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

[twob4him]

Oops...I forgot we'll be sleeping in "Disney style" that day. We probably won't be checking into our room until close to midnight on the 22nd, maybe even later.

Oh darn...I was thinking we could have such fun on the bus with the excitement and magic just dripping everywhere! But I completely understand the sleeping in! Heck, by the end of the week, we may not be early either!

Ohh thanks I was just getting a crick in my neck so that really helped

can I add a couple of tips/suggestions, when you get into MK send 1 person to your first FP ride to get all the FP's then it will be time to do BTMR or whatever once you've finished fantasyland! Also did you know if you sit in the very last row on the train the kids sometimes are allowed to make the announcement and get a train drivers license!

Thank you sooo much JO for the happy birthdays for RahRah! She loved them! She was asking who all of you were.... I told here you were all my trippie buddies! You all feel like family!!! I saved you some yummy cake! Help yourself!

Thats a great idea about the FP. DH or I can swing over there to get them and meet back up in FL! Thanks thats going to be helpful! We will also aim for the back row of the train! How cool is that? Wonderful suggestions! Maybe you should see the rest of my plans?

::

Awwwwww, thank you soooo much DD for the happy feelings sent our way! I saved you some cake! Enjoy!

Hi Medicgirl!
Wow, thanks so much! You really made her happy when she saw all the well wishes on the computer! Make sure you get a piece of cake!

Oooh, thanks for the massage and goodies!

DisneyJo, see the plate with the letters "D -- E -- B" on it, in permanent ink? That's MY one, okay? Hands off.

twob4him, I like your style. Planning it all step by step. Love, love, love it. It became a total obsession for me. I ended up with a folder with 20 separate compartments with a name tag entitling each one and into each section went everything relevant. Sections were things like 'transportation', 'restaurants', 'touring plans', 'flights' etc. etc. Making my park touring plans was my favourite part of the whole process.

I think you would adore TGM. His 'least crowded days' charts are truly amazingly accurate! The way you did your touring plan, you've clearly already got very similar ideas to TGM. Now it's unlikely that he would have MK as a recommended park day on that particular day as it's an EMH day and TGM *generally* dislikes EMH days. But the fact that you're getting there early and trying to get to the headliners early is great. Looking very good! I was going to say though (if you don't mind me butting in!) I would be concerned about doing Toontown at 8pm. It's going to be wall-to-wall people. It opens usually at 10am and, if you're early, you get to meet all those great characters at Toontown Hall of Fame without too much waiting time (later it would be a hideous nightmare). You could probably fit Toontown in at 10am if you use fastpasses and baby swaps at Adventureland and Frontierland wisely! Cause remember you don't have to use the FPs at the time state on them. Once you don't try to use them early, there's no problem using them hours after stated on them. Something to think about (one of the many millions of bits of minutae we Disney obsessives mull over. )

Oh no, looks like you've awoken the Disney Beast within. Sorry for going on and on and on...........

Glad you and Jo are working out the treats amongst yourselves! Don't forget the birthday cake!
Well, I tell you what, I plan and I plan but we both know it isnt actually going to go down like I listed. I decided to skip Toontown Hall of Fame cause we are having character meals anyways. Plus I am not standing in line to meet characters except if we have extra time.
I did not know you could delay the use of FP but now that you mention it, it makes sense. I have been reading your awesome trip report and see how you split up to keep the older and younger ones happy. Great idea! I am not done yours yet but am really enjoying it so far!
Thanks for helping and reading mine...shout out suggestions...maybe I should send you the whole thing...?

 

[Disneyolic]

Oh darn...I was thinking we could have such fun on the bus with the excitement and magic just dripping everywhere! But I completely understand the sleeping in! Heck, by the end of the week, we may not be early either!

Send me your itinerary for the 23rd at Epcot... Maybe we may run into each other some other time and have a heapin' helpin' good time!

Also...sorry it's so late, but "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RAH RAH"

 

[Goofyluver]

TODAY IS RAH-RAH'S 9TH BIRTHDAY! We are going to an indoor waterpark to celebrate! Good thing since it is still 50 degrees out!
Have a great day...I wont be on till later tonight!

