Surprise... It's Someday!! A Dec 2010 PTR!!

[Tinkermom76]

Sorry the kids are sick, I always feel terrible when my kids are sick and wish I could be sick for them. Hope they are feeling better today!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

First, an update on the family... Brenda went to the dr today for a recheck on her ear. It was indeed just a nasty scratch!!! We are so very very happy about that. He did say it was healing nicely but wouldn't really be back to 100% for maybe another week. Her cold is doing much much better today too. Gavin's is a little better, but with him its always baby steps. I know that I really have to get him over this cold and keep him away from germs as much as possible so we don't have to postpone surgery. UGH! That would stink! So we will do our best, but its hard since we have taught our kiddos to share so well... even the cold germs.

We had another BIG step toward our trip today... CAR INSPECTION! One of the things we had discussed is if it is a good idea to take the car about 2300 miles round trip and sight seeing in NC. I am a worrier by nature. So, a few months ago I talked to Jon about how worried I was about taking our car. Don't get me wrong, the car is still in great shape... I just worry because it is not brand spanking new. We came to an agreement that we would talk to our mechanic when we took the car for inspection in October. We had totally intended to get the car in before the 45 day date so that if there was anything we could cancel. Well, we couldn't get the car in till today. The car passed with flying colors! He said he would have no concerns if it were his family. He simply reminded us that we needed to get an oil change right before the trip and then would do it again soon after we get back, but that has already been talked about. So, I am not sure why, but today our trip seems more "final". We really are going to Disney World!!!


Ok, so that brings us to the next day of our trip. This will be day #4. When I pull up the plan I look at all the different colors (each park is a different color on my sheet) and think "WOW! We are hoppin' today". Our plan is to start our day off with an 8 am reservation at Crystal Palace! We are hoping to get a few good pictures before the park gets people in it. I have read how many times that was suggested and decided I need some pictures of us without a ton of strangers in them... don't get me wrong, if I happen to run into you in the parks I would be more than happy to have you in a picture with us. I just really want a few of the 4 of us with the castle in the background. I am doing the happy dance in my seat as I think of this!!! We will spend the rest of the morning/ afternoon in MK. I want to go back through and make some goals for each park, but I haven't gotten them yet to know what I want to do each day in the park. I really better get on the ball!

All of our other meals for the day will be quick service. So we have no dining plans that are keeping us anchored anywhere. In some ways that really makes things nice... in other ways, I think it has added to my park hopping, brightly colored spreadsheet for today.

So after spending a good part of the day in the MK we will hop over to AK for us to see the Jungle Parade. I know this makes a long day for the kiddos with no break but if they are ok we will press on, if not we will readjust the schedule and hit the parade on another day. We really are flexible. I know I am way over planning sometimes, but I am ok with throwing the plans away if Gavin is having a rough day or if Brenda is to tired to enjoy things. Its all about them anyway!

After AK we were going to hop once again over to Epcot. They have EMH that day and I really think the kiddos will nap in the stroller if they need too. Again, if its too much we will head back to the room. I figured the kids might find world showcase a little boring so if we did it in the evening they might be tuckered out and just want to sit. I am sure I will bribe them with something! No, I am not above bribing the kids when I need to! I was also thinking that if the kids are too tired I could always take them and go back to the room... give Jon sometime to explore on his own. I am not sure if he would take me up on the offer or not but I think he would enjoy some time to himself too. So, really the end of the day will be up in the air till we see how things go. I got to admit though, I am really thinking... and drooling over some of the margarita pictures I have seen. I am thinking I really need to get one of those!!!! I never tend to get drunk but a drink or 2 might be nice. I still have to maintain a good head in case Gavin needs me that night, although, if Jon isn't drinking, that changes everything!!!

So...the award for making the Disney planning spreadsheet extra colorful for this CrAzY family goes to ME!!!

 

[KatMark]

Good news on Brenda and the car!

