One Mom and Three Kids Tackle the World in a Week - Dec '09 Trip Report - Complete :)

[praisehisname]

Great final thoughts! I definitely agree about going in December. It was fun to see the decorations, but Christmas felt so rushed when we got home. Besides, I liked the Fall decorations better.

 

[MeMom]

Glad you did get to see all the holiday decorations at least once.

We are fortunate to have the airport right here and to be less than two hours from WDW by air. Knowing that others have such troubles with flight plans makes me very grateful.

I love the atmosphere of Old Key West. I am hoping our guys will be able to go over there with us for a DIS meet, as they have never seen it.

Since a lot of us drink water and we rarely get desserts, the dining plan isn't right for us, but it's nice that you have done it both ways so that you can make better decisions for future trips.

Down time is so important for the little people and the big people.

We try to mix up the meals, too - old favorites and trying out new ones. This trip we have one old - Chef Mickey's and two new - 1900 Park Fare and Boma.

I'm totally with you on the resorts, too. I want to try them all!

Can't wait to hear about future Disney plans!

Thanks for the great report! I'm ready for you to do another one any time.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Glad you did get to see all the holiday decorations at least once.

We are fortunate to have the airport right here and to be less than two hours from WDW by air. Knowing that others have such troubles with flight plans makes me very grateful.

Since a lot of us drink water and we rarely get desserts, the dining plan isn't right for us, but it's nice that you have done it both ways so that you can make better decisions for future trips.

Down time is so important for the little people and the big people.

We try to mix up the meals, too - old favorites and trying out new ones. This trip we have one old - Chef Mickey's and two new - 1900 Park Fare and Boma.

I'm totally with you on the resorts, too. I want to try them all!

Can't wait to hear about future Disney plans!

Thanks for the great report! I'm ready for you to do another one any time.

Ditto to what she said!

 

[mermaid764]

Awww i'm sad to see that your trip report has come to an end. Doing a final insight was a great way to end it though, as I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and suggestions from your trip. That's too bad that you have people who aren't supportive of your new trip but I hope you have a great next vacation and don't let them get to you!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I also am not a very good writer. I just am not.

Remember when you wrote this at the beginning of this TR?

You were wrong.


Thank you for sharing your family and your trip with us and be sure to let me know when the next TR is going. I'll be there reading!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm up in the air about the DDP too. We are going without it this time and seeing how it goes. Rumor has it that next year it won't even include a dessert and will only go down in cost like $1. If that ends up to be true, between that and DS11 being an adult, we are done with it for good!

What I heard from a TA is that, yes, dessert is going to be excluded, but the only plan going down in price is the deluxe. The quick service and standard DDP are actually going up by a few $$. If this indeed pans out to be fact, I don't think we'll do the DDP anymore either!


Loved your final thoughts Kelli! And I agree with Mndisneygirl, you were too hard on yourself at the beginning of your report saying that you aren't a good writer. You did a great job and I'm looking forward to your next report!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What I heard from a TA is that, yes, dessert is going to be excluded, but the only plan going down in price is the deluxe. The quick service and standard DDP are actually going up by a few $$. If this indeed pans out to be fact, I don't think we'll do the DDP anymore either!

Wow that's even worse than what I heard!! So, you will get a drink and an entree and the price is going to go up??? That's crazy. I remember the good old days when you got an appetizer, drink, entree, dessert, and the tip was included. Now that was a good deal!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I'm behind, but I just wanted to say how excited I am about your next trip!!! I would LOVE to do that with one of my friends someday! How is the (non) planning coming along???

Aw, thank you!! Well, not a lot of (non)planning is going on. I emailed my friends to check in today on things. I feel weird not doing any planning for a trip that is only three months away. It has to be Disboards syndrome.

Love your final thoughts. I would have to agree with several of them.

Would love to fly Allegiant out of a smaller airport, but hate their flight times.

I probably wouldn't ever go in December. Just too much going on!

OKW is great -- but hated our room location.

I'm up in the air about the DDP too. We are going without it this time and seeing how it goes. Rumor has it that next year it won't even include a dessert and will only go down in cost like $1. If that ends up to be true, between that and DS11 being an adult, we are done with it for good!

No matter how much time I spend at the resort I always come home wishing I had spent more time at the resort!

And I definitely love trying new restaurants and resorts! You only get to WDW so many times, why not make each trip a new experience!

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. Looking forward to the next TR!

I'm glad that some of my thoughts hit home with you too!! It was a wonderful trip but there were some small things I would like to change/try next time. Thank you for reading.

