September 2011 - We are going to Disney World {THIS MONTH}! (Third Thread)

[pamelasu1]

I can't believe it, but we leave Monday morning! Planning a last minute trip sure makes it come up quickly, lol! It has definitely been easier to keep it a secret from DD12, though....I don't know how all of you surprise planners do it for months or even a year! I think I would have spilled the beans by now if I had to wait that long.

So here's my question....I can't fall asleep at night. I go over my plans in my mind, think about my ADR's, etc, etc. How do all you fellow planners fall asleep right before your trip? I don't want to show up there completely exhausted! I think it is worse this time because of having less time to plan

Have a magical trip all!

 

[sahmoffour]

Ticker check!!! It's makes me so ridiculously happy to watch the number go down!

Should be a busy few days too to speed up time. Gymnastics/Trampolining club tonight, chiro appt before that. Finish up yard work tomorrow with dh before the snow shows up! Clean house Sunday. Monday, chiro appt again, shopping trip for a couple last minute things to the city, Tuesday pack pack pack then pick up the kids and we're off the hotel to get a good night (well kinda) sleep before our 7 am flight!!!

 

[BorkBorkBork]

Good morning everyone! Just Checking in. Arrived yesterday an ran on two hours of sleep yesterday but It was a great day. Made it to POR about 11am has to wait in line at on line check in for a good while only two registers were open an the people before us had lots of questions and or problems with things. But our room was ready! Alligator Bayou bldg 18 not to far of a walk to the south depot bus station. Btw there are four stops so yes this resort is big an I am glad we don't have far to walk to main bldg from here! We relaxed for a bit gardengrocer order came and then we were off to MK! Make sure to give that one hour window on buses if doing Disney transport. MK wasn't too crowded we walked thru all the main street shops then headed over to Tonys for our 1pm ressie, it was crowded but they got us back within a few mins. We paid out of pocket for this meal so we shared calamari and the shrimp scampi linguine. We inhaled the calamari, it was either really good or we were just starved after not eating breakfast! Lol. The linguine was mah we ate the shrimp out of it an some of the noodles. With dd drink of glowing punch came out to about $40. Not the best. But we were seated by the window with Lady and the Tramp in the alley which was cute. Then we were off for a lil more shopping and to rides finally by 215pm. We rode space posted waited time 10 mins but it was walk on, rode 2x in a row! Then Mickeys Philharmagic which we had not seen since 2008, I didn't remember some o the scenes it was super cute! We did the circle from Tommorowland to Adventureland in two hours rode Iasw, haunted mansion, big thunder mtn, splash mtn all walk ons and then we left for a swim at POR. Left resort room about 730pm to the river to catch boat for dtd , this is when our good mojo left. Should have done bus. 30 mins an 3 boats later we were on our way. Ate at wolfgang pucks express greasy mushroom an pepperoni pizza and chicken ceasar lots of leftovers. Then 30 more mins waiting on bus back home I was whooped fell asleep bout 1130pm an now up to get ready for Akerhaus ressie at 835am. All in all not a bad day crowd levels at dtd were the worse of the day and food was just ok, but today we have more sleep so hoping for better.

Awesome report!! We will be checking into POR using the online check-in line on Sunday so hopefully it won't be bad. We'll be using the boat to DTD but it'll be in the morning on Weds so hopefully that's an off time.

5 more sleeps until we go!!! I can not believe how fast it is sneeking up on me. I started packing 2 weeks ago. Why don't I feel prepared?

This is me. Everyone keeps saying "You must be so excited!" but I feel more anxious than excited now, I feel alternatively like we have too much stuff and not enough!

Woohoo for everyone leaving this weekend! I am one of those people

ME TOO! Up at 4AM on Sunday, to the airport by 5:30 and on the plane at 7:30!

So here's my question....I can't fall asleep at night. I go over my plans in my mind, think about my ADR's, etc, etc. How do all you fellow planners fall asleep right before your trip? I don't want to show up there completely exhausted! I think it is worse this time because of having less time to plan

Have a magical trip all!