I love your Day 4 Plans. I think it would be nice to give Jon some alone time. As for your ADR at CP, when we went last month there were Photopass photographers out when we got there for pics.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Good news on Brenda and the car!

I love your Day 4 Plans. I think it would be nice to give Jon some alone time. As for your ADR at CP, when we went last month there were Photopass photographers out when we got there for pics.

Love it that Photopass will be there. I was trying to think about how to get all 4 in the pictures!!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Thank goodness it was only a scratch. I hope both the kids get over their colds quickly.

Woo hoo about the car inspection, isn't it amazing how certain things make the trip seem more real?

So day 4? Is that Dec. 3rd? If so we will be in Epcot that day!! Toni (Oregonmommyof2) and I are hoping to meet up with DevonsDisneyMom for a birthday drink and I think Mickey_Mom is going to try to meet us too. The margaritas are so good!! If you are there maybe you could meet up with us too?? I love getting to meet DISers!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was lightyears behind! That's what being off the DIS for a week does!

I'm so sorry to hear that about your Dad backing out on the tickets. But! I think you are making the right choice in keeping T-Rex, the PL and the BBB. Those things will be VERY memorable for the kids - and you will still be able to enjoy the beauty of the MK all decked out for Christmas without the party, and you can still see the Castle lighting as well....that is INCREDIBLE.

This last day you described sounds like a BUSY, but fun one! The AK parade is just awesome, I hope you get to see it. The music is so fun and catchy. I think you have the right attitude about it all though, plan away and leave it open for something completely different depending on circumstances. That always makes for the best trip!

 

[20thingamabobs]

So glad to hear about Brenda and the car! Your day 4 plans sound fun but man, that is a lot of hopping! However, I think if you take it all nice and slow it'll be fine.

In Epcot, I would also check out the Citron slushie at the France kiosk. It is wonderful.

And finally, if you're planning on purchasing the PhotoPass CD. I would do the pre purchase offer. It's $50 cheaper. I'll include the link just in case you want to check it out:

www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitoffer.aspx

Sometimes it helps if you create an accountand log-in at disneyphotopass.com and then type in the address above.

 

[2princesses2princes]

OH the dreaded car inspection! I am fearing this one, our van isn't in tip top shape, it's only 8 years old but still. Dan is planning on changing the spark plugs and wires this weekend, and do a few other things soon, then we'll wait til January to get the actual mechanic to check it out, then Dan plans to do an oil change right before we go. If things don't check out right we are are prepared to rent a van, but I'd much rather not have to blow that kind of money that should be going elsewhere.

Praying that the kids get over their colds and your little guy stays healthy through surgery and heals quickly from it.

Your countdown seems to be flying by, probably not for you though.

 

[exwdwcm]

Sorry the disney night didn't go as planned- hope Gavin is feeling better. Glad you got a date for his surgery though- at least you can plan now and help nurse him back to health in time for the trip. how quick is the recovery? you have such a great attitude about your family- you are so right, we are all very blessed and i know i personally count my blessings each and everyday. i try and remind myself how lucky i am to have a child, a home, a job etc. Especially when we weren't sure we could have children, so everyday is a gift!!!

Yeah, so glad Brenda's ear was just a scratch- what a relief!

glad you got the car inspection done too. just another thing to check off the list, right? \

Day 4 sounds fab!Love CP- we are doing it on our first full day. the breakfast is just my favorite! i think it is good to have a plan- like hitting AK later on, but you are right, just be flexible- if they are tired out, take a break, but better to have a plan and goal than wonder where to go next.
A drink or two in epcot that night would be nice. the tequila bar in mexico is awesome- they have a jalapeno margarita!!

