May 2011 Yo Ho Ho! Let Down Your Hair! (New 10/9 Lessons Learned #550)

[kaoden39]

So there's our trip!

Not too much planned, right?!?

No, not planned. No pressure, no pressure!!


It's like a snowball rolling downhill, once it starts it's almost impossible to stop it.

 

[Marshay]

No, not planned. No pressure, no pressure!!


It's like a snowball rolling downhill, once it starts it's almost impossible to stop it.

Yep -- as soon as we added the DDP, it became oh, so we have to make ADRs and then that means we have to plan our parks around those days , which means we have to plan out the other days ... which means I've planned something for every day -- AM and PM. The only really "unplanned" time is from about 1pm to 5pm everyday where we are hoping to be back in the room for a nap/swim or the community hall for kids activities.

But there I go again ... I already planned the only "unplanned" time.

I just can't NOT do it!

 

[kaoden39]

I know and understand that urge to plan. I do it myself. Funnily enough of all those meals I planned and made ADRs for we went to only one of them. And the one we went to was so good I was glad that we kept that one.

 

[Trentmom]

Love your unplanned days

Seriously, it seems perfect. Looks like a fun itinerary

You know you will miss Pooh

Can't wait to see new Star Tours

 

[kaoden39]

Love your unplanned days

Seriously, it seems perfect. Looks like a fun itinerary

You know you will miss Pooh

Can't wait to see new Star Tours

Shall we place bets that she can't stay away from Pooh? After all we know how much she loves him.

 

[Marshay]

Shall we place bets that she can't stay away from Pooh? After all we know how much she loves him.

Well, we haven't seen the new Pooh line queue yet in MK...

 

[Trentmom]

Shall we place bets that she can't stay away from Pooh? After all we know how much she loves him.

Well, we haven't seen the new Pooh line queue yet in MK...

She won't be able to resist his charm

Marsha, heard new Pooh Que is amazing

 

[kaoden39]

Well, we haven't seen the new Pooh line queue yet in MK...

I knew it.....you can hardly resist his sirens voice already and you aren't even there.

My friend Molly posted some pictures from the que here.

 

[Marshay]

I knew it.....you can hardly resist his sirens voice already and you aren't even there.

My friend Molly posted some pictures from the que here.

Thanks! That's the first time I saw the queue line. OK, if it's not crowded and we aren't doing anything else and I can't sneak by it ...

I'm glad to see that Disney is starting to make interactive queues, now. Can't wait to see Haunted Mansion one too! Oops, that's another thing added to our list.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Enjoying your PTR. Looks like our dates overlap. I'm really hoping StarWars opens early too!

I'll be at BWI 5/11 to 5/18 with 2 friends. We usually go on one family trip per year which is more than enough for DH. Then I take the kids (12 on 5/22, 10, & 8) one at a time. This trip is just for me-a big bday trip. Can't wait!!!! I just booked a family trip for August so I won't feel too guilty leaving the kids behind.

I always plan for the family trips to be more relaxed for DH but then by the last day or 2 I'm scrambling to do more. I solved that by booking 12 nights for August.

My DH asked me to look into the train. There is just no way I could drive from MA to FL with DH who doesn't really like to travel. How many fit in the family car? I would rather just fly and get there.

For Elizabeth since she loves Minnie and also needs new PJs

I had the girls try on their clothes from our July 2010 trip and OMG everything still fits!! Woo Hoo!! I figured since we didn't have to go and purchase new regular clothes, that I would get them new PJs and shirts.

Those Minnie PJs are adorable!

Good for you for already checking to see if the girls clothes fit. I once took my oldest to WDW in Jan and waited until a few days before the trip to discover that NONE of her summer clothes fit. I scrambled and found a few pairs of shorts but I've learned to check earlier now to see if the weeds have grown.

This will have been our 3rd trip on one Annual Pass (July, 2010, Nov 2010 and May 2011). So we should be ready for it to end, right? Maybe even a little burned out?

