June, July, August PLANNING thread

[mkymouse4ever]

TP2, remember the last day > Even though you are not doing ME, you get to use the luggage return and check in. Several airlines participate. You drop off your luggage at 1pm and they check you into to the plane then you get to the airport (later) and drop off car and then go directly to gate. The national car rental has at the most taken 1/2 hr and they where really backed up that day, so it really is nice. Very no hassel and no re-dragging of the luggage.

Some of my fav. childhood memories is our parents taking us all over the country in our car. We did almost all 48 states by time, we got older. Your girls will love your trip this year and then be all the more excited next year.

mky

 

[Donald Lover11]

EE22- we`re getting soooooo close now to our trips !!!!!

29 Days for us!!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Donald lover 11 We are right behind you + 1 more month. At this rate we will all of gone and come back to quick. Seems like it didn't take long at all.
I bought 2 items and started a "bag" today of stuff to bring to wdw. Ok, it is bug spray, and a cheap pair of binoculars (thought nephew would like) to look out, but its is a start.

Tommorrow, I am calling to set up the limo. Max (nephew) says "we are getting a limo again aren't we?" I think we are spoiling him.

Hope everyone is having a great week! I am off the next 2 days! Celebrating memorial day on friday.

mky

 

[tripplanner2]

Tomar: I can't believe you won a trip too. That is so exciting. I need to join the club!

We had DD3 kiddy party yesterday and it went off without a hitch. Saturday is the family party. I am so exhausted, I need to clean up and reset up. Then Sunday is her and DH birthday and Tuesday is her class party. Way too much if you ask me. Yesterday we had 11 kids and 8 adults, Saturday is 10 kids and 20 adults. I had two parties because if I only had one we would have had 40 kids and 40 adults, 80 people for a 4 year old party. I just could not do that. Easier this way with siblings in school.

MKY: We usually travel SW so ME is not as easy for us. We shall see how things work out though with flights. Right now we are looking at $1000 for us to fly. In 2006 we paid $550 for us to fly and last year $175 but that was with the $500 in vouchers. Not looking forward to a bigger jump. I say we plan it out and travel for the summer and make tons of stops along the way. With paying bills online, there is really no reason to come home.

Gotto go have my morning coffee before I pass out.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Good Morning !
Well .other than the summer just gave us a taste of warm this past week....it is still cold here in New Jersey ...It warms up in the afternoon...but really doesn`t allow much in the way of letting all the sweaters go once and for all !! grrrrr
TP2- I wish that someday you could win a trip to the world ...It was a very exciteing time for us that`s for sure !!
Your birthday parties sound like the ones I used to have for the boys...first for the kiddies...then for the grown-ups...then for the family.....YIKES ! ...and the kicker with mine was ....my boys are one week apart (a coouple of years though)...and they wanted different birthday partys !!! ....January`s became a MAJOR labor of love back then ...and so close after christmas tooo !!
You guys are gunna have a great time this year...something different and wonderful...in a leasurely fashion !!!...Can`t wait tooo hear all about it !!
You have to write a trip report for us !!

 

[mouseaddicts]

Hi We're back from Memorial Day Wknd at Pop Century!
Well, we've been back a couple days, but I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

We had a great time - 3 parks in 2 days!
We did get to ride the new Toy Story Mania ride at DHS! It was AWESOME!!! I'll have to share more later.

I just wanted to drop by quickly & say hello before I have to run to town (hair appt). I'll catch up with the reading when I get back and hopefully post more later this afternoon!

 

[tripplanner2]

Tomar: I have the same thing with my older 2 girls. 4 days apart and now they have different friends. We do the same thing in November that you did in January. Last year we celebrated on Thanksgiving with the family and took them out with their friends to celebrate their special days. Made like a little easier. Problem is that the parties never actually land on their real birthday and my parents have a thing that they want to SEE them on their real birthday. Just extends it even more. I am always so tired at the end of the week.

Mouseaddicts: Can't wait to hear about your trip and TSM! Can't believe you did 3 parks in 2 days. Last year we did 2 parks in 10 days! Hoping when we go back in 2009 we will get to do a lot more. The baby will be 5 then and should be able to ride everything.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Tomar: I have the same thing with my older 2 girls. 4 days apart and now they have different friends. We do the same thing in November that you did in January. Last year we celebrated on Thanksgiving with the family and took them out with their friends to celebrate their special days. Made like a little easier. Problem is that the parties never actually land on their real birthday and my parents have a thing that they want to SEE them on their real birthday. Just extends it even more. I am always so tired at the end of the week.

Mouseaddicts: Can't wait to hear about your trip and TSM! Can't believe you did 3 parks in 2 days. Last year we did 2 parks in 10 days! Hoping when we go back in 2009 we will get to do a lot more. The baby will be 5 then and should be able to ride everything.