Rah-Rah!!!!!

 

[twob4him]

Send me your itinerary for the 23rd at Epcot... Maybe we may run into each other some other time and have a heapin' helpin' good time!

Also...sorry it's so late, but "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RAH RAH"

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes for RahRah! I pm'd you my plans but I am seriously thinking of changing them...see pm.
I know you are busy today...talk to you tonight!

Rah-Rah!!!!!

AWWWW thanks goofy those are cool dancing letters!

 

[Disneyolic]

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes for RahRah! I pm'd you my plans but I am seriously thinking of changing them...see pm.
I know you are busy today...talk to you tonight!

I'm not too busy today. We're not planning on going anywhere because the kids are sick. We even missed church. I'll be off and on the DISboards all day if you want to PM me or chat through our DIS Stalking thread.

 

[twob4him]

Installment Six: April snow showers bring June closer? And What to Pack?

Happy Easter, uhhh, a little belated! (I am at the end of my Easter break so I am still in that mode.) Help yourself to tea sandwiches and yummy little chocolate eggs! Sit down, relax and read…. Don’t mind the fact that its colder now than Christmas Day. It actually snowed the day before Easter! Now we are waiting for some big No'Easter, which is different than Happy Easter...

One more thing before we get started. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha…did you see the new movie Meet the Robinsons ? Its absolutely great! And it really honored Walt Disney I think! Bravo imagineers!!!!
(Gee insert cool pic from movie here)


So over Easter Break, among other things, I Dis’ed. Is that a word? I picked up some LGMH from Home Depot – 40 to be exact. I also made alternate touring and dining plans in case we have friends along with us. I am still changing the original plans too. Those won't be set into motion, if ever, until next week. (See mini- installment above) The Easter Bunny brought the girls some Disney movies so we watched them during the day…if this crumby weather doesn’t improve, I am going to go nuts! oh where's the sun and warm weather? I also went through the girl’s old summer clothes. Its hard to keep up with three growing kids!!!

This in turn, led me to work on my packing list. I am going to type it up so when the time comes to pack, I don’t have to try to remember stuff off the top of my head. Here are some packing ideas I have stolen off of other ingenius people: For the girls, put together entire outfits including hairties, socks, etc. Fold neatly and place in a gallon (or more) sized zip-lock bag. Zip bag most of the way. Roll bag, letting air escape. Seal bag when air is out. Label bag with child’s name and if you want, date to wear it. Place in suitcase and hand bag to child when its time to get dressed. I am limiting everyone to three pairs of shoes: crocs, sandals, swim shoes.

Another packing tip I learned from Deb - Pack the week before not 7 hours before your trip

I also have a backpack packing list while touring the parks. It consists of 14 things. This will be one heavy bag! Do you want me to show you my list so far??? OK, in no particular order:

1. Autograph book and fat marker
2. Bathing suits in plastic bag, swim diapers, towel (doubles as blanket for nighttime)
3. Camera, back up battery, cell phone
4. Cards – Keys to Kingdom, cc, license, health insurance card, Rx card, and some cash.
5. Brush, hairties, lip balm, make-up (to freshen up)
6. Change of clothes for girls including socks, pullups, wipes, plastic bags, light jackets or sweatshirts for nighttime.
7. First Aid Kit – tylenol for kids, exedrin for adults, bandaids, neosporin.
8. Sunscreen for body, stick for faces, hats, sunglasses, rain ponchos, umbrella, stroller cover for rain, stroller shade for sun, bug repellent.
9. Fan mister, washclothes
10. Snacks and water (label water bottles and refill at fountains)
11. Coins for penny press (in M&M tube)
12. Games for waiting in line or at dinner
13. Passporter with pen

Did I forget anything????

How the heck do we carry all this stuff around all day? Does Disney have packmules???? I think I will need one stroller just to carry this stuff around until its needed for a sleepy child.
Any other suggestions...oh yeah besides lockers...thats a good idea Is that a pain to return to lockers???

And there you have it... Next installement...Changes on the Rise?!

