Mom, you can't be serious. A vacation this September? Why? Why not!

[CatNipRules]

This is our new car. Still needs a name and like any good Diser, I'm considering a few Disney related names. Yeah, totally not Disney related, but just wanted to share. I'm taking DS to get his drivers license next Wednesday and DH's old car wasn't safe for him, nor was it mechanically sound. So, mom decided to buy herself a new car and give him my old car. Now, when I say old, it's a 2003 Toyota Camry. It belonged to DH's mom. When her boyfriend passed away, she gave it to us. There isn't anything wrong with it and it's only got 80k miles on it. So, once he gets his license it will officially be his.

To say that I'm nervous is an understatement. Part of me knows that this is part of him growing up, but the other part of me wants to keep him in a bubble. Do you know what I mean? Kind of like when you are at Disney and you are in the Disney bubble. You want to stay there and happy and safe. I know that he's a young man, but it terrifies me that he will be driving now. I'm not worried about him exactly. He's a very careful driver. I'm more worried about everyone else. The other crazies on the road... LOL!! I know I have to cut the cord, but damn it's hard.

I love that we are getting closer to our trip. Even DS is getting for and more excited. He's even started mentioning things he wants to do on the trip.

He told me the other night that, "We totally need to tell them that it's your birthday."

I knew exactly where he was going with this, but played along like I didn't. So, I asked, "Why? What's so special about my birthday?"

He looked at me and said, "You know why. When you tell them it's your birthday all kinds of awesome things happen. And remember that sugar decoration that we had on that cake. It was sooooooo good."

This is the kids that isn't a big sweets fan. He doesn't like chocolate. Isn't a cookie fan. The one thing he goes for is gummi worms. In fact, I was eating some while I was waiting for him at work the other night and he walked in and saw the bags and his eyes lit up. I knew that he wanted them, so I held the bag out to him. He smiled and took the bag and then looked inside and said, "Take the last green and orange one."

Yeah, he's that picky. LOL!! Anyways, where I'm going with this is on our last trip we made the mistake of doing the Deluxe Dining Plan. As much as we love to eat, the DDP was way too much food. It felt like all we did was eat during that trip. And DH and DS are not big dessert eaters. So, most of our snack credits didn't get used and we ended up buying about 40 bags of gummy worms. It might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there were a lot of them. We still laugh about it now.

So, we kind of decided to par it down on this trip. Doing one Table service and One Counter Service meal a day. I think this will be much more flexible and better for us.I still tear up thinking about going with DH. I know the first time I see Goofy I'm going to lose it. He always loved it when Goofy would come to the table and would ham it up for the camera. He could even do his voice perfectly. DS loved it when he was little, but over the years it kind of faded, but I knew that he secretly loved it.

So, yeah, I'm fully prepared to lose it. I just hope I don't embarrass my son too much! LOL!!

Not much else to report, just can't wait for our vacation. Oh, one last thing. I ordered shirts from Disney Store.com. Is it just me or have their sizes gotten bigger over the years? Because I ordered a large for DS and it looks like it can fit two of him. My 3x looks huge. I remember the ones I ordered before looked much smaller than these.

 

[CatNipRules]

I'm so ready for our vacation. I'm tired of dealing with everything here. Tired of dealing with the lawyers. Tired of dealing with financial stuff. Tired of dealing with DH's family. They are driving me absolutely crazy.

One thing that's coming up soon is DS is taking his road test tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed that he passes it. Although part of me, the part that's worried about day to day money stuff, is worried that he will pass it. How little sense does that make? I know my car insurance will go up quite a bit.

I just can't wait until I can spend time away from home with nothing to worry about at my job. Nothing to worry about at home. Just going to the parks and having fun.

 

[hockeyprincess25]

I'm so ready for our vacation. I'm tired of dealing with everything here. Tired of dealing with the lawyers. Tired of dealing with financial stuff. Tired of dealing with DH's family. They are driving me absolutely crazy.

One thing that's coming up soon is DS is taking his road test tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed that he passes it. Although part of me, the part that's worried about day to day money stuff, is worried that he will pass it. How little sense does that make? I know my car insurance will go up quite a bit.

I just can't wait until I can spend time away from home with nothing to worry about at my job. Nothing to worry about at home. Just going to the parks and having fun.

I am so sorry that you have so much on your plate! When is your trip exactly? I am pretty sure we overlap! If you need a hug while your there just find me. I am a total hugger with strangers and friends and NOT with family...weird right? I was brought up with strict parents and physical contact was not allowed. Fun times! But for some reason that makes me hug EVERYONE else! LOL

We have the Deluxe Dining plan and I always say it is too much, yet I get it everytime! Last year, no lie... 78 snacks we brought home. Krispies for days! I was going to drop it and go to regular dining but my TA convinced me not to.

