Oh Readers!!! POR Pre-Trip Report ~ We're back...trip report link on page 8!

[michael's mom]

Miprender..I just saw in your siggy that you are there the week before...how funny is that. I guess I knew that because we talked about when RI had school break...but it never dawned on me that you'll be leaving the same day I check in! And, you're staying at Port Orleans too! another similarity )

 

[miprender]

Miprender..I just saw in your siggy that you are there the week before...how funny is that. I guess I knew that because we talked about when RI had school break...but it never dawned on me that you'll be leaving the same day I check in! And, you're staying at Port Orleans too! another similarity )

I know My trip will be all over when yours is just starting.

 

[michael's mom]

Well, still no word for my cousin as to whether or not he's coming with us...UGH! But, the post office has been busy bringing stuff my way. Our crocs came on Wednesday (DS hasn't taken them off). Mine were way too big...I am so bummed. My feet were slipping and sliding way too much at the top of the flip-flops so I ordered a new pair and I am waiting for the new ones to know if I return 1 or 2 pair

My bathing suit just came from Lands End yesterday ( I hate wearing a bathing suit).

My mom bought DS tons of clothes from Childrens Place.com. 11 shirts and 6 pair of shorts for $120! Then, I signed on to disneyshopping.com because I got a mailing from Disney Visa with a coupon. I found some awesome t-shirts for DS as well as a classic Mickey sweatshirt for him. All in all, I bought 4 tshirts (1 for each of his cousins), a sweatshirt, and 2 pair of flipflops for me (definitely not touring flipflops, but good for pool) and I spent $38 after shipping!

I have mentioned this in other posts, but we are right now hoping that DS potty trains before our trip, with every understanding that this could possibly not happen. He's funny...always telling me "Mommy, no diapers with Mickey, I wear underpants" but I know he has no clue that Mickey's is in a few weeks.

The other day I was showing my aunt pictures of Riverside on www.wdwinfo.com and I can't believe how excited I am to be staying at a new place! I just think it looks beautiful, can't wait to be able to ride the ferry to DTD because that parking lot is horrendous! Disney may even get more money out of me this trip because of the ease of the ferry

I finally got to "1 month" on my ticker. As excited as I am, I am getting anxious because I still have so much to do, including losing weight. I just have to get down to business because that bathing suit I mentioned, just doesn't fit quite right..but I also believe that the size above would hang.

My goal is to lose 20lbs, but I'd love it if it were more. I know that I can do this because at my weight, it falls off quickly at the beginning...usually 4lbs/week for 2 or 3 weeks then slows to 2lbs.

I just need some positive thoughts because I get sidetracked easily by "just one piece of chocolate." You know the rest of the story I'm sure.


Well, that's all for now. I'm sure I'll be back soon when my disneyshopping.com stuff comes!

 

[michael's mom]

So, I said I'd be back when everything came....my new disney gear showed up today...and my new crocs. I am not sure if I mentioned that the first pair were too big so I reordered and got the size down. THEY ARE AWESOME! The sweatshirt and 2 t'shirts for DS are adorable. I bought him the gray classic mickey sweatshirt and I bought it a size bigger (I don't think they had his size) but I'll get 2 years out of a $6.50 sweatshirt! The flip-flops that I bought myself for the pool are cute too!


Today afterwork I went shopping for some things. DH washed my jeans with his work clothes and didn't realize that he had a Sharpie marker in one pair of his pants...well, needless to say it looks like DS scribbled all over my jeans so I went to buy some more. I bought a few things to wear to work but nothing for Disney. They didn't have their summer stuff out yet. But, I went to Old Navy and found a windbreaker jacket for DS marked down to $13.50 with an additional 50% off...so, it was only $6.75, and I bought him one more bathing suit and rashguard shirt so he should be all set. Here is DS's new suit! (it actually matches...the colors are off on these pics)

His other suits look like this:

Now, who doesn't think he'll look adorable! I guess orange/blue/white are a colorscheme this year!

We'll be paying the balance on our trip very soon and I am so excited. Then, it will be official.

I've decided that I am going to have to take a day off in the week that we leave. I found out the other day that I will have report cards due to my students on the very day that I leave. Now, this takes me forever to do normally, can you imagine what it will be like when I am not only completely and totally excited to be leaving within the week, but to also be packing for the trip and cleaning my house so the cat-sitter will be comfortable (we're putting the dog in a kennel, but the cat loves her quiet time here w/o him)?

