January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks! I don't know why I haven't thought to come over here before now! Since I'm borderline *obsessive* about Disney trip planning (as my DH can attest), I've hit refresh so many times on the other boards (Resorts, Restaurants, Themeparks, etc) that it seems so nice to have a new thread to check on constantly!

We are here everyday chatting and planning. And soon we will all be telling about our trips!

Feel free to jump right in!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Shawna (and anyone else)- This is the packing list I used to check against my own. It is HUGE and I don't know who would be packing this much stuff (a coffee maker? Really? Aren't those in most hotel rooms?) but it's very helpful!

WDW Ultimate Packing List

 

[dundeehunter]

There's a bunch of Snow Birds staying at POP. We'll be at POP 1/21-1/28 as well (first time staying there too)

My family and I will be there January 18-25 staying at Pop.

Fellow New Yorkers! We're staying at POP as well.

My family will be checking into Pop on the 20th and staying until the 27th. Are any of the Pop people in a fridge swap? I really hope the Frozen Coke machines are up and running. That's one of the main reasons why my girls love Pop so much! My family will probably have some Wisconsin Badger or Green Bay Packer clothes on..so if you see 4 cheeseheads, just holler! I will also have a LimeGreen Mickey head attached to my bag!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay, so DH and I (mostly him) are on this t-shirt making craze. So I know that dark t-shirts use the dark transfers... I print up some last night to put on black shirts (pirate theme). Then tonight when we get the shirts washed, I finally read the instructions and realize that I was NOT supposed to flip the design when using dark transfers!!! AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH! Yup, did four of them wrong! At least I didn't iron them on yet! See what happens when you rush?
It's too bad the paper is so dang expensive! So we will be doing yet more printing tonight. Then tomorrow I go and brave the snow and buy more transfer paper and more ink for my printer!
Having trouble finding t-shirts for the kids. Think maybe the crafty stores may have some. Going to Michaels and Joann Etc tomorrow too. Good thing I'm not working tomorrow!

On a happier note, I got my vacation haircut tonight! What a relief! Of course, I saw a lot more gray (I mean, blonde) this time! Of course my hair is black, so it's obvious. Might have to fix that up before I go!

 

[debbieandroo]

Haven't had the chance to read back but I did want to announce:

I GOT MY MAGICAL EXPRESS LUGGAGE TAGS - WOO-HOO!!!!!!

ALSO, I GOT MY UT PARK TICKETS - WOO-HOO-HOO!!!!!!!!

TWO WEEKS FROM TOMORROW, I'LL BE HANGIN' WITH THE MICK-STER!!!!!!!!!



I know we've talked about this before but I need some validation -- it IS okay that I don't have return luggage tags - these will be taken care of when we check out of the resort, right?

And, Meghan, I had to pick up my UT tickets from the post office - they didn't deliver them. I appreciate the extra caution but it is strange that you didn't have to do that. And I had the devil of a time finding my post office [it isn't near me at all - there are several others much closer, odd isn't it?].

 

[jenjolt]

Okay, so DH and I (mostly him) are on this t-shirt making craze. So I know that dark t-shirts use the dark transfers... I print up some last night to put on black shirts (pirate theme). Then tonight when we get the shirts washed, I finally read the instructions and realize that I was NOT supposed to flip the design when using dark transfers!!! AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH! Yup, did four of them wrong! At least I didn't iron them on yet! See what happens when you rush?
It's too bad the paper is so dang expensive! So we will be doing yet more printing tonight. Then tomorrow I go and brave the snow and buy more transfer paper and more ink for my printer!
Having trouble finding t-shirts for the kids. Think maybe the crafty stores may have some. Going to Michaels and Joann Etc tomorrow too. Good thing I'm not working tomorrow!

On a happier note, I got my vacation haircut tonight! What a relief! Of course, I saw a lot more gray (I mean, blonde) this time! Of course my hair is black, so it's obvious. Might have to fix that up before I go!

I'm actually going to start laundry now, I want to get my shirt watched!! I printed my transfer today!! Still haven't gotten anything done on my to-do list...OY...I only have how many days left til I leave??

I did get my hair done today and I love it!!! I can't wait to look good at Disney LOL!!! I got my haircut and highlighted!!

It's scary how much our schedules are alike, I'm totally going to Michaels and Joann's tomorrow too of course I'm going to buy more scrapbooking stuff!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm actually going to start laundry now, I want to get my shirt watched!! I printed my transfer today!! Still haven't gotten anything done on my to-do list...OY...I only have how many days left til I leave??

