PTR: I Wish I Could See Main Street From My House

[Sneezie]

Hi everybody

In less than 2 weeks we will be headed to Disney World! I can't believe it's almost here!!! I had to start a pre-trip report. I don't know if its too late or too early, but since I probably won't finish it, I figured 'what they hey!'

First off, here's our cast of characters:

As usual, we are headed to the World with a boatload of family. Nine this time!!! Sorry I can't include pictures right now, but I'll insert them later.

Room 1:
#1 Me, (Sneezie) the Disney trip planner of the family. I am turning 36 tomorrow and still squeal "Wheeee" when we plan our annual trip to Disney World!!

#2 Farrah, my sister, the thirty-something thrill seeker. She still doesn't plan to stop and see what Disney offers besides thrill rides.

#3 Jasmine, my cling on, the sixteen year old thrill seeker. She told me that, this year, she is not going to run to her favorite rides and ride them over and over. She is actually going to see shows and look around. We'll see!

#4 Anesha, my 12 year niece, is coming to Disney World for the 2nd time with us. She and her parents came along with us on our '07 trip and it was her first time there so she is still a bit of a newbie.

#5 Lauryn, the **STAR** of the show, an almost 17-month old ball of beauty and charm. First time Disney guest, unless you count in utero! We can't wait to see her reaction to the World


Room 2:
#6 Cathy, my aunt, says she is willing to watch Lauryn when we go on any ride that she is too young for, except for Soarin'. Cathy's not giving up Soaring for anybody!!!

#7 Dana, Cathy's daughter, has been on two previous trips with us and can keep up with us with no problem.

#8 John, Cathy's son, a laid back Jazz player, who's only been with us on one previous trip and for only half the time. Let's see if he can keep up! We tell people don't let the fat fool you, we are movers when it comes to the World. And they find out just how much when they travel with us!!!

and finally, #9 Jerica, Cathy's mentee! I've only met Jerica once or twice. She seems to be very quiet. But we are going to get her out of that while in Disney!

Well, that's the cast. Up next are our plans and preparations!!!

 

[Sneezie]

We start our vacation on Wednesday, Sept 9th and return on Sunday, September 13th.

We will be staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter. My sister and I fell in love with this beautiful, yet reasonably priced resort, during our '08 sisters-only trip. I've put in a request for 1st floor of Bldg 4 or 5. But I'll be happy anywhere!

We gave DME a run for their money setting up all of our different flights. So hopefully everything comes off without a hitch.

We have seven people coming in from New Orleans and two coming in from Dallas. Then we have six returning to New Orleans, two returning to Dallas and one returning to Austin. We still haven't received our luggage tags. I called DME on Monday and the cast memeber I talked to said that they were sent out on Aug 12th. She said she will be sending them out again. Pixie dust me everybody! Please!!!!

Our FREE DINING meal plans are as follows:

Sept 9th: Dinner - O'hana (can't wait for that bread pudding)

Sept 10th: Breakfast - Chef Mickey's

Sept 11th: Dinner - 1900 Park Fare

Sept 12th: Breakfast - Hollywood & Vine (Lauryn loves JoJo & Goliath) (room 1 occupants only)
Breakfast - Boma (Room 2 occupants only)

We tend to plunk down at the nearest counter service when we get hungry since we don't have any that we are totally enamored of. I may try to convince some people to head over to Beaches & Creams for the Kitchen sink dessert or maybe for a meal at the T-Rex restaurant - because I really want to see that place, but that's all up in the air.

Usually, we play our park visits by ear. Normally, we start with AK, since we love EE, but since we have Lauryn with us, I have no doubt that we will start with MK this year. Normally, we just decide where we're going to go the night before and that always works for us.

Also, we don't have to "stay together" as a group. If one set of people want to sleep in, the other set doesn't wait around for them. That rule is repeated over and over in the "Traveling with the Sneezie's" Handbook and at the training class. So, no hard feelings if you wake up to find yourself alone and clueless.

Teens don't have to stick with adults, but they do have to check in periodically and be respectful at all times.

So those are our plans set to change on a whim. Wish us luck!!!

 

[Sneezie]

Jasmine was about 4 years old when she first went to Disney so I didn't have to worry about diapers and strollers and the like, but Lauryn will have just turned 16 months old when we take her to Disney so I had to make special preparations.

Here are some preparations I've made and others I have yet to make These list may shift and grow as the days pass.

The first thing I needed to do was look for a stroller! I wanted one that was easy to fold up, reclines and had a sun shade. I knew that neither big travel system stroller nor the umbrella stroller my brother had was going to work so I started searching Craig's List. After a few false starts, I found an almost new Peg Perego Pliko stroller for $20 in Austin - yesterday!!! My sister drove out last night to meet the guy and picked it up!!!!

Other must-haves I've purchased:
Sun screen
Disposable placemats (Disney Princess theme of course)
A lime green Tinkerbelle shirt for me and Jasmine - the two Disers in the family.

A Snow White tumble cup for Lauryn
A pair of Tinkerbelle shades for Lauryn
I have a backpack being monogrammed for her for us to carry in the park with all of her essentials.
I also have a changing pad being made for her and a sippy cup cover. (I'll include pictures of these when I receive them)

Things I still have to get/do:
Lauryn's snacks
Swimmer's Diapers
Order milk/juice/water for Garden Grocers
Pack Lauryn's outfits in Ziplock bags for easy access.
Go to Dollar store to get light up toys

Oh, by the way, Lauryn is already with us!!!! Her mom is about to give birth any day now, so her dad (my brother) brought her down last night and she'll be with us until the trip!!!

I know I've forgotten alot of stuff, so I will be back to add to these list!