The horse girl, her big guy and WDW..a trip report! Update 8/4-Day 10, pg 26!

[jenr812]

Beautiful cake picture - love the hidden mickeys! I am so jealous you're seeing Cirque. I can't wait to hear all about it from you. Your dream cracks me up LOL

All your DVC talk has me chomping at the bit! I want to buy DVC soooo bad. And the fact that I just signed the papers for my new job TODAY and will have a nice new paycheck soon doesn't help. But we've got to pay off our debt FIRST. Then we'll look at DVC But I've been working on DH for a while now already so he'll be ripe when the time is right

 

[KatGarcia]

First off...HI! I thought it only fair to read your TR since u are readin' mine! And I'd like to go on record as saying- YOU ROCK! We are a lot a like...i found myself giggling when I read similarities! I too am attached to disney due to bads things happening in real life, i can totally relate. I thought Spiderman 3 was pretty good expect for the weird dance scene in the Jazz Club...but anyways. I am also looking fwd to Shrek, Pirates (I LUV me some Orlando) and Harry Potter the most! I'm a huge Potter geek! I'm def looking fwd to the rest of your trip!

 

[mlill]

*Boma
*Yorkshire County Fish Shop
*Donald’s Breakfastosauras (...although there have been mixed reviews lately. We always have a good breakfast here and there is good character interaction.)
*Tusker House
*Cirque de Soleil (I love Cirque!!! You will have an awesome time!)

Your itinerary looks great to me! It should be a wonderful WDW vacation!!! Sorry again about the family stuff. I know how that is. I don't even want to know what you SIL thinks about your DVC purchase! Just ignore her and be happy!

-Michelle

 

[patrizella]

No clue what I will do with myself while they are out getting sunburned..God forbid a guy put on sunblock!!! I will probably just shop!!!! There are a bunch of things we didn’t put on our wedding registry b/c we wanted them from Disney. For ie. the Mickey silverware and wafflemaker. My dad bought us a generous Disney gift card for a wedding gift which is our favorite gift so far!!

Your pre-trip report is great. We are new DVC owners too!!! Last summer was our first trip home. Love SSR. You being a lover of horses will love the themes.

Here is an idea for what to do when the DH is golfing...GO TO THE SPA!!!!

The spa in SSR is beautiful. My DD and I had a manicure and pedicure day there and loved it. They have tons of other spa treatments and being a DVC member, we get discounts!!

Or you could go visit your DVC Guide and do an add-on

Enjoying your pre-trip report!!! We arrive the same day as you-counting down the days

 

[DisneyObsession]

Great Update!!

I don't know that much about DVC, but it sounds great! Hope it works out well for you!

I am living through all the TR's I'm reading, since I don't go until Nov 11th! It seems so far away, but I know it will be here before I know it!

I bought MVMCP tickets today for us! The party starts Nov 12th, which is our first full day there, so we felt it was meant to be! Noone in my group has ever been to it, so it will be fun! Can't wait!!!!

Keep those updates coming!!!

 

[Eventer98]

Beautiful cake picture - love the hidden mickeys! I am so jealous you're seeing Cirque. I can't wait to hear all about it from you. Your dream cracks me up LOL

All your DVC talk has me chomping at the bit! I want to buy DVC soooo bad. And the fact that I just signed the papers for my new job TODAY and will have a nice new paycheck soon doesn't help. But we've got to pay off our debt FIRST. Then we'll look at DVC. But I've been working on DH for a while now already so he'll be ripe when the time is right

I am glad I have peeked your interest a bit more in DVC! I haven't even gone yet and I am already a DVC spokesman!!! I am sure your time to buy will be here super soon!!

First off...HI! I thought it only fair to read your TR since u are readin' mine! And I'd like to go on record as saying- YOU ROCK! We are a lot a like...i found myself giggling when I read similarities! I too am attached to disney due to bads things happening in real life, i can totally relate. I thought Spiderman 3 was pretty good expect for the weird dance scene in the Jazz Club...but anyways. I am also looking fwd to Shrek, Pirates (I LUV me some Orlando) and Harry Potter the most! I'm a huge Potter geek! I'm def looking fwd to the rest of your trip!

