Jedi, Princesses and Disney Geeks...Oh My!! The Sweet Sixteen go to Disney!6-11 New

[belle8306]

I love the cruise pics! Everything looks so beautiful!

Some things you might want to include on your list:

Gum (since they don't sell any at Disney)
Basic first aid items (tylenol, baindaids, neosporin)
Mister fans

Those are a couple off the top of my head. Hope that helps! The newsletter sounds like a great idea!

Thank you!
I hope everyone is enjoying the newsletter. We have enjoyed making them. You have added some great ideas! Thank you for helping us!

 

[Leisure Ninja]

I am still here! Hello everyone! It has been a while since I have posted. I am Tim, Shelley's husband. Does anyone know if CBR has a pin trading board out at certain times of the day. I know when we were at POR, they would put out a board with pins to trade around 5:00 each day. Does every resort do this? Thanks for your help! I will try to post more often. I am looking forward to our trip and I can't believe we are only two months away!!!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I am still here! Hello everyone! It has been a while since I have posted. I am Tim, Shelley's husband. Does anyone know if CBR has a pin trading board out at certain times of the day. I know when we were at POR, they would put out a board with pins to trade around 5:00 each day. Does every resort do this? Thanks for your help! I will try to post more often. I am looking forward to our trip and I can't believe we are only two months away!!!

Hey - good to hear from you!

This will be interesting to find out - I don't know much about the resort (and they never did this at the values - I never even knew they did this). You might want to ask on the CBR questions thread. Can you find it? Think of it as your latest challenge!

 

[belle8306]

More cruise pictures. This is our cabin. It was really small. We didn't spend much time in it so that was OK.

This was taken right before the midnight dance party and buffet.

Tim and I on the pool deck.

We tried conch fritters in Key West. I wasn't a big fan. They were a bit too chewy for my tastes.

"Little Pink Houses For You and Me..."
A cute house in Key West.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

(I decided to follow with more pictures...though they're a bit different from Shelley's....)

Ever since we decided to drive (and even before that), I’ve been planning to keep the kids occupied by giving them a small treat every few hours. But while we were packing to go to my in-law’s for Easter, I realized that I had so much trip stuff that I couldn’t find what I’d put aside for the kids’ Easter baskets! The thing I wanted to find most was a “Hidden Mickeys” book for Haley. Shelley gave it to me last year, and I’d put it aside thinking that it would be perfect for the trip-centered Easter basket I was planning for the kids. But when I went to look for it last week, it wasn’t where I thought it would be (in the drawer where I’ve been keeping all that stuff). It also wasn’t in the big suitcase under the bed, where I’d stashed a bunch of stuff from the last trip that we could reuse. When I went into the suitcase to look, however, I realized that I had several things for the kids in there, as well. It became very clear that an inventory was needed. I’ve been picking stuff up for the kids to do in the car for almost a year now, and I was beginning to think I’d gone overboard.

Guess what? I was right!!!!

Just look at the stuff that I found!! (The stash for Haley - look! I found the book!)

…and this stuff….(For Jack)

….and this stuff….(For Will)

…oh, and this stuff too….(general kid stuff for the trip...sorry for the quality!)

I don’t know how long I thought this trip was, but we’re DEFINITELY not spending a week in the car!! Holy moly, I’ve got a lot of stuff!!!

So now that I know I have enough (hahaha) for the kids to do in the car, I need to turn to more practical trip shopping. I’ve begun a list of things I need to pick up, including
• Sunscreen (lots)
• Swim diapers for Will
• Travel size bottles for shampoo for me
• Supplies to replenish the out-of-date things in my backpack first-aid kit
• Crystal Light packages
• Batteries for the misting fans
• Batteries for the kids’ light-up toys (We bought them in 2005, and have brought them back ever since. We’ll have to buy one for Will this trip.)
• Wipes for the trip down to contain the messes
• Trash can/bag for the car
• Trip bag for me (we have one small backpack we use as a diaper bag…it’s not going to hold everything!)
• Umbrella stroller with a basket underneath (ours got all bent up on the last flight)
• Swimsuits for Haley
• Capris/walking shorts for me


I’m sure there’s more…but that’s all I can think of without dragging out the super packing list I saved off the boards before our 2007 trip. Can you believe that, after all the stuff in those pictures, I’m making a list of MORE stuff to buy???? Sometimes I think I’ve lost it….

I also uploaded our Easter pictures to Photobucket, but it's getting late and I've been up late each day this week...I'm running out of steam. I'll be back later to post those, and we'll be starting on our daily plans soon. The trips are all paid off, and we're down to 58 days! Woooohoooo!!
Till next time,
Jen

 

[dismagiclover]

That is quite the stash for the car! Those are going to be some happy kids. Are you going to give it all at once or dole it out a bit at a time? I'd probably keep it stashed and give them something new each time the whining begins. Of course depending on the kid you might not have enough for that Anyway get shopping! Oh and you are way more prepared than me.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

That is quite the stash for the car! Those are going to be some happy kids. Are you going to give it all at once or dole it out a bit at a time? I'd probably keep it stashed and give them something new each time the whining begins. Of course depending on the kid you might not have enough for that Anyway get shopping! Oh and you are way more prepared than me.

