Know what would be cool? If we could live at Disney! - PTR - !PHOTO HEAVY! COMPLETE!

[Singledad]

Goodness, I must have misread your post. Or maybe I was just so excited that I tried to will it.

Will definalty be up to meeting up for MK. Have another DISmeet set up for Cosmic Rays at about noon. Maybe the parade (already PM'd you this.)

Can't wait.

if not the parade, then Chef Mickeys!

 

[brat]

Both my grandmothers were redheads. Both my parents had brown hair. Moms side was blonde as kids and Dads you got the same color as an adult as you had as a child.One of my Brothers was light blonde child and grew to pale light brown,the other Brother had always had dark brown and I had med. blonde as a kids and med. brown as an adult.

My Dads family has been in the USA long enought to mix with many blood lines.

 

[Singledad]

mine was deep red as a kid, and has gotten more brown the longer I stay out of the sun.

my daughters was red, and now is going strawberry blonde, but strange enough the blonde is under, not the top.

 

[brat]

My cousins hair is the same as your DDs was red when strawberry with blonde under it, as an adult hers is brownish red. When I was in elementry school my browns were on top of the blonde underneth. Relatives called them baby hairs.Now those in the family with color change in hair are also the ones with sun issues. Your sun issues are simular to mine, I have T.E.N. issues.

How is your DD with the sun? Have you figured out the cooling vest yet?

If not I hope to have pics of everything soon.

 

[Swalphin]

Hi,
Your DD is adorable, she must be so excited it is getting close. Great job with your plans lots of work but soooo worth it!

 

[Singledad]

How is your DD with the sun? Have you figured out the cooling vest yet?

If not I hope to have pics of everything soon.

I've kinda gave up on the cooling vest, I just can't get my mind around the pump side, can't find a pump that would work...
DD has had no reactions to the sun so far, but I was nearly 10 before I had my first reaction. so who knows. Her other parent was freckled (I am to, but not as much as ex was.)

Hi,
Your DD is adorable, she must be so excited it is getting close. Great job with your plans lots of work but soooo worth it!

Thanks, and yes she most certianly is excited! She said again today, 'I want to live two places. Disney and Kalahari' Kalahari is a hotel in the Wisconsin Dells with an indoor water park. I was like, baby I wish we could live in those two places too!

 

[brat]

After my Brothers arrive I will ask them to take pictures of our vests and pumps.

To save money I normally buy the plug-in pumps and rewire them with a battery pack.

I will see if they can write better instructions as well.

Glad to hear your DD so far is able to handle the sun.

I started reacting at 7 but have friends who started younger.We lived in the UK before we went to see Uncle who was working in the Congo.That is where I had my first bad sun reaction.

Reading you have done entire day touring plans what tricks do you use to save your skin?

 

[Singledad]

Reading you have done entire day touring plans what tricks do you use to save your skin?

I do not stay out in direct sunlight for more than 10 min at a time. (I start to get reactions at about the 15 min mark.) The closest I had to get was in dumbo line, which I heard they now have a building for the queue! That would be heaven sent!

If I need to stop, I go into a shop. even if I need to sit, I go ahead and sit right on the shop floor. No outside tables or benches for me thank you!

I also speed walk, which is part of why even if my DD could possibly walk this year. (very thin possibility) I would still make her ride the stroller as no way could she keep up with me. This limits my time in direct sun. I also had a GAC for the sun thing, and a lot of CM's directed us to the fast pass lane, which of course got us into the building and out of direct sun.

Because I don't do well with heat either, I cannot go with long sleeves in 90 deg weather, but outside of Disney, I try to wear pants and long sleeves as much as possible.

I also make sure to bring along the Benadryl paste that the doctor prescribed. it cuts down the length of rash time by half. (so rather than itching for two weeks, I only itch for one! ) Also, I try not to overly worry about it, because for Disney and my daughter, if i rash I'll suffer through. At home though I do just about anything to prevent.

I also make sure to get a sun block that has both UVA and UVB protection. I know this is something a lot of people get 'wrong' and they don't notice that not all sun block is equal. Even if it has the same SPF label, doesn't mean it is equal in terms of full protection!

