March 2012: Spring Break, Here we come! Threadjackers take over the world!

[DMGeurts]

Hey I am still just a "mouseketeer" give me some time and practice, I will get really good, promise! Hey, I know... I should definitely get D~ to train me, she is just the BEST at threadjacking!!!

I am the BEST at many things I do. D~

Are you done practicing yet?

It never hurts to practice... Liddy, you should practice more.

IDK...we did do an awfully good job of screwing up the FB group yesterday...

We did... Did you all notice that no one has been there since???

Oh yes, we totally facebookjacked the March group.

:

Shame on you... Threadjacking is one thing... Facebookjacking is totally another. Just what are we going to do with you?

D~ spent the most wonderful day at the MOA... I even visited the Disney store... and I found the perfect shirt for me... I took a picture, but I didn't buy it.... I tried to upload it to FB - I'll try again in a bit... You guys are gonna love it!!!

D~

 

[Lidian]

I am the BEST at many things I do. D~

That you are Miss D~!

It never hurts to practice... Liddy, you should practice more.

I get plenty of practice in!

We did... Did you all notice that no one has been there since???

Did we scare everyone off?

Shame on you... Threadjacking is one thing... Facebookjacking is totally another. Just what are we going to do with you?

The worst punishment I can think of is sending me to WDW. It would be painful ... and I may not survive ... but I'd take one for the team.

D~ spent the most wonderful day at the MOA... I even visited the Disney store... and I found the perfect shirt for me... I took a picture, but I didn't buy it.... I tried to upload it to FB - I'll try again in a bit... You guys are gonna love it!!!

D~

Totally loved the Duck-butt shirt to go with your Duck-butt bag! Why didn't you buy it?

P.S. I want a Disney store. I think there's one in Knoxville ... but I never get up there.

 

[DMGeurts]

Did we scare everyone off?

Most likely.

The worst punishment I can think of is sending me to WDW. It would be painful ... and I may not survive ... but I'd take one for the team.

For the record... I will take one for the team, as well.

Totally loved the Duck-butt shirt to go with your Duck-butt bag! Why didn't you buy it?

Well, how many do I need?

P.S. I want a Disney store. I think there's one in Knoxville ... but I never get up there.

They just redid our Disney store again... Honestly, I wish they would bring the original back... Don't get me wrong... this one is waaaaaaay better than the ol' generic one they used to have - but seriously - I wanna feel like I am at WDW when I walk in the store - so bring back the Original Disney Store please (like anyone is listening... )

D~

 

[Lidian]

Most likely.

Then we should recruit so we can do it all over again.

For the record... I will take one for the team, as well.

You're so noble!

Well, how many do I need?

Can you ever have too many?

They just redid our Disney store again... Honestly, I wish they would bring the original back... Don't get me wrong... this one is waaaaaaay better than the ol' generic one they used to have - but seriously - I wanna feel like I am at WDW when I walk in the store - so bring back the Original Disney Store please (like anyone is listening... )

D~

Make them listen. You aren't yelling enough perhaps.

I think ... at least there used to be ... there is one in West Town Mall in Knoxville. I think I've been in it once. Maybe twice. I just rarely, rarely get to Knoxville, and it's usually for something big ... like to go to Best Buy for some amazing, super, spectacular deal. Sometimes we go up there and eat ... but our little city is starting to flourish and we have nice places to go now. We finally got a Cheddar's to go with our Chili's ... and we did open a Smoky Mountain Brewery (very good, but very pricey).

Oh ... I'm hungry ... maybe I should snack and then get back on topic.

I just remember going to the West Town Mall one and not being impressed. I recall the store being so cramped that it was hard to walk through, let alone, shop. And it was definitely before my first trip ... so I'd say it was 2007 the last time I was in it. (Maybe 2008.) Hmm.... well, it had to have been since DS was born ... because I remember buying him a box of PVC toys .. but can't recall what of ... DD got Princess PVCs. So I'm guessing 2008.

I really should get a snack. I'm thinking about Chili's now ...

