Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (6/8-17, 2010) **FINAL UPDATE 2-25-2011**

[photographymom517]

I would love to read about your trip so I really hope you do a TR. Right now it says Spectro on the WDW calendar but I am waiting to see if they extend the parade through the end of the year. Not sure how I feel about it. I loved Spectro and would love to see it again plus I know DD will enjoy it. Since I haven't seen the other, it is a big question mark.

I can understand with DS being younger not wanting to drive. We did a big trip when DD was 26 months out to CO (driving). She did well but she has always done well in the car. I will definitely post about DD's cake. I am planning on doing a TR too at the moment, so I will fess up about the drive and post about her cake.:

Yes, I will DEFINITELY be doing a Trip Report!!! I promise to try to start is asap once we return! Since we're getting home on a Friday evening, I will try to start it by Monday.

As far as Spectro, I definitely think they will have Spectro & Wishes both in the fall. When I read the article this morning about Summer Nightastic! it says that both Wishes & Spectro are "on vacation" for the summer. So, since the new show is scheduled until mid-August, I think its safe to say that Wishes & Spectro will return in August & continue through the end of the year. Just my opinion, but I don't think they'd say they are "on vacation" unless they were coming back! I hope that all of you traveling in the fall take tons of pics of both so I can see them! I'm a little disappointed I won't get to see either, but also excited about seeing the new show!

Can't wait to read your trip report...it will be exciting to be able to "see" Disney for the rest of the year! I'll start my Trip Report mid-June...and it will probably take me a few months to finish it...by that time, all of you guys will have exciting news on your PTR's about your final details...then you will all have Christmas/holiday trip reports! So I guess we can all enjoy Disney through others' eyes for the rest of the year! Woohoo!!!

congrats on the new dates! and so soon- i am jealous! sorry to hear about your hubby's job, but i really believe sometimes things happen for a reason and hopefully something even better will come along for him soon.

your plans sound great so far! as for getting from resort to resort, you can always ask the front desk too if you have questions, they were also very helpful when i asked about stuff like that.

i have the medium sketch dooney (and the tassel one and the clutch), i like the medium best, it is actually a little bit big for me- i usually carry something a bit smaller. the tassel one is small and really difficult to use. it is not very flexible and is 'hard' leather, so it is hard to get stuff in and out of it too. i rarely use the tassel one at all. we happened to find them at WOD on our trip last december. my cousin saw someone bringing two in and cuaght them- we got the medium one online a few months ago before they sold out. surely you can find one somewhere !

Thanks for your thoughts about my DH's job. We're pretty used to it by now because after a little over 4 years of working for the same contractor, he's been on & off with others for the past 2 1/2 years. I think we're learning to adjust. Its hard to explain, but he didn't "lose his job" he just is laid off right now. He works out of a union hall, so he's still employed by them...just waiting to be sent out to another job, which used to take a few days but because of the economy now takes months, sometimes a year. So, yeah, it can be scary/unpredictable, but we also do online sales (don't make all that much, but a little here & there is nice to help out with the bills!) Its basically our "second job" that we do sporatically when he's laid off. And thank you...my #1 belief in life is that Everything Happens for a Reason. Its like my life motto!!!

I will definitely ask at the front desk if I have any questions. Its a little harder at CBR since the main building is so far away from the villages, but I'm sure most days we will eat breakfast at OPR & I'm sure the CM's there are knowledgable as well & could assist us. I also am using the site I learned about through DIS to find transportation routes "from x to x" prior to leaving. I'm in the process of making a little planning booklet for myself, so I included 2-3 pages for transportation within WDW. Since I am obsessed, I can probably recite which resorts are closest to each park, so I know the routes from the buses, monorails, boats. Thing is I mostly know my way around, I just don't always know the fastest route!

Thanks for the info on the Dooneys!!! I will definitely be getting the Tote because I know I couldn't fit all my junk into the tassel! I used to look at larger purses in the stores & say how pretty they were or they were such a nice style...but I could never imagine myself carrying one. Now, that's all I carry! Everyone has different needs when it comes to a handbag & I definitely need a large bag! I am pretty sure I want the Wonder print...its the first one that I really fell in love with...but I'm keeping my options open until I see the Sketch & Wonder both in person! We're leaving on a Wednesday & going to DTD either Saturday or Sunday...so I'm planning to buy it there. I think someone mentioned getting a discount at WoD with a Disney Visa. Do you know?

