*****Official (??) June 2014 Thread -- Party Like It's Hot!*****

[rainydayplay]

Definitely need to keep this dialogue going since there will be a few of us there at that time. We could also meet in the eating area and have some of the awesome dessert thing there.... the name escapes me. Someone will know what I'm talking about though. They are small fried dough things that are yummy!

It would be dangerous if we only lived 6 1/2 hours away. I think we would be making extra trips we couldn't afford!

It is still a long drive, though. I know people who buy APs and go every long weekend...just can't imagine having the money to do that...

The bengeits? I've heard good things about those, and we keep saying we're going to try them. We've spent 3 trips at POR and haven't had one yet.

 

[melnbil]

Since we are leaving in May, I am doing the double digit dance today!!!

 

[rainydayplay]

I know what you mean about snow days cuz of my DD who's in college in Birmingham. The school is talking about cancelling Spring Break to make them up! My middle DD is in competition dance also. Her team specializes in high kick, like the Rockettes. Sadly, she hadto take herself out of Nationals (which was at WDW Wide World of Sports) due to a knee injury, she's having arthroscopic surgery on Monday. On the bright side she did get to spend a few hours in MK at the end of the weekend!

Good luck with her surgery!

 

[kalee45]

Good luck with her surgery!

Thanks so much! She's most worried about getting an IV, very needle-phobic!

 

[wintershawl]

It is still a long drive, though. I know people who buy APs and go every long weekend...just can't imagine having the money to do that...

The bengeits? I've heard good things about those, and we keep saying we're going to try them. We've spent 3 trips at POR and haven't had one yet.

Yes, the bengeits! They are yummy. You must get them. They were making them like crazy the night I got them.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Oh gosh, do you know they seriously cut the number of badges you can earn? There isn't an Art You Can Wear or anything like that now. Those big books of try-its? Gone.

We were supposed to tie dye shirts for the last two years, and the previous leaded didn't make it happen. Now, we meet in a daycare, and I'm not sure it would work out. I would like to do the ones where you draw with Sharpies, then drop rubbing alcohol over the drawings.

I will have to look into that idea. DD16 still loves all the new craft things. Last night I sat on the floor with paint for DS3 and she curled up with the "toddler paint" Over and over I heard, "I like these." Really? Paint dabbers on fingerpaint paper.

I remember when they said they were cutting out the Try-It program and going for the concentric circle thing, but we were told both would be around for a while. I agreed that so many girls had badges that they hadn't earned or didn't know what they had even done for them.

Leaders are not all the same. We received the same "training" but it isn't the same. (Toot my own horn--Leader of the Year) I wish every girl (and boy) in Scouting or other similar programs had the chance to live the full experience. It takes looking past the books and seeing the world. We took 2 months on recycling--had books from the EPA for the kids, did nature walks and built birdhouses. I don't think the girls had an actual GS badge, but they had hammers. I was also so blessed to have parents who came and assisted myself and co-leaders, with ideas and community contacts.

I sure hope it works out for you and your DD. If not, I am sure you'll still show her the world.

 

[rainydayplay]

I will have to look into that idea. DD16 still loves all the new craft things. Last night I sat on the floor with paint for DS3 and she curled up with the "toddler paint" Over and over I heard, "I like these." Really? Paint dabbers on fingerpaint paper.

I remember when they said they were cutting out the Try-It program and going for the concentric circle thing, but we were told both would be around for a while. I agreed that so many girls had badges that they hadn't earned or didn't know what they had even done for them.

Leaders are not all the same. We received the same "training" but it isn't the same. (Toot my own horn--Leader of the Year) I wish every girl (and boy) in Scouting or other similar programs had the chance to live the full experience. It takes looking past the books and seeing the world. We took 2 months on recycling--had books from the EPA for the kids, did nature walks and built birdhouses. I don't think the girls had an actual GS badge, but they had hammers. I was also so blessed to have parents who came and assisted myself and co-leaders, with ideas and community contacts.

I sure hope it works out for you and your DD. If not, I am sure you'll still show her the world.

