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

[photographymom517]

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.

Don't worry Michelle, you really weren't that far behind, we just ended up changing things very quickly!!! And I ended up having to put the planning into high-gear! I was actually amazed at how much I was able to do in a short period of time, but I wanted to make sure all the "important" things were done first...like changing our dates, booking airfare, booking the photo session, prepaying for the PhotoPass CD, making sure everything was finalized with ME, and of course ADR's!

Thanks for the information about the scrapbook store at DTD. I was actually worried that I would end up spending too much money in there, but I guess I won't have to worry about that! I actually went to Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabrics and found alot of Disney scrapbook items. I might just save my money & check back at Hobby Lobby for that album I really wanted. Sometimes they have really good sales, but its fairly far away from me, so I don't get their flyer. I'll have to check online to see if they post sales on there. Good to know about Michael's...the closest one to me just moved into a different plaza & I've heard its larger now, so I'll have to check out the Disney stuff there!

That "wrinkle releaser" sounds like an interesting idea...I might look for one if I have a chance before our trip. I'll probably only be at Walmart before then, so if they don't have it, guess I'll have to stick to ironing! LOL I'm actually just thinking about taking a few dryer sheets with me & after ME delivers our luggage, I'll just run over by the village pool & throw everything in the dryer! I do that sometimes at home, too.

I also appreciate the info on ME and how the luggage delivery works. I thought they left it in your room, but I wasn't sure if CBR was different since everything is so spread out. Silly me, didn't even think they probably just have vans or carts & drive it to your room! lol I hope they print our boarding passes & leave them with the ME info...that would be great! We did use ME last trip, but didn't use the luggage transfer part (we carried it on the bus with us, that would be interesting this time with the stroller!)

I am now in with Southwest!!! They have 2 free bags per person (which we don't really need, but good to know they offer it!) and you are able to print boarding passes up to 24 hours before your flight! I love all the conveniences they offer! Last trip, I think we paid somewhere between $50-65 for luggage each way.

I'm not sure about the return either...I will have to check the transportation board. Thanks for suggesting that! Sometimes I get so caught up in stressing over details that I don't think of the obvious!

I'm posting an update today & then I'm not sure if I'll be on here for a few days. I'll definitely post again before we leave! Tomorrow is 7 days!!!

 

[photographymom517]

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!

Yes, I do agree...you will probably need to go a couple times before you see everything! Plus, I'm sure they change small things from year to year, so each time you go, even if its at the same time of year, things could be different! We went last March/April and I can already see tons of changes they've made!

I think I would just pick out the things you really, really want to see & do those first. My picks would be seeing the resort decor @ GF, Cont, BC/YC, and at the parks; MVMCP, Osborne Lights, Candlelight Processional, Christmas storytellers @ Epcot, and any special Christmas shows. That alone is alot to do!

I will pass along the Christmas info when I get back. I can't believe we are leaving in 8 days!!! Tomorrow will be 1 week until we leave!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Here are the photos that I've been promising for so long now! lol (in next post!) I took everything out of our suitcases yesterday & repacked things, so I took pics of the shirts while I was repacking. First, I thought I was taking too many outfits for my son. Worst case scenario, I'll just do laundry on our trip. I hate to do that, but if I need to, I will. (Its not that I'm lazy or don't want to do it...everytime I use public washers, our clothes somehow end up ruined or stained...) I ended up doing half/half with the suitcases instead of putting all of my clothes in one suitcase & all of my son's in one suitcase. My husband probably won't pack until the day before we leave, so I saved a little room for his clothes. I'll probably pack all of our "photo session" clothes in my suitcase.

Oh, speaking of...I decided to change from the GF to the BC, so I have to call today to see if they have availability for either Wednesday or Saturday. I also decided that I want to do the photo session our first day (not the day we arrive, but the next morning). If they don't have anything available, then I'll keep my original plan of Saturday morning. I'm planning a secret...shhh, don't tell! My husband doesn't even know the Boardwalk exists! So, I'm planning to go to BC for our photo session and then spend the day at the Boardwalk! I'm also throwing around the idea of adding another day of park tickets, so we'd have 6 all together, but I'm not sure if we'll need them.

