Our First Stay at the Poly - April 2012 PTR!!

[DaveinFallsChurch]

This is late, but we really enjoyed our meal at 1900 a couple of years ago. I don't really remember what we ate, but I know we liked the food and the character interaction was great! I have the sweetest video of Cinderella and Prince Charming playing ring around the rosy with my oldest DD. Hmmm, now I'm really wondering if we should eat there again (even though we have CRT and Akershus booked).

With 3 girls, we will also be seeing all the prnicesses! The hardest ones will obviously be the ones who aren't at our character meals (Rapunzel, Tiana, Pocahontas and Mulan) ~ we've met them all, but I know the girls will want to see them again. I really want to see Mike and Sully this time as well. My middle DD (3) has really gotten into Monsters Inc lately so they are a must this time, as well as Phineas and Ferb.

Oh, and we also really liked WCC when we ate there. We were staying at the WL, so it made sense to eat there, and it was good. Didn't make the cut this time, but mainly b/c we had so many other must dos (including Kona for breakfast).

I'm so happy to hear some good feedback about 1900 PF and WCC! In addition to breakfast, I've also wanted to try Kona for lunch but just haven't found the right slot for it yet. Where else are you planning to eat at for your trip?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

As has become a semi-tradition for our family, arrival day means SeaWorld!

We like to do this because SeaWorld has not been a full day park for us - we have been able to see and do everything we want very easily. Also, by doing this, we are able to immerse ourselves in the "Disney Cocoon" afterwards without interruption

Our flight arrives at 8:50am at MCO. Based on our past experiences, we should be arriving at the gates between 10-10:30am.

Since it's a fairly easy park to tour, I don't have a detailed turn-by-turn touring plan set up. Our touring revolves around the show times and feeding times which are only available once we get closer to the date. Here are the attractions/shows we will be seeing.

1. Blue Horizons

Hands down, our favorite show and attraction at SW! There's so many elements and movement happening that our kids stay fixated during the entire show.​

2. Dolphin Cove and Dolphin Feeding

We got to try the feeding and it was great! A little warning to any of you who may try this in the future: watch out for those darn seagulls!! They clearly tell you up front to keep the feeds covered with your hand or else the birds will take them. Of course, DW and I were too busy trying to convince our DD that the dolphins will not hurt her when they made this particular announcement. When we approached the cove, we set down one of the paper trays with the feeds, and before you could say "Mine, Mine, Mine", a seagull or whatever bird it was SWOOPED in and took the entire tray of feed with it Lesson learned. It was a lot of fun though. Here is one of the dolphins who came up to us unfortunately after we ran out of food but was still nice enough to smile for the camera!​

3. Dophin Nursery

This is always such a nice tranquil experience. We usually just hang out here and watch the dolphins swim around and play.​

4. Wild Arctic

This was a surprisingly entertaining exhibit for us last time. With the kids we had to enter through the non-motion-simulator passage. But the animal exhibits were very well done I thought. Here's a walrus from our last trip playing around while being fed.​

5. Stingray Lagoon

Another feeding and petting opportunity for the kids!​

6. Pacific Point Preserve

We didn't buy the feeds last time, but I think we definitely will for this trip. Was fun to sit and watch.​

7. Clyde and Seymore Show: Fairly entertaining for the kids.
8. Pets Ahoy Show: Will be the first time trying this one.
9. Shark Encounter: For some reason, I have very little recollection of this exhibit from our last trip.
10. Shamu show (One Ocean): We'll most likely see it but we haven't been big fans of this.

We will also see if we can squeeze in a thrill ride or two for the grown-ups, but if the lines look long we will easily skip them. It's too bad that Penguin Encounter is closed. That was one of our favorites.

Once we finish SW, we will check-in to Buena Vista Suites for one night probably around 5:30-6:00pm. We thought we would save a little money this way by avoiding an extra weekend rate at the Poly. This night will also be our only chance for a non-Disney sit down meal. I found out by accident recently that they have a couple of Giordano's in Orlando (who knew?). We are big fans of the Chicago-style pizzas, so we are planning to go there for dinner then come back to the hotel and get the kids in bed by 8:00pm. We have a verrrrry early morning planned the next day, so I'm pretty sure all of the adults will be going to bed at the same time!

