Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed

[mickeysmyboy]

Definitely take Henry on Gran Fiesta! He will love, love, love all the Dut dut!! We've been on it a bunch of times and it's always a walk on!


Your also definitely have to go on HM! It's one of my favorite rides! Probably 2nd on my list! I can see being a little freaked by it but it's just fantastic! View through the side of you that is in awe of all the things disney imagineering does! It's absolutely amazing! I get all geeked out thinking about it really! I remember riding it as a kid when my took my sisters and I (although I think I forgot to mention that in my PTR) and wondering how the heck they got the ghost in the car with you at the end~

Great list! I'm also a big list writer! I just started my lists for Jan!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Good gravy is that a list!! Seriously, it's great to have all this stuff written down because sometimes there are so many things to keep up with and even if you're rolling with the punches, it's easy to overlook a must do - especially with a toddler.

I seriously just learned something from reading your TR! I never knew about the Gran Fiesta ride! I'm embarrassed to say when we walked around World Showcase last year, we strolled around the exterior and never really went inside too many of the places - this is now on my to do list!!

I can't believe you are in the 30's!! YAHOO!! We're both getting close now!

Heather

 

[pmama]

Hopping over to hear all about your upcoming trips. Sounds so exciting! September and December. Can't wait really to hear how your December trip goes with the heavy crowds. I'm sure going with the right expectations you will have a terrific time. I would love to see the NYE fireworks too. Plus, if you all have just been there in September you won't probably feel the need to see and do "everything". We are stopping back by the MK on the Sunday before Christmas after our cruise and I'm a little nervous about the crowds but want to see the Christmas fireworks and parade. I've read some of the same TRs as you but somehow always missed yours. Your name always stuck out to me as we share the same first name!

 

[shebaxric]

Love the ride lists. I'm going to be working on mine this week with my sister and her BF, both have never been! It's going to be so exciting!

I really enjoy the Flights of Wonder show, but I love all animals! If you're not an animal fan, some of them get kinda close. Also, you should definitely try to get on the animal trails, there is so much to see and do!

Hurray for the 30's! It'll be here before you know it!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, I had a lot to catch up on - that will teach me to miss a few days of DISing!!

I LOVE that you make lists, I'm a big list maker too and DH always gives me grief about it, so it's good to see that I'm not alone! I've got one going right now for dining options and I've been trying to get DH to look at menu's and give me some input but he's totally not interested - he doesn't understand that I only have about a month & a half before I need to make our ADRs!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Your list of rides looks great! Hopefully you can get to most of them!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hi there, Brook!

I will not argue with you about the Baggallini. It is an awesome bag. I loved having mine with me last year. However, I have found that I don't need that much stuff this time around. (DH won't be with me.) So I am looking at alternatives to take with me this year. I haven't decided on one yet. I'll post a pic when I do.

Henry is so cute in his Disney clothes with your bag! I love the hat. I need to get one of those.

You must have used a lot of scraps of paper to make that list!!! It is fantastic! Whenever I get bored at work, I think Disney too! I think we all need some serious help!

So we can do a 30 day dance with you soon, right? Can't wait!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Hey Brook! I have a stupid, completely off topic question for you!!!

I wanted to post a table of contents in the first post of my PTR but can't figure how to get just the single post like you have in yours! How do you do that?!

TIA!!!

 

[DreaGirl]

Hey Brook! I have a stupid, completely off topic question for you!!!

I wanted to post a table of contents in the first post of my PTR but can't figure how to get just the single post like you have in yours! How do you do that?!

TIA!!!

I can't figure it out either...tutorial please?

 

[Donald is #1]

Hey Brook! I have a stupid, completely off topic question for you!!!

I wanted to post a table of contents in the first post of my PTR but can't figure how to get just the single post like you have in yours! How do you do that?!

TIA!!!

I'm not Brook, but I can answer.

1) Click on the post # of the post that you want. This will open up the post only in a separate window.

2) Now copy the URL at the top of that page

3) Paste the URL using the normal link method (i.e. use the world icon)

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm not Brook, but I can answer.

