Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight- Oct PTR pg. 234 8/25 up to date itin

[rentayenta]

Arrival day




Our flight time and day wasn't what we had planned initially but our good friend's DD is having her bat mitzvah the day we leave and we want to make an appearance prior to the airport.


So........

That Saturday, after a predicted night of virtually no sleep, we'll wake up by 7:30 to get ready and arrive to the bat mitzvah by 9:15. It begins at 9:30. I'm secretly hoping they don't ask us to read because I'll most likely have to decline. Our synagogue begins everything abut 10 minutes late and I do not want to add any stress to the bat mitzvah mom's day. It's all about the mom anyway, right?

I'm sure my kids won't eat much before and will be starving by 11:00 which means, fast food. What are to gonna do? I need to work my butt off before we go because I am planning on consuming an insane amount of calories due to the F&W. I think a Happy Meal sounds like the perfect way to begin a trip and I'm not eating those stupid apple slices. Pahleeze!

Our flight from SLC leaves at 1:30. We'll be flying Southwest which gives us two free bags however we're flying United home which means we have to pay for our luggage. This means only one bag per person....on the way. I might check shampoos and the stuff I never bring home, in a collapsible bag that I can stuff in mine for the way home. I hate bringing home all those wet bottles and used soaps and lets be real, we've got 6 people for 12 days, I'm sure we won't have much of anything left.

Back to the bat mitzvah....for a 1:30 flight, I want to be to the airport no later than noon which means we'll have to leave the bat mitzvah by 11:00. I'm thinking 90 minutes is better than not going at all right? Someone absolve me of my guilt.

Our flight has a quick stop in Denver before heading to Orlando, less than an hour so I don't know that we'll even deplane. Maybe I'll send DH to grab food while we all pee. I've never been to the Denver airport so I hope it's not as lame as ours. The SLC airport, while very clean, severely lacks in the food and drink department.

I'm hoping the kids don't sleep on the plane so they'll sleep that night but asking 3 teens and a tween not to sleep is like asking the sun not to rise. It's just not going to happen.

We land at 9 pm. I'm not going to let ME deal with our bags because I don't wait to wait until midnight for bell services. It happened in 2007 and I wanted to kill someone. Live and learn.

We're staying at AoA. I'm stoked even if it's only for overnight. We had a few choices and AoA just felt right. Hopefully the Nemo rooms are as cute as they look online. Plus I've read their food court is fairly diverse and I know I'll never make it there otherwise.

I'm guessing we'll get to AoA at about 10:30 which is totally past my bedtime however there's no way I'm missing out on some late night munchies so off to the food court we'll go. I'm guessing we'll get to bed around midnight.

I'm so looking forward to checking out AoA even if it's late. I'm an early riser so I'll also get the chance to explore some in the morning too. Their pool doesn't close so maybe I'll let the kids take a quick dip post food court- we'll see. I'm dying to hear the underwater effects in the Nemo pool. AoA really has some neat touches from what I've read. And sleeping on a table that turns into a bed? Über cool.


Can't wait for our real first day?

 

[rentayenta]

79 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

I'm guessing we'll get to AoA at about 10:30 which is totally past my bedtime however there's no way I'm missing out on some late night munchies so off to the food court we'll go. I'm guessing we'll get to bed around midnight.

I'm so looking forward to checking out AoA even if it's late. I'm an early riser so I'll also get the chance to explore some in the morning too. Their pool doesn't close so maybe I'll let the kids take a quick dip post food court- we'll see. I'm dying to hear the underwater effects in the Nemo pool. AoA really has some neat touches from what I've read. And sleeping on a table that turns into a bed? Über cool.


Can't wait for our real first day?

How late is the food court open? We had a 9:25 arrival once and by the time we got in, nothing was open. I knew that going in so had groceries delivered to the resort but I hope it's open at least till 11, preferably later to give you (and DME) a little wiggle room.

I'd love to check out AoA!

 

[rentayenta]

How late is the food court open? We had a 9:25 arrival once and by the time we got in, nothing was open. I knew that going in so had groceries delivered to the resort but I hope it's open at least till 11, preferably later to give you (and DME) a little wiggle room.

I'd love to check out AoA!

