Looking forward to a crowd-free Disney Trip! **Update 9/4**

[photographymom517]

Moving on to the Boy’s Department, I found a lot of Toy Story 3 merchandise. I thought that these were neat learning games -- and could possibly be used at the resorts (but definitely not on the plane! LOL)

Luke informed me that he needs one of each of these -- Buzz, Woody, and Jessie. He got Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 for his birthday this year and just began to really enjoy Toy Story! My parents also got him a few TS short sets as well as the Buzz Lightyear and Rex beanbag dolls. It’s hard to figure out who Luke’s “favorite” character is -- it’s a tough call between Remy, Woody/Buzz, Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, or Handy Manny. He still loves Manny but I’m afraid he’s starting to move down Luke’s list. We’ll definitely be waiting in Manny’s line at Disney as well as seeing the Disney Junior show -- I have a feeling it might be a last for us.

I found these kites on sale for 24 cents!!! Yep, that’s correct -- 24 cents!!! I got a Marvel one for my nephew, a few Buzz Lightyear kites, a Princess for my niece, and a few of the Cars design with Lightning McQueen. They’re the smaller kites, but I can’t pass up 24 cents!!!

Of course, they have the regular TS characters. They have the same ones at Walmart, but every time I’m at Walmart, they only have Buzz Lightyear, Zurg, and maybe Mr. Pricklepants. Woody is always out of stock and I’ve never seen Hamm or Jessie there. I do believe the prices at Walmart were $2-3 cheaper than at Target. I remember saying that I only paid $8 for Luke’s Buzz Lightyear & he was $10.99 at Target.

I was super shocked to find an ENTIRE AISLE of Cars sets on clearance for 50% off -- then I remembered why! They were trying to sell all of the Cars merchandise to make room for the new Cars II merchandise (see next post for a Cars II update!!!)

I also found TS, Cars, Tinkerbell, and Princess luggage tags for between $3-5 each. I’ll definitely let Luke pick one out before our September trip. He needs a luggage tag on his carry-on bag & now that he’s older, I like to let him pick out his own things (within reason of course!)

I want to buy this for Luke sooo bad -- but I just can’t justify it. He actually has TWO rolling bags! I found one at a yard sale last summer for only $4 and it looked brand new! It’s just a regular kids suitcase but its brightly colored. Its perfect in case he tries to run off from us at the airport -- or if he’d accidentally sit his suitcase down, it would be super easy to spot! I don’t anticipate either of these things happening, but I like to over prepare for anything!

They also had these -- the castle caught my eye! I didn’t get a close look at them or try to open it, but I think its a pillow that has straps so kids can carry it on their back. It says “pillow” on the price tag -- but I noticed that they have a zipper & open up. I’m not sure why or if they just hold small objects. I did think it was a great idea because its one less thing the parents have to lug around and/or throw into their carry-on bag.

All of the TS and Cars bedding & pillows were on sale.

And then we stopped by the Electronics & Book sections to check out kids entertainment for the airplane or car ride to MCO!!!

I LOVED this Princess Bedtime Stories book! Luke has the Playhouse Disney, Christmas, Bedtime Favorites, Toy Story, and Scary Stories Disney collection books! I got a great deal on them at Toys R Us last year on Black Friday -- I think they were $5 a piece (regularly $15 a piece!) We take them on all of our car trips & it really does entertain him for hours! I’ll definitely take one on the trip but probably not more than that as they are heavy books!

We then checked out the Disney DVD’s because we take Luke’s portable DVD player on the airplane. I highly recommend Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland AND Minnie’s Mascarade as we have them both & LOVE EM!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Some Disney CD’s

This is completely unrelated to our shopping trips -- but does deal with merchandise!!! LOL I stopped at my parents house the other day & saw this!!! My mom was trying to put it in the fridge & I yelled at her to stop so I could take a picture of it!!! Ohana!!!

I also made Luke Mickey Mouse pancakes on his birthday! He’s been telling everyone pretty much ANYWHERE that we go that mommy made him Mickey pancakes!!! Unfortunately the pictures of him with the pancakes didn’t turn out on my phone but I do have some on my DSLR that I’ll have to upload to the photo site.

Back to shopping -- and back to Target a week later!!!!

As you remember, I said that a lot of the Cars merchandise was 50% off -- on THIS trip to Target, we saw an ENTIRE aisle of just Cars II merchandise!!! It was also hilarious because this shopping trip was on a weekend & the store was more crowded. I had at least 5 people make comments about “the crazy lady taking pictures of stuff in the store.” Some people just don’t get DISing!!!

Here’s a picture of the entire aisle -- complete with the Cars logo at the top of the aisle!

Cars II Kleenex and bedding on an endcap

Cars II cereal & pretzels above it

Of course, Luke had to have a box of the “limited edition” Cars cereal -- but it was priced about the same as other boxes & we did need cereal so it was ok with me!

Be prepared -- I have a gazillion pictures of the Cars II merchandise!

And for those of you who are about to run out of your house to buy these cars (either the singles or the pack of 7) please check DisneyStore.com first because they had a 10 pack of cars cheaper than these.

They even had Cars II stuffed cars and play-doh sets

Lego sets & games

I believe this was a card to reserve the Cars II Playstation III game but they had 2 different ones -- so the other was either for Wii or Xbox ?? I’m not sure.

I thought this was really neat! I like all of the kids learning games -- although there’s still nothing quite as educational as just sitting down & reading a good book!

I can’t remember details on this but I do remember thinking the cars in this set were very pricey. I’m thinking around $14-17 a piece!!! I’m not worried about it because Luke was scared to death of the cars driving around the track! He didn’t like the noises that they made when he pushed the buttons on the demo. They do sell each car individually and THEN you have to purchase the track set (which I think was around $39-45, maybe higher than that).

