Never challenge a DISer to find a deal--a Nov/Dec PTR 11/26: Today's the day!!!

[moparop]

She loves it. All of my friends who have boys call me to get the scoop. Abby tells me every detail of her day and their kids come home and say "fine. Good." Is that how it is in your house?

He used to be a "fine" "good" kid. He has started getting a bit more elaborate. I know what he did at recess, which table he sat at in class, what happened at his special that day, and the food he ate at lunch. Every once in a great while, I'll hear about something important like what the boy told him on the bus or what the day's math lesson was about. Thankfully, his teacher sends home a newsletter on Fridays so I can ask more direct questions over the weekend.

LOVE the photos!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you very much! They took about 60 photos. At first I was skeptical we got anything good, but I was able to do both the entertaining and spotting so that helped a ton.

cute photos!!!

2 hour drive to the airport?? Where are you flying out of?? I've flown Airtran out of Dayton before but that's not 2 hours away??? Perhaps Columbus??

Not sure about the seats..I've always just paid for mine, even if it was just the $6 ones. I guess you could keep a close watch on them online and if you see the plane starting to fill, it might be a good idea to secure seats, even at $6 per person??

Can't wait to hear about the weekend!!

We are flying out of Lexington actually. It was significantly cheaper than Columbus, Dayton, Indy, or Cincy. Plus, I feel good because it's in the "right" direction. The airport is really small, but I think it'll be a good thing for our crew. I always get nervous when we get to the airport.

Thanks for the scoop on seats. We bought our tickets through American Express travel. I wonder if Air Tran will let us pay? I wouldn't mind forking over $30 for peace of mind! Can you imagine if we didn't and some business traveler was put next to Doug on his own. He'd talk his ear off.

LOVE the pics!!

I think you should definitely do some Black Friday shopping before you leave! Do you have a local Disney Store? Maybe you can grab some deals for your trip!!

The Black Friday idea had me fired up. While we have no Disney stores nearby, I am hoping to find some good things for the kids to do on the plane that I snag that day!

I love how she has her little hand on his leg. Definitely one to keep!

Isn't that precious? They just adore each other. Liam is my little mother hen following her around making sure that Aileen does not get into anything. He can even do the mouth scoop to get out random Legos as well as a parent can.

Love all the pics! By the time you check in at Pop the pizza should be done. It only takes about 5-7 minutes and boy are they yummy!!!!

Thanks for pizza info! So good to hear that the pizza will be that fast. It sounds like our mental plan will work out perfectly! Glad to hear that the pizzas are yummy. Of course, my kids think any pizza is wonderful and if they are happy, mom and dad are too!

Wow! Those pictures are amazing. I would be so pleased to get just a few good ones with either of my kiddos! I don't see one that I didn't look at and say "WOW".

Aww, well thank you! There were a lot that weren't as good, but you are right they did do a great job! Doug is the kind of kid who becomes the world's biggest ham when the camera comes out. The other two have to be coaxed to ham it up. We were seriously spoiled by him!

Aww... What a good big brother!

Great picture!


Kathy

Thank you! I took them with to my mom and dad's this weekend and they had to find a frame that would fit that photo because they loved it so much!

The pictures are great. Were they taken at Portrait Innovations....it just looked familiar to me. I love Portrait Innovations.

Plans for the kids that morning. I'm sure you will think of something cool. Maybe Disney trivia or something like that.

They are from Portrait Innovations! We have one very close by and I like the price point and the variety but I seem to be cursed with customer service there. I want to love them but...

Yep, it was Rhonda - I knew her son Joel.

How funny that you both know of her!

Mop-that travel day is always a tough one isn't it??? Busy, busy, busy - excited kids and one you hope sleeps! I bet you will sleep well that night!

You are certainly right! It's a lot of anticipation, scurrying and waiting. Somehow we all make it through. I think it's a good though. It makes sleeping in that unusual bed on the first night.

LOVE the pictures! So, so cute! The one of her with Liam is adorable - and I love how he has it above his bed! How sweet. I hope that 6 hour travel time goes smoooooooooothly!

