The Goodys are going back to Disney! Update:Page 19 & Checklist added!

[my2disneyboys]

For starters I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Holiday!!! I am SO HAPPY to have Christmas behind us. The kids and hubby are all sad- but not me! Disney, here I come!!!!!
I do have to share a gift that Wayne made for me- he is the best!!!

It is filled with lot's of our favorite pics from our trip in May that I will now get to enjoy all year long!!

I also have to share, that on Christmas Eve, we got the Most Magical mail!!!!!

I was so excited The kids didn't really get it, but it got me so excited- just seeing the word "Polynesian" made me want to pass out!!!! The Poly has been a dream of mine. Actually every time we have gone to Disney, I always ask the TA to price out the Poly for me, and I just could never justify spending over $1,000 more from the Moderates to stay at the Poly. But with the 4/3 deal this year we decided to just go for the deluxe! This may be our only time doing it, but I am so excited to see what it is all about!!!!! We also have never used ME and always had a rental car, and I am really looking forward to not having to hassle with the bags and rental car!!

I have been VERY BUSY planning this trip. Here is a look at my 3rd child, my Disney Spreadsheet!

We have made some changes to our plans....

Day 1 (Jan 30th)
Our plane now departs at 6:30AM and arrives at 9:30AM (Thank you Jet Blue )
This means that we will be catching a taxi at 4:30AM rather than 7:00- which was the original plan!!

We will have a quick lunch at Captain Cook's and meet up with Wayne's Brother Jeff and Jeff's daughter Shannon. Dinner is scheduled for 5:10PM at Chef Mickeys - then we will come back to the Poly, and grab a Mai Tai or some fruity drink, and watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly! Because my niece will be here to watch the boys, we may take advantage of this and head down to the Tambu Lounge to watch a game and have a drink with Jeff.

Day 2 (Jan 31)
Today we will head to the MK for an 8:00AM ADR at Liberty Tavern. I am so excited because Jeff and Shannon haven't been in the parks before opening and we are really looking forward to sharing that with them and to try out LTT for breakfast!

We will be meeting some friends on this day as well, and have an ADR for 8 people at Tony's around noon. We plan to head back to the Poly after the parade or maybe even after lunch and say our goodbye's to Jeff and Shannon, and then meet up with our friends for Dinner at Ohana at 5:25PM. After dinner, we will head back to the MK for Wishes and Extra Magic Hours. I LOVE the parks at night, and this being our first park day, it is going to be awesome to close it down!! I know- we are going to be SO tired the next day!

Day 3 (Feb 1)
Today we will wake up, head to Kona Cafe for breakfast at 7:30AM, and then catch the monorail to Epcot. Our plan is to do whatever we can in Future World until lunch. We have lunch scheduled at 1:00 at Chef de France, and will hopefully see Remy again! After lunch, the plan is to head back to the Poly for naps, and then to head back to Epcot for a late dinner at San Angel and to catch Illuminations. - Another late night.... seeing a trend here?!

Day 4 (Feb 2)
Today we catch a bus to DHS for an 8AM breakfast ADR at Play & Dine. We will head right to TSM and then do whatever we can before our 1PM ADR at Sci-Fi. After lunch we will leave and get the kids back to nap/rest. We have a 7PM ADR at California Grill and want to see the 8PM show of Wishes from there. We are REALLY looking forward to this dinner!!!

Day 5 (Feb 3)
Today we have another 8AM ADR- this time at 1900 Park Fare to see my beloved Pooh Bear! Owen actually LOVES Mary Poppins... here is a photo from our last trip, since we have returned he talks about her all the time and I cant wait to see his face on this trip!

After breakfast, we will go back to the Poly to have a relaxing morning- if it is warm enough we will spend some time at the pool.
The plan is to head to Epcot around 1PM for and ADR at 1:40 at Biergarten. We will spend the rest of this day touring the World Showcase. Something we always say we want to do and never end up doing because we usually only allow after dinner and before Illuminations which is NOT enough time!! Dinner is scheduled at 7PM at, um, two places! Please dont be mad at me!!! I will drop one of the reservations but I just CAN'T DECIDE!!!!
Marrakesh or Tutto Italia. If you are reading this please let me know what you think!!!! After Illuminations we will head back to the Poly.

