Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[GreatBiscuit]

Great retro TR! I love hearing about the journey behind the trips. It helps one understand what each person gets our of a trip to The World. (Or The Land.)

 

[eandesmom]

I "think" Goofy was at Tony's in 2004 when we did a Grand Gathering breakfast there. If not, I know we have seen him at Tusker House for breakfast, and he's at Cape May. I definitely think he needs to see Goofy again! That will make a cute pic. We have pictures with Chelsea all through the years with Alice and Mary Poppins, and it is so cute to see how see she has changed over time.

I tried to look up where he might be at in DCA and there is zero info other than one character bfast. We will keep an eye out for him there. I'd love to do Cape May for bfast, we are using up all our ADR's on dinners except for maybe Tony's as it's a better use of the credits so it probably won't happen but you never know. I figure worst case scenario, we will go to the character spot at Epcot and catch him there!

Did you like the Tony's breakfast? All the reviews I've seen so far are pretty good so I'm seriously considering it. Plus you get a pin

Great retro TR! I love hearing about the journey behind the trips. It helps one understand what each person gets our of a trip to The World. (Or The Land.)

It does! And I LOVE your update today, what a great last moment you had catching yourself like that

 

[Happydog]

Wow! I think everyone who has been or goes regularly must have memories of Disney in some shape or form that are more than just a trip memory. Your photos of your boys in comparison now, very neat to see how time has changed them! I agree with CP get that photo of Goofy!!!

Well I understand the concern with the single rooms. But I do think you are right, that you will all be tired, busy, happy, that a little discomfort at night wont be that big of a deal... one bathroom, though, per four of you? That might make it a little rough, but those amenities of the location will so be worth it. I can't get over how cool SAB and the whole pool area is... totally sold us, so we are spending our final 4 days there...

Your spring break trip sounds really fun!! It is really shaping up!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow! I think everyone who has been or goes regularly must have memories of Disney in some shape or form that are more than just a trip memory. Your photos of your boys in comparison now, very neat to see how time has changed them! I agree with CP get that photo of Goofy!!!

Well I understand the concern with the single rooms. But I do think you are right, that you will all be tired, busy, happy, that a little discomfort at night wont be that big of a deal... one bathroom, though, per four of you? That might make it a little rough, but those amenities of the location will so be worth it. I can't get over how cool SAB and the whole pool area is... totally sold us, so we are spending our final 4 days there...

Your spring break trip sounds really fun!! It is really shaping up!

Well we survived (barely lol) with all 6 of us and one bathroom in the FW cabin so this should be an improvement! That has a couple of bad moments to be sure. I just need to remember to not let either K or T into the bathroom unless the E's have used the facilities first when we get back at night.

Plus it does have a 2 sink vanity separate from the bath, the cabin just had a mirror and a counter. It will really depend on who sleeps where. If Taylor or Doug are in our room then we will be fine (with the exception of Eric camping out at times ) but if Kendall is in our room, which is the current plan, then she and I will have to duke it out!

Sandie and Kendall would be worse though, I'm pretty fast. Those two are another story entirely! That said, the cabin did have a separate bedroom which helped for changing so...I don't know. It will be interesting to say the least. If it ends up that we are 8 instead of 9 we might look at switching to a BC 2 bedroom villa but I have to admit, we all like the decor of the YC better, the BLT layout is a bit bigger I think and THV definitely so.

I'm guessing we won't change a thing. Unless Jeff freaks in Cali! It bugs me more than anyone, I want to change in my own bedroom and sleep in my own bedroom. Can't have it all though and the amenities of the YC beat out the privacy and sleep factor!

SAB is a huge factor! HUGE.

 

[MEK]

Cynthia -

I am always behind on your updates, but I always find them to be the most poignant and heartfelt of any of the updates I read. You really tug on the old heart strings. Thank you so much for sharing those old pictures and memories. I really wouldn't have recognized you in your old pic!

Anyway - so looking forward to your DCA trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Did you like the Tony's breakfast? All the reviews I've seen so far are pretty good so I'm seriously considering it. Plus you get a pin

I do remember liking it -- I really liked the pin!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Cynthia,

I remember reading somewhere that our life cycles in 7 year periods...that these 7 year periods encapsulate life lessons and journeys that we need to take for some reason (it don't remember where I read this but it sounds very Eastern to me...)