Hope---u flying outta Pitt??? I mean how far r u from there? I drive up to 2 hrs for cheap air. OK so anyhow I went on Southwest and Leaving on June 5,7, 8,or 9th is ($94-100) returning on either 14, 15, or 16th is same...so that's 200 r/t & non-stop! I would adjust my days a bit to get cheaper air. Ok so there ya go, other then that I went on orbitz and with 1 stop the cheapest I say was $240 r/t Good luck!

and I was told Tues was best day to book so I guess it's a hit or miss. I mean yesterday was weds and I though 94 each way was ok. Better then what Hope is finding... I am flying for 98 r/t each person so I thinking anything over 150 is high....

Ok so I know this isn't a cruise thread but I have to tell you that I am sooo excited, I made a proto type for my FE(fish extender) for my cruise next yr. If you don't know what an FE is , it's a gift u make for each state room on ur cruise DIS board.....anyhow I just had to share my fun, HOPE you really have to convince that hubby of urs to do a cruise in a few yrs. OK well off to work. TTFN Michelle

Hey Michelle!!! Thanks for looking into that for me. Right now we are leaving on the 9th but I could leave a day earlier. I would prefer not to leave a day later because I have an ADR on the 10th at Play & Dine and on the 11th for Coral Reef...those are the two I definitely want to keep. I wish I would have made them later in the trip because then we could adjust our trip dates. I wasn't thinking when I booked them!

Yes, we are flying out of Pittsburgh. It takes us around 45-60 minutes to get to the airport. The other closest airport is Cleveland & I think its around 3 1/2 hours for us...other closest would be Philly but thats more like 6-8 hours! I asked my husband about driving to Cleveland to get cheaper airfare & he said if we're going to drive 3 1/2 hours there, we might as well drive South instead & try to find another airport...so I said forget it!

I am going to try Southwest again today & tomorrow & whatever is there tomorrow I'm just going to book it. Hopefully it will be cheap! We might do a layover somewhere, but it just depends on the price. Thank you for all the info! That's great help! I heard the same thing...someone said Tuesday and Wednesday are cheapest. Actually, I read on Southwest's site last night that if you fly out Tues, Wed, or Sat, its cheaper. I was confused on the Saturday!

I am jealous of your cheap airfare!!! Thats what I get for waiting until the last minute. I'm just mad at myself because if I would've booked it Monday, I could have gotten $94 there and back...so it would have been around $600 for us and free luggage with Southwest! Can't beat that...last year, we flew but our son was 10 months so he was a lap-child and it cost $800 or 900 to fly Airtran & I booked it 6 months in advance! Not sure what I was thinking there either!

I will try my best to talk my husband into cruising! Right now with his work situation, things don't look good...but I was actually contacted by an HR department where I used to work. They suggested I apply for a job with them...its only part-time and there are no guaranteed hours, but thats perfect for me because I could still stay home with my son. At the same time, it would provide a little extra money for us & take some stress off my husband...plus, maybe if we don't need the extra money, I can save it up for a cruise!

I'll tell you something...if I ever do cruise, I will need TONS of help from you! LOL I read about FE's before but I'm still confused! Cruises sound amazing though & I'd looooove to go on one! Someday...someday!

 

[photographymom517]

Thanks to Michelle's heads-up on the airfare, I looked at other dates & found that we could fly both ways for $721 after taxes were added to the prices. I got the one flights for $94 (nonstop!) and the returning flight for $120 (nonstop!). We have to adjust our trip dates...we will now be leaving a day earlier!!!

So, our new trip dates are June 8th through June 17th!!!!

By moving the dates, I was able to save over $300 and still fly nonstop. I was charged a $15 fee from Disney Destinations for changing our dates again, but its worth it. I'd much rather fly nonstop & not have to stress out about the take-off twice...haha! So I guess we leave in 12 days!!! I'm excited now because it seems more real now that we have everything booked...QSDP, 4 day tickets, 1 GAD ticket, 9 nights @ CBR, and flying nonstop via Southwest there & back!

 

[stephielela]

keep an eye on the fares for southwest. If they go down at all, you can get the difference as a credit with them that is good for a year. I'm not sure they will go down so close to departure, but it's always worth checking. I check on our September flights everyday, and one day not long after I booked I managed to get a $60 credit because one of the flights went down. I still have 4 months, so I am scouting for discounts every chance I get!

 

[photographymom517]

keep an eye on the fares for southwest. If they go down at all, you can get the difference as a credit with them that is good for a year. I'm not sure they will go down so close to departure, but it's always worth checking. I check on our September flights everyday, and one day not long after I booked I managed to get a $60 credit because one of the flights went down. I still have 4 months, so I am scouting for discounts every chance I get!

Thanks for the info! I will keep my eyes open, but as you said, I doubt they will go down much this close to our departure date! I actually checked this morning & the one flight actually increased by $15 so I'm glad I booked yesterday!

