Secret Slushies and Secret Doors

[PoppyGirl]

LOVE the costume idea!!!!

Alysa, I thought you would like the costume idea! We are kindred spirits!

 

[PoppyGirl]

50 days until this:

 

[PoppyGirl]

Yes, Virginia, there IS life outside of Disney! Ours currently involves being excited and looking forward to and picking up our two new babies on Sunday!!

We've been working on the fences around the pasture for now. Some friends are coming Saturday to work on the two buildings--we will have a larger shelter at the house for winter and a smaller one at the pasture for nicer weather.









There's a stream along one side and behind the corn field is a path through the field that leads back to our house. So we can ride them between the pasture and the "barn" at the house. So happy!!!!!!

 

[spiritsim]

Pasture looks great congrats on the new babies........love horses! And skater I was not trying to imply you wouldn't take great care of those little kitties while at Disney I was just curious who you had lined up to care for them We got a big black cat at the humane society like 8-9 years ago. He towers over my 4 doxies but spends most of his time in the basement ,my step sons room is down there. He was ferrel when I got him and was so skittish he would jump off my lap at every noise. Unfortunitly he pushed off by digging his claws in my legs. I was getting scars from it,so we had him declawed. He never even attemps to go outside though.Then we got custody of my two step sons and he became the youngest ones constant conpainon.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Pasture looks great congrats on the new babies........love horses! And skater I was not trying to imply you wouldn't take great care of those little kitties while at Disney I was just curious who you had lined up to care for them We got a big black cat at the humane society like 8-9 years ago. He towers over my 4 doxies but spends most of his time in the basement ,my step sons room is down there. He was ferrel when I got him and was so skittish he would jump off my lap at every noise. Unfortunitly he pushed off by digging his claws in my legs. I was getting scars from it,so we had him declawed. He never even attemps to go outside though.Then we got custody of my two step sons and he became the youngest ones constant conpainon.

Thanks! Guess what arrived this morning? A HORSE TRAILER!!! WOOT! DH was almost giddy when he came inside to ask me if I had noticed what was in the yard today.

That sounds like a BIG kitty! We have one of our indoor kitties that THINKS she wants to go out and tries to escape when the door opens, but she's a big old chicken when she gets out there.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Hehe...I just remembered that when my son was little he put the cat in the bathroom and then came out and very dramatically announced, "TA-DA--LADIES AND GENTLEMEN....THE KITTY!" and swung open the door.

Anyway....I digress.

What I've really called you here for today is to because we have arrived at the 47th level of Pre-Disney Vacation Planning. This is where we get down to the nitty gritty. What will we do....when will we do it.....and how might we get there.

**Disclaimer: I fully admit to being OCD. Planning makes me happy. Detailed planning relieves my anxiety. However, when we arrive at the parks, the plan my go right out the window if need be.

Now back to our regularly scheduled planning activities. My BFF skater has taken on extra work to pay for the trip without taking away from her family's budget, so she's been working her butt off. We have managed to squeeze in some phone calls and e-mails but most of the OCDness comes from me. I own it. I live it.

TA DA!
First day plans: (well TECHNICALLY second day plans as the first day involved a late arrival at MCO and checking into AoA Little Mermaid room for the first night so that we can awaken in the midst of Disney Magic)

Day 1 at MK—Friday (in order)
Taxi from AoA to Yacht Club, Check in
Bus to MK
Deal with ticket issues (have to add AP to skater's MB and Travel Agent ticket to mine then separate the package tickets to RFID hard tickets for later--good times)

Lunch (because we will be STARVING) Lunch at Columbia Harbor House or Be Our Guest FP+
• Big Thunder (FP) 11:25-12:25pm
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Haunted Mansion
• Splash (FP) 1-2pm
• Pirates
• Captain Jack’s Pirate Tutorial 2:15 if it fits in
• Jungle Cruise (FP) 2-3pm
• 3:00 Parade
Bus back to Resort for Swimming in our awesome pool by 3:30ish
Swim 3:30-5:30
Pre 3D Party snack at Hurricane Hannah’s
5:30-6:30 get ready
6:30 Walk to Epcot
7:00 get in line for 3D
8:00-9:30 Disney Dessert Discovery party
10:00 Preferred viewing of illuminations

What do you think??? I'm excited! Stay tuned for Day 2!