He is really so in love with his sister. As soon as we hung the photo up, he had to show everyone in the house.

Love love love the pics!!!
How stinkin cute. Well, that sure is a busy day...but it STILL beats driving! It will be great.
I am a little jealous that we will likely never get to do ME. It just doesn't make sense to fly since it is only 10 hrs of driving and we have to go see my DH's g-ma in Cocoa. So we would have to rent a big car for at least one day anyway. But I just want to try an ME bus one of these days. I know that is weird!!

It seems like this would be the perfect trip to price out flying and renting a car for the day! I mean, you are staying at Disney the entire time anyhow. I don't think wanting to do it is weird at all! My kids love looking for the bus and seeing the movie.

Beautiful pictures, love the smile!!

Thank you so much! They are a pretty cute couple of kiddos.

The pictures are adorable! Love the 2 of them together! So sweet!

I wish you good luck with your drive! Hopefully, she's a car sleeper??

Your plans sound great!

The drive was pretty uneventful. Normally, she is not much of a car sleeper, but normally she also has a brother on either side of her. Aileen did really well on the way up, talking to herself or sleeping the entire way. That was even when her mother forgot to pack any toys for her! On the way home she was a bit more fussy but was still a stellar traveler.

those pics are adorable! I need to find someplace that will do pics of my DS and my dog together... Since DS doesn't have any actual siblings

I know a lot of places that will let you bring a pet in! I think there are photos of people with pets at Portrait Innovations!

Those pictures are soooo adorable! Love the big smiles and the one with Liam is priceless.

Loved your description of hubby leaving work -- that is EXACTLY how it works for me !! Maybe one last movie for your crew to watch in the morning? How excited they will be!

Yeah, Aileen is a touch of the diva. She is a ham whenever she wants to be. I tend to say she's really happy or really pissed off. Glad to hear you understand the husband leaving work phenomenon. I was wondering if I was the only one going through it!
-----------
We had a great trip to Michigan! We didn't get to my parents' until 10 on Friday night and Aileen had a rough night of sleep, but that girl was a trooper! I gave the friend I had planned to shop with the wrong date so she had to make a lot of phone calls but was able to meet up in the end. The baby shower was a lot a of fun and we found out my cousin was having a boy, so that was very exciting. Plus, I got rid of bags and bags of baby clothes out of the basement too. It was a win all the way around!

 

[999ghostslover]

We are flying out of Lexington actually. It was significantly cheaper than Columbus, Dayton, Indy, or Cincy. Plus, I feel good because it's in the "right" direction. The airport is really small, but I think it'll be a good thing for our crew. I always get nervous when we get to the airport.

That is great! I know what you mean about the right direction. I hate transferring through Dallas to get to NJ from here. It makes no sense but if it is the cheapest we do it.
And with our drive we can go to 2 ways...south to Birmingham, AL or northeast to Chattanooga, TN. Even though they say it is like 8 minute faster I cannot drive NORTHeast to get to Florida.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Glad the trip went well! And for getting rid of bags and bags of clothes! Doesn't it feel SO GOOD to pass those on?! I really enjoyed passing Henry's onto a couple other expectant Mom's who needed things. I kept a few specials ones too of course! :

 

[moparop]

That is great! I know what you mean about the right direction. I hate transferring through Dallas to get to NJ from here. It makes no sense but if it is the cheapest we do it.
And with our drive we can go to 2 ways...south to Birmingham, AL or northeast to Chattanooga, TN. Even though they say it is like 8 minute faster I cannot drive NORTHeast to get to Florida.

LOL! Isn't it funny how your mind just won't let you do it, even if it's shorter overall?!

Glad the trip went well! And for getting rid of bags and bags of clothes! Doesn't it feel SO GOOD to pass those on?! I really enjoyed passing Henry's onto a couple other expectant Mom's who needed things. I kept a few specials ones too of course! :

I just LOVE passing stuff on! It's so liberating and nice to know the things will be worn again. I have not gone through Aileen's stuff yet. I think there's a lot in there I could sell for a good price. I think I want to try that route first. We have a great second hand store that I love. the owner will give more "money" if you take it as a store credit and since their stuff is awesome, it works out well!

