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

[carissanboys]

Sully packed his backpack about a week ago. Who knows what the boy put in it The sad thing is, I will go through it and take most everything out. He puts the craziest things in there!

This morning Connor was walking around with his magna doodle and he was making his "list" for Disney World. He got out a backpack and began to put a few items in it. So cute.

So, I guess you could say they're excited!

My packing hasn't really advanced at all since last week. But, I did pick up the Ziploc bags today so I can get working on that

Quick Poll:

Which Guide Book should I bring along?

A) Birnbaum's Walt Disney World
B) The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
C) Passporter Walt Disney World

I really only want to bring one. I know that last time I brought a couple of books and didn't end up using any of them. But, this time we'll be staying off property and I think we might need directions, etc. I'm thinking the Passporter would be best for that. But, the UG has so much info. So, what do you think?

Up Next...I'm a REAL Photographer Now!

 

[pamouselover]

Forget the guide book, you just need to bring pamouselover with you.
I can can be in Maryland in a short time.

Sully packed his backpack about a week ago. Who knows what the boy put in it The sad thing is, I will go through it and take most everything out. He puts the craziest things in there!

This morning Connor was walking around with his magna doodle and he was making his "list" for Disney World. He got out a backpack and began to put a few items in it. So cute.

So, I guess you could say they're excited!

My packing hasn't really advanced at all since last week. But, I did pick up the Ziploc bags today so I can get working on that

Quick Poll:

Which Guide Book should I bring along?

A) Birnbaum's Walt Disney World
B) The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
C) Passporter Walt Disney World

I really only want to bring one. I know that last time I brought a couple of books and didn't end up using any of them. But, this time we'll be staying off property and I think we might need directions, etc. I'm thinking the Passporter would be best for that. But, the UG has so much info. So, what do you think?

 

[DisDancerina]

As I anxiously await our 2nd trip to Disney, I figure it’s time to attempt a pre-trip report. Perhaps it will bore the heck out of everyone, or worse, cause some controversial debate over such topics as big kids in strollers, or the ever popular onsite vs. offsite. But, wherever it leads, it will at least keep me occupied during the next month and a half .

I have read many-a (yes, that is a word) trip reports here at the disboards. I love reading about all of the preparations that go into a person’s trip. Trip reports give me ideas, tips, things-not-to-do, and with the really good ones, transport me to Disney World for a short time .

Before I introduce you to my gang, here is a quick cheat list for all of you that might want to simply read the PTR without having to scroll through all of the extra comments and such.

1) Where to Stay?
2) How Ya Gettin' There?
3) Tickets and Will They Have a Pirate and Princess Party?
4) ADR's and Our Schedule
5) Disney Accessories (A.K.A. The Fun Toys!)
6) Will She Reveal Herself? Stay Tuned...
7) Ahhh...Not Sure? (You mean she has more to say?!)
8) Year of a Million Dreams and Pin Trading
9) Must Do Attractions This Time Around
10) Any Requests? (She's Taking Requests Now?!)
11) What to Pack for Clothes
12) Books, Books, and Yes, More Books
13) A Lil' Sumpin', Sumpin'
14) Some Disney Fun
15) A Family Poll
16) Josie the Kitten - Check!
17) I Have Trippie Envy
18) Bits and Pieces
19) Food!!!! (Did Someone Say Food?!)
20) A Quick Update
21) A Special Disney/Christmas Treat
22) She Wants to Get a What?!
23) Check Out Our Countdown Calendar
24) The Magic of Disney Animation
25) Driving Tips
26) It's That Time of Year
27) Ouch!
28) Where Do We Stand?
29) Uh Oh! What's Missing?
30) 9 Days and Counting!!
31) LGMH
32) Packing, Strollers, and Scary Rides, Oh My!
33) How Much Did You Say?!
34) Let's Get Organized!
35) Houston, We Have Binder
36) Can You Handle Change?
37) 1st Trip Pictures
38) 1st Trip Continued
39) Last Batch
40) Packing Lists -- Things for the Van
41) Question
42) Packing the Overnight Backpacks
43) Help! I've Lost My Marbles
44) More Revealing
45) Join Us!
46) The Big Ol' Duffel Bags Packing List
47) List of Things to Do
48) More Salty Bits and Pieces (Or Chatty Kathy)
49) Josie the Kitten Heads to Disney World
50) Miscellaneous Packing List
51) Help Me Decide

