Mom's At It Again! ***Updated 4/30/2009~Trip Report Link**

[mommytothreeboys]

We were driving past Home depot today and boyfriend pulled in...when I asked him why he said 'don't you need those paint swatches?' Lovely of him to remember! Of course when i told him WHY i needed those he called me a loser and begged me not to bring them in July!!

But I finally got my mickey heads so I'll have to work on them this weekend!

See...occasionally they do listen! Can't wait to see how they turn out!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Thanks to everyone who is keeping up with this PTR. I REALLY appreciate that you are here to listen to Missy (so I don't always have to). So I finished doing the taxes this AM, went to the school to search through the garbage for a lost retainer (found it, woo hoo), and I'm finally sitting down to post on my sweetie's report, so we can round things out a bit. If you've been waiting for the oldest DS to post - dont hold your breath.

For all of you who've read this far, you know that I'M not the one planning this trip. I'm kind of just along for the ride, but I'm certainly looking forward to it. I've been blessed with a lovely wife who is a planner, and rarely forgets a single detail. Good thing, because I'm certainly NOT the planner in the household but I do get a chance to give input (or more specifically validate the decisions that Missy has already made).

So you all know that we were last @ WDW in April/May '07. This trip - back to POR, with a little bit more time than last and a little less structure (if you think this PTR has a ton of structure that's OK - you weren't there the last trip, I was, so take my word for it). While we could have looked @ a different resort, I have to say that I really enjoyed POR last time, and I'm perfectly content with a return trip to the same resort. I'm looking forward to more time in the pool, more time just kicking around, and POR is a beautiful resort.

The things that I am MOST looking forward to on this trip are:

• Tom Sawyer Island
• Swiss Family Robinson Tree house
• World Showcase

Last trip we spent ~ 45 minutes on Tom Sawyer Island. DS 11 LOVED it, but DS 14 was ill and we had dinner reservations at Liberty Tree so we had to leave well before we were done exploring. Isaiah, Jonah, and I could easily have spent 1/2 of our day playing, and I'm looking forward to more time, more play, and Daniel jumping in with us. Missy can still sit in one of the rocking chairs - her gender does exclude her from some activities at times.

The Treehouse was being renovated last time we were there, but as I remember it (and I've already shared my feelings about TS island) we got to explore and I like that kind of stuff. Since we had no say in it last trip, it's a "don't miss" this time.

The World Showcase is by far my favorite part of WDW. On our honeymoon (long time ago), I bought a passport, learned to say thank you in everyone's native tongue, and just had the best time getting the passport stamped. As I've gotten older, my culinary horizons have broadened some and I'm looking forward to hitting the Tangierine Cafe-again.

See, all-in-all I'm pretty easy to please. For those who agree - please tell my wife this! Thanks again to all of Missy's DIS friends. I know several of you share her "afflictions", and it's great that you are able to share your ideas and experiences with each other.

 

[nu2wdisneyw]

Thanks to everyone who is keeping up with this PTR. I REALLY appreciate that you are here to listen to Missy (so I don't always have to). So I finished doing the taxes this AM, went to the school to search through the garbage for a lost retainer (found it, woo hoo), and I'm finally sitting down to post on my sweetie's report, so we can round things out a bit. If you've been waiting for the oldest DS to post - dont hold your breath.

For all of you who've read this far, you know that I'M not the one planning this trip. I'm kind of just along for the ride, but I'm certainly looking forward to it. I've been blessed with a lovely wife who is a planner, and rarely forgets a single detail. Good thing, because I'm certainly NOT the planner in the household but I do get a chance to give input (or more specifically validate the decisions that Missy has already made).

So you all know that we were last @ WDW in April/May '07. This trip - back to POR, with a little bit more time than last and a little less structure (if you think this PTR has a ton of structure that's OK - you weren't there the last trip, I was, so take my word for it). While we could have looked @ a different resort, I have to say that I really enjoyed POR last time, and I'm perfectly content with a return trip to the same resort. I'm looking forward to more time in the pool, more time just kicking around, and POR is a beautiful resort.

