The Inlaws are coming, the Inlaws are coming. June 2-12-2011 PTR- UPDATED 10/20

[moparop]

I love the idea of them dressing up! Of course, dressing up in June -- Yikes!! Hopefully you can come up with lightweight ways to make them look like the characters and not melt in there!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Wonder if Eric would be happy with a great iron on transfer that you could have made here on the dis. That may be a cooler idea!

can't wait to hear what type of ADR's you guys go for this round!!

maybe your in-laws will tell you to plan and have fun and they are along for the ride and will enjoy whatever you decide to plan for

Connie

 

[chicagoshannon]

I love the idea of them dressing up! Of course, dressing up in June -- Yikes!! Hopefully you can come up with lightweight ways to make them look like the characters and not melt in there!

i'm sure they would be very cute and I could dress duncan up as yoda or a little ewok or something. I'm leaning towards trying to convince them of shirts though. Halloween would be a better time to go all out on costumes since it's much cooler then.

Wonder if Eric would be happy with a great iron on transfer that you could have made here on the dis. That may be a cooler idea!

can't wait to hear what type of ADR's you guys go for this round!!

maybe your in-laws will tell you to plan and have fun and they are along for the ride and will enjoy whatever you decide to plan for

Connie

yes I hope they go for the shirts. we're creatures of habit so I'm guessing we'll be trying for tusker house breakfast and CP breakfast. I can do without Chef Mickeys although maybe we'll try breakfast there or something. I'm sure the inlaws will be up for just about anything but I'm hoping they offer to pay for a meal or two. That's the real reason I want their opinion.

 

[chicagoshannon]

To BBB or not, that is the question.

Madeline is now old enough to do the BBB. I always said I would NOT pay for that. I still think it's crazy expensive for what you get but I know Madeline would love it. I'm hoping grandma wants her to do it and insists so much tha she pays for it.

So what are everyone's opinions on BBB?

 

[moparop]

To BBB or not, that is the question.

Madeline is now old enough to do the BBB. I always said I would NOT pay for that. I still think it's crazy expensive for what you get but I know Madeline would love it. I'm hoping grandma wants her to do it and insists so much tha she pays for it.

So what are everyone's opinions on BBB?

While I do think it is a fortune, I think if you have a little girl who likes being a princess it's worth every penny. I might cut down on a birthday or Christmas present to make it happen, but we'd do it. I really like gifts of experiences and not stuff because goodness knows there is plenty of "stuff" in my house right now.

I'd also not try to wait until they were "old enough to appreciate" because my friend's daughter was past the princess phase by then.

 

[chicagoshannon]

While I do think it is a fortune, I think if you have a little girl who likes being a princess it's worth every penny. I might cut down on a birthday or Christmas present to make it happen, but we'd do it. I really like gifts of experiences and not stuff because goodness knows there is plenty of "stuff" in my house right now.

I'd also not try to wait until they were "old enough to appreciate" because my friend's daughter was past the princess phase by then.

Yeah after 2012 I'm not sure when we'll be back. I'm sure Eric will make us wait at least a year. I'm thinking maybe we'll wait til our 2012 trip unless puppy grandma (mil) insists on having her do it.

 

[chicagoshannon]

I've been thinking about our Friday night stay. Originally I thought we should try to get an extra night at our resort so we don't have to do the whole moving all of our stuff again. But then I read that the Hilton Bonnet Creek has a lazy river. I love me some lazy river. Checked the prices (rack rate of course for now) and I thought maybe.

But then I thought maybe we should try to stay on Disney property so we'd have EMH ability in case they have morning EMH at DHS on Saturday. I went online and checked the prices for Beach/Yacht club thinking it would be fun to play in that pool on Friday and also Boardwalk Inn. $500 seems awfully pricey though and Eric would NEVER go for that even at 40% off if for some reason we would get a pin code or something.

SO plan C transpired. The Swolphin hotels. I've heard they have nurse rates and I'm a nurse even though I'm not working (I keep my license current just in case I need a job quick). Their regular prices aren't too shabby either, only $250 for the night. I know the boat drops off/picks up there and I think they get EMH too, right? I need to go research a little more.

Our entire week at our resort/condo is only costing us $139 (the exchange fee) so anything is going to seem expensive I think. It would definitely be nice not having to drive the car that first day and be so much quicker to get to SWW.

