Operation FOURTH! a July PTR - June 24th, shopping errands and lists!

[Happydog]

Well, TODAY marks our official ONE week from TODAY count down!!!! For, one wee from today, we will be in Disney WORLD!!!! OH I am so excited!!

Technically our vacation would have started the night before, because we would have boarded the train down to Florida, and the train ride is always a lot of fun. Well, it is for us!

The kids love taking the train, and I like it because they do! I am hoping to catch up on some reading and the boys will definitely be happy to watch a movie or two, and eating in the dining car is a lot of fun.

The nice thing is that it does go fast. I find it easy to enjoy the trip and we have our own space, which helps. I figure we'll play a few card games, as well!

SO, where did I last leave us on our touring plans??!! WELL, I think it was July 6th! And July 6th is a ...

"Hurray for Hollywood!" kind of day!

OR, a ...

"Hurray for standing in line for rope drop in the bleeping hot sun!" kind of day!

But, I think I prefer Hurray for Hollywood!!! LOL!!!

So, I think this time we will have to make a decision... The boys will likely want to sign up for the Jedi Training Academy... The question is how realistic will that be for us, given the times for the show... I need to read into this more. It may be that we try to do the Academy on this day, but I have to look into the logistics a bit more... I know we will want to go to Toy Story Mania right away, to get Fast Passes, and probably ride straight away, too, but I am not sure how to manage both of these goals in one day... I have to give it a little more thought!

So yes! We will be touring our favorite rides with DH, and he will of course be riding Star Tours and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster!

Some fast passes will be in order there, I am sure, so we'll manage a tour plan eventually, we usually do! LOL! I have plenty of time to sort this out, well before this day comes, so, for NOW, we'll simply say we'll be at DHS until we decide it is time to hit the pool! I also suspect that we will manage some lunch, probably back at the Resort, but DH may be determined to go back to Epcot for lunch. We have so many QS places there we love! So we'll see what the mid-day refuel actually ends up being, but for now I know that is wide open!

Officially this evening we have a reservation for San Angel’s Inn. We have always enjoyed this restaurant, and they have a new menu. I DO know, however, that we also want to fit in Todd English's BLUE ZOO, so it MAY be that we go to the Blue Zoo for nachos and drinks, (HOPEFULLY with FRIENDS ... ) then at some point meander over to Epcot for a few attractions, then “dinner” which would probably just be a few appetizers or a split dinner, while the kids eat a proper dinner… With the Tables in Wonderland, we can get that discount on whatever we order, so really we are going to sample a few things at Blue Zoo, then sample a little more in “Mexico”… LOL!!! We enjoy munching like this, and I know DH enough to say he would go for this, because we never get past the appetizer menu at Blue Zoo!!! UNFORTUNATELY our most favorite appetizer is no longer on the menu (Rock shrimp tacos) BUT they have them at San Angels, so a compromise will be reached, I am sure!!!! BESIDES, there are excellent margaritas to sample there in the Cave!!! LOL!!! And who knows, maybe the Italian wine bar before the evening is through!!

I do suspect we will finish the night off at Epcot, then, watching Illuminations, or, we may decide to head back to the Wilderness Lodge, but there is a lot of time and ground to cover before then! It may also be that DS10 and I ditch the other two and head to whichever park has magic hours!!!

Regardless, I think it is safe to say that we will be getting a good night’s sleep, though, in preparation for our FINAL FULL day in the World, which we are starting at the Animal Kingdom!

Hope you all have a great Friday!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Fun pins and I must confess, now that I have seen the fixed shirts -- they are way better than the others.

Hurray for less than a week for you, and your to-do list looks like mine. We will get it all done! We have to, right?

We will be starting July 6th at DHS, and that is the night we were thinking of Blue Zoo for appetizers and drinks. Yum! That could be fun and delicious.

 

[newtexan]

sounds like a fun day at HS. Sadly the 6th is our departure day.
anxious to hear about AK morning, its my favorite

 

[SoonerGirl]

You've got me thinking about crab nachos and those yummy cocktails from Blue Zoo now! I will forever be grateful to you for turning me on to that place!

I agree packing for a cruise is more stressful, and we have 2 formal nights to get ready for.....

