Mentally Preparing: A Focker, A Croc & Waldo hit POFQ! Trip Report Link is UP!

[twob4him]

Doh! Of course - my brain is still half fried from the fever.

You mean ME doesnt get you to the airport from your house???








Poor Deb...jk....are you alright now??

 

[DisneyJo]

I've been through 11 strollers between Maddie and Evan

11 I only ever bought 1 Pram when they were tiny and my Maclaren Stroller both of which got a ton of use but were still sellable when I'd finished with them!

What the warmest temp in gets in Kent during summer?

I've been wearing shorts for a while now the last few days it's been really humid In August sometimes it will get in the 90's Trouble is we're not geared up for it with no AC etc, cars have only been having AC for the last few years!

 

[boysmom5150]

It has been a crazy week but I am caught up finally!!

We still haven't figured out how in heck we're getting to the airport. I'm having a huge problem finding a car service that can transport 10 people and 13 or so pieces of luggage. :

Not sure if you want to open another can of worms but........
We ship our luggage wherever we go. It is so much easier than worrying how DH will lug everything and help with pushing a stroller or holding hands with a kiddie. We use luggageconcierge(dotcom) and they will give you a free quote online-just plug in the info. It isnt crazy expensive, but certainly worth the $$. They pick up the bags a few days before travel and they are waiting for you at the hotel then they p/u after you depart and they are back at your home in a few days. Then you can just get one car. I mean if you have to pay for 2 or 3 cars to get you and baggage to and from LAX the few extra $$ if any may be worth it.

I remembered the quote I received from the shuttle service didn't include the costs of carseat rentals and since we are not using carseats on the plane, I would need the shuttle service to provide them. Well, it's a good thing I called the shuttle service back. They do not provide carseat rentals and will not store your carseats for your return trip. Well, I'm not lugging 2 carseats around LAX just to save $20.

If your car service includes carseats thats great, here our car service charges $25 per carseat each way. Yup it cost me and extra $100 not to lug carseats. What we do to travel

I mean, we are like a little over 9 weeks away!

you must get a move on it. this must be driving your crazy thats its not done already

I present you with Maddie's WDW wheels.

She wanted the Salmon one, but since Evan will get it when his red Mac Triump hits the dirt, we opted for a gender neutral color. Ok, so stroller situation is handled.

Thats what we did!!DS4 hasnt used a stroller in a log time. Well one the 1st try i got a $30 cheapy for DS4 and had a hard time manuevering it so we gave it to someone at the stroller rental on our last day and spread some of our own disney magic. But we kind of regretted it as no stroller for apt in MCO or EWR. MCO wasnt so bad but EWR wasnt fun. SO next time I just got me another MAC(have one already for DS1) and it was so much easier. They are the best strollers. and if and when DS1 Mac goes we have a brand new back up for him waiting.

The sun started to go behind the trees when they finally got out. Both could barely keep their eyes open during dinner and knocked out super early. I love summer!

Oh how I LOVE summer and the pool . Wears those kiddies right out
It is a beautiful thing

 

[DebIreland]

And we want you to come!!!!!

Aw thanks Cathy!

11 I only ever bought 1 Pram when they were tiny and my Maclaren Stroller both of which got a ton of use but were still sellable when I'd finished with them!

Holy cow. We've been through tons of them too. Of course boys are bigger and wear down the wheels faster. But between all 3 kids, counting prams and strollers we've had about 9 over the years. Now that I think of it, that's a lot.

We ship our luggage wherever we go. It is so much easier than worrying how DH will lug everything and help with pushing a stroller or holding hands with a kiddie. We use luggageconcierge(dotcom) and they will give you a free quote online-just plug in the info. It isnt crazy expensive, but certainly worth the $$. They pick up the bags a few days before travel and they are waiting for you at the hotel then they p/u after you depart and they are back at your home in a few days. Then you can just get one car. I mean if you have to pay for 2 or 3 cars to get you and baggage to and from LAX the few extra $$ if any may be worth it.

