The LONGEST PTR ever...2012 here we come! :) *DATES!! PG 10*

[*Seanaci*]

Alright dad...hope you like your new ticker...AND siggy!

 

[YukiPhnx]

You should invest in a water proof camera! There are great models out there right now. I'm not very good with technology but I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on the DIS that can recommend a good one!

It's great to hear that Keegan can swim like that! I know some teen girls that never learned how to swim! Our families took a trip together and it was...interesting teaching her how to swim.

Why do you call it Mimi camping?

 

[DenGrampy]

@ Sean, thanks for the "siggy"...I love it....@ Yuki, It is called Mimi camping because that is what Keegan calls his grammy.

 

[PirateKate]

Mini camping sounds fun! I'm with you on the real camping- such a hassle when I have a perfectly good bed at home. We've only camped a couple times and once we made the mistake of bringing the dog, who circled the tent and whined all night. After that, we made a pact- we hate camping.

A Mommy and Me swimming class is such a good idea! I would love to do something like that, but it's kind of trickier with two kids. You just don't see a lot of Mommy and Brother and Me classes.

Camera shopping, that's exciting. I don't have any suggestions for you. We sometimes toy around with getting a new camera before our next trip, but there's really nothing wrong with the one I have.

 

[*Seanaci*]

You should invest in a water proof camera! There are great models out there right now. I'm not very good with technology but I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on the DIS that can recommend a good one!

It's great to hear that Keegan can swim like that! I know some teen girls that never learned how to swim! Our families took a trip together and it was...interesting teaching her how to swim.

Why do you call it Mimi camping?

Yeah...water proof would be nice. But, in the end I'll have to weigh how relevent that option is when purchasing a new camera. We really aren't near water enough to need a water proof camera...and when we are going to be at a pool or lake or water park, I try to remember to buy a disposible water proof camera. So, we'll see. I'll def be hitting up the photography section of the boards to get suggestions.

And Mimi camping came from my son. He calls my mom Mimi. Mimi camping started about 3 years ago when my uncle passed away suddenly. My parents drove to Nebraska (it's about a 4 hour drive from where we live) to help get things together and plan the funeral. DH, Keegan, and I (along with my bro SIL and their kids) caravaned up to Nebraska and we ended up staying in a hotel for the night rather than turning around and driving 4 hours back after the funeral and get together. And since we were in connecting rooms and all the grandkids were there, Mimi camping was born (so to speak).

 

[*Seanaci*]

Mini camping sounds fun! I'm with you on the real camping- such a hassle when I have a perfectly good bed at home. We've only camped a couple times and once we made the mistake of bringing the dog, who circled the tent and whined all night. After that, we made a pact- we hate camping.

We've never gone camping...and I just don't get the point of it. Sleeping in a tent on the hard ground (or on an air matress) in sleeping bags...just not my idea of fun. lol

A Mommy and Me swimming class is such a good idea! I would love to do something like that, but it's kind of trickier with two kids. You just don't see a lot of Mommy and Brother and Me classes.

You should look into it. Here they are actually called parent/tot (so dad's don't feel left out I guess hehe). You and DH could each take one of the boys and get them acclimated to water (if they aren't already; that was the main reason we did them for Keegan...he fell in the neighbors small 3 foot deep pond when he was 18 months old and HATED water after that, but parent/tot swim classes really relaxed him and made him love water again).

Camera shopping, that's exciting. I don't have any suggestions for you. We sometimes toy around with getting a new camera before our next trip, but there's really nothing wrong with the one I have.

I'm a little...bummed that now I have to camera shop...cause my camera was perfectly fine...before I dropped it and it counced in the pool that is. And I was planning on sucking it up and using it for our 2012 trip. But alas...fate had other plans...and apparently those plans include a new camera. hehe

 

[*Seanaci*]

Incredibly sad...and a request from my DISer friends.

We took our son (and the little boy I babysit) to the zoo today. We took Keegan's favorite hat... (below)

And LOST it. I'm thinking we dropped it in the parking lot and someone picked it up...but upon checking with Lost and Found...nothing. (I'll be turning my house and the car upside down tomorrow to be SURE we didn't just over look it.) We bought the hat in Disney World in 2008. He wore it ALL the time.

I was hoping they'd have it online to buy...but I couldn't find it. So, I have a request. If anyone is going to Disney any time soon and would purchase the hat for me and mail it to me...I would be greatly appreciative. Money can be sent to you ahead of time via mail or paypal...but I don't remember what I paid for it. I'm thinking no more than $20. *shrugs*

Any help is GREATLY GREATLY appreciated.