TP2- WHOA....the 2 older girls are 4 days apart ...yes you know how it is then TP I was fortunite enough that the boys had the same friends up till the they became 16 and 17 and then they didn`t want a party anymore anyway ...but... in our family you have to have a Birthday cake on your birthday...no matter how old you are !! ...and guess what...even then ....it had to be one week after the other !!
I know how you feel about being sooo tired after it all!!...But I was always happy that I somehow made the both of then happy for thier OWN special day !!
Happy Planning for your special vacation this year...and PLEASE give us all the details when you get back....of course Im sure we`d love to have the details of Sis`s wedding before that too !!

Mouseaddicts- YAAY !!! you got to ride TSM....you have to tell us all about it !! ....Don`t know how you managed to do such park hopping in such a short period of time..but it`s great that you did !!

 

[mouseaddicts]

Hiya gals!

Okay TP2 - 2 parks in 10 days? Really? Did you go to the parks every day or did y'all have non-park days??? I just can't fathom .....

We are a bit park-commando really. Probably not an entirely *good* thing, but we just have this "we paid for it" attitude ...... BUT I have to say, since we joined DVC & started going multiple times per year, we've become a LOT more lax. I even have a WHOLE DAY planned in July where we won't go into a park at all! That is toally a first for us! I'm trying really hard for us to relax a bit more and try to enjoy the resorts ...... it's hard though ...... we have a bad habit of packing our days FULL while at WDW.

Okay ...... on to Toy Story Mania
This is on uber-cool ride!!! The ride que is much cooler in person than the photos even illustrate. Be sure to LOOK UP at the ceiling when you're in there. It's a Scrabble board, Chutes & Ladders, Monopoly, etc. The whole ceiling is painted to look like kids board games. Really cute! Mr. Potato Head seems cool too; however, we weren't in line too long to hear all his "act". He will be entertaining to the folks in the stand-by line later in the day! I was surprised at the number of stairs - both up & down - that are in the line for the ride vehicles. Not a lot of stairs, but a few nonetheless. You pick up your 3-D glasses in line and put them on when you get into the vehicle.

Each vehicle holds 4 passengers - 2 in front, 2 in back - with your backs together. The "shooter" looks kinda like a small cannon with a short string & ball on the end. You pull the ball to make it "fire" at the targets. It's quite interactive and keeps your score on a small LCD screen on your vehicle as you go along. It also tracks your accuracy (shots fired vs. targets hit). At the end, there is a board that posts the high scores (top 3) for the day and the top score for the month. (We were NO WHERE near these scores!)

There are a number of "screens" with targets. I can't remember exactly how many, but I think about 5. We fired colored eggs at moving "animals", darts at balloons, baseballs at plates and some other stuff I can't remember right now (because I'm trying). I think my high score was like 125,100. The last time we rode, there was another family of 4 in the vehicle behind us with a mom, dad and two teenagers - 1 boy, 1 girl. The dad & son were CLEARLY competing (on opposite sides of the car) with each other for their score. Dad got 214k and son got 215k pts. They had been there for several days and rode it several times - trying to beat each other's score each time.
EE22 - This totally made me think your DS & DH will be competing with each other!!!

I have to say, we were there for "rope drop" that AM and went straight to TSM. We waited about 5 mins to ride and hopped right back in line as soon as we got off the 1st time. The 2nd time, we waited about 10 mins. The ONLY reason we didn't ride again after the 2nd time was that our arms were tired. Trust me, that pulling action on the ball/string to fire at the targets totally gives your forearm a workout!!! I don't think I could do it 3 times right in a row!

My personal suggestion ...... If the FP machines are open when you go, get there 1st thing in the AM, grab a FP & hop in line. After you ride the 1st time, you can come back later in the day to ride again. I am certain the lines will get LONG for this one!! I also think it will be interesting to see which choice folks make now when they get into DHS - to the right toward ToT & RnR or straight to TSM!?! As far as a *family* attraction, I think TSM is the better choice!

Okay - that is my review of TSM! We give it

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hiya everyone!

Mouseaddict's Welcome back! Glad you guys had a great holiday in the world. TSM sounds great! Your right, will be interesting to see which way the crowds go. Sounds like it boards slower, so your right using your FP there. Thanks for the heads up. I don't remember, (sorry) have you be on space ship earth yet?

TP2, Glad your parties went well. I am sure the girls appreciated it all.

Tomar, we are having the same weather. They have been threatening us with EE22's weather system. Thunderstorms and tornado's. Although we are back up to 80 today.

EE22, Hope you did ok with the weather systems here.