 

[photographymom517]

Sorry I didn't post pics of the tshirts yet. Yesterday I finally finished putting together my "planning booklet" that I want to have top-bound (like an autograph book) at Staples. I'd rather have it done at Kinkos because our Staples has terrible customer service, but the closest Kinkos is over an hour away.

I was sooo frustrated because I have it made on 5x7 sheets in Word and cannot get it to print correctly! I tried 28 times & wasted 14 sheets of my cardstock! I was frustrated because normally I don't have trouble with things like this, so not being able to solve the problem was making me mad! LOL My printer also stopped working completely in the middle of my printing & I had to shut down the computer & restart it. I'm going to try again today!

I also received my books from Amazon yesterday & the Unofficial Guide is AMAZING!!!

I had planned my outfits for the trip already (I go for comfort, not for style! lol) and I had to order 2 new pairs of shorts from AE because I had planned to wear jeans & capris for November/December since it would be cooler temps. I hate wearing shorts...but in the humidity, I won't wear anything but shorts. I do have 2 pairs of light-weight capris & 1 pair of shorts. I ordered a light grey & dark grey pair because I figured they would match the majority of my shirts. Let's just hope they fit because they aren't arriving until June 4th. I normally order online through AE so it should be ok, but all the short styles were different this year, so I'm a little worried. BUT I got the shorts buy one get one 50% off plus I had another discount coupon! Oh, and I didn't even know until I added the shorts to "my cart" but you got a $1 pair of flip flops (regularly $14.99) with any shorts purchase! So of course I got "Minnie red" ones!

I also had to order my son's portable DVD player...it was supposed to be his Christmas gift & we were planning to give it to him right before we left on the Nov/Dec trip. Oh, well...no biggie! I got a great deal on that as well, which was surprising to me for some reason. Now I just have to figure out which DVD's to bring with us. I probably only need 2, one for the way there & one for the way back. I'll bring Disney DVD's but I also am bringing "Word World" has anyone seen those tapes? He loves them...the little animals & buildings are shaped like the letters in their name...example, the duck is created out of the letters D-U-C-K. Its cute, but short, and it keeps his attention!

Well, I'm off to attempt to print my booklet again & also to try to start my son's autograph book. I'm hoping to have them both printed by Tuesday & take them up to Staples.

 

[photographymom517]

You would be proud of me if you knew how much I accomplished today!

I was somehow able to redo & print out my "planning booklet", start & finish my son's autograph book, cut both of the books' pages apart & put them in the correct order. (I only had 2 pieces of paper left over...whew just enough!) I also got into my storage closet & got out all of the little Disney items I've been collecting over the past few months for my son. I PROMISE to post pics tomorrow...I know I keep saying that, but now that I'm more organized for our trip, I will have extra time to take some pics! If you saw what a mess I made while getting that stuff out of my closet, you would really be impressed with how much I got done after that!

I started packing my son's carry-on bag & found his Toy Story story-collection book, Handy Manny coloring set, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse coloring books, Disney sticker books, and some other stuff. I also started packing our suitcases with our clothes in them, which is why I didn't take pics of his tshirts again. They are in the bottom of the suitcase, so I'll have to get them out tomorrow. I always take "luggage pics" just in case...as you can imagine, I am super afraid they will lose our luggage. A part of me just wants to shove as much as I can in our carry-on bags so whatever I have with me STAYS with me...but then I think of the weight of that & I change my mind! lol I'm a little confused over the whole luggage process & we still haven't received our bright yellow luggage tags, so I'm stressing over that now. Not a ton though, just minor stressing! I did receive Mickey Mail today!!!! I got our travel confirmation with our dates & all of our "free vouchers" and the regular Disney Destinations luggage tags. Of course, the dates were wrong since I changed them, but when I called to update our flight info today, they said it should be no big deal.

Has anyone stayed at CBR & used the Magical Express & Check-in at the resort? I think they just added Southwest in April 2010 and are still "testing" the process at CBR and one of the other resorts. Originally they said it would be available by the end of fall, so I wasn't too concerned because I knew it would be ok by our Nov/Dec trip...but now that we're going in less than 2 weeks, I'm not sure what to think. Last time, we did use Magical Express, but we took our luggage with us. With our son & his stroller, I think it would be much easier this time to just let them collect our luggage & deliver it to our room...but do they do that at CBR or do they leave it at OPR? (As you can tell, I'm confused! lol) If I can't figure it out soon, I'll just call Disney again...why not, I've called them everyday this week so far!