 

[moparop]

Day 2 Plans!!

This day will be 100% go with the flow. I have written several sets of plans in my head, but they all have a common theme. I point the crew in a direction and we see where the wind takes us. This is pretty unlike me, but since this is a bonus full day at Disney I feel like we need it. Since I have three main ideas, I will present all of them. Feel free to weigh in on your favorite of the plans. In order to keep up with the theme of the day, I think we will be deciding on the morning of 11/27.


Plan A: Hang out at Pop!
Sleep in.
Explore our resort.
Take photos with every icon.
Run through the splash pad.
Eat at Everything Pop.
Take in the Pop Christmas decorations.
Play at the arcade.
Swim in the pool! (weather permitting)
Take part in the resort activities (Did I read something about hoola hooping in the lobby?)

Plan B: Shopping DTD/Exploring the Boardwalk
Sleep in.
Catch a bus to Downtown Disney.
Grab some food from our friends Earl or Wolfie.
Wander through some shops and do the sneak and switch Christmas shopping.
Try some of Goofy's goodies.
Have a visit with Santa.
Catch a bus to the Boardwalk Inn.
Wander around the Boardwalk.
Check out what's happening at Beaches n Cream. (Plan B seems to involve a lot of eating.)

Plan C: Animal Kingdom
Sleep in.
When we feel "ready" catch a bus to AK.
Talk to guest services about getting our package tickets a day early.
Make it a day of firsts at AK:
Play in the Boneyard.
Visit Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Spin on Triceratops Spin.
Find Devine.
Eat at Flame Tree Barbecue.
Watch the Jingle Jammin Parade.

Each of the plans has some great pros and cons. My lists activities are just my brainstorm of fun things I hope to do and are are by no means a checklist for the day, In a perfect world, we'd have enough time at Disney to do each of these on this trip. Sadly, we live in the real world. We'll have to include bits and pieces from each plan to make our perfect trip!

 

[MeMom]

Day 2 Plans!!

This day will be 100% go with the flow. I have written several sets of plans in my head, but they all have a common theme. I point the crew in a direction and we see where the wind takes us. This is pretty unlike me, but since this is a bonus full day at Disney I feel like we need it. Since I have three main ideas, I will present all of them. Feel free to weigh in on your favorite of the plans. In order to keep up with the theme of the day, I think we will be deciding on the morning of 11/27.


Plan A: Hang out at Pop!
Sleep in.
Explore our resort.
Take photos with every icon.
Run through the splash pad.
Eat at Everything Pop.
Take in the Pop Christmas decorations.
Play at the arcade.
Swim in the pool! (weather permitting)
Take part in the resort activities (Did I read something about hoola hooping in the lobby?)

Plan B: Shopping DTD/Exploring the Boardwalk
Sleep in.
Catch a bus to Downtown Disney.
Grab some food from our friends Earl or Wolfie.
Wander through some shops and do the sneak and switch Christmas shopping.
Try some of Goofy's goodies.
Have a visit with Santa.
Catch a bus to the Boardwalk Inn.
Wander around the Boardwalk.
Check out what's happening at Beaches n Cream. (Plan B seems to involve a lot of eating.)

Plan C: Animal Kingdom
Sleep in.
When we feel "ready" catch a bus to AK.
Talk to guest services about getting our package tickets a day early.
Make it a day of firsts at AK:
Play in the Boneyard.
Visit Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Spin on Triceratops Spin.
Find Devine.
Eat at Flame Tree Barbecue.
Watch the Jingle Jammin Parade.

Each of the plans has some great pros and cons. My lists activities are just my brainstorm of fun things I hope to do and are are by no means a checklist for the day, In a perfect world, we'd have enough time at Disney to do each of these on this trip. Sadly, we live in the real world. We'll have to include bits and pieces from each plan to make our perfect trip!

Plan C calls to me, of course, because I am a big fan of Animal Kingdom.

