** Official ** March 2011!!!

[lilandvisma]

Detroit born, raised in St Clair Shores, now living out in the cornfields of St Clair County. I miss the city but there's something to be said for raising the kids in a small town, so here I'll stay at least until the 2yo graduates from high school. Then we're going to do just the opposite of your parents and find ourselves a loft downtown and retire to the city.

I was born in Detroit as well I love my cornfields too, esp. when it comes to raising the kiddos! There are times that I miss the city but LOVE rural living to tell you the truth. Most of my family lives in Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights area.

 

[lilandvisma]

Yes, we are that crazy to consider driving...but the reality is that I actually LOVE seeing all the sights and stopping at new places along the way The kids were actually quite content with our last drive, hoping for the same this time around (if we actually end up driving again !).

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Mandy, we drove last time and I wish we were this time. We're in northeast Ohio and it's about 17 hours, that we did over 2 days. I didn't mind it at all, the kids did AWESOME and I would definitely do it again. This time around though we have to work around DS being in Kindergarten (he's already missing 6 days for the trip) and DH being back in school to finish his degree - we just don't have the luxary of time like we did last trip. I don't mind flying but hate the hassle of it as far as baggage and layovers and all that crud. I'll take the 2 day drive anyday!

 

[melliemelo]

We're booked! We booked our flights last night, car rental, and our condo at Windsor Hills. All that's left is park tickets!

 

[sandym718]

Yes, we are that crazy to consider driving...but the reality is that I actually LOVE seeing all the sights and stopping at new places along the way The kids were actually quite content with our last drive, hoping for the same this time around (if we actually end up driving again !).

Mandy, we drove last time and I wish we were this time. We're in northeast Ohio and it's about 17 hours, that we did over 2 days. I didn't mind it at all, the kids did AWESOME and I would definitely do it again. This time around though we have to work around DS being in Kindergarten (he's already missing 6 days for the trip) and DH being back in school to finish his degree - we just don't have the luxary of time like we did last trip. I don't mind flying but hate the hassle of it as far as baggage and layovers and all that crud. I'll take the 2 day drive anyday!

We'll be driving...again. DH doesn't fly so there's no other option. We're also in NE Ohio. In 2007, we left in the middle of the night, drove straight through and stayed at a cheap hotel that first night. Checked in at the Poly in the early AM and went to the MK. Not bad, but DH and I were tired. We also pulled a boneheaded moved on the way home (DH's fault!). Left at noon, planning to drive until 9 PM, stop and then drive the rest of the way the next day. He insisted on going all the way, then got tired and it was foggy about 4 hours from home. Still refused to stop. We got home around 6 AM I think - kids ready to go, us ready to die, LOL!!

Last time was MUCH better, all daytime driving. Left at 6 AM, drove until about 9 PM, just across the FL border. Stayed at a nice Holiday Inn Express I believe it was. Had just about a 3 hour drive the next day, got to the Poly before lunchtime, did no parks that day, relaxed. We were ALL ready to hit the MK the next morning. Way home we drove all the way through again, but left at 5 AM and got home around 11 PM. Parked the car and went to bed!!

We're planning on doing it the 2nd way again in March. I'm even looking at a possible dinner stop at The Lady & Sons in Savannah on the way down!! Since we drive everywhere, our kids are very used to it and have no issues in the car at all. They'll be barely 7 and 8 (almost 9) this trip. First Disney trip they were barely 3 and almost 5.

 

[lilandvisma]

Very encouraging guys, thanks! I'm excited. We are actually going to be meeting up with some family in NC so I'm trying to plan around that as well and then just drive through that way. 12 hours to our stop in NC and then 9 to get from NC to WDW. Plan to head out early morn on the 25 and spend that night with family, visit the 26th...sleep a little then head out in the wee hours of the 27th to get to our resort by noon or so. We'll just take 75 back home though, maybe stopping for a night to rest...still have to figure some things out

Sandy, your DH sounds like me the last time we went. All I wanted to do on the way back was get HOME! It's like you go into survival mode on that drive back My kids did great last time but this time we have a new addition which should be interesting! Thank goodness for portable DVD players

 

[lilandvisma]

We're booked! We booked our flights last night, car rental, and our condo at Windsor Hills. All that's left is park tickets!

Welcome!!!!

 

[lilandvisma]

Wow this thread moves slooooooow guys!! We need to liven things up a bit here

What is everyone MOST looking forward to doing while in WDW?

I just made our ressie @ Harmony Barber Shop for DS's first hair cut so that is def. on the top of my list! (lets hope he has SOME hair by then LOL!). And to just have him there for his very first visit

Also excited about dining @ CRT for lunch with my family! The girls really wanted to "go in" the castle the last time we were there but we did Akershus instead (which we LOVED too!). I debating upon BBB for the girls as well....