 

[jenseib]

I wish I had known you had parkhoppers. I would've suggested you take those off and get the MVMCP tickets instead. We don't hop and with a young one, find it might be really hard to do so...at least for us. There is just not enough time in the day and hopping is very time consuming.
I have been on 2 trips with my older 2 (who are 18 and 21 now), and parkhopping was automatically included in the ticket back when I took them. In 2 trips we hopped maybe 3 times total, but would've been fine if we didn't. One was because Paige hated AKL, so we went somewhere else after a few hours, but the park was new too, and not alot was there then. The other park we hopped out of was HS. Again, not our favorite park either.
But I found with Claire, we get to the parks much later since she sleeps in, and we don't even take the time to go back to the resort much, unless really needed. Our rest time is our ADR time.
I think with your 2 little ones, you can hop, but I would only do 2 parks. I think 3 would be way too much.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Thank goodness it was only a scratch. I hope both the kids get over their colds quickly.

Woo hoo about the car inspection, isn't it amazing how certain things make the trip seem more real?

So day 4? Is that Dec. 3rd? If so we will be in Epcot that day!! Toni (Oregonmommyof2) and I are hoping to meet up with DevonsDisneyMom for a birthday drink and I think Mickey_Mom is going to try to meet us too. The margaritas are so good!! If you are there maybe you could meet up with us too?? I love getting to meet DISers!!

The inspection really did make things more concrete. I knew if they car didn't pass we were going to have to do something. So glad that it is in good shape. I know Jon always knew that it was fine... but again, I tend to worry about things I can't change... and some things I can change!
I would love to meet up for a drink in Epcot on the 3rd! It sounds like so much fun. I will have to see if we make it there that day... or if Jon wants some time to himself.. But I am in if the stars align!

I was lightyears behind! That's what being off the DIS for a week does!

I'm so sorry to hear that about your Dad backing out on the tickets. But! I think you are making the right choice in keeping T-Rex, the PL and the BBB. Those things will be VERY memorable for the kids - and you will still be able to enjoy the beauty of the MK all decked out for Christmas without the party, and you can still see the Castle lighting as well....that is INCREDIBLE.

This last day you described sounds like a BUSY, but fun one! The AK parade is just awesome, I hope you get to see it. The music is so fun and catchy. I think you have the right attitude about it all though, plan away and leave it open for something completely different depending on circumstances. That always makes for the best trip!

I was starting to think you were stuck in your suitcase... waiting to make it back to the world!

I am pretty pleased with the decision to keep the other things. Don't get me wrong, my dad still ticks me off about it but I can't change that so we are making the best of things.

Flexible is the name of the trip! With my kid's, especially Gavin, I know I need to me flexible!

So glad to hear about Brenda and the car! Your day 4 plans sound fun but man, that is a lot of hopping! However, I think if you take it all nice and slow it'll be fine.

In Epcot, I would also check out the Citron slushie at the France kiosk. It is wonderful.

And finally, if you're planning on purchasing the PhotoPass CD. I would do the pre purchase offer. It's $50 cheaper. I'll include the link just in case you want to check it out:

www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitoffer.aspx

Sometimes it helps if you create an accountand log-in at disneyphotopass.com and then type in the address above.

Adding that slushie to my list of things I must try! We really did get some good news this past week. Things could have been so much worse than what they turned out to be.

I did pre-purchase my photopass. That was my must have from this trip. I honestly feel a little guilty about spending that much but it is really for all of us. Even Jon thought it was a great idea... and I likely did have the link for the discount. Thank you for passing along the info though! Feel free to pass along any info you may have!! remember.... I am a first timer... just learning as I go!

OH the dreaded car inspection! I am fearing this one, our van isn't in tip top shape, it's only 8 years old but still. Dan is planning on changing the spark plugs and wires this weekend, and do a few other things soon, then we'll wait til January to get the actual mechanic to check it out, then Dan plans to do an oil change right before we go. If things don't check out right we are are prepared to rent a van, but I'd much rather not have to blow that kind of money that should be going elsewhere.

Praying that the kids get over their colds and your little guy stays healthy through surgery and heals quickly from it.

