Shhh...Hubby Doesn't Know - I'm Planning Miss P's 1st Trip (Dec 2013) Updated 1/28

[WDWRocksMySocks]

joining in

Welcome! I see you'll be taking an infant w/ you this year, too. I'd love to know how it goes!! I'm so excited, but also a little nervous about it since I've only been to WDW w/ a baby (my sister's kids) twice.

I am so glad you like my idea. Funny, it just popped in my head kind of as a joke when you are wondering how to tell him.
I guess sometimes I do have good ideas

I like the collage!! Can't wait to see the finish product

Ha, I love it!! It's definitely a great idea. You'll have to keep more of those coming!

Thanks! I'm excited about it. I'm a little TOO obsessed making things like that in Photoshop. I actually made a collage for the lady we got Humphrey (our Pug) from. I know, I sound crazy. But...she gave him to us for free and she kept calling to ask how he was. She was super sweet, but just too old to take care of a spastic little puppy. So, I made her this:

Yeah, I'm crazy. But, I thought it was super cute.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Should we do DDP or pay OOP??

I'm always perplexed (and a little stressed out) by the DDP. Why, I don't know? I'm a cheapskate by nature (thanks, Dad!!) and I always feel like I MUST GET EVERY CENT WORTH of the plan, or it's a bust. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, no? We used the basic plan back in 2011 and it was just okay. We both felt like we overate -- and that says a lot coming from two people who LOVE to overindulge! Plus, we were both pretty underwhelmed w/ all of the CS desserts (there's only so many mousse and carrot cake one can eat in a week). BUT...we do love the convenience of using it. I did a little price breakdown (minus gratuity b/c we'll have to pay that OOP regardless) of what the difference might be for us:

OOP
Cape May Cafe (dinner) - $38.33*2 adults = $76.66+tax
Tusker House (breakfast) - $26.99*2 adults = $53.98+tax
Crystal Palace (breakfast) - $25.00*2 adults = $50.00+tax
Beaches and Cream (dinner) - $32.00+tax
Toy Story Pizza Planet (lunch) - $24.76+tax
Peco Bill's (dinner) - $22.16+tax
Wolfgang Puck's Express (dinner) - $26.00+tax
Cosmic Ray's (lunch) - $24.36+tax
Two Refillable Mugs - $15.99*2=$31.98+tax
Misc snacks at various locations = $40.00+tax
TOTAL OOP COST = $381.90+tax

Basic DDP
$55.99*2 adults = $444.72

So, can see there's only a $56.94 price difference b/t paying OOP or doing the basic DDP for us. I do realize that I left out lunches on the OOP. Typically, we'll eat a late breakfast buffet, have a snack later that day and then do dinner. If we were to do the DDP, I think we'd still pay OOP for Beaches and Cream. I don't think it's really worth a TS credit, is it? The other thing to consider -- will the OOP prices raise b/t now and December? So, I thinking it might just be as easy to do the DDP again. Hmm...

What do y'all think?

 

[Thumper_Man's Wife]

Should we do DDP or pay OOP??

I'm always perplexed (and a little stressed out) by the DDP. Why, I don't know? I'm a cheapskate by nature (thanks, Dad!!) and I always feel like I MUST GET EVERY CENT WORTH of the plan, or it's a bust. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, no? We used the basic plan back in 2011 and it was just okay. We both felt like we overate -- and that says a lot coming from two people who LOVE to overindulge! Plus, we were both pretty underwhelmed w/ all of the CS desserts (there's only so many mousse and carrot cake one can eat in a week). BUT...we do love the convenience of using it. I did a little price breakdown (minus gratuity b/c we'll have to pay that OOP regardless) of what the difference might be for us:

OOP
Cape May Cafe (dinner) - $38.33*2 adults = $76.66+tax
Tusker House (breakfast) - $26.99*2 adults = $53.98+tax
Crystal Palace (breakfast) - $25.00*2 adults = $50.00+tax
Beaches and Cream (dinner) - $32.00+tax
Toy Story Pizza Planet (lunch) - $24.76+tax
Peco Bill's (dinner) - $22.16+tax
Wolfgang Puck's Express (dinner) - $26.00+tax
Cosmic Ray's (lunch) - $24.36+tax
Two Refillable Mugs - $15.99*2=$31.98+tax
Misc snacks at various locations = $40.00+tax
TOTAL OOP COST = $381.90+tax