You can still sleep in and get pictures with some of the Pop icons before you leave the resort, since you don't plan to wait in line for any big rides. As for seeing the Pop Christmas decorations, that will only take five minutes. There is a big tree in the lobby, but other than that there are just wreaths, trees, and displays in Everything Pop and the lobby, and then the tinsel trees in the windows on the bus stop side of the back eating area. It's all right there in that central location, and there are no chocolate displays or gingerbread houses, etc. to see.

The boys are going to like The Boneyard and Rafiki's, I really do believe. You will hopefully be able to get pictures with 2-3 (Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket, Rafiki) characters at Rafiki's with very little wait. Jingle Jungle is delightful with all the floats dressed in Christmas attire. Have you ever eaten at Flame Tree? We have found the chicken to be a better bet than the ribs. It has always been moist and delicious, whereas sometimes the ribs are tough and rubbery. Not always, but just thought I would let you know. The turkey sandwich is good, too. They have a huge fruit plate that the whole group can share. If you eat down by the water, have the boys look down in the water for gators. You can leave after the parade and pick up on Plan A or B - hang out the rest of the evening at Pop or go Downtown.

So, for me, it would be Plan C with a little mix of Plan A or B afterward. Sure wish we were going to be there to do any of those plans! I will have to enjoy pretend planning with you.

 

[jillyb]

I agree with MeMom....pick C! I would then do a mix of Plan A.

I think DtD would be a madhouse due to the holiday shoppers and it being a Saturday so I'd try to work that in for a better day.

 

[Tinkermom76]

I would personally choose DTD but I never schedule enough time there so that is our arrival day plan!

 

[PoppyGirl]

Yep, it was Rhonda - I knew her son Joel.

Cool! I love Rhonda--she is the most kind, genuine person. I've talked with her in person a few times.

Day 2 Plans!!

This day will be 100% go with the flow. I have written several sets of plans in my head, but they all have a common theme. I point the crew in a direction and we see where the wind takes us. This is pretty unlike me, but since this is a bonus full day at Disney I feel like we need it. Since I have three main ideas, I will present all of them. Feel free to weigh in on your favorite of the plans. In order to keep up with the theme of the day, I think we will be deciding on the morning of 11/27.


Plan A: Hang out at Pop!
Sleep in.
Explore our resort.
Take photos with every icon.
Run through the splash pad.
Eat at Everything Pop.
Take in the Pop Christmas decorations.
Play at the arcade.
Swim in the pool! (weather permitting)
Take part in the resort activities (Did I read something about hoola hooping in the lobby?)

Plan B: Shopping DTD/Exploring the Boardwalk
Sleep in.
Catch a bus to Downtown Disney.
Grab some food from our friends Earl or Wolfie.
Wander through some shops and do the sneak and switch Christmas shopping.
Try some of Goofy's goodies.
Have a visit with Santa.
Catch a bus to the Boardwalk Inn.
Wander around the Boardwalk.
Check out what's happening at Beaches n Cream. (Plan B seems to involve a lot of eating.)

Plan C: Animal Kingdom
Sleep in.
When we feel "ready" catch a bus to AK.
Talk to guest services about getting our package tickets a day early.
Make it a day of firsts at AK:
Play in the Boneyard.
Visit Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Spin on Triceratops Spin.
Find Devine.
Eat at Flame Tree Barbecue.
Watch the Jingle Jammin Parade.

Each of the plans has some great pros and cons. My lists activities are just my brainstorm of fun things I hope to do and are are by no means a checklist for the day, In a perfect world, we'd have enough time at Disney to do each of these on this trip. Sadly, we live in the real world. We'll have to include bits and pieces from each plan to make our perfect trip!

My vote is a combo of A & B. GREAT scrapbooking ideas for photos with every icon, right??? And I'm loving the "sneak and switch" Christmas shopping idea! Sounds totally fun!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

My vote would be plan A or B or a mix of them! I'm not sure there will be a ton of things to keep you that busy at POP for a whole day, especially if it isn't pool weather so I would do a combo of A and B. You could maybe eat lunch at POP and then dinner at Earl or switch it up?? If your plan calls for 100% sleeping in, I'm not sure I'd go through the hassle of getting the package tickets and getting there late. It's just my opinon??

