Running with the Lemmings September PTR; now with photos!

[LoriABil]

We have kicked the idea of going back to Disney in October (for the 3rd year in a row) around since December. And by kicking around, I mean my husband has been suggesting and nudging and hinting that it might be a good idea ever since our flight home. At the time, I said that we would NOT be returning to the House of Mouse until my parents, DBro and family could return with us!

And yet, here we are, planning our return trip. We should just join the DVC already!

Three things have led me to planning our 3rd magical vacation...

1. My camera broke on Day 1 of our trip last October. Really. Day 1. That is indeed Arrival Day, not our first full park day. I got exactly 7 pictures of the grounds of the Beach Club, and a wonderful Cast Member took a pic of the three of us (thank goodness for that)! We ate an amazing meal at CM, then headed out, camera in hand (or bag) to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. And the camera refused to power on. And while the batteries were replaced, the sick feeling in my gut could not be traded out so easily. The camera was, indeed, dead. A horrible situation for any family, and worse for a Scrapbooker!

2. DH is a member of the "Mommy Club," the unofficial name I have given all the lucky SAHM's who get to pick up their kiddos at school. DH is a teacher, so he gets to pick up DS daily. DH mentioned the Caribbean vacation we were planning, and one Mommy said "Why? They are only young once. That's why we are going to Disney World." Afterward, DH enlisted the help of DS and redoubled his efforts to sway my opinion.

3. Knowing my family (parents and DBro et. al.), something will come up, squashing my dreams of a Great Gathering. This may sound negative, but my family is very flaky. I can say that because it's hereditary, so I'm flaky, too. I should take this trip while I can, so I am not crushed when the GG falls through.

For these reasons, I have caved in, and DH has won. A sweet 6 year old kid begging to see Mickey isn't something I could withstand much longer anyway...

When I told my friends at work, I think Rick said it best with, "There you go, running over the edge of the vacation cliff with all the lemmings again." He believes that the only good vacations are the ones no one else has experienced yet. And maybe he's right. Except those aren't lemmings I'm running with. That's a Mouse, some dogs, a few ducks, and a couple of chipmunks. And that's not a cliff - that's Splash Mountain. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!

6/2: And I still will... right? DH has decided that October the Tuesday before Columbus day weekend leading up through the holiday Monday would be far too busy, so we are going in September...which means no Food and Wine Festival. At first, I thought "If I can't go to F&WF, I'm not going! In fact, I'll leave the country!" Which led to searching for Disney cruises. Which led to my DDad (DDDDDD!Dad) to break the secret that we are all going on a cruise next year! Which led me to change out awesome ADR's, and silently mourn the loss of Food and Wine, and Wine, and Wine...and Food. As of now, i am focused on the off change of a Tusker House ADR for some happy morning at AK, or the off OFF chance of another Le Cellier ADR (yeah, right.) So, mourn with me in my loss, or read along and giggle at my plight. Or just remind me to smile and be happy, because We...ARE...going to Disney World!

 

[cmp1111]

Sounds good to me. My DH has come around to that "they're only young for a while" way of thinking, which is great for me, since I love Disney.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[LoriABil]

So we now have a game plan...
Normally, planning consists of where and when we get out ADRs...which will be on the 10th. This year, we are doing things a little differently because...
1. We like different. (well, maybe that's just me)
2. We are going to the water parks (weather permitting) so ADR's are (gasp) a secondary concern!

So, tentatively, here we go...

Day 1 (Wed.): Epcot late EMH
Arrival (2:30ish at the BC)
Dinner at Epcot (Le Cellier if we get it (yeah, right))


Day 2 (Thurs): MK EMH early
am: MK
pm: Fantasmic dinner package
(this is only if another Fantasmic does not open up!)


Day 3 (Friday) AK late EMH
AK
MNSSHP pm


Day 4 Saturday DHS early
Resort, maybe MK at night for Spectro/Wishes


Day 5 (Sunday) MK EMH late
BB am
Epcot pm

Day 6: Departure (late morning, early afternoon)

This is version 1 of many...please LMK any changes you would make. (Advice is now solicited!)

 

[LoriABil]

So - yay! ADR's are booked...which means the park days are looking more definite! Here's how they stand so far...

10/6: Arrival and Epcot
ADR 4:20 at Le Cellier

I was a little worried about eating so early, but that's the time we could get.
Then DH reminded me that we were STARVING before our 5:30 ADR at Cape May last year, so this might be better...