1) Click on the post # of the post that you want. This will open up the post only in a separate window.

2) Now copy the URL at the top of that page

3) Paste the URL using the normal link method (i.e. use the world icon)

OMG! I knew it was going to be something so plainly simple that I'd want to smack myself for not getting it! I was right! It never occured to me to click the number!!!

Thanks!

 

[Camster0307]

I know I am shamelessly behind but I'm cracking up how the last I remembered you had just ONE trip planned - for the same time in early Dec. as me.

And now................you have TWO trips; and you've managed to secure rooms for the oh-so-popular Christmas week! So happy for you all though I am disappointed that we won't have our little DISmeet! But Christmas week at WDW is something I aspire to do one day!

Good score!

 

[Camster0307]

Okay want to chime in on your snack ideas.................

at Aloha Isle - forgo the Dole Whip and try the Root beer float there. Sooooo good!

Any you MUST try the pretzels in Germany! Oh my lord!

 

[rustysfr56]

brook.....you never cease to make me chuckle ( which is not always a great thing bc then people start to wonder why your laughing and nnooo onnee is around you lol)
I just FINALLY caught up on your trip report. Im pretty sure the last time i was on here there were only about 5 pages..now you have over 50!! (which means that i have been like for the past hr..errr maybe 2 )
We are going to Disney in October for my birthday and are using the 40% off code i got for our room. As I was reading your pre-trip and floating around the disboards site i saw Disney extended the free dining. You "inspired" me to call to see which one was cheaper..and now we are dining for free and paying almost $400 less!!!!!! nothin like savin $$
I also started making a snack list to get the most out of the free dining plan..its funny how many tips you get and would never think of just by reading the disboards!



****THANKS BROOK**** from me to you!

btw-hope the booted foot gets better before Disney..i feel for ya, im accident prone and have had to wear one of those a time or two

ps...Henry is getting soooooo big and cute! and i noticed he is leaving hats on huh?!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Brook-

your list looks very good-not so many have to dos and lots of flexibility...(flexibility is good when you travel with a little person...)

I think its funny that you mind the theming at ToT but don't mind the drop-I love the theming concept but am totally terrified of being dropped like that...DS is the opposite-he's probably do the ride without the theming...(he also think Haunted Mansion is a little creepy but loves any coaster his height will allow him on-which will be just about everything at this point...

I like that you pointed out the stores that have boys clothing...there is a dearth of boy's clothing at WDW-its all about the princess...I'm curious to see what you procure...

 

[brookelizabeth]

This past week was a busy one for me.

Joe was at training for work, so I was alone with Henry each evening and morning....hence my lack of update and responses here! I did mange to DIS most every night for a bit before I went to bed, and during my morning coffee - but I am so far behind on everything! For those of you who have PM'ed me, I apologize for my slow response-I will get there!

Single Mom's and Dad's, or one's with spouses who travel for work often. Wow. You are amazing!!

While this week was exhausting, it also held surprises of Mickey Mail almost every single day!

The first couple days our mail box held these:

First, a DCL Planning CD, and then our ME tags!!!

Next up was:

A postcard to Henry, straight from Mickey Mouse! (thanks MeMom!)

"Woo-hoo! Look what I got!" (Check out that very dirty shirt! )

And just today we got:

Our package coupons and tags! I did NOT expect to get these - we are booked room only with the QSDP. I thought it was only if you had the whole package deal with tickets that you got this. But, hey, NOT COMPLAININ'! And I'm also now wondering if we should squeeze in a Planet Hollywood meal somewhere because we have a voucher...

I really love their cover photography on these 2 pieces. That little boy is adorable!!


This week I also got crafty.
Scary thought actually....but this is thrifty-crafty!

I have purchased a PassPorter for the last three trips we have taken; however, since we have already been in 2009, and plan to go again in December - that adds up to quite a few bucks spent on PassPorters. When I brought it up to Joe that I would like one, he kinda did this face: "Really?"

