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

[steffali]

Good morning snowbirds!!!!!! I have a concern I am still reading messages on the snake in CR I am really getting nervous thinking about it especially the fact there was a nest with eggs... Is anyone else worried or am I just neurotic (sp?)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We enjoyed WPE on our last visit (2004). But I've heard such great things about Earl of Sandwich that I thought we'd give that a try this time. Or DH might want to try the CS place associated with Raglan Road (Cooke's?). Does anyone have any input on either of those?

We tried Earl of Sandwich in May because I had read so many great things about it. Unfortunately we must have hit it on a bad night. DH did not like his sandwich at all. Which is strange because he eats anything. I thought the bread on the sandwich was very good, but my mozzarella cheese was a big lump of cold cheese on what was supposed to be a hot sandwich. DS9's PB&J sandwich was warm, the PB was running out of it. It was very crowded and we waited for quite a while to get our food and there was nowhere to sit. It wasn't really a good experience for us. You can read more about it here if you want - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1861206&page=7

But, like I said it could have just been a fluke because most people seem to like the place. Never been to Raglan Road or Cookes.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Yup, that is how I have always heard it goes! We are high tech too...After trying for a year, did shots and Waaalaa there were 5. I almost had to be scraped from the floor when we were told. Not by anything we did when it was all said and done, we ended up with two beautiful, wonderful little girls!


My oldest was a twin too, and I lost her twin when I was 3 months pregnant

I'm sorry for your loss. We too lost a baby at 3 months pregnant. It's a rough thing to go through.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning snowbirds!!!!!! I have a concern I am still reading messages on the snake in CR I am really getting nervous thinking about it especially the fact there was a nest with eggs... Is anyone else worried or am I just neurotic (sp?)

Yes, I have still been reading all the threads on the snake incident and I am very freaked out. Especially since we stay at moderates and the doors open to the outside. We always request a top floor, but from what I am reading it doesn't seem to matter if your doors open to the outside or if your hotel has an inside hallway or if you are on the top or bottom floor.

 

[distherapy]

Hugs to you glo!

QOTD - Has there been one yet? If not, please humor me! I'm trying to plan my shopping (yay!) and I'm looking for ideas of souvenirs that are unique to WDW or at least hard to find elsewhere - something like the build-your-own lightsabers. What is everyone planning to buy at DisneyWorld?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

QOTD - Has there been one yet? If not, please humor me! I'm trying to plan my shopping (yay!) and I'm looking for ideas of souvenirs that are unique to WDW or at least hard to find elsewhere - something like the build-your-own lightsabers. What is everyone planning to buy at DisneyWorld?

Well the kids have done the Build your own Lightsaber, the Stuff your own Pirate Skull, and the Build your own Mr. Potato Head. . . Not sure what's on their list next!

I have gotten the Monorail set, several clothing items, the Mickey Head cookie cutter, and 2 awesome Snowglobes. . . So I'm pretty well set. I will probably get very few things on this trip. . . Maybe another Snowglobe and a CBR shirt.

 

[BarbieGal457]

Hugs to you glo!

QOTD - Has there been one yet? If not, please humor me! I'm trying to plan my shopping (yay!) and I'm looking for ideas of souvenirs that are unique to WDW or at least hard to find elsewhere - something like the build-your-own lightsabers. What is everyone planning to buy at DisneyWorld?

I second the build-you-own Mr. Potato Heads! They're definitely awesome. The Boyfriend and I tried to make our own Lightsaber, but got very frustrated and gave up ! I'm also a big shotglass collector, so I try to get very unique ones at each park, especially in Epcot. I've also seen people have their silhouettes done, and I know there's a stand at DTD that does this. I also have a ring specially made for me with my initials, there's a place in Mexico and also at DTD that does this. Everyone always asks where I got it!

 

[MAGGIED]

Good morning Snowbirds.............

Busy day at work for me today so I will be off...... the only thing I want to buy at Disney this year is the cookbook.... we love to try many of their receipes.... funny thing is the week after we come back from our trip I will be having my gastric bypass surgery.... so I won't be able to eat any of the food... maybe I should reconsider my purchase...........

Still waiting on the code.... really would love free dining and 40% off code....

see ya all in a few hours.... off to work....

 

[Pluto_fan]

I told the boys about the Build Your Own Lightsaber and they are already planning out what they're going to put on them! Does anyone have any pictures? Or links to a thread about them?

Not something to buy at WDW, but before going...does anyone have the "Guide to the Magic for Kids"? http://www.guidetothemagic.com/shopping.htm#kids
I was thinking about ordering it for the boys for Christmas, but it's not clear to me what age group it is aimed at. I'm afraid it would be a little young for them. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Thanks, Shelly, for your input on Earl of Sandwich...that makes me think twice about going there! Maybe we'll just see what we feel like the day we're there. I guess I don't have to plan out every single moment!

