My first PTR..May 2011 anyone out there??

[loganpaulsmom]

HI all.. This is my first attempt at writing a pre-trip report. I have been a member of this board for several years (although the first time I came on I had a different email and user name, and when I lost the email so did I lose the username/password and thus I had to create my current one)..

So, let me begin by telling you all a little about me.. My name is Christine, I am 39 years old

(just turned) and have been married for almost 11 years to my wonderful (most of the time) husband Doug.

. and we have the most amazing albiet rambunctious and sometimes a little fresh 4 year old named Logan


(who is known on facebook as my daily "loganism" status update.. for example today's doozy "mom whats gods full name? is it God D&*$?" oh boy)..
Just so you all know.. I write the way I talk.. So.. in otherwords I can be a little bit long winded..

We are from right outside the Boston area and as it states in my title.. We have so much to celebrate.. The past several years have NOT been easy ones for us.. My husband was out of work for almost a year.. just getting back to work last March.. and then in July I went to the ER thinking they were going to tell me that I had arthritus in my hip and it turned into a 3 month ordeal that changed my life. I ended up having 3 surgeries in 3 weeks and was diagnosed with Gallbladder Cancer. A very rare form of cancer,especially rare in woman and even more rare in a woman my age.. My last surgery was at the end of Sept. it was to make sure that the cancer had not spread.. It hadn't thank god, but my surgery was extremely serious, I was in the hospital for 6 days and I just got back to work last week.. I am CANCER FREE.. So, of course, all of that put everything into perspective for all of us.. Life is too short to put off tomorrow what what you can do today.. Which brings us to why we booked our trip to Disney..
My husband I are LOVE it! we have been 4 times together, and I have been 6 times without him... We even have gone by ourselves without Logan..
The last time we were there was in 2008.. We went with our in-laws (all of them) and Logan was only 2 so this year it will be so great to go with him since he will be 5..

 

[loganpaulsmom]

[B]So, I am still trying to get the hang of this thing.. I went to do a preview post and it logged me out.. Hoping to get better at this as the time goes on..

So here are my stats.. May 4th thru May 12th staying at CSR.. So excited about this have never stayed here but have heard great things about it..

I did my ADRs already.. I will post those later.. We are doing regular DDP.. Although I love all the signature/TS restaurants with it just being mytwo men, all those restaurants get lost on them, they are not really foodies, thus 1 ts a day and No signature dinners..[/B] I am really excited to be posting all my upcoming info and hopefully I will get LOTS of feedback from DIS'ers.. I want this to be the best trip ever..


I just got a new computer and all my old pictures from Disney are stuck on the harddrive of the old computer that is now broken.. But, hopefully soon we will be able to get them off so you can see how much I really do LOVE disney..[/COLOR]

 

[loganpaulsmom]

So.. I have been wanting to do this PTR for a while.. and even though I have been around for a while, I don't know any of you yet.. So.. I am not sure who even wants to know what I am planning.. But.. I am going to write about it anyway..

last time I went in 2008 when my son was 2 and we had ddxp.. it was too much food for us.. we decided this time we would just do ddp. last time we also felt like we were running from adr to adr and this time I wanted a little more time for us to just do what we want.. I want the trip to be a jam packed trip but.. at the same time I don't to have to feel like I need to stop my fun to get to a ressie so this time, instead of having 2 or 3 adrs a day I only booked 1.. We will see how this works out..
.
Ok.. so here we go..
May 4th, 2011Our flight leaves from Boston at 7:00am (which means we will have to be up at 4:00am) arrival time in Orlando 10:00am..
I didn't schedule a lunch this day just incase our flight did not make it on time.. We are planning on getting dropped off at CSR.. and then heading to Magic Kingdom.. We have a 6:15pm ADR at LTT. I am pretty excited about this adr.. I have always gotten to MK and just gone to Cosmic Rays (I know).. So to actually sit in a restaurant and not just have cs or a character meal.. I am really looking forward to it.. I would say by the end of this we would be too tired to do anything else.. So.. we would head back to CSR.. No ressies for the next morning.. but an early lunch at DHS.. any guess's on where?

