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

[MAGGIED]

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday.

Shelly, thank you for the Yak and Yeti menu. I have this down for one of my ADRs but I am seriously rethinking this one. I have read mixed reviews on this one. Has any Snowbird been to this restaurant?

I think we are all looking forward to going to Disney but not the hefty payment.

My wishes go out to every Snowbird that are in need of a bit of pixie dust to come their way.

Remmy

Remmy,

We haved been to Yak and Yeti... we enjoyed it very much... it was one of our fav meals ..... I had the duck.... not sure about the rest of the family... but everyone enjoyed their meal...

 

[snykymom]

Well, some of you may remember (about 100 pages ago or so ) that I was considering cancelling our Jan. trip due to the economy. I told DH about it. He said, "For what it's worth, I think you should go. It may be the last trip with DD [sophomore in college] and you've put this off for a couple of years already." And he's not even going with us! So despite the misgivings, we're going!

Now if we could just get a code . . .

Happy Sunday all! Sending good wishes & pixie dust to all who need them!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Good morning everyone! Just wanted to pop in and say hello (after I caught up!). I'm off to pick up my DD from my parents house and then it's off to church. My DH and I had a great time at the costume party last night. I'll try to post some pics later. I love it when my parents have my DD over for the night. Then, we don't have to worry about staying out too late for a sitter. She LOVES staying over there anyways. She has her own bedroom over there (she's the only grandchild) with a queen sized bed. Well, off I go!

 

[sarbah77]

Yeah, I'm taking no responsibility for your candy purchase. I didn't find any Heath bars left at my Target, so I came out of there with not much of anything except for candy corn leggings for DD7.

But without you mentioning it, I wouldn't have even remembered to go! I actually finished reading/posting, got dressed, and drove over to Target (less than a mile) and had my choice of candy. Though, come to think of it, no Heath bars there, either!

I may have missed it back 450 pages ago (!) about why you are having surgery. I don't mean to be nosy, but if you are okay with sharing, I'd be interested. I am glad to hear you are looking forward to getting through it all. Then you will be able to enjoy Disney!! Here's some pixie dust to help you through!

Aw, thanks. It's not a secret, though I haven't actually said, here. I ... actually I'm not sure if I *should* say here. While it's not a secret, it might simply be Too Much Information for everyone else! In short, it's not cancerous, it is part of my reproductive system, and neither the surgery nor the problem will have any effect on my health in the years to come.

Well, the DH and I had a nice lazy morning. We went to bed just a hair after midnight and stayed in bed until just now. Which was nearly 10am. Or we went to bed just a hair after 11pm and stayed in bed until about 9am. Whatever. Nice slow morning, but we can both use the sleep/rest!

I'm itching to go to the mall. I may have to go on my own, since DH's Vikings are playing today. I wonder if they can beat the Texans!

 

[Remmy]

Remmy,

We haved been to Yak and Yeti... we enjoyed it very much... it was one of our fav meals ..... I had the duck.... not sure about the rest of the family... but everyone enjoyed their meal...

Thank you for your response. We have been back and forth with this one, but I trust a Snowbird over all others.

Thank you Remmy

 

[Remmy]

Well, some of you may remember (about 100 pages ago or so ) that I was considering cancelling our Jan. trip due to the economy. I told DH about it. He said, "For what it's worth, I think you should go. It may be the last trip with DD [sophomore in college] and you've put this off for a couple of years already." And he's not even going with us! So despite the misgivings, we're going!

Now if we could just get a code . . .

Happy Sunday all! Sending good wishes & pixie dust to all who need them!

Congratulations. I empathize with your tough decision. I think you should have a great time. I know I have had a few just mom and myself trips before marriage and children, and I loved having my mom to myself. I think we learned so much about each other on those trips.

Remmy

 

[peach3es]

WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!! It was pretty painless this year, though there were some questions as to why our middle 2 kids didn't have a valid visa at the time of the appointment. That held things up and Scot got worried.

Their passports expired in March and they will only give a visa for up to six months before a passport expiration. So, their visas expired in October. Since we had our appointment and the rest of us had valid visas and we weren't planning to travel, we didn't think it was a big deal. They would have just told us to wait for our appointment anyway.

But, we're legal for another year!

 

[MAGGIED]

Thank you for your response. We have been back and forth with this one, but I trust a Snowbird over all others.

Thank you Remmy

So much pressure.................

