May 2011: The kids are getting 3rd visit surprise! Now w/pics!

[Lidian]

So we've decided to surprise the kids with a 3rd visit. We told them earlier this year that we wouldn't go on vacation this year due to cost. (But the Kids Stay & Play deal was pretty sweet, so.... DH gave me permission to book!)

It'll be myself, DH, DD9, and DS5 (well, he's 4 today, but will be 5 next month). We invited my sister and her family, but they couldn't that week off. We also invited DS's Preschool teacher, but she's not certain if school will be out (due to snow makeup days). So ... if school is officially over for her, then her family will be there at the same time.

The school calendar claims last day is 5/19 unless they have to makeup snow days. If they push snow days after 5/19, my kids will be absent since they won't make a decision until the end of March and I need to get things planned now.

We'll be staying at POP 5/22 - 5/27. We'll drive down from TN (it's roughly a 10.5 hour drive with stops) around 3am on 5/22. So we expect to hit the resort around 1:30 (actually a little later, since we'll stop for lunch before we arrive).

The kids know we'll be going to DollyWood this year, so when I wake them to get in the car and hand them a "busy bag", they shouldn't ask any questions. (Except "how long until we're there?") I'm hoping they'll go back to sleep like they have the past two years and sleep a good portion of the drive down.

DD9 might start to figure out we aren't headed for DollyWood if she thinks about it, and watches the clock. I'm hoping she doesn't, and she misses state signs as well. That way, when we drive under the WDW sign, she'll scream out in excitement.

DS5 won't know what's going on, so he'll rely on big sis to keep him informed on where we are. But I'm hoping that the kids won't figure it out until we see the sign.

This is when I pass them the WDW for Kids book that I picked up so they can decide what all they want to accomplish on this adventure.

Once we arrive, we'll check in to the hotel (room may or may not be ready). If the room is ready, we'll go unpack and let DH take a nap. If the room is not ready, I dunno what we'll do yet. (I guess DH can nap in the car.)

We have 6pm dinner reservations at Wolfgang Puck. This is DH's only requirement for going to WDW - eating at Wolfgang's.

On arrival day ... we'll do one of the following (but not certain which one):
- go swimming
- head to MK
- head to AK

We'll wait and see how we feel once we arrive, how the weather is, and which we'd prefer to do. If we go to a park, DH may or may not join us. Odds are, he'll nap until dinner.

After dinner, we'll either go swimming/resort exploring or MK (if we chose MK to visit earlier) until we're ready for sleeps.


EDIT: We are no longer staying at POP, but CSR instead. It is a VERY slim chance we'll hit a park on arrival day. We may come in and grab lunch at the resort or DTD instead of hitting a McDs on the way down.

DH pointed out that DD9 will figure out pretty quick we aren't on our way to DollyWood, so we I need to come up with another suggestion for them to think we're doing. I don't want it to be too exciting, so they don't feel let down that we aren't going (the DW thing was fine, since we will have annual passes for it this year and go multiple times). Maybe we'll come up with a boring activity ... but my kids are soo weird, I can't think of anything "boring" that would result in a long drive.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Because I just learned how to do this. I couldn't decide how to do this ... so I organized them. (Yes, I'm OCD like that.) They are not in order, but grouped by planning. If its confusing, please let me know and I'll reorganize.

Who are we?

Day 1: DHS
Day2: AK
Day 3: MK
Overplanning can stress a girl out!
The DUH moment: Anniversary week before arrival
I got a FD Pin!
A visit to the TA = Upgrading Resorts!
Jumping ahead to the Last Day
Day 4: Epcot
DD's asthma is now tossed into the planning
TPL booked!
Food Intinerary: IN STONE!
What are the Cartwheels?
The elusive Cartwheel: Will we ride it?
Final Itinerary - Maybe in stone!
New Final Itinerary - Fresh stone!
ADR issues: Need advice!

Spilling the beans: Who's on clean up duty?

Mini Food TR in review
More Mini Food TR reviews
Mini TR for 2010

Mini TR: Year of the Evil Sun: Part 1
Mini TR: Year of the Evil Sun: Part 2

Trivia Challenge: Week 1, Challenge 1 ANSWER
Trivia Challenge: Week 1, Challenge 2 ANSWER
Trivia Challenge: Week 2, Challenge 1 ANSWER
Trivia Challenge: Week 2, Challenge 2 ANSWER
Trivia Challenge: Week 3, Challenge 1 ANSWER


OT: DS's birthday party
OT: Easter & Mickey Mail - pic heavy!


