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

[tttessa]

Hiya -
what is with us lately - first all the kids were ill, now it's the dogs....
I do feel for you all - but we do have a less "sentimental" view generally over here - something to do with dogs having traditionally been working dogs rather than pets I think..... but good luck...

Am loving the trippie stuff, sooo good to read about other's trips when you are getting revved up ready for your own!!!

Just a quick fly by - got to do some housework this week...

Tessa

 

[Camster0307]

The best place to test them out is on the tech support thread (I think!) where there is actually a "test" thread. ARe you talking about the tickers? Basically, I just try to make sure there is at the beginning and end of whatever I want there. I'm not much of a techie, so maybe someone else can offer more advice![/QUOTE]

I can't figure out how to put 2 tickers, side by side. How do you guys get your siggy info to stretch out across the whole post width?

 

[Camster0307]

Renee - Regarding the evening EMH: I think those parks are definitely very crowded on those days; the only benefit, for us, is that we usually stay until the very end - the crowds really start to lighten up as the night goes on. For example: we usually always do the Epcot evening EMH w/ a late closing of midnight(it's our fave park!); it's usually packed between the hours of 7-10pm; after that, the place really seems to clear out. Between 11-12, it's a walk-on for everything.

I've had friends do the late EMH at MK - when it's open until 2am. They said it's fantastic - hardly anyone left in the park. My daughter & I are looking forward to attempting that when we go in June. Can you imagine - being in Magic Kingdom at 2 in the morning? FUN!

As far as DTD - we make it a point of going every trip. We have our favorite restaurant and shops we like to visit and it's a nice break from the parks. But, if I was pressed for time, I wouldn't bend over backwards to get there.

Jillian - Thanks for the heads-up regarding the Burlington Disney store. Unfortunately, with the weather being what it is today, I'll be avoiding the highways! Anyway, today is my DD's birthday - she's 12! I'm kind of "shopped-out"; besides she's not wearing much from the Disney stores these days It's all Abercrombie, Hollister, and American Eagle. They grow up way too fast!

Have a good day all - stay dry!

 

[karajeboo]

I can't figure out how to put 2 tickers, side by side. How do you guys get your siggy info to stretch out across the whole post width?

Someone on this thread told me to make sure there is no space between the ending and then the beginning [img] of the second ticker. For some reason, there is no space, but the second ticker jumps down a line when I paste it, but then it shows up on the same line. Does that even make sense? I'm talking in circles this am!

Renee - I've never done evening EMH so I'm no help at all. But we ALWAYS do morning EMH and sometimes stay all day. We have always gone in May so even a "crowded" day is not bad and if we've hit all the major attractions early, we just meander the rest of the day, or maybe hop to another park. Our plans totally revolve around EMH and fireworks/evening parade schedules. Then we make our ADRs. And like others have said, just take advantage of FP and you'll be fine! As for DTD, for your first trip down, I wouldn't worry about it. Yes, it's nice, but it's not something that will haunt you if you don't go.

Dog is having another bad day already so I'm getting ready to call the vet. I keep putting it off thinking she's gonna tell me that this is "it." I'm hoping she can just give me some medicine for her. It's just stressing me out bigtime because I can't keep steam cleaning like this! A) I'm supposed to be working, and B) it's killing my carpet! DD even got mad at the dog this morning, when I asked her why SHE was upset (heaven knows she's not cleaning up the messes!), she said because when the dogs act up it puts me in a bad mood and I yell at HER! I felt so bad! But she's right! I feel so selfish when I worry about the carpet, but if Bella were a young dog, I'd probably think about dialysis or whatever she needed. But she's 14 so we're not going to prolong the inevitable. OK, here goes the call to the vet.....

wish me luck!

 

[soontobewed07]

Oh Kara I am so sorry to hear about your dog I wish all the luck in the world. These darn pets the are just like your babies. Badookie is a nickname my step father gave my son. Now we all call him Badookie He answers to it so I guess it's okay.

Renee I will try to remember to take pictures on this trip I love the food porn thread so I would love to try to write my on report.

Cammie I know what you mean about teenagers my sister just turned 13 and she will only shop in AE or Hollister we may get away with aeropostale once in a while and oh the attitude.

 

[Camster0307]

Kara - So sorry to hear about your dog. Good luck with the vet - hope you hear something positive.

(BTW-figured out how to put side-by-side tickers!)

