Leaving the hubbies and kids behind - A May 2010 PTR, TR has begun!

[kschafer]

The secret for seeing the cowboy scene is not being afraid to ask to see the cowboy scene! Just ask if they are running it that day and if you can see it, they happily obliged me in January and it was FANTASTIC!

The rest of your plans look fantastic!

Duh Katie! Seriously...why was I over thinking that one!

Isn't fun to make these lists! I've been working on one too, trying to keep Mom in mind. I love RnRc, but I'm not sure she will, I gotta feel her out on that one!!

On the Animation Bldg, if you want to skip the little show with Mushu since you've already seen it, you can. There is another line to the right that is labeled character meet & greets and it allows you to bypass the show.

I really really like The Great Movie Ride so it's on my must do list! But, I'd also love to know if there is some great secret to getting the cowboy. As many times as I've ridden this, I've only gotten the cowboy once. He's better than the gangster IMO!

I'm hoping Beth will feel up to some of the thrill rides. She loves them but is currently suffering a medical condition that means she may not want to be jostled around too much. She is having a procedure done next month that she is hopefull will fix the problem

I didn't realize you could skip the show. It's not long so we will watch it if Beth wants to.

We saw the gangster scene so I would like to see the cowboy if possible. It's not that I didn't like the ride, it just underwhelmed me after waiting in line for over 1/2 hour with kids whining that they were hungry!

I have the 2008 and 2009 edition, and it really is a great book. There are so many beautiful color pictures. I didn't order the 2010 one since I have the two previous editions. Hopefully it's not too different.

I would guess it has removed stuff about the free birthday promotion and added in the Give a Day info and probably added stuff about the space mountain refurb and discussed the futureworld expansion but is basically the same. I'm loving it!

Wow----never thought about requesting to see the cowboy scene. Out of the multiple times we've ridden the GAMR, we've only seen the cowboy scene once. Sometimes, I wonder if I just imagined it.........

Not your imagination!

I have the 2008 Complete Guide and still love it! Beautiful pictures and like you said, just full of interesting information about the attractions.

You should definitely try and do Star Tours before the rehab it and change it completely.

Also, the Backlot Tour is not too bad -- it's a nice rest at least.

hmm...how did I not know they are going to refub star tours? We passed it once when it was listing a 10 minute wait and I suggested we hop on but we were on our way to something else and Greg didn't want to budge from our goal.

Backlot Tour looks cute. I'm thinking these types of things will be good when we just want to take a load off. I don't think we will take full-out breaks each day but rather find ways to do it in the parks.

Oh yes Katie....it would be awesome to see MEK...I think that would be my only motivational factor to get me through the doors....just not an AI fan

And on that subject....where oh where is MEK???

I really want to draw this time too...can't wait to see how horrid it looks!

Tracy

I don't know where MEK has gone off to? Someone send up the bat signal for her!

I am NOT an artist by any means but would like to try. Did you see this weeks blog about it? He said that you follow along with the artist then they come around and "add color". Does this mean "touch up"?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your list looks great! I'm going to have to check out that book! I'd add getting a cobb salad to my list but that's just me... I like shopping around the shops a lot too. Oh and don't forget to say hi to Bo!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love making the "must do" lists! Means you are getting CLOSE!

It would be awesome to see MEK at AI!! I hope that works for you if she decides to go for it. How fun!

Sounds Dangerous was even closed on our DHS day, December 27th - the busiest week of the year. So.........because NOTHING was closed that week....I'm thinkin' it's a goner. Oh, darn. We did it back in 2006 and were so confused on what it was supposed to be. Seriously? That was it? Lets sit in the dark with headphones on?!?! I hope it means something better will be coming SOON!

Did you find it? This is the one I have looked at, you really have to skim for the pictures because there is a LOT of chit-chat!

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520941&highlight=pick+a+pearl

That is the thread I found too - I scanned through for pics and found a website a few people recommended where you can purchase cheaper pendants - they have a carriage one, which a lot of people like, Cinderella and all! It's only around 90 cents on the website too!

I think I would get a ring if I were to do it.... Love seeing the pics of the finished products though, so pretty!!

 

[kschafer]

TSM is a must-do for us, too! I'm also dying to see Beauty and the Beast, and the animation studio. I'd really like to draw something, too.

The Streetmosphere actors are SO much fun to watch. I love the little shows that they sometimes put on. Some of our favorites are three plumber guys; there's one that we saw a few times named Frederick, and he was hilarious! When we went in 2007, I had the front pieces of my hair dyed a pinkish/magenta color, and when we went to take a picture, he said, "did you dip your hair in the kool-aid? I hate it when I do that!" My dad would be happy just staying there all day and watching the actors.