I started organizing all of my paperwork for the trip. I have all of our confirmation numbers in my "planning booklet" so even if I'd forget something, its not the end of the world...I still have my phone numbers & confirmation numbers. I just have to remember to find my son's birth certificate, bring my driver's license (easy to forget cuz I don't bring my purse), my GAD tickets, and my coupon for the photo session. Those are the biggies that I really can't forget.

While typing this, I just realized that tomorrow is
10 days!!! ​

This weekend I'm planning to get a haircut for my son...his hair grows like a weed! I wish I would have done it a few weeks ago because last time, they messed up the front of his hair & it took about 4 weeks to grow back in right. My husband also wants to get a haircut...last time, he went in by himself...I stayed in the car with my sleeping son...and he came out with NO hair at all! I seriously was in shock! I told him that he's absolutely, under no circumstance, allowed to get a buzz this time. No way for our "first family photos"! So, let's just keep our fingers crossed that we end up getting 2 good hair stylists & neither of them make any mistakes! I want to get mine trimmed, but there's no way. I'm not taking a chance. I'd rather look back on the whole experience & say "I wish I would have gotten a haircut before our pics" rather than saying "Geez, look how they messed up my hair...right before we got our 1st pics taken as a family." So, I think I'll just live with it for now. Its been in the high 80's, low 90's here all week & I've survived with my long hair, so I'm sure I'll be fine in Florida. I am stopping by the beauty supply store & picking up some humidity spray for it though. I found out about it on DIS! I learn everything here!

Before our trip, I plan to post pics of the tshirts, a list of everything I have packed (so you can help me see if I forgot anything!), and a list of questions I have. I will try my best to post my Trip Report asap once we get home! I'm also considering buying a small tripod so I can videotape the Summernightastic for all of you to see! I also want to post a list of things I want to buy. I just want to compare it once I get home & see what I actually bought & what I didn't! Thats the only downside to going now...my birthday is in October, so I was planning to bring my bday money to Disney with me! Oh, well...I guess I can always charge it & then pay it in October with my bday money, right?

 

[Tinkermom76]

WOW you have got a lot of things done

I am so happy that you get to go to Disney in 10 DAYS
Things always seem to work themselves out. Have a Wonderful vacation!!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Instead of waiting until another day, since my son went to bed early tonight, I thought I would just post this tonight. This isn't my original "shopping list" that I made a few months ago since it had alot of holiday items on it. I took the holiday items off and I also purchased the 2010 spoon & 4 parks/1 world scrapbook set online, so I took those off the list as well. I collect spoons & still can't figure out why I've never bought one at Disney.

For my son:
* bucket of Mr. Potato Head parts
* Build a Dino
* Mickey rice krispie treat
* small Donald or Pluto (whichever he chooses...he has Mickey & Goofy)
* something from Phineas & Ferb (if they have it at HS...he loves that show!)
* a tshirt
* a balloon (it was one of his first words because he is in with balloons!)
* a drawing set (I know he's only 2 but he loves to draw & color)

Of course, we'll let him pick to an extent. He just started the "I want everything I see" phase, so that should be interesting! Last trip, I didn't go in half the shops I wanted to go into...my husband gets bored by the second shop & starts pointing out things that "are in every single shop" and my son ended up being fussy because we would ride & eat all day and then shop towards the end of the day. I wish I could just go alone to Disney with my mom...we'd just shop and eat all day long & relax by the pool & go for walks... A girl can dream, right?!?

Anyway, last trip we pretty much bought things for our son since he was so young. This time, he can pick out things for himself & we can decide yes or no based on what he already has & the price. Sometimes, he just wants to look at something because its similar to what he has at home, but he won't buy it, he puts it back. Then at other times, he'll see something "almost" like what he has, but he wants that one too. Last trip, he insisted on getting a Handy Manny just because it had yellow gloves on. He had a larger version at home...but without gloves. He loved the gloves & even though he had one already, we let him buy it because it was the one item he really, really wanted. I also let him get a Mickey hat last trip (instead of ears) & it still fits him! This time, I think I'll let him get Mickey ears.

For me:
* Disney Dooney Wonder Tote (from my husband)
* Vinylmation (cutester & another one)
* charm for my silver bracelet (they're the $4 charms & I love them!)
* something unique at the scrapbook store at DTD
* a necklace or bracelet at Tren-D (I saw some cute ones on someone's trip report!)
* a magnet & a keychain (my traditional purchases on every trip)
* the "Minnie mornings" coffee mug...I got the Mickey one online because the Minnie one was out of stock, but I love it too!
* something with the CBR logo on it (keychain, mug, shirt ???)
* Disney CD (probably Wishes)

I am actually impressed with myself! I don't think I need more than $100 for myself. I still don't know why I didn't buy a Goofy or Eeyore charm for my bracelet last trip. I ended up getting the Cinderella Castle & Mickey Fantasia hat instead...I think they seemed "more Disney" to me. This time, I'm getting a Goofy and maybe a Piglet & Eeyore. I think they have one with all the Pooh characters on it, maybe I'll just get it.

