Our 2nd Trip to Disney! Did it Measure Up? (w/pics) **THE END**

[dismagiclover]

9 DAYS!!!!!!
It is very exciting!!!!!!
Jenny

 

[carissanboys]

Since you are staying off property, I belive you pick them up at the window of HDMR. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there, and know what time your ADR is for.Read day one of my trip report.
Have a great trip!!!!!!!!

Thanks! That's what I thought it was, but couldn't remember for sure. I think they said to pick them up 30 minutes before?

Do we need tickets to MK in order to take the ferry over to Fort Wilderness? This will really throw a kink in my plans if we do because my parents only have 3 day tickets and all 3 days are going to be used up.

 

[carissanboys]

.Read day one of my trip report.

So, once you complete your trip report and it's moved over to that board, no one can reply anymore?

I just read about your experience with the Hoop Dee Doo. I'm glad you did get to go, although later than planned and glad to hear you all enjoyed it so much! And the picture of you all there is great

 

[carissanboys]

I forgot to mention that dh did in fact come through for the team! He picked up some LGMH at Home Depot the other day, as well as some other colors. So, now I need to figure out what to do with them all! I will put one on my bag somehow (have to figure that out). I'm not going to bother with the luggage tags since we're staying off property and no one is really going to see them. Perhaps instead of using plain paper stock to make my little plan book (like the one from last trip), I can use these instead. That would probably be my best bet. Any other ideas, oh crafty ones?

I've been doing very well with my resolution to stay off the computer more so today is a present to myself. I've had a crazy week so today I'm "splurging" on the Dis! I'm researching and planning more for the trip and that probably means I'll be posting a bit on this thread today. I realized I haven't finalized my very loose plan for each park! I need to get crackin'...

Up Next...Packing, Strollers, and Scary Rides, Oh My!

 

[irene_dsc]

9 days - woot! Don't finish packing clothes until closer, and check the long-term weather forecast! We just got back, and I used almost everything I packed, from jeans to shorts!

 

[carissanboys]

9 days - woot! Don't finish packing clothes until closer, and check the long-term weather forecast! We just got back, and I used almost everything I packed, from jeans to shorts!

I was just getting caught up on your thread, too!

January seems to be the trickiest month to pack for in Florida. I'll definitely be checking the forecast once we get a bit closer (I've heard 5 days out is fairly accurate), but we will have a washer and dryer in the townhouse so my plan is to just bring one pair of shorts (and pants of course!).

 

[carissanboys]

I mentioned earlier that the question of the day on our Countdown Calendar was "What is the scariest attraction at Disney World?" Tonight, I got a chance to ask DH and DS3 the question. The following is a recount of the conversation that ensued.

Me: So, what do you think the scariest ride/attraction is at Disney World?

DH: Batman. (I swear I don't make this stuff up )

Me: Repeat that please (as I furiously scribbled down some notes).

DH: Batman. You know, the ride that comes down and goes forwards and backwards.

Me: Are you kidding me? That isn't at Disney World. Maybe it's at "the place that shall not be named" (but I wouldn't know since I'm very loyal to the World and I haven't even researched the "place that shall not be named").

DH: Oh.

Me: But, thanks, hon! That'll give me some great material for my PTR!

Moving on...

Me (to DS3): What is the scariest ride at Disney World?

DS3: Ummmm...What is the correct answer?

Me: There is no correct answer, sweetie. It's just a matter of opinion. What do you think the scariest ride is?

DS3: Ahhhh...rollercoaster?

Me: Well, there's lots of rollercoasters at Disney. There's Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Expedition Everest, Rockin' Roll-"

DS3: I know! Dumbo!

Me: Dumbo is scary?

DS3: Yes! (with a big smile on his face)

Hey, the kid could be on to something. A flying elephant with big ears and a physcho smile on his face could appear rather scary.

Then DH pipes up. I'd forgotten to get his 2nd answer since his first one was wrong. He says he thinks the scariest ride is Expedition Everest. But, can we really trust the opinion of a man who thought there was a Batman ride at Disney World?

