Our Annual Summer Trip - Are you going to Disney again? UPDATE-6/27 AND WE'RE OFF!

[DisneyMomx7]

Are you going to Disney again! That seems to be the question we hear all the time. You know the saying - if you don't get Disney you'll never understand, if you do "get" Disney no need to ask!

I've never done a pre-trip report before. Never even finished a regular trip report!

Let me introduce you to our cast of characters:

Me - Obsessive Disney planner - resort/ADR changer. No one ever really knows where we're staying or eating until right before we leave. I go back and forth a million times. I am a SAHM (49). I'm also a cancer survivor. That is the reason for the huge age difference of my kids. I had four kids, thought I was done. I had chemo and was told that it would put me into early menopause - surprise! After we had dd (9) we didn't want her to be like an only child so bing, bang - dd (8) and ds (turning 7)! I started dating DH when I was 14 and we are still madly in love with each other (and Disney)!

DH -Hit the big 50 this year! True Disney lover and fanatic. First trip he had a good time but it wasn't until our 2nd trip with the little ones that the pixie dust hit him full force. He's as excited as me waiting for each trip. He's also a marathon runner and luckily Disney has a marathon so now we get two trips a year!

DD (9) - Still a little girl, definitely not as "grown up" as some of the girls in her class. Can be sweet as pie or sour as lemonade depending on her mood. Luckily Disney brings out the best in her.

DD (8) - Definitely born a princess. She is totally outgoing and looks at the world through rose color glasses. She adores Ariel and all things regal.

DS (6) - Turning 7 right before we leave so we are celebrating his birthday at Disney. He is a charmer and a sweetheart. Although he can fight with his sisters like a Tiger, he can melt your heart. I think he loves Disney more than any of us. The first time we went he was just turning three and he remembers EVERYTHING! He is counting down the days until our trip.

More to come!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

THE PLAN

Now the original plan was to drive down and stop at Hilton Head on the way back. My in-laws used to live on HHI and DH misses it a lot. He runs a 1/2 marathon there every February but misses spending some time there in the summer. However, Southwest offered $49 per person each way airline tickets and we couldn't pass that up.

So now the plan was to fly down, spend one week at the Yacht Club with my in-laws and one week at the GF just our family. My in-laws came for the first time ever last year and loved it. We get along nicely and everything was fine so I have no qualms about vacationing with them for the first week.

Then I heard about GF renovations and decided to switch to one week YC/one week Poly. I was lucky enough to get an "upsell" rate that was fantastic, but wasn't able to be used at the Poly. So now we are at the YC for the whole two weeks. Are you confused yet?

While this was in no means a budget trip, between the upsell rate (and switching from room only to MYW w/dininig) and the airfare we saved several thousand dollars so DH was deliriously happy.

We have APs so we never get the dining plan. I'm thrilled that we are now able to use it. I have been dieting for four weeks and have lost 13 lbs! My goal was really only to lose 10 lbs. but now I'm trying to give myself a 5-10 lbs cushion so I can really eat everything I want without feeling the least bit guilty! I'm drooling over the food porn thread every time I feel like cheating. Saving my calories for DDP really feels worth it to me!

Anyway we are now only 17 days away from our trip. My kids will tell you we are only 16 days away. That is because we stay at the Hilton Philadelphia Airport Hotel the night before since we have an early flight. THis is a tradition for us, so the kids feel the vacation starts the minute we leave our house for Philadelphia!

All our ADRs are finally set - I was able to book a Wishes Cruise as a surprise for DH and the kids. We have ADRs for:

Le Cellier (dinner)
Plaza (dinner and lunch)
Sci-Fi (lunch)
Cape May Buffet (breakfast and lunch)
Coral Reef (dinner)
Prime Time Cafe (lunch)
Biergarten (dinner)
Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch and dinner)
Princess Storybook Breakfast
Yacht Club Galley (dinner)
Hollywood Brown Derby (lunch and dinner)
Rainforrest Cafe (DTD)
Ohana (Breakfast and dinner)
CRT (lunch)
1900 Park Fare (Dinner)
Chef Mickeys (Dinner)
Yachtsman's Steakhouse (DH and I)
Boma (Dinner)

Kids are booked for Albatross Cruise, Wonderland Tea Party and the Sandcastle Club. Girls have an appointment with BBB.

I can't decide whether I want the next few weeks to hurry up or if I need them to slow down to get everything done!