I explained I liked the envelopes in the back for all our stuff and for taking notes for the TR.

Then it hit me...

Introducing my FauxPorter Envelopes!

A very cheap, very lame, not nearly as durable version - but hey - they were the right price.

I do want to purchase the Deluxe PassPorter and therefore I can simply purchase the inner pages instead of the book each trip - that will save us money from year to year and I still get all the good stuff! I will probably do that for the December trip since that's the "biggee" trip.

I will be doing replies here shortly - gotta put away the groceries and clean up the kitchen a bit!

And one last thing to share before I go....



WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Woo Hoo! I love Mickey mail!!!

And dirty or not, that shirt that Henry has on is adorable!

I know just what you mean about being a single parent for a few days. DH travels alot for his job, which is the main reason why I stopped working in the first place - it was just too much to have a job plus handle everything at home. It does get easier though after you've done it for a few years - HA!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You've got the right priorities there FOTLK is far and away my favorite show in Disney World. You will LOVE it.

I've heard so many great things about it and the pictures look incredible! I'm very much looking forward to it.

Love your comment re "as 2 creeps in his opinions are becoming more known..." How true that is! DS was almost 3 our first trip and we didn't do any 3Ds. He did love Barnstormer though.

Lists are a mother's survival guide aren't they? Has Henry voiced any favs he wants to do?

Lists are a complete lifesaver for me! While we are there, roaming around and I'm pulled in a few directions juggling a stroller, making sure Henry is hydrated, happy, etc. already having figured out our "plan of attack" is one less thing I have to deal with on the fly.

Henry is VERY into "choo choo's" and is aware there is one at Mickey's House. He also knows there is a big river boat, though he doesn't seem quite as into that one. The other thing I know he will want to do is meet Tow Mater and Lightening McQueen at DHS - he asks to watch that movie every single day!

As a fellow mum to a nearly 2 year old I know exactly what you mean about voicing their opinions. But I think your healthy attitude towards prioritising what you'd all like to do and then just going with the flow should help you avoid some of those toddler meltdowns. We're off the Disneyland Paris in a couple of months time and I think we'll be taking the same approach. I like how you've got ideas in mind, without having too many fixed plans - I think this will work for us too.

Oh DLP - someday!!!!
This sort of planning attack has gone well with us the past two trips. In November it was our first time with Henry at 14 months old and things just ended up this way and I had to deal with being flexible while on the trip - then I expected it in January and it truly made for a wonderful vacation! Both husband and baby were happy!

Brook - you're not missing much on the Studios Backlot Tour. It used to be really great (or so we thought) but it seems like they have really shortened it over the years. It's now on our "we can skip" list.

Love the haunted mansion and I HATE haunted houses. DH wanted to go to Universal Fright Nights and I told him I hope he has a good time...I'll be at MNSSHP

And I know you've probably made up your mind, but if Henry's hair doesn't grow to long, my vote is too wait until the MK as well.

I've heard that about the Backlot Tour a few times...it's a shame they don't liven it up some again!

That is very good to hear about HM! I hate haunted houses too and there is NO STINKIN' WAY I would ever do Universal Fright Nights! Is your DH really going to do it?? Eep!

I think we are going to try to get Henry's hair cut there - he'll be a shaggy little boy by then, but all well!

Whew. 51 pages in one weekend. I'm exhausted.

Love the trip report, though. Henry is a real cutie-patootie!

If you don't mind, I have one thing for you to look at. You mentioned possibly hitting DHS for EMH -- they have a dance party at Playhouse Disney (but only during EMH). We have never been, but it is number one on our list this year. We are very excited!

Thanks for letting me weigh in and join in your TR!

WELCOME! Thanks for reading! I find it hard to believe it has hit 51 pages! But, very glad you enjoyed it-and thank you for the compliment on Henry!

And thank you for the reminder about the dance party!!! I remember reading that on another TR once, but I COMPLETELY forgot about it! Henry would have a ball! Are the characters out dancing too, or do they just pump up the Playhouse Disney music?

