Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts too........ Part 2

[MAGICFOR2]

SO...

How many toys do you guys have? We have a play room that is devoted to toys. Right now you can barely walk up here. I'm aobut to weed them out AGAIN, but every time i do I feel like DS doesn't have "enough".

Right now, he has All (and I do mean all) the planet hero gear, the castle and pirate ship by Fisher Price, All the die cast Cars, the ninja turtles and their bus and an imaginext train that he plays with. I think that he is overwhelmed too. How could he not be?

Is there a good round about number that encourages play but not overwhelming?

We have a den that is devoted to toys....stepped on 5 last night on my way to get a pillow of that couch. We also seem to have a living room devoted to toys... I think they threw away half the toys when they moved in - then we had Christmas and DGSs birthday. I have seen some moms put some of the toys away in big bins, then switch them every 3 months and the kids feel like you're bringing out new toys! I've never been that organized!

Oh, Cammie. I just lack the guts to tell her that to her face. There is NO WAY she will go. This woman will not pay more than $50 a night to stay somewhere. She isn't going to shell out $2k for a trip. No way. And us paying for her is an offer that expired.

When we got preg with DD, she told us that she would never watch them both at the same - so she'd never help us out at Disney. I'm shocked she is going to watch them for us to go away overnight. I'm very appreciative of that, but I hate when she promises DS things in front of him that she doesn't do. Now when we go to Disney, he will bring up why Nana isn't there. I just don't understand why anyone would want to do that kind of stuff to a kid.

My MIL does that kind of stuff, too. Wants the attention and wants to feel good at the moment -doesn't think about the consequences.

Oh and Cammie - on your booze it up anytime comment...
I fully plan to take advantage of the Monorail and be enjoying a trip around Epcot for some adult beverages. I might even make it a point to take a picture with Belle with my drink behind the stroller. Maybe that will become a new Thread tradition!

Although, the other night, everyone knows that practically after not drinking for the past 5 years, I was good and lit after one half of a glass. Can you say Cheap Date?

 

[tttessa]

Hiya girls - have updated my signature with the trippie reference.... and have done AK and a bit of Epcot now.....

Anyhow - the toys thing , I can totally relate!! - we have TONS of them and a very small house.... sort of 2 double bedrooms and a single one, and one room downstairs + kitchen - so have NO storage at all - need to keep on top of it all - I'm thinking of a false ceiling or something -just need somewhere to stuff them all... but I do sell quite a lot of the lightweight and less bulky stuff on ebay - the heavy or bulky stuff gets given to friends or the local charity shop. We don't really have the garage sale thing over here (yet.... give it time....)

We have car boot sales - you take your stuff to a field (ok sales ground) set up a table and sell it - the effort always seems to outweigh the benefit to me....

Am feeling post holiday blues now, just a bit low, looking forward to getting my hair coloured again - your Florida sunshine really strips and fades the hair colour, how do you manage over there - not suggesting you are all going grey of course - but I know some use the dye bottle..... Am going out Friday - me, going out - I don't "do" going out.... just a few school mums for a pizza - hope it turns out fun.... of course, I have NOTHING to wear (as I don't "do" going out)

Anyhow -have to go get ready for work -have found I love supervising the kids at lunchtime, so may look into expanding work hours - maybe training to be a classroom assistant or something...

Tessa

 

[karajeboo]

Wow! So many comments to make. Debbie, don't worry, I'm all over yours!!!! Cammie and I may just have to grab the double bopper and attach you with it!!!!

Now the booze fest that Kara is going to, that might be an incentive!

I think I'm starting to get a complex!!!

SO, based on that, she was offering DS for them to go, and us to pay. I told her that they were welcome to join us. That our stay at the Poly would be about $2100 and they should only have to pay a little less than that. Her eyes got huge when she heard we weren't paying for them. I bet that stopped that idea! Am I wrong here?

NO you are totally on target - you made the invitation for them to join you but you should not feel obligated AT ALL to help with money!!!! If they want to come, great! Just take anything they offer to help with the kids. But otherwise, don't feel guilty, just take your family, go and have a great time. Have you ever sat down over coffee, or a glass of wine, or lunch just the two of you and seriously discussed your issue of her always making promises and backing out? Maybe she does it because it makes her feel more important and if she realized the damage that she causes (that she never sees), she would understand?

Oh I love all the stuff you mentioned! We will be doing FANTASMIC this time at DHS. Have never done it yet. We are eating at Mama Melrosa's with perfered seating this time too.

