Sunday's Surprise Soujourn - We're going to WDW JAN 2011! Updated 9/15

[Sunday]

PICS NOW ADDED!



Thanks for reading my PTR. I've been on the boards sporadically over the past while, and took our last trip to the World in December 2009.

Cast Members:
Me - Sunday (33), hard-working marketing queen.

Dressed as Princess Aurora for an Easter Parade:

And waiting for takeoff on Dumbo! December 2009:

Wife to virtual giant and workout king DH (37) (camera shy!) and mummy to gorgeous DD (3).

DH and DD enjoying meeting "Pooh" at DTD in December 2009:

DD at her third birthday this August:

So, after receiving some not-so nice health related news, I decided to cheer myself up and visit some Disney websites. It always does a soul good to think back to all of the good times we've had there.

Instantly, I see that the free dining plan is back on! "Cool" I think, "That worked out as a GREAT deal for us back in 2009". Since we had JUST come back from vacation that week, I didn't think anything of it at that time.

But the hours ticked by at work, and I went back to that site, and kept thinking "wouldn't it be fun though?".

And I couldn't. give. up. that. thought.

Suddenly, I'm checking availability. You know, just to see.

Hmm, availability is....good. Oooohkay.

But flights can't be good right? Wait, the flights are really, really low. Like, seriously low.

And the cheap flights, and the availability of the deal coincide. Huh.

Next thing I know, I'm running my budget spreadsheet. Heck, this is going to be bad...wait, actually, I can do this...

Next thing I know, I've booked it. Just, booked it. DONE.

-----------------------------------------------
Quick Links:
OMG!!
What he doesn't know won't kill him...
The Resort
The Park Plan - Epcot
The Park Plan - The Studios
The Park Plan - Animal Kingdom
The Park Plan - Magic Kingdom
The visiting schedule and ADR's
Dude, where's my downtime?
DH Throws a Wild Card
The Reveal - With Video

---------------------------------------------------
Next part: OMG!!

 

[Sunday]

So, now the trip is booked. Have I forgotten one eversoteenytinylittledetail?

I didn't involve DH. At all.

I know he would LOVE to go. He's a huge Disney fan, even bigger than me, and I know he would be jumping up and down with excitement (ok, maybe not actually jumping) if he knew what we had done. Oh, obviously if he didn't murder me for making such a big spending decision on my own.

But, as I had looked at my budget, I saw that I could put enough money aside by myself to fund the trip. I just have to be careful as to what I spend, and put some money aside every pay. Easy! Well, just keep looking back to this PTR to see how that goes I suppose.

So, I have a trip booked for January 21st. That neatly avoids the crush at Christmas, the melee at Martin Luther King Weekend, and (hopefully, ohpleaseohpleaseohplease) any Cheerleading contests. Note: Nothing against the sport, or I'm sure, many many perfectly nice ladies and gents who attend the contests. But for those very few bad apples that spoiled our holiday last time

This will be my fifth trip to the World:

1) October 2002 - First visit EVER! Visited with my Mum, Brother and Sister. Stayed off world at Sheraton Hotel near Seaworld. Visited Seaworld, Universal Studios and Islands, Busch Gardens, and all WDW parks.

2) December 2006 - Visited as newlyweds with DH. Stayed off world at Comfort Inn and Suites East Maingate. Visited the Universals, and all WDW parks except Epcot. Little did I know that there was also a third person that visited the world with us...until I got home, that is!

3) Jan 2008 - First visit to the World as parents! Stayed off world at Comfort Inn and Suites East Maingate. Again, visited the Universals, and all WDW parks except Epcot. Our DD was only 18 months, but adored every second!

4) December 2009 - What a trip! First time ever staying at Port Orleans Riverside. FANTASTIC! Visited all parks except Epcot again.

Now, how to tell the hubby??

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Next: What he doesn't know won't kill him....

 

[Sunday]

So, the resort is booked, the flights are booked.