 

[KatiebugsMom]

About the Disney Visa 5x7 at Epcot Innoventions, yes we have done this many times and somtimes multiple times during the same trip. It is over past the fire safety experience usually for about 3 hours in the afternoon. One little sign and a curtained area are the only indications of this experience. So you definitely have to look for it.

You get a private session with Disney characters, no guarantee who or how many, for about 5-10 minutes and as many pics taken as you want. Photopass photographers are there and the pics can go on your photopass card. You are given a voucher for a free 5x7 pic to be redeemed for that day. It is one pic per cardholder per day. For us, DH and I both have our own cards so we get 2 vouchers.

Once you enter the photographers began snapping, so I have cool shots of DD interacting with the characters. As well as staged shots of the family as a whole.

It is a very cool thing to take the time to do and well worth it. I don't know how much longer they will be doing this for and hope it will still be there next January.

 

[KatiebugsMom]

Well, some of you may remember (about 100 pages ago or so ) that I was considering cancelling our Jan. trip due to the economy. I told DH about it. He said, "For what it's worth, I think you should go. It may be the last trip with DD [sophomore in college] and you've put this off for a couple of years already." And he's not even going with us! So despite the misgivings, we're going!

Now if we could just get a code . . .

Happy Sunday all! Sending good wishes & pixie dust to all who need them!

You know I was thinking of doing the same thing. But no matter what happens with the economy, taking time with family is what matters most. So DH and I are going with DD and celebrate our tenth anniversary like we planned. But we are cutting back on a few things that won't matter much....like dropping the Dining Plan and watching the food budget. I am only going to keep 3 ADR's for celebration reasons like Cali Grille for anniversary dinner and Norway Princess so DD has one character meal experience. And we are driving....airlines and prices are more then the drive down even if gas were to be $4 per gallon at time of trip. So here's to looking forward to making memories.......which will mean more then an extra $1 in my pocket.

 

[distherapy]

WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!! It was pretty painless this year, though there were some questions as to why our middle 2 kids didn't have a valid visa at the time of the appointment. That held things up and Scot got worried.

Their passports expired in March and they will only give a visa for up to six months before a passport expiration. So, their visas expired in October. Since we had our appointment and the rest of us had valid visas and we weren't planning to travel, we didn't think it was a big deal. They would have just told us to wait for our appointment anyway.

But, we're legal for another year!

Whew!!!

 

[jenjolt]

Good morning Snowbirds..... sounds like everyone has had a busy weekend....

Sarah... good luck with the pre-op tests...

All your kids are so sweet.... love all the costumes... we had a little over 200 kids come by trick or treating... they were really cute... a lot more older kids than in years past... I guess that means they are all just growing up.... DD came home from college to help with candy and then to hurt my wallet on Saturday with a shopping trip...

Shelly... nice camera.... my MIL grew up in a house with all men.... 3 sons. .. she loves to pamper herself. .. you should too!!!! Any news on the SW thing??????

Jen..... I have been on the lookout for the blue sweatshirt... can't find the color I want.... now its a mission...

I have some Disney coupons if anyone is interested in the,,,, you can PM me with your address and I can send them to you... here is what I have..

10% off mini golf for up to 4 peeps...
$10 off purchase of $75 or more at the Lego place in DTD
15% off Wild by Design tour
15% off House of Blues ofr up to 8
15% off Behind the Seeds tour
15% off Backstage Safari Tour
10% off Dive Quest admission
10% off Disney Dolphins in Depth admission for up to 4

*Plays the Mission Impossible theme.....I have faith in you Wendy!!!!

Happy Sunday!!! Just wanted to stop in real quick before Church!! Hope everyone remember to turn their clocks back!! I'll be back after church to check in LOL!!!

 

[jenjolt]

WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!! It was pretty painless this year, though there were some questions as to why our middle 2 kids didn't have a valid visa at the time of the appointment. That held things up and Scot got worried.

Their passports expired in March and they will only give a visa for up to six months before a passport expiration. So, their visas expired in October. Since we had our appointment and the rest of us had valid visas and we weren't planning to travel, we didn't think it was a big deal. They would have just told us to wait for our appointment anyway.

But, we're legal for another year!

CONGRATS Carrie!!!! I know that is a huge relief to your family!!!

 

[dundeehunter]

Remmy,
My friend and co-worker just returned from WDW a couple weeks ago. I am attach her dining report with photos to help with your decision.


I have a start of a cold, or allergeries today. Whichever the case, I feel like heck!