Day 6 (Feb 4)
Today we head to the Animal Kingdom for an ADR at 8AM at Tusker House. We did this in May and Loved it!!! It was great being right at the Safari at rope drop too!!!
Lunch is scheduled at the Yak and Yetti around 1:30 and we will plan to leave after the parade. - We love this parade!!!!
Dinner is at Narcoosees. We went here last trip too and hope that it is as good as it was last year. Wayne thinks it was the best meal of the trip and I think I agree with him on this one!

Day 7 (Feb 5)
Today we have Breakfast at the Wave at 7:30 and then will walk over to MK for rope drop- We havent done this yet because we are always in the park already!!! We are looking forward to this!!!!! Lunch is scheduled at the plaza, and then the plan is to go back to the poly in the afternoon maybe after the parade, and order a pizza in the room for dinner. We have a very special treat for the boys this night!!!!!!!!!! We are taking them on the Pirate and Pal's Cruise. We meet at 6:45PM at the Contemporary and have a little reception with Captain Hook and Smee, and the kids will have their pick of lot's of snacks and then we head out on a pirate boat, and sing pirate songs, and they have some trivia, and we will see Wishes and then head back and be greeted by a surprise guest! I am pretty sure I know who it is!!! This will hopefully be a great way to end yet another Magical Trip to our favorite place in the World!!!!

Day 8 (Feb 6th)
Today we will wake up and head to Ohana for our traditional last day breakfast with Mickey! Last year I cried. I had know idea we would be coming back in less than a year!
After breakfast, we will let the boys pick where they want to go. We will pick a CS at that park, and then head back to the Poly for a 5PM ADR and Kona Cafe for dinner and then hop back on ME to take us to the airport for a 9:30PM flight that gets in at 12:03AM The next day is Superbowl Sunday- I have a feeling we may be watching it this year from home.

Well that is it- Let me know what you think!!

(This picture was taken tonight.... my boys are ready for Disney!!)

 

[lovesdumbo]

WOW! What great plans!

We went to Marrakesh once and while the food was excellent I actually had to leave with my then 3 year old. It was SOOOOOO loud!

 

[MaryAz]

Yay, you are back! Wayne is very sweet to make you at beautiful book full of great pics. Your plans look great! Can't wait to see pics of the Poly-we will be there in May. We also have some of the same ADR"s so I will look forward to your reviews. We have an ADR for Tuttio Italia for May so I would vote for that. Love the spreadsheet!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Glad to see you back! I can't wait to see your pics of the Poly. It's a dream resort for us also. Can't wait to hear what you think. I vote Tutto too. Marrakesh would be a huge stretch for us.

 

[wlwilliams9]

Yay!! Back to the planning!! Christmas was exhausting this year, I'm glad it's over too! It didn't help that I was put on bed rest the day before Christmas Eve!!

Your plans look great, I'm so jealous you're going back so soon!! I would choose Tutto Italia, just because I'm not a fan of middle eastern food! Plus, we LOVE Tutto! The service and food is awesome! You are going to love the Poly and most of all, being on the Monorail. It's so convenient! Can't wait to hear all about the fun you're sure to have!

 

[my2disneyboys]

WOW! What great plans!

We went to Marrakesh once and while the food was excellent I actually had to leave with my then 3 year old. It was SOOOOOO loud!

Thank you!!! I think we will stick with Tutto. Can you believe this weather we are having?! One day 50's, next a snow storm, yesterday was pretty warm and then started snowing. Its so strange!!

Yay, you are back! Wayne is very sweet to make you at beautiful book full of great pics. Your plans look great! Can't wait to see pics of the Poly-we will be there in May. We also have some of the same ADR"s so I will look forward to your reviews. We have an ADR for Tuttio Italia for May so I would vote for that. Love the spreadsheet!

Ok- We are going to stick with Tutto- it was our first pick and wanted to try it last year and just didnt have the time! I will be sure to take lot's of pics for you and Leanne!! I can't wait to hear more about your trip too.

Glad to see you back! I can't wait to see your pics of the Poly. It's a dream resort for us also. Can't wait to hear what you think. I vote Tutto too. Marrakesh would be a huge stretch for us.