Wow!! That's a wonderful service. I wish we had something like that here. What a load off your mind not having to worry about all the bags. Sounds like you can just relax and enjoy the trip from the get-go without doing a luggage count every 10 seconds. Excellent.

You mean ME doesnt get you to the airport from your house???




Poor Deb...jk....are you alright now??

I'm better now thanks. As for the luggage, oh yeah, we get special privileges on account o' bein' Irish 'n all. They collect all our bags and ship them via UPS and tuck each of us in at night in our room in the GF. They even tuck our suitcases in. We don't get a single chocolate on OUR pillows - we get a whole chocolate cake each on each pillow. And they're always begging us to extend our stay. You know when you check room availability and there's no vacancy? That's not true They're just keeping the rooms open for us if we decided on a quick trip. Just sayin'

 

[Lauralee131]

Sorry to veer even further off track, but I just wanted to say Thank You T and LL for mentioning the above-ground pools! I've been wanting to get out of my condo and get into a house with a yard for some time and the second biggest obstacle (after the fact that our sales market has stalled ) is not having a pool. I never knew about these nifty above-grounds before! Are they easy to put up/take down, maintain, etc.?

Yes, very easy to put up/take down. I think we paid $200 and it came with a pump system and filters, a skimmer, a vacuum, a cover and a ladder. It's the perfect height to sit in and enjoy a cold beverage at the end of the day and still deep enough for Michael to practice his doggy paddle. Totally worth the money, I think. It has an inflatable ring around it that Tony pumps up with air and then just fills the pool with a garden hose, you can be using it in a day.

 

[twob4him]

I'm better now thanks. As for the luggage, oh yeah, we get special privileges on account o' bein' Irish 'n all. They collect all our bags and ship them via UPS and tuck each of us in at night in our room in the GF. They even tuck our suitcases in. We don't get a single chocolate on OUR pillows - we get a whole chocolate cake each on each pillow. And they're always begging us to extend our stay. You know when you check room availability and there's no vacancy? That's not true They're just keeping the rooms open for us if we decided on a quick trip. Just sayin'

Wake up Deb...you're dreaming!!!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

First happy belated b-day (Did I mention lately how lime green jealous I am of you and your close proximity to DL ) One of these days I'm heading west again and will be looking for a meet.

Thanks, Mo! Oh and you better believe we'll be meeting should you head to my castle.... errrr... I mean Disneyland!

Love the cowboy hat, you go girl!!!

I was channeling my inner cowgirl! Giddyup!

My two cents for your wheels for the airport. Book the limo for your family, Waldo and the Enabler and tell Donald to put on his big boy pants and make his own reservation/arrangements. Haven't you done everything else can't he do one thing on his own.

I actually took your two cents as you will soon read.

You just gotta love that! I am going the beach tomorrow with a friend (and all of our kids) for just that reason.....beach = early bedtime!

Absolutely!

You mean ME doesnt get you to the airport from your house???

11 I only ever bought 1 Pram when they were tiny and my Maclaren Stroller both of which got a ton of use but were still sellable when I'd finished with them!

11! I know, it's excessive. BUT, I have/had a thing for strollers. I need the big travel system for when Maddie was an infant and then the mid-size one when she was bigger and then I wanted a better mid-size....yada yada yada. Now that I've become a MacMama, it's all over. Poor Andy!

I've been wearing shorts for a while now the last few days it's been really humid In August sometimes it will get in the 90's Trouble is we're not geared up for it with no AC etc, cars have only been having AC for the last few years!

WHAT??????

Not sure if you want to open another can of worms but........
We ship our luggage wherever we go. It is so much easier than worrying how DH will lug everything and help with pushing a stroller or holding hands with a kiddie. We use luggageconcierge(dotcom) and they will give you a free quote online-just plug in the info. It isnt crazy expensive, but certainly worth the $$. They pick up the bags a few days before travel and they are waiting for you at the hotel then they p/u after you depart and they are back at your home in a few days. Then you can just get one car. I mean if you have to pay for 2 or 3 cars to get you and baggage to and from LAX the few extra $$ if any may be worth it.

