January 2009. . . Calling all Snowbirds ~ Part V

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January Park Hours ~

Magic Kingdom: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw...&date=20090101

Epcot: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw...&date=20090101

Disney's Hollywood Studios: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw...&date=20090101

Animal Kingdom: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw...&date=20090101

Blizzard Beach: Open 10-5 Daily
Typhoon Lagoon: Closed for Refurbishment all month


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January Extra Magic Hours ~


Morning Extra Magic Hours
Magic Kingdom® Park – January 1-3, 8, 15, 22,29
Epcot® – January 6, 13, 20, 27
Disney's Hollywood Studios™ – January 2, 10, 17, 24, 31
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – January 3, 5, 12, 19, 26

Evening Extra Magic Hours
Magic Kingdom® Park – January 4, 11, 18, 26
Epcot® – January 1, 9, 16, 23, 30
Disney's Hollywood Studios™ – January 3, 5, 14, 19, 25
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – January 2, 7, 13, 21, 28

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

January OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Closed for Refurbishment [January 7, 2009]
Mickey's PhilharMagic : Closed for Refurbishment [January 18, 2009 to January 31, 2009]
Splash Mountain®: Closed for Refurbishment [January 4, 2009 to January 17, 2009]
Dream Along with Mickey: Will not be performed [January 6 to January 20, 2009]
The Hall Of Presidents: Closed for Refurbishment [January 1, 2009 to January 31, 2009]
Pecos Bills will be closed for rehab [January 11 - February 13]
Heritage House shop in Liberty Square will be closed [January 4 - 19]
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: Closed for Refurbishment [January 1, 2009 to January 31, 2009]
Ellen's Energy Adventure: Closed for Refurbishment [January 5, 2009 to January 31, 2009]
Studio Backlot Tour: Closed for Refurbishment [January 4, 2009 to January 31, 2009]
Voyage of The Little Mermaid: Closed for Refurbishment [January 27, 2009 to January 29, 2009]
Sounds Dangerous is temporarily closed. It now operates on a seasonal schedule.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

**JANUARY Snowbird Meets**

Jan 18 - Meet at 12:00-midnight at MK at the Haunted Mansion

Jan 20 - Meet at 2:00pm for the 3:00 parade at MK at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square

Jan 22 - Meet at 2:30pm for the 3:00 parade at DHS across from Sounds Dangerous

Jan 24 - Meet at 8:30pm at CBR at the Jamaica beach playground (rain location - OPR)

 

[Dancegrl624]

I talked to my sister this morning and she's on her way home from Orlando. She was there for work and didn't get a chance to go to Epcot (her fav park). Her conference was at the Swan and Dolphin so it was a real tease to be right next door! She did get to hang out at the Boardwalk though one night. She said the weather was phenomenal except for one day. Sounds like what our Snowbird buddies have been reporting back to us. This morning she texted me a picture of ToT. So mean!!! But, I'll be there in 15 days! I just got back from Target. I bought some travel items, new sunglasses (for $3) and a little wallet/credit card holder (again, $3). I love the little wallet because it has a clear window for me to put my photopass card. That way, the photographers can scan it without me digging it out every time. The other side has about 5 or 6 slots for cards. I'll put my Disney visa, disney rewards card, license and park tickets/fastpasses on that side. It has a little snap strap that seals them all in. So cute and BONUS, it's pink!

 

[jenjolt]

I talked to my sister this morning and she's on her way home from Orlando. She was there for work and didn't get a chance to go to Epcot (her fav park). Her conference was at the Swan and Dolphin so it was a real tease to be right next door! She did get to hang out at the Boardwalk though one night. She said the weather was phenomenal except for one day. Sounds like what our Snowbird buddies have been reporting back to us. This morning she texted me a picture of ToT. So mean!!! But, I'll be there in 15 days! I just got back from Target. I bought some travel items, new sunglasses (for $3) and a little wallet/credit card holder (again, $3). I love the little wallet because it has a clear window for me to put my photopass card. That way, the photographers can scan it without me digging it out every time. The other side has about 5 or 6 slots for cards. I'll put my Disney visa, disney rewards card, license and park tickets/fastpasses on that side. It has a little snap strap that seals them all in. So cute and BONUS, it's pink!