I’m including this picture for 2 reasons -- 1) Luke bought the Milo & Otis DVD for $4.70 and it is the cutest story about animals! The cashier was an older lady & she commented to us how cute it was -- so we watched it as soon as we got home! It’s the sweetest movie & I highly recommend it (its not Disney related btw). And 2) Because Luke is wearing the tshirt that I made him for last year’s trip but he didn’t wear it on the trip. He still fits it & wears it a lot! I wish you could see the entire shirt, but you get the idea -- it has the purple, yellow, and green cars at the bottom along with Doc and Mater (sorry I’m not sure of all of their names!)

And after looking at the Cars merchandise, we had to also visit the Pirates aisle for mommy!!!! To be honest with you, I really wanted to buy a lot of this but I’m not sure where I’d display it! I am getting the Jack Sparrow doll from the Disney Store website (or the actual Disney Store if Luke and I ever make it down there). I believe its around $7.99 on the website -- the ones at Target are also $7.99 but I believe they are smaller.

We were leaving the store & we came across Disney board games

 

[photographymom517]

Also, this is related to shopping so I’ll just throw it in this update! I was browsing a Disney website the other evening and came across a posting. A girl was talking about new Disney collectibles, so of course I started to look for them on eBay! They haven’t been released yet & surprisingly weren’t on eBay either! I wasn't going to buy them on ebay -- I want to wait until they come to local stores! But what surprised me was the fact that I couldn't find ONE listing for them

I did come across Disney Squinkies by complete accident!!! I was introduced to Squinkies by my 4 year old nephew. We have a pizza place near our house with quarter machines that have “fake Squinkies” in them. Its basically the same exact thing, only minus the brand name & to be honest, the “fake” ones aren’t quite as cute! Anyway, since my nephew began collecting them, my parents, brother, and I have all purchased Squinkies for him even though up until recently, they were basically marketed towards girls. Most of the ones he has are animals, little babies, or girly accessories! I was thrilled when I stopped at Toys R Us one day & saw Marvel Squinkies!!! I bought him a few packs to throw in his Easter basket (they were packs of 2 for $4 -- but happened to be BOGO that day). They also have an entire series for boys now! And in addition to the entire Squinkie boy collection, I also found Cars!!!

While on eBay, I found the following Disney sets

Because they are only on eBay, I have no idea what stores they’ll be released at or the prices of each set. The regular series are $9.99 for a 12 pack. I’m not sure if they’ll be the same price -- the Marvel packs are more expensive than the regular Squinkies! I’m hoping to find them at either Target or Toys R Us eventually as I‘ll probably by a few for my nephew. I often buy Disney toys for the kids & save them for when we get back from our Disney trip, so they have more “souvenirs” from the trip!

And to end my update, a picture for MeMom of the garden from last week!

I wanted to take more pictures, but it was always raining when I wanted to go out! It looked like more of a swamp than a garden -- but maybe I should’ve taken those pics to compare how it looked then & now! I promise to do better for the rest of summer!

I always take pictures as it grows and also after we start collecting yummy veggies!!! I would love to share it with all of you! I will also try to remember to take pictures of the food that I make with the veggies that we pick! We are trying to grow our very first eggplant this year & someone mentioned making lasagna with it, so I might try it! (anyone have a good eggplant recipe??) We only have 1 eggplant but I have no idea how many 1 plant produces. I’m really hoping it isn’t like zucchini! The one year, we were giving bags of zucchini away & still had at least 20 in our fridge at a time! It was crazy! We’re going to plant watermelon and probably pumpkins so I’ll make sure to take pics once we expand the garden as well!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend & spent it relaxing with your family!

And to all those of you who are currently at Disney, we will “See ya real soon!”

 

[photographymom517]

Hey Hope! Lots of great updates! Cute pictures of Luke!!! I LOVE all of your purchases and am SOOO glad that you plan your outfits around which park you are going to be in! I'm always looking at which shirt seems like an AK shirt, etc! Congrats on that Coach bag! I especially love the flower on the smaller case!

As for ADRs on arrival and departure day, we've done both. We usually take the first flight out in the morning and since you are arriving at MCO at 10am, I'm assuming you are too! So you'll be up early and probably exhausted by the end of the day. Two summers ago, we booked 'Ohana for 5pm dinner. We were staying at the Poly but our room wasn't ready until 3pm.....oh and our wedding was the night before so we were really exhausted! We literally ate and then went to sleep immediately!

Now last year, we had the early flight again but booked a 7:30pm dinner at Rose and Crown with the intention spend the morning going to DTD, have lunch and then just relax and take a nap so we can be ready for Epcot that night and that worked out great!

All that said, it's just me and DH....we don't have to worry about how a toddler would play into it! I think you should go back to the Garden Grill ADR for arrival night! Make it early enough so you can call it an early night if necessary.

As for departure day, we've done character breakfasts but nothing ever later than that, even though we take late flight homes too. I don't want to spend the last few hours I have in WDW sitting down in a restaurant.

Thanks for the advice on the ADR's! I'm still very undecided if I want one for arrival day or not! I did think about what you said regarding departure day & I agree with you! I don't want to spend time sitting down to eat on our last day. If we grab QS or something, that will be fine! We usually go to Cosmic Ray's at MK -- we like to sit outside on the balcony (which is NEVER crowded!) and watch people walk across the bridge. It's a beautiful view of the castle & the garden/water area along the pathway!