Right now, the schedule looks like this:

Tuesday

• Arrive @ airport around 3:15-3:30, arrive at CBR around 4-4:30
• Probably eat at food court, look around resort
• Garden Grocer order delivery between 5-7pm
• Suitcase delivery by 7:30, will either iron or throw in dryer
• Try to get to bed by 10pm

Wednesday

• Photo Session at Beach Club (hopefully)
• Spend day at Boardwalk & CBR
• No meals scheduled

Thursday

• Day at Hollywood Studios
• ADR @ Play N Dine @ 10am

Friday

• Day at EPCOT
• ADR @ Coral Reef @ 1:15pm

Saturday

• Right now, I have our Photo Session scheduled for 10am @ GF
• If I change to BC on Wednesday, this day will be either DTD or MK

Sunday

• DTD
• If we go to DTD on Saturday, this will either be MK, AK, or CBR

Monday

• Animal Kingdom Day
• Lunch @ Yak & Yeti CS for me, probably Pizzafari for DH & DS
• Watch Illuminations from CBR beach/pool

Tuesday

• DTD Day or spend half day @ DTD and half @ CBR
• We will probably rent a boat, let our son play in the pools, and just explore the resort

Wednesday

• Magic Kingdom Day!
• Crystal Palace ADR @ 8:20am

Thursday

• Eat breakfast @ CBR & explore resort for the morning
• ME will arrive around 11:15am to pick us up

I'm pretty sure thats my plan. You won't believe this, but its not written on my calendar! I am so unorganized right now...I have clothes, books, calendars, papers, tablets, etc throw all over my room. I need to sit down & go through all of my paperwork & put together what I need to take & what I can leave here. I also have to run up to Staples today before 6pm and pick up my 2 books...my planning book & my son's autograph book. I told my husband he can read my planning book on the plane since I know what we're doing on the trip & he has no idea! He said he's not reading it on the plane (he gets sick easily & is very nervous on planes...worse than me!) My guess is that he'll end up reading it to get his mind off the flight! We'll see if I'm right!

After I typed up the schedule, it looks like I don't really need an extra day of park tickets, but I might add one so we can go to MK and Epcot twice & HS/AK once. When we were planning to go for Christmas, we would have used our 4 tickets (one for each park) and the 5th for a second day @ Epcot. But we would have be going to MK twice also...using one of our tickets & one MVMCP ticket. So, I think I might call & add the extra ticket! My husband doesn't get it...when I told him we were going for 10 days, he asked me if I had 9 days of park tickets! This is coming from the guy who has to go back to the resort room for at least 3-4 hours a day to watch tv! I explained how the first & last days were short because of flying in & out, so we'd use those days for exploring our resort or we could go to DTD. That leaves 8 days...5 for parks, 2 for DTD, 1 for Boardwalk/CBR. Looking at Google Earth & Bing Maps, I think we could spend at least a day just walking around CBR. We love taking a day to explore the resort & our son pools! We took him swimming over the weekend & couldn't get him to leave the water!

Ok, enough rambling...I'm going to post these photos for you guys to see & then I have to call Disney to change our photo session, do laundry, take a shower, and pick up my books!!!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!! Hope you all have a nice afternoon with your families!

 

[photographymom517]

Front of shirts (Epcot Day and HS Day)

Back of shirt

My 2 favorite shirts!!! Neither have a back design though

Front of shirts (AK day & MK day)

Back of shirts (AK shirt only)

Front of my shirt

Back of my shirt (looking at it now, I wish I would have put Mickey on the front so it would've matched my son's shirt)

His Disney pjs

This is what he did whenever I told him we were packing for the trip...he also dragged around his carry-on bag for the entire day while riding his little bike around the house! He would put it around him (like a messenger bag), take it off to fill it full of toys, then put it back on & drive around. He reminded me of a little bell boy! It was too cute!

 

[photographymom517]

Quick update...I was able to book our photo session at the Beach Club on Wednesday (the day after we arrive!) and I even got it at the exact time I wanted it for!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Good job Hope... looks like you guys will have a great time and I am looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing pics when you get back.

I LOVE the shirts... I hope mine turn out that good!

 

[ChildAtHeart82]

The shirts look great! I'm glad you got the photo session you wanted!

 

[photographymom517]

Good job Hope... looks like you guys will have a great time and I am looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing pics when you get back.

