*OFFICIAL MARCH 2010 THREAD* - Lets countdown together!

[Jasperann]

My daughter and I are so excited we've been packed for a few weeks Of course since we are in Michigan, it's not like we'll need anything we've packed

Same here. The only thing that isn't packed is jeans and that is because they wear them now. lol

 

[Bambi222]

I have been working on some basic itineraries for the parks for our 8 day trip, but then they started getting out of control. I realized that I think my plans are too agressive and I need to scale back a little, possibly attempt to build in a "resort day", possibly with either park time at night or Am. This is hard to do considering it is our first trip. So many unknowns. Plus, I need to remind myself that we are there to enjoy ourselves and that we don't need and won't be able to do everything.

How does everyone else prepare for their time at the parks? How much detail is your planning? Are you planning a resort day, midday breaks, or just winging it?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

We'll probably start packing a night or two before we leave... I don't want nice clothes sitting in a suitcase to get all crumbled for three weeks!

 

[dawnbu40]

I have been working on some basic itineraries for the parks for our 8 day trip, but then they started getting out of control. I realized that I think my plans are too agressive and I need to scale back a little, possibly attempt to build in a "resort day", possibly with either park time at night or Am. This is hard to do considering it is our first trip. So many unknowns. Plus, I need to remind myself that we are there to enjoy ourselves and that we don't need and won't be able to do everything.

How does everyone else prepare for their time at the parks? How much detail is your planning? Are you planning a resort day, midday breaks, or just winging it?

The most important things for a first timer are:
1.Do not try to see and do everything. There is too much and you'll run like crazy if you try to do it all

2. Rope Drop! Be there when the parks open so you can beat the crowds and avoid the lines that get bad mid-day.

Yes, plan for "down time" to go for a swim or take an afternoon nap. Disney can be exhausting

Hope you have a magical time!

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I have been working on some basic itineraries for the parks for our 8 day trip, but then they started getting out of control. I realized that I think my plans are too agressive and I need to scale back a little, possibly attempt to build in a "resort day", possibly with either park time at night or Am. This is hard to do considering it is our first trip. So many unknowns. Plus, I need to remind myself that we are there to enjoy ourselves and that we don't need and won't be able to do everything.

How does everyone else prepare for their time at the parks? How much detail is your planning? Are you planning a resort day, midday breaks, or just winging it?

We've decided what days we are going to each park and based our ADR's on that. We did leave a midweek day open because my kids have never been to the ocean and I want to run them over to the coast. We made a list of parades and fast past rides we want to ride and then we are winging the rest. We are traveling with a toddler so we'll probably do the parks for a few hours in the morning, go back to the resort for relaxation and pool time mid day and then head back to the parks midafternoon. You won't be able to do "everything" so it's best just to accept it as an inevitable and don't obcess trying to fit it all in. make a list of the rides you most want to do, btu stay flexible and remember you are there for vacation. it shoudl not feel as stressful as work!

 

[AllesonWonderland]

I have been working on some basic itineraries for the parks for our 8 day trip, but then they started getting out of control. I realized that I think my plans are too agressive and I need to scale back a little, possibly attempt to build in a "resort day", possibly with either park time at night or Am. This is hard to do considering it is our first trip. So many unknowns. Plus, I need to remind myself that we are there to enjoy ourselves and that we don't need and won't be able to do everything.

How does everyone else prepare for their time at the parks? How much detail is your planning? Are you planning a resort day, midday breaks, or just winging it?

Our first trip we were there 8 days also, it was hard for me not to overplan! But, we were at the parks every day at rope drop, got a lot in then came back to our townhouse for a swim and dinner...then back to the parks. No meltdowns, I felt we got to see everything we really wanted to see, and we weren't exhausted. We did 1 day at AK, 1 day at Disney/MGM (Or Hollywood Studios now, I guess) and 2 days at MK and Epcot. (We didn't have park hoppers, but I don't think we missed them at all.) Then we had a day where we just stayed at the resort and played in the pool. (Though DH and I would really have loved to have gone back to AK. heehee) I used the crowd calendar/best parks from touringplans.com and had good touring plans printed out for each day. (But, I didn't fret if we strayed!) We're going back this year with a bigger group of family and I'm starting to work on the plans again. Looks like the crowds will be smaller this year, which is awesome--especially because I didn't think the crowds were bad last time! Have a great trip!!

