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

[stephielela]

You mean you aren't going to post a minute by minute accoutn of what you are doing before you go? I'm just kidding, I can't believe you are leaving so soon!!

As for pineapple, yes you can pack it in a checked bag. There are also some places (QS/ snack stands) that sell it. I love pineapple, but only if it's not too cold, lol. I know, I am strange, and I am not even pregnant!
I would take it easy on your arrival day, just relax and enjoy all your beautiful resort has to offer!!

So jealous.

 

[MeMom]

I get the cheap plastic Rubbermaid containers to put a lot of my food in before putting it in the suitcase. I take bananas this way, because I refuse to pay a dollar for a banana in the food court. It helps things not to get 'smooshed'. Canned food with pop tops work very well, as do the little plastic bowls of fruit.

As for your pumpkin bars or pineapple upside down cake, I can't say who might have those. You could always make some and pack them in a plastic tub, too. We've taken brownies and cookies before to have at the room so that we didn't spend so much at the food court when we got the munchies. You can make a whole pan of brownies at home for half the price of one brownie at the food court.

Having no plans for arrival day sounds good. You can just take it easy and go wherever the moment carried you.

You have all the different parks spread out nicely. I wish we had that many days on our October trip. It'll be one park a day for us each one time, since the friends that will be with us won't have hoppers.

Do you realize your countdown is significantly less than 20 now???

 

[Megablocks]

You are so close to single digits!

I really have no input on the food, but I do like MeMom's ideas with the rubbermaid containers. Definitely something for me to keep in mind, too.

I was gonna tell you Katie and Patrick's room request at Pop to pass on to your mom, then I realized you already know it. We stayed 70's preferred last year and it was AWESOME! We never had an issue with noise or anything and it was facing one of the main walkways, since we were a stone's throw from the main building. I'm pretty sure we're requesting that again just because it was soooo nice to be so close to the food court and bus stops!

I seriously can't believe you are so close! I'm so excited for you!

 

[Stefy]

Another choice is Garden Grocer, you could get stuff delivered to the resort and not have to worry about packing it or if you can take it with you

 

[photographymom517]

See about comments

Woo Hoo for 17 days

Thanks for the food suggestions!!! I added a souvenir list AND a food/snack list to my itinerary!!!

I haven't caught up yet on my subs -- but I really want to check out your cupcake update!!!!

Hope, you look so good. You can't even tell you are pregnant other than your glow!

I don't do tip envelopes for the wait staff at restaurants, however, I do put them in their own envelope so I have the money allocated and not spent on souvies! I just pull out that days envelope each morning and give the cash to DH.

Le Chefs- I love the french onion soup and the ham and cheese sandwich. I know there is a fancier name for it. Sure hope you get to see Remy!

San Angel Inn-Love the guacomole appetizer!

You are getting so close!

Hey Erika! Adding the guacomole appetizer to my "Food List"! The French Onion Soup from Les Chefs is already on there, so it really must be good!!! Lots of people have recommended it to me & I cannot wait to try it!!!

Good idea about separating tip money from souvenir money! I always get envelopes from the bank & write on them what the money is for. I have a separate envelope for Luke this year...that should be interesting! He's been doing better recently about not crying/flipping out when I tell him "no" at a store. He even went a few weeks without even asking for anything! I was impressed!!! I always keep the tip money separate just like you do! I just put it in the safe & every morning, get out what we'll need for the day! Last year I had the individual tip envelopes all rubber-banded together in the safe but I don't think I'm going to bother with tip envelopes this year.

Thank you for saying I have that pregnant glow!!! That's my favorite part of pregnancy!!!

The back/lake side of the Play Doh building or the Tramp building would be good. It's quiet back there - not a lot of traffic at all.

Thanks MeMom for the Pop Century suggestion!!! I will tell my mom! She still hasn't decided! She goes back & forth almost every day "Yes I want a room request" -- "No I don't want a room request" -- "yes I do" -- "no I don't" -- you get the idea!!!

i think i butchered that first quote lol

when we went we entered at 4ish with our tickets. I think that they gave us the wristbands at the turnstyles. there were also castmembers going around near 7 to check for wristbands. i believe that they had some on them for those who had been in the park all day with regular passes and needed them.

