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

[photographymom517]

For the past few months, I have been spending hours & hours every week reading trip reports on DIS! Partly because I am soooo darn excited to be going for Christmas this year!!! And partly because we've been stuck inside a lot because of the HUGE amounts of snow around here these days! lol

I decided that I should start a Pre-Trip report of my own since I've already been planning/researching for about 5-6 months now! I've only been on DIS boards for a little while & have under 50 posts, but I'm hoping to have some followers of my report! Should be interesting...because I talk waaaay too much!

I also am very conflicted with this trip because people tell me that I am VERY OCD about details/planning/etc. but at the same time, I like to just do whatever on vacation & not worry about being at a certain place at a certain time! (If anyone needs a party or get together planned, they always come to me...because they know I love 2 things...details & budget!!! Guess both of these should be helpful with my WDW planning as well!)

Let me first introduce us...
Me (27) -- DH (30) -- DS (2)

Last year was our first year staying on Disney property & also our first vacation as a family (because DS was 10 months old at the time of our trip!) I had been to WDW previously about 6 times & to FL 10+ times, but have never actually stayed on Disney Property, so it was a new experience for me as well! It was my DH & DS's first trips to Florida & WDW!!! I think the best part of my trip was just watching their faces as they saw everything for the first time! Last year, we went for only 5 days...two of those were spent at the airport/travelling and we only really had 3 full days with the Mouse! I actually cried on the way home because I wasn't ready to leave! I have probably stayed at every hotel chain there is & used to go on vacation every year with my parents. I usually get home sick & am always ready to go home...we even went home a day early from our vacation once! I don't think I will EVER be ready to leave a Disney vacation early! There is sooo much to do & so much to see! Its actually sort of ironic because this past trip, even though we were only there for 3 days, I felt like we did SO much...but whenever I read everyone's trip reports & see what others have done, I keep saying "Oh, why didn't I do that? Why didn't I see that? Why didn't we ride that? Why didn't we eat there?" So I guess the OCD in me is coming out because I REALLY don't want to miss out on anything this time! After we splurge for this trip, I'm not sure when we'll be going back. We were fortunate to be able to go last year (early in March) and again this year (late in December). Last year's trip was the first time we've been on vacation since 2004, so we were definitely ready!

I am sooo excited to be going this year for Christmas time at WDW!!! I don't know what I'm most excited for...resort decorations, staying at the CBR for the first time, the food, the parades, the characters, the fireworks, going to DTD for the first time, the food (yes, I purposely said "the food" twice!), the souvenirs, MVMCP, the Osborne lights, the Kilamanjaro Safari (didn't get to go on it last trip), character meals...I'm just excited for everything!

It's one thing I've always wanted to do & never thought it would actually become a reality! Usually our work schedules just don't give us much room around the holidays to take extra time off. This year its so much easier because I'm currently working in Online Sales from home while being a Stay-at-Home mom...it makes it a lot more flexible for us to take a trip!

I wanted to start this Pre-Trip Report today because I did some pre-vacation shopping today. I noticed some sales at our local outlets so I loaded DS in the car & off we went! (like I said, I love budgets & never buy anything unless its on sale!) We are planning to do the Private Photo Session & it will be our first family photos. It's very hard to convince DH to do photos because he HATES to have his photo taken! However, it was NOT hard to convince him that we need to get them taken at WDW in Florida (his favorite state!) Now if only I could decide on what we're wearing, what resort we're having them taken at, what day/time, etc. Originally I just figured I'd book something & go with it...now I'm stressing over little details. What should we wear? What time? Morning might be good because DS will be in a good mood...not hungry or tired...but what about the sun? Morning or late afternoon for sun? I have no idea! I think the perfect time would be around 4pm because the sun wouldn't be out at full force, DS & DH wouldn't be hungry or tired, it would give us time to go somewhere in the morning & have the rest of the evening free, etc. But even though I think 3-4pm would be great...I'm still leaning towards morning. Soooo, any suggestions are appreciated! (I told you I talk ALOT!!!)

