Teachers Deserve A Spring Break Too- Pre-Trip Report *Update 2/27

[caralyn817]

Hi everyone! I'm very excited to write this report. Now, I have been to Disney World so many times that I have lost count. (We live 3 hours away from the magic.) This time is going to be different, because we're going to be spending a whole week there. Plus, through in that we don't have to take off work. Makes it even better! Now onto the title, hmmm...I wonder why she chose that title?!?! Well, DH and I are both teachers! We'll be going during our Spring Break. So with that out of the way, I would like to introduce the cast.

The Cast​

Me-

I am the Disney Planner, Organizer, Know-It-All, AKA "Tour Guide". I love all things Disney. I love the smells, the atmoshpere, and am always up for a last minute trip. I am a Elementary Reading Teacher and I own my own bow and children's boutique on the side. I am crafty and love making things.

DH-

He is a wonderful guy. When we first started dating, he had only been to Disney one time. I have converted him. Since we have been together, he has been over 25 times. He tends to surprise me at times when he comes down to my classroom and says he was looking at hotels and got a good rate and that we are going. (No problem here!) You read that right, he comes down to my classroom. He is a Math and Science Teacher at the same school. Yup, we work together. Many people ask, how can you work together? Honestly, I hardly ever see him during the day.

DMom-

She is my best friend. She loves spending time with us and her grandbaby. She is also very crafty. She sometimes says that she doesn't want to go back for awhile, but always ends up asking when our next trip is.

DDad-

He is a nature man. He loves everything outdoors. He loves to wood carve. He is a go with the flow, kind of guy.

DD-

She's 18 months old. She is our little princess. She's a ham and loves all the attention that she can get. I love seeing her expressions when she sees new things or the characters. So far she has been a total of 6 times.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Congrats on your upcoming trip. Part of me is a little worried about writing on your PTR because you might grade me on my grammer.

I think it is very exciting that you are into crafty things. I am also into crafty things and have just recently finished my first bag. I am currently making a dress with Lumpy on it. You can check it out on my PTR if you would like.

Your DD is just beautiful. My DD would be in seventh heaven if she was able to go to WDW as much as yours. She will be going on her second trip next year.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[ladytink75]

If you don't mind I would like to sub to your PTR. I wish I could be crafty but I don't even know how to sew and I'm a mother of two girls. My two teenage daughter know how to sew better then I will ever know how. We plan to go to DW for our Spring Break in March to celebrate my daughter's 15th bday and my bday.

 

[DMGeurts]

Subbing too! Looks like we might be in Disney at the same time???

Can't wait to read about the rest - and your dd is adorable!

D~

 

[MeMom]

This time is going to be different, because we're going to be spending a whole week there. Plus, we don't have to take off work. Makes it even better!

Yes, teachers neeeeeed spring break!!!

DMom- She sometimes says that she doesn't want to go back for awhile,

but always ends up asking when our next trip is.

Whew!

 

[caralyn817]

Congrats on your upcoming trip. Part of me is a little worried about writing on your PTR because you might grade me on my grammer.

I think it is very exciting that you are into crafty things. I am also into crafty things and have just recently finished my first bag. I am currently making a dress with Lumpy on it. You can check it out on my PTR if you would like.

Your DD is just beautiful. My DD would be in seventh heaven if she was able to go to WDW as much as yours. She will be going on her second trip next year.

Can't wait to hear more.

Thanks for joining me! I've been a long time lurky and have always wanted to write a Trip Report. This time I'm going to do it.

If you don't mind I would like to sub to your PTR. I wish I could be crafty but I don't even know how to sew and I'm a mother of two girls. My two teenage daughter know how to sew better then I will ever know how. We plan to go to DW for our Spring Break in March to celebrate my daughter's 15th bday and my bday.

Welcome! The more the merrier!

Subbing too! Looks like we might be in Disney at the same time???

Can't wait to read about the rest - and your dd is adorable!

D~

Thanks for stopping by! It looks like we might be. I'm going to post our schedule and where we will be staying in my next post.