Also, Space Mt. was shut down the last time we were there so I am SUPER excited to finally get to go on my FAV ride @ MK with DD !

Now all I really need to make my vacation plans perfect is a PIN or a deal to be released

 

[sandym718]

We're very excited about Space Mountain as well!! I never went on it as a child (went 2x, when I was 7 and 14), because I didn't like coasters then and I get motion sick. Now I can tolerate them a bit better, plus I'd really like to try SM with my kids. On our 2007 trip, neither were tall enough, so we all just skipped it. In 2009, it was down for refurb. So now we can't wait to try that for 2011!!!

I'm interested to see what ride the kids will pick for their First Ride!! In 2007, it was the Tea Cups because that commercial was on TV non-stop, that's what they knew. In 2009 it was Dumbo (and Test Track at Epcot). I have a feeling we won't be hitting Fantasyland at our first MK RD next year....we'll see!!

Something I'm most excited for - traveling with a newbie! My sister's boyfriend has never been to WDW, so it will be great to see it through his eyes. My kids are also soooo excited that they are going as well. I'm also kind of wondering if we don't see a ring at Christmas or New Year's if it could possibly come at Disney???? Wouldn't that be AWESOME!! My sister finishes her International MBA in mid-March, just before we go, and they've been together for years, so the time may be right....

Finally, I'm happy and excited that DD wants to do one more Princess meal, at CRT for lunch. She's not that into the Princess thing anymore and has asked that her new bike for next year just be solid colors (she has Tink right now), but she's still "little girl" enough to get excited by a meal in the castle!!

 

[Colleen27]

What is everyone MOST looking forward to doing while in WDW?

I just made our ressie @ Harmony Barber Shop for DS's first hair cut so that is def. on the top of my list! (lets hope he has SOME hair by then LOL!). And to just have him there for his very first visit
)

I'm debating doing the same. Not that my DD really needs a haircut - she's two and has the most incredible red curly hair that I can hardly stand the thought of cutting, but it would be a fun place to have her first haircut.

As far as what I'm most looking forward to, well, I've wanted to catch a Tigers spring training game since forever so that's a biggie. Aside from that, it is little things - taking DD2 on her favorite rides again, sushi at California Grill, and just being there again. This is the first time I'm going with only some of my kids - girls only, leaving DS home with DH - and I'm really looking forward to that because the girls are both very easy going while DS & DH are go-go-go run from one ride to the next types.

 

[mommy2mrb]

we will be arriving on my DD 11th bday, have BBB scheduled and dinner at CRT and Wishes, no better way to celebrate in our book!

also have a couple surprises in store for my DD...
day at Discovery Cove, swimming with the dolphins
going on the new Wild Africa Trek in AK
Grandview Tea

we are also going to finally see LaNuba and getting to stay at AKL for our last 3 days and going on the Sunset Safari there.

so we have lots to be excited about, well I do right now, but she will go when she gets her surprises!!!

 

[jelloarms]

Anyone here into PTRs? Would love to read em if you've got em.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Wow this thread moves slooooooow guys!! We need to liven things up a bit here

What is everyone MOST looking forward to doing while in WDW?

Good thinkin' about livening (??) things up! I'm dying to talk with someone but DH and my mom both say it's "still too far away for us to get excited about." Yeah, I don't know what that means either...

I'm looking forward to DD being tall enough to ride things with me - she's my adventurous one and I couldn't talk DS into many things last time.

Space Mountain was also closed for our last trip and I'm excited for that too!

Also excited that with my mom there, DH and I will be able to ride stuff together instead of swapping out waiting with the kids. We're planning some dinners alone and maybe some mini golfing just the 2 of us, which will be great too!

 

[lilandvisma]

Anyone here into PTRs? Would love to read em if you've got em.

I am considering starting one

 

[akkascott]

Dude, how are you guys getting all these PINs? Is it because I have already booked, that' why they aren't sending me anything? Because they know I am comming anyway?

I booked back in June for our March 2011 trip, so I don't think getting a PIN depends on if you've already booked or not. Just be sure to check all your emails from Disney Destinations. My TA said that the PIN codes are pretty random and that we lucked out this time around. For our first trip to WDW in 2009, we paid full price (and it was at premium cost since we visited during the busiest week of the year).

Good luck!

 

[MINILvr]

What is everyone MOST looking forward to doing while in WDW?