Next up: Day 2 (Part I): Checking in to Poly and DHS!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

My kids love SW. We haven't been in a few years. My DS10 wouldn't stop talking about the Stingray exhibit. He couldn't get enough of them

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

My kids love SW. We haven't been in a few years. My DS10 wouldn't stop talking about the Stingray exhibit. He couldn't get enough of them

DD was very hesistant to touch the stingrays, but eventually she did and loved it. We'll try again this year.

I've been browsing through some of their up-close tours they offer in the park. Debating whether they would be worth the price -maybe the Penguin up-close experience since the exhibit itself is closed.

 

[auprincess]

Sounds like a fun first day! We haven't done Sea World, but we should. Looks like a lot of fun! Goodness, you are making me re-think so much...we could go our first day, BUT I think we are going to hit one of the water parks.

I hope I am remembering all of our reservations...something like this:
14 ~ dinner at O'Hana
15 ~ dinner at CRT
16 ~ dinner at Cape May (first time for this)
17 ~ I'm not positive...but this is a water park day for us, so I we are either having breakfast at O'Hana or Kona
18 ~ dinner at Akershus
19 ~ late breakfast at Tusker House (also a first)
20 ~ lunch at Crystal Palace
21 ~ breakfast wherever we aren't eating on the 17 (Kona or O'Hana)

I can't believe we have so many dinners...last year we were on QSDP, and the time before regular DP. We had so many dinners, and my at the time youngest daughter had just turned one, and it was awful...just not a good time for her. I said I wouldn't do it again...and now I've done it and my youngest will be 13 months. She is a great baby (I guess the 3rd doesn't have a choice, lol), so I hope she'll be okay. I just decided that dinners would probably be best though, b/c we are for sure planning on taking mid-day breaks this time to enjoy the pool. Or, at least one of us will take the baby back to the room for a nap and while the big girls stay at the parks.

 

[204charity]

Subbing! I was wondering where you disappeared to! Lol Oh well, at least you came back to us CRAY-CRAY Disney folks after all. Can you believe it? Less than 2 months to go! Yay!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Sounds like a fun first day! We haven't done Sea World, but we should. Looks like a lot of fun! Goodness, you are making me re-think so much...we could go our first day, BUT I think we are going to hit one of the water parks.

I hope I am remembering all of our reservations...something like this:
14 ~ dinner at O'Hana
15 ~ dinner at CRT
16 ~ dinner at Cape May (first time for this)
17 ~ I'm not positive...but this is a water park day for us, so I we are either having breakfast at O'Hana or Kona
18 ~ dinner at Akershus
19 ~ late breakfast at Tusker House (also a first)
20 ~ lunch at Crystal Palace
21 ~ breakfast wherever we aren't eating on the 17 (Kona or O'Hana)

I can't believe we have so many dinners...last year we were on QSDP, and the time before regular DP. We had so many dinners, and my at the time youngest daughter had just turned one, and it was awful...just not a good time for her. I said I wouldn't do it again...and now I've done it and my youngest will be 13 months. She is a great baby (I guess the 3rd doesn't have a choice, lol), so I hope she'll be okay. I just decided that dinners would probably be best though, b/c we are for sure planning on taking mid-day breaks this time to enjoy the pool. Or, at least one of us will take the baby back to the room for a nap and while the big girls stay at the parks.

I like your ADR schedule - character meals are always fun! I think you should be okay with the little one since most of your meals are buffets. Last year, DS was 15 months, and we found the buffet meals were the easiest to manage with him since there's no wait time for food.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Subbing! I was wondering where you disappeared to! Lol Oh well, at least you came back to us CRAY-CRAY Disney folks after all. Can you believe it? Less than 2 months to go! Yay!

Welcome!! I was thinking the same thing about you - that you disappeared from the boards
I'm glad you found my little corner!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Okay, so now we get to the really "meaty" part! Touring plans! A couple of disclaimers about my touring plans and how it translates into what we really do once we're actually in the parks.

1. None of what I plan out is mandatory for my family: I don't want my family or anyone who's touring the park with us to feel pressured, hurried, or forced into doing something that they're not interested. The most important thing (which I'm sure is the same for all of you and your family) is to have fun! I view the touring plans as a loose guideline. To help me keep me from going commando on my family, I made a rule not to share or mention anything about my touring plans. In fact, most of the time DW doesn't even know I have detailed out all the turn by turns. It stays in my head and stays there!