 

[skater]

Pasture looks great congrats on the new babies........love horses! And skater I was not trying to imply you wouldn't take great care of those little kitties while at Disney I was just curious who you had lined up to care for them We got a big black cat at the humane society like 8-9 years ago. He towers over my 4 doxies but spends most of his time in the basement ,my step sons room is down there. He was ferrel when I got him and was so skittish he would jump off my lap at every noise. Unfortunitly he pushed off by digging his claws in my legs. I was getting scars from it,so we had him declawed. He never even attemps to go outside though.Then we got custody of my two step sons and he became the youngest ones constant conpainon.

No worries! Hopefully most if not all of this group will be adopted out by the time I go. One of them is going to PetSmart this weekend for adoption. Though I'm not sure if anyone will take him as he's sort of a wild man . He's all purry and sweet, but he likes to bite and dig his claws in a little too much I got him at about 10 weeks old, and I've really tried, but he's still crazy . He does have cool eyes though - someone might like his looks. And I've told him to be on his best behavior tomorrow . Seriously, I am always honest with people about a cat's personality because I want them to be a good fit. He's a good kitty, but not for the two year old girl who wants to dress up a kitten .

Two more are getting neutered next week, and I know they will be adopted within the first 2 hours of being in the store. They are all orange with beautiful faces and sweet personalities.

Floyd, who was so sick seems to be cured (thank God), but we're putting off his surgery for a few weeks to make sure. And I'm not sure if I can let him go anyway. I've spent too much time worrying over him.

The last one is a sweet little girl tabby who is waiting for hernia surgery. She's already been spayed, and she's a sweetheart. I'm guessing she'll be my last to go, but it will probably be before the trip.

As to who will take care of any remaining pets, it will probably be my poor family whom I'm leaving behind!

 

[skater]

I'm thrilled to have fp's ahead of time - eliminating fp runs could be fun. However, its a little scary to have those fp times so ... scheduled.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Do we call this the 48th level of Pre-Disney Vacation planning?????

skater and I have been madly e-mailing back and forth....for some crazy reason she thinks she needs time to actually CHEW her food at lunch on Friday. *sigh* FINE. We will move our FP for BTMRR to 12-1 to give her time to chew her food.

You see how I am willing to be flexible???

 

[PoppyGirl]

I'm thrilled to have fp's ahead of time - eliminating fp runs could be fun. However, its a little scary to have those fp times so ... scheduled.

Relax!!! It's DISNEY!!! Even a schedule at Disney can be fun!

Seriously, girl, let's deal with those commitment issues. See, I know what it is....you want to have all your options open. I get it. And I'm down with it.

 

[spiritsim]

I'm thrilled to have fp's ahead of time - eliminating fp runs could be fun. However, its a little scary to have those fp times so ... scheduled.

I watched a video on those bands and fp you can change your mind even at the parks as long as you haven't scanned in at a ride youcan change it to a later ride. If you try to change and it says none available it can be because you are to close to your fp winow but you just put in for a later time like if you have jungle cruise fp for 10-11 and its 10 it says none available you can select to change to jungle cruise at 12-1 and then change to another ride and all the open rides will then show up.....ok kind of confusing......they have the video on the Disney dinning blog I think it was.....

also do you know you can get covers to go over your band or little things to stick in the holes like crocks shoes have those buttons....also slides that go on them......way cool you can really customize them

 

[spiritsim]

MAGICBANDS

How can I get a MagicBand?
Right now, you can only get one if you’re staying at a Disney resort that is testing them (see the comments below for the current list). Once launched, all guests at all Disney World resorts and all annual passholders will get one for free. If you book more than 10 days ahead, your MagicBands will be sent to your house. Otherwise they’ll be waiting for you at your resort.

How can I get a MagicBand if I’m not staying at a Disney Resort? Do they cost anything?
The MagicBands will be free to all Disney resort guests and annual passholders. Other guests will receive a card as their park ticket. Those guests may upgrade their ticket to a MagicBand for a small fee.