I thought I saw a thread that the plumbers were no longer going to be streetmosphere characters. Lots of upset fans!

I can just imagine your Dad playing along

Your list looks great! I'm going to have to check out that book! I'd add getting a cobb salad to my list but that's just me... I like shopping around the shops a lot too. Oh and don't forget to say hi to Bo!

It seems like every diser ups the anty a bit with Bo! I'm gonna have to come up with something fun to do with him.

I'm want to try the cobb salad but some of the other options look yummy too. Decisions, decisions

I love making the "must do" lists! Means you are getting CLOSE!

It would be awesome to see MEK at AI!! I hope that works for you if she decides to go for it. How fun!

Sounds Dangerous was even closed on our DHS day, December 27th - the busiest week of the year. So.........because NOTHING was closed that week....I'm thinkin' it's a goner. Oh, darn. We did it back in 2006 and were so confused on what it was supposed to be. Seriously? That was it? Lets sit in the dark with headphones on?!?! I hope it means something better will be coming SOON!

That is the thread I found too - I scanned through for pics and found a website a few people recommended where you can purchase cheaper pendants - they have a carriage one, which a lot of people like, Cinderella and all! It's only around 90 cents on the website too!

I think I would get a ring if I were to do it.... Love seeing the pics of the finished products though, so pretty!!

Yeah, not gonna miss Sounds Dangerous! I remember reading that it was dark but didn't realize it was DARK. It was all I could do to keep the kids from freaking out! Luckily I had a small pen flashlight in my bag that they held low in their lap and they whined as quietly as I could keep them (thank goodness everyone had those silly headphones on and didn't hear them)

I love some of the earring settings but I'm not likely to do 2 so unless I luck out and get twins, I'll probably go with a necklace. I know I can get a fairly cheap cage online but I like the settings that show the pearl a little better so I will just wait and see what my options are at the time and know that I can get a cage when I get home if needed.

I thought of you last night. my son picked a "Henry and Mudge" book at bedtime. Your Henry is probably still too young for these but he will probably love them in a couple years. The Henry in the book is a cute little red-headed guy too!

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Am I crazy????

I have been a bit obsessed thinking about packing this week. I have spent time in the travel section at the store thinking about toiletries (what is with the Disers obsession with these things?) I have had to resist the urge to pull out the suitcases. 3 months to go is really just too soon I know!!

I am however celebrating the fact that Lumpy is almost 1/2 way across my ticker

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Three months out might be a WEE bit early to pack. But then again if you're not going to be wearing some of the clothes at home in the meantime what does it hurt to start packing?

Isn't the obsession with travel sized toiletries funny? My current obsession is do I need an owner's locker and if so what do I stock it with??? Ahh the life of a DIS'er.

You're right... pressure is on for you to up the anty with Sir Bo. You have three months to come up with a brilliant photo op.

I am SO excited for your trip!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

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Am I crazy????

I have been a bit obsessed thinking about packing this week. I have spent time in the travel section at the store thinking about toiletries (what is with the Disers obsession with these things?) I have had to resist the urge to pull out the suitcases. 3 months to go is really just too soon I know!!

I am however celebrating the fact that Lumpy is almost 1/2 way across my ticker

I need a littleof your packing obsession lol!! I leavein 3days... andthus far...I'm pulling a Christine!!

Three months out might be a WEE bit early to pack. But then again if you're not going to be wearing some of the clothes at home in the meantime what does it hurt to start packing?

Isn't the obsession with travel sized toiletries funny? My current obsession is do I need an owner's locker and if so what do I stock it with??? Ahh the life of a DIS'er.

You're right... pressure is on for you to up the anty with Sir Bo. You have three months to come up with a brilliant photo op.

I am SO excited for your trip!!

FYI my OL is stuffed already!! Its amazing how much stuff you NEEDwhen there's some place to put it!!

Paula

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I need a littleof your packing obsession lol!! I leavein 3days... andthus far...I'm pulling a Christine!!

I always wanted to be famous. Not sure it was for this!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Do you have a trip drawer or box that you could put everything in? That way you have things in one spot but you aren't really packing.

 

[MeMom]

I thought I saw a thread that the plumbers were no longer going to be streetmosphere characters. Lots of upset fans!

It seems like every diser ups the anty a bit with Bo! I'm gonna have to come up with something fun to do with him.


I have been a bit obsessed thinking about packing this week. I have spent time in the travel section at the store thinking about toiletries (what is with the Disers obsession with these things?) I have had to resist the urge to pull out the suitcases. 3 months to go is really just too soon I know!!

I am however celebrating the fact that Lumpy is almost 1/2 way across my ticker [/COLOR][/SIZE]

Just more of the little cuts that are being made, I guess. The Streetmosphere shows are good for thinning out the crowds in other parts of the park, and they are pretty funny. I guess old things have to be sacrificed as new things come in, but it is sad to see an old favorite go.