 

[CatNipRules]

I am so sorry that you have so much on your plate! When is your trip exactly? I am pretty sure we overlap! If you need a hug while your there just find me. I am a total hugger with strangers and friends and NOT with family...weird right? I was brought up with strict parents and physical contact was not allowed. Fun times! But for some reason that makes me hug EVERYONE else! LOL

We have the Deluxe Dining plan and I always say it is too much, yet I get it everytime! Last year, no lie... 78 snacks we brought home. Krispies for days! I was going to drop it and go to regular dining but my TA convinced me not to.

We are going to be there two days after you leave I think. We arrive on the 12th.

I've always been a big hugger. Of course that's because my dad was. My mom on the other hand wouldn't hug me to save her life. I hug everyone, every chance I get.

I wanted to do the Deluxe Dining plan, but DS pointed out that it wasn't as good of a deal for us. I think it's just because he has nightmares of all the food he ate on the last trip when we had the Deluxe Dining Plan. LOL!!

 

[hockeyprincess25]

We are going to be there two days after you leave I think. We arrive on the 12th.

I've always been a big hugger. Of course that's because my dad was. My mom on the other hand wouldn't hug me to save her life. I hug everyone, every chance I get.

I wanted to do the Deluxe Dining plan, but DS pointed out that it wasn't as good of a deal for us. I think it's just because he has nightmares of all the food he ate on the last trip when we had the Deluxe Dining Plan. LOL!!

We leave the 11th... Was thinking about adding one more day but decided not to.

I went back and forth with cancelling deluxe. My TA convinced me that it was a better deal to keep it. Now that we have another trip planned it seems smarter to drop down... but I love all of the meals...

 

[CatNipRules]

We leave the 11th... Was thinking about adding one more day but decided not to.

I went back and forth with cancelling deluxe. My TA convinced me that it was a better deal to keep it. Now that we have another trip planned it seems smarter to drop down... but I love all of the meals...

I love all the food also, especially dessert, but DH was never a big dessert eater and neither is DS, so I figure for the extra $$ that it would cost us for dessert, it would be better to pay out of pocket.

 

[CatNipRules]

For all the pictures that I've uploaded here, I didn't post the one of the plaque that DH's co-workers had made for him. So, here goes nothing.



Then there are the two tattoos that I had done about a month after he passed away.



And this one:



Not much going on trip planning wise. Mostly just counting down the days until our trip and trying to decide if we really want to do 2 days at Animal Kingdom. We only have 1 Magic Kingdom day planned. Somehow that just seems off.... I'm not sure if I'm going to change my plans or not. Since we have park hoppers we might just go from one park to another. Not sure right now. We will have to see when we are there. It might change between now and when we get there.

The one thing is we only have 1 MGM day planned. We just don't enjoy that park as much as the others.

 

[hockeyprincess25]

For all the pictures that I've uploaded here, I didn't post the one of the plaque that DH's co-workers had made for him. So, here goes nothing.

View attachment 187301

Then there are the two tattoos that I had done about a month after he passed away.

View attachment 187302

And this one:

View attachment 187303

Not much going on trip planning wise. Mostly just counting down the days until our trip and trying to decide if we really want to do 2 days at Animal Kingdom. We only have 1 Magic Kingdom day planned. Somehow that just seems off.... I'm not sure if I'm going to change my plans or not. Since we have park hoppers we might just go from one park to another. Not sure right now. We will have to see when we are there. It might change between now and when we get there.

The one thing is we only have 1 MGM day planned. We just don't enjoy that park as much as the others.

That sign is really nice. Very thoughtful of his co-workers.

I admire your bravery with tattoos too! I am a wimp. Not.A.Chance!!

We are really not dessert eaters. I think the regular dining plan is the way to go for us. I am still toying with dropping it.

 

[CatNipRules]

That sign is really nice. Very thoughtful of his co-workers.

I admire your bravery with tattoos too! I am a wimp. Not.A.Chance!!

We are really not dessert eaters. I think the regular dining plan is the way to go for us. I am still toying with dropping it.

I've actually fallen asleep during my tattoo sessions. I actually have 6 of them.

I have one with Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian. I love that one and I've gotten a ton of comments about it.

 

[CatNipRules]

I know my timer says that I have over a month left, but I'm saying that at this time next month we will be in Disney. I really can't wait. Got 3 shots at work yesterday and today. My arm is really sore in the spot where I got my pneumonia shot.

My magic bands are being customized. Can't wait to get them in the mail.

Bought some shorts and Capri's for the trip. Lost so much wait that my other shorts don't fit anymore.

