She's Turning Five at Disney World, a September 2014 PTR

[Villainess]

Hi! Joining in! You have some great plans! I hope the park pass hulabaloo doesn't take too much time away from enjoying the magic!

 

[kastoney]

Great choice on doing via Napoli OOP. We don't typically do the dining plan but the pizzas there are so big the 3 of us usually share an app and pizza and that is plenty.

We have a frozen fanatic in our house too. She hadn't seen it before our January trip so we didn't have to brave the Norway lines. I'm not looking forward to getting up or staying up until midnight to get FP but certainly much better than waiting in line.

Our daughter is just at 38 1/2 inches now. We have the opposite problem, hoping she hits 40 by Sep so we don't have to encounter tears telling her she isn't big enough yet ; )

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Hi! Joining in! You have some great plans! I hope the park pass hulabaloo doesn't take too much time away from enjoying the magic!

Hi we're glad to have you here following along. In the end I think getting the passes changed will be ok, and well worth it. We are going to try to do it at DTD the first night.

Great choice on doing via Napoli OOP. We don't typically do the dining plan but the pizzas there are so big the 3 of us usually share an app and pizza and that is plenty.

We have a frozen fanatic in our house too. She hadn't seen it before our January trip so we didn't have to brave the Norway lines. I'm not looking forward to getting up or staying up until midnight to get FP but certainly much better than waiting in line.

Our daughter is just at 38 1/2 inches now. We have the opposite problem, hoping she hits 40 by Sep so we don't have to encounter tears telling her she isn't big enough yet ; )

That's great about Via Napoli. What size pizza do you share? We will have four adults and Allie, so we are thinking two pizzas but not sure what sizes.

Frozen meet and greets might be the only thing we Fastpass +, and is the reason we will try it at midnight. We haven't told her about it yet just in case.

Allie always seems to have a growth spurt in the summer before a Disney trip, and we hope your daughter does too. A sure fire way to get her to grow is to buy a brand new pair of Toms shoes, paint them special for Disney, and save them for the trip. Then she will out grow them for sure and therefore be tall enough for the rides. We were surprised when Allie hit 40 inches because she was just a couple inches under for a long time, then tall enough over night.

 

[karaokevixen]

Hello again!!! I just wanted to chime in about age, height and ride nerves. My youngest will also be 5 in September, but he's taller than your Allie. At our park here in PA, he's big enough to ride the roller coasters, but as of last weekend, he's a bit nervous about it. He puts on a brave front and will get in line, but given a minute to think about it, he will say, "I don't think I'm ready for this. Let's do it tomorrow." Well, to him tomorrow is some time in the future. He keeps telling people we're going to Disney tomorrow for his birthday. It's actually REALLY cute. lol (and for the record, he's just over 42 inches, but I'm 5'8 and my DH is 6'3... ) Editing to add a link to the specific coaster I'm talking about, this way anyone reading this doesn't think I'm trying to get my 4 year old onto something like Kingda Ka. lol

I would also LOVE to do something special for the birthday, and I have looked into the Disney Florist as well. It's tough when you're flying because you really do have limited space! We're not balloon people, or at least we've never been owing to the fact that we've had cats until semi-recently, but even then balloons are disposable. I HATE paying a lot of money for something that is only good for a few days, a week, or anything less than a month really. That's why you won't see my gushing over being given flowers. I get the sentiment, but that's money better spend elsewhere. Anywho, back on topic, I've considered the ears hats, stuffed toys, and some snacks, but we'll have to see. Getting tickets for MNSSHP set me back a little more than I thought it was going to. Yes, I admit that I had NO IDEA it would be that expensive... I just hope it's worth it.

One more thing before I leave you. Melissa, where do you get your fabric/patterns? I've almost completed the dress-that-shall-never-be-worn, and I'm ready to move on to something else. Around here, we have Walmart...and that's it. However, within 45 minutes drive, there are a few fabric stores. I'm just looking for more ideas. Thanks!!!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Hello again!!! I just wanted to chime in about age, height and ride nerves. My youngest will also be 5 in September, but he's taller than your Allie. At our park here in PA, he's big enough to ride the roller coasters, but as of last weekend, he's a bit nervous about it. He puts on a brave front and will get in line, but given a minute to think about it, he will say, "I don't think I'm ready for this. Let's do it tomorrow." Well, to him tomorrow is some time in the future. He keeps telling people we're going to Disney tomorrow for his birthday. It's actually REALLY cute. lol (and for the record, he's just over 42 inches, but I'm 5'8 and my DH is 6'3... ) Editing to add a link to the specific coaster I'm talking about, this way anyone reading this doesn't think I'm trying to get my 4 year old onto something like Kingda Ka. lol