2. Why I Prepare Touring Plans: It's a great way to understand wait times and crowd levels! It's basically a simulation for me and a fun diversion while I'm counting down the days. Also, it helps me prepare to improvise during our park touring especially if someone suddenly declares they really want to do a certain ride that either wasn't on the plan, or at a different time. Having run through the various scenarios in my head ahead of time, I can make the adjustments to do that particular ride and then adjust the rest of the schedule.

(Hi, my name is Dave. Hi Dave! I have a Disney overplanning problem )

For both of our past trips with the kids, I would say we followed my TPs about half the time or less! Anyway, with that out of the way, here we go!!

April 15th
This is the day I have the most concerns and question marks about as you will see so any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated! This will be the first time we're touring DHS with the kids. I'm also going to make an effort to get the grown-ups an opportunity to get on some of the thrill rides.

Among our must-do attractions, here are the speedbumps:
TSM, Phineas and Ferb, RR (adults), ToT (adults)

Continental Breakfast (which I'm sure is a fancy way of saying cereals, pastries, and yogurts) at Fairfield Inn SeaWorld at 6:30am and Check out at 7:00am (I know I'm going to be everyone's favorite person for coming up with this grand plan after the first night of our vacation - I'm such a mean person )

Arrive at Poly at 7:30am and Check in. To expedite process, I'll be doing online check in. I fully expect the room not to be ready so we'll check our bags with the front desk.

To DHS by rental minivan, park, and hopefully at the turnstiles by 8:30am. Now I've been hearing (from easyWDW) that they've been opening the turnstiles early ever since they went to the ropedropless procdures. Depending on whether this happens or not, I have two slightly possible plans for the morning with the main difference being when we'll do TSM and how many times. DD is 43 inches and DS is 34 inches. I'll be doing the FP runs usually by myself

If Turnstiles open 8:30-8:45am
1. TSM standby
2. Obtain TSM FPs if kids want to go on again
3. Star Tours standby/Riderswap
(Lightning and Mater Meet/Greet for DS)
4. Phineas and Ferb
5. Muppets 3D
6. Mike and Sulley MG
7. TSM FP
8. Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground
(FP run for RR around noon)
9. Mama Melrose Lunch at 12:30pm

If Turnstiles open 8:50-9:00am
1. Star Tours standby/riderswap
FP run for TSM while first group in
2. Phineas and Ferb
3. Lightning and Mater
4. Muppets 3D
5. Mike and Sulley
6. Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground
(FP run for RR around noon)
7. Honey I shrunk the Kids Playground
8. Mama Melrose Lunch at 12:30pm

A couple of things to note. Star Tours and Phineas and Ferb is far more important to us than TSM. I know, sounds crazy So, that's why if the turnstile opens up later, TSM is taking a back seat. easyWDW recommends that getting in line for the first Phineas and Ferb meet and greet set will be the shortest line all day so we're going to try our best to get to it by 9:30am. Fortunately, the MG location is not too far from Star Tours so I think it'll work out well.

Next Up: DHS afternoon TPs

 

[auprincess]

Sounds like a good plan! It is hard for us to make rope drop, b/c we live in the central time zone (so 8:30 is like 7:30 to us), but I am going to really, really try to be at rope drop our first 2 days, I figure it should be do-able since we won't be so tired (especially MK since we have the monorail; we'll also have our car so fingers crossed we make it to DHS on Monday by 8:45 at the latest). I hope they are still doing So, are you worried about the possible FP time enforcement? I am, mainly b/c of your dining resssies. I just stopped reading the thread about it b/c i was too much. Have you heard anything else about this?

 

[wakica]

Your SeaWorld day sounds GREAT I hope you are able to catch Manta. If you can manage it swing by it as soon as you get in the park and see what the line up is like. It's just like Disney - the top attractions are best done FIRST thing afte opening or Rope Drop. When we went last they let you into the park a bit early and stop you at a rope and that's the best way to hit Manta with no lines. Not sure if your fans of pre rope drop arrival though. We totally are.
ooops silly me - just looked back and remembered its your arrival day so a later arrival time. Oh well, take a look at the line up anyway - it might not be too bad.