Ok. Not 5 minutes after posting the above (took the picture out just now)...I walked into the living room to help Keegan finish picking up his toys for bed...and decided to just browse through his toys. Well, he's got a shopping cart...and puts EVERYTHING in it. Picked up a few things on top of the cart...and FOUND the hat. So that little twerp, picked it up off my pile of stuff for the zoo, and put it in his shopping cart. *shakes head* Ahhhh 3 year olds. Gotta love them.

 

[PirateKate]

That's a funny story. I'm sure it wasn't too funny at the time, but things like that happen around here, too. Carter's started being very interested in putting things where they go and for some reason, he has it in his head that my oven mitts go in his toy basket.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Have to give cred where cred is due for this post.

I've been reading Dan's TR since he started it back...oh...sometime last year. And I have to say...his family is the greatest! Not only because they're close to grandparents (as my little family is to my parents)...but because I am now inspired and determined to make this an amazing trip by following some of the ways his family toured.

What do I mean? Well. In Dan's TR, the cast was his wife, son, himself, and a set of grandparents (whom, I can't remember if it's his parents or the wifes...so will edit this later, as I'm in a hurry to get this posted before we have to take Keegan to swim lessons). And they way they toured was so smart! If only we would have thought to go at our 2008 trip that way, it would have gone smoother.

Anywho. I'm rambling. In short, when Dan and his wife wanted to go ride a grown-up ride, the grandparents would take the grandson and ride things with him or take him to a play area or what have you. And when mom and dad were done riding, they'd meet back up and do some rides as a family. Then grandma and grandpa would leave the little family of 3 (soon to be 4, congrats to them) and go ride a few things on their own. Peace and harmony. Everyone got to do what they wanted to do...and there was always someone to keep an eye on the kiddo and play with him.

Like I said, had we only known this back in 2008, our trip would have gone so much smoother.

So, for this trip I will be making it clear that when my parents want to go off and ride rides, it's cool. Ken and I will go find things the 3 of us can do, then meet back up with my parents later.

Onto another trip subject matter. Every time I walk into a book store, I have to practically glue my hands together so I don't buy any of the 2011 edition travel books. I want my info to be as up to date as possible when I start hardcore planning about this time next year.

However, today...in a moment of weakness...I bought Keegan the Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids book. OMG! He LOVES it. He's flipped through it dozens of times already. And I really can't wait to sit down with him next year when he understands a little more (and has a little more patience) which things he'll want to see and do. I'm one proud mama to have a Disney-loving kid at 3.5 years old.

On a side note...if you've not yet read them, either BUY them and read them or go check your local library for them and read them.

KINGDOM KEEPERS Series by Ridley Pearson.

BEST BOOKS EVER! It'll make you look at the Magic Kingdom (and Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, and DHS) in a whole different way. I finished book one in about 24 hours...didn't have book 2 cause they were in transit to the store (which they store STILL doesn't have them as I've not recieved the call saying they're holding them for me). However, I went to a different Boarders bookstore and found books 2 & 4 (geek me went ahead and bought book 1 and 3 last Friday)...and I started reading book 2 today. Wow. I just love them!!

Ok. Guess that's about it on an update for now.

Oh aside from adding in that I will most likely be planning 2 trips at the same time next year...though on different coasts of the US. DH and I have talked about it, and we are pretty certain we'll be hitting Disneyland and CA in the Spring of 2013 (within 6 months of our 2012 Christmas trip). So, if my PTR gets a little wacky around then, don't be surprised.

Anyway. Thanks for reading!

 

[PirateKate]

Sounds like you all will have a good time touring the parks together this year. It's nice to have grandparents along to get a break sometimes, but it's also nice if everyone feels free to go their own way.

A Disneyland trip will be really fun! I've never been, but I'd love to see how it compares to Disney World. I have high hopes for the Matterhorn.

I love the Kingdom Keepers books, too. I've only read the first three so far, since I'm waiting to get the fourth from the library. Can't wait!

 

[*Seanaci*]

I'm SOOOOOO excited!

No idea how I found this...it was a link on Facebook maybe?

Anywho!

I emailed the link to my hubby (whose still at work right now) and told him I seriously want this for our anniversary. It's sterling silver, which won't break me out...and DISNEY!!!

http://www.bradfordexchange.com/pro...Facebook&utm_campaign=Like&utm_term=112569001

He text messaged me to see what my ring size is. So, needless to say...I'm 95% certain I'm getting that four our anniversary in July.

