*****Official October 2011 Thread*****

[ociana]

I picked up my third and final pair of shoes yesterday. A nice tip for all of you is that Big 5 Sporting Goods has a great shoe selection with really good sales most of the time. They have quite a few New Balance options and clearly label their shoes so you know which ones are designed for walking. I bought a pair of Dr. Scholls that felt like walking on clouds for only $30! Now to finish getting my hubby (who is more picky than I am!) and kids their shoes.

My next task to work on is getting a rental car for our two days at Universal. We are staying at the Dolphin, so the plan is to get a car from their Alamo/National kiosk in the morning then return it the next night. I haven't been able to find much in the way of a deal (10% is the best so far) so I just have to give in and book it.

So many details to sort out. Really though, I am not complaining. Trip planning is so much fun. Just the thought that I am going to Disneyworld in 65 days puts a smile on my face.

 

[lmc318]

VB is Vera Bradley. I ordered a Lizzy bag from eBay last night I am now covered for park bag and shoes. I still have to buy the rest of our costumes, handheld fans, spray deodorant(for the feets), a Brita water bottle, oil absorbing sheets and our MNSSHP tickets. Other than adding the DP for the last night we are good to go!!

Ah, should've known. I'm not a Vera Bradley fan, which is why it probably didn't register. I know they're HUGE though.

So &*@!##!!! AirTran just bumped our flight back another 15 minutes, which brings our total delay leaving to an hour 15 and our total delay arriving at an hour. That's with the schedule. Who knows what it'll actually be that day? SW flight prices have gone back up a bit, so it's not worth canceling and changing our flights for the hour delay right now, but I'm keeping my eye out. This just annoys the crap out of me, though, because now we arrive in Orlando at 2:15, right SMACK in the middle of what should be DD's nap and there is going to be NO chance I will even be able to get her to sleep in her stroller when we get to the parks, which is what I was hoping for. By the time we get there and checked in and to the parks, it'll be 4 at the earliest, and that's past our window and only an hour away from dinner, so I'm praying we can just have some quiet time on the plane and maybe walking around the resort when we get in now. I am SO furious with this AirTran nonsense!! This bumping flight times is crap! 15 minutes here, an hour there. Why even schedule a damned flight??? Just have people book a day and tell them a week before what time to show up. That's basically what they're doing anyway! Sheesh! (sorry for the vent.)

 

[eyeslikeanocean]

I picked up my third and final pair of shoes yesterday. A nice tip for all of you is that Big 5 Sporting Goods has a great shoe selection with really good sales most of the time. They have quite a few New Balance options and clearly label their shoes so you know which ones are designed for walking. I bought a pair of Dr. Scholls that felt like walking on clouds for only $30! Now to finish getting my hubby (who is more picky than I am!) and kids their shoes.

My next task to work on is getting a rental car for our two days at Universal. We are staying at the Dolphin, so the plan is to get a car from their Alamo/National kiosk in the morning then return it the next night. I haven't been able to find much in the way of a deal (10% is the best so far) so I just have to give in and book it.

So many details to sort out. Really though, I am not complaining. Trip planning is so much fun. Just the thought that I am going to Disneyworld in 65 days puts a smile on my face.

Can anyone reccomend a go pair of flip flops that won't break, and are comfortable enought to walk in at the parks all day? I am big on flipflops, but have always just bought cheap ones ( i have like 20 pair) but I know none of them would hold up for a weeks worth of walking around theme parks.

 

[mss]

Can anyone reccomend a go pair of flip flops that won't break, and are comfortable enought to walk in at the parks all day? I am big on flipflops, but have always just bought cheap ones ( i have like 20 pair) but I know none of them would hold up for a weeks worth of walking around theme parks.

I have a pair of Crocs Capri that I simply adore! They are so comfy and much nicer to look at than regular Crocs (though I wear those, too!!) Have a look!

