Our first family vacation!- A Sept '10 PTR

[fairytalesfireflies]

We're going! We're actually going on our first family vacation!

We've been thinking about this trip forever- almost booked last spring and didn't and then debated back and forth for about a year. I knew free dining could save us a ton so I patiently (or not so patiently ) waited for the announcement and booked the first day it was open to the public. Even then I wasn't 100% SURE we were going but I started to get excited.

Now, just under 80 days away and I am in full on obsession mode!

Coming up: Introductions, ADRS and some trip purchases!

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

Before I tell you any other random details I guess you should know who I'm talking about!

There are 3 main players in our vacation, DH, myself and DD. We'll also have a few supporting characters like my MIL and possibly her mother and will be meeting up with friends halfway through the trip.

We'll start with me, Candie, the voice of this PTR. The obsessive planner, overemotional, just can't wait to go, work at home mom and wife. I'm 31 years old. I have been to Disney World twice but don't remember it at all.

DH, Aaron, is 32 and is really just a huge kid. He works really hard and spends his free time playing video games or golfing. He won't admit it but I know he's super excited to go. He's never been to Disney or really taken any vacation before he met me 8 years ago.

Then you have the highlight of our lives, our little one. She has a bit on an unique name and I don't want certain people to find us through google so for now, I'll stick to call her by a shortened version of her name- Mary.

She'll be turning 4 on the trip and is our resident Pixar snob. She's not too into the regular cartoons but she does love Little Mermaid and Princess and the Frog. She is OBSESSED with Pixar though, Nemo, Cars, Monsters, Incredibles....You name it, she loves it. Her ABSOLUTE favorite right now is Toy Story. She's most excited to go meet Jessie and eat at Pizza Planet.

Mary is an awesome little girl and the reason for everything we do. She's a bit behind on the learning curve due to her biological mothers drug use but nothing to severe- just a little behind here other kids her age are. She's fun loving, good natured, SASSY and loving. For the most part she's amazingly well behaved and happy (not bragging about my parenting skills, we just got lucky!) but I totally realize that all that could be thrown out the window when we enter the world.

Loud noises bother her and she can easily get overwhelmed so I'm sure there will be quite a few meltdowns. Im just hoping the good times will outweigh the bad!

 

[serene56]

Im in here too- Would love to see what others are doing during the same week.

Does MAry know you are going or is it a secret?

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi, I'm in. I can't wait to hear more about your plans.

When my nephew was younger he had trouble with loud noises as well. We also found out the hard when when we were there that he couldn't tolerate 3D either. There was still a lot that we were able to do that was very enjoyable for him.

 

[tracisup]

We are going in September too! What are your dates?

We were there in May for DDs 4th birthday celebration!

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

Welcome everyone! Thanks for joining me!

Yes, Mary does know. I wanted a surprise vacation but I cant keep my mouth shut! Plus, I remember being young and being excited was half of the magic of vacation so we're really building up the trip.

Our dates are Sept 19th-29th.

OhioDisneyLover- I'm from the Cleveland area too! I miss it so much!

 

[onescgirl]

I'm glad your family is getting to go on your 1st family vacation! You will love going in September. We went to WDW for the 1st time 2 years ago. We went in Sept & there were no lines at all. We are going back this year at the same time as you. Free Dining & low crowds - you can't beat it!
BTW, your daughter is BEAUTIFUL!

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

I'm glad your family is getting to go on your 1st family vacation! You will love going in September. We went to WDW for the 1st time 2 years ago. We went in Sept & there were no lines at all. We are going back this year at the same time as you. Free Dining & low crowds - you can't beat it!
BTW, your daughter is BEAUTIFUL!

Thank you so much! I'm off to go catch up on your PTR!

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

We are booked at Pop Century Sept. 19th-29th and we upgraded the free QSDP to DDP.

We originally planned on driving down. It's quite a hike from Indiana but I think we would be ok. Every few months we drive to my parents which is 8 hrs away and Mary is fine with that. I figured if we would drive while she slept, then drive about 8 hrs with her awake and then stop for the night at a hotel. That would leave us just a few hours to drive the next morning and we could arrive at WDW at around 10 am and have a full day at the park.

Now, flights are dropping and DH REALLY does not want to drive. Im trying to weigh my options. Flights are dropping and it would only be about $100 more to fly once you consider gas, hotel room down and back and extra time off of work. The downside to flying is I would lose that first day in the park (unless I add on a night) and then we would have to rely on buses while in the World. I know many people do but it just seems like a hassle!

Decisions, Decisions!

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

I've been busily filling my vacation tote! I love filling that thing up!

Here's a few of the recent purchases Ive made for the trip.

Candace and Jessie shirts
Jessie bathing suit, flip flops and insulated tote
Toy story bowl (cereal in the room!) and snack holder
Ariel sipper and sun block

Glow necklaces
Nemo Wipes
Toy Story band-aids
Toy story books for the ride
some chapstick and hawaiian punch singles

Toy story shirt and cups
hand sanitizer
Princess and the Frog sticker book

Cars, Toy Story and Ariel beach towels

Anyone notice a prominent theme with our supplies? I told you this kid was a Toy Story freak!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I'm joining in. My DH's name is Aaron, and he sounds a lot like your DH too. He had never really gone on a vacation until we met 8 years ago...oh yeah, and we're from Indiana too. Howdy neighbor!

If you guys decide to fly, you could take advantage of the Southwest promotion. You can save $25 off each ticket. Not bad! But, you will have to buy the tickets before 8/1.

Look forward to hearing all about your plans!

 

[skier_pete]

Hi there, joining in from onescgirl's PTR. What a beautiful daughter you have! Our DD was 3.5 on our first trip, it was a great age, though you have to watch out for things that scare her that you might otherwise not think would.

Just responding because you mentioned in onescgril's PTR that you were nervous about staying at a value. We went our first three trips to POFQ (a mod), and then our last two to POP Century. While if pressed, I would prefer POFQ, we had a great time at POP Century. The ONLY negative I would say is the size of the room when we first had 3 adults and 1 child, but the second time with 2 adults and 1 child that was a non-issue. The POP resort is great...it's not nearly as big/spread out as you would think it is. DD loved the pools (though missed the slide at POFQ) and the food court had some great selections.

The buses were not bad AT ALL, we rarely waited more than 5 minutes going to or from the resort. It's funny you mention not having a car...I am NOT a bus person, but I love that I don't have to deal with the hassle of driving for a week. Yes, you have to be patient at times with the buses, but over 15 days of the two trips, I think we were only waited what I would consider "long" (call it 15 minutes plus) once per trip. Pop is very close to AK, DHS, and Epcot, and since they don't share with other resorts, the ride to and from those 3 were all less than 10 minutes. MK was longer - maybe 20 minutes, but still faster than driving, because when you drive to MK, you have to park at the TTC and shuttle to monorail/boat, whereas the buses drop you off right up front. Plus I always end up getting into conversations on the bus. This is fun because you meet people from all around the world that you have at least one thing in common with.

We were on the bus back from Epcot last trip, and there was a person in a Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey on the bus, it was during the playoffs and we started talking about our teams (mines the Buffalo Sabres) and then another guy chimed in (from Ottawa, but he's from Toronto so a Leafs fan) and we talked the whole ride back. I couldn't help thinking it was so much more enjoyable than trudging out into the parking lot for my car, and then having to wait in line to get out of the parking lot and find my way around the giant maze that is WDW while I was just tired and wanting to rest. Yeah, the bus was crowded and I had to stand (let DW and DD sit) but it's a part of the experience that you completely miss if you just use the car. That, PLUS not having to drive for 20 hours would have me like this:

Skier_Pete

 

[KELLY]

Just joining in. We are staying at pop for the second year in a row for 10 days with free dining. Can't wait. Your dd is adorable.

 

[serene56]

Now, flights are dropping and DH REALLY does not want to drive. Im trying to weigh my options. Flights are dropping and it would only be about $100 more to fly once you consider gas, hotel room down and back and extra time off of work. The downside to flying is I would lose that first day in the park (unless I add on a night) and then we would have to rely on buses while in the World. I know many people do but it just seems like a hassle!

Decisions, Decisions!

You also need to figure out the cost in the terms of hours spent driving.

We are booked on the last flight out for the evening--we leave at 8:45pm
Pop is 82.00 for the night. You can add the cost of the Free Dining-- OR just book it as room only.

We added the night== added an extra day ticket so we can pop in there and get a FP for Space Mountain before our breakfast reservation with Lilo at Ohana. After breakfast our runner will go back in and get FP for Buzz lightyear- When we enter the park for the MNSSHP we will already be able to ride two rides with no waits.

the ticket was 3.00pp to upgrade the extra day. and adding 10.pp for the dining plan for the day= ( we were paying oop for a breakfast in animal kingdom--- so basically-- it all washed out.

 

[onescgirl]

Whether you decide to drive or fly, I would take advantage of the buses. We drove and it was so nice to park our van & not move it until we left. The buses really are not bad, you are only waiting/riding for a short time. It even saves you gas money, so that's a another plus


And, I LOVE the red gingham bathing suit w/matching flip flops, too cute!!!Your making feel behind, I need to start gathering up my Disney gear too!

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

Hi there, joining in from onescgirl's PTR. What a beautiful daughter you have! Our DD was 3.5 on our first trip, it was a great age, though you have to watch out for things that scare her that you might otherwise not think would.

Skier_Pete

Wow, thank you so much! I think you've truly convinced me that we'll be really happy flying and staying at Pop. The buses actually sound kind of fun instead of nightmare I was envisioning.

Just joining in. We are staying at pop for the second year in a row for 10 days with free dining. Can't wait. Your dd is adorable.

Thank you so much! Its coming up fast! Were getting so excited, Im sure you are too!

You also need to figure out the cost in the terms of hours spent driving.

We are booked on the last flight out for the evening--we leave at 8:45pm
Pop is 82.00 for the night. You can add the cost of the Free Dining-- OR just book it as room only.

Thats what I just asked my TA, so now I know! Ideally I'd like to just add a night on to our existing reservation. We already have 10 day tickets but it would be nice t o go to DTD or just enjoy the pool.

Whether you decide to drive or fly, I would take advantage of the buses. We drove and it was so nice to park our van & not move it until we left. The buses really are not bad, you are only waiting/riding for a short time. It even saves you gas money, so that's a another plus

And, I LOVE the red gingham bathing suit w/matching flip flops, too cute!!!Your making feel behind, I need to start gathering up my Disney gear too!

Very good point! Gas has me SO nervous if we drive. My MIL said that it cost here over $400 to drive to Orlando and back last time. Her math sounds way off to me but she insists she did!

Oh, and the bathing suit is from the Disney Store, so are the flip flops. Im actually not all that far ahead, I just like to shop!

 

[skier_pete]

Wow, thank you so much! I think you've truly convinced me that we'll be really happy flying and staying at Pop. The buses actually sound kind of fun instead of nightmare I was envisioning.

It's all what you make of it...I can almost guarantee you will end up with one bus experience that has you pulling your hair out, but mostly its a good experience.

 

[fairytalesfireflies]

Ahhhh! So this stinking work stuff is getting in the way of my vacation planning and Disboards time! I've been incredibly busy, which I am SO thankful for but I'd really love to just sit and browse the forums instead!


We booked our flights! It was only $555 for the 3 of us so once you figure in the extra time off work, two nights in a hotel and gas, its just about the same as driving. DH is much happier.

We also booked another night at the beginning of our stay. Free dining is sold out at pop so if we wanted to add on to our reservation we would have had to switch to All Stars Music. We didnt really want to do that, so we booked a separate reservation at Pop. All that was available was rack rate so we booked through travelocity and saved about $40.

My Passporter book arrived and Ive been glancing through it when I get a chance. So far I really enjoy it and think its a great reference, although I already knew most of just from reading the Dis.

I need to start working on some sort of itinerary. I dont want to be comando, but I dont want to be flying blind either!

 

[Queenofallthings]

So excited for you!! We'll be there then too...our dates are Sep 18 - Oct 1!!! It's our first time going in September and we're looking forward to a wonderful time too.....now I have to go back and actually read this!!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

What a beautiful little ray of sunshine you have!

Love the pre shopping - not gonna lie to you, one of my favorite parts of the trip.....PLANNING!!! and shopping....

Can't wait to read along...we may need to all plan a little meet for those of us that are there at the same time