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

[Dancegrl624]

Hello Snowbirds... I'm back.... I have missed you all so much but there are over 100 pages for me to check so I don't think that will be happening.... can everyone just give me there own low down.....lol....I hope everyone had a wonderfully blessed holiday... ours was super. It was a very busy December.... I have recovered very well from surgery...had a birthday... Maggie has arrived home from college, and the last of my 2 week long out of town guests left a few hours ago.... phew.... I think I can get back to normal now...

Wendy

Glad to have you back on the boards! We missed you!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

hey snowbirds! So I've been planning and planning and with less than two weeks to go.. I think I'm finally ready! The only thing I confused about is my air travel.

I booked through Disney because actually cheap and easier to book it all together. Disney gave me a packet of my magical express stuff, which I totally understand. They then sent me a packet with my luggage tags and itinerary. check, got it all under control. However.. I got a slip of paper that is my flight voucher, I assume. My question... do I use this to check in at the desk? Can I do online check in? Ahh help! We're flying airtran. freaking out here from not being able to OCD plan this one.

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hello Snowbirds... I'm back.... I have missed you all so much but there are over 100 pages for me to check so I don't think that will be happening.... can everyone just give me there own low down.....lol....I hope everyone had a wonderfully blessed holiday... ours was super. It was a very busy December.... I have recovered very well from surgery...had a birthday... Maggie has arrived home from college, and the last of my 2 week long out of town guests left a few hours ago.... phew.... I think I can get back to normal now...

Wendy

YAY! Wendy is back! WOOHOO So glad you are back Wendy! You were very missed! Glad your surgery went well and you are recovering nicely! Hope to see more from you in the next little while! WELCOME BACK!

Good evening. Hope all is well with everyone.

My mom is home now and we just got done taking pictures of all the bruises from her IV's to send to my sister. (yeah, we're a weird family )

I did the pre-order for the Photopass thing today, so that's taken care of. Tomorrow after work I just have to stop and pick up a couple more shirts and 2 more packages of transfers, then those should be just about ready to go. Other than that, it's just packing!

Soleil - (or anyone who knows) what is the website you are using for the weather reports? I wanted to send the link to my sister so she has a little heads up.

It's probably accuweather.com!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Need some help/advice! I am totally sold on the idea of the photopass, I think it sounds like an amazing thing! My Dh however is seemingly totally against the idea! I haven't used it before and can only read what is on some of the info sites. If you have used it before, what is your opinion of it and what are the benefits? I think it would be totally worth it just to have pics of our whole family together! I am so very seldom in pics cause I am the one doing most of the taking! Thanks for your input!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Need some help/advice! I am totally sold on the idea of the photopass, I think it sounds like an amazing thing! My Dh however is seemingly totally against the idea! I haven't used it before and can only read what is on some of the info sites. If you have used it before, what is your opinion of it and what are the benefits? I think it would be totally worth it just to have pics of our whole family together! I am so very seldom in pics cause I am the one doing most of the taking! Thanks for your input!

We have used it a bit before, but never bought the CD. We only ordered a couple pictures from it - like the family holding Tink on Main Street. The other day I mentioned it to DH and he said, yeah, we're getting the CD. If you preorder it's $99. After, I believe it goes up to $125. Anytime you have a picture with Characters or by the photogs around the parks, it will go on the photopass. If you buy the CD, the photos then belong to you and you may do whatever you like with them. On the website you can crop, border, etc. and order cards too. If you think you might buy more than a couple pictures, it's probably worth it. The photos are pretty expensive to buy individually if I recall. I'm like you, I'm usually the one behind the camera, so I am not often in the photos. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting some good family pictures with and without characters!

 

[pamouselover]

hey snowbirds! So I've been planning and planning and with less than two weeks to go.. I think I'm finally ready! The only thing I confused about is my air travel.

I booked through Disney because actually cheap and easier to book it all together. Disney gave me a packet of my magical express stuff, which I totally understand. They then sent me a packet with my luggage tags and itinerary. check, got it all under control. However.. I got a slip of paper that is my flight voucher, I assume. My question... do I use this to check in at the desk? Can I do online check in? Ahh help! We're flying airtran. freaking out here from not being able to OCD plan this one.

I am right there with you. I called last month and was told by Disney that I could check in on line. The Cm seemed clueless so I called the airline. They told me I can not check in. From what I have been told from my BFF who booked last May with WDW travel, you just go to the airport to check in. It does not seem right, I know. We should get a Confirm # or something.

