My 1st PTR (& maybe a weight loss story thrown in)-BC: May 2011-5/17-We outta here!

[matkensgirl2000]

Just got done reading your PTR and am just loving. I love the stroll down memory lane. But since it is after midnight I should be gettint to bed.

We will be going later in May. I had actually already booked the trip for my eldest son's 9th birthday trip when I relized that it was on Memorial Day Weekend. Oh well, hoping everything works out for the best.

I know what you mean about tring to loose weight for your trip. I was so excited about booking the trip when I suddenly relized that with the winter we just had that I have done little exercise. So I started hitting the mall and walking as much as I can. Looking at the pictures of our last trip also put me in mind to loose some weight (though I was pregnant at the time)
I lost about a pound when I changed my diet and realy tried. Well, I have lost 11 pounds in 5 weeks and am very happy. I still want to loose at least 15 more before WDW, and more after that, but at least it's a start. I've been walking to Disney music on my MP3. I downloaded CD's from the library.

can't wait to read more.

Welcome, welcome to my PTR Corinne_73! So glad you're reading along. I have been twice right before Memorial Day weekend. While it was definitely more crowded than I like, the crowds are still very manageable. I'm sure you'll have fun!!
Congrats on YOUR weight loss. That is just great. If I could lose 11 lbs in 5 weeks, I would be over the moon The way I see it, there are two good reasons to lose weight for WDW 1) to look good in the pics and 2) to eat as much as you want without feeling guilty. My exercise is walking to music too. I love it because that is about the only time I get to listen to music thanks to the DVD player in my van. The Disney songs idea is inspired. I may have to put those songs on mine too. I definitely would remember my motivation then!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

Yeah, that's what I'm singing. Besides the fact that we leave in 56 days, I just found that, according to my Allears.net newsletter

Via Napoli in the Italy pavilion at Epcot is selling pizza by the slice (full pizzas are not available) now through May 28. Place orders at the podium to the left of the restaurant's main entrance. Items sold include: Cheese Pizza, $4.50; Pepperoni Pizza, $5.25; Mini Cannoli, $3.50; Soda – Coke, Sprite and Diet Coke, $2.50; Dasani Water, $2.50. This venue is treated as a quick-service restaurant option on the Disney Dining Plan. Hours of operation: noon-8 p.m., except on Fridays during Extra Magic Hours (EMH) when the pizza window is open noon-9 p.m.

Since I agonized over my decision between Via Napoli and Tutto Italia, I get the best of both worlds!! I had read so many good reviews of their pizza so now we can get it QS PLUS it's on the DDP. This will be noted in my plans. It's even not that far from our hotel on days we want to eat lunch and hang out there. Sweet!!

 

[pinkxray]

I had a tough time choosing between Via and Tutto too. I ended up booking both. When I found out about the window I considered canceling but since DH and DD had picked Via Napoli and I don't really have an alternate I guess I'll just leave it. It would be nice if they would just make it a permanent addition.

for getting the best of both worlds!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

I had a tough time choosing between Via and Tutto too. I ended up booking both. When I found out about the window I considered canceling but since DH and DD had picked Via Napoli and I don't really have an alternate I guess I'll just leave it. It would be nice if they would just make it a permanent addition.

for getting the best of both worlds!

Well, the window is only offering cheese and pepperoni pizza and I saw the TS menu and it had lots of yummy things on it. And I'm a very adventurous pizza eater. I will definitely go for VN TS the next time!
Now I'm debating whether or not to go to Pizza Planet. We are definitely going to hit Via Napoli, but I'm sure it will make PP pale in comparison. But my Bigs REALLY want to eat there. I've never had any pizza at WDW except years ago at an All-Star food court. Has anyone else tried it?

 

[pinkxray]

Well, the window is only offering cheese and pepperoni pizza and I saw the TS menu and it had lots of yummy things on it. And I'm a very adventurous pizza eater. I will definitely go for VN TS the next time!
Now I'm debating whether or not to go to Pizza Planet. We are definitely going to hit Via Napoli, but I'm sure it will make PP pale in comparison. But my Bigs REALLY want to eat there. I've never had any pizza at WDW except years ago at an All-Star food court. Has anyone else tried it?

We have been to PP a few times. The pizza is pretty much the same served everywhere. I never had any problems with it. I would definitely eat there if DD asked to.

 

[matkensgirl2000]

I have been emailing the IPO for a while now, trying to make some room requests. The IPO is the Itinerary Planning Office. Once you have a confirmed reservation at the Club Level, they will assist you in anything you need, such as setting up surprises in your room or making ADRs. Now, I have no use for them ADR-wise. Plannig my dining is one of the highlights of my planning. But I forgot to request a rollaway bed if we didn't get a room with a daybed. So, I thought, why not use this service that I'm paying for anyway? So I emailed them using the email address found on the Disboards but never got the auto-response or anything back from them at all. So today I called to found out what the deal was. The lady I spoke with said they have a problem with some of the email-vendors bouncing back THEIR emails. She said Comcast and Bellsouth are two of these that they have a big problem with. She very kindly took my room request and I was on my merry way. She told me they don't assign rooms 'til you're pretty much standing in front of them anyway, so make sure I mention my request at check-in. She also noted it on my reservation.