 

[eandesmom]

That is wonderful that the reverse process worked! I've given up on doing iron ons. I get annoyed with how they wash and my printers never seem to like the transfer paper and it's expensive to waste on a paper jam!

Which means no making of magnets for the cruise but oh well.

Fun pins, ours are all here, except for 1 but then I'm done with that.

Your DHS plans, loose as they are, sound fun. Even more fun is your evening, between Blue Zoo and San Angel (and the Cave and the Wine Bar lol).

I'm totally struggling with packing for this trip, if it was just cruise, or just park it would be easier.

 

[Happydog]

Fun pins and I must confess, now that I have seen the fixed shirts -- they are way better than the others.

Hurray for less than a week for you, and your to-do list looks like mine. We will get it all done! We have to, right?

We will be starting July 6th at DHS, and that is the night we were thinking of Blue Zoo for appetizers and drinks. Yum! That could be fun and delicious.

Yes, I know I wasn't going to leave them backwards that would have been "stoopid" I was just so amused that I didn't catch that, but it just goes to show how long ago it was that I made them! I got the boys hats to go with... NOT Disney, but you'll see in the next update!

You are right! We HAVE to get it done!!!


And I have not done too much in terms of planning for that DHS day, so hopefully we can keep eachother company in line and manage to meet up for drinks, etc. at Blue Zoo if you would like! We would just be handing over our smartphones to our kids, but if Chelsea and Conner want to entertain them, I will pay for icecream over on the boardwalk!

sounds like a fun day at HS. Sadly the 6th is our departure day.
anxious to hear about AK morning, its my favorite

Yes we love the AK, too. I hope to post on that day later this weekend!

You've got me thinking about crab nachos and those yummy cocktails from Blue Zoo now! I will forever be grateful to you for turning me on to that place!

I agree packing for a cruise is more stressful, and we have 2 formal nights to get ready for.....

SOOO good, right??!! I know. I miss my rock shrimp tacos, though


TWO formal nights, ugh! That was on the 7 night Eastern as well, ONE formal and one semi-formal, but it is all the same to me, when you throw in Palo's, Remy's, etc. I still have not finished my Cruise TR, to be honest

That is wonderful that the reverse process worked! I've given up on doing iron ons. I get annoyed with how they wash and my printers never seem to like the transfer paper and it's expensive to waste on a paper jam!

Which means no making of magnets for the cruise but oh well.

Fun pins, ours are all here, except for 1 but then I'm done with that.

Your DHS plans, loose as they are, sound fun. Even more fun is your evening, between Blue Zoo and San Angel (and the Cave and the Wine Bar lol).

I'm totally struggling with packing for this trip, if it was just cruise, or just park it would be easier.

I have a good photo printer, it is for photo paper, so it will print them well, but seriously, I agree, it isn't easy! And, well, we don't really wear them again. They are sort of a WDW wonder, that I just make for the heck of it, never to be used again, unless we go to WDW during the same time and they still fit! Which reminds me, I wonder if the blue "mind the gap" shirts I made would fit... may have to go digging around for those...

RE the travel packing, it was EPIC for us. So I can't imagine FLYING and having all that to pack I agree!!! At least we had our car. But remember that on the cruise you are not going to wear too much other than a coverup and a swimsuit most "days"... I way overpacked with shorts and tanks, etc. because I just didn't change as much as I thought I was going to... The clothes in the evening were different, but I packed enough for day outfits and evening outfits and swim wear, etc. etc., and I didn't need as many as I had...

Since the boys and I will have already spent a day at DHS, I think it will really be a day for things we missed, and whatever it is that Matt wants to do... SO I have not made any firm plans, he will be doing RNRC and Startours for sure, and TSM, and then...? I suspect that will be enough! I know those kids are not going to get on the Tower of Terror!

All in good time I suppose!

 

[Native NYer]

Great DHS plans!
I need to try Bluezoo one of these days...

 

[MEK]

I am just settling in to being home and I realized that so many people are just getting ready to leave. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. Your plans sound great.

I must confess, I totally forgot about BlueZoo and the crab nachos. That was on my "to do" list for our short stay at the Boardwalk and I completely forgot. Probably because we ended up canceling a night there to go to Daytona. Oh well, there's always next time!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Yay for an easy fix on the shirts! They came out super cute!