 

[mtgirl29]

hi! It is me..............i am back!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mtgirl29]

I am losing my mind.... I think I have forgotten how to reply on the DIS! I am sure it will all come back to me, though!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your PTR. So good!!!!
I cannot wait to see where you get your room assignment at CBR. The regular rooms look so airy and bright.

Your kiddos looks so tiny in the 2009 pics. They grow up way too fast!

You are becoming a regular Martha Stewart with all your sewing. I LOVE the hipsters. They looks so great and very comfy.

Cannot wait to read more and live vicariously through you since, we will not be going next year.

 

[DMGeurts]

Then we should recruit so we can do it all over again.

We should.

You're so noble!

I know.

Can you ever have too many?

I am not sure... I have a couple now. Do I really need another - and besides, I really think it would look much better as an applique.

Make them listen. You aren't yelling enough perhaps.

I think ... at least there used to be ... there is one in West Town Mall in Knoxville. I think I've been in it once. Maybe twice. I just rarely, rarely get to Knoxville, and it's usually for something big ... like to go to Best Buy for some amazing, super, spectacular deal. Sometimes we go up there and eat ... but our little city is starting to flourish and we have nice places to go now. We finally got a Cheddar's to go with our Chili's ... and we did open a Smoky Mountain Brewery (very good, but very pricey).

The old Disney stores were awesome... The one at MOA was huge! They even moved this time around and took a really small space... the only bonus is that now they are closer to all the other stores I go to most often. I just wish they'd bring back their awesome theming.

Oh ... I'm hungry ... maybe I should snack and then get back on topic.

I just remember going to the West Town Mall one and not being impressed. I recall the store being so cramped that it was hard to walk through, let alone, shop. And it was definitely before my first trip ... so I'd say it was 2007 the last time I was in it. (Maybe 2008.) Hmm.... well, it had to have been since DS was born ... because I remember buying him a box of PVC toys .. but can't recall what of ... DD got Princess PVCs. So I'm guessing 2008.

I really should get a snack. I'm thinking about Chili's now ...

You should probably go get something to eat - sounds like you're hungry.

D~

 

[Lidian]

hi! It is me..............i am back!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi you!

I am losing my mind.... I think I have forgotten how to reply on the DIS! I am sure it will all come back to me, though!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your PTR. So good!!!!
I cannot wait to see where you get your room assignment at CBR. The regular rooms look so airy and bright.

Your kiddos looks so tiny in the 2009 pics. They grow up way too fast!

You are becoming a regular Martha Stewart with all your sewing. I LOVE the hipsters. They looks so great and very comfy.

Cannot wait to read more and live vicariously through you since, we will not be going next year.

Glad to see you here TK!!! Now we can get the band back together.

Thanks for the compliments! I am very much looking forward to where we'll be placed! We did the Pirate room, now it's time to hang with Nemo!

The kids were tiny in 2009! It was nuts! I'm loving the pictures from each year. It's great for me to see the kids then and now.

I am so not a Martha Stewart. I've made some bags and wallets. That's all. I am going to be starting on my next project soon, but I need to check to make sure I have enough fabric. Otherwise, it will be next month. Maybe one day, if I can get good enough, I'll make hipsters for you and K. I'm very happy with mine. I'd love to learn how to quilt them though ... but that's another project for another day.

What do you mean you aren't going next year? I thought you were going to stow away in one of our suitcases?

Anyway, glad you're finally here!

We should.

Let's do it!

I know.

How will we ever survive with such horrible punishment?

I am not sure... I have a couple now. Do I really need another - and besides, I really think it would look much better as an applique.

Well, I don't have any.

The old Disney stores were awesome... The one at MOA was huge! They even moved this time around and took a really small space... the only bonus is that now they are closer to all the other stores I go to most often. I just wish they'd bring back their awesome theming.

