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

[Debbie6221]

Good night ladies!!!!!!!!

 

[karajeboo]

Good Morning!!!!!

OK, I need a little advice. How important is it to you to follow a guide like TGM or UG who recommends which parks to visit for low crowd levels??? I'm asking because it looks like most of our days right now are set for "do NOT visit" on these days. This has never been a problem for DH and I in May, which is why we chose May for our big family trip, but now I'm getting nervouse. You don't know the hell we will go through if it's busy and we were the ones who said "May is a great time to go!" So I'm wondering if we should try TGM or UG instead. But by doing this, we don't get to MK until day 2 or 3 and SIL will be soooo mad if we do this. I'm really torn!!!!! In fact, DH and I always take advantage of EMH mornings but we know the whole family will be ticked if we make them get up that early, and if you go to a park for EMH it's only worth it if you take advantage of the early entry, ya know?

 

[Camster0307]

Good morning - cold, rainy and gloomy here today. I wish I could have slept in, but .....no, I was up half the night with an upset stomach! WTH? We made burgers and pasta salad last night; but boy was I miserable last night!

Kara - I don't usually follow TGM or UG and I KNOW I usually end up at the parks they would have advised me not to go to. I don't typically have a problem, but then again, I'm not going at a busy time either. It will be interesting to see what happens to us in June - I picked our parks based on the EMHs for most - those guys tells us to avoid the EMH parks.

That being said, I think you'll be fine with your plan. Like you said, May is terribly busy; get to the early EMH parks at rope drop and I bet you'll do fine! I think TGM & UG come in the handiest when you're there at the REALLY busy times.

 

[karajeboo]

Good Morning, Cammie! Did you mean to say that May is NOT terribly busy? I'm just worried that everyone will revolt at the idea of EMH nearly every morning. So I've revised my plan to use TGM. I think it will work, but we are doing more park hopping because we scheduled all our ADRs around EMH, thinking we'd be in those parks on those days. This is giving me ulcers!!!! I just don't want to hear any crap from DH's family. I think I'll make two schedules, and we can discuss the night they get in here.

Exactly 1 week from now we should be checking in to the resort right about now!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Kara - I think that you're going at a less crowded time than we did - and I didn't think it was bad. The one day we stayed in MK the whole day, I noticed a gross increase in crowd around 1-2 until we left at 5 - I think most rides like the Carpets and Dumbo at 45 minute waits, where we had 5-7 min waits in the am. I think too if you need to get folks to the MK on arrival day to make all happy, that is what you should do. Why not make a plan A and plan B. Let plan A be the way you always have, and if you get there and discover it is just too crowded or whatever, you whip out your plan B and go from there? That way you have your other option all planned out at home rather than trying to do it while at Disney if you Plan A really isn't working. Just a thought. Do Plan A (I think you have already done it) and then just do a "Guide" oriented Plan B.

That said, your ADRs are pretty much going to lock your day in. I can't imagine doing a lot of crazy park hopping not being stressful, especially with a large group. It might be more stessful to do that than deal with a less than ideal crowded park I don't know, I only have one little 4 day trip under my belt, but that is just where my mind would go.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Good morning - cold, rainy and gloomy here today. I wish I could have slept in, but .....no, I was up half the night with an upset stomach! WTH? We made burgers and pasta salad last night; but boy was I miserable last night!
.

Sorry you didn't feel well last night. Hope that you are feeling better today! Maybe the weather will turn around. It is cold and gloomy here. We've been in the 80's and it is 52 right now!

Good Morning, Cammie! Did you mean to say that May is NOT terribly busy? I'm just worried that everyone will revolt at the idea of EMH nearly every morning. So I've revised my plan to use TGM. I think it will work, but we are doing more park hopping because we scheduled all our ADRs around EMH, thinking we'd be in those parks on those days. This is giving me ulcers!!!! I just don't want to hear any crap from DH's family. I think I'll make two schedules, and we can discuss the night they get in here.

Exactly 1 week from now we should be checking in to the resort right about now!

One week to go Kara! Good for you. YOu actually just put a lot of what I replyed in here. I thought that was funny!

I'm watching Disney on a Dime now. Very interesting....

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I agree! That's why I don't really go over to the Community Board - I never know what I'm going to get over there! I like our little group here too!



I think so! I'll have to double-check. It would be fun to chat -- but I could see us all talking at once (like we post!)



Such a sweet story! And what a nice thing for Amy's parents to do. As the mother of a special-needs daughter, I can tell you first-hand how important it is to have your child be accepted by their peers. We've been lucky too - so many of my younger DD's friends are so sweet to her sister. They really go out of their way to interact with her. A little kindness goes a long way!

Cammie, I'm glad your DD has kids who will include her. I know it is hard to deal with the mean kids and making sure your child feels valuable. It is great that there are kids who will be kind enough to include her when they can!

