~~Part 2 ~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip-or two-or three ~~Off plans 10/11 ~~

[DMGeurts]

Good morning everyone - my apologies, no time for replies this morning. It's a Target day for me.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and I'll work on replies and an update tomorrow morning... This will be my AK update - and we all know how much I love AK!!! I am excited for this one!

D~

 

[ljcrochet]

I love reading all your plans. It is making me sad that I don't have any Disney plans.

Things here have been crazy. My parents came home from vacation and my mom wasn't her self. She was referred to a neurologist, who started to run test to see if it was something or dementia / Altzimers.
I went Saturday to give my dad a break. I didn't like what I saw so we called an ambulance. She could not put any weight on her legs to stand. She is in the hospital while they try and treat the infection and figure out what is going on. Had a spinal tap yesterday.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Your plans for your DHS day sound great. Since so much of DHS is closed now (sad!!!!) we split our DHS day between AK and DHS, too. It works out well for us.

Have a great day at Target!

I have come down with a miserable cold...probably from my immune system being so run down lately, my flights last week/this weekend, and Brie having a cold for the last few weeks. It's miserable! And all I really want is a big bowl of chicken noodle soup...trying to figure out what I could substitute for the noodles to make it W30 compliant. I haven't really had too much trouble with staying compliant until right now -- I desperately want that chicken noodle soup! I know I could make it without the noodles...maybe some zucchini noodles would work.....

 

[rdkeim]

Your plans sound like so much fun! Woohoo on the extra AP discounts - you can't afford NOT to take advantage It's so nice you have these trips with your DD's just one on one. I have boys but also took some mom/son special trips with them. Now that they're all grown up, they are great memories. Your countdown must be getting close - excited to read about your trip!

 

[IowaTater]

I don't really get into the gory Halloween stuff

I don't either. I'm a total wuss when it comes to stuff like that. I have a couple of things that are probably "spooky" from a kids perspective but that's it.

Great job taking care of you!

Thanks! I did a 4 mile walk on Sunday, a workout with a personal trainer on Monday, and then weight lifting yesterday. I was going to meet my friend for a 30 minute walk tonight but I can't hardly walk right now! So I cancelled on her & I'll just work on trip stuff & housework tonight.

It's going to be a rough start to our trip for sure.

We're in the same boat too. I'm hoping DH remembers to ask for the morning shift the day before.

2 very cool Starbucks "you are here" mugs - one from Paris and one from the Netherlands

I've been meaning to ask you if you have one for St. Louis or not. I can't remember which ones you have already.

We decided to go see Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - it was super good and I highly recommend.

This is good to hear! A friend from work asked me to go with her on Saturday and even though I enjoyed the book, I was a little nervous about the movie.

Following Hurricane Matthew updates pretty closely.

I just started following it more closely today. I'm pretty sure our trips will be okay but I feel bad for anyone traveling in the next few days.

 

[DMGeurts]

Forgot to pop in yesterday and report that our run Friday went off without a hitch!! Everyone was covered in glow bracelets, headbands, necklaces, etc. and the paths were lit by luminaries. It was really cool, and I think took my mind off the fact I haven't run in a couple of months!! I actually ran the entire thing and finished in 33 minutes and some seconds at a pace of 10:52. I couldn't believe it because I've been SO out of the game. I really didn't expect to feel so good! And no rain was a definite plus!!

I love the sounds of your plans so far. Your first day sounds like a dream--just relax and begin to soak up the magic! I haven't ever thought about trying to do the 4 parks in a day, but I must admit it's kind of tempting to try!! You'll already have 2 parks in--it might be fun to just bus over to Epcot briefly and hop a quick monorail over to MK just to say you did it!!

P.S. The Mickey bowtie arrived yesterday from Flora!! Thanks again for your help setting that up. It's SO cute! Now, I just have to learn/practice how to tie a bowtie!!

Yay!!! So glad it went well! And WTG - so proud of you! It's amazing how fast it comes back isn't it? I haven't run, myself, in several weeks...

Thanks! We are very excited just to enjoy that first day of soaking in the magic...

I did 4 parks in one day with Allison and I also technically did it with Suzi too... I saw one on FB the other day - someone had done all 6 parks in one day - with a ride in each... WDW MK, Epcot, DHS, AK - then they flew to California and did DL MK and CA! Can you believe that??? Now that is something to aspire to! LOL So, now I feel just a *little* less accomplished.

So happy to hear! Better start practicing now!

I just sent you a friend request on FB. I hope you don't mind. I swear I ain't a creeper.

LOL I don't mind - I am glad you told me it was you, because I i didn't make the connection.

I'm glad to hear you got a lot done yesterday.

Crossing my fingers that your shorts will get to you in time for the trip.


I haven't heard from the Norwegian Public Road Administration about the code they wanted to put in my drivers license. So I'm crossing my fingers that they don't think I need any codes in my drivers license.

Ulf is going away to Sweden again on a Tai Chi course from Thursday this week until Monday next week. I don't want to go and get my new car alone. I'm just too scared to drive it alone on my own. I need some practice on some car free roads and some car free parking lots before I feel I can drive it in traffic. So this means that if I don't get a message that the car can be picked up tomorrow (I don't think that will happen) it will have to wait until next week.