May 2011: The Year of Surprises Trip Report HERE

 

[Lidian]

Monday 5/23, we'll be hitting DHS. They're open from 9-10 (with PM EMH).

DH and I have been trying to settle differences over JTA. I think the kids would LOVE LOVE it. DH thinks that they won't follow directions and might get nervous in front of the crowds. I know if I ask them, they'd want to do it ... so I think it will be my priority for that morning, getting them signed up.

We'll see what standby and FP times are for TSM, RnRC, and ToT and figure out what to FP and what to ride first. I dread ToT sooo much. My stomache is in knots just thinking about having to ride it ... but its DD9's favorite ride, so I'll grin and bear it (and cry while standing in line).

I'm excited for the new Star Tours and can't wait to see it. We'll make sure that DS5 gets to see the Disney Junior show at some point in the day.

I'd like to see the parade at DHS, as I've never seen the parade before. I know its changed from what it was last year, and I know some people like it and some people hate it. We'll see it regardless - as it will be amazing for the kids.

I'm hoping P&F are available. DS5 and DH are huge fans. This might be the only greet that DH would get involved in.

We didn't see the Stunt Show the past two years, so we're going to make a point to watch it this year. And we always have to see Indy. DH would be sad if I said we were skipping it this year. I do hope he'll get the courage to play an extra this year. I'd love to film him up on the stage being silly in front of everyone. The kids would LOVE it!

I think we'll ride The Great Movie Ride again this year, and see if we can find more handprints of stars we love.

We're looking forward to Muppet*Vision 3D (DH was soo upset last year when I told him it was closed for refurb). DH is a huge Muppet fan (if he doesn't wear his Indy hat, he wears a Kermit ballcap).

My goal for this year's DHS visit is to see some of the street performers. We've missed them the past two years! (Granted, last year while us girls were in the restroom, one of the starlets came and sat with DH for a few minutes and talked to him - he was wearing a Superman shirt, so she played along with it. I hated that I missed it!!!!!!)

We have a 6:45 dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe. I'm excited to dine here. I wanted to eat here our first year, but I was more focused on character dining than adult dining, so we had lunch at H&V (well, I was ill with sun poisoning, so DH and the kids did). Last year, we had Sci Fi (which we LOVED). DH is a bit apprehensive about 50's PTC, but I youtubed a bunch of videos, and from what I saw, he'd be just fine. And if not, we just won't go back if he's with us.

After dinner, we'll see how we feel and go from there. If we're not ready to go back to the hotel, we'll wander around the park and check out the available EMH attractions (not certain what will be open yet, haven't checked into it). We might just people watch, or go wander around another resort and check it out.

EDIT: I'm not decided on QS lunch. We liked Backlot Express last year. Maybe we'll do Pizza Planet this year? I dunno. We might just wing it and grab whatever is closest to us when we get hungry.

EDIT: I finally created my "must do" list:
Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground
Disney Jr Live
Indiana Jones - I hope DH will try to get picked as an extra!
Lights, Motors, Action - we've always passed this as it didn't seem like we'd enjoy, but I want to do new things this year!
Muppet*Vision 3D - this is our #1 Must DO!
RnRC
Star Tours
Great Movie Ride
Magic of Animation
ToT - I fear this!
TSM
Beauty & the Beast
watch Disney Rocks
watch Pixar Parade
Jedi Training Academy - maybe both kids will do this!

 

[Lidian]

So we'll visit AK on Tuesday 5/24. AK is open 9-7, but we'll be out by 5ish (so we can get ready for dinner).

We'll hit the Safari first thing, and then FP EE. We'll lunch at Flame Tree BBQ.

We haven't tried Primeval Whirl (I was too scared Bonine wouldn't be able to save me on it), but I think this year I'll give it a go. We've also not tried Dinousaur ... so perhaps we'll attempt it as well.

I really need to measure DS ... I know he'll be tall enough for Dinosaur (since he was tall enough to ride BTMRR last year). But I wonder what else I can tempt him to ride, now that I think about his height....