I LOVE the shirts... I hope mine turn out that good!

Thanks Natalie! My best advice with the shirts is to just take your time & don't try to do it in a hurry. It took me FOREVER to cut every little piece out. I think I spent 3 mornings just cutting out the designs! Once everything is cut out, the process is fairly quick...just take off the backing, put your design on the shirt, and iron for about 15-25 seconds!

I can't wait to go!!! I just completed online check-in, so it feels sooo real right now!!! I also just finished packing the majority of stuff into our carry-on bags. I think everything is packed minus last minute things we need to throw in there the morning of our trip (and my husband's suitcase that he packs the night before...lol)!

I can't wait to share my pictures & tell everyone about our trip once we get back!!! I have 4 memory cards so I'm sure I'll have thousands to share! My husband also informed me that since I have "my good camera" as he puts it, he wants to take my little pocket Nikon Coolpix & use it. I was planning to bring it along anyway, but now he wants to use it everyday, so we'll have double pictures this trip!!! That's exciting too! (I'm obsessed with photography if ya can't tell!) Can't wait to share it all with you guys!!!

The shirts look great! I'm glad you got the photo session you wanted!

Thank you!!! My son really liked the shirts when I showed them to him! He really liked the Nemo & Mickey shirts, which I figured would be his favorites! He's loved Nemo since our last trip to Disney. I had to buy him the Nemo Musical DVD (the show at Epcot) on ebay so he could watch it over & over again. Its funny because he won't sit through the show at the park, but at home, he can watch it three times in a row without moving!

I'm really excited to have gotten the Beach Club for our photo session. We are wearing blue polos & khaki shorts/brown capris, so I think it will match the BC decor more than GF's. I wanted the GF when we were going in Nov/Dec because of the giant gingerbread house & Christmas tree in the lobby! I thought I would be able to get a good balance between Christmas pics in the lobby & beachy pics outside...but now that we're going in the summer, I thought this would be a good change! I was looking at pics last night online of the Beach Club & it looks so beautiful!!! I've never been there before, so I'm really looking forward to this! Also looking forward to my day at the Boardwalk surprise for my husband!!! I told him that I have a surprised planned for our trip but I wouldn't tell him what it is!

 

[lledman]

Quick update...I was able to book our photo session at the Beach Club on Wednesday (the day after we arrive!) and I even got it at the exact time I wanted it for!

Awesome!!! And I love your shirts you made!!!!

 

[Charlefours]

Oh I will take a ton of pictures! I love taking pictures!! I will be looking forward to hearing your report about the Summer shows and parades.

Keep anything you need for the first day with you: meds, swimsuits, extra clothes for DS, sunscreen, etc. so you know you won't have to worry about exactly when your luggage arrives to your room. If it makes you feel any better we went within the first month or two of the service being offered our first trip. They have certainly worked out the kinks since we went last time from everything I have read. :

What's the name of the humidity spray?

Shopping lists look great! You can still get a Christmas ornament if you like. There is the 25 Days of Christmas in DTD among other stores that will sell holiday paraphernalia. :

Definitely think it is a great idea to walk around to build up endurance, both yours and DS since you have to park the stroller and not take it in queues. We are doing it with DD too.

Great job on the shirts.

Everything looks great! Breathe, and relax!!! Your trip is going to be great!!

 

[photographymom517]

Oh I will take a ton of pictures! I love taking pictures!! I will be looking forward to hearing your report about the Summer shows and parades.

Keep anything you need for the first day with you: meds, swimsuits, extra clothes for DS, sunscreen, etc. so you know you won't have to worry about exactly when your luggage arrives to your room. If it makes you feel any better we went within the first month or two of the service being offered our first trip. They have certainly worked out the kinks since we went last time from everything I have read. :

What's the name of the humidity spray?

Shopping lists look great! You can still get a Christmas ornament if you like. There is the 25 Days of Christmas in DTD among other stores that will sell holiday paraphernalia. :

Definitely think it is a great idea to walk around to build up endurance, both yours and DS since you have to park the stroller and not take it in queues. We are doing it with DD too.

Great job on the shirts.

Everything looks great! Breathe, and relax!!! Your trip is going to be great!!