I've gone back & forth with my decision, but have decided to keep the 5:10pm dinner reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe. Out of my 3 options (Kona, GF Cafe, and Teppan Edo), GF Cafe is the one we most want to try! They have a huge variety of dinner options.

Most likely, we'll end up at Magic Kingdom between 6:30-7pm after eating our meal & then exploring GF for a little while. I'm anxious to see the construction updates on the new DVC tower there. They're draining the lagoon behind the Wedding Pavilion the last week of September, so I'm interested to see what all they're doing mid-September!

By the time we arrive at MK, they'll probably be handing out MNSSHP wristbands at the turn stiles. If not, I'll just ask & I'm sure a friendly CM can point me in the right direction!

You mean you aren't going to post a minute by minute accoutn of what you are doing before you go? I'm just kidding, I can't believe you are leaving so soon!!

As for pineapple, yes you can pack it in a checked bag. There are also some places (QS/ snack stands) that sell it. I love pineapple, but only if it's not too cold, lol. I know, I am strange, and I am not even pregnant!
I would take it easy on your arrival day, just relax and enjoy all your beautiful resort has to offer!!

So jealous.

No, Steph probably not going to have time to post minute-by-minute updates!!!

However, if you're interested, I can email you a copy of my itinerary! Its not minute by minute, but its a pretty good idea of what we'll be "tenatively" doing each day! We aren't sticking to anything since we have park hoppers. We mostly have ADR's for breakfast or dinner -- so if we wanted to go to a different park than where our ADR is, we could definitely do it! I like to have a plan -- but since the crowds are going to be relatively the same in all parks, we can have a little flexibility! Wow does it feel good to say "low crowds"!!!

Its so funny I just read your reply about the pineapple! I was just researching on the airline website & saw it can go in my checked bag!!! I was so thrilled!!! I seriously "need" to eat it every morning or evening. It might just be the sugar in it? I'm not sure! And we are completely opposite because I cannot stand pineapple unless its absolutely cold! I can't eat warm pineapple for some reason!

I'm definitely thinking, at this point, we will just relax the first time. In the back of my mind, I dream of going to Magic Kingdom. But the reality of it is that we're going to be super tired after waking up before 5am, driving an hour to the airport, and then the flight. I know we'll be excited to be there, but I'm thinking it may be best to skip it as a park day & just hang out around the Boardwalk, Beach Club area!!!

I get the cheap plastic Rubbermaid containers to put a lot of my food in before putting it in the suitcase. I take bananas this way, because I refuse to pay a dollar for a banana in the food court. It helps things not to get 'smooshed'. Canned food with pop tops work very well, as do the little plastic bowls of fruit.

As for your pumpkin bars or pineapple upside down cake, I can't say who might have those. You could always make some and pack them in a plastic tub, too. We've taken brownies and cookies before to have at the room so that we didn't spend so much at the food court when we got the munchies. You can make a whole pan of brownies at home for half the price of one brownie at the food court.

Having no plans for arrival day sounds good. You can just take it easy and go wherever the moment carried you.

You have all the different parks spread out nicely. I wish we had that many days on our October trip. It'll be one park a day for us each one time, since the friends that will be with us won't have hoppers.

Do you realize your countdown is significantly less than 20 now???

Good idea about the Rubbermaid containers! I was thinking about doing that because I'll have to put the pineapple in the fridge each evening if I want to have it for breakfast the next day! I was worried it might spill, but its very reassuring to hear that you've done it as well!!!

I just might make some pumpkin bars or brownies now that you mention those!!! I definitely need my treats in the mornings & late in the evenings. I hate going to the food courts or QS and grabbing one little thing for $3.59+ and I think last trip, Luke & I walked down to the food court almost every evening! It really adds up!

I'm going to post another update this morning -- but I just did online check-in!!!! It seems soooo close now!!!

You are so close to single digits!

I really have no input on the food, but I do like MeMom's ideas with the rubbermaid containers. Definitely something for me to keep in mind, too.

I was gonna tell you Katie and Patrick's room request at Pop to pass on to your mom, then I realized you already know it. We stayed 70's preferred last year and it was AWESOME! We never had an issue with noise or anything and it was facing one of the main walkways, since we were a stone's throw from the main building. I'm pretty sure we're requesting that again just because it was soooo nice to be so close to the food court and bus stops!