 

[Disneyolic]

1. Autograph book and fat marker
2. Bathing suits in plastic bag, swim diapers, towel (doubles as blanket for nighttime)3. Camera, back up battery, cell phone
4. Cards – Keys to Kingdom, cc, license, health insurance card, Rx card, and some cash.
5. Brush, hairties, lip balm, make-up (to freshen up)
6. Change of clothes for girls including socks, pullups, wipes, plastic bags, light jackets or sweatshirts for nighttime.
7. First Aid Kit – tylenol for kids, exedrin for adults, bandaids, neosporin.
8. Sunscreen for body, stick for faces, hats, sunglasses, rain ponchos, umbrella, stroller cover for rain, stroller shade for sun, bug repellent.
9. Fan mister, washclothes
10. Snacks and water (label water bottles and refill at fountains)
11. Coins for penny press (in M&M tube)
12. Games for waiting in line or at dinner
13. Passporter with pen

Did I forget anything????

How the heck do we carry all this stuff around all day? Does Disney have packmules???? I think I will need one stroller just to carry this stuff around until its needed for a sleepy child.
Any other suggestions...oh yeah besides lockers...thats a good idea Is that a pain to return to lockers???

And there you have it... Next installement...Changes on the Rise?!

Okay...my suggestions based on the BOLD items. Remember, this is just MY opinion.

1. Bring more than 1 towel. I plan on bringing 3 (one for each kid and adults can share with kids).
2. Check the weather. Honestly, if it's going to be hot, a jacket probably won't be needed. The towels can come in handy in a pinch.
3. Umbrella is so bulky. Unless you are totally afraid of getting wet...
4. Bug repellent. On all of our trips to Disney World we have never ever needed bug repellent, especially in the parks. But that's up to you. Some people will tell you otherwise.
5. Coins for penny press in M&M tube is great. I also suggest you stack them properly (2 quarters and 1 penny, 2 quarters and 1 penny). It makes it alot easier. It is 50 cents still isn't it?
6. Passporter. Well I own one but there is no way that I will lug that thing around at the parks. I will surely bring it on our trip but that is just too much to lug around.

We usually tend to rent a locker to keep some things in. Yes, it can be a pain to go back to but there are just some things that do not need to be carried around at all times. We have put our video recorder in there later in the day when we were "done" with the video and don't want to keep lugging it around. Change of clothes in the locker would probably be a good idea.

Good luck.
2.

 

[DisneyJo]

did you see the new movie Meet the Robinsons ? Its absolutely great! And it really honored Walt Disney I think! Bravo imagineers!!!!

Did you cry too?

oh where's the sun and warm weather?

It's over here in England! Come on over

Did I forget anything????

Yep the kitchen sink

 

[twob4him]

Okay...my suggestions based on the BOLD items. Remember, this is just MY opinion.

1. Bring more than 1 towel. I plan on bringing 3 (one for each kid and adults can share with kids).
2. Check the weather. Honestly, if it's going to be hot, a jacket probably won't be needed. The towels can come in handy in a pinch.
3. Umbrella is so bulky. Unless you are totally afraid of getting wet...
4. Bug repellent. On all of our trips to Disney World we have never ever needed bug repellent, especially in the parks. But that's up to you. Some people will tell you otherwise.
5. Coins for penny press in M&M tube is great. I also suggest you stack them properly (2 quarters and 1 penny, 2 quarters and 1 penny). It makes it alot easier. It is 50 cents still isn't it?
6. Passporter. Well I own one but there is no way that I will lug that thing around at the parks. I will surely bring it on our trip but that is just too much to lug around.

We usually tend to rent a locker to keep some things in. Yes, it can be a pain to go back to but there are just some things that do not need to be carried around at all times. We have put our video recorder in there later in the day when we were "done" with the video and don't want to keep lugging it around. Change of clothes in the locker would probably be a good idea.

Good luck.
2.