 

[Happydog]

Great DHS plans!
I need to try Bluezoo one of these days...

YES, you NEED TO!!!!!!! You would totally appreciate the excellent cocktail curiosities they have!

Thanks for your tips on FB, btw! WE have a super short trip to NYC, but maybe we can meet up some how!? We still need to plan that shopping trip with Anita, however!!! LOL!!!

I am just settling in to being home and I realized that so many people are just getting ready to leave. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. Your plans sound great.

I must confess, I totally forgot about BlueZoo and the crab nachos. That was on my "to do" list for our short stay at the Boardwalk and I completely forgot. Probably because we ended up canceling a night there to go to Daytona. Oh well, there's always next time!

EXACTLY!!! I am sure over Food and Wine you can make a trip, something tells me that the company you are keeping that week will NOT let that slip by!!!

Yay for an easy fix on the shirts! They came out super cute!

Yep! It was!!! SOO cute. I got them some very nice ball hats to wear, Washington Nationals... they are appropriate for a few reasons, and are, well, RED! LOL!!!

JUST got my pedicure, too... CANDY apple red. Or Snow White Poison apple red... Depends on how I am feeling... Nolyn picked the color. It was red or shocking pink. We went with red. I will match my tank top on the 4th!! LOL!!!

 

[Happydog]

Yep, today was a whirlwind!

Well, the day started with a trip to Target, and then we managed a few hours at the pool, and then we got cleaned up and went off to get boy's hair cuts, then my pedicure/manicure, and for patience while waiting for mom, the guys were rewarded with Cold Stone...

I have laundry in the dryer, laundry in a pile on the floor, and from that will emerge a pile to put into the suitcase...

Now for something funny... I know that I am getting close to Disney, because the amount of junk food in the house has doubled...

Now, I always buy snacks for the pool here at home, and summer is a perfect time for stuff we don't always buy during the school year, and I kinda like it that way. But believe me, my boys really feel summer vacation has arrived, and specifically a vacation somewhere, when I break down and either buy a box of, or permit the boys to eat, one particular thing... Froot Loops. Now, I am not terribly particular with my kids and food, generally speaking. I am not going to avoid processed foods, at all costs, we do most of the time, but I take my kids to McDonalds, they eat the tie-dye fruit rollups, and I relent some of the time with MOST things. But sugary cerals, I don't typically buy. Sugar Smacks, blended with regular puffed wheat I have been known to do. Frosted flakes, or frosted cherrios, yes. But Froot Loops, anything with marshmallows, chocolate breakfast cereal, I draw the line. There is likely NO logic behind this (none), NO rhyme or reason (nope), but, I have gotten it in my head that these are specifically cereal reserved for vacations. HENCE, the ginormous box of Froot Loops which has made its way into my grocery bags, the beginings of which are seen HERE:

I have collected a variety of Annie’s “bunnies”, Popem’s, pretzel type snacks for DH and I to have with drinks, “blue juice” (aka Gatorade), and that is just the beginning…

Of course I was mildly amused when I noticed the bags were from Whole Foods, and there is nothing "wholesome" about what is inside of them...

Still have to pack some cocktail fixings, buy the pirate booty single serving bags, and some fruit. This will keep overnight on the train with ice packs, and I don't want to go to the store when we arrive. I could, but I'd rather not, and it will be just like camping if I put it in my insulated picnic bag.

I am flip flopping back and forth on a pair of, well, flip flops, for this trip… LOL! (sorry bad, cheeky play on words there)… I am trying to decide on a pair of flops for the 4th! I am leaning towards a pair of navy blue, but I really don’t have much to wear them with… a red banded pair of flip flops, OR, a pair of Jack Rogers sandals that I have been “this close to buying” for the past two years… The issue is that they would not be comfortable, and probably more than I should spend this close to vacation…

SO, I am still thinking hard about that…

More still to come! I have to finish my PTR at least by tomorrow, so that doesn’t leave me much time!!! But never fear. YOU KNOW I will get it done...


*** UPDATE ***

I caved. I ordered another pair of yellow box flips, blue (navy, they say, but I see it is a brighter blue, with two rows of rhinestones across the straps...) Arriving on Tuesday. Gotta love Amazon Prime!!!!