That wallet does sound really really cute!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

That wallet does sound really really cute!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going to post some photos of it on my PTR in a bit, along with my new haircut!

 

[jenjolt]

I'm going to post some photos of it on my PTR in a bit, along with my new haircut!

Sounds awesome...I have a wallet that you can wear over you neck...I don't think I will ever do that but it does have the see through pocket so I'll just get it out when the time to get photos...most of the time I'm assuming my tickets will be in my wallet when I'm not getting fastpasses LOL!!!!!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Almost, I think....just trying to see if there's a "catch", seems too good to be true!

trixie - let me know if this doesn't work out for you. The name of hte "company" I used for our pins is at home, not at work with me. I can PM you tonight if you'd like!

 

[trixiequilts]

trixie - let me know if this doesn't work out for you. The name of hte "company" I used for our pins is at home, not at work with me. I can PM you tonight if you'd like!

That would be great, I haven't finalized anything yet. Thank you!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

That would be great, I haven't finalized anything yet. Thank you!

I'll do that tonight. I think we paid like $30 or less for 10 pins. No, that can't be right. It had to be less, as I think it averaged around to between $2 and $3 a pin!

 

[sarbah77]

Weather.com is much different, high is first, low is second:

Forecast Conditions for Orlando, FL (after I did this, I looked at Lake Buena Vista - every day is 1-2 degrees warmer than Orlando)

Today Jan 9, Sunny, 67°, 49°

Sat Jan 10, Sunny, 77°, 57°

Sun Jan 11, Scattered T-Storms, 68°, 49°

Mon Jan 12, Sunny, 69°, 49°

Tue Jan 13, Partly Cloudy, 74°, 46°

Wed Jan 14, Sunny, 71°, 44°

Thu Jan 15, Partly Cloudy, 71°, 45°

Fri Jan 16, Sunny, 69°, 45°

Sat Jan 17, Sunny, 69°, 45°

Sun Jan 18, Partly Cloudy, 68°, 48°

I like this forecast! Except it means I need to go home and repack!

So our weather has turned out to be... not as bad as I feared. We're supposed to get 2" of snow and the rest is supposed to come well after my plane takes off.

I called the shuttle service and, whoever Dave is, Dave is a real nice guy. Told me how they work, reassured me we were fine, and was otherwise made me more confident.

DH still isn't quite finished packing. Nor have I fully convinced him we need to leave work early, yet!

My ducks are in a row here at work, so I'm all set. My flight leaves in about 7 hours!

I just heard from Kayte - she's just at the Florida border!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh no...I hope you DS gets to feeling better really really soon Wendy!!!! I'll be saying a quick get well prayer for him!!!!!!!!

Yup Yup...only 6 more days...I'm so excited!! So I finally printed my transfers last night...now I have to was the shirt...I feel like the little engine that good ...slow and steady....YAY!!!!!!!!!! oh wait maybe that was the turtle who beat the hare...man I have my children stories all mixed up this morning!

I have my latest shirts in the wash now. I found a bunch at Michael's for $3.99! I will be ironing all weekend!
Wendy - hope DS is feeling better soon! Maybe just one of those 24 hour bugs that seem to go around.

We offically leave in 12 hours. One last day of work to get through and then it is off to the airport for our first Disney trip for Me, wife and daughter (3.5 yrs)

Sounds awesome! I bet your daugher will LOVE it! That's a fun age - lots of excitement and wonder at all the magic.

Question~~

For those of you who have bought pins online...

where did you buy them? Anywhere other than ebay?

Thanks!

I bought them on ebay. I did mostly individual pins, but bought from the same seller so I could save on shipping. Worked out awesome. I also got a few in a set on clearance at the Disney store - from A Bug's Life - so the girls plan to trade those. Sarah collects Tink and Paige collects princesses, so that keeps it a little simpler. I collect Mickeys. We started our collecting at the park/resort last year and they picked out some other ones that they may trade.

I just got back from Target. I bought some travel items, new sunglasses (for $3) and a little wallet/credit card holder (again, $3). I love the little wallet because it has a clear window for me to put my photopass card. That way, the photographers can scan it without me digging it out every time. The other side has about 5 or 6 slots for cards. I'll put my Disney visa, disney rewards card, license and park tickets/fastpasses on that side. It has a little snap strap that seals them all in. So cute and BONUS, it's pink!