I have decided to surprise DH and DD with this on Christmas Day 2010. To make matters even more fun, I'd been talking with DH about not doing big presents for each other this Christmas and so I'll totally blow him out of the water with this! Note: I said no presents because I want him to have some spending money for Disney when we get there. He adores Mickey hats and shirts, so I want to make sure he spoils himself a little too!

So, what he doesn't know won't kill him!

Now I need to figure out how to spring the surprise on them!

Here are some initial ideas...let me know your thoughts!

1) Buy a bunch of pins from eBay (I think a fellow Dis-er did this) and give one to each of them and just announce it, and then use the remaining pins to do a "count down" for the remaining 27 days before we leave.

2) Do a softcover book of all the plans that I have put together (using Shutterfly or something) with lots of places to collect autographs and pics. Then kind of just tell them?

3) Do a scavenger hunt through the house for clues. The problem is, DH will figure it out quickly, and DD (3) will take some figuring out. I would need the most help from DIS-ers with this one!

--------------------------------------------
Next: The Resort!

 

[Sunday]

So, as I said, we arrive January 21st 2011, and we're staying at POR. We adored POR when we went in December 2009, and it was a natural YES for me.

What do I like about POR:
1) I love the theming. We were placed in AB section, in building 14 (I believe). The bridges, the water, and the wildlife made it seem more than just a Disney moderate.

2) We lucked out with Building 14. We were on the ground floor, and such a short walk to the pool, the buses, and the main building.

3) The pool was so much fun. Not crowded, and just enough theming and features to make it interesting.

4) The boat to DTD. What a benefit! So great!

5) Yeehaw Bob. No-one mentioned this to us when we arrived. What an awesome surprise! He was incredible!

6) Boatwrights. When we booked the December 2009 trip, we booked LATE. I think we only had 2 or 3 months to get everything organized. And since we got free dining, we wanted to make all those ADR's immediately. Unfortunately, making them was a total struggle, as others had taken advantage of the free dining too. Boatwrights saved our hides (and our free credits) on several occasions. We simply couldn't use our TS credits as we couldn't get seated anywhere. Going back to the resort and having a late meal of Prime Rib at 9pm is the only thing that kept us from losing the credits. And the food was awesome! I was worried after reading reviews here, but the food was good to great. A really nice resort restaurant.

7) Buses. The buses were quick and plentiful. Again, I worried after reading about POR and buses here, but the issues didn't appear for us.

8) Rooms. A free fridge? Awesome mousekeeping? Clean and presentable room? Lots of room for DD's pack and play? Check times 4.

So, it was a natural choice to go with POR instead of the equally available, and equal cost CBR.

---------------------------------------------------

Next: The Park Plan - Epcot

 

[Sunday]

Note to anyone reading - if I suddenly post something mid sentence, it's because DH walked into the room unexpectedly...I MUST KEEP THIS A SURPRISE!!

Anyway, onwards! PARKS!

In a virtual replication of our December 2009 trip, I wanted to hit MK, AK, and the Studios. But this time, I thought DD might be old enough to enjoy a trip to Epcot.

Now, for anyone tuning in....here is my ongoing love / hate affair with Epcot:

*cue melodramatic music*

I've only been to Epcot once when I was 25 or so. I went with my Mum (at the time 45), brother (13) and sister (15).

(Back story within a story) My Mum had just gone through a horrific divorce from my step-father. She wanted desparately to get away from it all, and also wanted to take the kids somewhere lovely to forget about all the bad stuff that was going on. She asked us kids (my eldest brother couldn't come) where we wanted to go on vacation...anywhere in the world. Nowhere was off limits.

The decision was unanimous...DISNEYWORLD (and although that was clearly awesome, I did smart a little that a chance to go to China was off the table, lol!)

So, Epcot was one of the parks we visited on that trip in 2002.

We. had. a. BLAST!

My Mum and I had regional drinkies all over the World. My favourite were the margaritas (sp?)...deeeelish!

We went on Test Track, we saw The Land etc. The rides weren't anything special to us, we actually found them kind of cheesy and old. I'm glad to hear that there is so much to ride now at Epcot, because (to be absolutely honest) I found it a little under-updated back then.