Basic DDP
$55.99*2 adults = $444.72

So, can see there's only a $56.94 price difference b/t paying OOP or doing the basic DDP for us. I do realize that I left out lunches on the OOP. Typically, we'll eat a late breakfast buffet, have a snack later that day and then do dinner. If we were to do the DDP, I think we'd still pay OOP for Beaches and Cream. I don't think it's really worth a TS credit, is it? The other thing to consider -- will the OOP prices raise b/t now and December? So, I thinking it might just be as easy to do the DDP again. Hmm...

What do y'all think?

We have never used the DDP. I think we did the same thing you did, trying to figure out the difference and came to the realization that it really wasn't cheaper in the long run. The $56 you save paying OOP, tend to go to tips anyway. If you factor in the OOP tips for DDP, then you will probably be saving double what you figured now. Of course DH and I tend to go a little extravengant when we dine in the World, i.e., Shulas and Le Cellier. But its really what you feel. If you don't think your getting your money's worth via the DDP, then it would probably be better to go OOP and with the savings, buy a first time Disney something for Miss P .

 

[Fire14]

Should we do DDP or pay OOP??

I'm always perplexed (and a little stressed out) by the DDP. Why, I don't know? I'm a cheapskate by nature (thanks, Dad!!) and I always feel like I MUST GET EVERY CENT WORTH of the plan, or it's a bust. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, no? We used the basic plan back in 2011 and it was just okay. We both felt like we overate -- and that says a lot coming from two people who LOVE to overindulge! Plus, we were both pretty underwhelmed w/ all of the CS desserts (there's only so many mousse and carrot cake one can eat in a week). BUT...we do love the convenience of using it. I did a little price breakdown (minus gratuity b/c we'll have to pay that OOP regardless) of what the difference might be for us:

OOP
Cape May Cafe (dinner) - $38.33*2 adults = $76.66+tax
Tusker House (breakfast) - $26.99*2 adults = $53.98+tax
Crystal Palace (breakfast) - $25.00*2 adults = $50.00+tax
Beaches and Cream (dinner) - $32.00+tax
Toy Story Pizza Planet (lunch) - $24.76+tax
Peco Bill's (dinner) - $22.16+tax
Wolfgang Puck's Express (dinner) - $26.00+tax
Cosmic Ray's (lunch) - $24.36+tax
Two Refillable Mugs - $15.99*2=$31.98+tax
Misc snacks at various locations = $40.00+tax
TOTAL OOP COST = $381.90+tax

Basic DDP
$55.99*2 adults = $444.72

So, can see there's only a $56.94 price difference b/t paying OOP or doing the basic DDP for us. I do realize that I left out lunches on the OOP. Typically, we'll eat a late breakfast buffet, have a snack later that day and then do dinner. If we were to do the DDP, I think we'd still pay OOP for Beaches and Cream. I don't think it's really worth a TS credit, is it? The other thing to consider -- will the OOP prices raise b/t now and December? So, I thinking it might just be as easy to do the DDP again. Hmm...

What do y'all think?

I personally would pay oop and eat/order what I want vs getting dessert b/c I paid for it. I wouldn't get salad at pizza planet as I won't eat it anyway so that saves bucks. I would prob spilit snack w Dh, I agree B+C isn't worth wasting a TS credit on it. If you want to feel like your meals are paid for buy disney gift cards to cover meals. I'd use what you save not eating more than you can stomach to buy ms. P a princess dress.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

We have never used the DDP. I think we did the same thing you did, trying to figure out the difference and came to the realization that it really wasn't cheaper in the long run. The $56 you save paying OOP, tend to go to tips anyway. If you factor in the OOP tips for DDP, then you will probably be saving double what you figured now. Of course DH and I tend to go a little extravengant when we dine in the World, i.e., Shulas and Le Cellier. But its really what you feel. If you don't think your getting your money's worth via the DDP, then it would probably be better to go OOP and with the savings, buy a first time Disney something for Miss P .

