My AP-ALOOZA Continues (WE RENEWED!!) ~ NEW TR link posted!

[Dugette]

Yes I will try to emphasize it (though she doesn't drink whole milk anymore...lol...).

Oh, funny - I knew that they stopped whole milk at some point, but never have bothered to look into when. I just checked now, though, and it looks like age 2 is the common switching point to lower fat milk. I'm sure it will come up at our 2-year-old doctor appointment or something. Again, I like that Aria provides a nice window into the future for me and Izzy!

Do you want to plan on me coming over for the FP (1:45-2:45) and trying to get a rider swap? What time would be best for you to try that? If not just LMK

Well, I have that earlier FP now, so we chatted on that. Puts my midday plans up in the air, though. I'll have to find some ways to amuse myself in the MK if she's napping (or we could try to switch off other things, if you wanted). There's also the chance that Izzy naps on the plane and is awake for MK, which could change things up too (I'd still do 7DMT, though).

Speaking of dum dums...THAT is what was my fleeting "i need to pack" thought!! I realized it yesterday and packed a little baggie of them. On my drive in I realized I forgot chapstick and muslin blankets so I emailed myself those lol.

Oh, good, I'm glad you remembered!!

Don't you have a FP for TSMM??

In the morning, when you do. But you mentioned another one later, which I don't have. By the way, Izzy watched both Toy Story 1 and 2 today and loved them - we'll see if I'm able to work in a Woody and Buzz M&G. If not, I think she'll love TSMM.

What are your breakfast plans?

Just something in the room, I think. Either from home or grabbing something from Everything Pop the night before. Not sure. Nothing major, though.

Yes lots of snacks lol! It's going to be fun! Too bad we can't stash some of those mickey bars for later.

I know! I am totally going to stash drinks for later, though!

Love your Mickey Bar story! Hope they enjoy them!

If you can park the stroller upright on Hogwarts and manage it down the tarmac, I'd bring your City Select. You love the thing and you're on a long trip. Probably worth a bit of pain to have it. Not that the City Mini would be the end of the world, of course.

 

[Imagineer5]

Nothing all that exciting has happened since yesterday (and this time in 2 weeks...is the next Matilda Jane release! woohoo). Except that I signed up Aria for ballet lessons!! They begin the week we get back from Disney! And to boot, she has her next horseback riding lesson Thursday night, perfect for keeping us busy while being super excited!! Andrew is flying to NC on Thursday morning (cousin's wedding) so he won't be around for the lesson.

Tonight is the Ballet studio's open house, and afterwards we may go to a dance shop and get her leotard, tights, and ballet shoes! eek! I need to learn how to put her hair in a bun!

Oh, funny - I knew that they stopped whole milk at some point, but never have bothered to look into when. I just checked now, though, and it looks like age 2 is the common switching point to lower fat milk. I'm sure it will come up at our 2-year-old doctor appointment or something. Again, I like that Aria provides a nice window into the future for me and Izzy!

LOL yes we switched to 1% at home when she turned 2. No real reason to do it I guess, but I think our daycare provider was happy to switch since she was getting whole milk for Aria only, the other kids drink 1%.

Well, I have that earlier FP now, so we chatted on that. Puts my midday plans up in the air, though. I'll have to find some ways to amuse myself in the MK if she's napping (or we could try to switch off other things, if you wanted). There's also the chance that Izzy naps on the plane and is awake for MK, which could change things up too (I'd still do 7DMT, though).

OK we will plan on that, and if you find a later time just LMK! After I ride 7DMT we can definitely check wait times for the others. Or use Izzy & Aria's FPs to see if we can get more FP...hmmm...LOL!

Oh, good, I'm glad you remembered!!


In the morning, when you do. But you mentioned another one later, which I don't have. By the way, Izzy watched both Toy Story 1 and 2 today and loved them - we'll see if I'm able to work in a Woody and Buzz M&G. If not, I think she'll love TSMM.