Your countdown seems to be flying by, probably not for you though.

Pennsylvania is one of the states that still has mandatory inspection and emission test. It is crazy! By the time we pay for inspection and emission test its almost $100 and that's only if the car doesn't need anything. I am glad to know that the car is in good shape, but sometimes the whole inspection thing gets to me.

Brenda is feeling back to normal... mostly. She still gets a little pain in the ear from time to time but mostly the cold is gone. Just suffer the end of the runny nose. Gavin always takes a long time to get over the cold. And just when I think he is getting better he has a set back.

I am thinking the countdown is flying by. I was just talking with Jon about how it was more than 250 days when I first posted that ticker... Here we are at 40 today! Where has the time gone. What makes me kinda sad though is the 210 days older the kid's have gotten. Just reminds me they are growing up so fast.

I wish I had known you had parkhoppers. I would've suggested you take those off and get the MVMCP tickets instead. We don't hop and with a young one, find it might be really hard to do so...at least for us. There is just not enough time in the day and hopping is very time consuming.
I have been on 2 trips with my older 2 (who are 18 and 21 now), and parkhopping was automatically included in the ticket back when I took them. In 2 trips we hopped maybe 3 times total, but would've been fine if we didn't. One was because Paige hated AKL, so we went somewhere else after a few hours, but the park was new too, and not alot was there then. The other park we hopped out of was HS. Again, not our favorite park either.
But I found with Claire, we get to the parks much later since she sleeps in, and we don't even take the time to go back to the resort much, unless really needed. Our rest time is our ADR time.
I think with your 2 little ones, you can hop, but I would only do 2 parks. I think 3 would be way too much.

We debated on the Parkhoppers. Finally in the end I left that decision up to Jon. He was really, really wanting them. He wants the option in case of weather or if we simply run out of things in one park. I know that he also decided on the hoppers so that I don't miss any of the parades/ Osburn lights/ shows. He knows those are what I am looking forward too. Not to mention I think he secretly wants to hop over to MK as often as possible. I think the stroller will help a lot too. I know that there will be days where the kids will fall asleep in the stroller and I can park it and sit with them while he enjoys something. On those days we won't have to go back to Pop.

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Sorry the disney night didn't go as planned- hope Gavin is feeling better. Glad you got a date for his surgery though- at least you can plan now and help nurse him back to health in time for the trip. how quick is the recovery? you have such a great attitude about your family- you are so right, we are all very blessed and i know i personally count my blessings each and everyday. i try and remind myself how lucky i am to have a child, a home, a job etc. Especially when we weren't sure we could have children, so everyday is a gift!!!

Yeah, so glad Brenda's ear was just a scratch- what a relief!

glad you got the car inspection done too. just another thing to check off the list, right? \

Day 4 sounds fab!Love CP- we are doing it on our first full day. the breakfast is just my favorite! i think it is good to have a plan- like hitting AK later on, but you are right, just be flexible- if they are tired out, take a break, but better to have a plan and goal than wonder where to go next.
A drink or two in epcot that night would be nice. the tequila bar in mexico is awesome- they have a jalapeno margarita!!