Thanks! I'm really trying to spend some time relaxing from all the planning! Problem is, everytime I take a moment to relax, I keep thinking in my head that I should be looking something up online...

I'm planning to take my son's portable DVD player & a few DVDs so I think between that & his coloring books, he should be ok on the plane. I just have to remember to bring some snacks for take-off. Although, if I forget, no biggie because last trip, we had an awesome stewardess & she brought me crackers for him without me even asking her to! She even gave me a few extra packs. I think she could tell I was nervous! Anyway, he slept last trip the majority of the time, so I'm thinking he might do that again. I'll just try to keep him awake all morning & during the hour car ride to the airport, then he'll be tired for the flight. I think its better if he sleeps so he doesn't have to be stressed. Poor little guy seems to worry over everything & he's only 2. I know that sounds odd but I can tell by how he acts that he's anxious about different things. Although I shouldn't worry about him because normally things I think will scare him actually turn out to be fun & exciting for him!

I can't remember what the humidity spray is called. They sell it at Sally's Beauty Supply if you have one near you...well, at least they did 5 years ago! I didn't have the chance to stop by there, but if I do, I'll PM you the name of it.

Thanks for the reminder about keeping the first day items with me. I wasn't thinking of that & have everything packed in our checked bags. I'll have to get my travel-sized sunscreen & put it in my carry-on bag along with our swimsuits. I'm sure my husband will want to eat as soon as we get there & then my son will see the pool & want to swim!!! As for me, you all know what I'll be doing...taking pictures of course!!!

Yes, I do know about the Christmas store at DTD!!! It was my mom's favorite store on her last trip & she made me look it up on Disney's website so she could show me pics of the store! I already have a special trip planned to that store! My mom is taking care of the house while we're gone, so I'm buying her a "surprise" from the Christmas store! When she was showing me the pictures of the store online, she really wanted the Christmas countdown calendar. I'm not sure what they're called, but its made of fabric & has the little pockets for each day to countdown the days until Christmas.

I am definitely going to try my best to spend a few days relaxing. lol Last night, I stayed up late to organize all of my paperwork for the trip. I think I have everything I need printed, except for our boarding passes which I'll do at the last minute. Its nice because my carry-on bag has a flat pocket on the front thats about 9x11 or so...my paperwork & tablets fit perfectly in there. I put everything in there last trip so I wouldn't forget anything & it worked out great! Its also nice to quickly get in & out of the bag at the airport or check-in desk at the resort, instead of having to rummage through my entire bag.

I have a few little worries left to figure out (taking a trip to SW's website right now!)...and then I will relax!

 

[photographymom517]

Awesome!!! And I love your shirts you made!!!!

Thank you!!! I'm really excited! Its officially 1 week from today!!!

 

[photographymom517]

7 DAYS!!!!! ​

 

[SoonerGirl]

Your shirts for your DS turned out so cute!

Glad you were able to change your photo session to the BC. I think if I were to ever do one, that is where I would want it done as well. The beach theme fits my family better than the 'poshness' of the GF

Yay for one week!!!

 

[photographymom517]

Your shirts for your DS turned out so cute!

Glad you were able to change your photo session to the BC. I think if I were to ever do one, that is where I would want it done as well. The beach theme fits my family better than the 'poshness' of the GF

Yay for one week!!!

Thanks Michelle! I was happy with the way the shirts turned out! A little sad that I didn't have enough time or transfer paper to finish my Goofy, Eeyore, & Chip and Dale shirts, but its ok! My son's were my first priority & I'm glad I finished them early!

I'm glad I changed our photo session as well! We are definitely a more laid-back type of family & while the GF is gorgeous, the BC definitely fits us more! Especially since we have bright blue polo shirts!

I can't believe we're leaving in a week! I'll miss reading your trip report while I'm gone, but I'll catch up as soon as I get back! It will be fun to read your report up until we leave & then actually be there myself!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Well I'll be Hope!!! Everything is coming together for you!!! I am soo very happy and excited for you... Let then a week to go!!! How awesome!!!

Absolutely LOVE the pic of Luke on the suitcase! And the shirts.... What can I say except that they turned out GREAT!!!!

 

[lledman]

love the new thread title

 

[Megablocks]

I LOVE all the shirts you made -- they came out SO good!

