** Official ** March 2011!!!

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

by KellyNTink
any more ideas of loot/random type of stuff to pack? Trying to not spend so much $$$ onsite on things that are so much cheaper at home.

So far - ponchos, glow necklaces/sticks, their autograph books and Mickey/Minnie Pens, rolls of quarters for arcade, got my Disney Backpack, Will pack their Mouse Ears, My daughter's DP costumes, Daughter's Minnie Mouse earrings, My son's pin lanyard, Hand Sanitizer, Hand Wipes, what else....randome items that are nice to have at hotel and parks??? My husband begged me when I booked this trip not to spend so much $$$$$$$$$ on souveneirs this time. My mom is awesome and is sending me envelopes to give each kid with souveneir $$$ from her. So, after I surprise them I will give them their envelopes and tell them that is their $$$ from Nana and they'll need to decide over the week how to spend it on souveneirs. We have park hoppers so I am hoping that they will really hear (again HA...like most kids mine are INSTANT GRATIFICATION types...heck, I am too....that is what drove my husband nuts last time. I let them get a good amount of loot EVERY day. Anyway, hopefully with Nana's generous budget they will figure out
how to plan for what they REALLY must have.

The clothes thing is tripping me up. I've never been to FL in March. Looks like nights can be cool and day is typically high 70's to mid 80's. So...summer clothes but bring the rain while the masses exited the parks :woohoo

Boy does THIS sound familiar! Same DH lecture here, same souvenir happy kids & mom
I second travel size Tums & headache meds. I always pack a headache kit b/c I'm a migraine sufferer. Tummy kits come on handy, especially after a dessert ). I can't remember the last I felt so sick . We also do travel size sunscreens for park days in case we want to hit the park sans bag. I also pach eye drops & nasal spray just in case. Allergies Pre-ordering your
photopass disc can save you $$$ & editing your pictures at home gives you unlimited border
options ( but the park borders are different than they Photopass website FYI). If you plan on
doing KIdcot, someone one DISboards created a beautiful Disney character themed passport that
you can print out ahead of time. From what I've read, it is cooler than the one you can purchase
at Epcot, & it saves money doing it from home. Wading through the thread is kinda
cumbersome, so if you are interested, PLMK & I can send you downloads of the pages ready to
print.

HTH & thanks for the emotional support & prayers on my foot. It is one of those pains you can't understand until it happens to you-a whole new level of suckdom. We thought about canceling b/cof it, but I'd be moping & miserable if we did. I know this will be my most magical birthday EVER so we are going for it

On clothes, capris, & SS shirts were enough for me all day & night last March plus a jacket as needed, but I'm hot blooded. If you or DD get cold easily, jeans/pants for nighttime is a must, plus a jacket for evening. Evenings in March can get cold, so a pair or two of jeans for the guys if
you are staying late at the parks for fireworks or F! Pack jackets in BP each day for parks b/c rain
will drop temps quickly.
:

 

[Vickis3js]

Ahhhh... 30 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm excited, but I need to get my toosh in gear! I have to get my kids some new spring clothes/shoes (probably go with Crocs again - these work great on my kids feet for long walking...even brand new and great that it doesn't matter if they get wet) and me some new clothes, too since I've lost weight (WOOOT) and need to get the random stuff together.

I know someone already asked this - but any more ideas of loot/random type of stuff to pack? Trying to not spend so much $$$ onsite on things that are so much cheaper at home.

So far - ponchos, glow necklaces/sticks, their autograph books and Mickey/Minnie Pens, rolls of quarters for arcade, got my Disney Backpack, Will pack their Mouse Ears, My daughter's DP costumes, Daughter's Minnie Mouse earrings, My son's pin lanyard, Hand Sanitizer, Hand Wipes, what else....randome items that are nice to have at hotel and parks??? My husband begged me when I booked this trip not to spend so much $$$$$$$$$ on souveneirs this time. My mom is awesome and is sending me envelopes to give each kid with souveneir $$$ from her. So, after I surprise them I will give them their envelopes and tell them that is their $$$ from Nana and they'll need to decide over the week how to spend it on souveneirs. We have park hoppers so I am hoping that they will really hear me (HA HA HA) when I encourage them to wait to see all there is to see and that we can always go back at the end of the week for things (again HA...like most kids mine are INSTANT GRATIFICATION types...heck, I am too....that is what drove my husband nuts last time. I let them get a good amount of loot EVERY day. ) Anyway, hopefully with Nana's generous budget they will figure out how to plan for what they REALLY must have.