Gavin's surgery will be out patient. Last time he had it done we left here at around 3 am. Its 2 hours to get to the children's hospital we go to. We got home about 8 PM that night. Things went really well, but he had a hard time coming out of anesthesia. Could it have been an early morning? He also sometimes has some breathing issues so they like to make sure his breathing is back to 100% before he is allowed to leave. The last time he had this surgery, at the end of June, he was up and at least playing the following day with Brenda. Not moving quite as fast but everyday he got a little better. Overall, its a slow first week. Many things I have to keep an eye on but its a pretty easy procedure for him... compared to others he has had and some he will face in the future. Not to gross you out but the entire surgery is done through the rectum so there are no outward incisions that he can "play" with. I think that helps too. The surgery is actually to inject Botox into the muscles rectum, sphincter, and area. To do that the have to make some small cuts in the muscles in that area. Yes, they do that! Its amazing what Botox can be used for. What they don't always tell you is that it is a dangerous "drug" too. Not sure I would do it for cosmetic reasons with all the "could happens" that are involved. We actually have to sign off from the drug company before they will use it on Gavin. Last time the hospital had to fax the paper to the pharmacy that supplied the Botox before they were allowed to even load the needle. Ok, I know I gave you way more info than you bargained for! feel free to edit that all out of your mind now! The really important part this time is that Gavin will really be able to enjoy WDW. The surgery really helped him last time and the dr is expecting the same results. So by the time the trip comes Gavin should be a healthier, happier boy! We have our fingers crossed that he might not even have a day where he is too sick to enjoy. Right now, we are averaging 1-2 sick days a week. That is how we know it is time for surgery again.

I know Jon will want a jalapeno margarita! I will have to surprise him with that!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Ok, I have a few questions. Since this is our first trip I am not sure about somethings...

First, I have heard a few people on other threads talking about Mickey Mail from their trip. I have NEVER received anything by mail... Should I have???

The other thing, lately, when I pull up my ADRs, half of them are missing. I know there was an upgrade but they are still missing. Should I be concerned???

TIA for the help! I am not sure what I would do with out all my Dis friends to point me in the right direction!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Ok, I have a few questions. Since this is our first trip I am not sure about somethings...

First, I have heard a few people on other threads talking about Mickey Mail from their trip. I have NEVER received anything by mail... Should I have???

The other thing, lately, when I pull up my ADRs, half of them are missing. I know there was an upgrade but they are still missing. Should I be concerned???

TIA for the help! I am not sure what I would do with out all my Dis friends to point me in the right direction!

Mickey Mail can be anything from WDW but most people are refering to the magical express tags and resort confirmations. You wont get them till after the trip is paid off and after you 45 days so soon... I am hoping for next week!!!

All my ADR's are missing and I called and they looked them up one by one with my confirmation #'s and they were all there. If you are worried call and it will make you feel better

 

[20thingamabobs]

Ok, I have a few questions. Since this is our first trip I am not sure about somethings...

First, I have heard a few people on other threads talking about Mickey Mail from their trip. I have NEVER received anything by mail... Should I have???

The other thing, lately, when I pull up my ADRs, half of them are missing. I know there was an upgrade but they are still missing. Should I be concerned???

TIA for the help! I am not sure what I would do with out all my Dis friends to point me in the right direction!

yep, Tinkermom76 is right that it's usually the Magical Express tags and you're confirmation packet. I just wanted to assure you that my trip dates are the exact same as yours (Woo Hoo 39 days!) and we haven't received anything yet. I called Magical Express on Tuesday to request an extra tag (my mom isn't a light packer) and they said my other tags had just been sent to the printer. We sould be receiving those within the next couple days!

The confirmation packet includes the coupons that are included with you Magic Your Way package (i.e. $15 for Planet Hollywood, Miniature Golf Voucher, etc.) as well as a Photopass card to bring with you on your trip.

I'll let you know when I get mine because you should receive yours the same time. But, it probably won't come for another 1-2 weeks.

Oh, and my ADRs disappeared too. But, I called and they have them all on back-up. I also checked online and nothing has opened up at those restaurants so they're obviously not handing out "lost" reservations. Nothing to worry about, but I do suggest making some type of small packet that you can carry into the parks with your resevation time and confirmation number just in case. That way if you show up and they cant find you, they can look you up by confirmation number. Better safe than sorry I think!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

Mickey Mail can be anything from WDW but most people are refering to the magical express tags and resort confirmations. You wont get them till after the trip is paid off and after you 45 days so soon... I am hoping for next week!!!