Love ya, hon!

I did get some things set aside to pack today. I am proud to say that in my new thrifty budget resolution I did not buy any new Disney clothes, except for the inexpensive t-shirts from Michaels that I made the spiral Mickey Head's on. So, here's a couple of repeats I'll be wearing in the parks :

Last time I bought all of us special t-shirts with our favorite character, our name and "Magical Moments" on the back. This is mine, obviously.

I also bought us all sweatshirts for the last trip. I got them cheaply at the Disney store online. Now, I love Pooh, don't get me wrong. But, this isn't the most flattering sweatshirt in the world. But, I'm a trooper! I'm going to wear this sweatshirt and not complain. I'll be in Disney World and it won't matter that I'm wearing an unflattering, shapeless sweatshirt that'll add 10 pounds to my figure I'm not even going to go out and buy a new Disney sweatshirt for DS7 simply because he's outgrown the other one. He can wear a regular sweatshirt. See? I'm being frugal!

Here's a picture of the duffel bag I've been talking about and we have two of them:

We got a really great deal on these too from www.campmor.com. I wouldn't have picked that color, but our choices were limited. And here's what is currently inside the duffel bag!

The clothes are all sitting on top of the bed, but I want to put the boys outfits into ziploc baggies first. But, I need to buy the baggies first. I don't think they'll fit in sandwich sized bags .

Ok. Last picture (for now!). Here's what our Countdown Calendar currently looks like!

I realized today that I haven't talked about strollers. On our last trip, we brought along an inexpensive umbrella stroller. And it worked ok for most of the trip. DS3 (who was DS2 at the time) wouldn't sit in the stroller. He's never really been much of a stroller kid. He's a pretty good walker, but when he's tired, he wants to be carried. Thankfully, he's pretty tiny. He only weighs about 34 pounds at 3 1/2 (DS5 was 27 pounds at 12 months!!). DS5 on the other hand, is not a great walker. He gets tired easily and usually starts complaining about his knees, just like an old man So, he ended up sitting in the stroller a lot (but it wasn't made for 45 pound almost 5 year olds). On the final two days, we ended up splurging and renting a double stroller. Can I just say, heaven? And the great thing was (well, let's be honest, there were MA-HA-ANY --think Dr. Cox from Scrubs--great things about the double Disney stroller) DS3 actually wanted to sit in it! And we could have both younger boys in it at once! And it pushed like a dream! DS7 (who, for the record, was only 6.5 during our visit and we all know that under 7 is still legally allowed to ride in a stroller when at the World ) even got to rest a bit now and then.

Where does that leave us on this trip? You remember I mentioned our already limited storage space in the van. We have two strollers that we rarely use. They will not be joining us on this trip. The townhouse we're staying at actually has two strollers for us to use in the parks, if we so choose. However, I believe we'll just bypass all that and rent. We might skip the stroller-thing at MGM/DS during our arrival day and see how it goes. Afterall, DS5 has been hiking with Scouts and building up those leg muscles! We did a 3 mile hike the other day with minimal complaining. I told him he was training for his Disney Days! The only downfall with the FAB Disney Strollers is the cost. That's a lotta MOOLA over a week long trip.

I think I have time for one more entry tonight. And it JUST so happens that I have a topic in mind! How great is that?!

Up Next...How Much Did You Say?!

 

[carissanboys]

Before I begin, I resized the previous posts pictures (reduced them by 50%!) so I'm not sure why they're still showing up so big. If anyone has any helpful hints on that subject, I'd be an eager student

I also forgot in the previous post to mention DS3's cute comment. Every time you ask him how long until we go to Disney, he gets the number correct. But, his measurements of time are a smidge off. Today he said we had "9 minutes to Disney!" I wish!

Let's talk money. In my newly focused budget mind, I thought it might be enlightening to see how much this trip is going to cost. I'll admit it. I'm scared . But, y'all hold my hand, right?

