Practically Perfect in Every Way - UPDATE-3/1 -- LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!!

[amandaw]

SINGLE DIGITS!!!

As for online checkin, I don't know. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I don't. I have heard if you have specific requests, not to do online checkin. But, there's been talk on the POP board that online checkin now gives you some room location requests. So, depending on your requests, online checkin may work now.

 

[MEK]

Woo Hoo for single digits!!!!!!!! You lucky girl!

 

[tinacaplan]

YAY SINGLE DIGITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I always do online check-in, just because I can, I guess! I like to know that I've streamlined the process as much as possible for when I get there!

I did the on-line for both of my stays at CSR. It worked well; we got our requests for room locations both times.

When we stayed at the Beach Club, I felt like I wanted to the whole exprerience and had heard that you basically kill any shot you have at any upgrade if you've done on-line check-in. What upgrade I wanted...I'm not sure. But I held off anyway.

Single digits!!

I haven't decided if I like the online checkin or not. Sometimes the line is longer than the regular check in desk Also they say if you have a certain request you shouldn't do it, because it will be harder to move you around. Do you have a request for you location, I can't remember.

I'm so excited. Like I said, I never experience long lines at any of my three check-ins, so I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll do it tonight.

Okay, I couldn't find apropriate smilies to represent us to dance together, so this will have to do!!!!!

Single digits feels great, doesn't it?

I always do the online-check in. Easy enough and it feels so much more real to me once its done. Two more days and I can do it for BLT too!

Okay, I feel like a little more dancing .....

Thanks for all the dancing and celebrating. I can't wait! WE can't wait. And, yes, single digits sounds wonderful. Four more teaching days sounds pretty fabulous, too!

for single digits!

As for online checkin... I have no words of wisdom.

And that the weather is now looking good.

I'm so excited and was thrilled to see the shift in the weather this morning. I was kind of bummed about what had looked like a week of rain. I can deal with temps in the 70s, but rain all week...ugh!

:SINGLE DIGITS!!!

As for online checkin, I don't know. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I don't. I have heard if you have specific requests, not to do online checkin. But, there's been talk on the POP board that online checkin now gives you some room location requests. So, depending on your requests, online checkin may work now.

Sigh on the on-line check-in. Not sure what I'll decide, but I'll be sure to let y'all know when I do. Hey...I'm sure I haven't told you this, but I had a very close friend in college (in NY, just north of the city) who was from Nashville and said y'all quite a bit. I quickly appropriated it, as friends at that age are wont to do, and somehow managed to convince a fair number of people that I was from the South.

Woo Hoo for single digits!!!!!!!! You lucky girl!

Thanks! I am lucky!

 

[tinacaplan]

The Weekend Update

As I sit here, freezing on the couch, feeling the effects of a yucky cold coming on, half-watching as Max watches Cars for the zillionth time, I figured it was as good a time as any to start my daily-what-I’m-most-excited-about-doing-at-Disney- posts. I realize that I haven’t done much with the PTR, aside from post my plans. For me, the more I go, the less planning I seem to do. Go figure, right?

It looks like we’re going to dodge any major snow activity tomorrow, which I’m thrilled about. For one, snow on a Saturday when you’re a teacher is just a total waste and should be illegal. As you know, I’ve purposely made plans last weekend and this weekend so that we’d be occupied. I’m fighting the urge to pack with every fiber of my being, as I want plenty to keep me busy with next weekend, as I start to bounce off the

And I have plans for Max and I head down to the city for an early dinner with my friend Meghan.

I love, love, love Mario. There are just not enough words... His cooking is amazing and he is largely responsible for educating me about real Italian food, not Italian-American. Now, far be it for me to knock really good Italian-American home cooking, but real Italian is just a relevation. What this man can do with something as simple as brussel sprouts just cannot be described.


We’re headed to this Mario Batali restaraunt --

Anyway...moving on...I have only four more teaching days until we go!!!

So, what am I most excited about, day one?

That’s easy...

I’m excited to finally try Jet Blue, what with the fancy free snacks and the t.v. sets. I’m also looking forward to travelling with new Kindle Fire. Even if I rarely use it for more than an e-reader, just having the possibility of downloading movies, episodes of Phineas and Ferb for Max, pop-ins on the Disboards, checking FB...

Next...I can’t wait to spy my first palm tree as we take our ride on the faux-o-rail to the main terminal.

I am excited to do my mad dash through the ME line to end up here:

And before I know it, we’ll see the glorious gateway and be on our way to the Poly!

