January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[star2500]

Happy dancing in MD today, were at less than 72 hours until takeoff!!! I feel just like a kid! And is it crazy that we're not even there yet, but I'm already thinking about the NEXT trip??

LOL....well include me in as crazy....dancing in PA here....72 hours too!!!! One good thing is the weather is suppose to be beautiful....70's!!!! I was stressing that we would get delayed in our Philly airport cause of snow...but that looks good too!!! Now to just keep everyone well....everyone here is sneezing stuffy noses....just hoping that it's now and within 72 hours everyone gets better. Was going to send my daughter to school Monday morning for 3 hours but decided not to....thought if anyone was sick over the weekend with the stomach bug....our luck...she'd get it. I know it sounds paranoid and what's going to happen will...but still....talk about being crazy! LOL

 

[Dancegrl624]

In 24 hours, I will be on my plane!!!! I can't wait!!!! I'm just about ready to burst and I have NO idea how I'm supposed to sleep tonight. I'm really looking forward to today though. I enjoy packing and getting everything organized. Our suitcases don't fit under the bed, so I had to stash them in my not-so-big closet. At least tonight, we can put them in our office after our DD goes to bed. Thank goodness I don't have to work or anything today. I'd be way too distracted!

 

[star2500]

In 24 hours, I will be on my plane!!!! I can't wait!!!! I'm just about ready to burst and I have NO idea how I'm supposed to sleep tonight. I'm really looking forward to today though. I enjoy packing and getting everything organized. Our suitcases don't fit under the bed, so I had to stash them in my not-so-big closet. At least tonight, we can put them in our office after our DD goes to bed. Thank goodness I don't have to work or anything today. I'd be way too distracted!

You are going to have a great time. I haven't post too much but I've been reading along...and I know the feeling of surprising the kids. In 2005, we didn't tell our kids, 3 of them well one was a 9 month old lol..but the two older ones thought we were going to our yearly trip to the Jersey shore. I didn't sleep all night and couldn't wait. I woke them up with the video camera...they both slept in our bed so I could catch them together when we woke them at 4 am lol. We woke the and I handed them a gift box each with disney money, ears, etc. They were like what? They were so disoriented lol. After we told them we are going to Disney!....My son who isn't good with change lol...said "we aren't going to the shore?" LMAO....talk about a moment of disappointment for me with reaction. But it was very short lived about a minute lol. It really didn't hit them til we were in the limo going to the airport...and they kept saying this is really happening. They were absolutely thrilled....and still talk about it to this day. They even said this time...we kind of wish you wouldn't have told us this time either lol.


Anyhow...have a wonderful trip....enjoy and just a word of advice. Being the planners we are...don't let things disappoint you if something didn't turn out exactly how you though there. Take a breather and enjoy your time there. Nothing beats the children's reactions when they first walk down main street and see the castle.

 

[Dancegrl624]

For those of us leaving over the next few days, just thought I'd post the weather from accuweather.com one more time:

Saturday, Jan 24
High: 73 °F RealFeel®: 73 °F
Sun and clouds; nice in the afternoon
Low: 51 °F RealFeel®: 51 °F
Partly cloudy

Sunday, Jan 25
High: 73 °F RealFeel®: 76 °F
Partly sunny
Sunday Night, Jan 25
Low: 54 °F RealFeel®: 50 °F
Mainly clear

Monday, Jan 26
High: 75 °F RealFeel®: 74 °F
Partly sunny and pleasant
Low: 56 °F RealFeel®: 53 °F
Clear

Tuesday, Jan 27
High: 75 °F RealFeel®: 75 °F
Partly sunny and delightful <-----This makes me happy!!
Low: 59 °F RealFeel®: 56 °F
Clear

Wednesday, Jan 28
High: 79 °F RealFeel®: 78 °F
Partly sunny and warm
Low: 60 °F RealFeel®: 56 °F
Clear and mild

Thursday, Jan 29
High: 77 °F RealFeel®: 75 °F
Sunshine
Thursday Night, Jan 29
Low: 59 °F RealFeel®: 57 °F
Clear to partly cloudy