The things that I am MOST looking forward to on this trip are:

• Tom Sawyer Island
• Swiss Family Robinson Tree house
• World Showcase

Last trip we spent ~ 45 minutes on Tom Sawyer Island. DS 11 LOVED it, but DS 14 was ill and we had dinner reservations at Liberty Tree so we had to leave well before we were done exploring. Isaiah, Jonah, and I could easily have spent 1/2 of our day playing, and I'm looking forward to more time, more play, and Daniel jumping in with us. Missy can still sit in one of the rocking chairs - her gender does exclude her from some activities at times.

The Treehouse was being renovated last time we were there, but as I remember it (and I've already shared my feelings about TS island) we got to explore and I like that kind of stuff. Since we had no say in it last trip, it's a "don't miss" this time.

The World Showcase is by far my favorite part of WDW. On our honeymoon (long time ago), I bought a passport, learned to say thank you in everyone's native tongue, and just had the best time getting the passport stamped. As I've gotten older, my culinary horizons have broadened some and I'm looking forward to hitting the Tangierine Cafe-again.

See, all-in-all I'm pretty easy to please. For those who agree - please tell my wife this! Thanks again to all of Missy's DIS friends. I know several of you share her "afflictions", and it's great that you are able to share your ideas and experiences with each other.

Well hopefully everyone will remain HEALTHY this trip!!! It is so nice to have a husband that just "goes with the flow"!! Great job at being the supportive huband! We really enjoy Missy's reports. They help rookies like me get more organized and know what to expect!!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Very nice to meet you, Jeff. You sound like a man who appreciates his wife. Good Job!!!

You liked POR. My DH didn't like it because of the paths not being straight. I loved it. We are trying WL this time.

Tom Sawyer's Island made our "Not to be missed" list for this trip as well. After reading your post, I am looking forward to it.

OOHH!! Gross on the garbage dig. Glad you found the retainer though.

Missy, Hope to hear from you soon.

Hey guess what, Starting tomorrow, you can say, "We are going to WDW NEXT MONTH!!!!" That is totally cool.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Hi Jeff, nice to meet you!! My dh just thinks i'm crazy for being on the dis all the time and being as obsessed as I am with all of the planning. But...when we get there he'll be glad I did. He really does just go with the flow too, so I can't really complain..

 

[rsjj]

ok...i'm all caught up! love the snack credit link! wow...you even have a list of possible snacks to get! now that's organization!

 

[carissanboys]

Hello Jeff! World Showcase is my favorite too.

I think I'm going to get my husband to open an account here on the Dis and have him drop by my PTR.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

OOHH!! Gross on the garbage dig. Glad you found the retainer though.

Yeah...so is Daniel! That $250 replacement cost was coming out of his pocket!

Hey guess what, Starting tomorrow, you can say, "We are going to WDW NEXT MONTH!!!!" That is totally cool.

I am all over that!!! Woo-Hoo! We're going to Disney NEXT MONTH!!

Hi Jeff, nice to meet you!! My dh just thinks i'm crazy for being on the dis all the time and being as obsessed as I am with all of the planning. But...when we get there he'll be glad I did. He really does just go with the flow too, so I can't really complain..

Isn't it nice when they let us have our obsessions?? Does that mean we have to let them have theirs??

ok...i'm all caught up! love the snack credit link! wow...you even have a list of possible snacks to get! now that's organization!

It's ALL about the snacks, you know!!

Hello Jeff! World Showcase is my favorite too.

I think I'm going to get my husband to open an account here on the Dis and have him drop by my PTR.

LOL....Jeff doesn't have his own account. I just let him use mine!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I actually got a lot of Disney planning done this past weekend! We finally had a weekend with very little on the schedule so I was able to spend some time doing some trip planning with the DH. (If you read the earlier post, you know that just means I plan and he gives the thumbs-up! )

First off, I have come up with touring plans for our Animal Kingdom day and our 2 Magic Kingdom days. I use the UG touring plans, then tweak them to what works for our family. Before I start let me say this about touring plans. I like to have a plan (DUH!). It makes me feel more prepared and organized. That being said, the plans are not carved in stone. If we see an attraction we want to ride that is "out of order" or we want to play in the fountains or browse for 1/2 hour in Mousegears, we do it. The plans serve as a guideline to arrange the day. If we get sidetracked, so be it! We just go back to where we left off and pick up the plans! I know with 5 of us, if we did not have a plan, we would be the family constantly stopping to decide what to do next and spending 20 minutes debating who's wants will win out. So...that's my theory on touring plans, for what it's worth!

