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

[Monny2AE]

Sadly my naptime Dis fun is over...munchkins are stirring.

 

[BarbieGal457]

"I just wanted to warn you the January 2, 3 & 4 will be extremely crowded. Kids will go back to school on the 5th so the dates leading up to the 5th will be REALLY crowded. I went in that time frame two years ago and the crowds were horrible - on Monday you will see a huge drop in attendance but if you could push your dates to the 5th throught the following weekend - you will be much happier with the crowds."

Oh yes, I experienced this last January 6-10th. The night of the 6th, a Sunday, Epcot was absolutely wall-to-wall people. The next morning at MK, it was practically deserted! Crowds definitely, definitely dropped off at the start of the work week.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Sadly my naptime Dis fun is over...munchkins are stirring.

Yup, me too! Gotta go pick up my girlies from school! Catch y'all later! HAve a good evening!

 

[jenjolt]

For those adults with no kids and solo travelers-

What's a fun way to interact with the characters?

I have shyed away because I felt silly 'getting into character' with them. I regret acting that way and want to be a kid again this trip.

Any ideas?

I have no idea but boy am I going to try!! I'm just a kid at heart and really really want a picture with the Mouse himself LOL!!

I'm more nervous about waiting in line with the families with kids, I hope they don't think I'm odd. I'm also a little concerned about the camera situation???? One person with camera...may make it hard to get character photos, but at least I will have the photopass CD so that's good!

 

[BarbieGal457]

I have no idea but boy am I going to try!! I'm just a kid at heart and really really want a picture with the Mouse himself LOL!!

I'm more nervous about waiting in line with the families with kids, I hope they don't think I'm odd. I'm also a little concerned about the camera situation???? One person with camera...may make it hard to get character photos, but at least I will have the photopass CD so that's good!

Don't be nervous! I was too but they were all pretty friendly to me. We gave our camera to the CM or PhotoPass person and they got some great pics for us, along with the CD!

 

[jenjolt]

Wow! I'm impressed! I'm so happy that your DD is coming home this weekend!!!!



We have no idea! The ER doctor said it's happening alot. I told him to stay away from my deodorant. Not to even look at it.

I work with the High School girls in the Youth Group. I'm also a ministry assistant to everyone. I help out with any project anyone might have. My goal is to be in Women's Ministry one day, but I'm a bit young for that right now.

I too work with High Schoolers at my church, we have a small youth group so we don't seperate them too much. Although we do have a FCH (Future Christian Homemakers) club we do with the girls. I love what I do and love to meet other women who are also being great mentors to our young ladies. I wish you luck in your future ministries Soleil!

 

[peach3es]

Well, Peeps, I'm hittin' the hay earlier tonight! Before I start to get punchy!

I'd give you an armpit fart salute, but, alas, that is a talent only shared by the males in this house! So, I bid you good night! Catch you on the flipside!
~~Carrie

 

[mana_liz]

We picked January because little sis has MLK off and also was going to have record's day (end of the semester), so she would have only missed 4 days. But like I posted earlier school calendar has changed, so she will miss more days and finals but Mom said "Oh well." We also did not want to during a school vacation (too busy) or summer (too hot). Looking forward to getting out of Michigan for 10 days in January.

Alot of people actually get staph infections in their armpits. Staph likes to grow in warm, dark, and moist places. My mom got one from a shaving cut under her arm .

 

[mana_liz]

Notice some of our tickers are not showing up. If mine was it would show I'm at 90 days...I'm off to pick some seats from Northwest.


Also, today is my little sister's 14th b-day. Last at this time I was on the Disney Magic cruising the Caribbean.

 

[BellaSoleil]

I have no idea but boy am I going to try!! I'm just a kid at heart and really really want a picture with the Mouse himself LOL!!

I'm more nervous about waiting in line with the families with kids, I hope they don't think I'm odd. I'm also a little concerned about the camera situation???? One person with camera...may make it hard to get character photos, but at least I will have the photopass CD so that's good

I too work with High Schoolers at my church, we have a small youth group so we don't seperate them too much. Although we do have a FCH (Future Christian Homemakers) club we do with the girls. I love what I do and love to meet other women who are also being great mentors to our young ladies. I wish you luck in your future ministries Soleil!

Don't be afraid to ask other guest and cast members for pictures. Most everyone is high on Pixie Dust and will be more than willing. As far as cast members (from character greeters to janitors) it is their job to take pictures of guests. If someone takes your picture, ask if you can take theirs.

I love working with Youth, but this year out group is alot less mature than last year. I really miss my girls from last year. They truly sought the Lord in every aspect of theri lives. It was so beautiful to see. This year they are very much teeny-boppers (boys, clothes, boys, friend, make-up, boys), which is fine. It's just different.