Anyone have any suggestions on my list? Take something off? Add something on? I'd love to hear what you think!

Oh, and one last purchase...I almost forgot! I think I'm the most excited about this one!!! I am "surprising" my dog-sitter with 2 things. One is the Christmas countdown calendar from DTD (she saw it on the website & mentioned how much she wanted to buy it) and the other is a set of ornaments from the same store, but I'm going to have those shipped back home. I'm afraid of breaking ornaments on the plane.

 

[photographymom517]

WOW you have got a lot of things done

I am so happy that you get to go to Disney in 10 DAYS
Things always seem to work themselves out. Have a Wonderful vacation!!!!

Thank you!!! I am very excited!!! I couldn't sleep last night, I was up at 3am thinking about it!!! I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't sleep for the next 10 nights...and then have to go on vacation! I have to start sleeping or else I won't enjoy myself as much!

 

[Megablocks]

Oh my gosh, I need to keep up better! I always hit "last page" when I go to my subscriptions and when I saw that you were suddenly leaving in ten days I was shocked and had to go back to re-read I am so happy for you! I'm sorry about your hubby's job situation but I'm so glad you guys are going

I can't wait to hear about the MSEP and the new summer things. I can't remember if she posted about it, but Katie's going to get to see a preview of it on June 5th (their last night) and she is super excited about it -- I'm excited to hear about it!

CBR is the very first place we stayed when we went as a family so I'm really excited to see your pictures from there

 

[photographymom517]

Ok, ok...you are probably sick of my by now!

Last post for tonight, I promise!

I almost forgot...any requests for photos of anything???

I will definitely be taking pictures of the Fantasyland expansion & Toontown to show you the walls that are up now & whats closed in Toontown.

I also will make sure to take tons of pics of Summer Nightastic! (parade & fireworks!) And in return, you can all share your Wishes & Spectro photos on your trip reports for me!

I know I'll have tons and tons of pics of CBR and DTD because we have 3 1/2 free days...one of those days we will be going to a park & the other 2 1/2, probably staying at the resort, going to the Boardwalk, or DTD. I've NEVER been to DTD before. I always take tons and tons of pics at our resort, so I will have plenty of CBR! I can't wait to see it in person! I also will take photos of the Grand Floridian after we get our photos taken. I'm hoping to stop by their giftshop & walk around for awhile to take pics of the inside & outside!

So, other than that, please let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to see & I will try my best to get you a picture of it!

 

[photographymom517]

Oh my gosh, I need to keep up better! I always hit "last page" when I go to my subscriptions and when I saw that you were suddenly leaving in ten days I was shocked and had to go back to re-read I am so happy for you! I'm sorry about your hubby's job situation but I'm so glad you guys are going

I can't wait to hear about the MSEP and the new summer things. I can't remember if she posted about it, but Katie's going to get to see a preview of it on June 5th (their last night) and she is super excited about it -- I'm excited to hear about it!

CBR is the very first place we stayed when we went as a family so I'm really excited to see your pictures from there

Hi Meg!!! Don't feel bad...we just decided on Monday, so you aren't all that far behind!

I am sooo excited for our trip! I went on Bing maps today & was looking at Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, and CBR!!! It made it feel "more real" to me that we're leaving so soon!

I am sooo jealous! That means that Katie gets to see Wishes, Spectro AND the new Summer Nightastic parade & fireworks! I can't remember where I read it, but I do remember reading it on a few different reports that their trip dates made it so they were able to see all the shows...so alot of people must have planned good trip dates! How exciting that would be!

I am glad that CBR brings back such special memories for you! I will definitely take tons of pics of the resort & share them on my Trip Report!!!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

Hi! Just read your whole trip report. That was quite a roller coaster ride of changes to start reading a report for December and end up finding out your countdown was about to go to single digits!

It sounds like it will be a great trip and I'm looking forward to the TR. I'm sorry you didn't get to go at Christmas this time. DW, DD, and I are headed to Disney World 19-26 Dec and it's our first time being there around Christmas. We are super excited!

This will be our first time going with a child and we went through the whole stroller decision. We finally settled on bringing our own stroller. I want to make sure I'm not one of the people making other people wait while I fold up the stroller to get on the bus. I've even considered going out with our stuff and stroller and have us practice getting on a city bus quickly.