Jill has already planned something for our visit with Bo this summer.

I agree with CP; just get yourself a drawer or a Disney box and start putting things in it. It makes you feel closer to the trip, but it isn't officially packing.

Halfway across the ticker is good!

 

[Lady Lallie]

You are too cute with your packing. I just put stuff that I need for my Disney trip in my suitcases as I buy them for the trip. Maybe that or the Disney drawer would make you feel better!

 

[kschafer]

Three months out might be a WEE bit early to pack. But then again if you're not going to be wearing some of the clothes at home in the meantime what does it hurt to start packing?

Isn't the obsession with travel sized toiletries funny? My current obsession is do I need an owner's locker and if so what do I stock it with??? Ahh the life of a DIS'er.

I sure HOPE I'll get to wear t-shirts in Iowa before May but the way this winter has been so far, you just never know!

I can't answer the question if you need one or not but it sure would be fun to think about what you would put in it!!

I need a littleof your packing obsession lol!! I leavein 3days... andthus far...I'm pulling a Christine!!

FYI my OL is stuffed already!! Its amazing how much stuff you NEEDwhen there's some place to put it!!

Oh no Paula! Get on it girl!!!

I would think they fill up fast. I would definitely put beach towels in if I had one. It's one of those things that you would never put in a suitcase because of space but I hate only being able to use hotel towels at the pool. I would think 1 for each person in your family would take up a big chunk of an OL!

I always wanted to be famous. Not sure it was for this!

Do you have a trip drawer or box that you could put everything in? That way you have things in one spot but you aren't really packing.

That's a good idea! I'll have to find a spot

Just more of the little cuts that are being made, I guess. The Streetmosphere shows are good for thinning out the crowds in other parts of the park, and they are pretty funny. I guess old things have to be sacrificed as new things come in, but it is sad to see an old favorite go.

Jill has already planned something for our visit with Bo this summer.

I agree with CP; just get yourself a drawer or a Disney box and start putting things in it. It makes you feel closer to the trip, but it isn't officially packing.

Halfway across the ticker is good!

I only remember seeing them a couple times in 2008 but when you are travelling with a group of 15, you don't stop much to do unplanned things. That's why I am looking forward to this trip! No kiddos, no commando plan, just go and do what we feel like at the time.

Oh Bo...what will I do????

You are too cute with your packing. I just put stuff that I need for my Disney trip in my suitcases as I buy them for the trip. Maybe that or the Disney drawer would make you feel better!

I am getting myself into trouble with my packing thoughts...see below

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I told myself I will NOT pull a LL!!!! (sorry dear, you know I love you)

Awhile back I got thinking about park bags. I used a sling style backpack in 2008 that is fairly small and lightweight but carried everything I needed. One of my favorite features is that there is a pocket on the strap that is just the right size to carry my cell phone keeping it closer to my ear which comes in handy and I think will be important on this trip with the kids at home. I got a new, slightly larger phone a couple months ago and was worried that it would not fit in that pocket. I got out the bag and tested it and luckily it fits! I figured I was good to go.

UNTIL.......

We got a mailer the other day with assorted coupons. One of them was for $25 off a purchase on ebags.com. I thought I would just go and see what options were out there. I stumbled across the bagallini bags and I think I "get" why so many Disers like it so much. I found a REALLY cute backpack in zebra stripe:

but it was quite a bit more than the messenger bag so I took it out of my cart.

I was debating between a Dis (lime) green one:

or a girrafe print:

that was just a bit more (I was bummed it didn't come in the zebra print)

I was getting pretty excited because with a $25 coupon and free shipping this weekend, it was going to be under $20!! When I typed in the code, I got a message saying it was invalid so I e-mailed customer service and asked about this. they sent me a message apologizing for the inconvenience and gave me a code for 20% off. Umm....excuse me but on a $42 item...this is not even close to $25 off!

I have a bag that will work but I had gotten SO excited at the prospect of a great deal on a new one! I will probably just stick with the one I have...it will be fine *SIGH* but I will be keeping an eye out for another big coupon!!

 

[MHTeacher]

Do you have a trip drawer

If that's anything like the junk drawer I have at my house, I'd never find my vacation items again!

 

[manntra]

Funny that you were Baggalinni shopping! Mine was delivered last week! Mine almost sounds like what you already have...I don't know what it is called...kind of a backpack but it looks triangular? I will be brining Vera along too...hipsters are my fave and will need it as a backup for the bagalinni
I don't pack until the night before but I do have a staging area in one of my spare bedrooms I can't let my dog see me packing And you are not alone....I am always scouring the travel size aisle!