Friday, Jan 30
High: 75 °F RealFeel®: 75 °F
A passing shower in the morning; otherwise, partly sunny
Friday Night, Jan 30
Low: 43 °F RealFeel®: 35 °F
Partly cloudy

Saturday, Jan 31
High: 65 °F RealFeel®: 59 °F
Cooler with plenty of sunshine
Saturday Night, Jan 31
Low: 52 °F RealFeel®: 51 °F
Clear

Sunday, Feb 1
High: 71 °F RealFeel®: 67 °F
Mostly sunny
Sunday Night, Feb 1
Low: 53 °F RealFeel®: 52 °F
Partly cloudy with a couple of showers; not as cool late

Ahhhhh, is all I have to say. Today it's supposed to hit 35 degrees. That's the warmest it's been all week! This weekend, highs in the teens. Yuck! Glad to be getting out of here!

 

[Dancegrl624]

You are going to have a great time. I haven't post too much but I've been reading along...and I know the feeling of surprising the kids. In 2005, we didn't tell our kids, 3 of them well one was a 9 month old lol..but the two older ones thought we were going to our yearly trip to the Jersey shore. I didn't sleep all night and couldn't wait. I woke them up with the video camera...they both slept in our bed so I could catch them together when we woke them at 4 am lol. We woke the and I handed them a gift box each with disney money, ears, etc. They were like what? They were so disoriented lol. After we told them we are going to Disney!....My son who isn't good with change lol...said "we aren't going to the shore?" LMAO....talk about a moment of disappointment for me with reaction. But it was very short lived about a minute lol. It really didn't hit them til we were in the limo going to the airport...and they kept saying this is really happening. They were absolutely thrilled....and still talk about it to this day. They even said this time...we kind of wish you wouldn't have told us this time either lol.


Anyhow...have a wonderful trip....enjoy and just a word of advice. Being the planners we are...don't let things disappoint you if something didn't turn out exactly how you though there. Take a breather and enjoy your time there. Nothing beats the children's reactions when they first walk down main street and see the castle.

Thanks for the advice! I keep telling my DH to make sure I'm relaxed next week. I don't want to let things get to me. We're going to have a wonderful time!!! By the way, I see in your siggie that you've stayed at the Grande Vista. Isn't it wonderful? We stayed there on our last trip in 2006 and loved it. This time, we couldn't get in for the week we wanted, so we'll be at Horizons by Marriott. We stayed at Cypress Harbour in 2002 and they were building Horizons!!! I can't wait to see this resort!

 

[sarbah77]

Hi Snowbirds!!!

I'm home! DH and I had a fabulous adventure to the USA! We went to New York, Miami, Key West, and then of course... Disney World!!

We were in Disney for 12 nights and had a very fun, busy, crazy time, filled with lots of laughter, food and great times.

There were some not so great times too - mostly involving feeling full all the time (thanks, Deluxe Dining!), Brazilian tour groups, and worrying about our sick cat at home. I think she's okay now though!

We arrived home yesterday after being in transit for about 30 hours. Waaaah! I'm busy unpacking, washing clothes, and playing with my cat - but at the same time, loading our photos on PhotoBucket so I can start my dining report. Hopefully later today - I'll post the link when it's started!!

Lots of catching up to do on the DIS!!

I didn't run into real issues with the tour groups other than the fact that they were everywhere all the time and made the waits much longer. And that Disney wasn't smart enough to figure out that when eleventy billion people from one tour group turn up in the line at one time, maybe you should update the wait time from 20 minutes to AN HOUR. But that's me.

(I had one minor issue with one group and, frankly, it could have been an issue with any group of girls wrapped up in themselves, regardless of tour status!)

Just got this new email offer.....

FREE $500 DISNEY
GIFT CARD*
when you purchase this 5-Night/6-Day vacation package that includes room and Theme Park tickets.

$ 594 per adult, based on adult double occupancy in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. For stays most Sun.–Thurs. nights 3/1/09–4/16/09.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. One Park per day. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer is nontransferable.

I got that, too. I am hoping the dates are better than what they suggest, because I can't get anyone to go in March!

+++

Everyone who's leaving soon, HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Can you tell I'm excited??? I don't mean to keep posting, but I just can't help it!!! For all you weather checkers like me, my sister told me to check the National Weather Service website. They're usually the most accurate she told me. Their website is: www.nws.noaa.gov Their forecast looks wonderful as well!