 

[IluvXU]

What a wonderful place to spend two weeks! What meal are you doing at Park Fare - dinner? We are too, but during rehab. I will be interested to hear about your meals, since many are the same. Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[Eeyore's Tiara]

Hey, we are doing park fare during the renovation also. I really hope its not dissapointing.

We usually spend a night close to the airport also so that we don't have to worry about getting up so early. So I agree with the kids that its like your vacation starts the minute you leave the house!

I cant wait to hear about the Yacht Club and I am ever so glad I am not staying at the GF during renovations, but it totally needed a renovation! We didnt have ANY hot water in our room for two days and they finally switched us to another building.

I'm waiting impatiently to hear more! Youre going to have a wonderful time and I'm so jealous that youre going before us.

 

[Avivasmom]

We will be at BWV at the end of July. And they ask us why we keep going back. I am taking my SIL to Disney for her first time.

Cannot wait to read more of your plans.

 

[Eeyore's Tiara]

Oh I'm so scatter brained I forgot the main reason I was responding awhile ago.

I absolutely hate when people ask me that question. Yes, didnt I just say I was going to WDW? So yes I guess that means I'm going again.

When I ask my kids where they want to go in the world, the answer is always the same. Walt Disney World. The adults do have the desire to go to different places, but sometimes its just easier to go where the kids are going to be happy. And there is enough for adults to do, so everyone is happy. Its a happy place. WHY cant THEY get THAT!!!

 

[ILMICKEY]

I agree. It gets old. I am paying for it, so I will go where ever I want to. Besides, you get to travel around the world in 1 day!!

Wow! 2 weeks!! Sounds fantastic!! Have fun.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The funniest part about those who keep asking why we're going back to Disney is that they are the exact same people who vacation at the Jersey shore every year!!!!!

1900 Park Fare - We are actually doing 1900 Park Fare right before the switchover to Grand Floridian Cafe so I won't be able to help those who are going during the renovations.

Always a glitch in the best laid plans!

Today was the day I was supposed to get all the Tinkerbelle gifts out of their hiding spots and pack the boxes that are going to be shipped down. We always ship down the kids costumes, Tinkerbelle gifts, water spray/fan bottles, ponchos, kids stuffed animals etc.

Unfortunately dd #1 (Taylor - age 9) had a severe sinus headache all last night and wasn't able to go to school today. This has really messed me up because tomorrow I have to go to school to do the end of the year treats and it is a half day. Thursday is the last day of school (also a half day) and Friday the kids will be home and I have to leave to attend my nephew's college graduation on Saturday morning in Philadelphia. I'm hoping that I can drop the kids off at my mom's Thursday (after the ritual last day of school going out to lunch) and get the box ready for DH to ship out!

The suitcases are out (aired them out this weekend) and sitting in my bedroom just calling to me - I can't wait to start packing!

I have so much to do before we leave - nephew's college graduation, ds's birthday party for his friends (thank goodness I'm having it at Uno's since we leave 3 days later!) and on top of all this I have to get older ds (21) packed as he is leaving for Paris on June 30th to study abroad!!!

Hopefully no more glitches - but of course there will be.

Stay tuned!

 

[Eeyore's Tiara]

The funniest part about those who keep asking why we're going back to Disney is that they are the exact same people who vacation at the Jersey shore every year!!!!!

But THATS different!

Today was the day I was supposed to get all the Tinkerbelle gifts out of their hiding spots and pack the boxes that are going to be shipped down. We always ship down the kids costumes, Tinkerbelle gifts, water spray/fan bottles, ponchos, kids stuffed animals etc.

That is a very smart idea. How soon before you leave do you send out the package?

The suitcases are out (aired them out this weekend) and sitting in my bedroom just calling to me - I can't wait to start packing!

You havent already packed?

I'm not going for 3 months and half my suitcases are already packed... I guess I just get too excited about getting to go somewhere.

Impatiently waiting for more.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The suitcases aren't packed but the closets are filled with new clothes on hangers that I haven't let anybody wear yet! The kids know the drill - don't wear the Disney clothes. I use the ziploc bag method for packing the kids stuff so all I have to do is put them together. Dh and I use garmet bags a lot so mostly its just transferring the clothes on the hangers to the bags.

THe boxes I usually ship down about 10 days before hand. They always arrive before us!