Blue Horizons - GREAT show!! We like that one too

Dolphin Cove - We didn't do the feeding last time (bc we did dolphin experience at Discover Cove) but may do that this go around. We were the people in the area without the food just waiting for a dolphin to swim close to but they are smart they know there is no food there so they just swim by RIGHT OUTSIDE your reach and tease you in that area. ROFL. IF dd doesn't do a penguin experience we will definitely do this.

Dolphin Nursery - LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!! It was VERY difficult to drag DD away from this one - we spent SO much time there. Her and I are absolutely mesmerized by dolphins.

Wild Arctic - not a hit with us - seemed the animals were all off sleeping somewhere when we went - it was SO boring and we saw next to no animals not sure if we'll try it again.

Stingray Lagoon - also very cool. We just give them a pet as they swim by.

Pacific Point Preserve - is this the one where you can feed the walrusses or something like that?? If so we did it and BE CAREFUL of the birds here too!!! They might not swoop in and grab your tray but they will grab the fish you throw down to the animals. ESPECIALLY if you have bad aim!!! lol. We finally just told DD to let DH throw them b/c her aim was aweful and she was SOO upset when the birds would get the food.

Clyde and Seymore Show - SUCH AN AWESOME SHOW!!! and make sure you are there early for the preshow guy - he is SOOO funny!! DH and DD want to go just for the preshow next time. lol

Pets Ahoy Show - We havn't seen this one either. You'll have to be sure to post how you like it so we know

Shark Encounter - I think this is the one where you walk through a tunnel that is through the middle of a tank. It's quite cool and a very odd sensation to be walking with sharks swimming all around you!!

10. Shamu show (One Ocean) - we saw the Shamu show too last time but not huge fans either. It's cool and all but we are more dolphin fans.


Sounds like a GREAT start to your trip

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Sounds like a good plan! It is hard for us to make rope drop, b/c we live in the central time zone (so 8:30 is like 7:30 to us), but I am going to really, really try to be at rope drop our first 2 days, I figure it should be do-able since we won't be so tired (especially MK since we have the monorail; we'll also have our car so fingers crossed we make it to DHS on Monday by 8:45 at the latest). I hope they are still doing So, are you worried about the possible FP time enforcement? I am, mainly b/c of your dining resssies. I just stopped reading the thread about it b/c i was too much. Have you heard anything else about this?

I hear you about making RDs. It sounds to me the FP enforcement is going to be for real this time based on WDWMagic.com and easyWDW.com. What I heard is that you won't be allowed to use FPs that are 15 minutes past the window. I'm going to time the FP runs based on the return times forecasted by Touringplans.com by using their Lines app. Based on the forecast they have up right now, I have a general idea of when I'm going to make the FP runs. So when I make the FP run for RR around noon, what I'm really aiming for is a return time window of roughly 3:00pm-4:00pm and so forth. Hopefully this will work and that way I won't have to worry about getting FPs that fall smack into our ADR windows.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Your SeaWorld day sounds GREAT I hope you are able to catch Manta. If you can manage it swing by it as soon as you get in the park and see what the line up is like. It's just like Disney - the top attractions are best done FIRST thing afte opening or Rope Drop. When we went last they let you into the park a bit early and stop you at a rope and that's the best way to hit Manta with no lines. Not sure if your fans of pre rope drop arrival though. We totally are.
ooops silly me - just looked back and remembered its your arrival day so a later arrival time. Oh well, take a look at the line up anyway - it might not be too bad.

Pacific Point Preserve - is this the one where you can feed the walrusses or something like that?? If so we did it and BE CAREFUL of the birds here too!!! They might not swoop in and grab your tray but they will grab the fish you throw down to the animals. ESPECIALLY if you have bad aim!!! lol. We finally just told DD to let DH throw them b/c her aim was aweful and she was SOO upset when the birds would get the food.

Clyde and Seymore Show - SUCH AN AWESOME SHOW!!! and make sure you are there early for the preshow guy - he is SOOO funny!! DH and DD want to go just for the preshow next time. lol

Shark Encounter - I think this is the one where you walk through a tunnel that is through the middle of a tank. It's quite cool and a very odd sensation to be walking with sharks swimming all around you!!