Life is all about the process, the journey- and that's where you were all those years ago...it may have been painful...but you might not have traveled the path that brought you to where you are now...if not for those experiences...

so despite the pain that you experienced if you learned anything about yourself and the world...then part of it was worth while or at least you made meaning from it...

Living isn't for the wimpy-that's for sure...

on a different note...

Good luck figuring out those sleeping arrangements......I hope to learn from other's experiences as I may perform some juggling myself...

 

[jordanyosh]

I hope this trip brings happier memories than that trip....i remember travelling alot for work in 2002-03 and it was definitely weird that first time in an airport and on a plane after 9/11....

I think it's good to look back on that time every once in awhile. I am still affected by those images on that day--by the evil.

I'm glad you're in a better place and with a better man.

Kids grow up too fast.....

 

[All7OfUs]

Hmmm, a different plane!? I giggled when you described it asyour DVC!

What a conundrum!! The whole puzzle of getting just the right resort for room, enough beds, the right "feel", pool, proximity to the correct park, snoring, wiggling kids. Sheesh!

With the Sandie factor, I think you need to stay where you are, and keep THV as a "someday" dream.

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia -

I am always behind on your updates, but I always find them to be the most poignant and heartfelt of any of the updates I read. You really tug on the old heart strings. Thank you so much for sharing those old pictures and memories. I really wouldn't have recognized you in your old pic!

Anyway - so looking forward to your DCA trip!

Awww thanks Mary Ellen!



Sadly, until my LONG overdue haircut yesterday my hair was fairly recognizable from that time, up and out of my face as it was hopeless!

But it's funny...I look at those pictures and can just SEE I didn't care. I do think it's good to look back, it helps me remember how far I've come!

I do remember liking it -- I really liked the pin!

I'm excited about the pin! Now I just need a lanyard of my own to put it on.

Cynthia,

I remember reading somewhere that our life cycles in 7 year periods...that these 7 year periods encapsulate life lessons and journeys that we need to take for some reason (it don't remember where I read this but it sounds very Eastern to me...)

Life is all about the process, the journey- and that's where you were all those years ago...it may have been painful...but you might not have traveled the path that brought you to where you are now...if not for those experiences...

so despite the pain that you experienced if you learned anything about yourself and the world...then part of it was worth while or at least you made meaning from it...

Living isn't for the wimpy-that's for sure...

on a different note...

Good luck figuring out those sleeping arrangements......I hope to learn from other's experiences as I may perform some juggling myself...

Sandie always says growing old isn't for wimps. Niether is just plain living. It's funny, I think we all of those days where we shake our heads and think "it's not supposed to be this hard".

But really, it is. It if were easy it wouldn't be nearly as rewarding and worthwhile. I definitely think there are cycles and 7 years sounds about right (and eastern lol) but the "seven year itch" myth exists for a reason. I know I'm definitely in a new cycle of some sort, where it will lead I have no idea! I have no regrets.

UGH on the sleeping arrangements. As Jeff bolted out of bed this morning hearing a kid go to the bathroom (um hon, he's going potty, he's not getting up at 5am) I was reminded that really my concerns are not unwarranted!

I think it's good to look back on that time every once in awhile. I am still affected by those images on that day--by the evil.

I'm glad you're in a better place and with a better man.

Kids grow up too fast.....

That they do, it always cracks me up when they look at a picture of themselves, and don't realize it's them! Evan was looking at the pics and assumed they were of Eric. Until he saw fat Eric in my arms. My word was that baby FAT!

The sad, and beautiful thing is it really took being where I was to realize I deserved, was worthy of, being in a better place with a better man.

Hmmm, a different plane!? I giggled when you described it asyour DVC!

What a conundrum!! The whole puzzle of getting just the right resort for room, enough beds, the right "feel", pool, proximity to the correct park, snoring, wiggling kids. Sheesh!

With the Sandie factor, I think you need to stay where you are, and keep THV as a "someday" dream.

I've always thought of the plane as our DVC but with this one being a fractional ownership it feels even more so. And it feels more real, it's not a kit that it going into the garage that will take 2 years to build. We'll be flying in it in a few months!