I did get my hair done today and I love it!!! I can't wait to look good at Disney LOL!!! I got my haircut and highlighted!!

It's scary how much our schedules are alike, I'm totally going to Michaels and Joann's tomorrow too of course I'm going to buy more scrapbooking stuff!!!

Yeah, but you get to go to see Mickey first!!

 

[sarbah77]

Ladies (and the occasional gent)....

I am refraining from getting really annoyed with my DH. We just packed and we actually got it all in to one suitcase. Then he argued with me about packing another small bag, despite knowing we always take stuff home (like TREE ORNAMENTS!) and despite the fact that he hasn't packed his toiletry kit and the suitcase is PRETTY full already! Then he argued with me about him carrying all the check-in paperwork...

... I've got my laptop, because it's the only thing to d/l pictures from our cameras. I've got both the cameras (one tiny p&s and one large DSLR with telephoto lens), plus their charge cables. And despite the fact that we'll have no internet access for the week, he decided he could NOT live without his laptop, either. And two large hard cover books. Plus, he thinks he doesn't need a jacket.

Now we've got that whole winter weather watch thing that'll bring a total of 10" of snow by Saturday morning (which is why Kayte's on the road now!), so I'm concerned about getting to the airport in a timely fashion. DH doesn't think it's a concern and doesn't see why we'd need to leave work any earlier than a full work day. When we get a lot of snow, it can take over an hour to go 5 miles! DH has also been complaining about the time of the flight, so I agreed to get him a window seat, which leaves me in the middle (I hate that!).

PLUS - I canNOT find my navy blue cable sweater. I have NO idea where it would have gone or when I last saw it (though, I am filled with dread, wondering if it got lost over Thanksgiving). Of course it's the only CUTE sweater-to-wear-over-shirts that I own, so I'm stuck with the one that I think makes me look dumpy.

ARRRRRRRGH. Okay, I'm feeling better now that I got to shout.

Tell me it'll all be okay and that in 24 hours, I will be sitting on my plane, ready to taxi. Or point and laugh - whichever you prefer!!

 

[sarbah77]

But, oh, I should add... one of my dearest friends from high school lives in Tampa and we just made plans to meet up on Wednesday!!!

 

[debbieandroo]

Ladies (and the occasional gent)....

I am refraining from getting really annoyed with my DH. We just packed and we actually got it all in to one suitcase. Then he argued with me about packing another small bag, despite knowing we always take stuff home (like TREE ORNAMENTS!) and despite the fact that he hasn't packed his toiletry kit and the suitcase is PRETTY full already! Then he argued with me about him carrying all the check-in paperwork...

... I've got my laptop, because it's the only thing to d/l pictures from our cameras. I've got both the cameras (one tiny p&s and one large DSLR with telephoto lens), plus their charge cables. And despite the fact that we'll have no internet access for the week, he decided he could NOT live without his laptop, either. And two large hard cover books. Plus, he thinks he doesn't need a jacket.

Now we've got that whole winter weather watch thing that'll bring a total of 10" of snow by Saturday morning (which is why Kayte's on the road now!), so I'm concerned about getting to the airport in a timely fashion. DH doesn't think it's a concern and doesn't see why we'd need to leave work any earlier than a full work day. When we get a lot of snow, it can take over an hour to go 5 miles! DH has also been complaining about the time of the flight, so I agreed to get him a window seat, which leaves me in the middle (I hate that!).

PLUS - I canNOT find my navy blue cable sweater. I have NO idea where it would have gone or when I last saw it (though, I am filled with dread, wondering if it got lost over Thanksgiving). Of course it's the only CUTE sweater-to-wear-over-shirts that I own, so I'm stuck with the one that I think makes me look dumpy.

ARRRRRRRGH. Okay, I'm feeling better now that I got to shout.

Tell me it'll all be okay and that in 24 hours, I will be sitting on my plane, ready to taxi. Or point and laugh - whichever you prefer!!

That would drive me nuts, too - and it'll be okay.
24 more hours

But, oh, I should add... one of my dearest friends from high school lives in Tampa and we just made plans to meet up on Wednesday!!!

things are looking up already -

 

[drakes]

Ladies (and the occasional gent)....

I am refraining from getting really annoyed with my DH. We just packed and we actually got it all in to one suitcase. Then he argued with me about packing another small bag, despite knowing we always take stuff home (like TREE ORNAMENTS!) and despite the fact that he hasn't packed his toiletry kit and the suitcase is PRETTY full already! Then he argued with me about him carrying all the check-in paperwork...