Your son is so cute on top of the suitcase I can't believe you have just a week to go!

 

[photographymom517]

Well I'll be Hope!!! Everything is coming together for you!!! I am soo very happy and excited for you... Let then a week to go!!! How awesome!!!

Absolutely LOVE the pic of Luke on the suitcase! And the shirts.... What can I say except that they turned out GREAT!!!!

Reese, I am sooo excited!!! I went to the store this evening & picked up some last minute things for our suitcases, and I think I'm done now...hopefully anyway. lol I just bought some basic things like shampoo/conditioner, tooth brush holders, humidity stuff for my hair, etc. I love the Disney shampoo/conditioner that they give you, but for some reason I never use it when I'm there, instead I bring it home! I think it makes me feel like I'm in Disney longer!

It was so funny when I told Luke we were going on vacation. I said that we needed to get out the suitcases & start putting our clothes in them. He laid the suitcase on the floor & kept laying down on it. I asked him if he was tired, but he would look up at me & laugh. Then, he'd run around for a few minutes & then go back to the suitcase & lay down. I guess it amused him! I love how every little thing makes kids smile! They really appreciate the little things more that we do as adults!

I had alot of fun making the shirts & now that I see how easy it is, I think I'll be making more for the kids for their birthdays, holidays, etc. I already promised my niece I'd make her some "princess" shirts & she's only 10 weeks old...lol Its time consuming, but definitely worth it!

love the new thread title

Thanks! I was wondering if anyone noticed that!!! lol

I LOVE all the shirts you made -- they came out SO good!

Your son is so cute on top of the suitcase I can't believe you have just a week to go!

Thanks Meg! I had alot of fun making the shirts!

I actually owe you a huge "thank you" and you don't even know it!!! I've been wanting to change my PTR title but had no idea how...I saw your post on Christine's trip report & wrote down the directions. Then I went into my PTR and changed the title! So...thanks!!!

 

[photographymom517]

To be honest, I'm not really in the mood to post tonight, but I will anyway... I'm very sad right now & not sure what to do. Its even harder since this is all happening right before our trip! This afternoon I had to babysit my niece & take my son to the doctor for some congestion. We wanted to get him on an antibiotic & try to get rid of his congestion/runny nose/cough before the trip. I think an airplane ride with those symptoms would be horrible for the poor little guy! Anyway, after an exhausting day (and other problems including a broken airconditioner!) my son was playing with the dogs, my husband was researching the airconditioning problem, and I was researching Disney (of course!) I all of a sudden heard my son cry & my husband scream! Our dog bit our son & its fairly deep. I was able to stop the bleeding right away, clean it out & apply medicine/bandaid. He stopped crying within a few minutes. I called the doctor & the vet & they both said it didn't sound like it needed stitches & he just needed an antibiotic (which he already got earlier for his congestion). He's been a real tropper through all of it & lets me change the bandages & apply more medicine every few hours. (they said to clean it at least 3 times a day for the first few days)

My husband wants to give away our dog...I'm considering putting him to sleep...and I just am so torn & don't know what to do! Before responding, you must understand...I know its wrong for him to bite, but I think there's other options. My husband says I am just making excuses for the dog. I just think we could try obedience training or something (when I mention it, all my DH sees is $$$ and its hard to get him to spend a penny!) I would like to try something before just getting rid of him. There are other problems...everytime we take him to get his haircut, he has obedience problems. He always bites or tries to bite the lady who cuts his hair. She's always been nice about it, but honestly, if I were in her shoes, I wouldn't be so nice! If you touch him when he doesn't want you to, he bites. If you touch him while he's eating, he bites. If you touch him when you're eating (because he wants your food), he bites. If you touch his tail, he bites. He's bitten my son before, but its never been anything major. He's bitten me too but it was years ago. I don't even remember why he did it.

I was never allowed to have a pet as a child. I never had any animals growing up. This dog was my very FIRST pet...ever! At age 23, I bought my very first dog...and this is him. He's "my" dog...he follows me everywhere! He used to go in the car with me whenever I went. He even went to college with me a few times when I just had to run up there for a few hours! He's been through alot with me & I just don't know what to do.

Any suggestions? Or know where I could get some info regarding this?