My very first PTR - Can you hear the music? ~ We're off tomorrow & it's MAYHEM here!

[KathyRN137]

What did you do to tell your monkeys? Did you wait until close to the trip date or tell them WAY TOO FAR AHEAD like we did

Sorry... no help here! I've never been able to keep it a secret... I would just burst!!


Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Sorry... the dreaded double post!!

Kathy

 

[lisalonglash]

Sorry... no help here! I've never been able to keep it a secret... I would just burst!!


Kathy

It's been a little bit hard for me not to tell them, but I'm reaping the benefits, let me tell you - not being asked when we're going for four months is a good thing

 

[MinnieNurse]

We did not tell DS the first time until we were on the plane. He thought we were going to see relatives. He was small so it was easy to fool him, ever since he is so involved in the planning that we havent kept it a secret. We are thinking of doing a Disney cruise in 2010 and do not plan to tell him until right before.

Maybe you could make them gift baskets or t-shirts that say I am going to Disney and give to them.

Or play a game with them and do like a scavenger hunt to find clues and the last one can tell them about the trip.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Here's my OCD answer to your above questions

1) Tell the Kids.
I've always told the kids so sorry no help there. Kuddos to you for being able to keep it a secret.

2) Binder Info
I had two binders. The big one with all the information in it and a smaller one (pocket picture album size) that I take into the park.

In my big binder I also had
-mapquest directions to and from the airport as I'll be tired driving home and to reverse the east to the west just takes too much time.
-a small pencil case (with the three rings in it) in this binder with a couple pens. I also keep a couple of american dollars in the pencil case as we have to pay tolls on our way to airport.
-my mousekeeping envelopes in this binder ready to go. If I can I will put money in them so they are ready to go. I was making one for each day but I have found that the staff seem to just take the money and leave the envelope so I still have tons.
-lists of all things disney, what needs to be done, what needs to be bought, timelines for packing etc..
-My favorite piece of paper of all time. The Disney Contract I make Dh and the kids sign. I had a lot of trouble with Dh on our first trip. He wasn't happy about moving early in the mornings but has since seen that the early morning thing is good and I promise him time to nap/lounge in the afternoon.

In the smaller park version I have the stuff I need in the park each day.
-times for things I might want to do like the electric parade schedule, movies at fort wilderness schedule.
-the times to all the characters greets and shows (Jedi training etc) from Steve Soare's site. You can't do it until about a week before.
-List of the photopass "funky" pictures ie simba at AK in front of tree of life, Captain hook near POC in MK.
-printed chart of where the pressed pennies all are.
-a copy of the touring plans from unofficial guides in it. The pocket versions as well as a print out of the ones from Tour Guide Mike. Naturally my park binder is organized in sections by parks.
-a copy of a printout with the best viewing places for fire/works and parades from Tour Guide Mike in it.
-couple hidden mickeys to look for in favorite rides. I hand write them from the book I have just in case.
-a small pocket size chart for my plans each day including ADR #s. It's a pretty simple table chart that lists each meal, a morning, afternoon and evening activity, and I include which parks have EMH whether morning or evening just in case we change the plan (Heaven forbid!) and need to do something else.

If you're looking for things to do have you made your lime green mickey heads for your luggage and park bags yet?

Have you visited the Dollar store and bought rain ponchos, Disney window clings for your hotel window, clothes pins to hang your wet bathing suits up on the lines in the bathroom or light up jewelry for the parks at night?

Have you bought the notebook you're going to capture your park memories in and then turn them into a trip report later?

Boy writing this all down again really makes me wish I had another trip to plan. Sigh. I've agreed to wait until 2011.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Oooo, i'm going to have to get a binder going for my next trip. I brought along all of the info we needed, but it was not as organized as it should have been. I'll be starting a binder soon for my next trip

I'm so excited to be reading your trip report because we just came back from our first trip, and we are going back next September. So I can't wait to see what kind of weather you have down there and see what the crowd level is at that time of year.


And that is so exciting to surprise them. There are some pretty creative ways people have told their kids on here. I'm sure you'll come across some good ideas. Me....I could never keep that secret..... Great Job!!!

 

[MinnieNurse]

Wow, I am impressed with the binder. I must confess-I have no binder. I love to plan my vacations, but beyond the resort, which parks which day, and ADR's I let the rest just happen as it will. I know that is a huge risk, but this will be our 5th trip and it has worked well for us in the past.