Thanks! The shorts will be arriving today - according to tracking, so that's a good thing. However, I did order something this morning and I am having serious doubts that it will get here on time.

I sure hope you hear something soon, and I also hope Ulf has a good trip.

All of your plans sound great! I sure wish I could get my family to the parks at rope drop. I feel like we could get so much more accomplished. Oh well maybe someday.
Have a great day!

Thanks! Whether V likes it or not - we have 4 park days out of a 10 day trip, we WILL be doing RD for all of them! Must make the most of the days that we have.

Thanks - same to you!

Love your plans so far too!! I would love to try 4 parks in a day...but it would be pretty exhausting I'm sure!! TSMM is my fave!!! Glad to see that on there!!! I'm sure whatever you end up doing in the afternoon will be awesome!

Thanks! I"ve done it with Allison and I also did it with Suzi - it's definitely exhausting... Both times - it was over 30k steps in one day!

I love TSMM too - but my wrist always gets so sore after - I prefer BLSRS for that reason... It will be a fun day and we are really looking forward to it!

Love your plans! Not too sure about four parks in one day. I did all four parks, every square inch in four days and I thought I was going to drop. Of course that was in August Florida Heat. Everyone here is doing well. Thank you for asking.

I could not help but chuckle about your going to be and getting up early comment. Morning people just don't understand the need for sleep. I am one of those people, but as I got older sleeping in means 7am wake up time the latest.
I am really hoping that Matthew does not cause you any issues for this trip.

Super nice of Allison to borrow out her wand.

Have a wonderful day!

Thanks! We are pretty excited... We'll see about the 4 parks thing - I am not sure if V is interested in doing it at all? I don't envy you doing 4 parks in the August heat... Disney in Aug is exhausting anyways - the heat just drains a person - so that's a pretty admirable feat at that time of year!

Hahaha... I know - I was up at 3:30am this morning - naturally. I forced myself to lay there for another hour to try to sleep - but it didn't happen.

Praying hard for the Orlando area and all of my friends who live there - and are visiting there right now. I am very nervous for all of them. I think everything will be OK by the time we go - I hope.

Thanks - same to you!

I hope you aren't being too hard on yourself and your perceived body image. You're a lovely lady and the outfits you have are totally adorable. You have been working hard so don't discredit all of the healthy eating and activity you have implemented for a moment of negative self talk. You're doing amazing!!

Yay for having this trip paid!! Such a great feeling, isn't it?! I would be very proud of V as well. I think it's pretty tough for kids to have financial disclipne so this is pretty impressive.

Your Epcot plans look great - I love Via Napoli so much and cannot wait to return in Feb. I hope V loves it or at the very least, the waiters.

DHS is my least favorite park but it has my favorite ride (TSM) and a restaurant I love (50PTC) which we will also be visiting in Feb. I think my mom will love it as she was born in 1950.

I hope you're having a nice evening even though your Tuesday night basket weaving class is over.

Thank you very much for saying that... I do think part of it is just me being extra hard on myself. Like I said - I am still mostly wearing the same clothes and sizes I was wearing last year - they just look and feel different on me... My guess is no one else notices except for me. I know I did gain noticeably over the spring, because the pictures of me from Allison's graduation and a few weeks after don't lie - since then, I've managed to take most of it off... My body composition is different, but my size is the same. Hopefully my brain catches up with my body soon, and I start to feel better about myself.

Yes - I am super happy to have this trip paid off, and then some... It's been such a relief. And as for V, her savings truly impresses me... She is the kid who will rarely think of herself, and LOVES to buy gifts for others... I am still astounded that she has saved every dime of every pay check over the last 6 weeks for spending $$ on this trip - it's just so awesome! Thankfully - we only have so much room in our luggage. LOL That should keep her spending a little under control. I hope.

LOL - I sure hope she loves Via Napoli... We've really never eaten at the restaurants in W/S - we always have ADRs there, but I always seem to cancel them at some point.

Agreed - at the moment, DHS is also my least favorite park... ToT and RnR really aren't favorites - TSMM is probably my fav in the park... And YES - PB&J Shakes at 50's are a MUST DO for us! The last time V was there, she ordered one as her drink with her meal and another one as her dessert... She cracks me up!

Thanks - it was definitely strange not to have anywhere to be on Tuesday night... and it feels good to be done too. We have so much going on over the coming weeks - it just makes life easier right now.

I can't believe I am so far behind in posting. I wasn't getting notifications and then everytime I tried to go to the DIS site, it kept telling me that it was down. It could be that when I get on, it's usually the middle of the night there, so maybe that's when they do maintenance on the site? I dunno. But I found you all and I am here now!
I loved seeing the pics of you and Allison. It looks like you are enjoying your time together during this "off" time. I really think an evaluation year is a great idea. Or even a few months. The amount of pressure on young people these days is just enormous. Your girls are lucky to have you being so supportive of them yet not "pushy".