I really cannot imagine that happening. I'm always sad. I guess it's b/c I like to live in my fantasy world!

NEVER!!!! I really miss fantasy world. Reality has been too real the past few months.

On past trips, I have bought a caramel apple or other goodie at Goofy's Candy Company and save it to eat after we get home. This is just my way to pretend that I'm still at Disney!

Does this work?

 

[kaoden39]

I think the interactive things is the best idea Disney has ever had. If it keeps one child entertained it has done it's job. I can think of many times watching little ones bored to the point of tears.

 

[Marshay]

Enjoying your PTR. Looks like our dates overlap. I'm really hoping StarWars opens early too!

I'll be at BWI 5/11 to 5/18 with 2 friends. We usually go on one family trip per year which is more than enough for DH. Then I take the kids (12 on 5/22, 10, & 8) one at a time. This trip is just for me-a big bday trip. Can't wait!!!! I just booked a family trip for August so I won't feel too guilty leaving the kids behind.

I always plan for the family trips to be more relaxed for DH but then by the last day or 2 I'm scrambling to do more. I solved that by booking 12 nights for August.

My DH asked me to look into the train. There is just no way I could drive from MA to FL with DH who doesn't really like to travel. How many fit in the family car? I would rather just fly and get there.

Those Minnie PJs are adorable!

Good for you for already checking to see if the girls clothes fit. I once took my oldest to WDW in Jan and waited until a few days before the trip to discover that NONE of her summer clothes fit. I scrambled and found a few pairs of shorts but I've learned to check earlier now to see if the weeds have grown.


NEVER!!!! I really miss fantasy world. Reality has been too real the past few months.


Does this work?

Welcome to my PTR!! It's great to have you here and so cool that our dates overlap! Will you be at the big Groupmeet for DIS on the 14th at 3pm in front of the American pavilion fountain?

Wow -- you have a great way to travel -- a trip for you, ones for the kids and one as a family!

RE: the train. I know it is not as quick as flying (same day) but it really is relaxing and a fun way to travel. And no pat-downs, TSA security lines, waiting for other flights, luggage restrictions and extra costs, cramped seating, potential loss of luggage, etc. You can tell I'm biased for the train, now!

I'm sure we will fly again someday but only if it's a super-duper deal.

Now the bad news...the family bedrooms sleep 4 people ... and if you saw in the picture of the beds in the flat postition, the beds immediately in front are shorter. Older kids have to sleep with knees bent since they cannot stretch out.

Most families just do coach seating if they have older kids or have more than 4 people.

You'd have to purchase 2 bedrooms or 2 roomettes (smaller bedrooms) but let me just say, this is not worth it. That is too expensive. So enjoy flying!

I can't wait to get the PJs. Yes, I'm ahead of myself by having the clothes for the girls nearly done. So glad everything fits...I was worried that my 2yo's wouldn't fit but I always buy big so that I get more than one year out of the clothes. Last year was big. This year is just right...may even be able to do some of them next year snugly.

Re; the apple. yeah, in some ways it does help. I tried it with prepackaged cookies and it wasn't the same. For some reason, having something "fresh" from Disney just makes it seem like I'm still in vacation-mode and then when I'm done the apple, I know that my vacation is truly done.

But please refer to my earlier comment: I like to live in my fantasy world!

 

[cdotla]

Sounds like an awesome line up so far. May is such a great time to visit!

 

[Marshay]

Sounds like an awesome line up so far. May is such a great time to visit!

Thanks! I recognize your user name from some other threads. Glad to "see" you again!

This will probably be our last May trip for a while. Even though my oldest is only in Kindergarten, our school tests during the entire month of May. For "K" it's only a day or so but when I asked which dates, they said it's up to the teachers but anytime from May 1-30. Great...