I'd like to buy some of those long sleeved sun protective rash guard shirts, but not sure if they would breath well enough. don't want to 'waste' my money if it wouldnt work for me.

what about you? you have any tips?

To save money I normally buy the plug-in pumps and rewire them with a battery pack.

See I saw at a pet store a pump that is the right type and could work and was only 20 bucks on sale, but it was plug-in and I really would be a bit scared to try to rewire or change it to battery. that sounds a bit too hard to me, but then again I don't know. *shrug

 

[Singledad]

So, I always read about if the dining plan is 'worth it'. People refusing to use their credits on what they want, because it isn't above a certain price. So I decided to do a little math and see what my numbers look like. I got the prices off of WDWinfo and/or Allears. I don't think either one includes tax in menu prices so I am ignoring tax all together.

I have the DxDP for one adult and one child, for 3 nights. According to WDWinfo the price for DxDP is Adults -$78.99 Children - $21.99. I assume this is per night.

So, (78.99 x 3) + (21.99 X 3) = 302.94 for 9 meals and 6 snacks each. So... lets look at our ADR's first.

Planet Hollywood is first...
potato skins- 9.99
ribeye steak - 25.99
deserts 7.95 + 1.50
drinks- 2.99 + 1.50
Child's meal 7.95
Total = 57.87

Since the DxDP doesn't cover tips, I am ignoring that part for now.

I am sure I will order that steak. I am a MEAT eater, and if I can pick anything form a menu I will order the biggest steak I can get. So yeah, it is expensive, but it really what I would eat not just picked cause it costs the most.

so we have 57.87 so far... subtract that from cost of plan and we have 245.07 left to spend. and 8 meals and 6 snacks each left.

Next ADR is Crystal Palace for lunch, buffets are easy to price!
22.99 + 12.99
Total = 35.98

245.07 - 35.98 = 209.09 left to spend! 7 meals and 6 snacks each left.

Next ADR is Liberty Tree Tavern... also a set price for the meal:
29.99 + 14.99
Total = 44.98

209.09 - 44.98 = 164.11 left, 6 meals and 6 snacks each left!

Next we have Chef Mickey's for breakfast! Another Buffet!
26.62 + 13.99
Total = 40.61

164.11 - 40.61 = 123.50, 5 meals and 6 snacks each left!

Then we have Hollywood and Vine for lunch, yet another Buffet... yeah we will be buffeted out, but at least we both will be STUFFED, and have FUN with all the characters we meet! (and not standing in direct sunlight to meet them!)

Okay, Hollywood and Vine:
28.99 + 14.99
Total = 43.98

123.50 - 43.98 = 79.52, 4 meals and 6 snacks left! Can you not see we are going to get a deal??

Sci-fi dine in!
Okay, so looking at the WDWinfo menu for dinner (not lunch.)

I would order:
onion rings or blt soup-6.99
butcher steak - 22.99
dessert-7.99
drink- 2.19 if soda 4.69 if milkshake.. lets go with the cheaper one
kids meal- 7.59
Total = 47.75 Now see, I know I will go with a steak, but if I could get the lunch burger I may be torn to get that. So, for arguements sake, lets change that steak price down to a burger price...
New Total = 36.75

79.52 - 36.75 = 42.77, 3 meals, 6 snacks left!

Last DxDP ADR I have is O'hanas for breakfast, another set price!
20.99 + 11.99
Total = 32.98

42.77 - 32.98 = 9.79, 2 meals and 6 snacks left!

Okay, I could stop RIGHT HERE and you can see that is a deal. However, I am not going to do that!