Thanks for stoppin in Kat!! Glad you are here! I also thought SMan 3 "jumped the shark" with the dance part!! But if you take into consideration how cheesy Peter Parker is, and how the black suit brought out his personality, then it kind of makes sense? Still terrible though!!! I also am a HP freak!! Who do you think will die in the 7th book? I hear the last word in the book is "scar." Hmm.

*Boma
*Yorkshire County Fish Shop
*Donald’s Breakfastosauras (...although there have been mixed reviews lately. We always have a good breakfast here and there is good character interaction.)
*Tusker House
*Cirque de Soleil (I love Cirque!!! You will have an awesome time!)

Your itinerary looks great to me! It should be a wonderful WDW vacation!!! Sorry again about the family stuff. I know how that is. I don't even want to know what you SIL thinks about your DVC purchase! Just ignore her and be happy!

-Michelle

Glad to hear you guys like DB! I figure if your clan is happy with it then it must be ok!! You are the professional diner you know! The update with SIL is coming soon....I got home too late tonight to write it. It was beautiful here today so I had to take an extra long trail ride with my horse!!

Your pre-trip report is great. We are new DVC owners too!!! Last summer was our first trip home. Love SSR. You being a lover of horses will love the themes.

Here is an idea for what to do when the DH is golfing...GO TO THE SPA!!!!

The spa in SSR is beautiful. My DD and I had a manicure and pedicure day there and loved it. They have tons of other spa treatments and being a DVC member, we get discounts!!

Or you could go visit your DVC Guide and do an add-on

Enjoying your pre-trip report!!! We arrive the same day as you-counting down the days

I never thought about the spa...I will look into the prices!! Thanks for joining the TR...always glad to see another SSR owner!! An add-on..ha! I think it will take 3 kids in tow to convince DH we need more points!!

Great Update!!

I don't know that much about DVC, but it sounds great! Hope it works out well for you!

I am living through all the TR's I'm reading, since I don't go until Nov 11th! It seems so far away, but I know it will be here before I know it!

I bought MVMCP tickets today for us! The party starts Nov 12th, which is our first full day there, so we felt it was meant to be! Noone in my group has ever been to it, so it will be fun! Can't wait!!!!

Keep those updates coming!!!

I am jealous about the MVMCP tickets!! I hope to get there 12/19-12/27 in 08. Xmas is my fav. holiday (and it was my mom's too) and it's time we got away for it. It's too rough to be here for them. Plus, maybe there will be a little baby by then, knock on wood, to celebrate their first Xmas with Mickey!! Your trip will be here before you know it!!

 

[Eventer98]

Ok..did Tara lose her mind? Drink too much today? (I don't even drink! ) Not sure. I canceled my CRT ADR!! Yeppers. I gave it a lot of thought and took the plunge. I just don't think we will enjoy a "princess" breakfast for that amount of money. I don't really like the face characters...is that what they are called?? Plus, it was like $76 for both of us. I know we will go when we have kids so I am content with waiting. I made us an ADR for breakfast at the Maya Grill since we will be staying there on that day. I may also add The Plaza for lunch. Anyone been to either one of those??

So I figure I made some little girl happy by canceling and letting her get the ADR! DH could care less. I am sure if I never told him he would forget we were even going to go there! I would have liked to eat in the castle though..I wish they had another, more adult, restaurant in there. Oh well.

I will try to update tomorrow.....thanks for listening and have a great night!!

 

[Eventer98]

I was beyond excited to make my DVC reservation!! My guide was supposed to call me back with my membership number and never did. I figured every day I had to wait lessened my chances of getting a studio somewhere for our honeymoon. So I called MS myself and they looked me up..sure enough I was in the computer!! They are SUPER nice there..I’m not saying that the regular CMs aren’t nice when you call to make a reservation…it’s just that the DVC CMs are extra friendly. I suppose they have to be after all the money we dropped! Anyway, he said he didn’t have a studio for the whole week we were going down BUT he did have one at SSR for half the week. 6/27-7/1. He said he didn’t have anything, at any DVC resort, for the first half of the week. I asked what I could do and he said I could turn my points into cash and stay at a moderate or deluxe resort for the first 4 nights. I had read something about this and it didn’t bother me. We haven’t stayed at any moderates before so I asked what they had. All that was available was CSR. I was hoping for POR but that was a no-go. Oh well..at this point I wasn’t picky b/c it would be FREE!!! The stinky part is it costs more points to stay at a moderate resort then a DVC resort. I also wouldn’t be able to get the DDP while at CSR. He did explain why but I can’t remember!! I had to “borrow” 23 points from my 2007 pts. but that’s ok. I was glad that we are staying at SSR the second half of the week..I think it would suck if we had to start at SSR and then go back to a moderate. So Ray and I are very happy….someone was sprinkling pixie dust on me for sure!! I was watching the DVC boards and there were a few people looking for a studio the same week as me a few days later with no luck. I wonder if I got the last one!? I need to call back tomorrow and tell them it’s our honeymoon..not sure if we will get a better room but it’s worth a try.