 

[moparop]

Plan C calls to me, of course, because I am a big fan of Animal Kingdom.

You can still sleep in and get pictures with some of the Pop icons before you leave the resort, since you don't plan to wait in line for any big rides. As for seeing the Pop Christmas decorations, that will only take five minutes. There is a big tree in the lobby, but other than that there are just wreaths, trees, and displays in Everything Pop and the lobby, and then the tinsel trees in the windows on the bus stop side of the back eating area. It's all right there in that central location, and there are no chocolate displays or gingerbread houses, etc. to see.

The boys are going to like The Boneyard and Rafiki's, I really do believe. You will hopefully be able to get pictures with 2-3 (Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket, Rafiki) characters at Rafiki's with very little wait. Jingle Jungle is delightful with all the floats dressed in Christmas attire. Have you ever eaten at Flame Tree? We have found the chicken to be a better bet than the ribs. It has always been moist and delicious, whereas sometimes the ribs are tough and rubbery. Not always, but just thought I would let you know. The turkey sandwich is good, too. They have a huge fruit plate that the whole group can share. If you eat down by the water, have the boys look down in the water for gators. You can leave after the parade and pick up on Plan A or B - hang out the rest of the evening at Pop or go Downtown.

So, for me, it would be Plan C with a little mix of Plan A or B afterward. Sure wish we were going to be there to do any of those plans! I will have to enjoy pretend planning with you.

Plan C is calling to me as well. Our AK trips have been marred by very bad weather and sickies so this could be some real make-up time for us. It would be even more wonderful if we could do it with DISfriends.

I agree with MeMom....pick C! I would then do a mix of Plan A.

I think DtD would be a madhouse due to the holiday shoppers and it being a Saturday so I'd try to work that in for a better day.

That has been my big DTD fear. Has anyone been to DTD the weekend after Thanksgiving? Do people go nuts there like they do in other places?

I would personally choose DTD but I never schedule enough time there so that is our arrival day plan!

We actually have an off day scheduled later in the week that was originally to be for DTD. Now that we have added the Pop days, we have two unplanned days as of now!

Cool! I love Rhonda--she is the most kind, genuine person. I've talked with her in person a few times.

Are you a consultant? I love their products and can talk like I am a consultant, I just do not have enough people who scrapbook with me to become one.

My vote is a combo of A & B. GREAT scrapbooking ideas for photos with every icon, right??? And I'm loving the "sneak and switch" Christmas shopping idea! Sounds totally fun!

The kids are at that perfect age for Christmas shopping in front of them but still be oblivious to the whole thing. I am sure we'll check Pop out regardless of our plans that day. My kids are almost as nosy as their mother.

My vote would be plan A or B or a mix of them! I'm not sure there will be a ton of things to keep you that busy at POP for a whole day, especially if it isn't pool weather so I would do a combo of A and B. You could maybe eat lunch at POP and then dinner at Earl or switch it up?? If your plan calls for 100% sleeping in, I'm not sure I'd go through the hassle of getting the package tickets and getting there late. It's just my opinon??

See Megan, you are not a mom, so I will forgive you here. Sleeping in with 3 kids under 7 means that we'll be waking up at 7:30 instead of their normal 6:30. I am sure that even with taking it easy, the kids will all be ready to go "do" something by 9:00 at the latest. If we are going to be able to swim, I am thinking it's going to have to be mid afternoon at best. Maybe we'll try to get back in time for Aileen's naptime? Decisions, Decisions.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Are you a consultant? I love their products and can talk like I am a consultant, I just do not have enough people who scrapbook with me to become one.

I am a CMC! I started 10 years ago. DH says I have to be a CMC in order to support my "habit." I can't afford NOT to be one!

 

[999ghostslover]

I vote for C if you think you will be short time-wise there late in the trip. But then head over to boardwalk. So beautiful at Christmas and hell Beaches n Cream sundaes.