Well, anyway, today I went to OshKosh & found my DS the perfect shirt. I've been searching, trying to decide colors, what type of shorts to wear, etc. Well, today OshKosh made up my mind for me! I found this button-down shirt with rolled sleeves...its white with brown, yellow, & blue stripes...I will try to put a photo of it on here later. I also found him the cutest swim trunks & shirt with iguanas all over them. He LOVED them as well...although he is a boy, for some reason he loves clothes & shoes. He actually flipped out in the middle of the store today because I wouldn't buy him a pair of shoes! After I put them back, he went back to get them & carried them around saying "Mine" as if he was going to buy them. Normally I would have, but like I said...budget...plus I just got him a Mickey Mouse pair on ebay to wear on the trip (not for pics). I think we'll do barefeet for pics...but not sure cuz I hate my feet! DS's feet would be cute though...I picture his shirt with rolled up jeans & barefeet. Very beachy which is the effect I was going for! I was originally considering the Polynesian but am now also considering the Grand Floridian and maybe Beach Club after seeing the Christmas decor in other posts. Again, any suggestions are highly appreciated!

I guess this is enough of an "Intro" for now...I will try to upload pics later!

Formerly Known As -- Our Christmas With the Mouse Turned into Summer Fun 2010!!!

Now Known As -- Memories of Little Green Men and Sardines (June 8-17, 2010)​

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Give A Day -- "Binky Patrol"
Completed "Binky Patrol" blankets
My Review of the Baggallini Messenger Bag
Baggallini & Vera pics
Our Day at the Zoo
My missing cat, Tiger
Tiger is found!

PLANNING
Tentative ADR's
Tentative Schedule
Stroller Dilemma
Dining research & Disney online purchases!
Photo Session Info
Link to Photo Session Thread
Pre-planning...Tshirts, envelopes, and more!
My airline questions...
Updated trip schedule
My Animal Kingdom Lodge photo slideshow!!!
Pre-planning...Tshirt ideas!!!
2010 MVMCP Info
Free Dining 2010!!!
Free Dining Codes (August thru December)
Vinylmation videos on YouTube & Links
Questions, questions & more questions
Trip Dates...UNKNOWN!?!

DISNEY MERCHANDISE @ LOCAL STORES!
My search for Disney merchandise
Merchandise at Walmart
Merchandise at Kmart
More merchandise at Kmart
Disney items purchased!!!


SUMMER VACATION PLANNING
New Trip Dates...Summer 2010
ADR's reserved & beginning of planning
Summer Nightastic!
Flights are booked!!!
Planning & starting to pack suitcases
Disney (Tentative) Shopping List
ME tags arrive! Love Disney mail!
Trip Schedule
Tshirts for Trip
Photo Session changed to Beach Club Resort
Tips for our trip
Mail from Disney Destinations!
Caribbean Beach Resort link
Room Requests

TRIP REPORT BEGINS!!!

DAY 1
Departing Home & Arrival at Disney
Check-In & Outdoor CBR Pictures
Room & OPR Pictures

DAY 2
Day 2 Begins
On the Way to Beach Club Resort
On the Way to BCR (continued...)
Private Photo Session Pics
Lunch @ Hurricane Hanna's
Beach Club/Yacht Club Photos
Trip back to CBR & evening at Magic Kingdom
Main Street @ Magic Kingdom
Lunch @ Cosmic Ray's
Tomorrowland & Mad Tea Party
ToonTown
Minnie's House
Mickey's House
Mickey's Garden & Garage
Fantasyland Refurb. Project 2010
Fantasyland Video (from YouTube)
Fantasyland -- IASW & construction @ Peter Pan
IASW & Adventureland
Swiss Family Treehouse & Dole Whip
Summer Nightastic Electric Parade

 

[photographymom517]

Here's the shirt I bought for my DS for our trip in December. I also found a "Minnie Mouse" tank top for $5...instead of buying one thats actually Disney, I'm just going to either wear it just like it is or buy a decal to iron onto it. Usually I don't wear Disney stuff while on vacation until after I buy stuff in the parks but I figured I'd try to find stuff before December (like I said...love those sales! lol)

 

[cmp1111]

Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing.

