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

[DisneyJo]

Sorry Cathy but a question for Deb, where'd you get your passporter from? I've seen it on Amazon but they want about £35 for it Everyone loves it so I want one too

 

[Disneyolic]

Sorry Cathy but a question for Deb, where'd you get your passporter from? I've seen it on Amazon but they want about £35 for it Everyone loves it so I want one too

You can buy it directly from Passporter

 

[Goofyluver]

You can buy it directly from Passporter

Look over on the budget board...most of the time they have discount codes for your order!

 

[DisneyJo]

Thanks but International posting and custom costs

 

[DebIreland]

Jo, 35 pound I did the same as Disneyolic and got it direct from passporter.com - it's currently 20 dollars there and as Goofyluver said, you could get a code first. BUT, BUT, BUT, thing is (and I hope this doesn't mean I'll be put in the corner and ostracised ) I'm not a fan of the book, not really, I just love the maps. Best maps I've ever seen, much better than the ones you get in the parks. The book itself has pockets at the back to put bits and pieces into and write things on (Day 1, Day 2 etc) which, whilst in one way call out to all Disney obsessives (lol), in another way I kinda didn't really use them at all. The main body of the book has tons of info on WDW but, in my opinion (don't hate me, ) the info is very simplistic and not nearly as comprehensive and thorough as, say, The Unofficial Guide. I'd give you my 2005 one but I tore it up and pulled out the maps and sent the pockets to another poster on the UK board who, like most of us in these parts, was going to DW for more than the 10 days they allow for in the pockets. So in other words my one is in bits.

We posted at the same time!! I don't think they charged too much for postage Jo. A few dollars. I've never been caught by customs for a book from the U.S. Jo. I've ordered a lot of books from the U.S. Amazon site (and obviously the PassPorter from the PassPorter site) and they've arrived hassle free. I've *always*, on the other hand, been caught for hefty duty tax on anything from Disney.com. Just checked and The PassPorter is only 14.46 on the U.S. amazon site!

 

[DisneyJo]

Thanks Deb I have the UG and have read it cover to cover and of course I have TGM and the DIS So maybe I'll have a think!

 

[twob4him]

Wow!!! I go to work and come home to all these wonderful posts!!!! Here's a big group hug from me to you!!!! This is really exciting and helpful to do a pre-trippie.

Plus you all understand my obsession....hehehehe So today's official count is ... 62 days. And to top that, I have 40 more days of work!!!

 

[twob4him]

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!

Welcome NJDF Come on in and join the party! I am practically in tears.... Thanks for such support!

OK let me answer everything numerically like the good teachers we are:

1. I do in fact have some yummy leftovers and a few massages left! Help yourself!!!
2. Time - Well, I didnt do much over break so I had plenty of time to Dis...now that I am back to work...not so much
3. The crazy NJ weather...hope you are alright. They predicted such rain and wind and Sunday it was hardly anything down here. Then Monday night hit. Wow...it was raining and windy as all get out this morning. We had school though
4. POR is hanging on whether or not our friends can get a good deal too. I think we are decided Tuesday...tomorrow. Don't worry; I won't leave you hanging!!
5. Yes I see I definately have to whiddle down my bag for the parks. I am depending on people with young kids who go before me to blaze that trail and tell me exactly what I need to bring.
6. I like your idea of jotting down ideas. My passporter is ringbound so I can take out whatever pages I want so I probably will just carry around whatever I absolutely need.
7.OK you really gave me hope for the lockers. That way we can leave it in there all day. Right? Bring stuff in the morning for all day even though we leave and come back later...is that ok??
8. Gosh, I can't wait to be able to afford a spa treatment at Disney or anywhere else.... darn kids take up all the money... But seriously, DiY BBB is going to be fun mostly cause they dont expect it!
9.TGM is probably a good idea! I have only heard good things!
10. DawnMarie posted the POR pic link.....arent they fabulous! Kuddos to her!I use the Dis to talk to about Disney stuff since hubby isnt as much a fanatic as me...but its ok,,,he likes it...just not like me.
11. Wow what cool collections...arent pins so cool! A teacher at school wears her pins to work on her lanyard. Neat huh. I would probably lose them

Thanks again for stopping by! I am going to post some more pics soon so check back. I, of course, will be by your trippie too! Have a great day!!!

 

[twob4him]

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.

Wow 6 feet long????? I know..you mean 6 inches! I just think even though you have your poncho on, the umbrella keeps rain off of your face. Course I dont know how you push a stroller too My friend bought Disney ponchos. They are cute...clear with Mickey on the back. They may just double as soveniers!

 

[twob4him]

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!

Hi Jonslola....welcome!!! Please make yourself at home! I am not as funny or witty as Deb...she's my hero!

I would highly recommend starting a pretrippie. People are so nice and helpful and will give you great ideas and advice!

Stop in soon!

 

[twob4him]

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.

[
Can't wait for more.

Hi Deb! You've got witty all tied up...me..not so much But I am glad you like my colors and fonts and all. Ya I have pretty much ditched the bug spray and jackets. Now if I could stash the clothes and blankets in a locker, I think it would be managable. I noticed by the time you all reached Epcot, your bag of stuff was lighter right?
While I am still cracking up over it...the part at BWV when you are trying to get on the boat to MGM....I am still laughing "We managed to make the last 20 steps to the boat all by ourselves" OMGosh
I would highly recommend the Robinsons to your older boys. It takes place in two time periods so it can be confusing but there are some fun twists! Enjoy!!
Yes, my Passporter is ringbound so I can take out whatever pages I want. Easy!
Thanks for the birthday wishes! We all had a nice day!
See you back soon!!!! Have a Disney Day!!!

