My first Pre Trip Report-after 11 trips to the World

[Dizneydaz]

Okay, I've been inspired by others Pre Trippies and decided to do my own. It's a little late in the game since we are leaving in just under 3 weeks , but as many of you know, things have a way of changing! I hope I won't bore you!

I think I'll start my post with what I've been doing today, to change my almost perfect trip and mess things up a little!

Trip dates-Sept. 6 to 16th. Staying at POP again.

First off, here's the cast of characters:

Myself, Disney Mom, 48, love going to any Disney Park! This will be my 12th trip to WDW. Live near Disneyland and have AP there (as well as KBF and SW). Into scrapping and photo taking. Love to plan, and organize things. I do all the planning for these trips, and I love it! Oh, and I'm still organizing a POP fridge swap which started just over a year ago and we'll be using it again very soon!

DD, 7, will turn 8 on Sept. 19. First trip was in 2002, she was 2 3/4. This will be her 8th trip. (No, she's not spoiled!) She is in third grade (year round school here). She is a voracious reader, and just finished the last Harry Potter. She reads at 7th grade level. (Yup, I'm one proud mommy) And she is the joy of my life! Everything I do is for her!

My DM, 68, this is also her 12th trip to the world though we did not make our first trip together. My DM is great! She in no way acts her age and can keep up with all of us. Even after a bout with breast cancer in 2002, she keeps on going (and is cancer-free! ) She told her Dr. that as soon as she was done with her treatments, she was "going to Disney World" He thought she was kidding but we went in Dec. 2003 (she wore her wig) and we had a great time. Very special.

My younger, DSis, 46, her 4th trip. Being close in age (16 months apart) we still tend to disagree occasssionally. Neither one of us likes the way the other drives, we each want to drive all the time, she smokes (no one else does), etc. I promise that I will do my best to not argue with her on this trip, really I do (promise, at least )

And a recent addition to our cast, my DNiece, 24, grad student at U of Utah, studying Geology. Recent CM at DL. First trip with us without benefit of being a CM.

So, that's the cast, and here's my report of today's happenings:

First, a little background-Our trip has been booked since April, with 4 of us. Me, DD, DM, and DSis. Plane booked, car booked, a few things left to take care of-MNSSHP and Discovery Cove.

A few days ago, my DSis mentions that DNiece still has a few tix for DL or WDW leftover from when she was CM. DNiece was recently home for a visit and convinced her DM to buy her an AP. Why she didn't use one of her tix, who knows. Anyway, my DSis, who at this point only has a one day base ticket, started trying to talk DNiece into letting her have a few of them. Then, a few days ago, I found out that DN isn't taking any actual classes this year, and will be TA for one class and working on her thesis. Brain Storm! DN can join us at WDW, as a surprise for DSis and DD! But can we pull it off? So, I called DN and asked her and of course, she would love to go (Did I mention that I got my DM to pay for the plane Tix?) Only problem is that DN wants to see a concert on 9-10, which really causes a problem with the amount of time she will be able to spend with us. Oh-I forgot to mention that on our flight from ONT to MCO, we are stopping in SLC to change planes. I thought it would be great if DN joined us at the airport and then just got on too-it would totally blow away the others!

I check delta.com and our flight still has tix available, and in fact, the 2 seats left in our row are still open! Of course, now the flight is $399 rt and we only paid $225. Oh well, it's just my DM's $$ But the problem is her return flight. Since she's going to that (silly) concert, she needs to leave at 7:30 a.m. on Monday to get home on time. That only leaves her with Th (on the plane), Fri, Sat, Sun, and leave very early Mon. Seems like alot of expense for only 3 days but she stands firm on being back for the concert. Okay, so no decision was made that day, and the next day I checked delta again (yesterday) and now the flight is $469 rt! Yikes! So, more phone calls, she had to make sure someone could cover her TA class for her Monday a.m., but it looked good. She would call me back later. Ooops, she didn't. So I didn't book it. Today, the airfare was still $469.