I would also LOVE to do something special for the birthday, and I have looked into the Disney Florist as well. It's tough when you're flying because you really do have limited space! We're not balloon people, or at least we've never been owing to the fact that we've had cats until semi-recently, but even then balloons are disposable. I HATE paying a lot of money for something that is only good for a few days, a week, or anything less than a month really. That's why you won't see my gushing over being given flowers. I get the sentiment, but that's money better spend elsewhere. Anywho, back on topic, I've considered the ears hats, stuffed toys, and some snacks, but we'll have to see. Getting tickets for MNSSHP set me back a little more than I thought it was going to. Yes, I admit that I had NO IDEA it would be that expensive... I just hope it's worth it.

One more thing before I leave you. Melissa, where do you get your fabric/patterns? I've almost completed the dress-that-shall-never-be-worn, and I'm ready to move on to something else. Around here, we have Walmart...and that's it. However, within 45 minutes drive, there are a few fabric stores. I'm just looking for more ideas. Thanks!!!

Hello! Aww it's just so tough when your kids are nervous about stuff like that. You know they'll like it but you can't really make them ride something they don't want to without feeling like a terrible parent. Allie's term for any day after today is "after this day". It cracks me up, I'll tell her we're going somewhere tomorrow or two weeks from now and she'll get all excited and say "after this day?"

I think we might have the birthday thing figured out. We asked her if she'd rather have surprises for her birthday or money to spend on something she wanted and could pick. She wanted to shop, surprise surprise. So my current thought is that we just buy her birthday ears maybe and have a gift card for her that she can buy whatever she wants (not exceeding the gift card ) on her birthday.

We aren't doing MNNSHP this year again. We've never done it and I thought we might do it last year and didn't. This year we are already stretching the budget for and I just can't justify the extra cost. We might end up doing the Halloween party at Disneyland with a friend this year though. We've never done that party either. I bet you have fun though, I've heard a lot of people say it's a must do during that time of year .

On to sewing. Most of my fabric I buy online. I like fabric.com and fatquartershop.com for my cottons. I use girlcharlee.com for knits. Every summer we take a road trip to Utah and there are a couple of mom and pop type quilt shops I buy from while we're on that trip. I think last year I came home with about 25 yards of fabric total . Locally I shop at Joann, though you have to watch for quality there. I try to stick to apparel fabrics, knits, and the "signature" quilting cottons. They have their calico cottons that just aren't great quality. They do have a good selection of licensed fabric but again sometimes the quality isn't all that great. For patterns I like fairytalefrocksandlollipops.com. I buy most of my patterns from there. Good luck!

~Melissa

 

[kastoney]

We usually share and individual pizza at VN. Very little individual about it.

 

[Grandpa Jim]

I'm Paul's dad and am enjoying reading about our upcoming trip. Paul and Melissa do such a great job of planning these trips. We really appreciate all their efforts and their willingness to share their trip with us.

 

[kastoney]

I'm Paul's dad and am enjoying reading about our upcoming trip. Paul and Melissa do such a great job of planning these trips. We really appreciate all their efforts and their willingness to share their trip with us.

Welcome! We truly appreciate you and your whole family sharing your love of disney with all of us.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We usually share and individual pizza at VN. Very little individual about it.

That's great, thanks! We should do well to get a couple of them and get to try different flavors.

I'm Paul's dad and am enjoying reading about our upcoming trip. Paul and Melissa do such a great job of planning these trips. We really appreciate all their efforts and their willingness to share their trip with us.

Hi Dad! 117 days to go!

Welcome! We truly appreciate you and your whole family sharing your love of disney with all of us.

The DIS is great, we all have that love of Disney and it gives us a place to share.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm Paul's dad and am enjoying reading about our upcoming trip. Paul and Melissa do such a great job of planning these trips. We really appreciate all their efforts and their willingness to share their trip with us.

to the DIS and this great thread! We need to get you posting more

It's been such a pleasure reading Paul and Melissa's reports and seeing all the great family photos throughout the years. They make us feel like part of the family, but I did worry when you couldn't join them last year.

We can't wait to see all the great photos and read about their adventures at POR. "Dixie Landings" was our first onsite resort back in '96 and our daughter's first stay was at "POR" back in '01. I think you're going to love it.

