Recreating Memories- Surprise Mother & daughter trip

[princess&her4princes]

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!! It was a nice one here, we got lots done in our yard and made a trip into Boston to the Science Museum, where we have a membership, yesterday for an outing with the boys. It was fun.

My good friend, Brook, pointed out to me today and I just had to share with all of you......

I'M GOING TO WDW NEXT MONTH!!!! WOOHOO!!!!:

Hoping to update later this week....please be patient, my exam is on Saturday and any downtime I get, I will be studying (but will need a break from time to time, of course!!)

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hey guys!

Does anyone know where I can find info on Photopass and the resort photo ops? Mom really wants a nice pic of the three of us while we're away and I need to explore our options. I've done Photopass in the past and love it, does anyone know if you can still prebuy? And has anyone done the photo shoots at GF or anywhere else for that matter? Is it worth it? How much does it cost?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[pmama]

Next month!

Time flies doesn't it? I too stayed in 50's building and LOVED IT!!! We sent in a fax a few days beforehand requesting the exact spot we wanted in the 50s building and our request was met perfectly.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Since Joe is a "go with the flow" type of tourist, and I'm a planner/"let's go, let's go!" type - I plan and plan every single detail down to what I'm eating for snacks; but always with the "go with the flow" attitude in mind, so when we get there, I know I will have ideas on what to do so we aren't ever just wandering around aimlessly, and I know I will get at least some of my stuff done, but I'm okay if we don't get to all of it.

So far this attitude and planning method has worked really well for me and for Joe. He knows I'm planning every minute right now, but he also knows I'm totally flexible when we get there! Now if he took over and we did NOTHING on my lists, I would be bummed, but I know he wouldn't do that.

So-indulge that inner-planner! But, go with the relaxed attitude!

I really liked the 50s building at Pop, the giant juke box is really cool! Good idea on getting the ground floor too!

Thanks for understanding Brook!!! It's not a bad idea to "plan" and then go with the flow so I do have a list in my head and hope to do everything I want to!!!! Being a stay at home Mom, I think I'm always trying to have structure...so this will be weird for me!!! LOL!!

Hi Kristen! I think your plans sound great! You picked great placed to eat!!! YUM!!

Thanks Lynnie!!! I can't wait to try them all...they are all new to me, so it will be fun!!!!

Next month!

Time flies doesn't it? I too stayed in 50's building and LOVED IT!!! We sent in a fax a few days beforehand requesting the exact spot we wanted in the 50s building and our request was met perfectly.

Oh yeah! Seems like the 50's building is the place to be!!! Glad I asked!! I think I'll do that and fax them before we leave just to be sure.

I know, time is flying by...43 more days! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Isn't it exciting being able to say "next month"? Tomorrow morning we will be starting our 30 day countdown!

I don't know much about the Photopass at the resorts, but I do recall when I was at the WL they had a sign-up for it right in the lobby; however, I don't know if that is the case with all the resorts. Hmmm.... I don't see anything about it on their website....? I would just call the normal phone line and have them connect you to wherever to ask those questions...strange that it's not hugely advertised right on their website for Photopass!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Not sure of the cost, but I found this on allears:

Professional Portrait Service - You can have professional portraits taken of you and your family while you're at Walt Disney World. You'll have the beautiful resorts as your backdrop as they take dozens of photos. You need to make a reservation, so for more information or to schedule a portrait session, call 407-934-4004.

You can have your portrait session done at these resorts:
-- Grand Floridian
-- Polynesian
-- Beach Club
-- Wilderness Lodge
-- Animal Kingdom Lodge

I know I've also read that if the resort photopass photographers aren't busy that they will take a couple of pics for you without you having to do and pay for the full photoshoot - so you might just roll with it and maybe you'll get a few pics to add to your CD without having to pay extra for them

Here's the link to preorder the CD & save yourself a little money if your sure you are going to buy one

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitcdplan.aspx

HTH!

 

[joelp]

I think those "professional photo sessions" are a few hundred $$ (starting with a sitting fee and then going up, depending on what you order ...). Also, they are available at a few of the resorts ...

For those of you with aches and pains: don't forget to bring some Ziploc bags ... for ice ... at the end (or beginning ... or middle ...) of the day ... to ease what's aching you ...

 

[JenAusty]

I'm not sure if you've already done your exam or not- but good luck if not!

I'm not an expert in Photopass, this was the first trip I used them- but I did see on the website you can preorder your CD. They also have photography shoots through Disney to.. I was looking into it for DH and I, but never ended up doing it. I'm not sure where I seen the information. sorry.

 

[Lynn5700]

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!! It was a nice one here, we got lots done in our yard and made a trip into Boston to the Science Museum, where we have a membership, yesterday for an outing with the boys. It was fun.