 

[photographymom517]

Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for reading!

 

[photographymom517]

Planning a trip to the Disney Store sometime within the next few months.

We had a store close to us, but it was an outlet store. Usually I could find some great prices, especially on tshirts for DS & some toys as well. They only operate for about 2-3 months each year. They get in supplies from the parks/resorts (close-outs) from the previous year & once they are gone or their temp lease for the store is up, they close the store for the year. I was disappointed because I didn't make it there until this past week & they were already gone.

 

[Tink9721]

Hi! Great PTR so far

Those clothes are adorable! Baby/toddler clothes are so cute. I have a 13 month old cousin and I got him a Mickey sweatshirt for Christmas and a Tigger shirt for his birthday

 

[photographymom517]

Hi! Great PTR so far

Those clothes are adorable! Baby/toddler clothes are so cute. I have a 13 month old cousin and I got him a Mickey sweatshirt for Christmas and a Tigger shirt for his birthday

I know...I love buying Disney stuff for my kids & my nephews!!! Last year when we were at WDW, I bought them each a shirt & then one toy as their souvenirs! This year I'm excited because I get to buy Christmas gifts...and I'll have my first niece so I can buy her Princess stuff at Disney! Yippee!!! Its fun shopping for them too because they all have a different favorite character!

 

[photographymom517]

New update for Pre-Trip...I signed up for the Hands On Network "Give a Day, Get a Day" program through Disney. I heard (through DIS Boards) that they were possibly getting ready to end the program because they hit 1 million volunteers already! That's amazing that so many people have volunteered (or signed up to volunteer) and its only the beginning of March!

I am doing the blanket project through Binky Patrol in Georgia. I think its a wonderful cause & would advise anyone who is still looking for something to do to sign-up with Binky Patrol. I was originally going to volunteer locally with assisting with an outdoor painting or cleaning-up project...but the closest place to me is about 70 miles away! Also with the weather in PA, its hard to choose a date to help outdoors! I found the Binky Patrol project through DIS and am glad I did. You make blankets for children (right now their need is for children 0-24 months) and you are able to ship them to Georgia. I have already recommended it to friends & family. I called them all last night & we are all signed up!

 

[photographymom517]

I also have started figuring out ADR's. My main problem is that we want to eat at 3 different places at EPCOT. Right now we are planning Coral Reef for lunch and San Angel Inn for dinner, but I'd also like to squeeze in Garden Grill for Character Dining.

Can anyone give me more info. on CD at Garden Grill??? My other options for CD were Chef Mickey's, Tusker House, or Crystal Palace. My DS really loves Pooh so I thought Crystal Palace would be perfect...plus, I selfishly would LOVE to see the Magic Kingdom first thing in the morning with no one on Main Street!!! So perhaps that is partially for DS and for myself as well! lol

I've heard wonderful things about Chef Mickey's as well & both good & bad for Tusker House. If anyone has any recommendations, they are appreciated! (for either these character meals or others!)

I'm trying to keep our vacation fairly flexible. Its very hard with a toddler to be on a schedule. When he's hungry, we eat...when he's tired, we leave the parks & go to the resort to rest...when he wants to run around, we find a playground for him. I guess some people would say that we spoil him, but how fun is a vacation for the parents if the child is in a terrible mood? I think its just easier to plan our day around DS. We did this last year & had a great time!

Last year we mainly used Quick Service & occassionally would walk into a restaurant & get a Sit-Down Meal (with a 15 minute wait) if there weren't a lot of previous reservations. This actually surprised me because we went during "busy season"!