Great final thoughts! I definitely agree about going in December. It was fun to see the decorations, but Christmas felt so rushed when we got home. Besides, I liked the Fall decorations better.

I think I would like the fall decorations too. Will they be out in September or will I have to wait for our October trip next year? Everytime I see a fall decorated Main Street, it just feels right to me. That is when I need to be there.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Glad you did get to see all the holiday decorations at least once.

We are fortunate to have the airport right here and to be less than two hours from WDW by air. Knowing that others have such troubles with flight plans makes me very grateful.

I love the atmosphere of Old Key West. I am hoping our guys will be able to go over there with us for a DIS meet, as they have never seen it.

Since a lot of us drink water and we rarely get desserts, the dining plan isn't right for us, but it's nice that you have done it both ways so that you can make better decisions for future trips.

Down time is so important for the little people and the big people.

We try to mix up the meals, too - old favorites and trying out new ones. This trip we have one old - Chef Mickey's and two new - 1900 Park Fare and Boma.

I'm totally with you on the resorts, too. I want to try them all!

Can't wait to hear about future Disney plans!

Thanks for the great report! I'm ready for you to do another one any time.

MeMom, you always are able to look on the bright side of things and are such a positive person. I want to be like you when I grow up, lol. I hope you can get those guys over to OKW! The kids loved the sandcastle slide.

Ditto to what she said!

Like mom, like daughter.

Awww i'm sad to see that your trip report has come to an end. Doing a final insight was a great way to end it though, as I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and suggestions from your trip. That's too bad that you have people who aren't supportive of your new trip but I hope you have a great next vacation and don't let them get to you!

Thank you! I wanted to sort of wrap it up with lots of little stuff that was swirling around in my brain. Heehee!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Remember when you wrote this at the beginning of this TR?

You were wrong.


Thank you for sharing your family and your trip with us and be sure to let me know when the next TR is going. I'll be there reading!

Ok, tears. You made me cry. It's just been one of those months.... Thank you Sheree.

What I heard from a TA is that, yes, dessert is going to be excluded, but the only plan going down in price is the deluxe. The quick service and standard DDP are actually going up by a few $$. If this indeed pans out to be fact, I don't think we'll do the DDP anymore either!


Loved your final thoughts Kelli! And I agree with Mndisneygirl, you were too hard on yourself at the beginning of your report saying that you aren't a good writer. You did a great job and I'm looking forward to your next report!

How does that change even make sense? So a price jump and you get just your meal and a drink? I don't have the numbers but that doesn't seem so fair. Thank you Michelle for reading and for thinking I did a great job. I appreciate that.

Wow that's even worse than what I heard!! So, you will get a drink and an entree and the price is going to go up??? That's crazy. I remember the good old days when you got an appetizer, drink, entree, dessert, and the tip was included. Now that was a good deal!

I think it's crazy too. On our first trip, we had the dining plan and it was awesome! Everything was included. Not fond of these changes.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I wanted to run an idea by you Disney experts. Since the kiddos and I first visited way back in November 2006, we fell in love. Head over heels, angels singing, harps playing LOVE. I adore Disney World. I think Walt was a genius. The way it makes me feel is just indescribable. (Is it for you too?) It is My Happy Place. We live so far away. Driving just isn't an option for us so we must fly and that gets to be expensive. But I've been racking my brain for ways to get us back more often than once every couple of years.

Here is what I am thinking about as far as future trips go. Morghan mentioned me taking her for her birthday next May. It was her golden birthday this year so we should have probably done it this year. But I was thinking of trying to sneak in a few small trips here and there, maybe with each kiddo alone or a girls only trip or something like that. I could buy annual passes and that would end up paying off in the end. We would only go for a long weekend, maybe 3-4 days but that would be enough to soak in a little magic while still being able to save for a our bigger family trip. If I have an annual pass, I would be eligible to buy the TIW card, right? That would save money on food.

So, it's something I am thinking of doing but am not yet sure I could leave the other kiddos behind without major guilt. We'll see. I think I will book May 2011 when that window opens and just see how it goes. So on my radar are these trips:

*September 2010, moms only trip with friends. Staying for 4 nights/3 days at AsMo.

*May 2011, trip with Morghan alone or maybe make it a girls trip so Kenah can come too. Stay for 4 nights/3 days, not sure which resort.

*October 2011, trip with family. Stay for 7 nights/6 days, CBR.

I just know that our lives are really hectic and I am really feeling the pressure lately. I know that the kids and I need regular doses of our Happy Place.

