January 8, 2006- 4 night Wonder- Anybody else coming with?

[branv]

Well, intellicast now has W/Th/F of next week up, and only Wed has 30% chance of rain, Th and Fr are sunny and clear with high of upper 60, lows in the upper 40-lower 50's. And Nassau/Castaway Cay looks even better! As long as it sticks consistent, I can lighten up that packing, woo-hoo! The warmest thing I should have to pack is mebbe my jean jacket (one hopes).

Our biggest packing issue is indeed, shoes and more stuff! Btwn the laptop, walky talkies, and misc. crapola we're going to be loaded to the gills. Alas, I am paranoid and pack everything in my medicine cabinet as well as all kinds of makeup that I will probably never bother to put on. The smartest thing I did was resist chopping off my hair as I wanted, so this way, I can just twist it up into a clip every single morning and voila! Out the door! So if you happen to run across me every day and note this, I'm not in a religious sect that requires the binding of hair, I'm just super super lazy.

On the plus side, my door signs are done, look great and I'm ready to rumble. My ugly new Crocs are indeed the miracle shoe they've touted, so I'm also ready to walk. Bring it on!

 

[Cruisin]

I have the overplanning addiction but not the shoe packing addiction. I'm not a real shoe lover, usually only wear one pair all the time at home. I'm into comfy not fashion.

I haven't had time to check the weather forecasts today (another addiction ) I had to go into work (where I am now) and get some stuff done before I leave.

 

[sapphire33]

Woopee, finally got my docs yesterday. Reality is crashing down on me, so this weekend is going to be a whirlwind of laundry, organizing and packing. I had to laugh about the overpacking bit...that will also be my problem. With four kids, what's NOT to pack? Between the cruise and WDW, we'll be loaded to the gills with stuff. I have a tendency to think I'll need too much anyway. At least the girls each have their own luggage-a Christmas gift from my mom.

Speaking of extras to pack, anyone dressing up for pirate night? I've got extra pirate swords and eye patches from Oriental Trading Co. if anyone wants some for their kids.

Last night I spent a lot of time surfing Tour Guide Mike, so between his info and the UG, we've got a good plan for the parks that won't exhaust us. I hope. However, I do wish we were doing the parks first so we can chill out on the ship afterwards. It just did not work out with our schedule that way. I am excited about the new Narnia exhibit at MGM, but am very sad that we can't go on Buzz Lightyear. We'll just ride Space Mountain again instead. Can't wait for the older girls to try that!

 

[VickiHD]

I don't know about you guys....the interesting thing about packing is the way your clothes expand once you leave home. I swear I pack everything neat and in small little packages, never to be able to do the same once we're vacationing. I've got clothes all over our room and trying to bring just the necessary stuff.
I also need to leave plenty of room for souvenirs.

 

[attagirlx2]

Sapphire33 - I hadn't planned on bringing anything for Pirate night, but would love to pay you for 2 swords and eye patches for my girls. By the way...how old are your girls? Mine are 6 and 4. I'm not too disappointed about Buzz being closed. And my 6 yr old LOVED Space Mountain last January. I don't think my 4 yr old will even ride Test Track - she a little more cautious!

Does Tour Guide Mike also have info on Disneyland or is it just Disney World?

Trying to get my DH to take the car over for an oil change and I need to get the girls hair cut sometime before we leave. Plus a ton of laundry and getting everything ready for my parents to take care of the little one. Too much to do and too little time. But I am excited about leaving in 5 days

 

[UGAFan0829]

Our Palo ressies came through. We had a message on our machine when we got home yesterday that we had reservations for the time that I requested! Yeaaaa!!!

attagirl--How long will it take y'all to drive???

 

[branv]

I have to remember to weigh my luggage before I leave, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if I went over that 50 lb limit. That rolling luggage can make you be a little too loose and free with the over packing. I totally get what you mean about clothing expanding Of course, that takes on a whole new meaning when you start considering that might be a good thing with all that buffet food However, I was wondering about those space saver bags? I wouldn't want to use them on my nice pressed clean clothes, but I bet they'd be a life saver for storing dirty laundry compactly.

UGA - congrats on the Palo ressies!

I'm not a dress up kind of person so I won't be pirating it up for Pirate night. My sister gave me some tinker bell pj's for xmas, but that's probably as Disney attired as you'll find me. This is good b/c my lack of interest in Disney clothes/items means I won't blow too much on souvenirs I think last time we went we bought a Mickey and Minnie wedding figurines for a whopping $12, one anniversary pin, a tiny old fashioned stuffed pooh bear, and a Mickey charm for my charm bracelet. Fairly restrained, I thought (considering the price of those castle hats...wowee!). Now if I could just figure out a way to preserve and bring home a gross ton of those strawberry swirls, I'd really be in for a big haul home.