I have to also add how helpful your son is on the Wilderness Lodge thread. He's always quick with a thorough and accurate answer and he's polite as can be - which I (and others) greatly appreciate. It's folks like Paul and Melissa who make the DIS such a nice place. Good job, Dad! (And Mom…is she lurking?). BTW, you have the cutest grandchild

 

[GrandCalifornian]

to the DIS and this great thread! We need to get you posting more It's been such a pleasure reading Paul and Melissa's reports and seeing all the great family photos throughout the years. They make us feel like part of the family, but I did worry when you couldn't join them last year. We can't wait to see all the great photos and read about their adventures at POR. "Dixie Landings" was our first onsite resort back in '96 and our daughter's first stay was at "POR" back in '01. I think you're going to love it. I have to also add how helpful your son is on the Wilderness Lodge thread. He's always quick with a thorough and accurate answer and he's polite as can be - which I (and others) greatly appreciate. It's folks like Paul and Melissa who make the DIS such a nice place. Good job, Dad! (And Mom…is she lurking?). BTW, you have the cutest grandchild

Aww thanks KOOK. We are amazed that people enjoy following our trips, but then again Allie is pretty cute.
It is neat to know that you have experience with POR. It should be fun, and we will finally do something different. We still will visit "home" though, both in person at WL and on the DIS at the wonderful WL FAQ thread. Thank You so much for all your work maintaining a thread where everyone is welcome and nothing is off topic.
Thanks for the kind words and all you do.

 

[Villainess]

Yeah! The whole gang is getting into the PTR reporting!!!

 

[njkastle]

Just spent the weekend with Paul, Melissa, and Allie talking about Disney plans. It just gets more and more exciting. Grampa Jim and I ordered our wristbands and heard more about the food...making me so ready to go. Less than 4 months!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Yeah! The whole gang is getting into the PTR reporting!!!

Yeah, almost as much fun as everyone going on the trip.

Just spent the weekend with Paul, Melissa, and Allie talking about Disney plans. It just gets more and more exciting. Grampa Jim and I ordered our wristbands and heard more about the food...making me so ready to go. Less than 4 months!

Hi Mom! We can't wait either! We probably are doing more planning for this year than past years but we know more about what we want to do. Also Allie has more of an opinion this year, which will make things a little different and it will be good to have a plan. We'll do another PTR post soon with Allie's list of things to do at Mickey's Big House on her birthday.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just spent the weekend with Paul, Melissa, and Allie talking about Disney plans. It just gets more and more exciting. Grampa Jim and I ordered our wristbands and heard more about the food...making me so ready to go. Less than 4 months!

Gramma Nancy

What color MagicBands did you order and did you have your name put on them or a nickname? More MBs arrived at our house today which makes about 5 sets? I've lost track. We had them last year and 3 sets this year so far. Can you have too many?

You're so lucky to have Paul, Melissa and Allie to help you plan. Allie will be so happy to have you along this trip to experience a new resort right along with her.

Yeah, almost as much fun as everyone going on the trip.


Hi Mom! We can't wait either! We probably are doing more planning for this year than past years but we know more about what we want to do. Also Allie has more of an opinion this year, which will make things a little different and it will be good to have a plan. We'll do another PTR post soon with Allie's list of things to do at Mickey's Big House on her birthday.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We were discussing Disney while out on a run the other day and deciided to ask Allie what her favorite things to do there were, and what she wanted to do on her birthday. Her answers were great, and we spent the better part of a half hour hearing all about her favorite things to do and what she was planning.

She's a lot older than when she went the first time and having been a couple of times she remembers what she liked and what she didn't. We also got her the Birnbaum book for kids this year and she's had fun reading about the different rides.

We decided to make this conversation into a PTR post, so Allie's thoughts will be in Pink:

I want a breakfast birthday party with Pooh, just like last time.

After breakfast what do you want to do on your birthday?

The Ariel ride...umm, and Belle's house. I don't want to be the Beast, a BOY has to be the Beast.

Then what?

Go to a playground, and relax on a bench. And swim in the pool.

Which pool, the one at the hotel or a waterpark?

The hotel one. I want to go to the snow waterpark too, I love that part. That was my funnest park in the whole wide world.

What about for your birthday, do you want a surprise or money to shop with?

Go shopping! I want to have money to pick my own present.

At this point I'm taking notes on my phone. "So, Pooh Breakfast, Ariel, Belle, Playground, Pool, Blizzard Beach, Shopping?"