10/7: MK or AK, resort, boat to HS for Fantasmic
ADR 4:05 Hollywood and Vine

We have done MK and finished by lunch very effectively with EMH before. We will see what happens this year...

10/8: AK then MNSSHP or MK all day
ADR @ Liberty 5:30

I don't like the idea of MK all day...we'll see if this one stays or dies.

10/9: Blizzard Beach
ADR Cape May 7:30am

10/10: Epcot
no ADR this day, but we are thinking either Tutto (DH doesn't think he'll like anything there. He's been to Italy, so he's kind of an Italian food snob)
or we are using our other TS for Beaches and Cream.

So that's sort of what we're looking at. Lots of time to change my mind!

 

[LoriABil]

Because we actually have flight reservations, I guess it's not all that tentative, but the parks might change, if I get crazy!

Tuesday: Pick up kiddo at noon and meet DH at the airport. Arrival at MCO: 7:37. This is my first time flying with Continental since what I refer to as the "Bag Fee Fiasco." It should be interesting, trying to pack it all without paying out the ears! Next stop, Beach Club Resort!

Late Night Snack: Beaches and Cream

Wednesday: AK followed by leisurely evening at DTD or BW.
Hoping for ADR at Tusker House for breakfast. (Seriously, will change plan for this)
Lunch in park
Dinner: CM or ESPN or Brewery

Thursday: MK (It's a tradition, what are ya gonna do?)
Breakfast: Main Street Bakery (again, tradition)
Lunch: ADR at The Plaza
Dinner: Polynesian

Friday: BB - weather permitting. Evening at DTD or BW or BC
Breakfast: ADR at CM
Lunch: QS at BB
Dinner: ADR at Ragland Road, DTD

Saturday: DHS or TL. MNSSHP in the evening.
Breakfast: Starring Rolls Cafe?
Lunch: ADR @ 50's Cafe
Dinner: ADR @ Liberty Tree Tavern

Sunday: Epcot.
Breakfast: Resort
Lunch: QS in FW
Dinner: ADR @ Tuttio

Monday: Departure at 9:00am, so DH can get back in time to teach at 4pm...

 

[annmarieda]

Sounds good to me. My DH has come around to that "they're only young for a while" way of thinking, which is great for me, since I love Disney.

Can't wait to hear more!

I banked on this for the last ten years. "the kids will be young for only a while" Now they are getting older (my oldest is just about to turn 20) and my dh, ddddDh is wanting to take other types of vacations

The kids truly to only stay young a while!

So, mourn with me in my loss, or read along and giggle at my plight. Or just remind me to smile and be happy, because We...ARE...going to Disney World!

I love your writing! I will be reading along for sure. I am a bit confused though. Your title says September. Are you going in October?

 

[LoriABil]

I love your writing! I will be reading along for sure. I am a bit confused though. Your title says September. Are you going in October?

Thanks for that!

We are going in September (the opening post was edited at the bottom, but basically, DH thinks Columbus Day will be too busy...) And I am in the process of changing plans because I got an ADR for Tusker House! I am so glad...we love the character breakfast there! Hopefully I can post more on that later!

 

[LoriABil]

I have apparently substituted planning time for shopping!

Let me preface this by saying I don't like to shop. I make a list, and it pains me to go through the store...even alone! (Add a 7 year old and, well, I'd rather go to the dentist. Nothing against dentists...or 7 year olds...)

But I have, in the past week, spent about $400 on this trip! That is two extra nights at the BC...1 and 1/3 extra plane tickets...really cool souvenirs!

I feel like I am in Confession...I have bought

*1 Travel hat - mine was on it's last floppy leg. $6 - Clearance at a little resort town DFIL lives in. Great deal, so not bad...I did need it. Can't be expected to wear a plain baseball cap, can I?

*1 25" Suitcase - $160! It is supposed to last forever...it is Samsonite. But then again, so was our last one. It lasted 10 years, so I can't complain. Yes I can! That was the chunk of my money right there. I guess I have to consider this a need...our old one had a broken handle that would have been $45 to repair, according to a boot repair shop that will do things like that. The zippers did stick...grrrr

*Target - ~$55. I am deadly at Target. Laundry bag, T-shirts to decorate, first aid stuff, glow sticks...over the door shoe organizer. A lot of things that may or may not be necessary...

*LL Bean: Had a $50 gift card, so I don't feel too bad about getting almost $90 worth of stuff for $36. 2 personal organizers (Medium and Large, 18.99 and 22.99) I had always wanted one, but had never got one. These were definitely a want...A $10 birthday gift for DDad...I'm not counting that. And a new backpack for DS. He currently has a tiny kids pack with Diego on it. I graduated him to a bigger, junior backpack, clearance for 22.99.