I do so love the F&G show. Last time I saw it was 2007 so I can't wait to see some new stuff!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Joining in! I read the first post and have to go back and catch up on all of the other posts. I did notice that your husband is from Shreveport, La. That's only about 100 miles from where I live! It's truly a small world after all. It's a small world after all. It's a small world after all. It's a small small world. Oops, sorry, I couldn't help but start singing the Small World song.

 

[mnmrmustard]

Such a great trip planned. The train is such a cool way to travel, it is the one thing I miss from being on the east coast. Can't wait to see pics from the new AK DVC area you're staying at - I'm sure the theming will be fantastic.

No, not too much detail in the itinerary I hope you get the soft opening for the new Star Tours. It'll still be closed for me but i'm not that bummed as hydraulic motion rides traditionally aren't my friend anyways

Keep the updates coming!

 

[sahm2two]

Joining in! I love reading PTR/TRs from people with kids We're taking our girls for the 1st time May 31-June 4

Do you do 2 outfits for the kids for each day? Do you pack a backup outfit in your park bag too? I'm trying to decide how much clothing to pack for my kids... I always seem to go overboard lol. Is there such a thing at Disney? Luckily we drive so I can pack until we can't close the doors

 

[Marshay]

Joining in! I read the first post and have to go back and catch up on all of the other posts. I did notice that your husband is from Shreveport, La. That's only about 100 miles from where I live! It's truly a small world after all. It's a small world after all. It's a small world after all. It's a small small world. Oops, sorry, I couldn't help but start singing the Small World song.

Welcome!! Yes, it is a small world! What town do you live in? I bet my DH knows it. We went a few years ago to a family reunion south of Shreveport (Evergreen?, now I can't remember the name but it had something "green" in it I think )

And I love that song!! I could sit in there for quite a long time and no, the song does not bother me!

Such a great trip planned. The train is such a cool way to travel, it is the one thing I miss from being on the east coast. Can't wait to see pics from the new AK DVC area you're staying at - I'm sure the theming will be fantastic.

No, not too much detail in the itinerary I hope you get the soft opening for the new Star Tours. It'll still be closed for me but i'm not that bummed as hydraulic motion rides traditionally aren't my friend anyways

Keep the updates coming!

Welcome mike! yeah, we really did an about-face on the train. I had looked into it years ago but crossed it off as "too expensive" and not worth it. But with 4 people and extra stuff to take and not a big fan of driving 14+ hours, it's our new mode of transport!

We did soft openings for other rides so I'm nearly positive we'll be able to do it for SW.

For TSMM, they let AP and DVC folks test the ride out. We went like 3 times, got stuck 2 times but it was still fun!

Joining in! I love reading PTR/TRs from people with kids We're taking our girls for the 1st time May 31-June 4

Do you do 2 outfits for the kids for each day? Do you pack a backup outfit in your park bag too? I'm trying to decide how much clothing to pack for my kids... I always seem to go overboard lol. Is there such a thing at Disney? Luckily we drive so I can pack until we can't close the doors

Welcome!! We'll try to keep WDW nice and pretty for ya!

Funny, you say that about clothes but yes, I do pack multiple outfits for each day -- one for AM and one for PM.

BUT, and that's a big one -- we have a washer/dryer in our DVC 1br so we usually do a load of wash before going to the parks and then when we get back we dry that. So I plan for 2x/day but only half the number of days.

I also try to coordinate so that the back-up outfit (gotta have one with kids) will match to anything we are wearing. That way I only do one back-up outfit for the entire trip. I'll keep it in a ziploc bag and just keep it in the stroller the whole time.

Where are you staying at for your trip? I can't believe it's your girls first time! They are going to love it!!

 

[Marshay]

Goal this week: Organize kids clothing for each AM/PM of the trip and find shirts to match/coordinate for Jerry and myself.

This shouldn't be too hard since we did these same clothing colors for our July 2010 trip. Just hope everything is still in good shape for Jerry and I.

I'll post pics once I have everything laid out -- those of you who pack really light will

 

[kaoden39]

I swear you are the most organized person.

How are able to do this with having a little one.