Ahh ok, I was thinking you will still be at EPCOT for the other one. My 2nd is at 6:15 and then we will head over for the sing along.

Just something in the room, I think. Either from home or grabbing something from Everything Pop the night before. Not sure. Nothing major, though.

Ah ok, wasn't sure if you were planning something! We don't have plans for breakfast either, will probably wing it with all the treats to come!

I know! I am totally going to stash drinks for later, though!

Love your Mickey Bar story! Hope they enjoy them!

I can't imagine they won't, I am just worried about whatever outfit she will be in at the time. I can't imagine it surviving a mickey bar! LOL!

If you can park the stroller upright on Hogwarts and manage it down the tarmac, I'd bring your City Select. You love the thing and you're on a long trip. Probably worth a bit of pain to have it. Not that the City Mini would be the end of the world, of course.

I posted and got 1 reply - that 2 nights ago the family had to fold up their stroller. Oh well, I guess it is a good thing that we have the city mini at least.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Nothing all that exciting has happened since yesterday (and this time in 2 weeks...is the next Matilda Jane release! woohoo). Except that I signed up Aria for ballet lessons!! They begin the week we get back from Disney! And to boot, she has her next horseback riding lesson Thursday night, perfect for keeping us busy while being super excited!! Andrew is flying to NC on Thursday morning (cousin's wedding) so he won't be around for the lesson.

Tonight is the Ballet studio's open house, and afterwards we may go to a dance shop and get her leotard, tights, and ballet shoes! eek! I need to learn how to put her hair in a bun!

haha how funny, Olivia's dance studio had their open house yesterday and we signed her up for classes. Yup, multiple dance classes this year. She's taken ballet for a few years now but this year we are adding the jazz/hip-hop class

She really seems to have taken a shining to dance and is really the only classes she is taking so far (have held off on soccer and stuff so far) so figured we would do the two

LOL yes we switched to 1% at home when she turned 2. No real reason to do it I guess, but I think our daycare provider was happy to switch since she was getting whole milk for Aria only, the other kids drink 1%.

We are actually in the camp of whole foods being better for them - just less quantity so we still give both Olivia and Peter whole milk ... so far at least our pediatrician is fully on board with that

 

[Dugette]

Sounds like lots of fun going on with the horseback riding lessons and ballet! If you remember Kathy that we were trying to meet up with (unsuccessfully) at MK in June - her little girl (about Aria's age) is in ballet and she's been posting all kinds of cute pictures of it on FB. Now, the real question is, does MJ have a line of leotards?

LOL yes we switched to 1% at home when she turned 2. No real reason to do it I guess, but I think our daycare provider was happy to switch since she was getting whole milk for Aria only, the other kids drink 1%.

Ah, good to know. I drink skim at home, so wonder if I could switch her to that. Would be nice not to have to stock two kinds. Though not really a big deal. She has had all kinds when we've been out and about and never seemed bothered by the changes. Kid just loves dairy, in any form.

OK we will plan on that, and if you find a later time just LMK! After I ride 7DMT we can definitely check wait times for the others. Or use Izzy & Aria's FPs to see if we can get more FP...hmmm...LOL!

I can use Dug's too (assuming the loophole is still there). It would be nice to hit one or both of the mountains we missed in June. No expectations, though, we'll just see how things work out. So far, no other time options for the Mine Train.

Ahh ok, I was thinking you will still be at EPCOT for the other one. My 2nd is at 6:15 and then we will head over for the sing along.

We probably will still be at Epcot now, since we're planning the later singalong. Before, I was thinking it would be after the singalong.

Ah ok, wasn't sure if you were planning something! We don't have plans for breakfast either, will probably wing it with all the treats to come!

Exactly. Why fill up early in a day that is going to contain plentiful free snacks and a yummy lunch?

I can't imagine they won't, I am just worried about whatever outfit she will be in at the time. I can't imagine it surviving a mickey bar! LOL!