I called and they said midnight. We won't get groceries until the next day. I think AoA looks so neat! I'm going to have to pick your brain about Hawaii......we're thinking Aulani for our 20th next year. Does Hawaii have a better season? I hear it rains daily year round.

 

[franandaj]

How's Arline doing? Praying and sending lots of vibes to all 3 of you. Is there anything more Fran can be doing to heal? What's the new component? I hope it's not too serious. You deserve a healthy and happy trip!

She keeps trying to get out of her bed despite the Dr. telling her there is no reason she should ever get out of bed alone. They moved her closer to the nurses station and gave her a bed alarm. They think Fran has Vasculitis in addition to the venous ulcer, so that will slow her healing.

I feel like I'm missing something but for now I'm just waiting for Buddy the Cake Boss' F&W info to be released. Joshua is a huge fan and I'd love to score him tickets to a seminar, the $13 one, not the $90 and up one

You will probably have to sign up for the $90 seminar before the ticket sales for the $13 one opens. Buddy was the first to sell out last year.

Your first day sounds exhausting. I would be scared of missing the flight cutting it that close. Denver is an awesome airport. It like a HUGE shopping mall!

 

[jenny105]

We're planning on checking out AoA during our stay. I'm not sure I'd want to stay there (the LM rooms do nothing for me) but I want to see it up close!

I've been working out and watching what I eat lately but it's all going to go out the window at Disney World. I figure all that walking will burn plenty of calories right? Fair trade.

 

[passthepixiedust]

No way am I going to catch up on 219 pages, but I did read your day 1 specifics! Can't wait to hear about AoA and see your pictures . I can't believe how soon your trip is now! (finally! ) I admit to a wee bit of jealousy...

 

[DrMomof3]

I think the bakery is in New Jersey so not super close but not far either.

I think 90 min of bat mitzvah is more than enough and will be appreciated. There. Absolved!
We had a midnight DME luggage delivery once. And only once. I had taken the clothes we were wearing that day and put them in the washer in case of bags didn't arrive (we were in a villa).

Amanda

 

[Native NYer]

We are all so excited! I think Chloe and I are the most though. Yours is even closer. Did you make your decision on the first night? I saw you got the AAA rate quote, what section would you stay in? POR really is fine. The boys will love it I'm sure. I bet they're excited too.


I feel like I'm missing something but for now I'm just waiting for Buddy the Cake Boss' F&W info to be released. Joshua is a huge fan and I'd love to score him tickets to a seminar, the $13 one, not the $90 and up one

I have POR booked for 8/11. I'm still tossing the idea of switching to AoA. And, of course, I'd love to try the GF. Not sure how much I want to spend for one night. I'm hoping wherever we stay, the food court is open. We land at 7:30 p.m., will pick up our car from Alamo, and head to WDW. By that time, we'll need dinner.

Arrival day

Our flight time and day wasn't what we had planned initially but our good friend's DD is having her bat mitzvah the day we leave and we want to make an appearance prior to the airport.


So........

That Saturday, after a predicted night of virtually no sleep, we'll wake up by 7:30 to get ready and arrive to the bat mitzvah by 9:15. It begins at 9:30. I'm secretly hoping they don't ask us to read because I'll most likely have to decline. Our synagogue begins everything abut 10 minutes late and I do not want to add any stress to the bat mitzvah mom's day. It's all about the mom anyway, right?

I'm sure my kids won't eat much before and will be starving by 11:00 which means, fast food. What are to gonna do? I need to work my butt off before we go because I am planning on consuming an insane amount of calories due to the F&W. I think a Happy Meal sounds like the perfect way to begin a trip and I'm not eating those stupid apple slices. Pahleeze!

Our flight from SLC leaves at 1:30. We'll be flying Southwest which gives us two free bags however we're flying United home which means we have to pay for our luggage. This means only one bag per person....on the way. I might check shampoos and the stuff I never bring home, in a collapsible bag that I can stuff in mine for the way home. I hate bringing home all those wet bottles and used soaps and lets be real, we've got 6 people for 12 days, I'm sure we won't have much of anything left.

Back to the bat mitzvah....for a 1:30 flight, I want to be to the airport no later than noon which means we'll have to leave the bat mitzvah by 11:00. I'm thinking 90 minutes is better than not going at all right? Someone absolve me of my guilt.