... I've got my laptop, because it's the only thing to d/l pictures from our cameras. I've got both the cameras (one tiny p&s and one large DSLR with telephoto lens), plus their charge cables. And despite the fact that we'll have no internet access for the week, he decided he could NOT live without his laptop, either. And two large hard cover books. Plus, he thinks he doesn't need a jacket.

Now we've got that whole winter weather watch thing that'll bring a total of 10" of snow by Saturday morning (which is why Kayte's on the road now!), so I'm concerned about getting to the airport in a timely fashion. DH doesn't think it's a concern and doesn't see why we'd need to leave work any earlier than a full work day. When we get a lot of snow, it can take over an hour to go 5 miles! DH has also been complaining about the time of the flight, so I agreed to get him a window seat, which leaves me in the middle (I hate that!).

PLUS - I canNOT find my navy blue cable sweater. I have NO idea where it would have gone or when I last saw it (though, I am filled with dread, wondering if it got lost over Thanksgiving). Of course it's the only CUTE sweater-to-wear-over-shirts that I own, so I'm stuck with the one that I think makes me look dumpy.

ARRRRRRRGH. Okay, I'm feeling better now that I got to shout.

Tell me it'll all be okay and that in 24 hours, I will be sitting on my plane, ready to taxi. Or point and laugh - whichever you prefer!!

It will be OK! You're going to Walt Disney World - we lose sight of this- no matter what happens - even with no navy blue cable sweater-you'll have a great time with great memories !!

I too panicked today! we were listening to our Magic in the Streets CD and I started to get teary eyed. Dh noticed and asked me what was wrong... I started bawling and laughing at myself- I was stressed and worried about the trip,and dreading coming home!!! we haven't even left!

Tonight I think I finished my touring recipe cards, I am sick of looking at them. DH is working on our 2009 Touring Guide and I got frustrated looking at it... all the details missing, I am tired of looking at it!

Moral of my story- we all stress when we get down to the wire... in 2009 we need to celebrate life more... I read today... "Life is not like Disney World, why would you want to fastpass through all the great moments." it really put it in perspective...

gee I apologize if I turned this around onto my stresses- I really just wnated you to know we all have them , you are not alone, and it will be ok. You sound overwhelmed, which is completely normal given the circumstance.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ladies (and the occasional gent)....

I am refraining from getting really annoyed with my DH. We just packed and we actually got it all in to one suitcase. Then he argued with me about packing another small bag, despite knowing we always take stuff home (like TREE ORNAMENTS!) and despite the fact that he hasn't packed his toiletry kit and the suitcase is PRETTY full already! Then he argued with me about him carrying all the check-in paperwork...

... I've got my laptop, because it's the only thing to d/l pictures from our cameras. I've got both the cameras (one tiny p&s and one large DSLR with telephoto lens), plus their charge cables. And despite the fact that we'll have no internet access for the week, he decided he could NOT live without his laptop, either. And two large hard cover books. Plus, he thinks he doesn't need a jacket.

Now we've got that whole winter weather watch thing that'll bring a total of 10" of snow by Saturday morning (which is why Kayte's on the road now!), so I'm concerned about getting to the airport in a timely fashion. DH doesn't think it's a concern and doesn't see why we'd need to leave work any earlier than a full work day. When we get a lot of snow, it can take over an hour to go 5 miles! DH has also been complaining about the time of the flight, so I agreed to get him a window seat, which leaves me in the middle (I hate that!).

PLUS - I canNOT find my navy blue cable sweater. I have NO idea where it would have gone or when I last saw it (though, I am filled with dread, wondering if it got lost over Thanksgiving). Of course it's the only CUTE sweater-to-wear-over-shirts that I own, so I'm stuck with the one that I think makes me look dumpy.

ARRRRRRRGH. Okay, I'm feeling better now that I got to shout.

Tell me it'll all be okay and that in 24 hours, I will be sitting on my plane, ready to taxi. Or point and laugh - whichever you prefer!!

It WILL all be okay! You will be on the plane relaxed and happy!! Keep thinking good thoughts and take deep breaths! My DH is making me a little nuts, but at least it's because he's so excited!!
ixiedust:

 

[sarbah77]

That would drive me nuts, too - and it'll be okay.
24 more hours

things are looking up already -

It will be OK! You're going to Walt Disney World - we lose sight of this- no matter what happens - even with no navy blue cable sweater-you'll have a great time with great memories !!

I too panicked today! we were listening to our Magic in the Streets CD and I started to get teary eyed. Dh noticed and asked me what was wrong... I started bawling and laughing at myself- I was stressed and worried about the trip,and dreading coming home!!! we haven't even left!