What can I do with my MagicBand?
That depends on if you’re an annual passholder or resort guest, or both. But here’s what can be done with the bands: (See Video Here)
Using Disney MagicBand to enter a hotel room• Check in for Magical Express at the Orlando Airport
• Check in at your Disney resort
• Charge purchases to your account
• Unlock you Disney Resort room door
• Add your PhotoPass pictures to your PhotoPass account
• Play interactive games and attractions (Test Track, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, A Pirate’s Adventure)
• Book Fastpass+
• Get free parking at the Disney parks
• Get into the Disney parks and water parks

How do the MagicBands work?
MagicBands use Radio Frequency (RFID) technology and can be read by short and long-range readers. In most cases, you’ll touch your MagicBand to a touch point at Disney World (most look like Mickey heads) to activate it. If the Mickey head lights green, you’re good to go.

What can the MagicBands do that card tickets can’t?
Because the MagicBands can be read by short- and long-range readers and the cards can only be read by short-range readers, there will be certain “magical” things that will happen only for MagicBand wearers. For example, your name may be said in an attraction or by a character, or some other personalization may happen somewhere in Walt Disney World as you walk by.

Can annual passholders be a part of the test?
Yes, if they book a stay at a Disney resort that is part of the test. (See list in the comments below.)

Will the bands continue to work for annual passholders after their hotel stay?
Yes. Once their annual pass is linked to their MagicBand, they can continue to use it and book FastPass+.

How secure are the MagicBands? Can my credit card or personal information be stolen?
UPDATED 9-5-13: Just like most RFID chips, it’s likely someone could walk by you with an RFID reader and copy the information on your MagicBand or pass. But your credit card and personal information aren’t stored on the band or card. Only code is stored. Disney’s readers use that code to look up your information, which is stored in their secure database. Also, to make a purchase, you have to enter a four digit pin number, which you previously set up. But they could use your FastPass+ and get in your hotel room if they knew your room number. So it’s best to report it asap. (See the next question.)

What should I do if I lose my MagicBand?
If you lose it, you should immediately go to Guest Relations or log onto the app and disable the band you lost. But even if someone finds your band or steals it, they can’t make purchases with it unless they know your pin number.

Do I have to give my personal information?
To take advantage of some of MyMagic+ features and benefits, you’ll need to give Disney some personal information when you sign up online. But if you don’t mind losing some of the benefits, you can opt out of giving them part of your information or all of it. You can also opt out for your children.

Can I stop my child from being able to charge on their MagicBand?
Yes. You can set who can charge and who can’t when checking in at your Disney resort.

When paying using MagicBand, how will I get my passholder (or other) discount?
Right now, for Passholders, DVC members and cast members to get their discounts, they’ll still need to show their pass/card ticket.

What if I forget to bring my MagicBand to the park?
UPDATED 9-5-13: You’ll still be able to get in the park and use some of the MyMagic features using your card ticket, including FastPass+.

Can I use my ticket/pass instead of a MagicBand, or opt out of getting a MagicBand?
UPDATED 9-5-13: You’ll get one automatically when booking a stay at Disney’s resorts but you don’t have to use it. With the new system, you can have multiple MagicBands and card tickets all connected to your account. They will all work independently of each other. But keep in mind that you may not get some of the MagicBand benefits if you don’t have it with you. FastPass+ will still work with your card ticket.

Can I reuse my MagicBand on my future visits?
Yes, but you may automatically receive a new MagicBand when you make Disney resort reservations. The online site and My Disney Experience app let you manage multiple passes and MagicBands.

Can I give my MagicBand to someone else to use?
You’re not supposed to. It won’t work for getting someone in the parks because all guests still have to scan their fingerprints or show ID. You could give it to someone else to use your FastPass+ reservations, but you’re not supposed to.

MagicBand accessoriesWhat sort of MagicBand accessories are available?
UPDATE 9-5-13: Disney sells buttons, sliders and sleeves for the bands. Disney is also selling T-shirts that have various designs using Magicbands. You can find them at most of the resorts that are testing the bands. Click Here to see our video of how to use the accessories.

Is the MagicBand waterproof?
Yes, you can wear it in the pool, rain or ocean. You can also leave it on the dash of your car and it should to be OK.