I love the final planning stage that you are in now. It is so exciting! You should have it down to a science by now, LOL! It is so awesome that your trip is paid for and that the AP discounts will help with an even better budget to work with! YAY!! It's about time Disney offered something more. I like the plans you have so far! Hopefully, the crowds will be manageable for you. I am looking forward to seeing what outfits you choose. The bags are amazing! I have a friend from back home who is driving down on the 8th and she is super excited for her & her kids' first MNSSHP. She keeps FB messaging me in the middle of the night with questions! She forgets about the time difference. I think it's funny- I would be just as excited. My DH is super annoyed by it, though, LOL. Keep the plans coming! I am loving every word of it!

Time is moving very slowly here. We went to Hiroshima weekend before last. We saw the last remaining building (what's left of it) from when the A-bomb went off. It was very sobering to see. My Grandfather fought in the Pacific in WWII and I had always heard his perspective, so it was something to see the other side of it. We took the train up and walked to a few different tourist sights. We walked about 6 miles in total. I had blisters by the end of it! Anyway, that was the last time we went off base. We have been here for almost 3 months now, and I am really starting to feel the homesickness. I think all the rain and not having a car contribute greatly to it as well. I am used to just hopping in the car and using the gps to find my way around whatever new place we find ourselves in. We can't really do that here. But the typhoons have brought some cooler weather with them, so that is something.

I am super excited for your trip, and I just know you and V will have an amazing time, although, I am sad that this PTR will be over. I hope your day is fantastic today!

No worries... I am certain you are logging on when The Dis goes down for maintenance - it usually happens ever night between 2 and 4am central time... I am glad you were able to get on to say hello though.

Allison is doing great, adjusting to life back at home, time with friends and even doing some volunteer time at the high school with the yearbook class... I know she misses that a lot, so it's been good for her to go back and participate.

I agree - this is my favorite time in trip planning.... V and I were talking yesterday - getting super excited as we plan out our final days at home and what we need to do yet... Eeep!

I hope your friend has a safe trip... Hurricane Matthew is descending on to Florida - he's supposed to hit land sometime tonight/Friday. I hope she gets there before he hits. Sending massive amounts of Pixie Dust to her. And to you - I also heard there is a Typhoon nearing Japan... I hope this is far away from you! Please let me know... That's the bad thing about having friends all over the world - I have so many people to worry about when things like this happen.

How sad, I cannot even imagine the sobering experience that must have been for you. I know - when we went to the Anne Frank house several years ago - I had no idea how much that would impact me... It was so sad, and just unimaginable.

I cannot imagine how hard it is for you to be so far away from home... i know we struggled so much with Allison - and my heart just hurts for you and what a difficult adjustment it must be. Please know you are often in my thoughts and I hope you are able to make some sort of connections to make this time easier on you. Sending hugs! And lots of them!

I am very sad that my PTR days appear to be over. I'll write my TR after I get home - and probably take my time doing so... And unless something changes, I'll probably just drift away from The Dis like most other people do after their trips... Until the next time I get to plan one. It will be a very difficult time for me, and i am not looking forward to it.

Sounds like a great DHS and other park day! I also think we don't spend as much time in AK as we could but with Avatar hopefully opening sometime in the next year, I think we'll be able to spend more time there in the future. With our APs being good until almost the end of 2017 we should have a good shot at seeing some of the new Avatar stuff at AK I think! Even though I'm not a huge Avatar fan, it's still new stuff!

I am looking forward to spending so much time in AK this trip... I love MK for it's classic park theme - but AK - ahhh... it really has the best of everything... I love it so much!

I sure hope you get to see some of the Avatar stuff - I am not a huge Avatar fan myself, but if anyone can pull it off - it's Disney... So, I am anxious to see it.

I love reading all your plans. It is making me sad that I don't have any Disney plans.

Things here have been crazy. My parents came home from vacation and my mom wasn't her self. She was referred to a neurologist, who started to run test to see if it was something or dementia / Altzimers.
I went Saturday to give my dad a break. I didn't like what I saw so we called an ambulance. She could not put any weight on her legs to stand. She is in the hospital while they try and treat the infection and figure out what is going on. Had a spinal tap yesterday.

Thanks!!! I am right behind you - after this trip - I have no Disney plans either... It's very sad.

Yikes!!! How scary!!! Was this suddden? By the sounds of it - it was. Sending prayers for your mom and your family - I sure hope they find whatever it is and she is on the road to recovery. Sending hugs!!!

Your plans for your DHS day sound great. Since so much of DHS is closed now (sad!!!!) we split our DHS day between AK and DHS, too. It works out well for us.

Have a great day at Target!

I have come down with a miserable cold...probably from my immune system being so run down lately, my flights last week/this weekend, and Brie having a cold for the last few weeks. It's miserable! And all I really want is a big bowl of chicken noodle soup...trying to figure out what I could substitute for the noodles to make it W30 compliant. I haven't really had too much trouble with staying compliant until right now -- I desperately want that chicken noodle soup! I know I could make it without the noodles...maybe some zucchini noodles would work.....