Anyway ... Nemo and Lion King are definitely in the plans ... since we never really ventured into DinoLand, I think we'll spend a good part of the day exploring that area. As well as more time with Rafiki's Planet Watch and seeing some of the other trails throughout the park.

We've always rushed through AK because of other plans (not to mention it was ALWAYS packed when we visited AK - elbow to elbow is no fun). But I'm hoping that we can at least work in more exploring this year!

Dinner will be at DTD. We have 6:30 reservations at Raglan Road. I'm a bit worried about this one, as after I checked the menu, I didn't really see anything that appealed to me. I know DH would have a hard time narrowing down his choice ... and I'll have a hard time finding something that I think I might like.

After dinner, we might go for a swim, or just meander through DTD. Maybe even just curl up on the beds and watch TV for a bit.

If we hit AK on our arrival day, we may not go back on this day. We may hit another park or visit a water park (depending on weather and what all we accomplished on arrival day).

Part of me would rather skip AK and double up on another park ... or just hit a water park instead. I know if I don't at least visit AK at some point during our stay, I'll regret it - so I dunno.

I've considered adding on PHs this year (we've never used them in the past), just to get some AK time in without making a full day of it (like hitting AK a few times through the week for just a couple of hours at a time). I'll figure it out once time gets a little closer, I'm sure. I'm just thankful I do have options! Or maybe we could hit a WP in the AM and visit AK around lunch time. Eh, who knows.

EDIT: Finally got our Must Do list:
Conservation Station
Cretaceous Trail - never found it the past two years
??? Dinosaur - not sure if I can get brave enough for this, but maybe DH and DD will ride?
Discovery Island Trails - never found this one either
EE
Habitat Habit
??? Kali River Rapids - if its hot and the line is short, we'll do this again, otherwise skip - it was kind of a let down
Kids Discover Clubs
Kilimanjaro Safari
Maharajah Jungle Trek - never found this
Pangani Forest Trail - never found this
??? Primeval Whirl - I hope I can do this, I think I'll watch a few cars first and see how it really goes
Boneyard - never found this
Lion King
Nemo
Jungle Parade
??? Flights of Wonder - if we have time

I was really shocked at how much I have NOT seen at AK in the past two years!!!! I feel awful now.

 

[ZFamily5]

Great start! Your kids are about my siblings ages...very fun ages for Disney World. Can't wait to hear more...

 

[Disneypolyprincess]

I love your PTR looks amazing!

 

[Lidian]

Great start! Your kids are about my siblings ages...very fun ages for Disney World. Can't wait to hear more...

I only hope that when they get your age, they still have the Disney passion! (ie I hope they get their momma's Disney genes - and not dad's "Uncle Walt takes all our money" blues)

Sometimes I think DH just dislikes anything magic and fun. But he knows the kids and I are addicted and he loves the food, so he goes along with my addiction.

 

[Lidian]

I love your PTR looks amazing!

Thank you!! I hope you have a wonderful Sweet 16 at WDW! I'm hoping DD9 will get to have one herself when she gets older (and doesn't lose the passion!).

 

[Lidian]

Is it sad that I've not finished planning this trip and I'm already trying to book another one for later this year?

No, I'm not addicted. Not at all!

 

[Disneypolyprincess]

Is it sad that I've not finished planning this trip and I'm already trying to book another one for later this year?

No, I'm not addicted. Not at all!

Aha sounds like you just want to go and skip the planning! It's not sad it's what gets you through the day! Of course your not addicted no one on DIS is

Thank you!! I hope you have a wonderful Sweet 16 at WDW! I'm hoping DD9 will get to have one herself when she gets older (and doesn't lose the passion!).

Thank you! I hope she does too disney is amazing (although it is more expensive than my party would have Been )

 

[Lidian]

Aha sounds like you just want to go and skip the planning! It's not sad it's what gets you through the day! Of course your not addicted no one on DIS is

Thank you! I hope she does too disney is amazing (although it is more expensive than my party would have Been )

Oh, I'm totally into planning for this trip ... but I'm ready to start planning for my next one too! I can plan two at the same time, right?

And yes, I can imagine a Disney trip costs plenty more than a Sweet 16! But a Sweet 16 at WDW is just so much better!

 

[Lidian]

Guess I should give a little bit of info about us while I have a few minutes.

