Mommy & Me Girly Fun Bday 10/31 Last Day & AT home

[Marshay]

Then I booked the BBB package and showed Rachel the hairdos.

As a quick sidenote, I showed her the new Mermaid Package at The Pirate's League and to my utter surprise, she said she wanted to cancel BBB and become a Mermaid instead!!

I also found someone locally to make a customized tutu for Rachel so she'll have a neat costume to wear with it. Then we bought a matching shirt from TCP (well, I hope it matches...I get the skirt on Tuesday).

So I haven't canceled BBB yet ... I'm still waiting to see if she changes her mind again.

And we are doing the GF Tea Party after her Mermaid Transformation. This will be our 3rd time at the Tea. It's funny how much she really likes this. Now that we've done it 2 times, I would prefer to do something else, but she really enjoys it so why not!?

I have made two more special ADRs for this trip -- Mama Melrose Fantasmic Dining package and the Wishes Dessert party.

Rachel has never seen Fantasmic and since we are going in July with high crowds I thought this would be fun to do. Also, we haven't eaten at MM at all, so a brand new restaurant for me, too!

Lastly, I added the Dessert party but haven't told Rachel yet. Again, since going in July, I'm hoping that we'll be able to just enjoy the food and fireworks and not worry about crowds.

My only concern here is that the party doesn't start until 9pm so will Rachel stay awake for it? My initial plan is to do an afternoon nap and head to MK around 6:30pm/7pm. Maybe do a ride or two and then the party/fireworks. This would be our last night so a great way to close out our vacation and we can sleep in a bit the next day before checking out of our room.

 

[kaoden39]

Oh your plans all sound so fun!! I am sure that Rachel feels grown up doing the tea party. I love the idea of Fantasmic and I think booking the meal or dessert is a great idea. I know that if you don't at DLR you have to wait for hours to get a decent view.

 

[Marshay]

Oh your plans all sound so fun!! I am sure that Rachel feels grown up doing the tea party. I love the idea of Fantasmic and I think booking the meal or dessert is a great idea. I know that if you don't at DLR you have to wait for hours to get a decent view.

Thanks! It's neat being able to plan things just for the 2 of us! So much easier.

yeah, she does feel older and like a princess for the Tea party.

I haven't seen F! now for 7 years!! I definitely want to see it again.

If we really like the F! dinner package and/or the dessert party, then we may do it again. If not, then we'll know not to spend the extra $$.

I rather experiment when it's just the 2 of us then when it's all 4 of us...esp now that Elizabeth is 3yo and we have to pay for her! ACK!!

 

[cherbear]

So I thought about Airboat Rides, visiting Sea World and then remembered that we had bought WDW NE WP+ passes a few years ago and we still had free entries for the water parks.

So, I showed her a pic of Typhoon Lagoon and how you can snorkel in their (small) shark reef and she was very excited to do it.

We also have a free entry for DisneyQuest and she is excited about that, too.

So although it is not Discovery Cove, I'm hoping that TL and DQ will {partly} make up for it!

ooh that's so great! I never would have thought about those extra visits on there but I guess it makes perfect sense that they don't expire either...those non-expiring tix sure cost enough! But just wondering if you called to verify this just to be totally sure?

I don't recall if you've done the shark reef but just to let you know, it is FREEZING cold, but totally worth it. Y'all might not think that at all since I'm from the south and tend to not be used to that sort of thing, LOL, but I just wanted to warn you. The water has to be much colder for the animals in there so they keep it regulated. It's a quick little swim-thru regardless. I hope that Rachel enjoys it!

I think it's too cute that she learned how to use a snorkel in your sink.

I love me some DQ! There is so much to do there, you'll both have a blast!

I wouldn't have done Discovery Cove either, at that price. Maybe someday you can win tix or something!

 

[cherbear]

I am excited that you're doing the dessert party! I couldn't get DH to agree to the extra expense during our last trip. I also didn't know if we'd actually be hungry enough to merit it, since on the days they offered it, we already had dinner ADR's planned. I do hope they keep it around long enough for me to try it one day. I love sweets!

Can't wait to see all your pics and read your review!

 

[PrincessPSU]

HI! Joining in....you had me at no diaper bag or stroller! I can't wait to hear about all the girly fun that is to come.

My crew includes DD7, DS4 and DS9 months. Even though I love Disney with my guys, as you can imagine, your trip sounds like a little slice of heaven.

