September/October 2013 check in

[sarefromoz]

Had such a productive holiday planning night last night (whilst watching the footy....it wasn't a great game to watch but luckily the Pies won).

We booked our LA tour from Anaheim. We decided to go Grayline because they had all the places that we wanted to go to. We really want to go to Santa Monica Pier over Venice Beach and they give that option.

We also booked a whale watching tour while we are in Victoria, BC. I spent ages researching, reading reviews etc and narrowed it down to 2. Then went to book and found that one offered free tours for children under 5. Well that sold it for us, two very similar tours and the opportunity to save $80 meant more shopping money for me

Then we booked in to the Tournament of Kings dinner and show in Vegas. We got front row seats. I think that the kids will love it.

I love booking stuff...almost all done now though. Not much longer until I can finally book our Disney character meals We're down to 87 days!

 

[Caroline NZ]

Had such a productive holiday planning night last night (whilst watching the footy....it wasn't a great game to watch but luckily the Pies won).

We booked our LA tour from Anaheim. We decided to go Grayline because they had all the places that we wanted to go to. We really want to go to Santa Monica Pier over Venice Beach and they give that option.

We also booked a whale watching tour while we are in Victoria, BC. I spent ages researching, reading reviews etc and narrowed it down to 2. Then went to book and found that one offered free tours for children under 5. Well that sold it for us, two very similar tours and the opportunity to save $80 meant more shopping money for me

Then we booked in to the Tournament of Kings dinner and show in Vegas. We got front row seats. I think that the kids will love it.

I love booking stuff...almost all done now though. Not much longer until I can finally book our Disney character meals We're down to 87 days!

Well done, a very productive evening indeed

 

[PrincessInOz]

Had such a productive holiday planning night last night (whilst watching the footy....it wasn't a great game to watch but luckily the Pies won).

We booked our LA tour from Anaheim. We decided to go Grayline because they had all the places that we wanted to go to. We really want to go to Santa Monica Pier over Venice Beach and they give that option.

We also booked a whale watching tour while we are in Victoria, BC. I spent ages researching, reading reviews etc and narrowed it down to 2. Then went to book and found that one offered free tours for children under 5. Well that sold it for us, two very similar tours and the opportunity to save $80 meant more shopping money for me

Then we booked in to the Tournament of Kings dinner and show in Vegas. We got front row seats. I think that the kids will love it.

I love booking stuff...almost all done now though. Not much longer until I can finally book our Disney character meals We're down to 87 days!

Nice! Well done for locking in a few things.

 

[Kristin5]

Had such a productive holiday planning night last night (whilst watching the footy....it wasn't a great game to watch but luckily the Pies won).

We booked our LA tour from Anaheim. We decided to go Grayline because they had all the places that we wanted to go to. We really want to go to Santa Monica Pier over Venice Beach and they give that option.

We also booked a whale watching tour while we are in Victoria, BC. I spent ages researching, reading reviews etc and narrowed it down to 2. Then went to book and found that one offered free tours for children under 5. Well that sold it for us, two very similar tours and the opportunity to save $80 meant more shopping money for me

Then we booked in to the Tournament of Kings dinner and show in Vegas. We got front row seats. I think that the kids will love it.

I love booking stuff...almost all done now though. Not much longer until I can finally book our Disney character meals We're down to 87 days!

Good job, Sare! We booked our LA/Hollywood tour during the week too - Tom has customised a tour for us, so we will see the usual Hollywood/LA tourist spots, plus some extras like the Space Shuttle, Tar Pits, Hollywood Bowl, Greystone Manor, Santa Monica Pier, Staples Center...it all sounds great (and will be a private tour, so gives us a bit more flexibility with time spent at each stop too).

What character meals are you going for? We have already done Minnie's last time, so are thinking of doing Surf's Up this time (for DS birthday breakfast), and maybe Goofy's Kitchen for dinner.

Then we still have shuttle to book in San Fran, tour in San Fran and the Disney Halloween/character things to book, plus Vegas shows (still not sure what to see there -hoping to see Celine Dion but I'm not sure if she is on when we are there).

 

[sarefromoz]

Good job, Sare! We booked our LA/Hollywood tour during the week too - Tom has customised a tour for us, so we will see the usual Hollywood/LA tourist spots, plus some extras like the Space Shuttle, Tar Pits, Hollywood Bowl, Greystone Manor, Santa Monica Pier, Staples Center...it all sounds great (and will be a private tour, so gives us a bit more flexibility with time spent at each stop too).

What character meals are you going for? We have already done Minnie's last time, so are thinking of doing Surf's Up this time (for DS birthday breakfast), and maybe Goofy's Kitchen for dinner.

Then we still have shuttle to book in San Fran, tour in San Fran and the Disney Halloween/character things to book, plus Vegas shows (still not sure what to see there -hoping to see Celine Dion but I'm not sure if she is on when we are there).

That sounds like a great tour Kristin.