For those of you with kids, how do you handle souvenirs? Do you give your children their own daily allotment to spend, so they decide what they spend it on and when it's spent, that's it, or are you more of a case by case basis? I know if I took one of my nieces it would be a constant whine fest for something no matter how much I bought her (and she's 9, not 3)

And is it just me, or are there more stores at MK then actual rides?

I am really looking forward to Space Mountain, I swear DH giggles when he's on it. It's very cute. That, the Haunted Mansion and over to MGM for the ToT and I will be the happiest girl in the world. I think I'm the only person who doesn't get Buzz Lightyear though...I found it kind of "eh". I know, I know, that statement could get me tarred and feathered

Wow...just looked down at my legs and realized it's going to be very scary to be flashing this albino winter skin around the cruise ship. Hope everyone's wearing sunglasses, cause the sun glare off these puppies could be dangerous.

 

[Cruisin]

Hey, we're doing the single digit dance until Cruise departure

No dressing up as a pirate for us not into that sort of thing.

Vicki, a good way to make room for souvenirs is to pack things that you can throw away while you are on vacation. If you have almost worn out socks, undies even pj's or tshirts that you can bring, wear and then toss out when they are dirty, you can free up a ton of suitcase room. I've done that before

 

[sapphire33]

I think that the bandana they give away at the meal is as "piraty" as I will get. I did get the accessories for the kids and they'll have fun with them. I also got a pirate hat for DH, but I am guessing the kids will take that too, unless he has a few too many drinks!

AttaGirl...I bought swords and patches in a pack and they did not cost much, don't worry about paying me! We're planning on giving away whatever extras we have, I just thought I would offer to friends first! My girls are 11, 9, 6 and 5. I think my two youngest and yours will get along great. My 5 year old is a "young" 5 (being the baby and all) and not in school yet.

All I have seen on Tour Guide Mike is Disney World, not Land. He's a VIP guide there so that's where he gets his info. It's been helpful, but there is SOOO much info that you have to go through a lot of reading.

Branv...We are giving each child an allottment of spending money for the ship and the World, and they are to use it, somewhat wisely, as they wish. That will be fairly easy for the older two, but not so much for the younger-who have a tendency to want everything and whine! We are going to hit Mickey's Mates once and World of Disney once, and hope for the best. Of course Mom and Dad want a few things too! I remember a cute shirt from Animal Kingdom with Pooh on it and a real Tiger, Pooh is saying "Tigger, is that you?" I did not buy it last time and regretted it. That is a definite buy this time!

I think the reason I love the Buzz ride is that I beat the pants off DH last time. I know the kids would LOVE it too. We are big fans of Toy Story and are staying in the Buzz building at ASMo.

My legs are usually far too pale and blinding...so I got some of that gradual tanning lotion. The more you use it, the darker you get. A few coats works just enough to tone down the whiteness!!

Single Digit Dancing with you!!

 

[VickiHD]

Great idea Cruisin! I will see what I can come up with.

Were having a change of plans, instead of Epcot Saturday we are thinking about MGM. Actually just to see the Narnia exhibit. DH loves the Narnia books and we are planning to see the movie on board the ship. I'm actually more excited to go to MGM anyway. We love Tower of Terror and the one in Florida is so much better than the one we have here in CA.
I have not gone on Rocken Roller Coaster yet, I was afraid it went upside down and would be too rough. If RRC is like a space mountain or thunder mountain I'll try it but if it worse I'll continue to pass since my Chiropractor is not along on the trip with us. Would love to hear your thoughts on RRC.

Don't forget some of those plastic "cable ties" for your luggage. We use those all the time flying and it gives me a little piece of mind. Are you guys going to put locks on your luggage when we place them in the hall way for pick up? Its been so long since I've actually locked my bags but just in case I'll did some locks out. Better safe than sorry!

 

[branv]

oooh, well RnR I found to be a little rough on the head and neck - sort of that ear rattle against the overhead harness. Though I also thought that BTMR was rough. Nothing as bad as the wooden rollercoaster at Six Flags over Texas I need traction after that one.

Last time we rode ToT twice in a row, ran off and literally sprinted back into the very short line. Then we grabbed fast passes for later And yet, I'm a little scared the whole time. Now that's a great ride.

Hmmm...for SOME reason I've got the song "Blue Bayou" stuck in my head...tempted to make a beach mix for the trip

 

[lacourre]

Hey, we're doing the single digit dance until Cruise departure

No dressing up as a pirate for us not into that sort of thing.

Vicki, a good way to make room for souvenirs is to pack things that you can throw away while you are on vacation. If you have almost worn out socks, undies even pj's or tshirts that you can bring, wear and then toss out when they are dirty, you can free up a ton of suitcase room. I've done that before

Love that idea!!!

ps. Wow, you passed the 10,000 mark on your posts!!!!!

 

[Cruisin]

sapphire ~~ I saw that shirt at Animal Kingdom and thought it was very cute too.

