Sept / Oct 2011

[kylieh]

It is so exciting isn't it
I know what you mean about being organised, I think I have everything and then I will remember another small little thing and all of a sudden I feel like I am in panic mode.

I have a list of lists Then I spread them out and fill them in over a period of a few weeks! DH just sighs and shakes his head. I also end up in major panic mode the night before! this is the third trip and DD will sleep over at her Nan's the night before so I can use her bed for packing, but more importantly she doesn't see my have a major cry when something seems wrong!!

 

[hellosue]

Hi, just wondering how you managed to get the free dining package? Whereabouts is that advertised? thanks!!

Previous post : The Walt Disney World® Resort has released a new Free Dining offer to cover dates from October 2, 2011 through March 31, 2012. Only selected dates and resorts are available, many dates are blacked out.

Available Travel Dates:

October 2 – October 8, 2011
October 23 – November 5, 2011
November 13 – November 19, 2011
November 27 – December 3, 2011
December 11 – December 17, 2011
January 8 – January 14, 2012
January 22 – February 4, 2012
February 12 – February 18, 2012
March 4 – March 10, 2012
March 25 – March 31, 2012

Do you know about Disney Agents? They will get you best offer (Tickets & Accommodation - even Universal) available and keep you informed with changes and make the changes for you at no cost until you arrive.

best thing I ever did!

Also look at trip reports tagged onto threads, there is so much information and ideas just by reading other people's posts.

Where are you going and what do you plan to do?

 

[AussieMumma]

I found out about the free dining from the MouseSavers newsletter, have a look here at their website http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html#fallfreedining
I agree to go with a U travel agent, when you book through an Aussie one you go through their wholesalers too who charge a fee to change or cancel anything and everything!!!
We weren't able to add free dining to our booking
I'm over it now and on the 5 week countdown as of tomorrow!! we are moving house this Friday and then DD's 13th birthday party on the 10th Sep then I can relax until packing day
Does anyone else only do the packing the day before? I make sure everything is washed etc but I don't actually pack until the day before we leave

 

[Busy Busy]

I picked up 2 lay-bys today so all of our clothes are here (not taking very much, I plan to shop!). So now I have a washing basket of stuff that I have to wash and iron before packing. DH is sorting out all of the 'technology', we just have to grab one more kambrook to take.

I tried on a couple of things today and even my DH told me to get a spray tan! I've never had one, so I'm just going to get one from the chemist and take it slow!

We have a zillion things happening before we go, cricket starts, DS13 has rep cricket trials, emerging blues cricket continues (I should have shares in Napi-San!). DD is turning 7, plus we have her party, nephew is turning 18 - another party, DD has her school performing arts concert the night before we leave she had her last dancing eisteddfod for the year yesterday (1st place!).

DH still may have to go to Melbourne for about 4 days of work, plus I have a lot to do before I finish work. At the moment I plan on finishing on Wednesday 14th so that I can pack on Thursday then enjoy DDs concert that night. Not sure if this will all go to plan!

Hang on, when am I going to get my hair done? My roots will need some more 'natural blonde' to last until mid October!

 

[Travel Mum]

Yes, I must remember to start applying the slow-tanning lotion soon and thanks Busybusy for the reminder about getting my hair done! I certainly want to time my hair colour in for a just few days before we go. DH is also in charge of all our electrical and, despite me planning to pack light as we also intend to shop, the amount of chargers we have take for all the electronics is incredible!

 

[Oz-kateer]

Does anyone else only do the packing the day before? I make sure everything is washed etc but I don't actually pack until the day before we leave

Yes - or else it would be chaos of the suitcases.

I make lists and make sure we have everything, but only actually pack the day before.

I do pack my carry on and get the kids to pack theirs sometime over the weekend before we leave.

I also make a master list of everything we need to do or get in the lead up weeks - haircuts, hair colours, nail appointments, optometrist prescription copies, any medications, buying currency, advising the bank of our travels, pet minding roster, plant watering roster, asking the neighbours to collect the mail, checking whether any bills may arrive when we're gone etc etc

 

[Jade+3]

I really want to go shopping so I can claim the GST at the airport. Trying to convince myself that I really do not need an ipad, or an ultra wide camera lens. I have a bad track record when it comes to buying electronics so I don't want to risk voiding the warranty by buying in the US.

I am starting to get the packing organised, and have lists everywhere. Just wish this rain would stop so I can get the kids summer clothes washed.

 

[hellosue]

I really want to go shopping so I can claim the GST at the airport. Trying to convince myself that I really do not need an ipad, or an ultra wide camera lens. I have a bad track record when it comes to buying electronics so I don't want to risk voiding the warranty by buying in the US.

I am starting to get the packing organised, and have lists everywhere. Just wish this rain would stop so I can get the kids summer clothes washed.

Rain - where are you Jade? Melbourne had beautiful sunshine all day today, tested out the bathers by having a spa this morning lovely 35 c

I'm buying an underwater Camera Duty Free - now wondering if worthwhile going to a duty free shop or Camera Shop will have to investigate .... with only 2 weeks and 1 day left.