Right now here are my plans:

EPCOT
Coral Reef -- a definite! my personal favorite!
San Angel Inn -- for DH...promised him last year we'd eat here even though I've heard some not-so-great reviews on it (any opinions???)
possibly Garden Grill for Character Dining

Magic Kingdom
Crystal Palace -- Character Breakfast
Cosmic Ray's (we love it there...we ate 2 meals there last year!)
And my last stop before leaving MK is always ice cream on Main St!!!

Hollywood Studios
Sci-Fi
Pizza Planet (I have a feeling DH will want to stop here...DS too!)

I really want to eat at Hollywood & Vine for the Character Dining, but my DS doesn't know any of the characters there, so I think he'd enjoy another CM better...what do you think?

Animal Kingdom
Rainforest Cafe
QS Yak & Yeti
Pizzafari or Restaurantosaurus (since I was planning on taking DS to McDonald's at DTD & they will be closed by the time we go on vacation)
Tusker House -- Character Meal ???

Last year we only ate one meal (and a bunch of snacks) at Animal Kingdom. Between the Kilamanjaro Safari, petting zoo, parade, and walking around, I really hesitate to schedule more than one meal at AK. It seems like the day always goes the fastest here...maybe since they close the earliest?

Last year I ate a meal at the QS Yak & Yeti while DH & DS got a snack & lemonade. Then they ate at Pizzafari while I got a coffee somewhere. It works out sometimes to do this because we don't like the same foods.

DTD
T-Rex
Earl of Sandwich
Goofy's Candy Co
Fulton's Crab House (my pick!)
Planet Hollywood

We have 4 "free days" on our vacation to just spend at DTD, our resort, local places in Orlando, and we're having our pics taken for the Private Photo Session. The day we do the Photo Session, I'm thinking we'll schedule that for first thing in the morning, then have lunch somewhere, then either go to DTD or our resort. We love the parks, but we also love to just hang out at our resort!!! I am also looking forward to seeing the Christmas decor at all of the resorts! I definitely plan on taking the monorail & getting off at every single stop to see the decorations...I'm sure DH will just be thrilled but I'm doing it regardless! I don't know when I'll have another chance to be at WDW for Christmas so I don't want to miss anything!

I'm torn with DTD because I ate at Planet Hollywood in NYC and think its definitely something DH and DS should experience (since neither have ever been there) BUT I think I'd choose Fulton's Crab House over Planet Hollywood if given a choice. Any suggestions? Is it hard to get into Planet Hollywood without reservations?

I also added Goofy's to my "dining selections" at DTD because I think my DS & DH will both try to eat more there than at our meal!

I still have a lot of decision-making to do...at least I have EPCOT & DTD planned...I'll have to work on the rest. I'm really stressing over the Character Meal. I guess I shouldn't because if DS is scared of the characters on our first day, I'm just going to cancel the Character Meal anyway.

As I said, any suggestions for dining are appreciated!!! Especially for the Character Meal!

 

[Tink9721]

Crystal Palace is AWESOME! I've only eaten there for lunch, but it's a must-do on every trip!!!

Tusker House is great! We ate there for breakfast. The food was soooo good!

I love Chef Mickey's too! We always eat there for dinner. I wish I could eat Mickey shaped ravioli every night

 

[cmp1111]

My kids' first character meal was Crystal Palace, and they loved it. I've had breakfast and lunch there - both were great.

I love the QS at Yak & Yeti as well.

The pizza at Pizza Planet is actually really pretty good, too!

I have a DIS friend who ate at San Angel within the last 3 weeks. She is of Hispanic descent and wasn't impressed (except for the margaritas ) but her DH (also of Hispanic descent) was really pleased. It may just depend on what you order or expect of it.

 

[Megablocks]

I'm in!

I don't have kids yet but I agree that it would probably be easier to base your plans around DS -- it won't be fun for anyone if he melts down because he's hungry or tired or whatever. I don't think that could be considered "spoiling" at all, I think it could be considered being really, really smart.