Parents are totally the biggest problem in our area...and I mean the lack thereof. :/

I have 6 or 7 girls on my roster right now. The previous troop leader's daughter (non-active), and the rest are my DD's age (9/10). Previous troop leader was supposed to go recruit at DD's school, but she didn't. I have one girl who is not (really) active. She's selling cookies and going to go on a couple of trips with us, but she doesn't participate in the meetings. (Her mom wanted the younger sister in, too, and previous leader told her it was fine, even though she doesn't start school until this fall... When I told the mom the younger daughter could not join until she was in Kindergarten, she said she wasn't going to let the other one participate if she couldn't let both. She also says she will run the Daisies next year [because I'm sure not doing it...], but she's trying to foster 5 additional children [ages 9 months to 8 years], so I just don't see her having the time to do that.)

Then there is DD (Katy), Jessa (her mom is registered and approved, but she runs a business where we meet, but she doesn't have time to do much else during the week), Laci, and Jenoah. Jenoah's mom is a work at home, her dad is a chef, and she'll be leaving us as soon as the school year is over (ack!). Laci wants to do this...but doesn't want to do this...but.... And having these four together...it is really tough to get them through anything. (Yesterday, being Valentine's and a full moon was especially challenging....)

We're working on learning about the Philippines for World Thinking Day next weekend (!!). We're going to the state capital to shadow a legislator next month, hopefully to Medieval Times in March, a baseball game in and a badge day in April. I guess after that, I can slow down? We're supposed to be working on a Journey, too, but too many other things, or I can't seem to get all 4 there at once.

 

[Kristina4109]

Got a question. Multiple trips to WDW over the years, but this is the first peak season visit I've done since (gulp) 1976. We'll be there June 6th - 14th. Obviously it's very possible to have fun in WDW in June otherwise this thread wouldn't be so long!

My question is about RAIN. I am going into this knowing that we will bring ponchos and extra socks. We are expecting the afternoon thunderstorms. But my question is - is early June better than late June rain wise? (Lie to me, people. LOL!)

No, in all seriousness, we're just trying to figure out what to expect. For example, I'm not going to plan to come back to our resort for a swim at 3:00 if that's the time of day when it typically pours.

Also, I'm reading that those thunderstorms are usually brief. Are we talking a half hour? An hour? Two hours? Has anyone ever heard of flights not being to land because of thunderstorms?

Thanks for listening to all of my annoying questions. Our last trip to WDW was in December and we got rained on a bit but still had an awesome time. Just trying to know what to expect. I typically expect the worst so if things turn out better, I'm pleasantly surprised.

 

[GoofyMB]

Got a question. Multiple trips to WDW over the years, but this is the first peak season visit I've done since (gulp) 1976. We'll be there June 6th - 14th. Obviously it's very possible to have fun in WDW in June otherwise this thread wouldn't be so long! My question is about RAIN. I am going into this knowing that we will bring ponchos and extra socks. We are expecting the afternoon thunderstorms. But my question is - is early June better than late June rain wise? (Lie to me, people. LOL!) No, in all seriousness, we're just trying to figure out what to expect. For example, I'm not going to plan to come back to our resort for a swim at 3:00 if that's the time of day when it typically pours. Also, I'm reading that those thunderstorms are usually brief. Are we talking a half hour? An hour? Two hours? Has anyone ever heard of flights not being to land because of thunderstorms? Thanks for listening to all of my annoying questions. Our last trip to WDW was in December and we got rained on a bit but still had an awesome time. Just trying to know what to expect. I typically expect the worst so if things turn out better, I'm pleasantly surprised.

Flights can be affected by thunderstorms but it has to be pretty bad. Most thunderstorms I have experienced are the quick 15 minute downpours where you couldn't get more wet in the shower. Most people wait them out in the shops or attractions. I am sure others can share more but that is what I have seen (always late June, I have no early June reference)

 

[Kristina4109]

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer - giving me a better picture of what to expect!

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Parents are totally the biggest problem in our area...and I mean the lack thereof. :/

I have 6 or 7 girls on my roster right now. The previous troop leader's daughter (non-active), and the rest are my DD's age (9/10). Previous troop leader was supposed to go recruit at DD's school, but she didn't. I have one girl who is not (really) active. She's selling cookies and going to go on a couple of trips with us, but she doesn't participate in the meetings. (Her mom wanted the younger sister in, too, and previous leader told her it was fine, even though she doesn't start school until this fall... When I told the mom the younger daughter could not join until she was in Kindergarten, she said she wasn't going to let the other one participate if she couldn't let both. She also says she will run the Daisies next year [because I'm sure not doing it...], but she's trying to foster 5 additional children [ages 9 months to 8 years], so I just don't see her having the time to do that.)