Oooh, good thought. I will make sure to pack a full bib for that day! Wouldn't want Izzy's Olaf shirt to get ruined. On a side note, if there was anything I was going to upcycle, it would be that. She loves the shirt, but everyone thinks she's a boy when she wears it! I doubt that's possible before the trip, though, right? I'm probably going to try to find a skirt to go with it, or something for her hair or both. Maybe that will work, along with the princess shoes I just ordered for her.

I posted and got 1 reply - that 2 nights ago the family had to fold up their stroller. Oh well, I guess it is a good thing that we have the city mini at least.

Oh, well that's too bad. Does Universal have rental strollers you could use for that day? Or could you bring an umbrella stroller (or pick up one of those $10-$20 Mickey/Minnie ones at Target, if they still have them) or go stroller-free that day? Maybe more trouble than it's worth, I don't know.

 

[Imagineer5]

haha how funny, Olivia's dance studio had their open house yesterday and we signed her up for classes. Yup, multiple dance classes this year. She's taken ballet for a few years now but this year we are adding the jazz/hip-hop class

She really seems to have taken a shining to dance and is really the only classes she is taking so far (have held off on soccer and stuff so far) so figured we would do the two

We are actually in the camp of whole foods being better for them - just less quantity so we still give both Olivia and Peter whole milk ... so far at least our pediatrician is fully on board with that

I've honestly never looked into it. Neither andrew nor I drink milk really.

That is awesome that Olivia loves it! If Aria is anything like me, she will probably not enjoy it too much, but I think it'll be good for her to take a class with other kids her age since she is probably going to stay at her daycare for pre-school.

Sounds like lots of fun going on with the horseback riding lessons and ballet! If you remember Kathy that we were trying to meet up with (unsuccessfully) at MK in June - her little girl (about Aria's age) is in ballet and she's been posting all kinds of cute pictures of it on FB. Now, the real question is, does MJ have a line of leotards?

Nope! LOL! But that is okay, the dance studio has a specific brand/color/style she has to get hehe.

Ah, good to know. I drink skim at home, so wonder if I could switch her to that. Would be nice not to have to stock two kinds. Though not really a big deal. She has had all kinds when we've been out and about and never seemed bothered by the changes. Kid just loves dairy, in any form.


I can use Dug's too (assuming the loophole is still there). It would be nice to hit one or both of the mountains we missed in June. No expectations, though, we'll just see how things work out. So far, no other time options for the Mine Train.

Speaking of that, I just saw a news post that Disney is now allowing you to purchase up to 5 magic bands WITHOUT having ticket media attached? I'm trying to figure out WHY? It worries me their loophole may be closed or closing though if that is the case.

We probably will still be at Epcot now, since we're planning the later singalong. Before, I was thinking it would be after the singalong.

Ohhhhh now that makes sense! LOL!

Exactly. Why fill up early in a day that is going to contain plentiful free snacks and a yummy lunch?


Oooh, good thought. I will make sure to pack a full bib for that day! Wouldn't want Izzy's Olaf shirt to get ruined. On a side note, if there was anything I was going to upcycle, it would be that. She loves the shirt, but everyone thinks she's a boy when she wears it! I doubt that's possible before the trip, though, right? I'm probably going to try to find a skirt to go with it, or something for her hair or both. Maybe that will work, along with the princess shoes I just ordered for her.

I usually wait 6-8 weeks for my upcycles. The only time I had a last minute one made was when we added in Garden Grill like a week before our June trip - and I quickly PM'd Donna from Cutie Pie creations and she made that Chip & Dale one for me

Oh, well that's too bad. Does Universal have rental strollers you could use for that day? Or could you bring an umbrella stroller (or pick up one of those $10-$20 Mickey/Minnie ones at Target, if they still have them) or go stroller-free that day? Maybe more trouble than it's worth, I don't know.

That is a good thought. Worst comes to worst I guess, I could just ride it back and forth and then walk around IoA.

After typing that, I have received two more replies stating they did NOT have to fold the stroller. I am so confused! LOL! What a mess. Good idea to consider bringing the Maclaren though, that would allow for me to check the biggie one and not deal with it on the tarmac too. Hmmmm. Though I am planning nap times in her stroller both days so I don't think having that would be good.