We have crossed so many things off our trip to do list this week
The rental car for the middle of our stay is ordered - we went with Alamo, they were the cheapest when insurance was added on. We opted not to get a GPS since DBF is convinced his iPhone will be enough I'm NOT convinced - might have to talk that over with him again at some point since I'll be the one driving

Travel + health insurance is ordered, too. Insurance is always such a mess for us when traveling to the US - we need car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance...

I have crossed ponchos and sunscreen off the list, and a count today shows that we now have enough shoes. I do wish DBF would get another pair of shoes, but he has used Columbia hiking shoes a long time and never had any problems despite wearing them all day every day. We'll bring his flip-flops just in case. I also did a count of shorts and t-shirts - no need to purchase more, we plan to do laundry midway through the trip.

Speaking of t-shirts: Did anyone else notice the "Vampire Mickey" t-shirt on sale at Disneystore.com? So cute and funny! I was tempted to get it for MNSSHP, but the postal rates to Denmark were through the roof DBS says it's a sign?!

 

[lmc318]

Can anyone reccomend a go pair of flip flops that won't break, and are comfortable enought to walk in at the parks all day? I am big on flipflops, but have always just bought cheap ones ( i have like 20 pair) but I know none of them would hold up for a weeks worth of walking around theme parks.

So flip flops used to be my thing before I couldn't wear them anymore. I was a Teva Mush girl, myself. They wear down after a season in the heels, but I wore them every day, so that was expected. They're around $25 or so and you can get them at DSW or any sporting goods store and they have super comfy bases. If you need a little arch support, I like Reef a whole lot. They tend to be a little heavier, but they provide a lot more support when walking around all day. I would get Tevas again if I could wear flip flops. My sister swears by Fit Flops though and my podiatrist said anything with a "rocker" foot bed is best for your feet. That's what Fit Flops or those Skechers fit shoes are. Beware though - Fit Flops will run and stain your feet!

 

[lmc318]

We have crossed so many things off our trip to do list this week
The rental car for the middle of our stay is ordered - we went with Alamo, they were the cheapest when insurance was added on. We opted not to get a GPS since DBF is convinced his iPhone will be enough I'm NOT convinced - might have to talk that over with him again at some point since I'll be the one driving

Speaking of t-shirts: Did anyone else notice the "Vampire Mickey" t-shirt on sale at Disneystore.com? So cute and funny! I was tempted to get it for MNSSHP, but the postal rates to Denmark were through the roof DBS says it's a sign?!

I'll have to side with your DBF on this one! I love my iPhone maps app. It will get me ANYWHERE! Far better than Google maps or MapQuest or any GPS I've ever used! I love watching the little blue dot, representing me, travel down the road to my destination. It's excellent!

I'm going to have to check out that T!

 

[tlenzendorf]

We have crossed so many things off our trip to do list this week
The rental car for the middle of our stay is ordered - we went with Alamo, they were the cheapest when insurance was added on. We opted not to get a GPS since DBF is convinced his iPhone will be enough I'm NOT convinced - might have to talk that over with him again at some point since I'll be the one driving

I have an iPhone and the only thing I don't like about it when using the GPS/maps app is that the phone can't be mounted to the window like a GPS system. So I either have to hold it or have my bf hold it and read it to me. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about the maps option, you should be fine

 

[im4kycats]

Speaking of t-shirts: Did anyone else notice the "Vampire Mickey" t-shirt on sale at Disneystore.com? So cute and funny! I was tempted to get it for MNSSHP, but the postal rates to Denmark were through the roof DBS says it's a sign?!

I got the Vampire Mickey t-shirt! I love it and can't wait to wear it the MNSSHP - I'm not a costume girl.

 

[eyeslikeanocean]

So flip flops used to be my thing before I couldn't wear them anymore. I was a Teva Mush girl, myself. They wear down after a season in the heels, but I wore them every day, so that was expected. They're around $25 or so and you can get them at DSW or any sporting goods store and they have super comfy bases. If you need a little arch support, I like Reef a whole lot. They tend to be a little heavier, but they provide a lot more support when walking around all day. I would get Tevas again if I could wear flip flops. My sister swears by Fit Flops though and my podiatrist said anything with a "rocker" foot bed is best for your feet. That's what Fit Flops or those Skechers fit shoes are. Beware though - Fit Flops will run and stain your feet!