Hopefully, our room will be ready and it will be in Tokelau, where I am guaranteed to have something I’ve yet to have at Disney: a full balcony or a patio upon which I can take it in the lovely, lush landscaping.

If I’m being honest, I think staying at the Poly is THE thing I am absolutely most excited about for this trip. It is unlikely we’ll stay here again (unless we fall head over heels in love), so I’m planning on making the most of our time there, as well as our proximity to MK.

Anyway, if our room is ready, we’ll head there and at least drop our carry-ons and get changed into more appropriate clothing, although I’ll be dressed in clothes that will only be ridiculous given the starting temps in CT that morning. What can I say? I refuse to bring a winter coat to Florida. What I dress Max in that morning might be a bit of a different story.

If Max insists and the weather is right, we’ll probably head to the pool, though I’d much rather go to MK. I know it will be President’s Day and will be INSANE. That said, I really want to stop in at Auntie Gravity’s for a strawberry smoothie and maybe do the Peoplemover, Buzz, and Max’s fave, the Carousel of Progress.

Have I mentioned how much I love Tomorrowland??

After that, we’ll make our way back down Main Street, hop the monorail back to the Poly, do some more exploring, unpacking, and we’ll rest for our dinner at Kona, which I’m super excited about, too.

Our night will end with Wishes on the beach...can’t think there’s much better!

 

[glennbo123]

Mario Batali is simply awesome. We used to make this tortellini pasticcio dish of his that would literally take all day to make, but was sooo worth it.

 

[eandesmom]

So true. I will. It doesn't bother me so much when people are curious about it, but it does bother me when people start to judge. And yes, it is expensive...but I think its all about how you decide to spend your money and those are very personal decisions. For us, we don't need or want new cars, whereas some people would just never even consider driving a car that's almost ten years old. We're trying (and have been pretty sucessful) not to eat out or get take-out at all since Christmas and we're doing pretty well with that. Like I said, I'm trying to take off some weight and I really want Disney to seem like a treat, on so many levels. Some people shop and, like my sister-in-law, own twenty Coach bags. We all have our things.

We all do have our own things! For me it's one of those things that those close to me already know about. But if it comes up with folks I don't know well, I don't really "go" there with it or at least I try not to. The challenge is Eric. If he is with me when it happens, he will go on and on and on and people are looking at him like who is this kid that's so obsessed?

I will never forget, at a party last summer where I was chatting with one of the owners of my company's wife and kids. I'd only met her once before. It was not a work party but a social event that we both happened to be at through a common connection. They were going on the Dream. We were booked on the Wonder but hadn't been yet. They'd be doing WDW and IOA which we'd done the previous summer. Eric spent the better part of an hour telling them what they should do at every park, where they should eat, and even on the ship having spent WAY too much time with the latest cruise DVD and brochure!

Thankfully she thought it was very cool and not that we were freaks or anything but I was sitting there wondering ok...how is this coming across?



Recently I've been helping my BF plan her first trip to the World. Poor thing, my kids grill her about their plans when she comes over to discuss it. And then Evan asks what her kids favorite characters are and comes back with pins from his collection for them to trade.

Who's at SINGLE DIGITS??? ME!!!!!!

But now....to do online check in or not? Not sure. The check-in desk has never been particularly busy when I've gone, but there's always a first time for everything.
​

What time do you get in? I forget! For me that would make a difference. If it's early am I'd probably skip the online check in as it can improve your chances on the request. If it's later, I'd probably do online as I'm not sure how much they can do as the day goes one.

I've done it both ways and personally had better luck with the non online. Not so much from a room request standpoint since we did end up with an upgrade on the online one but for whatever reason, my live check in got me my request, was incredibly fast and the rooms were ready. Online...not till 3pm and in both cases I was checking in around 8am. Who knows. Really, it's a crap shoot either way if you ask me!



for single digits!!!!!!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

I hear you about watching Cars for the zillionth time! If I would let him, Reid would probably watch Cars 2 all day long. At least I do enjoy the 2nd one more than the 1st. But, still!

So many things for you to be excited about! I can't wait to hear how y'all like Poly.

Sigh on the on-line check-in. Not sure what I'll decide, but I'll be sure to let y'all know when I do. Hey...I'm sure I haven't told you this, but I had a very close friend in college (in NY, just north of the city) who was from Nashville and said y'all quite a bit. I quickly appropriated it, as friends at that age are wont to do, and somehow managed to convince a fair number of people that I was from the South.

That is too funny! I know some people laugh at us southerners for saying "y'all" but I just couldn't imagine saying anything else. Like "you guys" sounds funny to me. Guess it just depends on what you grow up with. Now, when you were convincing people you were from the south, did you go with a twang or a drawl for your accent?