Me: (Mom) I love all things Disney. I'm over-emotional (I tear up seeing WDW vacation commercials). I'm a geek-mom, as I love video games just as much as I do Disney (Disney games are even better!). I'm an over-planner, but I'm flexible - so if a kink pops up in a plan, I can roll with it and adjust. I don't plan out things by the minute (or even hour), but more like a priority guideline. My favorite characters are Goofy and Eeyore (and they are the only ones I'll push down my own kids to get to Yes, I'm kidding, I won't really push them down.) My favorite park is DHS. My favorite attraction is Finding Nemo the Musical.

DH: (Dad) He doesn't get Disney. And lately, he's been kind of blue because Uncle Walt keeps taking our money (but the trip is paid off now!!). But he loves me and the kids sooo much, he takes us so we can have wonderful adventures. He will admit that he LOVES Disney food. (He loves to eat!) His only requirement is we have to dine at Wolfgang Pucks each visit, so I always make sure that is the first ADR we book. DH doesn't ride much in the parks (he's afraid of rides), and that's okay. There are some things I've asked him (more than once) to ride with me - but nothing that I think he can't handle. (He was fine on BTMRR - but didn't bother asking for SM, RnRC, or ToT.) He rode Mission:Space Orange our first visit and did well. So if I pick on him about not riding things, he points that out to me quickly. (He was in the USAF and as most boys dreamed - he wanted to be an astronaut.) DH is a dad-geek and loves video games. Out of all the parks, his favorite would have to be DHS (for Indy and Star Wars) or Epcot (for the cultural experience and food).

DD9: (Cindy-relly) She's a girly-girl who just turned 9 and is in love with watching Disney programming. She adores Wizards, Jonas, Hannah, High School Musical, Sonny, etc. (Sometimes, she drives me crazy with the TV.) Every year, she wants a Hannah Montana (or High School Musical) party. Her favorite princess is probably Belle. She wasn't even two when I started buying her Cinderella toys and clothes (she made an excellent Cindy with her natural blonde hair). Her favorite ride is ToT. Her favorite park is MK. When asked what she wanted to do at WDW (our first year) more than anything, she responded with "Meet Tink". So we waited in line for 2 hours and 45 minutes for her to meet Tink. It was worth it, though!

DS4/5: (Donald) He's mommy's baby-boy and will turn 5 in March. He loves Disney Junior (aka Playhouse Disney). His favorite character is Donald - who was the only character he'd meet our first year. Our first day in Epcot (lunch with Princesses at Akershus), and he didn't want to have anything to do with them. We even met Lilo and Marie. Nope. But as soon as he saw Donald in Mexico, he RAN and hugged him (thankfully there wasn't a line). Donald was soo kind that day, he sat on the ground and played "Thomas trains" with DS and gave him extra special attention. (I let Donald know that DS was his #1 fan and that he had been scared of the princesses and other characters.) Once Donald broke him in, he wasn't as scared of the other characters. DS's fave park would probably be AK (he loved looking at the reptiles and other creatures that I had to keep my distance from). He loves trains, so he was excited to ride BTMRR (for the theme - he knew it wasn't a real train). We made sure to take a ride on the WDW RR.

Here's a pic of us at ASMovies in 2009:

More updates to come as I have time! Since the kids don't know we're going, I can only write when they're sleeping or at school.

 

[Disneypolyprincess]

Oh, I'm totally into planning for this trip ... but I'm ready to start planning for my next one too! I can plan two at the same time, right?

And yes, I can imagine a Disney trip costs plenty more than a Sweet 16! But a Sweet 16 at WDW is just so much better!

Of course you can plan two at the same time ( just have to keep the reservations straight ) it is so much better! I'll convince her if she wants a party instead

 

[mtgirl29]

I love your pretrip report so far. I am a newbie to posting here. I usually just lurk. My dd (9) and I enjoy reading about the trips before her bedtime each night. It really gets us revved up for our upcoming trip. We are going for our 3rd time from May 29 thru June 3. So I guess we will be going the week after you all. We are having the same issues with snow days. We live in MO and school was supposed to let out May 20th, but with all the snow days we are up to June 6th for the kids to get out. So my dd is going to miss her last week of school.
Anyway, wanted to say "hi" and to say we are going to follow you. So excited to read more!!!