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Cammie - that is just what I needed to hear about the EMH to make up my mind. We really won't in my mind do them. I think little man would just be better off doing the mornings. I hate we only have morning EMH one day we are there! AK opens at 8 one morning, but UG says you are better off doing a different park than that one bc it is more crowded and not really worth it. SO... my present plan is to avoid EMH parks. We will see.

One thing too since Epcot is your fav park. Is it okay to skip with a 4 yr old? I thought maybe we should try to eat there (GG) and do Nemo, but since we're on such a tight schedule I dont' want things to get to hectic.

Kara - Thinking about you, Bella, and family. Hope today turns out okay. Just remember, 14 years is a good long life for a puppy!

You mentioned parades.... SO what 3 parades would be your picks and what two specifially. I was thinking I have to pick between the block party bash and AK one. Suggestions? We aren't doing Fantasmic, as I think DS would have a FIT. He gets really nervous about scary things and we have yet to watch a Disney movie without "MOMMY TURN IT OFF" coming out. He won't even attempt Lion King again. Cars is it and it took like 15 times with him wrapped around my head hiding to get through the "frank" part. Some day, that will be used as blackmail! The only fireworks I was thinking of catching is Wishes.

Everyone, you have REALLY been so great. I can't tell you how much better I feel having fellow OCDish people helping! Ha..

Any suggestions, feel free... I'm clueless!

 

[karajeboo]

Kara - So sorry to hear about your dog. Good luck with the vet - hope you hear something positive.

(BTW-figured out how to put side-by-side tickers!)

Cammie - Yea! And by seeing your new ticker, as you can tell I "stole" that idea and changed mine - but only one from that website at a time, huh?

The vet thinks Bella has a stress induced tummy bug from being kenneled over the weekend. One barf (sorry for the visual!) this morning and she's been fine since. Whew! Thank you everyone for the sweet thoughts!

One thing too since Epcot is your fav park. Is it okay to skip with a 4 yr old? I thought maybe we should try to eat there (GG) and do Nemo, but since we're on such a tight schedule I dont' want things to get to hectic....
You mentioned parades.... SO what 3 parades would be your picks and what two specifially. I was thinking I have to pick between the block party bash and AK one. Suggestions?.... The only fireworks I was thinking of catching is Wishes.

Renee - Epcot is my fave too, and I can't miss Illuminations at night! As for parades, do not miss Spectromagic at MK and of course Wishes right after. We skipped Fantasmic last trip but will try to catch this time - it is a little intense so if you're not sure about DS, I think I'd skip it if I were you. I haven't seen the new block party bash, and we've actually never seen Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade at AK, so I'm no help there, but you have to see the afternoon parade at MK - basically, do not pass go, do not collect $200 until you see it all at MK - !!!! Especially with a little one!

Could you skip Epcot? Sure, but I'd recommend either skip it completely, or at least spend 1/2 a day there. I wouldn't go just for Nemo and GG for a character meal. Then you'll see something else to check out, and you'll feel very rushed trying to get back out in time to make another ADR or catch something else. Maybe spend one evening at Epcot to catch Illuminations? Do you have an early dinner ADR one night and you could head to Epcot after that for 4 or 5 hours? That way you could catch a couple of attractions in Future World and then wander WS before Illuminations begins.

We just added Garden Grill to our ADRs for lunch the day we arrive. It was DH's idea, since we all have one TS credit left and we were saving it for the first night at dinner at DTD or something. But now we totally changed our plans for the week, and we thought that instead of MK the minute we arrive, we'll do Epcot, and surprise everyone with a character lunch right away. I was surprised that I could still get the ADR less than 2 months out but it was no problem.

I've never posted my itinerary before but I think I might just do it this time. I'd like some feedback from you!

Renee, one thing I have learned is to just relax and have fun. I guarantee you that SOMETHING will go "wrong." But it will be so small in the big scheme of things. Just don't run yourself ragged. It will be an awesome vacation!!!!

 

[Camster0307]

Ok - I'm posting alot today and it's only 1pm! I really do have a life; just that my younger DD had early release today - dismissed at 10:45am. Really - why bother going in at all?

Renee - re:Epcot. This is totally my BIASED opinion because my girls and I love, love, love Epcot! They're older now (13 & 12) but they have loved it since they were little. We spend more time in WS than FW, though. Don't know if a 4yr.old would like WS but I will say you can find alot of characters out over there: Aladdin & Genie in Morrocco; Pooh & Friends in UK; Snow White & Dopey in Germany; Belle or Aurora in France; Mulan in China; Brother Bear characters in Canada. There are also Kidcop spots in each country where kids can color and decorate masks and, as they visit each country, get a cut-out to add to their mask. Germany and Japan have fun restaurants for kids.