We were so excited that night we decided to tell his family. At first we had talked about not telling them b/c we knew his dad would be a jerk about it. Maybe not to our face but he would go out of his way to not ask us about DVC. Ray called his sister first (the evil SIL from my wedding posts) and she seemed genuinely excited. Said they were planning a huge family WDW trip for the week after Xmas, 2013, and hoped we would go with them. Ray said he started laughing! I’m anal, I can admit it..but planning a trip over SIX years in advance? Of course there's nothing wrong with it but wait until you hear her reasons!! He asked her why that year and she said her youngest will be 7yo. and that would be perfect b/c she doesn’t think you should take kids younger then that to WDW. Oh boy!! I am glad she didn’t say that to me!! We plan to take our kids from day one! If things work out the way we want we could have an infant in tow when we go next Xmas. Ray said she went on to say they won’t take naps or go to bed and they will be scared of everything and throw fits…said it is a waste of money. Ray laughed later about it and said, “Maybe her kids will do that..” For those of you who don’t know from my wedding posts her DD is VERY spoiled. She is almost 4 years old and gets away with everything. When you say hi to her she turns her nose up and walks away. The other day SIL told her that she couldn't have dessert unless she ate dinner (she does not eat..ever) and DD told her, "no…I'm eating dessert." So she grabbed the cake and ate it. SIL didn't say a word. Nice.

But I am off topic here….the thought of a week with Ray’s family in WDW didn’t sit well with me or Ray. Luckily we realized that the week after Xmas is WAY too high point wise to use DVC. We will probably go the week before Xmas and overlap a day with them. Perfect. But who knows b/c it’s over SIX YEARS AWAY!!!

Then he called his parents...his mom asked about 2 questions and then changed the subject. We saw them at the movies last weekend and his dad asked one question…about how much dues were going to cost. I told him and he rolled his eyes. So his opinion was made clear. Oh well. We don’t expect everyone to understand or even support our decision. No one can understand how WDW makes us feel. So we just let it go and figure it will only be a matter of time before they are trying to get rooms with our points.

Now my family was a little different. It’s only my dad really and he has never been opinionated about money. So he asked a lot of questions but it went over his head. He was happy for us though and since he doesn’t have much money I hope to extend some points to him and his gf someday.

So to wrap up..don’t take kids to WDW if they are under 7. It will be a waste of your money. That’s your final warning.

Next up...I have no clue. Perhaps my obsession with guidebooks!

 

[twob4him]

Hey Tara! I dont blame you actually for cancelling the ressie at CRT. It is big bucks (for avg food) and just think of the cool Disney stuff you could buy with that money.

Sorry about the family situation I am just glad you guys do what you like and don't let them push you around. Can you imagine your SIL's DD when she is 7? She will only get worse! She wont be able to control her or take her then either.

I am excited that you have your ressies all worked out. I think the resort change will actually be fun. You can check out both places! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[dance2874]

I know you were beyond excited to make the reservation, and I am beyond jealous you got to Just kidding! I cant wait to hear all about it!!!

And the under 7 thing? She is nutso. First of all, they are FREE until they are 2 or is it 3? Anyways, FREE, at Disney, doesnt happen often. If we had lived closer we would have been there all.the.time. when Amanda was little. Even now, she still talks about our trip last fall and about 'next time' we go. She still doesnt know we are going again this fall...I want to wait to tell her so she doesnt make me crazy until Sept but I dont know if I can hold out!!!! We took her to DL when we lived in CA 3 times before we moved, and we moved when she was 10 mos old

 

[Eventer98]

Hey Tara! I dont blame you actually for cancelling the ressie at CRT. It is big bucks (for avg food) and just think of the cool Disney stuff you could buy with that money.