 

[KatMark]

I'm joining in.

First, I'm so sorry to hear that your husband was unemployed for awhile, but happy to know he now has a job.

And I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer and glad to hear that you are now cancer free (I am a breast cancer survivor...the "C" word is a scary one).

Logan is adorable.

The plans for the first day sound great.

I'm going to guess lunch is at the Sci Fi.

 

[sunnysideup3]

I'm subbing.

Good to see you doing a first time PTR. I'm looking into doing one for our trip, but I'm nervous!

Your son is adorable, and I'm glad that you're healthy again!

Can't wait to hear the details of your trip!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm in! I'm glad things are finally getting better for you and your family, sounds like a rough few years!

Logan sounds hysterical!

First day plans look like fun, I'm going with Kathy's guess too, lunch at Sci Fi?

So you're from the Boston area? Are you by any chance a Red Sox fan?

 

[Becc1]

I'm in, we are also going in May so I look forward to hearing about your plans!

 

[loganpaulsmom]

I'm joining in.

First, I'm so sorry to hear that your husband was unemployed for awhile, but happy to know he now has a job.

And I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer and glad to hear that you are now cancer free (I am a breast cancer survivor...the "C" word is a scary one).

Logan is adorable.

The plans for the first day sound great.

I'm going to guess lunch is at the Sci Fi.

Thanks.. I have read so many great reports and I am hoping that I can make mine interesting.. I am so excited to go again and feel really really lucky to be able to do it and where else in the world would I time though.. right up our alley.. Oh and thanks about Logan.. As you will see being an only child its all about him, and he is a character FOR SURE..

 

[loganpaulsmom]

I'm subbing.

Good to see you doing a first time PTR. I'm looking into doing one for our trip, but I'm nervous! I am so nervous too.. But, I figure at the very least I will get to know myself really well if no one is out there but me reading..
Your son is adorable, and I'm glad that you're healthy again!Thank you.. I had a real bad 3 months health wise.. I am just back to work and its go go go right now.. But, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?
Can't wait to hear the details of your trip!

Thanks for joining. for a while there I was thinking I was going to be all by myself..

I'm in! I'm glad things are finally getting better for you and your family, sounds like a rough few years!

Logan sounds hysterical!

First day plans look like fun, I'm going with Kathy's guess too, lunch at Sci Fi?

So you're from the Boston area? Are you by any chance a Red Sox fan?

Logan is hysterical FOR SURE.. Thanks for joining.. Being from the Boston area, of course I am a fan.. We are so lucky to have such incredible sports teams here..

I'm in, we are also going in May so I look forward to hearing about your plans!

Thanks.. I have read so many great reports and I am hoping that I can make mine interesting.. I am so excited to go again and feel really really lucky to be able to do it and where else in the world would I time though.. right up our alley.. Oh and thanks about Logan.. As you will see being an only child its all about him, and he is a character FOR SURE..

 

[KatMark]

Thanks.. I have read so many great reports and I am hoping that I can make mine interesting.. I am so excited to go again and feel really really lucky to be able to do it and where else in the world would I time though.. right up our alley.. Oh and thanks about Logan.. As you will see being an only child its all about him, and he is a character FOR SURE..

Be sure to pop into the "unofficial" CSR thread if you have any questions about the resort (I just updated it in October).

 

[loganpaulsmom]

First off let me thank you guys for joining.. OMG.. I really thought I was going to be in this all by myself.. Now at least I know you all are out there..

I am definitely nervous about writing at TR not really sure what I need to put in or what I shouldn't.. etc etc.. But, I figured I woudn't be me if I didn't put every detail in there.. Except, I don't know what those details are yet.

I do however have all my ADRS.. and I am just wondering?? Am I selling my trip short by not adding some more? I really want to be able to have lots of free time for touring.. thus.. only 1 adr a day.. but, I keep on reading everyone elses reports and now I am thinking of maybe trying to add some more.. but, not really sure..