The clothes thing is tripping me up. I've never been to FL in March. Looks like nights can be cool and day is typically high 70's to mid 80's. So...summer clothes but bring layers? And bring rain gear in case? Fingers crossed it won't rain as much as it did when we went in June 09 (though we rode through the rain while the masses exited the parks )

OK, I know I'm seriously rambling...I am just so excited it's 30 days away and I've managed to keep my mouth shut and not spill the beans to kiddos!!!!

Make sure you have allergy meds if you have them and cold meds just in case. I got so sick in Dec and had to pay WDW prices for cold meds. I think it made me sicker LOL.

I know the first year we went I let the kids get a lot of stuff. Then when we said we would make it a yearly trip we no longer do it. Now I set up rules. First is DH and I will buy them 1 thing. Second they can not buy anything until we have been in all the parks once. This way they can see as much of the stuff that is offered and really know what they just can not live without. After that 1 thing that DH and I buy the kids have to buy their own stuff. Now we take the kids for Christmas and when we have the family Christmas before we leave mostly everyone will give the kids $10 to buy something in WDW. Also they have the option of doing some extra chores before we leave to earn more $$. Last year only my DS spent all his money my DD's all came home with some but they all came home with souveniers they really loved.

 

[SnowWhite607]

Boy does THIS sound familiar! Same DH lecture here, same souvenir happy kids & mom
I second travel size Tums & headache meds. I always pack a headache kit b/c I'm a migraine sufferer. Tummy kits come on handy, especially after a dessert ). I can't remember the last I felt so sick . We also do travel size sunscreens for park days in case we want to hit the park sans bag. I also pach eye drops & nasal spray just in case. Allergies Pre-ordering your
photopass disc can save you $$$ & editing your pictures at home gives you unlimited border
options ( but the park borders are different than they Photopass website FYI). If you plan on
doing KIdcot, someone one DISboards created a beautiful Disney character themed passport that
you can print out ahead of time. From what I've read, it is cooler than the one you can purchase
at Epcot, & it saves money doing it from home. Wading through the thread is kinda
cumbersome, so if you are interested, PLMK & I can send you downloads of the pages ready to
print.

HTH & thanks for the emotional support & prayers on my foot. It is one of those pains you can't understand until it happens to you-a whole new level of suckdom. We thought about canceling b/cof it, but I'd be moping & miserable if we did. I know this will be my most magical birthday EVER so we are going for it

On clothes, capris, & SS shirts were enough for me all day & night last March plus a jacket as needed, but I'm hot blooded. If you or DD get cold easily, jeans/pants for nighttime is a must, plus a jacket for evening. Evenings in March can get cold, so a pair or two of jeans for the guys if
you are staying late at the parks for fireworks or F! Pack jackets in BP each day for parks b/c rain
will drop temps quickly.
:

I did Disney back in 2007 with undiagnosed plantar fascitis......I feel your pain, really. Hope it gets better soon and hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Vickis3js]

So very excited!!! I just got Ohana for one of our nights and at 6:30!! I've been trying and trying to get anytime with no luck. But thought hey let me try and see what I can find and there it was. I acn't wait to tell DH.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I did Disney back in 2007 with undiagnosed plantar fascitis......I feel your pain, really. Hope it gets better soon and hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you! Me too. We are such a Disney family, I will be really bummed if things don't get better by next year. It makes the experience more difficult, but as you can see, I'm not letting it stop us LOL. If this trip & our 1st SWW in May go poorly, it will probably & unfortunately slow down our WDW vacationing. That would make me really sad b/c cause it is hard to vacation with kids with special needs & WDW does an out of this world job at making the experience magical, comfortable, and relaxing. I wish every place had the helpful, accepting feel that WDW does. It is VERY HIGHLY REGARDED in the autism community for good reason.

Blessings!

 

[KellyNTink]

Thanks for packing tips, guys!