I don't think there is a perfect solution on the resort and sleeping arrangements at least for this trip. THV is the only place where we could have had our own room, even if we did move to BLT or BCV (if we are 8) we'd need to give Sandie and Paul the master so at the end of the day the YC made just as much sense as all of us in one villa. Whether it will feel like more room with 2 rooms than one villa, who knows. On the positive side, were it just the 6 of us I'd never choose to stay at the YC. (Just Jeff and I? In a heartbeat!) and it's also probably good that the whole trip is hotel rooms versus one condo or villa and then a hotel room so there won't be any comparing.

Of course maybe the upgrade gods will smile on us at check in and we will magically be upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite!



I think this one is my favorite, it only sleeps 6 though. And is only 2.7 times as expensive as our 2 rooms! But it wouldn't sleep all of us.

Club Level with Concierge Service - Admiral 2-Bedroom Suite
# Concierge service 2-bedroom suite with a view of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, the marina, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resorts and possible nighttime views of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth; Fantasmic!; and EPCOT Fireworks, at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
# Master bedroom
# One king 4-poster bed
# SatelliteTV, includes Disney programming, and DVD/VHS player
# Master bath
# Private commode and bidet
# Whirlpool tub
# TV speaker
# Second bedroom
# 2 queen beds
# Full bath with vanity with 2 sinks
# Living room area
# Fireplace
# Couch and coffee table
# Satellite TV, includes Disney programming
# DVD/VHS player
# Stereo
# Desk with high-speed Internet access (for an additional fee)
# Wrap-around view
# Table and chairs
# Kitchenette
# Refrigerator
# Microwave
# Coffeemaker
# Dining area with table and chairs
# Guest bath off entry way
# Ceiling fan
# 3 balconies
# Phone in each bath
# Alarm clock with CD player
# Coffeemakers in bedrooms
# Hair dryers
# Make-up mirrors

This one comes in a close second though.... and it sleeps 8! A veritable bargain a 2x the cost of our two rooms.

Club Level with Concierge Service - Turret 2-Bedroom Suite

# Concierge service 2-bedroom suite with a view of Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
# 2 bedrooms, each with 2 queen beds and a bath with vanity area with 2 sinks
# Living room area with table and chairs
# 3 ceiling fans
# Balcony on 2nd and 3rd floor rooms; patio on 1st floor room
# Satellite TV, includes Disney programming
# DVD/VHS player
# Alarm clock with CD player
# Mini refrigerator
# Coffeemaker
# Phone in bath area
# Hair dryers
# Make-up mirrors
# Robes
# Internet access (for an additional fee)
# Daily USA Today delivery
# Iron, ironing board
# 2 safes
# Voice mail
# Microwave (on request)
# Rollaway bed (on request)

About the only upgrade I can hope for is a better view, since we don't have one! And nothing sleeps 9. Oh well! I do keep consoling myself with the fact that outside of THV, Jeff and I would have to share a room no matter what.

 

[eandesmom]

Whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

My ADR date is only 30 days away!!!!!!!!!!

Time flies when your PTRing. Thank goodness. It’s been a surprisingly fast 3 months since I started this PTR.

It’s going to seem like a very long wait between ADR day and the actual trip, I am incredibly grateful we are escaping in April or I might go stir crazy! It’s funny to think of making ADR’s for August, but not needing to for the April trip yet. Heck, DL won’t have park hours for April until….March?

I guess really there is only one reservation to make and that’s for the Wine Country Trattoria in DCA. It doesn’t look like HOB in DTD even takes them! Maybe I’ll call on it next week though they will probably laugh at me. I will admit, I’ve been thinking more about the April trip than the August and so the less than a month till ADR’s kind of snuck up on me!

I have been thinking about what I need for the April trip. It has a occurred to me that it’s test drive for August, not only in the sleeping all in one room category but a good time to test shoes, outfits and whatnot. So of course, what’s a girl to do but indulge in retail therapy! Ok actually, I’ve been good. I really HAVE grown these past 2 years. I haven’t bought a thing.

Yet.

I have looked though.

Here is what I think I need for April, all would get used in August as well.

A new pair of sandals.

