The Extinction of the Cranky Pants: An October 2015 PTR

[Lidian]

I would probably try to work it so they are more in some consecutive order so you aren't going from one side of the park to the other and back again

Yeah. I think I'll just move Splash to another day and add in Buzz instead. That way, we have Tomorrowland and Adventureland only.

 

[Lidian]

So maybe I'm post-happy today ... but it won't happen often. Today is middle dude's 9th birthday!

Last night, we went out to celebrate. I tried to pretend we were at Teppan Edo.

While it wasn't TE, it was still a nice meal.

Mom joined us, and we got to chat about our upcoming trip some! We sorted out all of our meals, and most of our FP selections.

I was also able to score a portable charger the other day:

Since we were out, DH wanted to stop by Game Stop. He dropped a pretty penny in there ... and what's the rule again? Yep, I get to match $1 for $1. So that was extra money I get to stash away for our trip! If DH keeps this up, we're going to move to CR with a theme park view.

Other than spending a great day with the birthday boy, that's all I have for now.

 

[solana131]

Awesome! CBR looks so nice now that they have refurbed the rooms Its on my list for someday....

 

[Lidian]

Awesome! CBR looks so nice now that they have refurbed the rooms Its on my list for someday....

CBR is nice -- even before the refurb. It's just big. And now they have Queen beds, so that's nice! lol

 

[Lidian]

Day 1: DHS
October 1st​

Since 9/30 is arrival day, we'll consider our first full day as Day 1.

We will wake up Thursday morning bright eyed and bushy tailed. It's our first full day in the parks. I've chosen DHS as our first full park. The hours are currently 9-7:30 with an 8PM Fantasmic!

We will have breakfast in the room (poptart or granola bar or something) and then head out to the bus stop. The goal is to arrive prior to rope drop. We'll head straight to JTA and see what's available for DS9. If there's still space and we can work an open slot into our schedule, we'll sign DS9 up, otherwise we'll try again another day. After JTA sign ups, we'll head straight to RnRC to do standby. I'll send mom and baby off to HISTK playground or something. I'm not sure if DS9 will try RnRC or not. He's still new to the roller coaster scene. I know DD13 will be all about it.

After RnRC, we'll catch up with mom and plan out the rest of our day. We plan to FP the Frozen Sing Along for around 10:30-ish (I think the show is around 10:20). We'll match up the daily schedule with our FPs so we can hit shows and FPs without stressing. Who knows what all we'll get accomplished before lunch ... Lunch will be, hopefully, around 11:30ish. What's for lunch? That's a different chapter. (Hey, I have 190 left, so I need more things to talk about!)

After lunch, we'll hit FPs for TSM and Star Tours. I also plan to get another ride or two (or ten) on ST throughout the day. We plan to see Indiana Jones and Disney Junior (for the baby). We'll also check out KTP's schedule and see what time Characterpalooza is, so we can arrive early and meet some characters! I'm very sad that BLST closed, as it was my favorite attraction. We'll take a ride on The Great Movie Ride and check out the hand/footprints around the theatre.

Perhaps we'll buy all the Olafs?

Maybe we'll take a nap at the HISTK playground?

Perhaps we'll smack our big brother over and over while mommy isn't looking while in line for TSM?

Here's a video of what was happening:

Let me know if video doesn't work and I'll fix it.


Hopefully, just hopefully, we'll be a Rebel Spy!

These were all pics from our October 2015 trip at DHS. We spent two days at DHS (one day was very short for the boys -- they all went back to the room and DD13 and I had some girl time!).

Anyway ...

We'll do what we can until time for dinner! What's for dinner? Guess you'll have to wait and find out. After dinner, we'll probably browse shops. Once DHS closes, we'll head over with the masses to watch Fantasmic! We saw F! a few years ago. It was nice. However, mom hasn't seen it, so we'll stick around for her. Granted, if baby is upset with MK's fireworks, then I'll take him back to the room.

We also plan to see what characters we can meet. If we don't get everything done, we aren't going to stress. We have another day to "finish up" the park later in the trip. I'm planning on hitting the Indy Jones gift shop for some Indy souvenirs for DH. He's a big Indy fan, and we HAVE to watch the show every year. I might have to score him something from the ST gift shop, too.

After F!, we'll head back to the room for sleep. Maybe some pool time. I dunno. We'll see. Stay tuned for Day 2!

 

[solana131]

Yes! I love being the Rebel Spy Sounds like a good first day.

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Oh my goodness glad I came across your report. Those photos are funning...I remember the playful head smacks. Unfortunately lately ours seem to be a little more intentional I'm going to have to pay attention to your drive. We are coming from Iowa but I wanted a good stop pointing the night before we arrive.

 

[Lidian]

Yes! I love being the Rebel Spy Sounds like a good first day.

I'd love to be the Rebel Spy. DS9 was selected to be the Spy twice! What a brat.

