September 2011 - The Planning Continues! (2nd Thread)

[anjalee6]

Since we're on the topic of kid getting sick before Disney trips, i just have to ask... what is the general consensus on travel insurance? I really don't know if it's just a waste of over $100, or if anyone ever gets any worth out of it? If anything serious were to happen, I can always just drive down to WDW and retrieve our tickets,and we'd just be out the room rate, so i'm curious if anyone just wings it without insurance or if it's a must have for you. I have to call Disney and be honest in a little while (my ressie keeps showing up with an extra day that I have not been charged for, i want them to know and take it off), so i thought I'd ask before I call and see what my lovely DISers do in the way of insurance for travel!

We have used trip insurance the last few years because our family has gone through a tough spot with a lot of sick family members, aging grandparents, etc., but we have never needed to use it. Most of the time if we don't anticipate a problem, we go without it. My husband has a terminally sick grandmother so we purchased it this year just in case something happens near trip time.

 

[anjalee6]

Hey guys! I think Ive got about everything settled except for the rental car we will have the first few days at Universal. Found at great rate of $70 for the weekend through Alamo. So excited about this.

I think the only part still to wrap up for Disney is trying to get CRT dinner on September 11. No luck for 3 months. I check every day. *sigh* Little girls arent the only ones that want to eat with a princess. Us big kids enjoy it too.

Did you try Akershus instead? We just planned our trip two weeks ago and there were quite a few reservations. We love it because it only uses one table service meal and you get to still see the princesses and pictures are still included. The last two times we went we saw Belle (for pictures in front), Cinderella, sleeping beauty, Snow White, and Ariel. It made my DD's whole trip and I'll admit, mine too. LOL

 

[L-Harper]

Since we're on the topic of kid getting sick before Disney trips, i just have to ask... what is the general consensus on travel insurance? I really don't know if it's just a waste of over $100, or if anyone ever gets any worth out of it? If anything serious were to happen, I can always just drive down to WDW and retrieve our tickets,and we'd just be out the room rate, so i'm curious if anyone just wings it without insurance or if it's a must have for you. I have to call Disney and be honest in a little while (my ressie keeps showing up with an extra day that I have not been charged for, i want them to know and take it off), so i thought I'd ask before I call and see what my lovely DISers do in the way of insurance for travel!

We did buy the trip insurance simply because we're going during hurricane season. I do NOT want my trip ruined or wasted because of a hurricane. Also, with the possibility of one of us getting sick or who knows what... The price of the insurance was worth it just for peace of mind.

 

[sparks19]

Everyone's trips sound like they are really coming together. I'm so excited. 2 MONTHS

We are doing lunch at Akershus. this will be our first time there. We are dining on the DAY OF DD's 4th birthday. I'm so excited. she adores the princesses.

I'm sitting here compiling a list of things I need to get before our trip (things that we might need on our trip)

if you care to take a look at what I have so far and then add any suggestions. it's going to be me, Hubby and DD4, then my in laws, and my sister in law and her family but I doubt we will be seeing them much.

Ear muff/protectors for DD (if things are too loud she likes to wear these... like fireworks. but we need to get her a youth pair. any suggestions?)

sunscreen

plastic cover for stroller

rain ponchos

rain boots for Hannah

Ring pops (these and the sticky notes and pens and glow sticks are for distractions in line if DD is getting antsy)

sticky notes

fun pens

Glow stick bracelets

disney t shirts for me

handheld fan with water mister

That's all I can think of right now. but it seems like there are things Im missing.

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

You've been trying for 3 months?! There isn't much hope for us then.....been trying to get CRT dinner on Sept. 11th as well. We had an ADR for the week prior, but changed our dates about a week ago. I've been checking the reservation system several times a day too. Our preferred night is the 11th....but at this point, I'm willing to take anything between the 11th-15th!!

Why not try for Akershus for Princesses OR 1900 Park Fare for Cinderella, Prince, Lady T, Drizella, and Anistasia? My DD is a HUGE Cinderella Fan so the 1900 Park Fare is Perfect and easier to get then CRT

 

[dbaker375]

We are renting DVC points from a member. The ressie is in his name, but with our names listed as the guests. Can I still do online check-in?