Staci

 

[Marshay]

ooh that's so great! I never would have thought about those extra visits on there but I guess it makes perfect sense that they don't expire either...those non-expiring tix sure cost enough! But just wondering if you called to verify this just to be totally sure?

I don't recall if you've done the shark reef but just to let you know, it is FREEZING cold, but totally worth it. Y'all might not think that at all since I'm from the south and tend to not be used to that sort of thing, LOL, but I just wanted to warn you. The water has to be much colder for the animals in there so they keep it regulated. It's a quick little swim-thru regardless. I hope that Rachel enjoys it!

I think it's too cute that she learned how to use a snorkel in your sink.

I love me some DQ! There is so much to do there, you'll both have a blast!

I wouldn't have done Discovery Cove either, at that price. Maybe someday you can win tix or something!

Yes, we've done TL Shark Reef before and honestly I don't remember it being that cold but I know others had complained about it. We are going in the middle of summer so I'm thinking that the cooler water will be perfect for us.
And as you said, it's such a short swim anyway.

Well, I just assume the NE pass works. That's why we bought the NE tickets 2 years ago. That would be a huge disappointment if the NE only works on the parks and not the water parks/DQ. I'm 99.9% sure that they are still good. But now you are responsible for that .1% of doubt!

I did see that when we are going again as a family in January the rate is only $199/pp with the shark swim...that's the cheapest they do DC as far as I know, unless you have a Sea World AP. Now it does include all your food and all your drinks (including alcohol) and access to SW for 14 days...so if you take advantage of the food/drink and SW, it becomes quite reasonable.

However, most people would not go to SW for 14 days and besides you still have to pay the $14 parking fee each day, too.

I am excited that you're doing the dessert party! I couldn't get DH to agree to the extra expense during our last trip. I also didn't know if we'd actually be hungry enough to merit it, since on the days they offered it, we already had dinner ADR's planned. I do hope they keep it around long enough for me to try it one day. I love sweets!

Can't wait to see all your pics and read your review!

I love desserts so this would be a real treat, pardon the pun. We won't have any ADRs that day and I'm thinking we'll just split a CS meal earlier so we can indulge in the desserts.

My thought is it probably is not worth it at all, but is something that is very enjoyable, if you can just sit back and relax and watch the fireworks and sit in a chair (stand by the rail) and not worry about having to fight the crowds.

Also, you can hang out there and finish your food/drinks after the fireworks, waiting for the crowd to dissipate. That sounds wonderful! I hate trying to fight our way out, push and shove to get a boat/monorail and tram.

HI! Joining in....you had me at no diaper bag or stroller! I can't wait to hear about all the girly fun that is to come.

My crew includes DD7, DS4 and DS9 months. Even though I love Disney with my guys, as you can imagine, your trip sounds like a little slice of heaven.

Staci

Welcome Staci!! Ah, you definitely need to do a girly trip!! With two other boys, your princess quotient is dwindling!

I'm very excited to do this with my oldest ... and of course it sets the precedence to do it again with my youngest when she gets older!

 

[Trentmom]

I think your plans sound great. TL and DQ will be a blast for sure

Trent saw Fantasmic for the first time this past trip and loved it

Wishes party looks great too

You and Rachel are going have a blast

 

[WDWCP96]

Yeah a new PTR! Can't wait to follow along with your plans. I also learned something from you about direct flights out of IAD which sucks. We were hoping to fly in November but that puts a little kink in our plans.

Your plans sound great so far. I have never done DC but for that price I probably never will. I wanted to do the Wishes dessert party for our last trip but it just didn't work out.

 

[Marshay]

I think your plans sound great. TL and DQ will be a blast for sure

Trent saw Fantasmic for the first time this past trip and loved it

Wishes party looks great too

You and Rachel are going have a blast

I'm excited for this trip, too! We are packing in a lot of things to do and see but I think it will work out great. DH and Elie are the ones who typically hold us back, so I'm trying to take advantage. We'll sleep on the train!

Glad to hear Trent loved Fantasmic. I know it can be a bit scary but I'm sure Rachel will love it, too.

Yeah a new PTR! Can't wait to follow along with your plans. I also learned something from you about direct flights out of IAD which sucks. We were hoping to fly in November but that puts a little kink in our plans.

Your plans sound great so far. I have never done DC but for that price I probably never will. I wanted to do the Wishes dessert party for our last trip but it just didn't work out.