On another note: 54 days 'til we leave

Last year when we went to Disney, we decided to wait 'til we were back to wean Wee off of the bottle. I had just weaned him from nursing and he was still drinking his "supplement" bottle in May. We decided it would be nice to have a bottle for him in case he got tired at the parks. We had no problems getting him off of it once we got home. This year, we are in the same situation with potty-training. He has been introduced to it, but I think I am going to wait 'til we are home and we have a nice, long summer break before us before I start full-force. We had just gotten through PT with DD when we went in 2006, but we did rock the pull-ups the entire time. It turned out that she had a minor kidney condition and it manifested itself while we were at Disney. But it kinda threw a wrench in her PT. So I think I'll save that trouble for when we get home!

 

[Queila]

Yay! For 54 days ! This is VERY exciting!

Last year I had started potty training my daughter before our trip but she was nowhere ready by the time we had to go. I put her back on diapers and decided to deal with it when we came back.

It was a great decision. We had no problem getting back on track once we were home AND it saved us a lot of potty breaks in the parks.!

Q

 

[loganpaulsmom]

Loved reading your PTR so far. I have loved how you have thrown in all your past experiences.. and I can't wait to read your TR.. I will be homne from a week on my trip when you are on your way..

 

[matkensgirl2000]

Yay! For 54 days ! This is VERY exciting!

Last year I had started potty training my daughter before our trip but she was nowhere ready by the time we had to go. I put her back on diapers and decided to deal with it when we came back.

It was a great decision. We had no problem getting back on track once we were home AND it saved us a lot of potty breaks in the parks.!

Q

That's exactly why I'm waiting! His routine will be interrupted enough without having to wear new-fangled pull-ups while we're there. So I'm even going to start PT in earnest 'til we get back.

I read your TR last night. I loved it! Your daughter will be 3 this time? I think you will find it so much fun now that she can ride some more rides. Will she be tall enough to do Soarin' and Splash Mountain? I'm hoping Wee will be old enough to at least do Kali River Rapids, but I think it's wishful thinking to hope he will grow 1 1/2 inches in 2 months.

Loved reading your PTR so far. I have loved how you have thrown in all your past experiences.. and I can't wait to read your TR.. I will be homne from a week on my trip when you are on your way..

Thank you for reading! I need to go buy a camera so I can take plenty of good pictures for my TR. I am excited about writing a TR and I think it will make me look at my whole trip differently. Where are you staying? I am jealous that you will be able to catch Flower and Garden Festival. I keep hoping they will decide to extend but that is doubtful thanks to SWW!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

49 days to go! Yippee!

I have been working on some Disney stuff, but I have GOT to get a camera so I can take some pics and post them. We made jars for the kids' spending money this week and I just pulled out all of their warm weather clothes so I can inventory what I will need to buy for the parks. DD8 can no longer fit into size 6 and that was a large portion of her wardrobe. Aww, shucks, I guess that means I'm going to have to go shopping. Daaaaaaang it.

I may borrow my mom or sister's camera so I can get some pics up. I'll be back soon...I have to get my packing list going!

 

[Corrine 1973]

I know, shopping realy sucks.

Thanks for reminding me, I need to invitory my sons cloths too. I know that summer pj's are needed.

Can't wait to see some pis.

 

[matkensgirl2000]

I know, shopping realy sucks.

Thanks for reminding me, I need to invitory my sons cloths too. I know that summer pj's are needed.

Can't wait to see some pis.

...And of course, if you're like me, the PJs HAVE to be Disney themed!

 

[Corrine 1973]

...And of course, if you're like me, the PJs HAVE to be Disney themed!

Of course, how can you sleep at Disney with out wearing Disney related PJ's?!?!

Will probably get Liam a Phineas & Ferb set, and a Star Wars set ( I know not Disney, but we are going to SWW after all.

 

[matkensgirl2000]

Of course, how can you sleep at Disney with out wearing Disney related PJ's?!?!

Will probably get Liam a Phineas & Ferb set, and a Star Wars set ( I know not Disney, but we are going to SWW after all.

P&F and SW completely count! So do Muppets! I make sure my kids know anything movie/t.v. related at Disney. That's why they love Singin' in the Rain so much!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

My nephew's class just won an all-expenses trip to Disneyland in May for an environmental project they did. His family has never been to Disney before and were actually planning their first trip to WDW this fall. Needless to say, they are SUPER excited and I am excited to hear all about DL.

Check out the Disney Parks Blog telling about it here.

You can see my nephew right at the end. He is short and his head bobs up and down. He has a red t-shirt under his green shirt that you can see under the sleeves.

They may even be featured on Disney Channel!