Anyway.. So, You see that we are going LTT.. on day 1.. Orginally, I was going to start the trip off slow and not go to a park that day.. but, after looking at the crowd levels if we didn't go to MK on that day the next best day was Mon. or Tues. and my husband said " you really think you can get away with Logan NOT seeing the castle for 5 days?".. Ummmmmmmm.. Duh, what was I thinking of course we have to go to MK the first night.

Ok so Day 2.. HS day.. Now.. just a little background.. Logan will be 5 in January.. and up until about 5 months ago went to bed every night at the same time as us.. I know.. CRAZY I get a just thinking about it now.. But, he wasn't in school or anything and I stayed at home with him during the day so he didn't need to get up early.. Now however, he is up in bed at 8 (although he still sometimes is still up at 10) and is usually up by 7:30a,.. So, I am assuming, at least hoping this is still the case when we get to WDW.. My thought is since we have 12:05 ADR's at 50's Prime time that maybe, just maybe we could get to the Rope Drop?? I haven't been back since 2008 and TSM wasn't there, and from everything I have read you need to run and get a fastpass for that.. I can't go to HS and not have us go on there right?? But at the same time I thought that Logan would LOVE (maybe not as much as daddy) Jedi school, and again from what I have read need to get there and stand in line right from rope drop.. So... which one?? arggh. decisions decisions.. So, again.. our plan is to stay at HS all day.. they close early that night (7:00pm) and after reading review after review I chose to NOT eat lunch at Sci-Fi, but also didn't want Logan to miss out so I made a 6:30pm ressie for dessert.. Although, who am I kidding by then we probably will be starving and will want to eat at least something besides dessert... and we would pay OOP for that..
More later.. Have to take shower to get ready for work and Logan is not really happy sitting next to me and me not playing with him.. HAHAHA.. Oh, and thanks again so much for joining.. It was a great hahaha..

 

[loganpaulsmom]

Be sure to pop into the "unofficial" CSR thread if you have any questions about the resort (I just updated it in October).

Oh, don't you worry. I lurk there all the time.. .. I have a question for you? I am sure I probably can read up on it, but it looks like you know everything about these DIS boards.. Is there a way to see when someone writes on my posts? I keep on having to search and by that time its taken up serious time.. I just want to make it easier for me..

 

[KatMark]

Oh, don't you worry. I lurk there all the time.. .. I have a question for you? I am sure I probably can read up on it, but it looks like you know everything about these DIS boards.. Is there a way to see when someone writes on my posts? I keep on having to search and by that time its taken up serious time.. I just want to make it easier for me..

First, get the onion rings at Sci-Fi....they are delicious.

One of you could run for the fast passes for TSM while the other stands in line for Jedi training. Just a thought.

You can get an email when there is a new post to a thread. You manage it under your "User CP". I have something I have to get done for my boss now, but I'll see if I can find it and come back later and explain.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow, looks like your family really deserves this vacation!

I think one ADR a day is just right, you don't want all your time to be spent in a restaurant! That's just my opinion though. Doesn't hurt to make the reservation though, doesn't mean you have to use it.

We are also traveling in May and staying at CSR, we are arriving the day before you all leave.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your plans.

 

[Joyciemc]

Hi Christine!

It sounds like your family definitely has a lot to celebrate- I am happy to hear that you are doing well now after all that!

I always have a hard time deciding if I am done making ADRs. I want to keep changing them right up until travel time. I think one sit down meal a day is perfect- it gives you a nice break but allows for plenty of flexibility for the rest of the day.

Here's hoping May comes as quick as possible!

 

[AKL LOVER]

I'm joining in on your PTR too. My family and I will also be in Disney the first week of May--it's a great time to visit!! Interested to see if we'll have similar touring plans on our dates that overlap!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm a huge Red Sox fan, I'm from CT! I'm so excited about this upcoming season with all the new acquisitions!