That's a great idea. I'll keep it in mind!

you must get a move on it. this must be driving your crazy thats its not done already

I know! Today I went to CVS and bought all our stuff for our medical/emergency bag (neosporin, bandaids, tums, advil, etc.) It's been killing me not to have the emergency bag ready.

Thats what we did!!

Great minds, baybee!!!

Holy cow. We've been through tons of them too. Of course boys are bigger and wear down the wheels faster. But between all 3 kids, counting prams and strollers we've had about 9 over the years. Now that I think of it, that's a lot.

Whew! Glad I'm not alone!

I'm better now thanks. As for the luggage, oh yeah, we get special privileges on account o' bein' Irish 'n all. They collect all our bags and ship them via UPS and tuck each of us in at night in our room in the GF. They even tuck our suitcases in. We don't get a single chocolate on OUR pillows - we get a whole chocolate cake each on each pillow. And they're always begging us to extend our stay. You know when you check room availability and there's no vacancy? That's not true They're just keeping the rooms open for us if we decided on a quick trip. Just sayin'

Now I really think that fever scorched your brain, Deb!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Yes, it's that time again, kids. Time to update the old checklist.

Resort confirmed - check, albeit not happy about it. whatever.
Vacation clothes purchased - check
CROCS purchased - check
Airlines confirmed - check
Airport transfer confirmed.......

Well, I did it. I took Mo's advice before Mo actually gave me that advice and I simply told Donald that a limo for 10 is not possible and that I was not going shuttle, so they'd have to reserve and confirm they're own airport transportation. Seriously though, if you have someone who can take you for free, they why would you want to spend money if you didn't have to? The cool factor, I guess. But hey, I'm cool no matter how I travel.

I spent my Friday afternoon calling various limo services with the help of Limos .com. I found quite a few ready willing and able to transport the 6 of us to LAX for a reasonable fee. The winner was a company out of Anaheim. No, not because of that. Because they had the best customer service. The girl who took my info was polite, efficient and I could actually understand her. They weren't the cheapest, but I think customer service is crucial when doing business over the phone. They won my dalla and we're all set for August 21. A mere 66 days away.

We hit CVS this afternoon and I got my emergency bag all stocked up. You know the usual stuff: Advil, childrens Motrin, Claratin, tums, Neosporin, bandaids, Bengay, etc. I tell you, last year we used the Bengay after our nightly showers for our legs and it was wonderful! I do recommend the oderless one, though.

I had to do some last minute Father's Day shopping, as I forgot to get Waldo something. I racked my brain to think of something for him. I finally decided on a perfect gift. I hit Baskin Robbins and bought him 20 $2 Gift Certificates. He loves ice cream and always pops into Baskin Robbins whenever he spots one on the road. I figure he could leave his certificates in his car and use them at will. I know he'll love it! Seriously, it's getting harder and harder to buy for him.

I think that's it for now.... have a good night!

 

[Disneydad99]

I read your 1st and your last update so far!!! it's great look fwd to reading the whole thing

 

[DisneyJo]

You did the right thing making them book their own way to the airport, I think you've done enough already!!!!

It's Fathers day here too and I think that's a great pressie. My Dad has a really sweet tooth so he's got a 1kg bar of Cadburys, some walnut whips and a box of liquorice allsorts, I'm not seeing him till the end of the month so I might pick up a few more things

 

[Disneyolic]

But hey, I'm cool no matter how I travel.

Spoken from the person taking a limo....

We hit CVS this afternoon and I got my emergency bag all stocked up. You know the usual stuff: Advil, childrens Motrin, Claratin, tums, Neosporin, bandaids, Bengay, etc. I tell you, last year we used the Bengay after our nightly showers for our legs and it was wonderful! I do recommend the oderless one, though.

I never thought of Bengay...

I

had to do some last minute Father's Day shopping, as I forgot to get Waldo something. I racked my brain to think of something for him. I finally decided on a perfect gift. I hit Baskin Robbins and bought him 20 $2 Gift Certificates. He loves ice cream and always pops into Baskin Robbins whenever he spots one on the road. I figure he could leave his certificates in his car and use them at will. I know he'll love it! Seriously, it's getting harder and harder to buy for him.