 

[Dugette]

Speaking of that, I just saw a news post that Disney is now allowing you to purchase up to 5 magic bands WITHOUT having ticket media attached? I'm trying to figure out WHY? It worries me their loophole may be closed or closing though if that is the case.

Hmmmm, I'm listening to the DISunplugged podcast live (Phil recommend it for the segement on Aulani) and they just talked about this. They seemed to feel that it was so people would buy people Magic Bands as gifts for future trips. They didn't say anything about the loophole. We'll see, I guess.

 

[Imagineer5]

Hmmmm, I'm listening to the DISunplugged podcast live (Phil recommend it for the segement on Aulani) and they just talked about this. They seemed to feel that it was so people would buy people Magic Bands as gifts for future trips. They didn't say anything about the loophole. We'll see, I guess.

Yeah I gather that either gifts or future trip use is just about the only reason for it? And they apparently aren't letting you purchase the character ones without park admission linked, so IDK! Still seems silly to me.

 

[Imagineer5]

We are in the home stretch! This time tomorrow, Andrew will be flying to NC, and Aria and I will be all checked in for Friday's Southwest flight!

Yesterday I started packing the Expedition with the car seat, stroller bag, and then decided to do a side by side comparison of the City Mini and City Select.

City Mini pros: Lightweight, easy to fold, great recline for naps
City Mini cons: hard to access storage, not very easy to maneuver, don't like the foot lock, gets stuck in train tracks on Main Street (seriously, the most annoying thing ever), have to use clips to keep nap time Muslin blanket on

City Select pros: awesome storage, easy hand lock, easy to maneuver, easy to tie Muslin blanket on for nap time, great recline for naps
City Select cons: heavy, difficult to handle while folded (folds easily, but is very bulky)

At this point I was still at a loss. So I told myself, if I can find the City Select rain cover for the storage area underneath, which had been MIA for months then I'd take that as a sign. Well, within 3 minutes of scouring the garage I found it LOL.

But of course my decision wasn't that easy. So I polled my Facebook friends (on my closet page, for those of you who are FB friends with ME you didn't see that haha). That didn't really help much either.

SOOO I decided to leave it up to Aria. After picking her up at daycare (I got home and she was still napping, so I waited until after her nap to get her) I told her that she needs to pick which stroller she wants to bring!

As we were backing up our driveway I reminded her that she gets to choose - she immediately said "The Red One!" without seeing the two..hmm...

Then she got out of the car and ran over to the red one (city select), hopped in and said "Take the red one to Disney!!".

I made sure she didn't want the other one and then folded the City Select to put in the Expedition as well.

YAY for making a decision! Now, fingers crossed I can manage it!

Oh, and just because I am excited for the mail yesterday and today, here are my latest upcycles fresh from the designer's hands.

First (these two actually came Monday!)

This is suble Harry Potter - Aria loves Hedwig though so it's perfect.

This Harry Potter one which I already had rounds out my HP ones!

I also just received this one from a new designer, and I'm in love with it!

Then these are out for delivery for today!!

This is a tunic

I'm going to need to carry this around when we are in the MK because I REALLY want Aria to FINALLY meet Marie!

Also a tunic for AK and FotLK

This is for Universal!

For Tusker House!

For either T-Rex or AK

And these two straggles are supposed to arrive tomorrow...fingers crossed!!

(she hadn't quite finished the trim when she took the pic lol)

All right that's enough clothes - it's basically the remains of my packing list besides the last minute milk-in-thermos and a couple toiletries.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Hmmmm, I'm listening to the DISunplugged podcast live (Phil recommend it for the segement on Aulani) and they just talked about this. They seemed to feel that it was so people would buy people Magic Bands as gifts for future trips. They didn't say anything about the loophole. We'll see, I guess.