 

[Lidian]

I love your pretrip report so far. I am a newbie to posting here. I usually just lurk. My dd (9) and I enjoy reading about the trips before her bedtime each night. It really gets us revved up for our upcoming trip. We are going for our 3rd time from May 29 thru June 3. So I guess we will be going the week after you all. We are having the same issues with snow days. We live in MO and school was supposed to let out May 20th, but with all the snow days we are up to June 6th for the kids to get out. So my dd is going to miss her last week of school.
Anyway, wanted to say "hi" and to say we are going to follow you. So excited to read more!!!

Hi!! I saw that you'll be staying at CBR. We absolutely LOVED CBR last year! We had a Pirate room (with an awesome view of the lake) just for DD. I'm sorry to hear that they've bumped up the last day for school. If they decide to do that with our school system, then my kids will miss as well. At least by then its usually just review and goofing off (since they don't typically change year-end testing days).

 

[Lidian]

So I tried to call WDW to see if there was any other offers available to me that might get us into a Mod resort and still be in our budget. I gave up after waiting 20 minutes on hold. I don't have unlimited minutes on our cells, and we usually come close to our monthly allotment anyway (thank you for rollover minutes!). DH has given me new budget numbers for Mod and Deluxe resort packages. Maybe some new public deals will be out in March or April - or maybe I'll get lucky and get a personal deal via mail or email.

But ... IF I can snag a deal that fits within the budgets he's given me, I think I'll try POFQ for Mod ... and if by some miracle, I was able to swing a deal on a Deluxe within the budget, then I won't be picky (but I'll cross my fingers for Poly).

But it would have been nice to ask a CM if there was anything else out there that I can't see in front of me.

So on day 3, we'll head out to MK which is open 9-9. We won't get to see MSEP, as it isn't showing 5/25, but we can still watch Wishes if we're up for it (or we might just head on out early). Please don't flame me for not seeing Wishes! We have seen it every year, and yes, we absolutely LOVE it, but I won't get heartbroken if DH is ready for early bed.

In the past, we have only done QS meals at MK, so we could maximize our park time. This year, we're going to have a 6:30 dinner at Tony's. DH wanted Italian at some point during our stay, so this sounds like a good place. They also had several options on the menu that I was excited about, and since we'll get our "must dos" in early, everything else will be icing on the cake.

I'm excited to see if DS will ride BTMRR again this year. Last year, he wanted to ride because of the theme. He said he loved it, but I worry that if we try to ride again this year, he'll get scared.

I'm hoping that DH will be "that guy" when we see Monsters Inc this year. If we're lucky, we might be able to squeeze in two viewings this year.

I'm undecided where we'll eat QS lunch at. We loved Columbia Harbor House and Cosmic Rays. (I honestly don't remember where we ate in 2009.)

Hmm... I don't know if I mentioned my QS picks on my other posts. I may have to go edit those in.

And I'm hoping and praying that this year I can have a Dole Whip! I didn't know about them in 2009 and I forgot last year. I need an alert to remind me to go get one this year.

I'm undecided on if we'll watch the Celebrate parade this year. Last year, Lady Tremaine picked on DD (she had chocolate on her face from her Mickey bar). I guess we'll see how our day goes and what the kids would rather do. They may prefer to spend more time on the attractions than seeing the parade.

Do they still do the Move It Shake It Celebrate It parade? I remember last year, we saw 3 parades: MiSiCi, Celebrate a Dream Come True, and SpectroMagic (before it went MSEP). I know MiSiCi parade was probably DD's favorite (since she got to get in the street with the performers and dance).

My goal this year is to see parades/shows we haven't seen before ...


EDIT: I have our Must Do list now!
BTMRR
Buzz Lightyear
??? Country Bear Jamboree - haven't seen it, but might if we have time
Dumbo - I'm a horrible mom, my kids haven't ridden this yet
Jungle Cruise
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Monsters, INC Laugh Floor - I'd like to get at least 2 shows in
Pirates of the Caribbean
Prince Charming's Carrousel
Snow White
Space Mountain - wonder if DS will ride
Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion - this ride creeps me out
Magic Carpet - I hope!
Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island - we haven't visited this before
People Mover! - I love taking a nice break and seeing MK from above
take a ride on the train
Pirate Tutorial
??? Celebrate Parade - we caught it in the past, but guess we'll see how much we get done by then
??? Dream Along - we've seen, so it will depend on time
??? Wishes - guess it will depend on how exhausted we are
Tangled - I hope we can get in
??? MiSiCi - this was DD's favorite .. but it will depend on time as well
??? Family Magic tour - waiting on DH to let me know if we should book this or not ... it'll take about 3+ hours out of our day, and we'll have to cut things for it
Pirates League - DH said to sign both kiddos up!