 

[MEK]

Your arrival plans sound great and I have to agree with Max that a trip to the Poly pool is a must (weather permitting) I just love that pool!

You know I can't always see pictures when I post, but I did go back and look at your hair cut and its really, really cute!

 

[that's nice]

Who's at SINGLE DIGITS??? ME!!!!!! ​

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!

I'm with you with the online checkin. We have used it in the past and while I was waiting in the online check in line with only 1 CM checking people in, the regular check in line was moving right along.

I think you'll love Jetblue! Now if they will just release their Nov. schedule!

Have a great weekend.... It is barely snowing here. I think we are only getting an inch. ​

 

[tinacaplan]

We all do have our own things! For me it's one of those things that those close to me already know about. But if it comes up with folks I don't know well, I don't really "go" there with it or at least I try not to. The challenge is Eric. If he is with me when it happens, he will go on and on and on and people are looking at him like who is this kid that's so obsessed?

Max talks about it a lot, too. I just didn't say much, in the end, but it always throws me when it comes up.

Recently I've been helping my BF plan her first trip to the World. Poor thing, my kids grill her about their plans when she comes over to discuss it. And then Evan asks what her kids favorite characters are and comes back with pins from his collection for them to trade.

That's great. Especially that he's so happy to share. I'm really hoping that we get to do a trip with our best friends someday soon. I saw a lot of big groups when we were there this past summer and I was kind of jealous. It would be nice to travel with friends. Of course, this just might be the only child mother of an only child talking...

What time do you get in? I forget! For me that would make a difference. If it's early am I'd probably skip the online check in as it can improve your chances on the request. If it's later, I'd probably do online as I'm not sure how much they can do as the day goes one.

I've done it both ways and personally had better luck with the non online. Not so much from a room request standpoint since we did end up with an upgrade on the online one but for whatever reason, my live check in got me my request, was incredibly fast and the rooms were ready. Online...not till 3pm and in both cases I was checking in around 8am. Who knows. Really, it's a crap shoot either way if you ask me!



for single digits!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! I think, based on what you and others are saying, that I'll hold off. When we checked into CSR, I knew there wasn't much that could be done, so... You make a compelling point about room readiness. We're checking in by 11 a.m., so...it would be great (although not imperative) if the room was ready.

I hear you about watching Cars for the zillionth time! If I would let him, Reid would probably watch Cars 2 all day long. At least I do enjoy the 2nd one more than the 1st. But, still!

Really? You liked the second one better?? I don't know...the first one is so much sweet. Although the second is very funny and the scenery is beautiful.

So many things for you to be excited about! I can't wait to hear how y'all like Poly.



That is too funny! I know some people laugh at us southerners for saying "y'all" but I just couldn't imagine saying anything else. Like "you guys" sounds funny to me. Guess it just depends on what you grow up with. Now, when you were convincing people you were from the south, did you go with a twang or a drawl for your accent?

I know...there really are! I dont know...what's the difference betwen a twang and a drawl?

Your arrival plans sound great and I have to agree with Max that a trip to the Poly pool is a must (weather permitting) I just love that pool!

You know I can't always see pictures when I post, but I did go back and look at your hair cut and its really, really cute!

We're all excited for the pool! I love to swim and I'm glad that Max enjoys it, too. And knowing how many pools you've been to on property, if you like it that much, I'm sure it will be great.

And thanks...if only I could make my hair look as good as she does everyday.

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!

I'm with you with the online checkin. We have used it in the past and while I was waiting in the online check in line with only 1 CM checking people in, the regular check in line was moving right along.

I think you'll love Jetblue! Now if they will just release their Nov. schedule!

Have a great weekend.... It is barely snowing here. I think we are only getting an inch.

I am so glad that we missed most of the snow! Its such a pain and it just messes everything up.

I hope we do...its just too bad that its often a lot more expensive than Southwest and it looks like they're gotten rid of their early morning flights to Orlando. You know I love my ridiculously early flights.

 

[annmarieda]

Oh your first day sounds wonderful!!! And I can't wait to hear how you like your stay at the Poly. Now, forgive me.. cause I am begining to lose track of where everyone is staying... but isn't Karin going to be there at the same time? I thought the two of you would be in WDW the same time, but for whatever reason... I didn't realize that it would be at the same resort. Wait.. didn't you all do that at CSR too? Or maybe I am just confused... which is possible.