Animal Kingdom Touring Plan

Monday April 20, 2009
Park Hours: 9am-6pm with morning EMH

*Be at POR bus stop no later than 6:45 to arrive at AK by 7:30 (keep in mind that this is generous allowing for the fact that we may need to wait for a bus) It is our first park day so the day before will have been chill. We will be ready to be up and about early!

*Enter park at Rope Drop

*Head to EE to obtain FPs (also ride if standby line is short)

*Head to Kilimanjaro Safari and ride or get FPs

*See Flights of Wonder in Asia if close to show time--depending on what time it is in the AM, we may have to push this till later....OK by me if we skip it altogether!! If that is the case, we will probably do the Pangani Forest trail as it is at the exit of the safari.

*Get FPs for Kali River Rapids

*Walk Maharajah Jungle Trek

*Ride EE with FPs from earlier

*Eat Lunch (Flame Tree or Pizzafari)

*Walk Pangani Trail

*See Festival of the Lion King

*Walk character trails in Camp Minnie Mickey

*Check Nemo for showtimes...if within 20 minutes, see Nemo

*See It's Tough to Be a Bug and explore Tree of Life

*Ride Kali with FPs from earlier

*Ride Dinosaur

*Ride Primeval Whirl

*Shop, Snack, Explore!

(If the boys want to see the Parade, we will fit that in. Gonna just play that by ear.)

We may eat dinner at AK (maybe Yak and Yeti CS) if we are hungry. If not we will leave the park at closing and head to either DTD or POR to eat.


The crowd level for this day is a 6, but we are also going to an EMH park. It looks like the day should be pretty chill. We love AK and enjoy just looking at all the little touches.

Gonna leave it at that for now.....I'll come back later and post my MK touring plans and my updated To-Do list!

 

[DisneymoonJess07]

Looks awesome!! I may have to steal that touring plan...there's a lot of stuff there that I like, and the order makes sense to me...

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Looks awesome!! I may have to steal that touring plan...there's a lot of stuff there that I like, and the order makes sense to me...

Feel free to steal!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Nice AK touring plan. I like the theory behind your plan - more of a guideline. I'm planning to go with that theory this year. No commando touring, but no wandering aimlessly either.

 

[rsjj]

nice touring plan! will have to check what our boys want to do...and make our "guide" like you did! yes...we don't want to walk aimlessly either...so i better work on a touring plan.

 

[carissanboys]

I'm the same way Missy. If I don't go in with a plan, I don't feel prepared. And we all know the only way to really enjoy a Disney World trip is to be prepared!

With that said, Chuck really wants this trip to be more relaxed and to not really have a "plan". I just can't do that. I need to at least have a small list of our must do items. Once we get those done, then we can relax more and just go with the flow. Thankfully there aren't too many must dos now that we've been two other times.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Nice AK touring plan. I like the theory behind your plan - more of a guideline. I'm planning to go with that theory this year. No commando touring, but no wandering aimlessly either.

Yeah, last year was much more commando. EVERY attraction was on the must-do list and we pushed ourselves pretty much every day. I am looking forward to being more laid back and taking time to enjoy the little things!

nice touring plan! will have to check what our boys want to do...and make our "guide" like you did! yes...we don't want to walk aimlessly either...so i better work on a touring plan.

You can just look at a park map and map out your must-do's so you don't end up backtracking all over. The UG site has several free plans as well, but they are more detailed...you can tweak them though. Your trip is getting close!!

I'm the same way Missy. If I don't go in with a plan, I don't feel prepared. And we all know the only way to really enjoy a Disney World trip is to be prepared!

With that said, Chuck really wants this trip to be more relaxed and to not really have a "plan". I just can't do that. I need to at least have a small list of our must do items. Once we get those done, then we can relax more and just go with the flow. Thankfully there aren't too many must dos now that we've been two other times.