Thanks for the great advice! Aaron and I are kind of opposite, in that we usually opt for casual dining or do dinner/breakfast TS buffets (we are OBSESSED w/ Cape May). So that's another reason why I think the basic plan wouldn't really work and the QS plan wouldn't be worth it.

Plus, I LOVE the idea of saving and using it towards buying Miss P something cute!

I personally would pay oop and eat/order what I want vs getting dessert b/c I paid for it. I wouldn't get salad at pizza planet as I won't eat it anyway so that saves bucks. I would prob spilit snack w Dh, I agree B+C isn't worth wasting a TS credit on it. If you want to feel like your meals are paid for buy disney gift cards to cover meals. I'd use what you save not eating more than you can stomach to buy ms. P a princess dress.

Great advice!! Aaron and I will usually share snacks/desserts if we get something. We've also split a meal at lunch b/c we weren't hungry enough for a full meal. Or, sometimes I'll eat a kids meal b/c I ate too many snacks before. Ha! I guess the more and more I think of it, the less appealing DDP is sounding.

Btw, I don't get why they charge B&C as a TS?! The prices are comparable to Wolfgang Puck Express and I'm sure they could just figure out a generic dessert to lump into that as a CS. It'd be like charging Steak-n-Shake as a TS b/c you get served as your table instead of at a counter. At least, imo.

I LOVE the idea of buying her a princess dress!! I CANNOT WAIT until she's old enough to do BBB. For my luck, she'd rather do the Pirates League instead.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Bump Watch - Week 28

Since I started this PTR so early and I'm also waiting for a very special person to arrive in our lives, I thought why not start a bump watch/update?

How Far Along: I've officially started the THIRD trimester!!

Cravings: All I seem to want is breakfast food, more importantly -- fried potatoes! I can't get enough of them. I was really sad when Aaron told me he's sick of them. Oh well, don't care. I'm still going to gorge myself on them.

Symptoms: Peeing ALL THE TIME, horrible leg cramps at night, difficulty sleeping -- thankfully, nothing is too uncomfortable (minus the leg cramps). Plus, I haven't started swelling!! ::knocks on wood::

Movement: ALL THE TIME. Seriously, this kid thinks my uterus is a dance floor. I think she may be honing her Elaine Benes dance moves (see pic below if you're not a Seinfeld fan)

Nursery update: Aaron is planning on painting the nursery this weekend!! I can't wait. We chose Sherwin Williams Cucumber, here's a pic snatched from Pinterest:

We also have a theme picked out for it -- Sleeping Beauty/forest. We plan on putting a quote above the crib that says, "Once Upon a Dream" and using tree decals on the wall. I'm also making a mobile using the three fairies dolls I bought at the Disney Store.

My sister has also helped me make some Pinterest inspired artwork to add to the nursery:

 

[jacksonsmom]

Bump Watch - Week 28

Since I started this PTR so early and I'm also waiting for a very special person to arrive in our lives, I thought why not start a bump watch/update?

How Far Along: I've officially started the THIRD trimester!!

Cravings: All I seem to want is breakfast food, more importantly -- fried potatoes! I can't get enough of them. I was really sad when Aaron told me he's sick of them. Oh well, don't care. I'm still going to gorge myself on them.

Symptoms: Peeing ALL THE TIME, horrible leg cramps at night, difficulty sleeping -- thankfully, nothing is too uncomfortable (minus the leg cramps). Plus, I haven't started swelling!! ::knocks on wood::

Movement: ALL THE TIME. Seriously, this kid thinks my uterus is a dance floor. I think she may be honing her Elaine Benes dance moves (see pic below if you're not a Seinfeld fan)

Nursery update: Aaron is planning on painting the nursery this weekend!! I can't wait. We chose Sherwin Williams Cucumber, here's a pic snatched from Pinterest:

We also have a theme picked out for it -- Sleeping Beauty/forest. We plan on putting a quote above the crib that says, "Once Upon a Dream" and using tree decals on the wall. I'm also making a mobile using the three fairies dolls I bought at the Disney Store.

