The Family That Runs Together...Vacations Together-A May 2012 PTR *5/12

[amazingact21]

Hands down, no doubt about it, my choice would be Port Orleans Riverside!

I have only stayed at POR but after staying there have pretty much no desire to stay at any other moderate. It would be perfect for a x-mas trip

We've only stayed at two---Coronado Springs and Port Orleans Riverside. We stayed at CSR years before the last rehab, but I really think the new rooms are beautiful and relaxing looking. The grounds were beautiful.

POR is beautiful as well. It's a very peaceful resort, and I think the theme is carried out better. We've stayed in both sections--the mansions and the alligator bayou. Everyone always says the boat to DTD is such a perk, but personally I believe I can walk faster than that boat, so that little perk doesn't impress me much!

I will say that the food court at POR wins hands down for me!

I think we're going to be at Epcot that day too! I forget though...we might be at MK that morning, I don't remember! But we'll definitely be at DHS for magic hours that night, however, no Fantasmic for us, just lots and lots of Tower of Terror and RnRC!

For a moderate resort during a Christmas trip, I'd either go with POFQ or POR. I'd probably lean a little more towards POR, just because of the new Royal rooms, but if you just want a standard room, I'd go with POFQ. The other 2 are nice, but I like to stay in resorts that kind of fit the time of year that I'm going (doesn't always work out that way!) so for me, CBR and CSR just aren't Christmasy. However, POR and POFQ definitely seem like they could be! Especially in a Royal Room! (Ok, I'm just obsessed with the Royal Rooms, sorry! )

Thanks everyone for the input. I always knew POR was a popular choice, but I guess I always forgot about it. But that also could have a little bit to do with the fact that I used to live in Louisiana and am currently about 3.5 hours away from New Orleans.

Alex and I are still talking about taking a trip down to Disney in December, but there's some obstacles we'll have to wait and see about before we can even consider it. If we do get to go, though, I'm going to have to start thinking about resorts. I always imiganed we'd stay at CSR, but I haven't looked at POR enough. Guess, I'm off to do my research...

 

[Elleshoodat]

Joining in! I came over from the May DISers Facebook group ... hi!

Your PTR is super fun so far, and I'm proud of you for keeping up with running. It is HARD, I know, but it's amazing how quickly you can build endurance if you stick with it. I am in Week 8 of C25K, and trust me -- I am NOT a runner. But the other day I ran for 28 minutes straight! I'm running my first 5K next week, and while I don't have the fastest pace ever (by a long shot), I'm happy with where I am.

As far as which moderate I would choose for a holiday stay ... definitely POFQ. I'm from New Orleans and don't make it home nearly as often as I'd like, so I'm probably a little biased here, but it's the smallest of the mods and I think its size makes it feel more romantic.

We've stayed at every moderate except Coronado Springs, which is where we're staying on our upcoming trip -- mainly because even with the Florida resident discount it's cheaper than POFQ, but also DH wants to try a new resort. If it were up to me, I would stay at French Quarter every trip. Hope this helps!

 

[Jonesloonybin]

Another May DIS'er facebooker here! Love your report so far! I too am getting worried about the weather. It was so hot and muggy here today that I cannot imagine what May in Florida will be like.

 

[cinderella crazy]

Hi Alicia! I followed you over here from my PTR. I'm not taining for a 5k but I am doing the C25k plan. I'm on week 5 right now. Can't wait to hear how the race goes!

I enjoyed reading about your upcoming trip so far. Can't wait to read more!

 

[teekathepony]

I have never been to a moderate resort so I can't say from experience which I would choose, but I looked at them all a lot and I think I'd like to stay at Caribbean Beach. It just looked really relaxing to me!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Yay Epcot - love that park!!! I loved Soarin on my first visit and rode it multiple times as well.

Enjoy tackling the kitchen sink at B&C.

If I had to choose a moderate resort I would go for Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[amazingact21]

Joining in! I came over from the May DISers Facebook group ... hi!

Your PTR is super fun so far, and I'm proud of you for keeping up with running. It is HARD, I know, but it's amazing how quickly you can build endurance if you stick with it. I am in Week 8 of C25K, and trust me -- I am NOT a runner. But the other day I ran for 28 minutes straight! I'm running my first 5K next week, and while I don't have the fastest pace ever (by a long shot), I'm happy with where I am.

As far as which moderate I would choose for a holiday stay ... definitely POFQ. I'm from New Orleans and don't make it home nearly as often as I'd like, so I'm probably a little biased here, but it's the smallest of the mods and I think its size makes it feel more romantic.

We've stayed at every moderate except Coronado Springs, which is where we're staying on our upcoming trip -- mainly because even with the Florida resident discount it's cheaper than POFQ, but also DH wants to try a new resort. If it were up to me, I would stay at French Quarter every trip. Hope this helps!

Thanks for coming over and reading! I saw that you have a PTR as well, and I'm going to read it right after this posts. Good luck on your upcoming 5K!

That's another vote for POFQ...I think the fact that it's a smaller resort would be a great perk. I know I disliked Pop, because it took us five minutes to get to our car to our room.