Just a little tidbit of info. I've swam in all of the above mentioned pools even though I've never stayed at any of those hotels before. My parents used to take us there to swim when we were kids. So I know how fun the pools are! I think I've swam in all of the deluxe hotel pools on property except AKL. Wilderness Lodge and Poly were the only legitimate ones though

I didn't have a chance to talk with the IL's at all about meals. My MIL's friends came over for a visit and arrived much earlier then I anticipated.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

yes on the swan/dolphin EMH (I signed up for an email and discounts JIC I ever decide to stay there)....I think I usually get the same rate as the mods (which is what teachers and nurses are offered)...and you will be right there close to DHS; just a quick boat ride!

does M have a princess dress already?!? I think if I had a girl that is how I would do it. Bring her own outift and just do the hair and sparkles....
Connie

 

[chicagoshannon]

great idea Connie. she does have a dress already but i'm not sure it will still fit in June. SO I guess I'll be bargain hunting after halloween.

I talked with Eric last night and it looks like we'll be going with plan C Swolphin! I'm so so excited!

 

[chicagoshannon]

I booked the Dolphin for our first night. I'm super excited! I got an ok rate with the nurse disount but I'm hoping to get a better one later. We have til 5 days before our trip to cancel.

So the plan for that day will be to hopefully check in around noon. We'll then get our swimsuits on and hit the pools/beach. In the even we'll try to get some exploring in and maybe head over to the Boardwalk. We'll make it an early night so we can get up and head to MGM for hopefully EMH Star Wars Weekend!!

 

[disney<333]

Joining in! Your kids are too stinkin' cute!
Congrats on DS!
You're going to love the Dolphin!!! I've stayed there a lot and we all just love it! Let me know if you have any Qs about it.
Subbing!
Barbara

 

[chicagoshannon]

Joining in! Your kids are too stinkin' cute!
Congrats on DS!
You're going to love the Dolphin!!! I've stayed there a lot and we all just love it! Let me know if you have any Qs about it.
Subbing!
Barbara

Thanks Barbara. I'm sure I'll have some questions about the Dolphin. Have you ever eaten at the Garden Grove? I'm thinking about it but would want to eat there on Friday night but that's seafood buffet night which will not be acceptable to Eric at all. Do they have other things besides what's on the actual menu on the buffet?

Also, we'll have me, Eric, FIL, Madeline and Duncan in the room. Would there be enough room for a full size aero bed type thing in the room? I really don't want Madeline sharing a bed with FIL and I don't think a double bed will be big enough for FIL and Eric to share. I'm hoping we get upgraded to something better but that's not a guarantee.

 

[disney<333]

Thanks Barbara. I'm sure I'll have some questions about the Dolphin. Have you ever eaten at the Garden Grove? I'm thinking about it but would want to eat there on Friday night but that's seafood buffet night which will not be acceptable to Eric at all. Do they have other things besides what's on the actual menu on the buffet?

Also, we'll have me, Eric, FIL, Madeline and Duncan in the room. Would there be enough room for a full size aero bed type thing in the room? I really don't want Madeline sharing a bed with FIL and I don't think a double bed will be big enough for FIL and Eric to share. I'm hoping we get upgraded to something better but that's not a guarantee.

I've eaten at GG twice. Food was o.k both times. There are other places I recommend much more on the BW. One time Goofy and Pluto were out and about there and the second time we had Timon and Rafiki. They alternate. The menu alternates, too. Our first time we had bbq and that was very good. The 2nd time we were there on I think it's called seafood night. They might have an extra dessert but thats all. The restaurant is actually at the Swan which is a 5 minute covered walk. Seafood night was very disappointing. I would call the Swan directly to make the ADR. Disney doesn't own it but you can still make ADRs from them they just won't be able to tell you what the menu is for that night. Peekabos at the Dolphin has some great value family meals. Peekabos is always very quiet when we eat there. There is a TS service at the Dolphin that doesn't accept ADRs but they can always seat you very quickly. It's a fun TS with CS prices. I'm drawing a name for the blank right now.
I doubt you'll be able to fit the extra bed and the crib that would really be tight. There is a small couch that she can sleep on.
Are you a starwood (Sheraton!) member? DH is a gold member from he travels on business so we always stay there for free and they do there best to upgrade us. It might be something to look into so you could possibly stay free at the Dolphin and then have Sheraton points for a free night on your way up and down to Florida.
Hope this helps!

 

[TaylorsLoveDisney]

To BBB or not, that is the question.

Madeline is now old enough to do the BBB. I always said I would NOT pay for that. I still think it's crazy expensive for what you get but I know Madeline would love it. I'm hoping grandma wants her to do it and insists so much tha she pays for it.