Then there is DD (Katy), Jessa (her mom is registered and approved, but she runs a business where we meet, but she doesn't have time to do much else during the week), Laci, and Jenoah. Jenoah's mom is a work at home, her dad is a chef, and she'll be leaving us as soon as the school year is over (ack!). Laci wants to do this...but doesn't want to do this...but.... And having these four together...it is really tough to get them through anything. (Yesterday, being Valentine's and a full moon was especially challenging....)

We're working on learning about the Philippines for World Thinking Day next weekend (!!). We're going to the state capital to shadow a legislator next month, hopefully to Medieval Times in March, a baseball game in and a badge day in April. I guess after that, I can slow down? We're supposed to be working on a Journey, too, but too many other things, or I can't seem to get all 4 there at once.

My mentor leader was quick to tell me to watch out for the nonactive girls and their parents. "They don't show up to meetings, but they want to go on the fun stuff." She had a rule that you had to be at the 2 or 3 planning meetings before the activity. She was a Jr Leader and those girls were in charge of the troop. She had that whole girl led troop thing down to a science. She began a leader as soon as she was old enough to do it (after being in the program), led her daughter and then her granddaughter. She was big on tent camping...all the stuff.

It sounds like you have a great plan for all of them. If I wasn't 4 hours north of Huntsville, I'd offer to tag along (of course, I'm not registered any longer).

How are all your WDW trip preparations going? We have 120 days to go!

 

[ashleymrush]

How are all your WDW trip preparations going? We have 120 days to go!

Mine are going great but I'm getting to that point where I've got nothing else to do. I'm just twiddling thumbs until April 15th when I get to do my FP+ selections. Only 119 days until we leave for me and 98 days until we surprise the little ones!

 

[Kristina4109]

I hear ya. I'm staring at the magnet on my fridge that tells me when I can make my FP+ selections! I've been so hyper - I actually passed out checklists to my family and had them select their FP+ choices.

 

[rainydayplay]

My mentor leader was quick to tell me to watch out for the nonactive girls and their parents. "They don't show up to meetings, but they want to go on the fun stuff." She had a rule that you had to be at the 2 or 3 planning meetings before the activity. She was a Jr Leader and those girls were in charge of the troop. She had that whole girl led troop thing down to a science. She began a leader as soon as she was old enough to do it (after being in the program), led her daughter and then her granddaughter. She was big on tent camping...all the stuff.

It sounds like you have a great plan for all of them. If I wasn't 4 hours north of Huntsville, I'd offer to tag along (of course, I'm not registered any longer).

How are all your WDW trip preparations going? We have 120 days to go!

Ah, see...I'm inviting this girl to go, but I know she'd be doing it if her mom hadn't said no. She's been active 3 years before this, and I hate for her to miss out on everything just because her mom (who drives a Hummer that gets only 3 mpg and doesn't want to go anywhere ever...) doesn't want to drive to get her from point A to point B.

This troop leader business kinda got tossed in my lap, too. When I signed my own daughter up, I signed myself up, got myself as an approved volunteer, because I know that I am somewhat of an overprotective parent sometimes. I couldn't imagine her going on any kind of trip without me. I kinda hung out at a meeting one time...and I had a better time explaining things than the troop leader did, so the next thing I knew, I was helping regularly, and, at least for that Journey, running the group. When we were getting things going in September that year, I was told (in front a group at the Investiture ceremony) that I was leader for my daughter's group. At that point, it was also stated we wouldn't be taking anyone any younger than my daughter, because it was expected I would move up with her. (So, when this child's mom said that she'd been told the younger daughter could join as a Daisy, imagine my shock....)

And we're waaaaaay down at the bottom of the state...about an hour and a half straight north of Panama City Beach, FL. It's a good, long drive (at least 4 hours..?) north to get to Huntsville. Because, I could totally get you re-registered... Just like I can totally hook everyone here up with cookies. (I keep thinking we've done well because we've already sold over 400 boxes and are trying for at least 600, but then I hear another troop has sold over 3000 boxes. Our whole 3 girls selling have probably managed 600-700.)

Planning for Disney? I got DD a BBB appointment for 6/27 yesterday. The earliest we could get was 10:55, so we'll probably be going from there to our tea at the Grand Floridian, but that's okay. She didn't want to do this last year, and I'm afraid that she may not want to do it again after this year as she grows out of princesses. Only two more opportunities to do it, too. *sigh* Do they have to grow up??

