My family thinks I'm crazy..but I know you all won't! Back and my TR is started!

[AKL LOVER]

Hello all and welcome to my PTR! It's my first, so bear with me as I learn the ins and outs of trip reporting...


I've been tossing around the idea of doing a PTR, but wasn't completely sold...until my friends and family started telling me I was crazy to plan yet ANOTHER vacation to the World. I mean, I guess they just don't get it. If they would only come spend a few days with me down there and experience the magic first hand, then they MIGHT just get my obsession...I mean a girl can hope can't she?


But, alas, they will not. So I say on them. I am taking my butt to Disney whenever I want!

So naturally, the next best thing to talking about my Disney plans with my friends and faimly, would be to talk about my plans with DISers! At least I know you all understand how I feel about Disney

Thus, my PTR became not just an idea I was tossing around, but it became a necessity! I can't not talk about Disney when I am planning a trip. And to make it all worse...DH and I have decided to surprise the kids with this trip, so now I can't even talk about it with them yet! AAHHH! So here goes...


The when: May 2-8, 2011.
The where: AKL (of course!)
The who: Me, DH, DD6 and DS3

Since this PTR is going to help me keep my sanity, I am counting on you all to offer up your advice! I really need some Disney experts to bounce my ideas off of. I'm especially interested in what you guys think of my touring plans and ADR's. More on those later though...



Up next: introductions to my DH and kids (the ones that don't think I'm crazy...the ones who GET my obsession!! The ones who LOVE that I am obsessed with Disney!)


Chapters:
Who's who
Where to book...well that's a no brainer!
Surprise!
ADR's and Park days
Can we have deer at Disney?? And the (not so) big reveal!
Disney Family Movie Night...a tradition begins!
A Delta Dilemma
Delta Shmelta
Decisions: Keep CL or Upgrade to DxDP??
Disney pays me...WWWHHHHAAAATTTT???
Day 2 plans: A magical morning
Day 2 & 3 plans: Yes I have issues with DHS
Disney Family Movie night...an incredible idea!
F! Dining Package Debate and Comments from readers--pg 6!
End of Day 3 & Day 4 plans
Revelation!
Day 5 plans
You know your a DISer if...
Disney Family Movie night...speeding towards Disney!
Goodies!
So sad to plan our last 2 days because it makes me think of leaving Disney
Full fledged, non-stop, borderline obsessive Disney planning mode
40 days to go--time to get my to-do list on!!
T-minus ___ days: Time to start counting down!!
Checking off things on my to-do list...so why does it keep growing??
30 days out--FINALLY!!
Planning journal pics!
Don't laugh, but does the grocery store remind YOU of Disney?
Taking the sickness out of motion!
You aren't going to believe this update! Oh, the things that go wrong one week out from your vacation!
Link to my TR: Next trip I'm booking a resort without a pool!!

 

[pinkxray]

Joining in. We will be there mid- May and I can't wait! My DH and DD don't like to talk about Disney. Once in awhile I'll try to sneak in a question to make plans and DH will say"This has to do with Disney, doesn't it?"

Can't wait to hear all about your plans.

 

[Joyciemc]

Hi, I'm joining in! Glad you started a PTR!

I love reading about trips being planned for the same time I'm going- it helps the time go by faster!


I totally hear you on the family and friends not getting it. I wasn't even going to tell anyone about our upcoming trip, but my DH has a big mouth
Heck, I didn't even want to tell people that we bought DVC. Once again, Ben took care of that- he tells everyone!

 

[AKL LOVER]

Thank you guys for joining in!

It's so nice to know that people are out there "listening" to me...I'd feel a little ridiculous if I was just talking to myself all of the time! But then again, if talking to no one would help me make it through the next four months until I am at my happy place, then I'd even take the silence!

 

[AKL LOVER]

On to the next installment...an introduction to my family and I.

First there is DH and myself, Melissa:

This was taken this summer at a winery in Michigan. We love wine (almost as much as Disney!) We used to do a lot of wine tastings and festivals until the kiddos came along. Now we do most of our wine tasting in the comfort of our own home!

I'll let you in on a little secret: one reason I love my DH is his willingness to visit Disney anytime I want! Now that is true love!!

Our first family trip was in May 2008 and it was not my first time in Disney, but it was for DH. I was worried how he would react. Would he think it was cheesy? Would he be overwhelmed from all there is to do? Would he think it was gimmicky?

Thank goodness it was none of the above! Don't know if I could have hung around very long if he didn't love it!! Turns out, he was as caught up in the magic as I hoped he would be! And it just took one comment to confirm--

DH to me on our first trip: "Honey, you know we have to come back here next year, right?"

Me in my head: SCORE!!

Me to DH, calmly so he doesn't realize the importance of this victory for me: "Yes, I suppose we should, you know, for the kids and all."

And we've been going every year since!