I seriously can't believe you are so close! I'm so excited for you!

Yes, super close to single digits!!! Actually, 9 days as of tomorrow!!! Like I told MeMom, I just did online check-in!!!

LOL! Too funny you were going to tell me Katie & Patrick's request!!!

I'm going to put in a request for my parents, if my mom ever decides what she wants! Lol! I'm thinking there should still be relatively low crowds in October so if they would need to move, they should be able to do so. She did decide against the 4th floor & I'm glad for that! I think it would be an insanely long walk every morning! They also stay very late at the parks & I'm afraid it would get to be too much by the 3rd or 4th day!

I'll let you know once they decide what to request!

Another choice is Garden Grocer, you could get stuff delivered to the resort and not have to worry about packing it or if you can take it with you

Thanks for the suggestion, Stefy!!! We used Garden Grocer last year & were pleased with what we ordered. I had thought about using them again but I don't think we need that much to justify the delivery fee. We'll probably just take some snack items (now that I know they can go in my checked bag!) and buy water on property.

We did love the convenience of Garden Grocer though! It was very nice to have it delivered! Bell Services even carried it to our room for us! I didn't have to worry I'd forget to pack something & it was waiting for us when we arrived! Super convenient!

 

[photographymom517]

It's almost time for our trip!!!

This morning, I went online to do . . .

Because today marks 10 DAYS until our trip!!!!

​

This morning, I've been doing some research just to make sure I have everything in the correct bags -- checked or carry-on. I also have realized that I need to cut back on the amount of clothes we're taking with us! Last trip, Luke and I both came home with at least 4-5 outfits that we never wore on our trip. I'm only taking 1 tshirt for him, all the rest will be tank tops. The past few weeks, whenever we're outside he asks to come back in within 20-30 minutes. He actually runs through the yard & onto the deck himself & screams to me from the front door "Mommy, its too hot, I'm going in!" and just lets himself in the house!

I'm hoping this isn't a big issue on our trip because while I'm open to taking breaks, I'm not running back & forth from the park to the resort 10 times a day. I feel that we'll have plenty of time to be inside a/c & to relax -- at the shows, during meals, and even inside most of the ques! I also found a small portable fan that I can either clip onto his stroller or he can wear as a necklace. It only takes 2 batteries & is small enough to fit inside my smallest park bag. It was only $2.99 and I bought it because last year, we bought one of the Disney ones for $15.99 and I'm not paying that again! Sure the Disney one was cuter with the characters on it, had the water part to mist water through the fan, and was bigger...but the one I got for $2.99 will definitely serve its purpose!

This past week, I also went through the rest of the cosmetic/bath items we need to pack. I realized I forgot one of the most important things -- Luke's bubble bath! He won't bath without it & I'm unsure if its sold at the resorts or not -- and if it is, I'm sure its ridiculously priced! I'll take 3 small 2 oz bottles & that should be fine for every other day.

In addition to packing the suitcases, I've been working on my custom Disney shirts! I purchased fabric iron-ons for Luke's shirts from ebay. I believe the lady also sells on Etsy. I didn't take a picture of them yet but will once they're finished (umm, I lost my iron ). I bought Toy Story decals as well as Cars II. He was THRILLED with them when I showed him that we're going to put them onto his tank tops!!! I wish I would've videoed it because it was just too cute!!! I even let him lay out the decals on his tank top so he felt like he "made his own shirt"

I'm making myself a few tank tops as well. One will be for MNSSHP since I've decided not to dress up. I bought a blue/black tie dye tank at Target. I believe it was on sale for $6 or 7. I copied this decal off ebay to make the shirt

I spent alot of time yesterday afternoon meticulously laying out the rhinestones! I took pictures of the entire process & will share them in an update once I actually iron them onto the shirts! Around the Mickey pumpkin and maybe on the back will be Halloween fabric iron-ons of Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto that I also bought from ebay.

I also have a red tank top that has black dots all over -- reminds me of Minnie so I found this design for on that top. I wish I was creative enough & had the time to make my own designs, but unfortunately with all I have to do before the trip, I just had to copy & paste off the Internet.

My favorite tank top is this design:

I made the letters in different colors since we aren't sure if the baby is a boy or a girl. I used blue, red, orange, brown, and green (it was called the M&M blend on ebay!)