That sounds really awesome! I know the one at WTM was small. And they moved, and I swear it was to a smaller store. I think they have one at the Knoxville Convention Center Mall (which I will NEVER make that drive again), and it was large. I remember it having like multiple "rooms". But the last time I was there was .... hmm ... '97. That mall may, or may not, even exist anymore. It's well over an hour away (I think it was about 1.5 hours), but they had this weird little movie theater near it that would show some of the more unique films ... so we used to go to it every now and then.

FB them and write on their wall: Bring back awesome theming or else!

You should probably go get something to eat - sounds like you're hungry.

D~

I was totally craving Chili's .... maybe I'll have some for lunch.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Wow, ya'll are busy beavers! I leave to go home and sleep and you are punishing each other with trips to Disney!

Oh I wish so much that Nashville had a Disney store!!! It is probably for the best since I would probably end up trading my firstborn for stuff in there!


FYI- two weeks from today I get to do the double digit dance!!! Liddy, yours is even closer!

 

[Lidian]

Wow, ya'll are busy beavers! I leave to go home and sleep and you are punishing each other with trips to Disney!

Oh I wish so much that Nashville had a Disney store!!! It is probably for the best since I would probably end up trading my firstborn for stuff in there!


FYI- two weeks from today I get to do the double digit dance!!! Liddy, yours is even closer!

Wait ... how can Nashville NOT have a Disney store?

And if you don't watch your attitude, we'll punish you with a WDW trip, too!

I've honestly not paid much attention to my tickers (I have them everywhere, but I purposely don't look at them). It won't feel real until the bill is paid, so it's hard for me to get excited over my days. But I'll totally do double-digit dances with you guys for your trips!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

So, I finally caught up and I must say I am loving your PTR so far. Love how you keep everyone in suspense before you reveal the answers. Any thought of bringing back the Trivia?

I love your ADR's. We did CP for dinner last year (about the same time as you) and really enjoyed it. I thought it had a good selection and Liam, who is normally a picky eater, tried some new things. Eeyore was there when we went, and with the crowd levels being so high I would hope that he would be there when you go.

So the sewing bug has got you to, huh? I guess it gets us all. You might just have to send me that pattern so I can make my daughter and myself one for our trip. FYI- Hobby Lobby is always having sales on patterns for .99 to 1.99 if you want some cheap patterns.

I am so in for a girls trip. I have to get away from all these boys around here. The plan right now is to take Mia in May of 2013, but things might change if I can swing it for this year. But than again maybe it's best to just put money away so I can afford more in 2013. I also possibly have a friend and her daughter who want to come. so we will see.

I wish we lived closer to Disney to drive, I can imagine if I brought all the kids we would drive, but with just two people it's actually cheaper to fly.

Oh my goodness, I'm writting a book here. I would appologize for threadjacking . . .but you know me to well by now.

 

[Lidian]

So, I finally caught up and I must say I am loving your PTR so far. Love how you keep everyone in suspense before you reveal the answers. Any thought of bringing back the Trivia?

Thanks! I'm glad you made it back! I am totally planning to do trivia later in the PTR. Right now, I want to focus more on our plans, but after plans are revealed, anything goes!

I love your ADR's. We did CP for dinner last year (about the same time as you) and really enjoyed it. I thought it had a good selection and Liam, who is normally a picky eater, tried some new things. Eeyore was there when we went, and with the crowd levels being so high I would hope that he would be there when you go.

I hope Eeyore is there, and I've heard TONS and TONS of sightings, but you just never know until you show up. Eeyore may get sick or something. I just know characters are never guaranteed ... you get what you get and you don't pitch a fit.

So the sewing bug has got you to, huh? I guess it gets us all. You might just have to send me that pattern so I can make my daughter and myself one for our trip. FYI- Hobby Lobby is always having sales on patterns for .99 to 1.99 if you want some cheap patterns.

Yep, I'm totally loving the sewing! I didn't think about Hobby Lobby when I first went pattern looking (I had only been in it a couple of times). But they just recently had their Simplicity patterns on sale for $1.99 and I did pick up another pack. I'm hoping to dig into it and see what notions I need and how much fabric. This one has a laptop bag and several messenger type bags.