I hope any last minute planning/preparing is going well! You'll be there before you know it!

 

[jameshadley]

Hi..
We are visiting wdw this yr for christmas and new yr, im starting to panic a little over which park to go to on christmas day and new yrs, and which resturant to book.
I have been reading a book that says mk will be really busy and you can expect to waite 20mins for the restrooms....
In our group there are children aged from 4+ to grand parents aged 80.
Do you have any advice/tips that can help in our planning...

Kind regards james

 

[photographymom517]

Hi! Just read your whole trip report. That was quite a roller coaster ride of changes to start reading a report for December and end up finding out your countdown was about to go to single digits!

It sounds like it will be a great trip and I'm looking forward to the TR. I'm sorry you didn't get to go at Christmas this time. DW, DD, and I are headed to Disney World 19-26 Dec and it's our first time being there around Christmas. We are super excited!

This will be our first time going with a child and we went through the whole stroller decision. We finally settled on bringing our own stroller. I want to make sure I'm not one of the people making other people wait while I fold up the stroller to get on the bus. I've even considered going out with our stuff and stroller and have us practice getting on a city bus quickly.

I hope any last minute planning/preparing is going well! You'll be there before you know it!

Hi!!! Welcome to my PTR! What a task...reading my entire report in one sitting! I can't imagine how you did it because the other night, I was trying to find something I wrote in a post on MY OWN report & I actually fell asleep reading it!

How exciting for you & your family to get to go for Christmas! I am disappointed to miss out on the festivities of Christmas...but I just keep telling myself that we will go once our son is older. He's 2 right now & while he would enjoy it, I know when he's a little older, he will really understand it & enjoy it more!

I am looking forward to our trip...I'm such a planner that its unusual, but at the same time kind of exciting, to just go at the last minute. I had to take about 6 months of planning & smoosh it into 2 weeks! lol That was quite a task, but somehow I managed! I even have most of our suitcases packed already & part of our carry-on bags!

I have tons & tons of notes I had from my Christmas planning & I would love to share it with you. I have so much to do before our trip since we leave in less than 2 weeks, but I promise once I get back, I will post it on my trip report for you & anyone else who would be interested in the info. I can also email anyone who's interested a copy of my Word Files for the Christmas info.

I honestly think you made the right decision with the stroller. As you can tell from my report, I went back and forth on the decision, but I really feel like we made the right one. I know it will be a little tough at the airport carting around 3 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, and the stroller. If my son will ride in his stroller at the airport (which I think he will) then I can fit both carry-ons in the stroller...one in the basket & one hanging from the side. But we still have 3 suitcases, so my husband will have to take 2 and I will have to push the stroller and pull the smallest suitcase. Worst case scenario, our son won't ride in the stroller & I'll just pile up 2 suitcases on the stroller, one carryon in the basket, one carryon hanging from the stroller, and then my husband can pull one suitcase & I can keep an eye on our son. It sounds like alot but I think with some teamwork, we can manage.

As far as your trip, I think with planning & teamwork, you will be able to manage even with the high crowds around the holidays! I've heard that Disney gets busier the closer to Christmas you get...but what a great experience to be able to be AT Disney on Christmas Day!!! Yes, it will be busy, but you will be prepared for that already since you know ahead of time it will be busy. (Thats alot better than thinking there will be low crowds & showing up only to see high crowds! lol)

Christmas is wonderful at Disney...I've never been there during the holidays, but I've learned so much about it through my research & from reading trip reports here on DIS. Make sure to see Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios, MVMCP at Magic Kingdom, and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, along with all of the Christmas storytellers! Your daughter will love all of the special Christmas parades, decorations, and events!

How old is your daughter? I was just wondering because we went last year when my son was 10 months old. I didn't plan much because I thought it would scare him or he wasn't old enough. But looking back, we probably could have stood in longer lines, rode more rides, and seen more shows than we will this year. Last year, he wasn't really afraid of things yet & he didn't mind standing in lines! We had a great trip, but I just like to pass along the advice I learned. A smaller child can do soooo much at Disney! I love how its a place for "kids" of all ages!

As far as the stroller & the buses, I would say to just arrive a little early at the bus stop. They have benches at the bus stops, so you can sit & empty your stroller (if you have your diaper bag, drinks, etc in it on the way to the bus stop). The bus drivers are always very patient with people folding up their strollers & sometimes you are able to get on the bus with the folded stroller long before all the passengers are seated on the bus. I'm not sure how busy it will be at Christmastime, but I'm sure they have more buses running due to the higher amount of people in the parks. I was so stressed out about the stroller situation, but after talking to people on DIS & hearing how many people take their own strollers, I feel much better about it! So, don't worry! And trust me, coming from me, thats really saying something because I was really, really worried about it myself! lol

Hi..
We are visiting wdw this yr for christmas and new yr, im starting to panic a little over which park to go to on christmas day and new yrs, and which resturant to book.
I have been reading a book that says mk will be really busy and you can expect to waite 20mins for the restrooms....
In our group there are children aged from 4+ to grand parents aged 80.
Do you have any advice/tips that can help in our planning...