My last tank that I'm making is a Mouse World Travel tank. I will be using our company logo by printing a regular iron-on decal & then adding rhinestones for the wording.

If I have the time & patience & find time to run to the craft store to purchase extra rhinestones, I will make this design as well for our Magic Kingdom/Crystal Palace day:

I also have decided not to do the Mickey's Welcome for Luke this trip. I was sooo excited about it, but I just had way too much stuff to haul down to Disney! I was afraid of putting it in my checked bag in case of theft or getting lost. And I decided that this will be the first trip where he will pick out his own souvenirs -- so I better save the money & let him do that instead!!!

I will still have a couple small gift bags for him. I'll include little things in them like bath toys he can use while we're on vacation, small Disney things I've picked up at Target, and gift certificates. I'll still use my Welcome banner & the Mickey footprints. The larger gifts, like the Woody doll I bought him, will be given to him prior to our trip! I'm going to wrap it up & put it in the living room with a banner & balloons one day next week. I'll make up a card that says something like "Can't wait to see you at Disney. Please come and dance with me at Woody's dance party at MNSSHP." I'll make sure to take pics & post them here!

I'll post another update & try to give you a tenative idea of our plans!!! I am sooo excited!!!!

 

[stephielela]

10 Days!!!! 10 Days until I get to live vicariously!!! Love your shirts. I don't have that kind of patiance!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Wow! Online check-in already?! How did that come so fast?! Soooooo exciting!

 

[stephielela]

Hope!! I was looking at that transfer you posted the picture of (the pumpkin Mickey one) and I went to their website and they have so much amazing cute stuff!!!! Have you looked at their ribbon????? If you have a girl, you have to have bows made from that ribbon! I will have them made for her myself!! Ok, that is all!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey Hope! I am sooooo sorry that I have been MIA for so long. Life has just been nuts since the kids started school

I can't believe you leave in 5 days!!

 

[photographymom517]

10 Days!!!! 10 Days until I get to live vicariously!!! Love your shirts. I don't have that kind of patiance!

It definitely took a lot longer than I thought it would!!! Putting the rhinestones on the transfer paper takes fooooorever!! Once that part is done, you just iron it on & within minutes its done! If you ever decide to make shirts, let me know! I learned some little tricks along the way!

Wow! Online check-in already?! How did that come so fast?! Soooooo exciting!

I know, I can't believe it!!! Today it's only 5 days -- and we're saying things like "Next Wednesday when we're at Disney..." Soooo crazy that it came so soon!!! I remember when it was hundreds of days away -- and now we're in single digits!!!

Hope!! I was looking at that transfer you posted the picture of (the pumpkin Mickey one) and I went to their website and they have so much amazing cute stuff!!!! Have you looked at their ribbon????? If you have a girl, you have to have bows made from that ribbon! I will have them made for her myself!! Ok, that is all!

LOL!!! You are soooo funny!!! I actually did look at that website! I was originally just going to buy all of the decals due to lack of time. But when I compared the cost of just buying a few decals to the cost of buying the rhinestones & transfer paper, it was a lot cheaper to make 6-7 shirts myself! But I LOVED all of their products! Decals, ribbon, etc!!!

If I have a girl, I absolutely plan to have some bows made! Do you follow Anita's reports here on DIS? Her daughter makes bows & I'm going to order through her! She makes super cute stuff!!!

Hey Hope! I am sooooo sorry that I have been MIA for so long. Life has just been nuts since the kids started school

I can't believe you leave in 5 days!!

No worries at all, Michelle! I completely understand!!! I am trying my best to update my own report before we leave AND catch up on my subs. Sad to say, so far it isn't working!

I think life gets in the way of DISing for all of us sometimes! I had so much I wanted to post here & now I'll just have to save it all for the TR. Better late than never, right?

I finally remembered to order my PhotoPass CD this week & bought memory cards that I needed for both my video camera & DSLR. We also finished packing our suitcases. I really hope I find the time to post another update! I have pictures of the garden & the shirts I made on my camera. I just have to find time to upload them to Shutterfly & post an update!