Today was another "wasted Disney day" because my kids had a half day and I had to be over at the school by 9:30 to do the end of the year treats. Luckily I was able to run over to the mall and add a few more "tinkerbelle" things to my stash from the semi-annual sale. I also stopped at the dollar store and they had cute Disney tissues that I threw in the one box ready to go to be shipped.

We are getting so excited and impatient! Tomorrow I'll be able to start checking the accuweather website since they do a 2 week forecast - how pathetic is that?

BE BACK SOON!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Well the boxes are packed and ready to be shipped. I thought it would take longer, but I must have been more organized this year than I thought! Two weeks worth of Tinkerbelle gifts (what ever made me start this?) tons of ponchos, water spray/fan bottles, kids make your own icee cups from Goofys Candy Factory, first aid kits, B&BW anti-bacterial soaps, wipes and instant ones for the parks, waterpark money holders, and everything but the kitchen sink!

I can't believe in two weeks we'll already have landed! I'm so hoping that we can get a room in the same area we had last year. We have a waterview room booked and last year we had a great room. It was on the first floor directly facing the lake with the laundry room right across. I could actually put my ear to the door and hear when my laundry is done. Now that may not seem like a big thing to some but face it 5 people x 2 weeks x 2 outfits a day, even I can't buy that many clothes. I pack at least 15 outfits for each of the kids and I still do laundry a few nights during vacation! I also liked the room because DH runs very early in the morning and I like to sit outside on the patio with my coffee and watch him and the other runners go by. The kids are still asleep then, and its my most peaceful time of the day.

We are definitely not park commandos - we always take an afternoon swim/nap break. We are definitely big on getting to the park before opening though. That's why I find the ziploc bag packing method a God send for anyone with kids! They can pick out their own bags (everything matches!) and no more searching for the elusive sock or matching hair accessory! Saves tons of stress each morning.

I've been on this diet over 4 weeks (feels like forever!) and I lost 13 lbs!!! I am so ready for these two weeks to be over though - all I can think of is after checking in getting to Beaches and Cream for a big old burger, fries and a root beer float! That is my real motivation.

SEE YOU REAL SOON!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Well no Disney related things this weekend. I'm leaving today to attend my nephew's graduation from Drexel tomorrow morning. This will mean a whole day of my ds and dbil asking - what are you doing going to Disney again? They vacation at all of the islands and can't imagine why in the world we choose to do Disney instead.

Next week is Disney obsessing full steam of head. I have one more trip to Target to do to pick up odds and ends - disposable cameras, shout wipes, who knows what else. I also have one more trip to Claire's to finish up the girls hair accessories. I can't wait to start packing!!!! I'd pack now but I'm always afraid the clothes will be too wrinkled if I pack before 2 or 3 days out. The boxes are being shipped today though - I just love it when they arrive before we do. I still have to do the Disney florist order, but I think that will wait for Monday!

Hope somebody is reading, see you soon!

 

[ILMICKEY]

I'm reading !!

Tell them you are going to an Island.......Pleasure Island!

 

[jcc0621]

I know exactly what you mean. BY all means lets spend $1500 for a 1 bedroom in Wildwood, have to cook all week and spend a heck of alot more to go to the boardwalk. Yeah, that sound like a fabulous idea to me

BTW: Welcome to Philly

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I know exactly what you mean. BY all means lets spend $1500 for a 1 bedroom in Wildwood, have to cook all week and spend a heck of alot more to go to the boardwalk. Yeah, that sound like a fabulous idea to me

BTW: Welcome to Philly

Exactly!!!!

Thanks for the welcome. I've spent a great deal of time in Philadelphia. When my older ds (23) was 3 he had cancer (survived!) and was treated at CHOP. We basically lived there for almost a year.

I really love the city of Philadelphia - it has so much to offer.

 

[kenyadh]

Praise Jesus and God Bless you abundantly on being healed of cancer. I am enjoying your trip report very much, especially about shopping for hair accessories for the little ladies. Keep it coming!!!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Praise Jesus and God Bless you abundantly on being healed of cancer. I am enjoying your trip report very much, especially about shopping for hair accessories for the little ladies. Keep it coming!!!!!

Thank you for your kind words. Our family has been hit by cancer (me, ds, brother and father). Luckily, thank God, both ds and I survived and are doing well. My brother and dad were not so lucky, we miss them greatly, but feel they are always with us!

Back to the program.