I am not 100% decided but I do think I'll try to get Garden Grill for our arrival day. I'm hoping that our room will be ready by around 1 or 2pm but I'm not making plans around that. Since its a slower time of the year, I'm hoping it will be ready sooner but I know there aren't any guarantees! We've never arrived at MCO earlier than 3pm so we've never made "arrival day plans" before! I'm not sure if we'll be so excited, we'll want to head to a park -- or so exhausted that we just want to relax at the resort! My gut feeling is telling me, we'll end up at Epcot!!! It's our favorite park & we'll be sooo close to it, so Garden Grill does make sense!

Plus, we're heading over to Epcot on our second day as well. We could just eat dinner at Garden Grill, watch Illuminations (if we aren't too tired), and then head back to the resort (on arrival day). Then on Day #2, if we want to leave Epcot early, we always could since we had already seen Illuminations the night before! Maybe that way, we'll even make it to Rope Drop on Day #3 at DHS!!

I do always try to pick out Luke's outfits and my outfits ahead of time. I actually think about it before I pack our suitcases!!! I usually take 4 outfits per park for Luke and 2 for me. Last year, I actually used almost all of Luke's outfits -- I might have had 2 or 3 extra tops but no extra shorts! I also try to coordinate my tops and Luke's tops so that we at least sort of match (for the purpose of pictures of course! Always gotta think about pictures!!! ) I must sound like such a control freak! LOL

He already has quite a little collection of Cars II and Toy Story tanks & tshirts! He got most of them for his birthday & I know we'll definitely be taking them along! September is perfect because he will still fit into all of his summer clothes!

Keep us updated on your garden, please. Maybe a picture every few weeks? I am a wannabe gardener, but I don't have the knowledge or time to do it. I hope to learn a lot in the years ahead and get into it when I retire. Every time I ride though Living with the Land, I leave with a renewed determination to find my green thumb. I think it is awesome that Luke will be growing up learning all of this along the way.

I will definitely post pictures every week of the garden!

I normally take pictures at least once a week & pretty much daily once it starts growing veggies!!! I think you will have so much fun with a garden once you retire! I absolutely LOVE it and the fact that Luke enjoys planting, watering, and picking vegetables from the garden!!!

I didn't get ANY pictures at the greenhouse this year and I'm so mad at myself! Luke helped us carry plants for the first year on his own!!! And he loved every second of it!!!

Luke is such a little man, he's so cute! I laughed out loud when I read "hey, that's me working my tiny tims!"

I didn't buy the Sanuk flip flops, but you know from Facebook that I DID end up with the Reef Fannings. I definitely love them! But our weather has been so freakin' crazy I haven't been able to wear them the past few days, and it's going to rain basically all week, so I really don't want to wear them. Oh well. One day, it will feel like spring/summer.

I also love all the pictures from the animal park, I adore farm animals!

I am with MeMom on the garden pictures! We never have any luck with growing anything. My grandmother out in Ohio, and one of my aunts, can grow anything. I'm not sure if it's our weird weather, our soil, or what, but we never seem to be able to grow anything. We LOVE going to Ohio because my grandmother doesn't pick any of her tomatoes or cucumbers till we get there, just so we can have them with our meals. One year, we got to dig potatoes out of my aunt's garden, which was VERY exciting for these city folk!

I know what you mean about the weather!!! I had so many things that I needed and wanted to do outside & I honestly was starting to feel that summer was already over (after only TWO days of nice, warm, sunny weather!)

Did I tell you how much I love my Sanuks?!? Yeah, I know, I've already mentioned it a few hundred times!!! They are so comfy, I'm buying my mom a pair for their Disney trip. She refuses to take gifts from me "just because" so her birthday is in June & guess what she's getting? A few new Disney tshirts and the Sanuks!

I am dying over Katie's food updates!!!!!

We absolutely LOVE the animal park!!! This is the first year that its almost the beginning of June & we've only been there a total of three times! Sometimes we go three times a week!!! We STILL didn't even get Luke's annual pass & I promised him we'd get it ON his 3rd birthday (which was the 17th). Of course, it was raining on his birthday so we didn't end up going.

Hmm...your grandmother & aunt can plant gardens in Ohio and have great luck but you can't? Maybe its just the OH/PA climate! I think we have a nice balance between rainy & sunny days all summer long -- which makes gardening fairly easy!!! We water ours when its really dry for a few days straight -- but other than picking out the occassional weed, we don't do a lot of maintenance to it. Our cat definitely helps because he catches birds, moles, bunnies, etc that might try to eat our garden!

Love the pictures of Luke and his garden. Too cute. We always had a garden before we moved and built a new home. I really miss it. I am sure you will get lots of enjoyment from it.

What a neat animal park you have near you. It looks like lots of fun.

We have always had an ADR the day we arrive but usually for dinner. It gives us time to relax and have a good meal before we hit the parks early the next morning. We have done a Breakfast ADR the day we leave once. It was just too much of a rush for me but we weren't leaving as late as you are either.

We really do love our garden!!! I'm really glad that Luke enjoys it as well! He talks about it to complete strangers so he must really love it!

The animal park is literally less than 10 minutes from our house! Its very convenient & since we got season passes last year, now we can go as often as we'd like!!! Luke loves it & asks to go all the time! Unfortunately the weather isn't cooperating with us this summer!

Thanks for the advice on ADR's! If I do schedule one for arrival day, it won't be until dinner -- probably between 6-7:30pm. I think we'll arrive to our resort sometime by noon-1ish so we could even swim or walk along the Boardwalk before heading over to Epcot. I'm definitely not scheduling an ADR for departure day. I agree with what everyone said -- I don't want to spend my last day at a restaurant.

Yes we both appear to be at DHS on the 22nd. That is our DHS day and we'll be there for Fantasmic as well.