How do the boys like school so far this year ?? Matthew is in 5th grade this year & it's such an adjustment! They switched classes in both 3rd and 4th grade -- but it wasn't like this year. In 3rd & 4th, they only had 2 different teachers. This year, they have a different teacher for each subject. They also have to carry around all of their books & aren't allowed to carry a bookbag. They have to leave their bookbag in their "home room" and they don't go back there until right before lunch (so they carry half a days worth of books before lunch). He said that the school is trying to limit what the students have to carry -- but I feel bad for the teachers! That must take a lot of planning between 5-6 teachers!!! They would have to make sure they don't plan reading assignments or tests on the same days. I think they should just allow them to carry bookbags, it would just make things easier on both the students & teachers.

It's sort of weird for me to think about -- I remember when I was in 6th grade and my brother was just starting Kindergarden! Next year, Matthew will be in 6th grade and Luke will just be starting Preschool! Matthew will then go to the high school for 7th grade & Luke will start Kindergarden at the Elementary (so they won't ever be in the same school building). It just amazes me how fast kids grow up!!! It's sooo bittersweet, isn't it?!

 

[photographymom517]

I apologize for the lack of substance in this update (AND the lack of pictures!!!) but I really want to post again before we leave and this may be my only chance to do that!

I finally ordered my PhotoPass CD this past week! I also finished my itinerary (but didn't print it out yet) and finished packing the suitcases! I also went through & made my usual lists. I carry a list with me of everything in each suitcase & carry-on bag. Normally I take pictures too -- in the horrible event that something would happen to our bags. I usually write very detailed descriptions too (I'm obsessive, I know! lol!) -- like for example, last year I wrote "Luke's Clothes -- Old navy blue tank top size 2T" (yes I was really specific!) This year, I just made a general list to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything!

I also am very proud of myself! I went through my suitcase and took out half of the clothes I had packed for myself!!! Apparently I had too much packed!!!

I still feel unprepared & like I'm forgetting something. I also went through our schedule & feel like we have too much planned. I really want a balance between relaxation and schedule -- so we shall see!

Throughout the past few weeks, Luke & I have been listening to the Four Parks, One World CD in the car. He only lets me listen to the MK, POTC, HM, and Splash Mountain songs! He walks around everywhere we go singing "Yo Ho Yo Ho pirates funny to me" (he thinks those are the words!!! lol!) It is sooo cute to see, but he's to the point where my camera is annoying to him. By the time I get it out to record it, he immediately stops singing!!!

I think he'll be ok at Disney with pictures. When I tell him I want to take a picture or if he sees me with my camera, he will say "Mommy take a picture of me!" and then he says "Cheeeeeese" and smiles! If he doesn't say "cheese" then he will tell me "Mommy I didn't say it, take another one!" But for some reason, if he figures out I'm recording a video, he immediately stops whatever he's doing! I'm hoping he will be ok with a few videos at Disney!

I am exhausted and have a ton to do this weekend, but I promise to at least try to post again before we leave -- since its after midnight, its officially 4 days now!!!!! I am soooo excited!!! Can't wait to share our adventures with all of you once we return!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

How do the boys like school so far this year ?? Matthew is in 5th grade this year & it's such an adjustment! They switched classes in both 3rd and 4th grade -- but it wasn't like this year. In 3rd & 4th, they only had 2 different teachers. This year, they have a different teacher for each subject. They also have to carry around all of their books & aren't allowed to carry a bookbag. They have to leave their bookbag in their "home room" and they don't go back there until right before lunch (so they carry half a days worth of books before lunch). He said that the school is trying to limit what the students have to carry -- but I feel bad for the teachers! That must take a lot of planning between 5-6 teachers!!! They would have to make sure they don't plan reading assignments or tests on the same days. I think they should just allow them to carry bookbags, it would just make things easier on both the students & teachers.

It's sort of weird for me to think about -- I remember when I was in 6th grade and my brother was just starting Kindergarden! Next year, Matthew will be in 6th grade and Luke will just be starting Preschool! Matthew will then go to the high school for 7th grade & Luke will start Kindergarden at the Elementary (so they won't ever be in the same school building). It just amazes me how fast kids grow up!!! It's sooo bittersweet, isn't it?!

Jared is in 5th grade this year too and they started switching classes (4 teachers) last year. This year is so much nicer because they don't have to carry their books with them to every class, they just use the book of the person who normally sits in that desk. I can see where this might be an issue if someone else damages your book and then they try and charge you for it, but hopefully that won't happen.

