PTR: Our last big extended family vacation (we think!) Aug. 2025! (edit 7/26)

[Becky2005]

It's been a while and I thought I would pop on here to do a mini update even though it is still quite a bit of hurry up and wait!!

We are under 150 days though before we go so it seems so close yet so far away.

My youngest DS just recently got a job and we aren't 100% sure he will be able to get the time off to go with us, which is a bummer! We won't know until mid April when he can request the time off, even though he did tell everyone he could about the trip beforehand. I'm 90% sure it will be fine but we won't know officially until then.

I am anxiously awaiting to see if the free dining offer that was offered to Disney Visa card holders will be opened to all those who staying on-site on March 26. It would make my life so much easier as we are on the fence about the regular dining plan. We know it would cost us more than not having it but knowing my DH like I do, it would my make life so less stressful having it taken care of ahead of time. Free would be perfect.

Also waiting to see when they are going to announce the Halloween party dates. Right now we are basing everything on last year's dates and what we assume will be the dates but until it's official, it's a complete guess on our parts.

I have found out that it seems everyone (but my DS) now has managed to get the time off needed for transportation and basically we are all driving.

We pretty much have everything figured out except a few things with my niece & her boyfriend which we plan to hash out more of the details Sunday since my sister is in town visiting.

 

[summerlvr]

Hi there, I'm enjoying reading your PTR, hope you continue to give updates! I just booked the free dining package for my September trip, so I hope it works out for you too!

 

[Becky2005]

This waiting is the hardest part!!! We are *so* close, yet so far away still!! LOL! Always seem to be waiting on one or two pieces to fall into place.

We did end up getting the free dining offer, so that was nice. It bumped us from the quick service one to the regular one. We had been debating on it - mostly for my DH. Moneywise, we probably would lose money since we don't drink alcohol but my husband is also the kind that would see the prices and freak out even though he wants sit down meals. UGH!

Trying to make everyone happy with so many variables is *not* easy and that is just my own family! LOL! 2 who do not like buffets, 1 that loves buffets, 1 that loves a big breakfast, others who don't eat breakfast at all.

I have no idea what we are going to do when it comes to meals but we will figure something out as it always works out one way or another. Add in all the others going on the vacation which also includes a vegetarian, whew! I do know the meetup for meals will be quick service - so I don't have to worry about making ADRs for a big group.

I know Liberty Tree Tavern needs to be in there & I am wondering if I can wait on that and not do it exactly at 90 days, which we are just less than a month out from.

Yesterday was the first day we were able to send in to request my youngest DS's time off. Fingers crossed it gets approved. It won't be paid since he is new at the job but they could just as easily deny him too (yes, he did tell them upfront when he got hired about the upcoming trip but there was no guarantees he could get it off). We will probably know in about a week or so.

ON the flip side, we did have the meeting with my niece (brother's daughter) and turns out they were able to get the full time off & although they may go exploring more of Florida vs. just a Disney vacation it's all good. My other niece (sister's daughter) also was able to get all the time needed so we are all good there. We are all driving so needed the extra time & since several of us work retail -- getting 2 weekends in a row off was the main issue.

 

[Becky2005]

Whew!!! This trip is going to give me more grey hairs than I already have! LOL! Basically a bit of a gripe session! I know in the end everything will work out.

I mean, I knew trying to get a bunch of people together with retail schedules was tricky but I never realized it would be *my* family that is the issue.

I am so bummed as it looks like my youngest DS won't be able to go as he can't take time off unpaid. The only option he would have at the moment is to take sick time (which he gets in May) but we still aren't 100% sure he would get a full 40 hours to even do that! What makes it worse is he was the one most excited to go!!!!! He doesn't feel right using his sick time in case he actually needs it for being sick. It does stink because he told them in the interview that he had the trip planned so it wasn't like he sprung this on them but he isn't willing to lose his job over this.

Then we turn to my DH who sometimes drives me up a wall. He is now saying he isn't sure he wants to go!!! UGH!!!! Long story short, I am convinced he forgets conversations we have but anyway -- he is still up in the air at this point leaning toward not going!