Candi, hope your enjoying the high seas!

mky

 

[EEyorelover22]

Hi All...I don't think I'll ever get caught up I hope everyone is well. Between parties, studying for finals, grading finals, putting away my Disney room at school, and general life tasks, May flew by!! I cannot believe I missed the under 30 day celebration for our trip

The tornado that ripped through Iowa was horrible I still cannot believe the pictures that I've seen.

I'm done this Thursday so I'm hoping I'll have more time, but I'm not holding my breath that's for sure.

 

[tripplanner2]

EE22: Wow down to 25 days! I missed that too.

Mouseaddicts: We are SLOW on vacation. My kids are night owls and like to sleep in. When we get back from the parks they always want to go in the pools at night. We got kicked out at CSR at 10:30 pm one night. Would never stay there again. We take days off from the parks. We went to minature golf one day and had a big meal planned with characters. You actually come home refreshed instead of exhausted and it gives me an excuse to go back to the World! My kids can explore Minnies House for an hour and I am fine with that. Sometimes DH and I will sit on a bench and just let them play, like at Poohs Corner. We lost a lot of time there too. We have the attitude that we just want to enjoy each other and our time. But I do have a hard time spending too much eating. That is my point of losing patience. When we traveled with extended family they wanted to go from one meal to another and maybe do one ride in between. I went crazy with that. I would like to do a bit more but to keep everyone in my group happy we take our time. Not the worst compromise, at least I am there.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. DD3, not DD4 birthday party was yesterday and today is her big day. We are relaxing after hosting our second party yesterday. Time by the pool for us today. Hope everyone enjoys.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

EE22: Wow down to 25 days! I missed that too.

Mouseaddicts: We are SLOW on vacation. My kids are night owls and like to sleep in. When we get back from the parks they always want to go in the pools at night. We got kicked out at CSR at 10:30 pm one night. Would never stay there again. We take days off from the parks. We went to minature golf one day and had a big meal planned with characters. You actually come home refreshed instead of exhausted and it gives me an excuse to go back to the World! My kids can explore Minnies House for an hour and I am fine with that. Sometimes DH and I will sit on a bench and just let them play, like at Poohs Corner. We lost a lot of time there too. We have the attitude that we just want to enjoy each other and our time. But I do have a hard time spending too much eating. That is my point of losing patience. When we traveled with extended family they wanted to go from one meal to another and maybe do one ride in between. I went crazy with that. I would like to do a bit more but to keep everyone in my group happy we take our time. Not the worst compromise, at least I am there.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. DD3, not DD4 birthday party was yesterday and today is her big day. We are relaxing after hosting our second party yesterday. Time by the pool for us today. Hope everyone enjoys.

TP2- I totally agree about doing the world S-L-O-W....No commando for the Tomars either !

EE22- You are in DAYS now !!! WHOOO HOOO !!!!!!


I am right behind you...tomorrow starts 29 for us !!!!

 

[tripplanner2]

So DH's cousin just stayed at the Poly. I told him thats what I want to do next year. It will be my 40th birthday celebration. He did not object so now I have to find the best deal for a monorail resort for next summer. Wish me luck everyone! I just checked out the rack rate prices and Wilderness Lodge Conceirge Deluxe room seemed like a bargain at $505 per night.

 

[mommaducktoo3]

Hello all.. today is monday and I am leaving on Saturday.. I can't wait .. there are so many things that I have no prepared for.. So if anyone can give me a heads up one what is the best way to tour the parks. I have read some old ones.. don't know if they are still good..
What are you taking into the park with you?
where to start..
I have bought some glow sticks.
the ice mist bottles that spray..
But other then that I am lost.. Have never been to disney with my boys who are 7 and 8. went with my daughter years ago.. almost 11 so any tips would be great..
And should I call Disney and let them no that the boys have never been there someone said that they could get a first time pin.. that would be cool. I am just not sure if Disney is still doing that.
Mary


I realize it is late to be asking but does anyone want to do the photo share.. I have been unable to get on one.. I just hoping there is another last minute person like myself..

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Hiya everyone!

TP2, I am your "poly" gal. The secret's of the poly are few, cause it is such a popular destination. Important info is: the GV is relatively inexpensive compared to the other categories. GV can be: pool views, marina view, or gv. 1 building that is gv = you can see the volcano pool, some marina, some lagoon, and some of the water pagent from your balcony. There really is no true parking lot views at poly. There are 2 building that have parking lot off past the monorail or the gardens in front. There are 3 building with ALOT of extra room in them and 1 with 2 sinks compared to the 1 sink. Rooms all come with 2 queen beds and 1 couch / bed. but you can easily do a couple of sleeping bags or a crib too. Only down side of poly gv = you can request a building but NOT guarranteed. So it is a risk. Any special idea's and I will help give you building ideas.

