The faceless children take a top-secret trip to WDW...

[lexmas]

I can't really offer much stroller advice. Sorry!

I think that you could do 2 Epcot days without your DH. There is plenty to do with both kids. Like you said, you need to take breaks, eat, etc. While at Epcot, you could always take a stroll over to the YC/BC/Boardwalk area. There is a super yummy ice cream parlor on the Boardwalk that my family loves.

The Kidcot stations are great but beware....they use sharpies!!! Plus, there are quite a few movies throughout WS that work great for taking a rest in the a/c (France and American Adventure have seats). I've taken a few naps there myself!

That's funny, has Madison always been too old for a stroller at disney? That must be nice!

Taking a stroll over to the boardwalk is a good idea...anything there on the dining plan? That would be a perk, even though I could spend the few dollars on something not on the dining plan!

I have heard about the sharpies and it terrifies me. Really, they couldn't be sponsored by crayola? Or anything washable? Roseart is cheap, I bet they'd love the promotion!

Interesting about the movies. They always bore me to death but J.J. will watch just about anything. If Sydney is napping, that might be a great idea!

The stroller question is tough. I think you'll want to have the double at the parks. As the bus is pulling into the station, put Sydney in the sling and fold the stroller. Have J.J. board in front of you and carry the stroller on. Use a backpack for a diaper bag so you're hands are free. I think you'll find that people will be helpful. We have 3 children and 2 strollers so we've done this before. It isn't easy but the pain only last a few seconds and then you're settled. You'll like having Sydney in the sling on the bus anyway.
Parks. Hmmm. What about one Epcot and one DHS day? There's not a ton at DHS for little kids so your DH wouldn't miss that much. What are your park plans for when he's there?

Amanda

I love the step by step instructions. I needed that! I think you're my DH's new favorite person after you made me stop freaking out about Syd's surgery and now you told me exactly how to handle the stroller. He was very impressed!

I have thought about DHS but the idea of going there when there's not much to do is painful. I mean, really, there's just nothing to do there, especially because I'm worried about Sydney and shows. Our park plans are umm...one long day in each park until we've done them all and then go back and do what we liked again! Haha, I haven't looked at schedules or anything for my new time frame yet.

I'm not much help on the stroller front but it seems like Amanda has that covered!

As for plans without dh, if you don't want him to miss too much you might think of including some activities outside the parks. Maybe some time at DTD followed by a boat ride from DTD to POFQ (these are supposed to be very entertaining and you may even spot an alligator), time on the Boardwalk as suggested above, time at the pool, etc.

I like the idea of hitting a few parades/rides that dh isn't interested in. With hoppers you'll be able to do this and take breaks as well. You might also ask him what he's most looking forward to seeing/doing with the kids. I think that combined with things you don't want to try on your own will leave you with your best options for what to do without him.

I do like the idea of the boat ride, J.J. would think that was SO exciting. We could eat at DTD or POFQ then too. I would LOVE to spend time at the pool but I can't with both of them since neither of them can swim, really. Well, that's not entirely true because J.J. went swimming for the 3rd time ever at a neighbors pool the other day and swam by himself with the swim ring floatie thing. But I think I'd probably be uncomfortable with both of them since I'd only have one hand free to save him. I have thought about it though...we have one of those floatie rings with a seat for Sydney so worst comes to worst she could float there alone for a minute while I'm saving the boy...

I think spending time outside of the parks is probably best, because DH is probably more disney obsessed than I am. It's hard, because I KNOW what would be best is getting to the hotel on Thursday, eating lunch, exploring a little bit and then taking a nap. We have to get up at 4 am to go to the airport, so we'll need one! BUT, I don't think J.J. will nap in a strange place that quickly, and I really need bed rails for the bed and I bet that they won't be there that fast. Frustrating, because what's best probably won't happen!

The stroller question is tough! I can see the advantage of the double - having both kids controlled in one spot. For me, it would boil down to how long I was planning to spend in the park at a stretch. If it was only 2 hours or so, I would probably make J.J. walk and just use the single - afterall, he will have plenty of time to ride when daddy gets there. If I was going to spend 4 hours at a stretch in the parks, then I would go for the double.

As for which parks, I would definately go to Epcot one day. All of the rides you mentioned are good for little ones. I would also do Innoventions, but I would skip Kim Possible. I think I have heard that is better for grade-schoolers and tweens. The other day, I might sleep in, go to DTD and then see the parade at AK. Good luck deciding!