I will be taking these

My Privo Floats (except mine are in bronze so they aren't suede)

And these

My Keen flip flops

And a few far less practical things for evenings out lol.

I love both of these shoes, they are broken in. However I’m not quite sure how warm it will be, it looks like the 70’s. Which will be absolutely lovely! However as comfy as those privo’s are, they are a great spring or fall shoe (and were the BOMB at WDW last Feb) I’m a bit concerned that my feet will get too hot. I don’t do tennis shoes for park shoes and while I love those Keen’s, they don’t exactly match with everything.

So I’m looking at these. Both are privo's, torn between going bronze or a pewter color...

I’d also really like a couple of new cute sleeveless tops. I struggle with this one. They need to be cute, and breathe, multi purpose and fit well and it always seems the stuff I find that I really really like, is very pricey. Or really cheap, not much in the middle. I found one I think I’m going to order but I’m actually thinking of doing something really out there for the other one.

I‘m considering making it myself! Maybe more than one just to test how rusty my abilities are. I’d like to get a feel for that as I am seriously contemplating making my own dress for my sisters upcoming wedding. Again it falls into the expensive taste category but she’s got an interesting color palette that I have to work with and I am thinking to find what I want…it will be easier (easier being relative) to make. It’s been a long time since I’ve made more than drapes so we shall see. It will also be interesting to truly compare the cost. It makes me think of the toffee I made over the holidays. I love toffee and I’d always wanted to try it as Jeff is a caramel freak. So far my attempts at homemade caramels leave something to be desired. Not awful but not to-die-for either. The toffee was fabulous. However those ingredients were PRICEY and it made re-evaluate the cost of just buying it, it’s not quite as overpriced as I really thought. So we will see if my visions of tops really saves money at the end of the day or if I’m a home-ec failure.

I would like new shorts too but I just don’t think I have the energy for it. Shorts shopping, to me, is worse than swimsuits and jeans combined! And those are bad….

I do think, for August, a couple of skorts will be in order, and a new swimsuit coverup, but I have no intention of making those, Title Nine has several cute skorts pretty much all the time so I’ll just do that when the time comes. I don’t see the need for them for April. For the 70’s…capri’s will hopefully be fine and maybe a sundress or two for the non park days. Not sure if I will get a new sundress, make a new one, or just live with what I have.

I do need to figure out the park bag for it as I am saving Tink for WDW.

Back to the ADR’s! Or the BFP v.10

So right now, here is what I’m looking at for our ADR’s. No word from Sandie yet. I may get input at the end of the month, but then again maybe not. I’m a little worried about the 6:45 times as it is far earlier than we normally eat but think we need to do it that early to hit fireworks on those nights.

Thoughts?

Sunday, August 15, 2010 - Paradiso 37 Lunch 11am OOP
Monday, August 16, 2010 - Ohana 7:30 PM
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - Tony's GG Breakfast 10am,Tusker House 8:30 PM
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 - Tutto Italia 6:45 PM
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - Kouzzina 6:45 PM
Friday, August 20, 2010 - Teppan Edo 6:45 PM
Saturday, August 21, 2010 - Big River Grille OOP 7:30 PM/tentative date night for Jeff and I
Sunday, August 22, 2010 - Sanna 7:30 PM

I’m hoping that Saturday will be a date night. Jeff isn’t 100% behind the date night idea but I have a feeling 9 nights into this trip at that point, he will want to escape! Much as he loves his mother of course.

I can’t get him to look at the menu’s though. I’ll bug him when it gets closer but I’m feeling a wee bit antsy about it, like I need to pick now. I am going to go ahead and make ressies for a date night, perhaps at more than one place.

I decided to toss a couple that were originally options for date night (tossed BlueZoo, Citrico’s and Artist Point) and have narrowed it down to these 5. There are different things that appeal to me about each. I’ve been leaning towards Cali Grill for the overall view/ambiance but outside of the sushi, it is not my favorite menu of the bunch. Thoughts?

• Jiko
• Cali Grill
• Yachtsman
• Narcoosees
• Flying Fish

The new plane plan is moving full steam ahead and so on that note…here is the theme for the first part of our trip. Actually with our crew, it's probably a good theme for the entire trip!