We are also driving down. I have picked up the TV/DVD players that hook up to the back of your head rests in the cars. We bought Space Buddies, G-Force, and Sponge Bob season six (part one) for the DVD player. I also picked up a bunch of hand held games from the store (half off). Then today I found a travel game of sorry. The kids love playing it, so I thought it would be perfect to keep them busy for a while. I'm hoping to minimize the whining for the drive to and from.

Well, a whole season of spongebob should keep your kids busy, but I thought I'd mention you could also keep an eye out for Walmart's along your route and grab a movie from Redbox. Use a free code, then return it down the road a ways! (Just don't forget to return it...that would be my luck. LOL) We have a 4 hour drive to the airport so we'll have our DVD players going as well! Plus, I found some vacation Mad Libs, etc. on Amazon that I thought would be fun for the drive and the flights.

 

[mindyd]

We are going March 26th thru April 4th and staying at All Star Music. This will be our fourth trip, all the other trips have been in June so I am happy that it will be cooler. We were supposed to be there in January but we all go the stomach flu and my kids had missed too many days.

 

[Mindy5767]

You know I never even thought of the weather down there. I am sitting here with about 3 feet of snow outside so if its above freezing I think I will be good. I am hoping I can wear shorts though. What is the normal temps in March? We always go for Christmas and I know one year it was 80 and the next barely 60.

We were at Disney one March years ago and it was freezing cold, windy--just yucky. We bought sweats and braved it. We still had a great time, even though the weather did not cooperate ( the crowds were low)

I have been during March several times. 1990 was March, 2000 was April, 2005 was March and 2007 trip 1 was April. I've actually had more varied weather in April. March and April can be all over the place. I specifically remember March 1990 being really hot and sunny. In 2005 we had warm sunny weather and also a rainy day or two. April 2000 was beautiful and April 2007 we had one day of hot and sunny, one day of cool and sunny which got a bit nippy at night and two days that were beautful and perfect. I think what we need to do is pack shorts, capris and at least 1 pair of long pants. Don't forget to bring a jacket or sweater and either bring a rain poncho or an easy to fold rain jacket. I don't care for the rain ponchos myself because I can never get them refolded back up neatly. I have a light jacket that is good for light rain and is easy to fold up. A thing to keep in mind about rain. Our last trip was in July. We got stuck in a major downpour in Tomorrowland. The ground flooded and we were ankle deep in water. We were unprepared as our stuff was still in the car as we awaited the call from the front desk that our villa was ready. I had nothing to shield my camera (it downpoured while we were ON the Motor Speedway) and it got ruined. Never even think about going into the parks unprepared for rain. It was bright and sunny when we went in, which was about 20 minutes before the storm hit.

 

[Mindy5767]

We are going March 26th thru April 4th and staying at All Star Music. This will be our fourth trip, all the other trips have been in June so I am happy that it will be cooler. We were supposed to be there in January but we all go the stomach flu and my kids had missed too many days.

I just had to say Hi to the other Mindy!! Great names think alike. I see you also joined in May 2007!! You have posted twice as much as me... and my DH thinks I spend all my time on the DIS or facebook! You are also going to be there about the same time as us. We're arriving the 28th and checking out on Friday the 2nd but may book an extra night at one of the Allstars or the Pop. Gotta love the Values. Our first on property stay was in the All Star Music. It was alot of run, but I really must say, I sure love the Pop. It must be my affection for those Giant Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads. This trip we're staying in a 2 bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs. We stayed at OKW in Oct 2008 and decided to add an extra night on either end of our trip at the Pop. Disney took care of moving our belongings and it was rather effortless.

Everyone, don't forget your lime green Mickey heads.