Our flight has a quick stop in Denver before heading to Orlando, less than an hour so I don't know that we'll even deplane. Maybe I'll send DH to grab food while we all pee. I've never been to the Denver airport so I hope it's not as lame as ours. The SLC airport, while very clean, severely lacks in the food and drink department.

I'm hoping the kids don't sleep on the plane so they'll sleep that night but asking 3 teens and a tween not to sleep is like asking the sun not to rise. It's just not going to happen.

We land at 9 pm. I'm not going to let ME deal with our bags because I don't wait to wait until midnight for bell services. It happened in 2007 and I wanted to kill someone. Live and learn.

We're staying at AoA. I'm stoked even if it's only for overnight. We had a few choices and AoA just felt right. Hopefully the Nemo rooms are as cute as they look online. Plus I've read their food court is fairly diverse and I know I'll never make it there otherwise.

I'm guessing we'll get to AoA at about 10:30 which is totally past my bedtime however there's no way I'm missing out on some late night munchies so off to the food court we'll go. I'm guessing we'll get to bed around midnight.

I'm so looking forward to checking out AoA even if it's late. I'm an early riser so I'll also get the chance to explore some in the morning too. Their pool doesn't close so maybe I'll let the kids take a quick dip post food court- we'll see. I'm dying to hear the underwater effects in the Nemo pool. AoA really has some neat touches from what I've read. And sleeping on a table that turns into a bed? Über cool.


Can't wait for our real first day?

Love your arrival day plans! And I love the idea of planning out each day. I need to do this.

Can't wait to see what you have planned for your first full day.

 

[rentayenta]

She keeps trying to get out of her bed despite the Dr. telling her there is no reason she should ever get out of bed alone. They moved her closer to the nurses station and gave her a bed alarm. They think Fran has Vasculitis in addition to the venous ulcer, so that will slow her healing.

You will probably have to sign up for the $90 seminar before the ticket sales for the $13 one opens. Buddy was the first to sell out last year.

Your first day sounds exhausting. I would be scared of missing the flight cutting it that close. Denver is an awesome airport. It like a HUGE shopping mall!

She really needs to stay in bed- she's a huge fall risk.


What's Vasculitis?


I used to care about connecting flights but I don't anymore. Airlines are just so unpredictable. Plus I generally have a Cape Cod or two while we fly.

We're planning on checking out AoA during our stay. I'm not sure I'd want to stay there (the LM rooms do nothing for me) but I want to see it up close!

I've been working out and watching what I eat lately but it's all going to go out the window at Disney World. I figure all that walking will burn plenty of calories right? Fair trade.

I am a generally healthy/small portions eater. But I have been major slacking on the excessive front which is what I need.

And it's a totally fair trade!!

We're in a Nemo room. Standard rooms aren't even an option for our group of 6, usually 5.

No way am I going to catch up on 219 pages, but I did read your day 1 specifics! Can't wait to hear about AoA and see your pictures . I can't believe how soon your trip is now! (finally! ) I admit to a wee bit of jealousy...

Tracy!! it's so soon and were so excited. Weren't you planning an August trip at one point? How's life? The kids?

I think the bakery is in New Jersey so not super close but not far either.

I think 90 min of bat mitzvah is more than enough and will be appreciated. There. Absolved!
We had a midnight DME luggage delivery once. And only once. I had taken the clothes we were wearing that day and put them in the washer in case of bags didn't arrive (we were in a villa).

Amanda

Thanks for absolving me!

DME is such a crap shoot. I always carry Chloe's meds, our swimsuits, pjs, and toothbrushes with us but I'd still rather schlep due to us landing so late.

How far are you from NJ?

I have POR booked for 8/11. I'm still tossing the idea of switching to AoA. And, of course, I'd love to try the GF. Not sure how much I want to spend for one night. I'm hoping wherever we stay, the food court is open. We land at 7:30 p.m., will pick up our car from Alamo, and head to WDW. By that time, we'll need dinner.



Love your arrival day plans! And I love the idea of planning out each day. I need to do this.

Can't wait to see what you have planned for your first full day.

I'd call but I believe the POR food court is open late, like 10:30 so you should be fine. We really liked their food court too, lots of choices which is nice and a *fresh* custom pasta area which is a lifesaver.