Sorry Cathy but a question for Deb, where'd you get your passporter from? I've seen it on Amazon but they want about £35 for it Everyone loves it so I want one too

Hi Jo

You can buy it directly from Passporter

Hi DM!.. great idea

Look over on the budget board...most of the time they have discount codes for your order!

Hi Goof

Thanks but International posting and custom costs

Hi again Jo!

 

[twob4him]

Pictures Are In...Yaaaaa

Deb - Here's my Boo Bug...Doesn't she look like your daughter? I think they are long-lost Disney Sisters!

Please excuse the egg dye or whatever it was around her mouth


Here are three pics of the handy dandy Mickey Head Countdown Calendar that we all made...(Mostly Rah Rah made)

 

[Goofyluver]

Cath...your daughters are adorable first off!

And...I love your countdown mickey heads!!! Too cute!

 

[medicgirl911]

OMG the countdown Mickey heads are ADORABLE!!! How crafty!!!

Just wanted to add that I love my passporter too! After spending so much time on here, TGM and Allears, I felt I didn't find much info in there that I didn't already know But I am LOVIN those maps! I think the pockets will come in handy to help turn my pre-trip report into an actual trip report!!!

 

[Disneyolic]

4. POR is hanging on whether or not our friends can get a good deal too. I think we are decided Tuesday...tomorrow. Don't worry; I won't leave you hanging!!

Oh darn...I thought it was a done deal already. Okay, still waiting...

5. Yes I see I definately have to whiddle down my bag for the parks. I am depending on people with young kids who go before me to blaze that trail and tell me exactly what I need to bring.

Been there with kids 3 times and each time has gotten less and less just because I learned! In our day bag will be: wet wipes, 2-3 towels (that we place in the double stroller), camera, cell phone, needed plastics (park adm, etc.) cheapo rain ponchos, bottle waters, a couple Pullups for Brooke, and aqua shoes (so the kids can go on the wet rides or run in the kids fountains w/o getting their walking shoes all wet). In the locker will be change of clothes. I will not worry about it cooling down at all and, if it does out of freak of nature, that just gives me a good reason to buy Disney sweatshirts!

6. I like your idea of jotting down ideas. My passporter is ringbound so I can take out whatever pages I want so I probably will just carry around whatever I absolutely need.

Lucky that you bought the ringbound one. I will just cut out my spiraled pages...

7.OK you really gave me hope for the lockers. That way we can leave it in there all day. Right? Bring stuff in the morning for all day even though we leave and come back later...is that ok??

Perfect! And you can keep coming back ...

10. DawnMaree posted the POR pic link.....arent they fabulous! Kuddos to her!I use the Dis to talk to about Disney stuff since hubby isnt as much a fanatic as me...but its ok,,,he likes it...just not like me.

First, I corrected the misspelling in my name!!! That's okay, most people assume it's spelled with an "ie". The people that I get mad at are the ones that assume that I misspelled my own name! WhatEVER!!!! But isn't that picture site great? I don't even remember who originally posted it but I absolutely loved it. I wish I could give her the kudos she deserves. I am pretty sure she originally posted on the POR Official Thread though.

 

[PrincessV]

Wow 6 feet long????? I know..you mean 6 inches! :

That's some backpack I've got store that thing, no?!

 

[twob4him]

Changes to Daytime Backpack for Parks

1. Autograph book and fat marker
2. Three towels (doubles as blankets if needed)
3. Camera, back up battery, cell phone, Video camera
4. Brush, hairties, lip balm, make-up (to freshen up)
6. Pullups for baby and wipes for everyone!
7. First Aid Kit – tylenol for kids, exedrin for adults, bandaids, neosporin.
8. Sunscreen for body and faces, rain ponchos, umbrella, stroller cover for rain.
9. Fan mister, washclothes
10. Snacks and water (label water bottles and refill at fountains)
11. Coins for penny press (in M&M tube in order: penny, 50 cents)
12. Games for waiting in line or at dinner

Stuff for Locker
1. Change of clothes for girls including socks, pullups, wipes, plastic bags.
2. Passporter
3. Store whatever else you dont want to hold!

Wearing
Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, crocs and cards in fanny packs...I love 'em...most people don't
Uh...If I break down .... lanyard with pins

OK BE BACK LATER...GOTTA GO VOTE!!!

 

[twob4him]

We are shutting down this trippie temporarily for......









A Party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Disney Jo is our guest of honor....she got tagged and lost the competition with poor Sorul (S'late, S'early)
Help yourselves to heaping platefuls of cheese, crackers, chocolate covered strawberries and we have choice of soda, wine or sparkling wine!

 

[Disneyolic]

Congrats DisneyJo on your TAG!!! What the heck does it mean though??

 

[DebIreland]

Wow!! PARTY!!

Way to go Disney Jo (hey that rhymes, like 'way to go Idaho'!)!!! I'm so proud. But as Disneyolic said, what the hell is it all about?