Oh my goodness glad I came across your report. Those photos are funning...I remember the playful head smacks. Unfortunately lately ours seem to be a little more intentional I'm going to have to pay attention to your drive. We are coming from Iowa but I wanted a good stop pointing the night before we arrive.

The head smacking is starting to become more intentional now, too. He's getting very jealous of big brother. DS9 can't even get near me without baby screaming and having a meltdown. It stinks, but we work through it.

When we drive, we take I-75 and usually stop in Valdosta or Adel. My goal is to get closer to the FL border ... but I have a feeling we won't even reach Adel this upcoming trip.

 

[Blissikins]

Subbing in!

Sounds like a great start to your trip so far!

 

[Lidian]

Subbing in!

Sounds like a great start to your trip so far!

Thanks! Glad to have you along for the ride!

 

[DMGeurts]

Happy Birthday to the Middle guy! Looks like you had a great time!

And for the portable charger - and absolute necessity in Disney - IMHO!

Love your DHS day! Rofl at the little bro picking on big bro... LOL So cute!

D~

 

[Lidian]

Happy Birthday to the Middle guy! Looks like you had a great time!

And for the portable charger - and absolute necessity in Disney - IMHO!

Love your DHS day! Rofl at the little bro picking on big bro... LOL So cute!

D~

Thanks D! We did have a good time. Hibachi always makes DS9 nervous. It wasn't loud, but he just gets overwhelmed and covers his ears.

I agree on the charger! We had some smaller ones last year. There's nothing worse than getting into the day and you're in the red on your battery ... And since I'll be using my phone MUCH more this year (will be FaceTiming DH in the parks and texting him lots of pics), I need a bigger one!

Hopefully baby won't pick on big bro too much this year.

 

[Lidian]

Day 2: MK​

October 2nd
Friday​

It's day two and our first FULL day at MK. Well ... maybe not "FULL" since there is a MNSSHP this evening and we have to be out by 7:00 ... but that's plenty of time to accomplish our goals for the day!

We'll start off early by arriving at RD (rope drop). We'll hit some rides until our first reservation at around ... 10:30. Official time will come after my TA Kelly books this event. I'm probably more excited for this than most anything else on the trip. Any guesses what's happening?

BABY SULLY'S FIRST HAIR CUT!

We originally schedule this for last October ... but ... he didn't have much to work with.

SELFIE!

While he had hair, and he had a few curls, it wasn't much to really cut. My saved locks would be sparse ... so we canceled his appointment. I'm thankful we get a TAKE TWO! Granted, DH has been antsy to cut his hair now. He has some crazy Einstein hair going on ... and yes, he does need a decent trim. But I am putting my foot down and waiting until October!

Today, we'll focus on the front half of the park (only hitting Fantasyland as needed). We'll make FPs for Splash Mtn (maybe), BTMRR, and something else. We'll watch the 3PM parade from somewhere ... not sure. I'm going to set an alarm to remind us at 2:30 to get to a parade viewing spot! We didn't watch the new parade last October, so I'm anxious to see it. Plus, mom LOVES parades!

Here are a few pics from MK last October!

The boys had a sword fight at CRT:

The TTA is a great place for a baby nap!

We won't be staying for the party. We will be back to the resort before the party starts if all goes well. Instead of the party, we'll take an evening swim! Who doesn't enjoy a nice evening swim? After we're done swimming, we'll head back to the room for sleeps. We have a SUPER early morning the next day, so we need to be prepared!

 

[cajunfan]

Hi Liddy! Where are you at in TN? I am in Nashville...

Following your plans. My last trip (6.5 years ago!) was in October. I LOVED that time of the year. Looking forward to reading more.

Lynn

 

[Lidian]

Hi Liddy! Where are you at in TN? I am in Nashville...

Following your plans. My last trip (6.5 years ago!) was in October. I LOVED that time of the year. Looking forward to reading more.

Lynn

Lynn,

I'm about 20 minutes south of Knoxville in a city that disappears if you blink too long. I lived in Smyrna and Murfreesboro for awhile before moving back home to here. I was young and had friends at MTSU ... so moved out there to hang with them, but it just didn't work out.

I do think October is my new favorite time! It used to be late April when Easter was early, but October is much better!

So tell me, how does one survive with 6.5+ years between trips? I see you're going in May. May is nice, too! I considered May for this trip, but really, October was more realistic with time to plan and save. But it's sooooo far away! Enjoy the ride and glad to have you aboard!

 

[cajunfan]

So tell me, how does one survive with 6.5+ years between trips? I see you're going in May. May is nice, too! I considered May for this trip, but really, October was more realistic with time to plan and save. But it's sooooo far away! Enjoy the ride and glad to have you aboard!