Sorry about the family situation I am just glad you guys do what you like and don't let them push you around. Can you imagine your SIL's DD when she is 7? She will only get worse! She wont be able to control her or take her then either.

I am excited that you have your ressies all worked out. I think the resort change will actually be fun. You can check out both places! Can't wait to hear more!

DH was just saying tonight that he can't wait for SIL's DD to be a few years older and mouthing back to her parents. Just today at the zoo she was being mouthy to SIL and SIL didn't say a word. Like "soap in the mouth" bad and she is only 3!!!!! I've said it before..DH and I are going to be made out as Hitlers in her eyes when we have kids b/c we believe if you don't set the boundries while they are young you can forget it later on!!!

I know you were beyond excited to make the reservation, and I am beyond jealous you got to Just kidding! I cant wait to hear all about it!!!

And the under 7 thing? She is nutso. First of all, they are FREE until they are 2 or is it 3? Anyways, FREE, at Disney, doesnt happen often. If we had lived closer we would have been there all.the.time. when Amanda was little. Even now, she still talks about our trip last fall and about 'next time' we go. She still doesnt know we are going again this fall...I want to wait to tell her so she doesnt make me crazy until Sept but I dont know if I can hold out!!!! We took her to DL when we lived in CA 3 times before we moved, and we moved when she was 10 mos old

Nutso...yeppers!! Kids are free while they are 3 I believe. But after seeing how Hannah was running off from SIL at the zoo and not even batting an eye when SIL yelled at her to come back I don't blame her for not wanting to take her!! She is out of control!! Oh well. Our kids aren't going miss out...they'll be like your DD...going when she is in a carrier!!!

 

[Wonders10]

First of all, thank you so much for all the DVC info! I really had no idea that that is how it worked. It definitely seems like something I would be able to sit with financially. But I think my next step will be to stay at a DVC resort on one of my next visits, well the DVC parts, like a studio or 1 bdrm and take a tour. Then see how I feel about it all.

Oh, those in-laws. I really hope I get a good set but it always seem like most aren't too wonderful. Anywho, DSIL is nuts to think they have to wait til 7 to take their kids. I could see not wanting to do an infant (although I would totally take mine) but there is so much for a young child to see and experience. My niece and nephew are 6 and 4 and they have been at least 5 times each. I think my niece has actually been a couple more times. Those were some of my favorite trips. And they always ask me when we're going back so they do remember. Whatever. Like you said, it's 6 years away. Truthfully, I thought you were going to say that DSIL wanted to "borrow" your points from you. Don't ever give them up for her!

Can't wait to hear about your guidebook obsession. I have one too I'm afraid.

 

[lexmelinda]

Hey there, Tara....I'm all caught up.

Boo on your inlaws! Why can't they be excited for you because you're excited?! What do they think you should be spending your money on? Seriously? It is your money!

I would love to have a DVC membership but DH does not love...OK he hates....Disney. You're so lucky to have a husband who shares your interest. Ray sounds like a great guy.

I hate to be the devil's advocate here but to some degree I have to agree with taking kids when they are older....but just for me personally. I do not have the patience to take an infant or toddler and all their gear around WDW. In my experience, the under 4 set tends to be moody and self centered (much like teenagers ). They don't have the stamina that older kids do and when they're done...they're done. You're group is only as strong as its weakest link.

We have never taken a child younger than 6 to Disney. I like for everyone to be ambulatory and big enough to ride most rides. Now I say this is for me personally because most people, like us, can't/don't make a lot of trips to Disney so they want to make the most of it...as they might not get back again anytime soon. We took my middle child to WDW when she was 6 and she has very few memories of the trip.

But on the other hand, if you know you're going to be able to go often, especially if you have DVC or are an AP holder, then there's no reason not to take the little ones because if the day goes sour, there's always next time. Again what works best for us is not what's best for everyone and I can certainly understand why people take younger children to Disney....to each his own.

I know where your SIL got her info BTW. Have you read the UG? There's a chapter called "Whose Dream is it Anyway". The authors do not advise taking any child younger than 7.

Can't wait to hear more..........

 

[Eventer98]

First of all, thank you so much for all the DVC info! I really had no idea that that is how it worked. It definitely seems like something I would be able to sit with financially. But I think my next step will be to stay at a DVC resort on one of my next visits, well the DVC parts, like a studio or 1 bdrm and take a tour. Then see how I feel about it all.