The bag I made was from:
Simplicity Learn to Sew # 2164, bag D (but improvised since I added an inside pocket and zipper).

The next bag is from:
Simplicity # 4391, but not sure which bag I want to tackle... I'm thinking D or B.

I'll be on the lookout for cheap patterns from HL now! Thanks for the heads up!

I am so in for a girls trip. I have to get away from all these boys around here. The plan right now is to take Mia in May of 2013, but things might change if I can swing it for this year. But than again maybe it's best to just put money away so I can afford more in 2013. I also possibly have a friend and her daughter who want to come. so we will see.

Boys driving you ?

I recalled you wanting to take Mia in 2013 to see the Fantasyland expansion. I'm planning a Girl's trip for 2013 (looking to be around August).

I know if I was in your shoes, I'd have a hard time weighing out "extra saving time" and "Fantasyland expansion openings" and "going NOW".

If you can team up with someone and split some costs, that would be awesome! It's why I'm looking for a Girls Trip, split the cost of a room, so we can stay Deluxe (and hopefully do DxDDP).

Keep me posted on what you decide!

I wish we lived closer to Disney to drive, I can imagine if I brought all the kids we would drive, but with just two people it's actually cheaper to fly.

Oh my goodness, I'm writting a book here. I would appologize for threadjacking . . .but you know me to well by now.

Yeah, I know what you mean about driving vs flying and cost. I've tried to price out the cost of flying ... but it's not feasible for our budget with all four of us, but if it was just two ... then it would totally work.

I'd love to do a Mommy & Daughter trip one day ... Maybe I can find other moms and daughters to go with me and we can make it a huge bonding trip!

Corrine, you should know me by now ... I love being threadjacked.

 

[DMGeurts]

Wow, ya'll are busy beavers! I leave to go home and sleep and you are punishing each other with trips to Disney!

Is there another way to punish?

Oh I wish so much that Nashville had a Disney store!!! It is probably for the best since I would probably end up trading my firstborn for stuff in there!

I can't believe that Nashville doesn't have a Disney Store... Well, MN does. Another benefit to this accent.

FYI- two weeks from today I get to do the double digit dance!!! Liddy, yours is even closer!

ACK!!!! I am about ready to bump my trip up to January... How much do you suppose it costs to have a 3 month vacation???

Wait ... how can Nashville NOT have a Disney store?

And if you don't watch your attitude, we'll punish you with a WDW trip, too!

Yah...

I've honestly not paid much attention to my tickers (I have them everywhere, but I purposely don't look at them). It won't feel real until the bill is paid, so it's hard for me to get excited over my days. But I'll totally do double-digit dances with you guys for your trips!!

I agree... as soon as it's PIF - than I'll be dancin' (you really don't want to see it though).

If you can team up with someone and split some costs, that would be awesome! It's why I'm looking for a Girls Trip, split the cost of a room, so we can stay Deluxe (and hopefully do DxDDP).

Pick me, pick me, pick me...

I love being threadjacked.

We know.

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

Thanks so much for the pattern #'s, now I just have to see when HL will have it's next sale on patterns. Is it to early to start planning things to make for a trip in 2013? Let me know if you want me to tell you how to make a t-shirt dress like the the one I put on FB.

It's going to be hard, but I think I will wait until 2013 and save up more money. Hopefully my friend will still want to come so I can save some money on the room. I am also hoping to stay an extra couple days and maybe head to US and see the WWOHP. Plu7s than I will be prepared to make those ADR's I want for my little girl. August might be good, but I am worried about the heat. But my birthday is that month. Well have to see. It also depends if it is early or late August because the kids usually go back to school in mid august.

 

[Lidian]

Is there another way to punish?

I'm pretty sure there isn't.

I can't believe that Nashville doesn't have a Disney Store... Well, MN does. Another benefit to this accent.

ACK!!!! I am about ready to bump my trip up to January... How much do you suppose it costs to have a 3 month vacation???