Which means -- I have no idea what is happening at the moment! We are at the cabins because of DH and his medical needs! I have stayed at them before and Ft. Wilderness is OK but I hate having to bus to the boat, etc... and now if both him and DS can't go, we don't really need to stay at the cabins, so could switch to save some $$ but at this point do we leave well enough alone and just stay there.

I am not touching the reservations yet until things are 100% decided because I can remove them *way* easier than I can put them back on a reservation. We have until July to be 100%

Alas....the saga continues! Only slightly over 100 days to get this all figured out.

OH and a fun PS fun add on, I just booked my May 2026 trip with my friend! She has never been before so that should be fun. I will eventually have to start a Pre-trip report for that and see how far I get with that.

 

[Becky2005]

One of the last pieces of the puzzle we had been waiting on (MNSSHP dates!) finally arrived! Unfortunately, the dates don't line up as well as we had hoped. Only 1 party would work for us & it is right before we leave.

It had already looked like my brother & sister were leaning toward skipping it anyway due to finances and now with it being the night before we all have long drives back home, they are out. My brother is going to ask his daughter still but we are 99% sure she is out too.

One of my son's said, he is fine with going but since I'm the driver it is up to me, the other one doesn't want to spend more $ and my husband was never going to go in the first place. I have been and although I enjoyed it, I'm fine with not going also. So I'm leaning toward a no for me.

My daughter said she is still going to go because her boys want to.

I will be talking with everyone tomorrow and figure out how this changes anything.

On the flip side, now my DH is planning on coming & no matter what we aren't changing where we are staying because we have the free dining package and that is no longer available, so we are staying put. *Crossing fingers* removing my one son doesn't mess anything up. I am waiting until June 1 to do that though.

 

[Becky2005]

Whew!!! I *think* we have a new plan now that we know the dates of MNSHHP & we also found out my grandson's school starts just a couple days after they get back! I knew my sister wasn't going to budge because she had to make park reservations and she is definitely a "once it is done, it is done" type person.

The only other thing we have to wait for now is the hours which may change some things & at 60 days I do have to do dining reservations but I'm not even sure where we want to eat or when at this point! LOL! I still have time to figure that out though.

Changes in Blue!

Arrival day: No plans, Everyone is driving to Disney World on their own, so arrival times will vary although we are all supposed to arrive on the same day. We will probably end up in Disney Springs but now the one who had 2 very specific things he wanted to do there, isn't coming, so no idea where we are exactly going to go. Also depends on how late we arrive.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom

Day 3: My DD & her family will be going to Hollywood Studios. I plan to add one day to mine & 1 DS's tickets to join them. Everyone else this is a skip a park/relaxation/go see other areas of FL day for them.

The DS who likes coasters is the one I plan on adding a day to his ticket as my thought process was we could spend some time with my daughter's family then we could go ride the coasters in whatever park. This way my DH & other DS don't have to wait for us since they don't do coasters/big rides.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom -- not sure how long we will be here but will probably end up hopping at some point.

Day 5: EPCOT

Day 6: Hollywood Studios - My DD & her family aren't going to a park this day & might check-out early to head home.

Departure Day: So sad, it is time to leave the mouse until the next time.

 

[Becky2005]

I made it official today and removed my youngest from the trip! So bummed but what are you going to do! He isn't going to lose a job over a vacation! At least we don't have to figure out how to take care of our pet! He is now in charge of that. Still bummed me out though.

It looks like my sister's family is going to end up at Universal Epic on Tuesday. She doesn't really want to go but she has 2 big Mario cart fans in the family, so if they do nothing else but end up in Mario World, they will be over the moon.

At this point it is too far away to do anything else except keep paying! LOL! & looking at the menu's to try to figure out dining. My dining opens next month and I still have no clue when or where we are making reservations. I am *very* tempted to just wait and make the ADR's while we are there! I know that is very risky but I don't think we are trying to get anything that is a super hard one to get. We aren't trying for CRT or Space 220, etc... The only real requested one is Liberty Tree Tavern/Diamond Horseshoe which I can't imagine is a hot ticket ADR.

I have been looking and with some of the menu changes, it makes it a bit harder with multiple picky eaters who aren't picky about the same things (me included!).

 

[GGOOFY1]

We go in September! I have always been the planner in my family. We have had many visits with "extended family" It if fun to plan and frustrating at the same time!