Sounds like a GREAT start to your trip

Thanks!! I feel always bit weird talking about SW on the DISboards, sort of feels like being unfaithful But, it's great to hear from another DISer who enjoys SW as much as we do!

I completely forgot to say up front that we are very much RD people! It's amazing how much you can see and get done during the first two hours of park operations compared to the rest of the day!

We love the preshow guy for Clyde and Seymore too - who knew mimes could be so funny? And thanks for reminding me what the Shark Encounter was like - it's all coming back to me now!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

April 15th DHS Afternoon
Here's the rest of the touring plan for our DHS afternoon!

After Mama Melrose Lunch, we'll be waddling through the following plan.

1. Disney Jr. Live (IF following early turnstile opening morning plan)
TSM (IF following late turnstile opening morning plan)
2. Little Mermaid
(FP Run for ToT at 2pm)
3. RR/Pixar and Pals Parade : Plan is to have adults break off to RR using FPs while at least one adult stays with the kids for the parade. To make this work, we're going to have to find a parade viewing spot at the entrance of Sunset Blvd.
4. Milkshakes to go at 50's Prime Time
5. Beauty and the Beast Live
6. ToT using FPs for the adults - DD will be tall enough for ToT but I'm 99.9% sure she will NOT want to go on this one. We're still having trouble convincing her to try HM at MK.
7. Exit Park hopefully between 5-5:30pm

We won't be doing Fantasmic. We saw it once two trips ago, and we weren't that impressed with it. Plus, with such an early start in the morning, I don't think there's anyway our kids will be in any condition for fun by the time Fantasmic rolls around. So, we're hoping to check into our room when we get back to the Poly and rest up a little until our Ohana dinner time at 6:45pm. Plan is to get the kids in bed by 8:30pm. And for DW and DFIL, I'm pretty sure that'll be their bedtime as well. I, on the other hand, have a little more touring left to do!!

April 15th MK Evening EMH

I've always wanted to try seeing MK late at night. Just the idea of trying certain rides at night has always appealed to me. I want to see the Castle at midnight! I want to ride Splash or Astro Orbitor during Wishes! I want to ride HM and PoTC very late in the evening! When I told DW about this, she told me I should try it on one of the evenings during this trip. She doesn't see that much of an appeal to it, so she would stay in the room with the kids. Actually, she's pretty sure she's going to need the sleep and so will DFIL.

This is the latest I've seen Cinderella's Castle - 8:30pm.

So the plan is, for me to hop on the monorail after putting the kids to bed, and head over to MK around 9pm. And yes, we do have Park Hoppers. I'm going to try to stay as late as I can, hoping to last at least until midnight for the evening EMH if not until closing time. I may regret it the next morning, but I probably won't get another shot at this in for a long time. I just can't pass up this opportunity for late night touring of MK without a stroller!!

Next up: Day 3 Part I Akershus and Future World

 

[auprincess]

I hear you about making RDs. It sounds to me the FP enforcement is going to be for real this time based on WDWMagic.com and easyWDW.com. What I heard is that you won't be allowed to use FPs that are 15 minutes past the window. I'm going to time the FP runs based on the return times forecasted by Touringplans.com by using their Lines app. Based on the forecast they have up right now, I have a general idea of when I'm going to make the FP runs. So when I make the FP run for RR around noon, what I'm really aiming for is a return time window of roughly 3:00pm-4:00pm and so forth. Hopefully this will work and that way I won't have to worry about getting FPs that fall smack into our ADR windows.

I guess I really need to get that app! And I meant to say, I was worried about it because of our ressies (not yours, lol). It's not that big a deal for me to use the FP during the right time, since most of them have a reasonable return time.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

As I mentioned before, we have neglected DHS during our last two trips. Last trip, we didn't even get to set foot in the park. And the previous trip, we hopped over for Fantasmic and that was it. So we are very much looking forward to getting to explore the entire park! For all of the rides, it will be our first time. Here are some of the things I am looking forward to from DHS!