 

[LuvsTigger80]

That is a very cool looking ring!! Gotta let me know how it looks when you get it. I've ordered the charm bracelet from them before and had to send it back. It looked like a 2 yr old made the charms. So if this looks better(which it seems like it would since they don't have to do face characters) i might have to get it....

 

[PirateKate]

Love the Mickey ring!!

 

[*Seanaci*]

Wow...just realised, that this time next year, I'll have my trip booked...be shopping for airfare...finalizing ADR's...AND saving spending money. Amazing how quickly time goes.

Also...I'm so inspired right now...to get healthy and lose weight before our trip (after watching a woman who was my size win tonight...I'm inspired...and know if I put my mind to it, I can do it)! For the summer, I have a Walk Away the Pounds DVD that I'm going to start using after I put the baby back to bed in the mornings...and on the nicer days, get out and take a walk around our neighborhood. Come the fall (once Keegan starts pre-school) I'm going to look into joining a womens gym to get some extra help (provided we can afford it; I called/emailed one gym for a quote, granted it was a gym for men and women, and they gave me a price of liek $110 a month; far too expensive for us). If we can't afford it...I'll just stick to using the DVD...and my parents treadmill (which hasn't been used for it's intended purpose in probably a year ). I'm not looking to be stick thin by the time we go. Cause I know losing weight is easier said than done. But, I'm pretty sure losing 50-75 pounds in the next year and a half is doable. So I'll be sure to keep you all up to date on that.

In other trip related news...there's not a whole lot to add. My son is still talking about going to Disney World to ride Test Track...on a daily basis. Seriously. He'll tell anyone who'll listen that he's going to Disney to ride Test Track. Sadly, it's always to people who are like "WTH is he talking about?" The only time he walks away satisfied having shared his story, is when we go to the Disney Store. XD I love my son. <3

Ok. I guess that's about it for the update. Not much to update on.

Perhaps I have to start posting what ADR's we'll look at getting. Or something along those lines. Perhaps I may tell little stories from our 2008 trip. Who knows. ;D

But thanks for sticking with me.

 

[DenGrampy]

I believe stories from our 2008 trip would be an excellent way to keep the spirit alive.

 

[*Seanaci*]

So...I shall start from the beginning of our 2008 trip...

A little back-story on this. I became a Disney-aholic during my 2nd trip to a Disney park...1997...in high school for a band trip. Even though in 1994 we'd gone to Disneyland for our band trip...and I liked Disneyland...it wasn't until we hit the World that I fell head over heels. On the 1997 trip, my mom went along as a chaperone. Loved everything...except the kids in her chaperone group. Anywho. In 2003, we decided to take a trip back to the World...mom, dad, and myself. Dad had NEVER been and was eager to go. And when it came to picking a date...we knew it had to be while mom was on vacation from her work (with the school district). Since it was October...we decided on December. So, dad got on Expedia, found a reasonable vacation package and booked it. I don't remember the price. But I do remember we did not stay on property...though we were just around the corner from Downtown Disney (which we did not find out until a couple days into our trip). It was the Double Tree Club Hotel. It was pretty fun. We were near a grocery store...and several restaurants.

I believe the worst part of our stay was the buses to/from the theme parks. >_< There was one bus for a group of like 5 hotels along the road our hotel was on. And our hotel was the last one picked up and dropped off. So, in the morning, we were standing on the bus all the way to the theme park (a much longer ride than the buses within the property). Not so fun. And the bus "home", while it wasn't horrible...it was just like "get me back to my hotel...I'm tired, cranky and want to sleep." I remember riding one bus to the parks and one bus home from the parks. The rest of our trip we took cabs (shoot, it was under $15 to/from our hotel to any of the parks).

And going at Christmas was amazing! We fell in love with the decoarations (Christmas is THE holiday in our house...we go all out with decorating). And took the Disney buses to DTD (I don't remember who we asked, but they told us to take a bus from a theme park to one of the value resorts and then transfer to the DTD bus).

Upon returning home, we all decided next time we went, we were staying ON property. (Seems like we chatted with several people in line for rides about on-prop vs off-prop, and those staying on-prop convinced us.) So, that's just what we did in 2008. We stayed on property for the first time.

*I will have to update this post with pics later...I have to scan some in, edit a bit, and upload to photobucket.

And I will leave this post here for today.

Up next, Day 1 of our 2008 trip.