Welcome!! Yeah, I started a new PTR but I feel like there isn't much going on right now in the planning.

I'm going to post about Jet Blue in my next update.

I'll definitely let you know how we like Wishes. My thoughts going in are that it will be nice for a "once in a while" but not something to do a lot.

 

[Marshay]

So this morning I get an email from Jet Blue announcing their summer sale. I check my dates and times and there are only 3 seats left for the return flight I want and the cheaper morning flight departs Washington, DC (National Airport) at 7:50am, about an hour or so away from me depending on traffic.

Why oh why can't they return their service to Dulles Airport which is only 15 minutes from me?!?!?

Anyway, I compare costs of flying and using Magical Express to costs of taking the Autotrain and having our own vehicle = $195.40 plus whatever gas I use going Sanford to WDW and back again. So call it $240.

I know $240 is still a lot of money but when comparing to the overall price of this trip, I just don't see it being worth it. And Jerry already said he doesn't want to drive us to DCA at 5:30am so taxi would be approx $100 each way!! If I do a later flight, it's more expensive and of course means less time at WDW.

So we are still taking the Autotrain.

I am really excited about this. I really want to try out the roomette and I much prefer driving while at Disney.

Here are some pics of the roomette.

That's me in the mirror sticking my head inside for a pic

the front of the roomette -- two chairs (that convert to a bed), a table and a huge picture window.

From the hallway looking in

There are two beds -- an upper bunk bed for Rachel and a lower bed for me.

 

[Marshay]

Remember when I said that Rachel wanted to do the Mermaid package instead of BBB?

Well, I had a local lady make a tutu skirt for Rachel. Here it is! It is gorgeous and really cheap for a knee-length tutu skirt, custom made. Rachel got to pick out all the colors. (The pic makes it look weird since I have it laying on the floor). She'll have to wear shorts underneath since it is not as full as some skirts but she always wears shorts underneath skirts anyway.

Then I just saw on Zulily this great top and got it for her. This will be a surprise for her. From the picture it looks like the skirt and top will match wonderfully!

I can't wait for her to wear it!!

Of course, now Elizabeth wants a skirt too and Rachel wants a second one to wear in different colors.

I just may get them another one -- they will only be wearing tutus for a little while longer, ya know? I think I will get them new ones as Christmas gifts and for our Disney Cruise in January!

 

[Trentmom]

Love the tutu and top. They are perfect.

That drive to airport does not sound fun or the expense of taxi, so good move keeping the autotrain

 

[Marshay]

Love the tutu and top. They are perfect.

That drive to airport does not sound fun or the expense of taxi, so good move keeping the autotrain

Thanks -- I can't wait to see the pics of her all as a mermaid!!

Yeah, it would be like going into LaGuardia instead of going to Newark airport. Ok, maybe not that crowded but you get the idea. It has to save me a lot of money to go to DCA from where I live.

 

[DisneyStitch626]

The tutu outfit looks so cute! Love the colours. And the train ride is going to be so fun.

 

[Marshay]

The tutu outfit looks so cute! Love the colours. And the train ride is going to be so fun.

Thanks!! I love the colors, too.

 

[maganda]

What an adorable tutu and tee! And the autotrain looks like a fun adventure! Flying is such a drag anymore; you're lucky to have the autotrain as an option. I'd totally do the same thing if I was in your situation.

 

[Marshay]

What an adorable tutu and tee! And the autotrain looks like a fun adventure! Flying is such a drag anymore; you're lucky to have the autotrain as an option. I'd totally do the same thing if I was in your situation.

Welcome! Yeah, it seems like more and more of a hassle to fly. The train is really so much easier, no TSA, no luggage limitations on the Autotrain, we can bring our own drinks and liquids larger than 3oz, etc!

I see you are going in January 2013! So am I.

I started a Official January 2013 thread if you wish to join.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2860438

 

[maganda]

Welcome! Yeah, it seems like more and more of a hassle to fly. The train is really so much easier, no TSA, no luggage limitations on the Autotrain, we can bring our own drinks and liquids larger than 3oz, etc!

I see you are going in January 2013! So am I.

I started a Official January 2013 thread if you wish to join.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2860438

You had me at no TSA

I'll have a look at your Jan 2013 thread! I've been following the one that Kim started. This is the first year I'm going twice in 12 months - never in my life have I had to think about buying APs!

 

[Pixie*Pirate]

I'm here and ready to hear all about your trip!