Kind regards james

Hi James! I am not sure which park to go to on Christmas Day and New Years Day but I will look at my notes & see if I have something written down. We were originally planning to go the beginning of December. The crowds during Christmas & New Year's week are just too much for me with a 2 year old! lol

As far as planning your Dining Reservations, make sure that you have everything planned out ahead of time. Make a list of what you really, really want to have...and then make a back-up list just in case you can't get your first choice. Its probably harder to get reservations around the holidays. Do you know already about ADR's? If not, let me know & I'll explain more!

I've heard that Le Cellier at Epcot, California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, or Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian are all great choices. I've never eaten at any of them, but I've heard they're all very good. All I can say is to check-out the "Disney Dining Reviews" on DIS and read lots of trip reports from last year in December/January. I learned alot from reading others trip reports!

As I said above to ChildAtHeart82, once I get back from my trip, I will post all of my Christmas information on my report or I can email my Microsoft Word files to anyone who wants the information. I've done alot of research for Christmastime at Disney & since I'm not using the info now, I'd love to pass it along to those who can use it!!! It sounds like you have a large group...you might want to look into Grand Gatherings. I'm not sure what it is, but I think its when you have more than 8 people in your party all together. Having an age range from 4-80 years old, my best advice would be to make sure you take breaks in the middle of the day. Try to arrive at the parks close to opening (usually 9am) and take a break after lunch...or take a break before lunch & eat lunch at your resort. Then, go back to the park once everyone is rested up & enjoy the nighttime events, like the fireworks!

Do you have a resort picked out yet? Are you staying on Disney property or off-property? I personally love staying on property because you don't have to worry about anything...the Magical Express delivers your luggage to your resort, they transport you from the airport to your resort, and provide bus/monorail/boat transportation to & from all the parks & other resorts. Most Disney resorts also have airport check-in as well, so when your trip is over, all you do is go down to the desk & they will take your luggage for you & check you into the airport! You won't see your luggage again until you arrive at your home airport! It is so incredibly convenient! (If you've stayed on Disney property before, ignore all this info because you already know it!)

I hope that information helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions & as I said, I will post my Christmas info on here once we get back from our trip in a few weeks.

 

[BippityBoo]

Wow! You got soo much done I feel like I am way more organized this time around. I can't wait to see all of your pics!!

I am so jealous of your Dooney tote and Wishes CD! Also, I agree with your son...watch him close so that your pictures will be good

 

[photographymom517]

Wow! You got soo much done I feel like I am way more organized this time around. I can't wait to see all of your pics!!

I am so jealous of your Dooney tote and Wishes CD! Also, I agree with your son...watch him close so that your pictures will be good

LOL...you were on my PTR while I was on yours!!!

I really did get alot done in the past few days...way more that I had anticipated, so I'm happy to have the weekend to relax & take a mini-break from all my planning! I've been reading my "unofficial guide" so I haven't totally taken a break! lol

 

[photographymom517]

Well, I learned a few things today...first of all, I need to start walking everyday to get prepared for Disney! We went to the state park to take a walk, swim, and let our son play on the swingset & then we went to a carnival...it was about 7 hours of walking and I am exhausted! My son gets his stroller out every evening & wants me to push him around in it...I think I'll start walking much further in the next week! I'm not completely out of shape (or at least I didn't think so!) I try to exercise a few times a week, but I guess I'm not as used to walking as I thought I was! Oops!

I also just watched my son today. Sometimes I am just so in awe of every little thing he does...ok, more than sometimes...most of the time! He is just the light of my entire world & is truly a blessing to me. Long story short, before he was born, I had a really bad scare & they told me he wouldn't make it. So I really appreciated every single second of my entire pregnancy! He just amazes me! Anyway, sorry to get all emotional on ya there! I just watched him today while we were at the carnival. I watched his reactions to different things & it made me stop and think. Our trip will be amazing because of him & how much he appreciates all the little things! I need to quit freaking out over every little detail, quit stressing...and just appreciate every second of our trip! And thats what I'm planning to do!

