Our 1st family trip without a diaper bag! Jan 2012 PTR

[joelp]

Day 3, I'm REALLY looking forward to this day!!! It will be our 1st full day at Magic Kingdom! But what i'm really looking forward to is we have 8 a.m ressies for Crystal Palace so we get to go on the park before anyone else!
Been there - done that ... and it is GREAT!!! Give yourself at least 15 minutes to s l o w l y ... walk up Main Street ...


And see my earlier post with recommendations for Day #2: with this early breakfast, you'll definitely need an afternoon nap on Day #2!! The kids might be fine, but you and the DH ...?

This is our 1st time doing such an early sit down breakfast, so not sure how the rest of the day will go meal wise...thinking we'll be pretty full, so maybe just a mid afternoon counter service lunch and a snack going through our food court on they way "home" that night? Magic Kingdom is open only until 8 p.m. this night, so we'll be back fairly early, I would think if we're there that early, you know?

Yea - you'll be stuffed ... I don't think we ate lunch that day (or maybe we split something and grazed a bit ...? - I could check my old TR ... naaah!)


IF MK closes at 8 pm, you'll be in bed by 10 ... and I wouldn't consider that "early" for the kids ...

Coming up, day 4!

Us NJ State workers have Election Day off - voted with the DD before I took her to school, now I'm doing and catching up with you TR ...

 

[princess&her4princes]

Oh my...what a TERRIBLE DISer I am!!!!!!

Between the 3 boys, Todd's long days at work, my travel agent work, soccer, basketball, cub scouts...I don't know where time goes anymore and now the holidays are upon us! I hope all of your Thanksgiving were wonderful and spent with loved ones! We are just coming back from a long week in Philly at my inlaws...9 hours out, 6.5 hours back! YIKES! But it was nice to see some family, friends and the Flyers!

To update you quickly on my trip, it's official, we're going to Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I made final payment last night! That always makes it feel more real, doesn't it?? We have only 47 more days until we're there! And even less before we surprise the kiddos! Which btw, we have to get our acts together on!!! I have some great ideas, but we need to formulate now, we're on countdown! Joelp, not so sure about that mouse idea...LOL!!!

We have completely tweaked our entire plan of attack! You see, we're not big AK fans, for whatever reason it's 20 degrees hotter there, the kids always have meltdowns, it's been a nightmare for us in the past, but this time, we've decided to give it a chance as the last couple of trips we've skipped right over it. So...one thing lead to another and before you knew it, my entire trip has been revamped!

So, that will be where I start next...I've got to get this thing going, it's almost time to start packing!

Hope you're all well, will update again soon! I promise!! Thanks for your patience!!

 

[Tickanee]

Yay on your final payment!

I think since you are going when it is cooler that you should give AK another chance. We love that park! There is a lot to see and do. More than you think. Lots of nooks and crannies with hidden gems/animals. Our favorite show is The Festival of the Lion King.

Can't wait to hear your reconfigured plans!!!

 

[Lcaemom]

It's REALLY official! I agree on AK...it is SO beautiful! I remember doing it the first time we went, sort of thinking...it was a must-do just because we were there. We just loved it...not all of it...Dinoland seems like a carnival but, otherwise so much to see and do and so tropical. YES...you need to work on the big surprize!!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts! It's getting so close!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Congrats on the final payment!!! These days are FLYING by lately, aren't they? The entire month of November has been like one long day.

I can't wait to hear about and see pics of the surprise!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Yay, I still have readers!!!!

So here is our new plan of attack....

If you remember, we fly in on 1/15, our flight is EARLY so we should be to the resort about 10:30 a.m. at the latest, I'd say. We figured we'll check things out, grab a quick lunch at the food court at ASMu and our new plan, instead of MK, is AK! Last time we went, Cole was an infant so I was busy with him in the baby stations a lot of time while Todd took the other boys to see the shows, so i'm really looking forward to seeing those! We have also never been on EE! So I'm glad we made the decision to go back and check it out, now that the boys are that much older, I think we'll really enjoy it. I will say however, I'm a bit nervous with the idea of not going right to MK!! But i'm going to run with it, we're in Disney afterall!!! That night our plans are to eat at Yak & Yeti, has anyone been? Anything you recommend? We're up so early this day, so it will be early to bed for us this night, our dinner reservation is when the park closes, so we'll have a nice dinner, take the bus home and crash, I'm sure!!