I'll post my first full day in a bot. It's going to be crammed full of fun!

 

[DrMomof3]

I also always schlep essentials on the plane - PJs, swimsuits, meds, etc.
We can be across the border to New Jersey in about 20 minutes - with no traffic - but there are parts of NJ that are 2 hours away. We have to cross a bridge to get there (or cross a bridge into Manhattan and take a tunnel). We live about 30 minutes north of Manhattan. I work in the Northern Bronx (which is technically part of NYC) and my commute is about 20 minutes.

Amanda

 

[Native NYer]

Can't wait for the plans.

So happy to hear the food court is good at POR. We'll check into BCV bright and early the next day.

My brother has a couple of job offers in New Jersey and will be leaving Maryland to move to the Garden State. So, it's been hectic here. He's put his house on the market and I've been babysitting while they look into NJ real estate. All of this and 2 weeks to go!

Are your kids helping with the itinerary?

 

[franandaj]

She really needs to stay in bed- she's a huge fall risk.


What's Vasculitis?

So with respect to Arline, evidently she has had some strokes that make her unable to exhibit good judgement which is why she did the stupid things that she did. In the last couple days she had another stroke, and she has pneunomia, a bladder infection. They found her outside her bed trying to do who knows what, but her bed was reduced to floor level so she couldn't fall. The Doctor had a long talk with her about not getting out of bed and three hours later they found her on the floor again.

I have no idea what Vasculitis is, but they said it will slow her healing, but it has something to do with her veins in her leg. What they said was they were going to keep calling it a "venous ulcer" becuase that gave them more options for billing, but the vasculitis means it will take longer to heal. I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV!

 

[rentayenta]

I also always schlep essentials on the plane - PJs, swimsuits, meds, etc.
We can be across the border to New Jersey in about 20 minutes - with no traffic - but there are parts of NJ that are 2 hours away. We have to cross a bridge to get there (or cross a bridge into Manhattan and take a tunnel). We live about 30 minutes north of Manhattan. I work in the Northern Bronx (which is technically part of NYC) and my commute is about 20 minutes.

Amanda

That's a great commute. Especially for NY from what I've read. I've been to NY once. My friend lives in Brooklyn so we went to visit her. It was right after 9/11. The energy was brilliant but oh my gosh it was crowded.

Can't wait for the plans.

So happy to hear the food court is good at POR. We'll check into BCV bright and early the next day.

My brother has a couple of job offers in New Jersey and will be leaving Maryland to move to the Garden State. So, it's been hectic here. He's put his house on the market and I've been babysitting while they look into NJ real estate. All of this and 2 weeks to go!

Are your kids helping with the itinerary?

Guess whose debating paying $70 more person and changing our flights? We'd miss the bat mitzvah completely but we'd land at 4:00 pm

I'm so unfamiliar with the east coast Will he be closer or further from you? I can't believe you've only got 2 weeks?

Heck no! They get NO say. Seriosuly. They'll get some freedom so they can go off on their own but if they are smart, they'll stay with us to avoid lines. I'm making all these plans but goodness knows where we'll end up everyday. We generally cancel 1/3 of our ADRs. I like the planning more than actually following the plan. However, with the FP garbage, I may actually follow the plans I make. I'm sure DH will want to live at the F&W Festival.

So with respect to Arline, evidently she has had some strokes that make her unable to exhibit good judgement which is why she did the stupid things that she did. In the last couple days she had another stroke, and she has pneunomia, a bladder infection. They found her outside her bed trying to do who knows what, but her bed was reduced to floor level so she couldn't fall. The Doctor had a long talk with her about not getting out of bed and three hours later they found her on the floor again.

I have no idea what Vasculitis is, but they said it will slow her healing, but it has something to do with her veins in her leg. What they said was they were going to keep calling it a "venous ulcer" becuase that gave them more options for billing, but the vasculitis means it will take longer to heal. I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV!

Poor thing. Is she in a skilled nursing facility? She's going to end up with a wheel chair with a geri belt on if she keeps falling and that's no fun but it might be the best thing for her to avoid injury to herself and her healthcare workers. I can't imagine how stressful this is for you. Are you and Fran her only source of support?