 

[Becky2005]

This is such a weird day! I can book my ADR's today and frankly, I am so indecisive it is beyond weird! LOL! Normally, I am such a planner & know exactly where we want to eat and how we are doing it but for some odd reason, this just wasn't it.

I talked to DH last night and we determined we would do sit down breakfast on one day and the flip it and do a sit down dinner the next.

I did book Diamond Horseshoe Review place because it is the same meal as Liberty Tree Tavern and from what I have read, more accessible for restrooms, so I went that route.

I also booked Sci-Fi dine-in for hour Hollywood Studios day.

The rest I'm kind of stumped on. There are a couple factors coming into play. One is DH can get a little grumpy if he is getting up early every day of vacation yet if you want a sit-down breakfast that is a thing and then different palates (some sensory issues).

For giggles & grins, I checked to see what was open tomorrow for breakfast and/or dinner and there were still openings that surprised me! So, deep breath (for the planner in me who will become Team Anxiety for NOT having all sit-downs pre-planned), I think we are just going to go with the flow and see what happens. I got the main one DH wanted and I am pretty sure we will not starve. More than likely we will end up using all our table service credits. LOL! It will just stress me out slightly but that's a me problem.

 

[Becky2005]

One slight change to our plans, although, more like an addition. My middle son didn't know we had decided to scrap the Halloween party. I *thought* I had said something to him (I probably did in passing!), poor middle child syndrome.

Anyway, he said he really wanted to go because he doesn't know the next time he will get back! He will regret NOT going more than going. My older son didn't want to spend any more money & my DH definitely could NOT stay out that late so it will just be the two of us. I got the tickets for us to go.

It's going to be a *very* long day for us as we are doing Hollywood Studios with the group in the morning. We aren't even going to try to get in at 4 pm considering that is right when I have our dinner reservations! He mainly wants to take in the atmosphere, watch the parade & fireworks (probably see the stage show since that is just how it is organized although he doesn't care so much about that), Trick-or-treat. We will see what happens! He's my night owl though.

Then we leave the next day! Luckily, it seems we all took an extra day off to "rest" when we get back home so usually we are early risers to get on the road but that may not happen this time around and that's OK.

I also noticed on the schedule that they do have an extended evening hours for EPCOT & MK while we are there for the deluxe guests and since we are in the DVC cabins, we should qualify. The MK night happens to be on our Animal Kingdom day. I don't want to overextend myself though. I do have a tendency to be an over planner for sure but I do know how to adjust once I am there.

 

[Becky2005]

The time is ticking and it is getting super close! I am now in the panic mode of "I have so much to do how am I going to get this all done before we leave" but I know realistically it will all be OK.

I have paid off the package! Woo Hoo! *Finally* found a hotel for on the way down there! That took way longer than it should have and I'm still not 100% sure everything will work out. Reading reviews can drive you up a wall plus when I would find one that I think is "OK that should work" they were sold out! So hard when you are driving and you don't really know the areas but I always like to have a room reserved so we aren't stuck with everything sold out especially since timing is right when some college kids are moving back in plus I have had that happen to me way back in the past (although that was before cell phones! ROFL!). I'm definitely too old to drive straight through. LOL!

I have the car scheduled for an oil change, so that will be ready to do.

Magic Kingdom hours have been extended due to the new parade, so they are open until 11 PM and still have the extended hours on one of them until 1 AM now.

Now onto getting the matching color shirts (we don't do matching shirts but we pick a color for each park, that way everyone can wear something they like but we still match).

 

[Becky2005]

We are basically at the 2 week mark and am just starting to slowly thinking "I have to get things ready" ROFL!!! In addition to all the unexpected fires that seem to pop up right before vacations I have been dealing with.

We are driving and I have found one of our exits is closed so that will make for an interesting drive (I know I have Google Maps but I'm old school and like to already have things semi-mapped out before going -- I don't necessarily follow the GPS blindly). At least I found out now and not be completely surprised (although I'm *sure* we will still have some unexpected surprises, that is how road trips go! ).