 

[praisehisname]

I think I would like the fall decorations too. Will they be out in September or will I have to wait for our October trip next year? Everytime I see a fall decorated Main Street, it just feels right to me. That is when I need to be there.

We were there September 14 and the decorations were up.

I don't have any advice to offer about getting there more frequently...I've tossed around the idea of birthday trips for my kids, too. I just don't think I could leave the rest of the family behind. It was OK when Tom and I BOTH left, but I would feel bad taking one kid and not the rest. But that's me...

 

[KathyRN137]

Well, I have a trip booked!!!

...I'm staying at ASMo, sharing a preferred room with a friend. This will be a new resort for me so that's super cool!

...I have some really unsupportive friends/family that really have no need to know anything about this. Thanks much!!

Pfffttt! Who needs 'em?!



Kathy

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

I wanted to run an idea by you Disney experts. Since the kiddos and I first visited way back in November 2006, we fell in love. Head over heels, angels singing, harps playing LOVE. I adore Disney World. I think Walt was a genius. The way it makes me feel is just indescribable. (Is it for you too?) It is My Happy Place. We live so far away. Driving just isn't an option for us so we must fly and that gets to be expensive. But I've been racking my brain for ways to get us back more often than once every couple of years.

Here is what I am thinking about as far as future trips go. Morghan mentioned me taking her for her birthday next May. It was her golden birthday this year so we should have probably done it this year. But I was thinking of trying to sneak in a few small trips here and there, maybe with each kiddo alone or a girls only trip or something like that. I could buy annual passes and that would end up paying off in the end. We would only go for a long weekend, maybe 3-4 days but that would be enough to soak in a little magic while still being able to save for a our bigger family trip. If I have an annual pass, I would be eligible to buy the TIW card, right? That would save money on food.

So, it's something I am thinking of doing but am not yet sure I could leave the other kiddos behind without major guilt. We'll see. I think I will book May 2011 when that window opens and just see how it goes. So on my radar are these trips:

*September 2010, moms only trip with friends. Staying for 4 nights/3 days at AsMo.

*May 2011, trip with Morghan alone or maybe make it a girls trip so Kenah can come too. Stay for 4 nights/3 days, not sure which resort.

*October 2011, trip with family. Stay for 7 nights/6 days, CBR.

I just know that our lives are really hectic and I am really feeling the pressure lately. I know that the kids and I need regular doses of our Happy Place.

You know MeMom and I completely agree with this thought process. I have had an annual pass and TIW card since 2007. I have no intention of letting them lapse. We love our long summer trips and our short weekend trips. Each trip is different. We love being able to go do a few things and then swim and rest knowing that if we don't get to it this time there is always next time. I definitely think when my girls get older I will take them by themselves so they can have that special one on one time.

 

[karebear23]

I wanted to run an idea by you Disney experts. Since the kiddos and I first visited way back in November 2006, we fell in love. Head over heels, angels singing, harps playing LOVE. I adore Disney World. I think Walt was a genius. The way it makes me feel is just indescribable. (Is it for you too?) It is My Happy Place. We live so far away. Driving just isn't an option for us so we must fly and that gets to be expensive. But I've been racking my brain for ways to get us back more often than once every couple of years.

Here is what I am thinking about as far as future trips go. Morghan mentioned me taking her for her birthday next May. It was her golden birthday this year so we should have probably done it this year. But I was thinking of trying to sneak in a few small trips here and there, maybe with each kiddo alone or a girls only trip or something like that. I could buy annual passes and that would end up paying off in the end. We would only go for a long weekend, maybe 3-4 days but that would be enough to soak in a little magic while still being able to save for a our bigger family trip. If I have an annual pass, I would be eligible to buy the TIW card, right? That would save money on food.

So, it's something I am thinking of doing but am not yet sure I could leave the other kiddos behind without major guilt. We'll see. I think I will book May 2011 when that window opens and just see how it goes. So on my radar are these trips:

*September 2010, moms only trip with friends. Staying for 4 nights/3 days at AsMo.

*May 2011, trip with Morghan alone or maybe make it a girls trip so Kenah can come too. Stay for 4 nights/3 days, not sure which resort.

*October 2011, trip with family. Stay for 7 nights/6 days, CBR.

I just know that our lives are really hectic and I am really feeling the pressure lately. I know that the kids and I need regular doses of our Happy Place.

We do short trips....but we do live locally. I just went yesterday with dd for the 1st time alone. It was great since we rarely have alone time together. Watching the parade & fireworks with her will be a memory I will have forever!