 

[caralyn817]

Yes, teachers neeeeeed spring break!!!











Whew!

MeMom- I have followed your posts for so long. I enjoy hearing all about your trips. I'm sorry for your loss and we are praying for everyone. With my mom it's a funny thing, she says about not going to Disney and going other places, but she is always the first to bring it up. Plus, the Disney Magic must have worked on her at one point because she is a DVC Member.

 

[caralyn817]

Where Will We Be Staying

We will be staying at...

Old Key West Resort
(Since my parents are DVC Members, we will be staying here using their points. Usually, if we aren't using points we stay at POP.)

Dates

March 10-17

Tentative Schedule for Week​

March 10th- Leave around 9am for Disney World. We should arrive there around 12ish. We plan to check in and hopefully our room will be ready. Then, we will go get some things from the store, snacks, breakfast items, etc. ADR at Ohana for dinner followed by going to Magic Kingdom to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade.
March 11th- Originally, we were going to go to Mount Dora this morning, but plans have changed and we will be going later in the week. I have an ADR booked for Crystal Palace in the morning and my mom booked one for Chef Mickey's for the morning as well. (I know that's bad, but I will be canceling one of them this week so that someone else can have it.) I just have to decide. We may do Magic Kingdom in the morning and somewhere else that night. We'll see.
March 12th-Animal Kingdom in the Morning and Epcot at night
March 13th- Epcot
March 14th- Magic Kingdom in the morning and Epcot at night
March 15th- Hollywood Studios
March 16th- Mount Dora Day: My parents have always wanted to go there and since we are using their points, we will be going there to check it out.
March 17th- Check out and head home However, if you look at my other ticker, we will be back a few months later. DH has to take the winners from our county to the State Science Fair. he has to work, so we will play. (He'll only miss one day for the fair, but then join us the next day. Last year, we did the same thing. He had 3 of his students win 1st place in their category. )

On a side note: Since we are both teachers in Florida, we get a free Study Pass at Sea World and get deep discount on tickets for family members. We are debating on whether or not to do this on one of the days. Who doesn't like something FREE!

 

[DMGeurts]

Where Will We Be Staying

We will be staying at...

Old Key West Resort
(Since my parents are DVC Members, we will be staying here using their points. Usually, if we aren't using points we stay at POP.)

Dates

March 10-17

Tentative Schedule for Week​

March 10th- Leave around 9am for Disney World. We should arrive there around 12ish. We plan to check in and hopefully our room will be ready. Then, we will go get some things from the store, snacks, breakfast items, etc. ADR at Ohana for dinner followed by going to Magic Kingdom to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade.
March 11th- Originally, we were going to go to Mount Dora this morning, but plans have changed and we will be going later in the week. I have an ADR booked for Crystal Palace in the morning and my mom booked one for Chef Mickey's for the morning as well. (I know that's bad, but I will be canceling one of them this week so that someone else can have it.) I just have to decide. We may do Magic Kingdom in the morning and somewhere else that night. We'll see.
March 12th-Animal Kingdom in the Morning and Epcot at night
March 13th- Epcot
March 14th- Magic Kingdom in the morning and Epcot at night
March 15th- Hollywood Studios
March 16th- Mount Dora Day: My parents have always wanted to go there and since we are using their points, we will be going there to check it out.
March 17th- Check out and head home However, if you look at my other ticker, we will be back a few months later. DH has to take the winners from our county to the State Science Fair. he has to work, so we will play. (He'll only miss one day for the fair, but then join us the next day. Last year, we did the same thing. He had 3 of his students win 1st place in their category. )

On a side note: Since we are both teachers in Florida, we get a free Study Pass at Sea World and get deep discount on tickets for family members. We are debating on whether or not to do this on one of the days. Who doesn't like something FREE!

This sounds great!

According to our schedule, it looks like we'll over lap on the 14th, we'll be in MK all day. And maybe on the 15th, if we go into any park that day, I am pretty sure it will be DHS, since that's the only park we don't do twice.