1. Star Tours: I love Star Wars! And I've been trying to get DD excited about trying this ride since she's tall enough now. But the mere sight of Darth Vader has her running for the woods so I don't know if this is going to work. I've shown her youtube videos of the ride. "Look, it's like riding a spaceship!" I tell her. She wasn't buying it. We shall see what happens. For all you fellow Star Wars fans, here's a cute geeky commercial for the new Star Tours starring our favorite man in black. http://youtu.be/t4_dZPVg8KI

2. Phineas and Ferb: DD has recently been watching some episodes of Phineas and Ferb and she loves the show. Her favorite character is Candace and she does a pretty good imitation of the teenage girl with angst. I think the show is hilarious!

3. Muppets 3D: DD and DS saw the recent Muppets movie, so at least they know enough about them to get excited.

4. Milkshakes from 50s Prime Time: Have heard so many good things about them, excited to try them!

I have no idea how much we're going to like TSM. I've seen the youtube videos, and honestly, I'm just not getting it. I'm sure the 3D makes a huge difference, but it just seems like any other shoot'em up video game. We'll give it a shot and see how things go.

 

[wakica]

I wish I could suggest things about your HS day but I'm not very good at giving advice b/c we always have such specific things we hit that i find myself with NO knowledge about fitting in the other things. lol. For example we don't do parades, we don't do many shows, and we don't even really do characters anymore. We are all for thrill rides and a few extras.

I am noticing that I've been late on my comments about your posts. ROFL Not sure how that is happening unless by the time I finishe reading and catching up you've already posted again? hahaha. Oh well, hopefully this time my comments will be on the most recent posts.

As for your MK day I'm glad your fitting in an evening. I LOVE it there in the dark and we like to plan a later trip there too so we can do POTC, Splash, Big Thunder (which will be down this time , JC, HM, and TTA in the dark. It's lots of fun there in the evening.

I'm happy to see your making some of the thrill rides a priority. DH and I took along his mom and my mom once when DD was smaller so we have never really missed out on going on any thrills. and now that dd is going to be 14 (as well as our last few trips) she is totally like us and obsessed with the thrill rides. YAY!!!

I am sorry to say that i am an overplanner too but lucky for me DD and DH are totally into the commando style of touring that I plan. lol. At the beginning of the trip they work to keep up with me and then I lose steam after the first 3 or 4 days and then I have to work to keep up with them!!! Their energy levels are NEVER ENDING!!!! They usually do a repeat park while I stay back and rest for one day of every trip. I love the fast pace but it wears me out fast. I'm hoping that this year since we are there for so long that we'll be able to get into the parks early and go full force but leave early almost every day too and have some down time/nap time/pool time each day so I'm able to keep up the whole time. I am going to need to pace myself to do the full 19 day trip. Since we know exactly which FEW things we want to do in each park i think we should be able to manage it.

ok, nuff babbling here

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I am noticing that I've been late on my comments about your posts. ROFL Not sure how that is happening unless by the time I finishe reading and catching up you've already posted again? hahaha. Oh well, hopefully this time my comments will be on the most recent posts.

I'm happy to see your making some of the thrill rides a priority. DH and I took along his mom and my mom once when DD was smaller so we have never really missed out on going on any thrills. and now that dd is going to be 14 (as well as our last few trips) she is totally like us and obsessed with the thrill rides.

I've been goings crazy today with my postings. I have to pace myself otherwise I'm going to be done with this PTR too early!

I'm looking forward to finally trying out RR and ToT!

 

[auprincess]

I've been goings crazy today with my postings. I have to pace myself otherwise I'm going to be done with this PTR too early!

I'm looking forward to finally trying out RR and ToT!

I can't wait to ride ToT with my oldest!! Last year she was FINALLY tall enough to ride, but I was pregnant, so it was a no go for me. It is her favorite ride ~ so excited I'll get to do it with her this year!

 

[appleorchard]

I'm also a major Disney overplanner--leaving in 2 weeks with my 4 year old granddaughter(first trip), daughter and son-in-law. To say he's underwhelmed by the trip is an understatement; when I told him he was going to have more fun than he thought, he said, "Yeah, that would have to be true." Meaning he's not planning on having any fun at all! Granddaughter is ALL about the princesses, to the point that I don't know if we'll go on ANY rides unless I push the issue! So I love to read about other people's planning struggles--it makes me feel better!
We took our then 5 year old grandson and 2 year old granddaughter and their parents a few years ago and to say it didn't go according to plan is an understatement. I'm hoping to do better this time!