Horrible...I work very well under pressure, but that just may be too much. So, I'll take one of those days off during the week to work on the report cards and shop for last minute needs. Then, hopefully I'll be able to spend my Thursday night making sure I have everything packed that I need so Friday after work, we can just take off! Hahaha, pardon my pun!


Thanks for reading!

 

[miprender]

Last summer I went to the Disney store and bought a whole bunch of bathing suits and Tshirts for DD and DSs at 75% off

As for potty training... like I posted on the stroller thread I feel your pain since DS3 is still having accidents so we will definately be bringing the pullups.

And we just paid for our trip last week

Only 42 days OMG!!

 

[michael's mom]

Last summer I went to the Disney store and bought a whole bunch of bathing suits and Tshirts for DD and DSs at 75% off

As for potty training... like I posted on the stroller thread I feel your pain since DS3 is still having accidents so we will definately be bringing the pullups.

And we just paid for our trip last week

Only 42 days OMG!!

That's awesome...75% off! The stuff is so cute, and now he has an "Easter" gift to give his cousins for less than $4 each. I think my potty training goal is more of a hope than a goal. He's working on it, but, we'll see! Whenever he trains, it will be SO AWESOME to not have to carry diapers (until we have another). If not by Disney, he sort of needs to be trained by the end of the summer because he's supposed to start preschool in September and he "MUST BE FULLY TOILET TRAINED" according to the school.


Only 50 days for me

 

[michael's mom]

Okay, so you all know (well, I guess just you Miprender, you seem to be my only reader, Thank!) how much I love calling up Disney right? I just found out today that my cousin and his fiance are coming to Disney. Great right...yes, but that means that all of my hard work and countless hours in front of a computer and on the phone are slowly going into the toilet.


I tried to make changes to ADR's today with very little luck. I was able to get a table for 2 at 2 of the restaurants, but not 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's or Teppan Edo. I am so upset, frustrated, and feeling guilty. I should be thrilled to pieces that my cousins coming. He has spent way too much time in Iraq, and before/after that deployment, was across the country at his base.

But, I just wanted this trip to be perfect, with the perfect ADR's and everyone having a good time. Now, at two of our meals, 2 people will have to sit alone and eat 10 minutes after the rest of us. And, I don't have a spot for 2 at the other 3 restaurants. Now, I have to call back every few days to see if they can help me.

And, to top it all off...for the first time, I believe I was dealing with a complete idiot on the phone. Seriously, he almost messed up 3 of the reservations by doing wrong time/wrong restaurant.

Hopefully a CM working the morning will be better to deal with. I'll probably call back Wednesday to see what I can do.


Oh well, we'll have fun anyway! That much I know. I'm almost all set to cancel out of the dining plan and just pay out of pocket for a few meals. This is just way to stressful!

 

[tiggersam00]

I just found your PTR today! I love that you are trying to make the trip perfect for everyone. It really shows how much you care for your family

Here's a thought about your cousin and his fiance... and maybe I am way off but it might work... I recently got engaged at WDW to my wonderful DF, we were on a trip with 9 people (DF's parents, brothes, SIL, 2 kids and sister). It was a great trip.... BUT... as a newly engaged lady I would have LOVED to have some time for just the 2 of us... I wanted to go out to eat with just the 2 of us many times on that trip because WDW is such a romantic place (yes, even with all the kids around you lol)... So, what if you spoke to his fiance and said that since this is a special time in there lives (being engaged) that maybe they would like to have a few meals on their own and meet up with the family after??

For Tepen Edo, maybe another restaurant in the WS?? Le Celier, or France perhaps??

At 1900 Park Fair what about a signature restaurant like Citricos?? Nice and romantic and gives them a little alone time??

At Chef Mickeys maybe you will luck out and find a cancelation, if not, what about the Wave?? It is right next to it Cehf Mickeys and you could ammet up after??

I hope it all works out!!