Here we go (if I make the font smaller, will the total hurt less?):

3 bedroom townhome for 6 nights - $954.85
Hotel on the drive down and back - $102 x 2 = $204
Groceries from Garden Grocer - $117.26 + $20 tip = $137.26
Tickets for the Pirate and Princess Party (4 adults and 3 children) - $243.34
6 day Park Tickets (2 adults and 3 children) - $981.75
Hoop Dee Doo Tickets (4 adults and 3 children) - $332.93 (this is an estimate as I can't find a receipt of what I paid)
Kennel for Josie the Kitten - $100
7 days of parking at the parks (perhaps only 6) - $70
Stroller rental for 4 days - $64 (pay ahead)

Grand total so far: $3088.13 (ouch!)
Minus $600 that my parents have paid me for their portion = $2488.13

Obviously, this does not include gas to drive down and back or food while we're there (except for the groceries and Hoop Dee Doo dinner). We'll definitely be over $3,000. My parents still owe me a bit of money, so they'll probably pay for some meals here and there. And I do have $40 in Disney Dollars and $51 on a Disney Rewards card. That can cover souvenirs, I hope (may have to scale back on the souvies ).

And THAT folks, is the reason we will not be going to Disney anytime in the near future! (after this trip of course )

I'll give more accurate food, gas, and souvenir totals once we return.

Now I'm off to get ready for some Grey's Anatomy!!! Finally, a new episode tonight! And I'm getting new Friday Night Lights! I'm in heaven now

Up Next...Let's Get Organized!

 

[dismagiclover]

Good job with the frugality! I've stayed strong so far as well. In my warped mind I figure money I don't spend here is more money to blow in Disney
That was very brave to figure up the total cost. I'm not so brave. I think it might make me sick. I figure some of it is already paid for (plane tickets, P&PP tickets, meal at CRT etc.) so somehow that doesn't count. It's fuzzy math and works for me.

Jenny

 

[carissanboys]

Good job with the frugality! I've stayed strong so far as well. In my warped mind I figure money I don't spend here is more money to blow in Disney
That was very brave to figure up the total cost. I'm not so brave. I think it might make me sick. I figure some of it is already paid for (plane tickets, P&PP tickets, meal at CRT etc.) so somehow that doesn't count. It's fuzzy math and works for me.

Jenny

Yes! You've got to love FDM (Fuzzy Disney Math)! I know I'm forgetting tons of things on there and actually, just remembered the kennel a few minutes ago so I need to go back and edit.

8 Days Jenny!!

 

[irene_dsc]

You probably don't want me to remind you that since you are staying off-site, you'll have to pay for parking. Oh, and you didn't put the stroller rental in there. Ouch.

We ended up not spending as much on souvenirs as I expected. I'd planned on $50 per kid, and did about $25-26 each. For us, we only got a Christmas ornament for $11 incl. engraving 2008 on it. Ok, and a couple gifts - one for ds' teacher, and birthday present for my niece, which doesn't really count as a trip expense, since we would've spent the money anyhow.

But, wow - 8 days!!!

 

[carissanboys]

You probably don't want me to remind you that since you are staying off-site, you'll have to pay for parking. Oh, and you didn't put the stroller rental in there. Ouch.

We ended up not spending as much on souvenirs as I expected. I'd planned on $50 per kid, and did about $25-26 each. For us, we only got a Christmas ornament for $11 incl. engraving 2008 on it. Ok, and a couple gifts - one for ds' teacher, and birthday present for my niece, which doesn't really count as a trip expense, since we would've spent the money anyhow.

But, wow - 8 days!!!

See! I knew I was forgetting stuff! Back to edit...

And I like the idea of picking up something for the boys' teachers. What did you get your son's teacher?

 

[irene_dsc]

See! I knew I was forgetting stuff! Back to edit...

And I like the idea of picking up something for the boys' teachers. What did you get your son's teacher?

