Summer and Serendipity ~ July PTR ~ LINK TO TRIP REPORT!!!

[KatMark]

You still have five weeks of school left? How late into June do you go? Our high school and other schools get out in two or three weeks.

That would be great if your dad could go with you. I'm so glad my dad was able to make a trip with the boys...it brings back many happy memories.

 

[tinacaplan]

Hey, I found you!

Beach Club ought to be great.....I think Max'll love Storm-Along Bay.

We had a great meal at Kona when we ate there in 2009.

Thanks for stopping by, Glen. I think he will, too. We visited a park with an aviary yesterday that despite having very obvious fencing, Max would not get anywhere near. So, unfortunately, I think AKL is going to have to wait until he's about older and over his current fear of any live creatures, other than dogs.

You still have five weeks of school left? How late into June do you go? Our high school and other schools get out in two or three weeks.

That would be great if your dad could go with you. I'm so glad my dad was able to make a trip with the boys...it brings back many happy memories.

Hi, Kathy. If you can believe it, we're in school until June 24. I think Karin even goes a bit longer than that. Schools in the northeast go very late; I think its because we have two breaks -- on in February and another in April, plus we have a longer school year. Many districts here also tend to go back late too, some even after Labor Day.

It would be great...as stressful as it might be, it would be wonderful for him to experience the magic with Max. I love Disney in large part because my dad always took me to see the movies and I'm sure he was the one who intiated the trips we took there when I was a kid. He grew up with the original Mickey Mouse club way back when and tro this day still thinks Walt can do wrong!

 

[PirateKate]

I've always found with my boys that it's easier to not have a dining plan. It's just too hard to predict what their schedules will be like.

Kona Cafe sounds good. I've never been for dinner, but I bet it'll be fun. Your itinerary looks great. Plenty of downtime at SAB.

 

[tinacaplan]

I've always found with my boys that it's easier to not have a dining plan. It's just too hard to predict what their schedules will be like.

Kona Cafe sounds good. I've never been for dinner, but I bet it'll be fun. Your itinerary looks great. Plenty of downtime at SAB.

That's definitely my thinking on this one. We cancelled so many ADRs in February it wasn't even funny!. OK, so maybe it was... a little! I also made all my ADRs for a bit later, as Max takes naps around four in the afternoon, when he takes them at all!

And, oh yes, there will definitely be plenty of time spent at SAB! I am so excited for this! I'm not sure if I'm going to keep Kona or not...Cali Grill keeps calling my name... I just read something about how they serve kids goldfish crackers with chopsticks and generally make a pretty big deal out of the kids. Argh! What to do...what to do...I think I need to make a decision soon, though, as there aren't a lot of times left.

 

[Luvmepluto]

Hello!!

Reading you PTR and I am jealous that you are staying walking distance to Epcot.

I LOVE Ohana's for dinner (did I say love......yes...LOVE) and Kona for breakfast!!!!!!

Vivian

 

[tinacaplan]

Hello!!

Reading you PTR and I am jealous that you are staying walking distance to Epcot.

I LOVE Ohana's for dinner (did I say love......yes...LOVE) and Kona for breakfast!!!!!!

Vivian

Its always nice to get a new reader! Makes me very happy, as a matter of fact. 'Ohana is great. We ate there for dinner back in February and it is great.

Actually, I can't quite believe that we're staying within walking distance of EPCOT. Capital C crazy... I did not think staying at a deluxe was possible, let alone staying within walking distance of EPCOT!

 

[tinacaplan]

I was an anxious mess as I was leaving school today. We had a field trip and to say our current crop of eighth graders is challenging would be a serious understatement. I then found out that I have a meeting with an unhappy parent tomorrow and despite being a parent, I still don't feel like I do a particularly good job with these meetings. They usually end with me apologizing or their kid's lousy behavior.

So...does it make me weird or just a total Disney fanatic...that I turned my Pandora to the Disney station on my way home? I think not... Perfect way to unwind, in my opinion. Why not be reminded of my happy place?

So in all fairness, the countdown has been going on for quite some time now. But, Max had been asking when we were going to make a new countdown calendar and since we hit the FIFTY DAY mark today, this evening seemed as good a time as any. I was a little stressed after a difficult day at school, so what better way to unwind than by making a Disney calendar?

We worked together and I'm pretty pleased with the results:

Max signed it along the side and there are various Disney stickers under each circle, which he will reveal as we take off a new circle everyday. So, it looks exactly like our first countdown calendar, but I'm not exactly Martha Stewart, so I think I've found something that works and still looks pretty cute!

I suppose that there will come a time when Max won't want to make these things anymore; won't even ask for me to make them for him. I should cherish these moments while I still can.

We had a lovely chat while we were working about what Max would like to do when he goes back to Disney this summer. He said, "I want to ride the People Mover...oh...and Dumbo...and Its a Small World." So, there you have it, our itinerary!

Seriously, though, day one will probably go something like this:

We have a super early flight on Southwest out of Hartford. We leave at 6:30 and since Mark and I tend to err on the side of extreme caution, we'll probably leave the house a bit after 4:30, for what should only be a thirty minute drive.

I will not make the same mistake I made last time and we will park someplace that is significantly cheaper than the $90 garage we parked at last time.

We will probably have what is becoming our beginning of the trip traditional Mc Donald's breakfast before heading toward the gate.

We are due at MCO at 9:30 and I think I'll take a bit of Cynthia's plan and stop and get some Starbucks before we beat it to the Magical Express line, which will wisk away to the Beach Club.

Our plan for the remainder of the day is to check out the resort, hit Storm Along Bay, and then EPCOT that evening for our ADR at Rose and Crown. I would love see Illuminations, but we'll have to wait and see how Max is holding up.

One thing working in our favor for the summer is the fact that there will be time to get him on a later sleep schedule, so who knows? He's been staying up later anyway..something about how late it stays light out, I suppose.

I just cannot wait for this trip! Can't believe that this really happening...all over again.

 

[cadek]

Wonderful plans! Our trip will be ending around the time yours will be beginning! It's so hard to make plans, especially ADR's, when you don't know how you'll feel or what you'll be in the mood for, let alone the kids!

I would love to stay at BC someday as well, as I love how close it is to Epcot. Well, I hear it is anyway, I've never walked over or explored the Boardwalk, but I will someday. Maybe not in the heat of July though!

 

[MEK]

Your first day at Disney sounds perfect. The thought of the Beach club, SAB, and dinner at R&C sounds more than perfect!!!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Awww, I think your countdown is super cute!!! You don't have to be Martha to create a nice activity to enjoy some terrific conversation with your little one!! Good for you, Mama! If it serves the purpose, you've done your job!

I think Cynthia's plan to stop for a Starbucks is perfect- it may very well be the last good coffee you get.

Relaxing and giving Max lots of SAB time to start off is a good plan for you guys! Then he may be ready to enjoy some quiet dinner at R&C. Looks good so far!

 

[KatMark]

Great plans, Tina.

Cynthia knows what she is tlaking about. A Starbucks run is A MUST DO no matter where I am before I start my travel day...just ask Mark. Coffee on way to airport (if open), coffee at airport, coffee when we land at airport...you get the picture.

I think the countdown calendar is terrific.

I can't wait to hear what you think of Stormalong Bay as that will hopefully be our next deluxe in our split stay (I just can't totally give up CSR).

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Your plans sound so great! I love the ADR's too!

The trip is getting so close!!!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Wonderful plans! Our trip will be ending around the time yours will be beginning! It's so hard to make plans, especially ADR's, when you don't know how you'll feel or what you'll be in the mood for, let alone the kids!

I would love to stay at BC someday as well, as I love how close it is to Epcot. Well, I hear it is anyway, I've never walked over or explored the Boardwalk, but I will someday. Maybe not in the heat of July though!

It is tough to make plans with kids...but you gotta try, right? We just got super lucky with the way Disney did discounts this summer. And, yes, the walk is super short. We had breakfast with some dear Disfriends at Cape May in February and then headed to EPCOT and I could not believe how quickly we were through the International Gateway. It is AMAZING!

Your first day at Disney sounds perfect. The thought of the Beach club, SAB, and dinner at R&C sounds more than perfect!!!!!!

Welcome! Thank you! I'm looking forward to it so much.