We're thinking surfs up too for a breakfast on our last Disney day and lunch at Ariel's Grotto for DD's birthday. Still not 100% on the breakfast (tossing up between that and Goofy's kitchen), but lots of people on here and trip advisor rate the character interaction highly at surf's up, so I think that we are leaning towards that.

What type of tour are you thinking of doing in San Fran? I loved San Fran when we were last there, and we planned to visit again when we were in the initial planning stages (then stay at Yosemite for a few days too), but we opted to spend that time (and a few days extra in Canada and make the most of the trip away).

 

[Kristin5]

That sounds like a great tour Kristin.

We're thinking surfs up too for a breakfast on our last Disney day and lunch at Ariel's Grotto for DD's birthday. Still not 100% on the breakfast (tossing up between that and Goofy's kitchen), but lots of people on here and trip advisor rate the character interaction highly at surf's up, so I think that we are leaning towards that.

What type of tour are you thinking of doing in San Fran? I loved San Fran when we were last there, and we planned to visit again when we were in the initial planning stages (then stay at Yosemite for a few days too), but we opted to spend that time (and a few days extra in Canada and make the most of the trip away).

We had dinner at Ariel's Grotto last time, but that was when it provided tickets for WOC viewing. I think it's different now, something to do with princesses, so it's definitely not on our to-do list this time (DS would NOT be impressed!) I'm sure your two girls will love it, your son...not so much!

I hope Surf's Up is as good as Minnie's. We weren't expecting much from Minnie's and were actually a bit worried about whether DS would like it but he had a ball there and still talks about it. He danced with the characters, especially Minnie (who he kissed! ) and had great laughs with Chip n Dale.

We just want to do a city tour of San Fran, which includes Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. We are looking at a hop-on hop-off tour. I have posted in the San Fran thread on this page about the difficulties we are going to encounter in SF - the America's Cup is on and we had no idea. If we knew, we probably would've given San Fran a miss, as it is so expensive while we are there and is expected to be extremely busy. We are only there for under 3 days, so no plans to go to Yosemite (I have been there before anyway), so we will just stick around the city. Our main reason for going is to see Alcatraz (I have been to SF 3 times before and never been to Alcatraz!) so we need to lock in a tour there as a priority!

 

[australiankaren]

 

[sarefromoz]

We had dinner at Ariel's Grotto last time, but that was when it provided tickets for WOC viewing. I think it's different now, something to do with princesses, so it's definitely not on our to-do list this time (DS would NOT be impressed!) I'm sure your two girls will love it, your son...not so much!

I wouldn't bet on it Kristin, ds loves a good Barbie movie The girls haven't watched a princess movie in a while, but I'd almost bet that he'd sit through it without complaining...the joys of having 2 big sisters.

Bummer about the America's cup being on at the same time that you're in San Fran. Alcatraz is great, definitely worth the visit, even if you have to contend with the crowds. Hopefully it all works in your favour.

I've just realised that planes will be released a few weeks before we leave. Do you think that there will be anything Planes related at DL while we're all there?..I have a feeling that ds will love the movie, he's still a huge cars fan and planes looks similar.

 

[Kristin5]

I wouldn't bet on it Kristin, ds loves a good Barbie movie The girls haven't watched a princess movie in a while, but I'd almost bet that he'd sit through it without complaining...the joys of having 2 big sisters.

Bummer about the America's cup being on at the same time that you're in San Fran. Alcatraz is great, definitely worth the visit, even if you have to contend with the crowds. Hopefully it all works in your favour.

I've just realised that planes will be release a few weeks before we leave. Do you think that there will be anything Planes related at DL while we're all there?..I have a feeling that ds will love the move, he's still a huge cars fan and planes looks similar.

Oh, I hadn't even heard of Planes but just looked it up. My DS will love that too! Not sure if Disney will have anything related to it - my initial feeling is that they might, as they had Wreck-it Ralph characters out and about when that movie was released, so they may as well capitalise on the Planes release and do something similar (hopefully there is at least some Planes merchandise to buy - being Disney, I doubt they'll waste the opportunity to make a buck or two!).

Funny about your DS - that must be the difference with having sisters! My DS is at an age where he disdains anything 'girly'! (Although last time we were there, the Ariel ride was one of his favourites )

 

[jimsanfilippo]

I know it's early, but i'm setting up a 2013 roll call. It makes the trip even more real for me

For all you fellow DISers who will be travelling in 2013, please join us on our journey to the USA during one of the hottest and most humid times of the year

I'm sure we'll have tons of fun planning over the next 12 months

I will add names to the roll call as we go along

We just booked 09/14-09/21 (09/15-09/20 park days)! Staying at Pop Century for the first time ever. Wanted to escape the Wisconsin winter in January but the free dining plan and fact that our 2yo turns 3 in October (extra admission $) made us push it up to September.

