Magical Memories, Creativity & Crafting, Obsessive Planning, Gluten-Free-Nov 2011 PTR

[PixieMama]

Wow, those are some fabulous goodies for your kiddos! I really like the lanyards.

 

[beebeeryan]

Party City has great Disney lanyards for cheap, I got a few last summer.

Great stuff for the kids backpacks. I made my boys activity books last year for the flight and the younger one colored and did stuff but the older one was so excited to be on a plane he just spent the whole flight starring out the window at the East Coast going by.

 

[Kari-B]

Thanks Pixiemama!

Beebeeryan, that is very cute about your older son! I figured some of the stuff will be kind of babyish for my 8 year old, but I wanted to keep everything the same for both of them. Neither of my kids really like to color much either, but for a buck I had to get the Mickey coloring books. In all honesty, if it has Mickey on it I'm gonna buy it!

 

[Kari-B]

Our next movie night was Indiana Jones. Here is the link to my post about it on the movie night thread INDIANA JONES MOVIE NIGHT.

 

[beebeeryan]

Looks like they really got into it, great job decorating!

Ugh, I hate snakes and creepy crawlies so I'm thinking no Indiana Jones movie night here. I have seen the movie, many years ago and I'd agree, probably a little much, especially for the younger one.

 

[Kari-B]

Looks like they really got into it, great job decorating!

Ugh, I hate snakes and creepy crawlies so I'm thinking no Indiana Jones movie night here. I have seen the movie, many years ago and I'd agree, probably a little much, especially for the younger one.

Thanks Beebeeryan!!! My biggest fear is snakes so that was like torture for me. Especially the snake surprise. And if you don't remember exactly what that was in the movie, I'm not going to remind you, it's nightmare inducing.

 

[Kari-B]

Here is a stroller license plate that I made using a fabulous design by someone on the Creative DISign thread (can't remember who, sorry). I laminated it and plan on securing it to our stroller with zip ties. I figure this will help us locate our stroller easier in the sea of strollers.

Now for the stroller question. Does anybody have any recommendations for a stroller? Any suggestions, tips, etc...

We never use the stroller we have now (Eddie Bauer, don't know the model) obviously because of the ages of my kids. We have hung onto it though for those very rare occasions where it is just necessary. I KNOW we will need a stroller for our trip for the five year old, along with all our crap. I plan on stashing it in stroller parking in each section of the parks and not pushing it to every ride. I feel the need for it will mostly be coming and going at the parks, after parades/fireworks for safety, and for holding our items (water, jackets, etc.). So I'm not asking whether we should use one or not, I really don't want that crazy kind of thread to start here. Just any recommendations or advice you have. Thanks so much!!!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Here is a stroller license plate that I made using a fabulous design by someone on the Creative DISign thread (can't remember who, sorry). I laminated it and plan on securing it to our stroller with zip ties. I figure this will help us locate our stroller easier in the sea of strollers.

Now for the stroller question. Does anybody have any recommendations for a stroller? Any suggestions, tips, etc...

We never use the stroller we have now (Eddie Bauer, don't know the model) obviously because of the ages of my kids. We have hung onto it though for those very rare occasions where it is just necessary. I KNOW we will need a stroller for our trip for the five year old, along with all our crap. I plan on stashing it in stroller parking in each section of the parks and not pushing it to every ride. I feel the need for it will mostly be coming and going at the parks, after parades/fireworks for safety, and for holding our items (water, jackets, etc.). So I'm not asking whether we should use one or not, I really don't want that crazy kind of thread to start here. Just any recommendations or advice you have. Thanks so much!!!

My only recommendations for strollers is sturdy, and folds up flat/compact.

And, yeah, take the stroller! No argument from me! I only lament what we will do when no child needs the stroller any longer. It's where we put our stuff!

Also - I always tie brightly colored bandanas on each side of the handle, and it makes our stroller much easier to see. The tag will help immensely, but there will be times where other strollers might obscure it. It helps to have something that really stands out!

 

[cgerdon02]

Here is a stroller license plate that I made using a fabulous design by someone on the Creative DISign thread (can't remember who, sorry). I laminated it and plan on securing it to our stroller with zip ties. I figure this will help us locate our stroller easier in the sea of strollers.

Now for the stroller question. Does anybody have any recommendations for a stroller? Any suggestions, tips, etc...

We never use the stroller we have now (Eddie Bauer, don't know the model) obviously because of the ages of my kids. We have hung onto it though for those very rare occasions where it is just necessary. I KNOW we will need a stroller for our trip for the five year old, along with all our crap. I plan on stashing it in stroller parking in each section of the parks and not pushing it to every ride. I feel the need for it will mostly be coming and going at the parks, after parades/fireworks for safety, and for holding our items (water, jackets, etc.). So I'm not asking whether we should use one or not, I really don't want that crazy kind of thread to start here. Just any recommendations or advice you have. Thanks so much!!!