But we laughed SO much. We had a howling moment in Norway. After the ride, we didn't realize that we had to sit down and watch the movie on Norway. My Mum and I just looked at each other for a split second, and then raced for the exit, Indiana Jones style. We were cracking up so badly. We made it out just before they "sealed the doors"!

So, that's my love / hate of Epcot. I am really looking forward to adding it to our itinerary this time around, but secretly have some fingers crossed behind my back, hoping it will be fun and updated too!

Oh, and still have the margs, naturally!

-------------------------------------------------
Next: The Park Plan - The Studios

 

[Sunday]

How do I love The Studios, let me count the ways?

I've been to MGM / Disney Studios many, many times. I've seen it grow and evolve over that time and I am happy with the way it seems to be going.

We did two trips to the Studios last visit, once was amazing, the second time it POURED rain and was absolutely miserable. I hope that one visit we have planned this time around works out a bit better!

My favourite things to do there:
1) ToT, obviously. I am a total thrill seeker and I love this ride. Even better, it has improved over time. The very first time I went on it, the ride was very short and I was totally unimpressed. I have got more impressed over the years. The ride seems longer, and much more random. Once, I swear the ride was DONE, and we were going to be let off the ride, and we POINGED back up one last time. Scary as all get out and totally unexpected. I also love the theming of this ride. Absolutely a must to do, and one of my top five rides!

2) Playhouse Disney Live: DD loves these shows, and it really brings it to her in a way that she adores.

3) Star Tours: Good old fashioned fun. Who doesn't love Star Tours??

4) Leo and June at Hollywood and Vine: See also "not my favourites" for a caveat to this one. DD loved the interaction with the characters and especially the parade!

5) 50's Prime Time Cafe: A-maz-ing fried chicken, and they almost give you the whole chicken in enormous portions! Great CM interaction too!



Other peoples faves that I don't really share:
1) Rocking Coaster: Not a fave. Don't know why, as I love coasters. But this one isn't a priority. If the lines are small, I'll do it.

2) Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Ugh. I've only seen this once, but our Ariel was a BAD singer. She was so flat that everyone winced when she hit the high notes. Maybe an off day, but it completely spoilt the experience.

3) Hollywood and Vine food: Also an ugh. So disappointed. The interaction made up for the food, but still, it was barely edible when we went.


Things we haven't done, but will do this time:
1) Fantasmic: DH and I have done this, but DD went to sleep too early last time. Hopefully she'll be able to stay up long enough to see this amazing show.

2) The Animation Studio: I heard rumour that you can draw with an animator? Is that true? If so, I will surprise DH with this as he is an avid amateur artist.

3) American Idol: I want to audition!! Sure, I won't get picked, but I so want to do it and force DH to come too (as he actually is a singer).

My plan is to only go to the Studios once, but that all depends on how DD feels about only seeing TSM and PHDL once! Stay tuned to see if this changes...

------------------------------------------
Next: The Park Plan - Animal Kingdom

 

[Sunday]

I have planned for two days to visit Animal Kingdom. DD loves the live animals and this is an absolute favourite of hers. I've found that, with the limited opening times, we were tempted last year to use the EMH to see AK...so unhappy we did though.

The benefit of getting there early was far outweighed by the insane crowds that morning. I've never seen such un-Disney like behaviour in my life! Despite this, we tried to have a good time but it was difficult to keep my cool!

This time, I'm hoping to avoid all EMH and see Animal Kingdom at least twice!

My favourite things to do at AK:

1) Lion King show. Do you know, I've seen this show about 5 times and I cry at the beginning every single time?

2) Meet and Greets and Camp Mickey Minnie. What a "hidden" treasure! Easy to see all the characters that DD loves in one quickly accessible area.

3) Kali River Rapids: Praying that DD is big enough, and the weather is nice enough to experience! It's a short ride, but so much fun!

4) Expedition Everest: Natch!!


Things that others like that I'm not so keen on:

1) Nemo show: Even DD couldn't sit still for this show. I found the music a little cloying.