Trying to clean the house so my dog sitter isn't totally disgusted, but I have zero inspiration to do so. It's not filthy, just not as clean as most people keep it. Sighs....I'm just kinda not in the mood to change anything. It's kind of like I'm stuck in the past....Stupid I know, but it's definitely hard....

Not much else trip related, just super excited to be getting closer to our trip!!

I just noticed that Animal Kingdom is open until 9 pm during our visit. I'm really hoping that the night time shows will happen while we are there!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!

 

[CatNipRules]

Okay, so I found out today that my oldest neice is going to be at Disney for 3 days while we are there. I'm excited to see her again, but she can be a bit of a drama queen. They still live in Florida and she's almost 2 years to the day younger than DS. But they are miles apart in maturity. So, we are going to try and meet up while we are there.

So, anyways, I bought some glow bracelets. Short story on those. When DS was little we would bring our own glow sticks from home. Well, after the second time, we brought enough to give out to other kids. DS asked if we could do it again this trip. Is it weird? Maybe a little bit, but I think we will do it.

 

[hockeyprincess25]

I know my timer says that I have over a month left, but I'm saying that at this time next month we will be in Disney. I really can't wait. Got 3 shots at work yesterday and today. My arm is really sore in the spot where I got my pneumonia shot.

My magic bands are being customized. Can't wait to get them in the mail.

Bought some shorts and Capri's for the trip. Lost so much wait that my other shorts don't fit anymore.

Trying to clean the house so my dog sitter isn't totally disgusted, but I have zero inspiration to do so. It's not filthy, just not as clean as most people keep it. Sighs....I'm just kinda not in the mood to change anything. It's kind of like I'm stuck in the past....Stupid I know, but it's definitely hard....

Not much else trip related, just super excited to be getting closer to our trip!!

I just noticed that Animal Kingdom is open until 9 pm during our visit. I'm really hoping that the night time shows will happen while we are there!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!

I screwed up on our MB. I forgot the date they had to be done by and DS wound up with another 0range one!! I am looking for a skin or something for it.

I have to clean our house up a bit. It is a mess! I have been working so much and when I am 'off' the boys have appointments and sports. My MIL will come and clean MDS room with him while we are gone. It is always a nice treat to come home to his room smelling fresh... and it may last a full day!

Okay, so I found out today that my oldest neice is going to be at Disney for 3 days while we are there. I'm excited to see her again, but she can be a bit of a drama queen. They still live in Florida and she's almost 2 years to the day younger than DS. But they are miles apart in maturity. So, we are going to try and meet up while we are there.

So, anyways, I bought some glow bracelets. Short story on those. When DS was little we would bring our own glow sticks from home. Well, after the second time, we brought enough to give out to other kids. DS asked if we could do it again this trip. Is it weird? Maybe a little bit, but I think we will do it.

I think handing out glow sticks is a kind gesture.

 

[CatNipRules]

Trying to decide which way to drive. Wondering if going through Atlanta would be better than going down through Montgomery? I'm planning on getting up pretty early, but I don't want to end up going through Atlanta during rush hour. Going to have to make a decision soon. I'm not really sure about either route....Hmmmmm....

Got the email that our Magic Bands shipped!! Yay!! I'm sooooo happy. Just one more step towards our vacation getting closer. Doing a bit of a happy dance. Can't wait until they get here!! Getting more and more excited about everything!!

 

[hockeyprincess25]

Trying to decide which way to drive. Wondering if going through Atlanta would be better than going down through Montgomery? I'm planning on getting up pretty early, but I don't want to end up going through Atlanta during rush hour. Going to have to make a decision soon. I'm not really sure about either route....Hmmmmm....

Got the email that our Magic Bands shipped!! Yay!! I'm sooooo happy. Just one more step towards our vacation getting closer. Doing a bit of a happy dance. Can't wait until they get here!! Getting more and more excited about everything!!

I admire anyone who drives! I have a little over an hour drive to the airport and it is too long! I hate being stuck in the car. We have 2 weeks left until our trip... I can't wait! The thought that in 2 short weeks I will be going to bed in my favorite place in the world...Over the moon excited!!!

 

[CatNipRules]

I admire anyone who drives! I have a little over an hour drive to the airport and it is too long! I hate being stuck in the car. We have 2 weeks left until our trip... I can't wait! The thought that in 2 short weeks I will be going to bed in my favorite place in the world...Over the moon excited!!!

I'm feeling the same way!! I can't wait until we are there!!

 

[CatNipRules]

Okay, so I'm a bit peeved about my magic bands. I had to order 2 different ones. So, I picked a purple one and an orange one. I was happy about that. However, the ones that they sent I'm not so happy about. It's showing that they sent an orange one and a gray one. Seriously???

