June 2011 PT: Keeping the sanity on the long drive! (6/6 update, single digit dance)

[kittylady1972]

Hey there, finally all caught up on your report. I am so jealous of your stay at BLT. I would love to stay there someday, DH told me if we take a larger break in between trips then I can stay anywhere I want but who wants to do that?

We took the autotrain back in 2008. We also rode the train down and drove back but that was not by choice. Our trip was during a big tropical storm and the tracks flooded so they were unable to get us home on the train We were supposed to come home on a Saturday but they couldn't get us on a train until the following Thursday, while I love Florida, the kids were starting school on that Monday so it wasn't happening. The ride down was nice though, we got a family room and a roomette right outside of it. The food was good and we all actually slept pretty well.

Looking forward to reading more!

Taking a larger break between trips...HA! Of course, our original thought was we'd only go every 2 years and I think it's been more like every 18 months or less for us!

Great to hear a good review about the Autotrain. We are really looking forward to it! We have a bedroom and a roomette that are above/below each other but not on the same level, but at least the same car so that's good. Hopefully we will enjoy it!

 

[kittylady1972]

Presenting our FOURTH and FINAL version of our touring plan. I have a few ADRs added and we've talked about some other plans...so here is what the final (yeah I know...my husband also doesn't believe me) plan!

DAY 1 (TUES): Get kids off on the bus at 8am. Start packing the car! I will try to catch a ride to the kids' school with a friend while DH finishes the packing so we don't have to have 2 cars at the school for the 5th grade promotion ceremony. Our dog can be dropped off at the kennel at 9am...which is when the ceremony starts. Luckily it's not too far away, so DH will depart a little before 9am, head to kennel to drop off dog, then meet me at the school. Once the ceremony ends, we'll yank the other two kids out of their classes (they aren't aware we're doing this) and take them all home. We'll drop off their last day of school stuff and probably have DS 11 change out of his good graduation clothing. Then we hit the road in the already-packed other car, hopefully no later than 12pm. Don't know what we'll tell the kids other than we are leaving earlier than planned and we'll probably stop on the way down. Little do they know just over an hour later we should arrive at the train station (hoping Virginia traffic will be kind to us this day) and that's when they will learn that we are taking the TRAIN!

DAY 2 (WED): Arrive at the train station in Florida around 9:30am if all is well and drive to Disney from there. Should be at Bay Lake Tower before noon easily. Hoping we can check into our room early. I hava a lunch planned at T-Rex Downtown that we will try to make. Our plan for the day is to head over to Universal Studios. We have park2park tickets for 3 days and really only planned to do 2 days there. We are just going to tour the parks at our own pace and scope out the place. We'll head back to our hotel in the later afternoon/early evening, maybe have a swim and have dinner in our room.

DAY 3 (THUR): This is an EE day for MK so I think we'll hit that park early int he morning and do a few things. When we've had all we can take of the heat, we'll go back to our room and have lunch, then hit the pool for a while. The rest of the family should arrive this evening after their long drive from MD. Might have to have some cold drinks waiting for them in our hotel room and we'll maybe order dinner and eat together in our room as well. I think they want to try to hit MK that evening as well...after being crammed in the car all day...so we'll see.

DAY 4 (FRI): Universal Islands of Adventure Day. Arrive well before the 9am opening and the rest of the family will all be joining us. See the HP stuff and ride as many rides as possible, have lunch at 3 Broomsticks and have some Butter Beer!

Day 5 (SAT): Tour the Universal Studios Park only this day, and back to IOA if we want to do anything again there. BIL, SIL and nephew will not be joining us, so it's just our 5 plus my MIL and FIL on this day. We hope to be back at our hotel room that evening and maybe have dinner at Kona Cafe with the rest of the family.

DAY 6 (SUN): Early morning breakfast with Chef Mickey with the whole gang and spend the day exploring Magic Kingdom; we may end up back at the room for a pool/lunch break...easy enough since we can walk right over. Dinner that evening is at the Cape May Cafe for the Clambake...and it's Father's Day! Tour the Boardwalk area and/or maybe head over to EPCOT after dinner if everybody is up for it.

DAY 7 (MON): EARLY morning for many of us. DH, DS6 and MIL and FIL will report to the dock by 6:45am for a fishing excursion...should end around 10am I think. By 9am I'll hop on the monorail with the other two kids (DS11 and DD8) and my SIL and nephew and we'll drop the kids off at the dock at the GF for their Pirate Adventure! Afterwards it's the pool or maybe a little time at the MK. We have a late dinner at 7:25pm at California Grill and hoping to catch Wishes from there!

