The 30 day PTR: UPDATE: We are on our way!!

[Planning fanatic mom]

We live just north of the Mason -Dixon Line. 2 years ago we drove back from Orlando in one day and it took 15 hours. So, that is what we are basing the time on. We pretty much stay to I95 all the way. I would love another suggestion. If anyone has one, please help.

Anyway, this year we are thinking of leaving on the 14th and going to Mt. Vernon in VA. We have never been there. We are a family who enjoys historical places. This is about 2 hours from home. We would get there at about 11:00am. After touring the grounds and mansion, we leave and drive another 4-5 hours. This should be about 7 hours or so for the first day. Then on Mon. we drive the remainder of the 8 hours getting to Orlando. This way we can get to WL by 10:00 am on Tues. to get our cards. (Yes, I know the room won't be ready). I'm hoping to be at AK by 11:00am. What do you think?

20 Days to WDW. 18 days until we leave.

 

[dismagiclover]

Sounds like a great traveling plan We live in MD about an hour from Mt Vernon and I love it there. It's such a pretty setting. Whenever I have out of town visitors I suggest going there so I can come too We'll be in WDW the same time as you, though we arrive on the 11th and leave the 19th. We're planning on spending Wed. at MK too. I can't wait

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Sounds like a great traveling plan We live in MD about an hour from Mt Vernon and I love it there. It's such a pretty setting. Whenever I have out of town visitors I suggest going there so I can come too We'll be in WDW the same time as you, though we arrive on the 11th and leave the 19th. We're planning on spending Wed. at MK too. I can't wait

Hello Reader. Thanks for the input. Is Mt. Vernon usually pretty busy on Sundays? Do you fly or drive?
Wow Beach Club!! I think my DH will really like it there when we go to Cape May cafe. I'm hoping he does, and then next time we can stay there.

 

[cjackearl]

Sounds like a great traveling plan We live in MD about an hour from Mt Vernon and I love it there. It's such a pretty setting. Whenever I have out of town visitors I suggest going there so I can come too We'll be in WDW the same time as you, though we arrive on the 11th and leave the 19th. We're planning on spending Wed. at MK too. I can't wait

Sorry to hijack, but we'll be at the BC at the same time! We check in on the 15th and out on the 22nd.

Ok, back to your regularly scheduled ptr. Your driving plan sounds similar to ours, but you get Mt. Vernon thrown in. How fun! Are you planning on leaving @2 am on Mon? Actually, that's a good idea. We're leaving @ 3 or 4 on our first day's drive.

 

[dismagiclover]

Hello Reader. Thanks for the input. Is Mt. Vernon usually pretty busy on Sundays? Do you fly or drive?
Wow Beach Club!! I think my DH will really like it there when we go to Cape May cafe. I'm hoping he does, and then next time we can stay there.

I've never been to Mt. Vernon on Sunday so I can't help there. The best thing about Mt. Vernon is the grounds. It's a beautiful setting right there on the Potomac. So, even if its crowded, the grounds are large enough it won't feel like it. There can be long waits to get into the house during the summer (like 45 minutes to an hour.) We often skip the house when we go, but since it's your first time I'd do the house even with the wait. Also don't miss the visitor's center. They have many great exhibits, including replicas of what Washington looked like in his youth (a bit of a hottie) and the infamous teeth. My 4 year old was obsessed with brushing his teeth for weeks after he saw those. He wanted to make sure his teeth didn't fall out

Re how we get to Disney World. We've always flown, but we were planning on driving this time. However, we got a good deal on plane tickets and decided to fly again. One of these years we're going to try driving, so I'll be interested in hearing how it goes for you.

Every day is a day closer to Disney

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Sorry to hijack, but we'll be at the BC at the same time! We check in on the 15th and out on the 22nd.