How did I miss all your lists Brook!!!! Shame on me!!!

Okay I love your must dos...what a fantastic list!! I'm sure Henry is going to love a lot of the old and some of the new!! Boy is that cute little guy growing up!!!

And I promise you, the Haunted Mansion will be worth it...I so wish I could ride it with you...only the beginning is a bit freaky the rest of it...great fun and you will love it!!!!

I think Henry will love the boat ride in Mexico...there is a lot of Donald and he would have fun finding Donald throughout!!!

I kind of want to watch HM on YouTube, but I don't want to "ruin" any surprises either. I am thinking I'll do it. I think I can, I think I can.

Henry is going to be shouting "Dut! Dut!" from the boat in Mexico I bet!! LOL

WOW Brook! You're an updating fool!!! LOL!! Love the list....don't have time to comment on all of it, but noticed that Henry didn't like Figment last time...Cole LOVED it at 17 mos. so maybe he'll like it this time now that he's that much older? He just sat there in awww, it was cute. You are on countown lady...it's really sneaking up on you! Can't wait to see your countdown!!!! And I love the idea of letting Henry's hair grow for the haircut on Main Street, I would definately be doing that too if I were taking the boys!!!

Ooooh, I hope Henry likes Figment this time! It really is a cute ride. He was scared by the sudden loud sounds and then the blast of air - it all just sent him into a bit of a meltdown.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Definitely take Henry on Gran Fiesta! He will love, love, love all the Dut dut!! We've been on it a bunch of times and it's always a walk on!

Your also definitely have to go on HM! It's one of my favorite rides! Probably 2nd on my list! I can see being a little freaked by it but it's just fantastic! View through the side of you that is in awe of all the things disney imagineering does! It's absolutely amazing! I get all geeked out thinking about it really! I remember riding it as a kid when my took my sisters and I (although I think I forgot to mention that in my PTR) and wondering how the heck they got the ghost in the car with you at the end~

Great list! I'm also a big list writer! I just started my lists for Jan!

We noticed Gran Fiesta was a walk-on during a previous trip too and I so wanted to go-but Henry was fast asleep...I'm glad to hear that it usually is!

I've heard that the HM is incredible - if anything I'll ignore the scary stuff and just get into the technology! I am VERY much wondering about that ghost at the end...whenever I read about it, I can even imagine it in my head, so that makes me want to experience it even more!

Good gravy is that a list!! Seriously, it's great to have all this stuff written down because sometimes there are so many things to keep up with and even if you're rolling with the punches, it's easy to overlook a must do - especially with a toddler.

I seriously just learned something from reading your TR! I never knew about the Gran Fiesta ride! I'm embarrassed to say when we walked around World Showcase last year, we strolled around the exterior and never really went inside too many of the places - this is now on my to do list!!

I can't believe you are in the 30's!! YAHOO!! We're both getting close now!

Heather

Exactly the reason why I like the lists! There is so much happening at one time with a toddler and MYSELF being so excited and stimulated at WDW, this is one less thing I have to think about!

Oh, don't be embarrassed! Our first stroll through the WS with a stroller we didn't want to deal with taking the stroller up the stairs, and then we saw all the strollers outside, so we thought they weren't allowed in - so we skipped it. Then later I thought about it and realized there HAD to be a handicap entrance....so next trip, we finally went in! Of course strollers are allowed in-why wouldn't they be?

Mexico really is a BEAUTIFUL pavilion inside. You will enjoy it!

Hopping over to hear all about your upcoming trips. Sounds so exciting! September and December. Can't wait really to hear how your December trip goes with the heavy crowds. I'm sure going with the right expectations you will have a terrific time. I would love to see the NYE fireworks too. Plus, if you all have just been there in September you won't probably feel the need to see and do "everything". We are stopping back by the MK on the Sunday before Christmas after our cruise and I'm a little nervous about the crowds but want to see the Christmas fireworks and parade. I've read some of the same TRs as you but somehow always missed yours. Your name always stuck out to me as we share the same first name!