 

[mindyd]

I just had to say Hi to the other Mindy!! Great names think alike. I see you also joined in May 2007!! You have posted twice as much as me... and my DH thinks I spend all my time on the DIS or facebook! You are also going to be there about the same time as us. We're arriving the 28th and checking out on Friday the 2nd but may book an extra night at one of the Allstars or the Pop. Gotta love the Values. Our first on property stay was in the All Star Music. It was alot of run, but I really must say, I sure love the Pop. It must be my affection for those Giant Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads. This trip we're staying in a 2 bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs. We stayed at OKW in Oct 2008 and decided to add an extra night on either end of our trip at the Pop. Disney took care of moving our belongings and it was rather effortless.

Everyone, don't forget your lime green Mickey heads.

Hi I have only come across one other person named Mindy,most people think my name is Melinda or Miranda and I am like no just Mindy lol. I am on here way too much but I am a SAHM and work for ChaCha from home so while I wait for questions I Dis. I have always wanted to stay at Pop this will be our second time at All Star Music my kids loved it. Last trip we did Port Orleans Riverside and the kids really did not care for it. This is our fourth trip we did value three times I am thinking next trip we might try a moderate or deluxe.

 

[Mindy5767]

Hi I have only come across one other person named Mindy,most people think my name is Melinda or Miranda and I am like no just Mindy lol. I am on here way too much but I am a SAHM and work for ChaCha from home so while I wait for questions I Dis. I have always wanted to stay at Pop this will be our second time at All Star Music my kids loved it. Last trip we did Port Orleans Riverside and the kids really did not care for it. This is our fourth trip we did value three times I am thinking next trip we might try a moderate or deluxe.

This is my 9th trip as a parent and 12th trip overall. Our first trip as parents we stayed with a friend who is a cast member (and still is). Our second trip we stayed at a Holiday Inn that ended up taking 40 minutes to get to the park. On our third trip as parents, in 2005 we finally stayed at All Star Music. That was a great improvement, but the downside was we had 2 teens and a toddler and we were totally cramped. I took a trip with my sister and her son and my youngest daughter in 2007 and stayed at the Pop. Loved it! We had such a good time on that trip that I decided that I had a lot of years of missed Disney trips to make up for and decided to buy into the Vacation club. Best decision I ever made! With Vacation Club our home resort is Saratoga Springs, but we've also stayed at Old Key West. I'd love to try Board Walk Villas or Beach Club villas someday, but we really love Saratoga and stay there most. There is nothing like a 2 bedroom villa and all that drawer and closet space!! Once you try that... you can't go back! Our upcoming trip we're taking my son (18) and my younger daughter and my friend and her family. We can all fit into the 2 bedroom villa. I hope I don't regret not choosing a Treehouse Villa. My son was skeptical of the bus system for that. You have to take an internal bus from the Treehouse villas to the Grandstand bustop at Saratoga, then catch that bus to the parks. Or you can walk from the Treehouses to the Grandstand area.

I'm a SAHM too! what is Chacha?

 

[mindyd]

This is my 9th trip as a parent and 12th trip overall. Our first trip as parents we stayed with a friend who is a cast member (and still is). Our second trip we stayed at a Holiday Inn that ended up taking 40 minutes to get to the park. On our third trip as parents, in 2005 we finally stayed at All Star Music. That was a great improvement, but the downside was we had 2 teens and a toddler and we were totally cramped. I took a trip with my sister and her son and my youngest daughter in 2007 and stayed at the Pop. Loved it! We had such a good time on that trip that I decided that I had a lot of years of missed Disney trips to make up for and decided to buy into the Vacation club. Best decision I ever made! With Vacation Club our home resort is Saratoga Springs, but we've also stayed at Old Key West. I'd love to try Board Walk Villas or Beach Club villas someday, but we really love Saratoga and stay there most. There is nothing like a 2 bedroom villa and all that drawer and closet space!! Once you try that... you can't go back! Our upcoming trip we're taking my son (18) and my younger daughter and my friend and her family. We can all fit into the 2 bedroom villa. I hope I don't regret not choosing a Treehouse Villa. My son was skeptical of the bus system for that. You have to take an internal bus from the Treehouse villas to the Grandstand bustop at Saratoga, then catch that bus to the parks. Or you can walk from the Treehouses to the Grandstand area.