I like them, and that just helps me to know what color shirt or swim suit cover up to buy next!

 

[Charleston Princess]

And I have not done too much in terms of planning for that DHS day, so hopefully we can keep eachother company in line and manage to meet up for drinks, etc. at Blue Zoo if you would like! We would just be handing over our smartphones to our kids, but if Chelsea and Conner want to entertain them, I will pay for icecream over on the boardwalk!

Sounds like a fabulous plan to me!

You and I have very similar buying patterns -- I only buy certain junk foods during vacations/breaks from school.

I have been making my lists for the final shopping trips. What cocktail fixings are you buying? I was trying to decide what we were going to get.

Yeay for new flip flops for the Fourth! I bought new black sparkly ones (not for the Fourth), but I did manage to get a flag t-shirt for the 3rd and a super cute red tank for Epcot. It should go nicely with the glow bracelets. LOL!

Can't believe you are leaving in two days!

 

[shannon47142]

I just love reading your reports,your updates never fail to bring a smile to my face, your writing style makes me feel Im right there next to you as you pack and get ready to go! Have a great trip

 

[newtexan]

The goodie bags are packed! That means the trip is going to happen soon!

Good buy on teh yellow box flip flops they sound really cute.

 

[eandesmom]

Too funny on the flip flops, I have the black sparkly ones and I've lost one rhinestone. I keep trying to justify a new pair but am having a hard time doing so. I saw the blue ones, they are cute! Blue flips are funny, I have a pair of havianas I always think don't match anything and yet I probably wear them more than any of them!

Blue flips..a white coverup...you'd just need something red! Like toes


LOVE the froot loops. We do the same thing, except it's the snack pack of sugar cereals. All stuff I'd normally never buy and we only get on vacation. the kids have asked at LEAST 3 times if we are getting it for the trip.

At this point I think I'll buy one snack pack before we go so we have it for the first morning at OKW and another at Vero.

 

[Happydog]

Too funny on the flip flops, I have the black sparkly ones and I've lost one rhinestone. I keep trying to justify a new pair but am having a hard time doing so. I saw the blue ones, they are cute! Blue flips are funny, I have a pair of havianas I always think don't match anything and yet I probably wear them more than any of them!

Blue flips..a white coverup...you'd just need something red! Like toes

WAAAAAYYYYYYY ahead of you on that one missy. CANDY APPLE RED. Pedicure last night! Well, how about POISONED APPLE RED??!! I asked Nolyn which to pick: Shocking Pink or Race Car RED, and that is the one he liked... what can I say he likes his red!

I grabbed a cheap red tank, but it is cute for the 4th (during the day) with white shorts and the blue flip flops AND my toes, I thought it was a good combo!

My other yellow box are all sequins, not rhinestones so I hopefully won't lose any! I like them, though, so I will probably find something to wear with them besides just because.

LOVE the froot loops. We do the same thing, except it's the snack pack of sugar cereals. All stuff I'd normally never buy and we only get on vacation. the kids have asked at LEAST 3 times if we are getting it for the trip.

At this point I think I'll buy one snack pack before we go so we have it for the first morning at OKW and another at Vero.

Oh I wish I could get away with those snack packs! they have them at Costco, big sets of them, but no one likes the rice crispies, well, everyone complains, how's that??!! They love them otherwise, but not when they get beat out of the last box of Apple Jacks!

 

[eandesmom]

WAAAAAYYYYYYY ahead of you on that one missy. CANDY APPLE RED. Pedicure last night! Well, how about POISONED APPLE RED??!! I asked Nolyn which to pick: Shocking Pink or Race Car RED, and that is the one he liked... what can I say he likes his red!

I grabbed a cheap red tank, but it is cute for the 4th (during the day) with white shorts and the blue flip flops AND my toes, I thought it was a good combo!

My other yellow box are all sequins, not rhinestones so I hopefully won't lose any! I like them, though, so I will probably find something to wear with them besides just because.

PERFECT! Race car red, of COURSE he picked that one!

I predict you'll wear those flips a ton! So cute and comfy! For the cost I'm going to ignore the one missing stone I think. I still love them and chances are I'm the only one who will ever notice. I've worn them to death in the 18 months I've had them so really I guess one stone isn't so bad.