Thanks! I have heard a lot of good things about Teva's. I think i will get my whole family a pair before i trip Oct 15-22! Thanks for your help

 

[sjs314]

Ah, should've known. I'm not a Vera Bradley fan, which is why it probably didn't register. I know they're HUGE though.

So &*@!##!!! AirTran just bumped our flight back another 15 minutes, which brings our total delay leaving to an hour 15 and our total delay arriving at an hour. That's with the schedule. Who knows what it'll actually be that day? SW flight prices have gone back up a bit, so it's not worth canceling and changing our flights for the hour delay right now, but I'm keeping my eye out. This just annoys the crap out of me, though, because now we arrive in Orlando at 2:15, right SMACK in the middle of what should be DD's nap and there is going to be NO chance I will even be able to get her to sleep in her stroller when we get to the parks, which is what I was hoping for. By the time we get there and checked in and to the parks, it'll be 4 at the earliest, and that's past our window and only an hour away from dinner, so I'm praying we can just have some quiet time on the plane and maybe walking around the resort when we get in now. I am SO furious with this AirTran nonsense!! This bumping flight times is crap! 15 minutes here, an hour there. Why even schedule a damned flight??? Just have people book a day and tell them a week before what time to show up. That's basically what they're doing anyway! Sheesh! (sorry for the vent.)

I feel the same way about JB after they changed my flight time from 6:30 am to 8am which just totally messed up our arrival day. We normally head to a park after checking in , have lunch then return to our room for a short rest then head out again that evening. Now I am planning on lunch at the resort, just spend time shopping there or something until our room is ready.
Missing a half day of park time ticks me off not to mention I could have booked our flights out of the airport we normally travel from but chose the one I did cause they had an earlier flight, even though it was cheaper to fly out of Hartford.

 

[lmc318]

Thanks! I have heard a lot of good things about Teva's. I think i will get my whole family a pair before i trip Oct 15-22! Thanks for your help

You're welcome! They're like walking on clouds, you'll see! Just make sure you wear them for a week or two before you go. They don't require much break in because they are soft material, but it's always good to be sure!

I feel the same way about JB after they changed my flight time from 6:30 am to 8am which just totally messed up our arrival day. We normally head to a park after checking in , have lunch then return to our room for a short rest then head out again that evening. Now I am planning on lunch at the resort, just spend time shopping there or something until our room is ready.
Missing a half day of park time ticks me off not to mention I could have booked our flights out of the airport we normally travel from but chose the one I did cause they had an earlier flight, even though it was cheaper to fly out of Hartford.

Ugh! That's what annoys me too! I feel like I'm wasting my park tickets for that day, but I don't want to give them up because I really want to do CP for dinner and go to MK that night. I just don't want to miss MK our first day, but a 7AM flight is just too early for a 3yo and there are no flights in between 7AM and ours, so I can't even change it.

 

[mss]

Glad to hear an iPhone can actually work. Truth be told, we've only tried it in Italy for our summer holiday and Italian road names and one-way streets paired with an inexperienced iPhone user gave cause to some stress We don't plan to do a huge amount of driving anyway - apart from Universal we're just going shopping at outlets and malls near WDW.

lmc, sorry to hear about that flight. How annoying that it ends up right in nap time - what a way to wreck an afternoon! Air France changed our home flight, too. Instead of being home at 3pm, we'll be stuck waiting in Paris and won't get in untill 10pm. And I have to be at work at 8am the next morning - jetlag and all!

I got the Vampire Mickey t-shirt! I love it and can't wait to wear it the MNSSHP - I'm not a costume girl.

Now I'm jealous!! I may just have to swallow that postage fee and get it (Not going to do costumes either, we're limited to one bag each!)