 

[AGPrincess]

Thanks Maggied, Shawna and Jen! I'm trying hard not to get impatient with God. I know things could be so much worse and I'm just thankful to have DH alive after almost losing him 2 years ago. I belive God can heal DH and I have just been crying out to Him all day to work a miracle iof physical healing in our lives.

Prayers and pixie dust to you and your DH Soleil!

Ah yes, I was once in your position. I'm 20 - last trip I was 19 - so I was in the character equivalent of not trick or treating anymore! My friends, however, were not! I was definitely shy at first, but when Ariel acted like I wasn't so different than the stream of 100 little girls behind me, I relaxed. She talked to us about the "princes" we were on vacation with (my "prince" almost got thrown to the alligators..whole other story!!) and even commented on my Ariel pen, saying when I dropped the pen, "Oh! Ouch, you've dropped me on my head!" The princesses definitely had a good time as we compared prince stories, and such, and it was really fun. We didn't have to get into character with them, they just did it immediately!! All the characters we ran into were a great time, especially the Little Green Army Men, and some of my best memories are from that. I say just walk right up and try it - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Jasmine even remembered us later in the day after we had breakfast at CRT! She saw our wands and swords and said to Aladdin we were her friends, etc. For my best girlfriend who's dog is named after Jasmine she's so enamoured, this was the icing on the cake!!

Wow! It sounds like you had a great time! That must've been a fun trip...I'd love to go to Disney with just my friends someday. The princesses do do a great job making you feel normal -- even if you're a big kid! A lot of times it's fun if you have some question/comment ready for them about their movie (I once asked Aurora whether she liked her pink or blue dress better), and sometimes they just strike up a conversation on their own! I once went up to a Snow White in Epcot and she started asking me what "kingdom" I came from and how I had gotten to WDW (by magic carpet or coach?) and everything. It was very fun!

I have no idea but boy am I going to try!! I'm just a kid at heart and really really want a picture with the Mouse himself LOL!!

I'm more nervous about waiting in line with the families with kids, I hope they don't think I'm odd. I'm also a little concerned about the camera situation???? One person with camera...may make it hard to get character photos, but at least I will have the photopass CD so that's good!

The camera thing is a pain! Sometimes I drag a brother along just to have someone take a picture. But the lines with photopass are great too. The photopass people are usually really nice about taking a pic with your camera for you.

 

[distherapy]

I just have to say that I nearly peed myself when I read the part about your poor DH having to go pee so badly and you kept telling him to "HURRY" and "RUN" -

Ha! I know. I keep remembering the trip like I was calm, cool and collected - and then I remember that...

No wonder he wasn't in a big hurry to plan another trip!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I nearly forgot about Boma! Yes...I mentioned Ohana as the restaurant I'm most excited about, but Boma might be first! All I've read about it makes me think it's going to be really great! I can't wait!

Shelly, so glad your little guy's blood tests came back negative!

BellaSoliel, keep praying for God's healing! He is the great physician!

We had a church meeting and are trying to vote on a new name for our church. We narrowed it down to 3 choices. In order to register with the Israeli government, we need to give them 3 possibilities anyway. There can only be one organization with the same name in the country at one time. I'm pretty excited about the choices and can't wait to see what the final outcome is! The name is in Arabic, but the 3 choices translated into English are: Gates of Grace, Lighthouse, or Spring of Life. They are all really pretty names in Arabic too!

I've got ARabic lessons tomorrow too. I think I have homework! I guess I should check!

Anyone see The Office last night? I just watched it this afternoon online. HYSTERICAL!!!!! That has to be one of my all-time favorite shows ever. I nearly pass out laughing every week!

Now I've got to catch up on CSI. I just downloaded last night's ep. It will be nice when I'm in the US and I can watch the shows in the evenings without the computer!

~~Carrie

I am gonna have to find these movies for me and Mike-I have never heard of them til I started Dissing.
I love Gates of Grace~ I bet in Arabic it sounds beautiful! Let us know what you get-the other 2 are great also, but that would be 1st pick~!!

also should mention that instead of dissing I should be reading.

I am hosting our monthly book club next week and haven't started the book yet.

How fun!! I would love to do a book club!!!!! I don't know of any around here--what book are you reading?

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Well, Peeps, I'm hittin' the hay earlier tonight! Before I start to get punchy!

I'd give you an armpit fart salute, but, alas, that is a talent only shared by the males in this house! So, I bid you good night! Catch you on the flipside!
~~Carrie

Good night dear Peaches! You are a riot and a half! Sleep tight!

 

[trixiequilts]

I'm finally here! Phew! What a strange day here. It's like I'm in a time-warp!

There's no way that I can respond to everything that's gone on today. I guess you all can handle being chatty without my input!