We haven't been to WDW in September for MANY years because when we went the love bugs were completely out of control! I keep reading that most years they aren't bad at all so we're taking a chance. See you there!

 

[DisneyholicDownunder]

Soooo jealous guys... I went to WDW for 2 weeks end of September/October last year- 2012.. It was awesome despite a lot of rain.

I left my kids home with their dad and ran around like a BIG kid... Didn't feel too guilty leaving Kids in Melbourne Cause I took then to Disneyland Hong Kong & DL Paris in December 2011.

So I did 3 Disneyland Parks in 10 months it was like a dream....

Now I'm about ready to go back to LA Disneyland or try Tokyo for the first time.

 

[DisneyholicDownunder]

..... Dreaming again... Think it might be a while before my next trip.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

100 sleeps to go!

Admittedly 100 still sounds like a pretty big number, so, for the time being, I think I'll stick with '3 and a bit months'.

Is it just me, or do other people look forward to little countdown markers/dates in order to make the wait more bearable? I always get a bit excited when it becomes the 17th of the month as that's another month down on my countdown. Or in just over 4 weeks I can begin the ten week countdown.

Welcome to the disboards Disneyholic. It sounds like you had a fun few years of visiting Disney Parks.

 

[WAMUMOF4]

100 sleeps to go!

Admittedly 100 still sounds like a pretty big number, so, for the time being, I think I'll stick with '3 and a bit months'.

Is it just me, or do other people look forward to little countdown markers/dates in order to make the wait more bearable? I always get a bit excited when it becomes the 17th of the month as that's another month down on my countdown. Or in just over 4 weeks I can begin the ten week countdown.

Welcome to the disboards Disneyholic. It sounds like you had a fun few years of visiting Disney Parks.

We are at 87 and I love the countdown I am really missing the kids excitement though and am really struggling especially since they keep asking if we can just squeeze a 2 week trip in, just 86 sleeps till we tell them, I can do this

 

[Caroline NZ]

100 sleeps to go!

Admittedly 100 still sounds like a pretty big number, so, for the time being, I think I'll stick with '3 and a bit months'.

Is it just me, or do other people look forward to little countdown markers/dates in order to make the wait more bearable? I always get a bit excited when it becomes the 17th of the month as that's another month down on my countdown. Or in just over 4 weeks I can begin the ten week countdown.

Welcome to the disboards Disneyholic. It sounds like you had a fun few years of visiting Disney Parks.

I am the same with looking forward to countdown markers
100 days today for us as well
I am wanting to start packing now!

 

[areweindisneyyet]

We are at 87 and I love the countdown I am really missing the kids excitement though and am really struggling especially since they keep asking if we can just squeeze a 2 week trip in, just 86 sleeps till we tell them, I can do this

Of course you can. We have come so far. We have 90 days to go and I think we have decided to tell them on the Thursday night. That means they can tell their friends at school n Friday, help pack and we will basically get up and go Sat morning. That will give them a bit of time to be excited but only about 36 hours. One of our daughters won't cope with the surprise immediately but will get the excitement about an hour later.

Got my Halloween party tickets in the mail last week, have had a flight change from Orlando to Washington so need to think of how to spend disembarkation day off the cruise. We are now not flying out until 5. Might phone and see if I can get an earlier flight to get to Washington earlier.

Dining reservations are done, universal booked, pre cruise accomm booked, cruise done, Washington and New York accomm done, train Washington to New York done, flights Orlando to Washington done, seats selected on international sectors done.

Now to start filling in the days. Cruise day in Nassau has me stumped.

Will get around to updating my pre trip report one day.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I admire the willpower of those of you who manage to keep the news from your kids.

I told my son ages ago, but he doesn't really understand what the trip involves. The other day he asked if a couple of friends could come with us to WDW as he wanted to have them there for his birthday. I explained that Disney World isn't just a short drive away like Rainbow's End (a local theme park) and that because it is so far away we can't afford to take his friends. He accepted my answer, but was clearly confused. I think he thinks this holiday is going to be a day trip that just takes place on the date of his birthday. We haven't bothered trying to correct him as it's nice that he's not counting down days like I am.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I am the same with looking forward to countdown markers
100 days today for us as well
I am wanting to start packing now!

Yay for the 100 day countdown!

 

[PrincessInOz]

100 sleeps to go!

Admittedly 100 still sounds like a pretty big number, so, for the time being, I think I'll stick with '3 and a bit months'.

Is it just me, or do other people look forward to little countdown markers/dates in order to make the wait more bearable? I always get a bit excited when it becomes the 17th of the month as that's another month down on my countdown. Or in just over 4 weeks I can begin the ten week countdown.

Welcome to the disboards Disneyholic. It sounds like you had a fun few years of visiting Disney Parks.

I'm under the 100 mark stage and in the 90's.

We're going to have to firm up details for our DisMeet and figure out how to contact each other in case things change. We still have time.....

 

[PrincessInOz]

YAY for 100 days and lower to those in that category.