2) Pocahontas: A rude princess? Surely that can't be right!

Otherwise, I just love puttering around, looking at all of the animal exhibits, and taking our time. That's why big crowds at AK at such a boo-hoo moment for me...I like strolling and don't like to be pushed along!

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Next: The Park Plan - Magic Kingdom

 

[Sunday]

I left the best until last!

I am planning on three days at MK, but all subject to change of course.

We arrive at 9am at Orlando Airport, so I figure with Magical Express and Check-In, we could be either:

1) Ready to jump on a bus to MK immediately or
2) If the room is ready, have DD take a swim and a nap before heading out for an evening of fun.

We have six full days for the parks available, and seven days worth of passes, so going in the evening isn't a waste or anything. What do you think?

Regardless, I have a booking for Crystal Palace for dinner, so that should be amazing.

Magic Kingdom is clearly DD's favourite park, and mine too. It is absolutely magical. I won't even go into how warm and fuzzy the place makes me feel, it's beyond comprehension.

Regardless, I plan on MK on Day 1, Day 5, and Day 7 of our trip.

------------------------------------
Next: The visiting schedule and ADR's

 

[Sunday]

So, here's the meat of my planning, the schedules and ADR's.

I planned pretty quickly (SO EXCITED!) so I'm sure there are going to be things I have overlooked or skipped.

My mandate was pretty simple when it came to these plans:

1) Don't go to any park with EMH. It hasn't been worth it for us in the past, especially as we aren't using Park Hoppers.

2) Visit MK LOTS!

3) Try and catch fireworks. We missed them every time, and I don't know when the schedule is going to come out, but I am determined to watch them this time!!

4) Make lots of ADR's. Unlike last time we did free dining, I was on a mission to get lots of character dining!

So for now, here is the plan as of September 13th:

Day 1 (arrival day) Friday: Arrive at POR by 11am - Noon. Potential for swim and DD nap, or head straight to MK

Day 1 ADR's: Crystal Palace for dinner @ 5.50pm

----

Day 2 Saturday: Animal Kingdom

Day 2 ADR's: Chef Mickeys for dinner @ 6.35pm

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Day 3 Sunday: Epcot

Day 3 ADR's: Askershus Royal Banquet Hall for dinner @ 5.20pm

----

Day 4 Monday: Studios

Day 4 ADR's: 50's Prime Time Café for dinner 5.55pm

----

Day 5 Tuesday: PRINCESS DAY! Magic Kingdom

BBB for DD at 8.15am

Day 5 ADR's: Cinderella's Table for dinner @5.25pm

----

Day 6 Wednesday: Animal Kingdom

Day 6 ADR's: Tusker's for breakfast with Donald @ 8.20am
1900 Park Fare for dinner @ 6.40pm (may cancel)

----

Day 7 Thursday: Magic Kingdom

Day 7 ADR's: Ohana's for breakfast @ 9.20am
1900 Park Fare for dinner @ 6.15pm


----

Day 8 Friday: Leave 6am!

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Next: Dude, where's my downtime??

 

[Sunday]

As you may see from our schedule, we are going to be quite the park commandos this visit.

The anticipation is that we are out at the Park all day, ideally without returning to the room for a swim and nap.

Why?

Well, because even though DD (3) still does take a nap during the day, we don't know how this will change 4 months from now. Also, she tends to go to bed around 8pm each night.

There are three different scenarios that I would love some feedback on (if anyone is reading??)

1) We could be at the Park for rope drop (or earlier in the case of the BBB and Tusker breakfast), have a CS lunch on our plan, and then 6pm ish table service dinner. Then, almost immediately, return to the resort for a swim and bed.

2) We could be at the Park for rope drop (see above), have an early CS lunch and immediately return to the resort. With travel, a nap, a swim, and travel back, I'm thinking three hours later we could return to the park, have an hour or two before our 6-ish TS dinner. But, we'd be bright eyed and bushy tailed, meaning we could stay a little later for fireworks etc.