I'm a SAHM too! what is Chacha?

Hi,

Wow I can't imagine that many trips you are very lucky we are only on our fourth trip in four my kids are 9 and 11. I never went as a child and my husband was very anti Disney now he loves it. We looked into DVC but it just doesn't make much sense to us right now maybe in a few years. The Treehouse Villa's are amazing but I would also be skeptical about the buses. It is great that you are able to travel with a group and all can stay together. I would not recommend ChaCha they are going through alot of changes and just reduced the pay. You can text them questions and they come to a expediter who fixes the spelling etc and if they can answer it using one of the tools we have then we do otherwise it gets sent to a guide who answer the questions

 

[peacefulmama]

hope it's ok for a newbie to join in

We'll be there March 26-31, staying @ WL. Our first trip together as a family! I was at WDW 2x as a kid, almost 30 years ago and Dh went once as a child as well. Our oldest went with my parents when he was 6yo. It'll be the first time at WDW for my 7yo, 6yo and 10mo. I'm so excited to see WDW through the eyes of my children, I think (and hope) that it'll be a magical experience for them.

I'm worried about the crowds, tackling WDW with 4 kids etc etc etc but reading about everyone elses experiences here has helped the worry a lot.

 

[soontobewed07]

Just wanted to jump on here and share things that I've been doing. lol I just finished packing for my three youngest kids. Only thing I have to do still is get them all bathing suits (hope it gets warm enough for them.) I also have to pack a couple pairs of jeans too. I'm hoping that we won't need them, but you never know. I'm so excited that I got them done.

We are also driving down. I have picked up the TV/DVD players that hook up to the back of your head rests in the cars. We bought Space Buddies, G-Force, and Sponge Bob season six (part one) for the DVD player. I also picked up a bunch of hand held games from the store (half off). Then today I found a travel game of sorry. The kids love playing it, so I thought it would be perfect to keep them busy for a while. I'm hoping to minimize the whining for the drive to and from.

Anyone else almost done packing?

Almost done packing will finish it up this weekend. We leave 2 weeks from Saturday. I have a ton of movies and we will also hit up the Red Boxes along the way. I also got a ton of coloring books and small toys for DS. I have to pack some pants and that's about it. Bring on the Sun!

My daughter and I are so excited we've been packed for a few weeks Of course since we are in Michigan, it's not like we'll need anything we've packed

I have been working on some basic itineraries for the parks for our 8 day trip, but then they started getting out of control. I realized that I think my plans are too agressive and I need to scale back a little, possibly attempt to build in a "resort day", possibly with either park time at night or Am. This is hard to do considering it is our first trip. So many unknowns. Plus, I need to remind myself that we are there to enjoy ourselves and that we don't need and won't be able to do everything.

How does everyone else prepare for their time at the parks? How much detail is your planning? Are you planning a resort day, midday breaks, or just winging it?

Take a break in the afternoon. We usually eat lunch and head back to the hotel for a swim and nap then Dinner and back out to the parks. DS is up early around 7ish so we just get ready and head out figure why waste the time. Whatever you do take it easy and don't let anything get you to upset. Many people over plan and when it doesn't go right get upset. Just go with the flow and when you're tired take a break. You won't enjoy yourself if anyone in your party is tired.

 

[princessmurdough]

I'm sorry if I've just missed it, but my ME docs came a few days ago, but no special tags or anything else. Should I be getting other Mickey Mail, or is this it? I've never booked a trip thru Disney before, so I'm not sure what to expect. Are those special extras TE specific, maybe?
Thanks all!

 

[noogagirl]

We'll be there March 10 - 14!

I am supposed to run the Princess 1/2 the weekend before, but the logistics didn't work out so our whole family could be there that weekend. I'm hoping I'll be sent down there the weekend of the 1/2 for work anyway so I don't waste my $$$! And I want my race packet goodies!