 

[michael's mom]

Those are some great suggestions! They are actually not engaged...I am so used to typing fiance for my sister that I do it habitually! My mom and I were talking tonight and I think if we can't get 2 more for 1900 PF, or Teppan Edo, we'll each skip out on it. I don't really care either way about 1900 PF. We're not on the dining plan that night so I could save some $$. And, my father would be tickled pink if he didn't have to eat at Teppan Edo so they will find another place that night.

Normally, I would just tell my cousin that I made ressies for 2 for them to enjoy a romatic night...but where he's been across the country (or in Iraq) away from his parents and niece and nephew for 3 years (before nephew was born), I know he'd rather see them so we'll adjust differently. He may just have to miss Chef Mickey's because I will not miss that one That was the first ressie I made and I am so excited to see DS when the gang comes to his table!

Thanks for joining the report. As we get closer to the day, I'll be posting more, and then it'll change to a trip report!

I see you are getting married in Disney! Oh my...how beautiful and romantic. We had our honeymoon in Disney and it was great!

 

[seashell724]

Great Report so far! Keep it up.

 

[michael's mom]

Okay, so not really...but at least I don't owe Disney any more money! I just this minute submitted my final payment for my trip. I couldn't believe how instantaneous the reply was declaring that I didn't owe anything!

So, now we will be saving our $$ for extra meals (incl. DS's), the tips on our meals, and of course, souvies! But with the "smart shopping" that I have been doing, using my Disney Visa for everything, I will have over $200 in rewards on my Disney Rewards card! Plus, I get the $75 birthday present because we have a multi-day ticket.

You must think I'm a crazy shopper. Let me back up and say that I put my grad school tuition on the visa because the student loan I applied for sent checks right to the student, not the school. So, they sent me the $$, I banked it, payed my tuition using the visa, and then paid of the visa. We also put the down payment for our car on it (with the cash in the bank). Just smart use of the card...I'm not a shop-a-holic

We still haven't figured out what we're going to do about the dining. I'm going to try to call back on Friday a.m. and see if anything has opened up...esp. for Chef Mickeys on 4/21. If that doesn't work, DH and I have opted to miss 1900 Park Fare and do something else with DS. My thoughts are the Rainforest Cafe, but, as much as he loves animals, he may be a little scared. Heck, we could just hang at POR at the pool. I'm sure he'd be thrilled with that too.

I think I mentioned it before, but we're not on the DDP until Sunday so we won't even need a place with ressies for this meal if we skip 1900PF.

Okay, I really need to go to bed now!

Oh, I almost forgot. There is a possibility that I'll be in a single stroller swap rather than the double that I am currently committed too. We don't need the double, I'm worried about it's size when going through DTD, and if there's someone who needs the double for their trip, I'd rather let them have it. I am only doing this switch though because the double swap leader may be opening a single. She is awesome, so great to work with. Things are getting more and more real each day.


I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

 

[ChefMickey123]

What a great pre-trip.

I will be at POR (as will a bunch of DISers) the week after Easter as well.

Check out my pre-trippie if you like


Have fun with the fam.

It is a great feeling to be paid-off and only have to worry about money for souvies, booze, and tips.

 

[tiggersam00]

woohoo!! Being Paid in Full is a great feeling of relief for sure!!

 

[michael's mom]

woohoo!! Being Paid in Full is a great feeling of relief for sure!!

It sure is! I loved getting that email today from Disney saying there was a zero balance! But, now I have to pay off the Disney visa so theres still more payin' to do

Oh well, 6 weeks from tomorrow and I'll be flying down to Disney for what could only be a great time.

 

[miprender]

I just got my magical express packet in the mail I cant wait only 33 more days Since we are a week earlier than you, you should probably be getting yours this week.

 

[michael's mom]

I just got my magical express packet in the mail I cant wait only 33 more days Since we are a week earlier than you, you should probably be getting yours this week.

I can't wait to get it. Once I have it, I'll be able to start organizing the rest of my trip details (like swap info) and keep it all together. I haven't done it yet because I know I'll just lose it all.

You must be psyched! I hope everyone's feeling better.

 

[michael's mom]

So, still nothing from Disney about my reservations, still no free tickets from Universal. And, it's definite that my cousin is joining us in Disney.

I spoke with him last night and he told me that they would like to have some meals alone but all they really care about are: Eating with Mickey and the Japanese Steakhouse.