Oh, those in-laws. I really hope I get a good set but it always seem like most aren't too wonderful. Anywho, DSIL is nuts to think they have to wait til 7 to take their kids. I could see not wanting to do an infant (although I would totally take mine) but there is so much for a young child to see and experience. My niece and nephew are 6 and 4 and they have been at least 5 times each. I think my niece has actually been a couple more times. Those were some of my favorite trips. And they always ask me when we're going back so they do remember. Whatever. Like you said, it's 6 years away. Truthfully, I thought you were going to say that DSIL wanted to "borrow" your points from you. Don't ever give them up for her!

Can't wait to hear about your guidebook obsession. I have one too I'm afraid.

Hey there, Tara....I'm all caught up.

Boo on your inlaws! Why can't they be excited for you because you're excited?! What do they think you should be spending your money on? Seriously? It is your money!

I would love to have a DVC membership but DH does not love...OK he hates....Disney. You're so lucky to have a husband who shares your interest. Ray sounds like a great guy.

I hate to be the devil's advocate here but to some degree I have to agree with taking kids when they are older....but just for me personally. I do not have the patience to take an infant or toddler and all their gear around WDW. In my experience, the under 4 set tends to be moody and self centered (much like teenagers ). They don't have the stamina that older kids do and when they're done...they're done. You're group is only as strong as its weakest link.

We have never taken a child younger than 6 to Disney. I like for everyone to be ambulatory and big enough to ride most rides. Now I say this is for me personally because most people, like us, can't/don't make a lot of trips to Disney so they want to make the most of it...as they might not get back again anytime soon. We took my middle child to WDW when she was 6 and she has very few memories of the trip.

But on the other hand, if you know you're going to be able to go often, especially if you have DVC or are an AP holder, then there's no reason not to take the little ones because if the day goes sour, there's always next time. Again what works best for us is not what's best for everyone and I can certainly understand why people take younger children to Disney....to each his own.

I know where your SIL got her info BTW. Have you read the UG? There's a chapter called "Whose Dream is it Anyway". The authors do not advise taking any child younger than 7.

Can't wait to hear more..........

Hey guys! I totally understand that there are people who know that it can very wise to not take kids under 7!! I guess DH and feel that since we will be going every year or two, the kids will be involved. SIL's DD would not make it 2 hours at WDW so I know she's right for her own situation! Don't get me wrong though..I don't have heavenly ideas for my future kids!! I know they will be just as moody as everyone else's. I guess being a nanny for 11 years has prepared me for that. But I think that also gives me a leg up on what to expect. We already know we will spend the afternoons taking naps and swimming.
Melinda-What is UG? I don't think SIL read any books..she said she got her info from her cousin.
DH and I went over points again for 2013 and there is no way we could go the week after Xmas with them unless we paid OOP. It would over 400 pts. Darn. Dh is actually a little relieved as well!
Anyway, thanks for reading guys! I will try to get an update out this weekend!

 

[lexmelinda]

Don't get me wrong though..I don't have heavenly ideas for my future kids!! I know they will be just as moody as everyone else's. I guess being a nanny for 11 years has prepared me for that.

I'm so glad you're not offended! I sat here and worried after I posted those comments. But that's what works best for our family...not an absolute that works for everyone.

I know that you know kids so that's why I added that I think it's a personal decision. My patience level is low so the path of least resistance is always more enjoyable for me. I have taken my kids to regional theme parks when they were younger and they did fine for the day.

The UG is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. The authors make no bones about the fact that they think children should be a very mature 7 to enjoy Disney World. Our son had just turned 6 when we went and he had a great time. I really think it depends on the child....and they're all different.

I did have a nice about the fact that she is planning for 2013...a lot can happen between now and then. Sorry you won't get to go with them. Darn the luck!

 

[Eventer98]

I'm so glad you're not offended! I sat here and worried after I posted those comments. But that's what works best for our family...not an absolute that works for everyone.

I know that you know kids so that's why I added that I think it's a personal decision. My patience level is low so the path of least resistance is always more enjoyable for me. I have taken my kids to regional theme parks when they were younger and they did fine for the day.

The UG is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. The authors make no bones about the fact that they think children should be a very mature 7 to enjoy Disney World. Our son had just turned 6 when we went and he had a great time. I really think it depends on the child....and they're all different.