DAY 8 (TUE): Early morning at Hollywood Studios - Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror, RnRC are the big ones to hit and anything else is a bonus; 12pm lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby. We will head from HS over to EPCOT around 4pm. Frank has to report for DiveQuest at 4:15pm and we can see him in the tanks around 5:15pm.

DAY 9 (WED): EARLY ENTRY day at AK so plan to arrive at the park by 7:30am or so for the 8am opening. I have a Tusker House lunch here...we'll see if we are up for it. We should head back to our room after a few hours at AK, maybe do some swimming. We'll head to EPCOT around 5pm or so for a 6:30pm Rose & Crown Pub dinner and hoping to linger long enough to catch Illuminations...shouldn't be impossible if they seat us a little late!

DAY 10 (THUR): Either hit MK for a little while and go the Main Street Bakery for breakfast in the morning, or just linger for a while and head over to HS sometime later that morning. We have a 3:30pm lunch at Mama Melrose as part of the Fantasmic! package so we will stay at HS until after the 9pm Fantasmic! show.

DAY 11 (FRI): Our last full day...so plan is to spend it at Magic Kingdom again since it's close, do any shopping and theen of course the packing and stuff to be ready for out trip home the next day. I have an 8:10am breakfast at Crystal Palace this day that we may try to make.

DAY 12 (SAT): Another travel day; probably leave early in the morning after a nice breakfast at our hotel for the long drive home

 

[teachermommy78]

Great plans!!! Have you been to universal before? We may try it out in a few years on our next trip. You are sooooooo close!!!

 

[kittylady1972]

Great plans!!! Have you been to universal before? We may try it out in a few years on our next trip. You are sooooooo close!!!

DH and I went to Universal in August 2003...no kids! We had a good time but wanted to wait until the kids were older to take them so that they could ride most of the stuff. They are finally there and will be able to do all but the BIG BIG coasters!

We even introduced the kids (and ourselves) to the Harry Potter movies. We've watched all the ones that are out on DVD over the last few months. So now we can see that stuff there too...but I'm afraid the kids might not quite make it on the Forbidden Journey ride this year. One will, one MIGHT, the other most likely will not. That's okay...we'll just have to return.

And BTW right after I wrote this whole thing up, I started revamping my touring plan and made some changes...so I will now go back and EDIT my previous post with a few changes!

 

[kittylady1972]

Here is our schedule with times!

I think I need to make a list of things I need to do before we go away so I don't forget anything. I will have a neighbor coming over to take care of our cats...haven't decided which one yet. The one next to us offerred, but I have one a few doors down who I took care of their animal in the fall, and they also have cats, so I thought about maybe asking them instead.

Unfortunately that's my ONLY worry about going on vacation...that I have a 16-year-old cat who appears in great health most of the time...but sometimes he has some issues. They tend to be digestive issues. Yesterday he got sick all over our house...from both ends...it was NOT a fun time cleaning up. I so worry that something like that will happen while we are away. I wouldn't want anyone else to have to worry about cleaning up after them.

Anyway, made my final schedule adjustments, DH should be purchasing our 3-day Universal Park to Park passes today and all that's left is to arrange the animal care, arrange for mail and newspaper to be stopped, and start packing!

 

[Marshay]

Joining in your PTR. I'll go back and read later ... right now I'm trying to get through our hundreds of photopass pictures...

Can't wait to hear how your trip goes!!

 

[Marshay]

OK, all caught up. Whew -- it's hard to keep up with all the changes when you read it all at once!!


So glad you were able to get everyone in at BLT!! You are very lucky. We stayed there in November 2009 and have tried to stay there 2 more times but they were all booked up. We absolutely love BLT -- it's our #1 choice.

I can't believe your BIL says every 5 years for Disney. Now it's one thing if it's a $$$ thing ... but just b/c you don't like Disney...(of course this is coming from someone who owns DVC so I'm obviously addicted...)

How cool that your FIL/MIL will ride anything including the thrill rides. Good for them!

We just ate at Cape May Cafe last Wednesday and had a great time. DD5 had her first introduction to mussels, clams and snowcrab legs and she loved them. I do wish CMC had better desserts, though. They have a good variety but our table of 6 agreed that they were all kind of lacking...

I'm so glad you are going on the AT. As you know, we just got back and had a wonderful time. My only complaint was that our southbound train was delayed over 2 hours...so we got into Sanford later than I wanted...then the northbound train arrived early. Go figure! It should have been reversed!!