*Camera Back pack: $76. It is cute and functional. I have no excuses. It is a want.

*Kohl's: $22 Swim shorts (for women). I thought these would be good to wear to the water parks. Already had a top (tankini) that had to smaller bottoms. I just think running around the parks it would be wiser to wear shorts. Still - want.

So there you have it...$171 in wants, and $210 in needs. (I divided Target equally between the two.) I did get the bulk of purchases out of the way...I think.

Today, after I mow the lawn and clean house to repent for my spending sins, I will try to find a good budget planner on the DIS boards. If I have to write it down and face it, I am probably less likely to buy it...but this has put us into the most expensive Disney trip we have ever taken. *Sigh

Thanks for hearing my confession...Here's to fewer and wiser shopping trips in the future!

 

[annmarieda]

I am with you. So much time left before the trip has left me with little planning left to do so I shop. A little bit here and there tends to add up. I always find I need stuff for trips. Maybe because it is the only time of year I actually buy things for myself.

As for your purchases, you should show some pics. I know that has helped me with passing time too. If I am not planning or shopping, I am taking pictures of things to upload and add to my PTR. Plus, I would love to see what you got. I have got some great ideas of what I wanted to get from seeing what others have already got. I am such a follower.

 

[LoriABil]

I am with you. So much time left before the trip has left me with little planning left to do so I shop. A little bit here and there tends to add up. I always find I need stuff for trips. Maybe because it is the only time of year I actually buy things for myself.

As for your purchases, you should show some pics. I know that has helped me with passing time too. If I am not planning or shopping, I am taking pictures of things to upload and add to my PTR. Plus, I would love to see what you got. I have got some great ideas of what I wanted to get from seeing what others have already got. I am such a follower.

Great idea! Plus, I need practice figuring out how to post pics...I am planning on posting some in my TR after we get back! Okay...now to figure out how to use photobucket...

 

[LoriABil]

So I (accidentally) found an ADR for Tusker Hose...on Thursday. So now we are playing with...

Tuesday 9/21: Pick up DS (7) at noon and meet DH at the airport. Arrival at MCO: 7:37. This is my first time flying with Continental since what I refer to as the "Bag Fee Fiasco." It should be interesting, trying to pack it all without paying out the ears! Next stop, Beach Club Resort!

Late Supper? Beaches and Cream. Walking around the oardwalk if we are too excited to sleep!

Wednesday, 9/22: MK? Or the Land of 1000 Meals!!! Snagged an ADR for Crystal Palace for 8:30. Not enought time to make RD! DH says whatever I want, but I just know if there are any problems, it will be because I made us miss RD...

Liberty Tree 12:30pm

Then back to resort for down time, get dressed and go to Polynesian for ADR at 'Ohana or Kona Cafe. We'veheard great things about the Poly, and we figure this way we can check it out!

Thursday, 9/23: Tusker House ADR @ 8:15. DS really wants this, which is a shock considering the first time we went to TH he was afraid of everyone except Donald, who was "Okay." MOrning and early afternoon in AK, then back to resort for Supper at BC or Boardwalk.

Friday, 9/24: Cape May Breakfast (again, a shocking request from DS, so non-negotiable). Then off to TL or BB, weather permitting. Maybe evening at DTD, ADR at Ragland Road.

Saturday, 9/25: There is a horrible rumor that TSM will be down, which is one of the main reasons we go to this park! (I know, horrible tourists!) Maybe our time would be better spent at the other water park! Dinner at Cape May or Captain's Grille. Evening filled with MNSSHP!

Sunday, 9/26: Epcot day! Breakfast at Boardwalk Bakery, then Epcot until we run out of energy! Lunch: ADR at Le Cellier (12:00pm) and 6:40 ADR at Tutto's)

Monday, 9/27...still an early flight out!

I am unsure whether to do a EMH MK day Thursday, or flip MK and AK and do breakfast...I will keep playing with the ressie system and see if I can get a Wednesday ADR for TH. That will help me decide

 

[LoriABil]

DH was tired of me planning so much so...he is taking me to the Wishes Dessert Party!!! The one thing was I had to finalize things, because he could only get it for the 22nd...He stood over my shoulder as I cancelled ADRs last night, so it looks like we have a definite, absolute set schedule...as far as he knows

Tuesday 9/21: Pick up DS (7) at noon and meet DH at the airport. Arrival at MCO: 7:37. Next stop, Beach Club Resort!