So what are everyone's opinions on BBB?

i made a reservation for my 8yr old to do the BBB on oct 5th, the day of MNSSHP. i figured she will all dressed up and ready for the Halloween party that night in MK, i only got the 50$ package, bought the dress and shoes here . so the 50 includes hair makeup & nails. i think its great for them to go into the castle and dress up as their favorite princess. you can cut costs and get the cheaper package just for the experience. make them feel the the princesses they are! lol../ my daughter and i are SUPER excited about it.
i thinks its anouther magical addition to disney,

 

[shelbys mommy]

I'm in! We are arriving at Disney the same day you are leaving! I would definitely do the BBB, but I have 2 older boys, so for my DD's 3rd we are going & we are doing it! No ifs, ands or buts about it! I can't wait to read more!!!!

 

[chicagoshannon]

I've eaten at GG twice. Food was o.k both times. There are other places I recommend much more on the BW. One time Goofy and Pluto were out and about there and the second time we had Timon and Rafiki. They alternate. The menu alternates, too. Our first time we had bbq and that was very good. The 2nd time we were there on I think it's called seafood night. They might have an extra dessert but thats all. The restaurant is actually at the Swan which is a 5 minute covered walk. Seafood night was very disappointing. I would call the Swan directly to make the ADR. Disney doesn't own it but you can still make ADRs from them they just won't be able to tell you what the menu is for that night. Peekabos at the Dolphin has some great value family meals. Peekabos is always very quiet when we eat there. There is a TS service at the Dolphin that doesn't accept ADRs but they can always seat you very quickly. It's a fun TS with CS prices. I'm drawing a name for the blank right now.
I doubt you'll be able to fit the extra bed and the crib that would really be tight. There is a small couch that she can sleep on.
Are you a starwood (Sheraton!) member? DH is a gold member from he travels on business so we always stay there for free and they do there best to upgrade us. It might be something to look into so you could possibly stay free at the Dolphin and then have Sheraton points for a free night on your way up and down to Florida.
Hope this helps!

Thanks! The ts restaurant with cs prices sounds good. I also like that they don't take reservations. I'm not a huge fan of having to know what you want to eat 6months ahead of time. We are starwood members but don't have any points as of yet. Still hoping they upgrade us when we get there though. If there is a couch Madeline will think it's a treat to stay there!

i made a reservation for my 8yr old to do the BBB on oct 5th, the day of MNSSHP. i figured she will all dressed up and ready for the Halloween party that night in MK, i only got the 50$ package, bought the dress and shoes here . so the 50 includes hair makeup & nails. i think its great for them to go into the castle and dress up as their favorite princess. you can cut costs and get the cheaper package just for the experience. make them feel the the princesses they are! lol../ my daughter and i are SUPER excited about it.
i thinks its anouther magical addition to disney,

when we were at disney last October we got Madeline's first hair cut. It was on our MNSSHP night. After the hair cut they put her hair up in a bun and sprinkled her with the mickey head confetti. The whole deal was only $14 or so. They don't do makeup there though.

I'm in! We are arriving at Disney the same day you are leaving! I would definitely do the BBB, but I have 2 older boys, so for my DD's 3rd we are going & we are doing it! No ifs, ands or buts about it! I can't wait to read more!!!!

Now that we are done having kids I know that I'll only have 1 girl. I think that's why I'm considering BBB now. But I know that we will be back in 2012 too so I'm wondering if I should just wait. If I don't wait I'm worried Madeline will expect it 2 years in a row.

 

[chicagoshannon]

We got some sad news last night. Eric's aunt passed away. She has been pretty sick since April with various infections and other issues. She's his aunt that loved Florida and Disney. Last time we saw her was for Madelines birthday party the day before she got sick. That was at the end of March.

I'm sure his dad is having a really hard time with it and she was pretty much his mom's best friend... and that's saying a lot since she has so many friends.

Now we have to decide if we should bring Madeline to her funeral. We're leaning towards no but know his parents will be very upset if she doesn't go.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, sorry to hear the news...many thoughts and prayers to you FIL, MIL, and Eric and all of your family. That is such a personal decision as weather to take M...I really think that depends on weather you think she will understand the situation or if you can keep her away from the palor area. Good Luck with you decision.
Connie

 

[chicagoshannon]

We took her to her great grandma's funeral last November and she did ok but after the funeral she started saying scary things like "I miss grandma, I think I'll fall down the stairs so I can go to Heaven to see her". I really don't want her to start saying stuff like that again. We just found out the funeral is on wed. so we have a couple of days to decide I guess.

 

[shelbys mommy]

When my mom died in 2006, my boys were 5 & 4. They did go to the funeral, just to see family. They never went to pay respects so to speak. My MIL showed up not too long after, to pay her respects & she took the boys back with her. That was family got to see them & my boys were not too dramatized by everything. Maybe that is an idea. Good luck & I will keep your family in my prayers.