Well, I have probably mentioned that the CM was far from helpful and along with what I would consider serious insufficiencies for a CM, he couldn't help with 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's, or Teppan Edo.

(sigh)

So, I had fixed what I could but have been stressing over this since I learned Dcousin would be joining us.

Okay, once again, I have been showered with Pixie Dust! The CM that I was so fortunate to speak with this morning on the Dining Line, Owena was her name, was amazing.

She answered as they usually do, in a very cheerful way, and the conversation went a little like this:

Owena: Thank you for calling Disney Dining, how can I help you?
Me: Hi, I am hoping you can help me, but it may take a Disney miracle. You see, my cousin just found out his leave was approved from the Army and he's decided to join us in WDW for our vacation. When I spoke to him about dining, he said he only cares about meeting Mickey. And, of course, this is the one reservation that seems impossible to get.

Owena: Okay, well, let me see if I can help. What's your telephone #.
Me: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Owena: name on reservation
Me: Michael's mom
Owena: Okay, let me put you on hold and I'll see what I can do
Me: (humming away, strumming my fingers, patiently on hold waiting)
Owena: I'm still on hold waiting, do you want to stay on hold?
Me: Oh, yes, I'll wait (hum, strum, patience)
Owena: Okay, you're all set. They added 2 people to your party, you're now a party of 14!
Me: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I THINK I'M GOING TO CRY! ALL I'VE WANTED WAS FOR THIS TO WORK OUT! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
Owena: Not a problem.


Then I proceeded to tell her about the other reservations that we needed to make because my sweet parents gave up their seats at 1900 Park Fare and Teppan Edo so my cousin could eat with his parents. I needed a reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe the night we were at 1900 PF.
Owena: Wait a minute, how many will there be?
Me: 13...
Owena: Well, I can give you a table for 6 at 4:40 and change your 4:50 down to a party of 7. You'll be there when it opens so just tell them you're together and they'll probably be able to seat you near eachother.
Me: (again) ARE YOU SERIOUS? You are awesome!
Owena: chuckling...okay, so what else can I help you with.

I told her about Teppan Edo and that we were fine with any reservation available in Epcot at about 7:15 (same time as our Teppan Edo). She couldn't do Le Cellier (surprise surprise) or Coral Reef, but could get my parents into Tutto Italia. So, at least they have a place to eat. My sis may actually want to go to Mexico for dinner instead of TE anyway but now, I can say once more, my reservations are final!!!!!


It's funny, I know that about a month ago when I adjusted my reservations down to the 12 I said that if anyone else decided to join us they were on their own...and here I am, going crazy! I guess it's because it's my cousin and his late decision was beyond his control.

I have decided that my absolute need for this trip to be perfect for everyone is because of some of the travelers involved. My cousin, for instance, has a very dangerous job right now (Lt. in the Army) and he's been away for so long that for this trip to be perfect for him and his parents would be great. But, also for my family. With my little sister (24) receiving an incurable breast cancer diagnosis, I think part of me wants this vacation to be perfect for her too. And the rest of us of course.

Now, I know that in WDW, happiness is all around, and dining reservations do not make or break the happiness factor, but I just wanted everything to be perfect and now, we're pretty close to that.

Now, off to the showers to get ready for our day out!

Thanks for reading

 

[michael's mom]

You will not believe the text message I received from my cousin this afternoon!

Hi Maura, we are going to do all the meals with you guys except the 21st. We'll do something romantic and alone that night.

DO YOU ALL KNOW WHAT NIGHT THE 21ST IS?


Go ahead, take a guess...
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That's right....CHEF MICKEYS!!!!!!!


I could've just screamed. But, oh well. What am I to do? My aunt and uncle whose daughter is playing in a lacrosee tourney at Wide World of Sports are trying to get down to Disney, and won't be trying to dine with us. Maybe we'll invite them.

 

[miprender]

Dont you just love family

And wasnt this weekend so nice? I cant wait for this weather to stay.

 

[michael's mom]

I know...I was upset for a little bit, but then I decided, hey, it's his vacation too! If he doesn't know how hard it was to get the ressie, I can't be upset for him thinking it's okay to skip out on it.

Yes, the weather was awesome! Any opportunity I have to put my flipflops on I take...THEY WERE ON ALL WEEKEND!!!!!