I know what you mean about throwing the plans out the window. The way I see it is that the plans are there as a guideline that you can stick to if you want. But if you wake up one morning and think I would rather go to DHS then you can do that, you don't have to stick to what you have down. Sometimes the best days out are the unplanned ones. Also ADR wise you are centrally located in the Epcot area so wherever you are you know that you will be able to get to whichever park/resort pretty quickly

I have to say that we did Tony's last year for DF's birthday and it was awful and the service was not the greatest.

Dinner wise I would pick somewhere in Epcot as you are literally a stones throw from it and if you get too tired out you know that you don't have to go very far. Another option would be Beaches and Cream, they don't take ADR's but whilst you are waiting you can check out the resort (but don't stray too far because of the buzzer) and there is an arcade right next door to it

Love the Easter festivities, looks like Luke had a great time

Lovely dresses too, very AK. Vacation shopping is always the best as most of the time you pick out fun bright summery clothes

Thanks for letting me know about the arcade right beside Beaches and Cream!!! That would definitely give Luke something to do while we're waiting for a table!

I agree with you completely! Sometimes we have the BEST days when we don't plan a thing! We've never had a scheduled meal every single day of vacation so this should be interesting! A part of me likes figuring out where to eat at the spur of the moment -- and another part of me prefers to know ahead of time! I just keep the ADR ressie number in my cell phone -- and if we ever feel like skipping a meal, I just call to cancel it! We're looking forward to all of our choices -- I'm just worried that we'll be overwhelmed with trying to get here or there at a certain time. I don't want to be rushing or stressed out on vacation. Although I do think we have a nice variety of times -- some breakfasts, lunches, and late dinners! We only have 2 scheduled lunches -- those will require more planning than the breakfasts or dinners since they are mid-day. I'm not worried about the breakfast days at all -- we'll eat & then have the rest of the day to do whatever we want. The only day that concerns me is the first DHS day when we have an ADR for lunch at Sci-Fi Dine In -- I'm worried we'll end up with a FastPass for that time. BUT my parents go every year in mid-September and guess what? The Fast Pass machine is NEVER open!!! They say that the crowds are so low that it isn't needed!!!

I love vacation shopping!!! All of the outfits & dresses that you've gotten so far for your cruise/vacation are super cute!!! I love them all!

LOVE the pictures

Thanks Jen!!!!

Love all the pics! Luke is adorable! I hope he had a great birthday, I am sure he did!

Thank you, Steph! He really had a nice birthday -- we actually celebrated it three different days due to family members having different work schedules! I asked him on the morning of his birthday what he wanted to do & he asked me to take him to the playground to play with the kids (he asks me this at least once a day!) Unfortunately it was raining, so we had to compromise & head to the mall's play area. But he had a blast!!! And that was all that mattered to me! It was a nice, simple day and then we met my husband for dinner! Luke was shocked when I told him that daddy was on his way to eat dinner with him! He wasn't expecting him to be done with work yet, so it was a nice surprise for him!!!

Just trying to catch up here, you were the update queen while I was gone!!

First of all I have to say that I can't believe how grown up Luke is looking, he's losing that baby look and becoming a true little boy. I adore the pictures of him in his 'farmer' outfit working in the garden, absolutely adorable!

Great purchases!! LOVE the Coach bags especially since you got such a good deal on them.

Congrats on getting your airfare booked - it's official now As for your arrival day ADR, I would make one at an Epcot restaurant since it's so close to your resort. I like NikkilovesWDW's idea of making one for Garden Grill. You could eat there on your arrival night instead of the day that you are also eating at Chef's, that way you don't have so much crammed into that one day - just a thought! As far as your departure day, I would look at The Plaza over Tony's, I just haven't heard very good things about Tony's and I've read lots of good reviews from The Plaza.

I've been MIA for awhile, then posting A LOT, then MIA again, then posting A LOT again!

I honestly attempted to post this update at least 10 times within the past week & always had something else get in the way of DISing! I caught up on two of my subs today but still have a lot more to catch up on! Luckily a lot of you are at Disney right now so I have some time to catch up!!!

I know what you mean -- I have noticed recently how much Luke is changing and growing up! Its nice to hear it from someone who doesn't see him everyday! I am with him pretty much 24/7 and I noticed it -- so I wondered what others thought! I can also tell by the sentences he uses & different words he says!

He also has been asking A LOT if he can ride on the schoolbus with the kids or he'll get his bookbag & tell me "Mommy, this is my bookbag, I'm taking it to school" and he almost always asks me right after that if he can go today?!

I know the day is coming -- soon -- I'm just not sure I'm ready for it! He is honestly probably more prepared for that day than I am! He'll start preschool next September (in 2012) but its only 2 days a week for a few hours. I think it will be a good way for me to adjust gradually! Deep down, I know it will be good for both of us -- we need a break from each other. But I will miss him so much!

Thank you for the advice on the ADR's! I think I'm going to try to get an ADR for arrival day at Garden Grill. I think the lunch at Chefs, Behind the Seeds Tour, and Garden Grill dinner are just too much for one day. Epcot is our favorite park & we enjoy just wondering around. There's NO way we can do that with 3 reservations in one day. I think heading to Epcot, even just for dinner & Illuminations, will give us more free time at Epcot on our other 2 park days there!!!

A lot of people have been telling me negative things about Tony's over the past week or so! I'm really glad that I posted about it here so that I was able to get all of the wonderful advice! If we need another ADR at MK, I will definitely look into the Plaza instead. Thanks!

I can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, you did do some serious picture shopping! it! We don't have a Target close to us, but sure wish we did.

Love the garden pictures! Really make me miss having one.