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I got the Vampire Mickey t-shirt! I love it and can't wait to wear it the MNSSHP - I'm not a costume girl.

I bought it too!! Just in case I can't find any else to wear to the party!

 

[tlenzendorf]

Now I'm going to have to go and look at that shirt on the Disney store online, just when I thought I was getting close to being done shopping

 

[Family Loves Disney]

OMGoodness, this summer has flown by. The kids started school yesterday and I am now a mom to a 3rd grader and a middle schooler (6th grader) Where has the time gone, I remember them being babies yesterday and now they are growing up. Justin said he didn't want to be called Justin anymore, he wants to be called JT!

Now that school is back in session, I will have more time to devote to my second family. Sorry I have not been here for awhile. I will update the list tomorrow. Although, my schedule for work is weird this month because of all the activities scheduled for this month and for our vaca in October. Justin has Equestrian Special Olympics next weekend and this upcoming weekend we are going to camp with a support group for special needs and medically fragile children (we go every year at this time). So my boss is making me work during the week, if I want to be off for the next 2 weekends. She knows that I do not have child care for the kids, but she is making me do it anyway. UGH! I worked this past weekend on the OB floor and LOVED it! They are needing help and I may transfer, they are willing to work with me on my schedule.

Another change is our costumes. Justin is playing football and Maddie is cheerleading, so instead of buying costumes, we are going to take their uniforms and they are going as a football player and cheerleader. We will still do BBB and the Pirates League, we just won't buy the costumes. It comes out cheaper. Justin wants to be a pirate football player and Maddie will be a Princess Cheerleader. LOL.

Sorry for the long post, I just missed you all and thought I could vent a little. to all.

 

[lmc318]

OMGoodness, this summer has flown by. The kids started school yesterday and I am now a mom to a 3rd grader and a middle schooler (6th grader) Where has the time gone, I remember them being babies yesterday and now they are growing up. Justin said he didn't want to be called Justin anymore, he wants to be called JT!

Now that school is back in session, I will have more time to devote to my second family. Sorry I have not been here for awhile. I will update the list tomorrow. Although, my schedule for work is weird this month because of all the activities scheduled for this month and for our vaca in October. Justin has Equestrian Special Olympics next weekend and this upcoming weekend we are going to camp with a support group for special needs and medically fragile children (we go every year at this time). So my boss is making me work during the week, if I want to be off for the next 2 weekends. She knows that I do not have child care for the kids, but she is making me do it anyway. UGH! I worked this past weekend on the OB floor and LOVED it! They are needing help and I may transfer, they are willing to work with me on my schedule.

Another change is our costumes. Justin is playing football and Maddie is cheerleading, so instead of buying costumes, we are going to take their uniforms and they are going as a football player and cheerleader. We will still do BBB and the Pirates League, we just won't buy the costumes. It comes out cheaper. Justin wants to be a pirate football player and Maddie will be a Princess Cheerleader. LOL.

Sorry for the long post, I just missed you all and thought I could vent a little. to all.

Hi Shannon! Welcome back! It's amazing how life gets in the way, isn't it? We've missed you and I hope everything works out for you at work so your schedule is better and we "see" you around here a little more. Purely selfish, I know! Good luck this weekend and next. Keep us posted with what's going on with the job!

 

[disneygal58]

OMGoodness, this summer has flown by. The kids started school yesterday and I am now a mom to a 3rd grader and a middle schooler (6th grader) Where has the time gone, I remember them being babies yesterday and now they are growing up. Justin said he didn't want to be called Justin anymore, he wants to be called JT!

Now that school is back in session, I will have more time to devote to my second family. Sorry I have not been here for awhile. I will update the list tomorrow. Although, my schedule for work is weird this month because of all the activities scheduled for this month and for our vaca in October. Justin has Equestrian Special Olympics next weekend and this upcoming weekend we are going to camp with a support group for special needs and medically fragile children (we go every year at this time). So my boss is making me work during the week, if I want to be off for the next 2 weekends. She knows that I do not have child care for the kids, but she is making me do it anyway. UGH! I worked this past weekend on the OB floor and LOVED it! They are needing help and I may transfer, they are willing to work with me on my schedule.