That stinks that they won't let the kids carry a bookbag between classes at Matthew's school. Last year when Jared did have to take his books with him to every class they encouraged the kids to have a book bag

Yikes! 7th grade goes to the high school? I think I'd be a nervous wreck about that. I pass the Jr. High on the way to the high school and when I see those 7th graders they look so little compared to the kids at the high school! I didn't even like Justin being at the high school last year in 9th grade....

 

[brookelizabeth]

Catching up Hope! 4 days!!!

What do you recommend on the Boardwalk as far as snacks or breakfast items? Luke loves hot dogs & I know there's a cart there -- do they accept the snack credits from the dining plan? I'm more of a sweets person, so I'm sure I'll find lots to eat at the Boardwalk Bakery!!! I'm going to be so spoiled having a bakery at both Beach Club & Boardwalk!!!

The Boardwalk doesn't have fantastic options, sometimes the little carts with the hot dogs and such aren't open either...I haven't a clue what their hours are, but I remember them NOT being open in September during lunch time. However, the Bakery does have sandwiches and the Beach Club has Hurricane Hannah's and a small QS area with flatbreads and things. Plus....EPCOT! We have come to love the ham sandwiches in Epcot as a nice lunch!

1) You know the high-backed chairs in the lobby at the Beach Club? I believe they are pink/salmon color & have a round top. Do they still have those there? I know they were there last June but I heard rumor on here that they were gone

AEP girls or anyone who's stayed or eaten at BC recently, please let me know! As silly as this sounds, this is one of my most important questions! I really want a picture in those chairs! Not sure why, but I just get obsessed with having a certain picture & this trip, that's the one I want!!!

Yes! They are there!!

Sci-Fi Dine In

Onion rings, burgers & shakes. YUM!

Cape May Cafe

Are you there for breakfast or dinner? Sorry, I cannot recall. If dinner, the potatoes are AMAZING!

San Angel Inn

I had the 3 course meal there, it was delish from start to finish! Fish tacos were the entree...very, very good! Henry just ate off our plates here, Joe had the steak.

I need to figure out how to take the following items with me as I eat them almost every day:
* Cans of pineapple slices or chunks
* Cherry Poptarts (I know, not the healthiest thing in the world!)
* Fruit snacks (they make my tummy feel better! and they're for Luke too!)
* Fresh peaches

You can put canned items in suitcases, we have done it! Fresh peaches will be hard to come by at Disney though. Some of the breakfast buffets have slices, but I am pretty certain they are just canned ones.

I believe Sunshine Seasons has Pineapple Upside Down cake. And the only thing I can think of that is close to pumpkin bars w/ cream cheese is the Carrot Cake Cookie from the Writer's Stop at DHS, it's filled with cream cheese. It's SUPER sweet.

He walks around everywhere we go singing "Yo Ho Yo Ho pirates funny to me" (he thinks those are the words!!! lol!) It is sooo cute to see, but he's to the point where my camera is annoying to him. By the time I get it out to record it, he immediately stops singing!!!

That is SO cute!!!! I hope he cooperates with videos at Disney!

And I hope you are feeling better by then and can fully enjoy the meals!!!!

I cannot wait to see all your shirts!! They all sound great!

In 4 days you will be at the Beach Club. Stormalong Bay babyyyyyyyy!

 

[stephielela]

Hope, you only have 4 days left!!!! And for some reason, when I woke up this morning and my coutndown said 49 days, it suddenly felt a lot closer, lol. Probably because I am so unprepared! That's so cute about Luke singing the pirate song, Jack loves wearing his pirate hat and eyepatch. I hope you get pics posted of your shirts, but if not then make sure you take lots of pictures of you wearing them!

 

[photographymom517]

Jared is in 5th grade this year too and they started switching classes (4 teachers) last year. This year is so much nicer because they don't have to carry their books with them to every class, they just use the book of the person who normally sits in that desk. I can see where this might be an issue if someone else damages your book and then they try and charge you for it, but hopefully that won't happen.

That stinks that they won't let the kids carry a bookbag between classes at Matthew's school. Last year when Jared did have to take his books with him to every class they encouraged the kids to have a book bag

Yikes! 7th grade goes to the high school? I think I'd be a nervous wreck about that. I pass the Jr. High on the way to the high school and when I see those 7th graders they look so little compared to the kids at the high school! I didn't even like Justin being at the high school last year in 9th grade....