I think that is a great idea! Gift certificates are the way to go with my Dad...

I think that's it for now.... have a good night! [/QUOTE]

 

[Lauralee131]

Yes, it's that time again, kids. Time to update the old checklist.

Resort confirmed - check, albeit not happy about it. whatever.
Vacation clothes purchased - check
CROCS purchased - check
Airlines confirmed - check
Airport transfer confirmed.......

Well, I did it. I took Mo's advice before Mo actually gave me that advice and I simply told Donald that a limo for 10 is not possible and that I was not going shuttle, so they'd have to reserve and confirm they're own airport transportation. Seriously though, if you have someone who can take you for free, they why would you want to spend money if you didn't have to? The cool factor, I guess. But hey, I'm cool no matter how I travel.

I spent my Friday afternoon calling various limo services with the help of Limos .com. I found quite a few ready willing and able to transport the 6 of us to LAX for a reasonable fee. The winner was a company out of Anaheim. No, not because of that. Because they had the best customer service. The girl who took my info was polite, efficient and I could actually understand her. They weren't the cheapest, but I think customer service is crucial when doing business over the phone. They won my dalla and we're all set for August 21. A mere 66 days away.

We hit CVS this afternoon and I got my emergency bag all stocked up. You know the usual stuff: Advil, childrens Motrin, Claratin, tums, Neosporin, bandaids, Bengay, etc. I tell you, last year we used the Bengay after our nightly showers for our legs and it was wonderful! I do recommend the oderless one, though.

I had to do some last minute Father's Day shopping, as I forgot to get Waldo something. I racked my brain to think of something for him. I finally decided on a perfect gift. I hit Baskin Robbins and bought him 20 $2 Gift Certificates. He loves ice cream and always pops into Baskin Robbins whenever he spots one on the road. I figure he could leave his certificates in his car and use them at will. I know he'll love it! Seriously, it's getting harder and harder to buy for him.

I think that's it for now.... have a good night!

We're getting closer and closer!!

The BR gift certs were a great idea! I bought Tony new golf shoes and an accessory bag that carries the shoes, balls, etc...Score 1 for me...he actually LOVED them...lately I can't buy anything right, so this is a huge win for the home team!

Wish Andy & Waldo a happy day for me!

later gator!!

 

[PrincessV]

So.... you realyl haven't changed resorts?! After all the hints around the boards, I was sure that had changed, too! Honest, you'll love POFQ

 

[Disneydad99]

We hit CVS this afternoon and I got my emergency bag all stocked up. You know the usual stuff: Advil, childrens Motrin, Claratin, tums, Neosporin, bandaids, Bengay, etc. I tell you, last year we used the Bengay after our nightly showers for our legs and it was wonderful! I do recommend the oderless one, though.

My Fathers Day gift from DW & The Kids was to leave me alone so I could read your TR
I just got through only took me all day! It is great... I even showed DW a few things to give her some ideas like the pretty babies (well thats what we call hair bows ) she is excited and i can't wait to read more.

by the way I never thought of taking Bengay I could use some everyday

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

You did the right thing making them book their own way to the airport, I think you've done enough already!!!!

I think so too! I guess I kind of felt responsible for everything. But, I'm over it!

It's Fathers day here too and I think that's a great pressie. My Dad has a really sweet tooth so he's got a 1kg bar of Cadburys, some walnut whips and a box of liquorice allsorts, I'm not seeing him till the end of the month so I might pick up a few more things

You know the older my dad gets, the bigger his sweet tooth becomes! We have to hit all the candy for parties, Halloween, etc.! It's hilarious!

Spoken from the person taking a limo....

We're getting closer and closer!!

I know!

The BR gift certs were a great idea! I bought Tony new golf shoes and an accessory bag that carries the shoes, balls, etc...Score 1 for me...he actually LOVED them...lately I can't buy anything right, so this is a huge win for the home team!