Well, I do have to confess, the gift was largely because due to miscommunication with dh, we hadn't gotten a holiday gift for her. (Both thought the other had taken care of it - oops!) We got her an ornament with Mickey ears that sort of looked like a snowflake - esp. since ds loves snowflakes.

 

[carissanboys]

8 Minutes to Disney!!

I'm going to start things off with a tip. I'm sure that many of you already know this, since you're major planners, such as myself. I know I picked this tip up somewhere on the Dis. I'm including it here for those of you that may not be privy to this little nugget of info. When I am packing for this trip, not only will I pack our rolling duffel bags with the majority of our things, but I will also pack a backpack or two. In these backpacks will be just the items that we'll need for staying overnight at the hotel on our drive down (and back) to Orlando. This way we will not have to lug in the big duffel bags for just one overnight stay. I'll simply have a change of clothes for everyone and some basic toiletries. And this time I'll have bathing suits since the hotel has an indoor pool. This really helps a lot, especially when you have to walk quite a ways from the parking lot to your room, or when it's pouring rain, which has happened to us before!

I realized yesterday and today how quickly this trip is coming up and how much I have left to do! And seeing pictures of certain individuals planning binders has me thinking that my very sad FOLDER needs some help. Serious help.

I'm going to post a couple of pictures of my FOLDER. I will warn you. If you are a seriously ORGANIZED person, you might want to look away. These aren't pretty folks.

Notice the doodling on the cover and the notes messily jotted down.

How about the inside?

Imagine how easily items could fall out of such a FOLDER. Important items. Items such as PARK TICKETS & PARTY TICKETS

It's ok. Really. I have seen the error of my ways and I will work diligently on organizing a BINDER this afternoon. I promise

I did get something accomplished today (besides beginning to read Jordanyosh's PTR ). I used those Home Depot Mickey Heads to make my 2008 Disney Planning Book. The finished product (well, not entirely finished as it still needs to be laminated)!

And I'm so proud of my frugal self! Last time I made my book, we ran out and purchased a ring for it. This year (since I couldn't find my old one ), I decided to just use a ring from my key chain instead. I'm so thrifty!

Off to work on my new BINDER and figure out how I'm going to make my "Hello! I'm From the DisBoards!!" LGMH Pin

Up Next...Houston, We Have Binder.

 

[MommyTo5]

I've really loved reading your P-TR, Carissa! Your excitement is contagious!!!

I haven't totaled our vacation expenses for years. I do try to be very frugal and budget-mined with each decision I make so we can keep going back though! I've rebooked the flights three times now, rebooked the minivan rental twice, and worked to negotiate the price on our Windsor Hills townhome ($95/night including pool heat and all taxes - woohoo!). We are going with the base Disney ticket (no hopping, no extras) and will be ordering our tickets (7-day or 8-day) online from a reputable ticket re-seller and picking up when we arrive in Orlando. This saves quite a bit over buying direct from Disney. I've also earned several gift cards this year online and from using our credit cards for daily expenses... $100 Applebee's, $100 Chili's, $75 Red Lobster, $20 Pizza Hut, etc... and that will definitely help with our food budget. Oh, I also printed several restaurant coupons that I've found online and we will, of course, check those tourist-y coupon books as well. By the way, we are planning on one meal in the townhome each day (usually breakfast), one meal at the parks (usually counter-service), and then one meal at (or from!) a nicer restaurant off (Disney) property. Souvenirs will be purchased from the Disney outlet store at Orlando Premium Outlets. We bring our own stroller. Oh, and our course our Photopass CD is $20 thanks to going in on one with our Photopass group! Did I cover everything? I'm estimating this trip (8 nights) will cost about $3500 for our family of 8 for 8 days, 8 nights.

 

[carissanboys]

I've really loved reading your P-TR, Carissa! Your excitement is contagious!!!