What size MagicBands are available?
Making a Disney Magicband smallerThere is only one size available but it is supposed to fit on the wrists of 95 percent of guests. Kids and those with small wrists can peel away part of the band to make it smaller.

What do the bands feel like? Are they hypoallergenic?
They’re smooth, flexible and made of a non-latex hypoallergenic material.

What MagicBand colors are available?
You can get red, blue, green, pink, yellow, orange or gray.

How do I chose which color Magicband I want?
UPDATE 9-5-13: If you book your Disney resort stay about 10 days ahead of time, you can customize your MagicBand by choosing the color you want and the name you want printed on the back through Disney’s website. If you don’t choose your color, they will automatically give you a gray one.

Will the MagicBands work at Disney parks outside of Walt Disney World?
No, not yet. Walt Disney World is the only place they will work. Other Disney parks, including Disneyland in California, still use paper tickets.

Will my MagicBand do anything outside of Walt Disney World?
The only feature we’ve seen so far is in the Disney Infinity video game. Touch the MagicBand to the base and the Disney Dragon appears. Click Here to see it in action.

FASTPASS+

Links don't work but that should cover your questions.........From Orlando attractions magazine

 

[PoppyGirl]

We were able to go online and personalize our magic bands for both of our resorts.

For AoA, skater chose blue and I chose pink. For Yacht Club we both chose lime green. We put our disboards names on AoA and put our first names on our Yacht Club ones.

Then we were able to book our FP+ selections. Once the initial ones were chosen, then I was able to go in and change the times or selections and play around with them until I had them how we wanted them.

The Be Our Guest lunch FP+ is not open yet for October and the parades and shows didn't come up as choices yet either. I'm wondering if those have a different booking window than the rides. I just keep checking.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Just breathe!!! And read on.....

I decided to add commentary today. I know you are all so excited about it. Try to calm yourselves.

Day 2—Epcot –Saturday
Walk to Epcot (I am ridiculously happy about this!! A 6 minute walk from our hotel!!)
8:00am Parisian Breakfast Breakfast in WS before any of the regular folks can come in....woot!! Croissants....pastries.....maybe a Remy sighting?
Get extra FP for Soarin? Well why not? It is after all the all time favorite ride for both of us!
• Figment favorite cheesy ride
• Soarin (FP) 10:10-11:10am
• Spaceship Earth (FP) 11:55-12:55pm really? a FP for this?? we may just ride it
Lunch at the kiosks in FW Yay! Our first venture into the food kiosks. I am making my list and checking it twice. Last night obsessed over pinterest photos of all the food choices.
• WS Players (11, 12, 1, 2, 4) Seriously my favorite show at Epcot. The last time skater and I went together, she was chosen to be in the show and I heckled her from the audience. People recognized me later: "hey--there's the heckler!"
• Test Track (FP) 1:25-2:25pm skater feels the need for speed
2:00-5:00 Swimming for Skater We put on our big girl panties at this point and *gasp* do things by our own selves!
3:00—Cake Boy for PoppyGirl Again with the British accent, cute guy, cake....what's not to love?
5:00-head to MK
6:00—Be Our Guest Dinner I can't wait for skater to eat here! She's going to love it! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie. Belle is my favorite character.....the food is delicious....the atmosphere stunning.
• Buzz Lightyear (try to get a FP when we arrive if the line is long)
• Monsters Inc
• People Mover
8:00—MSEP
9:00—WISHES Bring the tissues
Stay for Castle Kiss Goodnight On our last trip together we stayed in MK until everyone was gone....just us and some CM that skater was chatting up (i.e. FLIRTHING WITH) and we got to see this. It was. A-MAZING. One of our favorite memories of that trip. I can never get my family or my daughter to stay that late at the park so we'll have to enjoy it this time!

 

[spiritsim]

I read that the bog fp was by initaion only at this point..... don't know what you have to do to get an invite.....lol When you get to f&w we want details after all e will be there during f&w next year.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Our babies finally arrived today....after a long, frustrating, educational afternoon. DH borrowed a very nice trailer from some friends of ours (it's nice to be in the farming community!) and we went up to get the horses--about an hour's drive. Well, Poco (the bigger black horse) knew that something was going on (he's way too smart!) and he was NOT getting in that trailer with those people he didn't know! There were 4 adults there---all with advanced degrees--completely outsmarted by one quarter horse. We tried for two and a half hours to load that horse. Even got the owners trailer and tried to load them in there. The one horse cooperated both times. Finally decided that we would go on home and they would bring them down later this week. DD was SO disappointed. She tried to hide it but finally went in the truck and cried.