The next day is Monday, 1/16 this is our 1st MK day! I managed to get a dining ressie at Crystal Palace this morning at 8:35 am. so we'll still be there before the park opens!! I'm really excited about this and reading your tips and thoughts about it makes me even more excited about this idea!!!

Tuesday, 1/17 we'll now be in Epcot! This day I scored a lunch reservation at Les Chefs de France for us! I'm excited about this, Todd and I ate there on our honeymoon, haven't been back, but think it will be a nice change of pace for us all.

Wednesday, 1/18 is the only day that stayed the same for us! We're doing DHS this day and have dining ressies this day for lunch again at Sci Fi, I really think the boys will get a kick eating in a car and watching movies! What gets better than that? Other than the cheeseburgers and milk shakes! Yummmm!!!!

Thursday, 1/19 will be day 2 of MK for us! We have dinner reservations at Tony's, and old staple for us! We always love our meals there and our timing should work out just perfectly for us to walk out from dinner to see the electrical parade!!

Friday, 1/20 we'll be making our way back to Epcot today! We will be catching the monorail to the Poly to have a dinner at O'hana at 6:30 this night, we're hoping to catch Wishes from the beach afterwards, being our last night I think this will be the PERFECT way for us to end our trip! Todd and the boys have never eaten here, so I'm really looking forward to this night, I think they'll love it!

And finally, Saturday, 1/21 is our departure day. The good news is though that we're not flying out until 7:15 at night!! So our plan is to go to MK one last time, take in the sights and smells before saying goodbye. We do have a lunch ressie at almost 1 p.m. at Liberty Tree Tavern to fill up before we're on our way back to the dreaded ME pick up!

So, what do you think?!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Totally loving your PTR!! We're bringing our 3.5 year old Dec 30-Jan 6. Hoping for good weather so we can get to an from Disney! We live in Ontario and the crazy Buffalo weather scares us!

Hi There! So glad you're here, hope you will come back and read some more, sorry to have gone MIA!! Your trip is getting so close, you must be so excited!!! How fun to be there for NYE!!

Guessing Cole didn't cooperate.

Any plans on the surprise yet? You could also include the Guide to the Magic Journals for the kids. I just ordered 2 for my kids today!

LOL!! Sorry about that! I'm back now, I miss DIS so much when I'm not here but finding the time to get here, is tough! I'm sure you know what I mean!

Have you thought about getting them a mouse (not Mickey or Minnie) this year??? That should liven things up Chrstmas morning ...

(Sorry - it just had to be said ... ... back to reading page 4 ...)

You're full of good ideas!! LOL!!

Joining in...we will be at Allstar Music in the family suites Jan 23rd - 29th
with our daughter and granddaughters 5 & 7. This is a surprise trip for the granddaughters.

We have not been to the world since 2000 and I am so happy to finally be going back. thank goodness for grandchildren as my dh is not a disney fan but will go to make them happy....yes the grandchildren are very spoiled

I have really enjoyed you ptr so far, love the family picture and the park bag.

Hi there! SO glad you're here! And so sorry we'll just be missing each other! How fun to be planning a surprise for your granddaughters!!!!! What lucky girls!

And you are going to have sooo much fun! With you not having been in so long and to see it through the girls eyes! Be prepared to cry!!!!

Thanks for your kind words, hope to see you again!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Yay on your final payment!

I think since you are going when it is cooler that you should give AK another chance. We love that park! There is a lot to see and do. More than you think. Lots of nooks and crannies with hidden gems/animals. Our favorite show is The Festival of the Lion King.

Can't wait to hear your reconfigured plans!!!

Hey Tiff, I know, yay us!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, so excited!!!

I think you're right! We're getting excited about AK, the boys don't even remember it when we talk about it, so it's time for sure!!

Thanks for the tip on the show, can't wait to check it out!!!!

It's REALLY official! I agree on AK...it is SO beautiful! I remember doing it the first time we went, sort of thinking...it was a must-do just because we were there. We just loved it...not all of it...Dinoland seems like a carnival but, otherwise so much to see and do and so tropical. YES...you need to work on the big surprize!!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts! It's getting so close!

I know, yay!!! Thanks for cheering with me!

I'm with you on Dinoland, maybe that's what turned us off last time? I mean with 3 little boys and a ton of animals and rides, what's not to like?! And I think with the temps being cooler, it should be even better!

And yes, I know....better get cracking!!!

Congrats on the final payment!!! These days are FLYING by lately, aren't they? The entire month of November has been like one long day.