Love Mama's - we're doing it again this time!

We usually eat in Japan when we go to Epcot but have also done Coral Reef and Garden Grill (fun!).

Have you ever tried Marakkesh??? FUN!!! And so is San Angel Inn! This time we're trying Le Cellier - heard nothing but great reviews on the food! Yummmm!

My kids are little still so I think they will appreciate Epcot more each time they are a little older. Have to say..I love it but not up at the top yet. I dare to say this and send your head spinning Cammie but the countries bore me a bit at this point

SAY IT AIN'T SOOOOO!!!! I may have to find another thread with a SENSIBLE leader!!!!

.

Okay after hearing your stories from DHS, I'm re-thinking my plan of attack. I found out that my friends need us in Palm Beach at 4:30 pm. So that will have us leaving WDW by 1:30 ( okay really 2 but on my time it needs to be 1:30 to make it by 2 ) I am really torn if I want to try and cram DHS in that AM. DD wants to ride ToT and DH wants to do StarWars and I kind of want to do RR. Those are the 3 things I really want to do. Should we skip it this time and when we come back (hopefully soon) hit the park then? Or go back to MK or Epcot. Or let us decide while we are there. I hate that our time is so crunched. I knew that this would be an issue because I was trying to do too much.

I love DHS!!! Not so much on our first visit, but when we went last time, DH and I were like, "now why did we enjoy this so much more this time?" It's definitely a relaxing park with all the shows. But you don't have to love the thrill rides to enjoy it. Laura, your girls would love Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast there. Plus there are other shows, and the street performers pop up everywhere, it's a fun park, I would try to catch it if you can.

Ok - give me a moment - I need to calm down!

OK - cue the start of my Epcot commercial...........

The countries bore you? OMG! When you get to Epcot, get the time chart and catch the shows that are happening at each country. China - child acrobats; UK - Beatles cover band; France - living statues; Morocco - Mo'Rockin band; Canada - Off Kilter(FABULOUS!), etc., etc.,etc. The kids would love making their masks at the Kidcot stations; the candy lady and pick-a-pearl in Japan - so fun. And the characters? Pooh & friends in the UK toy store (also Alice and Mary Poppins); Mulan in China; Belle, Marie, & Aurora in France; Snow White & Dopey in Germany; Brother Bear in Canada. And the food ........ and the alcohol. I could give you something in each country that's a must-do to try. And, then end your night with Illuminations. I cry every freakin' time!

First the crazy smilies, now this!!! What is next from Debbie!!!!!

Need I go on? Get thyself to Epcot woman!

Hiya girls - have updated my signature with the trippie reference.... and have done AK and a bit of Epcot now.....

Am feeling post holiday blues now, just a bit low, looking forward to getting my hair coloured again - your Florida sunshine really strips and fades the hair colour, how do you manage over there - not suggesting you are all going grey of course - but I know some use the dye bottle..... Am going out Friday - me, going out - I don't "do" going out.... just a few school mums for a pizza - hope it turns out fun.... of course, I have NOTHING to wear (as I don't "do" going out)

Anyhow -have to go get ready for work -have found I love supervising the kids at lunchtime, so may look into expanding work hours - maybe training to be a classroom assistant or something...

Tessa

Tessa, I know how you feel, but once you start getting your scrapbook together, getting the pics all organized, the fun starts all over again! I'll go check out your TR update!!!

 

[Camster0307]

Good morning! Another beautiful day here. Dare I say, I think spring is here to stay!

I'm getting my hair cut, colored, & hilighted today - too much grey is starting to show! I love getting my hair done - so relaxing!

Kara - I agree with you about DHS. It is a very relaxing park. After running around the other parks, getting on & off rides, it's nice to just sit and be entertained. And our DHS day is always the day we sleep in a little - don't feel the need to rush in early.

You're going to love LeCellier - it's a must-do for us every trip! My DD loves the pretzel bread and the S'mores dessert; me - I love everything! My girls and I also really enjoy San Angel Inn. Can't say it's one of the best meals, but I love the atmosphere in there. Have you ever eaten at Le Chefs de France? DD and I are trying it for the first time in June. I can't wait! There are alot of yummy pictures of food from there posted on the food porn thread. Really looking forward to it!

 

[karajeboo]

Never eaten in France before but it's on our list for September!!!! I wanna eat at every restaurant in WS! We've had sushi apps in Japan, so we still have China, France, Italy, and UK to try. We may eat at France and Italy on the next trip. No ADRs yet, except for Flying Fish - that one will be the night we arrive, out of pocket, so we can save our dining plan meals for Epcot! What sane person could NOT love Epcot? Especially a sane person who likes to eat???