I made this for Jeff for Christmas and used Zazzle to screen print it on a tee, it was a huge hit!

This is Jimmy Buffets seaplane, it’s now living at the Orlando Margaritaville and the Lone Palm Airport. Jeff wants to eat there more than once lol. However he doesn’t realize there is a pilot themed restaurant/bar at the RPH so I plan to take him over there on night 2

Next The big reveal

 

[jordanyosh]

Great shirt design, esp for a pilot...

CA Grill is awesome, but Jiko and Flying Fish are 2 of my favorites.

CA Grill definitely feels like a destination restaurant. The food is really, really good.

Jiko and Flying Fish don't have the benefit of the view so they rely more heavily on menu.

So, it's more a matter of a great view or the special occasion feeling or having a GREAT meal....

 

[Native NYer]

I need to catch up here after the Jets game, especially since I saw shoe pics!

 

[MaryAz]

ADR's look yummy! Hope Jeff gets on board for the date night!!

 

[topdog]

We've never been to Cali Grill. However, while the last time we were at Jiko was very good, it wasn't as good as when we were there in 2005. Flying Fish was awesome. You can have a nice stroll at the boardwalk after dinner also. We tried Yachtsman in 2005 as well. It was okay but I personally prefer Artist Point buffalo steak over Yachtsman steak. The mushroom soup at Artist Point is the best soup I ever had.

I've been to Margaritaville at Orlando for lunch before. I love their BBQ burger. Their frozen mango Margarita is my absolute favorite.

 

[TarzansKat]

Love, love, love Keens. How are the Privos for support? I know they're a good brand, but I've never tried them before.

I, too, hate shorts shopping. I was having a big discussion with my mother today about this very thing. I'm more comfortable in bermuda shorts, but I don't think I'll be brave enough to wear shorts, given that I'll be anywhere from seven - nine months pregnant during the summer! I actually just ordered a really cute maternity dress online, and I'm thinking of going more that route.

Have you thought of some summery dresses? Just a thought.

I love the tee shirt design, that came out awesome!

Looks like you've got the trip planning well in hand. Writing a PTR does always seem to make the time go faster.

 

[englishrose47]

I've never been to any of them ..but I have this plan to do 1 2TS each trip and the first I want to do is Narcosses for the Lobster !!!!!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

My ADR date is less than two days away at this point -- I really need to focus on it tomorrow! I have such a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that Disneyland doesn't do ADRs very far in advance! How do people stand it??? How are you standing it???

All of the shoes look great!

I haven't even thought about clothes, shoes, etc. -- I appear to be lacking direction of some sort. Maybe I need that great shirt design!

 

[Native NYer]

LOVE the shoes. Are the Privos lightweight? Keens are so comfy. I usually do Nike flip flops in the park and buy different colors to match outfits.

Your ADR choices are great. And the date night sounds like a fantastic plan. I haven't tried any of the choices, so I can't be of help. What kind of food does Sandie like? Will she go with the choices? Wondering if free dining will be offered. I read on another thread that someone got a PIN for free QS plan for the end of August.

Have you made any room requests for YC?

The shirt your made Jeff is fantastic. It summarizes my resort/ADR decision issues

 

[All7OfUs]

Wow, a little bit of everthing in that last update...

Shoes. I guess I'm too pragmatic with a little paranoia thrown in. I want the absolute comfort of a good shoe, but freaked that if it gets uncomfy it'll break my stride. That's why I've always gone with tennies. Blisters suck, so I go with what's broken in and works. That said, I do love those shoes you've gotten! I'd love a more snazzy look for our trip, as it's "more adult". so to speak.

You guys are like us: wanting to eat on the late side. We don't want to take time out from the park hours to eat, yet, I see your dilemma on getting fireworks in too. You have a good mix of late ressies and earlier ones. I think it'll work out.

I hadn't thought of skorts. Good idea. Shorts? Not until I can get back to a gym and do something about the growing problem of cellulite!!!

Date night?? To me you guys seem like you have "mature" and well-rounded palettes. If I were choosing for you, I'd go with Jiko. Lots of out-of -the-ordinary flavor combinations and interesting things.


Love the shirt! Fabulous layout combined with catchy phrase: