Sending Pixie Dust to Iraq....A PTR for the whole family including DH 'over there'

[ArmyWife3-4]

Well here goes nothing! I didn't find this wonderful site until after DH and I went on our fabulous honeymoon at WDW last year so I wasn't able to to a PTR or TR then. I figured since this summer's trip will prove to have plenty of quirks and exciting stories I would give it a shot this time around!

First, let me start with a little background on us. DH and I are both from the lovely state of Michigan. He is an active duty Army officer currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, and I joined him here after we were married in August 2007. DH had NEVER (yes, you read that correctly, NEVER!) been to WDW. As soon as I knew this about him, I knew there was no where else we could go for our honeymoon. I had been 7 times throughout my lifetime and loved every second of it.

We were married in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI on August 18, 2007. The wedding was perfect. Everything I had ever dreamed and more. We had a military wedding. It was beautiful. Here are some of my favorite photos of that day:

Well after a whirlwind weekend of wedding celebrations, we headed to WDW! It was fabulous! DH fell in love with WDW as soon as we arrived to find Mickey/Minnie wedding ears in our room with a bottle of champagne from my Maid of Honor. Some of the best photos of our trip:

Heading to the parks the first day! Here we go!

First thing on the first morning at MK, we ran into Alice and the Mad Hatter.

DH sporting the flag in the Family Fun Day Parade...You know he loved every second of it!

A classic...

Our new friends on the Safari...They asked us to be the first to ride in the AM. DH was floored! He had waited all week for this ride!

Making DH proud!

I don't wanna leave...

'See ya real soon!'

Alright, I think that's enough photos for now! I could share our wedding/honeymoon photos for pages and pages. Those were the best days of my life so far!

Time to get back to work! Lunch is over for today!

Alright...up next...
How This Trip Came to Be
The Cast of Characters
Trip Plans

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

HOW IT CAME TO BE:
DH and I were originally suppose to be taking this trip as our first anniversary celebration. We were going to met Peg, Tony, S1 and S2 for part of the trip. Unfortunately, several days before we were to book the trip, DH found out his deployment was moved up an entire year! Yikes! Now he is deployed from April 08 to July 09. Ouch! Thankfully, I have a fabulous family who will be going with me instead. We will be including DH in any way possible thanks to the wonderful tips offered by my fellow DISers!

WHO:

ME! Meghan (or Tink as DH calls me!) - 24 currently living at Fort Bragg, NC. I've always, always loved Dis, but as I have grown older, I have gained a new found appreciation for all things Disney. It is just beyond compare! Someday, if life goes as planned ( riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight because the Army life always goes as planned) DH and I want to retire and work at WDW. We'll see if that happens, but one can dream right?

DH - Andrew - 24, currently deployed in Iraq. He is a new found WDW lover. He's looking forward to our trip sometime after he returns from deployment next fall. For now, he will 'participate' via phone calls, letters, videos, and care packages.

Mom and Dad - The people who first introduced me to WDW at the ripe old age of 5! Mom hasn't been since my senior trip when she took me and my best friend. That has been WAY too long! Dad hasn't been since, I don't even remember when. Maybe when I was 11 or 12 was the last time we all went together.

Peg and Tony - My cousin and her husband. They have always been an important part of our family. We are so excited to all be going together again. They went to WDW many times before having children including their honeymoon. (Can't find a photo of Tony just yet...but this is Peg and S1.)

S1 and S2 - My darling cousins will be embarking on their first ever WDW trip. S1 will be 7 and S2 will be 5. S1 is very mature for his age. Very strategic and throughtful. S2 is a clone of me as a child. Loud, talktative, very social, and a bundle of energy.

WHEN:
Peg, Tony, S1, and S2 will all be arriving August 7 in the early afternoon. Mom, Dad, and I will not be arriving until August 8 late in the evening. We will all depart from WDW in the evening on August 14. No free dining for us, but that's alright for this time around. Maybe better luck next year when DH and I go again!

WHERE:
We will be staying at our old stand by, Port Orleans French Quarter, Building 4. Very close to the bus stop and food court and not far at all from the pool. Although we very well may be overlooking the parking lot as DH and I were on our honeymoon, we're just happy to be close to everything. Nothing beats a 20 step walk to the bus stop at 6:30 am!
We love POFQ for its quiantness and quiet. We have stayed there on every trip but our first and we've never been let down. (Can you tell we're all creatures of habit???)

 

[bigdisgrandma]

Great report. I was a Navy brat when I was a child and remember many trips to Disneyland without my dad. They were not my favorite trips but I always knew that as soon as Dad was home, we would go again. I am so old, I remember the days of E tickets. Trust me, that's old. Be so grateful for cell phones, computers, e-mail and such that will let you share almost instantly the things that are happening.

Our family will remember you both in our prayers with gratitude for the sacrifice you are making for us all!

Can't wait for more!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Great report. I was a Navy brat when I was a child and remember many trips to Disneyland without my dad. They were not my favorite trips but I always knew that as soon as Dad was home, we would go again. I am so old, I remember the days of E tickets. Trust me, that's old. Be so grateful for cell phones, computers, e-mail and such that will let you share almost instantly the things that are happening.

Our family will remember you both in our prayers with gratitude for the sacrifice you are making for us all!

Can't wait for more!

Yahoo! A reader! Thank you so much for your prayers. It really, truly does mean so much, and yes I am so thankful for the technology that we have. It makes me so thankful and it definitely helps ease the pain of him being so far away!

 

[GoofyDoo]

Wonderful report so far!! I'm subscribing!!! Bless your heart--that is a long deployment. A good friend of mine just got her DH back from a year-long deployment, and if it weren't for technology, I don't know how she would have made it. Thank you both for the sacrifice you are making for me and for my family. What an awesome honeymoon!! I love the pic of you two with your wedding Mickey ears in front of the beloved castle. Looking forward to more....

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Before I get into explaining our plans, let me tell you about our Disney perogative. We don't like to spend lots of time at TS meals. We have one planned for the entire trip, and the rest will be CS. We bring cereal and bagels/toast and eat breakfast in our room to save time and money. We like to get moving in the morning rather than spend time eating. We pack a few snacks and of course, water bottles. My parents are both diabetics so that will weigh heavily on our plans as well. Thankfully, they are both very healthy, but we just need to be sure our meals are at a reasonable time and we know where we're going to eat.

We are also early risers, and we take a midday break. We plan to be at the park each morning for rope drop, and we will leave the parks midday (anywhere between noon and 2:00) to head back for naps/pool time/relaxation before heading back to the parks for the rest of the evening. DH and I did this for our honeymoon and it worked out so well!

Alright, now onto the touring plans!

Thursday, August 7
Peg, Tony, S1 and S2 will be arriving around 10:00 am into MCO. Right now Peg is debating whether to get a limo or just a town car to transport the family to POFQ. They want to make a stop at the grocery store on the way to POFQ for all of us, but she's not sure she wants to splurge for the limo. I vote yes since I still have fond memories of parents surprising us with a limo when I was about S2's age. Any thoughts?

After arriving at POFQ and checking into their room, the plan is to head to AK. S2 adores animals so Peg thought this would be a perfect place to start. Here are the touring plans so far (in no particular order):

EE (Tony solo)
Triceratops spin
Lion King
It's Tough to Be a Bug
Dinosaur (Tony maybe S1...)
Nemo
Safari
4:00 parade
Kali River Rapids (last thing before heading back)

Dinner - Flame Tree BBQ

Friday, August 8
MK
Peg, Tony, S1 and S2 still flying solo. Mom, Dad, and I don't arrive until late evening.

Splash Mountain
Pirates
Monsters, Inc.
Big Thunder
Country Bear Jamboree
Jungle Cruise

Meal Possibilities: Liberty Tree, Cosmic Ray's or Scuttle's Landing

I think Peg is planning a short day at the parks this day since the kids will not have had much rest the first day they arrived. They may head to DTD if the kids are up to it or they'll just take the afternoon and hang by the pool.

Mom, Dad and I won't have much time for anything except maybe a quick dip in the pool since we don't get in until around 8:00 at night. Mom and Dad are flying in from MI and I'm flying in from NC. Fortunately, we get in within an hour of one another so we can take the ME to POFQ together.

Saturday, August 9
MAGIC KINGDOM!!
Arrive at rope drop
Head straight to Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear
PhilharMagic
Peter Pan
It's a Small World
Snow White
Winnie the Pooh

Lunch - Columbia Harbor House (?) or Pecos Bills

Maybe one or two more rides before heading back to the hotel for break time.

Dinner - BOMA! 4:45 ADR's (Our only ADR's this trip)
We decided on Boma because it offered a lot of variety, and I read decent reviews of it. It will also give us a chance to get out of the parks for a bit. My Dad loves architecture and landscaping since he's a landscape designer so it will give him a chance to see the hotel too.

Back to MK for the evening
Haunted Mansion
Hall of Presidents (Boring I know...but a classic...)
TTA

Spectromagic (My FAVORITE thing about Disney )
Wishes

Up Next:
The rest of our touring plans
Footwear, Bags to Bring into the Park, What to Pack...

 

[lonegungal17]

I thought I'd check out your pre trip report since you checked out mine.

About your family getting from MCO to POFQ wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to take Magical express to the resort and than one or two of you take a taxi to the grocery store. Or even better order your groceries from Garden Grocer and have them deliveried to your room, that way you can start the magic faster. We ordered from them last year and they delivered 10 minutes after we got to our room, we are hoping for the same kind of service this year.

Mel

 

[javaj]

Came to check out your PTR! I'm sorry to hear about your DH's LONG deployment! What great honeymoon pictures

 

[bellasmommy0]

I followed you over from your subscription to my PTR. You and your husband are a very nice looking couple. Beautiful wedding pictures. Thank you to your husband for helping to defend our country. I was an Army brat growing up, so I know how unpredictable life can be. Sounds like you are going to have a great time! And yay you get to plan another one for when he gets back!! I cant wait to hear more!

 

[glynette]

Ya'll are a beautiful couple and I pray for a quick safe return for your husband.
Do you watch the show on Lifetime? I like it.

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Ya'll are a beautiful couple and I pray for a quick safe return for your husband.
Do you watch the show on Lifetime? I like it.

I definitely DO watch the show!!! I think I am a bit addicted. I know some of it is rather far-fetched, but overall I think it's great. I love that people are getting a glimpse into the life we lead as military families.

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

I can't unpdate the touring plans since I left my print outs at home today. Hopefully tonight I'll have some time to finish adding them!

The Princess
I can't believe I forgot to add 'The Princess' to our plans!!!! We have a fur baby who is my partner in crime and my other half while DH is gone. She unfortunately won't be embarking of our Disney trek (no pey resort at WDW yet but I hear it's in the works...) but she is our princess so I just had to add her. We don't plan on having kiddos for several more years so she keeps us busy in the meantime!

Violet (or Violet Jean the Beauty Queen as her AKC paper state....I picked Violet, DH picked the rest...) is a one year old basset hound. We just adore her. I figured since I've told you all about the rest of my life that I just had to add The Princess.

I will definitely be on the look out for doggie presents while we are there. We were able to pick her up after our honeymoon to bring her home so we picked her up a few presents last summer. Here is a photo of her in her Halloween costume and a few other of her:

Her very own set of ears!!!!

Did somebody say, 'treat'???

Can you tell we like her just a little bit???

Alright, alright...I'll stop with the Hound pictures! Hopefully this year I can find some good things for her again!

I did read an article that I thought I would share with everyone about WDW putting up a pet resort possibly next year. Vi would just LOVE it and I would love to have her close by!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24355317/

Camera Advice?
I currently have a rather old and very bluky Kodak camera that has really served its purpose but I think it's time to upgrade. I want a lightweight, easy to use digitial camera that is thin and takes good photos in the parks. I told DH this was one of my 'deployment' purchases for myself. I would like to spend around $150-$225 max.
Do any of you have suggestions of what to get or what not to get? I know we'll get lots of use out of it since I send photos to DH constantly!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your kind words about DH's service and our sacrafice as a family. I can't express how much it means to both of us to just hear someone say 'thank you'! It really does mean a lot, and it makes the burden of him being away just a little bit easier.

DH loves his job, and he loves serving his country. I am so proud of him for what he does! It's not easy, but knowing how many people support us and appreciate what he does make it all worth it!

So...Thank you!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

It's much too late here to whip out the touring plans to enter tonight, so those will have to come tomorrow! Sorry for the delay!

I did order two books for DH's PRE-trip care package. I figured I will send a Pre-trip care package and a post-trip care package. Thanks to the suggestions of other Disers for good trivia books, I purchased the following books:

PassPorters Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney World Trivia Book

I am so excited for him to get both of these. I know he is getting super bummed about not being there the more I talk about it, so I am excited he will be able to look at these while we're in the parks.

I also purchased a Lightning McQueen pillowcase with his name embroidered on it to send in the PRE-trip package. He'll love it! I know he appreciated anything that brightens his room over there.

I had posted quite awhile ago about ways to keep DH involved in the trip, and the Disers pulled through once again! Thanks to them I plan to:

1. Write DH letters in advance to be opened each day that we are in the parks. I'll be writing about what I remember from our trip last year, what we plan to do that day, what I'm most looking forward to, etc.

2. Print out a photo of DH and laminate. I'm going to bring the photo and take photos of DH throughout the parks and resorts. DH will get quite a kick out of this!

3. Keep a journal while I am there (we'll see how this goes...knowing how tired I am at the end of the days at WDW...)

I also had a yellow ribbon pin with a service flag below it that I plan to wear while I am there along with DH's unit pin and an anniversary WDW pin. I of course will send the other pin to him to put up in his room somewhere....

I also have a Disney ornament to send in the PRE-trip package with a photo of us in it and a Mickey t-shirt that he can wear in his room in the evenings....

If any of you have suggestions for ways to include DH or good items to send, I would appreciate it. I want to send true Disney things as well as items that will remind DH of our trip last year (i.e. mini boxes of cereal since we eat in our room each morning...)

Alright...I think that's all for now! More to come tomorrow!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Great start to the pre-trip report..I cant wait to read more! I love the pictures!!

 

[Alysa]

Beautiful pictures. I admire your courage. Sending prayers for your guys safe keeping! Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Alright...now back to the touring plans!

Sunday, August 10

Morning: Animal Kingdom
(This will all be pending showtimes...)
SAFARI!!!
Finding Nemo!
Festival of the Lion King
Tough To Be a Bug
Pocahontas
Wildlife Express Train
Conservation Station

Lunch - Yak and Yeti Express (Mom, Dad, and Me)
Peg, Tony, S1, and S2 will be heading over to Garden Grill for a 1:00 Character Meal.

Mom, Dad, and I will then complete the following at AK:
Maharajah Jungle Trek (Can't wait for Mom to see the bats, she'll flip!)
Pangani Forest Trail
Jammin Jungle Parade
Walk around Tree of Life

I don't think we'll be riding Kali River Rapids. Last summer, I was really disappointed with it. I thought there wasn't much to the ride. It wasn't worth possibly leaving drenched! I don't think Mom and Dad would be too crazy about it either.
This will be Dad's first trip to AK, and I think he would much rather just walk around and look! He'll be blown away!

Midday Break

Next, we'll head over to Epcot to meet the others for the rest of the evening. We'll spend the evening at our 'usual' table at La Cantina de San Angel drinking margaritas and enjoying dinner while we wait for Illuminations. While we wait for Illuminations, we'll spend time exploring the World.

Monday, August 11
Epcot!
Fastpass Soarin!
Test Track
Ride Soarin and possibly use Fastpass depending on lines!
Living with the Land

Snack - Sunshine Seasons

Seas with Nemo
Turtle Talk with Crush
Spaceship Earth
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Universe of Energy
Journey Into Imagination

Lunch - Norway possibly...?

We'll spend the afternoon at World Showcase poking around and shopping.

I think this may be the night we head to DTD. Just depends on how the crew is doing. I think the kiddos will be pretty wiped out by this point with several late nights.

Tuesday, August 12
Morning: Magic Kingdom
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder
Pirates
Jungle Cruise
Monsters, Inc.
Indy Speedway
Tiki Room
Carousel of Progress

Lunch....?????

Mid-day Break at the Hotel

Afternoon: DHS
Muppets 3-D
Great Movie Ride
Beauty and the Beast (pending showtime...)
Backlot Tour?
One Man's Dream
Indy?
Ton Story Mania!

DHS is a bit up in the area. Honestly, I don't much care for it, but I really want to ride TSM....

Alright, time for dinner! I'll finish up the plans later tonight!

 

[bellasmommy0]

Sounds like you are going to have a great time. I cant wait to hear more

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Alright back from dinner! Time to finish up the plans!

The Rest of the Plans
After looking at the remainder of our plans, there isn't much left! We have left Wednesday, August 13 open for now. I have Epcot listed for the morning, but I'm not sure we'll even do that. I like to have that last full day open just in case we missed something or want to do something over again.

DH and I saved Illuminations for the last night on our honeymoon trip and it ended up POURING that night! I learned my lesson to always leave an extra night for unexpected things or do-overs...

We also don't have any plans for Thursday, August 14, we don't fly out until 3:30 (everyone else) and 5:15 (me). So we probably will have to leave POFQ around 12:30 or so depending... I am figuring we'll end up making a quick stop at MK. Can you go wrong with that?! My Dad LOVES the rice krispie treats on Main Street so I'm sure we'll have to pick up one of those!


What's Missing...?
Here are the things we still need to work in or figure out:

1. Will Peg, Tony, S1 and S2 take a limo or a town car. I know the MS is available, but I think they want the kids to have an extra special experience. What kid wouldn't think it was super cool to have their name on a sign at the airport?!

2. What morning can we have breakfast at Kona Cafe?? On my last two trips, I went at 7:00am (bright and early! ) to get Tonga Toast before heading into the park. Right now, the options are our first morning, August 9th, since we'll be heading to MK already, or the 12th, the other day we plan to start at MK.

3. When can we go to DTD? My Dad doesn't want to spend much time there, but he's also not much for shopping!

That's all I can think of for now! Can anyone tell me anything I'm missing?!?!

Mail Today
The UPS man delivered Andrew's pillowcase and my tank top today!
Here are some photo of them:

I am so excited about both things! I love the tank and DH will love the pillowcase. I'm going to wash it before I send it so it smells like home.

Well, I think that's all for now. Time to email DH and head to bed!

Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, what am I missing from my PTR!? I need to know what to add from here! Thanks!

Hope you're enjoying it so far!

 

[bellasmommy0]

Alright back from dinner! Time to finish up the plans!

The Rest of the Plans
After looking at the remainder of our plans, there isn't much left! We have left Wednesday, August 13 open for now. I have Epcot listed for the morning, but I'm not sure we'll even do that. I like to have that last full day open just in case we missed something or want to do something over again.

DH and I saved Illuminations for the last night on our honeymoon trip and it ended up POURING that night! I learned my lesson to always leave an extra night for unexpected things or do-overs...

We also don't have any plans for Thursday, August 14, we don't fly out until 3:30 (everyone else) and 5:15 (me). So we probably will have to leave POFQ around 12:30 or so depending... I am figuring we'll end up making a quick stop at MK. Can you go wrong with that?! My Dad LOVES the rice krispie treats on Main Street so I'm sure we'll have to pick up one of those!


What's Missing...?
Here are the things we still need to work in or figure out:

1. Will Peg, Tony, S1 and S2 take a limo or a town car. I know the MS is available, but I think they want the kids to have an extra special experience. What kid wouldn't think it was super cool to have their name on a sign at the airport?!

2. What morning can we have breakfast at Kona Cafe?? On my last two trips, I went at 7:00am (bright and early! ) to get Tonga Toast before heading into the park. Right now, the options are our first morning, August 9th, since we'll be heading to MK already, or the 12th, the other day we plan to start at MK.

3. When can we go to DTD? My Dad doesn't want to spend much time there, but he's also not much for shopping!

That's all I can think of for now! Can anyone tell me anything I'm missing?!?!

Mail Today
The UPS man delivered Andrew's pillowcase and my tank top today!
Here are some photo of them:

I am so excited about both things! I love the tank and DH will love the pillowcase. I'm going to wash it before I send it so it smells like home.

Well, I think that's all for now. Time to email DH and head to bed!

Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, what am I missing from my PTR!? I need to know what to add from here! Thanks!

Hope you're enjoying it so far!

I LOVE that shirt!!! Too cute!