 

[karajeboo]

OK, problem solved. Ijust called FIL and he watched the Travel Channel shows and now he's an "expert." He wants to do all EMH mornings, then go back when it gets crowded for a nap. He keeps talking about the kids needing breaks during the day but I think it's really for him! So he actually suggested that we all split up mid day! That way he can go back and rest with the kids if he wants to, or if the parks get crowded. But he watched the shows and agrees that we can get a lot done in the mornings. And if SIL can't get going then she can meet up with us later! Woo hoo! So I still have two plans, but looks like they want to use our original plan. So glad I made the call. It just cracks me up that he's an expert now and hasn't been in over 20 years!

OK, big weight off my shoulders now! Breathe, Kara......

AND I found out we're closing on our house in SC May 23rd so that will give us a 4 day Memorial Day weekend! Even better!!!!

So I got my shelf hung this morning, really brings this room together. Our huge wall is finally taking shape!!! So now all I have to do is pack for me and DH (probably do that mid-week) and get the house cleaned. I'll do bathrooms today and just touch up later in the week. But I've already got all the guest beds ready to go.... I'm finally able to get excited now!!!!

 

[Camster0307]

Good Morning, Cammie! Did you mean to say that May is NOT terribly busy? I'm just worried that everyone will revolt at the idea of EMH nearly every morning. So I've revised my plan to use TGM. I think it will work, but we are doing more park hopping because we scheduled all our ADRs around EMH, thinking we'd be in those parks on those days. This is giving me ulcers!!!! I just don't want to hear any crap from DH's family. I think I'll make two schedules, and we can discuss the night they get in here.

Exactly 1 week from now we should be checking in to the resort right about now!

I'm sorry! I did mean to say NOT busy! And, let them revolt if they don't like it! As long as you, DH, and DD stick to your plan - you'll be fine -- and that's all that matters, right?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Good Morning Ladies!

Kara, I think if you can get everyone to go to EMH with you, it will be fine! It's amazing how many people want to sleep in on vacation It gets crowded about noonish. That's when it gets so hot - it's really nice to take a break and swim or nap - we haven't done this until last year, and I really liked it, except for the bus thing.

Cammie - I know you and DD will be able to really "book it" without the wheelchair this time, but you might want to get there for EMH or rope drop, too - then even if you don't leave the park, you can take your time looking around, shopping, eating, etc. We went in June last year. It was crowded in the afternoon just as the weather got the hottest.

I need to go make some coffee. We are heading over to DS in the next town to get their house ready for the renters they found - DS works over here now, and we are moving all of them Memorial Day weekend. I just feel bad for DDIL - she has a great clinic over there - she'll be commuting 2 days a week for awhile - dental hygenest - they only give her two days a week. She's going to be teaching at the college here one day a week. Anyway commutinig would be okay if we had a freeway, but it's a dangerous highway through the mountains. I don't like it.

On a positive note, my grandbaby will be back within reach - if they let me see him ever.....

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I'm looking all over for these stupid pacifiers. I have called all the major places, and looked personally at several. Now I'm down to calling supermarkets and drug stores. So I call Kroger. Ours here is really bad - and I get a nice lady who you can tell doesn't know, but just says yes they have them, so I'm sure I'm making a wasted trip there. I sware, I might just channel my inner Cammie and go to the lady and tell her nope they weren't if they aren't to her face. I hate people like that. Just tell me I don't know and I don't have time to look - that I can deal with just fine.

So that is my quest today. I think it will be a good one. I hate to order them off the internet. We've tried all the other ones, and so far nothing!

And as far as touring - you know, the more I think of it, next time we will spend two days or mornings at MK I think. One will be "timing" oriented to get the attractions done, but I want one just at our pace soaking it in. I think that is important. Wouldn't it be amazing to have one of those personalized Tour Guides to go around doing your stuff for your! That would be amazing! It would be like having someone with you who ACTUALLY LISTENED TO YOU!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Jiko looks so nice! I would love to do that Sunset Safari (which reminds me I should hate Debbie right now. Just Kidding!)

 

[Camster0307]

Good Morning Ladies!

Cammie - I know you and DD will be able to really "book it" without the wheelchair this time, but you might want to get there for EMH or rope drop, too - then even if you don't leave the park, you can take your time looking around, shopping, eating, etc. We went in June last year. It was crowded in the afternoon just as the weather got the hottest.

That's what I'm thinking too. I'm DETERMINED to do a rope drop at MK at least once this trip (have never done before); and our check-in day is late EMH at MK - we'll be there until 2am! I don't really have a game plan besides that. When I have older DD, it's a necessity to go back to the room for a little break every afternoon; with just younger DD, I'm thinking it may be fun to just stay out all day and park hop if when place gets too crowded. But, then on the other hand, I do want more than just my one scheduled pool day - so it may be nice to take that afternoon pool break. Oh.... what to do, what to do! I think, like Renee suggested, I'll have plan A and then plan B.