Ok, back to your regularly scheduled ptr. Your driving plan sounds similar to ours, but you get Mt. Vernon thrown in. How fun! Are you planning on leaving @2 am on Mon? Actually, that's a good idea. We're leaving @ 3 or 4 on our first day's drive.

No problem on the hijack.

No we don't do the middle of the night drives. Neither one of us is good at staying awake. We are also not pleasant people when we don't get sleep. My girls are older and are fine in the car. They have their one DVD players, they nap, read, play video games, and they are at the age where we can just talk. This year DD 16 is going to do some driving, if she passes her test next Sat.

I've never been to Mt. Vernon on Sunday so I can't help there. The best thing about Mt. Vernon is the grounds. It's a beautiful setting right there on the Potomac. So, even if its crowded, the grounds are large enough it won't feel like it. There can be long waits to get into the house during the summer (like 45 minutes to an hour.) We often skip the house when we go, but since it's your first time I'd do the house even with the wait. Also don't miss the visitor's center. They have many great exhibits, including replicas of what Washington looked like in his youth (a bit of a hottie) and the infamous teeth. My 4 year old was obsessed with brushing his teeth for weeks after he saw those. He wanted to make sure his teeth didn't fall out

Re how we get to Disney World. We've always flown, but we were planning on driving this time. However, we got a good deal on plane tickets and decided to fly again. One of these years we're going to try driving, so I'll be interested in hearing how it goes for you.

Every day is a day closer to Disney

Thanks for the info on Mt. Vernon. We really wanted to see the National Treasure 2 tour, but they are already sold out for June 14. We might be able to get tickets at the door for this. We will definitely see the house.

Love the line about you son's teeth.

19 Days to Disney: 6 days of school

 

[cjackearl]

Ok, I'm slow. You'll be spending the night in Orlando on Mon. night, right? I thought you were planning on getting to the WL after your 8 hour drive. Thus, the 2 am question. Got it now!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Remember we will do the first 7 or so hours on Sunday with some time at Mt. Vernon. That's OK about asking. People ask that all the time. It is just not us.

 

[cjackearl]

Remember we will do the first 7 or so hours on Sunday with some time at Mt. Vernon. That's OK about asking. People ask that all the time. It is just not us.

Yes! No reason to start your vacation already exhausted. I got that you were travelling 7 hours on day 1, but I thought you were getting to the WL on day 2 after the next 8 hours. I just missed that you were staying in Orlando for the night of day 2 and checking into the WL on day 3. Sometimes I miss the details.

Our trips are so close. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

The last week of school!!

Both DH and myself are teachers. He teaches high school English, so he has finals and graduation this week. I teach 6th grade LA. I have to keep 83 12 year olds from jumping out of their skins. We have a block party for the whole school, 7th grade orientation, a 6th grade party, and a school wide variety show this week. Oh, Yeah, and all grades are due. I am in 6 acts of the variety show and also one of the MCs. This week will be exhausting, and I seem to be going through a round of insomnia. I can fall asleep; I just can't stay asleep.

OK what does this have to do with Disney? Not much planning will be done this week. I am not a packer ahead of time. I will wait until just a day or 2 before we go to do that. I will wait until next week to do all of the shopping. I do have my lists ready.

Today is the only day that I will be able to relax for about a week. We are spending it with my DSIL and Dnephews. I think we are going to see UP!!
Tomorrow is the retirement dinner for our assistant principal. He is one of the sweetest men you would ever meet. No matter how busy I am, I wouldn't miss this time to honor him for anything.

Thanks for letting me to get off topic for awhile.

Up next Things To Do!!

 

[mdsouth]

Hi!

I just found your report. [I am enjoying it so far! I really like the photos you have included (the girls with Pochauntas and your planning materials.

I, too, am a middle-school teacher, so I understand your exhaustion! The past two years I have taught both seventh and eighth graders. Next year, it will just be eighth graders. I teach Language Arts.