 

[distherapy]

I second the build-you-own Mr. Potato Heads! They're definitely awesome. The Boyfriend and I tried to make our own Lightsaber, but got very frustrated and gave up ! I'm also a big shotglass collector, so I try to get very unique ones at each park, especially in Epcot. I've also seen people have their silhouettes done, and I know there's a stand at DTD that does this. I also have a ring specially made for me with my initials, there's a place in Mexico and also at DTD that does this. Everyone always asks where I got it!

Oh - that ring sounds cool! I'll have to check it out.
Are the potato heads just in DTD? I may have to amend our trip planning...

 

[distherapy]

Well the kids have done the Build your own Lightsaber, the Stuff your own Pirate Skull, and the Build your own Mr. Potato Head. . . Not sure what's on their list next!

I have gotten the Monorail set, several clothing items, the Mickey Head cookie cutter, and 2 awesome Snowglobes. . . So I'm pretty well set. I will probably get very few things on this trip. . . Maybe another Snowglobe and a CBR shirt.

Stuff your own pirate skull? How did I miss this?! Is it at DTD?

 

[distherapy]

I guess I don't have to plan out every single moment!

What is this crazy talk??

Okay - can you tell it's rainy and gross out and I'm completely unmotivated to do anything but chat?!

 

[BellaSoleil]

I second the build-you-own Mr. Potato Heads! They're definitely awesome. The Boyfriend and I tried to make our own Lightsaber, but got very frustrated and gave up ! I'm also a big shotglass collector, so I try to get very unique ones at each park, especially in Epcot. I've also seen people have their silhouettes done, and I know there's a stand at DTD that does this. I also have a ring specially made for me with my initials, there's a place in Mexico and also at DTD that does this. Everyone always asks where I got it!

I got a ring with my name made on it when I was a teenager. I wore it for many years until it dissapeared. I loved that ring!

On our Honeymoon, DH snuck off and made me a new one. It was so sweet!

 

[danceintherain]

I have a problem...other trips that I have planned to WDW...I had spreadsheets planned, ADR's made...even some packing started already...2 1/2 months out. This coming trip to WDW...nothing yet. I did start a spreadsheet and I'm on the disboards daily, but not the total excitement that I had previous trips...why? I'm wondering if I'm becoming more relaxed as this is my 14th trip and my girls 4th trip? We are on the CS dining plan so really no ADR's to plan. I love everything Disney, but I'm wondering if there is something wrong with me?

I do have a trip to Schaumberg, IL planned next month and I can't wait to go to the Disney store there...but maybe because I'm saving up money for that trip and then the trip in January...I just don't feel the same as previous trips. Anyone else feeling just so so or is it just too far in advance for my excitment to kick in...or is it PMS kicking in?

Since you've already gone many times, you probably just don't feel the need to plan as much.... This is my first trip on property and Logan's first trip EVER so we're both really excited... and I'm going a little planning crazy

I just have to join in and say the only thing that excites me when I think about this vacation is the fact that I get to share it with my mom and best friend. I am not overly excited because I am thinking about leaving the kids for the week, also Dfiance, and the $$ guilt...ooohh the $$ guilt. We have it, its just that we could use it in so many other ways..especially with next Augusts trip to plan. And like others said--the economy--who knows what tomorrow brings. SCAREY!

Ok, breath---relax and DIS

I've been scaling back on a lot of little things so I don't feel quite so bad about $$ too. Just remember - you are graduating and that's a huge accomplishment! It's worth it to celebrate. Look at the quote under your signature any time you need reassurance. And just make sure to enjoy the heck out of your trip!

Ooooh, the money guilt. The only reasons I can justify spending this much for this trip are 1) it's our honeymoon and 2) we're registered for it, so there's a chance that a lot of it will get paid for by wedding guests.

My Mom invited 80 people to my bridal shower, which I'm thrilled at, because even if only half of them come and/or contribute to our registry we should be able to get a chunk paid for before the package balance is due on the 20th. I'm still anxious for a discount though...

Yep, I think the difference between 5 and 10 days is around $15. That helped us decide how long to go, and whether to park hop. So, other than the room charge and food every day, it wasn't much more to go for 10 days! We are considering park hopping, but will make that decision when we get there.

I really hope that a January deal is a fantastic room discount and not package upgrades, because I don't want to have to pay for a package in full in December - it will put a crimp in my Christmas shopping. Most of our trip is being paid for by my year-end bonus, which we won't get until right around Christmas. If I suddenly have to come up with a few thousand dollars a few weeks before, then I'll be hitting the wrong bank account!!!