 

[Lidian]

Today has been a rough planning day. I've put all my planning things away and promised myself to not think or touch them again until I can accept that my choices are fine.

Okay, let me back up ... I'm overplanning today and looking too deep into my plans and worrying that they aren't as good as they could be.

I don't know why I'm not happy with my current plans (ie which days at which parks specifically). I've never second-guessed my decisions. The first year, we visited the parks in the order that I wanted to see them. The second year I had DIS. I viewed TP, but still made choices based on what I wanted (we did mostly AM EMH's). This year, I don't want to get up early for AM EMH, and I really want to see as few people as I can. I guess this is why I'm stressing so much.

DH and I have discussed adding PH to our tickets. We never had them in the past (we didn't want to waste time going from one park to another). This year, we've considered it, but not decided one way or another. I know some people swear by them and would be lost without them. We've been fine in the past without them. If a line is too long, we find something else to do. And its possible that we decide not to get them, and once we arrive, we have a change of heart.

Why can't I just accept that my plans are okay as they are? So what if I did pick a bad park and its elbow to elbow. We'll be at WDW!!!

Okay, I'm done for now. But I do promise planning books, webpages, papers, etc will stay out of sight for the rest of the day. (Know what I need? I need a helper! Why does this visit have to be a surprise for the kids? )

 

[Lidian]

So planning materials are still away and I'm feeling much better.

I don't know why, but I hadn't really thought about how close our visit will be to our anniversary. Our anniversary is May 19, which is the Thursday before we arrive. We may have to do something special to celebrate once we're there ... but I'm not really sure what we would or could do.

I'd love to go down earlier, but DH will be best man in his friend's wedding on Saturday (they're honeymooning at WDW). So the earliest we could arrive would be Sunday (since we drive). I don't know anything about our friend's honeymoon plans - since DH refuses to discuss anything Disney. (And the friend is only going because its what his future-wife wants.)

Anyway ... back to the PTR ... any suggestions for something we could do to celebrate our anniversary (on a budget)? I really don't even know where I could factor in time for something, though. I dislike short trips, but they're better than no trip!

I've been trying to find a way to get a waterpark visit in somewhere. I just want to do too much this time, and DH won't budge on the days (which I understand).

A lot of our planning will depend on what time we actually arrive at the resort (and how tired DH is from driving).

I've been strongly thinking about adding PH this year. It's not in our budget, but I may be able to come up with the funds to add it if I decide on it. I just really need to decide if I can make it worth the cost to add. I really want to see F! (we've never seen it), but it wouldn't really be cost effictive to add just to see F! I probably won't add until we arrive, just in case we change our minds.

So one of our friends in the FL area said that he'd like to join us in the parks some. I'm looking forward to getting to plan out some things with another person! It's rough not having anyone to verbally discuss this vacation with! I've not told most of our family (because I'm afraid they'll let it slip to the kids). My mom found out, and she's determined to tell the kids. I've begged her to keep her mouth shut, but she keeps trying to drop hints. DS won't catch on, but DD is smart and she'll pick up quickly if mom doesn't stop. I know she means well, but I really don't want the kids to know until we pass through the gate. (So I'm hoping that if there's any signs that note WDW on the way, DD misses them by watching movies or playing games.)

I measured DS today. With shoes on, he barely hits 44". Granted, he still has some growing he might do before we leave. So I'll plan for a close 44", but be prepared in case my measuring is off.

Hmm... wonder what all he can ride!

 

[Lidian]

So after reading that new PIN codes might be available 3/1 ... and refreshing my inbox like a crazy lady ... I called WDW.

I GOT A PIN FOR FREE DINING!!!

The offer was free QS for Value and Mod resorts and Reg for Deluxe. I verified that if I changed my package, that I could upgrade from QS to Regular and she gave me a rough cost.

I am sooooo excited right now! DH says we might get to try POFQ!!!