Too much! Not to mention ... that's a lot of AG dresses to make.

Yah...

Iknowright?

I agree... as soon as it's PIF - than I'll be dancin' (you really don't want to see it though).

Youtube is my friend. I totally want to see it.

Pick me, pick me, pick me...

Woot! Another body to help pay the cost!

We know.

No, I don't think you do.

 

[Lidian]

Thanks so much for the pattern #'s, now I just have to see when HL will have it's next sale on patterns. Is it to early to start planning things to make for a trip in 2013? Let me know if you want me to tell you how to make a t-shirt dress like the the one I put on FB.

It's going to be hard, but I think I will wait until 2013 and save up more money. Hopefully my friend will still want to come so I can save some money on the room. I am also hoping to stay an extra couple days and maybe head to US and see the WWOHP. Plu7s than I will be prepared to make those ADR's I want for my little girl. August might be good, but I am worried about the heat. But my birthday is that month. Well have to see. It also depends if it is early or late August because the kids usually go back to school in mid august.

You're welcome! I cut out the patterns for 4391 and I keep thinking ... this would make a nice diaper bag. So would this one. And this one! Even the two I was considering were waaaay too large for me. I may still make some, some people love those big purses. I'm all about little bags though.

Once I get more confident in sewing, I'd love to learn how to make dresses and such!

It's never too early to start planning your trip! I'd love to see US and WWOHP. I was trying to talk DH into going down Friday of our trip and hitting US Saturday and IoA Sunday ... but he said no. Maybe 2013 I can do it.

I'm not sure when in August it would be. My kiddos go back very early in August, so regardless, they'll be in school. I think it will depend on when Izzy can schedule her vacation. I think the rest of us can be a little flexible. And if we can truly find more bodies, it will also depend on them. I'd kind of like to wait and go during F&W and when Halloween decor is up ... and part of me would like to wait even more and see the Christmas festivities. But then again, I do have my college schedule to look at. If I'm doing online classes, then it won't matter. But if I have scheduled classes, then I'll have to work around that. I think classes start very late August or early September. Who knows. I'll try to figure out tentative dates at some point.

 

[DMGeurts]

And if we can truly find more bodies, it will also depend on them. I'd kind of like to wait and go during F&W and when Halloween decor is up ... and part of me would like to wait even more and see the Christmas festivities.

My ideal trip would be to get to WDW in time to see the Halloween Decor... and stay long enough to see the Holiday Decor... That would be so awesome - as I just love Halloween at WDW, and I have never seen the Holidays there.

D~

 

[Lidian]

My ideal trip would be to get to WDW in time to see the Halloween Decor... and stay long enough to see the Holiday Decor... That would be so awesome - as I just love Halloween at WDW, and I have never seen the Holidays there.

D~

That would be ideal!

But ... with my college schedule, the best I could do is Summer break, Spring Break, or Winter Break. I only get two days for Fall Break! I wouldn't have any days around the "changes" ... it would have to wait until I finished college.

Maybe one year I can get there during the changes.

But as for next year, it would have to be August or December (after Finals).

Honestly, I'd much rather see Christmas decor than Halloween decor ... but not sure I want to wait until December 2013 to go! Plus ... I like warm vacations. I may wait until I can take two vacations!

 

[Lidian]

I read last night about TP offering Optimized plans now ... so I kept tinkering with it. I went ahead and made a plan to follow for each of our days, so I'll start posting them as well!

With the Lines app, I can access these plans within the park, optimize it with current data (ie, it says to see Dumbo next, but another user reported a large tour group just got in line, it will reorganize the data and send me somewhere else). Of course, it can only go off data in it's historical database and anything real-time users submit, so it will be accurate, but never exact (since it can't account for that large tour group popping into a particular line). And you have to request for it to re-optimize, otherwise, you trek along with whatever it says.

It also lets me allot time for eating (and breaks). Okay, everytime I see the word "allot" or "a lot", I think of the Alot. Sorry, back on track ... There is still a few bugs with their software, as sometimes it tells me I won't have enough time for a meal (even though it is showing the correct time).