Yesterday was for all purposes the last day of school for the kids. I worked in my room after school finishing grades and cleaning the room. I arrived at home around 7:30 and was in bed and out by 8:30 PM. I have been getting up around 5:00 each morning for the past month or so. As a teacher, I will not be done officially until Tuesday afternoon. We have Monday and part of Tuesday for School Improvement meetings. Ugg!


I have my own PTR started. It is titled, "Am I insane ...". We will be in WDW the week after you. We are staying at CSR.

I need help with my PTR on two key things, perhaps you or one of your followers could help. I would like to post a link to my PTR in my signature (so that it shows up in all my posts). I am also working on posting photographs.

I have tried creating new threads for help on these topics and checked out stickies to no luck. I think I might try another new thread to get some help.

For the photgraphs, I know I have to post the photos on a host site. Did you use photobucket or something else? Is it free? What size of photos did you indicate on photobucket? Long, long ago, there used to be a sticky that told how to post photos and make links. I can't find it. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I would appreciate it.

PS Sorry to hijack the thread.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Hi!

I just found your report. [I am enjoying it so far! I really like the photos you have included (the girls with Pochauntas and your planning materials.

Thanks

I, too, am a middle-school teacher, so I understand your exhaustion! The past two years I have taught both seventh and eighth graders. Next year, it will just be eighth graders. I teach Language Arts.

Yesterday was for all purposes the last day of school for the kids. I worked in my room after school finishing grades and cleaning the room. I arrived at home around 7:30 and was in bed and out by 8:30 PM. I have been getting up around 5:00 each morning for the past month or so. As a teacher, I will not be done officially until Tuesday afternoon. We have Monday and part of Tuesday for School Improvement meetings. Ugg!

Middle school teachers need to stick together!


I have my own PTR started. It is titled, "Am I insane ...". We will be in WDW the week after you. We are staying at CSR.

I need help with my PTR on two key things, perhaps you or one of your followers could help. I would like to post a link to my PTR in my signature (so that it shows up in all my posts). I am also working on posting photographs.

I have tried creating new threads for help on these topics and checked out stickies to no luck. I think I might try another new thread to get some help.

For the photgraphs, I know I have to post the photos on a host site. Did you use photobucket or something else? Is it free? What size of photos did you indicate on photobucket? Long, long ago, there used to be a sticky that told how to post photos and make links. I can't find it. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I would appreciate it.

PS Sorry to hijack the thread.

No problem on the hijack. I will do my best. If I don't explain it well at first keep asking until we get you set up. We can even get DH involved if we need him.

I'm going to start with the link in your signature. This is the easier one. Once you have started your thread, copy the URL at the top of the page. Then go to where you edit your signature. Click on Insert Link (It is the picture of the Earth with the link under it.) Then click paste and the URL should appear. There might be an easier way, but this is how I did it. Please let me know if it works. I guess I will know if it works because I will see it in your signature.

OK Pics. I'm sure there are better people to answer this. If you find the TR from Topdog, you could ask him. He is the master.
I use photobucket. It is free. You just have to set up an account.
On my computer I save my pics in a program called IrfanView. DH downloaded this for free. I make a folder (called Dispics) of all the pics that I want to use. They are sized 640x480. Name them something really simple. Once in photobucket and logged in, click add to album, choose files, pick a pic from your Dispics folder. Once it is downloaded follow the directions to give it a name and such. Then click on Copy Direct Clink. It will automatically copy. Then back to your thread. Choose insert image. It is the one with the mountain and sun. A small box will open. Click paste in the box and you will see the link. Once you preview your post, then you should see the pic.

Boy I hope this works for you. If you have trouble, let me know where, and I will try again. Someone else reading this may be able to help too. Please let me know if it works.

Good Luck

 

[mdsouth]

Thank you for the instructions. This post is my trial run.

Hopefully, my PTR link will be functioning! I might not get my pictures added until Wednesday since I need to be focusing on my to finish out the school year first!