I did the math, if we stay at POP, its cheaper to keep the current package (Kid Stay & Play Free). If we move to a Mod, its cheaper to take Free QS Dining and upgrade. (I won't state my math skills are 100% on the money, so if someone comes up with different results, PLEASE let me know!)

I'm a bit sad that its Free QS and not Free Reg dining ... but still ... it didn't throw my original numbers off by too much. I gave DH the estimates for all the resorts we've discussed, and now its waiting on my email and for him to make a decision.

POFQ is my first choice in Mods ... but I think we'd take about anything. I'll be sad not staying at POP, but the better pool for the kiddos (and free fridge) will be nice!

 

[Lidian]

So I called and found out I had a FD pin on 3/1. I have yet to receive the offer via email ... but was afraid if I didn't jump, it wouldn't be there if/when I got notified.

So ... I went down to the TA's office this AM. She asked for the pin code and then told me she couldn't fix it until I got the email (or postcard). I told her that I asked the CM who confirmed my pin "What if I don't get it?" and she said that my TA could call and they could still change it.

So my TA called WDW and the CM she spoke to said there was only a room discount offer attached. I did the math and Kids Free offer was better than the room discount for us. The TA asked who I spoke to, so I gave the CM's name from 3/1 call. The TA told the girl to keep looking, that the CM from before said there was a free dining pin there.

So ... finally ... the CM said she found it. My TA asked for a quote and it was nearly $400 more than what I had guesstimated it would be. I told the TA that was waaay off, so she asked for clarification and then told the CM to book it again how she requested it. (This CM wanted us to have a preferred room with a view and extra stuff on our tickets, plus an extra ticket day.)

So once she fixed it, it was ballpark. It was off by about $150, but that wasn't too bad based on my guesstimate. However, the Kids Free deal was cheaper by $6.

If the deal had been regular dining, it would have been better than Kids Free.

I went ahead and upgraded from POP to CSR. YAY!

So ... new plans: May 22 - 27 at CSR. HOORAY!

 

[Lidian]

So I know I've jumped ahead ... But this is on my mind right now, and trying to decide IF I'll do this, and which one to do ...

I had planned on using our final QS meal for breakfast at the resort on our last day, and grabbing lunch at a McD's or something before arriving at WDW on arrival day ...

But now I'm thinking maybe grab something once we get to WDW with our QS credit and paying OOP for a character breakfast on check-out day. I know hands down, the kids would flip over dining with characters ... but not sure if DH will be cool with shelling OOP funds for a meal (and I refuse to give up any of our current TS meals in exchange).

I've narrowed it down to the following (estimating costs based on allears):
1900 Park Fare: $23 A; $13 C
Chef Mickey: $27 A; $14 C (we had dinner here in 2009)
Cinderella's Royal Table: $45 A; $30 C
Hollywood & Vine: $27 A; $15 C (DH and kids had lunch in 2009)
O'Hana: $21 A; $12 C
Tusker House: $21 A; $12 C
Akershus: $40 A; $24 C (had lunch in 2009)

If we do one inside the park, I'll have to add another day's worth of tickets for us all (which means I should just change my package NOW from FD to Kids Free). If I base it on the kid's picks ... I could eliminate O'Hana. They aren't big fans of Lilo & Stitch (they like them, but would prefer Princesses or Mickey).

I really need to get with DH and see what he thinks. I'd totally LOVE to do CRT, since we've never been there ... but it is a very expensive breakfast.

Staying out of DHS on a Friday AM with SWW might be a good idea ... but then again, it might be good for DH to see some of it. I would have to ask DH.

If we do a park, we'll do a late breakfast, and get a few last minute rides/sights in before breakfast, and maybe one or two things after. I need to figure out what time we'd hit Atlanta, so I can plan for leaving. This would be easier if DH would let us stay another day.

EDIT: Just spoke with DH, he may extend our vacation by one day! HOORAY! So if this is the case, I'll just book a character dinner somewhere. If we don't leave until Saturday, DH said we may hit a WP on Friday (or I may rework my schedule for the week and do a WP earlier). If we do a dinner, it won't be Chef Mickey's (we didn't care much for the food - and I would prefer 1900 Park Fare over CM anyday). Ugh, I wish I could sit down with the kids and let them help me. They have been HUGE helpers the past two years.

Also, he's considering allowing us to have a 2nd honeymoon next May at WDW! He says he'll consider the bounceback offer (if we have one).