Awww, I think your countdown is super cute!!! You don't have to be Martha to create a nice activity to enjoy some terrific conversation with your little one!! Good for you, Mama! If it serves the purpose, you've done your job!

I think Cynthia's plan to stop for a Starbucks is perfect- it may very well be the last good coffee you get.

Relaxing and giving Max lots of SAB time to start off is a good plan for you guys! Then he may be ready to enjoy some quiet dinner at R&C. Looks good so far!

Thanks Liesa! And I'm sure that Starbucks stop will be the last good cup of coffee I get for a week. But there's plenty of other stuff to make up for it. I know one of the mistakes I made on our last trip is that I tried to pack too many things into the beginning of the trip and I think we all ended up pretty tired out early on. You live and learn...I suppose.

Great plans, Tina.

Cynthia knows what she is tlaking about. A Starbucks run is A MUST DO no matter where I am before I start my travel day...just ask Mark. Coffee on way to airport (if open), coffee at airport, coffee when we land at airport...you get the picture.

I think the countdown calendar is terrific.

I can't wait to hear what you think of Stormalong Bay as that will hopefully be our next deluxe in our split stay (I just can't totally give up CSR).

Thanks, Kathy. Do you own stock in Starbucks? I wish there was one at our airport, but there isn't...if you can believe that! Just Mickey D's and Dunkin Donuts, which I will drink if absolutely have to... but I will NOT enjoy it.

I have no doubt we'll be back at CSR. We all love it and there isn't much that could convince me it isn't the best mod. But I have to admit that I'm really so excited about being that close to EPCOT. And SAB looks pretty cool, too!

Your plans sound so great! I love the ADR's too!

The trip is getting so close!!!!!

Thank you! And it is getting so close! I'm having a really hard time concentrating on anything else!

 

[pinkxray]

I'm here. I've been following along from the beginning on my phone, but I'm not skilled enough to post on that thing yet.

Your plans sound great. Love the down time and flexibilty.

SAB was very nice and Max will have a great time in the sand area.

Your countdown calendar is so cute. You are never too old for a countdown calendar. I make them for Caitlin, but really they are for ME

We remembered to park in the economy lot this year instead of the parking garage. I always tell DH before the trip he is responible for paying the park b/c I will have no money left once we return home. He was not too happy last year when it was $150 We paid $67 this time. Our trip was 1 day shorter though.

 

[tinacaplan]

I'm here. I've been following along from the beginning on my phone, but I'm not skilled enough to post on that thing yet.

Your plans sound great. Love the down time and flexibilty.

SAB was very nice and Max will have a great time in the sand area.

Your countdown calendar is so cute. You are never too old for a countdown calendar. I make them for Caitlin, but really they are for ME

We remembered to park in the economy lot this year instead of the parking garage. I always tell DH before the trip he is responible for paying the park b/c I will have no money left once we return home. He was not too happy last year when it was $150 We paid $67 this time. Our trip was 1 day shorter though.

Awww...thanks! I hope you had a wonderful trip. I want to hear all about how the renting of DVC points went...I'm worried we're going to be totally spoiled by our deluxe experience, and I looked into point rental and you can get some really great deals, even going through a service! If Disney starts really backing away from discounts, renting points might become the way to go!

We might have someone drop us off, although I'm not sure because our flight comes in late. My dad can handle the early morning...late at night, not so much. Believe me, we are not going to make the $100 parking mistake again.

We can't wait for SAB! And you're right...the calendars really are for us!

 

[annmarieda]

Awe, your countdown calendar is super cute! What a fun way for Max to get involved. And... ya never know... he may like to do this for a long time. Girls are different, but even my 20 year old liked the calendar we did last fall.

I am excited (and jealous) that you are going back again in July! I think BC is going to be awesome for you!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Awe, your countdown calendar is super cute! What a fun way for Max to get involved. And... ya never know... he may like to do this for a long time. Girls are different, but even my 20 year old liked the calendar we did last fall.

I am excited (and jealous) that you are going back again in July! I think BC is going to be awesome for you!!!

Thanks, Ann! I'm so super excited...having a really hard time concentrating at school. I'm as bad as the kids, and we still have another four weeks to go! Luckily, I'll be going to California for one of those weeks, but still...