Sorry, you will not have time for your 11am lunch scheduled.

Some data the software asks about your group:
How long do you plan to dine? It asks per dining scheduled.
What time do you plan to start?
What time do you plan to finish?
Walking pace: Very Relaxed; Relaxed; Average; Fast
Waiting vs Walking: Minimize Waiting; Prefer Less Waiting; Balanced; Prefer Less Walking; Minimize Walking
Date you will be touring.

So it is able to pull in park hours, take advantage of EMHs, the estimated crowd levels, etc. Lots of data to crunch ... and crunching data is something I love!

Here is an example of what I've worked on for our arrival day. It is NOT complete, and we will NOT be touring based on what I'm showing you right now. Once I determine exactly what we'll be doing on arrival day, I'll post the actual schedule it suggests for me.

Keep in mind, as I am in the park, I check off what I have completed and I can re-optimize at any point for fresh data. So if I take shorter or longer at my meals than I estimated, Lines can check wait times and readjust my schedule. So even if I went by this, it could change 15 billion times before I even arrive.


Plan Details
• Start Time: 3:00pm
• Finish Time: 9:00pm
Plan Steps
1. *Town Square Theater Princess Meet and Greet
Obtain a FASTPASS for Town Square Theater Princesses
2. *Town Square Theater Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet
Town Square Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet
3. *Jungle Cruise
Obtain a FASTPASS for the Jungle Cruise
4. *Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
See the Enchanted Tiki Room
5. *Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Obtain a FASTPASS for Buzz Lightyear
6. *Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
See the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
7. *Space Mountain
Obtain a FASTPASS for Space Mountain
8. *Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Ride Buzz Lightyear using FASTPASSes acquired earlier
9. *Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
See the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
10. *Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Enjoy Prince Charming's Regal Carousel
11. *The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Obtain a FASTPASS for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
12. *Mickey's PhilharMagic
See Mickey's PhilharMagic
13. *Jungle Cruise
Ride the Jungle Cruise using FASTPASSes acquired earlier
14. *6:35pm:The Crystal Palace» 70 minutes
Dine at The Crystal Palace
15. *The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh using FASTPASSes acquired earlier
16. *Space Mountain
Ride Space Mountain using FASTPASSes acquired earlier
17. *Town Square Theater Princess Meet and Greet
Town Square Princess Meet and Greet using FASTPASSes acquired earlier

Here's screenshots of what I see:

It gives me a map that plots out where everything is. To the left, it shows the date box, and it shows data it pulled in for the date.

I can drag/drop to reorder things if I'm not happy with the plan.

I can optimize it for "today", or I can change the date in the top left to optimize it. (It's currently optimized for 3/4/12.)

Pretty neat, huh? I can't wait to actually try this out in the parks! My biggest concern is it eating up my battery. I may have to adjust some phone options to ensure that my battery isn't dead by dinner each day. I recall last year, using Lines, FB, and email, most nights I was praying the battery would last just long enough to get back to the resort. Most nights it did. But I couldn't touch it. Every night, the battery was in the "red". I could probably adjust settings for the next trip and see what can be done to extend the battery life.

 

[Corrine 1973]

That app looks amazing, I might just have to use that one when I take Mia. Though I find that even after I make a ton of plans I never really follow the plan. Oh well it won't stop me from planning, right.

This is just an idea, but have you thought about getting an extra battery for your phone just in case you run out of power. I wish I had thought about bringing an extra battery for my camera in May because even on a full charge I found I was running out of battery by the end of the day. Ran out of battery at CP and almost missed a pic with Eeyore. Ended up taking a small video and a pic with my phone.

We went on Liam's Wish Trip in September 2009 and was able to see WDW dressed up for Halloween. We were lucky to be able to attend the MNSSHP and it was to much fun. The Boo to you parade was a lot of fun and Hallowishes was just amazing. One day I will go during Christmas. I really don't want to go when the park is jam packed, but I will figure it out.