The cast:

Me ~ (33) I’m a stay-at-home-mom who is also a full-time student taking classes online. My passions are travel, reading travelogues, planning trips, etc. You get the idea. I like to pretend I’m elsewhere . Since our last trip to Disney World, I took a short weekend trip to Lexington, Virginia with a good friend and I took a solo trip to Southeast Alaska.

**Disclosure** You will not see many pictures of me in this trip report (who am I kidding? you probably won't see ANY).

Dh ~ (34) He is active duty Navy and a cryptologic technician to be more specific. He makes the money to fund my travel obsession and puts up with my craziness. He loves World of Warcraft (as do I, although I don’t find as much time to play as he does) and painting models for Warhammer. He initially wasn’t that excited when I planned our first trip to Disney, but when the countdown began, he was like a little kid! Don’t let him fool ya

Here's dh and the boys at The Rainforest Cafe (patio) in Downtown Disney.

DS7 ~ (7.5) My oldest is a very special kid. He is Mr. Social and can carry on a conversation with any adult (or kid). He’s very strong-willed and questions us constantly, but I figure that will serve him well when he’s older, right? Someone please tell me that’s right! He’s my thrill seeker and rode with me on Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on our first trip in March. He loves Donald Duck.

DS7 in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playset


DS5 ~ (5.5) My middle son is my “easy” one. He’s a very easy going kid and just goes with the flow. He loves to learn, loves to be happy, and loves to cuddle . He started kindergarten this year, but got moved up to first grade because he’s such a smart-ie. He tends to get motion sick and doesn’t like the “scary” rides. His favorite is Goofy.

DS5 - Not sure where this was taken!


DS3 ~ (3.5) What can I say about my youngest? He came out feisty and hasn’t changed much Dh and I always say thank goodness he’s so cute because that’s his saving grace. He’s very much a boy and loves cars and trucks and loves to follow his big brothers. He has some potty issues that may come into play on the trip (more about that later...aren't you anxious for that?).

DS3 - This gives you an idea of his "personality". This is him lying down on the ground in the World Showcase simply because he didn't want to do what we asked.

And here's the cuteness factor I alluded to.


Pepere & Memere ~ (59? & 50) My dad is known as Pepere (French Canadian thing…I’m from Maine) and my stepmother is Memere. My parents divorced when I was 5 and my dad remarried pretty much right away. My stepmother has raised me and has been much more of a mother than my own mom . I’m very close to my parents. I convinced them to join us on our first Disney trip in March and to their surprise, they had a blast. They thanked me for making them get off their butts and go with us. I think I enjoyed watching them more than I did my own kids! When I told them we were thinking about a return trip to Disney, my dad immediately said, “Count us in!” before I even had a chance to invite them . Both of my parents work a ton and haven’t traveled much in their lives, so this is really good for them. We live in Maryland and they still live in Maine so we only see each other a few times a year.

So, as I said, we took our first trip to Disney in March (2007). It was very well planned thanks to my friend Liz (liznboys) and the disboard! We had a great time. Here are a few pictures from that trip:

We knew immediately that we wanted to return to Disney World, but we did not think it would be happening before even a year was up! Before this year, we homeschooled our oldest, so taking a vacation was easy to plan. This year we decided to put both older boys in public school (Mama needed a sanity break!) so picking a date that would work for us as a family (meaning not crazy busy and not hot), but would allow for the fewest days of school missed was a bit tricky (Should we throw in a "Take kids out of school for vacation" debate in here to spice things up? Whatcha think?). Lucky for us, our boys get the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day off, except for two half days. And January would be great for us as we are not sun/heat lovers by any means (we lived in the Outback in Australia for 3 years and hardly left our house during the summer months) and even the beginning of March was a bit too hot at times. However, it meant our trip would happen before tax return money (which is what funds our trips), but we’ll work it out. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Up next...Where to Stay?