Yay for 96 degrees! We finally hit the 90's yesterday and it actually felt good. All this rain this spring has been a real bummer so I am actually ready for the sun and heat. It made the pool feel even nicer yesterday!

 

[jenseib]

You crack me up with all the sotre pictures. I have seend the Disney Princess Squinkies out too. Claire is into those dange things too. But we have squinkie balls all over the house.

Love his new haircut. I used to cut my sons like that too for the summer.

 

[lbuzz52]

we have this exact one. i agree, it is a lifesaver!

My best purchase so far & something that I will definitely use all summer as well as on our Disney trip – my Sanuks!!! Katie (DisKate) mentioned a sale to me, but unfortunately by the time I went to order, my size was sold out! However, after she told me how comfortable hers were, I was determined to find a pair in my size! LOL I went to IslandSurf.com and found 2 pairs – one in Aqua and one in Zebra Safari print. I got my order the other day and have been wearing them ever since! I even wore them in the house the other day! Thank you very much Katie for recommending them to me!!!

Aqua Sanuks

Zebra Sanuks

I think I could honestly write an entire post just about the Sanuks! They are super comfortable & it feels like you are walking on air. They conform to your feet very well & almost by the end of the first day or so. I love them!!! I decided the other day that I’m going to buy a pair for my mom when my parents go to Disney in October! (it’s a surprise!)

I also mentioned earlier that I need some advice regarding ADR's (again...)

I helped myself with the one issue! Remember that I cancelled Captain's Grill for our arrival day? Well, I have since booked our flights!!! We arrive at MCO around 10am (probably to our resort by noon) which gives us more than enough time to either explore the resort or head to a park. So I decided to schedule an ADR for arrival day (again). I'm not sure if I want Captain's Grill again. I don't want to be stuck at the resort if we decide to head to a park. I was thinking about Les Chefs de France because I currently have TWO scheduled for our first full-day at Disney. I have Les Chefs de France for lunch, the Behind the Seeds Tour in the afternoon, and Garden Grill for dinner. It seems like a lot for a first day! So I made the ADR for Les Chefs for dinner on arrival day -- but shortly after cancelled it! Why? Because I wanted Luke to see Remy & he's only at lunch!!!

That solves one problem...but we still don't have anywhere to eat.

I'm not sure whether to schedule something or not. If we do, I'm considering Tony's at MK (new for us) because we don't go to MK until the 17th and we arrive on the 14th. We could easily schedule a 6pm ADR at Tony's & still have enough time to relax for a few hours at the resort if our room is ready upon arrival. After dinner, we could go on a few rides if the wait times aren't crazy and then watch the fireworks.

Our other options are: reschedule Captain's Grill for dinner & just stay at the pool that day/evening, grab QS at Boardwalk/BC, or head over to Epcot for Illuminations & QS in World Showcase.

I need advice please! Who has (or has not) scheduled an ADR for their arrival day? Why (or why not) ? Did you end up cancelling it or do you schedule one every trip?

My second change was on departure day. Our flight doesn't leave MCO until 9pm which means the dreaded ME won't pick us up until evening (probably 6pm). I decided to schedule an ADR for that day as well. Right now, I have Tony's scheduled at 1pm (because I was unsure if I wanted it for dinner on arrival day). I think it will give us enough time to finish packing last minute items, relax at the resort, check out, leave our carry-on bags with Bell Services, and head over to MK on the bus. I'm also considering NOT having an ADR scheduled because we don't have anything planned for this day. I didn't schedule a park for this day because I was unsure of our flight times. Now that I know it, I'm considering MK. I have always gone to MK the very last day of a trip so this works out for me! Previous to this day, we will have gone to MK on the 20th for MNSSHP and the 17th for our full MK day.

Now, if I do schedule an ADR for arrival & departure day, I will cancel a few of the others. I don't want to have something scheduled every single day...but at the same time, I don't want to be hungry & have to eat QS if we aren't really hungry for it. So again, help!!!

WOW! This would be so much easier to plan for someone else!!!

Ok, while I'm at it, here's my flight update too!!!

I honestly wasn't having luck with Airfarewatchdog. I was only getting deals for flights with layovers. The ones that were non-stop were the same price on the actual airline's website. I also noticed prices starting to rise (probably because of gas prices). I'm actually fairly upset because the same flight I could've gotten 2 months ago through Southwest for $84 is now $300 per person! They always have the best prices so I was disappointed. I know prices drop 60-90 days out & if I could've gotten a better deal, I will kick myself! But something is just telling me that I did the right thing.

I ended up finding a great Mother's Day special through AirTran and booked it! Ironically, it was the same exact price with taxes as my latest Airfarewatchdog deal!!! We WILL have to pay for our checked bags, but I'm hoping to avoid taking at least 1 of the bags. I also found out that it only costs $20 per bag -- we were charged surcharges last time we flew with AirTran because I didn't weigh our bags ahead of time! Oops! (That's why it was $45 per bag). Plus last time we flew with AirTran, Luke wasn't a paying customer (he was a lap child), so we didn't get a bag allowance for him. So I had to pay a surcharge on my bag because it was too heavy PLUS an additional fee for a "second" bag even though it was really Luke's. I'm actually hoping to put most of his clothes in my carry-on bag & some in my husband's suitcase. Unfortunately I need my entire suitcase to myself I always have an issue fitting all our shoes in the bag -- but this time will be different. Everyone is wearing their tennis shoes on the flight & putting flip flops into the bags. I'm not squeezing three pairs of tennis shoes in the bag this time...actually now that I have my Sanuks, I'm not even taking my tennis shoes!!!