Okay, so lets ignore those last 2 meals since I have no idea what where or when I will use those for offhand. (one will most likely be breakfast, one might be a second QS supper or maybe lunch on friday.) So, lets look at those 6 snacks for each of us. so, 6 snacks each, 2 of us, total of 12 snacks. so my guess is snacks avg about 3 bucks each. so

12 snacks x 3 bucks
Total = 36.00

so, 9.79 - 36.00 = -26.21, 2 meals left

Now, don't forget the DxDP also include two resort mugs that cost 14.99 each. so
14.99 x 2
Total = 29.98

(-26.21) - (29.98) = -56.19, 2 meals left

Now, this is still ignoring those two meals... now lets remember tips again! I know everyone tips differently, but my basic tipping is about 15% unless you have bad service and it isn't understandly bad (ie: new, or overworked). However this is Disney and things are always more money at Disney. So, I budgeted for 15% at buffets, and 18% for true table service. If those two extra meals are QS, no tips for those... using this math, I came up with:

tips appx:
Total = 52.00

-56.19 + 52 = -4.19, 2 meals left

so, as far as I can see it, even taking in account paying tips, I still 'earned' 4.19 and got two free meals. How can you NOT see that as a value? Yes, one day I will be rolling with food, but to me that is part of vacation! I WANT to eat till I pop! Then go pig out some more. Would I spend this much if it was OOP and not dining plan? no. Why not? because I would FORGET TO EAT. seriously, I went over 10 hours without feeding me and DD last year. I do not want to repeat that! Having set, already paid for ADR's prevent that and allow us to ENJOY everything. So, for those nay sayers out there thinking I am paying way too much, esp since I dont have money to 'spare' most the time anyway. You are WRONG. and now you have my math to prove it!


Next Posting

 

[brat]

You already know I use cooling vests.

I also use cushions that pull heat away when you sit on them or put them on you.

I have some UV wash that I treat our clothing with,(always on the look out for more of it)This allows me to treat natral fabrics and clothing the kids like.

I have a shade on each chair, with a solar fan under it.For at home also have a mistymate on each.

I use UVA/UVB sunscreen 100+spf and reapply often.

Of course I do shorter days and DH handles the sun better so he and the older kids do the afternoons. The little ones still nap so I cook dinner while DH is a the parks.

With our family size I admit I sticker shocked on dinning plan prices.

 

[brat]

Now with just the two of you and it reminding you to take time to eat, I can really see it as worth it.

With kids with food/feeding issues for me cooking in the really nice kitchen here at the villa has worked.

 

[Singledad]

With kids with food/feeding issues for me cooking in the really nice kitchen here at the villa has worked.

Yeah, I totally understand that. We have no real food allergies, just strong dislikes and even then they are pretty easy to work around. Add in the fact I don't even cook regularly at home, and the dining plan is totally worth it,both math wise and 'value added' wise.

Value added = piece of mind, knowing we will eat, characters without SUN!, and just the rest of sitting down, a/c, etc.

I don't even make mac and cheese out of the box right half the time.. I under or cover cook those noodles just about every time.

I really did it to show that math wise, it does work, and is worth it.

See some family members of mine look down on my financial choices. As far as they see it, I am poor and shouldn't go to Disney, nevertheless go to Disney with the DxDP. As far as I see it, I will always have bills, I won't always have a young child, and be healthy enough to travel. I use my income tax refund to pay for the trip. I view that refund as 'money I never had'. Yes, I do use over half that refund to pay off bills and pay for some of the maintenance on the car. (Ie: tires, alignments, etc. whatever may be needed) but some of that money goes to making memories that are worth a lot more than paying off a bill this month rather than next month.

 

[brat]

We have relatives that feel the same way, that we are making a mistake by spending money on Disney when we in their op should pay off bills.

Since I do not barrow money from that Uncle we go to Disney on the money saved by not eating out and cooking from scratch.My Brothers do loan us money sometimes but they both call whenever they want food/flowers from our garden or want cookies, bread or other foods made for them.Both have wives with health issues and sometimes a container of comfort foods is just something they need.

We roasted a turkey the other night. One of our kids mostly eats fruit and medical food and two others have food allergies so cooking is just easier for me.

I look at the cost of how much I can make family favorites for and since we still need nap time for our kids that is my cooking time.

 

[Singledad]

We have relatives that feel the same way, that we are making a mistake by spending money on Disney when we in their op should pay off bills.

Sad how judgmental even family can be.

We roasted a turkey the other night.

and, brat, when should DD and I be over?!

 

[brat]

If we are still in the rental when you get down here our door is open to both of you.

We have kids around her age.