But then, her mother (my other DSis) and I had an idea! How about she join us for the end of our trip? So we checked those fares, and they are lower, at $399 rt. So, checked with DN, it's fine with her. Checked flights for 9/12 and 9/16, everything looks good. One last thing to check, can we get another room at POP? We planned on getting one anyway, since 3 adults, and 1 kid in one small room is a tight squeeze for 10 nights as it is. This way, we'll have that extra room, anyway, and DN can use it for the nights she's there. (At this point I need to mention that I hope my DSis realizes that by asking her to join us, it is costing both my DM, and myself, $300 more for this trip-just hope she realizes it! ).

I've been checking for a room over the last week, or so, with no luck. Nothing available under BUK rate, and at first, no room available, during our time slot, at any price. By now, my DM and DSis asssumed I already booked the other room, but you know what happens when you assume!

So, I went online today to check availability. What's this? I can't get a room on a Saturday night? Yikes! Nothing available 9/8 and 9/15. I can get 9/9 to 9/15. Now what? And hey, if POP is so booked, why aren't we being offered the chance for an upgrade to OKW or SSR, like those staying the week before did?

So, finally this afternoon, I got on the phone to Disney, to check on availability at POP, and to see if I could add DN to the (free) DDP we already had. So what happens next.....
Stay tuned... (sorry gotta go now)

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

I'm in. Sounds like the kind of crazy I do for my vacations . Love it and hate it all at the same time . Hope it works out for you. Count me in!

 

[Tanya90210]

aww man.... a cliffhanger already!!! Count me in!! Sounds like you have a great crew for the trip

 

[becky_AK]

Awww....I wanna know what happens next I'll be back to find out.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Okay, I'm back-sorry it's been so long but you know how life can get in the way of planning your Disney trip! Thanks for staying tuned!

Where was I, oh yeah, I'm trying to get another room for the 5 of us and seeing if I can get DN in the free DDP. She's already dreaming of the cheesecake at Kona's

The first CM I talked to, lets call him, J, wasn't much help. He did tell me that no, I couldn't add DN to free DDP as we already had 4 guest in our room and since a 5th guest would require a new room, and new ressie, it couldn't be done. I'm assuming that had we only been 3+1 we could have, but since we aren't it really doesn't matter, does it.

J told me that his computer was showing absolutely nothing available at POP from 9-6 to 9-16. That's strange, I said, according to your website, I can at least book 9-9 to 9-15. He said, "I'm sure when you get to a certain point in the reservation process it will kick it out-there's nothing available." Huh? So, even though I've entered my dates, and resort choice, and when it showed unavailable changed my dates to 9-9 to 9-15, and then it shows it is available, the compter system will not allow me to book it? Hmmm, I don't think so. At this point I'd been on the phone with J for about 20-25 mins. and he still wasn't 100% sure about the free DDP thing so I asked to speak to a supervisor. While on hold (10+ mins.) my DSis was continuing with the booking process online and was at the point she needed to enter credit card info. So, I decided to hang up from J and call back and see if another CM could be of more help. This time I got a really helpful CM, let's call him, D, and even though he was easier to work with, he too confirmed that no more free DDP- Also, his computer was running really slow and he couldn't even check availability-so we said our goodbyes, and booked the room online for 9/9 to 9/16. Hopefully I'll be able to get the rest of the days, by checking a few times a day (online) I would like to get 9/6 to 9/9, and 9/15 to 9/16. The first few days aren't really that important, as it'll just be the 4 of us in the room, however, we really need to get the room for the last night, the 16th. Then it'll be 4A and 1K. I'll just have to keep checking and hope for the best, or at least a little Disney Magic .

As far as the DDP goes, even if we were able to get it we would have had to buy a one day base tix (about $65) and since DN is only going to be there 4 nights, it's not that great of a deal, right? And, from experience we know that we will have plenty of CS credits to use (last year we had 7 left over to share with other guests) and of course alot of SC. The only problem will be TS but if we share a few meals, and pay OOP, if needed, we should be fine. We'll have a total of 40 of each credit, and that's alot.

I've made ADRs for every day (mostly dinner) and I know from experience that we won't keep all of them. Last year we kept about 1/2 and I was able to book a few new ADRs while there. I booked Kona, Narcoossee's, HBD, and Raglan Road while on property. We'll be fine, I know we won't starve!