I did have a nice about the fact that she is planning for 2013...a lot can happen between now and then. Sorry you won't get to go with them. Darn the luck!

No offense taken!! Not everyone can be SuperNannies like Dance and I!! I love the UG...I must not have read those parts since I don't have kids yet. We also plan to go for up to 10 nights with the DVC. Then we can go super slow at the parks and spend a lot of time at the hotel swimming. No more commando style once the kids come!! I also know we will have to give up our tradition of Wishes from Ohanas on our first night. Although we can always get one of those hotel babysitters.................hmm.

 

[Eventer98]

So for my last trip I bought the Unofficial Guide, Fodors and Birnbaums. I am addicted to the UG...I think I have read it cover to cover (for the most part!) about 3 times. When we got back in Aug. I bought the 2007 edition even though it's basically the same as the '06 one. I just had to feed the obsession. Fodors was ok. Nothing special. I definetly wouldn't buy that one again. I did like that they had a better section for other areas of FL, like SeaWorld and Universal, then the UG did. Birnbaums is nice b/c they have color photos. But since it's the "official" guide it is very one sided. I don't think they have one bad thing to say about WDW. Not that I do either but it's nice to hear pros and cons like in the UG.

So this year I have read the UG once so far. (Is that all you say? ) I really love the dining reviews..I think that's the section I use most. I actually sent my reviews in last year and plan to again this year. For the most part I think the reviews are right on. I also just picked up the Passporter a few weeks ago. I love it!! I don't know how I missed it the first time around. I usually carry a school folder with me to WDW with all my info and tickets. The Passporter is ten times better!!! I'm sure you know it has pockets for each day..that's the best part. I figured I would reuse it every year but DH said I should fill one in for each trip and keep them as soveniers! Here I was trying to save money but he shot that down! I like his idea better though.

Every time I go to the library with the kids at work I get out a WDW guide. I pulled one off the shelf last week and didn't notice until I got home that it was a 2001 edition!! I don't think that particular guide is even around anymore..I had never heard of the reviewer. It was fun to look through it though. A few weeks ago I borrowed B.Baums Disneyland edition. Another one that was nice to look through just for the pictures. It's funny b/c the boys at work (ages 3/6) have never been to WDW and knew nothing about it. But after looking at my guidebooks and listening to my WDW CD in the car they are pros!! There is a chance they may go, for a day or two the same week we go, on their way to Key West. Lucas, the 6yo, already knows what rides he wants to go on and the music for each one! When I have to make a call at work, and tell him I will be out of the room for a minute, he says, "I know, I know..Disney stuff." He's too funny! I brought my pics from the Aug. trip to work with me last month and the kids loved them!! I hope they can go next month..even if it's for only a day. Every kid needs to go to WDW!!

Only 40 more days!!!

 

[twob4him]

I loved the UG too. I had the 2006 version that we checked out of the library. Is the 2007 version different enough to buy it? I mean at this point I kinda have everything planned out. For some reason I haven't really checked out the restaurant thread too much here. We are trying a few new places this year but I am limited since we have kids and they only sit for short amount of time etc. I am sure you know what I mean.

 

[DVCconvert]

Well...after having seen this:

No way am I going to make ten inches! I've grown about an inch and it is driving me crazy.

I'm glad I went back to read the entire thread!!!

but I'm still confused as to why one is called "horse girl" and the other "big guy" -- as I missed (if present) any horse references in the thread - and from the photos, or descriptions I saw, the dude would be considered "extra" sized.

 

[Eventer98]

I loved the UG too. I had the 2006 version that we checked out of the library. Is the 2007 version different enough to buy it? I mean at this point I kinda have everything planned out. For some reason I haven't really checked out the restaurant thread too much here. We are trying a few new places this year but I am limited since we have kids and they only sit for short amount of time etc. I am sure you know what I mean.

Nah..it's not that much different. Save your money!!

Well...after having seen this:



I'm glad I went back to read the entire thread!!!

but I'm still confused as to why one is called "horse girl" and the other "big guy" -- as I missed (if present) any horse references in the thread - and from the photos, or descriptions I saw, the dude would be considered "extra" sized.

Actually there is a picture of my horse on this thread. Post #32 to be exact. I also don't really consider my DH "extra" size.