I must add though I wished I had as much organization as you do, I really am impressed I just know my binder would stay empty.

 

[lisalonglash]

We did not tell DS the first time until we were on the plane. He thought we were going to see relatives. He was small so it was easy to fool him, ever since he is so involved in the planning that we havent kept it a secret. We are thinking of doing a Disney cruise in 2010 and do not plan to tell him until right before.

Maybe you could make them gift baskets or t-shirts that say I am going to Disney and give to them.

Or play a game with them and do like a scavenger hunt to find clues and the last one can tell them about the trip.

Thanks for the ideas

I can't wait until we're on the plane though - I don't think that approach would work well at all with Tigger, he doesn't do well with big surprises like that

2) Binder Info
I had two binders. The big one with all the information in it and a smaller one (pocket picture album size) that I take into the park.

In my big binder I also had
-mapquest directions to and from the airport as I'll be tired driving home and to reverse the east to the west just takes too much time.
-a small pencil case (with the three rings in it) in this binder with a couple pens. I also keep a couple of american dollars in the pencil case as we have to pay tolls on our way to airport.
-my mousekeeping envelopes in this binder ready to go. If I can I will put money in them so they are ready to go. I was making one for each day but I have found that the staff seem to just take the money and leave the envelope so I still have tons.
-lists of all things disney, what needs to be done, what needs to be bought, timelines for packing etc..
-My favorite piece of paper of all time. The Disney Contract I make Dh and the kids sign. I had a lot of trouble with Dh on our first trip. He wasn't happy about moving early in the mornings but has since seen that the early morning thing is good and I promise him time to nap/lounge in the afternoon.

In the smaller park version I have the stuff I need in the park each day.
-times for things I might want to do like the electric parade schedule, movies at fort wilderness schedule.
-the times to all the characters greets and shows (Jedi training etc) from Steve Soare's site. You can't do it until about a week before.
-List of the photopass "funky" pictures ie simba at AK in front of tree of life, Captain hook near POC in MK.
-printed chart of where the pressed pennies all are.
-a copy of the touring plans from unofficial guides in it. The pocket versions as well as a print out of the ones from Tour Guide Mike. Naturally my park binder is organized in sections by parks.
-a copy of a printout with the best viewing places for fire/works and parades from Tour Guide Mike in it.
-couple hidden mickeys to look for in favorite rides. I hand write them from the book I have just in case.
-a small pocket size chart for my plans each day including ADR #s. It's a pretty simple table chart that lists each meal, a morning, afternoon and evening activity, and I include which parks have EMH whether morning or evening just in case we change the plan (Heaven forbid!) and need to do something else.

I knew it! I knew there was stuff I was forgetting! Thank you, thank you!

2)If you're looking for things to do have you made your lime green mickey heads for your luggage and park bags yet?

I have the lime green (and other colours too) mickey heads, but I don't have a laminator. Any advice for getting the heads on my Heys bag and/or my lanyard?

2)Have you visited the Dollar store and bought rain ponchos, Disney window clings for your hotel window, clothes pins to hang your wet bathing suits up on the lines in the bathroom or light up jewelry for the parks at night?

Nope, not yet, but I will be getting ponchos and light sticks (not sure we have Disney clings at our dollar stores, but I'll look). Thanks!

2)Have you bought the notebook you're going to capture your park memories in and then turn them into a trip report later?

I thought I'd use my Passporter for that

2)Boy writing this all down again really makes me wish I had another trip to plan. Sigh. I've agreed to wait until 2011.

Aww You could help me figure out ADRs and park plans in the meantime (when the hours come out) LMAO!

I'm so excited to be reading your trip report because we just came back from our first trip, and we are going back next September. So I can't wait to see what kind of weather you have down there and see what the crowd level is at that time of year.

And that is so exciting to surprise them. There are some pretty creative ways people have told their kids on here. I'm sure you'll come across some good ideas. Me....I could never keep that secret..... Great Job!!!

Thank you! I hope my PTR and TR will be good reads for everyone

I hope so too - it's fun to have a wonderful secret

Wow, I am impressed with the binder. I must confess-I have no binder. I love to plan my vacations, but beyond the resort, which parks which day, and ADR's I let the rest just happen as it will. I know that is a huge risk, but this will be our 5th trip and it has worked well for us in the past.

I must add though I wished I had as much organization as you do, I really am impressed I just know my binder would stay empty.