I still think that free baggage (through SW) is much better than $20 (through AT) -- if we end up taking 2 bags each way, that's $80 more than what we were planning to spend. We also need another $80 to park at the airport. Last year it was free because my dad took us there & picked us up. But this time, we have to leave our house by 4am and won't get home the last day of the trip until close to midnight. Because he works midnight shift, neither of these times will work out with his schedule.

Let me know what you think about the ADR's for arrival day & departure day! I will post another update this week!!! You'll see why!!!!

we did Ohana's- the plan was to hang around the resort and then go to dinner.
magic kingdom had as late of hours as any park, so i figured if we changed our plans we would be right there.

and yeah for purchasing flights!!!

those shoes look great! are they mush like on the footbed?

I’m not sure of prices on the Disney Store website for girls merchandise, but this seemed like a pretty good deal to me for the large collection of Disney Fairies! It was on sale for $39.99 (I’m not sure of the original price but I think it was $49.99)

I really loved the Deluxe Cinderella Carriage set!

whoops. i didn't mean to delete the fairies picture. if i remember correctly they are more at the disney store. if you are contemplating these fairies for your niece (or the princess set), watch before Christmas. they have gone on great sales at target the past two years. last year, i got both sets at 50% off during the three day ad before black friday.

also got this cinderella coach. i thought it was the most adorble thing ever. unfortunately, it doesn't stay together. i wouldn't buy it again.



Luke has grown so much! he is adorable!!

i'm also very happy that you are going to MNSSHP. it is my favorite Disney thing so far!

 

[lbuzz52]

I forgot to mention this earlier. But you are not the only one who snaps pictures through target. I take pictures of things the kids (or I) want for gifts. And I take pictures of clearance items and send them to my mom and friend so we can all watch for it to hit 75%. I LUV Target!

 

[MeMom]

And to end my update, a picture for MeMom of the garden from last week!

I wanted to take more pictures, but it was always raining when I wanted to go out! It looked like more of a swamp than a garden -- but maybe I should’ve taken those pics to compare how it looked then & now! I promise to do better for the rest of summer!

I always take pictures as it grows and also after we start collecting yummy veggies!!! I would love to share it with all of you!

In DIStown, you could run our Farmer's Market.

We planted a few things in a school garden, but about a week and a half ago, someone(s) (we're guessing middle-schoolers from next door) came and ripped up all of our plants.

I will look forward to all of your gardening pictures. How are you at growing Mickey-shaped vegetables?

It's been Florida hot here, too. Just getting us ready for the real thing in a few weeks.

 

[stephielela]

Hope!! I love all your shopping pictures! Jack got a box of Cars Kleenex, some Cars Mac and Cheese, and Cars marshmallows (which it turns out he doesnt like) but I never saw any pretzels, so I will be going back and looking! Unfortunately the last thing Jack needs is more Tshirts, otherwise I'd be all over those too!

Jack ended up with 3 days worth of celebrations as well. It's crazy, but fun.

I am desperately trying to catch up on everyones PTR's/TRs before posting anything on mine... I am making progress, but not fast enough!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Hi there! Popping in to say hello and will be coming back to catch up

 

[Megablocks]

I love your shopping pictures. Charles (my boyfriend) is pretty patient when I see Disney things, but I do also get a LOT of eye rolling.

Did I tell you that my dad actually started trying to grow a garden again? It happened not long after I mentioned to you on here how it just doesn't work. He basically built his own in our backyard. I'll have to show you a picture at some point. He's growing (or trying to grow) tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, watermelon, corn, and pumpkins. He has a whole album on Facebook where he's keeping track of it, titled "how does your gahden grow?" I'll definitely have to keep you updated on it!

 

[MeMom]

Did I tell you that my dad actually started trying to grow a garden again? It happened not long after I mentioned to you on here how it just doesn't work. He basically built his own in our backyard. I'll have to show you a picture at some point. He's growing (or trying to grow) tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, watermelon, corn, and pumpkins. He has a whole album on Facebook where he's keeping track of it, titled "how does your gahden grow?" I'll definitely have to keep you updated on it!

You've got to share some of his garden pictures, Meghan, or tell me how to see his pictures on FB. I would love to watch the progress and the final harvest.

 

[Megablocks]

You've got to share some of his garden pictures, Meghan, or tell me how to see his pictures on FB. I would love to watch the progress and the final harvest.

I think he has all his albums friends-only but I will see if he still has all the garden pictures on his camera and upload them to my laptop and on to FB so you guys can see it. It's pretty cute! We're back to temps in the 60's and 70's after crazy weather a couple days ago, so I'm really hoping everything still grows!

 

[MeMom]

I think he has all his albums friends-only but I will see if he still has all the garden pictures on his camera and upload them to my laptop and on to FB so you guys can see it. It's pretty cute! We're back to temps in the 60's and 70's after crazy weather a couple days ago, so I'm really hoping everything still grows!

One of my FB friends is in NY right now, and he wrote that it was cold up there this morning.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Whoa shopping!!! Have you blown the entire budget yet???

I was pages behind...so....

My favorite!!! Chocolate Covered Strawberries – YUM!!!

And you can eat as many as you'd like!!!! Love the Wishes Dessert Party!!!

LOVE that first dress! It's a perfect cruise dress!

about Luke taking pics with you. Good training.

And I like your Coach bags! My most expensive bag is a Nine West that I bought at a resale shop. But, I DO like the higher-end ones....someday! While I was in Orlando last week I went the Premium Outlets and they have a Dooney outlet store...several were 40% off. So many cute ones!!!! I had never really seen Dooney's other than the Disney ones (which were included in the sale!), and man, I think I'm a Dooney girl myself! But, I went with a Vera wristlet...$20 was more my current budget!

You did AWESOME on those Coach bags though-total steal!