How awesome that you get to go to WDW so frequently... If we didn't have to spend so much on airfare, I would definately go more often. LOL It's all about logistics.

D~

 

[ladytink75]

I was looking over at your PTR and I have to say you got some wonderful talent with the sewing. I wish I could sew just a tiny bit and make me a cool bag for my upcoming trip but I have no idea where to even start or how to thread the dumb sewing machine. Where do you get the cool looking material for your items? I know my mom would love some of that material maybe I can get her to make me a bag for our trip.

 

[DMGeurts]

Sorry for the upcoming threadjacking...

I was looking over at your PTR and I have to say you got some wonderful talent with the sewing. I wish I could sew just a tiny bit and make me a cool bag for my upcoming trip but I have no idea where to even start or how to thread the dumb sewing machine. Where do you get the cool looking material for your items? I know my mom would love some of that material maybe I can get her to make me a bag for our trip.

Thanks. There are lots of talented people on The Dis though... And I've only been sewing for a little over a year - I didn't know how to thread a machine either when I started.... So, it can be learned - I am totally self taught, not a lick of professional instruction (with exception to my 8 grade home-ec class back in 1989 )... So, I challenge you to pull out your manual - read it a bunch of times, in front of your machine, then grab an old pillow case and sew it shut a million times over... LOL - That's exactly what I did (If you want to read my whole story, it's in the Table of Contents of my PTR)...

As for the cool material... Which bag/outfit are your referring to?

D~ <---- back to your regularily scheduled PTR...

 

[caralyn817]

Sorry for the upcoming threadjacking...



Thanks. There are lots of talented people on The Dis though... And I've only been sewing for a little over a year - I didn't know how to thread a machine either when I started.... So, it can be learned - I am totally self taught, not a lick of professional instruction (with exception to my 8 grade home-ec class back in 1989 )... So, I challenge you to pull out your manual - read it a bunch of times, in front of your machine, then grab an old pillow case and sew it shut a million times over... LOL - That's exactly what I did (If you want to read my whole story, it's in the Table of Contents of my PTR)...

As for the cool material... Which bag/outfit are your referring to?

D~ <---- back to your regularily scheduled PTR...

Don't worry about the threadjacking, I don't mind. It makes things interesting. I wish I could sew. I've been trying. Hopefully, I'll have more time to do so once my weekends begin to slow down.

 

[caralyn817]

So I have been super busy this past week and am justing finding time now to update. I had to administer a state mandated test to my Kindergarteners this week, which is long and grueling. Depending on their level, it can range from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. I don't know whoever thought a 5 year could sit for 45 minutes straight taking a test. So, when I came home each night I was to tired to make an update. Anyways, enough with my venting! I made a few new bows this week for my side business and had a baby shower for a co-worker/friend today. Here are a little sampling of what I made:

The last one is a favorite of mine and I defintely will be making one for a trip on the Disney Cruise Line whenever we go.

Over the next few weeks, I'm planning on firming up plans, making lists of things that I most do, and having a few contests to past the time. Doesn't that sound fun! I'm especially excited about the contests. Now, on to the first "Schedule Update".


March 10th

9am- Hit the road and head North to the most "Magical Place On Earth". Woot woot!
12pm- We should see this

I haven't been able to get a good shot of this sign, so I borrowed one. I am hoping to get one this trip.)
We then be seeing this

and checking in for the week. Hopefully, our room will be ready. If it is we will put our stuff down. Either way we will head to Downtown Disney for a little while. Once our room is ready, we will go to Publix and pick up some things for the week.
6:35pm- ADR at

After which we will head to...

to watch

Hopefully, we will be able to watch Wishes, but we'll see how DD is handling things. We may call it an early night.

That's all for now, I'm one tired Mama. Sweet Disney Dreams everyone!

 

[DMGeurts]

Love the bows, they are adorable!

Your first day sounds great!

Sorry for the crazy week - I agree - I don't know any 5 y/o that could sit still for that long of testing.