So that's Friday, the 17th. Oh, and one more thing, my DM and DSis (the one who's coming on trip) have decided to take a road trip, up north, for about 1 week. I guess it's not enough that we are going to be leaving for 11 days in less than 3 weeks, they need some time off! That's okay, DD7 and I will be fine here alone. I'll continue making all the plans. Don't worry-it'll all be handled for you! They left this a.m. and will be back in about 1 week.

The only other thing I did Friday, for the trip, was check my itinerary at Delta (nope-no changes ) and check rates at Alamo.

I booked our trip on Delta on April 30. I had to reconfirm and reselect seats (due to flight changes) on 5/22, 7/4, and 7/7. But since we've hit the 2 month window, luckily there have been no more flight changes. One of the changes, earlier, resulted in having to change our connecting flight in ATL since we were now left with less than 1 hr. bet. flights. Once we missed a connecting flight, through HOU, on another airline when they changed our flights and didn't leave us enough time. I don't want to have that happen again, so now we'll have about a 2 hr. layover in ATL and get in about 5 p.m. instead of 4ish.

One of the things I love about booking with Alamo is that since they don't take a credit card for a ressie, you can constantly rebook your vehicle if the rates drop. And most of the time they do. I originally booked a Std SUV back in June for $287 (complete for 11 days) I was really surprised when the SUV was less than a minivan-the van was going for about $500! We're they kidding me? I got one last year for 10 days for $225. I was able to rebook the SUV about a month later for $257 but vans are still much higher. I'll keep checking, daily, with Alamo, as well as Delta. I'll also check DN's flight and see if the fare drops at all. If it does, Delta will allow you to rebook, for a $75 fee (just increased from $50).

So, my plans for Saturday are:
Check for room at POP,
Start making our shirts (inc. secret ones for DN),
Check Delta and Alamo, online,
Check on fridge swap and update thread as necessary,
and start Kitchen Remodel. What you say, you're starting a kitchen remodel and you're leaving for WDW in less than 3 weeks? Are you crazy!!!! Yep, I am, details (and pictures) to follow.....

 

[Tanya90210]

Sounds like you've been busy w/ all the booking... glad you could get her the room

I am sooo excited to see the shirts you make


Tanya

 

[Dizneydaz]

I haven't forgotten about this report, but wow has time FLOWN. In less than 4 days, closer to 3-1/2, we will be winging our way to MCO and WDW! Yippy!

Today, it's really starting to sink in because just about an hour, or so, ago, I sent my room preference fax to POP. I always try to do this 4 days ahead (as allearsnet.com recommends) and it has worked well for us in the past.

This year maybe a little more difficult as for part of our trip we will have one room and part of our trip we will have 2. I've been highly unsuccessful in getting a 2nd room at POP for our entire stay. Sat. nights still seem to be the problem. We have 2 rooms from 9/9 to 9/15, but only one for the rest (9/6 to 9/9 and 9/15 to 9/16). I've been checking at least once, if not 2 or 3 times a day to book that extra room and NO LUCK! Boy, I guess POP is going to be packed!

So, after not being able to book that very important 2nd room for our last night (the 15th) I decided I better at least book a room somewhere since we will be 4 A and 1K and that's just too much family togetherness , as well as being against Disney Policy. Sometimes when I checked that night the only rooms that came up were moderate or deluxes, other times one of the All Stars would show up. Sometimes preferred location only, sometimes not. So, a few days back, when All Star Sports showed up, non-preferred, I booked it. At least all the adults will have their own beds for most of the trip. I'll be packing a twin air bed for DD7 to use. And, since we have our own (rental) vehicle, it won't be that difficult to get to ASSp. It's pretty close to POP and it'll bring back memories of the first 2 times we stayed on property at ASSp, before we (I) really checked things out, online.

I'm still hopeful that rooms will magically appear at POP for the rest of our trip. If not, we'll just have to rotate in the beds. I figure one of us (my DSis or myself) can sleep on the airbed, one adult can sleep in a bed alone, and the other one will sleep with DD7. It'll only be for 3 nights so we'll trade off.