Yeah I gather that either gifts or future trip use is just about the only reason for it? And they apparently aren't letting you purchase the character ones without park admission linked, so IDK! Still seems silly to me.

Obviously I can't say for sure but I don't think it would impact the loop hole because I think the reason the loophole works is because the "extra" magic band is tied to another AP the person connected to it just isn't there.

As for why people would purchase them - not sure, though I guess for future trips? Would this help for future FP+ bookings at all? Otherwise just to have different colors to coordinate outfits? Kinda surprised the won't let you buy the special ones.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Really love that first red and gold Harry Potter one - looks very classy!

Does Marie often meet in MK? We've only ever met her in France in EPCOT

Glad you got the stroller decision made .... granted if you just asked Aria last week you could have saved a lot of stress

 

[Imagineer5]

Obviously I can't say for sure but I don't think it would impact the loop hole because I think the reason the loophole works is because the "extra" magic band is tied to another AP the person connected to it just isn't there.

As for why people would purchase them - not sure, though I guess for future trips? Would this help for future FP+ bookings at all? Otherwise just to have different colors to coordinate outfits? Kinda surprised the won't let you buy the special ones.

The problem though is that the loophole works IN the parks on Aria's (& Izzy's) Magic Bands! Neither of those have media attached to them of course, but we were able to get in-park FP's with them. I am wondering if that ability will still be there, though I am not banking on it of course.

Really love that first red and gold Harry Potter one - looks very classy!

Does Marie often meet in MK? We've only ever met her in France in EPCOT

Glad you got the stroller decision made .... granted if you just asked Aria last week you could have saved a lot of stress

Thank you!! I love that one too! I like the purple & green one too since it is artwork from the book on the tee.

Marie meets by the flag pole, periodically seemingly without a set schedule. I'm looking at Kenny the Pirate's app now and it just says "10:20-2:00" - I believe Marie used to meet in EPCOT but no longer does - at least according to KTP.

Yep you're right! It's still hard to believe my baby has her own opinions and voice though, at times!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The problem though is that the loophole works IN the parks on Aria's (& Izzy's) Magic Bands! Neither of those have media attached to them of course, but we were able to get in-park FP's with them. I am wondering if that ability will still be there, though I am not banking on it of course.

Oh that one! yeah, I could see that maybe now not working ... though even though there is not ticket attached to Aria's (or Izzy's or Emma's) bands they are included in the travel party so maybe it can distiguish that from a completely unconnected band?

Thank you!! I love that one too! I like the purple & green one too since it is artwork from the book on the tee.

Marie meets by the flag pole, periodically seemingly without a set schedule. I'm looking at Kenny the Pirate's app now and it just says "10:20-2:00" - I believe Marie used to meet in EPCOT but no longer does - at least according to KTP.

Yep you're right! It's still hard to believe my baby has her own opinions and voice though, at times!

Well, clearly go with Kenny over me

 

[Imagineer5]

Oh that one! yeah, I could see that maybe now not working ... though even though there is not ticket attached to Aria's (or Izzy's or Emma's) bands they are included in the travel party so maybe it can distiguish that from a completely unconnected band?




Well, clearly go with Kenny over me

Or Peter's! LOL, that is a good thought - I guess even though our June trip we were staying off-site, Aria's band was still attached to mine with an AP. IDK. If Aria's band works for pulling FP's (which honestly I don't even have time for with all that we are doing, but I want to try it out just for reference) then I would be tempted to purchase a Magic Band to see what a random unconnected band does at the FP Kiosks LOL! (Not sure if I am tempted enough to waste $13, but we will see).

Ok I was intrigued to look up the Marie thing, because I actually did think she was still meeting at times in EPCOT as well. It looks like she moved permanently to the MK from EPCOT on 9/30/12 and has been there since, meeting at the flag pole.

 

[Dugette]

Dug's band worked in June and he doesn't have an AP! And I didn't have my AP until the end of the trip, so it wasn't attached to that. (I'll be back later to comment on the rest).