Yes - I think it's a good idea, and we can get sooo much done in AK right away in the morning - I think it's just a good time to get in and grab a ride on EE.

Thanks - it was OK... I am ready to be on vacation though. Once I get back, it will be the big push and business of the holidays.

Oh no!!! You've been doing a lot of traveling, and that's tough on your body - not to mention doing your W30 - I think people tend to forget that's stressful too. For the noodles, I would say zucchini noodles too - otherwise - do some sort of chicken/potato soup?

I hope you're feeling better soon!

Your plans sound like so much fun! Woohoo on the extra AP discounts - you can't afford NOT to take advantage It's so nice you have these trips with your DD's just one on one. I have boys but also took some mom/son special trips with them. Now that they're all grown up, they are great memories. Your countdown must be getting close - excited to read about your trip!

Thanks! I know, right??? LOL It was so nice to get an extra discount that I wasn't expecting to get - it makes the trip so much easier on the budget.

That is awesome you were able to do that with your sons! The memories are just something we will hold on to forever - I am sure. Disney will always be a special place for all of us!

Yes- we are getting close!!! V and I were just talking last night about how the remaining days will pan out and what we still need to do. I just love these last days of preparation! It's so exciting!

I don't either. I'm a total wuss when it comes to stuff like that. I have a couple of things that are probably "spooky" from a kids perspective but that's it.

Thanks! I did a 4 mile walk on Sunday, a workout with a personal trainer on Monday, and then weight lifting yesterday. I was going to meet my friend for a 30 minute walk tonight but I can't hardly walk right now! So I cancelled on her & I'll just work on trip stuff & housework tonight.

We're in the same boat too. I'm hoping DH remembers to ask for the morning shift the day before.

I've been meaning to ask you if you have one for St. Louis or not. I can't remember which ones you have already.

This is good to hear! A friend from work asked me to go with her on Saturday and even though I enjoyed the book, I was a little nervous about the movie.

I just started following it more closely today. I'm pretty sure our trips will be okay but I feel bad for anyone traveling in the next few days.

Yes - I am much the same way with Halloween... Maybe that's why I enjoy MNSSHP so much??? It's the perfect amount of scary for me. LOL

WTG!!! That is awesome!!! That will really help with your trip coming up!

V was able to find someone to take her shift - which is good, it makes that last day a little less stressful! I hope your DH is able to figure it out too.

I do not have a St. Louis one... The only ones I have are the Twin Cities, MK, Epcot, DHS, Paris and the Netherlands. LOL So, a pretty small collection... I am anxious to get AK while we are there though - then at least I will have the Disney parks complete.

You really should go - I was a bit apprehensive about seeing it, since I hadn't read the books at all. It was such a good movie and I loved it - It's one I would definitely like to see again.

I've been watching Hurricane Matthew very closely... I know so many people down there right now, and so many people who live there... It's very scary. Praying for very minimal damage and everyone's safety.

***************************************************************************************************

Alrighty... What have I done over the last few days??? I am not even sure I remember?

I've continued to work out and lift as my days dictate. No extra walking/running though - which I really should do.

it looks like the shorts I ordered will be here today - so that's good. Now I pray that they fit... Depending on the cut with this brand, it either fits me really well or it's a bit snug. I am praying it's not the latter.

I am debating on taking Donald off of my Chip and Dale bag.... I still can't decide if I like him or don't like him there.

I still have a wallet to make myself - I haven't even started that, and I need to.

Ugh... And THEN... I was online this morning - just messing around - doing a little shopping, but not really buying anything, just looking. Before I knew it, I happened on my 2nd most holy grail shoes... Those babies slid right into my cart - and I PAID for expedited shipping, so hopefully they will be here in time for our trip... Yes, I will be that person in Disney, breaking in new shoes! I only bring about 8 pairs of shoes/flip flops with me on trips, so I will have plenty of shoes to switch to when necessary... And I will have lots of mole skin and band-aids in my bag at all times... Super excited about these shoes!!! Debating on if I should share a picture of them, or if I should leave them for my TR?

OK - so today... It's a heavy lifting day for me, so I'll do that right away this morning...

Then I have a custom order to work on... So, I will work on that for most of the day.

At some point, over the next day or two, I need to find the time to make a trip to Ulta to get my lip gloss - I am totally out and need it for our trip.

We have some shuffling to do tonight as Josh's dad flies in from Hawaii, so we need to get his truck to the airport - at the same time, V needs to be picked up from school and taken to work... So, it sounds like Allison may be enlisted to help out - as I cannot be at the same places at the same time.

I will also be working on laundry - so I can pack the things I am still wearing, which I need, for the trip... A few tee shirts and my denim capris.

Hmmmm... I think that's about all. Stay tuned for our AK day plans.

Sending out prayers and Pixie Dust to all of my friends - especially those who are in the path of Matthew.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Animal Kingdom plans

As you all are well aware - this is my favorite park (tied with MK) - I am just so excited to spend any time here that I can.