Whoo hoo!!! Great score there, LL! I scored as well. I got Andy an iPod Nano. He was so happy, especially when Donald came over with his new iPod Shuffle!

So.... you realyl haven't changed resorts?! After all the hints around the boards, I was sure that had changed, too! Honest, you'll love POFQ

I've tried, V. I've tried to upsell Andy to WL at least! It's only $500 more! Please, someone give me deluxe! And then I found out people who booked POP in Aug. were offered free upgrades to SSR! I crapped out on Free Dining and now free upgrades?? Man, someone throw me a bone!

My Fathers Day gift from DW & The Kids was to leave me alone so I could read your TR

Disneydad! Wow, the whole thing? You are a trooper!

I just got through only took me all day! It is great... I even showed DW a few things to give her some ideas like the pretty babies (well thats what we call hair bows ) she is excited and i can't wait to read more.

The hair bow were fun! And soooo pretty! Tell DW that they are so worth the $20 she'll spend on supplies!

by the way I never thought of taking Bengay I could use some everyday

The Bengay was a life saver, especially since we weren't into CROCS yet!



Ok- so I'm off tomorrow to Disneyland to try to get a glimpse of the new Nemo sub ride. We're getting up at the crack of stupid to avoid the 6 hour waits they had last week!
Hopefully we get lots of ixiedust: and don't have more than an hour wait. 'Cause that's my limit, baby! I'll post pics tomorrow, if we make it!

 

[kenyadh]

I am enjoying your pre-trip report Disney_Mama. I have read approximately every single page of messages since I discovered it about two weeks ago. Just a word of warning about the Bengay. There was a story in the local newspaper and on the news here where I live on Long Island about a young girl, 16, who used a type of muscle/pain relief cream similar to Bengay, excessively and she died from an ingredient in the cream. She didn't die instantly but over a period of time from using the creams excessively, it slowly poisoned her body and it took a while for them to figure out that she died from over using the creams. So please be careful about using the Bengay everyday. God Bless you and Jesus loves you!


Kenya

 

[Lauralee131]

I think so too! I guess I kind of felt responsible for everything. But, I'm over it!

It's about time...just sayin'

Whoo hoo!!! Great score there, LL! I scored as well. I got Andy an iPod Nano. He was so happy, especially when Donald came over with his new iPod Shuffle!

I've been dying to get an iPod...I should just go do it and stop waiting for Tony to get it for me as a gift sometime...

I've tried, V. I've tried to upsell Andy to WL at least! It's only $500 more! Please, someone give me deluxe! And then I found out people who booked POP in Aug. were offered free upgrades to SSR! I crapped out on Free Dining and now free upgrades?? Man, someone throw me a bone!

OH MAN...You have done such a great job with the money...you should just do it and not tell anyone or tell them it's YOUR free upgrade...

We're getting up at the crack of stupid to avoid the 6 hour waits they had last week!

I wake up to the crack of stupid EVERY morning. Although sometimes he's facing the other way....

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Because they had the best customer service. The girl who took my info was polite, efficient and I could actually understand her. They weren't the cheapest, but I think customer service is crucial when doing business over the phone. They won my dalla and we're all set for August 21. A mere 66 days away.

I totally agree with you here. I'll pay a little more for great customer service! Glad you have your limo booked!

 

[boysmom5150]

Glad the limo problem has been solved. Great idea for Waldo, I may steal that idea for my Dad next year. You are so right with each passing year it gets harder and harder to find a new, creative gift.
We got DH one of those HUGE bubble hockey games(the ones with all the sticks to push/pull/twist. I had no idea that they were so BIG and I have to have it delivered so all DH got was a photo of it yesterday(ooops) I need to be a better planner. He was very excited though as he has wanted one for a bit now.

Hope DLAND was good today for Nemo, cant wait to hear all about it.

 

[Disneygrl36]

I am so jealous that you can head off to DL at a whim............
We keep talking about moving to Orlando so we can do the same thing at the World.
Can't wait to hear about the new Nemo Subs!!!!!!!!!!
Go you making your brother do his own ressies.........: