So, This is What Makes Life Divine...MY FIRST PTR (May/June 2011) *5/27 LAST POST*

[jngwright]

What a fun trip you are planning! You are an awesome auntie
POR is beautiful and the carriage ridge is such a sweet birthday surprise. I loved hearing the horses clip clop past our room when we stayed at POFQ! You know that you can use the pool at POFQ, too, right? It is a nice stroll along the river to POFQ from POR.
Your meal choices are fun! Tusker House is a great addition

Looking forward to updates

 

[emyrus2004]

Things I love about your PTR: 1. Your layout and design. 2. The amount of planning you have put into the trip. 3. The retro Disney pictures. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to following along

Since we are going to be at Disney at the same time; I got a kick out of how similar our plans our. We will be at a lot of the same places at the same time. Let's hope not everyone at Disney follows our same touring plans

You are going to LOVE Port Orleans Riverside! I stayed there during my trip this past October and could not get over how nice and awesomely themed it was. We stayed one of the mansion buildings and it is so cool how they really do look like mansions from the outside.

What you said about seeing your niece's face when she first sees the castle is exactly how I feel about my cousin. It’s going to be so much fun experiencing Disney with an 8 year-old. Also, your mom and my cousin share a birthday! Only a few years apart, I’m sure

Keep up the great work! I can’t wait to read more.

 

[Chaitali]

Congrats on the upcoming graduation! It's so wonderful that you're planning this trip for your family. It's exciting that you're going to be able to take your niece to BBB. I already want to go back with my niece at some point because I know she would love it. I'm jealous about your Ohana meal. I saw Lilo and Stitch earlier this week for the first time. It was such a touching movie.

 

[taymorel]

Congrats on your graduation. Loving your PTR so far.



caroline

 

[mtgirl29]

Thanks so much for your tip! I know my PTR is probably not the most well written, but come on I have tons of pictures..... I wonder why only few is responding. Oh well! Let's see if the link works. Not as pretty and professional looking as yours, but it is functional. I am learning so much from this experience!

SUPER EXCITED - 91 days!!!!!!!!!

 

[britt_ji]

What a fun trip you are planning! You are an awesome auntie
POR is beautiful and the carriage ridge is such a sweet birthday surprise. I loved hearing the horses clip clop past our room when we stayed at POFQ! You know that you can use the pool at POFQ, too, right? It is a nice stroll along the river to POFQ from POR.
Your meal choices are fun! Tusker House is a great addition

Looking forward to updates

Thank You for reading!
I really want to make some amazing memories for my Niece. She's a great kid!

I plan to make time to visit POFQ. Maybe get some beignets

Things I love about your PTR: 1. Your layout and design. 2. The amount of planning you have put into the trip. 3. The retro Disney pictures. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to following along

Since we are going to be at Disney at the same time; I got a kick out of how similar our plans our. We will be at a lot of the same places at the same time. Let's hope not everyone at Disney follows our same touring plans

You are going to LOVE Port Orleans Riverside! I stayed there during my trip this past October and could not get over how nice and awesomely themed it was. We stayed one of the mansion buildings and it is so cool how they really do look like mansions from the outside.

What you said about seeing your niece's face when she first sees the castle is exactly how I feel about my cousin. It’s going to be so much fun experiencing Disney with an 8 year-old. Also, your mom and my cousin share a birthday! Only a few years apart, I’m sure

Keep up the great work! I can’t wait to read more.

Thank You! Glad you like everything.

Yeah, definitely hoping to not get TOO many people with the same plans

What you are doing for your cousin is so great!
Can't wait to see how everything plays out with these little girls

Congrats on the upcoming graduation! It's so wonderful that you're planning this trip for your family. It's exciting that you're going to be able to take your niece to BBB. I already want to go back with my niece at some point because I know she would love it. I'm jealous about your Ohana meal. I saw Lilo and Stitch earlier this week for the first time. It was such a touching movie.

Thanks for reading

I'm really looking forward to her trip to BBB!
It's such a great experience for little girls.

Congrats on your graduation. Loving your PTR so far.

caroline

Thank you so much!

Thanks so much for your tip! I know my PTR is probably not the most well written, but come on I have tons of pictures..... I wonder why only few is responding. Oh well! Let's see if the link works. Not as pretty and professional looking as yours, but it is functional. I am learning so much from this experience!

SUPER EXCITED - 91 days!!!!!!!!!

Oh, give yourself some credit.
I really like your PTR!
Hope the link works out for you.
90 DAYS NOW


​

 

[britt_ji]

Random Items:

Our check-in date is getting closer and closer!
I know this time is going to fly by.
Spring Break is two weeks away.
Graduation will be a few weeks after that...
and then, D-I-S-N-E-Y

I wanted to write an update, but couldn't decide on any one main topic.
So, I just thought I would do a random update.
First up, lots of Tinker Bell items...


Purchases:

Niece is a big fan of Tinker Bell
So, I bought just a few small items for her.

A holder for her KTTW card/fastpasses/etc. (eBay)

Tinker Bell notebook/autograph book (eBay)

Bag to put gifts in (eBay)

Autograph book/photo album (Disney Store)

Got this for the adults, so we can get autographs with Niece if she feels shy.



I have a lot more purchases planned, but I'm waiting to make them.
I need to get character shirts for all of us.
I also want to get Niece the personalized Tinkerbell Mickey Ears Hat.
I bought a lanyard for Niece from same eBay seller, but didn't like it.
I want to get her a few trading pins, as well.
There's lots more, but I won't bore you guys
I'll be sure to take pictures when I get everything.
I'll be doing some shopping when I go visit my parents next month.
Mom and Middle Brother will be going with me...

Middle Brother plans on making us all matching t-shirts for WDW
He saw one of the Disney World commercials and decided to do it.
He has a degree in Graphic Design, so I know he'll come up with something amazing.
I'll be sure to post a picture when he starts designing!


Crowd Meter:

I bought the subscription to Touring Plans for the year.
I haven't explored it too much, but I like it so far.
I've decided to post the crowd levels for my trip.
If nothing else, it will help me track any changes.

5/29 - MK - 6.3/10 Best Park

5/30 - EPCOT - 7.5/10 Neutral Park

5/31 - DHS - 7.8/10 Neutral Park

6/1 - AK - 5.3/10 Best Park

6/2 - MK - 4.2/10 Park to Avoid (EMH)

I'm not sure how I feel about the crowd levels.
I'm expecting crowds with Memorial Day and Free Dining, anyway.
I do HOPE to not feel too overwhelmed with crowds, though.


This update was pretty boring haha
Thanks for reading, though!

I think I will start my individual day plans next...
That HAS to be more interesting than this

I think I am just too tired after writing graduate school application essays...
I may have used up all of my writing/typing skills for the day

​

 

[mtgirl29]

We are in the 80's now!! Can you believe it!!!!

You got some really cool things for your niece. She is going to have such a magical time.
DH gets misty eyed when we come in to Magic Kingdom and heads towards the castle for the first time during our visit. He would kill me if he knew I was writing this.

Cannot wait to see what your brother designs for all of your shirts. Sounds wonderful!

You may want to check out ebay for pins to start your niece out. That is what we are doing for DD. Make sure they are from a reputable seller, though and not knock offs.
We should be getting ours anyday in the mail. I will take pics and post on my page. They also have penny presses there with various Disney characters and scenes from movies. My DD and DS did that on our last vist. The have a memory book to put them in, also.

Good luck with all your planning!!!

 

[mrssmith06]

Following over from my PTR. Your plans look grrrrreat! I look forward to reading more!

 

[creativeamanda]

You're in the 80s! I love the Tinkerbell stuff for your neice! It's so cute!

 

[britt_ji]

We are in the 80's now!! Can you believe it!!!!

You got some really cool things for your niece. She is going to have such a magical time.
DH gets misty eyed when we come in to Magic Kingdom and heads towards the castle for the first time during our visit. He would kill me if he knew I was writing this.

Cannot wait to see what your brother designs for all of your shirts. Sounds wonderful!

You may want to check out ebay for pins to start your niece out. That is what we are doing for DD. Make sure they are from a reputable seller, though and not knock offs.
We should be getting ours anyday in the mail. I will take pics and post on my page. They also have penny presses there with various Disney characters and scenes from movies. My DD and DS did that on our last vist. The have a memory book to put them in, also.

Good luck with all your planning!!!

We'll definitely have to do some of the penny presses.
I just have to remember to bring coins!

I'm so excited for him to start working on designs.
I might just call him tonight and hint that he should start soon
I plan to ask him to make invitations for our character meals and BBB, too.
Gotta put those art skills to use!

Following over from my PTR. Your plans look grrrrreat! I look forward to reading more!

Thank you for reading

You're in the 80s! I love the Tinkerbell stuff for your neice! It's so cute!

Yay! So much closer

There are so many adorable Tink items...I'll probably end up with lots more by May

​

 

[shera]

loving your report,I'm sure you guys are as excited as we are for May to get here,lol.We will be there May 27-June 10,then going to Universal and coming back to finish up at Disney the 12-13th.Hope to see you guys around at Disney.

 

[britt_ji]

loving your report,I'm sure you guys are as excited as we are for May to get here,lol.We will be there May 27-June 10,then going to Universal and coming back to finish up at Disney the 12-13th.Hope to see you guys around at Disney.

Thank you for reading!
We can't wait...just counting down the days!
Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned

​

 

[Corrine 1973]

I saw your PTR and thought to check it out becuase it looked like you were going to Disney at about the same time me and my son are. It turns out that we are going to disney at the same exact time. We are going to stay at All-Sports. As I read more I saw a lot more simularities.

May 29-MK-YEP
May 30-EPCOT-Yep Again
May 31-HS-Are we on the same wave length
Reservations for Mama Melrose at 2:20- O.K. So ours are for 2:10 but how funny​

Loving the PTR and all the exitement. Can't wait to read more. Hope to see you there. Be looking for you at Mama Melrose.

 

[britt_ji]

I saw your PTR and thought to check it out becuase it looked like you were going to Disney at about the same time me and my son are. It turns out that we are going to disney at the same exact time. We are going to stay at All-Sports. As I read more I saw a lot more simularities.

May 29-MK-YEP
May 30-EPCOT-Yep Again
May 31-HS-Are we on the same wave length
Reservations for Mama Melrose at 2:20- O.K. So ours are for 2:10 but how funny​

Loving the PTR and all the exitement. Can't wait to read more. Hope to see you there. Be looking for you at Mama Melrose.

You're the third person I've seen on the DIS with very similar plans.
"Great minds..." I guess
Thank you so much for reading!
We'll probably see you again at Fantasmic, too...


​

 

[britt_ji]

Considerations & Ch-ch-changes

I've decided to start posting my in-depth plans for the trip!
These were started (and rearranged several times) since I booked back in September
I recently made some more changes after talking with my family.

First of all, they told me I need to tell them more of my plans.
I had been holding back, trying to avoid overwhelming or just annoying them.
Now they feel out of the loop and Middle Brother is even demanding an itinerary
So, I'm organizing and making some-what final decisions.


Major changes include: Niece's surprise, wake-up times, and last day plans.

Niece has been asking about going to Disney World for awhile now.
Her parents have been telling her they won't be able to this year.
She has been more than reasonable, telling them "it's okay, maybe next year, I understand."
So, I think it's hard for her parents to keep the secret from her.
We have discussed it and decided her parents will tell her two weeks before school ends..
That way she gets to make plans of her own
She still won't know that my Mom, Dad, Middle Brother, and I will also be going.
She also won't know certain details, like character meals and BBB.
So, we still get to do some Disney surprising!

After talking with my Mom, I also changed some of the schedule I had.
Middle Brother is paralyzed from the shoulders down, and must use his own wheelchair.
So, certain considerations have to be made for the trip.
For one, as convenient as it would be, we simply can't fly.
Between lifts and equipment, it's just better for us to drive.
The only consideration I needed to account for in our schedule is waking up.
In order to get ready in the morning, we just need more time.
At first, I scheduled earlier mornings with the possibility of maybe being later than planned.
Instead, I've changed it to later mornings with a small possibility of being early.
We probably won't ever wake up earlier than planned (I'm not a morning a person)...
But at least that lessens the chance of being disappointed.
Or anyone feeling like they're holdin the group up.
Also, I've built in times for anyone to leave if they're not feeling up to the crowds/heat anymore.
I'll probably stay until closing, but I guess I can't force others to follow my crazy schedule

The last major change is for our last night at Disney World.
We will be at Magic Kingdom that day. The second time this trip.
Instead of watching Wishes there again, I've decided to beat the rush out of the park.
We will try to catch the monorail to the Polynesian and watch from the beach.
This way, we will get a different experience. Hopefully, a more relaxing one


I will post another update later tonight.
The first days of our travel plans!

Initially, I was going to combine the posts...
But this one ended up being longer than expected.
Thanks for reading!

​

 

[creativeamanda]

I like the idea of beating the rush the last night. Watching WIshes from the Poly is always fun. If you are taking your middle brother to the Poly beach, you may want to allow yourself more time and make sure the battery on his wheelchair is charged well. The sand on the Poly beach is raked every day, and it's hard to get wheels through. it can be done, but I want you to be prepared.

 

[britt_ji]

The Journey Begins...

This is our destination, but we have to get there first!


We will begin our vacation on May 27th, so technically it's a little bit closer.


http://www.**************/id/1306479744.jpg


Dad, Mom, Middle Brother, and I will load into our big van and begin the drive
We will leave Friday morning from outside of San Antonio.
Total Estimated Miles: 1240
Anybody else tired already?

We will roadtrip most of the day until we reach my Older Brother's house.
He lives outside of New Orleans.
Total Estimated Distance: 590 Mi, 10+ Hours

Here, we will surprise Niece and let her know we are ALL going to Disney World...
We will present her with anything we have gotten for the trip...
I will give her a planning folder with the week's highlights...
We will get some rest after the long trip that day...
And we will eat some yummy New Orleans food!

We will stay at a hotel and try to sleep in as late as possible.
We've decided to leave late Saturday night (instead of Sunday morning) to Florida.
So, we will try to just spend a quiet day with Older Brother, Sister-In-Law, and Niece.
I say "try" because we have lots of family and friends in Louisiana...
And we will probably end up visiting some of them. Or vice-versa.

We will leave May 28th to Lake Buena Vista
All 7 of us will drive there overnight.
Estimated Distance to the Happiest Place on Earth: 654 Miles

On May 29th we will finally arrive!

Thank you for reading.
Up next...Magic Kingdom!

​

 

[britt_ji]

I like the idea of beating the rush the last night. Watching WIshes from the Poly is always fun. If you are taking your middle brother to the Poly beach, you may want to allow yourself more time and make sure the battery on his wheelchair is charged well. The sand on the Poly beach is raked every day, and it's hard to get wheels through. it can be done, but I want you to be prepared.

Thanks so much for the tip! I've looked into it a bit more after reading your comment, and I think we may try to pick a spot on the dock or near a sidewalk. He will be in a manual chair with one of us pushing, so charging and the extra weight of a power chair won't be a problem. Thanks again

​

 

[Corrine 1973]

Considerations & Ch-ch-changes

After talking with my Mom, I also changed some of the schedule I had.
Middle Brother is paralyzed from the shoulders down, and must use his own wheelchair.
So, certain considerations have to be made for the trip.
For one, as convenient as it would be, we simply can't fly.
Between lifts and equipment, it's just better for us to drive.
The only consideration I needed to account for in our schedule is waking up.
In order to get ready in the morning, we just need more time.
At first, I scheduled earlier mornings with the possibility of maybe being later than planned.
Instead, I've changed it to later mornings with a small possibility of being early.
We probably won't ever wake up earlier than planned (I'm not a morning a person)...
But at least that lessens the chance of being disappointed.
Or anyone feeling like they're holdin the group up.
Also, I've built in times for anyone to leave if they're not feeling up to the crowds/heat anymore.
I'll probably stay until closing, but I guess I can't force others to follow my crazy schedule

​

I know what you mean about getting up in the moring. Liam has to do morning treatments every morning that in itself takes 30 minutes and that is not included on normal morning activities. Hoping that since Liam is used to getting up early for school will still get us out of our rooms at a early time.

We'll happily keep you company if the rest of the family poops out. We will be at the same parks for at least the first 3 days.