Disneyolic you're the best! I agree about the jackets, umbrellas and the towels. I will have to see about the weather each day. No Bugs??? Wow sign me up!!!!!!! Yes, the M&M tube keeps the money organized so you don't have to dig thru. I actually have a website that tells you where all the penny presses are..course I found it from the Dis I'll be darned if I can find it right now. When I do I will post it.
If you change your plans, how do you figure anything out without your passporter??? I have to bring it...plus there are places to write about your day and wait times etc. I am journaling as I go while waiting in lines or for food ....(ah ya right!) OK well, maybe not. So maybe I dont need it like you said!
Ok well that helps empty out some of my stuff out of the bag from "h -e -double toothpics" Thanks!!!!

 

[twob4him]

Did you cry too?

It's over here in England! Come on over

Yep the kitchen sink

It would be helpful for washing up or getting a glass of water...I think it will fit right over here..sad2: ) How does Mary Poppins do it???

 

[Disneyolic]

I actually have a website that tells you where all the penny presses are..course I found it from the Dis I'll be darned if I can find it right now. When I do I will post it.

Pressed Pennies at WDW
It was last updated in 2005 though...

 

[twob4him]

Did you cry too?

QUOTE]

Oh yes of course I cried I cry at just about anything! It makes the movie that much better!

 

[twob4him]

Pressed Pennies at WDW
It was last updated in 2005 though...

Wow, I think thats the one....
Hey, did you get my pm?

 

[Disneyolic]

Wow, I think thats the one....
Hey, did you get my pm?

Yes. I got it. Thanks...looks very interesting. I am totally not making any real plans but have an idea of what to do. I've learned to try to take it a bit easy with my kids as they do tend to get "overloaded". Making everyone happy is my goal and having a little one who can't go on the rides her brothers can is going to be a challenge. So we must go on what our FPs allow us...

 

[meeskamouska]

How does Mary Poppins do it???

She is practically perfect in everyway!!! Wanna join the club???

 

[twob4him]

OK its back to work tomorrow and less Dising for me

I just checked the countdown calendar and it says 63 more days! Here's a link if you wanna join. I see Ragnrocks is there too!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/countdownlist2.cfm

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Whew! I had a lot of catching up to do. How on earth do you have time to read our reports and comment while keeping up with your own? I know, I know...we're all obsessed and with some pixie dust, we make it through! I finally caught up on all the posts on your trippie!!! I can't believe I missed so much. If you have any leftovers of all those yummy snacks (especially the brownies) and the massages, can you send them my way?

I understand about what a pain this weather has been. Living in NJ also, we're getting kind of tired of all this crazy rain. The school district where I work actually had to close today for flooding! I've worked there for ten years now and that's never happened. My eighth graders are probably on cloud nine right now, especially because they hate Monday vocabulary day! I live near lakes, so we're getting kind of flooded around here, too. Thank God for second floors!

Anyway, I feel like I want to comment on so much of what you've posted, and hope I don't forget it all. So here I go. . .

First of all, your girls are absolutely adorable!!! I love all your pics. Since, as you know, I'm going to POR after originally booking elsewhere, I can't wait to see what you guys decided on. Please, don't leave us hanging!

Your planning looks really good right now. As for all the stuff you plan to carry, God bless, because that sounds like quite a lot to lug around. I agree that bug repellent shouldn't be needed. I've never had problems when we've gone, but you never know. I am a complete Passporter fan, and I do bring it along on the trip, but do not even attempt to carry it around. Anything I want to remember for the day, I'll write down on a smaller piece of paper that can go in my pocket or bag. As for journaling for the post-trip report, which I'll be doing for this trip, I plan to use a small pad of paper to jot down those can't forget moments and comments. Then, I'll be bringing a journal with me to write in when I return to the room each day. I figure it would be easier this way.

Definitely, definitely, definitely use the lockers! It's not that difficult to get back to them, and well worth the walk back. There are times that I'll wait on line or stay shopping, while my DH runs back to the lockers. Maybe you and your DH can take turns.

I absolutely love how you're going to do your own Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique for your girls in your own room, since Baby can't go. That's so sweet! I wish they had some sort of thing like that for us older little girls. I guess that's what the spas are for, huh?