Exped. Everest was not open last time I was at WDW, so I am looking forward to that.
Other "must do's" are:
MK
Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Philarmagic
EPCOT
Soarin (did it in CA, so if too crowded can skip), Figment, Test Track, Mission:Space (for DH and DS)
DHS
Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Muppets, Toy Story Mania
AK
Expedition Everest, maybe Dinosaur, Tough to be a Bug

 

[rlahansler]

Would anyone like to share their trip plans, adrs, etc?? Would love to see what some of you are planning on doing while in WDW! I'm getting soooo excited! I'm still hoping for some sort of a discount as I would love to upgrade from POP!

Also, is anyone else planning on buying the DDP?? I'm 90% sure we are but last time it was just SOOO much food and now with DD#2 being 3 ugghhh it's going to be that much MORE food

Would love to share our plans. Our family of 4, two adults and 2 kids ages 11 and 8 will be there March 19th thru the 27th. I have each day lined out. Let me know what you think.

March 19 (Sat): Arrive Orlando @ 10am
Check in Beach Club Villas
Lunch at 130p @ LeCellier
Walk around Epcot/check out resort

March 20th (Sun): Breakfast at 805a @ Chrystal Palace
Magic Kingdom for 1/2 day
Relax/pool at our resort
Dinner at 730p @ Teppon Edo
Watch Illuminations @9p

March 21st (Mon): Breakfast in room
Epcot for 1/2 day
Relax at resort
Dinner at 420p @ Mama Melroses (Fantasmic Package)
Fantasmic @ 830p

March 22nd (Tue): Breakfast at 8am @ Tusker House
Animal Kingdom for 1/2 day
Relax/pool at resort
Dinner at 8p @ Tonys Town Square
Watch Parade from restaurant hopefully!!!
Wishes @ 10p

March 23rd (Wed): Breakfast in room
Hollywood Studios for 1/2 day
Dinner show (Spirit of Aloha) at 515p

March 24th (Thu): Breakfast at 730am @ Cape May Cafe
Open day: either Hollywood or Animal Kingdom
Dinner at 730p @ La Hacienda
Watch Illuminations from restaurant

March 25th (Fri): Breakfast at 745am (Kona Cafe)
Rope drop for Magic Kingdom
Dinner at 750p @ Kouzzina

March 26th (Sat): Breakfast in room
Animal Kingdom at rope drop
Dinner at 750p @ California Grill
Watch Wishes from California Grill

March 27th(Sun): Up early, leave hotel by 6am, flight back home at 910am (boo).

 

[rlahansler]

Would love to share our plans. Our family of 4, two adults and 2 kids ages 11 and 8 will be there March 19th thru the 27th. I have each day lined out. Let me know what you think.

March 19 (Sat): Arrive Orlando @ 10am
Check in Beach Club Villas
Lunch at 130p @ LeCellier
Walk around Epcot/check out resort

March 20th (Sun): Breakfast at 805a @ Chrystal Palace
Magic Kingdom for 1/2 day
Relax/pool at our resort
Dinner at 730p @ Teppon Edo
Watch Illuminations @9p

March 21st (Mon): Breakfast in room
Epcot for 1/2 day
Relax at resort
Dinner at 420p @ Mama Melroses (Fantasmic Package)
Fantasmic @ 830p

March 22nd (Tue): Breakfast at 8am @ Tusker House
Animal Kingdom for 1/2 day
Relax/pool at resort
Dinner at 8p @ Tonys Town Square
Watch Parade from restaurant hopefully!!!
Wishes @ 10p

March 23rd (Wed): Breakfast in room
Hollywood Studios for 1/2 day
Dinner show (Spirit of Aloha) at 515p

March 24th (Thu): Breakfast at 730am @ Cape May Cafe
Open day: either Hollywood or Animal Kingdom
Dinner at 730p @ La Hacienda
Watch Illuminations from restaurant

March 25th (Fri): Breakfast at 745am (Kona Cafe)
Rope drop for Magic Kingdom
Dinner at 750p @ Kouzzina

March 26th (Sat): Breakfast in room
Animal Kingdom at rope drop
Dinner at 750p @ California Grill
Watch Wishes from California Grill

March 27th(Sun): Up early, leave hotel by 6am, flight back home at 910am (boo).

We are buying the DDP. Our family like to eat and eat well. So worth it!!!

 

[princessbee]

I'm so upset--due to financial issues (i.e. being a college student who is about to graduate and needs to save up for a post-college life!), we had to cancel our March 2011 trip. I miss Disney so much; I hope I'm able to go relatively soon anyway.

 

[mommy2mrb]

I'm so upset--due to financial issues (i.e. being a college student who is about to graduate and needs to save up for a post-college life!), we had to cancel our March 2011 trip. I miss Disney so much; I hope I'm able to go relatively soon anyway.

Sorry you have to cancel your trip......on the bright side CONGRATS on being a college grad that's a wonderful accomplishment!
Hope you get to reschedule your trip soon!