I'm impressed with Diamond's binder too! With Tigger's personality and extreme spiritedness, me being organized enough to be able to prepare him ahead of time for which park on which day, which restaurant on which day, which meal (hence, the menus in the binder) at the restaurant he might like, etc. saves us all much frustration - the time spent is totally worth it for us

 

[Diamondintheruff]

With Tigger's personality and extreme spiritedness, me being organized enough to be able to prepare him ahead of time for which park on which day, which restaurant on which day, which meal (hence, the menus in the binder) at the restaurant he might like, etc. saves us all much frustration - the time spent is totally worth it for us

I had to prepare my Eeoyre (DS10) quite a bit the first trip. We watched rides on Youtube, read the descriptions of them in the Unofficial guide and birenbaums for kids. Most importantly we had a backup plan if Eeoyre didn't want to go on the ride with us. He was assigned to Poppa (my dad). They were partners the whole trip. Poppa didn't care if he went on the rides or not. He just wanted Eeoyre to be happy. (I know, I know very sweet). So Eeoyre always knew he was riding with Poppa, or waiting it out with him. Sometimes Eeoyre had enough stimulation and he and Poppa would leave us at the park.

Having a "plan" for each day also helped. Eeoyre knew what to expect and felt confident checking each item off the list. Plus the plan meant I had one less thing to think about.

I'm impressed with Diamond's binder too!

I have to confess I didn't make my binder all myself.

A very good likeminded OCD friend was heading to Disney a couple months before my families first trip. We made the binder together and it has travelled to Disney with some of my other friends as well over the years.

On a sad note my friend passed away from Cancer last fall a year after her Disney trip. She didn't know she had cancer until three months before she died. It was breast cancer. She was 40 when she died.

She did most of the work getting us organized. I have just kept it up over the years as sort of an hommage to her.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

To answer your mickey head question.


I can't find the photo anymore but it's in my old trip report so here is the link. Just scroll down to the picture of my lime green park bag.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27838146&postcount=219

It shows my hey's travelbag (Actually the bag was my friend's who passed away) with two mickey heads.

There is one that I covered front and back with clear acetate (it was from a report cover that I cut up) and closed the sides with clear tape. Then i taped a safety pin to the back so it was like a button.

There is another one that I squeezed into the clear side of the luggage tag that disney sent me. The problem being that it was just one-sided and I was forever turning it back around so people could see it.

Worse case scenario. Take the mickey heads to staples. I'm sure they have a laminator. Punch a hole in them and attach them by string to your park bag.

Anyhow, I have faith in your creativity. I'm sure you can come up with something.

 

[KathyRN137]

Binder Info
I had two binders. The big one with all the information in it and a smaller one (pocket picture album size) that I take into the park.

In my big binder I also had
-mapquest directions to and from the airport as I'll be tired driving home and to reverse the east to the west just takes too much time.
-a small pencil case (with the three rings in it) in this binder with a couple pens. I also keep a couple of american dollars in the pencil case as we have to pay tolls on our way to airport.
-my mousekeeping envelopes in this binder ready to go. If I can I will put money in them so they are ready to go. I was making one for each day but I have found that the staff seem to just take the money and leave the envelope so I still have tons.
-lists of all things disney, what needs to be done, what needs to be bought, timelines for packing etc..
-My favorite piece of paper of all time. The Disney Contract I make Dh and the kids sign. I had a lot of trouble with Dh on our first trip. He wasn't happy about moving early in the mornings but has since seen that the early morning thing is good and I promise him time to nap/lounge in the afternoon.

In the smaller park version I have the stuff I need in the park each day.
-times for things I might want to do like the electric parade schedule, movies at fort wilderness schedule.
-the times to all the characters greets and shows (Jedi training etc) from Steve Soare's site. You can't do it until about a week before.
-List of the photopass "funky" pictures ie simba at AK in front of tree of life, Captain hook near POC in MK.
-printed chart of where the pressed pennies all are.
-a copy of the touring plans from unofficial guides in it. The pocket versions as well as a print out of the ones from Tour Guide Mike. Naturally my park binder is organized in sections by parks.
-a copy of a printout with the best viewing places for fire/works and parades from Tour Guide Mike in it.
-couple hidden mickeys to look for in favorite rides. I hand write them from the book I have just in case.
-a small pocket size chart for my plans each day including ADR #s. It's a pretty simple table chart that lists each meal, a morning, afternoon and evening activity, and I include which parks have EMH whether morning or evening just in case we change the plan (Heaven forbid!) and need to do something else.