We have a Pre Park Opening ADR for Tusker House - this is tradition for us... It's difficult to ever go into AK with the crowds, we love to walk into an empty park and just enjoy the walk back to TH. We will pay our check immediately upon sitting down, so we can leave as soon as we are finished eating. We are hoping that will be right around park opening.

We will go directly to Kiliminjaro Safari, and hopefully be at the beginning of the line.

From there, we will head to EE - ride as many times as we can before the line gets long, then ride with our FPs. By then, I'll probably be sick - so I'll urge V to ride single rider if she needs more.

Immediatley after, we have a FP for Kali River Rapids... Praying we don't get too wet.

Then we have a FP for the safari - if we feel like riding it again?

One of V's must dos (besides the jalepeno pretzels which are no longer there) is FOLK... I don't feel the need to FP this show, so we will just watch it at whatever point it's convenient.

We will also stop into Starbucks to grab my final park mug.

Depending on how our day is going and what we feel like we still want to do in the park... We will either exit at this time, or we will continue to ride/experience other things.

I'd like to be out a little early on this day though - to take a nice nap break.

We also have plans to hit MK on this night - MK is open later than the other parks - which is pretty rare for this time of year with all of the parties - so we want to take advantage. I've played around with making dinner ADRs for this night - and at a few points in time, I've had reservations, however - I've cancelled all of them - I don't want to pay dinner prices for these meals - so I think we will just wing it tonight. Who knows, at this point in our trip, we may not be all that hungry?

I am hoping to be in bed at a decent hour this night, but we'll see how long of an nap we get and how ambitious we are after...​

D~

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Took me awhile, but I am officially caught up on your PTR. I haven't been on Dis since before our trip to DL at the end of August. Thank goodness for FB. Hope you have a great day and your trip looks to be pretty well planned.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I am DYING to know about the shoes!! I just discovered the Vans store in our mall has new Toy Story designs....I already have the Princess ones, but now I'm itching for another pair. Wondering if that's the pair that jumped into your cart!

I also love strolling through Animal Kingdom--early in the a.m. it really is just the best!!! Sounds like a perfect way to start the day!!

 

[Texan]

Its Thursday already D!! I keep checking my calendar for you The excitement is ramping up!!!

Love your AK plans; and AK is one of my favorite parks as well. I would love to stay in the Lodge like you and Suzi did. It's a dream of mine.

I am one of those pack the night before kind of people; I just can't seem to do it beforehand. There have been some cruise vacations where I literally stayed up all night packing everything for everyone, and just hopped in the car to the airport.

You need to check out the new Disney Vans! We would love to see your new shoes. Please share.

So glad to hear V found someone to cover her night for her. This will make it a little easier the next day.

I read somewhere that WDW is closing early tonight and closing all day tomorrow. I hope everyone over there will be okay. This hurricane is more than a little scary. So sad for Haiti.

Can't wait to see more updates D. I will be checking in!

Love and hugs and always prayers

 

[Terkina]

Crossing my fingers that your new shoes will get to in time for your trip.

Your AK day looks great.

 

[jkfandel]

True: No jalapeno cheese pretzel in AK. Couple of weeks ago I found them at Typhoon Lagoon at one of the drink/snack stops near a couple of the tube rides. I LOVE those and was so sad to have them leave AK. I looked everywhere the whole time we were there.
Jane

 

[branmuffin]

Thank you for the kind words, D. They mean a lot. The typhoon came through here on Wednesday but was downgraded to a tropical cyclone, so it was not bad at all. I am, like everyone else, praying that Matthew loses some of it's steam before it makes landfall. I went through a couple of Hurricanes while living in Coastal NC, and it is very scary just waiting.
I hope all your goodies arrive before your trip. And you can never have enough shoes, especially at Disney! Let us know what you decide to do with the Chip & Dale bag. I like the story it tells with Donald on there, but if it bothers you or changes your outfit theme, it will probably be on your mind while you are there.
Hopefully, you guys found a way to get everybody picked up and dropped off on time. It helps to have an extra driver I am sure.
Loving your AK plans! I love EE, too. I could ride it a million times and never get tired of it!

I actually have some Disney news- we booked 2 nights at the Tokyo Disneyland Resort for April using our DVC points. I am excited about going, but apprehensive. I have heard that it is very crowded all the time. We will just go and enjoy what we can. It is nice to have something planned to look forward to. Happy Friday!

 

[DMGeurts]

Took me awhile, but I am officially caught up on your PTR. I haven't been on Dis since before our trip to DL at the end of August. Thank goodness for FB. Hope you have a great day and your trip looks to be pretty well planned.

Hi Shannon! It's great to see you back on The Dis! I loved seeing the pictures you posted on FB from your DL trip, I hope you had a lot of fun!

Thanks - I feel like we have a good plan... Plenty of park time, plenty of down time, plenty of eating time.

I am DYING to know about the shoes!! I just discovered the Vans store in our mall has new Toy Story designs....I already have the Princess ones, but now I'm itching for another pair. Wondering if that's the pair that jumped into your cart!

I also love strolling through Animal Kingdom--early in the a.m. it really is just the best!!! Sounds like a perfect way to start the day!!