As for FW, I'm not as knowledgable. We do love the Nemo ride; Turtle Talk; and Soarin'. Your DS might enjoy it though because I believe they have plenty of "hands-on" exhibits. There's an attraction where kids can build and keep their own robot; the Imagination ride has an interactive section at the end - can play with the computers, pictures. We usually spend about 20 minutes in that alone.

Like I said, I'm biased, but we spend at least one day and then 3-4 nights at Epcot. It helps that we usually stay at the BW, so it makes it one of the easiest parks for us to get to.

 

[Camster0307]

I forgot to add my two cents about the parades. Our least favorite - the one in AK. Kind of boring, IMO. Since the DHS parade is brand new, you MUST catch that one and report the details when you get back. And, I agree with Kara also, the MK has to be seen at least once!(although having been to WDW every year now for the past 8yrs., that parade needs to be changed! )

 

[karajeboo]

OK, let's here your critiques! I colored by day and bolded those things which are either "must do" activities, or ADRs.

Day 1 - Sunday, May 4th
6:00-7:00am Leave Jacksonville – Arrive Pop Century btwn 9-9:30
10:00am - Check in and be on a bus to Epcot by 10am! Woo hoo!
Spend the morning in Future World
12:40pm - Lunch– Garden Grill with Chip/Dale/Mickey/Pluto (surprise ADR for the whole family!)
2:00pm - After lunch head back to Pop to check into room and relax.
5:00pm – Head to MK
C/S for dinner
9:00pm – Spectromagic
10:00pm – Wishes

Day 2 – Monday, May 5th
8:00am – AK for EMH
C/S for lunch
4:00pm – Jammin Jungle Parade
5:10pm – Whispering Canyon Café
Early night for those who want to rest.

Day 3 – Tuesday, May 6th
8:05am – Arrive BBB at MK (rest of group arrive Epcot for EMH)
9:30am – Join group at Epcot
11:00 – World Showcase as soon as it opens
1:00pm – Lunch Princess Storybook – Akershus
Back to Future World
5:40pm – Dinner at Coral Reef
9:00pm – Illuminations

Day 4 – Wednesday, May 7th
9:00am – Arrive Hollywood Studios (MGM) (some in group have BF at Chef Mickey’s @ 8:15)
1:00pm - After lunch head to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.
4:00pm – Back to resort to shower/change
5:00pm – Back to DHS
7:40pm – Dinner at Mama Melrose
9:00pm – Fantasmic

Day 5 – Thursday, May 8th
8:00am – Arrive MK for EMH
Lunch – C/S
3:00pm – Dreams Come True Parade (????)
Hop to Epcot
4:00pm – Dinner at Le Cellier
Head back to resort early for pool time or group split up

Day 6 – Friday, May 9th
No Plans!!!
If we can’t see Dreams Come True Parade on Thursday, then we’ll make sure we see it today. Probably spend morning at DHS and catch whatever we missed on Wednesday, then head to MK for afternoon.
5:00pm – Hoop Dee Doo Review
Early night after that.

Day 7 – Saturday, May 10thCheck out of resort and stay in parks until 4:00 or so. Head back to Jacksonville and arrive between 7-8pm.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Okay, now I get it... this nice thing is just a ploy. All you gals want is a good report on the new parade!!! Just kidding. Yeah, I'm thinking that parade wins out in my mind too. If Buzz is there, DS is so IN!

I've been reading a lot (I know you all all shocked) about taking them right into MK when you get there. In our case, I'm planning on it. To me, I guess that is Disney - so that is why I wanted to start there. People are describing nothing short of mutany when you go to another park the next day. Okay, I'm thinking this isn't going to be a big deal - but am I wrong?

Kara - Tummy upset! Whew! Glad to hear! The vet can give you canned Hill's ID. It is a prescription intestinal diet that helps for a couple of days. That always worked well for us. Hope that things settle down there for everyone soon. I can relate on the yelling thing. I catch myself doing that too. I think that is a mom thing. All we can do is try to be our best and realize we are human!

Off to sort laundry - the fun never ends here!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

My mind somedays... I was logging on originally to ask if you gals did the DDP. I have the basic one now, but a CM recommended I look into the plus one. My SIL who went there as a single adult said the DDP+ would be way too much food, to stick with the cheapy one. If so, we'd be paying for 2-3 char meals out of pocket - unless we cut back some.