 

[Becc1]

Hey there, just wanted to stop in and tell you that I'm enjoying your PTR. Loved the memories from past trips and your kids are just adorable!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

Hey there, just wanted to stop in and tell you that I'm enjoying your PTR. Loved the memories from past trips and your kids are just adorable!

Thank you for reading and saying hello!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

My weekends are booked solid until the middle of June. Fortunately, one of those weekends is in Disney. We will be hosting two big events at my house between now and Disney. One is our annual Easter egg hunt and the next is a surprise 50th birthday luau for my mom the Saturday before we leave. So besides packing and shopping, I will be busy doing a lot of other stuff.

The good thing about being so busy is it makes the time go by faster. The bad thing is it's a bit stressful. The good thing about THAT is that I'm so busy, I don't have time to eat as much

Easter is 2.5 weeks away and I'm working on my spring cleaning. I have a six-page list that I do for spring cleaning and I am on Stage 1-Organizing. I have a lot of closets in my house, which is usually a good thing. But when I'm spring cleaning, the closets seem endless. However, I'm using this opportunity to survey everyone's summer clothing situation. And it will also allow me to come home to a clean house after vacation. This is nothing worse than coming home to a messy house when you are already suffering PDD (post-Disney depression).

The week before Easter, I will likely take the bigs to Old Navy and Target for some clothes (light, soft, cottony clothes) for Disney and this summer. I am also going to get them some new flip-flops. They are good on sneakers, but they are going to want something lighter at times. I found Nike Comfort thongs for the kids so we are going to get some of those. I'll have to get their Easter bunny gifts that week as well. The Easter bunny is going to bring Disney goodies and maybe some new DS games for the car ride.

On that note, I bought some for myself this weekend. Shoe Carnival was having a BOGO 1/2 off sale plus I had a $5 coupon so I stocked up. I also bought Tangled for the kids. We didn't see this at the theaters and I had to pick it up since it's pretty much required watching for Disney. We are going to have to watch it a few more times, I'm sure.
I'll probably pack the week of May 7 because much of my time after that will be getting ready for the luau. May 15th will be my major car clean-up day. May 16th I'll be doing last minute things and packing snacks to go. Then on May 17th we will be off.

Still no camera yet, but I've researched enough to have a pretty good idea of what I want...at least 10 megapixels and 10x optical zoom. I also think the panoramic feature would be neat, too. Otherwise, it needs to be fairly compact as I am determined to keep our park bags small. I bought DD a hipster for the parks and had her initial monogrammed on it and DS's fanny pack is ordered too. Besides those two bags, I'd like to have just one more to keep diapers and wipes for Wee and a small first aid kit.

My packing list will be posted soon!!

 

[matkensgirl2000]

We leave in 34 days! That means my nose is really to the grindstone. I'm trying to get some spending $ saved and also trying to slowly (well, I need to pick up the speed) buy things everyone needs for the trip. Also, I must lose at LEAST 5 or 6 lbs so I can fit into all of MY summer clothes comfortably.

So here goes my packing list:
We will be in Disney for 6 days, plus 1-2 extra for traveling.

1)For our suitcases:

We each will need

10 outfits (more for baby) at least 1-2 fairly nice outfit
1 pair of sneakers, 1-2 pairs flip-flops/sandals/crocks
10 pairs of underwear, plus diapers, wipes and pull-ups for baby
6 pairs of socks
2 pairs of pjs

**I pack the kids' outfits (tops, bottoms, socks, hair accessories) in gallon size ziploc bags. This makes getting ready in the mornings extremely quick and efficient. It is kidproof and daddyproof. They just grab a bag and get dressed and no one ends up wearing a green-striped shirt and orange polka dot shorts.**

Hotel first-aid kit (Tylenol, tummy medicine, bandages, aloe vera, prescription meds etc)

2) "First-Night" bag--Since we're staying in a hotel in Orlando the night before we go to Disney, I pack a small bag with pjs for that night and clothes for our first day. So instead of dragging all of our suitcases out with us, I grab this bag plus our toiletry bag and we are good to go for one night.

3) Toiletry bag
Kid shampoo and soap (no-tears formula)
Leave in spray conditioner for DD and me
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Straightener (a must for my hair in humidity)
Hair elastics and barrettes (in case I don't feel like using the straightener)
Make-up
Sunscreen (I used Neutrogena Pure for Babies (SPF 60) for Wee last year but it is not going to fly this year...too thick and gloopy for a not-still 2 year-old) I am sure we will be using the spray kind.
Moisturizer
Razors/shaving cream
Adult shampoo, conditioner and soap
Contact solution, case and extra set of contacts
Glasses, glasses case and glasses cleaner (we're a blind family)
Hairbrush
Deodorant***Thanks Corrinne1973!!
I'll be back with my park bag list (which I am DETERMINED to pare down this year) and our travel kits.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Looking good!

I do the same thing with my kids cloths, real life and time saver. Plus if you such the air out with a straw it won't take up as much room in the suitcase.

Don't forget the deodorant!