Other than that...we've got QSDP, but are going to pay for 4 TS OOP. Beyond those 4 days, I think we've got it all as planned as it's going to get. We said we wanted to just be as relaxed as possible. I don't even think we're sure where we're going to be yet on those other days. I guess we need to be thinking about it if we're going to do FP+....

 

[ashleymrush]

I hear ya. I'm staring at the magnet on my fridge that tells me when I can make my FP+ selections! I've been so hyper - I actually passed out checklists to my family and had them select their FP+ choices.

Haha! Mine was only fridge until 2 days ago when the 2 year old got it off and crumpled it so bad it won't stay anymore. It's not like I needed it though. The date is firmly cemented into head.

 

[bjscheel]

Got a question. Multiple trips to WDW over the years, but this is the first peak season visit I've done since (gulp) 1976. We'll be there June 6th - 14th. Obviously it's very possible to have fun in WDW in June otherwise this thread wouldn't be so long!

My question is about RAIN. I am going into this knowing that we will bring ponchos and extra socks. We are expecting the afternoon thunderstorms. But my question is - is early June better than late June rain wise? (Lie to me, people. LOL!)

No, in all seriousness, we're just trying to figure out what to expect. For example, I'm not going to plan to come back to our resort for a swim at 3:00 if that's the time of day when it typically pours.

Also, I'm reading that those thunderstorms are usually brief. Are we talking a half hour? An hour? Two hours? Has anyone ever heard of flights not being to land because of thunderstorms?

Thanks for listening to all of my annoying questions. Our last trip to WDW was in December and we got rained on a bit but still had an awesome time. Just trying to know what to expect. I typically expect the worst so if things turn out better, I'm pleasantly surprised.

We went June 8-14, 2011 and it never rained on us. In fact, we have had 5 trips at different times of year and never been rained on. So I predict that at least for the part of your trip that overlaps ours, it won't rain (We'll be there the 3rd-10th)

 

[RalphinSC]

Last trip we went on in June 2012, it rained a LOT. With that said, it never ruined our fun or slowed us down. Just packed lots of rain gear and sucked it up when we had to. And it's always fun when waiting in line for Big Thunder mountain and the cast members make a very serious sounding announcement to announce that BTMRR is now a water ride!

And rainydayplay, I know what you mean about the "plan everything together" bug. I think the furthest we'll go is to try to plan the same park days. My brother has a three year old daughter that will definitely need a different touring plan than my veteran Disney family and his wife is kinda crowd phobic so I don't think she will be going boldly everywhere we go. My Uncle's two daughers are night and day when it comes to ride selection. Oldest is scared to death of drops and coasters while the youngest would volunteer to be shot out of a cannon. Best we can do is maybe try to co-ordinate fastpass returns for those that want to ride together and I MIGHT help them set up individual touring plans.

But when that rope drops, we are going on our merry way and it's up to them to find their own enjoyment and up to them if they want to find it by hanging out with us. I'm not holding a proverbial gun to anyone's head. Cell phone technology is a wonderful thing.

Trips kind of overlap too. My brother is in town for the first four days and my uncle is in town four our last five days. They overlap two days there in the middle with us all being there. Both are very much Disney newbies and I'm their unofficial guide for this one since I love the researching and love the planning aspects. Just going to do my best to offer good advice and allow them to have the best fun they can.

 

[wintershawl]

Got a question. Multiple trips to WDW over the years, but this is the first peak season visit I've done since (gulp) 1976. We'll be there June 6th - 14th. Obviously it's very possible to have fun in WDW in June otherwise this thread wouldn't be so long!

My question is about RAIN. I am going into this knowing that we will bring ponchos and extra socks. We are expecting the afternoon thunderstorms. But my question is - is early June better than late June rain wise? (Lie to me, people. LOL!)

No, in all seriousness, we're just trying to figure out what to expect. For example, I'm not going to plan to come back to our resort for a swim at 3:00 if that's the time of day when it typically pours.

Also, I'm reading that those thunderstorms are usually brief. Are we talking a half hour? An hour? Two hours? Has anyone ever heard of flights not being to land because of thunderstorms?

Thanks for listening to all of my annoying questions. Our last trip to WDW was in December and we got rained on a bit but still had an awesome time. Just trying to know what to expect. I typically expect the worst so if things turn out better, I'm pleasantly surprised.