I can't wait to hear about and see pics of the surprise!

Thanks Brook! I'm glad it's not just me...it's FLYING! And yes, I agree, November was like one long day and here it is almost December, when I get to say, NEXT MONTH I'M GOING TO DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lcaemom]

Have you decided on a plan for the surprize and just need to figure out how to pull it off...or do you still need to come up with THE plan? We should plan a trip to AC Moore/Michael's to figure it out...along with coffee and/or lunch and lots of chatting!

 

[Monny2AE]

Hooray for being paid in full!!!!

We have completely tweaked our entire plan of attack! You see, we're not big AK fans, for whatever reason it's 20 degrees hotter there, the kids always have meltdowns, it's been a nightmare for us in the past, but this time, we've decided to give it a chance as the last couple of trips we've skipped right over it. So...one thing lead to another and before you knew it, my entire trip has been revamped!

I laughed out loud when I read this! AK is always the same experience for us too! Last trip we lasted about two hours before leaving the park. It always seems hotter at AK and that's the only park my kids have ever had meltdowns in. We're giving it a try again this trip. I'm planning a half day and making sure we don't go to Dinoland until last. Getting the kids out of there can be tough sometimes.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Have you decided on a plan for the surprize and just need to figure out how to pull it off...or do you still need to come up with THE plan? We should plan a trip to AC Moore/Michael's to figure it out...along with coffee and/or lunch and lots of chatting!

Well....

Ya, need to get this going! I've come up with a couple of ideas...but not nailing anything done! I need to call you and chat or YES, we need to get together and discuss! Any reason for that is a good one!!

Hooray for being paid in full!!!!


I laughed out loud when I read this! AK is always the same experience for us too! Last trip we lasted about two hours before leaving the park. It always seems hotter at AK and that's the only park my kids have ever had meltdowns in. We're giving it a try again this trip. I'm planning a half day and making sure we don't go to Dinoland until last. Getting the kids out of there can be tough sometimes.

Thank you!!!

And phew...glad it's not just my family! Seriously, we did the same thing! We were there MAYBE 3 hours last time, and it was painful! I have a feeling you and I will be pleasantly surprised this trip and love it! There really is so many fabulous things there, it's just getting the kids to cooperate! Minor detail!

I'm thinking that since we're doing it first, there are no expectations, we should have fun! Fingers crossed!!

 

[Tickanee]

Your plans sound great! I have always wanted to try the milkshakes at Sci Fi....well, at least the adult ones

Are you going to the tree lighting Friday night on North Street? I was thinking of going with my BFF. Both of our DH's are working that night. I have never gone, have you?

 

[princess&her4princes]

Your plans sound great! I have always wanted to try the milkshakes at Sci Fi....well, at least the adult ones

Are you going to the tree lighting Friday night on North Street? I was thinking of going with my BFF. Both of our DH's are working that night. I have never gone, have you?

I haven't had one myself, I will be sure to let you know how it is!! Seems like a must if we're there!! After all, there are no calories when you're on vacation, right?

I'm not going to the tree lighting, bummer! I'm Cape bound for a get together with my girl friends! Wish I was around, we could have FINALLY met up!! One of these days..... Have fun!!!!

 

[Tickanee]

I haven't had one myself, I will be sure to let you know how it is!! Seems like a must if we're there!! After all, there are no calories when you're on vacation, right?

I'm not going to the tree lighting, bummer! I'm Cape bound for a get together with my girl friends! Wish I was around, we could have FINALLY met up!! One of these days..... Have fun!!!!

Have fun yourself!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Have fun yourself!

Thanks Tiffany!! Be on the lookout, you may see Lucas, he's going with a friend!!

 

[mandas08]

I loved the shows at AK, especially Nemo! On our last trip we only spent one day at AK and I was in a mad dash to see/do everything so I didnt really get to enjoy it. This trip will definately be different. EE was one of my favorite rides. Will your boys be tall enough to ride?

I cant wait to try Crystal Palace someday.We decided to do quick service this time so little one can call the shots and we aren't sitting in a restaurant with an upset baby. Maybe next trip.

Sci-Fi will be tons of fun. It was one of the few meals that I could actually taste due to my cold and I loved it. I also got the shake as my drink haha...it was delicious. We also enjoyed Tony's. The day we were there they were packed and having some problems, but it was still a good meal. I was nervous to try it with some of the reviews I read, but in the end I would eat there again

I think it was a smart call with the late flight. Why not enjoy a few more hours before you have to head home

It looks like your trip planning is going well. Have you bought anything new for it lately?