Sounds cool! I want $3 sunglasses too! I guess I'll just HAVE to go back to Target! Like that wasn't inevitable anyway!

Pamouselover- welcome back! I can't wait to hear about your trip! Did it seem to go fast now that you're home?

 

[jenjolt]

I like this forecast! Except it means I need to go home and repack!

So our weather has turned out to be... not as bad as I feared. We're supposed to get 2" of snow and the rest is supposed to come well after my plane takes off.

I called the shuttle service and, whoever Dave is, Dave is a real nice guy. Told me how they work, reassured me we were fine, and was otherwise made me more confident.

DH still isn't quite finished packing. Nor have I fully convinced him we need to leave work early, yet!

My ducks are in a row here at work, so I'm all set. My flight leaves in about 7 hours!

I just heard from Kayte - she's just at the Florida border!

Have a safe trip!!!!! I still haven't packed yet...I'm going to be checking the weather reports next week, but I'm mostly just going to stick to the layer philosophy that way I can pack whatever I want and then put a shirt on underneath if I get cold or take it off if I get warm!!

 

[Monny2AE]

Sorry Shelly but I switched up my Chef Mickey's ressies! And while I'd love to go twice...
Monny2ae
Jan 26 Chef Mickeys 8:30 (canceled this one and moved it to the 27th for my hubby's bday!)
Jan 27 Chef Mickey’s 10:50
Jan 28 Crystal Palace 9:05
Jan 29 Hollywood and Vine 4:25

I talked to my sister this morning and she's on her way home from Orlando. She was there for work and didn't get a chance to go to Epcot (her fav park). Her conference was at the Swan and Dolphin so it was a real tease to be right next door! She did get to hang out at the Boardwalk though one night. She said the weather was phenomenal except for one day. Sounds like what our Snowbird buddies have been reporting back to us. This morning she texted me a picture of ToT. So mean!!! But, I'll be there in 15 days! I just got back from Target. I bought some travel items, new sunglasses (for $3) and a little wallet/credit card holder (again, $3). I love the little wallet because it has a clear window for me to put my photopass card. That way, the photographers can scan it without me digging it out every time. The other side has about 5 or 6 slots for cards. I'll put my Disney visa, disney rewards card, license and park tickets/fastpasses on that side. It has a little snap strap that seals them all in. So cute and BONUS, it's pink!

Be sure you send her some mean pics while you're there at Epcot in 2 weeks! That wallet sounds like a good idea...I see a trip to Target in my near future!

I also noticed you're having breakfast at Crystal Palace the same day an hour before me. We must have been thinking alike when we made ADR's!

I like this forecast! Except it means I need to go home and repack!

So our weather has turned out to be... not as bad as I feared. We're supposed to get 2" of snow and the rest is supposed to come well after my plane takes off.

I called the shuttle service and, whoever Dave is, Dave is a real nice guy. Told me how they work, reassured me we were fine, and was otherwise made me more confident.

DH still isn't quite finished packing. Nor have I fully convinced him we need to leave work early, yet!

My ducks are in a row here at work, so I'm all set. My flight leaves in about 7 hours!

I just heard from Kayte - she's just at the Florida border!

You sound so excited!!!! Glad you got it all packed and glad to hear Kayte made it to FL!!!

 

[sarbah77]

Have a safe trip!!!!! I still haven't packed yet...I'm going to be checking the weather reports next week, but I'm mostly just going to stick to the layer philosophy that way I can pack whatever I want and then put a shirt on underneath if I get cold or take it off if I get warm!!

Thing is, we *whisper* got everything in to one suitcase, so I'm reluctant to bring too many layers and disturb that balance. But I'll probably pull out a few long sleeve shirts, replace them with slightly baggier ones that can be layered, and add a few shortsleeves.

Or do a lot of laundry!

And you're driving, which helps!

You sound so excited!!!! Glad you got it all packed and glad to hear Kayte made it to FL!!!

Thanks!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Good afternoon Snowbirds!

Wow, the excitement levels in Snowbird land are at fever pitch! Birdies leaving for their trips, reporting live from their trips, even starting post-trip reports! My head is spinning...and that's not even counting trying to get ready for OUR trip!