For the most part, if it rains, the showers are quick. On our last trip, there was a tropical storm somewhere close to Florida. That caused it to rain for almost an entire day with a few longer storms on two other days. I have heard that this is the only thing that normally will cause long rain storms in this area. Yes, we are just that "lucky."

Haha! Mine was only fridge until 2 days ago when the 2 year old got it off and crumpled it so bad it won't stay anymore. It's not like I needed it though. The date is firmly cemented into head.

Do they send you this magnet, or how do I get it?

 

[ashleymrush]

Do they send you this magnet, or how do I get it?

Yes. I got it in the mail. When I was about 180 days out they sent a package with a USB that explained how FP+ works. The magnet was in the back if the book that came in that package. It has Dumbo on it and important dates.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Ah, see...I'm inviting this girl to go, but I know she'd be doing it if her mom hadn't said no. She's been active 3 years before this, and I hate for her to miss out on everything just because her mom (who drives a Hummer that gets only 3 mpg and doesn't want to go anywhere ever...) doesn't want to drive to get her from point A to point B.

This troop leader business kinda got tossed in my lap, too. When I signed my own daughter up, I signed myself up, got myself as an approved volunteer, because I know that I am somewhat of an overprotective parent sometimes. I couldn't imagine her going on any kind of trip without me. I kinda hung out at a meeting one time...and I had a better time explaining things than the troop leader did, so the next thing I knew, I was helping regularly, and, at least for that Journey, running the group. When we were getting things going in September that year, I was told (in front a group at the Investiture ceremony) that I was leader for my daughter's group. At that point, it was also stated we wouldn't be taking anyone any younger than my daughter, because it was expected I would move up with her. (So, when this child's mom said that she'd been told the younger daughter could join as a Daisy, imagine my shock....)

And we're waaaaaay down at the bottom of the state...about an hour and a half straight north of Panama City Beach, FL. It's a good, long drive (at least 4 hours..?) north to get to Huntsville. Because, I could totally get you re-registered... Just like I can totally hook everyone here up with cookies. (I keep thinking we've done well because we've already sold over 400 boxes and are trying for at least 600, but then I hear another troop has sold over 3000 boxes. Our whole 3 girls selling have probably managed 600-700.)

Planning for Disney? I got DD a BBB appointment for 6/27 yesterday. The earliest we could get was 10:55, so we'll probably be going from there to our tea at the Grand Floridian, but that's okay. She didn't want to do this last year, and I'm afraid that she may not want to do it again after this year as she grows out of princesses. Only two more opportunities to do it, too. *sigh* Do they have to grow up??

Other than that...we've got QSDP, but are going to pay for 4 TS OOP. Beyond those 4 days, I think we've got it all as planned as it's going to get. We said we wanted to just be as relaxed as possible. I don't even think we're sure where we're going to be yet on those other days. I guess we need to be thinking about it if we're going to do FP+....

Tossed in the lap. Yep, that's how they get ya. The Cub Scouts would ask for volunteers at the pack meetings, and the sons always jumped up and said "my dad (or mom) will do it."

Hang in there! Just a few more meetings and then we're all taking a vacation!

I bought a really cute Mickey Mouse Greenhouse yesterday. So today we will put seeds in the pots. I also picked up some bulbs (lilies, glads...) and soil. Still too cold to do work outside. (So glad we aren't further north)

Changed my ADR's from 6 persons to 8 persons. Time changed a little bit, but mostly for the better. H&V at 8am on a park open day of 9am. Crystal Palace is about 30 minutes later than before and Tusker House was 15 minutes earlier. Still have to play with the Fantasmic! package at MM, but unsure if that one is necessary. I am waiting for DfosterS to figure out if he will on the trip.

After Halloween, there were tons of coloring book/sticker packs. I bought 2 bags of them. They are decorated with Disney princesses, Sofia, Doc, Mater, Lightening, Jake, Buzz and Woody. I plan to take them along with us and hand them to other kids waiting in line.

Last year, DisneyMovieRewards had a journal with Mickey on the front in director's chair. We are using that for autographs.

Ordered Gift Cards so now I am watching for the email saying they shipped.

And I have been picking up snack items and placing them in the Disney trip tub. Kroger had Star Wars fruit chews for $1...Will have to go over and see if they still do.

I agree with the whole waiting to do more.