We were already planning on getting some cook magic bands, but now that is going to be priority number one. No way am I wearing an ugly gray magic band during my entire trip. Not happening!! No way!! Gonna find a cool one so that I don't feel quite so depressed.....

But other than that, I'm super excited about going to Disney!!

 

[CatNipRules]

Okay, so a few more things to post here that are trip related.

The first thing is that I ordered 2 more pairs of Disney ears. A friend makes them and she's sending them out today. I can't wait!!

The second thing isn't 100% park related. It's more of a thing that I saw on a YouTube video that my son and I were watching. They are called Fuel Rods. Basically they are recharging stations for your electronics accessories. They have connectors and such so that you can charge them while you are in the parks. The best part about them is that when they die you can take them to the park and exchange them for a new one for free. They can also be charged overnight using a cord that's included. SO, I ordered 2 of them and saved $15 over what they cost in the parks. Score one for me. LOL!!

I'm thinking and hoping that maybe I'm going to get a purple magic band after all. I'm still going to get a different magic band though. Mostly because DS and I have been wanting to do that since we started planning the trip. He loves Stitch, so he's wanting to get one with Stitch on it. I'm hoping maybe, just maybe they might have one with Eeyore. Whatever I come up with I'm going to love it!!

Still trying to decide if I want to eat at Be Our Guest. The menu just isn't impressing me much. Maybe I'm fussy, but most of it just seems odd..... I might wait until we get there to decide.

 

[hockeyprincess25]

Okay, so a few more things to post here that are trip related.

The first thing is that I ordered 2 more pairs of Disney ears. A friend makes them and she's sending them out today. I can't wait!!

The second thing isn't 100% park related. It's more of a thing that I saw on a YouTube video that my son and I were watching. They are called Fuel Rods. Basically they are recharging stations for your electronics accessories. They have connectors and such so that you can charge them while you are in the parks. The best part about them is that when they die you can take them to the park and exchange them for a new one for free. They can also be charged overnight using a cord that's included. SO, I ordered 2 of them and saved $15 over what they cost in the parks. Score one for me. LOL!!

I'm thinking and hoping that maybe I'm going to get a purple magic band after all. I'm still going to get a different magic band though. Mostly because DS and I have been wanting to do that since we started planning the trip. He loves Stitch, so he's wanting to get one with Stitch on it. I'm hoping maybe, just maybe they might have one with Eeyore. Whatever I come up with I'm going to love it!!

Still trying to decide if I want to eat at Be Our Guest. The menu just isn't impressing me much. Maybe I'm fussy, but most of it just seems odd..... I might wait until we get there to decide.

I saw the thing on fuel rods... maybe on here? I am not sure where but I ordered a small brick like the one my son has. You can't exchange it in the parks but I found they stay charged pretty much through the whole day. I also just splurged and bought the Note 7 and they say it has a long battery life...we will give it the Disney test in 10 days!!

I have a few BOG reservations and will start thining them down. I love dinner there but in all of our trips we have never gotten good service there. Funny story in 3 trips we have had the same server every time! I never want to complain or ask for a different table but if we get her this time, we will. I am paying too much for the meal to have crappy service too.

 

[CatNipRules]

I saw the thing on fuel rods... maybe on here? I am not sure where but I ordered a small brick like the one my son has. You can't exchange it in the parks but I found they stay charged pretty much through the whole day. I also just splurged and bought the Note 7 and they say it has a long battery life...we will give it the Disney test in 10 days!!

I have a few BOG reservations and will start thining them down. I love dinner there but in all of our trips we have never gotten good service there. Funny story in 3 trips we have had the same server every time! I never want to complain or ask for a different table but if we get her this time, we will. I am paying too much for the meal to have crappy service too.

Oh wow...I can't believe that you've gotten the same server 3 times. LOL!! I would definitely ask for another server. I hate when I get bad service in a restaurant and it's reflected in the tip that I leave.

 

[CatNipRules]

So, we got Disney mail today!! Got my magic bands!! And the one that I thought was gray is actually purple!! YAY!!! Yeah, it's the little things that make me happy. LOL!!

DS came to me today and said that he wants to blog during the trip to Disney. I had been considering it, but since he wants to do it I'm thinking about letting him. He wants to get a GoPro camera. I'm gonna let him pick it out.

Oh and I've started packing for the trip. I got DS another shirt. LOL! He told me today that he isn't going to have a single normal shirt. That they are all going to be Disney shirts. I'm not sure that is 100% true, but LOL!!

Oh and they sent luggage tags with the magic bands. That was a nice little surprise. They are pretty cute!!