 

[karajeboo]

Okay, now I get it... this nice thing is just a ploy. All you gals want is a good report on the new parade!!! ......I've been reading a lot (I know you all all shocked) about taking them right into MK when you get there. In our case, I'm planning on it. To me, I guess that is Disney - so that is why I wanted to start there. People are describing nothing short of mutany when you go to another park the next day. Okay, I'm thinking this isn't going to be a big deal - but am I wrong?/QUOTE]

Yeah, the niceness wears off pretty quick, huh? But we DOOOO want a report!

Yes, I'm not doing any work today, except around the house, but I have to leave my computer up, so I always keep the DIS on one screen. My husband says I'm pathetic.

We were going to do MK right away, too, but the nephew is 4 and a wee bit, how shall we say it? Ummm, let's see, a spoiled brat? Does that explain it? So we decided on Epcot first. Once he gets in MK, he may throw a huge fit when we leave, so we need to bide our time. One time we had family pictures and he found a firetruck prop and couldn't be pulled away from it without screaming (he was in his terrible 2's then) so we couldn't have pics taken that day. Not good at all. But you know your child better than anyone.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Brat, no (OF COURSE NOT! ) headstrong, oh you bet! Since I've got the APS for 8 at CP our second full day, I've had a problem thinking I should wait to let him be in awe over seeing it for the first day - then again, what am I saying. We can probably be at the park on arrival day by 1 pm, so we could probably get some things in and then do dinner, and then turn in. If we go to AK that next day and then hop to DHS, he should be fine. I forgot I had the "Lightening" bribe in my back pocket and I am SO not beneath using that bribe either! Ha ha.

Kara, I know you've been trying to feel out GG - so is the menu always as they post. Nothign really interests me on the menu, but man people rave about that place, don't they?

 

[Debbie6221]

I so want to read your posts but once again I have to post quickly. I have had some busy days and am trying not to hang out on the computer (my favorite escape to avoid my "to do" list).
DH leaves early tomorrow so I will have the computer all to myself at least. I'll be back. I swear you are going to think I am nuts but I think of you guys all the time and talk to you in my head all day long! I wish it were that easy to post but then you would surely be sick of me.

The control freak I am still messed up. I forgot to get DH and pals seats on the flights!!!!!!!!! What a bonehead move.

I'll be back. Maybe tonight if I'm lucky.
I feel very guilty I haven't read your posts to see how you all are....I see trip planning going on too so I must catch up and live vicariously through you!

 

[Camster0307]

Ooh - I love sharing Disney vacation plans - makes me feel like I"m taking more trips than I really am!

Renee - I agree w/your SIL. I think the DDP+ is ALOT of food! Isn't it 3 ts meals/day? I think buying that plan makes you eat more than you would normally. I never got to do the regular DDP; by the time they made it available to DVC members, my youngest was 9 & she would have been charged as an adult. There's no way she eats like an adult - I would have lost out on that deal! We usually do a TS every night for dinner; but we'll have a small breakfast in our room (or on the go) and then split a CS meal. I don't think we go to overboard on our meal costs. I will be buying the DDE card this year though. With two trips planned, 20% off will really help - and it includes alcohol!

Kara - Your plans look good. We also have the Fantsmic dinner package for Mama Melrose's when we go in June. Haven't been to that restaurant in a few years, but I always enjoyed it. Also LOVE LeCellier - a must do every year!

One question though - on day 4 - any reason you're going to DHS, THEN Blizzard Beach and then back to DHS at night? I like DHS, but always find that a half day there would suffice. You could skip DHS and head to Blizzard Beach first thing in the am; spend a few hours; shower off at the hotel; then go to DHS for a few hours before dinner. That way you won't be going back & forth too much. Just a thought.

I'll post my intinerary later and you guys can tell me what you think.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

In my mailbox is a nice little envelop. It says Disney's Magical Express. I open it up even before we get inside. It has Mickey on it and resembles a little tour guide book. Then I notice all the info is only for DS

So.... I call them up. I ask are they mailed in seperate envelopes to each person. Surely that is it. Talk to a nice lady. Nope that is not it. They left me off for some reason but should have a new one two me in a couple of weeks. Guess I will have to wait. Hope this gets cleared up by just this one phone call.

 

[Camster0307]

I wouldn't worry too much. Even if you don't get your luggage tags, you can still take ME - just will have to grab your own bags first. I actually prefer doing that - I know my bags are on the same bus with me; and are getting off with me!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Well, He can check two bags I think, so we should be covered. What troubles me is the voucher for the ME. I don't have one. Just him. I'm sure they will get it right, but just so not the thing I needed right now! Isn't that always the way?