Hey BROOK(E?)!
Not too often we run into another person with our name, is it? Welcome! I'm a bit nervous about December, but also very excited. Things are starting to come together for that trip as well, I just haven't updated anything on it recently. My biggest concern is my family not enjoying themselves, but I need to let that go and just let the beauty of Disney happen!

You are doing a land/sea right before Christmas? Oh, that sounds HEAVENLY! Are you going to write a TR?

Love the ride lists. I'm going to be working on mine this week with my sister and her BF, both have never been! It's going to be so exciting!

I really enjoy the Flights of Wonder show, but I love all animals! If you're not an animal fan, some of them get kinda close. Also, you should definitely try to get on the animal trails, there is so much to see and do!

Hurray for the 30's! It'll be here before you know it!!

I bet I'll really like the Flights of Wonder show. I'm not the biggest animal fan you'll ever find, but I do love learning about them! I think it will be neat to be up close to some I normally would not get the chance to be, and I know Henry would be fascinated.

Have fun doing the ride lists! I just made a big 'ol document on the 4 parks for our December trip for my family...I don't really know what kind of rides they will like, so it will be very interesting to see what they come back with.

Wow, I had a lot to catch up on - that will teach me to miss a few days of DISing!!

I LOVE that you make lists, I'm a big list maker too and DH always gives me grief about it, so it's good to see that I'm not alone! I've got one going right now for dining options and I've been trying to get DH to look at menu's and give me some input but he's totally not interested - he doesn't understand that I only have about a month & a half before I need to make our ADRs!

Oh, I understand about being behind! I have so much to catch up on!

You are so not alone with the lists! If your DH ever browsed the DIS boards I bet he'd be shocked how many people are just like you with their planning....or perhaps even "worse"!

I'm getting a bit nervous about the December ADRs....we are doing most meals in room, but I know there are a couple I want input from the family on. I gotta get cracking with all those decisions too! A month and a half isn't much time for the obsessive planners!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Your list of rides looks great! Hopefully you can get to most of them!

I hope to...especially at MK! But, I have to remind myself, we'll be back, we'll be back...

Hi there, Brook!

I will not argue with you about the Baggallini. It is an awesome bag. I loved having mine with me last year. However, I have found that I don't need that much stuff this time around. (DH won't be with me.) So I am looking at alternatives to take with me this year. I haven't decided on one yet. I'll post a pic when I do.

Henry is so cute in his Disney clothes with your bag! I love the hat. I need to get one of those.

You must have used a lot of scraps of paper to make that list!!! It is fantastic! Whenever I get bored at work, I think Disney too! I think we all need some serious help!

So we can do a 30 day dance with you soon, right? Can't wait!

I look forward to your future bag purchase! There are so many nice ones out there, I would love to try a Vera Bradley because I think their prints are really cute, but that Baggalini has served me well so far...! If I ever do a solo trip, I would probably get the VB hipster - good excuse to buy a new bag!

I can't even tell you how many scraps of paper I have doodled Disney planning on! It's a sickness - but I like it!

Yes, 30 days is right around the corner!!!

Hey Brook! I have a stupid, completely off topic question for you!!!

I wanted to post a table of contents in the first post of my PTR but can't figure how to get just the single post like you have in yours! How do you do that?!

TIA!!!

I can't figure it out either...tutorial please?

I'm not Brook, but I can answer.

1) Click on the post # of the post that you want. This will open up the post only in a separate window.

2) Now copy the URL at the top of that page

3) Paste the URL using the normal link method (i.e. use the world icon)

OMG! I knew it was going to be something so plainly simple that I'd want to smack myself for not getting it! I was right! It never occured to me to click the number!!!

Thanks!

THANKS for helping there!!!
Does that make sense/work for you both? I can create a diagram with pretty pictures and arrows if necessary.

It took me a bit to figure out to click on the post # in the upper right of the post too!

I know I am shamelessly behind but I'm cracking up how the last I remembered you had just ONE trip planned - for the same time in early Dec. as me.