 

[starnightstarsky2000]

Okay bear in mind I have never been to Disney in end of Nov/Dec however I have had friends who have gone like you are planning the weekend of Thanksgiving and DTD is a MAD HOUSE!!!! Now don't get me wrong there are tons of Black Friday Weekend Sales which for my friends was great as they had the hubbies stay back at the resort with the kids (they went swimming, shopping, playing at the resort) got there early got a Bunch of great deals and then got the heck out of DTD by noon. They then went to a park and were back at the resort by 6. Don';t know if this will be an idea for you or not but they said it worked REALLY WELL. And that would allow you to do all 3.

 

[brookelizabeth]

All 3 of those choices look awesome! I'll take any of them. The Boneyard is a BLAST. The giant "sand" pit in the back is Henry's favorite spot. And it's a great place to use as a "rider swap" area while thrill rides are done by those who can/want to.

DTD is always so much fun, the Lego store has so much for the kids to do...and the food....

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

haha I guess your right! I was thinking well it would be nice if they slept in till 9 but I guess 7:30 is good for u!!!!

 

[moparop]

I am a CMC! I started 10 years ago. DH says I have to be a CMC in order to support my "habit." I can't afford NOT to be one!

How cool! I have to admit, when #3 arrived -- I've have gotten way behind on my scrapbooking. I've been sewing more, and I just need more time for all of my hobbies!

I vote for C if you think you will be short time-wise there late in the trip. But then head over to boardwalk. So beautiful at Christmas and hell Beaches n Cream sundaes.

I am really afraid if we don't do AK at all that day Doug will leave disappointed. And, being 6, there's only so long you can spin the "next time" approach. One of his favorite shows is the Travel Channel special about AK and he has a to do list a mile long. We could always go from AK to the Boardwalk for dinner!

Okay bear in mind I have never been to Disney in end of Nov/Dec however I have had friends who have gone like you are planning the weekend of Thanksgiving and DTD is a MAD HOUSE!!!! Now don't get me wrong there are tons of Black Friday Weekend Sales which for my friends was great as they had the hubbies stay back at the resort with the kids (they went swimming, shopping, playing at the resort) got there early got a Bunch of great deals and then got the heck out of DTD by noon. They then went to a park and were back at the resort by 6. Don';t know if this will be an idea for you or not but they said it worked REALLY WELL. And that would allow you to do all 3.

This has been plaguing my mind actually! We have another off day later in the trip and I had wondered if we were shooting ourselves in the foot by trying to do DTD that day. Your friends have the right idea! Maybe I'll shop with all of those people who slow me down!

All 3 of those choices look awesome! I'll take any of them. The Boneyard is a BLAST. The giant "sand" pit in the back is Henry's favorite spot. And it's a great place to use as a "rider swap" area while thrill rides are done by those who can/want to.

DTD is always so much fun, the Lego store has so much for the kids to do...and the food....

LOL! I knew I could count on you to be the voice of reason Brook! We've never gotten to the Boneyard or most of AK really. In my defense, I had the flu on AK day the first time we went and the second time it was a day of pouring rain. Boo.

My kids love the Lego store too. You can build and slide. What more could a little boy want?

haha I guess your right! I was thinking well it would be nice if they slept in till 9 but I guess 7:30 is good for u!!!!

It sure would be nice if they did. Someday I am sure I'll be ticked off about how late they sleep. That someday still has not come.

 

[Angela0917]

Subbing! Your children are ADORABLE!! I need to go back and catch up on all your plans! Looks like we will just miss eachother!

 

[Tinkermom76]

We actually have an off day scheduled later in the week that was originally to be for DTD. Now that we have added the Pop days, we have two unplanned days as of now!

WHAT???????? 2 unplanned days?????????

I would be all over my computer till I had those days planned. Next year we are doing the QSDP so that I don't have to plan our days, but we all know that won't happen

 

[MeMom]

My kids love the Lego store too. You can build and slide. What more could a little boy want?

Mop, have you seen the new build-your-own remote control car store in DTD? I bet your boys would go nuts over it!