We usually do one ADR per day, sometimes 2 if I really can't figure out another way, but I usually think 2 in one day is too much! I don't know how people can do the Deluxe dining plan, getting to ADR's on time stresses me out! Although it would be great to eat in 2 or 3 restaurants per day!

I really liked Sci Fi for lunch, we went there for the first time on our trip last month and it was fun! I mean, it's not the best food in the world, it's more about the atmosphere and those milkshakes!

 

[loganpaulsmom]

First, get the onion rings at Sci-Fi....they are delicious.

One of you could run for the fast passes for TSM while the other stands in line for Jedi training. Just a thought.

You can get an email when there is a new post to a thread. You manage it under your "User CP". I have something I have to get done for my boss now, but I'll see if I can find it and come back later and explain.

Thanks.. I figured it out.. I have heard all about the onion rings.. right up my alley. and I love the idea of both of running for seperate FP.. Although, if you see Logan he is NOT really a runner.. So we will see how it goes..

Wow, looks like your family really deserves this vacation!

I think one ADR a day is just right, you don't want all your time to be spent in a restaurant! That's just my opinion though. Doesn't hurt to make the reservation though, doesn't mean you have to use it.

We are also traveling in May and staying at CSR, we are arriving the day before you all leave.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your plans.

We do need a vacation! HA.. I think I may look into 1 or 2 more Adrs.. just in case.. when you check in to CSR I will be the on with the sad face because we are almost done with our vaca..

Hi Christine!

It sounds like your family definitely has a lot to celebrate- I am happy to hear that you are doing well now after all that!

I always have a hard time deciding if I am done making ADRs. I want to keep changing them right up until travel time. I think one sit down meal a day is perfect- it gives you a nice break but allows for plenty of flexibility for the rest of the day.

Here's hoping May comes as quick as possible!

Yes.. I am going to keep all the ones I currently have.. but.. I may add some more.. each time I read someone elses TR, I second guess my plans.. thanks for coming along on my journey.. I know its going to come So fast..

I'm joining in on your PTR too. My family and I will also be in Disney the first week of May--it's a great time to visit!! Interested to see if we'll have similar touring plans on our dates that overlap!

I am waiting for my friend to come back to the world, she comes home on Saturday and then we are going to start doing our touring plans.. although i have been many times, I can be a little scatter brained at times so she is going to help me with them..

I'm a huge Red Sox fan, I'm from CT! I'm so excited about this upcoming season with all the new acquisitions!

We usually do one ADR per day, sometimes 2 if I really can't figure out another way, but I usually think 2 in one day is too much! I don't know how people can do the Deluxe dining plan, getting to ADR's on time stresses me out! Although it would be great to eat in 2 or 3 restaurants per day!

I really liked Sci Fi for lunch, we went there for the first time on our trip last month and it was fun! I mean, it's not the best food in the world, it's more about the atmosphere and those milkshakes!

WELCOME to my PTR!! Of course, I am a huge Red Sox fan and so excited for the upcoming year.. Also, so excited about all our teams.. they are all in a great position to win everything
Yes, I booked Sci Fi because I wanted my son to at least see it.. He LOVES all things cars, so I figured he would really be into it..

 

[loganpaulsmom]

So, I know that I have told you a little bit about the past couple of years with my family.. Well, as you can imagine we have also had $$ problems.. So, for years I used a broken down computer and a broken down camera.. well, I got a new Nikon S6000 for my Birthday so I am so excited about being able to finally take some good pictures.. And, my mother asked us not what we wanted for Christmas but what did we need, well we need a computer and what do you know?? 2 days later a new ACER laptop shows up at our house.. So, I feel like I can finally write and do all the things I want to for thise PTR.. Although, I have decided every time I update I want to add a new picture of Logan, just because.. but, all of the great pictures from the past are on the harddrive of a computer that we can't get into.. Aweeee, well we will just have to with what we got.. So, here is todays picture.. one of the first ones hubby took with the new camera and the picture we used for the Christmas card this year.. :love:

 

[olwyngdh]

Subbing We have a couple days overlap in trips--we will be at Pop Apr 30-May 7

Logan is adorable!