If you're looking for things to do have you made your lime green mickey heads for your luggage and park bags yet?

Have you visited the Dollar store and bought rain ponchos, Disney window clings for your hotel window, clothes pins to hang your wet bathing suits up on the lines in the bathroom or light up jewelry for the parks at night?

Have you bought the notebook you're going to capture your park memories in and then turn them into a trip report later?

As Crush would say...

"Whoa, DUDE!!

That's some planning!!


Kathy

 

[lisalonglash]

I had to prepare my Eeoyre (DS10) quite a bit the first trip. We watched rides on Youtube, read the descriptions of them in the Unofficial guide and birenbaums for kids. Most importantly we had a backup plan if Eeoyre didn't want to go on the ride with us. He was assigned to Poppa (my dad). They were partners the whole trip. Poppa didn't care if he went on the rides or not. He just wanted Eeoyre to be happy. (I know, I know very sweet). So Eeoyre always knew he was riding with Poppa, or waiting it out with him. Sometimes Eeoyre had enough stimulation and he and Poppa would leave us at the park.

For some reason, Tigger has absolutely no problem with any rides. He's definitely a thrill ride kind of guy, as is Mickey. For instance, he went on the Incredible Hulk Coaster at IOA and LOVED it On the other hand, we don't really do the tamer rides because neither boy likes them much

I think it's sweet that your dad enjoys hangin' out with Eeyore

Having a "plan" for each day also helped. Eeoyre knew what to expect and felt confident checking each item off the list. Plus the plan meant I had one less thing to think about.

This is why I do all I can beforehand. Having a rough idea of what to expect beforehand is key for Tigger too.

I have to confess I didn't make my binder all myself.

A very good likeminded OCD friend was heading to Disney a couple months before my families first trip. We made the binder together and it has travelled to Disney with some of my other friends as well over the years.

On a sad note my friend passed away from Cancer last fall a year after her Disney trip. She didn't know she had cancer until three months before she died. It was breast cancer. She was 40 when she died.

She did most of the work getting us organized. I have just kept it up over the years as sort of an hommage to her.

What a lovely story, thanks for sharing

To answer your mickey head question.

I can't find the photo anymore but it's in my old trip report so here is the link. Just scroll down to the picture of my lime green park bag.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27838146&postcount=219

It shows my hey's travelbag (Actually the bag was my friend's who passed away) with two mickey heads.

There is one that I covered front and back with clear acetate (it was from a report cover that I cut up) and closed the sides with clear tape. Then i taped a safety pin to the back so it was like a button.

There is another one that I squeezed into the clear side of the luggage tag that disney sent me. The problem being that it was just one-sided and I was forever turning it back around so people could see it.

Worse case scenario. Take the mickey heads to staples. I'm sure they have a laminator. Punch a hole in them and attach them by string to your park bag.

Thanks for the ideas - I'll let you know how it works out!

Anyhow, I have faith in your creativity. I'm sure you can come up with something.

Your faith in my creative abilities is probably misplaced, but I'll give it my best shot!

As Crush would say...

"Whoa, DUDE!!

That's some planning!!


Kathy

I know! Amazingly organized, isn't she?!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I was a little behind but am all caught up now

In 2004, I surprised DD with a trip to WDW for her 12th birthday...it was so hard to keep the secret, but I somehow managed

One of my very best friends helped me plan everything and she came along for the ride as her DH has no interest in going to the world...what is up with that

I took the day off before we left to pack, took DD to school and reminded her that we were meeting friends for dinner that evening and to look for us in her Auntie Brenda's truck after school. My friend Trish who was going with us and I sat in the back of the SUV so when DD got in she wouldn't see all the luggage

Her Auntie Brenda said "I have to go to the airport to pick up a package for Uncle Eric before we go to dinner We got there and she said can you guys come in with me I don't know where I'm going....I of course played along and said OMG, r u serious, just go to the Air Canada counter.....my darling DD said, don't be so grouchy mom, let's go and help

So out of the truck we all get, open the back, and pulled off the cover over to luggage and told DD WE'RE GOING TO WDW!!! She started to cry which started Brenda and Trish crying....saying awww she's so happy-----WRONG!! As her mommy I knew what was going thru her head....I have to get on a plane in 2 hours (she HATES flying). We got all checked in and went up to departure where friends and family were waiting to have a celebration before we left!!!