DD and I got home late late last night from our brief, sad trip to Denver. Caskets should not have to be made that small. But I was very glad to be there to support my friend in her grief.

Now I too am entering TRIP PANIC MODE! Why is it that the more I learn and plan, the more there is to do? Sometimes I think ignorance really is bliss. Now you've all got me thinking that I should make us all matching t-shirts! And one of the boys said something about pressing pennies, and I realized that I don't know anything about that (aren't certain year ranges of pennies supposed to be better? you're supposed to wash them first? we need to have how many quarters per penny?) And what kind of pens are best for getting autographs? What's this about Darth Vader photopass pictures? Aaaah! OK, just getting all those random thoughts out of my head makes me feel better already!

Safe travels and happy marathoning to Sarah and DH, and everyone else going this weekend!

 

[Monny2AE]

We filled our pressed penny tubes this morning. It's 2 quarters per penny. The say to use pennies made prior to 1982 but I didn't have too many of those and the ones I did have with old dates were so dirty even washing them in vinegar didn't work. My son just picked out shiny ones and they will do.

For pens I found Bic XXL ones but then I decided I'm going to try to get autographs on a photo mat instead of an autograph book(please tell me I'm not crazy!) We may still get my son an autograph book while we're down there- only if he asks for one though. For the photomat I think I'm going with a very fine pointed Sharpie instead of a pen. I got the retractable kind and it writes just like a pen so I'm hoping it works.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Be sure you send her some mean pics while you're there at Epcot in 2 weeks! That wallet sounds like a good idea...I see a trip to Target in my near future!

I also noticed you're having breakfast at Crystal Palace the same day an hour before me. We must have been thinking alike when we made ADR's!

Oh, I definately will. No doubt about it. As for the ADR..what can I say? Great minds think alike! Not that I'm avoiding meeting you, but I'm going to try to eat quickly so I can enjoy the empty park and head over to the Fantasyland rope drop! Kim (NorthernDisneyGirl) also has the early ADR with me. Hooray!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Whew... doing some laundry and just finished cleaning the bathroom and hallway where we keep the kitty litter boxes. I'm taking a nice little break before tackling the rest of the house. What a mess!

I'm so happy for all the excited birdies! I'm along with you! I started my packing last night and will finish it in the clothing department tonight. I think I may look at the ADR pages and see who is sharing a dining experience around the time I am. Maybe we can say hi

I have no lime green mickey's though.... home depot was out and we only have one of them here! Ah well I'll still keep my eyes open

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good afternoon Snowbirds!

Wow, the excitement levels in Snowbird land are at fever pitch! Birdies leaving for their trips, reporting live from their trips, even starting post-trip reports! My head is spinning...and that's not even counting trying to get ready for OUR trip!

DD and I got home late late last night from our brief, sad trip to Denver. Caskets should not have to be made that small. But I was very glad to be there to support my friend in her grief.

Now I too am entering TRIP PANIC MODE! Why is it that the more I learn and plan, the more there is to do? Sometimes I think ignorance really is bliss. Now you've all got me thinking that I should make us all matching t-shirts! And one of the boys said something about pressing pennies, and I realized that I don't know anything about that (aren't certain year ranges of pennies supposed to be better? you're supposed to wash them first? we need to have how many quarters per penny?) And what kind of pens are best for getting autographs? What's this about Darth Vader photopass pictures? Aaaah! OK, just getting all those random thoughts out of my head makes me feel better already!

Safe travels and happy marathoning to Sarah and DH, and everyone else going this weekend!

How is your friends doing?

Try not to get too worked up. No need to do all those things. Pick a few and just focus on having a good time with your family. If you decide to do the pressed pennies just get one of those mini m&m tubes and fill it - quarter - quarter - penny, etc. Makes for a quick and easy and fun thing to do. No need to worry about washing pennies and looking for certain years. Honestly we have done old pennies, new pennies, clean pennies, and dirty pennies, and they all look just fine!

And if your boys are into Star Wars make sure to do the Jedi training right outside of the Star Tours ride. They do it several times a day, so don't worry! And you'll figure out the darth vader photopass thing when you are there!