 

[star2500]

Thanks for the advice! I keep telling my DH to make sure I'm relaxed next week. I don't want to let things get to me. We're going to have a wonderful time!!! By the way, I see in your siggie that you've stayed at the Grande Vista. Isn't it wonderful? We stayed there on our last trip in 2006 and loved it. This time, we couldn't get in for the week we wanted, so we'll be at Horizons by Marriott. We stayed at Cypress Harbour in 2002 and they were building Horizons!!! I can't wait to see this resort!

My brother has a time share there. We stayed there in a 2 bedroom room. It was gorgeous..alot of room...convenience of the washer and dryer, etc. For us though...the whole getting in the car and driving there was kind of a pain....for us it was...I know it works for alot of people. We went in August and it was so HOT....by the time we got to our car in the parking lot of the hotel at 7 am....we were already sweating. Then we felt like we were "stuck" in the park. The thought of lugging everyone back in the car for a break at the hotel...it just didn't happen with us. I have to say the distance to the parks are wonderful...for Disney and Universal..it's like you are right in the middle of both.

We stayed at the CR last year and my DH said .... this is definitely more convenient for us. Plus 2 older kids are at the age we can give them some time that they can roam a bit themselves and we can do that there.

That is the best advice I give anyone going...relax when you are there and take everything in especially when things don't go exactly as "planned". Because if you think about it there is always more special moments then not-so special ones. You don't want to look back on your vacations and the first memory of it is the "things that didn't go as planned." If that makes sense lol....sorry been up since 5 am getting kids off to school.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

HELP!!!! As you remember my dd was up throwing up Monday night. Well, by yesterday she seemed fine. No more puking after that night--the first two potties were a little yucky-but yesterday better!!Then BAM--middle of the night she threw up AGAIN!!! And so I have been up another night watching ever move in case she did it again. Any nurses or anyone on here with this???? What's going on? No fever and no warning!!! We leave in 24 and I am hoping this doesn't happen again.

 

[pamouselover]

I don't even know where CBR is, but thanks for the invite! We're off-property and we're eating at T-Rex on Saturday evening. I can't wait! I just love DTD!
Meghan you could get on a bus from one of the parks to CBR. They do not ask for resort ID's when boarding any of the buses. We saw people on our last day who parked at DTD, and boarded buses to the parks so they di dnot have to pay to park.

Well, DH just finished up the majority of his packing, if you can call it that. 4 shirts? Honestly?? His response, "We have a washer and dryer." So, I guess he wants to be wearing the same outfit on different days in pictures. I just gave up. I still have TONS of packing to do tomorrow and I'm so excited!

Just got this new email offer.....

FREE $500 DISNEY
GIFT CARD*
when you purchase this 5-Night/6-Day vacation package that includes room and Theme Park tickets.

$ 594 per adult, based on adult double occupancy in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. For stays most Sun.–Thurs. nights 3/1/09–4/16/09.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. One Park per day. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer is nontransferable.

That is great offer!

 

[pamouselover]

Susieq76 ~ Jan 25-30 ASMu
Pinkdiamond816 ~ Jan 25-30 SSR
Brerrabbit_fan ~ Jan 25-30 CSR
Bunkkinsmom ~ Jan 25-31 OKW
Aleciajab ~ Jan 25-31 ???
Mrhub ~ Jan 25-31 SSR
Tinkerbellfan50265 ~ Jan 25-Feb 1 VWL
Wish2btink ~ Jan 25-Feb 1 POR
Mkhead ~ Jan 25-Feb 1 POP
Swald91 ~ Jan 25-Feb 1 WL
Goofy4prez ~ Jan 25-Feb 1 GF
Natalie89 ~ Jan 25-Feb ? AKL
Eeyore ~ Jan 26-29 POFQ
Missmichelle ~ Jan 26-30 CSR
Star2500 ~ Jan 26 - Feb 1 CR
Mndisneygirl ~ Jan 26-Feb 1 CBR
Joy1956 ~ Jan 26-Feb 2 AKL
Bettydisney ~ Jan 26-Feb 5 Offsite
Blestmom ~ Jan 26-Feb 10 POP
Duncansnickers ~ Jan 27-?? ???
Meggybear17 ~ Jan 27-Feb 3 POP
Steffiesunshine ~ Jan 27-Feb 3 WL
Scrappychar ~ Jan 27-Feb 3 Poly
Tammythetwinsmom ~ Jan 29-30 SSR
Storybookmum ~ Jan 29 -Feb 5 POR
Drew2wdw ~ Jan 31-Feb ?? BW
Trissy ~ Feb 1-9 CBR
Misty89 ~ Feb 5-12 Offsite
I was asked by Shelly to post the list sat. but I am going to be busy moving my DN.
Have a magical time everyone!

