side of the state.

 

[2disneygirls]

Where were you and what were you doing exactly? I'm a LHOP fan. My name is Laura and I have a sister named Carrie. Our mother read the books as a young girl and decided that if she ever had two girls she would name them Laura and Carrie and she did! She didn't like the names Mary and Grace though. I was born in Wisconsin too, like Laura, but on the other side of the state.

Cool! My dd is Grace, though not b/c of the books....it was my grandmother's name. When my 2 dds play "Little House", though, my 10yo is Mary and 7yo is Laura.

This year we went to Mansfield, MO and Independence, KS and did both of the sites there. I got to see Pa's fiddle!! My MIL made them "Mary and Laura" dresses with bonnets, so I have some great pics.

Last summer we did Pepin WI, DeSmet ND, and Walnut Grove MN! All that's left is Burr Oak IA, Spring Valley MN and Malone NY.......someday!!

Have you been to any of the sites?

 

[Laumau]

Cool! My dd is Grace, though not b/c of the books....it was my grandmother's name. When my 2 dds play "Little House", though, my 10yo is Mary and 7yo is Laura.

This year we went to Mansfield, MO and Independence, KS and did both of the sites there. I got to see Pa's fiddle!! My MIL made them "Mary and Laura" dresses with bonnets, so I have some great pics.

Last summer we did Pepin WI, DeSmet ND, and Walnut Grove MN! All that's left is Burr Oak IA, Spring Valley MN and Malone NY.......someday!!

Have you been to any of the sites?

That is so neat that you got to see Pa's fiddle! No, I've never been to any of the sites. They're all in the midwest too except for the NY one. I would love to go to one/some of them some day. Sadly, my DD's have never been interested in the books at all. I have my original set that my mom gave me from the early '70's. It still has my name on it from my old label maker. Too bad I don't have my mom books from the '40's- except maybe she just borrowed from the library anyways. I also have a paperback book called "Laura" that has photos and a lot of the real background and fact. I would recommend it if you've never read it.

Maybe my youngest DD will take a fancy to them- and then there's always grandchildren!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning (nearly afternoon!) Snowbirds!

The kids had swimming lessons this morning and now I'm working on laundry and thinking about lunch. Another exciting day here!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning snowbirds!! I am going to let this group in on a secret....shh. I work for Target (and I love my job). The dollar section is going to re-set around August 17th. When it does, all the current stuff will go clearance!! Talk about a deal! I plan on shopping for the girls stuff then esp. seeing I still get my discount on top of it. I will let you know the exact day it goes clearance. I am assuming all the stores are the same because our boxes come off the truck with 8/17 on the sides and it would seem silly to have to print all different boxes. I am trying to think what we have there that would work in packages....bouncy balls, lotions, scented pencils, magnetic list pads, kung fu panda and angeline ballerina stuff, lots of summer stuff like dive toys for the pool, hmmm. I will have to take a look when I go back to work. I have the week off because my dd7 had foot surgery yesterday and the poor thing has to stay off it for 10 days!!! Today is only day 2 and she is BORED. anybody got any ideas to entertain her?? I told her I would go to the library later and get her some books to read and maybe to blockbuster if I can find enough change in the couch cushions. I might invite a couple of her friends over to play board games with her later in the week. Alright I told myself I would get off the computer as soon as my coffee cup was empty Have a good day snowbirds! And I will list my ADRs this afternoon. Bye for now!

Thanks for the Target secret! I love Target! Unfortunately I don't get there as much as I'd like to. My town doesn't have one and the nearest one is about 30 minutes away. I will definitely have to make a trip there in mid-August!

Hope your DD 's foot is healing and she isn't too bored!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

My husband packs (for him only, of course) the night before we go to disney

At least he packs for himself! I have to pack for all 4 of us. Everything!! I guess that's why I have to start so early!