Hahaha... I will tell you that it's not the new Toy Story Vans - although - I am VERY tempted by those! They are sooo cute! I especially love the Woody ones, and they definitely make me not want to retire my Toy Story set - which I don't think it's making the trip this time... This will be the first trip that this set hasn't made the cut since 2013. If there's a next time - I think my TS set will need to be reworked?

Yes - AK is just amazing in every way - it's so different. I love it when people say they don't like it, or won't go to a "zoo" as they have zoos at home... More room for me. LOL There is nothing else like AK anywhere else in the world.

Its Thursday already D!! I keep checking my calendar for you The excitement is ramping up!!!

Love your AK plans; and AK is one of my favorite parks as well. I would love to stay in the Lodge like you and Suzi did. It's a dream of mine.

I am one of those pack the night before kind of people; I just can't seem to do it beforehand. There have been some cruise vacations where I literally stayed up all night packing everything for everyone, and just hopped in the car to the airport.

You need to check out the new Disney Vans! We would love to see your new shoes. Please share.

So glad to hear V found someone to cover her night for her. This will make it a little easier the next day.

I read somewhere that WDW is closing early tonight and closing all day tomorrow. I hope everyone over there will be okay. This hurricane is more than a little scary. So sad for Haiti.

Can't wait to see more updates D. I will be checking in!

Love and hugs and always prayers

I know - right? Time is going so fast!!! The sad part about that, is that means it will go fast while we are in Disney too.

Yes - staying at AKL was a true dream come true for me, I don't know if I will ever get the opportunity to stay there again - so I enjoyed every moment we were there. And AK - I just smile every time I think of walking through... The smells, the sounds... It's all totally unique to that park.

Oh my gosh!!! I don't know how you do it??? Even when we go to the lake - I start packing days before, just so I know that I have everything together. LOL

I did see the preview of the new Vans... I am very tempted by the Woody themed ones... I am a sucker for denim and yellow checks. LOL They would be so fun to wear everywhere... I'll have to think about it. Maybe I'll share my new shoes today?

Yes - they did close early... I have so many friends there right now, and I've been so worried about them. Most of them have checked in recently and it seems that Matthew veered a little more to the east and has been downgraded to a Cat 3, so that is good news. I even saw a post on FB about 10 minutes ago, which was live and it showed a view from GF looking at MK - and at that time, the Contemporary still had power, as did Space Mountain... So, that's good news!

I have several days worth of updates to do yet... I've only done 5 of 10.

Thanks Carol! Love ya too!

Crossing my fingers that your new shoes will get to in time for your trip.

Your AK day looks great.

It's looking like they will make it just on time.

Yes - so excited about AK and so excited that we plan to spend so much time there!

True: No jalapeno cheese pretzel in AK. Couple of weeks ago I found them at Typhoon Lagoon at one of the drink/snack stops near a couple of the tube rides. I LOVE those and was so sad to have them leave AK. I looked everywhere the whole time we were there.
Jane

Bummer that we won't make it to TL at all this trip - I am not even going to tell V that they are there, or I'd have to buy TL tickets. LOL

Thank you for the kind words, D. They mean a lot. The typhoon came through here on Wednesday but was downgraded to a tropical cyclone, so it was not bad at all. I am, like everyone else, praying that Matthew loses some of it's steam before it makes landfall. I went through a couple of Hurricanes while living in Coastal NC, and it is very scary just waiting.
I hope all your goodies arrive before your trip. And you can never have enough shoes, especially at Disney! Let us know what you decide to do with the Chip & Dale bag. I like the story it tells with Donald on there, but if it bothers you or changes your outfit theme, it will probably be on your mind while you are there.
Hopefully, you guys found a way to get everybody picked up and dropped off on time. It helps to have an extra driver I am sure.
Loving your AK plans! I love EE, too. I could ride it a million times and never get tired of it!

I actually have some Disney news- we booked 2 nights at the Tokyo Disneyland Resort for April using our DVC points. I am excited about going, but apprehensive. I have heard that it is very crowded all the time. We will just go and enjoy what we can. It is nice to have something planned to look forward to. Happy Friday!

So glad to hear that the typhoon was downgraded and you are OK... It's looking like Matthew veered a little off to the east and was downgraded to a Cat 3, which is good news... Continued prayers to everyone!

Thanks, me too - I am starting to cut it very close now!

I can't decide on the C*D bag yet... I did buy some popsicle sticks to some how attach to him, just to insure he doesn't flip forward... As long as he stays positioned correctly - I'll keep him on there. I"ll work on this in the coming days to see if I can figure out a way to keep him.

Yes - logistics worked out much better than I thought it would.

Yay for Tokyo Disney - I know it's not exactly the same, and I am glad you get to go! Hopefully it helps you feel a little less home sick.

*******************************************************************************************************

As with most of us Disney people, Hurricane Matthew has been at the forefront of our minds over the last few days... I continue to watch live hurricane coverage and pray for everyone down there... I have several friends traveling there now and I have several more who live there - everyone (except Sue - she doesn't have FB) has checked in at some point in the last hour, so I feel a little less anxious about it. Continued prayers to all!