 

[Dancegrl624]

QOTD- We didn't exactly choose January. We were aiming for February break so my DD would be off from school. Once Jet Blue released their flights for Feb, the prices were sky high! So, we decided on the last week of Jan. Very good prices on airfare! So, we'll be taking our DD out of school for a week, which isn't that big of a deal since she's in 1st grade. I think it will make the surprise even better too! I've mostly gone to WDW in the summer months, so I'm looking foward to not melting. I went 6 yrs ago in March, and it was still pretty hot and the crowds reminded me of the summer crowds. Can't wait for January!!!!!

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

We picked January because we couldn't go in September! We have always gone in September and loved it. However, DD is in her first year of college and we decided we couldn't take her out of college in September and she wouldn't let us go without her!

DD is still on Christmas break in January. Our other DD is a junior in HS and doesn't mind missing a week of school in January, carefully scheduled around returning to school from Christmas vacation and returning before the end of the quarter. Whew! This is complicated!

I am looking forward to the cooler weather and low crowds (hopefully) as we are there Jan 6-12.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Whoa! Not only am I double digit dancing today, I just realized I'm at 200 posts! Maybe I shouldn't spend all of my free time on the Dis.....wait, what am I saying?! That's crazy talk! How could I possibly say that? There is no such thing as too much time on the Dis! I love this place!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Whoa! Not only am I double digit dancing today, I just realized I'm at 200 posts! Maybe I shouldn't spend all of my free time on the Dis.....wait, what am I saying?! That's crazy talk! How could I possibly say that? There is no such thing as too much time on the Dis! I love this place!

And we LOVE you Meghan! Congratulations on 200 posts!

Well, I am off to take a shower and get ready for my evening out! Gotta go get pretty! NDG - OUT! Hugs to all!

 

[danceintherain]

If you click on our tickers it should take you to the website and you can make one! There's the Ticker Factory, Mickey Path, Magical Kingdoms, and probably many more. . .

ooooh... I'm going to make a new one... mine's so un-Disney...

Hey guys! I've been on the boards for a while but it's been forever since I've actually been on.. Just stopped in to say I'll be in Disney from Jan 7-13 at Animal Kingdom Lodge!!

Welcome! You'll be there when we're there.

Sorry everyone! I'm slow in posting. This morning has been WILD at work. DH went to the ER last night and we found out that he has a staph infection in his armpit. Seriously??? I feel like I'm hanging on by a thread these days.

Although, if I get upgraded to a suite, like I suspect I will - there will be plenty of room for all of us.

Aww... I'm sorry!

Me too!! I think that's best!! Books are never out of style!!!

Girl what is up with G? Bless his heart--you know he picked it up at the hospital!! And as far as your puppy--she's sooooooo cute. I found one that will be ready at 8weeks-Nov. 8----solid white--precious. But the owner sent an email with some info about other pups and said" I have over 65 adults, so I always have puppies" Holy Cow!! How sanitary can that be--sounds like a puppy mill! I got a weinee dog for my boys when they were really little from a place like -----didn't end up too good
So, I am now leary of this lady.YIKES!!

A lot of breeders are like that. Some people get really obsessed with dogs. My Aunt does animal rescue in Georgia, and she's come across a few households who hoard dogs. She has taken in a few (I think they might even have been chihuahuas) that are seriously brain damaged, because of the incredible lack of care. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear... Keep a watch at your local shelter, you might find the perfect dog there. If you're completely set on getting a pure bred, then definitely check references and make sure the dog is checked out by a professional before you consent to buy it.

For those adults with no kids and solo travelers-

What's a fun way to interact with the characters?

I have shyed away because I felt silly 'getting into character' with them. I regret acting that way and want to be a kid again this trip.

Any ideas?

I love interacting with characters! If you interact with them, then they're going to respond. Don't worry about making a fool of yourself! The "overlooked" characters are especially fun, because you can tell they're bored. Embrace your inner-child!

I read these posts over on the Jan Code Watch thread and wanted to share with the Snowbirds....

"Just to let everyone know a convention is being held at Dolphin and Swan. That is the reason for the AS Resorts showing as booked. I was told this by the Moms panel. They told me last year over 7000 people were at the convention. Blocks of rooms are put on hold for the convention until Dec. 18. Both POR are also showing as booked. The convention is being held Jan. 18 -22. The 7000 people does not include the families of the people who go to the convention. We changed are dates to Jan. 2-9 because of this. No resorts are booked for those dates and you get to still see some of the Christmas events."

"I just wanted to warn you the January 2, 3 & 4 will be extremely crowded. Kids will go back to school on the 5th so the dates leading up to the 5th will be REALLY crowded. I went in that time frame two years ago and the crowds were horrible - on Monday you will see a huge drop in attendance but if you could push your dates to the 5th throught the following weekend - you will be much happier with the crowds."

I hope the crowd predictors are right..we arrive on the 4th but will probably just hang at the hotel that day and start the parks on the 5th when the crowds are going home.

That's what I'm hoping for. We're getting there on the 4th, and we probably won't hit the parks that night (unless we're wired, and really want to see the osbourne lights, or do Magic Kingdom EMH)