Ok, next is DD6:

DD is definitely a drama queen about most things, much to my displeasure. Up until recently she has been all about the princesses. She has done the BBB each year that we have been, but I'm not planning on it for this next trip. Wonder how that's going to go over?? She has just really gotten out of the whole princess thing in the past 6 months so I can't see spending that much money on something she isn't into. I may end up changing my mind about this so we will see.

And last of our 4 is DS3...he will be 4 when we go:

DS is my little miracle. He was so excited to join us, he arrived at 32 weeks. He spent 4 weeks in the NICU and a week after coming home was transported by helicopter to a PICU in Northern VA for 2 weeks with RSV...He still has health complications but is slowly but surely overcoming them!

So our first trip in 2008 was a celebration of him coming so far and a needed vacation for DD who really took a back seat during that time...bless her heart. She was so good considering all that happened. Getting a sibiling is stressful enough, but then not being able to bring him home or having me at home (I practically lived in the hospital!) was a huge shock!

Here's a pic from our first trip:

So now that I've shared the cast, up next will be our plan of action!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Signing on!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

Hi! I'm following along! I just started my PTR too. We're going at the end of May/first week of June. We've always gone at the beginning of May but I'm working now in an elem. school so it will still be in session.

That's awesome that your DH loves Disney now. Mine does too. He grew up going down there though so it was bred into him.

I look forward to seeing your ADRs and scheduling. I've posted mine on my PTR. I'd love for you to give me your opinion on them. Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39255579&posted=1#post39255579

I'm looking forward to more posts!!

 

[AKL LOVER]

So glad to have you along for the ride!

 

[loganpaulsmom]

I am subscribing as well.. I will be there the same time as you (well we will have 4 overlapping days) I am going may 4th thru the 12th and staying at the Coronado.. I have PTR too.. I have already made my ADR's and I am going to start putting together my touring plans.. This will be my 11th trip.. my second with my son who will be 5 when we go..

 

[AKL LOVER]

So I said my next post would pertain to my plan of action, but I think first I need to discuss the logistics of where and what type of room we decided to book.

Obviously (based on my name and on my first post) we booked at AKL. We have actually never stayed anywhere else on Disney property . My kids love seeing all the animals from our balcony...DH and I love having scenery to go with our tasty beverages in the evening after the kids go to bed.

For our very first family trip I was thinking about booking at a value or mod. But I kept looking at AKL. I guess I was just naturally drawn to it. (Anyone else feel that way about a particular resort, or am I the only crazy one out there?? ) Then Disney released the buy 4 get 3 free deal that year...

**sigh** Don't you wish they would bring back a fabulous deal like that?? Got that deal 2 years in a row and LOVED it!

Anywho, getting back on track: with a deal that fantastic, I just had to book AKL for that first trip! Needless to say, we fell in love and stayed there as well the following 2 years (one of those DVC, Jambo house). Both our 2nd and 3rd trips I initially booked at BC and the Poly, but ended up changing to AKL because I just couldn't imagine not staying there. It felt like home everytime we arrived.

Because I'm a creature of habit, it was a no brainer where I wanted to stay again next year. But I do like a little variety in my life, because I have been eyeing club level and we've never done that before . DH readily agreed after hearing about the tasty beverages available in the lounge. I'll be honest that this is one of the main reasons I wanted to book CL. DH likes a cold beer or glass of wine on a regular day, but he really loves them on vacation! CL would be perfect and it wasn't that much more to book over a regular savannah view room...so CL it is!

I got a sweet PIN from Disney via snail mail, so I called and booked. I was surprised to find that my discount PIN applied to a CL room, wasn't sure if it would. But it did We also booked the regular dining plan with our reservation.

After booking the trip the CM says to me, "You're past your 180 day mark, would you like to be transfered to dining to book your ADR's?"

Why yes, yes I would...silly CM! ADR's up next. Until then, what is YOUR favorite place to eat in Disney??

 

[AKL LOVER]

I am subscribing as well.. I will be there the same time as you (well we will have 4 overlapping days) I am going may 4th thru the 12th and staying at the Coronado.. I have PTR too.. I have already made my ADR's and I am going to start putting together my touring plans.. This will be my 11th trip.. my second with my son who will be 5 when we go..

Hi there! Thanks for joining in! It's funny that you mention your PTR because I'm already subscribed to it! I have been eyeing CSR based on your PTR and someone elses that I'm reading. The rooms do really look great--almost deluxe for the mod price! I think that I may even be persuaded to break out of my AKL habit the year after next to try CSR out!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Staying AKL and concierge will be really nice! That draw you were talking about, that is how I feel about WL, I have just been resisting it for now, I could break any day though!

 

[olwyngdh]

Joining in--We will be there Apr 30-May7, staying at Pop.

 

[loganpaulsmom]

Hi there! Thanks for joining in! It's funny that you mention your PTR because I'm already subscribed to it! I have been eyeing CSR based on your PTR and someone elses that I'm reading. The rooms do really look great--almost deluxe for the mod price! I think that I may even be persuaded to break out of my AKL habit the year after next to try CSR out!