Hopefully, I'll have my full plans for my first two days up! I am trying not over-plan things, but I'm not being very sucessful with that. Its too much fun!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I am soooo jealous about your stay at the BC!!! I would love to stay at those resorts on that side of WDW. I loved walking to Epcot and DHS. Sooo cool! Great ADRs too! Am excited to try out Kona for dinner one day too!

It's so great to go to WDW so close to your last trip. For us, it made it easy for me to figure out where things were, remembering the schedules. I barely opened a map, I knew our resort grounds well, and the transportation back and forth to parks and other resorts. I wish I could do it more often! LOL

Your countdown calendar is so cute!

Did you end up getting a new camera?

 

[tinacaplan]

The direct flight from Hartford, CT to Orlando is approximately three hours. I prefer to take the first flight out in the morning so as to maximize my actual vacation time and keep my travel time to a minimum. Last year, we touched down around eleven in the morning and were at Coronado Springs by about eleven.

This year, we leave at 6:30 a.m., land at 9:30, and will probably be here:

by about 11:30. I am assuming that our room will not be ready, but fear not...I have a plan! Last year, we packed our suits in one of our carry-ons and through the magic and wonder of Magical Express, we were poolside fairly quickly with a minimum amount of fuss. And this year, we have all of this to explore:

I plan on purchasing resort mugs and maybe even bringing a small bottle of rum with me this time, since I’d rather not spend ten dollars for watered down drinks, pool-side, and there’s something about relaxing at a Disney resort pool that makes me want to drink. And drink rum, in particular. Not to the point of intoxication mind you, but a nice, relaxing adult beverage is always appreciated. We will likely just grab lunch at Hurricane Hannah’s.

Hopefully, our room will be ready a bit before three and we can head up and unpack. I really get into the whole unpacking thing and love to make as much of my luggage dissapear as humanly possible. You see, we live in a tiny house (yes, really tiny...I’m talking under 800 square feet tiny) and being able to put everything away in its place is an amazing feeling for me.

By this time, I am praying that Max will take a nap. This is the first trip where we will forgo a pack and play and have him sleep in a real bed, so even if this means he naps with one of us, I”m totally cool with that.

We have a 6:45 ADR at Rose and Crown...wonder if we’ll make it? I definitely am not willing to wake up Max to get there, that’s for sure. One lesson I learned last time is that there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that is worth waking Max up for. OK, rope drop, maybe...but an ADR...not so much.

If not, we have plenty of CS options to consider and there a few TS places that it isn’t impossible to get a walk-up for. Nine Dragons, perhaps? If all goes well, we’ll make Illuminations this night, which I super hopeful for. We didn’t make it at all last time and its my favorite fireworks show, by far. I know one thing for sure, as Oprah might say, and that is that we will be visiting the Caramel shop in Germany. So very good. Perhaps a bag of freshly made caramel corn will be enough to keep Max happy through Illuminations. I’m certain that if he sees it once, he will get it, and want to return every night. Or not. Who knows? All part of the fun of travelling with a four year old!

 

[tinacaplan]

I am soooo jealous about your stay at the BC!!! I would love to stay at those resorts on that side of WDW. I loved walking to Epcot and DHS. Sooo cool! Great ADRs too! Am excited to try out Kona for dinner one day too!

It's so great to go to WDW so close to your last trip. For us, it made it easy for me to figure out where things were, remembering the schedules. I barely opened a map, I knew our resort grounds well, and the transportation back and forth to parks and other resorts. I wish I could do it more often! LOL

Your countdown calendar is so cute!

Did you end up getting a new camera?

Thanks! Its funny, I've planned a lot of Asian restaurants for this trip. Its one of the two types of food Max likes and its easy to share. So no mac and cheese for him! Kona is my stand in until I think Max is old enough to handle Cali Grill, which is where I really would like to be. Oh well...someday.

I cannot believe we're going back again already. I'm amazed, believe me. And I doubt I'll have to use a map very often.

I think I might fall in love with being able to walk to EPCOT. It is my favorite park.

And no, haven't bought a camera yet...still waiting for my checkbook to recover a bit from paying off the trip.