When we factor in the train costs vs. airlines vs driving, we see them all about the same. If we fly, then we will rent a large vehicle anyway, plus the costs for taxis to/from airport at home..not including time wasted going through security checkpoints. If we drive, you have to factor in more than just gas...you need to include wear and tear on your vehicle, too...plus we find it easier/safer to get a room so then you add another $75 for a cheaper room plus meals on the road.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the train. As you said, it is an Experience ... it is part of the vacation and actually extends the vacation. With my oldest now in school, it also gave us a chance to do her journal work and be comfortable spread out on a table.

As for sleep, I am a heavy sleeper and I awoke several times during the night but quickly got back to sleep. There are times when the track is rough or the train jerks and they make one stop in the night. My body felt the differences and awoke .. but I quickly was able to sleep again.

You are so close now!!

 

[kittylady1972]

Joining in your PTR. I'll go back and read later ... right now I'm trying to get through our hundreds of photopass pictures...

Can't wait to hear how your trip goes!!

So glad you are joining in here. Hope to read more about your trip. So glad you like Cape May. We ate there many, many years ago and weren't impressed but we are looking forward to trying it again. Plus it will be on Father's Day so it needs to be good.

 

[teachermommy78]

Ok...that is a seriously awesome spreadsheet!!! Did you create it? If so, would you be able to email me a copy? I can pm you my email. Thanks in advance!

 

[Marshay]

Here is our schedule with times!

I think I need to make a list of things I need to do before we go away so I don't forget anything. I will have a neighbor coming over to take care of our cats...haven't decided which one yet. The one next to us offerred, but I have one a few doors down who I took care of their animal in the fall, and they also have cats, so I thought about maybe asking them instead.

Unfortunately that's my ONLY worry about going on vacation...that I have a 16-year-old cat who appears in great health most of the time...but sometimes he has some issues. They tend to be digestive issues. Yesterday he got sick all over our house...from both ends...it was NOT a fun time cleaning up. I so worry that something like that will happen while we are away. I wouldn't want anyone else to have to worry about cleaning up after them.

Anyway, made my final schedule adjustments, DH should be purchasing our 3-day Universal Park to Park passes today and all that's left is to arrange the animal care, arrange for mail and newspaper to be stopped, and start packing!

I know my cats began to act a little crazy before we left for Disney, once those suitcases came out.

Then when I got back home, one of the cats threw up in my suitcase -- nice! Guess he told me what he thought of us going away.

My cats are both 15 years old, with health issues, too.

Your spreadsheet is very impressive!!! Love how you put pictures in it to make it look pretty!

 

[kittylady1972]

Ok...that is a seriously awesome spreadsheet!!! Did you create it? If so, would you be able to email me a copy? I can pm you my email. Thanks in advance!

Hey! Sorry I'm just getting back to you...busy and not-so-busy 4-day weekend for me! Send me your email and I'd be happy to send you a copy of the spreadsheet!

 

[kittylady1972]

Oh, the fun and dreaded numbers game is here. Fun because it's exciting to realize how close we are getting to our vacation. Dreaded because I know the vacation will end far too soon...and then what? Nothing else planned for us until maybe August...can I last that long until the next vacation?

14 - Number of days until we leave for our trip...on June 14th!!!

8 - Number of days (including today) I have left at work until our vacation...and one of those will be an early day! That's three days this week and 5 days next week...but I'll leave early one of those days as the kids get out of school early!

15 - Number of days until we will be in Florida...on the 15th!

16 - Number of days until the rest of our grou will arrive in Florida...on the 16th!

10 - Number of days we will have to enjoy our vacation! Will it be enough?

11 - Number of ADRs I have planned for the trip; that includes 4 lunches, 5 dinners and 2 breakfast meals

3 - Number of days we plan to spend in non-Disney parks...but of course even on those days we can hit the MK in the evening if we are up for it since we can walk there from our room!

7 - Number of pounds I would still really like to lose before our trip...not likely in two weeks considering it took be about 10 weeks to lose the first 8

Did a little bit of clothing shopping on Friday with my husband which was nice. I got a new pair of shorts and a few tank tops and he got mostly new shirts for the trip. He's lost nearly 20 pounds compared to my 8 pounds and he really needed a few new shirts.