And now................you have TWO trips; and you've managed to secure rooms for the oh-so-popular Christmas week! So happy for you all though I am disappointed that we won't have our little DISmeet! But Christmas week at WDW is something I aspire to do one day!

Good score!

Joe and I have gone back and forth SEVERAL times with our dates and almost moved them back to early December just a couple weeks ago - but NOTHING and I mean nothing is available for DVC. A few sporadic days at SSR, that's it! Thankfully flight costs have gone way down over the past week, so the NYE trip is looking more realistic again.

I am very bummed I am going to be missing you again. There is also "DIS-a-palooza" happening (Podcast event) that sounds beyond cool from the few details they have leaked - so MANY DISers are going to be invading during early December! I know we'll have a great time on NYE, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing it all!

Okay want to chime in on your snack ideas.................

at Aloha Isle - forgo the Dole Whip and try the Root beer float there. Sooooo good!

Any you MUST try the pretzels in Germany! Oh my lord!

I LOVE me some root beer floats, and since I've already done the Dole Whip, I just might have to take your advice here!

Those pretzels in Germany are different than everywhere else, aren't they? I hope to get one...I'll be thinking of Lauren during it all I'm sure!

brook.....you never cease to make me chuckle ( which is not always a great thing bc then people start to wonder why your laughing and nnooo onnee is around you lol)
I just FINALLY caught up on your trip report. Im pretty sure the last time i was on here there were only about 5 pages..now you have over 50!! (which means that i have been like for the past hr..errr maybe 2 )
We are going to Disney in October for my birthday and are using the 40% off code i got for our room. As I was reading your pre-trip and floating around the disboards site i saw Disney extended the free dining. You "inspired" me to call to see which one was cheaper..and now we are dining for free and paying almost $400 less!!!!!! nothin like savin $$
I also started making a snack list to get the most out of the free dining plan..its funny how many tips you get and would never think of just by reading the disboards!



****THANKS BROOK**** from me to you!

btw-hope the booted foot gets better before Disney..i feel for ya, im accident prone and have had to wear one of those a time or two

ps...Henry is getting soooooo big and cute! and i noticed he is leaving hats on huh?!

I do the same thing - laughing out loud when its just me and my computer. Joe knows by now why I'm laughing though, so I don't look too crazy (at least when I'm at home!)

CONGRATULATIONS on saving so much money, and that is a LOT!!!!!!!! Glad I inspired you to call and find out the price differences! Now you have a ton more money to spend at WDW. Where are you staying?

Yes, Henry is finally leaving on hats and even insists on wearing them sometimes. Of course, it's usually one of the plastic hard hats that he insists on wearing... last week to church it was the yellow hard hat, all the nursery workers just chuckled.

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with The Boot. It's a pain, isn't it? Right now I don't have much hope I'll be out of it in 5 days. Sigh. But, I'm going to ask if the doc can switch me to the smaller one that you wear with tennis shoes...

Brook-

your list looks very good-not so many have to dos and lots of flexibility...(flexibility is good when you travel with a little person...)

I think its funny that you mind the theming at ToT but don't mind the drop-I love the theming concept but am totally terrified of being dropped like that...DS is the opposite-he's probably do the ride without the theming...(he also think Haunted Mansion is a little creepy but loves any coaster his height will allow him on-which will be just about everything at this point...

I like that you pointed out the stores that have boys clothing...there is a dearth of boy's clothing at WDW-its all about the princess...I'm curious to see what you procure...

I'm just like your DS! I love any coaster, I love the free-fall part(s) the best, that big first hill. The themeing of ToT is amazing though-it's so well done, I get creeped out every time!

In January when Henry had the oh-so-lovely blow out while riding Cinderella's Carousel we had to search for the boys clothing - we hit many shops with a no-pants baby before we found one (dump shop of Mickey's Philharmagic) with a couple things. It's a real bummer they don't offer more boy, or even gender neutral, little kids/baby stuff! I'll try to make some notes of any shops I see boy gear in!