 

[Jade+3]

hellosue, I am in Brisbane, It bucketed down all night, and rain is forecast for the rest of the week.

I buy most of my camera gear from Cameras Direct. An underwater camera sounds like fun. DH would kill me if I brought another camera though.

 

[kylieh]

I really want to go shopping so I can claim the GST at the airport. Trying to convince myself that I really do not need an ipad, or an ultra wide camera lens. I have a bad track record when it comes to buying electronics so I don't want to risk voiding the warranty by buying in the US.

I am starting to get the packing organised, and have lists everywhere. Just wish this rain would stop so I can get the kids summer clothes washed.

On iPads - SiL is looking at getting an entry model, about $585? Don't have the exact figures in front of me but it comes out about $5 cheaper to buy in Australia. Why, tourist refund of GSt at the airport it came in around $530. In the US it's about $500 but then you have local sales tax. In Orlando 6.5%. And then you get it set up before you go and have the Aust warranty.

A lens I'm thinking about it's the same thing and I get the benefit of using it the weekend or two before we go.

 

[Jade+3]

On iPads - SiL is looking at getting an entry model, about $585? Don't have the exact figures in front of me but it comes out about $5 cheaper to buy in Australia. Why, tourist refund of GSt at the airport it came in around $530. In the US it's about $500 but then you have local sales tax. In Orlando 6.5%. And then you get it set up before you go and have the Aust warranty.

A lens I'm thinking about it's the same thing and I get the benefit of using it the weekend or two before we go.

Thats what I was thinking with the iPad too Kylie. I got a MacBook Pro 2 months ago. So far it has had a new hard drive, new logic board and new casing. Not sure that DH would welcome another Apple product in this house.

I have narrowed down my lens selection to 2, and it is cheaper to buy them here and claim the GST refund.

 

[battymum]

As far as photography equipment goes - I am a novice but I believe B&H in New York is the ultimate store - I recently bought a lens from there, ordered on Thursday - was on my doorstep Tuesday - I paid $33 postage - but would have had to pay sales tax if I bought it in store,which would have been about the same. -

I still like the idea of buying at home, in case it needs to be returned.

I am still kicking myself that I bought my camera in June, I didnt know about the GST refund -

 

[battymum]

You know if you have kids - an ipad is considered an educational expense !

(just sayin')

 

[cappucinno]

Hi All
I thought I'd join in this thread...
We leave Sept 8th for: Denver/road trip through the South West (Zion, Vegas, grand Canyon, Mesa Verds and Rockie Mountains), then DW (3 nights POPMovies with free dining 21-24th) and a week in a house off site with 2 other families, then NYC and DC.

Very exciting. I just packed all my clothes in my carry on to see if they fit...(my 11yo thought that was hilarious).

on cameras my Dh is a cameraman and B&H is his must-visit...DD and I might do American Girl or Tiffany then

 

[Busy Busy]

Cappucino - what do you mean American Girl OR Tiffany - there is always time for BOTH!!

Speaking of both, this year I get to go back to Tiffany to have the ring that we got in 2009 cleaned....that's all I'm allowed!

As for American Girl, I wasn't planning on going there at all until I read about it from the ladies here on Disboards. You all loved it so much that I looked into it and now I can't wait to get there!

We will be in NYC with friends, they have a DD6 and DD10, so my friend and I are taking our three young ladies (mine will be turning 7 one week before we leave) for a "Day at American Girl Place". We get lunch (which I have upgraded to a birthday lunch for DD which includes a cake, icecream, tiaras, goody bags and a pressie for DD, $130 to spend in the store, dolls hairdo, photo with doll that is then put onto the cover of American Girl magazine, matching t-shirts for the doll and DD).....can you believe this - from a non-believer to a complete addict in the space of a weekend!

Even DH thinks that it's a lovely idea - probably because while we are at American Girl, he and our friend will take the boys (both 13) to Chelsea Piers to hit balls, throw balls, catch balls - aka heaven in my son's world!

 

[Jade+3]

You know if you have kids - an ipad is considered an educational expense !

(just sayin')

That's exactly what I was thinking!

 

[cappucinno]

Busy Busy - your daughter will adore that!!

 

[Busy Busy]

You're right, she will LOVE it!!

Having the doll at the table while we eat lunch is what she is mostly looking forward to, but she has no idea how lovely the ENTIRE place will be! I'm going to wear the camera out that day!

4 weeks today until American Girl with my Australian girl!!

 

[Travel Mum]

Geez, just as well we are not doing NYC as, with three daughters, it sounds like Ameerican Girls would cost me a fortune!!

 

[Franrose]

We have both a dinner and a breakfast booked at American Girl Place - I would love to do the dinner if it will fit with our plans, but just depends on whether we get into NYC on time, it's something I'll figure out when we're in FL and then decide which to cancel. DH is going to be thrilled lol. (Actually he's a really lovely dad to his two girls and will probably enjoy helping them pick out bits & pieces!)