Then it will be WDW planning 24/7! Tee Hee! Of course, I will have to take some breaks to take care of the kids, house, and give some attention to my DH.

 

[mdsouth]

I guess I had better go back and reread your directions. I will try again.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Yeah it worked!!!

I will check out your PTR in a little while.

Good luck with the pics.

 

[topdog]

OK Pics. I'm sure there are better people to answer this. If you find the TR from Topdog, you could ask him. He is the master.
I use photobucket. It is free. You just have to set up an account.
On my computer I save my pics in a program called IrfanView. DH downloaded this for free. I make a folder (called Dispics) of all the pics that I want to use. They are sized 640x480. Name them something really simple. Once in photobucket and logged in, click add to album, choose files, pick a pic from your Dispics folder. Once it is downloaded follow the directions to give it a name and such. Then click on Copy Direct Clink. It will automatically copy. Then back to your thread. Choose insert image. It is the one with the mountain and sun. A small box will open. Click paste in the box and you will see the link. Once you preview your post, then you should see the pic.

LOL... Are you calling me master of disaster??

You instruction to post pics is pretty much on the spot. Often I find people get confuse on syntax of the code.

Here is a little tip. I don't have Photobucket account but they all pretty much the same. The important part is to copy the correct image link. Usually, the link should read something like http://www.photobucket.com/blah/blah/blah/photo123.jpg When you click the add image icon from the posting screen (the mountain and the sun), paste the entire link into the text box. By default, the text box already has "http://" in the edit box. Just paste the entire link over the "http://", that's fine. Once you click OK, your entire link will be added in your post with the necessary syntax.

If you see a line of code that begins with "

". That mean you should see your picture when you click that submit button.

Please feel free to ask more question on how to post pictures. I am more than happy to answer them.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

OK the ADR meals are squared away, and I am very happy about our choices.

Now onto CS. When we went in 2006, I didn't do much research on these meals. We just went to the first place we saw when we got hungry. Then in 2007, we found we that we went back to the same places because we knew them. Well this year I vow to try different places. Here are my ideas, Please tell me what you think.

AK:
Pizzafari We've eaten here twice before
Flame Tree Bar-B-Q (yes, I know about the birds and sitting outside, but this is the kind of food my family likes.)
Yak and Yeti Market: Anyone know what the seating is like here?
If it is really hot, there is no way DH sits outside no matter what the food is like.

MK:
Pecos Bills : We ate here in 2006 and liked it.
Columbia Harbor House: Never eaten here but have heard good things.

Epcot:
The CS at Rose and Crown Pub: Do they have indoor seating? See above for reason why I need to know this.
I don't have any more ideas here. We are not adventurous eaters, so I'm not sure the other countries' CS will work for us.

DHS:
Backlot Express:
Catalina Eddie's:
I will not eat in the ABC Commissary again. Although it was fine, I think we ate a total of 4-5 meals there on our 2 trips. I have no idea why??

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

LOL... Are you calling me master of disaster??


Please feel free to ask more question on how to post pictures. I am more than happy to answer them.

Of course not, would I ever do that?
Thanks for your help. It is really hard to give directions in a post.

 

[mdsouth]

Oh, No. Pressure!!! One disclaimer. DH is our photographer. Good news, this trip we have a nice new camera. No idea what kind.

Thanks for joining me on this wild adventure.

I am laughing right along with you about not knowing what kind of camera your DH bought and will use on the trip.

My DH loves taking pictures and has several cameras that he has bought and uses. He uses any big trip we plan as a reason to buy a new camera.
I get confused on all of them, especially, which ones have the better video & sound quality.

His biggest contribution to this trip, besides coming along of course, will be determining which of the cameras to bring and how to pack them. He is planning on bringing multiple ones.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

I'm hoping that my next post will be about the game that DH came up with to play at the parks. I need to ask his permission to tell you all. (or maybe I will tell you anyway.)

A little hint. It has to do with photography.