Need some help/advice! I am totally sold on the idea of the photopass, I think it sounds like an amazing thing! My Dh however is seemingly totally against the idea! I haven't used it before and can only read what is on some of the info sites. If you have used it before, what is your opinion of it and what are the benefits? I think it would be totally worth it just to have pics of our whole family together! I am so very seldom in pics cause I am the one doing most of the taking! Thanks for your input!

Both times I have got it was through a group photoshare here on the Dis boards. I love just having all the pictures. I am a picture freak. It is also nice to have some with me in them too! Since I always am behind the camera. Maybe you and some other snowbirds who would like to, could do a share. My group has a couple snowfriends in it.

 

[jenjolt]

WHOO HOOO Wendy is back!!! Oh how I have missed you my friend Glad to hear all is well I can't wait for us to catch up LOL

 

[MelXThree]

So there has been lots of talk about planning our days so I thought I would post what touringplans.com says the crowd levels will be....

Thu, 01 Jan '09 8
Fri, 02 Jan '09 8
Sat, 03 Jan '09 8
Sun, 04 Jan '09 5
Mon, 05 Jan '09 6
Tue, 06 Jan '09 5
Wed, 07 Jan '09 5
Thu, 08 Jan '09 6
Fri, 09 Jan '09 5
Sat, 10 Jan '09 6
Sun, 11 Jan '09 5
Mon, 12 Jan '09 6
Tue, 13 Jan '09 4
Wed, 14 Jan '09 5
Thu, 15 Jan '09 6
Fri, 16 Jan '09 5
Sat, 17 Jan '09 7
Sun, 18 Jan '09 7
Mon, 19 Jan '09 6
Tue, 20 Jan '09 5
Wed, 21 Jan '09 5
Thu, 22 Jan '09 6
Fri, 23 Jan '09 5
Sat, 24 Jan '09 6
Sun, 25 Jan '09 5
Mon, 26 Jan '09 5
Tue, 27 Jan '09 4
Wed, 28 Jan '09 5
Thu, 29 Jan '09 6
Fri, 30 Jan '09 7
Sat, 31 Jan '09 8

Scale Magic Kingdom Epcot Disney Studios Animal Kingdom
1 Peak wait times of 14 minutes or less Less than 20 minutes Less than 10 minutes Less than 15 minutes
2 Peak waits of 15 - 24 minutes Around 25 minutes Around 20 minutes Around 30 minutes
3 Peak waits of 25 - 34 minutes Around 45 minutes Around 25 minutes Around 40 minutes
4 Peak waits of 35 - 44 minutes Around 60 minutes Around 35 minutes Around 55 minutes
5 Peak waits of 45 - 54 minutes Around 75 minutes Around 45 minutes Around 70 minutes
6 Peak waits of 55 - 64 minutes Around 90 minutes Around 55 minutes Around 85 minutes
7 Peak waits of 65 - 74 minutes Around 105 minutes Around 65 minutes Around 90 minutes
8 Peak waits of 75 - 84 minutes Around 120 minutes Around 75 minutes Around 110 minutes
9 Peak waits of 85 - 94 minutes Around 135 minutes Around 85 minutes Around 120 minutes
10 Peak waits of 95 minutes or more More than 150 minutes More than 95 minutes More than 130 mins.

Hopes this helps

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

Morning, Snowbirds!!

3 more work days for me!! Six days until Disney!!

 

[susieq76]

Its getting close!!!!!

 

[jenjolt]

I have planned until I can't plan anymore LOL!! Actually that might not be true LOL!! Well today I'm going to get some stuff to laminate the CM appreciation cards and my notecards or find one of those small binders you can keep your notecards in with the day to day plans written on them.

I'm getting so excited 16 days...only 16 days...I remember when I freaked when I reached the 3 month mark LOL

 

[MAGGIED]

hi friends..... on the phone with Disney golf right now trying to book golf for my men.... yikes....

went thru my closet this morning and have 4 bags of clothes to donate!!!!! Sounds like the need for a shopping trip....hehe... soon... good news is I am down about 25 lbs and my blood pressure has already dropped 15 points!!!

 

[jenjolt]

hi friends..... on the phone with Disney golf right now trying to book golf for my men.... yikes....

went thru my closet this morning and have 4 bags of clothes to donate!!!!! Sounds like the need for a shopping trip....hehe... soon... good news is I am down about 25 lbs and my blood pressure has already dropped 15 points!!!