Vicki ~~ I think that we will probably be at MGM on Saturday too. Either that or a combination of MGM and Animal Kingdom. I think we will steer clear of Epcot at least early in the day due to the marathon stuff. MGM and AK are not near any of the marathon routes.

I did Rock N Roller Coaster once and once was more than enough for me I'm glad that we had to sit in the ride for a bit at the end (I'm guessing to allow for a wheelchair person to get off). I don't think I could have gotten right off and walked away. I'm not sure if it goes upside down but I sure wouldn't put it on the same level as Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain. It is much much more intense than that.

lacourre ~~ yes I passed the 10,000 post mark. That just means that I don't have a life or that I talk too much

 

[VickiHD]

Thanks for the info on Rock N Roller Coaster. I WILL pass!! There is no way I'm doing that. I will stick to TOT for my thrills.

Does anyone have any New Year Eve plans???? Besides packing and getting ready for vacation?? We're staying home and there is NO way we will be awake at 12:00.

 

[Cruisin]

I do love the TOT

It is one of my favourites. I'm not sure why but I do like it.

I'm interested in seeing what Soarin' is like too.

We have no New Years Eve plans. Husband will be asleep long before midnight. I'll probably be here on the DISboards

 

[VickiHD]

Cruisin...Soarin is great! I'm sure you will just love that ride. "Just watch out for the golf ball". Yeah, I don't know why I love TOT so much, you see I am actually afraid of heights. But I guess I feel safe since the elevator is all enclosed.

When we were at MGM early this summer we really didn't see any of the shows. So we are looking forward to seeing some of them this time.

 

[Cruisin]

I've been reading lots of reports of high crowd levels at WDW this week.

I'm hoping that most of them will be gone by the time we get there.

Does anyone know how much of an impact the marathon has on WDW park attendance?

I know there are thousands and thousands of marathon runners but do these people also use the parks while they are there. Do they all bring families with them?

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

I'm so excited!!!!!!!

we're leaving next thursday to drive down. I'm not sure how we're going to spend Friday and Saturday. Hopefully I'll be able to get together with my old college program roomate (she's a manager at the grand now) and get my drink on at Jellyrolls on friday night, then either go to a disney park or universal.

bought my books for the cruise yesterday- the new Judith Mcnaught (I've benn waiting for this book for 3+ years) and the new Sherrilyn Kenyon. I'm not sure if I'm more excited about reading these books finally or going on vacation!!

So how long is everyone's trip? are you heading home right after the cruise or hanging out in Orlando? personally, we're driving to Atlanta for the weekend and then driving home. so this is like 3 vacations rolled into one!!!!!!


psssst, btw today is my birthday too!!!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATTAGIRLX2!!!!

We are driving straight down, which will take us about 8 hours or so I guess. I can't remember how long it took us last time, not to mention we got a little confused on which way we needed to go. Hopefully this time it will be easier!
I think we will probably head home after the cruise as well, except for stopping in Downtown Disney to visit the Pooh store!! Has anyone else ever been there?? Just wondering if it's a good store!! Pooh is my favorite...I really wish they would put him on the ship!

attagirl, What do you have planned to do in Atlanta??

I was thinking about bringing a book along with us, but I doubt that I will even take the time to sit down and read. I guess we don't do that much relaxing when we're on vacation, even though we probably should!

 

[attagirlx2]

UGAFan - you had me all confused! I'm thinking to myself, "its not my birthday and why does she think it is?" Then I read txSleepingBeauty's post - its her b-day and she's going to Atlanta after the cruise. Sorry! From a post long ago - it will take us between 8 and 9 hours to drive to Orlando. We've never driven down to Disney before. I am hoping for 8! But expecting 9.

Happy Birthday txSleepingBeauty!!!

Sapphire - It will be fun that the girls are the same ages or almost!

How we handle buying stuff in the World...well we're pretty lucky and my girls ask but if we say, "not right now" they usually just walk away and look at something else. Very rarely do they whine and fuss over buying things. Each time we've been they have been able to pick out ONE thing to buy at the end of the trip. And that has always seemed to work for them, so far. Last time I did go back to the gift shop when they weren't around and had a couple things sent home for them. So a couple weeks after our trip I gave them one surprise as a reminder of our vacation and then a couple months later they got their second surprise gift. That was fun.

This year my aunt gave them some Disney Dollars for Christmas - even though the trip is a surprise. The girls were like, "great, now what can we do with these?" Well, that was the look on their faces, they didn't actually use those words. But they were kind-of disappointed or confused by them. So they will get to spend those.

As far as the marathon affecting attendance at the parks, I don't know about the days prior to the marathon. Last year we stayed to do the parks after DH ran and it was great! Beautiful weather and not very crowded at all. We walked right on some rides, but usually had 10 to 20 minute waits.