I haven't totaled our vacation expenses for years. I do try to be very frugal and budget-mined with each decision I make so we can keep going back though! I've rebooked the flights three times now, rebooked the minivan rental twice, and worked to negotiate the price on our Windsor Hills townhome ($95/night including pool heat and all taxes - woohoo!). We are going with the base Disney ticket (no hopping, no extras) and will be ordering our tickets (7-day or 8-day) online from a reputable ticket re-seller and picking up when we arrive in Orlando. This saves quite a bit over buying direct from Disney. I've also earned several gift cards this year online and from using our credit cards for daily expenses... $100 Applebee's, $100 Chili's, $75 Red Lobster, $20 Pizza Hut, etc... and that will definitely help with our food budget. Oh, I also printed several restaurant coupons that I've found online and we will, of course, check those tourist-y coupon books as well. By the way, we are planning on one meal in the townhome each day (usually breakfast), one meal at the parks (usually counter-service), and then one meal at (or from!) a nicer restaurant off (Disney) property. Souvenirs will be purchased from the Disney outlet store at Orlando Premium Outlets. We bring our own stroller. Oh, and our course our Photopass CD is $20 thanks to going in on one with our Photopass group! Did I cover everything? I'm estimating this trip (8 nights) will cost about $3500 for our family of 8 for 8 days, 8 nights.

Awww That's sweet I really enjoying writing it.

I think you do quite well for such a large family! Don't you love those rewards for credit cards? I earn quite a few of those. But, if you've read my report from the beginning, you know that I am not a patient person. There's no way I could get gift cards for restaurants and not use them right away! They'd burn a hole in my pocket. So, good for you!

 

[Blueyed Girl]

YAY!!!!! SEVERAL updates!! I'm on update overload. So exciting!!
So your budget looks good, I think. But that may be because I didn't save as much money as you did. I'm not sure if I even want to share my budget on my PTR as I will be seriously embarrassed. It's not a budget at all. It's more like a masacre of our checking account.

I can't see your binder pictures, just a red X. I hope I can see the new one's, though! I'm sure it will be great. Can't believe your leaving in only 8 more "minutes"!! (That was too cute, by the way.)

 

[carissanboys]

Good job with the frugality! I've stayed strong so far as well. In my warped mind I figure money I don't spend here is more money to blow in Disney
That was very brave to figure up the total cost. I'm not so brave. I think it might make me sick. I figure some of it is already paid for (plane tickets, P&PP tickets, meal at CRT etc.) so somehow that doesn't count. It's fuzzy math and works for me.

Jenny

Hold the phone! I don't think I realized you were going to the P & P Party as well. You must be going on the 21st too? You'll have to say hi if you see me (since I don't know what you look like ).

 

[carissanboys]

YAY!!!!! SEVERAL updates!! I'm on update overload. So exciting!!
So your budget looks good, I think. But that may be because I didn't save as much money as you did. I'm not sure if I even want to share my budget on my PTR as I will be seriously embarrassed. It's not a budget at all. It's more like a masacre of our checking account.

I can't see your binder pictures, just a red X. I hope I can see the new one's, though! I'm sure it will be great. Can't believe your leaving in only 8 more "minutes"!! (That was too cute, by the way.)

Blueyed Girl is in da house!

Yeah, my resolution has been shot the past two days as I've been on the disboards pretty much non-stop. But, I really feel it's necessary to prepare for my trip! I know you all will agree with me.

The reason you couldn't see my pictures is because I was working on them. I was trying to figure out how to make them smaller (like they were at the start of my report!). I thought I'd figured it out, but then they were showing up as thumbnails. I am so frustrated!! Someone must help me!!

 

[dismagiclover]

Hold the phone! I don't think I realized you were going to the P & P Party as well. You must be going on the 21st too? You'll have to say hi if you see me (since I don't know what you look like ).

I'm going the 21st. It's just me and my DS5. My DH isn't quite as in to the whole Disney thing as I am so I'm trying to use it to my advantage. I'm taking each of my kids to a special thing with just me. My DD7 and I are going to BBB and CRT. My DS3 and I are going to have an early breakfast at CP one morning and then ride Dumbo. This allows me to do more stuff, my DH to do less and my kids to get some rest. It's perfect.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for you at the P&PP