Yeah, I've gotta figure out how I'm going to dole it out. My goal was one every couple of hours, and I knew it was basically four days worth of driving...I just didn't realize how much I had. Now I have to figure out a way to pack it!!! That's the worst part of the whole thing!

I'm actually headed out to shop now. But it's for Will's birthday dinner instead of Disney. Not as much fun, but I'll be on to that later! My goal this weekend is to get the big list together so that I can divvy it up and buy a little bit each week for the SEVEN weeks we have left. I just don't want to do my normal thing and end up at Walmart the day before we leave, where I drop several hundered dollars!

 

[belle8306]

Hey Jen! The kids are going to be thrilled!! Especially, when they get things on the way home. You are such a thoughtful mom (and dad too Bryan)! 7 weeks left! That is really cool!! Here are some things I need to get done in the next 7 weeks:

1.Get over this sinus infection cold that kept me home from work yesterday and is still making me miserable.
2.Make our T-Shirts including our tye dye Mickey's.
3.Make our matchbook mint C.M. thank yous.
4.Finish scrapbooking my last Disney trip (with Jen next weekend!!) so I can start my new trip in June.
5.Buy the following:
Socks for Tim and I
Crystal Light Packets
Swim Skirt
Travel Shampoo
Some kind of sun hat that doesn't make me look like a dork
That is all I can think of right now. I am sure the list will grow. Like Jen, I don't want to get stuck buying things the night before we leave.

I am excited that our trip is paid off! That means we really ARE going!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Who do I address? I'm going with Shelley, since she joined my PTR. However, did Jen have a trip report? I know I've seen her family! (Maybe I just lurked...but I don't remember the cast of 16!) Shelley, my husband thinks about what cast member role he can have when we retire. I figure I will be in the parks too often to work. LOL!

I'm joining and will have to go back and catch up.

 

[belle8306]

Who do I address? I'm going with Shelley, since she joined my PTR. However, did Jen have a trip report? I know I've seen her family! (Maybe I just lurked...but I don't remember the cast of 16!) Shelley, my husband thinks about what cast member role he can have when we retire. I figure I will be in the parks too often to work. LOL!

I'm joining and will have to go back and catch up.

Hi Debby! Welcome! Thanks for joining in! Jen did have a report, around September 09. I think that my DH and I would like to work in a shop on Main Street at the MK. We went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour last June. I was fascinated by all of the details they gave about working at Disney and being a cast member.

 

[IluvXU]

Jen I saw your thread about driving on the family boards... and since we are driving to FL and WDW the day after you all... I had to read. And then I found this thread... you should have PMd me that you had started one... I almost missed out!

Your trip plans sound great. I hope your travels are smooth... and the construction is not too bad on the way!

I think you will love CBR and the rooms are bigger!

 

[belle8306]

Jen I saw your thread about driving on the family boards... and since we are driving to FL and WDW the day after you all... I had to read. And then I found this thread... you should have PMd me that you had started one... I almost missed out!

Your trip plans sound great. I hope your travels are smooth... and the construction is not too bad on the way!

I think you will love CBR and the rooms are bigger!

Hello! I am Jen's SIL, Shelley. Welcome! It is our first stay at CBR. We are really excited about the size of the rooms. I think that my niece and nephews are going to love the pool. Thanks for joining in!

 

[belle8306]

June 12
Travel Day
Tim and Shelley


Tim and I are going to be flying down on Saturday. We originally were going to come in on Sunday. Then after considering how much of the day we would miss and it being the last day of SWW we decided to come in on Saturday. So right now our plane is set to land in Orlando around 6:00 that evening. Our plan after checking in, is to grab dinner at the food court at CBR and hang out with our group. I am sure we will be checking out the resort and pool too. Then we will rest up for a busy day at DHS on Sunday.


Here are some random Disney pics from our past trips.

 

[dismagiclover]

Smart move coming in Saturday night. SWW is awesome! Do everything you can to make it there by 30 minutes before rope drop. You'll get to see the Stormtrooper show plus the lines get long fast!

 

[belle8306]

Smart move coming in Saturday night. SWW is awesome! Do everything you can to make it there by 30 minutes before rope drop. You'll get to see the Stormtrooper show plus the lines get long fast!

My DH and BIL are so excited for SWW! DH and I were able to see the opening show last year. He and his brother have never seen it together though. I know they have big plans for that day. They are going to have a long but fun first day!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Who do I address? I'm going with Shelley, since she joined my PTR. However, did Jen have a trip report? I know I've seen her family! (Maybe I just lurked...but I don't remember the cast of 16!) Shelley, my husband thinks about what cast member role he can have when we retire. I figure I will be in the parks too often to work. LOL!