We didn't do as much walking over the weekend as we planned but we did get up at 7am yesterday and do about 3 miles before the heat of the day was upon us. I still can't believe I look forward to the exercising but it's nice. Unfortunately I won't be doing any walking at work this week with temps predicted in the 90s and high humidity...not up for walking and sitting at my desk all stinky and sticky! We really went from temps in the 60s/70s with cool breezes to the 90s and high humidity. We need some spring weather but at least it's getting us ready for the heat of Florida a bit early! We do plan on walking tonight after dinner to see how we tolerate the heat. I don't think it will go too well with the kids!

Still can't believe how close we are to our trip! So excited!

 

[teachermommy78]

Hey! Sorry I'm just getting back to you...busy and not-so-busy 4-day weekend for me! Send me your email and I'd be happy to send you a copy of the spreadsheet!

Sent you an email! Thanks so much. Yay for 2 weeks!!! I'm right behind you!!!

 

[kittylady1972]

So we have all kinds of electronic gadgets to keep kids occupied: each child has a DS, they all have MP3 players, we have two portable DVD players. However I don't want to have to rely on those all of the time as they can become an issue. My 6yo DS gets so involved in movies on the DVD player he gets upset when asked to get out of the car for a bathroom break...when I know he can use one! Therefore my goal for our long drive home will be to take breaks from electronics regularly.

I decided to put together packets to give the kids as we cross each state line. I may try to incorporate a snack or treat of each kind for the packets, but for now the project I completed over the weekend was information. I put together a packet for my nephew as well and bought him a clipboard. It's not as nice as the storage clipboard for my three kids but I also made him a small travel messanger bag with his name on it to use and store the stuff.

So I managed to get activity sheets for each state we'll drive through on the way home, beginning with Florida then GA, SC, NC, VA and MD. They will learn interesting facts about each state and have some activities and a coloring page for each state as well. I also have a ton of travel games they can play and I copied sheets out of a travel game book for each of them...like travel bingo, some fun list games, etc. I think it will help break up the trip a little for them.

I also found an entire unit online about trains and printed off tons of information from that as well. They have a small bingo game to play with paper train pieces as well as a paper puzzle to put together and some train activity sheets. So yeah, this trip will be all about fun AND learning some new stuff...despite the fact that school will be over!

I've already packed three bags of dry goods and non-perishable items for the trip and I've made a list of things I need to buy while down there. I'm hoping to minimize our grocery shopping to one short trip. I have already packed most of mine and the kids toiletries as well and some other fun game stuff for them too.

The kids are still blissfully unaware that they trip is starting a day earlier than they expect. They still don't know they won't finish up their last day of school. They still don't know we are taking a train down to Disney. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they find all this stuff out next week. Cameras will be at the ready I hope!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Talk about joining in at the last minute! You leave so soon!

Tip for Universal. They tend to open the parks before the published opening time, for us IOA opened 20 minutes early.

 

[kittylady1972]

Talk about joining in at the last minute! You leave so soon!

Tip for Universal. They tend to open the parks before the published opening time, for us IOA opened 20 minutes early.

THANKS! We plan to arrive earlier anyway, but will make sure we do now just in case!

 

[teachermommy78]

You have 6 days!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Thank you for that spreadsheet. I've completed most of it, but need to update the new extended hours. I just need to add my must dos and their order!

 

[kittylady1972]

You have 6 days!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Thank you for that spreadsheet. I've completed most of it, but need to update the new extended hours. I just need to add my must dos and their order!

I know, it's SO close...and you wont' be too far behind me!!!

You are very welcome...happy to share it. Plan to create one for a friend who is going in November...just haven't gotten to it yet.

I haven't adjusted for the new hours...guess I should go do that!

 

[Becc1]

6 More Days

Love the activities you've got planned for the kids! Can't wait to hear how the surprise goes

 

[kittylady1972]

6 More Days

Love the activities you've got planned for the kids! Can't wait to hear how the surprise goes

FOUR days until we leave, FIVE days until we will be in Walt Disney World!!!

I'll definitely post about the surprise and how things go...and hope to capture some on video as well. I am going to try to do some live trip reporting while there...maybe even from the TRAIN!

Last day at work, and they reformatted my computer yesterday to upgrade it to Windows 7 so I guess I'll be spending my day re-installing software and getting everything back to how I want it!

I may have to run out to WalMart at lunchtime and look for some mini spray fans. Somebody posted that they had some there. I had two at home already, but one died and I wasn't sure I'd find them again. Now I have to go check. These will be easier for the kids to carry than the spray fans they want to take with them.

I still need to figure out which neighbor will be watching my cats and feeding the fishies in our house too!