Today I had my husband pick out headphones he wants as we are going to get the amplified device for him but you have to bring your own headphones. So that is now on the list along with some new jeans he needs (yes, jeans! He doesn't wear shorts so that is how things roll! LOL).

Of course, I wanted to get some new shorts and I *knew* this was going to happen but most of those have been put on clearance and I am having trouble finding some that I want. It isn't the end of the world & I will find something but just buying jeans/pants in general is a pain for me. This is on me for waiting for so long.

Am I the only one who feels like I should buy an entire new wardrobe for a vacation? I am *so* trying to resist the urge to do that (probably why I was waiting so long to buy some new shorts! That easily could have turned into a week's worth of new clothes). I did order a couple shirts from one of my favorite youtube channels and those should be here soon.

I really could use some Mickey Mail but I don't think they mail anything fun out anymore since everything is on MDE.

As for everybody else -- somewhat chaos is happening but:

My DD will be leaving to go a day early due to her children's schedules -- makes way more sense to just leave at night and have them sleep through most of it.

My brother is still trying to figure out what all he is doing but he also will be leaving a day early but that was always the case to pick up his daughter & crew. They will also be getting in a day early due to this.

My sister's crew is very excited, especially her daughter as she hasn't been since 2011 and it is her child who this is their first trip. Poor thing thought they were going to get left behind though since they are leaving at 2:30 AM and that is way earlier than normal. Trust me, that isn't happening!

 

[hardcorestitch]

We are basically at the 2 week mark and am just starting to slowly thinking "I have to get things ready" ROFL!!! In addition to all the unexpected fires that seem to pop up right before vacations I have been dealing with.

We are driving and I have found one of our exits is closed so that will make for an interesting drive (I know I have Google Maps but I'm old school and like to already have things semi-mapped out before going -- I don't necessarily follow the GPS blindly). At least I found out now and not be completely surprised (although I'm *sure* we will still have some unexpected surprises, that is how road trips go! ).

Today I had my husband pick out headphones he wants as we are going to get the amplified device for him but you have to bring your own headphones. So that is now on the list along with some new jeans he needs (yes, jeans! He doesn't wear shorts so that is how things roll! LOL).

Of course, I wanted to get some new shorts and I *knew* this was going to happen but most of those have been put on clearance and I am having trouble finding some that I want. It isn't the end of the world & I will find something but just buying jeans/pants in general is a pain for me. This is on me for waiting for so long.

Am I the only one who feels like I should buy an entire new wardrobe for a vacation? I am *so* trying to resist the urge to do that (probably why I was waiting so long to buy some new shorts! That easily could have turned into a week's worth of new clothes). I did order a couple shirts from one of my favorite youtube channels and those should be here soon.

I really could use some Mickey Mail but I don't think they mail anything fun out anymore since everything is on MDE.

As for everybody else -- somewhat chaos is happening but:

My DD will be leaving to go a day early due to her children's schedules -- makes way more sense to just leave at night and have them sleep through most of it.

My brother is still trying to figure out what all he is doing but he also will be leaving a day early but that was always the case to pick up his daughter & crew. They will also be getting in a day early due to this.

My sister's crew is very excited, especially her daughter as she hasn't been since 2011 and it is her child who this is their first trip. Poor thing thought they were going to get left behind though since they are leaving at 2:30 AM and that is way earlier than normal. Trust me, that isn't happening!

I would definitely wake up at 2:30 am in the morning for Disney

 

[Becky2005]

I would definitely wake up at 2:30 am in the morning for Disney

My goal is to be on the road by 4 AM CST if we are up & ready to go then we might leave a bit earlier but I *highly* doubt this will happen, more than likely we will end up leaving slightly later! The time change in the middle of the drive usually messes us up at some point. The worst part for me is I'm going to be the "I'm too excited to sleep" but probably end up in bed way later than I want but I will be doing the driving so I *HAVE* to force myself to do so.

My sister is already on EST and she has a few hours longer of a drive than we do, so if she does leave at 2:30 AM like she plans (and the grandkid won't be forgotten!) she should be several hours in before we get going.

The fun part is my siblings & I have figured out how to track each other on Google Maps, so we will probably see just how far each of us are at stops, etc... Yes a bit creepy but we are all OK with it and don't necessarily do this in normal life.