Late Supper @ Beaches and Cream? Walking around the Boardwalk if we are too excited to sleep!

Wednesday, 9/22: Magic Kingdom
At last count, I had snagged a CP ADR for 8:30am. Well, I dropped CP breakfast due to not enough time per DH...oh the things I do for dessert...I mean him. So breakfast at my favorite place in the MK because it is the only breakfast I have tried...Main Street Bakery! Then run to Dumbo, Teacups, etc before the Big 3 Mountains!

Liberty Tree 11:45 am

Then back to resort for down time, get dressed and go to Polynesian for ADR at 'Ohana at 5:20pm or something at the Plaza? Don't know yet! Advice??? Then, 7:20 reservation for the Wishes Dessert Party. DS doesn't like sweets, so we do need to eat something beforehand. DS (7) just doesn't do chocolate. Very rarely ice cream, so there is that possibility at the Plaza.

Thursday, 9/23: Animal Kingdom!
Tusker House ADR @ 8:15, all the cool stuff in AK, then DTD in the evening with a 6:45 ADR at Raglan Road

Friday, 9/24: Water Park!
Cape May Breakfast @ 7:45am, then Blizzard Beach. Maybe mini golf that night?

Saturday, 9/25: Typhoon Lagoon
Early day at TL, resting at the resort...ADR at Kona Cafe for 5:10. Then off to MNSSHP. DS is going to be a giraffe...more on that later!

Sunday, 9/26: Epcot
Breakfast at Boardwalk Bakery, then Epcot until we run out of energy! Lunch: ADR at Le Cellier (12:00pm) and 6:40 ADR at Tutto's Might check out Fantasmic depending on the crowds, what we are doing at the time.

Monday, 9/27...still an early flight out!


So that's it. A few plans to set in stone, but otherwise, it is laid out. Although you know what they say about the best laid plans Now just to ake the T-shirts...and I still have to post photos of my buys!

 

[LoriABil]

Seeing as how I am home with a stomach bug, I thought I would post the pics of my vacation buys...or pre-vacation buys! I am sick of daytime TV...

Travel (packable) hat. Love this!

New suitcase: the budget breaker!

Here is the surprisingly big junior backpack for DS. He loves it! It will be his carry-on.

This is my camera back pack. I love it! There is a side zipper for my camera on one side, and a small zipper on the other (maybe for memory cards? I am using it for our KTTW cards). There are also two front zippers (behind those flaps) and a pouch in back that goes toward you. It can be worn also as a sling pack.

 

[LoriABil]

We added time before going to Blizzard Beach to have some Family Pictures taken at the BC! I am so excited about his! The last time we had photos taken was when DS was 6 mos old!

Just a quick note and some of what I've been working on from the DISign boards...

Dollar Tree had nightlights for $1. I got one of Tink, for my niece when she comes to visit, and one of Mickey, for our trip in September.

I have made Tip envelopes, luggage tags, DS's pressed penny containers, and lanyard tags (with DS's information and our cell phone # in case he gets lost).

These are the luggage tags, left (made with the paint samples from home Depot and some stickers) and DS's lanyard tags at the right. The Drivers Licenses are from Dolly (JTANDDOLLY) and the License Plate designs are from RustManFan.

I am so sorry, I can't remember whose pressed penny design that is for the M&M tube. The Mentos one is mine. I will keep looking and update!

The Mousekeeping and Phineas and Ferb envies are Millipie's disigns. The Magical Express tip envies are from Bababear. The P&F envie is for DS.

Well, I think that's it. So excited, but sick. I think I need to get some Gatorade, but there's no way I'm leaving the house today!

 

[annmarieda]

I love the tip envies... very cute. Question if you don't mind... You said some were for DME. How much do you tip?

My daughter collects pressed pennies...so a holder like that would be slick! I am not sure I have it in my to make one, but I am gonna show her what you did. Maybe then she can make one if she wants it.

Luggage tags are extra cute too!

 

[LoriABil]

We usually tip $5 for Magical Express, but I read on here that most tip $2 a bag.

The penny holders were so easy. We used an M&M tube and a Mentos gum holder. I downloaded it from one of the Designers on the Creative DISigns board. There are several that have them - but I don't remember who made that exact one. I printed them out on sticker sheet paper. You could also use tape, I bet!

 

[annmarieda]

We usually tip $5 for Magical Express, but I read on here that most tip $2 a bag.