We love Chef Mickey's -- it's one of our must-do's on every trip!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

I'm in... We arrive Nov. 28th for our first trip without the kids...

 

[photographymom517]

My kids' first character meal was Crystal Palace, and they loved it. I've had breakfast and lunch there - both were great.

I love the QS at Yak & Yeti as well.

The pizza at Pizza Planet is actually really pretty good, too!

I have a DIS friend who ate at San Angel within the last 3 weeks. She is of Hispanic descent and wasn't impressed (except for the margaritas ) but her DH (also of Hispanic descent) was really pleased. It may just depend on what you order or expect of it.

Thanks for the info especially on Crystal Palace. To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to San Angel...but since we are mostly doing things for our son, I told my husband that we should each pick a few things we really want to do as well. That was his pick...he loved Mexico when we were at EPCOT & I swear he made us go back there 5 times in one day! lol He really wants to eat at San Angel, so I really hope I am able to enjoy the food as much as your friends husband! I'm not too big on Mexican food as it is...maybe I'll share something with my son...he eats everything!

Crystal Palace is AWESOME! I've only eaten there for lunch, but it's a must-do on every trip!!!

Tusker House is great! We ate there for breakfast. The food was soooo good!

I love Chef Mickey's too! We always eat there for dinner. I wish I could eat Mickey shaped ravioli every night

I'm glad to hear you enjoy Crystal Palace! I could tell it was popular because on our last trip, we tried to get in without a reservation & it was impossible! For this trip, I was originally planning only 1 character meal, but now I think we're going to do more than one!

I'm glad you mentioned Tusker House...my parents are going to Disney in August & they really want to eat there. My mom was actually just asking me about it today! I think they would enjoy it because it is a buffet.

I definitely am scheduling Chef Mickey's!!! (Mickey shaped ravioli...yummy!)

I'm in!

I don't have kids yet but I agree that it would probably be easier to base your plans around DS -- it won't be fun for anyone if he melts down because he's hungry or tired or whatever. I don't think that could be considered "spoiling" at all, I think it could be considered being really, really smart.

We love Chef Mickey's -- it's one of our must-do's on every trip!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks for the support with my decision...it is definitely waaay less stressful on me whenever I plan my trips around my son!

As I said to Tink...I am definitely scheduling Chef Mickey's since I've heard such wonderful things about it on DIS!!!

I'm in... We arrive Nov. 28th for our first trip without the kids...

Sounds like a great trip! We are planning to arrive Nov 29th...we may have to change our dates because of DH's work, but hopefully we will be able to keep what we have now (especially after I book ADR's...lol)

I wish I was able to travel without kids...but I am a MAJOR worrier!!! I think I would drive myself crazy wondering where they were & what they were doing...I probably wouldn't end up enjoying my trip because of worrying. Maybe once they are older, I will feel more comfortable leaving them behind & can enjoy a kids-free vacation like so many that I've read about! It sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[photographymom517]

WOO HOO!!! I have followers for my Pre-Trip Report!!! Sooo excited now!!!!



Thank you everyone for the info/comments!!!

Hopefully I will be updating again soon...my mom & I have been working on our blankets all weekend so I haven't been online much! I think we will finish them by Tuesday so I will post some photos on here!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I'm in!!!! I see you are from PA... Me too!!! What part? I'm in the suburbs right outside of Philly!!! We arrive in Disney on December 3rd!!

 

[photographymom517]

I'm in!!!! I see you are from PA... Me too!!! What part? I'm in the suburbs right outside of Philly!!! We arrive in Disney on December 3rd!!

I'm in Western PA near Pittsburgh. Have you ever been there right after Thanksgiving before? I wasn't worried about the crowd levels, but I've been reading a lot of reports & it seems its crazy after Thanksgiving.