I need advice on this too. I went to bed at 10:30 last night and trying earlier tonight but I have trouble falling asleep and I do NOT know how I'm going to do it tomorrow night (OMG it's tomorrow night!). Help! Warm milk?

 

[peachydreamyxx]

The more I think about it, the more I cant believe we are at the week mark! We've been counting down since over 280+ days and we are down to 7!! Feels so surreal! Everyone else is finally starting to feel the excitment that I have felt since booking!

I bought DH two more shirts today, one nightmare before christmas and a perry the platypus shirt. We are pretty much all packed minus the everyday things we use (contacts, makeup, etc). Im going today to buy drinks to keep in the hotel as well as snacks. Than we will pick up some magazines so that our carry ons are done!

I think L-Harper is supposed to be back today if im correct??? Im really excited to see how her first trip to the world went!

 

[jp'smommy]

Really......They expect me to work today!!!!!!!!! I can't do anything. I went at lunch to wash and vacuum my Tahoe. PHP and stroller are alreay in there. I just want to go home!!

 

[JewelsG]

Really......They expect me to work today!!!!!!!!! I can't do anything. I went at lunch to wash and vacuum my Tahoe. PHP and stroller are alreay in there. I just want to go home!!

I'm a week away and saying that already wonder what I will be like next week! atleast I have my search for the holy grail to keep me distracted - an pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace for 6 on the 27th - keep your fingers crossed... and maybe a little pixie dust... lol

 

[KatMark]

Really......They expect me to work today!!!!!!!!! I can't do anything. I went at lunch to wash and vacuum my Tahoe. PHP and stroller are alreay in there. I just want to go home!!

Have a great time!

I will be in your shoes on Thursday of next week...but at least I'm leaving the office at 1 p.m. for the airport.

 

[Smile4Me]

Have to vent a little- I have been in a whirlwind this last week to get all my work and school work done in advance knowing I would be gone next week. Great. Got it all done. Woohoo! It includes a 2-3 page paper due next Thursday, that I turned in this afternoon. I got an email from my professor (the same professor who when I told him I'd be gone, told me I needed to work ahead) said well I appreciate it, but you should've waited to get your first paper back before submitting your second. I"M LEAVING TOMORROW and he hasn't returned our first papers yet!! The two papers only make up 22% of our grade, but still. I'm making the effort to do a good job and not fall behind...for what?! In fact I even upgraded my phone yesterday to a smartphone, hoping it would help me check in easier with school when I'm out of town and out and about for work!! Ugh so he told me its my decision whether i submit what I Turned in already or wait. I finally just emailed him back and said 'Per our original email that I needed to submit ahead of time, thats what the expectation was, and thats what I did.'

So last night after working hard to get my paper done, I'm up packing til midnight. Around 11 p.m. my bf goes to pack all our electronics. Can't find his Nintendo DS. turns out his nephew has it a half hour away. He is frustrated about that because his nephew broke part of it. Well then he goes to pack my camera. zoom lens wont come out. Ugh. Needless to say after an expensive trip to Walmart today-I replaced my camera. And rather than drive an hour both ways to get his DS, for his birthday I upgraded him to the 3Ds with his favorite game! I can't wait for him to see it! I have it packed in a carryon right now, so I'm going to ask him to double check the bag to make sure it has everything before we head out and then watch him freak out!!

Work done. School done. Time for Vacation!!

 

[anjalee6]

Same here I sent the letter to the school district this week, and emailed DS's teachers. I haven't heard back from anyone, but I stressed that this was a surprise, and to talk directly to me if there was any work he needed to do while we're away. I hope they don't slip up!!

We're doing DS's birthday party this weekend, then we have our neice's wedding on the 24th, so we'll be busy - hoping the time passes quickly.