I love the picture of Max on DME btw...those beautiful red seats... Max looking as though he is just taking it all in!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Oh your first day sounds wonderful!!! And I can't wait to hear how you like your stay at the Poly. Now, forgive me.. cause I am begining to lose track of where everyone is staying... but isn't Karin going to be there at the same time? I thought the two of you would be in WDW the same time, but for whatever reason... I didn't realize that it would be at the same resort. Wait.. didn't you all do that at CSR too? Or maybe I am just confused... which is possible.

I love the picture of Max on DME btw...those beautiful red seats... Max looking as though he is just taking it all in!!!

Hi Ann!
Let me solve the puzzle of the resorts.

- YES, last year we both stayed at the CSR ... and what was even better, we were only a few doors apart!
- this year, we will be in Florida at the same time again and stay at the same resort .........


Just not at the same time!
We'll arrive on Saturday, spend the night at the Poly and leave for the DREAM on Sunday, then return on Thursday and stay at BLT until Saturday night.
Tina will arrive on Monday and stay at the Poly until Friday.

We will meet at Beaches and Cream for a Kitchen Sink on Thursday ....... and I cannot wait to see them again!!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Well, that sounded a bit dire. We ended up forgoing our NY trip today, as I"m just feeling very well. Silly cold!

Which has left me thinking about July. Yes...July! I know. That's crazy. And, well...it is. But...I'll want to go somewhere in July (the one month I'm off, yes, I am a teacher, but we finish at the end June and go back August first or thereabouts), so... with the AP and everything, isn't Disney the obvious choice? I also have to say that I was pricing out some places on Cape Cod (more resort-like that what we usually do up there, but still) and I was shocked by the prices. Not to say that Disney's a bargain, it clearly isn't but... if Mark and Max also got APs... you know where my mind is going, no doubt.

And, yes, I have decided that we're going and Mark has resigned himself to the idea that I've decided. Which is not the same as him agreeing, per se... but its close and I"ll take it for now.

So, my planning has been hinging on two things: one, how does Max behave on this trip in February? I am hoping that he's going to be a lot better than he was in July (when was pretty good, but there were some serious meltdown moments where I questioned not only my sanity but my entire worth as a parent...so it goes when you travel with a preschooler), but we'll see... I know that if he isn't loads better, Mark will be a lot harder to convince about July and I have to admit that it will be hard to blame him.

Two, what do we get for a tax return? Well, we had ours done today and while its enough to work with, its nowhere near enough to say off handedly that I can swing a week at a deluxe. And I've been thinking that ten days at a mod might be a good alternative.

And therein lies my dilemma: would you rather...

1. Go for fewer nights and stay at a deluxe (more than likely the Poly or the Beach Club)?

OR

2. Go for nine nights/ten days and stay at a mod (probably either POFQ or CSR)?

Without taking discounts into account, we can do a mod for more days for a LOT less than a week at either the BC or the Poly.

So, I'm curious....thoughts?

 

[amandaw]

Really? You liked the second one better?? I don't know...the first one is so much sweet. Although the second is very funny and the scenery is beautiful.

I think I really like the 2nd one better because I love spy movies, especially James Bond.

I know...there really are! I dont know...what's the difference betwen a twang and a drawl?

It's hard for me to explain the difference in writing. If we were to ever meet in person, I would be happy to demonstrate the difference between the two.

And therein lies my dilemma: would you rather...

1. Go for fewer nights and stay at a deluxe (more than likely the Poly or the Beach Club)?

OR

2. Go for nine nights/ten days and stay at a mod (probably either POFQ or CSR)?

Without taking discounts into account, we can do a mod for more days for a LOT less than a week at either the BC or the Poly.

So, I'm curious....thoughts? [/B]

That's a tough question. So many pro's & con's to both! On the one hand, a long trip is always fun because there is so much planning to do & you can really do a lot of different things. But, since it's not like it's your one & only trip, a shorter trip in a deluxe would definitely be nice. Okay, I'm no help whatsoever!

But.... for another trip! You should definitely be able to keep me occupied until our December trip with all of your TR's!

 

[tinacaplan]

Knowing that there truly is no time like the present, I figured I’d jump in with my plans for April girls trip.

Who: Lauren, a significantly younger teacher at my school with a very generous, DVC-owning aunt and moi. And no one else. Particularly, no small children.

When: Our April break, from the 15th through the 19th. Lauren is actually going for the whole week, but that seemed like a long time abandon my family for.

Why: Why not? Mostly because Lauren’s aunt graciously offered a free week’s accomodations and I have a an AP and was able to find cheap plane tickets. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Flower and Garden in full bloom, at least once? And who wouldn’t jump at that chance to do that without a kid? Plus, how often doe someone offer you free on-site accomodations at Disneyworld?