In the past, when I've requested a room location (by fax) I've always asked for ground floor (my DM's preference), near food court and parking lot. Bus location not an issue. We've always gotten as we requested, however, I learned in Jan. 2005 NOT to have a room right on the main cart path. That trip we had a first floor, corner room, right by the parking lot (50's bldg., jukebox wing) but it was on a main cart path and all day, and into the night, those housekeeping carts would go whizzing by-highly annoying. If I was to get a room like that again, I would ask to be relocated. We were there for 9 nights. This time I asked for top floor, by hourglass lake, 50's bldg, facing towards Epcot, and (at least for part of trip) connecting rooms. Hopefully we'll get our request, I'll find out when we check in about 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

I'm still working on some shirt designs and will post the ones I have done soon. I also did a hat the other day that came out really cute. I had bought a small, crystal, GOOFY, iron-on thingy for $1 on clearance at WM awhile ago and decided to try it out on a pink baseball hat. It came out really cute and now I'm thinking we need some matching animal print mickey hats to wear with our shirts. The key will be to find the hats, in time. I'm quickly running out of time, and starting to get a little anxious.

One other shirt design I had was to use either a white, or other light colored shirt, and use some sort of resist on it and make that swirly patterned Mickey. Then spray it with some green dye and wash out the resist. It should work, and hopefully I'll have time to do it before Wed. night. One other thing I need to do is make DD her Hermione rabe so she can be her for MNSSHP. I was able to order a Griffinfor patch, online, for $7, and it arrived yesterday. Now I just have to design the robe, see if I can find some material to make a scarf and tie, buy her some white kneesocks, and then her outfit will be done. Hey, I have almost 3 1/2 days to do it-right? Oh, and I need to get one more project out to a client before I leave (I draw room addition/remodeling plans for a living)

This was getting long, so I split up my post.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Part 2

Did I mention our quick trip to DL the other day? DD7 went off track on Thursday, so we decided to go to DL to see the fireworks before the summer schedule ended. We've been experiencing a heat wave here (it was 109 here yesterday, the average is 93) and it was very hot on Thurs. Around 100, or so . We got there about 6:30 p.m. and as I thought, the park was thinning out due to the high heat that day. Twilight is my favorite time at DL! I had a PP taken of us (DD, DSis, and me) in front of the mickey flowers at the entrance. We walked into MK just as the Parade of Dreams was going by so we went up the stairs of the train station and watched the end of the parade until the next train came into the station. DD7 really enjoyed it. We rode the train to Toontown and rode RR. The wait was about 5 mins.! Then DD decided she wanted to ride Go Coaster. The sign said 20 min. I said lets visit Mickey in his barn while there's (apparently) no line (everyone was watching the end of the parade at IASW) and get our picture taken with him. So this we did. Then we got in line for Go Coaster (still 20 min.) and my DSis went off to smoke (Yep, that's right, she's a smoker, and I hate it, and I love her, and she's coming on the trip to WDW with us). So DD and I waited in line and she quickly struck up a conversation with the man in front of us. They were from Mass. and were on their 2nd of 3 days at DLR. We had a very nice conversation and it made the 15-20 mins. go by quicker. But the poor man he, unfortunately, was seated directly in front of DD and she's a screamer! She loves to ride rides and scream. And her scream is really high pitched. He said his ears were still ringing after the ride was over.

Then we decided to ride Matterhorn (it was dark now) and DSis went looking for the smoking area-she didn't find one before 'cuz DL only has 2 areas now. Tomorrowland and Frontierland. DD and I rode Matterhorn and she screamed the whole time. The wait was only about 15-20 on this too.

After Matterhorn, DSis said she was hungry (DD and I grabbed a quick bite at Del Taco on the way) so we started over to the Turkey Leg vendor at the hub. It was about 50 min, or so, until the fireworks, and we noticed that there weren't that many people sitting directly in front of the castle. So, we decided to wait there and she got her T leg. We were seated 2nd group back from the rope and I've never been that close the castle, during FW, before. It was totally AWESOME! Usually we sit over at the restaurant by Tomorrowland and our view is partially obstructed by some trees, and we can't see things projected on the castle and we didn't know they project things on the Matterhorn as well. Even my sister said it was the best view we've ever had-it was liking seeing it for the first time. And, I recorded it with my dig. cam for the whole show and it came out great! The show lasted just over 17 min. We had a great view of Tink doing her thing over the castle, we saw everything on the castle and Matterhorn, and we felt the heat from the flames.