Here's our quick itinerary - let me know if you'll be in the same places - we'll look for you

Arriving late on the 28th - staying Polynesian.
Sept 29th - morning at MK, lunch at CP, then off to Epcot for late afternoon/evening
Sept 30th - morning at Epcot - this is DS birthday, so we're having lunch at the Biergarten, which is his favorite WDW restaurant. He gets to decide the rest of the day - maybe a park, maybe hanging at the Poly
Oct 1st - morning at DHS, my sister and neice have ressies at CRT late afternoon, so probably back to MK for the afternoon/evening
Oct 2nd - morning at AK, lunch ressies at H&V (neice's choice), afternoon at AK or DHS.

Coming home on Oct 3rd - short trip , but packed with fun

We will be there the same time as you. Maybe I'll see you around.

I'm a week away and saying that already wonder what I will be like next week! atleast I have my search for the holy grail to keep me distracted - an pre-park opening breakfast at Crystal Palace for 6 on the 27th - keep your fingers crossed... and maybe a little pixie dust... lol

Hope you find exactly what you are looking for...love Crystal Palace before park opens. It is so nice to walk down Main Street with no one else around.

Really......They expect me to work today!!!!!!!!! I can't do anything. I went at lunch to wash and vacuum my Tahoe. PHP and stroller are alreay in there. I just want to go home!!

Ugh. That will be me in 12 more days sitting at work for half a day before our plane leaves. It's going to be so hard to concentrate.

 

[sparks19]

Our itinerary is

Arrive at BLT in the afternoon on Sunday Sept 25th

Sept 26th

Magic Kingdom

Sept 27th

Epcot with dining reservations at Akershus at 12:15

Sept 28th

Off day hanging around BLT and downtown disney

Sept 29th

DHS in the morning and MK at night

I will have a tag on our backpack with a lime green mickey head that says "I DIS, DO YOU?"

 

[JewelsG]

Sitting watching Winnie the Pooh with DD and DDBFF - little do they know its just a prelude to our amazing trip next week

 

[BorkBorkBork]

Have to vent a little- I have been in a whirlwind this last week to get all my work and school work done in advance knowing I would be gone next week. Great. Got it all done. Woohoo! It includes a 2-3 page paper due next Thursday, that I turned in this afternoon. I got an email from my professor (the same professor who when I told him I'd be gone, told me I needed to work ahead) said well I appreciate it, but you should've waited to get your first paper back before submitting your second. I"M LEAVING TOMORROW and he hasn't returned our first papers yet!! The two papers only make up 22% of our grade, but still. I'm making the effort to do a good job and not fall behind...for what?! In fact I even upgraded my phone yesterday to a smartphone, hoping it would help me check in easier with school when I'm out of town and out and about for work!! Ugh so he told me its my decision whether i submit what I Turned in already or wait. I finally just emailed him back and said 'Per our original email that I needed to submit ahead of time, thats what the expectation was, and thats what I did.'

So last night after working hard to get my paper done, I'm up packing til midnight. Around 11 p.m. my bf goes to pack all our electronics. Can't find his Nintendo DS. turns out his nephew has it a half hour away. He is frustrated about that because his nephew broke part of it. Well then he goes to pack my camera. zoom lens wont come out. Ugh. Needless to say after an expensive trip to Walmart today-I replaced my camera. And rather than drive an hour both ways to get his DS, for his birthday I upgraded him to the 3Ds with his favorite game! I can't wait for him to see it! I have it packed in a carryon right now, so I'm going to ask him to double check the bag to make sure it has everything before we head out and then watch him freak out!!

Work done. School done. Time for Vacation!!

Ugh, that is ridiculous! You really didn't need that after working so hard to get done what HE told you to do in the first place! You really do need a vacation. I'm sure your DBF will love the gift! Are you in Milwaukee already? Have a fantastic trip and maybe we'll see you around POR!

 

[MamaJessie]

Sitting watching Winnie the Pooh with DD and DDBFF - little do they know its just a prelude to our amazing trip next week

Does DDBFF mean your darling daughter's best friend forever?