Where: Saratoga Springs. While the resort looks lovely with some stunning views of DTD, I’m still a bit concerned about staying there without a car. I might consider just renting one, but I’m trying to keep this trip as cheap as I can and, well...to be honest, there may be a fair amount of indulging in adult beverages on this trip and, in that case, its best to “just relax and leave the driving to us.”

She will have a park hopper, but we’re not doing the Dining Plan, just as an FYI.

Planning -- Day One

Smart girl that Lauren is, she left the planning up to me. I asked her a few very general questions and ran with it.

My flight on Sunday doesn’t get in until 4:30, which means I won’t get to SSR until close to 6:30, at which point, we’ll make a mad dash to get to the Poly for our dinner at Kona at eight. Depending on what time we’re done, we’ll either stick around, have some yummy adult beverages and then see Wishes from the beach, or we’ll had straight to the MK for evening EMHs. Sadly, my beloved BTMRR will still not be up! Nevertheless, we’ll have a great time, hitting Space Mountain, the Peoplemover, Peter Pan, Pirates, the Jungle Cruise and maybe, just maybe, my first trip down Splash Mountain!?!

 

[tinacaplan]

I

That's a tough question. So many pro's & con's to both! On the one hand, a long trip is always fun because there is so much planning to do & you can really do a lot of different things. But, since it's not like it's your one & only trip, a shorter trip in a deluxe would definitely be nice. Okay, I'm no help whatsoever!

But.... for another trip! You should definitely be able to keep me occupied until our December trip with all of your TR's!

You're right there are.... We'll see how this trip goes. That will decide some things for us. We'll know for sure whether being that close to MK is truly worth it and whether or not I'll ever want to stay anywhere BUT the Poly. I have to say that interior, AIR CONDITIONED, hall ways at the deluxes are a big draw in the summer, as is SAB. But, then again, there are a lot of things about CSR that are pretty great, too. And it might be nice to have time to spend a couple days just hanging at the resort pool, so who knows? Its also possible we won't go at all.

 

[amandaw]

Your April trip will be so much fun! Flower & Garden is really pretty! I say let Disney do all the driving! No kid, no car....yep, I'd definitely be trying out some adult beverages!

 

[amandaw]

You're right there are.... We'll see how this trip goes. That will decide some things for us. We'll know for sure whether being that close to MK is truly worth it and whether or not I'll ever want to stay anywhere BUT the Poly. I have to say that interior, AIR CONDITIONED, hall ways at the deluxes are a big draw in the summer, as is SAB. But, then again, there are a lot of things about CSR that are pretty great, too. And it might be nice to have time to spend a couple days just hanging at the resort pool, so who knows? Its also possible we won't go at all.

Good thing is that no matter what you choose, you really can't go wrong! Either way, you'd be in Disney!

 

[that's nice]

And therein lies my dilemma: would you rather...

1. Go for fewer nights and stay at a deluxe (more than likely the Poly or the Beach Club)?

OR

2. Go for nine nights/ten days and stay at a mod (probably either POFQ or CSR)?

That is easy... stay at a mod. We usually stay at values... LOL

We leave the resort in the AM and come back at night. We don't really spend much time at the resort. We are doing a mod in Nov. because of the baby. I think we will have more resort (down) time so we wanted something a little nicer.

 

[tinacaplan]

Your April trip will be so much fun! Flower & Garden is really pretty! I say let Disney do all the driving! No kid, no car....yep, I'd definitely be trying out some adult beverages!

Yeah, I think so, too!

Good thing is that no matter what you choose, you really can't go wrong! Either way, you'd be in Disney!

Well...we'll see...its not definite yet, no matter what I think. I figure my husband's bound to say no one of these days.

That is easy... stay at a mod. We usually stay at values... LOL

We leave the resort in the AM and come back at night. We don't really spend much time at the resort. We are doing a mod in Nov. because of the baby. I think we will have more resort (down) time so we wanted something a little nicer.

And that is where you and I differ, Tim. As you commented on one of my earlier TRs, we probably don't spend enough time at the parks. What can I say? We like to come back to the resort and go to the pool and hang out. This is especially true in the middle of a Florida summer. That said, I suspect we'll spend a bit more time in the parks on this upcoming trip, or at least I hope we do. We're missing a lot of the shows and things like that because we don't stick around in the parks longer. But, Max is still too short for the 40" rides. And he's just barely missing it this time.

Oh well...I think if we do anything, it will likely be at a mod, which is fine. CSR and POFQ are lovely.