I wish that i had the ability to stay wherever I wanted at WDW and that money was NO object.. I would definitely stay again at the POLY.. I grew up staying there.. and each time I visit I have to go back there again because it reminds me of my childhood so much.. Although, staying at AK would be great too.. My son LOVES animals.. CLub Level.. what a DREAM!!!
I would have to wait like 3 more years to to be able to do that and I totally want to get their this next year.. Its been a hard year for us and NO where else in the world would I love to celebrate than at WDW.. and who knew that after I recovered from everything I went through that 2011 would be the year of " what are you celebrating?" it makes it even that much more special!.. I can't wait to hear your ADRs. i wonder if we will be at the same places??

 

[BridetobeDisney]

I LOVE AKL so I know what you mean. If we had the money right now, we'd stay at AKL everytime too. We stayed there on our honeymoon in a pool view room. It was great! I especially appreciative of the nice room when I came down with a stomach bug or food poisoning. Me and that room became GOOD friends.

Then they released the buy 4 get 3 and we booked Savannah view. It was wonderful. I think with the dining plan for a week at AKL for two adults and a baby it was only 2500 with 7 day tickets for two adults. Can you believe that? I wish we could do it again.

My dream is the Poly. We spend at least three evenings there on every trip. I like to watch Wishes from the beach and of course go to Ohana and Kona.

I'm looking forward to your ADR picks!

 

[TeaForTulips]

subbing!

AKL-CL will be amazing! I have never stayed there but have seen CL at AKL in all its glory through trip reports on the DIS.

Can't wait to read your ADRs!

 

[AKL LOVER]

Joining in--We will be there Apr 30-May7, staying at Pop.

Welcome--so glad you decided to join! The more the merrier!

subbing!

AKL-CL will be amazing! I have never stayed there but have seen CL at AKL in all its glory through trip reports on the DIS.

Can't wait to read your ADRs!

Thanks for coming along! I have been reading up on AKL-CL and it does sound amazing! I'm sure it will be as amazing as it sounds...I can't wait!

 

[AKL LOVER]

Before I get to my ADR's let me digress a bit...

SURPRISE!! We have decided to surprise our kids with this trip I am so excited about this and I can't believe that I've been able to not tell them yet. Just the other day DD was saying, "Mommy, we'll go back to Disney again, right? Disney is my favorite place to be!" It was ssssoooo hard not to blurt out our secret right then in there--my tounge still hurts from where I had to bit it so hard!

When we have booked and taken our past trips, it has never occured to me to surprise the kids. But of course, everybody is all about surprising their kids with Disney trips now (all of the commercials and you tube videos) so I thought it might be fun to give it a try.

First we had to decide when we were going to do the big reveal. Waiting until the last minute didn't appeal to me for 2 reasons-- 1) I wasn't sure I could keep the secret that long! and 2) I would like DD to help plan at least some parts. Since Christmas was coming up it only seemed natural that we would use that opportunity to surprise them--probably the best Christmas present they could get...in my opinion and hopefully in theirs too!!

The next obstacle was deciding how to surprise the kids. Both DD and DS are young, so I had to come up with something that was obvious! So here is what I finally decided on:

First, I bought both the kids new suitcases (in the past we have just packed their stuff into ours). Then I bought a variety of things to pack inside each one: a Mickey and Minnie t-shirt and travel pillows. In the dollar spot at Target I found Cars and Princess books with markers, they also had these great Mickey and Princess candy rings. I got each of them a little mini calendar--one Mickey and one Tinker Bell. I am going to write 'We are going to Disney' on our week in May and decorate it with Mickey stickers. This way, if DD can't figure it out based on what I packed in the suitcase, we can have her look through the months of the calendar and she can read what we wrote! I figure that this will be the last present they open Christmas morning.

My question to you all is: Do you have any other ideas for things that I can put in their suitcases? I have a couple days left before Christmas, and I was thinking about adding a little something else, but am fresh out of ideas. Can't wait to hear what great ones you may have!

And I promise that I will be posting my ADR's soon!

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

Hi, Melissa! Your PTR caught my eye because I am in the same boat - the majority of my family and friends can't understand why I keep taking my kids on WDW vacations! I don't know why, though, considering my parents took me and my sibs there on a regular basis Oh well. I'll take my kids to Disney whenever I darn well please So anyway, we'll be in Disney exactly a month before you (starting April 2nd) and this trip is a surprise for my kids too, but I'm not telling them until the day we leave. Keeping the secret is tough, huh?

I think that is a great idea to tell them on Christmas! That will be a fantastic present. I also like your idea about the suitcases with goodies inside. The only other things I could think of including would be a planning DVD if you have one, travel games or a souvenir from a previous trip that would remind them of AKL or WDW.


I can't wait to read more of your plans!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I always think it is so fun when parents surprise their kids. I can't wait to hear what their reactions are when you tell them.