3) DO NOT DO ROPE DROP, instead only show up for the breakfast and BBB as required. All other times lounge in the room, swim, be slower in the morning, to arrive in the park around 11am. This is my least favoured option, as I love getting on the early rides, and then our CS meal and TS meal would be quite close together.

So, what are your thoughts? Would love to hear from fellow DIS-ers who have young children that still nap during the day and how they handle it, especially if you are staying in POFQ or POR.

----------------------------------
Next: DH throws a wild card

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hello! Sunday
what a beautiful DD you have...
you have one busy planning disser...great job so far.
I like your plans up to this point; for all your parks. I don't think you will disappointed with Epcot this go round. I believe you will really like Mission Space and DD will love the Seas with Nemo. and, Soarin' well all that you hear is what it is...I rode it for the first time in April and loved it as did DS4 and DH. It is not a thrill ride but it is very well done.

If your DD is an early sleeper you may have a problem with the FW shows but you have to find time for Fantasmic at DHS. This is our family favorite as it has live characters, lasers, water play, and fireworks. Now, Wishes at MK I cry everytime :confused1:
we all enjoy Illuminations at Epcot a great show of lasers and FW's.

As for what I think about your how to handle the days:
I like your first idea; rope drop, CS lunch, sit down dinner, and pool relax time in the evening (we love to end our day by relaxing in the pool--but rarely do it this way), that would be a great way to do your days toward the end of the week, when you start to feel the strain on your bodies after a week of walking and visual stimulation.

Well, for now
can't wait to hear more of your plans...

 

[Sunday]

Hello! Sunday
what a beautiful DD you have...
you have one busy planning disser...great job so far.
I like your plans up to this point; for all your parks. I don't think you will disappointed with Epcot this go round. I believe you will really like Mission Space and DD will love the Seas with Nemo. and, Soarin' well all that you hear is what it is...I rode it for the first time in April and loved it as did DS4 and DH. It is not a thrill ride but it is very well done.

If your DD is an early sleeper you may have a problem with the FW shows but you have to find time for Fantasmic at DHS. This is our family favorite as it has live characters, lasers, water play, and fireworks. Now, Wishes at MK I cry everytime :confused1:
we all enjoy Illuminations at Epcot a great show of lasers and FW's.

As for what I think about your how to handle the days:
I like your first idea; rope drop, CS lunch, sit down dinner, and pool relax time in the evening (we love to end our day by relaxing in the pool--but rarely do it this way), that would be a great way to do your days toward the end of the week, when you start to feel the strain on your bodies after a week of walking and visual stimulation.

Well, for now
can't wait to hear more of your plans...

Thanks so much for reading, and welcome!

Thanks for the tips on how to set up our days...it's really hard to figure out until you have been there with a child of that age, so thanks.

Also, cheers for the Epcot reassurance...you just never know how much has changed in the past few years until you get there. I'm sure we'll have a great time!

 

[TaylorsLoveDisney]

hi... im here!! now i have to go and read all your posts!! cant wait,.

i did see where this is a suprise.. thats AWESOME~ your DD is adorable..
ok.. ill comment after i read !

 

[chicagoshannon]

I'm here. I came over from Tonya's PTR.

I haven't read everything yet but will.

My daughter is just a couple of months older then yours. She LOVES Epcot. Make sure you stop in at Innoventions and do some of the games. Also Madeline loves doing the masks and penny presses. I'd say skip the Kim Possible missions this time. Madeline got bored with that pretty quickly.

POR is one of my favorite resorts. We stayed there when I was a teen and also on our honeymoon. I stayed at the WL in Feb and prefer POR.

 

[Sunday]

hi... im here!! now i have to go and read all your posts!! cant wait,.

i did see where this is a suprise.. thats AWESOME~ your DD is adorable..
ok.. ill comment after i read !

Welcome! Thanks for reading!!

It is a surprise, and one that I can't wait to spill! Every night I come home from work expecting to see DH with this big grin on his face because I got a piece of mail, or received an ebay shipment (I ordered some pins, heee!) and he figured it out!

I'm here. I came over from Tonya's PTR.

I haven't read everything yet but will.