My sister has also helped me make some Pinterest inspired artwork to add to the nursery:

I LOVE the bump picture!!!!

And the Nursey...OMG!!! you need to post a picture when it is finished. It sounds so perfect for a princess

I keep forgetting to come on the DIS and check this thread. Need to start remembering!!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I LOVE the bump picture!!!!

And the Nursey...OMG!!! you need to post a picture when it is finished. It sounds so perfect for a princess

I keep forgetting to come on the DIS and check this thread. Need to start remembering!!

Thanks, Kris!! I can't wait to see how the nursery comes together. I've been talking about the idea for SO long (even before I was pregnant), so I'm really excited to see how it turns out.

I should post a link to the update on Facebook. I know everyone is just dying for updates. HA!! Totally kidding!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Bump Watch - 30 Weeks

10w, 20w, 30w Bump Shots

How Far Along:

your baby at 30 weeks (only 10 more weeks!! )
His skin is getting smoother.
But his brain is getting wrinklier -- to make way for all that essential brain tissue.
He's now strong enough to grasp a finger!

Cravings: Still loving breakfast food, anything potato related and, most recently, Captain Crunch and ice cream sandwiches (not together)

Symptoms: Still running to the bathroom every 20 minutes it seems, oh, and my back starts killing me if I walk to much. Ugh.

Movement: She's still a spaz and I LOVE IT!!

Nursery Update: Aaron finished painting the nursery and we LOVE the color (Cucumber from Sherwin Williams)

We also got an awesome deal on her crib. We bought it last month ($160) but saw it was on sale online, plus it came w/ a free changing table. So, I had Aaron pack it up and we took back to Target. We returned it, but while we were there I noticed it was on clearance for $111. So, we decided we'd just rebuy it and not worry about the free changing table. When we checked out it rang up as $44!! I asked if it was the wrong price but they insisted it was correct so who was I to argue? We wound up saving $116!!! Aaron was definitely not grumbling when he found that out. Here's the one we bought:

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Disney Budget and Saving for the Big Trip

I know one of the things Aaron will say to me when he finds out about this trip will be -- how much will this cost?! Scrooge has nothing on him. He's a miser. He's all about saving money and not at all about spending anything at all. Which, is great b/c I'm not so much of a saver, and even better now that we have a baby on the way. But, it can get painful for him to commit to anything when money is involved. So, I've planned out a budget and a savings plan for the trip. One of the best things about planning so far ahead -- we have about 10 months to save money for it! Love that.

Budget

Beach Club Villas (studio) 4 nights - $600 (paid in full)
Park Tickets (5 day hopper via MouseSavers link for Undercover Tourist) - $645.90
OOP Dining - $350
Airfare - $600 -- I'm hoping we'll find a better deal than $300/per person
Souvenirs - $400 -- this will surely fluctuate
------------------------------
TOTAL BUDGET - $2595.90

To help start saving for the trip, I'm doing the 52 week money challenge (even though it's more like 50ish since we leave the second week of December). It's a great way to save extra money and really easy to keep up with (so far, anyway). I figured, why not give it a try?

Another way to easily save some cash...Sunshine Rewards. It's a cash back site that you can earn cash rebates from buying stuff online (Disney Store is a merchant, for example). You can also earn money by doing random surveys. I know, it sounds insane but I absolutely LOVE doing it. I've earned about $300 so far and I've cashed out w/ Disney gift cards. It sounds horribly monotonous, but I had great luck w/ it so far. Plus, that's $300 not coming from my pocket. Yes, please!

 

[My sister's princess]

Great update, LOVE the nursery and love your plan to have a way to pay for everything before that question is even asked

 

[GraysMom]

Subbing I hope you can capture the look on Aaron's face when Miss P presents him with his Father's Day gift!

See you on FB-Jessamy

 

[MelMel11]

Love the nursery color and great deal on the crib!!! Count me in!!