Mommaducktoo3, I only suggestion for a great trip is PLAN, and Pre-plan. Since you have had no time. Try to make advance dining now, if anything is open. Remember to rest, if you or the kids are tired you won't have a good time: ENJOY what you can! And use your fast passes smartly. = Always have a fast pass waiting, don't let time lapse too much, Wait in lines, that have shade, and air conditioning, or something to see. Start early in the day, rest / swim and then try the nite hours. and above all: HAVE FUN

EE22, & Tomar, You guys are getting sooooooooooooooo close! Time to start pre-packing: stacking stuff up to take, the extras.

Candi, not sure what day you come back, hope your enjoying your cruise!

mouseaddict's, trip info?

Happy Planning, mky

 

[candizfan]

Hi everyone.

We are finally home and I am trying very hard to get life back to normal. I tried to catch up on all I missed but still have two pages to get through.

The flight to Europe was killer. We were up for 23.5 hours the day we left and the day we came home. We got in Sunday night and I had to go to work on Monday - so I am still trying to recover from sleep deprivation.

The cruise was wonderful and my mom managed to keep up with us for the most part. We walked 8 miles most days but as little as 4 the last few since we were pretty tired and did less. I gained 4 pounds and I am sure it was all in the last few days when we did not walk as much.

If you are wanting to see Europe - don't wait till you are older - you need to be able to walk, climb stairs and hills to see the best things.

I will have to upload my pictures onto the Costco site and then send the link by email to anyone interested - I don't use any other sites, but if you know a good one, I could try it.

We have about 1200 photos to go through from all the cameras we took.

How many times do we hand a camera to someone to take a group picture for us - I did this at the Trevi fountain in Rome - the poor women tripped - cut her arm and SMASHED my newest camera!

She was nearly in tears, but what can you do. If it had been brand new, payment protection would have covered it on Visa but no such luck. I still have to check the card to see if the pictures are safe, send pixie dust for us.

I am falling asleep while typing this so I better get at least one load of laundry done.

More soon.

 

[tripplanner2]

MKY: I NEED that 40% off code. I was quoted a price of like $10k through Disney for 12 nights. I guess they were sold out of GV rooms so they upgraded me. I will stay offsite for that kind of money. I did look at some of the townhouses again. I am afraid I will feel like I am missing out on something though if we stay offsite. It will all depend on those codes but thanks for any help. I really want to stay at Poly but we shall see.

Candi: Welcome home! Sorry about the camera. That is awful and it sounds like you replaced it on vacation. I would love to see pictures. I will pm my e-mail address. I understand the sleep deprivation. When I traveled for work I would be up non stop and work would keep me on my feet for 15 hours a day. It always took about a week recover. You were gone for a long time too so it will be longer to get back in the swing. Back to work on Monday sounds like torture.

Tomar and EE22: You guys are so close. I am trying to preplan for next summer but so much depends on discount codes. I am thinking of reserving a themed condo offsite but I have to look into the cancellation fees involved. I thought it was too early to start planning but then as I am searching there are others planning for a trip in 2010! I guess never to early.

 

[TOMAR@SSR]

Good Morning everyone !
Im up with the chickens this morning....Im gettng like the Disney comercial on TV....."Im tooo excited to sleep" !!! LOL
Luggage is up from the basement and each day Im doing alittle more packing !

EE22- We`re almost on our way !

Candi- Wecome back ....Europe sounds sooooooo wonderful !...Glad you had a great time !....I could imagine how tiring the plane trip was though...but the cruise seems to have made up for it...except for all the walking you did !!....

TP2- YAAY !!!!! Im sooo happy that your starting to plan for your next trip to the world !!...

MKY- Your really right behind us now....Im sure Max is getting excited now !
Hope "Bug" is doing well ...and looking forward to a great vacation in the world !

 

[Silvermist]

Well I just checked the calendar this morning. YEP! 60 days until Disney World. I really think I am getting more excited than the kids. Last night we pulled out the video tapes from our Christmas Disney Trip 2005. We had so much fun watching them. I was kind of dissapointed in myself though. I taped alot at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom but nothing at Epcot or Hollywood. Oh well I will make sure that is on my list this time. I will have to see what I can do about posting pictures from 2005, any help on how to post them would great.

Wish us luck on our Garage Sale this weekend. Got to raise some spending cash. My kids our planning thier own sale of Lemonade and cookies. I am really proud of them. They both have been working really hard around the house earning extra money for thier trip. My daughter even asks the grandparents what she can do at thier house to ear money. My son offered to mow the lawn, just about fell out of my chair. See what dangling Disney in thier face will do.

I hope everybody has a great day today an may God Bless You!