 

[Singledad]

So, got DD up and off to school today, but before that we took off the 44, so we are down to 43 days!

So, after seeing so many references to strollers, and kids getting to big for them I figured I better check DD out in the umbrella stroller we used last year. Since this is actually my dad's stroller that I borrow from him, We ended up testing it out while down there for my Little Brothers birthday. (he turned 12. and they live about 200 miles away.)

Good thing we checked! I don't think a shoe horn would have helped! now the trouble is, I don't have any other stroller! I have not had a need for one after she learned to walk, and when I have needed it, it was always while visiting my dad. Thus why he has one, even though his youngest is 12.

So, I started looking at strollers, both to buy and to rent. My kid is too heavy for most strollers! Can't afford to rent a SN stroller (sorry 90+ bucks for a stroller I then have to worry about any dirt, damage or someone else walking off with?? For a mere 6 days? Nope.), and certainly can't afford to buy one! (jeeze, I can't believe making a stroller that works for kids up to 75 lbs is THAT much more expensive (3x more!) than a 'normal' stroller. )

Well, after much searching and worrying I found a brand new/never used Maclaren stroller that works up to 55lbs on ebay for 60 bucks. (free shipping!). I grabbed it! I figure no matter what I can resell it for at least 30 bucks (half back). and if it doesn't 'fit' her behind then I can most likely get more than 30 for it. I mean, it is a maclaren, those things cost money!

Anyway, the point was I bought a stroller for this trip and according the UPS it should be here on wed. Of course, we also are to be getting 5 to 8 inches of SNOW on Tuesday, and more snow on Wednesday so who knows!

I will of course post a review of the stroller once it arrives!


Next Posting

 

[Corrine 1973]

I definalty agree that the dining plan is worth it. I had thought about upgrading to the DxDP but it is harder for us to get out in the morning. Liam has to do nebulizer treatments in the morning and evening which takes about a half an hour, and then with the bus timesit is hard for us to make an early breakfast. To get to our breakfast at Chef Mickeys at 7:40 we have to get up by 6am. And as you know with the time diffrence it would be like getting up at 5am. Alright for one day, but do that every day for 5 days in a row we would be ready to drop. I will be something I will consider for the trip in 2013.

My family was the same way about our trip. I also used my taxes to pay for my trip and still got attitude from some family. My mom thinks I shouldn't be paying as much as I did for the trip, and my DD grandma can't understand why I would want to take my kids back to Disney. She took her kids over 30 years ago and her kids prefered Busch Gardens, so I should take them to Busch gardens. She even asked my why I wasn't going to the beach on our trip. Well the beach is two hours away and I am not renting a car.

I think every kids (and adult) deserves some time at Disney. Especially one that is special needs. They go through so much every day (from treatments, to doctors, to medicines, to people who don't understand there diffrences) that they definalty deserve some special magic.

 

[Singledad]

coughed and lost my quotes, but I know what you mean corrine and I think it is pretty sad just how many of us get people who think we shouldn't enjoy the magic of Disney. Life is not just about money, and life is not about what made your kids happy, but will work for me and my kid(s).


I love the DIS because it is one place where I can be happy and share my excitement about Disney and not get 'rained on' by others views of what I should or should not be doing with my money.

I can't wait till I stop coughing.

 

[Corrine 1973]

coughed and lost my quotes, but I know what you mean corrine and I think it is pretty sad just how many of us get people who think we shouldn't enjoy the magic of Disney. Life is not just about money, and life is not about what made your kids happy, but will work for me and my kid(s).


I love the DIS because it is one place where I can be happy and share my excitement about Disney and not get 'rained on' by others views of what I should or should not be doing with my money.

I can't wait till I stop coughing.

I am there with you my friend.

 

[brat]

As I told friends who thought we should go to the beach some of the Disney resorts have beaches.

I do not tell others how to spend their money I just wish they would do the same.

My older Brother used to bug me, till I let him do my taxes. After that he saw how much I spent on what, yep the fact our home is cheaper than our medical got him to be quiet about our spending.

How big is your DD?If she does not fit the stroller you bought she might if one of my kids outgrown manual chairs.