Another May DIS'er facebooker here! Love your report so far! I too am getting worried about the weather. It was so hot and muggy here today that I cannot imagine what May in Florida will be like.

Thanks for reading! It has been staying in the 70s here, and May is still several weeks away. I've kind of just accepted that it's going to be a hot trip and have planned lots of afternoon pool breaks.

Hi Alicia! I followed you over here from my PTR. I'm not taining for a 5k but I am doing the C25k plan. I'm on week 5 right now. Can't wait to hear how the race goes!

I enjoyed reading about your upcoming trip so far. Can't wait to read more!

Congrats on being on Week 5! That's the dreaded 20 minute straight run! Of course, I give you kudos for making it past Week 4. That seems to be my Achilles Heel every time. I just can't make it past 4 minutes before I have to take a break.

I have never been to a moderate resort so I can't say from experience which I would choose, but I looked at them all a lot and I think I'd like to stay at Caribbean Beach. It just looked really relaxing to me!

I have always like Caribbean Beach, as well. Back when Alex and I thought we were going to do a Disneymoon, we picked CBR as our resort. But everyone keeps raving about POR, I'm going to research it and see what my thoughts are after that.

Yay Epcot - love that park!!! I loved Soarin on my first visit and rode it multiple times as well.

Enjoy tackling the kitchen sink at B&C.

If I had to choose a moderate resort I would go for Port Orleans Riverside.

I hope we are able to ride it multiple times, but with TT being down for refurb, I'm a little scared to see what the wait times will be.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I couldn't agree with you more about the Soarin soundtrack....it had the most calming quality to it....I put it on as I was reading for report

Beaches and Cream....one of our favorites!!

 

[Joyciemc]

Ok, now you have me really wanting to start running again! I've done a 5k here in Boston a couple of times (way back when... well, when I actually ran! ) and after reading about how much fun you had at the Everest 5K... you did a good job selling it!

 

[amazingact21]

I couldn't agree with you more about the Soarin soundtrack....it had the most calming quality to it....I put it on as I was reading for report

Beaches and Cream....one of our favorites!!

I know, I remember drooling over your TR where you talked about everyone eating the Kitchen Sink. Made me so anxious to take my best try at it.

Ok, now you have me really wanting to start running again! I've done a 5k here in Boston a couple of times (way back when... well, when I actually ran! ) and after reading about how much fun you had at the Everest 5K... you did a good job selling it!

Running can be a lot of fun if you have the right movitation, and Disney has been it for me. I keep telling myself that if I keep at it, one day I can do a half marathon and get one of those cool "I Did It!" shirts.

 

[amazingact21]

Where did March go? I feel like it flew by, and now, with only 35 days left until my vacation, I’ve gone into a little bit of panic mode. There were about 5 projects I’d hoped to finish before the trip, but they are taking longer than I thought, and now I have to put them aside to make sure I get everything ready for Disney.


I am hoping to do another update today either on my TR or on here, posting either 1 of my movie nights or my day plans for Tuesday. Time just keeps passing me by!!!



I kept myself busy these past two days, concentrating on Disney stuff.


My mom asked me a few weeks ago to give her daily itineraries for the trip, that way she knew what the heck we were doing. I put it off for awhile, then looked at my countdown Monday morning and realized that time was running out.


So, I began making her little books with everything she needs to know for the trip. Here are some pictures I took of the booklets before I added all the information: (I have only done 2 so far.)

On these two, I included the schedule, show times, park hours, rides I hope to go on, space for her to write notes, and little details she’ll need to remember, like how much to bring for tips for our ADRs.


I had a lot of fun making them, and it made me ridiculously excited for our trip. Now I am starting to think about doing something for myself to take with me in the parks. I want to create a journal or a notebook that I can jot down notes while waiting in line for a ride or show. I have a pretty good memory, but there are some details that I completely forget once I leave and get back to my daily life.


I’ve got a lot of ideas for it, just need to narrow it down and make one!


I also have to think of this year’s race shirts. Last year, Alex had a ton of fun making our shirts for the EE5K, and I want to keep that tradition going, but I am just pulling up a blank!


I thought about doing animal print Mickey heads, not only because we’ll be in AK but because it’ll be around the same time that Alex proposed to me last year (which was in front of my favorite animal, giraffes.) But I feel like a lot of people are going to do that, and I don’t want to seem unoriginal.



This has been gnawing at me for a few days now…


Speaking of shirts, my mom and I went shopping yesterday. She needed some travel-sized items for the trip, and I wanted to look at some outfits. I ended up buying Alex a new V-neck and me a new shirt:

Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention and threw the shirt in the dryer and shrunk it!!! I was so mad at myself. Didn't even get to wear it once before I messed it up, has to be a record for me. Oh well…at least Alex has a new shirt to wear. I’m going to go shopping again soon and hopefully I’ll be more successful.


All right, off to make more itineraries!

 

[MEK]

Woo Hoo for 35 days - that's awesome.

Can't see your pics right now but I bet your books/journals are so cute.