I just need to add... The pic of your DS5 was most likely taken at the Rainforest Cafe

 

[scottny]

Sully packed his backpack about a week ago. Who knows what the boy put in it The sad thing is, I will go through it and take most everything out. He puts the craziest things in there!

This morning Connor was walking around with his magna doodle and he was making his "list" for Disney World. He got out a backpack and began to put a few items in it. So cute.

So, I guess you could say they're excited!

My packing hasn't really advanced at all since last week. But, I did pick up the Ziploc bags today so I can get working on that

Quick Poll:

Which Guide Book should I bring along?

A) Birnbaum's Walt Disney World
B) The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
C) Passporter Walt Disney World

I really only want to bring one. I know that last time I brought a couple of books and didn't end up using any of them. But, this time we'll be staying off property and I think we might need directions, etc. I'm thinking the Passporter would be best for that. But, the UG has so much info. So, what do you think?

I vote for the Passporter. The maps are great. U can write down the adr numbers on each page for that day. I just find it a convenience.

 

[scottny]

Actually, I was out buying grocery items for the trip. But, as soon as Chuck gets home from work, I plan on heading to the mall (Scott - I found a Ritz Camera at our local mall ). I'll post pictures later.

shopping. i love that. hope u like it. remember to test it in the store.

 

[carissanboys]

Forget the guide book, you just need to bring pamouselover with you.
I can can be in Maryland in a short time.

There's room in the van! Think you can handle riding two days in a minivan with 3 young boys? You can even sleep on the couch in the townhouse (it's a sleeper). All you'd have to cover is your tickets

 

[carissanboys]

I just need to add... The pic of your DS5 was most likely taken at the Rainforest Cafe

You know, I was reading through my PTR the other day and saw that picture and that I had written I didn't know where it was taken. I *thought* it was Rainforest Cafe, but then doubted myself.

Thanks for the confirmation

 

[carissanboys]

I vote for the Passporter. The maps are great. U can write down the adr numbers on each page for that day. I just find it a convenience.

That will probably be the one. But, I need to check and see which editions I have. The most recent one might be the winner.

shopping. i love that. hope u like it. remember to test it in the store.

I'm definitely bringing the camera along. I know I'd forget the name of it when they asked what I had We're heading out in a bit for dinner and I'll stop at the store afterwards

 

[DisDancerina]

I finally got through it! (It took me at least 1 hour, but I'm not complaining!)
I thought I'd fill this out even though I've never been to WDW
What is your favorite attraction in each park?
Epcot- Soarin'
AK- I'll say... Primeval Whirl?
DS- Rockin' Rollercoaster Ride
MK- Splash Mountain

What is your favorite Disney-related food? (this could simply be a meal at one of the Disney restaurants)
Dole Whip

Which is your favorite parade and why? Electrical Light Parade! It's pretty

What is your favorite Disney souvenir (or which one do you most want)?
Pal Mickey!!! That and to make my own lightsaber, how much is that anyways?
Name 5 Princesses
Pochahontas
Ariel
Giselle
Cinderella
Aurora
What is the scariest ride?
Snow White's Scary Adventure and ToT
What is your favorite country in the World Showcase and why?
Japan I don't know why either.. It was something you said though... That I liked about it.
Anyways... Great TR!

 

[winkers]

I thought I had already posted on your pre tr, but I guess not! Anyhoo, I'm here!

I love the Josie on a stick!