As soon as we left, he decided to get on the trailer! So they called us and said they'd meet us with the horses at the pasture.

So, would you like to see them??

 

[natebenma]

Great idea for costumes. I showed my 12 year old son, Ben and he loved them! He has become a huge Dr. Who fan (there's name for that, right?) in the past year, a bunch of his friends are all into it, too. He had a Dr. Who/Hobbit themed BD party in May, complete with Tardis cake and Fish Fingers and Custard (which he still insists was good)

skater- thanks for the updates on the kitties. Hope they all find the right forever homes.

Poppy- the horses are BEAUTIFUL!!! What a great pasture.

The farm where I work/teach takes in rescue animals- they are no longer working animals- their sole job now is to be ambassadors for the kids who visit. We have one horse, one donkey, several goats, sheep and roosters, a rabbit, a cat and an 800 pound pig.

Loving your plans for MK and EP!!! Nothing like a beautiful schedule, especially when you understand that if necessary, you can be flexible enough to change it up.

Question about the French Bakery- I have wondered if it actually is open during EMH at EPCOT (8 am). Have you seen any confirmation of that?

Finally- thanks for posting the slushie mug photo. I have added it to the Other Useful Info post, which already had 25 pictures, so I had to bump something else.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Great idea for costumes. I showed my 12 year old son, Ben and he loved them! He has become a huge Dr. Who fan (there's name for that, right?) in the past year, a bunch of his friends are all into it, too. He had a Dr. Who/Hobbit themed BD party in May, complete with Tardis cake and Fish Fingers and Custard (which he still insists was good)

skater- thanks for the updates on the kitties. Hope they all find the right forever homes.

Poppy- the horses are BEAUTIFUL!!! What a great pasture.

The farm where I work/teach takes in rescue animals- they are no longer working animals- their sole job now is to be ambassadors for the kids who visit. We have one horse, one donkey, several goats, sheep and roosters, a rabbit, a cat and an 800 pound pig.

Loving your plans for MK and EP!!! Nothing like a beautiful schedule, especially when you understand that if necessary, you can be flexible enough to change it up.

Question about the French Bakery- I have wondered if it actually is open during EMH at EPCOT (8 am). Have you seen any confirmation of that?

Finally- thanks for posting the slushie mug photo. I have added it to the Other Useful Info post, which already had 25 pictures, so I had to bump something else.

I have not heard if the French bakery is open for EMH but I believe you can get in at 9:00 on regular park days. A little sneak peak into WS!!

And you are welcome for the slushie photo! I hope some others get a chuckle out of it.

We have a fall festival at our house every year that is sponsored by our church--free food, games, contests, prizes and....our own little petting zoo. DH brings over a newborn calf or two for people to feed with a bottle, we have a goat, 4 ducks, 3 rabbits, a whole bunch of kitties....and we used to have some friends who would bring their horses too, but they sold them a few years ago. So now we have our own! However, we do NOT have an 800 lb pig!!!

I'm glad your son liked the costume! My DS is 13 and in the last year finally started watching Dr. Who with us. I think it may have had something to do with a girl he liked.... He's not quite a "Whovian" but at least he will watch it with us now!

I'm off to get the kids up and off to school and then over to see the horses for a few hours this morning!

 

[spiritsim]

Figures they wait for the strange people to leave..... Truly beautiful horses and they look in great shape too. As for your DD, I probably would have cried with her out of frustration!

 

[PoppyGirl]

(rubbing hands together gleefully) Guess what I've been doing this morning! (Well, besides scooping horse manure out of the pen, giving treats to 2 beautiful boys and running them around the pasture because I love to watch them run). I've been sneaking around behind skater's back planning a little surprise for her. Hehe! I'm so excited! I want to tell you SO badly what it is but (SPOILERS!), I can't because sometimes she lurks without commenting and I'm afraid she might be lurking.

So instead, enjoy these photos of the OTHER things I've been doing.