In case you hadn't seen this posted elsewhere, I thought I'd post it here - changes happening with the March schedule at WDW, including some more hours at parks and additional Fantasmic shows:

http://www.easywdw.com/news/march-2011-disney-world-park-hours-operation-schedule-changes/

I have been checking periodically and finally snagged an ADR for a Fantasmic dinner package. Do these packages really help cut down the chaos? My son is ADHD but does well on meds, though his meds will wearing off by then and he also is pretty sensory. He can handle the crowds, but waiting for hours will not go over well for him for a show I don't think. I know he can do it for a ride he really wants, but not sure about a show. Let me know your feedback if you've done the Fantasmic package before. We'll be eating at Mama Mia's at 3:55 PM before the 8:30 PM show.

 

[PrincessMom4]

Thanks for packing tips, guys!

In case you hadn't seen this posted elsewhere, I thought I'd post it here - changes happening with the March schedule at WDW, including some more hours at parks and additional Fantasmic shows:

http://www.easywdw.com/news/march-2011-disney-world-park-hours-operation-schedule-changes/

I have been checking periodically and finally snagged an ADR for a Fantasmic dinner package. Do these packages really help cut down the chaos? My son is ADHD but does well on meds, though his meds will wearing off by then and he also is pretty sensory. He can handle the crowds, but waiting for hours will not go over well for him for a show I don't think. I know he can do it for a ride he really wants, but not sure about a show. Let me know your feedback if you've done the Fantasmic package before. We'll be eating at Mama Mia's at 3:55 PM before the 8:30 PM show.

Kelly, my DD is also on various medications for multi issues. ADHD, SPD and PDD-NOS. Now sure how old your son is. Make sure to get Fast Passes for the attractions you like (everyone is able to get them) OR get a guest assistance pass. Go up to Guest services and kindly explain your situation to the cast member and they will gladly assist you and make your day there even more magical.

 

[irishfanx4]

Counting down is like waiting for Christmas! It seems to take forever!!



2 Weeks and 2 days to go until the fun begins! Yahoooooooo!!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Okay! I have 30 days to paypal my DVC owner for our Dining Plan, Buy my Annual Pass, Get some spending cash together and Pack

Got my packing list, my shopping list, and my to do list!! Hopefully the time flies and we'll all be there before we know it!!

 

[PrincessMom4]

Let's all dance to "Celebrate" by Kool and The gang.

 

[MINILvr]

17 days and I am so ready and so unprepared, all at the same time.

I need to convince DS13 that he needs more than 2 pair of jeans for this trip. : Especially since I do not plan on washing clothes. Might need to add Febreeze to the list.

I also need to do last minute shopping (breakfast food, coffee, etc). A friend is loaning me her 4 cup coffee pot, so we will be able to heat water for grits and oatmeal and save the QS credits for lunches and dinners.

I don't know if it is mentioned anywhere else, but a can of air freshener is always a good thing to have. It is now a MUST on our travel packing list. (Or maybe it is just because I am surrounded by testosterone. )

 

[janiejake]

Thanks for packing tips, guys!

In case you hadn't seen this posted elsewhere, I thought I'd post it here - changes happening with the March schedule at WDW, including some more hours at parks and additional Fantasmic shows:

http://www.easywdw.com/news/march-2011-disney-world-park-hours-operation-schedule-changes/
.

Increasing the park hours and parades has me REALLY worried that the crowds are going to be huge. Dang. Yes, it's Spring Break season, but, did March 2 years ago, and it really was doable. And, that's when they were doing that 'buy 4, get 3' deal. Anyone else concerned?

 

[MINILvr]

Increasing the park hours and parades has me REALLY worried that the crowds are going to be huge. Dang. Yes, it's Spring Break season, but, did March 2 years ago, and it really was doable. And, that's when they were doing that 'buy 4, get 3' deal. Anyone else concerned?

I am quite stressed over the increase in estimated crowds and now the extended hours due to the anticipated increase in crowd levels.
I am just hoping that because we know pretty much what we do and don't want to do in the parks, it won't be a huge deal and we can work around the crowds.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Thanks for packing tips, guys!

In case you hadn't seen this posted elsewhere, I thought I'd post it here - changes happening with the March schedule at WDW, including some more hours at parks and additional Fantasmic shows:

http://www.easywdw.com/news/march-2011-disney-world-park-hours-operation-schedule-changes/

I have been checking periodically and finally snagged an ADR for a Fantasmic dinner package. Do these packages really help cut down the chaos? My son is ADHD but does well on meds, though his meds will wearing off by then and he also is pretty sensory. He can handle the crowds, but waiting for hours will not go over well for him for a show I don't think. I know he can do it for a ride he really wants, but not sure about a show. Let me know your feedback
if you've done the Fantasmic package before. We'll be eating at Mama Mia's at 3:55 PM before the 8:30 PM show.