My good friend, Brook, pointed out to me today and I just had to share with all of you......

I'M GOING TO WDW NEXT MONTH!!!! WOOHOO!!!!:

Hoping to update later this week....please be patient, my exam is on Saturday and any downtime I get, I will be studying (but will need a break from time to time, of course!!)

Oh cool!! I love Science museums!! That's awesome.

Good luck with your exam!

Hey guys!

Does anyone know where I can find info on Photopass and the resort photo ops? Mom really wants a nice pic of the three of us while we're away and I need to explore our options. I've done Photopass in the past and love it, does anyone know if you can still prebuy? And has anyone done the photo shoots at GF or anywhere else for that matter? Is it worth it? How much does it cost?

Thanks everyone!!

We did a photo shot at the POLY and loved it!! They did a great job. Umm We did buy the photopass cd, but I think that was it, back then. Before you would just purchase the CD after the photoshoot, then add on all your photopass pics. But now they charge more for this. I forget how much extra they charge on top of pre ordering the cd.

 

[LaurenMic]

Hi Kristen!! I just read through all of your plans and they look great so far. It sounds like your mom and sis are more go with the flow type people, so I think keeping the plans loose is a good idea so they don't get overwhelmed. You can stop and smell the roses this trip! And going in September, it shouldn't be too crowded so you can get around to do everything without having the details set in stone. I can't wait to hear how you like The Wave and O'Hanas! I've never eaten at either but they sound great!!

We love the science museum too! My mom got a family membership last time we were up visiting my brother in Boston, there is so much to do!

Good luck on your exam!!!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Here's some very good info. on the Photopass and the special sessions.
themouseforless.com

I hope it helps.

Hey, you're going to WDW next month! Hey, I am too!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Not sure of the cost, but I found this on allears:

Professional Portrait Service - You can have professional portraits taken of you and your family while you're at Walt Disney World. You'll have the beautiful resorts as your backdrop as they take dozens of photos. You need to make a reservation, so for more information or to schedule a portrait session, call 407-934-4004.

You can have your portrait session done at these resorts:
-- Grand Floridian
-- Polynesian
-- Beach Club
-- Wilderness Lodge
-- Animal Kingdom Lodge

I know I've also read that if the resort photopass photographers aren't busy that they will take a couple of pics for you without you having to do and pay for the full photoshoot - so you might just roll with it and maybe you'll get a few pics to add to your CD without having to pay extra for them

Here's the link to preorder the CD & save yourself a little money if your sure you are going to buy one

http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitcdplan.aspx

HTH!

I think those "professional photo sessions" are a few hundred $$ (starting with a sitting fee and then going up, depending on what you order ...). Also, they are available at a few of the resorts ...

For those of you with aches and pains: don't forget to bring some Ziploc bags ... for ice ... at the end (or beginning ... or middle ...) of the day ... to ease what's aching you ...

I'm not sure if you've already done your exam or not- but good luck if not!

I'm not an expert in Photopass, this was the first trip I used them- but I did see on the website you can preorder your CD. They also have photography shoots through Disney to.. I was looking into it for DH and I, but never ended up doing it. I'm not sure where I seen the information. sorry.

Oh cool!! I love Science museums!! That's awesome.

Good luck with your exam!



We did a photo shot at the POLY and loved it!! They did a great job. Umm We did buy the photopass cd, but I think that was it, back then. Before you would just purchase the CD after the photoshoot, then add on all your photopass pics. But now they charge more for this. I forget how much extra they charge on top of pre ordering the cd.

Hi Kristen!! I just read through all of your plans and they look great so far. It sounds like your mom and sis are more go with the flow type people, so I think keeping the plans loose is a good idea so they don't get overwhelmed. You can stop and smell the roses this trip! And going in September, it shouldn't be too crowded so you can get around to do everything without having the details set in stone. I can't wait to hear how you like The Wave and O'Hanas! I've never eaten at either but they sound great!!

We love the science museum too! My mom got a family membership last time we were up visiting my brother in Boston, there is so much to do!

Good luck on your exam!!!

Here's some very good info. on the Photopass and the special sessions.
themouseforless.com

I hope it helps.

Hey, you're going to WDW next month! Hey, I am too!

Thank you ALL for all the great info!! Writing an update now!!

 

[Lynn5700]

Look forward to your update.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi Everyone!!

Thanks for all the great info for those who responded about the Photopass and the photo shoot info, I got all the info I needed (and couldn't find for some reason!!?)!!