It was hard! but having a child in private school and now college interfered a little LOL! Add to it that the store I worked at closed for a few years and it just was not in the cards for us. But we have managed to hang onto this reservation, and everyone seems to be really looking forward to it!

 

[Elleshoodat]

Hi Liddy, I finally made it over and caught up! I love how thorough your planning is ... I feel like I'm slacking, lol!

I'm so glad you were able to work out a "fundraising" plan with your DH. And you could already pay off your balance ... that's awesome!

I'm hoping we actually get to see some nighttime shows this trip. We didn't stay for them when Andrew was a baby ... but let's just say I'm more "relaxed" with Matthew and don't mind if he stays up late. Second-child syndrome, I guess.

 

[Lidian]

Well I was without a computer for awhile... but I am now back. Let me start by saying, my ADR date was Friday. I let my TA Kelly handle all my ADRs. Since the baby had a doctor appointment that morning, I was up sipping coffee and Facebooking while she was working. I was stoked to be getting confirmation emails and touched base with her on a few things. While dining is a whole different topic to be discussed some other time, I'll say that most everything that I had detailed out for her was a success! We have a few things on our list to watch, but nothing major and nothing that will upset our trip.

It was hard! but having a child in private school and now college interfered a little LOL! Add to it that the store I worked at closed for a few years and it just was not in the cards for us. But we have managed to hang onto this reservation, and everyone seems to be really looking forward to it!

Well, I can see how that might put a hiccup in WDW trips. I'm glad that your reservation is working out! Everyone needs a WDW trip, especially after stressful events (or just because!).

Hi Liddy, I finally made it over and caught up! I love how thorough your planning is ... I feel like I'm slacking, lol!

I'm so glad you were able to work out a "fundraising" plan with your DH. And you could already pay off your balance ... that's awesome!

I'm hoping we actually get to see some nighttime shows this trip. We didn't stay for them when Andrew was a baby ... but let's just say I'm more "relaxed" with Matthew and don't mind if he stays up late. Second-child syndrome, I guess.

Hi Elle!

Totally don't feel like you're slacking. The thoroughness of my planning is fun for me! Everyone vacations differently!

I love my fundraising plan. March was a VERY good month. A VERY, VERY good month. He bought two new video game systems, some new video games, and some other junk. I didn't hesitate to enable. Granted, if we were tight on funds, I would have been livid ... but right now, we're doing fine, so I was like, "hey, you really, really need this game" every time we'd pass by the video game aisle in Target.

Fingers are crossed you can enjoy night time shows! They are a lot of fun! Disney does them so well! I'll be encouraging Sully to nap in the Tula or stroller during the nighttime entertainment.

 

[DMGeurts]

Stopping by to say hi!!! Love your MK plans!

I agree - little Sully didn't have much to work with - glad you pushed off his first hair cut. He's so cute!

Good idea setting an alarm for the parade.

I am anxious to see what your ADRs are going to be...

I hope you had a nice Easter!

D~

 

[Lidian]

Stopping by to say hi!!! Love your MK plans!

I agree - little Sully didn't have much to work with - glad you pushed off his first hair cut. He's so cute!

Good idea setting an alarm for the parade.

I am anxious to see what your ADRs are going to be...

I hope you had a nice Easter!

D~

Good morning D!

I am glad we pushed his hair cut off ... but not so sure we can wait until October! He's curled up in my lap nursing (signing milk) and I could reach down and start braiding his hair.

I always forget about the parade, no matter how hard I try to remember ... it's so easy to forget when you're caught up in the moment. Time just gets away! Maybe an alarm will help! We can set it early enough to stop what we're doing (or finish) and head straight to the parade viewing area and pick a spot.

I'm anxious to hear what my ADRs are going to be, too! Wait ... I should know, right? I'm so happy with my TA Kelly. She did an amazing job at booking them so I didn't have to worry. There's a few that I was slightly disappointed in the times, but that's not her fault. It's all the other crazy people who snagged my preferred times fault. And the times aren't bad ... just a few minutes off from what I really wanted. Just enough to make ya go... Ugh. Okay. Whatever. I'll take it. Not enough to go NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! /refresh page /refresh page /refresh page

Okay, so maybe I did have her call in and verify a few times.

Today, I gave my TA info on discount priority (if FD happens if I want to try to stay at CBR or switch and which room view is acceptable, etc.). I let her know that I'd rather try POR if it's offered, but I want the cheapest room available. So if both resorts have standards, then POR. If POR is preferred and CBR is standard, then CBR. If CBR is preferred and POR is a view, then POR (since it's cheaper). So preference will be given to POR since we haven't stayed there, just to try something new (and I'll totally miss the pirate splash area), but I really want the cheapest room available.

Our Easter was just another day. We don't do much other than discuss the importance of the day. No egg hunts, no fancy meals, no gatherings. So it was just a typical Sunday. But it was a good Sunday.

I hope you had a lovely Easter! And everyone else, too!