My boys both have ASD & significant ADD. From past experience, my suggestion would be to consider the late showing if you have night owls or preplan for a wait. Does he have a Ninetendo DS or gaming system? Access to smart phone game apps, movies, you tube? Even the dining package limes can be crowded & long at peak times, as can the guest assistant GAC lines. From what I've been told & seen, there is no real way around the wait for FANTASMIC!

It was a MAJOR concern in the past for my DS (10) w/moderate ASD. I did NOT think it was possible. GOOD NEWS is, the show really is worth the wait. It is so good, my DS remembers it from past trips & always request to see it at least twice. If your DS can attempt the wait w/things to keep him busy and a yummy snack, go for it. If there are 2 adults & he cannot tolerate the waiting, one of you can leave the line w/him & come back after you & DD get seats. You might encounter some rudeness over seat saving, but it is no different than someone taking him to the bathroom or going to get snacks. Most other guest are nice but there can always be an unfortunate meanie

It is one of our MUST DO's every trip so I hope you get to enjoy it!

 

[Disneymom2266]

Hi Everyone. I havent been on in awhile. Can someone please tell me where the rent/trade thread has gone?

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I am quite stressed over the increase in estimated crowds and now the extended hours due to the anticipated increase in crowd levels.
I am just hoping that because we know pretty much what we do and don't want to do in the parks, it won't be a huge deal and we can work around the crowds.

FWIW, We went March 16-23 2010 & it really was not that bad! Christmas week was WAY worse, and so were June & August trips (but to be fair my mood decreases rapidly as the temperature & humidity increase. Knowing your way around really helps & so does taking advantage of late hours if your family can play night owls a couple nights. HTH & JMHO.

 

[Tgtown]

Got our luggage tags today It finally feels like we're almost there.

 

[Snyd28]

14 days from right now I will be on the plane to my Happy Place! Are these extended park hours official and/or confirmed? WDW website and wdwinfo still have the old schedule listed. We picked this weekend for it to be after taxes but before Spring Break!

Whatever happens DW and I will have a great time. The kids arent coming with so we can go at whatever pace we need to... just need to get the DW on the attractions she couldn't visit during her previous two trips while pregnant!

PrincessMom4 - our DS2.5 was just diagnosed yesterday with PDD-NOS yesterday, along with anxiety, language, and sensory disorders. We are still very much in the learning process. While he is not going with this trip, he will be returning to the World within a few years either with us of with the DGPs. I'd be interested to hear how your DD handles it and any tips you may have. If you don't mind of course!

 

[klstiger]

I am quite stressed over the increase in estimated crowds and now the extended hours due to the anticipated increase in crowd levels.
I am just hoping that because we know pretty much what we do and don't want to do in the parks, it won't be a huge deal and we can work around the crowds.

Not thrilled about this either, I was thinking that it would only be south LA people being that we are the only ones off for Mardi Gras, but I guess some Spring Breaks are kicking in....

 

[PrincessMom4]

14 days from right now I will be on the plane to my Happy Place! Are these extended park hours official and/or confirmed? WDW website and wdwinfo still have the old schedule listed. We picked this weekend for it to be after taxes but before Spring Break!

Whatever happens DW and I will have a great time. The kids arent coming with so we can go at whatever pace we need to... just need to get the DW on the attractions she couldn't visit during her previous two trips while pregnant!

PrincessMom4 - our DS2.5 was just diagnosed yesterday with PDD-NOS yesterday, along with anxiety, language, and sensory disorders. We are still very much in the learning process. While he is not going with this trip, he will be returning to the World within a few years either with us of with the DGPs. I'd be interested to hear how your DD handles it and any tips you may have. If you don't mind of course!

Well its great you have support. My hubby and I have no family to help at all so that is the toughest part plus the meltdowns. I am shocked to hear how early they diagnosis kids, my DD didn't get her officially diagnosis till she was about 9. Kids like my daughter LOVE stimulation and surprisingly do well in a stimulated environment like Disney.