Does anyone know about this?

 

[lacy1101]

Welcome to our group. You are a brave woman! 4 - 16yr olds. aio!

Should be interesting, that's for sure! I think they will have a great time. I just hope we can steer clear of "girl drama" while we're there. Come onnnnnnn magic . . .

 

[chinchiller]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is crazy that you didn't even know!

Looking back, I really should have probably known something was up, but with the stress of work and feeling "safe" on bc, it didn't even cross my mind.

It's all ok though. We're both really excited for the new addition. We're getting ready to finally tell my parents tomorrow (we wanted to tell them in person) and then it'll just be a few last relatives after that. We've had a lot of funny reactions when they're told she's due on Christmas (from "Was it immaculate?" to "You need to name her Jesusa!" and everything in between).

It's kind of funny. I've been using the baby's weeks to help countdown to Disney. I know we'll be in Disney at 25 weeks so if I'm 18 weeks on Sunday, OMGOODNESS that means just 7 weeks!

Thanks everyone for all of the well wishes and tips. We'll definitely be taking it slow and keeping me hydrated. Water bottles are allowed in the parks, correct? I just recently bought a Camelback with a filter, which is NICE for traveling, but I want to make sure it won't be confiscated at the gate.

 

[justbishop]

Everyone's trips sound like they are really coming together. I'm so excited. 2 MONTHS

We are doing lunch at Akershus. this will be our first time there. We are dining on the DAY OF DD's 4th birthday. I'm so excited. she adores the princesses.

I'm sitting here compiling a list of things I need to get before our trip (things that we might need on our trip)

if you care to take a look at what I have so far and then add any suggestions. it's going to be me, Hubby and DD4, then my in laws, and my sister in law and her family but I doubt we will be seeing them much.

Ear muff/protectors for DD (if things are too loud she likes to wear these... like fireworks. but we need to get her a youth pair. any suggestions?)


[...snip]

That is an amazing idea that I would not have thought to include! Thank you!

 

[Bethpremier]

You've been trying for 3 months?! There isn't much hope for us then.....been trying to get CRT dinner on Sept. 11th as well. We had an ADR for the week prior, but changed our dates about a week ago. I've been checking the reservation system several times a day too. Our preferred night is the 11th....but at this point, I'm willing to take anything between the 11th-15th!!

Dont give up hope!! Im calling and checking the system myself every day. I have an idea. Ill PM you.

 

[sparks19]

That is an amazing idea that I would not have thought to include! Thank you!

YW we were tryign to think of something for her because our last trip there she was having a great time but spent half the time with her hands over her ears... still smiling but just a bit too loud for her at times. she's sensitive when it comes to her hearing so we were trying to think of what to do this trip

I thought of the little buds you put inside your ears but i didn't think she'd like those or the way they feel plus she would lose them.

during 4th of july this year we wanted to go watch fireworks so hubby thought of bringing his ear protection that he uses when he goes to the shooting range. worked like a CHARM and she loves them. They make pink ones and blue ones too in youth size (from what I've seen through google searches) that way she can just put those on if it gets too loud for her and still have the use of her hands and enjoy the trip a lot more

 

[KELLY]

I got Mickey Mail Today!!!

I got the first of my ME tags today. The others will arrive seprate beacuse of the room only the first night then the package. I also got the girls Disney GC I got them today. So double mickey mail day. I'm hoping for more tommorow.

I'm going to town tonight to drop my older dd off at my parents she is leaving tommorw for the disney dream then off to Dinsey world for a couple of weeks. I'm sort of sad but happy for her. Then after I'm going to head to walmart and pick up a few items for our trip. It seems like if I pick a couple of things a week it isnt' so bad. I think next week I will maybe drag out the first suitcase.

 

[Bethpremier]

I got Mickey Mail Today!!!

I got the first of my ME tags today. The others will arrive seprate beacuse of the room only the first night then the package. I also got the girls Disney GC I got them today. So double mickey mail day. I'm hoping for more tommorow.

I'm going to town tonight to drop my older dd off at my parents she is leaving tommorw for the disney dream then off to Dinsey world for a couple of weeks. I'm sort of sad but happy for her. Then after I'm going to head to walmart and pick up a few items for our trip. It seems like if I pick a couple of things a week it isnt' so bad. I think next week I will maybe drag out the first suitcase.

Can you post a picture of this to make us all even more excited?

 

[sillylily]

Looking back, I really should have probably known something was up, but with the stress of work and feeling "safe" on bc, it didn't even cross my mind.

It's all ok though. We're both really excited for the new addition. We're getting ready to finally tell my parents tomorrow (we wanted to tell them in person) and then it'll just be a few last relatives after that. We've had a lot of funny reactions when they're told she's due on Christmas (from "Was it immaculate?" to "You need to name her Jesusa!" and everything in between).

It's kind of funny. I've been using the baby's weeks to help countdown to Disney. I know we'll be in Disney at 25 weeks so if I'm 18 weeks on Sunday, OMGOODNESS that means just 7 weeks!

Thanks everyone for all of the well wishes and tips. We'll definitely be taking it slow and keeping me hydrated. Water bottles are allowed in the parks, correct? I just recently bought a Camelback with a filter, which is NICE for traveling, but I want to make sure it won't be confiscated at the gate.

They will not confiscate your pack, WDW is one of the few parks in the world that doesn't throw fits about you bringing in drinks, or even food! The camerlback is a GREAT idea! Have fun telling your parents!

 

[sillylily]

So, I called WDW today to tell them they had a day on our reservation that I have not paid for. They actually disagreed with me, and said I HAD paid for it. My innate sense of fair play made me break the math down for the CM on the phone, until she finally that realized I was right. I did go ahead and add the trip insurance, because I'm worried about hurricanes. Checking touringplans.com makes me feel better about crowd levels, but I'm worried about the weather!

 

[ShhhQ]

This is our 4th trip during Hurricane season... we have never had an issue and never used trip insurance.

However, maybe we should have had it this year.... if finances don't turn around next month (specifically Aug 3rd), I may have to cancel our already paid for trip to pay bills such as rent and car payment... unfortunately, won't know until after the 45 day mark... so NO chance of a FULL refund!

 

[MikellaCinderella]

Why not try for Akershus for Princesses OR 1900 Park Fare for Cinderella, Prince, Lady T, Drizella, and Anistasia? My DD is a HUGE Cinderella Fan so the 1900 Park Fare is Perfect and easier to get then CRT

Thanks, but we have those ADR's already Michelle! LOL! We LOVEEEEEE the Steps at 1900 Park Fare! My daughter got a special photo shoot with them out in the garden area last year. I think I posted pics of this a few months ago....

We always do the deluxe plan, so we load up on TS meals. We just can't miss CRT this year.....last year was our first CRT and we loved it!

 

[MikellaCinderella]

Since we're on the topic of kid getting sick before Disney trips, i just have to ask... what is the general consensus on travel insurance? I really don't know if it's just a waste of over $100, or if anyone ever gets any worth out of it? If anything serious were to happen, I can always just drive down to WDW and retrieve our tickets,and we'd just be out the room rate, so i'm curious if anyone just wings it without insurance or if it's a must have for you. I have to call Disney and be honest in a little while (my ressie keeps showing up with an extra day that I have not been charged for, i want them to know and take it off), so i thought I'd ask before I call and see what my lovely DISers do in the way of insurance for travel!

In all our years of WDW and DCL cruises.....we've never purchased trip insurance. I know...some of you probably think I'm crazy for taking that chance, but so far-so good.....hope I'm not jinxing myself this time around!

 

[MikellaCinderella]

Dont give up hope!! Im calling and checking the system myself every day. I have an idea. Ill PM you.

Got your PM, thanks!!

 

[basketkat]

Hi September travelers!!!

The past 3 days I had a yard sale with a friend (during the 106 degree so humid you can't breathe weather), and I am super excited that I A:Got rid of a ton of stuff! And B: Earned a bunch of spending money for our trip!

I can't believe how close everyone's tickers are getting!!! So exciting!