All my ADR's are missing and I called and they looked them up one by one with my confirmation #'s and they were all there. If you are worried call and it will make you feel better

yep, Tinkermom76 is right that it's usually the Magical Express tags and you're confirmation packet. I just wanted to assure you that my trip dates are the exact same as yours (Woo Hoo 39 days!) and we haven't received anything yet. I called Magical Express on Tuesday to request an extra tag (my mom isn't a light packer) and they said my other tags had just been sent to the printer. We sould be receiving those within the next couple days!

The confirmation packet includes the coupons that are included with you Magic Your Way package (i.e. $15 for Planet Hollywood, Miniature Golf Voucher, etc.) as well as a Photopass card to bring with you on your trip.

I'll let you know when I get mine because you should receive yours the same time. But, it probably won't come for another 1-2 weeks.

Oh, and my ADRs disappeared too. But, I called and they have them all on back-up. I also checked online and nothing has opened up at those restaurants so they're obviously not handing out "lost" reservations. Nothing to worry about, but I do suggest making some type of small packet that you can carry into the parks with your resevation time and confirmation number just in case. That way if you show up and they cant find you, they can look you up by confirmation number. Better safe than sorry I think!

Thank you both. I figured I wasn't missing anything that I couldn't print and show since we aren't flying.

I did call about my ADRs right before the last upgrade. They were all there then so I am hoping nothing has changed. I so hate to call and be a bother again. I think I will give them a few days and if they still aren't there I will call... I just hate feeling like a pain!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Thank you both. I figured I wasn't missing anything that I couldn't print and show since we aren't flying.

I did call about my ADRs right before the last upgrade. They were all there then so I am hoping nothing has changed. I so hate to call and be a bother again. I think I will give them a few days and if they still aren't there I will call... I just hate feeling like a pain!

Don't feel like a pain, we spend a lot of money on these Disney trips and they should verify our ADR's. Anytime I have called they have reassured me that it's no problem to check and have been very happy to do it!

I am calling again today because I need to cancel one and since it's not showing I can't do it myself and I need to change the phone # on all of them since I changed service providers

 

[Tinker_Tam]

When we woke up this morning Brenda was feeling great and Gavin was feeling pretty well, with the exception of the morning yuck colds bring. So, I thought to myself, I best get moving on the Disney Day or else... so without much planning I pulled out the stuff for the countdown chart, figured out a quick lunch and gathered the Toy Story DVDs. We actually just saw Toy Story 3 for the very first time at a discount theater last Wednesday night. I have to tell you... It was be far my least favorite. Sorry to all you people who loved it but I really like BOTH of the other 2 better.

So the day started and we started the countdown chart. Please excuse the kiddo's play clothing. We were having a "do nothing" day. Here are some pictures of the kids helping put the stickers on the chart. I missed the picture before this where Brenda was helping me put the mickey heads on.

Here they are talking about which sticker goes where... too cute!

They are so proud of their work!

The finished product hung...

I then told Brenda she could take off #39 because we have 38 days till we are in Disney. She informed me that she would have to put on her princess dress to do that.

The goofiest face I have ever seen her make. We all started cracking up right after this picture!

Then it was time for lunch. Please don't think this is what I give my kids everyday. It was hard to come up with things at the last minute. So the kids had Mickey pancake, Mickey Toast, Mickey Gummies and Disney Cars yogurt. What a great lunch... at least they thought so!

Gavin LOVES his yogurt...especially when Mater is on the side!

Brenda is loving it all!

After this we watched the first Toy Story and then went out and played for a while. While I made dinner they started to watch Toy Story 2 and finished it after we ate. All in all, not too shabby for a throw together Disney Day. We just have to take advantage of things when Gavin is having a good day.

 

[KatMark]

Tam, what a GREAT Disney day. And I love the countdown calendar and I see absolutely nothing wrong with that lunch. It looks yummy to me and I wish I was there to have it too.

 

[TiggerFan3590]

What a great day! Love the countdown calendar... (we arrive in 38 days also)