Hi Leanne, just got all caught up with your report! Cant wait to hear more. The girls are so adorable!!

Yay!! Back to the planning!! Christmas was exhausting this year, I'm glad it's over too! It didn't help that I was put on bed rest the day before Christmas Eve!!

Your plans look great, I'm so jealous you're going back so soon!! I would choose Tutto Italia, just because I'm not a fan of middle eastern food! Plus, we LOVE Tutto! The service and food is awesome! You are going to love the Poly and most of all, being on the Monorail. It's so convenient! Can't wait to hear all about the fun you're sure to have!

Wendy- I can't believe you were put on bed rest- nevermind the day before christmas eve!! I hope everything is ok!!

Thannks- I am so excited about the Poly!!!! Hopefully it will live up to my expectations. lol

 

[lovesdumbo]

Thank you!!! I think we will stick with Tutto. Can you believe this weather we are having?! One day 50's, next a snow storm, yesterday was pretty warm and then started snowing. Its so strange!!


I am so excited about the Poly!!!! Hopefully it will live up to my expectations. lol

I

t has been strange-probably is part of the reason I've been sick since I got sick at Disney on Dec 4th.



I think you will really LOVE the Poly!!! It is my favorite resort. I love the location, love the beach, love it lit up at night with the tiki torches, love the music, love the lush landscaping, love the boat or monorail to MK, love being able to walk to Epcot monorail, love the huge rooms.....the only thing I don't love about it was that the shower heads are really low but I think I am taller than you.

 

[MouseTriper]

I'm in, I'm in...I so wanna follow along on your TR!!! Looking forward to hearing all about it!

 

[my2disneyboys]

I

t has been strange-probably is part of the reason I've been sick since I got sick at Disney on Dec 4th.



I think you will really LOVE the Poly!!! It is my favorite resort. I love the location, love the beach, love it lit up at night with the tiki torches, love the music, love the lush landscaping, love the boat or monorail to MK, love being able to walk to Epcot monorail, love the huge rooms.....the only thing I don't love about it was that the shower heads are really low but I think I am taller than you.

I hope you feel better and this weather either stays cold or warm! This back and forth stuff is making me crazy!

Thank you!! Yes I am pretty short!! I LOVE your description of the Poly!!!

I'm in, I'm in...I so wanna follow along on your TR!!! Looking forward to hearing all about it!

WELCOME!!!!! I hope to make many Magical Moments to report back on!!!

 

[my2disneyboys]

So I thought I would back up a little and show some pics of our past trips, and write a little about what we have learned and how we have become so in love with Disney!!

I had gone as a child many times (Uncle was a chef at GF) But, our first trip together as a family was in December 2004 - Myles was 10 months old!! We had NO CLUE what the heck Disney was all about- Where to stay- the difference between Value or Deluxe.... We had no idea about making reservations for everyplace we ate at or where to go and when! We were clueless and because of that had a HORRIBLE Disney Experience!!!! I guess to think back, our first mistake was going the week after Christmas. I had read it was the busiest week, but thought, "oh we will be fine" (WRONG!!!!) The second mistake was deciding to invite the ENTIRE FAMILY to join us. Don't get me wrong... I love them but NOT ON A FIRST TRIP TO DISNEY!!! A few more mistakes was opting for our cheapest options. I like to be spoiled on vacation. We stayed at POP and I know lot's of people love it but I didnt. Probably because it was the week after Christmas but I remember feeling like cattle in the foodcourt, and the pools were so crowded with teens... We did however manage to take some cute pictures, and did have lot's of fun with our new baby meeting all the characters and even managed to all have dinner together at Ohana which was GREAT and at Cape May for our first character meal! (Girls only- guys were golfing) Here are some of my favorite pictures from this trip!

 

[my2disneyboys]

Ok, So after that horrific experience, we had NO desire to go to Disney again anytime soon! When Myles was 2 we decided let's try this again! We started planning for our next trip. I did however get pregnant during the planning, and we decided that we would still go- even with a newborn! Owen was 8 weeks old for his first Disney experience in September 2007. We brainwashed the boy- for now Mickey Mouse is ALL this boy talks about and as for the rest of us, this trip was an incredible bonding experience for our new family. We made SO MANY special memories on this trip and totally fell head over heels in Disney Magic! We were hooked!!