I expect I'll probably be spending a long time in the parks, although it's impossible to say.

J.J. is really into workbooks and school stuff, so I think he would probably love Kim Possible, but I'll keep it in mind that maybe he won't and I won't have a problem just ditching our mission!

I would love to go to DTD, but I don't want to buy anything that early in the trip and I'm not sure toddlers love window shopping. I am considering it though!

In other news...10 weeks from today we will be at WDW! That sounds long since it should have been 5 weeks, but secretly, I don't mind. And that's because I have a list of things that I need to make/do before we go that is crazy long, AND my sewing machine just broke. I can still sew on it, but not well, and it's a total pain. I am dealing for now because I don't know what to buy to replace it, but it will need to be replaced eventually. Here's a sneak preview at what I need to do:

Non-disney...things I want to do before Sydney's surgery:

1. Make stuffed animal Pig for Syd, and Monkey for J.J.
2. Finish Syd's "S"...remember I posted about that way back at the beginning? Still not done. And I need to do it before summer is over because I don't want to use the spray paint in the house.

Disney:

1. Make shoes. 2 Halloween, 2 or 3 for Sydney (I don't remember how many fabrics I have.

2. Princess Tiana dress, 101 dalmations dress

3. Diapers (yeah...I decided I'd rather have pocket diapers instead of a two step system...the lure of something that was one piece that I could just put on really fast got to me. So I'm making fleece pocket diapers. I have 12 made, 8 to go. On my broken machine.)

4. ID for stroller...still working this out.

5. Make ADR's.

6. Make PJ's for the kids for the trip

7. The bow for Sydney's dinosaur costume

...

I know there's more. But that's some of it. It sounds like a lot in 10 weeks considering my machine is broken AND I only can do this stuff while the kids sleep (well, I'm sure I could do it while they're awake but I try not to). It would have been too much for 5 weeks!

-

 

[Dancegrl624]

That's funny, has Madison always been too old for a stroller at disney? That must be nice!

Taking a stroll over to the boardwalk is a good idea...anything there on the dining plan? That would be a perk, even though I could spend the few dollars on something not on the dining plan!

I have heard about the sharpies and it terrifies me. Really, they couldn't be sponsored by crayola? Or anything washable? Roseart is cheap, I bet they'd love the promotion!

Interesting about the movies. They always bore me to death but J.J. will watch just about anything. If Sydney is napping, that might be a great idea!

Actually we had Madison in a stroller at WDW in 2006 (she was 3 and a 1/2). It wasn't really a hassle since we only went to MK (and BB). I don't think we even took it with us to DTD!

I'll have to go back through my restaurants and find out what's over that way. I know Big River Grille is over there. They don't take reservations, but I'm not sure about the dining plan. Beaches and Cream is at the BC and they don't take ressies either, but they do take the dining plan.

We've done the Kidcot stops, but only for Madison to get her passport stamped. She's 7 and I still don't like her using sharpies!

The movies can definately be boring, but they are great when you need some down time.


In other news...10 weeks from today we will be at WDW! That sounds long since it should have been 5 weeks, but secretly, I don't mind. And that's because I have a list of things that I need to make/do before we go that is crazy long, AND my sewing machine just broke. I can still sew on it, but not well, and it's a total pain. I am dealing for now because I don't know what to buy to replace it, but it will need to be replaced eventually. Here's a sneak preview at what I need to do:

Non-disney...things I want to do before Sydney's surgery:

1. Make stuffed animal Pig for Syd, and Monkey for J.J.
2. Finish Syd's "S"...remember I posted about that way back at the beginning? Still not done. And I need to do it before summer is over because I don't want to use the spray paint in the house.

Disney:

1. Make shoes. 2 Halloween, 2 or 3 for Sydney (I don't remember how many fabrics I have.

2. Princess Tiana dress, 101 dalmations dress

3. Diapers (yeah...I decided I'd rather have pocket diapers instead of a two step system...the lure of something that was one piece that I could just put on really fast got to me. So I'm making fleece pocket diapers. I have 12 made, 8 to go. On my broken machine.)

4. ID for stroller...still working this out.

5. Make ADR's.

6. Make PJ's for the kids for the trip

7. The bow for Sydney's dinosaur costume

...

I know there's more. But that's some of it. It sounds like a lot in 10 weeks considering my machine is broken AND I only can do this stuff while the kids sleep (well, I'm sure I could do it while they're awake but I try not to). It would have been too much for 5 weeks!