The penny holders were so easy. We used an M&M tube and a Mentos gum holder. I downloaded it from one of the Designers on the Creative DISigns board. There are several that have them - but I don't remember who made that exact one. I printed them out on sticker sheet paper. You could also use tape, I bet!

Thanks for sharing. Wow... $2 a bag could add up quick. 4 people with 2 bags each plus a stroller and maybe a personal bag or two...might as well say $20. Does that sound right? Hmmm... trying to get my tips all planned out ahead.

Added to say..I won't have all those bags...duh... nevermind.. the checked bags will come on their own..not on the bus with us.

 

[LoriABil]

Right, and the small bags (backpacks, totes) you could carry on the bus yourself, and you wouldn't have to stow under the bus. But anything in the overhead compartment would be put under the bus when you get on, and those are the ones you would tip for. So maybe $10? (2 per bag for 4 people and a stroller?)

 

[LoriABil]

We have, in fact, created a little monster. DH took DS to pick up his school uniforms (and get a sneak peek at his classroom before Back To School Night). And, according to DH, he proceeded to tell everyone that asked the age old question of "Are you ready for school to start?" that he was ready, but only because he was going to Disney World.

You see, we answer the never ending questions of "How much longer?" with "We won't be going until Fall Break." And "That isn't until after school starts!" So our DS is now equating school with something that is only necessary in order to get to WDW! BAD PARENTS!

We are going to have to do something so that he doesn't stop learning. I am thinking of incentivizing grades with Disney Dollars. Thoughts?

But, we did get mail from Mickey with out ME tickets, we have scheduled a photo shoot with Photopass and we (or I) have tried out the back pack for my camera. We also cancelled the Dessert Party .

I am most excited about Photopass! We have not had family pictures made since DS was 6 months old! And besides quieting the ever growing rumbling of family and friends who ask when they will get a new family picture (that isn't in front of Cinderella's Castle ), I think it will be good for us to have a new family portrait on the mantle. I am always afraid someone is going to ask who the baby is!

I am least excited about canceling the Wishes Dessert Party. But after reading from people who have been bothered by cigarette smoke depending on the wind, I decided not to chance DS having an asthma attack. He has done so well lately! Why push it?

I have a feeling these last 31 days will fly by! Soccer and Basketball is beginning soon! School will start Wednesday for DS and Monday following for DH. And we are getting very busy at work! I need to make our matching and not so matching T-shirts, and DS's giraffe shirt, but otherwise, I think I am all caught up for now!

 

[annmarieda]

We have, in fact, created a little monster. DH took DS to pick up his school uniforms (and get a sneak peek at his classroom before Back To School Night). And, according to DH, he proceeded to tell everyone that asked the age old question of "Are you ready for school to start?" that he was ready, but only because he was going to Disney World.

You see, we answer the never ending questions of "How much longer?" with "We won't be going until Fall Break." And "That isn't until after school starts!" So our DS is now equating school with something that is only necessary in order to get to WDW! BAD PARENTS!

We are going to have to do something so that he doesn't stop learning. I am thinking of incentivizing grades with Disney Dollars. Thoughts?

But, we did get mail from Mickey with out ME tickets, we have scheduled a photo shoot with Photopass and we (or I) have tried out the back pack for my camera. We also cancelled the Dessert Party .

I am most excited about Photopass! We have not had family pictures made since DS was 6 months old! And besides quieting the ever growing rumbling of family and friends who ask when they will get a new family picture (that isn't in front of Cinderella's Castle ), I think it will be good for us to have a new family portrait on the mantle. I am always afraid someone is going to ask who the baby is!

I am least excited about canceling the Wishes Dessert Party. But after reading from people who have been bothered by cigarette smoke depending on the wind, I decided not to chance DS having an asthma attack. He has done so well lately! Why push it?

I have a feeling these last 31 days will fly by! Soccer and Basketball is beginning soon! School will start Wednesday for DS and Monday following for DH. And we are getting very busy at work! I need to make our matching and not so matching T-shirts, and DS's giraffe shirt, but otherwise, I think I am all caught up for now!

Sorry about the Dessert Party. It looks like it would be so good. We decided against it since we are already going to be eating so many sweets.

You are right about the 31 days flying by. I am not sure, but I think I was JUST at the 4wk mark. Now I am under 2. I can think of what I have to do each day until we leave now. Since each day is filled, I am sure the next 11 days will go by even faster.

All of that being said, it makes me a bit sad since it signifies that summer is over. We have the school thing going on too. Dd will go back for only 2 days and then she will be out. It won't be long before I can't do this with her. Since she is only in kindergarten this year, I think it will be ok.