My daughter is just a couple of months older then yours. She LOVES Epcot. Make sure you stop in at Innoventions and do some of the games. Also Madeline loves doing the masks and penny presses. I'd say skip the Kim Possible missions this time. Madeline got bored with that pretty quickly.

POR is one of my favorite resorts. We stayed there when I was a teen and also on our honeymoon. I stayed at the WL in Feb and prefer POR.

Welcome too! I'm so glad to hear about Madeline at Epcot. That was my only real worry. I can't wait to see Soarin' and The Seas!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Ok i read the rest.

I'd go to dinner at CP that first night and then stay for the fireworks.

Try to make rope drops and be done with the parks in the evening. You should have no problem having that down time with the week you're going.

Also, Star tours is closed until next May.

 

[dalgal101]

Hey, having fun reading your pre-trip report. It appears we will be there at the same time. We arrive on 1/21 at 5:30 and leave on 1/28 at 5:30. I have two DS, 9 and 5. We will be celebrating several different days while there. DS9 bday is on the 22nd (2nd trip), DS5 bday (1st trip) will have been 12/15 and DH and my 15th anniversary will have been on 12/23 (3rd trip). We actually are only going to celebrate the real birthday and then going to do a 1st visit pin for DS5. I wish I could surprise the family, but we have alway told DS9 that we would go back when DS5 was 5. I also had to work with the school so now DS9 knows exactly when we are going. I guess some other surprises will have to made. We are staying at the All-Star sports, we are huge sport fans and stayed there last time. DS9 was 6 at the time, we went for 4 nights in January 2008 over MLK weekend and did EMH and did not think it was very crowded. This time school is not out for MLK so we pushed it back a week. We went from RD to closing every night and so resort was nothing to us, in fact we never even got to see all the cool decorations because we were never there. We plan to go all EMH this time also. Our DS9 has always been a mover and shaker, but I think we will need the extra days with DS5. He is much slower and does not get in a hurry. Our plan is MK w/ CP breakfast ressie on 22nd, DHS w/ HWV lunch, Fantasmic and 50's PT for dinner on the 23rd, MK w/ CP dinner ressie on 24th, Epcot w/ GG dinner ressie on the 25th, AK w/ TH breakfast ressie on the 26th, ? on the 27th w/ a CM dinner ressie and Ohana breakfast ressie on the 28th before heading home. We are wanting to find some time to look around the resorts and go to DTD.
I plan on following your planning and surprise. Have fun!!!!

 

[TaylorsLoveDisney]

How do I love The Studios, let me count the ways?

I've been to MGM / Disney Studios many, many times. I've seen it grow and evolve over that time and I am happy with the way it seems to be going.

We did two trips to the Studios last visit, once was amazing, the second time it POURED rain and was absolutely miserable. I hope that one visit we have planned this time around works out a bit better!

My favourite things to do there:
1) ToT, obviously. I am a total thrill seeker and I love this ride. Even better, it has improved over time. The very first time I went on it, the ride was very short and I was totally unimpressed. I have got more impressed over the years. The ride seems longer, and much more random. Once, I swear the ride was DONE, and we were going to be let off the ride, and we POINGED back up one last time. Scary as all get out and totally unexpected. I also love the theming of this ride. Absolutely a must to do, and one of my top five rides!

2) Playhouse Disney Live: DD loves these shows, and it really brings it to her in a way that she adores.

3) Star Tours: Good old fashioned fun. Who doesn't love Star Tours??

4) Leo and June at Hollywood and Vine: See also "not my favourites" for a caveat to this one. DD loved the interaction with the characters and especially the parade!

5) 50's Prime Time Cafe: A-maz-ing fried chicken, and they almost give you the whole chicken in enormous portions! Great CM interaction too!



Other peoples faves that I don't really share:
1) Rocking Coaster: Not a fave. Don't know why, as I love coasters. But this one isn't a priority. If the lines are small, I'll do it.

2) Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Ugh. I've only seen this once, but our Ariel was a BAD singer. She was so flat that everyone winced when she hit the high notes. Maybe an off day, but it completely spoilt the experience.