I don't want to pay my package in full either... I would much rather be able to pay it when we get there, of course I'm torn, because I do want to do the dining plan. The only package upgrade/discount I would accept is Free Dining, other than that I'll probably skip out on any other options.

That poor child. That really gets me mad when people don't parent their children. Then when the child ends up in trouble, they wonder how did that happen?

So you know yesterday - I might have been on another board -can't remember, but some were talking about taking kids out of school for WDW trips. I chimed in and said, yeah, we do it, no problems. Didn't even know the school policy. TODAY the school newsletter comes to my email in box and one of the big topics is the absence policy!!! Of course it says they don't usually excuse family vacations, but any absences over 7 days gets you in trouble. The principal can allow them to be excused. I figure I'll talk to the teachers ahead of time and let the principal know too. I don't expect to be hauled into truancy court, but I figure if I'm up front about it, maybe they'll cut me some slack.

I think a lot of schools are developing stricter absence policies... I also heard that California made it illegal for anybody that is not a certified teacher to home school their children. I think truancy... and more specifically neglect is getting more common, or more noticed at least...so they're trying to make the parents accountable for their children moreso than in the past. It definitely sucks for people who do not neglect their children though.

I just got off the phone with a CM (we had to update our flight info.) and when asked about any codes or discounts coming out this weekend she kind of chuckled and said very politely, “All I can tell you is to keep checking online (insert cute little laugh here)." Take it for what it’s worth, but maybe we’ll all get some good news Sunday or Monday!

I just hope it doesn't come out until next Monday, because my TA is on her own Disney Trip (I don't know why I booked with a TA... I could really do it on my own, but I thought it'd be easier) and won't be back until Sunday night...

I may be able to shed some light on this as I am a teacher. By Federal and State law your child must attend a certain amount of days in order to receive credit for that grade. At our school this year if a child misses 3 days (excused or unexcused) if they do not pass our final exam they do not get credit for the semester. The 7 days may be more of a precaution on the school to make sure your child is in the classroom enough days for them to pass them to the next grade.

Next semester our students can miss up to 8 days.

It's if they miss 3 days AND fail the exam, right? I know I can't imagine being able to enforce just three days... you would have a lot of very sick kids on your hands every day...

Proud mom of twins here! It's a wild ride...
with lots of this -



and then some more

and did I mention the

I also am a proud Mom of twin boys!

I love them more than anything but it always makes me laugh when people say they want twins

It makes me laugh too... it's hard enough to have one kid at a time... two at a time makes my eye bug out...

So I went on Northwest website to see if our flights had been changed...no time changes. However, I found that our flights are now $60 cheaper/ person. I called Northwest and I would only end of with a voucher for $30 off another flight, because they take out a $50 fee. UHHHHH that sucks. That would have been like getting a discount code without actually getting one.

Question: We booked through AAA (got a discount) I know you can only apply one discount at a time. However if Visa offered free dining, could I still use a room discount or free upgrade code if they come out, along with my free dining?

You can only apply more than one if they're attached on the same code (discount) For example, if Free Dining comes out with a room discount and/or ticket upgrade then you'd technically get more than one, but you would not be able to apply Free Dining on top of your AAA discount... it's either one or the other.
But considering the rumors I've heard about the state of Disney right now... they're not doing very well... and I think they're going to do all they can to get people into the parks.
I'm really anxious to see what they offer us....

That is my understanding too - but only for fraternal twins (because you have to have two eggs released which is unusual). The risk increases as you age too.

Identical twins are, well, to put it bluntly, a freak of nature! (In the nicest way possible!!!) There are no risk factors for it - it just happens.

We went high-tech, so we knew what we were getting into...

That's my biology lesson for the morning!

Yup! That's why I have a chance. My Dad is a fraternal twin, and I'm pretty sure my Grandparents didn't have medical help, which means my Grandma released two eggs naturally. It would be very interesting if I got twins... I would be beside myself with stress...

Hugs to you glo!

QOTD - Has there been one yet? If not, please humor me! I'm trying to plan my shopping (yay!) and I'm looking for ideas of souvenirs that are unique to WDW or at least hard to find elsewhere - something like the build-your-own lightsabers. What is everyone planning to buy at DisneyWorld?

I really don't know.... It really depends on how much money we have when we're there. Our Disney Registry will be open for contributions until our trip is over, so we could have people contribute the day before we leave, or even while we're there. We are planning a second trip in June though, so we might want to save the Gift Card for use then... I am trying to purge my belongings though, so unless I find something very useful and awesome, I probably won't buy anything. The last time I went I bought a hat, but I'm not really a hat person, so I haven't really worn it sense.