-

That is a lot to get done and you're right, that would have been too much for 5 weeks. I hope you can solve your sewing machine issues!

 

[Disneychix]

I made a really simple ID for my stroller. I had a family 'logo' made on the DISigns board (I made shirts from this too) and I laminated it. I then used zip ties to attach it to my stroller bag that hangs off the back of my stroller. The 1st year I think I attached it to the handles of the stroller as we didn't have the bag yet. I also made mickey head id cards (Home Dept mickey heads with our info on them) and laminated them and stuck them in weird places on the stroller, under the seat and in the cup holders. I did this in case my stroller was mistaken for someone elses.

One good thing about AK or DHS if you go on the days while you are on your own is the play areas. When DS was 20 months he loved loved the HISTK area and the digsite. We spent prob 45 mins there alone!
And don't they have the water play area at POP? Your kids might like that and it'll be easier than the pool.

 

[Dancegrl624]

OK, here's the list of participating restaurants at the Boardwalk and the BC/YC:

Boardwalk
-Boardwalk Bakery
-Big River Grille
-ESPN Club
-Kouzzina by Cat Cora
-Flying Fish Cafe (2 credits)

BC/YC
-BC Marketplace
-Hurricane Hanna's Grill
-Beaches and Cream
-Cape May Cafe
-Captain's Grille
-Yachtsman Steakhouse (2 credits)

 

[-Hope-]

Whew, lots to do! I was about to suggest a stroller tag from the DISign boards but someone beat me to it.

I don't blame you for not wanting to brave the pool alone. It might be okay but probably not a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon!!

The CS @ POFQ Sassagoula Floatworks is supposed to be very good. They have a lot of variety and its themed like Mardi Gras so fun too!

 

[lexmas]

That is a lot to get done and you're right, that would have been too much for 5 weeks. I hope you can solve your sewing machine issues!

I think it might be too much for 10 weeks! Is it sad that I've already decided in what order I'm discarding projects? First to go is the PJ's, since I have plenty of fabric to make them in bigger sizes later, and next is the halloween shoes, I think.

I hope I can solve my sewing machine issues too, but I suspect the solution is "decide which cheapo $100 machine is the best of the bunch" and buy a new one. Oh well.

I made a really simple ID for my stroller. I had a family 'logo' made on the DISigns board (I made shirts from this too) and I laminated it. I then used zip ties to attach it to my stroller bag that hangs off the back of my stroller. The 1st year I think I attached it to the handles of the stroller as we didn't have the bag yet. I also made mickey head id cards (Home Dept mickey heads with our info on them) and laminated them and stuck them in weird places on the stroller, under the seat and in the cup holders. I did this in case my stroller was mistaken for someone elses.

One good thing about AK or DHS if you go on the days while you are on your own is the play areas. When DS was 20 months he loved loved the HISTK area and the digsite. We spent prob 45 mins there alone!
And don't they have the water play area at POP? Your kids might like that and it'll be easier than the pool.

Those are great ideas for the id cards. I will be borrowing some of them!

They do have the pop jets at pop, so I'm sure they will play in that too. That is a good point about the play areas...I'm sure J.J. could play there all day long...I'll get bored though. I try to rush him past that digsite at the buffalo zoo every chance I get. It's like watching paint dry, standing there watching him dig!

OK, here's the list of participating restaurants at the Boardwalk and the BC/YC:

Boardwalk
-Boardwalk Bakery
-Big River Grille
-ESPN Club
-Kouzzina by Cat Cora
-Flying Fish Cafe (2 credits)

BC/YC
-BC Marketplace
-Hurricane Hanna's Grill
-Beaches and Cream
-Cape May Cafe
-Captain's Grille
-Yachtsman Steakhouse (2 credits)

Thank you so much for the list! I will check all that out! I had been thinking about going to Hurricane Hanna's anyway, for the free bucket and shovel with the kids meal, so maybe this would be the day to do it. I know DH wasn't crazy about eating there, so it would be a good place to eat without him.

 

[lexmas]

Whew, lots to do! I was about to suggest a stroller tag from the DISign boards but someone beat me to it.

I don't blame you for not wanting to brave the pool alone. It might be okay but probably not a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon!!

The CS @ POFQ Sassagoula Floatworks is supposed to be very good. They have a lot of variety and its themed like Mardi Gras so fun too!