On this trip we did things a little different from the first trip. For starters, we researched everything Disney!! We went for free dining and upgraded our hotel to the Moderate level and stayed at POR!!! We rented a car so it would be super easy with an infant! We booked all our dinners and a few character breakfasts and had an idea of where we would be each day and what we would do. This was an amazing trip!!! I remember our last night, being on the boat from DTD heading back to POR and all of us were crying. Wayne looked at me and hugged me and said we will be back as soon as we can! Here are some of my favorite photo's!!

At the Airport- pretty tired from a great trip to Disney!

Back home- playing with all his new toys!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Awwwww, great pictures Nickie! What wonderful memories you've made at the world. I know some of our best have been made there also. That's why we keep going back. It makes me sad for the people who don't get it.

 

[mom2mek]

I'm all caught up on your plans! Loving the trips down memory lane, too! You have some great pictures and some wonderful memories, I'm sure!

We will be just getting to the Poly the day before you leave! I will keep my eyes open for ya! We arrive in the afternoon (around noon hopefully) on the 6th! Might be passing you in the parking lot! LOL!

Sara

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Wonderful update! Nickie...
I love the gift from Wayne...
the trip down memory lane is great...I still love the picture of Miles crawling down main street and sleeping under the stroller....all the photos are cute....great shot of the boys getting ready for the Poly!

your plans sound great and so fun!

 

[my2disneyboys]

So now we come to the last of our trips. We knew when we left we wanted to go back ASAP! We started planning RIGHT AWAY! We knew we wouldn't go back the week after Christmas! We decided that we would go in May for Wayne's Birthday- Our anniversary- and Mother's Day! This was going to be a very magical trip!!! I planned this trip more than I did my wedding! With many thanks to all my DIS friends, we came up with an amazing plan. We stayed at POFQ (after much debate because we really wanted the Poly but couldn't afford it) and we rented a car again, and this time we decided to do the deluxe dining plan! Well, the trip was full of wonderful Magic Moments, like when we went to our first dinner at Chef Mickeys and they stopped us because Goofy was on the phone to wish Wayne a happy birthday! Or, when Owen first saw Pluto and his hands went up to his face in AWE! Or when the boys got to ride up front in the monorail and got their monorail licenses- what an experience that was. Or, maybe the most magical was on our last day at breakfast at Ohana, when Mickey came to our table and got Myles up to walk in the parade with him!!! He had his arm around him the ENTIRE time, and I sat there with tears in my eyes feeling oh so lucky!!! We had AMAZING dinners!! The boys had SUCH an amazing time and I swear we are all a closer family because of this trip! My Mother's Day was so amazing- complete with a surprise glass slipper at our breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. We went on so many rides as a family on this trip and had so many laughs! Watching Myles chicken out of going on Splash Mountain and then turning around determined, "Let's do this!" and then the look on his and Wayne's face after, both so proud! When people say, "why do you like Disney so much??" I think of all these special and amazing times we have had! But I really think the answer is because it is all about going to this Fantasy Land, where if you believe in magic and good things they truly will find you and come true. We have had so many good times as a family at Disney and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to take my kids so many times, as I know lot's of kids out there have never even got there once in their life! I will leave you here with some of my favorite pics from our trip in May, and hopefully will have LOT's more to share from our trip this January!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Ahhh the May trip. More great pictures. I can't wait to see more awesome photos from your upcoming trip. Your ticker says you are exactly one month away!! You are so close now!!! That means that I'm close to seeing some Poly pics.

 

[wlwilliams9]

Awww, Nickie! Your trip down memory lane made me cry! I couldn't have explained the reasons we love Disney any better! It's such a special and important place for our family and I can't wait to start those memories with Eva! I'm so excited for your family to be going back so soon and to be staying at your dream resort. I think every year our trips get better and I see the same happening for you!

I'm excited about your new Blackberry! Now I can be following along with you as I push this baby out!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I LOVE your description of the Poly!!!