3) Hollywood and Vine food: Also an ugh. So disappointed. The interaction made up for the food, but still, it was barely edible when we went.


Things we haven't done, but will do this time:
1) Fantasmic: DH and I have done this, but DD went to sleep too early last time. Hopefully she'll be able to stay up long enough to see this amazing show.

2) The Animation Studio: I heard rumour that you can draw with an animator? Is that true? If so, I will surprise DH with this as he is an avid amateur artist.

3) American Idol: I want to audition!! Sure, I won't get picked, but I so want to do it and force DH to come too (as he actually is a singer).

My plan is to only go to the Studios once, but that all depends on how DD feels about only seeing TSM and PHDL once! Stay tuned to see if this changes...

------------------------------------------
Next: The Park Plan - Animal Kingdom

wow.. alll your plabns are great so far!! the suprise is sooo special.. you are very lucky to get to do that!! so awsome! i like the scavenger hunt idea!!

ps last year i was picked for the American Idol show in HS!! it was one of the best experiences of my life!! wouldn't trade it for the world! came inn 2nd! a younger girl won who was great too!! was happy it was her because i wouldn't be able to use that golden ticket anyways( * that was the prize ) for i am a mommy and workin wife!! LOL try out!! yah never know!!! and enjoy!!
ok,, ill keep reading,,. im really enjoying your PTR !

 

[luvmy2babies]

I'm in. I saw your comment on my PTR. I see you are planning a surprise too. I am impressed you planning it to surprise your dh too. I could never surprise mine...clear where dd inherited her nosiness from.

 

[Sunday]

I'm in. I saw your comment on my PTR. I see you are planning a surprise too. I am impressed you planning it to surprise your dh too. I could never surprise mine...clear where dd inherited her nosiness from.

Welcome luvmy2babies! Yes, it's a BIG suprise, and that comes with a very BIG set of workarounds and foilbles all its own...wait until you read my next update!

Hey, having fun reading your pre-trip report. It appears we will be there at the same time. We arrive on 1/21 at 5:30 and leave on 1/28 at 5:30. I have two DS, 9 and 5. We will be celebrating several different days while there. DS9 bday is on the 22nd (2nd trip), DS5 bday (1st trip) will have been 12/15 and DH and my 15th anniversary will have been on 12/23 (3rd trip). We actually are only going to celebrate the real birthday and then going to do a 1st visit pin for DS5. I wish I could surprise the family, but we have alway told DS9 that we would go back when DS5 was 5. I also had to work with the school so now DS9 knows exactly when we are going. I guess some other surprises will have to made. We are staying at the All-Star sports, we are huge sport fans and stayed there last time. DS9 was 6 at the time, we went for 4 nights in January 2008 over MLK weekend and did EMH and did not think it was very crowded. This time school is not out for MLK so we pushed it back a week. We went from RD to closing every night and so resort was nothing to us, in fact we never even got to see all the cool decorations because we were never there. We plan to go all EMH this time also. Our DS9 has always been a mover and shaker, but I think we will need the extra days with DS5. He is much slower and does not get in a hurry. Our plan is MK w/ CP breakfast ressie on 22nd, DHS w/ HWV lunch, Fantasmic and 50's PT for dinner on the 23rd, MK w/ CP dinner ressie on 24th, Epcot w/ GG dinner ressie on the 25th, AK w/ TH breakfast ressie on the 26th, ? on the 27th w/ a CM dinner ressie and Ohana breakfast ressie on the 28th before heading home. We are wanting to find some time to look around the resorts and go to DTD.
I plan on following your planning and surprise. Have fun!!!!

Thanks and welcome Dalgal! Looks like we'll be crossing paths quite a bit. I love going in January...yeah, it's not QUITE as magical as Christmas, but the crowds are lovely and low, and the weather is stable. I also want to squeeze in an evening at DTD (maybe after our Animal Kingdom park visit) but who knows. I love to shop, and its nice to see all the things within the park before heading to DTD to pick up goodies.