Yesterday - I had a good day... I did my heavy lifting right away. I noticed in the mirror yesterday that my back muscles are getting to be a little more defined again - this is a GOOD thing! : I ordered a pair of size 9/10 jeans last week - as I wanted a pair of skinny fit for under all of my boots - I was a little shocked that they actually fit me. I did wear them yesterday and they could stand to be a smidge looser - but, not terrible enough that I can't wear them in public. Also, the shorts I ordered came, they also fit. This is great news! I was worried that I wouldn't have anything to wear in WDW that wasn't short shorts. The shorts are bermuda length - so I am a bit unsure of that... I may hem them to have about a 5" inseam - as I am very comfy wearing that length.

And my shoes shipped... According to tracking info - they should arrive just in time. I am sooo excited for them! I am always on the lookout for 2 pairs of shoes - my "holy grail" shoes... The first is a pair of comfy red with white dots... And the second is a pair of black with white dots. The black shoes I have now, do have white dots, which are quite small - they definitely work with my outfits, but I continue to look. I happened to be on the Vans website yesterday and I was super excited to find these... I knew what size I wear, because V has a pair of Vans, which fit me - I couldn't believe how quickly they jumped in my cart - I was checked out before I even had time to come to my senses - which has yet to happen.

I worked all day yesterday and managed to finish this week's custom order early - which is always nice!

I even started on my own wallet yesterday, I hope to finish it this weekend.

And then Allison and I ran to town, we grabbed lunch and picked up V from school - I dropped her off at work and then drove to the airport... Josh and I grabbed Jimmy Johns for him and Allison for dinner, and I had leftovers from home. I've been working hard these last few days to still eat semi-W30 and no snacking. This is going well. Just taking it one day at a time.

Today... I will work out shortly - I plan to do Level 3 of 30DS.

I am taking today off of work... I need to make an effort to get to Ulta, as I am running out of time to get this done, and the way my next several days looks - today is the best day to do it. I also really want to run to Old Navy - they have a vest I really want... Trying to refrain from extra spending... Gah!!! LOL

I also need to make a grocery list of easy items to feed Josh and Allison while V and I are gone... Sadly - they will get a lot of processed food, as that is what is easiest for Allison to make.

I can't believe it's getting REAL and we are getting close!

We don't really have any big plans for the weekend... I'd like to take some time to finish my wallet... The house needs to be cleaned - so I will probably work on that for a while... I will also really work on packing. That's about it.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!! I will be updating my TR throughout the weekend with our intended plans... Today will be MNSSHP. Sending prayers and Pixie Dust out to everyone - especially all of my friends in Florida, and anyone who's trips are impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

MNSSHP plans

Sooo... This is a day that V will get to sleep in. I am sure I will be up at my normal hour, and anxious to get going... Wouldn't it be awesome if I snuck off to MK by myself and came back to the room in time to wake V?

That's probably not going to happen...

Our first plans this morning aren't until 11am, so V can sleep until about 9:45ish... So, not really "sleeping in" by her standards (when she sleeps in, she sleeps through lunch time) - but on this day, she will get to sleep longer than normal in Disney.

We need to be at the Poly by 11 am for our 'Ohana breakfast reservation... this was one of V's requests - and it works out best with our schedule that we do it on our MNSSHP day. For the record, when we stayed at SoG in 2008, and went to MNSSHP, our day went exactly the same as this... We had a late ADR at 'Ohana, and then we wandered around the Poly a bit, went back to SoG to rest and get ready, then went to MNSSHP promptly at 4pm. This was a great plan for this day, and we are repeating it exactly 8 years later.

So, after breakfast with Lilo, Stitch and gang, we will likely wander around the monorail resorts for a bit... and hopefully head back to SoG for a little nap and to get prepped for the party.

We plan to be out the door of SoG and on our way to MK by 3:30, arriving at the gates just in time to be let in.

We have our first FP scheduled for Splash Mountain 3:15 - 4:15, so it's imperative that we are at MKs gates right on time if we want to make this FP. I am hoping we can plan our arrival with the train, so we can just take that back to Frontierland... Although - I do LOVE walking up Main Street with all of the Halloween CMs and fall decor out - so we may just do that? With the intention of doing it swiftly.

At this time, I only have 2 FPs booked for this day, I have time between 4:15 and 5:20 for another FP, however I don't have one booked. I am really wanting PoTC, because I'd like to stay on this side of the park - so I've been stalking MDE for one to open up. So far, no luck. If I don't get a FP - I figured that we can use this hour to grab a quick dinner or snack if we are hungry or maybe ride PoTC standby?

Our final FP is for Haunted Mansion 5:20 - 6:20, this one is IMPERATIVE to be done on a MNSSHP night - don't you agree? And it should be done as late as possible. This does not mean that we won't make it there for a ride later too, but we wanted to make sure that we rode this, at least once on this night.

As for the rest of our Halloween party - I wouldn't be opposed to finding a few unique characters... I know these lines get really long, so I don't want to waste too much of our MNSSHP time on this, but that is also half the fun - so we will see. I definitely want to get photos with the magic shots though - like a Now n' Then of the above picture.