Love your ideas for the matching running shirts. I am so not creative. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Sorry you shrunk your new shirt. I hate when that happens.

 

[teekathepony]

March DID fly by! Love the daily booklets! Those are awesome.
Too bad about your new shirt I've been there before.

 

[wakica]

On NO!!! Big OOOPS on the shirt hey?? I hope you can find another nice one to replace it.

The journal idea is a really good one!! I should look into something like that too. DD always wants me to make a picture calendar for her so she can hang it in her room and just LOOK and know what we are doing each day - I guess when on holidays it's too much work to read it. Maybe I'll do up two of them so one can hang on the condo fridge too. I am holding out though on my final calendars JUST IN CASE we still end up making a change. I should be able to print those off in the last 2 weeks.

I am so surprised how quickly it's coming. Not sure why we feel we aren't prepared and need to rush when we have been planning for so long already hey??? Oh well, it'll all come together - if I could just get a darn swimsuit and shorts for the race already!!!!!!

Make sure to post your shirts for the race so I can see them. We aren't doing anything themed. DD needed an excuse to get some expensive Lululemon brand name yoga wear so that's what she'll be wearing - a real nice tank and shorts. I just have a grey tank that is super thin to deal with the heat I won't be used to and am YET to find the shorts! ugh!

 

[MEK]

Yes - the booklets are very cute and so was that shirt...sniff sniff.

 

[Nermel9]

I don't feel like March is going by quickly at all! But that's because I can't stand March, it always drags. I'm just ready for it to be April so I can obsess about going to Disney next month!

Your books are really cute! I keep thinking I should make a travel binder, but is it really necessary for a 5 day trip?

Can't wait to see what you come up with for your 5K shirts!

 

[Joyciemc]

I love those booklets!

I may steal that idea to give to my friends in October- since I am doing all the planning, they'll have no clue what is happening day to day!

 

[PirateKate]

Those booklets turned out really cute! I bet your mom will love having them.

Your shirts from last year were very cool. I bet you'll come up with something good this year too. Would it be lame to wear the same shirts from last year?

 

[amazingact21]

March DID fly by! Love the daily booklets! Those are awesome.
Too bad about your new shirt I've been there before.

I am just hoping April goes as fast as March did. But I'm afraid these last 34 days are going to crawl!

On NO!!! Big OOOPS on the shirt hey?? I hope you can find another nice one to replace it.

The journal idea is a really good one!! I should look into something like that too. DD always wants me to make a picture calendar for her so she can hang it in her room and just LOOK and know what we are doing each day - I guess when on holidays it's too much work to read it. Maybe I'll do up two of them so one can hang on the condo fridge too. I am holding out though on my final calendars JUST IN CASE we still end up making a change. I should be able to print those off in the last 2 weeks.

I am so surprised how quickly it's coming. Not sure why we feel we aren't prepared and need to rush when we have been planning for so long already hey??? Oh well, it'll all come together - if I could just get a darn swimsuit and shorts for the race already!!!!!!

Make sure to post your shirts for the race so I can see them. We aren't doing anything themed. DD needed an excuse to get some expensive Lululemon brand name yoga wear so that's what she'll be wearing - a real nice tank and shorts. I just have a grey tank that is super thin to deal with the heat I won't be used to and am YET to find the shorts! ugh!

I think a picture calender would be cool, never thought of that before. And waiting until the last 2 weeks give you something else to get excited about. Now that I have these out of the wait, I'm feeling impatient.

I understand your swimsuit trouble. And that's one of the worst things to have to look for. Good luck, and I'm sure you'll be able to find something before your trip. (And if not, there's tons of places to look here in FL.)

Yes - the booklets are very cute and so was that shirt...sniff sniff.

I was pretty ticked about the shirt. But, it taught me to pay more attention when I'm doing laundry.

 

[amazingact21]

I don't feel like March is going by quickly at all! But that's because I can't stand March, it always drags. I'm just ready for it to be April so I can obsess about going to Disney next month!

Your books are really cute! I keep thinking I should make a travel binder, but is it really necessary for a 5 day trip?

Can't wait to see what you come up with for your 5K shirts!

Sorry March crawled for you...hopefully April will speed up. I can just see us in a couple weeks, thinking, "Hurry up, May! Just get here already!!!"

I love those booklets!

I may steal that idea to give to my friends in October- since I am doing all the planning, they'll have no clue what is happening day to day!

I didn't think the itineraries were necessary, because I talked about the plans so much with my mom, but she told me they'd really help. I guess having it written down in stone will prevent possible miscommunications and help them remember little things that us Disney lovers know (like the park hours).

Those booklets turned out really cute! I bet your mom will love having them.

Your shirts from last year were very cool. I bet you'll come up with something good this year too. Would it be lame to wear the same shirts from last year?

I thought about wearing last year's shirts and just changing 2011 to 2012, but Alex had a ton of fun buying the supplies and making them, so I kind of want to do that again with him. He doesn't really ever show much enthusian when planning Disney trips, so it's nice that he does with this. However, I told him this year he had to come up with the design.