Oh I wish I could get away with those snack packs! they have them at Costco, big sets of them, but no one likes the rice crispies, well, everyone complains, how's that??!! They love them otherwise, but not when they get beat out of the last box of Apple Jacks!

Yeah, it's true. I opt out and everyone wants 2 boxes so it does become a bit of a lottery. Which is pretty funny. K will eat rice krispies, Jeff too I think, I think they are BLEH but then again, I usually opt out of the pack as well. Of course we have them at home for treat making and no one ever eats them otherwise so they just take up space.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yay for new flip flops! You know me, you can never have too many pairs of shoes

 

[Happydog]

Sounds like a fabulous plan to me!

You and I have very similar buying patterns -- I only buy certain junk foods during vacations/breaks from school.

I have been making my lists for the final shopping trips. What cocktail fixings are you buying? I was trying to decide what we were going to get.

Yeay for new flip flops for the Fourth! I bought new black sparkly ones (not for the Fourth), but I did manage to get a flag t-shirt for the 3rd and a super cute red tank for Epcot. It should go nicely with the glow bracelets. LOL!

Can't believe you are leaving in two days!

I know it is funny how certain things are "vacation only"!!!

Good! RE the cocktails, well, we need to get together on that one... I will MSG you and we can discuss, what you all like, etc...

Yep! I love my flips too! A flag shirt! FUN!!!! My red tank I picked up for $5.00 at TARGET! It was a simple red ruffle edged plain cotton tank. Frankly, for FIVE bucks I wasn't going to say no! I liked the detail, it was just what I wanted for a day in the park...
OH and I may have picked up GLOW necklaces in red and blue, btw... SO yes, we'll be quite festive!!!!

I just love reading your reports,your updates never fail to bring a smile to my face, your writing style makes me feel Im right there next to you as you pack and get ready to go! Have a great trip

Awwwww, thanks! I have fun writing them. Wait till you see my reveal stuff... I had some fun. Coming up for Wednesday...

The goodie bags are packed! That means the trip is going to happen soon!

Good buy on the yellow box flip flops they sound really cute.

Awesome! I have fun with mine too!! Getting ready now!!!

PERFECT! Race car red, of COURSE he picked that one!

I predict you'll wear those flips a ton! So cute and comfy! For the cost I'm going to ignore the one missing stone I think. I still love them and chances are I'm the only one who will ever notice. I've worn them to death in the 18 months I've had them so really I guess one stone isn't so bad.



Yeah, it's true. I opt out and everyone wants 2 boxes so it does become a bit of a lottery. Which is pretty funny. K will eat rice krispies, Jeff too I think, I think they are BLEH but then again, I usually opt out of the pack as well. Of course we have them at home for treat making and no one ever eats them otherwise so they just take up space.

I hope so!!!! I like them, arriving tomorrow!

Yay for new flip flops! You know me, you can never have too many pairs of shoes

I thought of your last post when I finally hit the "pay" button!!! LOL!!! It didn't take too long for me to decide... like me and my red suede puma retro sneakers which I bought for the sheer purpose of playing the white rabbit for MNSSHP!!! I HAVE worn those btw, to soccer games, so they were not a completely indulgent footwear purchase!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I know it is funny how certain things are "vacation only"!!!

Good! RE the cocktails, well, we need to get together on that one... I will MSG you and we can discuss, what you all like, etc...

Saw your message and responded!

Yep! I love my flips too! A flag shirt! FUN!!!! My red tank I picked up for $5.00 at TARGET! It was a simple red ruffle edged plain cotton tank. Frankly, for FIVE bucks I wasn't going to say no! I liked the detail, it was just what I wanted for a day in the park...
OH and I may have picked up GLOW necklaces in red and blue, btw... SO yes, we'll be quite festive!!!!

Okay, I am dying laughing here! I bought the exact same shirt for Epcot on Saturday at Target -- the flag shirt is for the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday night. Charles said, "You better warn her and tell her you weren't copying her, but you don't mind matching." We can be all matchy-match on Wednesday -- pictures will be a must. I bought the same tank in the pink for the DHS day. $5 was too good a deal!