 

[carissanboys]

I finally got through it! (It took me at least 1 hour, but I'm not complaining!)

and thanks for reading!

What is your favorite Disney souvenir (or which one do you most want)?
Pal Mickey!!! That and to make my own lightsaber, how much is that anyways?

I think I read that it's $20.

 

[carissanboys]

I thought I had already posted on your pre tr, but I guess not! Anyhoo, I'm here!

I love the Josie on a stick!

Thanks for dropping in

Maybe Josie on a stick could be Flat Winker's pet

 

[DisDancerina]

and thanks for reading!



I think I read that it's $20.

$20?!?!? I want a green one Hehe. That should be fun! Be sure to tell us how it goes when you get back!

 

[carissanboys]

$20?!?!? I want a green one Hehe. That should be fun! Be sure to tell us how it goes when you get back!

I'll take lots of pictures

 

[dddisrunner]

Hi! I made it over. I am only up to page 5 but I'm working on it! First of all your boys are sooooo cute! I hope you have a great trip! I saw that you and your DH are having a dinner alone together at LeCellier. My DH and I will be having our Anniversary dinner there too! I'm going back to catch up on more of your plans!

 

[carissanboys]

Hi! I made it over. I am only up to page 5 but I'm working on it! First of all your boys are sooooo cute! I hope you have a great trip! I saw that you and your DH are having a dinner alone together at LeCellier. My DH and I will be having our Anniversary dinner there too! I'm going back to catch up on more of your plans!

Thanks for coming over! I have to be honest. I haven't actually read your PTR yet. Just skimmed through the pictures and left the post. But, I WILL read it!

Right now I MUST tear myself away from these boards and work on my assignment. For some reason I'm just not that into doing school work these days

 

[kangaand2roos]

Well Carissa, you'r my first reader so I just had to pop over and read your pre-trippie. I just finished and I am going to have DD5 Annika answer your quiz questions.

1. What is your favorite traditional animated Disney animated film? 101 Dalmations

2. What is your favorite Disney/Pixar film? Cars

3. What is your favorite Disney stop-motion animated film? NA

4. What is your favorite Disney completely live action film? 101 Dalmatians Live Action

5. What is your favorite Disney mixed animated/live action film? Enchanted

6. What is your favorite current attraction at the Disneyland resort? Mr Toad

7. What is your favorite past attraction at the Disneyland resort? N/A

8. What is your favorite current attraction at the WDW resort? Dumbo

9. What is your favorite past attraction at the WDW resort? NA

10. What is your favorite Disney resort? WDW

11. What is your favorite Disney song from a movie? Dalmatian Plantation
12. What is your favorite song from a Disney Theme Park? Small World

13. What is your favorite Disney short? NA

14. What is your favorite Disney animated character? Cruella DeVil

15. What is your favorite Disney television show? Johnny and the Sprites

16. What is your favorite WDW park? MK

17. What is your favorite hotel at WDW? POP

18. What is your favorite hotel at Disneyland? NA

19. What is your least favorite Disney movie? Lilo and Stitch

20. What is your least favorite Disney theme park attraction? Splash Mountain


Now Annika loves smilies so she wants me to put a few in for her.

I can't wait to read more and hear how the trip goes. Where in the Balt area do you live. I lived for 10 years in the Owings Mills area and now I'm back in PA, just over the border in Hanover.


Have fun!

Stace

 

[carissanboys]

Well Carissa, you'r my first reader so I just had to pop over and read your pre-trippie. I just finished and I am going to have DD5 Annika answer your quiz questions.