It was one of the best trips we ever had!!!!!

I asked DD what she preferred and she said the surprise one....just another opinion for you

 

[jordanyosh]

subbing

 

[MinnieNurse]

I was a little behind but am all caught up now

In 2004, I surprised DD with a trip to WDW for her 12th birthday...it was so hard to keep the secret, but I somehow managed

One of my very best friends helped me plan everything and she came along for the ride as her DH has no interest in going to the world...what is up with that

I took the day off before we left to pack, took DD to school and reminded her that we were meeting friends for dinner that evening and to look for us in her Auntie Brenda's truck after school. My friend Trish who was going with us and I sat in the back of the SUV so when DD got in she wouldn't see all the luggage

Her Auntie Brenda said "I have to go to the airport to pick up a package for Uncle Eric before we go to dinner We got there and she said can you guys come in with me I don't know where I'm going....I of course played along and said OMG, r u serious, just go to the Air Canada counter.....my darling DD said, don't be so grouchy mom, let's go and help

So out of the truck we all get, open the back, and pulled off the cover over to luggage and told DD WE'RE GOING TO WDW!!! She started to cry which started Brenda and Trish crying....saying awww she's so happy-----WRONG!! As her mommy I knew what was going thru her head....I have to get on a plane in 2 hours (she HATES flying). We got all checked in and went up to departure where friends and family were waiting to have a celebration before we left!!!

It was one of the best trips we ever had!!!!!

I asked DD what she preferred and she said the surprise one....just another opinion for you

Great story. Lisa I think you definitely need to figure out a way to make it a surprise. Even if its a few weeks before the trip you could do somethin fun.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great story. Lisa I think you definitely need to figure out a way to make it a surprise. Even if its a few weeks before the trip you could do somethin fun.

Thanks for the compliment It really was a great trip, I smile just thinking about it.

 

[lisalonglash]

In 2004, I surprised DD with a trip to WDW for her 12th birthday...it was so hard to keep the secret, but I somehow managed

One of my very best friends helped me plan everything and she came along for the ride as her DH has no interest in going to the world...what is up with that

I took the day off before we left to pack, took DD to school and reminded her that we were meeting friends for dinner that evening and to look for us in her Auntie Brenda's truck after school. My friend Trish who was going with us and I sat in the back of the SUV so when DD got in she wouldn't see all the luggage

Her Auntie Brenda said "I have to go to the airport to pick up a package for Uncle Eric before we go to dinner We got there and she said can you guys come in with me I don't know where I'm going....I of course played along and said OMG, r u serious, just go to the Air Canada counter.....my darling DD said, don't be so grouchy mom, let's go and help

So out of the truck we all get, open the back, and pulled off the cover over to luggage and told DD WE'RE GOING TO WDW!!! She started to cry which started Brenda and Trish crying....saying awww she's so happy-----WRONG!! As her mommy I knew what was going thru her head....I have to get on a plane in 2 hours (she HATES flying). We got all checked in and went up to departure where friends and family were waiting to have a celebration before we left!!!

It was one of the best trips we ever had!!!!!

I asked DD what she preferred and she said the surprise one....just another opinion for you

That is a wonderful story, thanks for sharing

subbing

Hiya Jordan - glad to see you (and so happy you're feeling lots better)!

Great story. Lisa I think you definitely need to figure out a way to make it a surprise. Even if its a few weeks before the trip you could do somethin fun.

That's what I'm thinking too. Now, to figure out how to tell....

Thanks for the compliment It really was a great trip, I smile just thinking about it.

I smiled reading it

 

[lovemyblt]

Oh I am so bad at secret I love to read other peoples tales becasue I can never pull it off!
I actually did once and the kids were soooo grumpy becasue we got up to early that it killed the suprise

Oh well I ope you think of a creative way to tell!

 

[lisalonglash]

Oh I am so bad at secret I love to read other peoples tales becasue I can never pull it off!
I actually did once and the kids were soooo grumpy becasue we got up to early that it killed the suprise

Oh well I ope you think of a creative way to tell!

I'll let you know when we do tell them and I hope I can come up with something creative, but don't hold your breath on that

 

[jordanyosh]

As Crush would say...

"Whoa, DUDE!!

That's some planning!!


Kathy

I agree Diamond is way more organized than me...lots of good ideas.