The plan is really for my peace of mind! If I didn't have at least SOME plan I'd be crazy! The must-do list definitely gets shorter the more you go. Last trip EVERYTHING was on that list because I wanted the kids to experience it all. Now we can pick and choose a little more...I am really looking forward to a more relaxed approach!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I am going to post my MK touring plan later today, but it's been a while since I posted any pictures, so I thought I would do that first! These are just random pics from our 2007 trip as well as a couple of fun throwback pictures from my honeymoon in 1992! Please ignore any crazy fashion and/or hairstyles as I truly believed I was "all that"!

This is my DS9 (at the time) at Coral Reef. He is demonstrating how Pirates drink!

Jonah meeting Snow White (MY FAVORITE) She was very concerned about his shark tooth necklace and wondered if he had killed the shark. She said animals were her friends and that would make her sad!

The Flower and Garden Festival is beautiful. Again, my favorite.....Snow White!

The Tea Cups.....NOT my favorite!

Ok...the throwbacks!! This is me on the ferry to MK. Giant Polka Dots...really?????

The next two require some explanation. My DH LOVES World Showcase...he has expressed that himself in the post he hijacked! Morocco is his favorite place. He put this silly fez on in one of the shops and I took this goofy pic. When we went back in 2007, I decided to re-create his famous "oooh, FEZ" picture. Here are the results! Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed these pics. Looking at them gets me so excited to go back! Next up.....MK Touring Plan!

 

[carissanboys]

Great pictures Missy!!

I am SOOOOO excited for the Flower and Garden Festival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ChefMickey123]

Ok...This is my first attempt at a Pre-Trip report, or a report of any kind for that matter. I LOVE reading these and decided since I had three months to kill before we leave for our next trip, this would be a great way for me to pass it without driving my family crazy! In all fairness, they are really good-natured about my planning "problem" and play along for the most part, wanting to hear about restaurant options, daily schedules, touring plans, etc...but I know my DH listens with only one ear!! He's awesome and LOVES WDW as much as I do, but planning is really my "thing" and he lets me have it!

Do you remember this--way back when. I know I booked my trip 99 days out, and now we are at 46. Time Flies. I hope to see you and your family at POR.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Do you remember this--way back when. I know I booked my trip 99 days out, and now we are at 46. Time Flies. I hope to see you and your family at POR.

I do remember! The trip seemed so far away then! I am getting so excited....how are your plans coming? Do you have your LGMH ready so I can spot you at POR??

 

[mommytothreeboys]

As promised, here is the touring plan that I have come up with for our 2 MK days!

Magic Kingdom Touring Plan--Day 1

Wednesday April 22
Park Hours: 9am-9pm

Breakfast ADR @ 'Ohana at 7:50 am

*Be at POR bus stop at 7:00 am in order to take bus to MK and monorail to Poly

*Enter park after breakfast--hopefully not long after Rope Drop

*Ride Peter Pan's Flight --or get FP depending on wait time

*See Mickey's PhilharMagic

(NOTE: The above two rides can be skipped for now and added to day 2 if the wait times are too long.)

*Ride Haunted Mansion

*Ride Splash Mountain or get FP

*Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or get FP

*Tour Tom Sawyer Island (possibly ride riverboat)

*Eat Lunch

*Ride Jungle Cruise or get FP

*See Tiki Room show

*Explore Swiss Family Robinson Tree House

*Ride Pirates of the Caribbean

*Wishes at 9:00 pm

(If the boys want to see the parade at 3, we will do that from Frontierland)


Magic Kingdom Touring Plan--Day 2

Sunday April 26
Park Hours: 9am-10pm with evening EMH


*Be at POR Bus Stop at 8:15

*Enter park at Rope Drop

*Ride Buzz Lightyear and get FP for later!

*Possibly ride Carousel of Progress (not sure about doing this..we'll see)

*See Laugh Floor Comedy Club

*Ride Tea Cups--mom will sit this one out!!

*Ride Snow White and Dumbo if lines allow

* Ride It's a Small World

*Tour Toontown

*Eat Lunch

*Break to Resort or possibly a water park for a few hours.

*Back to eat dinner and enjoy any attractions we missed

*Spectromagic at 9:00

*ENJOY EMH----so excited about this!!!

There you have it! Any feedback is appreciated!