After the show, DD had to pee, so we went off the our secret bathroom located by where Carnation Plaza used to be. After that we went on BTR (Sis sat this out too-not to smoke though, she lost her cigs during Wishes ) We only waited about 10 min. to ride and when we got off I noticed that Frontierland was pretty empty. I had a thought-DCA closed at 8 p.m., what time did DL close? Checked the map, it was 10 p.m.! Check my celphone, it was 10:08! Dang it-the park was closed. We didn't hear an annoucement either. I was really surprised that DL closed so early being as it was still summer season. No biggy though, we are coming back on Tue, the 4th with a school friend of my DD and her DD and DSis. We are going to be there when the open, at 10 a.m. and leave before it gets too hot. Oh, and take plenty of PP pictures!

Now, why, you may ask, am I taking PP pictures? Good question. I'm in a PP CD share group and I was told by 2 CM (at DL) that I can put both DLR and WDW pictures on the same CD order (as long as the dates work). So, our group will be ordering on Oct. 1st, therefore any PP I take between now, and say Sept. 30, can be loaded onto our CD-Cool Huh!


Oh, and one correction to my second to last post-I didn't start our kitchen remodel on Sat. I started it on Fri., while DD was at school. Beating off the tile was pretty noisy. I did get almost all of the demo done before my DM returned on Th, the 23rd. We are ready now to order our tile floor, and will be placing the order tomorrow, at HD, if they will match Lowe's 20% of special order flooring offer.

Photos of shirts, and hat to follow-I promise!

 

[Tanya90210]

Eagerly awaiting shots of the shirts!!!

Sounds like all the plans are in order... here's hoping pop opens 1 room for ya

 

[xo juicy splash]

Sounds like fun! Hope you have fun!
Can't wait to hear more!
I love Pop Century.

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Can't wait to hear and see more.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Okay, just completed some minor detail work on the POP swap I'm handling. I sent PM's out to the next group of 4 using the fridge to make sure all is in order. That'll take us thru 11/7. I'm still looking to find someone to take it over now.

Sounds like all the plans are in order... here's hoping pop opens 1 room for ya

Thanks Tanya, me too!

I love Pop Century.

Me too!

Can't wait to hear and see more.

Thanks.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Tanya, you've already seen this one posted. Tank is brown.

Tank is black-this is a nice tank than the brown one.

DD black tank-I had to buy a black t-shirt with lace and sparkles on it and remove the sleeves and sparkles (and shorten it) so hers would look like ours. She wasn't very happy last year that I couldn't make her one like our tiger striped ones-I wasn't able to buy her the same shirt in her size.

More to post later-time to go to dinner-Lonestar Steakhouse is calling my name!

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

They are so cute

 

[Tanya90210]

love the shirts you did a great job!

 

[Dizneydaz]

And here's the rest (so far, unless I make one more!)

I was going to add some glow in the dark accents but my DM thinks it's better without it. Of course, DD7 wants it-but since she plans on wearing a costume to MNSSHP and we are just wearing t-shirts (and shorts, of course ) I think I'll leave off the accents. These were made with Ts from Michaels (Hanes, on sale 2 for $5). I made them v-necked and shortened the sleeves and hem. I figure the less fabric I wear the better. You know, because of the heat and humidity

Last year's shirt-may make a reappearance-see the accents? Really looked cool in TL with the lighting at MNSSHP!

I think this came out cool and now I want to make ones with Mickey shape in animal fabric on tan, brown, or khaki colored hats. It would look good with our Mickey animal tanks. Just have to locate some hats-it's okay, I've got almost 3 days left!

Thanks for the compliments.

And yes, if you notice the time stamp, I am up early. I started typeing this just after 6 a.m. (pst) and I've been up since 4:30. I figure I might as well get used to getting up early so the 3 hr. difference bet. here and FL won't bother me. Also, we have to leave for the airport by, let's say, 4:45 a.m., on Thursday. The time change doesn't really bother me that much and I read recently that if you eat dried cherries it'll help with jet lag. We buy the dried cherries at Sam's Club anyway, so I'm planning on doing what they recommend. (I have to look it up again!). I'll let you know if I notice any difference, cherries or no cherries.