1. What is your favorite traditional animated Disney animated film? 101 Dalmations

2. What is your favorite Disney/Pixar film? Cars

3. What is your favorite Disney stop-motion animated film? NA

4. What is your favorite Disney completely live action film? 101 Dalmatians Live Action

5. What is your favorite Disney mixed animated/live action film? Enchanted

6. What is your favorite current attraction at the Disneyland resort? Mr Toad

7. What is your favorite past attraction at the Disneyland resort? N/A

8. What is your favorite current attraction at the WDW resort? Dumbo

9. What is your favorite past attraction at the WDW resort? NA

10. What is your favorite Disney resort? WDW

11. What is your favorite Disney song from a movie? Dalmatian Plantation
12. What is your favorite song from a Disney Theme Park? Small World

13. What is your favorite Disney short? NA

14. What is your favorite Disney animated character? Cruella DeVil

15. What is your favorite Disney television show? Johnny and the Sprites

16. What is your favorite WDW park? MK

17. What is your favorite hotel at WDW? POP

18. What is your favorite hotel at Disneyland? NA

19. What is your least favorite Disney movie? Lilo and Stitch

20. What is your least favorite Disney theme park attraction? Splash Mountain


Now Annika loves smilies so she wants me to put a few in for her.

I can't wait to read more and hear how the trip goes. Where in the Balt area do you live. I lived for 10 years in the Owings Mills area and now I'm back in PA, just over the border in Hanover.


Have fun!

Stace

Thanks for answering Annika

You're not far away! We live in the Severn/Glen Burnie/Odenton area. I was just in the Owings Mills area recently. We did a hike at Soldier's Delight.

to you both! Glad you've joined us

(I took a break from my assignment. It's half complete! Criminal procedures...exciting stuff )

 

[carissanboys]

Only in the DIS universe can a person be crazy enough to be really tired, hurry to finish a class assignment, and run around like a nut taking pictures just so she can post a new entry in her PTR before going to bed I really think I need therapy

So, Carissa's gang went to the mall tonight. It was dead. I love it like that, don't you? Anyway, I made my way to Ritz Camera, per Scott's suggestion. I browsed through the camera bags and found some that I really liked. But, then I looked at the price tag and somehow, their appeal seemed to disappear $75 was a bit more than I wanted to spend at that moment on a 2nd camera bag. I ended up going with the same brand as my first, a Tamrac. Here's the bag:

Chuck wanted me to get a bag that was bigger and could hold other things so that we wouldn't be carrying around two bags. But, we'll manage.

Next up was a zoom lens. There weren't a lot of choices as they were low on stock. He brought out a Sigma 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Mini Zoom Macro. He scanned it and it came up at $100. I could deal with that. He tried to put it on my camera and realized it was for a Nikon. Went back and got the Canon version (same exact lens though). After trying it out, I debated whether or not I should try somewhere else for a bit better zoom capability. But, I figured for this trip and the price, this particular one would work fine. Here's my new lens:

Sorry about the blurriness. I didn't realize my camera was focusing on the napkin holder

The salesman rang up both of my items. I asked if there was a miliatary discount (we live in a military area and lots of stores do offer one) and he said no. BUT! The lens rang up at $26!!!! He didn't know why, nor did he really care So, I went with it! I was really glad I decided to go with that lens at that point

Here are my purchases from earlier today. I bought lots of these:

And this is what I'm going to use the large ones for:

These are the items that I purchased at the Commissary so that I wouldn't have to pay crazy prices for them down in Florida (and some snacks for the drive as well):

As I was going downstairs to take the previous pictures, I realized my lips were feeling a bit dry. I reached into my purse to get my chapstick. What does this have to do with my PTR you ask?

Well, Santa was a very good Santa this year and left the following in my stocking for being such a good girl:

Can y'all even read what it says? Who knew they had Pirates of the Carribean Chapstick!! I plan to put some on just before meeting Cap'n Jack at the Pirate and Princess Party. Maybe he'll be unable to resist planting a kiss on my "Unchapped Piratey Lips"

Up Next...Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

 

[scottny]

sorry for the sticker shock. I just walk in and see if I like it and just buy. Price does not matter. I keep forgetting everyone doe snot live this way. Glad u got one and wow for a $26 lens.