Love the License Plate! Gonna have to make one of those too! We are bringing our own stroller (just bought the city mini double from Amazon.) I haven't received it yet, but when I do, I'll let you know what I think. After a ton of research, it seemed to be the best for my family. Even my DS who is 6 gets tired and wouldn't mind a ride in a stroller after a long day. This one seemed like he could even go for a ride in it. (weight limit wise)

 

[Becc1]

Just wanted to stop by and say hi! I read your PTR tonight, how did I not know you had one? Love all of the crafts and of course the theme nights! The reveal party was great, I'm going to have to "borrow" some for our reveal night in 2 weeks!

Lisa

 

[Kari-B]

Thanks for the replies Sarah, Candace & Lisa.

Sarah, I was thinking along the lines of a sturdy umbrella type stroller. Something like the Maclaren Volo. I miss not using a stroller more often, just for a place to hold our things. I don't even like carrying my purse and always get a cart for it.

Candace, yes please let me know when you try out your new stroller. I'd especially be interested in how it handles/steers with your 6 year old in it.

Lisa, thanks for stopping by my PTR! Would love to see pics after you have your reveal night! Good luck with that!

 

[Kari-B]

I get to book our ADRs on Saturday morning! We've decided to go with the dining plan that includes one table service meal per day. Here is what I plan on booking:

Chef Mickey's (dinner - arrival night)
Tusker House (breakfast)
Askershus (breakfast)
Garden Grill (dinner)
Tony's Town Square (dinner)
Hoop Dee Doo Review
50's Prime Time Cafe (dinner)
Sci Fi Dine-In (dinner)

I a little unsure about Sci-Fi. I really want to go there for the atmosphere, but am not sure we will enjoy the food that much. I didn't see much that I like or that can be easily gluten free. Any comments/suggestions/advice?

Tony's Town Square is the other one that I am not 100% set on. I think I'm leaning towards it, because I know I can have gluten free pasta there. Also I think the kids will like the Lady & The Tramp aspect. Input?

All the others I'm set on, but would love to hear from anybody with any input/advice. Thanks!!!

 

[PixieMama]

ADR Day is always fun... fingers crossed you get all the ones you want!

My family had lunch at Tony's during our 1st trip. I wanted to try since we all like Italian food and Lady & the Tramp. The food was just... meh. Not bad, but we've had better. My honest opinion is that unless you're a die-hard L&T fan, you might want to eat elsewhere (Liberty Tree Tavern would be my choice)

We also had dinner at Sci-Fi on our 1st trip, and lunch at 50sPTC on our 2nd. Both were really good. I can't offer any suggestions as what to get that's gluten-free, though.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Kari, Sci-fi was ok. We LOVED the atmosphere, the food was just ok. They did send the chef out to talk to me about my options (which were very limited) and I ended up getting a veggie burger with a gluten free bun. It was dry, but sometimes that's just how GF buns are. It's wasn't horrible and I'm glad we went, although I wouldn't go out of my way to go again. Really fun for the experience though, which is what Disney is all about, right???

 

[Kari-B]

Thanks so much for your replies Pixie Mama & Karen! Liberty Tree Tavern had originally been on my list, but decided to go with Tony's instead. I have to give that a little more thought. I wondering if we should make an ADR for Sci-Fi and just order shakes. That way we can get the experience, but skip the food. What should I add though? Considered Crystal Palace for dinner? Any other ideas?

 

[mrssmith06]

Good luck with getting the ADR's you want!!!!!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I just read your whole TR, and I don't think I'll be able to comment on everything because I am joining so late lol So I will do my best to remember my thoughts!

- First of all, you have a beautiful family
- Second, Disney is amazing with food allergies and gluten free foods, so I don't think you will have to worry about that (hopefully not, anyway!)
- I feel like you and I could get along really well lol I also love all things creative (although this is not reflected in my PTR yet) and organizing/planning. The cricut is the best invention - ever lol I love mine!
- You really found some great stuff for the kids too. Where I live, it is not so easy to find those kinds of things, especially for those prices!

Anyway, great TR, I can't wait to read more!

 

[Kari-B]

Thank you Mrs. Smith!

Thanks for joining my PTR Krysten!!! Glad you are enjoying it so far. I'm off to check out your PTR!

 

[Kari-B]

Yeah, booked all of my ADRs this morning!!! Was a pain in the rump though. Kept getting internal service error. Had to try over and over again, but finally got all the ADRs I wanted. Good thing we had talked about not doing Hoop-Dee-Doo Review and had backup options as apparently Hoop-Dee-Doo Review isn't running then. Didn't look into it to see if it seasonal or not, cause I'm happy with what we booked.

Here is what I went with:
Day 1/Arrival day : Chef Mickey's (so excited to start the tip with this one!!!)
Day 2/MK - Liberty Tree Tavern
Day 3/AK - Tusker House (breakfast)
Day 4/Epcot - Garden Grill
Day 5/HS - 50's Prime Time Cafe
Day 6/MK - Crystal Palace
Day 7/HS - Sci-Fi
Day 8/Epcot - Askershus (breakfast)
Day 9/MK - Tony's
Day 10/Departure Day - none

Wow, makes the trip seem a little more real. EXCITED!!!!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Yay for booking ADR's!!

You guys are going to some of my very favourites! I haven't tried Garden Grill but I would really like to, same with Sci-fi.