I forgot to mention the Electric Water Parade-my kids LOVE that! I have to admit I love it too!

LOVE all your photos! That photo of Myles crawling down Main St is one of my all time favorite Disney photos I've ever seen!!!!

 

[my2disneyboys]

Awwwww, great pictures Nickie! What wonderful memories you've made at the world. I know some of our best have been made there also. That's why we keep going back. It makes me sad for the people who don't get it.

Hi Leanne, that is exactly what got me thinking to do the trip down memory lane! I can't believe how many people hate Disney! I think most of those people just don't get it!! I am glad that it does for your family what it does for mine!!

I'm all caught up on your plans! Loving the trips down memory lane, too! You have some great pictures and some wonderful memories, I'm sure!

We will be just getting to the Poly the day before you leave! I will keep my eyes open for ya! We arrive in the afternoon (around noon hopefully) on the 6th! Might be passing you in the parking lot! LOL!

Sara

Sara!!! I can't believe you will be at the Poly the day we leave!!! We will be spending lot's of time at the hotel that day- We have breakfast at Ohana and then dinner at Kona at 5:00 before we leave. (Our flight doesnt leave until 9:30PM ) You are bringing the kids on this one right?? Maybe we will see you at the pool or something!!!! On the last trip, I met Wendy and LovesDumbo and it was so nice to meet them and their families - hopefully we can meet you and your family too!

Wonderful update! Nickie...
I love the gift from Wayne...
the trip down memory lane is great...I still love the picture of Miles crawling down main street and sleeping under the stroller....all the photos are cute....great shot of the boys getting ready for the Poly!

your plans sound great and so fun!

Hi Connie! Thank you! I had fun doing the trip down memory lane. Wayne said it got him even more excited for the trip! That picture of Myles is one of my all time favorites that we have taken from all of our trips. It is so funny too because Wayne wanted to take that picture and said "oh this will be a great picture!" and I was like "no way is my baby crawling down Main St!" but it turned out to be a great shot and he loves to brage that it is his picture!!

Ahhh the May trip. More great pictures. I can't wait to see more awesome photos from your upcoming trip. Your ticker says you are exactly one month away!! You are so close now!!! That means that I'm close to seeing some Poly pics.

Leanne, It is so funny, planning this trip is a bit different than the last. I think it being so close (less than a year) and with the holidays in there, it has totally snuck up on us. I was saying yesterday on facebook I had 35 days left How exciting we leave in 31 days!!!!!!!!

Awww, Nickie! Your trip down memory lane made me cry! I couldn't have explained the reasons we love Disney any better! It's such a special and important place for our family and I can't wait to start those memories with Eva! I'm so excited for your family to be going back so soon and to be staying at your dream resort. I think every year our trips get better and I see the same happening for you!

I'm excited about your new Blackberry! Now I can be following along with you as I push this baby out!!

awww thank you! It made me tear up writing it. I just feel so lucky to be able to experience this with my kids. My sister and brother could never take their kids or maybe they wouldnt even want to- because they don't get it.... but it makes me sad for them anyway because I know how much fun and how many memories we have made on these trips. Eva is a lucky girl already! and I am sure you will be making lot's of very special memories on her first trip in December!!!

My crackberry- I LOVE it!!!!! So funny when I was "working" I never had one.... now that I am a SAHM I have one. I think I will actually use it more now. It seems I am always in the car waiting to pick up Myles from some activity or school!!!

I forgot to mention the Electric Water Parade-my kids LOVE that! I have to admit I love it too!

LOVE all your photos! That photo of Myles crawling down Main St is one of my all time favorite Disney photos I've ever seen!!!!

Thanks so much!! So crazy out of the millions of people at Disney that I would run into you right behind us in line, and that you would be in some of our photos from the day! And to think we are both from Mass and probably never seen eachother here!!!

 

[Goofy442]

I love looking at my old pictures of our family trips to Disney. It seems so long ago but where did the time go. My sons has been to Disney every year or sometimes twice a year since they were infants. I have a friend who is in her fifty 's and she has never been. I just can't believe it what would life be without Disney. Enjoy your time with your boys because before you know it their in college. I hope your family enjoys this trip coming up. The New England weather starts to get to you after awhile.