 

[princess&her4princes]

I loved the shows at AK, especially Nemo! On our last trip we only spent one day at AK and I was in a mad dash to see/do everything so I didnt really get to enjoy it. This trip will definately be different. EE was one of my favorite rides. Will your boys be tall enough to ride?

I cant wait to try Crystal Palace someday.We decided to do quick service this time so little one can call the shots and we aren't sitting in a restaurant with an upset baby. Maybe next trip.

Sci-Fi will be tons of fun. It was one of the few meals that I could actually taste due to my cold and I loved it. I also got the shake as my drink haha...it was delicious. We also enjoyed Tony's. The day we were there they were packed and having some problems, but it was still a good meal. I was nervous to try it with some of the reviews I read, but in the end I would eat there again

I think it was a smart call with the late flight. Why not enjoy a few more hours before you have to head home

It looks like your trip planning is going well. Have you bought anything new for it lately?

Hey Amanda!
I'm looking forward to seeing The Nemo show! I"ve never seen it, the big boys have, but I was busy with Cole in the baby center, so I missed it! I think that we'll really enjoy it, we have no expectations for AK, which is a good thing our first day/traveling day I think so we'll enjoy everything! When we went to Disney September 2010, Cole was just big enough to ride things like Splash/Big Thunder so I think we'll be good to go this trip! And he's my little dare devil, hopefully he'll be the same this trip!! I can't wait to ride EE! Do you think we'll have a problem getting on late in the day with no FP??

I'm fussing with Photobucket now in hopes to get an update in later today with some pics! Stay tuned!!!

Thanks for being here!!

 

[Moodyzblu]

Fellow MA mom joining in !! Your plans sound great .. and it's coming up soon.

The first year with NO diapers is great ! I have 7 yr old twin boys and can remember having to lug diapers and sippy cups and a double stroller ! I was so glad when we were finally free from all that.

You guys are going to have such a great time !! Can't wait to hear more.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Fellow MA mom joining in !! Your plans sound great .. and it's coming up soon.

The first year with NO diapers is great ! I have 7 yr old twin boys and can remember having to lug diapers and sippy cups and a double stroller ! I was so glad when we were finally free from all that.

You guys are going to have such a great time !! Can't wait to hear more.

Hi there to another MA Mommy!!

Glad you're here! I feel like I won't know what to do with myself with just a small bag! So exciting!! Very freeing, indeed!

I'm hoping to get an update in today, DIS doesn't seem to be cooperating too well with me today! Stay tuned for lots of updates!!

Thanks for reading!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Jumping on real quick to tell you guys...39 more days!!!!!!!!!! For whatever reason that just seems so much closer to me than 40 days! That Disney math will get you every time!! So exciting though!

Poor Todd, he's probably gotten 4 emails from me at work today concerning our trip! Things just keep popping into my head about it and between the holiday quickly approaching, Lucas 7th birthday (he's my Christmas morning baby!) party to plan, and everything else in between I have to ask him things when I can and think of things because you know we never finish a conversation here at home with our 3 small guys!

So here are my questions....what do we do about our car? Do we park at the airport for the week? $$$$$$$$$$!! Do we stay at a hotel that offers free parking, free shuttle service to and from the airport? $$$$$! Do we get the kids up at 3a and drag them to a park and shuttle in Boston, shuttle to the airport before our 6a flight?! So I've been weighing out my options....part of me things, let's get this party started, stay overnight in Boston, with the free shuttle and parking for the week, get an extra hour of sleep and already be in town. But that's a lot of money....thoughts?!!

I've also been thinking about Photopass...I LOVE it!!!!! I have been lucky enough though in the past to do a share, this time, I have no one to share with! And not sure about the $100 fee but do LOVE having those pictures and with this being our 1st family trip since Cole was an infant, it seems like a must!

I'm working on my list of groceries for the room from Garden grocer! With us being in the family suite, having the convenience of making breakfast for the kids in the room seems like a great idea, that way we can save our snack, for later in the day for a snack on the park! I'll also order some individual packs of snacks, case of water, bananas and that sort to have handy for quick on the go snacks to save us some money!

We are getting down there now on the big surprise! Todd and I are working on it, I'll be sure to post it once I have my thoughts all lined up!

19 more days until the big reveal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!