 

[Camster0307]

Actually, with our ADR in France for this June, we will have eaten at every restaurant in WS! I just realized this!

China was just ok - like the Chinese food I get at home better. We love Japan - were doing it every year but decided to take a break. I also love Rose & Crown - get the fish & chips; and I think they have one of the friendliest waitstaffs in Epcot! I haven't eaten in Italy since they changed restaurants (and if I remember correctly, this one they have now is only here for a little while longer), but was never impressed with it. I mean, how can you screw up pasta? The old place had the best fettuccine alfredo, but everything else was blah! And we never got good service there. I gave it three chances and then I swore never again. Maybe I'll have to check out the new place some day, although I hear it's quite expensive. We haven't been to Morocco since the girls were younger so I'd like to get back there again also.

 

[karajeboo]

I'm having a hard time justifying Chinese food in WS when, like you said, you can get it at home! Is the atmosphere pretty cool though? I would guess it would have to be - it's Disney! And DH doesn't have a desire to eat at UK (sorry, Tessa and Erin) because he is afraid of kidney pie or some of the other thing! But we love the fish and chips at the little counter service place!

 

[Camster0307]

I'm having a hard time justifying Chinese food in WS when, like you said, you can get it at home! Is the atmosphere pretty cool though? I would guess it would have to be - it's Disney! And DH doesn't have a desire to eat at UK (sorry, Tessa and Erin) because he is afraid of kidney pie or some of the other thing! But we love the fish and chips at the little counter service place!

You know, that's exactly what I thought going in, but then was completely unimpressed with the atmosphere. It's just one giant dining room. Don't get me wrong, the food is ok - just nothing you haven't seen before. And if I remember correctly, a very limited menu.

At Rose & Crown, you can get the same fish & chips at TS that is served at the CS - I'm embarassed to say, it's what I get every year. Have yet to try a different menu item because I love those so much! At the least, go for the beer!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Okay after hearing your stories from DHS, I'm re-thinking my plan of attack.

I don't know. Is it your first time going? It got a little hectic for me leaving at 1 pm. I felt like I had to rush to make the PHD at 10:30 (NOW, some days there is a 9:30 show which would make it so much better. So we got there at 9 to hurry up and wait until 10:30. It was cold too, so for some reason there weren't any characters around until about 9:30 I think. We were told to start getting in line for PHD about 30 min early. (DON'T, get there about 10 minutes prior and sit close to the line in the back and let her stand). Didn't do LM, we went thru the animation show, cute & quick. It is beside PHD. Mickey is in the back - and the line was TINY! Also the incredibles when were were there. Then we went & tried to get in several Char lines, all of which were closing down at noon, so the lines were being cut off at 11:30 I think. We made Mater's greet at 12, the line was too long for Buzz, we ate at Pizza Planet, and that was it. I agree there are lots of characters there, but if you catch the morning shows, it will make it hard to do both. IMHO, we did MK twice. The second day there was a little more relaxed since everything we wanted to do was done. I might do that and save a whole day for DHS the first time. I know I will next time - just for the Char greets alone. HOWEVER, I will defiantely favor going to Epcot over DHS - but that is mostly because at 4, DHS was tough for DS. He had all this energy and there was no way he was going to sit around and watch shows. You DD is 6 though, it might be fine. . Leaving at 1 was tough though. I didn't want to - I wanted to be able to slow down and catch a few Char.

Thanks everyone for the support about DM. Kara, Unfortunatly, she is the type that would pour the coffee on you and walk out. My personality is completely opposite of her. It is sad, but I could never take her out and have such a honest, civil conversation with her. It would be such a show. Isn't that sad. Good thought though, and if I had a 'normal' mom, it would be the perfect thing to do. Once as a teenager I told her how much it hurt me to want me to move each year. From 5-8 grade I moved at least once a year. She got mad at me and didn't talk to me for over 3 months. That is why I just let things slide. Poor DFIL, she gets mad at him and will walk around the house not talking (I mean not a WORD) for WEEKS.

Okay ladies. Off to the zoo today. It should be 82 here, so nice nice nice. Our zoo is small. DH always asks how seeing the dog and cats went... But it is nice, AND it is DDs first trip. FUN! IF I can find my member card... where did that thing go?