Yes. And I want to see the owl in the zoo. I want to have a snack of ice cream and I want to play games like tic tac toe.

Ok

And I want to dance and shake my booty.

You can do that any time, you do it anyway.

Write it, write shake my booty, that's what I want to do!

Really, I should write that?

Yes, Shake my booty. Ha ha ha. I want to shake my booty.

LOL that's how that went. Most of those things we can do on her birthday, especially the shaking her booty part. I'm not sure how we'll fit in tic tac toe though.

Ok, I wrote shake my booty, is there anything else?

Play Dolls! I want to play dolls. Are we bringing my dolls?

I don't know, are we bringing dolls?

Yes, they want to go to Mickey's Big House for my birthday!!!

Parental side note here: Allie's "Dolls" are her Barbie sized Disney Princesses and Princes, and are probably collectively her favorite toy. She loves playing dolls with Daddy, where I make them talk and say silly things. It turns out Prince Eric sounds like a surfer dude...who knew? Anyway, it is quite funny to spend my weeknights playing dolls, but that's my job as Daddy since Allie says Mom just doesn't do it right...


Mommy doesn't get to play dolls at all which is quite funny.

So that's all the notes I had on my phone, and I think that should be enough to make for a fun fifth birthday. It is interesting to see the simple things she is looking forward to. We'll let you all know how it works out.

 

[WDWKOOK]

This has to be one of THE best PTR posts! "Write it, write shake my booty, that's what I want to do!"

This is a girl who definitely knows exactly what makes her happy and isn't shy about telling you. Is the owl in the "zoo" at AK? Does she want a Dole Whip at AK? Does she know they have them now at Tamu Tamu? Will Melissa be carrying all the dolls so Paul and Allie can have some quality doll time or will she use her money to perhaps buy a new addition to the doll family to take over to Mickey's Big House? Paul, you might have to be thinking about a new voice for the new birthday doll. This is going to be one busy birthday so I'm really glad she's planned for some bench time

 

[GrandCalifornian]

This has to be one of THE best PTR posts! "Write it, write shake my booty, that's what I want to do!"

This is a girl who definitely knows exactly what makes her happy and isn't shy about telling you. Is the owl in the "zoo" at AK? Does she want a Dole Whip at AK? Does she know they have them now at Tamu Tamu? Will Melissa be carrying all the dolls so Paul and Allie can have some quality doll time or will she use her money to perhaps buy a new addition to the doll family to take over to Mickey's Big House? Paul, you might have to be thinking about a new voice for the new birthday doll. This is going to be one busy birthday so I'm really glad she's planned for some bench time

Yeah, we were both laughing at that, but she made sure that we wrote it down. We figured out the Owl was at Rafiki's Planet Watch at AK, and while we're not sure we'll make it over there on the busy birthday we are planning on two AK visits earlier in the trip, so she should be good with that one.

Allie has never experienced a Dole Whip, since she slept through when we got them at the Poly a couple of years ago. We still haven't stopped to get them at Disneyland either. I'm sure she'd enjoy it though, anything sweet and frozen is probably good with her.

We are working on deciding which dolls will make the trip. At this point she has most of the ones they have at the Disney store, including some of the more obscure ones like Jafar and Gaston. (They're actually pretty fun to do voices for...) If she see's a new one at Mickey's Big House though you can be pretty sure that doll will be joining the group.

I think we will all be looking forward to some bench time, and we're all glad that just hanging out is one of the things she enjoys at Disney too.

 

[Villainess]

I love DD's birthday plans!! No doubt she knows what she wants and how to celebrate her 5th birthday in absolute Disney style!

OMG! "Shake your booty" That must have been a moment when you wish you had your phone on video - to capture her insistence!

 

[njkastle]

Gramma Nancy

What color MagicBands did you order and did you have your name put on them or a nickname? More MBs arrived at our house today which makes about 5 sets? I've lost track. We had them last year and 3 sets this year so far. Can you have too many?

You're so lucky to have Paul, Melissa and Allie to help you plan. Allie will be so happy to have you along this trip to experience a new resort right along with her.

We ordered blue for me and yellow for Grampa Jim. Now everybody will have a different color. I went with Gramma Nancy and Grampa Jim for names because that will be who we are that whole week. Waited a long time to be called Gramma Nancy and I am going to enjoy it! FYI the girl really can shake her bootie. Thank goodness she is in dance classes so she can do it with class!