 

[PirateKate]

I've never had the nerve to try using off site transportation. It seems like all the hotels outside of Disney offer complimentary transportation, but I've always worried it would be crowded and take forever. $15 for the cab seems like a good choice, but of course, staying on site is even better.

 

[*Seanaci*]

I've never had the nerve to try using off site transportation. It seems like all the hotels outside of Disney offer complimentary transportation, but I've always worried it would be crowded and take forever. $15 for the cab seems like a good choice, but of course, staying on site is even better.

When we went as a family in 2003...we were newbs to the whole Disney experience...which is part of the reason we stayed off property. But now that we've been and stayed on property...we're forever on-property guests.

New bit of story coming soon!

 

[LuvsTigger80]

So...I shall start from the beginning of our 2008 trip...

A little back-story on this. I became a Disney-aholic during my 2nd trip to a Disney park...1997...in high school for a band trip. Even though in 1994 we'd gone to Disneyland for our band trip...and I liked Disneyland...it wasn't until we hit the World that I fell head over heels. On the 1997 trip, my mom went along as a chaperone. Loved everything...except the kids in her chaperone group. Anywho. In 2003, we decided to take a trip back to the World...mom, dad, and myself. Dad had NEVER been and was eager to go. And when it came to picking a date...we knew it had to be while mom was on vacation from her work (with the school district). Since it was October...we decided on December. So, dad got on Expedia, found a reasonable vacation package and booked it. I don't remember the price. But I do remember we did not stay on property...though we were just around the corner from Downtown Disney (which we did not find out until a couple days into our trip). It was the Double Tree Club Hotel. It was pretty fun. We were near a grocery store...and several restaurants.

I believe the worst part of our stay was the buses to/from the theme parks. >_< There was one bus for a group of like 5 hotels along the road our hotel was on. And our hotel was the last one picked up and dropped off. So, in the morning, we were standing on the bus all the way to the theme park (a much longer ride than the buses within the property). Not so fun. And the bus "home", while it wasn't horrible...it was just like "get me back to my hotel...I'm tired, cranky and want to sleep." I remember riding one bus to the parks and one bus home from the parks. The rest of our trip we took cabs (shoot, it was under $15 to/from our hotel to any of the parks).

And going at Christmas was amazing! We fell in love with the decoarations (Christmas is THE holiday in our house...we go all out with decorating). And took the Disney buses to DTD (I don't remember who we asked, but they told us to take a bus from a theme park to one of the value resorts and then transfer to the DTD bus).

Upon returning home, we all decided next time we went, we were staying ON property. (Seems like we chatted with several people in line for rides about on-prop vs off-prop, and those staying on-prop convinced us.) So, that's just what we did in 2008. We stayed on property for the first time.

*I will have to update this post with pics later...I have to scan some in, edit a bit, and upload to photobucket.

And I will leave this post here for today.

Up next, Day 1 of our 2008 trip.

we did our first trip through expedia too.... but we stayed on site at the pop. But we still had no clue what we were doing...all we cared about was going to disneyworld. You know...that once in a lifetime trip and we will never be going back.....lol! Little did we know that we would fall in love with the disneyworld.

I think with this 4th trip being in the works...i am more aware of everything that disneyworld offers! can't wait to hear more about your past trips.

 

[*Seanaci*]

WEST!

Yes. That is correct.

This trip report is turning and heading West for the 2012 trip.

Why?

Well...after much discussion as a family (and given the uncertainty of mom's job for the 2012 school year), we have decided a Disneyland trip is much more affordable for us next year.

Now. Don't get me wrong. I'll miss all 4 parks out on the East coast. But, this really does make sooooooooo much more sense!

Sure, when I look at my quick spreadsheet, we're not saving MUCH on the hotel. But, we're saving about $1000 on airfare (and that's just between United, Frontier, and Southwest fares).

So, this plane is now headed to the West coast...the BIRTH of Disney. And I can't WAIT to see it. I haven't been to Disneyland since 1995. So I really look forward to seeing all the changes they've made. Plus, seeing California adventure.

Not to mention, we've thrown the idea of going to the beach one day while we're there. Something we'd NEVER do going to Disney World (just too much and an added expense of renting a car for the day). I mentioned renting a car in CA for this reason. But, she countered back with "Or a taxi." So, yeah. Probably be cheaper to take a taxi to the beach since we'd only use the rental to/from the airport. As the hotel we're staying at is across the street from the parks.

So. There you have it. A BIG change in plans! Which means I'll DEF have to get a waterproof camera so I can take it on the water rides!!