My DD is pretty good with the time change though she keeps asking me "what time do we have to get up for the airport?" I figure I'll wake her up at the last minute. My DSis (who's not going) will be driving us to the airport and we'll be taking my car-it's an Expedition and we'll be able to fit in all the luggage, and 5 passengers. We're going to pack it all up the night before (Yikes-that's only 2-1/2 days from right now! ) and I plan on french braiding her hair the night before-or maybe I can get my same sister to do it! Her DD is almost 25 and my DSis has much more experience than I do and does a much better job. This way all I'll have to do is wake DD up, get her dressed, teeth brushed, and grab some breakfast cereal (Note to self-put some cereal in ziplocs for the ride to airport and as plane snacks-DD loves cereal-dry-no milk). With her hair looking presentable, I can avoid the 10 min. or so it takes to brush it ("I can do it mom!) and rebrush it and put it in braids or ponies. I figure french braids will keep it neater on the plane in case she takes a nap (crossing fingers here!).

Usually the time difference catches up to DD a few days after we arrive. For example, a few years ago we had gotten to AK just after it opened and we rode KS first. DD was sitting on DNiece's lap and I looked over and said-"Catch her, she's falling asleep! She was out like a light and slept through the rest of the ride-bumps and all, and continued to sleep when I carried her off the ride, put her in the stroller, and then my DM took her into Tuskers to sit awhile while DN and I went and got FP for Dinosaur. She took about an hour, or so nap, and was refreshed for the rest of the day. This happened at about 9 a.m. so I fully expect on this trip there will be a day when she'll just nod off. She had a few other naps during that trip too-and by this time she wasn't napping at home.

On our trip in Jan. 05 ,which was our biggest group ever (DM, 2 DSis, DNiece, DD, and me), we had come back to the room after one of the parks and while we were all getting ready to go out to dinner (off property-no DDP that trip ), and a few of us took cat naps, she too fell asleep and when it came time to leave there was no way I was going to wake her up-she looked so peaceful. While the rest went off to eat, I stayed in the room with her. I was going to order some pizza but changed my mind and the others brought me back some leftovers.

Since there's always the chance she will nod off at anytime (anytime she's still and isn't talking, that is ) I'm going to be bringing her stroller, again, this year. While she is almost 8, she is still small enough to fit in it-she's about 46-1/2" and about 50#-so it comes in very handy. Also, I'm not ready to give up it's carrying space. It's so much easier if I can just put our things in the stroller and not have to carry them on my back. I'm not of the generation that grew up with backpacks so I really don't like carrying them. Especially when it's hot and sticky-I don't want some heavy thing strapped to my back making me even more sweaty! And I'm the one in the family who brings everything we need into the parks. Including my dig cam. and video cam. Plus my DM always lightens her load when we go, sometimes not even taking her purse. DSis is useless for carrying things as well since she has never carried a purse and usually wants someone else to carry her few things. Also, when DD does fall asleep, there is no way I can carry her for any length of time! Even though she's not that big, I can only carry her (when she's asleep and not hanging on) for maybe 5 mins. After that it just kills my back. And since we don't have any big, strong, men with us (or any men for that matter) there's no one else to carry her. A few years ago (really almost 4) we were in Las Vegas, walking around the Dessert Oasis mall by the Alladin and we had decided to leave the stroller in the car-big mistake! We stopped by Burger in Paradise to get some lunch and while waiting for a table, DD (then4) fell asleep. We decided to skip lunch and head back to our room. I started to carry her and only made it about 10 mins. before I couldn't go any further. We decided to sit on a bench and my DM said she would go get the stroller in the car. It took her about 1/2 hr. to get it and come back while I sat there with my sleeping DD. That's when I decided that if there is a chance she may fall asleep, then we are bringing that stroller! Maybe if I wasn't a 48 y/o mom, I could carry her longer, but I am, and I can't. Hey, we even get the free stroller being offered through Disney Visa at DL sometimes just so we have something to put our things in, and a place for DD7 to catch a ride if she starts lagging behind. I wish WDW offered it!