 

[soontobewed07]

I'm having a hard time justifying Chinese food in WS when, like you said, you can get it at home! Is the atmosphere pretty cool though? I would guess it would have to be - it's Disney! And DH doesn't have a desire to eat at UK (sorry, Tessa and Erin) because he is afraid of kidney pie or some of the other thing! But we love the fish and chips at the little counter service place!

We never eat at UK either I figure I can get fish and chips at the stand (we love it) I don't want to use up a TS here I we usually don't eat BF on this day and get F&C as a snack before a late lunch. I have eaten in China not impressed. We will try Le Cellier on this next trip.

How is everyone this AM?

 

[karajeboo]

At the least, go for the beer!

See? Now I'm getting a complex again!

Thanks everyone for the support about DM. Kara, Unfortunatly, she is the type that would pour the coffee on you and walk out. My personality is completely opposite of her. It is sad, but I could never take her out and have such a honest, civil conversation with her. It would be such a show. Isn't that sad. Good thought though, and if I had a 'normal' mom, it would be the perfect thing to do. Once as a teenager I told her how much it hurt me to want me to move each year. From 5-8 grade I moved at least once a year. She got mad at me and didn't talk to me for over 3 months. That is why I just let things slide. Poor DFIL, she gets mad at him and will walk around the house not talking (I mean not a WORD) for WEEKS.

Okay ladies. Off to the zoo today. It should be 82 here, so nice nice nice. Our zoo is small. DH always asks how seeing the dog and cats went... But it is nice, AND it is DDs first trip. FUN! IF I can find my member card... where did that thing go?

OK, let's just suffice it to say - to heck with it! As for the zoo, our zoo back in SC was that way. It was really small but very shady and actually a nice little place to spend 10 mintues . Have fun!!!!

We never eat at UK either I figure I can get fish and chips at the stand (we love it) I don't want to use up a TS here I we usually don't eat BF on this day and get F&C as a snack before a late lunch. I have eaten in China not impressed. We will try Le Cellier on this next trip.

How is everyone this AM?

Hey Jillian! I'll let you know how Le Cellier is this trip! I'm really looking forward to it - but the only ADR we could get was for 4:00 that day - maybe I'll save my CS credit and just do a snack that day. Never done dining plan before so this should be quite an experience. DH made fun of me for getting the little DDP cards made up from the DISign board, but I'll need it to keep track!!!!

I've got the bug man coming today - yea!!!! Who knew the highlight of my day would be the bug man??? And a painter this afternoon to quote me on the family room and stairs. Now that I got my foyer painted, I love it and want the rest of it done NOW! I don't have much patience once I get an idea in my head.....

 

[karajeboo]

Does anyone know where to find the link for the best parks on particular days? I'm rethinking some of my strategy now for traveling around with a large group. We usually do all morning EMHs but don't know if the rest of the group will be up for that.

 

[CRdisMom]

just checking in and saying hi. I feel so bad I don't remember all the food that was at Epcot. We were there during F&W so everything is a bit hazzy. The wine was great from each country though. This time we'll be more aware of what is going on.

I think I am going to let DHS be and just play it by ear. That is going to be tough to do

Here is one more concern. I know that the dining credits tie back to your room. When is the last day you can use your credits, is it the day you check out or is it the last night you are staying. Does that make sense? We are staying 4 nights but have 5 days in the parks.

 

[karajeboo]

Oh, that is a good question.... I thought it was based on the number of nights, so in your case 4 TS, 4 CS, and 4 snacks. Can't they be used any of the 5 days that surround those 4 nights???

 

[CRdisMom]

I think I am going to throw that up on families board and see what I hear back. I know we will have 12 meals and 24 snacks because we are on the deluxe plan. 3 meals a day and 2 snacks. There goes any hope of weight loss

 

[CRdisMom]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1800636

Here's the thread I started on when you can use dining plan credits. I am bundle of nerves and I have a week and half to go....

 

[karajeboo]

Well, that answered that, huh? Quick responses!!! I have begun packing, finally - did you see where DH is going to be out of town the two nights prior to his family arriving? He is getting back in to town the same day as his whole clan!!! And then we leave the next day! Actually, like he said, the house will stay cleaner that way (Amen!) and I will probably be LESS stressed cause I can get it all together MY way (the RIGHT way! ).

 

[karajeboo]

Where is everyone today??? I see you lurking, Debbie!

 

[Debbie6221]

Hi Girls...Just a fly by.......
GOT TA CLEAN!!!!! No excuses today!

Have a good one!!!!
All this talk of food is making me hungry!

 

[Debbie6221]

Oh I see you too Kara!!!