Pre-Trip Report for Three Princesses and a June Trip to the World, 6/24 We're Back!!

[twob4him]

What a fun pretrippie! I am having a good time reading it! Your girls are adorable! I look forward to reading more!

Hello Daisy and thanks for coming along. It seems like the actual trip is a long way off! I feel like I am in a time warp! I popped some fresh popcorn today so help yourself!!!!
Do you have an upcoming Disney trip??? I will post more soon! See you later

 

[DisneyDadFaNaTic]

As you requested, here are a couple of lists! I hope I don't clog up your trippie! I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet, but I promise I will! Sundays are very busy days for me! Thank you so much for the kind comments! And I love the princess song! That is just awesome. You have such a positive nature and I'm sure it touches many people here on the DIS and those around you! I can't wait to come back and read more! But in the meantime here are FASTPASS tips and PEOPLE WATCHING FUN GAMES!

Our plans are pretty fluid. We don't feel like we need to follow it strictly. If one ride is to full, we can always get fastpasses and return later. Plus, learning how to work fast pass is very important! Not just knowing you can get one, but knowing when to get one, and when to use it.

Some basic Fast Pass rules:

1) CHECK RETURN TIME! (You can cut two hours out of your schedule if you don't check!)
2) Have a plan on what you are going to ride or do during the wait time. Find rides that have short lines or move quickly, or watch a show!
3) Don't return immediately upon the time on your fastpass. There will be a line! Show up about five or ten minutes after the time (No Wait!).
4) Go get another Fast Pass before using the one in your hand. This is another reason you want to be five or ten minutes late for your return time. Get another pass before you ride your current fast pass ride.
5) Smile like an idiot at all the schlubs waiting in the stand by line. Not to boastful, but a little boastful and a little sympathetic!

DS doesn't care about planning only riding. Honestly I'm not much for pre-planning either, but DW is a wiz at it. Of course, we always have an argument about it mid way through vacation. DW becomes the schedule Nazi and I just want to rest for a minute. You have to put in time to people watch!

People Watching Fun top ten!
1) The "You Really Shouldn't Wear That" game
2) The "Those Shoes Must Be Killing You" game
3) The "Your Going To Have Fun If I Have To Beat You" parents
4) Guys - Stop Looking at Just the Hot Women and notice that there are other people around who are pretty funny!
5) The "This Is Our First Time So I'm Video Taping Everything" family (believe me, your going to have about 12 hours of vacation you either never watch again or fast forward all the way through every time you watch it).
6) The "Your Sitting Here Doing Nothing Will You Take Our Picture" families
7) The "Where the Heck Are We?" families (hub design, folks, hub design).
8) The "We Are On a Group Trip, Not With Our Families, Misbehaving Teenager" spotting game.
9) The "How Did He/She End Up With Her/Him" game
10) The "What Is The Age Break Between Wearing Bermuda Shorts and Black Socks"game (honestly, how old are you when your mind begins to tell you that that is a good idea?).

 

[twob4him]

As you requested, here are a couple of lists! I hope I don't clog up your trippie! I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet, but I promise I will! Sundays are very busy days for me! Thank you so much for the kind comments! And I love the princess song! That is just awesome. You have such a positive nature and I'm sure it touches many people here on the DIS and those around you! I can't wait to come back and read more! But in the meantime here are FASTPASS tips and PEOPLE WATCHING FUN GAMES!

Our plans are pretty fluid. We don't feel like we need to follow it strictly. If one ride is to full, we can always get fastpasses and return later. Plus, learning how to work fast pass is very important! Not just knowing you can get one, but knowing when to get one, and when to use it.

Some basic Fast Pass rules:

1) CHECK RETURN TIME! (You can cut two hours out of your schedule if you don't check!)
2) Have a plan on what you are going to ride or do during the wait time. Find rides that have short lines or move quickly, or watch a show!
3) Don't return immediately upon the time on your fastpass. There will be a line! Show up about five or ten minutes after the time (No Wait!).
4) Go get another Fast Pass before using the one in your hand. This is another reason you want to be five or ten minutes late for your return time. Get another pass before you ride your current fast pass ride.
5) Smile like an idiot at all the schlubs waiting in the stand by line. Not to boastful, but a little boastful and a little sympathetic!

DS doesn't care about planning only riding. Honestly I'm not much for pre-planning either, but DW is a wiz at it. Of course, we always have an argument about it mid way through vacation. DW becomes the schedule Nazi and I just want to rest for a minute. You have to put in time to people watch!

People Watching Fun top ten!
1) The "You Really Shouldn't Wear That" game
2) The "Those Shoes Must Be Killing You" game
3) The "Your Going To Have Fun If I Have To Beat You" parents
4) Guys - Stop Looking at Just the Hot Women and notice that there are other people around who are pretty funny!
5) The "This Is Our First Time So I'm Video Taping Everything" family (believe me, your going to have about 12 hours of vacation you either never watch again or fast forward all the way through every time you watch it).
6) The "Your Sitting Here Doing Nothing Will You Take Our Picture" families
7) The "Where the Heck Are We?" families (hub design, folks, hub design).
8) The "We Are On a Group Trip, Not With Our Families, Misbehaving Teenager" spotting game.
9) The "How Did He/She End Up With Her/Him" game
10) The "What Is The Age Break Between Wearing Bermuda Shorts and Black Socks"game (honestly, how old are you when your mind begins to tell you that that is a good idea?).

Whoooo Hooooo I love your lists!!!
They are so true and they crack me up!!!

Welcome and Thanks for coming by Disney Dad!!! I too am really enjoying your trippie!

 

[DebIreland]

You have such a positive nature and I'm sure it touches many people here on the DIS and those around you!

I couldn't agree more. Cathy's positive nature leaps off the page. It's what made me post here to her TR. She's amazing!!!

5) Smile like an idiot at all the schlubs waiting in the stand by line. Not to boastful, but a little boastful and a little sympathetic!

I know! What are they thinking? The only exception though is when I see little kids waiting in the blistering heat in 1.5 hour lines. That is sad when, if their parents read the back of the guide map, it states right there that they can use FPs.

5) The "This Is Our First Time So I'm Video Taping Everything" family (believe me, your going to have about 12 hours of vacation you either never watch again or fast forward all the way through every time you watch it).

DH always videos TOO much. We have some very boring home video. 10 minute close ups of giraffes standing still doing nothing at our local wildlife park. *Sigh*

9) The "How Did He/She End Up With Her/Him" game

Too funny!!!

CATHY, congrats on the final payment!!! You are brilliant.

I'm sorry the Disney clothes were the wrong sizes. It's happened to me in the past too. I usually need to keep the items though, if they've been shipped from the U.S. as the return postage (and duty and tax) is too expensive so people who don't want them get them as gifts. lol!!! It's very disappointing. I hope you get the correct sizes next time!! I bought DD a STUNNING coat for Christmas with all 4 Disney princesses embroidered on to it. It was too big. But the great thing is it will fit her next winter!!! yay!!!

Ooooh, thanks for the yummy popcorn!!

 

[twob4him]

I couldn't agree more. Cathy's positive nature leaps off the page. It's what made me post here to her TR. She's amazing!!!



I know! What are they thinking? The only exception though is when I see little kids waiting in the blistering heat in 1.5 hour lines. That is sad when, if their parents read the back of the guide map, it states right there that they can use FPs.



DH always videos TOO much. We have some very boring home video. 10 minute close ups of giraffes standing still doing nothing at our local wildlife park. *Sigh*




Too funny!!!

CATHY, congrats on the final payment!!! You are brilliant.

I'm sorry the Disney clothes were the wrong sizes. It's happened to me in the past too. I usually need to keep the items though, if they've been shipped from the U.S. as the return postage (and duty and tax) is too expensive so people who don't want them get them as gifts. lol!!! It's very disappointing. I hope you get the correct sizes next time!! I bought DD a STUNNING coat for Christmas with all 4 Disney princesses embroidered on to it. It was too big. But the great thing is it will fit her next winter!!! yay!!!

Ooooh, thanks for the yummy popcorn!!

Awww, Deb, thank you so much for your heart-felt compliment. I tell you I am a bit down in the dumps (more about the horse situation than anything really terrible) and I appreciate your support!!!
I was impressed in your report how you used your fast passes so efficiently and Disney Dad explains here how to have two at once! Wow!!
Ohhhhh, I bet your DD's coat is beautiful! And it will fit eventually! Thanks for coming along Deb!

 

[DebIreland]

Awww, Deb, thank you so much for your heart-felt compliment.

I meant every word.

I tell you I am a bit down in the dumps (more about the horse situation than anything really terrible) and I appreciate your support!!!

What happened with the horse Cathy? You mentioned recently your DD had changed to a different riding insructor, is it something to do with that? I hope you'll feel better soon.

 

[Eventer98]

Thought I would check out youR TR!!! It's the least I can do after you decided to tag along on mine!! Love the horse pics of your DD!! I started riding when I was 8 or 9 too!

 

[twob4him]

I meant every word.



What happened with the horse Cathy? You mentioned recently your DD had changed to a different riding insructor, is it something to do with that? I hope you'll feel better soon.

Oh nothing is wrong....we love our new stable....I just really wanted to be able to lease a horse this summer so we can take care of him/her and ride more often. My DH said "No"
I'll get over it I suppose. Horses are pretty costly so...... (Even more so than Disney Vacations!!!! )

 

[twob4him]

Thought I would check out youR TR!!! It's the least I can do after you decided to tag along on mine!! Love the horse pics of your DD!! I started riding when I was 8 or 9 too!

Yaaaaa, Eventer is here!!! I see you have lost lots of weight and so I put out some yummy crudite tonight...and fat-free dip! Do you like ice tea with splenda? Its really cold! And don't forget to give your horsey a carrot from me! Thanks for the compliments about DD9. I think I was about 7 or 8 too when I started. My sister was my riding instructor! Well thanks for jumping on board!

 

[Eventer98]

Yaaaaa, Eventer is here!!! I see you have lost lots of weight and so I put out some yummy crudite tonight...and fat-free dip! Do you like ice tea with splenda? Its really cold! And don't forget to give your horsey a carrot from me! Thanks for the compliments about DD9. I think I was about 7 or 8 too when I started. My sister was my riding instructor! Well thanks for jumping on board!

Not a tea or coffee drinker..but I will take a Diet Coke or glass of real lemonade?? I'm sorry DH (meanie!! ) said no to the leasing. Is there a horse day camp or Girl Scout sleep-away camp your DD can go to? I started doing that when I was her age. I think sleep-away camps are great and a definite rite of passage!!! What if you gave up lessons for the summer and just put that money twds. leasing?? I know around here lessons are about $20-$25 ea. and to lease a horse it isn't more then about $150.

 

[DisneyJo]

Cathy I just had to say how much I'm loving your PTR, you are funny

 

[J&K'SMom]

CONGRATULATIONS!! CONGRATULATIONS!! You will love POR. We stayed there in 2004. It is beautiful. We really enjoyed our stay there.


My favorite Disney memories: I have 3 'magical moments'. (These happened before they named them magical moments.)

1. On our second trip to the world, we had just finished eating at Cinderella's Royal Table. We were standing at the rope at FantasyLand and a CM asked my son if he would like to open the park. She gave him a pirate's flag and we all counted down. When we got to 1 he waved the flag and she dropped the rope. It was magical. I cried, of course.

2. During our trip in '04 at POR we had reservations at Crystal Palace. My husband loves it!! We eat there every trip. You can get an early breakfast, 8:05, and be finished eating and standing in front of the castle before the park opens, makes for some great pictures!! Anywhoo, they called for our family. When we walked in they asked about the 6 year old in our family and would he be interested in being the Chef of The Day. Well,... Of Course! He got to decorate a waffle with Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and Pooh!! Another tearful moment for mom!

3. Last year as we were standing and waiting for the rope drop at TomorrowLand a CM started talking to my husband. Just asking basic questions, where we were from, etc. After talking for a few minutes he announced we would be the 1st Family on Space Mountain for the Day. It was so exciting. When the rope dropped we walked with him and everyone had to walk behind us all the way to Space Mountain. He gave us six fastpasses that were good for up to 4 people for Space Mountain!! It was GREAT!! My boys rode over and over and over with no waiting!! He also gave us 4 fastpasses (also for up to 4 people) for any ride in the park!! [COLOR="darkgreen"]Needless to say we did not wait in a line all day. Pretty good for the first of June!!!


When they say that the CM's make Disney magical they are right on the money. The people who work there seem to know how to make families feel specail!![/COLOR]

Those are awesome memories---can I be part of your family you seem to have the magic all around you!!!

 

[twob4him]

Not a tea or coffee drinker..but I will take a Diet Coke or glass of real lemonade?? I'm sorry DH (meanie!! ) said no to the leasing. Is there a horse day camp or Girl Scout sleep-away camp your DD can go to? I started doing that when I was her age. I think sleep-away camps are great and a definite rite of passage!!! What if you gave up lessons for the summer and just put that money twds. leasing?? I know around here lessons are about $20-$25 ea. and to lease a horse it isn't more then about $150.

Yum....lemonade it is....I have a big pitcher of it right here! Actually at the Jersey Shore they sell the best fresh-squeezed lemonade!
I like the camp idea! I actually saw a really neat one and they said I could be a helper too. I will have to look into it!
I left a barn cause their lessons were $50 each and to do a half-lease was $350 per month. That entitled you to three rides per week one of which had to be a lesson for $50 more. Count that up....$550 for 12 rides! Ridiculous! I love my new barn though...much more quiet and less expensive! There is a chance I can change DH's mind still.

 

[daisy_77]

Hello Daisy and thanks for coming along. It seems like the actual trip is a long way off! I feel like I am in a time warp! I popped some fresh popcorn today so help yourself!!!!
Do you have an upcoming Disney trip??? I will post more soon! See you later

Aw, thanks for the welcome!
We DO have a trip coming....in 1 1/2 years! No trip until later on next year. I am having fun reading all about your planning! Thanks for the popcorn....

 

[PrincessV]

Well, our crocs arrived today! They are cool but the little ones were too small. The girls were between sizes and I ordered down as it said on the website. Of course, I should have ordered up. Oh well. Rah Rah and mine fit well and are sooo comfortable.When I get all the right sizes, I will take a pic and show you all.

See? Aren't you glad you listened to all us Crazy Croc people?! I'll be reporting on my multi-Croc experiences in my TR, but in case I don't get to that part by the time you go - I wore nothing but Crocs for 5.5 of my 6 days and was HAPPY!

I usually don't tip when I stay at a hotel....I think it must be a Disney thing. Either that or I have left behind a lot of unhappy chambermaids. Thats why I asked what the going rate was here on the wonderful Dis So it looks like $4 or $5 is plenty...great ...thanks!

Know what? It was years before I learned that we're supposed to tip housekeeping in US hotels. Years. I also didn't know to tip hair stylists. My mom had always cut my hair, so I had no idea. Whoops.

People Watching Fun top ten!

One of my favorites!

 

[twob4him]

Cathy I just had to say how much I'm loving your PTR, you are funny

Seriously Jo I really appreciate your compliment.....here is a hug across the Pond!

 

[twob4him]

Those are awesome memories---can I be part of your family you seem to have the magic all around you!!!

Seriously!!

 

[twob4him]

See? Aren't you glad you listened to all us Crazy Croc people?! I'll be reporting on my multi-Croc experiences in my TR, but in case I don't get to that part by the time you go - I wore nothing but Crocs for 5.5 of my 6 days and was HAPPY!


Know what? It was years before I learned that we're supposed to tip housekeeping in US hotels. Years. I also didn't know to tip hair stylists. My mom had always cut my hair, so I had no idea. Whoops.



One of my favorites!

Yaaaaaaa!, V's back! home Princess V We missed you!!!! Can't wait to read your trippie. Seriously, I need to take a day off just to catch up. I miss so much during the week!

I wore my crocs to school and got lots of compliments on them! More importantly they were soooo comfortable. I am only bringing my crocs and a pair of white sandals. Ditto for each of the girls.


I would be interested to hear if you over/under-packed or got it just right in terms of outfits etc. I am thinking two outfits per day, 4 Pj's, 3 or 4 swim suits for 7 days. What do you think?

 

[twob4him]

Aw, thanks for the welcome!
We DO have a trip coming....in 1 1/2 years! No trip until later on next year. I am having fun reading all about your planning! Thanks for the popcorn....

Is that pic in your siggy new? Its adorable!!!!! Hey its never too early to start planning and I agree with you. It helps to "educate" yourself here on the Dis and it makes the wait much more tolerable.

Tonight we have fresh-squeezed lemonade and oreo cookies! And our standby popcorn!!! Enjoy!!!

 

[PrincessV]

I would be interested to hear if you over/under-packed or got it just right in terms of outfits etc. I am thinking two outfits per day, 4 Pj's, 3 or 4 swim suits for 7 days. What do you think? [/COLOR][/SIZE]

Hmmm.. well, technically, I did come back with 3 outfits never worn. But I wouldn't have packed any differently - I only had extras due to situations out of my control.
I had a day-time and evening outfit for each day, plus 2 swimsuits/cover-ups, a lounging outfit (read: jammies that I could wear in public!), and a couple extra T's. I'd say it was just right for 6 days/5 nights.