 

[Imagineer5]

Dug's band worked in June and he doesn't have an AP! And I didn't have my AP until the end of the trip, so it wasn't attached to that. (I'll be back later to comment on the rest).

Yeah the only thing is that at one point the extra magic bands were attached to a package/ticket whereas the purchased magic bands won't be attached to anything. They won't even have a name if you go to the kiosk.

Ahh you know what? I bet if the loophole is still there then in order to use the new magic bands all you have to do is set up a dummy mde account and attach the mb to a person and voila - I would bet that it would work then!

I don't even remember the thread we were reading about this ridiculous ability to get FPs on non ticket MBs? If I can find it then I wonder if they have tried what I said above. Only problem is you push hard enough against the rules and I bet they will decide finally to push back.

 

[Dugette]

Yay for picking a stroller! Way to go, Aria! It is pretty crazy that these “babies” are able to voice their own opinions now.

I know the toughest part of bringing the City Select is probably the flight, but keep in mind that you can rent City Minis from the Orlando stroller rental companies and use one for the train at Universal, if needed. Probably not an issue, but just in case.

Love all the upcycles! Ugh, really wishing I had one for her Olaf shirt! Oh, well. That Pirates one is really cute. So is Marie. And thanks for the info on her meet – I’d love for Izzy to meet her, since she actually has been watching the movie recently and loves “meow meow”s! We’ll see – not sure I can make that happen. I think Izzy’s new shoes would match that Cinderella dress, haha.

Glad the packing is going well. You leave so soon!

 

[Imagineer5]

Yay for picking a stroller! Way to go, Aria! It is pretty crazy that these “babies” are able to voice their own opinions now. I know the toughest part of bringing the City Select is probably the flight, but keep in mind that you can rent City Minis from the Orlando stroller rental companies and use one for the train at Universal, if needed. Probably not an issue, but just in case. Love all the upcycles! Ugh, really wishing I had one for her Olaf shirt! Oh, well. That Pirates one is really cute. So is Marie. And thanks for the info on her meet – I’d love for Izzy to meet her, since she actually has been watching the movie recently and loves “meow meow”s! We’ll see – not sure I can make that happen. I think Izzy’s new shoes would match that Cinderella dress, haha. Glad the packing is going well. You leave so soon!

I know, it is so weird we have gone from a totally dependent baby to a toddler w ith her own voice. Seemingly overnight though I know it has been coming.

I considered checking the select and going stroller less, but then I would have to carry the car seat...so I am just going to deal with the Tarmac. I've done it before and I survived lol.

Aww I'm glad you like them! THe Olaf shirt would make a cute upcycle - you still can look into it for your next trip!

Yeah that timing is tough! Idk where I will fit it in but definitely want to try!

 

[Imagineer5]

All checked in!! And bonus, I got the TSA precheck!! I think I forgot to mention this but a couple months ago I signed up since DoD civilians were allowed to sign up for it. It's apparently random if the will let you do the pre check, so you can't count on it, so I sort of let it slip my mind. For providence at 5:30am it probably is totally unnecessary lol as it will be pretty empty, but still nice to have. Fingers crossed it comes through on my return flight though! Oh and I got A53&58 so we can board before family boarding which is nice.

The last two upcycles are at my local po, so they should be delivered on time! And yesterday's package was so much fun to try them all on and pack.

Andrew and his parents left early this morning for their flight so tonight will just be us with her horseback riding lesson, packing the car and pizza night! Sounds great to me! I'm also going to make a quick grocery run to pick up breakfast for tomorrow

 

[Dugette]

Yay for pre-check! Much easier to not have to take things out, take off shoes, etc.

Have a wonderful trip! We'll see you in a little over a week!

 

[schmass]

Hi! I just round your TR, and realized that I have read one of your other TRs! I must have done a search for Baby Trip Reports right before we went on Rory's first trip in February, and I learned a lot from you! I think you were practically done with it at that point, so I never did comment.

It is going to take me a long time to catch up on this one! Have a great trip - can't wait to hear all about it!