Quick note-I checked Delta and no changes to schedule! I checked Alamo and the rates have actually gone up a bit. I checked for the extra room at POP and no luck I wonder when they release any cancellations into the system? I don't know so I just check several times a day.

Well, the sun is coming up now and shining through the window in my face. It looks like it'll be another scorcher! I am so tired of this heat wave! It was 97 at 8 p.m. last night. Time to get some breakfast and do some laundry. I told DD yesterday not to wear anything she wants to bring to WDW. It's time to decide what to bring.

 

[Tanya90210]

The shirts look wonderful!! I wish mine turned out like that!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Thanks Tanya-I like yours though too!

Okay-so I didn't do too much laundry yet but I did go to WM at 7:30 a.m. and had a great time walking around a picking up a few more (and more....) things. I was there for about 2 hours and it was just starting to get busy when I left. Our WM is now open 24 hrs.

I bought some fabric to make parts of DD costume. I finished making the scarf and I'll post some pix later. Still have to make the tie. I also picked up some tan baseball hats and I've made a few of them up with animal Mickey on the front. They look cute! (I'll post those too!) And I started making our last shirts. I'll let you know what I'm doing after I finish and see how they come out.

Gotta go now-DM and I are off to Home Depot to order our floor tile (I hope) and then to Sam's to pick up chicken for dinner. I'll grab a few LMGH while there too!

Back soon!

 

[Dizneydaz]

2 days to go!

Morning checklist:
Wake up early-DONE 4:05 a.m.
Check for room open at POP 9/6 to 9/9-DONE Nope, now I can't even enter 9/6 as the date must be 3 days out but Sat., the 9th is still booked.
Check for room at POP 9/15 to 9/16-DONE-Nope
Check Delta for schedule changes-DONE None
Check Delta for change in DNiece's fare-DONE-now higher.
Check Alamo for rate change-DONE-went up a few dollars. Current rate of about $281/11 days, minivan, still good.
Check on Fridge Swap-one swapper dropped out for June 2008 and another wanted Sept. 11-25, 2007. Had to break the news to her that those dates were taken-some by me. She's going to be there some of the same time we are-maybe she has a DD my DD could play in the pool with?
Printed out info on swappers I'm involved with. One will be in-person, the other I'll be leaving it in storage for.

Weather update-Yesterday we hit 109 again! Today we are in for a cooling trend, only 99! WDW weather 92 for next 3 days, 89 on Friday-first day in the parks. 30-40% chance of rain until next Tuesday, then jumps to 60%.

Also so far:
Started sorting through "travel" items to start sorting for packing (maybe I should have started this earlier )
Finally started doing laundry -still need to decide on clothes to bring.

Gotta go now-DM and I are off to Home Depot to order our floor tile (I hope) and then to Sam's to pick up chicken for dinner. I'll grab a few LMGH while there too!

Ordered tile-was actually pretty easy since we knew exactly what we wanted. HD matched Lowe's ad for 20% special order flooring and we saved over $400! (more money to spend at WDW!) Tile should arrive just before we get home-so I know what my days after we return will be full of! Also checked on price for pantry door. Now DM will check price through local lumber company (using a contractor account she does work for).

No LGMH to be had! Also, Sam's closed early for the holiday so no chicken from there. Had to go to Albertsons and get 2 there. They were smaller, and more $ than Sams, but pretty tasty. Also Sam's gas was closed so I couldn't fill up. Have to do that tomorrow.

Got a call last night from DD friend's mom that they have to cancel the trip to DL Tuesday a.m. It's probably better anyway, as I am starting to get worried I won't get everything done-and I know that's really stupid, but I start to get anxious a few days before leaving-I mean it's not like we are traveling to the ends of the world without a way to go to a store, etc. if I forget anything, is it? I haven't had my usual dream yet where I wake up on the day we leave with only minutes to get to the airport and nothing packed! It's a horrible feeling.

Back soon, time to feed the cats , they've been pawing at the door since they heard me start the laundry. They sleep in the garage at night since we have coyotes in our area. First load of laundry ready for dryer.

 

[Tanya90210]

Wow! You are almost there!!! Great checklist....