That's wonderful that your school doesn't make the kids carry their books around in 5th grade! I do understand what you mean about damage to the books -- but like you said, hopefully that won't happen! I'm not sure about this because Matthew was too young for me to remember -- but I believe our school tried that out for awhile & it didn't work. I think it had something to do with kids stealing other kids books -- and then the child who did nothing wrong would have to pay for it!

It makes me mad because our school administration promotes to the community how wonderful the school is, and while it isn't horrible, it definitely has room for improvements! The teachers seem just as frustrated with all of the new policies, which have only been implemented over the past maybe 3-4 years. Oh well, I'm sure it will all work out eventually once they get the kinks worked out!

Yes our elementary school goes from K-6th grade and our high school is 7th-12th grade. I remember being a 7th grader & feeling like a tiny ant!!!

It makes me nervous for sure -- not looking forward to it at all but we will cross that bridge when we get there! I feel a lot better about it because my mom works at the high school in the cafeteria & knows all of the students & teachers! She worked at the Elementary School when I was younger & stayed there until my brother went to the High School and has worked there ever since. It was always good if I needed something, I didn't have to call home, she was always just a few hallways away!!! I guess some students would be embarassed to see their mom at school -- but I LOVED it!!! I actually missed it when I went to college! haha! My mom has always been my best friend

My biggest worry about the high school is the bus situation. I don't like that 7th thru 12th graders ride together. The majority of students start driving to school in 11th grade so it isn't terrible -- but I still wish something different could be done. Luckily, as I said, my mom works there so she could always take Matthew to school. And of course I am home so I can do it as well!!!

So crazy how much we have to worry as our kids get older!!! I'm not looking forward to the teenager years at all

Catching up Hope! 4 days!!!

The Boardwalk doesn't have fantastic options, sometimes the little carts with the hot dogs and such aren't open either...I haven't a clue what their hours are, but I remember them NOT being open in September during lunch time. However, the Bakery does have sandwiches and the Beach Club has Hurricane Hannah's and a small QS area with flatbreads and things. Plus....EPCOT! We have come to love the ham sandwiches in Epcot as a nice lunch!

That is sooo odd that they aren't open for lunch

I guess we will grab something to eat on the Boardwalk if we "happen upon an open cart" -- but we won't make a trip over there just for food! I'm glad you told me that so I didn't plan to walk over for a meal & then nothing was open!!!

I'm thinking with the lower crowds, we may even be able to snag a walk-in somewhere if we really need a meal -- but since we have hoppers, Epcot is definitely always an option!!! I am thrilled to be so close to World Showcase -- my favorite place at Disney!!!

We ate at Hurricane Hanna's last year after our Photo Session & it was good! I can't remember what I got but it was some kind of veggie wrap...and while it was sooo good, I couldn't finish half of it because it was so big! I put it in the fridge & ate it the next day!

Yes! They are there!!

Thanks! I'm glad they are there! Not sure where I heard it, but I heard a rumor they were taking out those chairs! I was so disappointed because I really wanted a pic sitting in it last year but they were always full before/after/during our Photo Session!

Onion rings, burgers & shakes. YUM!


Oh that sounds great -- I will definitely get onion rings at Sci-Fi!!! If you can remember from a conversation quite awhile back, I am OBSESSED with onion rings especially when I'm pregnant!!!

My DH loves burgers & Luke loves milkshakes, so we will take your advice for sure!!!


Are you there for breakfast or dinner? Sorry, I cannot recall. If dinner, the potatoes are AMAZING!


That's ok -- its sooo hard to keep track of everyone's reports! Looking back, I probably should have written the restaurant & which meal we were eating there for!

We're eating breakfast at Cape May, but I'll keep those potatoes in mind for future reference as well as for clients!

I had the 3 course meal there, it was delish from start to finish! Fish tacos were the entree...very, very good! Henry just ate off our plates here, Joe had the steak.

I can't wait to try both Mexican restaurants at Epcot!!! We're planning to eat at La Cantina for QS and then we have the ADR for San Angel Inn.

I definitely want to try the fish tacos! I think Luke will love them as well! My husband stopped the other night on the way home from work & got Luke a Happy Meal from McDonald's. At the time, Luke and I were at my parents and were planning to go home for dinner. Well, Luke threw a FIT because he wanted FISH instead of a Happy Meal! Momma was sooo proud!!!