Today right before we left, the mail came & I got our bright yellow tags from Magical Express!!! I told my husband we had to guard them with our lives & couldn't let anyone steal them at the park... He just looked at me like this As soon as we got home this evening, I called ME and asked about the date...it was wrong since I had changed our arrival/departure dates. The very nice lady helped me & said it was fine to use them. She updated the info I gave her in the system & told me to cross out the wrong date & write in the new date. She said they would be fine to use since she updated the info on her end. Thank you! She was extremely helpful & nice & I wish I would have gotten her name. I would have liked to write a letter to her supervisor about how great she was (and I am picky when it comes to customer service, trust me! you just can't find good CS these days...not like it used to be!) She also updated the flight information for me, so that is all taken care of now.

I think the last thing I need to do (as far as trip documents) is to print out our boarding passes (24 hours before our flight). I signed up for cell phone updates from Southwest, so I should receive hourly updates beginning 4 hours prior to our take-off. My dad is also being kind enough to drive us to the airport so we don't have to leave our car there or pay for the parking fees at the airport. That will save us probably a little over $100 plus we don't have to worry about our car just sitting there.

Also, I know that I PROMISED tshirt pics today...and I actually made 2 more this morning...but I will get them either tomorrow or Monday. I really do promise this time! The 2 I made this morning were Mickey Mouse to wear at MK. My son's gray tank has a large Mickey on the front. My gray shirt has the same large Mickey on the back and on the front it has the 4 parks/1 world w/ Fantasia Mickey, Jungle Mickey, Space Mickey, and MK Mickey on it. Those two are still laying out, so I will definitely get pics of them tomorrow.

I also was wondering...do all of the resort rooms have irons? I don't know the answer to this because I DO NOT IRON! I know its weird, but I don't. I also don't sew but I'm in the process of making a quilt.

Anyway, I'd like to iron our clothes or throw them in the dryer once we get to the resort. I know it takes up to 4 hours for ME to deliver your luggage to your room, so I might be ironing fairly late at night! lol Also, I was wondering...for those of you who stayed at CBR and used ME luggage service...do they deliver it to your room or to the check-in building? And, once your trip is over, are you able to leave the luggage with CBR to take to the airport or do we have to transport it with us on the ME bus and then go to the desk to check-in our luggage at the airport? I might have asked this before, I don't remember! (I apologize, I'm very tired & can't remember what I posted this week!)

I'm sure more questions will follow...LOL...have a good night everyone!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

WOW! I got behind again, and now your leaving - like soon!!! How exciting!

Your list of things to buy looks great, but I have to tell you, you may be disappointed in the scrapbook store in DTD - not much there, I find a much better selection of Disney stuff online, or at my local Michael's for that matter!

To answer a couple of your latest questions, yes the rooms all have irons in them. I don't like to iron either, but sometimes it's a necessity when your clothes have been packed in a suitcase! I've read where alot of people use that wrinkle releaser, I think it's made by Downey you just spray it on, no ironing necessary. I've never used it, but people swear it works.

With ME your bags will be delivered to your room in probably about 3-4 hours, you don't even have to be there. I can't help you with your return since I haven't stayed at CBR in awhile, not sure if SW is set up there yet or not. You might check the transportation board. I know on our last two trips we stayed at POFQ and CSR and we were able to check our bags at the resort which saved a lot of hassle with transporting and checking in at the airport! We flew SW in May and when our departure information was left on our door it even had our SW boarding passes already printed out and included in the envelope. That was a nice surprise since I figured I would have to print them once we arrived at the airport.

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

I am looking forward to our trip...I'm such a planner that its unusual, but at the same time kind of exciting, to just go at the last minute. I had to take about 6 months of planning & smoosh it into 2 weeks! lol That was quite a task, but somehow I managed! I even have most of our suitcases packed already & part of our carry-on bags!

I have tons & tons of notes I had from my Christmas planning & I would love to share it with you. I have so much to do before our trip since we leave in less than 2 weeks, but I promise once I get back, I will post it on my trip report for you & anyone else who would be interested in the info. I can also email anyone who's interested a copy of my Word Files for the Christmas info.

Christmas is wonderful at Disney...I've never been there during the holidays, but I've learned so much about it through my research & from reading trip reports here on DIS. Make sure to see Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios, MVMCP at Magic Kingdom, and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, along with all of the Christmas storytellers! Your daughter will love all of the special Christmas parades, decorations, and events!

Thanks for offering all of your Christmas research. It will be good to have!

There's so much we want to see of the Christmas stuff. I think that, like Disney as a whole, there's probably too much to see all in one trip. We'll have to see as much as we can and then find another Christmastime to come. From the sounds of it, though, we'll want to come back again at that time of year anyway (but maybe not right in the middle of busy season).

I look forward to hearing about your trip!