After going back and forth with Mom and Jodi, we've decided to go for it and schedule the photoshoot at one of the resorts!! Mom is really hoping for GF, we can schedule 30 days out, so we'll see. Does anyone know if these book up and if it's hard to get? The price is not as bad as I would have thought price wise ($50 for one package/ $100 for another) and since my Mom requested to have some "nice" pictures of the three of us while there, we've decided this is more her speed. We are skipping Photopass this time headache and i'll be playing photographer and capturing our memories this trip, since we can't do it all. I'm thinking I'll get a photopass card in the park, have them take our pics on my camera too and if there are nice pics on the photopass card we didn't get, we'll just pay for those seperately and not go crazy with a million of them. I'm excited for the photoshoot and Mom is THRILLED with it, she told me "she doesn't need a MILLION pics of WDW" (where did I come from?), she's just happy to have the time there with we girls and have just a few nice pics to remember it by. Afterall, this trip is for her, so I'm happy, if she's happy!! We are planning on all wearing black (something we all have, hopefully somewhat forgiving and classic).

We've also FINALLY figured out our trip to and from Boston (phew!). Mom and I will be going to Boston on Sunday 9/13 and spending the night at the Custom House in the city (My parents own timeshare there so Mom is taking care of this). We will valet park there that night, pay $27 for that and then drive to Logan in the a.m and park at the eco lot for $100 for the week...it's cheaper than any other option for us and that way our car will be there on Friday when we fly in (we land after 10 p.m) and we can just drive home once we get our luggage and all.

I'm starting to stress a bit about shoes.....I had planned to take my running shoes, wore them to the Museum this weekend and they weren't comfy for me all day for some reason (my right foot was going numb for some reason, they are fine when I run but I dont wear them all day), the day before I wore my crocs that I bought for this trip and they weren't either! So I'm beginning to panic seeing as my trip is less than 6 weeks away, I need a comfy pair of shoes and need to break them in!! Any suggestions? I wore Mary jane crocs my 1st trip and they really did the trick, starting to think maybe I should get a new pair and just go with it. They were comfy, dried quick and since Mom and Jodi won't be moving at a quick pace, I should be okay? AHHH!!

Let's see, what else? I cashed out my Disney Visa Reward points and ended up with $50....every little bit helps, right? Has anyone used these before? Can you just use it like a gift card? It's my 1st time using it, so I'm excited!! Okay, I think that's about it for now. I hope to update a DAY THREE update soon, been studying like crazy....just a few more days now....thanks for all the well wishes!!

And for the record.....

40 days
968 hours
58116 minutes

I hope you're all well and I hope to update again soon!!

Take care!
Kristen

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

I was on a Photopass Share gone bad so I too will be the photog of the trip.

As for shoes - do you have any Keen's?

They are awesome and I swear I don't work for them but everytime someone asks I just have to answer!

I just bought a new pair because the ones I already had were the Newport leather. They don't do too well wet.

Here are my new Newport H2's

I also like these better because they don't have the black toe and bottom.

They are a great on the go shoe and good for crowds where you don't want your piggies run over or stomped on

 

[englishrose47]

Your plans sound great!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I second the Keens! I love mine.

Your plans are looking really good! I think the Photopass session will be a fun time with you three and will give your Mom just what she wants. That's a great cost for the package since you don't need the Photopass CD as well!

I'm glad to hear you got the stuff with Boston figured out too - it's always so nice to get those little details set and squared away. We just spoke about all our "how do we get to the airport?" details this morning.

 

[MomofCKJ]

I've used a Disney Reward Card many times and it is quite easy and just like using a Debit Card. You can use it at an ice cream stand, for tips for dinner, for merchanise, whatever. On the receipt it will tell you how many reward dollars you have left after the purchase which is nice too. We have about $40to use this trip.

And yeah on figuring out your transportation to the airport logistics. Nice to have that all set!

On the shoes, I have a pair of Sketcher flip flops I love, sturdier than say a flimsy flip flop (say that 5 times fast!). And I am a Croc girl. However those Keens are looking mighty cute!

Allyson

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm loving my shake n' bake Montrail Flip Flops. They are so comfortable! I had a bunch of stuff to do on Saturday and I wore them all day long running around and my feet didn't hurt one bit by the end of the day.

If your Mary Jane Crocs worked, I'd suggest getting another pair. I think mine hurt my feet so bad because I had been wearing them so much and they were worn down and not as supportive.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am also wondering about shoes for my trip. I got a pair of Teva mushie flip flops I like a lot. Just wore them all around Seattle - including a walking tour and they were very comfy!

Disney rewards card couldn't be easier. You can use it anywhere and as Allison said you can keep track of the balance with the update at the bottom of the receipt. Nothing is better than "free" money!!

The resort photoshoot sounds fun. What a great momento of the trip that you'll all have!

Can't believe your trip is so close!!