So I keep saying "Hey guys, know what we're going to be doing this time next week? DRIVING TO FLORIDA!!" over and over and over again. I should zip it before I drive them all batty

Sparks I don't think we will cross paths except I am considering DTD the 28th but it wouldn't be until after we hit the water park. Figure we can get dinner there at TRex

DH is still supposed to talk to his Uncle and grandparents. His grandmother is not in great shape so we want to make sure we visit her while we are there (that and she's family - sheesh it sounds horrible when I say it like that). But he is terrible about making plans ahead of time and now he also wants to drive out to Clearwater to visit with his Uncle. His Uncle is a very nice guy, but his house is the opposite of child proof. Would it be weird to ask him if he wants to drive out to the condo?

Ah well either way I will be ON VACATION Ahhhhhh....

And yes I am excited for LHarper's update soon. Hopefully sometime this weekend she will be on

 

[pinkle]

Well....I am just going to bed at my park n fly hotel and I was thinking how great my Dis friends have been and how much fun it has been to watch everyone's excitement. I hope everyone has or had an amazing vacation

 

[lindap1]

? for all seasoned WDW travellers....can you take a cooler into the parks and if so what can you take in? TIA
8 days to go!!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

We leave tomorrow AM. I will try to post before we head out, but if not I would like to wish everyone a happy trip and we hope to see some of you there!

 

[MamaJessie]

We leave tomorrow AM. I will try to post before we head out, but if not I would like to wish everyone a happy trip and we hope to see some of you there!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[JewelsG]

Does DDBFF mean your darling daughter's best friend forever

Yup - figured it was easier to say that than DBFFDDWIALOODD - darling best friends forever's darling daughter who is almost like our own daughter - - she and my dd are 4 years apart but are more like sisters than friends - she is coming with us on our trip

 

[mhconley]

I've lost track of how many are going this weekend; all I know is there is quite a few of us. I'm packing the car now and we should be pulling up to the CR around 12:30 PM today. See y'all there!

Martin

 

[Marblies]

Hello Everybody from the most magical place on earth and my smartphone (who pardon any errors, thinks it's smarter than me.) The dd's are still asleep, so I thought I would do an update.

Little Hannah's postcard was mailed Thursday. We found Sorcerer Mickey to sign in HS. Hope you get it soon.

At check-in, I had to be a little assertive and ask them to look for a new room as per my request (which there is no record of). I was sweet and they eventually found me a ready room in building 5. It is awesome! We have a lake view from the fathest corner of the 4th flor which means no one sees our decorations, but we love them. Room 5413

Our mousekeeper, Blanca, is the best ever. For newbies, some mousekeepers decorate your room using your toys or accessories and make towel animals for you. Not all do, but it is really cool to be surprised! Blanca is a gem. We had a big towel heart on the bed decorated with our hair flowers and a big towel swan by the tv. She also did little touches around the room and even tied the toilet paper in a bow. Lol

There are more people here than I have ever seen in the off season, but for the most part waits are not crazy long for rides. Even the buses are fine except for leaving MK after a kiss goodnight on Wed. (Not a party night so closed at 9 and EVERYBODY was there. Waited over 90 minutes for a bus to POP. Sooooo many people, but like I said the only crazy wait.

Our teacup headbands with our Alice shirts were really popular. It is cool that people are so friendly and talkative. We had a lot of people (even CM's )asking where we bought them. Unfortunatly, we missed getting a pic with Alice, because we only saw her once and we didn't line up because we were hungry (no food and it was 11 am). Bad decision- note: when you see a character line and it is important to you...get in it, don't wait for later.

We did see the fairies in their new home and it is sooooooo magical. I could live in that room- er, forest.

As for food. We are stuffed. Most meals are big enough to share and we are unused meal and snack credits are adding up. I am glad it is "free" because I would never buy the plan. We just can't eat that much and walk in the heat.

Actually the heat isn't that bad if you have had a hot summer. We left 105 and came to 92. Pass a sweater. Lol. The pool was tooo cold last night and I got out shivering.

Lovebugs are here and disgusting, however, so far they are not overwhelming the place. Just kind of gross.

Have fun with all the preps. You'll be here before you know it!