 

[Dancegrl624]

HELP!!!! As you remember my dd was up throwing up Monday night. Well, by yesterday she seemed fine. No more puking after that night--the first two potties were a little yucky-but yesterday better!!Then BAM--middle of the night she threw up AGAIN!!! And so I have been up another night watching ever move in case she did it again. Any nurses or anyone on here with this???? What's going on? No fever and no warning!!! We leave in 24 and I am hoping this doesn't happen again.

I can't help you out, but I can offer my prayers.

 

[pamouselover]

Rfrank9504 ~ Jan 24-27 POFQ
Ppan77 ~ Jan 24-29 Poly
Denily ~ Jan 24-29 POP/AKL
Waltdisneyworlders ~ Jan 24-30 CBR
Bridgie04 ~ Jan 24-30 BWV/CT
Momto2prncchrmgs ~ Jan 24-30 CBR
Billysmommy ~ Jan 24-31 BWV
Gourmetgirl ~ Jan 24-31 WL
Cheshireqt ~ Jan 24-31 ???
Brobrosmom ~ Jan 24-31 ASMu
Monny2AE ~ Jan 24-31 CBR
Rmzlvacationers ~ Jan 24-31 CBR
Canluvpooh ~ Jan 24-31 AKV
Phairest1 ~ Jan 24-31 POP
Anonymousegirl ~ Jan 24-31 GF/BC
Dancegrl624 ~ Jan 24-31 Offsite
Jensen ~ Jan 24-31 ASMu
Shock13 ~ Jan 24-31 AKL
Maggied ~ Jan 24-31 CBR
Corkery719 ~ Jan 24-31 POP
Tkme4ard ~ Jan 24-31 Poly
Princessdez ~ Jan 24-31 YC
Disneymommy3 ~ Jan 24-Feb 1 Poly
Reneedisney ~ Jan 24-Feb 1 BC
Remmy ~ Jan 24-Feb 6 POP

 

[Dancegrl624]

Rfrank9504 ~ Jan 24-27 POFQ
Ppan77 ~ Jan 24-29 Poly
Denily ~ Jan 24-29 POP/AKL
Waltdisneyworlders ~ Jan 24-30 CBR
Bridgie04 ~ Jan 24-30 BWV/CT
Momto2prncchrmgs ~ Jan 24-30 CBR
Billysmommy ~ Jan 24-31 BWV
Gourmetgirl ~ Jan 24-31 WL
Cheshireqt ~ Jan 24-31 ???
Brobrosmom ~ Jan 24-31 ASMu
Monny2AE ~ Jan 24-31 CBR
Rmzlvacationers ~ Jan 24-31 CBR
Canluvpooh ~ Jan 24-31 AKV
Phairest1 ~ Jan 24-31 POP
Anonymousegirl ~ Jan 24-31 GF/BC
Dancegrl624 ~ Jan 24-31 Offsite
Jensen ~ Jan 24-31 ASMu
Shock13 ~ Jan 24-31 AKL
Maggied ~ Jan 24-31 CBR
Corkery719 ~ Jan 24-31 POP
Tkme4ard ~ Jan 24-31 Poly
Princessdez ~ Jan 24-31 YC
Disneymommy3 ~ Jan 24-Feb 1 Poly
Reneedisney ~ Jan 24-Feb 1 BC
Remmy ~ Jan 24-Feb 6 POP

I hope you all have your LGMH's displayed proudly so I can find you! We're all going to WDW!!!