Thanks! I'm only even considering the pool because I know DS would love it so very much and it would take his mind off the fact that Daddy isn't there yet. I do have some lifeguard training from when I was a teenager, so it's not like I'm completely unprepared, but I probably won't chance it unless I can't resist!

Great to know about the CS at FOPQ! I think that sounds like a great idea!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Thank you so much for the list! I will check all that out! I had been thinking about going to Hurricane Hanna's anyway, for the free bucket and shovel with the kids meal, so maybe this would be the day to do it. I know DH wasn't crazy about eating there, so it would be a good place to eat without him.

No problem! It is a good idea to go places/do things that your DH isn't interested in while he's not there. That way, he won't feel like he missed out.

 

[ksl5f123]

What a long to-do list! My solution for the stroller was to tie a hankerchief size piece of leftover fabric onto the handle. It made it obvious enough that it was our stroller, but was no work for me.

I hope your sewing machine issues get resolved quickly!

 

[lexmas]

What a long to-do list! My solution for the stroller was to tie a hankerchief size piece of leftover fabric onto the handle. It made it obvious enough that it was our stroller, but was no work for me.

I hope your sewing machine issues get resolved quickly!

That is also very smart. I have tons of leftover fabric!

I forgot to mention, we booked our next trip! Thanks Meghan! We are going January 28-February 6th for free dining, and staying at Pop! Very exciting!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I forgot to mention, we booked our next trip! Thanks Meghan! We are going January 28-February 6th for free dining, and staying at Pop! Very exciting!

You're welcome!!!

 

[Charlefours]

Your new plans look good! I know it will be hard to have the kiddos by yourself. I had DD this last week by myself and I am definitely of the same mind--love having DH share the workload. Hopefully they will be cooperative and sleep well for you!

Will you get tired carrying Syd around the parks? That would be my only concern with not having the double stroller. How is JJ about walking? If he will walk for you some of the time, you could take a break from carrying her.

The show might be lively and visually interesting enough for Syd to be fine at the shows. You might be surprised but you know her best.

Mentioned it on FB, but for your next trip being booked!! Go Meghan!!

 

[ksl5f123]

for booking the January/February trip and for getting free dining!

 

[wlake]

Another trip planned already! Lucky you! I just saw the free dining banner but I'm afraid to go look at prices as we just got back last night.

 

[lexmas]

Your new plans look good! I know it will be hard to have the kiddos by yourself. I had DD this last week by myself and I am definitely of the same mind--love having DH share the workload. Hopefully they will be cooperative and sleep well for you!

Will you get tired carrying Syd around the parks? That would be my only concern with not having the double stroller. How is JJ about walking? If he will walk for you some of the time, you could take a break from carrying her.

The show might be lively and visually interesting enough for Syd to be fine at the shows. You might be surprised but you know her best.

Mentioned it on FB, but for your next trip being booked!! Go Meghan!!

I hope they will sleep well for me too! DH asked me yesterday how many meltdowns I though J.J. would have about him being gone. My guess is, at the airport, before bed, and maybe the next morning as well. They're used to him being gone all day, so I think we'll be fine during the day, but at bedtime especially, J.J. won't go to sleep unless DH is laying with him.

Maybe she'll grow into the shows. She is getting better about live shows as she's getting older. She has to watch TV sometime, right?

for booking the January/February trip and for getting free dining!

We love free dining so much! It seems really early to have TWO trips booked, since our first is so far away!

Another trip planned already! Lucky you! I just saw the free dining banner but I'm afraid to go look at prices as we just got back last night.

I bet you've priced it out by now!

 

[lexmas]

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated (I should stop apologizing and just tell you to expect it, I think. Heck, my kids have blogs for my family to see pictures and such and I'm really behind on those too. In fact, you should feel special that I'm updating here and not there!)

It's been taking all my computer time just to stay on top of everyone else's PTR's and TRs! So many of you leave so soon! I thought I would be sad that we're not going when everyone else is, but it isn't bothering me at all. I really am just so happy that we're going to get the surgery out of the way that it completely feels like it was the right thing to do. Not that I'm not still being worried, obsessive Mommy (J.J. has this freckle or something that I check obsessively to make sure that it hasn't changed or grown, I think I'm going to give him a complex. It may even be a bug bite. Or a pimple or something. It's not a huge growth by any standards, and you have to look at it under direct light to even see that it's there, since it's so light. (Have you decided I'm completely paranoid yet? ) DH and I are covered in freckles and little spots, so I'm sure it's genetic. I'm not even sure what I'm worried about since he's three and doesn't spend much time in the sun, and always wears sunscreen. I've just been a little "off" since my dad died, thinking we're all going to die unexpectedly of something. Oh well. I think it's understandable, probably. )

Anyway, we've been keeping busy here.