Congrats that is awesome!!!!!!!!!! Have fun on that shopping trip!!

 

[MAGGIED]

Congrats that is awesome!!!!!!!!!! Have fun on that shopping trip!!

I will probably need Soleil's help..... after all she is the shopping authority here!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Is it a dollar per wash or more? I'm hoping to get by with doing only two loads.

I think it's $2 to wash and I think to dry also.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Wendy!! Glad you are back and doing so well!! I think you should shop too!! But not too much because you are probably gonna lose lots more!!! I am so glad it went well for you and you feel so great!!!!!!

Melxthree~ Thanks!!! I have the link but have just not had time to check it!! It seems to me that last year we actually waited less time than they predicted, so that would be great!!!

Hope you are all having a good day and all of us in the boat are better soon. My mom had the stomach thing when she was here this weekend--hope we don't catch it!! I feel better, still have a little bit of a sore throat. But now my oldest says his throat is really sore. I guess we are gonna take turns with this!!! Oh well, do it now I say!!! I only have 3 1/2 weeks to cure everybody!!!! Well, lots to organize today!! I am going over park days and ADRs to make sure it's all in order!!!!!! And I still haven't hit my closet....I was just too tired yesterday after grocery shopping and changing my sheets. I made homemade chicken noodle soup too, and I was wore out!!!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Good morning Snowbuddies! I'm still feeling run down today which stinks. I have dance practice tonight, so I'm going to be taking it easy again today. Well, we called to order our Disney Visa Rewards card last night and I also purchased our park tickets from UT! I still can't believe it's really happening. We're really going to WDW in 25 days! It feels like a dream come true.

 

[BellaSoleil]

I have planned until I can't plan anymore LOL!! Actually that might not be true LOL!! Well today I'm going to get some stuff to laminate the CM appreciation cards and my notecards or find one of those small binders you can keep your notecards in with the day to day plans written on them.

I'm getting so excited 16 days...only 16 days...I remember when I freaked when I reached the 3 month mark LOL

Tell me more about the CM appreciation cards. They sound so nice!

hi friends..... on the phone with Disney golf right now trying to book golf for my men.... yikes....

went thru my closet this morning and have 4 bags of clothes to donate!!!!! Sounds like the need for a shopping trip....hehe... soon... good news is I am down about 25 lbs and my blood pressure has already dropped 15 points!!!

Congrats on everything! I wish I could just hug your neck and take you no a shopping spree! If you need any advice, just let me know.

 

[BellaSoleil]

Soleil Weather Report

Thursday, Jan 1
Some sun, then clouds
Low: 55 °F
High: 66 °F

Friday, Jan 2
A couple of showers possible
Low: 56 °F
High: 74 °F

Saturday, Jan 3
Cloudy
Low: 54 °F
High: 71 °F

Sunday, Jan 4
A shower possible
Low: 56 °F
High: 74 °F

Monday, Jan 5
Partly sunny with a shower
Low: 55 °F
High: 74 °F

Tuesday, Jan 6
Times of clouds and sun
Low: 55 °F
High: 75 °F

Wednesday, Jan 7
Rain
Low: 44 °F
High: 71 °F

Thursday, Jan 8
Mostly sunny
Low: 48 °F
High: 69 °F

Friday, Jan 9
Colder with a shower
Low: 38 °F
High: 60 °F

Saturday, Jan 10
Sunny
Low: 39 °F
High: 60 °F

Sunday, Jan 11
Sunny
Low: 45 °F
High: 64 °F

Monday, Jan 12
Sunshine and some clouds
Low: 42 °F
High: 65 °F

Tuesday, Jan 13
Partly sunny
Low: 43 °F
High: 62 °F​

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Melxthree - thanks for the touringplans info.
I got organized yesterday with our park schedules and ADRs. I typed up a packing list (did I mention it's really slow at work?). Now I have to figure out exactly what to bring for clothes. yuck. I guess over the weekend I will take down Christmas stuff and go through closets/drawers.
Wendy - so glad things are going well - enjoy shopping!!

Thanks for the laundry $ info too! I have it on my list to get rolls of quarters. Need them for tolls too. My DD7 said now she wants to do pressed pennies. Of course, before she said she didn't! I guess I better have some handy just in case!