Pre trip report that will turn live-june 26th-july 10th

[VallCopen]

So it is time for our countdown. These were drawn by my husband, but he did have to look at pictures from DVD's or books to find something to draw. Sorry it is so crumpled this is a copy of the original so that our little one could carry it around and have fun.

I had to skip day 10, which was Sulley, since it had my families names ALL over it. Day nine had our families name on it once, but not as intrusive as day 10, so I just covered our name up.!!!

Day nine and counting!!!!

 

[VallCopen]

Day 8!!!!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Love the pictures! How fun!

 

[VallCopen]

jwwi, I just sent you a PM regarding the WOC show.

 

[VallCopen]

This was not drawn but copied, cut and pasted, no time before work to get a drawing done so this was the next best thing.

 

[VallCopen]

Now I wish I had packed a bit earlier. So many things to do but can't wait to go.

 

[Belle Ella]

You'll get it all done I have faith in you, lol. I'm a paranoid packer and I always feel like I'll never get it done if I don't start more than a week in advance. But I'm also a little crazy, so who knows. And I felt like todays countdown was just speaking to me (although it's been a long time since anyone called me Jessie, and I'm definitely not a red-head, ) so it's fitting that I finally subscribe myself!

Before I forget, there's something else that I want to add. I know that you said you didn't want to depress anyone with what's going on with your cousin, and as heartbreaking as it is I have to say that it's inspiring to hear how she's not just giving up. You're right, it's a shame more people don't live their lives like that. I hope that this trip is nothing short of Magical for all of you!!

Have you thought about looking in to getting a ride on the Lilly Belle if none of you have ever done it again. Being July it probably isn't the best idea during the midday heat but if you look into and they can get you on early enough that could be a great experience!!

 

[VallCopen]

Thanks for Subscribing....and the wishes for a magical trip.

Ohhh what a great idea with the Lilly Belle. We have wanted to ride it before and that would be a fun experience for all. We can't wait for the trip and my cousin and her kids are just beside themselves about going to Disney.

 

[kaoden39]

I was packing Saturday night it was down to the last minute.....

 

[VallCopen]

Bella Ella I too like to pack early, but the family laughs at me everytime for it. Then when they are all racing to get it done the night before I sit back and laugh. Thankfully I got all my packing and babies done today.

Hi there Kaden39 How was your trip???? Hope you had a great time.

 

[VallCopen]

So I thought I would give a little more info on the trip and all the people coming to visit. My half brother, whom I have only seen 3 or 4 times ever due to a strained relationship with my biological father, will be getting a room at the Grand for 2 nights during the same time as when our cousin arrives. They too have only seen each other a handful of times ever. My sister-in-law will also be dropping by for 3 days/2nights and staying with us in our 2 bedroom Villa.

My sister-in-law has plans to go to San Diego, with her kids, to visit some of her family and asked if they could come visit us at the end of their trip. She has a 3 year old son (almost 3), and a 5 year old daughter. Her little boy has never been to Disneyland and he is sooooo excited to meet Mickey Mouse. Her daughter went with us in Febuary for a quick 3 day girls trip but is also excited to get to go back already. Her hubby will be staying home since he and my hubby have a business together and everyone can not take off at the same time, especially in the Summer, but I am sure he would prefer to stay home since he is not a Disney fan, or a fan of people for that matter.

When we went in Feb., one of my bestfriends, who works for us, surprised me, my sister-in-law, and her sister-in-law with a 3 day trip down to Disney, in her Condo. (I know how cool, Right??) But I never got a chance to show them the Villas, so this will be a first for my sister-in-law. Oh and by the way I am returning the favor to my friend in Feb 2011 at the VGC (4 days), which will be a blast, AGAIN!!! So any how my sister-in-law is excited to experience VGC this time and to see the beauty of staying in the park.

So to wrap it up we have me(40), hubs(43), DD(12 soon to be 13), DD(3), Cousin(40), her hubs(50?), sons(15,12,10), daughter(9), Sister-in-law(35), daughter(5), son(3), Brother(27), and Bro's girlfriend(24). Wow that is a lot of people!!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

That is a lot of people! You all will have a blast!

 

[VallCopen]

 

[jwwi]

I just love all your countdown pictures. They are so imaginative and cute. I did see your pm tonight, thank you for taking the time to do that. Your trip is coming up so quickly.

 

[Belle Ella]

Aw!! Getting so close!!

 

[VallCopen]

So today I went on line & got parkhoppers for my cousins family. Of course I opted for the 5 day hopper for the price of 3. The tickets will have 1 or 2days left of use, but I figured it was still the best way to go. For ourselves we will be renewing our season passes and upgrading to the Premium this year. Of course the only reason we are upgrading is because we are going over the 4th this year and we don't want to be blocked out, but it will be a nice little perk to have the extra discount.

I finally feel like things are starting to come together now. I have most things done and have confirmed all ressies for everyone and it looks like we are in good shape (well not literally but if I did some of these maybe I would be).

Toy Story 3!!!! Do we wait until Disney or see it this weekend? It would be fun to see it at Disney but I am afraid if it will be just crazy busy there. I am hoping that it is not only in because I really don't like them and there is no way my 3 year old will keep those glasses on either.

Well here is day 4!!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

I would see it before you go, just to get you all excited for the trip! I went this morning to see it for the second time (it's amazing) and wow, other than a sold out midnight premiere for Twilight and a Harry Potter movie the auditorium I was in was more packed than I had ever seen it - for the first show! Loved it even more the second time through.

 

[kaoden39]

I have to tell you I love your count down. It is so cute and creative.

 

[VallCopen]

So I guess I don't know how to count, or else I am a kid at heart and just want my vacation to come sooner because some how I am a day off on the countdown that is why I didn't post a picture yesturday. So tonight I will be posting day 3, although it is 3 days until we start our trip we won't be at Disney until Saturday.

On a seperate note, I got to thinking, even though it hurts sometimes to think I still did it, and I thought "Why are we spending 1500.00 extra dollars to stay at the Grand for the first 4 nights when I could use my DVC points over at The Disneyland Hotel and not pay out any cash right now?" So I called up and they had some rooms left I know a lot of DVC owners think it is a waste of points or that the value isn't there, but right now for us it makes more sense to use our points and save our cash. So we booked a premium view @ the Disneyland Hotel and cancelled our Downtown Disney View at the Grand. Although I was excited to get to try a DD View I think I am more excited to save the $$$$. So now I am hoping to get a remodeled room. If you are interested in knowing what type of room we get then tune in Saturday????

 

[jwwi]

It should be fun to try two different hotels at DL. The pool at DLH looks amazing, I would only save a couple hundred dollars at DLH, so I am sticking with GCH. Can't wait for your trip to go live, but I am sure you are too

Toy Story 3 was so cute, and heartwarming. Go see it before your trip if you have time. I am sure your whole family will love it.