D~

 

[caralyn817]

So DD is down for a nap and I am making homemade applesauce in the crockpot, which is making the house smell wonderful. Yum! So I decided to take a quick break from household chores to update.

March 11th

8am- I have ADRs for Crystal Palace and my mom has one for Chef Mickey's. I'm still on the fence of whether or not to do a Character Breakfast. we have done them in the past when DH was smaller, but lately she has come into more of her "stranger sense" and I'm afraid it won't be enjoyable for her. Any suggestions or advise?

9am- Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom
12pm- Head back to OKW for lunch and a nap. I will walk around the resort taking pictures
5pm- Epcot
6:30pm- Garden Grill ADR (may change; unsure if I should take her there with the characters). *Possibly thinking about eating at Teppan Edo. Has any one done it with a 21 month old?

I know the characters are in the parks all over and she in the past has never had a problem with them. We have done Chef Mickey's, Cape May, and Garden Grill for the character meals and she never had a problem. She even likes to wave to them in the parks and during the parades. Lately, she has been freaking out. i.e. Santa, and an occasional character that we see locally in stores. What to do, what to do, what to do!?!?

Now I need some ideas from all of you. I'm want to do Tinkerbell gifts each day for DH. Just something small that Tinkerbell has left her for the trip. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[caralyn817]

Man, did this week fly by! Well, after reading that part of Fantasyland will be opening while we are there if not before has changed some things. I have been debating whether or not to make our Magic Kingdom day on the tentative opening March 12th. I've heard that this will be the opening day, but some places say possibly before. What do ya'll think?


March 12th

JAMBO EVERYONE! IT'S ANIMAL KINGDOM DAY!
EMH-8-9am
We will be there at 8am.
Attractions we plan on doing:
Kilimanjaro Safari
Pangani Forest Trek
Rafiki's Planet Watch *First for DD
Discovery Island Trails (We have only done part of them. I plan on doing it all.)
Festival of the Lion King (DD enjoyed this last time!)
Maharajah Jungle Trek *First for DD
The Boneyard *First for all of us
Triceratop Spin *First for all of us (I figured if she loved Dumbo, she'd love this)
Nemo? (We did this last time but she didn't last very long. I ended up leaving with her and letting her run around outside the building. I don't want to be one of those parents whose kid cries and they end up staying for the entire time.)
Everest for adults
Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade (I don't know if we will still be at the park. We may leave for naps and lunch.

Evening Plans
ADR at Garden Grill
Depending on how she does at the Breakfast, we may do this.

Anyone have any tips for things a toddler must see at Animal Kingdom?

 

[caralyn817]

Here are some photos from DD's First Ride on my Favorite Ride at Animal Kingdom in September

Getting ready to go

Roadblock

This one is funny, because I didn't realize until I got home that it looks like my DD has horns. Ha!

 

[caralyn817]

I wish this picture wasn't so blurry. It is too cute!

After our safari adventure, we ran into...

We then went to see her favorite character.

We then made our way over to Festival of the Lion King.
Here we are waiting.

Tumble Monkeys

Enjoying the show

 

[caralyn817]

Shopping for the Trip:

We went shopping today and I found some cute things for the trip. We went to Target to get diapers and I decided to stroll through the clothing section. I was looking for a Valentine's shirt for DD. The other day I was there, they only had boys shirts. Walking through I found this...

DD started clapping and shouting "El-moo!" So I had to get it. There were some other shirts mixed in behind there, so I started searching through those and found...

I held it up for DD and she shouted "Mimmee!" She started reaching for it and grabbed it and hugged. Guess, we're getting that one too! Haha! I can't resist her precious smile. I also picked up some pajamas.

These will be added to what I already bought her at Christmas.

She absolutely loves the Minnie PJs. I also bought her a Snow White Shirt that she loves but the picture came out blurry. So I'll have to retake it.

I'm still looking for some Tinkerbell gifts. I want to have something for each day. Any ideas would be great?

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!! Love the bows!!