I am seriously hoping for a discount to be released tomorrow!! Luckily, I do have a Disney Visa and we are staying AFTER the MLK holiday, so I'm hoping that some of my vacation will qualify for some sort of savings. Happy Sunday snowbirds!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

But without you mentioning it, I wouldn't have even remembered to go! I actually finished reading/posting, got dressed, and drove over to Target (less than a mile) and had my choice of candy. Though, come to think of it, no Heath bars there, either!



Aw, thanks. It's not a secret, though I haven't actually said, here. I ... actually I'm not sure if I *should* say here. While it's not a secret, it might simply be Too Much Information for everyone else! In short, it's not cancerous, it is part of my reproductive system, and neither the surgery nor the problem will have any effect on my health in the years to come.

Well, the DH and I had a nice lazy morning. We went to bed just a hair after midnight and stayed in bed until just now. Which was nearly 10am. Or we went to bed just a hair after 11pm and stayed in bed until about 9am. Whatever. Nice slow morning, but we can both use the sleep/rest!

I'm itching to go to the mall. I may have to go on my own, since DH's Vikings are playing today. I wonder if they can beat the Texans!

I'm still not taking repsonsibility for your purchases! I'm glad my Target wasn't the only one without Heath. I did get DD5 to offer me her one Heath bar!

Thanks for sharing about your surgery. Really I wasn't trying to be nosy, I was concerned. I'm glad it's not a problem that will continue. Best of luck.

WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!! It was pretty painless this year, though there were some questions as to why our middle 2 kids didn't have a valid visa at the time of the appointment. That held things up and Scot got worried.

Their passports expired in March and they will only give a visa for up to six months before a passport expiration. So, their visas expired in October. Since we had our appointment and the rest of us had valid visas and we weren't planning to travel, we didn't think it was a big deal. They would have just told us to wait for our appointment anyway.

But, we're legal for another year!

CONGRATS!!

About the Disney Visa 5x7 at Epcot Innoventions, yes we have done this many times and somtimes multiple times during the same trip. It is over past the fire safety experience usually for about 3 hours in the afternoon. One little sign and a curtained area are the only indications of this experience. So you definitely have to look for it.

You get a private session with Disney characters, no guarantee who or how many, for about 5-10 minutes and as many pics taken as you want. Photopass photographers are there and the pics can go on your photopass card. You are given a voucher for a free 5x7 pic to be redeemed for that day. It is one pic per cardholder per day. For us, DH and I both have our own cards so we get 2 vouchers.

Once you enter the photographers began snapping, so I have cool shots of DD interacting with the characters. As well as staged shots of the family as a whole.

It is a very cool thing to take the time to do and well worth it. I don't know how much longer they will be doing this for and hope it will still be there next January.

Thanks for the info. We are Visa cardholders and are definitely going to try to do this!

You know I was thinking of doing the same thing. But no matter what happens with the economy, taking time with family is what matters most. So DH and I are going with DD and celebrate our tenth anniversary like we planned. But we are cutting back on a few things that won't matter much....like dropping the Dining Plan and watching the food budget. I am only going to keep 3 ADR's for celebration reasons like Cali Grille for anniversary dinner and Norway Princess so DD has one character meal experience. And we are driving....airlines and prices are more then the drive down even if gas were to be $4 per gallon at time of trip. So here's to looking forward to making memories.......which will mean more then an extra $1 in my pocket.

Here, Here!! We are doing okay with the economy and decided to keep our trip and enjoy. MY MIL is coming and you just never know how many more trips you will have together, you know? We are trying to keep costs reasonable. I'm going to scrimp and save a lot over the next year because we want to book the cruise bounceback offer and go on the 3 day in December and get to WDW with all the Christmas stuff. I may stay at value, or if MIL is with us go SOG. Still planning on SOG (I keep typing SOB by accident! ) unless a FABULOUS deal comes out.
We figured out it would be cheaper for us to buy a multi day park hopper with no expiration (6 or 7 days) than an AP. Might get MIL an AP if she plans to go with another sibling's family and then back with us again in Dec. So much planning, so little time!!
Got to go hide the candy (from all of us) Do you think I can hide it well enough that I won't remember where it is?

We're going to hang some Christmas lights outside today while it's nice enough to be in the trees and on the roof. No we don't turn them on until after Thanksgiving. But it is Minnesota, and we don't want to be up there (well DH would be up there) when it is 20 degrees and windy or snowing! Today is supposed to hit - ready for this? - 70!!! Got to take advantage of these days while we can! All of you to the east should have a nice couple days coming up!!

Have a great day everyone!!