I'm joining and will have to go back and catch up.

Welcome! Yeah, I did a TR for our Sept. 2008 trip - Will was all of four months old at the time. Seeing as how we just had his second birthday party this weekend, I guess it's been a while! It doesn't feel like it was that long ago... Glad you joined in! We're getting so much closer now, I really have to start posting more.

Jen I saw your thread about driving on the family boards... and since we are driving to FL and WDW the day after you all... I had to read. And then I found this thread... you should have PMd me that you had started one... I almost missed out!

Your trip plans sound great. I hope your travels are smooth... and the construction is not too bad on the way!

I think you will love CBR and the rooms are bigger!

Hi! It's good to hear from you! Oh, I knew you were headed down this year, but I didn't remember when. This is your first DVC stay, isn't it? How exciting!!! We'll be driving almost the exact same route, too - what are your travel dates? I've gotten some good driving tips on that thread - I hope they keep coming in! (I just found that smilie and had to get it in here somewhere!)

How's school this year?

Smart move coming in Saturday night. SWW is awesome! Do everything you can to make it there by 30 minutes before rope drop. You'll get to see the Stormtrooper show plus the lines get long fast!

Oh, yes - see, our original plan was to stay at POP the night before our package until DH realized that might put a crimp in his plans to be there at the crack of dawn... Definitely an early night on Saturday, because my entire family is going to be jumping up and down waiting for that very first DHS bus to arrive! And just in case you need more proof of that, here you go...

The Clone Trooper costumes were my MIL's latest finds...Will still loves the Yoda costume, too. They're a little unique...but they're mine!

 

[dismagiclover]

Love those SW costumes! If you want to check out our SWW experience last year go to my June trip report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2210463&page=5

The SWW weekend stuff starts at post 66 and goes to around 140. If you want to skip the chatter go to the first page of the trippie and get the direct links. I'm so jealous you're going! We're missing it this year because school gets out later (blame it on those terrible February snowstorms!)

 

[IluvXU]

Hi! It's good to hear from you! Oh, I knew you were headed down this year, but I didn't remember when. This is your first DVC stay, isn't it? How exciting!!! We'll be driving almost the exact same route, too - what are your travel dates? I've gotten some good driving tips on that thread - I hope they keep coming in! (I just found that smilie and had to get it in here somewhere!)

How's school this year?

We are leaving for FL on the 12th of June. We won't be in Orlando though until June 18- we are going to Vero Beach for the first five nights. Then we are at the BC from June 18- June 22. It is our first DVC stay... we will be staying two new places for us, so that will be fun. I love that tips thread... I am trying to not think about it yet.

School is school. We had testing today... so I am braindead, I am sure my little kids are too. I have a great class, but we have tough times ahead for next year with the budget and economy.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

We are leaving for FL on the 12th of June. We won't be in Orlando though until June 18- we are going to Vero Beach for the first five nights. Then we are at the BC from June 18- June 22. It is our first DVC stay... we will be staying two new places for us, so that will be fun. I love that tips thread... I am trying to not think about it yet.

School is school. We had testing today... so I am braindead, I am sure my little kids are too. I have a great class, but we have tough times ahead for next year with the budget and economy.

I can hear you about the testing...our final round starts next week. At least then we're done for the year! Aren't you tired of hearing about how we don't have any money? I'm very, very thankful to have a job (and a decent amount of seniority, too).

I'm looking forward to hearing about Vero Beach - Disney and the beach sounds like a good combination! (Don't even get me started on the pictures of Hawaii, and I'm not even a DVC member!) We'll overlap just a bit, I guess. I eventually have to get to the daily plans here on this thread...

 

[belle8306]

Love those SW costumes! If you want to check out our SWW experience last year go to my June trip report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2210463&page=5

The SWW weekend stuff starts at post 66 and goes to around 140. If you want to skip the chatter go to the first page of the trippie and get the direct links. I'm so jealous you're going! We're missing it this year because school gets out later (blame it on those terrible February snowstorms!)

I will have to check out your report. I am sure my DH will be interested too! That is a bummer that you will have to be in school. This is the first year in a long time that when haven't use all of our built in snow days.

We are leaving for FL on the 12th of June. We won't be in Orlando though until June 18- we are going to Vero Beach for the first five nights. Then we are at the BC from June 18- June 22. It is our first DVC stay... we will be staying two new places for us, so that will be fun. I love that tips thread... I am trying to not think about it yet.

School is school. We had testing today... so I am braindead, I am sure my little kids are too. I have a great class, but we have tough times ahead for next year with the budget and economy.

Vero Beach sounds like a lot of fun! Your first DVC stay also sounds exciting. Jen and I want to check out the Epcot resorts one day during our trip.