As far as missing our connection, DH has made it through Heathrow in 30 minutes so I'm thinking we'll be okay....we shall see. I may end up booking the earlier flight. I want daylight at AoA.

 

[Native NYer]

Guess whose debating paying $70 more person and changing our flights? We'd miss the bat mitzvah completely but we'd land at 4:00 pm

I'm so unfamiliar with the east coast Will he be closer or further from you? I can't believe you've only got 2 weeks?

Heck no! They get NO say. Seriosuly. They'll get some freedom so they can go off on their own but if they are smart, they'll stay with us to avoid lines. I'm making all these plans but goodness knows where we'll end up everyday. We generally cancel 1/3 of our ADRs. I like the planning more than actually following the plan. However, with the FP garbage, I may actually follow the plans I make. I'm sure DH will want to live at the F&W Festival.

I say change the flights! It will be worth it to land earlier.

They'll be much closer. Right now, they are a 3.5 hour drive away, with no traffic. It usually takes 4-5 hours because of traffic on the NJ Turnpike. When they move to NJ, they'll be 1-2 hours away. It's a much easier drive.

Your kids must love that they're at an age where they can have some freedom. And I do the same thing with ADRs. It's so much more fun planning than following the plan!

I'll let you know how the FP business goes. I suspect it will be hard to stick to those return times.

 

[DrMomof3]

We didn't find that the enforced FP return times caused a big issue. But we were only there 3 days. It does require a bit of thought (like Do we have time to grab lunch and make our FP time? Or we need to ride TSM at the beginning of the return window because our JTA time is in the middle of the window). You definitely can't just collect FPs like in the past.
I was really worried about it before our trip but less worried now.

Amanda

 

[Native NYer]

Hi Jenny!
How was your weekend?

 

[rentayenta]

I say change the flights! It will be worth it to land earlier.

They'll be much closer. Right now, they are a 3.5 hour drive away, with no traffic. It usually takes 4-5 hours because of traffic on the NJ Turnpike. When they move to NJ, they'll be 1-2 hours away. It's a much easier drive.

Your kids must love that they're at an age where they can have some freedom. And I do the same thing with ADRs. It's so much more fun planning than following the plan!

I'll let you know how the FP business goes. I suspect it will be hard to stick to those return times.

The earlier flight would cost me $100 more per person. Not sure I'm willing to invest another $600 into this trip. I did find out though that the AoA will hold our luggage and transfer to THV in the morning so I won't have to deal with bell services at all the night we arrive. The bags were stressing me out with such a late arrival but now it's a non issue which makes me VERY happy. No schlepping or waiting. I'll just pack a carry on with pjs and one outfit per person for the following day. This way we can just arrive and deal with my one carry on, or maybe two, I can have DH pack one too. Then it won't be temping to dive into our bags that first ninth and have to repackage the next morning, making the one night stay so much easier. I know, I stress about the dumbest crap.


Yes, the kids, are stoked that they'll get some time away from us. However, they also know I'm the touring queen and if they don't want to wait in line all day, they should stay fairly close. Now that the F&W seminars and wine tastings are out, looks like we'll be ditching them for at least one event. Just trying to decide on which one. Booking is Aug 10 at 5 am MST so that should be fun.


I'm so glad they are closer to you, I know how you love those little cuties!


Can't wait to hear how FP works for you.

We didn't find that the enforced FP return times caused a big issue. But we were only there 3 days. It does require a bit of thought (like Do we have time to grab lunch and make our FP time? Or we need to ride TSM at the beginning of the return window because our JTA time is in the middle of the window). You definitely can't just collect FPs like in the past.
I was really worried about it before our trip but less worried now.

Amanda

I'm admittedly stressed by the whole FP which I totally understand is a first world issue. It seems to work great for some and not so great for others. I didn't make any lunch ADRs for this very reason. We'll do CS or eat back at the villa every day. Thanks for the insights.

Hi Jenny!
How was your weekend?

It was fabulous and went by much too quickly. How was yours? All packed?

 

[rentayenta]

75 days!!! ​

 

[rentayenta]

And as if FP and arrival times weren't stressing me out .......


http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-special-events/


I'm giddy. DH and I definitely want to do a course/seminar/dinner of some sort but how to choose???