I'm looking all over for these stupid pacifiers. I have called all the major places, and looked personally at several. Now I'm down to calling supermarkets and drug stores. So I call Kroger. Ours here is really bad - and I get a nice lady who you can tell doesn't know, but just says yes they have them, so I'm sure I'm making a wasted trip there. I sware, I might just channel my inner Cammie and go to the lady and tell her nope they weren't if they aren't to her face. I hate people like that. Just tell me I don't know and I don't have time to look - that I can deal with just fine.

So that is my quest today. I think it will be a good one. I hate to order them off the internet. We've tried all the other ones, and so far nothing!

You go, girl! Take out those mama claws!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Renee, I tried to send you the website with the safe products pictured, and then my post didn't go through, and I forgot later. If you want me to find it I can look later - it was on aol the other day.

Well, I'd better go get ready - I'll PM you before I leave.

 

[soontobewed07]

YUCKY SUNDAY The weather is the same as cammie rainy and blah. I miss Disney World. How is everyone?

I have been going thru DIS withdrawal so much to do so little time. We have been getting the yard and house together.

Kara- We loosely follow TGM. We DO always go back in the afternoon for a swim or a nap or both then we go to dinner and out to the parks.

We will do the same this time. I will plan all of our meals for 5pm then we will be able to hit the parks after.

 

[karajeboo]

Thank you ladies! I'm following a little bit of everyone's advice here. This will be stressful to say the least!

Off to the pool with DD for awhile. I'll check back in later!

 

[CRdisMom]

Laura - okay, I keep reading about the tax stuff, and went to IRS tax code (which are clear as mud!) and I keep coming up with the same thing. I read it as you have to get above the standard deduction by itemizing in order to see any value. What do you think? It seems like we always submit our mortgage interest, prop tax, and donations, but always end up still claiming the standard donation, so I'm assuming we don't get above. I need to find our tax return and look at it to see. I'm pretty sure we did a long form.

I copied this in from
http://biz.yahoo.com/brn/080408/504.html?.v=1
_______________
So how do you know whether you should itemize or claim the standard deduction? Start by finding out which standard deduction amount applies to you.

It depends on your filing status:
$10,700 for married couples who file joint returns.

If you have enough deductions -- for example, your donations plus mortgage interest plus real estate taxes -- to exceed the standard amount, it generally makes good tax sense to itemize.

Yes this is exactly correct. We happen to have enough mortgage interest to make itemizing worth it. Did HR Block look at all that stuff for you? I'm sorry. I was hoping that it would work out for you.

 

[CRdisMom]

Thank you ladies! I'm following a little bit of everyone's advice here. This will be stressful to say the least!

Off to the pool with DD for awhile. I'll check back in later!

Oh just rub it in.

Still cold here. Kara your discussion of the parks has made me second guess my choices. We are pretty much avoiding the EMH, although I have early AM breakfast ressies. I just need to let things be. I have a park hopper pass if we change our minds during the day.

We are going to stop and pick up some supplies before we hit WDW. Which is the best store to hit on the way from the airport?

Loved the story about Amy and her friends. That is a great way to reward the kids for doing the right thing. Isn't it kind of sad that we have to reward kids for doing the right thing.

Work is crazy!!! we got new phones today.

 

[Camster0307]

Oh just rub it in.

Still cold here. Kara your discussion of the parks has made me second guess my choices. We are pretty much avoiding the EMH, although I have early AM breakfast ressies. I just need to let things be. I have a park hopper pass if we change our minds during the day.

We are going to stop and pick up some supplies before we hit WDW. Which is the best store to hit on the way from the airport?

Loved the story about Amy and her friends. That is a great way to reward the kids for doing the right thing. Isn't it kind of sad that we have to reward kids for doing the right thing.

Work is crazy!!! we got new phones today.

Laura - I don't usually stop anywhere, but I've read enough on these boards to maybe point you in the right direction. I know there is a Super Walmart somewhere in the area that many people go to; there's also a pretty big chain supermarket - I just can't think of the name right now. What I can tell you NOT to do is: don't go to the shopping plaza just outside the gate. There's a supermarket calling "Goodings" in there - very nice but VERY expensive! There's also Hess mini-marts on property (one right by DTD) that is good for basic essentials.

 

[Camster0307]

I still feel so lousy - my stomach is killing me! I can't figure out what did this to me: could have been dinner last nite or maybe it's just the giant ulcer I have eating away at my insides that's acting up again. Older DD has really been giving me a hard time since she's been back home - alot of work with her these past few days. It's stressing me out! What stinks is that when I'm stressed, I usually like to eat, but because of the stomache, the only thing I can keep down is crackers and water.

So not a fun day here!