 

[suse66]

I just put in my garden grocer order. There's another thing checked off my list that makes the trip seem just a little closer. I can't wait to start packing!

Susan

 

[LuvindisCruiser]

Looks like a few of us will be at CBR about the same time !!
We have so far:
luvindiscruiser (me) 10-18th
RussTDK 10-17th
gumboqueenkaylee 13-20th
bamamom 13-20th
minnieGal 13-20th
skinsfan2878 13-20th
martinolichfamily 13-20th
verge1116 13-20th
Fantasmic 15-20th

Looks like a few a you will be checking in on the 13th !
Maybe we can try to describe ourselves and families, and maybe we'll see each other at CBR during our magical week !

If there are any other CBR families that will be there at the same time, let us know !!!
Here's a picture of my family. If, you see us don't hesitate to say HI!
My name is Robin. Hopefully you'll see lots of pictures in my trip report, when we get back !!

Disneyland 2009

 

[Mindy5767]

Hi,

I would not recommend ChaCha they are going through alot of changes and just reduced the pay. You can text them questions and they come to a expediter who fixes the spelling etc and if they can answer it using one of the tools we have then we do otherwise it gets sent to a guide who answer the questions

I am still confused about this Chacha thing. They're paying you to answer questions about what? An expediter corrects your spelling? What tools do you have to answer questions about what?

As for so many Disney trips. We went in 1990 and then 2000, so there was 10 years with no trips. We then missed 5 years. It wasn't until 2007 when I bought my DVC membership that we went more than once a year. And the 12 months between Nov 07 and Oct 08 when we went 3 times was a dream! Back in Jan 1972, my DH was one of the first guests to stay at the Contemporary. It had just recently opened... then he didn't go again til we took my oldest in 1990!! Talk about missing trips! What's also great about DVC is if you get tired of just visiting Disney it trades with RCI, so you could stay at any other RCI resort in the world.

hope it's ok for a newbie to join in

We'll be there March 26-31, staying @ WL. Our first trip together as a family! I was at WDW 2x as a kid, almost 30 years ago and Dh went once as a child as well. Our oldest went with my parents when he was 6yo. It'll be the first time at WDW for my 7yo, 6yo and 10mo. I'm so excited to see WDW through the eyes of my children, I think (and hope) that it'll be a magical experience for them.

I'm worried about the crowds, tackling WDW with 4 kids etc etc etc but reading about everyone elses experiences here has helped the worry a lot.

Welcome peacefulmama Its always great for a newbie to jump in. Don't worry about the crowds. When we took just my youngest daughter during Spring break 2008, it was the most restful trip ever. The crowds weren't bad. In fact, according to the latest financial report, attendance is down at the theme parks and the movies and music is carrying the company's dividends right now. The rule of thumb is that the park that had the extra magic hours the day before will be the least crowded on any given day. If you park hop, you can always leave and go to another park if your chosen park is making you crazy. We do that. Here is my best suggestion for all those kids. Dress them in the same color shirt. Then, make sure they are wearing lanyards with a pocket. In the pocket, place the child's ID card. We have ID cards from our school made my Lifetouch, our photo vendor. In my 7 year olds lanyard, I also have a card with my cell, DH's cell and her brother and sister's cell in case she gets lost. Explain to your children what a cast member looks like, so if they get separated from you, they can tell a cast member and you will be called right away. If you do not have a photo ID for each child, you can have one made at the local police station (many do them) or make one on your computer using a business card template from a program such as Print Shop Deluxe.

Don't forget to identify yourself as a DIS board member by hanging a lime green Mickey head on your purse, stroller or backpack.

 

[Tweevil]

I just booked our trip for March 13th through the 19th...staying at the POP. Just me and my boy. I can't wait to escape the snow here. We are doing a YES program on the 15th in Epcot and we are looking forward to that.
And, we are rolling up to a PAP so Aug and Dec trips are good to go.

I think I am more excited than my kid