 

[coffeehousemom]

HELP!!!! As you remember my dd was up throwing up Monday night. Well, by yesterday she seemed fine. No more puking after that night--the first two potties were a little yucky-but yesterday better!!Then BAM--middle of the night she threw up AGAIN!!! And so I have been up another night watching ever move in case she did it again. Any nurses or anyone on here with this???? What's going on? No fever and no warning!!! We leave in 24 and I am hoping this doesn't happen again.

That's how it was for us too!! It just came back no warning. Keep her quiet, little food, & keep a grocery bag handy in the car its just gotta run its course again. Try to get her to nap as much as possible too.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great looking weather reports! I'm so psyched!!

Shawna (was it?) - I hope your little one feels better. I agree - just watch what she eats, but it may just be a lingering bug. Sometimes it takes the stomach a while to get back to normal. Good luck!

I am off to get my nails done. This afternoon I say goodbye to DH and DD5 for three days! That will be tough. Good thing I have so much cleaning to do to keep me and DD7 busy! LOL - No we have some plans for the weekend!

Hope everyone that's leaving is all packed! Check your lists twice like Santa!
Turn down the heat, lock the doors and away you go!! Have great trips! I'll be looking for LGMHs!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I can't help you out, but I can offer my prayers.

That's how it was for us too!! It just came back no warning. Keep her quiet, little food, & keep a grocery bag handy in the car its just gotta run its course again. Try to get her to nap as much as possible too.

Great looking weather reports! I'm so psyched!!

Shawna (was it?) - I hope your little one feels better. I agree - just watch what she eats, but it may just be a lingering bug. Sometimes it takes the stomach a while to get back to normal. Good luck!

I am off to get my nails done. This afternoon I say goodbye to DH and DD5 for three days! That will be tough. Good thing I have so much cleaning to do to keep me and DD7 busy! LOL - No we have some plans for the weekend!

Hope everyone that's leaving is all packed! Check your lists twice like Santa!
Turn down the heat, lock the doors and away you go!! Have great trips! I'll be looking for LGMHs!

Thanks Ladies!! I knew I could count on you!!! It was way way more gross (odor wise) last night. Hopefully that's the end of it!!! I hope!!!!! She's been sipping Sprite just a tad---I have Jello, so that's all she's gettin for a while.

How long do you generally arrive at the airport before your flights? We are a little over an hour and a half from Houston-so that's 2 hours right there( we go through a drive thru for breakfast)---then they always tell me when we book, to be there 2 hours early. Is that what ya'll do? We always leave 4 hours before the flight (ours is 10:30 ish, so we will be gone by 6:30), but we always sit in the airport for at least 45 minutes!!!!! Just wondering if 2 hours before is rule of thumb, or if y'all cut it closer.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Thanks Ladies!! I knew I could count on you!!! It was way way more gross (odor wise) last night. Hopefully that's the end of it!!! I hope!!!!! She's been sipping Sprite just a tad---I have Jello, so that's all she's gettin for a while.

How long do you generally arrive at the airport before your flights? We are a little over an hour and a half from Houston-so that's 2 hours right there( we go through a drive thru for breakfast)---then they always tell me when we book, to be there 2 hours early. Is that what ya'll do? We always leave 4 hours before the flight (ours is 10:30 ish, so we will be gone by 6:30), but we always sit in the airport for at least 45 minutes!!!!! Just wondering if 2 hours before is rule of thumb, or if y'all cut it closer.

Our flight is at 7:45 and my parents are picking us up at 5:30. We only live about 20 minutes from the airport. I've always been told to arrive 2 hours before the flight too so that's what we've always done. We do end up sitting around the airport for quite awhile, but I'm an early bird so I'd rather sit around then run like a maniac!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I don't like being late But, if it wasn't necessary, the kids could sleep in a bit longer!!!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

HELP!!!! As you remember my dd was up throwing up Monday night. Well, by yesterday she seemed fine. No more puking after that night--the first two potties were a little yucky-but yesterday better!!Then BAM--middle of the night she threw up AGAIN!!! And so I have been up another night watching ever move in case she did it again. Any nurses or anyone on here with this???? What's going on? No fever and no warning!!! We leave in 24 and I am hoping this doesn't happen again.

Ohhhh No..... I hope she is better soon!!!