Tonight I think I finished my touring recipe cards, I am sick of looking at them. DH is working on our 2009 Touring Guide and I got frustrated looking at it... all the details missing, I am tired of looking at it!

Moral of my story- we all stress when we get down to the wire... in 2009 we need to celebrate life more... I read today... "Life is not like Disney World, why would you want to fastpass through all the great moments." it really put it in perspective...

gee I apologize if I turned this around onto my stresses- I really just wnated you to know we all have them , you are not alone, and it will be ok. You sound overwhelmed, which is completely normal given the circumstance.

It WILL all be okay! You will be on the plane relaxed and happy!! Keep thinking good thoughts and take deep breaths! My DH is making me a little nuts, but at least it's because he's so excited!!
ixiedust:

Thanks, ladies!! I appreciate all the "there, there" comments! I am pretty excited and stressed and excited and stressed. I think I'll call the shuttle service tomorrow and see if they suggest earlier pick-ups. The airline let me pay my baggage fee online tonight, which will speed things up tomorrow!

Now, I need to try and get to sleep!

 

[drakes]

Thanks, ladies!! I appreciate all the "there, there" comments! I am pretty excited and stressed and excited and stressed. I think I'll call the shuttle service tomorrow and see if they suggest earlier pick-ups. The airline let me pay my baggage fee online tonight, which will speed things up tomorrow!

Now, I need to try and get to sleep!

Have Happy Disney Dreams! You'll have a great time !

 

[MelXThree]

I have been feeling a bit panicked these last few days I feel like I NEED to get everything done but I still have 12 more days....have to relax...

 

[pamouselover]

Hi everyone, we are back from our trip.
Back to the cold here in Pa. What a shock to the system.
We had a wonderful time. Weather was great except for yesterday.
Which made it easier to go home. Crowds were a bit high, but no higher
then when we were there in Aug. 07. By Monday we noticed less people, yesterday was really less people. But I did notice many checking in when waiting for ME. Those 4 for 3 people as I called them.
The Christmas decoration were so magical. Words, pictures videos, do not do any justice to Osborne lights. One must see with their own eyes.
Spent today putting away xmas decorations, and cleaning and grocery shopping. What fun,...real world stinks. Worst part was having to cook dinner. I am going to start my TR this weekend hopefully. I am having a surprise party (YES JUST WHEN HE THOUGHT THE SURPRISES WERE DONE ) for DS on Saturday. So maybe Sunday. I will post the link here to share all my pictures with my snow friends. I truly believe DH and myself will be real snowbirds some day. Florida in January is so amazing!
Night!

 

[dundeehunter]

Hi everyone, we are back from our trip.
Back to the cold here in Pa. What a shock to the system.
We had a wonderful time. Weather was great except for yesterday.
Which made it easier to go home. Crowds were a bit high, but no higher
then when we were there in Aug. 07. By Monday we noticed less people, yesterday was really less people. But I did notice many checking in when waiting for ME. Those 4 for 3 people as I called them.
The Christmas decoration were so magical. Words, pictures videos, do not do any justice to Osborne lights. One must see with their own eyes.
Spent today putting away xmas decorations, and cleaning and grocery shopping. What fun,...real world stinks. Worst part was having to cook dinner. I am going to start my TR this weekend hopefully. I am having a surprise party (YES JUST WHEN HE THOUGHT THE SURPRISES WERE DONE ) for DS on Saturday. So maybe Sunday. I will post the link here to share all my pictures with my snow friends. I truly believe DH and myself will be real snowbirds some day. Florida in January is so amazing!
Night!

Welcome home...can not WAIT to read your trip report. Yes, I agree, WDW and the Christmas lights are amazing! I also want to be a true snowbird but DH is not having any of it. You were missed.

 

[mana_liz]

Welcome back to those returing Snowbirds...Hope you had a great trip.

Have a great trip to those who are leaving...Have a wonderful time

This time next week I will be asleep at the hotel by the airport...and getting up in 4 1/2 hours for my 7 am flight...

 

[mana_liz]

I can't remember who asked...but we are in a fridge swap at POP.

 

[Love Pooh Bear]

to the Snowbirds!! Congrats on your trips!

Lovepoohbear - How exciting for your DD's first trip!!

I am more excited about her first trip then she is I think!!!! I've been putting Disney movies in for her and the planning video too since it shows characters for her to get used to. We went to the WOD in NY in Nov and they have charcaters there that you can take pics with. She had her picture with Pluto and Chip and Dale. She did so great with them that I decided that we had to bring her to Disney!!!! Hopefully she will do fine on the plane! I just can't wait to see Disney thru her eyes!