You can put canned items in suitcases, we have done it! Fresh peaches will be hard to come by at Disney though. Some of the breakfast buffets have slices, but I am pretty certain they are just canned ones.

I believe Sunshine Seasons has Pineapple Upside Down cake. And the only thing I can think of that is close to pumpkin bars w/ cream cheese is the Carrot Cake Cookie from the Writer's Stop at DHS, it's filled with cream cheese. It's SUPER sweet.

I'm excited to take my pineapple with me! I weighed all the canned items I have & they weigh 8.5 pounds all together. So I need to weigh our suitcases to make sure none are overweight & then divide them between the 3 bags.

I should have remembered that about Sunshine Seasons as we ate there twice last year! Now that I think about it, I DO remember seeing Pineapple Upside Down Cake in the case! They had quite the selection for a QS restaurant! Of course I got the chocolate cake instead (chocolate is another obsession of mine!) but I think I'll opt for the Pineapple this time!

I've never gone inside the Writer's Shop -- I think I need to stop there now!!! YUM!!! That sounds sooo good!!! (I just wrote the Carrot Cake Cookie on my "Food to Try" list!)

That is SO cute!!!! I hope he cooperates with videos at Disney!

And I hope you are feeling better by then and can fully enjoy the meals!!!!

I cannot wait to see all your shirts!! They all sound great!

In 4 days you will be at the Beach Club. Stormalong Bay babyyyyyyyy!

Luke has been talking A LOT recently about Disney and flying on the airplane. I really hope he's this excited when we get there! It will be fun to experience Disney through his eyes -- my favorite part of every trip!!! I really hope to get some good videos this time!

I am so sad right now because I felt wonderful for about 2 weeks. I didn't get sick one time & never felt the slight bit nautious!!! I was thrilled because I knew I could eat whatever I wanted on our trip! Well, fast forward to about the middle of last week

I've been sick almost everyday again...and while some days I do not throw up (sorry for TMI!) I still feel soooo sick, sick enough that I can't eat another bite of food! I'm hoping that by taking snacks for early morning & late at night, it will lessen the sick/nautious feeling!

Brook -- my replies are above in RED

Hope, you only have 4 days left!!!! And for some reason, when I woke up this morning and my coutndown said 49 days, it suddenly felt a lot closer, lol. Probably because I am so unprepared! That's so cute about Luke singing the pirate song, Jack loves wearing his pirate hat and eyepatch. I hope you get pics posted of your shirts, but if not then make sure you take lots of pictures of you wearing them!

Honestly, I think around 49 days was when it all sunk in for me too!!! I think it has something to do with not seeing those 50's anymore!

49 just seems closer to 30 -- and 30 means only a month left!!!

My advice -- start preparing more NOW! I am so disappointed that its 4 days (almost 3...) before our trip and I'm STILL packing & making lists & printing itineraries! As of this moment, I can officially say that I am DONE -- but I've been working on it all day. My PassPorter is officially packed with all of my tickets & paperwork inside (including my Online Check-in info which I "almost" left at home stuck inside a magazine!!!)

I actually finished up ALL the stuff for my parents trip and took it to them the other night. Their trip is exactly a month away from today -- yet I have their stuff done & not my own! It is sooo funny because my dad keeps acting like they're not going back after this (for at least 5-10 years, he says!) but my mom and I keep catching him on Disney websites! We also walked in the other night on him packing his suitcase already!!!! I was impressed!!!

He also called me this afternoon & we discussed the plans for to/from the airport (he's dropping us off & picking us up so we save a little money) -- so we have everything completely done. Wow, its wonderful to say that!

 

[Native NYer]

Need to catch up here!
And I have some info to PM you.

 

[jenneth79]

Just wanted to drop by and say I hope you have a safe and magical trip!!!

 

[lbuzz52]

i think it is absolutely adorable that your dad is packing already

i can't wait to hear all about this trip. I love halloween at disney, i'm so sad that we only have a 2 day school break in the fall. i'm going to live thru you for this trip

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Hope, I am trying to catch up on all my trips. I am super behind. But in case I miss it, hope you have a great time! I can't wait to read all about it.