 

[2disneygirls]

That is so neat that you got to see Pa's fiddle! No, I've never been to any of the sites. They're all in the midwest too except for the NY one. I would love to go to one/some of them some day. Sadly, my DD's have never been interested in the books at all. I have my original set that my mom gave me from the early '70's. It still has my name on it from my old label maker. Too bad I don't have my mom books from the '40's- except maybe she just borrowed from the library anyways. I also have a paperback book called "Laura" that has photos and a lot of the real background and fact. I would recommend it if you've never read it.

Maybe my youngest DD will take a fancy to them- and then there's always grandchildren!

That's cool that you have your original set....I don't have mine from my childhood, but between my dds and I, we have 3 sets of the ones with the gingham border. Have you seen the brand-new set? They're awful......NO ILLUSTRATIONS at all, and the covers have real-life photos that do not look at all "Little House-ish"

Good morning (nearly afternoon!) Snowbirds!

The kids had swimming lessons this morning and now I'm working on laundry and thinking about lunch. Another exciting day here!

Yeah, laundry here too..whoohoo...did I read that your kids have VBS this week? Which one did your church do? We did something beach-ish....but we were out of town the week they did it, so my dds couldn't go. However, some friends invitied them to theirs at a diff. church, so they went to Power Lab & really liked that.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm tentatively going in jan, only i haven't planned anything because when we go depends on when dbf has a break from his job that requires a lot of travelling. He just started recently so we don't know what dates we are going, the hotel, if we are doing ddp or ddxp or where to eat, even how long we will be there for. Lol i'm pushing for 10 days + in disney and dbf is trying to cut it down to like 5...

The plan is iffy cause i can't really plan without solid dates, but i'm reading feverently on the boards and reading reviews and trip reports etc.

My plan so far is 10 full days in disney, and we are doing 3 days at universal (b/fs idea) we will be flying in from bc, canada and hopefully i can rope my dad to escort us there cause he works for an airline xD 90% off flights but standby. I'm currently working on convincing dbf to do 2 weeks but he wants to do 10 days total in florida. We'll see what happens.

I had previously decided that i wanted AKL and BW but after reading more i'm kinda leaning towards WL and Poly even and for budget maybe pop? so hotels are up in the air.

Yay for everyone else going in jan and actually being able to paln it ;_; i'm so jealous. Hopefully i'll be able to see your there

WELCOME Pandapooh! Good luck making all of your final decisions. Let us know what you come up with!

Add us to the Snowbird list PLEASE!!! Jan 19 - 24th celebrating DD's 10th bday. ADR's are booked:

Cape May Cafe - one dinner, one breakfast
Grand Floridian Cafe
Tutta Italia
Beaches & Cream (no ADR needed)
Rose & Crown

WELCOME Tinkbyday! I will get you added to our list! What are the dates and times of your ADR's?

Hello Snowbirds

Have any of you done the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour at MK and if so would you recommend it? We're thinking about doing this on our 'down' day in the middle of the week instead of horseback riding which we would do the afternoon we arrive. I read that it's $60/person for a 4-5 hr tour, plus we'd have to add an extra day to our tix to gain entry into MK. Any thoughts?

Sorry, haven't taken any tours yet. I bet it's really cool though!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Yeah, laundry here too..whoohoo...did I read that your kids have VBS this week? Which one did your church do? We did something beach-ish....but we were out of town the week they did it, so my dds couldn't go. However, some friends invitied them to theirs at a diff. church, so they went to Power Lab & really liked that.

Yep, VBS is every night this week. The theme this year is - Bullfrogs and Butterflies, They've Both Been Born Again! They had a blast last night and can't wait to go back tonight!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January Snowbirds!