Some of you already know this story but its so cute, I have to share again! We stopped by this display & there was a baby bunny sitting beside a larger bunny. I noticed that Luke kept looking back & forth between them & another bunny that was sitting alone. He picked up the baby bunny & sat it right next to the larger bunny. He said to me “This baby bunny needs to be with his mommy.”

Soooooo cute!!!!

And Christy's card was routed to MALAYSIA?! That's crazy! And hilarious!

There were quite a few brand new baby goats!

I need advice please! Who has (or has not) scheduled an ADR for their arrival day? Why (or why not) ? Did you end up cancelling it or do you schedule one every trip?

I LOVE all those pics of Luke in the garden. He's so stinkin' cute in his overalls workin' his Tiny Tims. And, even though I love living in the City and didn't garden when I had the yard even, I am still jealous of your huge garden with so many crops! What a great thing to teach Luke and so many fresh veggies and fruits. YUM.

Baby goats. I love goats! LOL And babies are even better! So, so cute!

As for doing an ADR on arrival day - we do NOT. We are just always a bit worn from traveling-especially if we have an early AM flight- and want to have zero agenda in case we crash out early. We learned we don't do well on that first day (usually) the hard way. But, if you guys are normally not zombies after arriving so early/getting up so early, I'd say go for it!

Hope you are having a great weekend!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

One of my FB friends is in NY right now, and he wrote that it was cold up there this morning.

It was chillier here yesterday! Kinda strange! Today is beautiful though. We spent earlier today in the sun and I'm ready to get back out there and soak some more of it up!

 

[Stefy]

OMG all those merchandise piccies are getting me excited for our first Wal Mart/Target shopping trip So much cool stuffs, love the Squinkies so cute

 

[photographymom517]

Wow, you did do some serious picture shopping! it! We don't have a Target close to us, but sure wish we did.

Love the garden pictures! Really make me miss having one.

Yay for 96 degrees! We finally hit the 90's yesterday and it actually felt good. All this rain this spring has been a real bummer so I am actually ready for the sun and heat. It made the pool feel even nicer yesterday!

I'm not sure what I'd do without a Target nearby!!!

I can't remember if I mentioned this here or not, but we have 3 within a 30 mile radius and another slightly further away! None of them are "Super Targets" though & I am always jealous of those who go to the Targets in the Orlando-area!!! My parents always rent a car so my mom takes pictures outside of Target just for me!!!

I took more pictures of the garden & hopefully will post an update when I'm done responding to everyone!

Ahhh -- a POOL!!! If I could pick one thing that we don't have, I would want a pool for sure! We looked into them last year, but decided against it. We were talking about it again a few months ago, but other things have come up recently (car repairs, a new garage door, etc) plus we're trying to save for the Sept. trip to Disney!!!

I was very, very thankful for the beautiful weather last week! I was sooo sick of the rainy/stormy weather! The entire spring was more like winter with the cool temps -- and snow -- I've never had my hoodies out that long before! This weekend was cooler, but it looks like this week will be pretty warm too with forecasts in the 90's again!!!

You crack me up with all the sotre pictures. I have seend the Disney Princess Squinkies out too. Claire is into those dange things too. But we have squinkie balls all over the house.

Love his new haircut. I used to cut my sons like that too for the summer.

It took awhile for me to get used to Luke's new haircut, but I really love it now!!! Looking back at last year's Disney pictures, I wish I would've had it cut before our trip! I didn't since we were getting family pictures taken (through the Private Photo Session) and I didn't want to hate his haircut in all the pics! But, seeing it now & how comfortable he is in the 90+ degree temps, I'm definitely going to have it cut again mid-August. I had them use a #3 but I think in August, I'll have them do a #4 just to keep it a little longer. He must like it too because he tells complete strangers "Look at my new haircut. The girl gave me a haircut in the store."

I just HAD to take & post those store pictures!!! I did it last year on my PTR so I figured I'd just make it a yearly tradition! I was proud of myself for not buying anything this time (except for the Cars for Luke's birthday!)

I know what you mean about finding those Squinkie balls all over the place!!! For awhile after Christmas, we were all stepping on the balls! We actually bought my nephew the gumball machine for his birthday in February so he could store them in it & made him throw all of the balls away! (We were also afraid the dog would eat them! LOL)

Where did you see the Disney Squinkies? I think I'm going to buy a pack for my nephew (the Cars II set even though he wants them all including the "girl ones"!) I've only seen them on ebay, so I wondered if they were at Target or Walmart yet.

we have this exact one. i agree, it is a lifesaver!

we did Ohana's- the plan was to hang around the resort and then go to dinner.
magic kingdom had as late of hours as any park, so i figured if we changed our plans we would be right there.

and yeah for purchasing flights!!!

those shoes look great! are they mush like on the footbed?

whoops. i didn't mean to delete the fairies picture. if i remember correctly they are more at the disney store. if you are contemplating these fairies for your niece (or the princess set), watch before Christmas. they have gone on great sales at target the past two years. last year, i got both sets at 50% off during the three day ad before black friday.

also got this cinderella coach. i thought it was the most adorble thing ever. unfortunately, it doesn't stay together. i wouldn't buy it again.

Luke has grown so much! he is adorable!!

i'm also very happy that you are going to MNSSHP. it is my favorite Disney thing so far!

I forgot to mention this earlier. But you are not the only one who snaps pictures through target. I take pictures of things the kids (or I) want for gifts. And I take pictures of clearance items and send them to my mom and friend so we can all watch for it to hit 75%. I LUV Target!

Welcome back, Lauren!!!

Thanks for letting me know about starting your TR! I need to catch up on it now!