If you haven't yet, I noticed that others have mentioned it too, you may want to join Tourguidemike. I can tell you're a planner, like me (it must be a teacher thing), and I absolutely love all the tips and organizational stuff he offers. From what others say, his tips are right on the money!

I am so glad someone posted that slideshow of POR. The pictures were absolutely gorgeous and made me so happy that I'll be staying there. I forwarded to my DH at work and told him, "You just have to look at these! This is where we're staying!" While he is a Disney fan, as you already know, he still laughs that I get this excited over finding new pics. Then, he'll come across some great ones online and do the same to me!!! We're quite a pair, let me tell ya!

As for pin trading, we didn't think we'd ever get caught up in that. Then, on our last trip, we really began paying more attention to them and really liked a lot of what we saw. Immediately, my DH's eyes had that, "Uh-Oh!" look in them, because he knews how much I love my collections of everything Disney (I have a huge collection of Disney: waterglobes, stuffed animals, DVDS, sericels, Lennox pieces and various other figurines). I settled for buying this cute figurine type thing of Mickey holding a little cork board that fits about five or six pins on it, and I bought five pins to stick in it. It sits on my desk. When we return in December, my DH and I both want to start doing the whole trading pins thing, with lanyards and all! In fact, he just asked me this morning, "So, we're getting lanyards our first day there, right, becaue I want to get my lanyard completely filled up on this trip." Is that too much, or what? I can just imagine us with more than one lanyard hanging around our necks, the two of competing with one another for who can get the most and best pins! I love how Disney brings out the kids in us.

I'm sorry my post is so huge, but I feel like I have so much catching up to do. But, alas, I think I'll end it here. I've enjoyed having you on my trippie journey and am so glad you started one of your own. You got another devoted fan here!

 

[PrincessV]

Now, I'll take the other side of the umbrella question - I don't set foot on WDW property without one! For that matter, I don't leave the house without one - you just never know in FL when you might get caught in a rain storm. But I found one that folds up to 6' long and is super light-weight, so it takes practically no room at all.

 

[jonslola]

I love your trip report! I linked to it from Deb's since she is,ahem, taking ssooo long on her next installment (like she has a life or something ) I have to say between you and Deb I have been inspired to start my own trip report I can't wait to read your next installment, God Bless!

 

[DebIreland]

I love your trip report! I linked to it from Deb's since she is,ahem, taking ssooo long on her next installment (like she has a life or something )

I have to say between you and Deb I have been inspired to start my own trip report

Please do!!! It really is a lot of fun! I think you'd make a terrific job of it. Here's a ball for you to play with while you wait for me and Cathy to get our next chapters done.... I keep thinking of new and exciting witty remarks (well *I* think they are anyway ) for my next chapter but I'm usually at a check-out counter or waiting outside the kids' school when they come to me. Then I open the laptop and it's nada, zilch, nothing. But tonight I'm gonna sit down and do some for sure!

I love the way Cathy has the different colours and font sizes in her TR - makes it so reader-friendly.

Cathy, great job on the packing list. I'm glad my insane pre-trip evening inspired you to start early. Glad to see fan mister thingies on that list - they're so dear in WDW! You're doing a terrific job. I totally agree with Disneyolic about the jackets. At the very most, a second t-shirt would suffice I'd say. Those jackets won't see daylight! Oh yeah, and what's the deal with the bugs? Mosquitos follow us everywhere we go except in Disney World. Believe it or not I got over 100 mosquite bites on my arms and legs on a holiday in Italy a few years ago. I read a post where someone said the CMs have a very effective bug repellant system in DW. I don't know if he was joking or not, but definitely there was a very welcome lack of bugs on our 2 trips (one was in June).

Happy to hear 'Meet the Robinsons' was fun. Do you think my 12 (soon to be 13 year old) would enjoy it or is it for the much younger set? He enjoys all Disney movies and still loves the two Toy Storys (such witty movies). What do you think?

Oh one more thing... I cut out the Passporter maps and brought those to the parks but not the book. The maps are the best I've ever seen.

Belated birthday greetings to Rah Rah!!!

Can't wait for more.