Another change is our costumes. Justin is playing football and Maddie is cheerleading, so instead of buying costumes, we are going to take their uniforms and they are going as a football player and cheerleader. We will still do BBB and the Pirates League, we just won't buy the costumes. It comes out cheaper. Justin wants to be a pirate football player and Maddie will be a Princess Cheerleader. LOL.

Sorry for the long post, I just missed you all and thought I could vent a little. to all.

When I was teaching Childbirth Preparation classes, I always emphasized tonew parents to be... to enjoy every moment as it goes by in a blink of the eye - something that you can never imagine happening when you are breastfeeding every two hours through the night. My daughters are now 26 and 27 - one is now the teacher (and I still get teary eyed when I visit her classroom remembering when she sat at one of the little desk & chairs, not the teacher's desk). We are returning to WDW for the first time in 5 years all together. Now as semi-adults, like Peter Pan we will never totally grow up. Soooo, enjoy and know that you are providing your children with memories that will last a lifetime.

 

[lmc318]

When I was teaching Childbirth Preparation classes, I always emphasized tonew parents to be... to enjoy every moment as it goes by in a blink of the eye - something that you can never imagine happening when you are breastfeeding every two hours through the night. My daughters are now 26 and 27 - one is now the teacher (and I still get teary eyed when I visit her classroom remembering when she sat at one of the little desk & chairs, not the teacher's desk). We are returning to WDW for the first time in 5 years all together. Now as semi-adults, like Peter Pan we will never totally grow up. Soooo, enjoy and know that you are providing your children with memories that will last a lifetime.

This makes me cry but in such a good way! When people ask me if I am tired of my daughter being whatever age, I always say no (although the 2 1/2 - 3 age is trying, I'll admit!). I don't wish for days past and I don't wish for days ahead because I enjoy every single day with her now. I know she'll grow up faster than I want her to. I don't want to wish it to come too fast!

Now Disney on the other hand...

 

[attain]

This makes me cry but in such a good way! When people ask me if I am tired of my daughter being whatever age, I always say no (although the 2 1/2 - 3 age is trying, I'll admit!). I don't wish for days past and I don't wish for days ahead because I enjoy every single day with her now. I know she'll grow up faster than I want her to. I don't want to wish it to come too fast!

Now Disney on the other hand...

Where's that darn "like" button? This is me right now as well. Even when he dumped half the contents of his bath on the floor tonight!

 

[anjalee6]

I have a pair of Crocs Capri that I simply adore! They are so comfy and much nicer to look at than regular Crocs (though I wear those, too!!) Have a look!

We have crossed so many things off our trip to do list this week
The rental car for the middle of our stay is ordered - we went with Alamo, they were the cheapest when insurance was added on. We opted not to get a GPS since DBF is convinced his iPhone will be enough I'm NOT convinced - might have to talk that over with him again at some point since I'll be the one driving

Travel + health insurance is ordered, too. Insurance is always such a mess for us when traveling to the US - we need car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance...

I have crossed ponchos and sunscreen off the list, and a count today shows that we now have enough shoes. I do wish DBF would get another pair of shoes, but he has used Columbia hiking shoes a long time and never had any problems despite wearing them all day every day. We'll bring his flip-flops just in case. I also did a count of shorts and t-shirts - no need to purchase more, we plan to do laundry midway through the trip.

Speaking of t-shirts: Did anyone else notice the "Vampire Mickey" t-shirt on sale at Disneystore.com? So cute and funny! I was tempted to get it for MNSSHP, but the postal rates to Denmark were through the roof DBS says it's a sign?!

I also got the Mickey Vampire shirt and the Mickey Lightning bolt shirt too. I though it looked very Halloween like and I don't want to wear a costume so one of these will work.