Don't you just love that cup holder? Sooo many people have asked me where I found it! I actually just saw them the other day at Target! I didn't realize they sold them there, I've only seen them at Babies R Us in the past! I just sent a few of my friends baby gifts & wish I would've included those!

I changed a bunch of my ADR's (which I will post an update about soon, I promise! LOL) I decided to go back to my original plan of Captain's Grill on arrival day. Since we're staying at the Beach Club, regardless of our plans for the afternoon/early evening, it will be super convenient to walk over to our sister resort, Yacht Club, for dinner! And if we decide to head to a park, we can always cancel it & we won't be too disappointed since its not one of our "must do's" for this trip!

The Sanuks are WONDERFUL!!! I'm buying my mom a pair for her Disney trip & maybe buying myself a pair in pink or red if I can find a decent deal! They are honestly like walking on air! I thought it would take awhile to break them in, but they felt wonderful on the very first day I wore them!!! Can you tell I love them ??? They are "mushy" on the bottom & it feels great on the bottom of your foot! I don't have a big arch, so sometimes flip flops feel hard/uncomfortable to me -- but the Sanuks are great!!!

Oooh, thanks for the tip about Black Friday!!! I used to go every year before work -- yes, BEFORE work! I would head out very early in the morning, have a few cups of coffee, and make it to work by 8am! Surprisingly, I did this a few years in a row & wasn't ever tired at work! I actually felt great since I had accomplished so much, got great deals, and still made it to work!!! I haven't gone in about 2-3 years but hopefully can go this year! Last year, I actually got better sales about a week before Black Friday! I've only gone to Target one year on BF (surprisingly, I know!) but I'll have to check out their Disney clearance this year! Thanks for the idea!

I'm glad to hear how much you loved MNSSHP!!!

 

[photographymom517]

In DIStown, you could run our Farmer's Market.

We planted a few things in a school garden, but about a week and a half ago, someone(s) (we're guessing middle-schoolers from next door) came and ripped up all of our plants.

I will look forward to all of your gardening pictures. How are you at growing Mickey-shaped vegetables?

It's been Florida hot here, too. Just getting us ready for the real thing in a few weeks.

MeMom!!! I just got done uploading more garden pics for ya on Shutterfly!!!

I'd love to run your Farmer's Market! I think I have the perfect assistant in mind, and no its not Luke! (although I'm sure he would love to help as well!)

I can't believe someone ripped up your plants at school! That's terrible! Our elementary school actually has a small garden of herbs -- but its inside the courtyard & they lock the doors! Maybe something similar happened years ago & that's why! I always wondered why they kept the garden all locked up!

I posted this on your TR too -- I'm trying to figure out how to grow Mickey-shaped veggies for you! I honestly gave it a lot of thought this weekend!! I was thinking about putting one of Luke's small Tiny Tims inside my Vinylmation ice cube tray -- but the problem is that its black plastic! The poor plants wouldn't get the sunlight they needed inside that thing! So -- onto plan B (which I haven't figured out yet! LOL) You are right -- it would be so much easier if they just sold those clear Mickey-shaped things!!!

I'm sooo glad that summer is FINALLY here!!!

Hope!! I love all your shopping pictures! Jack got a box of Cars Kleenex, some Cars Mac and Cheese, and Cars marshmallows (which it turns out he doesnt like) but I never saw any pretzels, so I will be going back and looking! Unfortunately the last thing Jack needs is more Tshirts, otherwise I'd be all over those too!

Jack ended up with 3 days worth of celebrations as well. It's crazy, but fun.

I am desperately trying to catch up on everyones PTR's/TRs before posting anything on mine... I am making progress, but not fast enough!

The pretzels at our Target were on an endcap by the freezer section. The other Cars II merchandise (like the kleenex, cereal, etc) were all right beside the toys -- but the pretzels were over by the food! I'm not sure why, but that's how it was set up!

They had some great Cars tshirts at Sears as well! I can't remember if I mentioned it or not! I bought Luke an orange one because I like wearing bright colors on him when we take trips to the zoo & even the playground!

I know what you mean about catching up! I find myself trying to catch up on my own, then trying to catch up on everyone else's, then mine, then everyone else's -- you get the idea!

It's so much harder now with the nice weather! Luke & I want to be outside a lot more so I'm finding less time to DIS!

I love your shopping pictures. Charles (my boyfriend) is pretty patient when I see Disney things, but I do also get a LOT of eye rolling.

Did I tell you that my dad actually started trying to grow a garden again? It happened not long after I mentioned to you on here how it just doesn't work. He basically built his own in our backyard. I'll have to show you a picture at some point. He's growing (or trying to grow) tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, watermelon, corn, and pumpkins. He has a whole album on Facebook where he's keeping track of it, titled "how does your gahden grow?" I'll definitely have to keep you updated on it!

No, you didn't tell me about your dad's garden! I would love to see pictures of it!

I love the idea for a facebook album dedicated only to gardening!!! And the title is super catchy!!!

Definitely post updates here for MeMom and I!!!

You've got to share some of his garden pictures, Meghan, or tell me how to see his pictures on FB. I would love to watch the progress and the final harvest.

I think he has all his albums friends-only but I will see if he still has all the garden pictures on his camera and upload them to my laptop and on to FB so you guys can see it. It's pretty cute! We're back to temps in the 60's and 70's after crazy weather a couple days ago, so I'm really hoping everything still grows!

One of my FB friends is in NY right now, and he wrote that it was cold up there this morning.

We had that happen last week too! We had a perfect balance of rainy/sunny weather for weeks & then all of a sudden, it went down to under 40 degrees a couple of nights!!!

We were worried about the garden, but it was ok after another sunny day & lots of water!