Tracy

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh my, I feel your pain on the bag quest. I love my Vera backpack (smaller version). It works for me but everyone is different. Good luck in your quest. I do love those Dooney and Bourke bags they are selling in the parks...

 

[MHTeacher]

. I love my Vera backpack (smaller version).

Me too! But I'm thinking about ordering a mailbag for my next trip...a little bit more room than my hipster.

I do love those Dooney and Bourke bags they are selling in the parks...

Me too, again! I want one so badly, but the practical side of me could just not let myself spend $240 for a bag. But, it is so cute.....

 

[Lady Lallie]

Pulling a LL....pfft.

I've gotten over my bag woes....My Vera Saddle Up bag was perfect for me on the last trip!!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww...what a bummer about the bag coupon!! Hopefully you won't have bag woes!! I love my saddle up bag and my Mary Poppins bag so I'm set for awhile LOL!

 

[kschafer]

If that's anything like the junk drawer I have at my house, I'd never find my vacation items again!

I'm going to have to think hard to find a spot that is not totally hidden away but not full of stuff already

Funny that you were Baggalinni shopping! Mine was delivered last week! Mine almost sounds like what you already have...I don't know what it is called...kind of a backpack but it looks triangular? I will be brining Vera along too...hipsters are my fave and will need it as a backup for the bagalinni
I don't pack until the night before but I do have a staging area in one of my spare bedrooms I can't let my dog see me packing And you are not alone....I am always scouring the travel size aisle!

Yep, sounds like your bag is similar to mine. It's about 15 inches long and 9 or 10 wide at the bottom, kind of teardrop shaped. I only have 1 vera, a mini hipster which I love but will never work for WDW. I don't carry a lot and don't want a very heavy bag.

My staging area is going to have to be hidden from my kids or one of them might try crawling in

Oh my, I feel your pain on the bag quest. I love my Vera backpack (smaller version). It works for me but everyone is different. Good luck in your quest. I do love those Dooney and Bourke bags they are selling in the parks...

I have looked at those smaller vera backpacks and love them but they are just more than I typically would pay for a bag

Me too! But I'm thinking about ordering a mailbag for my next trip...a little bit more room than my hipster.

I thought LL had a mailbag on one of her trips . How did you like it LL?

Me too, again! I want one so badly, but the practical side of me could just not let myself spend $240 for a bag. But, it is so cute.....

Pulling a LL....pfft.

I've gotten over my bag woes....My Vera Saddle Up bag was perfect for me on the last trip!!

Glad you found one you love!

Awww...what a bummer about the bag coupon!! Hopefully you won't have bag woes!! I love my saddle up bag and my Mary Poppins bag so I'm set for awhile LOL!

Now that I am over the disappointment, I am OK. I really liked my bag on the last trip so I'm sure all will be well!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Erg! It's like a bait & switch! They send the $25 coupon to get you in on the site, find something you love and then switch it at the end! They would have gotten a piece of my mind about that!

And just for their silliness, I encourage you to completely RESIST! DO NOT BUY! Your current bag was perfect. And you aren't being roped in by their trickery!

I thought of you last night. my son picked a "Henry and Mudge" book at bedtime. Your Henry is probably still too young for these but he will probably love them in a couple years. The Henry in the book is a cute little red-headed guy too!

I'll have to remember those for when he gets older!

 

[kschafer]

Erg! It's like a bait & switch! They send the $25 coupon to get you in on the site, find something you love and then switch it at the end! They would have gotten a piece of my mind about that!

And just for their silliness, I encourage you to completely RESIST! DO NOT BUY! Your current bag was perfect. And you aren't being roped in by their trickery!

I don't know where the confusion was but I suspect the mailer I got went out to a lot of homes! I wonder how many people attempted to use the code? Maybe I should go try it again to see if it works. If not, I'm really OK with the one I have. In fact I have done some early packing just to make sure

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Continuing our list of desired attractions…Animal Kingdom

Must-Do

• Expedition Everest – we had back luck with this one in 2008 so my date with the Yeti has been a long time coming. I’m especially excited to do this at night with MEK and Tracy
• The Safari – it wouldn’t be AK without it!
• Finding Nemo – missed this one too so I can’t wait!
• Lion King – saw it, loved it, can’t wait to go back!
• Jammin Jungle Parade – Love that music!

Would like to do

• The exploration trails – we didn’t spend a lot of time with these before
• Dinosaur – missed this one too
• Kali – if it’s warm enough to want to walk around soaking wet
• The trails around the tree of life

Could go either way

• It’s tough to be a bug
• Primeval Whirl
• Triceratop Spin

Not so much

• Conservation Station
• Flights of Wonder

I feel like I am forgetting something...but what?