I'm considering moving our trip up to the week before Thanksgiving, but I'm afraid it won't "feel like Christmas time" yet!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I'm in Western PA near Pittsburgh. Have you ever been there right after Thanksgiving before? I wasn't worried about the crowd levels, but I've been reading a lot of reports & it seems its crazy after Thanksgiving.

I'm considering moving our trip up to the week before Thanksgiving, but I'm afraid it won't "feel like Christmas time" yet!

Oh cool, I have a cousin who lives in Pittsburgh, he is actually graduating Med school in June from the University of Pittsburgh. And I have a cousin who is getting married in Altoona/Johnstown in May, so I will be in your neck of the woods a few times come may!

When exactly are you going to be there? I was there the first, into the second week in December back in 2008 ans absolutely loved it!

I will say that typically it is really the week leading into Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend that will see increased crowds. Come that Monday, I think it's Nov 30th, it will be slow again.

I am so excited. I read your reply to my post on Toni and Terry pre-trip report about airfare. I am so highly annoyed, we have flown Air Tran the last 5 time we went and loved it... I just don't get why there is a lack on Non-Stops... Looks like I am waiting till SW releases, which is annoying b/c that won't be until June and I can make my ADR's come June 6th. I wanted to have my airfare booked my then, so that I could decide as to whether or not to book a table service meal the day of our arrival. Can't very well do that when I won't know what time I arrive!!!

 

[photographymom517]

When exactly are you going to be there? I was there the first, into the second week in December back in 2008 ans absolutely loved it!

I am so excited. I read your reply to my post on Toni and Terry pre-trip report about airfare. I am so highly annoyed, we have flown Air Tran the last 5 time we went and loved it... I just don't get why there is a lack on Non-Stops... Looks like I am waiting till SW releases, which is annoying b/c that won't be until June and I can make my ADR's come June 6th. I wanted to have my airfare booked my then, so that I could decide as to whether or not to book a table service meal the day of our arrival. Can't very well do that when I won't know what time I arrive!!!

Thanks for all the info!!!

We are planning Nov 29-Dec 8th right now but that is subject to change. I'm really hoping to get the "final dates" by June because I have schedule my ADR's on June 2nd if I keep these dates. We may end up going before Thanksgiving or immediately before Christmas (which I am hoping we don't have to do because of the crowd levels).

I will admit that I am glad to have someone else understand what I am going through with airfare!!! I am sooo completely frustrated!!! I spent about an hour this evening trying to explain to my DH why I am so upset & he just gave me a blank look (he doesn't understand all the planning & why you have to start so soon...I think if it were up to him, he'd plan it all on Nov 28th...geez!)

Anyway, I don't understand it either. We flew Airtran before & I loved the flight. It was nonstop & only 1 hr 45 mins...I can't imagine flying any other way. First of all, I don't want to have to "experience" take-off more than once and second, I am not a fan of layovers. If I'm going to spend an entire day at airports & transferring from one plane to the next...only to arrive in Florida about 10-12 hours after "my travel day" began...then I'd much rather just drive the 17-19 hours down & at least enjoy the scenery & get to stop wherever/whenever I want to. I am super frustrated right now & I guess it won't get any better until June.

BUT if I have to wait until June to get the nonstop dates released with SW, I think I might have a nervous breakdown in the meantime trying to figure things out...without having a flight schedule! I don't know what to do...so if you figure out anything, please update me!

I'm afraid of booking the first thing that comes up that seems good because then something cheaper might come out (or we might have to change our travel dates). I also refuse to book without it being nonstop...I decided that today when I was looking into flights. I searched the sites through American, United, Delta, and one other...they ranged anywhere from $460 to $2200 for round-trip airfare...what a difference!

Good luck with your planning & if I find out anything more, I will definitely let you know!

 

[photographymom517]

We finally finished up our "Binky Patrol" blankets for the "Give a Day" promotion & shipped them out today. I emailed the coordinator to let her know she should receive them by this weekend! Here are some of them...we made 10 all together.