Backinoz ~ Dec 23-Jan 14 ASMo/Offsite/POP
Towers5 ~ Dec 28-Jan 9 POP
Ccfmioa ~ Dec 30-Jan 8 ASMo
Disneysuncat ~ Dec 31-Jan 11 WL
Maplemouse ~ Jan 1-5 ???
Tink1978 ~ Jan 1-7 POFQ
Laumau ~ Jan 1-7 WL
4girls2sets ~ Jan 2-9 SOG
Mari360 ~ Jan 3-10 Offsite Orange Lake
Miabellarose ~ Jan 3-11 ASMu
Amreli ~ Jan 3-11 ASMu
Wuzefelix ~ Jan 3-15 POP
Peanut1 ~ Jan 4-10 AKL
Simzac ~ Jan 4-10 OKW
Snykymom ~ Jan 4-11 CSR
Missmagnolia ~ Jan 4-12 ???
Tigerlovinggrandma ~ Jan 4-20 POFQ
Ehm1129 ~ Jan 5-16 ASMo
Kaos928 ~ Jan 6-12 POP/POR
Rhonda7011 ~ Jan 7-14 BWV/BC
Peach3es ~ Jan 8-16 POP
Nvrenoughdisney ~ Jan 8-16 SSR
Rockonthemoon ~ Jan 8-18 ???
Aussieangel ~ Jan 8-20 WL
2Disneygirls ~ Jan 9-17 ASMo
Coffehousemom ~ Jan 10-17 ASMo
Ginaluvsdisney ~ Jan 10-18 POFQ
Gillettes ~ Jan 10-19 POFQ
Ethansmommy ~ Jan 11-16 WL
Lovemy2boys ~ Jan 11-21 AKL
Eve700 ~ Jan 12-???
Mindyluvsmickey ~ Jan 12-19 Poly
Adais ~ Jan 13-21 AKL
Tropigal ~ Jan 16-23 Offsite Orange Lake
Kiteri ~ Jan 16-24 FW
Mommy2emmamaddie ~ Jan 16-25 ???
Drakes ~ Jan 16-26 ASMo
Sixisenough ~ Jan 17-24 AKL
Hrsmom ~ Jan 17-24 BWV
Disneyspaz ~ Jan 17-24 SSR
Jenkh ~ Jan 17-31 BWV/AKV
Spokanemom ~ Jan 17-31 POP
Splashmtncrew ~ Jan 18-24 WL
Susieq76 ~ Jan 18-26 POR
GPA1015 ~ Jan 18-30 POP
Tinkbyday ~ Jan 19-24 YC
Northerndisneygirl ~ Jan 19-29 POFQ
Sharadoc ~ Jan 19-30 ASMu
Laurainsem ~ Jan 20-??? ???
Katiebugsmom ~ Jan 20-29 BCV
Heimlichfan ~ Jan 21-25 OKW
Doryandnemo ~ Jan 21-27 ???
Momof2disneyboys ~ Jan 21-27 CBR
Trixiequilts ~ Jan 21-28 AKL
Minniemom09 ~ Jan 21-28 POFQ
Kazooie01 ~ Jan 21-28 ???
Disneygroders ~ Jan 22-25 POFQ
MickeyNicki ~ Jan 22-26 Poly
Cinderellamom123 ~ Jan 22-Feb 1 Cabins
Debbieandroo ~ Jan 23-28 ASMu
Petuniamilz ~ Jan 23-30 Offsite
Chime ~ Jan 23-30 CBR
Carrousel35 ~ Jan 23-30 POFQ
Ppan77 ~ Jan 24-29 Poly
Jnykly ~ Jan 24-30 ???
Billysmommy ~ Jan 24-31 BWV
Gourmetgirl ~ Jan 24-31 WL
Remmy ~ Jan 24-Feb 7 POP
Natalie89 ~ Jan 25-Feb ? AKL
Meggybear17 ~ Jan 27-Feb 3 POP
Tammythetwinsmom ~ Jan 29-30 SSR
Echo29 ~ Jan ??? CSR
Tinkerbelluk ~ Jan ???
Lukenick1 ~ Jan ???
Trissy ~ Jan ???
Kimis ~ Jan ???
Pandapooh ~ Jan ???
Jaksil ~ Feb ??? WL/AKL