I also plan to view the parade for BOTH showings. I'd like to see the Hocus Pocus show. And of course, Hallow-Wishes. We do plan to stay until the bitter end of the party, and enjoy every moment of this. This party is a HUGE good memory from the girls' childhood - and it will be a little bittersweet to experience it with my girl on our very last girls trip, before she is an adult. It will be a lot of fun though.

Of course- then there's the food... There are a few items I want to try out on this night, as well - I really need to make a list... Especially the Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake at Gaston's Tavern... I have a thing for Pumpkin Spice bakery items this time of year.

And that's it... We hope to close down the park this night, and enjoy every moment of Halloween that we can. ​

D~

 

[mymainmouse]

Those shoes are so cute! Love them!
So happy that you are seeing progress.I am sure there is probably a lot more progress than you realize with your weight/health. I think sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. But progress is a great motivator to press on.
Have a great weekend!

 

[Terkina]

Crossing my fingers that everyone in Florida will be OK when Hurricane Matthew is done.

YAY for your heavy lifting showing results

The shoes will fit your outfits perfectly.

How great that you managed to finish this week's custom order early. Now you can start on the next one or make something for yourself. I can't wait to see the wallet you're making for yourself.

It's great that you are still eating semi-W30.

Your plans for MNSSHP looks great, but I don't think it's a good idea to sneak out and go to MK alone before V wakes up. But it's a fun thought though



Today the car shop finally called. The man who sells the type of car I'm getting is on holiday this week. He said I could come and get the car today, but then I wouldn't get as much information about it as if I waited. Since Ulf is away and isn't back until Monday night I said that I would like to come and pick up the car on Tuesday. The man then asked if I wanted them to get the winter tires on the car before I picked it up. I answered that it would be great. Winter is soon here and there is sort of a deadline for changing the tires and that is on the 16th October. So getting the winter tires on the car now sounds like a good idea.

I'm picking the car up and then I have a physiotherapy appointment right after so I guess Ulf and I will take the new car straight to town for the appointment. And then I have to practice driving that huge car with Ulf every day for some time before I dare to drive that thing alone. It will be a challenge to park the car in the garage I have because it's a big garage where everyone that lives here have their cars and each parking place isn't that big. Hopefully I will learn to park in my garage without damaging the car in the process.

The mountains around Tromsø had a lot of snow on them a few days ago. But today all the snow is gone. They said on the radio that it's 48.2ºF outside today and that it's warm for this time of year.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

I'm so glad your new shorts fit, and those shoes are absolutely adorable! I love them! I've never tried Vans, although my daughters really like them. Hmmm....I might need to look into getting some. Yea for getting your custom bag done and getting a start on your wallet.

My girls and I love the Halloween party. Love, love, love it. It's so much fun. Your plan for your AK day sounds great, and your plan for your MNSSHP sounds great, too. 'Ohana is our family favorite dinner ADR, so I wonder how we would like breakfast there. We did our first ever breakfast ADR in August when Alyssa and I were there with my sister -- we did Kona Café and we loved it.

It turns out that one of my best friends at work is going to be going to the conference in Tampa next month that I have to go present at...she is a HUGE Disney fan also and she just happens to have four one day park hopper tickets that she won in her nephew's school fundraiser ($100 each) and we started talking yesterday about her and I adding on a day to the conference trip so we could go to Disney together. I talked to my husband about it last night since he said he might like to go with me to Tampa, but he didn't want to do Disney...and he said MaryKate and I should go and have a great time. So I'm going to get an unexpected day at Disney this year! We'll only do one day, and part of that will be at Epcot because neither of us have done Food and Wine Festival and we'd like to see that...not sure which other park we'll hit that day...I really want Magic Kingdom but I'm not sure which park MaryKate wants to go to. It will just be a quick one day, but that's better than nothing. I'm excited!

 

[rdkeim]

I just love reading about your plans! I'm now thinking seriously of booking a trip for next Oct. If my sister can't convince her husband to let her go, my DH may be drafted. He enjoys it while we're there but doesn't get overly excited ahead of time. He really is a good sport though. It's such a good feeling to try on clothes and have them fit - yay! Love the shoes and the throwback picture. Your plans for the party day sound perfect!

Rene'

 

[jodi90]

We have our first FP scheduled for Splash Mountain 3:15 - 4:15, so it's imperative that we are at MKs gates right on time if we want to make this FP. I am hoping we can plan our arrival with the train, so we can just take that back to Frontierland... Although - I do LOVE walking up Main Street with all of the Halloween CMs and fall decor out - so we may just do that? With the intention of doing it swiftly.

This year they are funneling everyone who has MNSSHP tickets through a side "back stage" door by Tony's. This is where they are handing out the Trick or Treat bags. You will come out close to the Tomorrowland Terrace. Make sure to plan that in your timing to get to your fast pass. We didn't try to head down Main Street so I'm not sure they would stop you but there were quite a few cast members pushing people to the the side entrance.

We saw the Hocus Pocus show. It was great!! Definitely worth the wait.