 

[MAGGIED]

WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!! It was pretty painless this year, though there were some questions as to why our middle 2 kids didn't have a valid visa at the time of the appointment. That held things up and Scot got worried.

Their passports expired in March and they will only give a visa for up to six months before a passport expiration. So, their visas expired in October. Since we had our appointment and the rest of us had valid visas and we weren't planning to travel, we didn't think it was a big deal. They would have just told us to wait for our appointment anyway.

But, we're legal for another year!

That's awesome.....

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

You know I was thinking of doing the same thing. But no matter what happens with the economy, taking time with family is what matters most. So DH and I are going with DD and celebrate our tenth anniversary like we planned. But we are cutting back on a few things that won't matter much....like dropping the Dining Plan and watching the food budget. I am only going to keep 3 ADR's for celebration reasons like Cali Grille for anniversary dinner and Norway Princess so DD has one character meal experience. And we are driving....airlines and prices are more then the drive down even if gas were to be $4 per gallon at time of trip. So here's to looking forward to making memories.......which will mean more then an extra $1 in my pocket.

This is my story almost EXACTLY! We wanted to do the cruise, then we just started missing the World too much. I "jokingly" started talking about a January trip to hubby since its cheaper (except we'd have to charge it all and pay it back after tax refund-yikes!!). I even went as far as making ADR's. He was WAY more into the idea than I thought. So we're driving (UGH!! 1000 miles each way), still ambivelant about the DDP on which way would be more cost effective (we like to eat)! Of course Hubby wants to buy a new car to drive down there-NOT so cost effective!! But at least he's as into Disney as I am!! And we'll definately do Cali Grill for his Bday-it's his favorite!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Happy Saturday, I have my pre-op appointment on Monday (DH does not have jury duty - woohoo!!) and my doctor told me I need to insist on having bloodwork done, since they occasionally skip it with young patients.

so I am pleased and thankful that things are brighter than they were for me on Monday!

Plus my first niece/nephew is due this weekend!! Keeping fingers crossed but I CANNOT WAIT TO BE AN AUNTIE!!!!

Good luck on the pre-op! We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Any word on the niece/nephew? I just LOVE being an Auntie!


I think these are one of the best additions to children's clothing EVER! My middle 2 kids are skinny and tall. They need the bigger size for the length, but then the waist is way to big. Those adjustable bands on the inside have been wardrobe savers! My oldest isn't as thin, so his pants don't fit our younger son unless they have that elastic!


I second that (or is it third? ). My poor son is tall and skinny! At 5-1/2 we finally reached the 40 lb mark!!!! Although, I picked him up from afterschool on Friday and he kept hiking his pants up. I asked him what was wrong and he said his pants kept falling down. I told him that was an easy fix and bent down to adjust those adjustable bands....they were both gone! Poor guy had been walking around without them! They were there when he left for school, so who knows what he did!

WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!! It was pretty painless this year, though there were some questions as to why our middle 2 kids didn't have a valid visa at the time of the appointment. That held things up and Scot got worried.

Their passports expired in March and they will only give a visa for up to six months before a passport expiration. So, their visas expired in October. Since we had our appointment and the rest of us had valid visas and we weren't planning to travel, we didn't think it was a big deal. They would have just told us to wait for our appointment anyway.

But, we're legal for another year!

WHOOHOO!! Congrats!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Back from church and now I'm off again! Heading over to my parents house (again) to watch some of the Bills game. Then, we're driving to Rochester to watch my little sis play her last field hockey game of the season. I have to go gather up all of our warm clothes, hats, gloves, etc. The game is at 5pm so once the sun goes down, this will be me. I'm hoping that they'll win and that my sister will get a lot of playing time. I'll be back much later. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello Snowbirds! Happy Sunday to you!
Let's see if I can get all caught up here without all the quotes. . . . .

Perhaps tomorrow will be our lucky day for codes. . . Or maybe as someone said (I think it was Trixie) maybe WDW is more concerned with filling rooms for the remainder of 2008 right now. . .

Congratulations on the Visas Peach3es!

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words on the camera! I'm so excited to use it at WDW!!

Never ate at the Yak & Yeti. Don't know why a place with Yak in the title just hasn't appealed to me!! Just kidding. I remember when we were going to the Coral Reef a friend of mine on the DIS said to me that she thought it was gross to go eat fish while there were fish swimming in a tank next to you and looking at you! Didn't bother DH when he ordered a big fish dinner!

Cute Halloween pics everyone!

I think that's about it. Nothing much going on here today. It's nice out and the boys are outside riding their 4-wheelers!