Even if we lived farther away we still would take little trips here and there. It's nice to know if you missed a certain attraction that you can do it next time...and don't have to run from place to place.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I, for one, think it's a fabulous idea! If each child knows, you will be taking them to Disney, I think they will deal with it better than you think. I am always ready to enable somebody to get an annual pass! One day I hope to have one of my very own.

 

[MeMom]

The way it makes me feel is just indescribable. (Is it for you too?) It is My Happy Place.

Yes.

Morghan mentioned me taking her for her birthday next May. But I was thinking of trying to sneak in a few small trips here and there, maybe with each kiddo alone or a girls only trip or something like that. I could buy annual passes and that would end up paying off in the end. We would only go for a long weekend, maybe 3-4 days but that would be enough to soak in a little magic while still being able to save for a our bigger family trip.

Perfect.

If I have an annual pass, I would be eligible to buy the TIW card, right? That would save money on food.

*September 2010, moms only trip with friends. Staying for 4 nights/3 days at AsMo.

*May 2011, trip with Morghan alone or maybe make it a girls trip so Kenah can come too. Stay for 4 nights/3 days, not sure which resort.

*October 2011, trip with family. Stay for 7 nights/6 days, CBR.

I just know that our lives are really hectic and I am really feeling the pressure lately. I know that the kids and I need regular doses of our Happy Place.

I, an admitted Disney enabler, think this looks great. We have to have our doses of Disney spread throughout the year, as well. My ideal would be a spring trip, our long family summer trip, an October trip, and a holiday (either Thanksgiving or Christmas) trip. Financially, either the fall or winter trip has to be dumped, because four is just too much right now. Maybe when/if I ever get some bills paid, car paid off etc., I can go back to dreaming of four trips again.

One-on-one time with your kids will be great, or time with just your big girls would be just as nice. Have fun with all of your planning!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

We were there September 14 and the decorations were up.

I don't have any advice to offer about getting there more frequently...I've tossed around the idea of birthday trips for my kids, too. I just don't think I could leave the rest of the family behind. It was OK when Tom and I BOTH left, but I would feel bad taking one kid and not the rest. But that's me...

Great to hear!! I might feel bad too. Just something I am contemplating. I still feel guilty for going in a few months with none of the kiddos. LOL!

Pfffttt! Who needs 'em?!



Kathy

Thanks Kathy.

You know MeMom and I completely agree with this thought process. I have had an annual pass and TIW card since 2007. I have no intention of letting them lapse. We love our long summer trips and our short weekend trips. Each trip is different. We love being able to go do a few things and then swim and rest knowing that if we don't get to it this time there is always next time. I definitely think when my girls get older I will take them by themselves so they can have that special one on one time.

I love the way you two tour! The feeling that there will be a "next time" is what I think it awesome! I think spending time alone with each of the kids in such a wonderful place would feel so great.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

We do short trips....but we do live locally. I just went yesterday with dd for the 1st time alone. It was great since we rarely have alone time together. Watching the parade & fireworks with her will be a memory I will have forever!

Even if we lived farther away we still would take little trips here and there. It's nice to know if you missed a certain attraction that you can do it next time...and don't have to run from place to place.

That sounds perfect!! I really wished I lived locally. LOL!!

I, for one, think it's a fabulous idea! If each child knows, you will be taking them to Disney, I think they will deal with it better than you think. I am always ready to enable somebody to get an annual pass! One day I hope to have one of my very own.

I agree Jackie. Everyone should get a turn, right? The rest of the kiddos have July birthdays so not sure if we will go then or maybe do a half birthday birthday sort of thing. Not a huge fan of heat! I would love to have an AP too!

Yes.




Perfect.










I, an admitted Disney enabler, think this looks great. We have to have our doses of Disney spread throughout the year, as well. My ideal would be a spring trip, our long family summer trip, an October trip, and a holiday (either Thanksgiving or Christmas) trip. Financially, either the fall or winter trip has to be dumped, because four is just too much right now. Maybe when/if I ever get some bills paid, car paid off etc., I can go back to dreaming of four trips again.

One-on-one time with your kids will be great, or time with just your big girls would be just as nice. Have fun with all of your planning!

Aw MeMom, I think four trips would be perfect. One would be over but another would be beginning very shortly afterwards always. Like I told Jill, I just really like the way you girls always sneak down for smaller trips before your bigger summer ones. What a fabulous way to absorb a little magic.

 

[jenseib]

I don't know much about the annual passes, but wouldn't it be expired by the time you went in Oct.2011 if you bought it in Sept this year?