I cannot believe we are down to 10 days (or 9 days til the airport hotel as my kids would say). They have their little paper chain and love taking another chain off each night.

You would think after all these stays (this will be our 7th trip in 4 years) that we wouldn't be as excited - but we definitely are. I can feel my heart beating just thinking about the trip.

I keept trying to think of what else I have to do - boxes are shipped, ADRs are finished, garden grocer order has been done for a month, clothes are hanging up and waiting to be packed, even the ziploc bags are just sitting there waiting for the packing to begin.

One of my kids favorite things is packing - the girls sit on the bags to get the air out of them, and they just love it.

Luckily I have a busy week this week, hopefully it will make the week go faster. Today is our schools Annual Golf Tournament, tomorrow dd has a dentist appointment, Friday is my spa day (can't wait for that). I'm having a massage, facial, spa pedicure and manicure to get ready for the trip! Saturday I'm going to start hanging the clothes in the garment bags, Sunday is ds's birthday party for his school friends (luckily not in my home!) and Monday the packing begins! I not only have to pack for all of us for our Disney trip, I've got to supervise ds as he is leaving for Paris two days after us. I don't know about your kids but my ds (21) would think it would be fine to leave for Paris for a month with a couple of pairs of shorts, some t-shirts and a few pair of socks and underwear! Obviously my overpacking gene didn't get passed on.

Speaking of overpacking - that is always a go around with DH and I. For some reason (probably because he's a man) he doesn't understand why a family of 5 going for two weeks would need so many suitcases! I pack one garment bag for each of us, 1 large duffle bag suitcase, 4 suitcases and one cooler for the room. Even though we have the frig in the room I like to fill the cooler with ice to keep water, juices and soda in there to get really cold.
Every year we have the same conversation when its time to pack the car for the drive to the aiport or the airport hotel. Dh "we can't possibly need all this stuff" - me "of course we need all this stuff, why do you think I packed it!". This will go on and on for awhile, I basically just ignore it and Dh just packs it, all the while muttering under his breath. That is always the start to our family vacation! Of course once it all packed he's fine and doesn't say anymore until the trip home. Of course DH would travel without even a band-aid if I left it up to him. We also each have a carry on and DH brings his laptop. During the trip, I will at times, remind DH how glad he should be that I packed (insert whatever DH has just asked for). Nothing like a little low key gloating.

I keep checking the accuweather forecast (they do a 15 day one). I don't know why I keep checking I know what the weather for June/July will be - hot and humid with an afternoon shower! Just seeing my dates on the forecast makes me feel like we are almost there!

10 days and counting - see you real soon!

 

[ILMICKEY]

I am so excited for you!!! I just luv that feeling.

And I agree, husbands don't have a clue when it comes to packing. Well, not just husbands, but all boys/men!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Just when you think you're right on schedule - there's always a bump!

Here I was thinking that everything was going right on schedule - boxes were packed and shipped, garden grocer order done, clothes ready to go just waiting to be packed in the recently aired out suitcases . . . here comes the bump! Yesterday I went to take the laundry out of my brand new, really love it Kenmore HE washer. There is a flood on my floor. Now my laundry room is on my second floor so I was lucky I was home and able to get it up right away. I think the kids did something, like opening the door in the middle of the cycle or something. I put another load in and watched the washer to see what was going on, wash cycle find, rinse cycle - uh oh - water is pouring out of the front of the washer. There must be a seal broken or something but it was pouring out, all over my hallway floor. Thank goodness we have Pergo floor in the hallway or that would have been one soaking rug. We call Sears and they tell us the earliest they can come is Thursday, which does not sit well with DH. He is flipping out since the washer and dryer are less than 2 months old and cost over $2000! They are however, firm on the fact that they can't get anyone there until Thursday.

So that means no laundry until Thursday. With the 8 of us (ds's are home from college/law school for the summer) no washer is a disaster. Of course Thursday is also the worse day for me as I'm the marketing coordinator for our school and have to attend a diocesean marketing meeting once a week - you guessed it on Thursdays!

So we are nine days away from Disney (8 days until we leave for the airport hotel) and laundry is piling up by the hour. Do things every go smoothly, is there always a hitch?

Stay tuned!

 

[Avivasmom]

Do things every go smoothly, is there always a hitch?

YUP I believe there is always a hitch, makes the trip to Disney so much more to look forward to.

Hoping everything gets fxed fast so you get more done!!

Cannot wait to read more.