I was going to make a journal for our trip, but then DH got an e-mail that 2009 passporters were $5 each, so he bought 5 of them. We'll just put a sticker over 2009.

I'm still keeping busy sewing on my broken sewing machine, because I am the cheapest person ever and don't want to buy a new machine. Just for kicks though, do any of you sewing mama's have a cheap-ish machine that you like? I should probably look at something. For now I'm just writing off anything that I need more than a straight stitch for, basically. I can use the zig-zag but it "forgets" what it's doing and does straight stitches every once and awhile so it's not useful for things like elastic. It's alright for hemming. I figure I have a whole bunch of disney trips coming and I can make most of the stuff I wanted to make later. Or save the fabric for something else. See how my standards are slipping?

I've also been practicing "pin trading" with the kids when I'm bored and have no other ideas about what to do. J.J. loves it. Sydney loves picking out a pin but then she cries when you take one off her lanyard to trade with her. SO... she may be a little young.

I hope you are all enjoying the ends of the summer! Have a great Labor Day weekend! Syd has her pre-surgery testing on Tuesday so send wishes her way that it goes well and that we'll be all set for surgery on the 21st!

 

[BabyEeyore]

I completely understand being paranoid. I became more worried about moles, bumps, etc. after I lost my mom to cancer.

Sewing machines can be expensive! We got one for just over $100 and so far I love it, but I've only done straight stitches on it so far. But hey, that's a step in the right direction for me.

That's so cute that you guys practice pin trading!

Lots of good wishes and pixie dust for Syd's pre-surgery testing on Tuesday!!!

 

[-Hope-]

I'm glad your feeling good about changing your trip! I just know everything is going to go well and you guys will be able to relax and have a good time when you finally get there.

I love that you're practicing pin trading. And it's good to know now that Sydney may not be ready!

Great deal on the Passporters! And very clever to just cover the date with a sticker.

 

[lexmas]

I completely understand being paranoid. I became more worried about moles, bumps, etc. after I lost my mom to cancer.

Sewing machines can be expensive! We got one for just over $100 and so far I love it, but I've only done straight stitches on it so far. But hey, that's a step in the right direction for me.

That's so cute that you guys practice pin trading!

Lots of good wishes and pixie dust for Syd's pre-surgery testing on Tuesday!!!

It really makes me feel so much better to hear you say that. It's hard losing someone and being reminded that people don't always live to be old and gray. Some days I'm doing fine and I'm normal and not crazy worried about everyone dying for no reason, but the last few weeks I've been overly worried. Even though there's nothing to worry about. I think Syd's surgery has pushed me a little over the edge lately. I'm sure I'm being a good mama just keeping half an eye on him and making sure nothing looks suspicious...just having a rough day where I feel like it's a lot of pressure being the one who has to make sure that I catch anything before it turns serious. They aren't born with freckles though, so they just keep popping up now that he's getting bigger! And my kids are REALLY pale, so they're just bound to get spots here and there. Frustrating for me! Please don't think I'm crazy! It's just been a long year and a half and some days I just get stressed! I think I'm starting to NEED this vacation. Good thing it's next month!

Can you tell me which sewing machine you got? I don't need anything fancy, there are just so many options, and it's hard to know what to pick based on reviews since it seems like more people will go out of their way to comment on something because it's bad than if it's good!

Thanks for all the pixie dust!

I'm glad your feeling good about changing your trip! I just know everything is going to go well and you guys will be able to relax and have a good time when you finally get there.

I love that you're practicing pin trading. And it's good to know now that Sydney may not be ready!

Great deal on the Passporters! And very clever to just cover the date with a sticker.

Thanks Hope! I am looking forward to relaxing!

Practicing pin trading is kind of ridiculous, isn't it? But Jay loves it and he's the kind of kid that will benefit from knowing what's going on when he gets into it.

You mean cheap and lazy to cover the date. But it works!

 

[DrMomof3]

Too cute about the practice pin trading! We've avoided the pin trading so far but I'm sure the kids will figure it out eventually.

Amanda