I second the build-you-own Mr. Potato Heads! They're definitely awesome. The Boyfriend and I tried to make our own Lightsaber, but got very frustrated and gave up ! I'm also a big shotglass collector, so I try to get very unique ones at each park, especially in Epcot. I've also seen people have their silhouettes done, and I know there's a stand at DTD that does this. I also have a ring specially made for me with my initials, there's a place in Mexico and also at DTD that does this. Everyone always asks where I got it!

I guess the Force just wasn't with you
(my soon-to-be DH has been really into Star Wars recently... he was impressed with my Star Wars knowledge... He said "it would be fun to have a Ton-Ton," and I said, "No it wouldn't they smell" and he said "just on the inside" and I said "No, Han just thought they smelled worse on the inside" Then that part of the movie came up... and he was amazed that I knew that....)

 

[danceintherain]

I got a ring with my name made on it when I was a teenager. I wore it for many years until it dissapeared. I loved that ring!

On our Honeymoon, DH snuck off and made me a new one. It was so sweet!

Awww... I must ask though, how on earth did he sneak off?

 

[distherapy]

I guess the Force just wasn't with you
(my soon-to-be DH has been really into Star Wars recently... he was impressed with my Star Wars knowledge... He said "it would be fun to have a Ton-Ton," and I said, "No it wouldn't they smell" and he said "just on the inside" and I said "No, Han just thought they smelled worse on the inside" Then that part of the movie came up... and he was amazed that I knew that....)

Okay - that is too funny! My DH would be impressed too. My 4 year old son calls it "Starwers" and that cracks me up. I am undecided about taking him on Star Tours - I heard it can be kind of rough...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay, all caught up on the reading. Man, does this working thing get in the way! Of course, it does help to get me to WDW.

Party for 72, 78 or whatever under three months? I'm in!


I too had a moment where twins were a possibility as I used low-tech fertility assistance. It got me an early ultrasound (only one - whew). Amazingly the second child took no assistance and was actually quite easy to conceive.
I'm sorry for all who have lost. how painful.

If the QOTD was what are you planning to buy - I need (yes need) a new WDW sweatshirt. I bought one at the parks on my first or second trip - I was wearing it last night. Last year I couldn't find one I liked (in my size). I think it's fun to have one that says WDW on it - you know you had to go there to get it!
I'm going to have to get a Mickey head cookie cutter, whether I find one around here or at WDW. Did someone say the kitchen store at DTD would have them?
Shelly - thanks for yet another hunger-inducing menu!! I would enjoy seeing CS menus as well as TS just because we mostly do CS. Not that I haven't pored over all the menus anyway, it just is more fun to do it with friends!!

Okay, going to go check my work email now. Make sure I still have a job!! But don't worry, I'll be checking in! I can't go too long (withdrawal sets in) or I end up reading 10 pages at once. That's too hard!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I told the boys about the Build Your Own Lightsaber and they are already planning out what they're going to put on them! Does anyone have any pictures? Or links to a thread about them?

Not something to buy at WDW, but before going...does anyone have the "Guide to the Magic for Kids"? http://www.guidetothemagic.com/shopping.htm#kids
I was thinking about ordering it for the boys for Christmas, but it's not clear to me what age group it is aimed at. I'm afraid it would be a little young for them. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Thanks, Shelly, for your input on Earl of Sandwich...that makes me think twice about going there! Maybe we'll just see what we feel like the day we're there. I guess I don't have to plan out every single moment!

Oh - that ring sounds cool! I'll have to check it out.
Are the potato heads just in DTD? I may have to amend our trip planning...

Stuff your own pirate skull? How did I miss this?! Is it at DTD?

The Build your own Lightsabers are at Once Upon a Toy in DTD and at the Star Wars shop that you exit into after the Star Tours ride. I do have pictures of my boys making theirs, I will look for them in a bit!

The Stuff your own Pirate Skull is at DTD somewhere. . . I forget. It's also at Mouse Gear in Epcot. I have pictures of that too!

As far as I know the Mr. Potato Heads are only at Once Upon a Toy at DTD.

 

[danceintherain]

I only have 73 days left until we leave, which means only 71 until I'm married....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay - that is too funny! My DH would be impressed too. My 4 year old son calls it "Starwers" and that cracks me up. I am undecided about taking him on Star Tours - I heard it can be kind of rough...

I don't think Star Tours in very rough. . . What does everyone else think? It's a little jerky maybe, not bad though. My boys have always loved it!