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

[YukiPhnx]

A west coast trip sounds like fun! You'll get to the East coast another time! Saving all that money and still being able to go to Disney is much better right now.

 

[PirateKate]

It sounds like Disneyland is a good choice for you all this time. I've never been, so I don't know much about it, but it will definitely be something different.

 

[*Seanaci*]

It sounds like Disneyland is a good choice for you all this time. I've never been, so I don't know much about it, but it will definitely be something different.

Thanks!

A west coast trip sounds like fun! You'll get to the East coast another time! Saving all that money and still being able to go to Disney is much better right now.

I'm actually REALLY excited for Disneyland and California Adventure. Mostly CA because I'll get to ride the ORIGINAL Soarin!! Not to mention Slash Mountain at DL. We're not sure about riding it at WDW because we always go in December when temps are cooler...and we don't want to freeze going back to the resort to change. But, at DL, we'll be across the street from our hotel and can go take a break to change clothes...and then go back for more fun.

Anywho! I am one excited DISer this summer! A trip to DL/CA in 2012...plus some home improvements going on this summer. Of which the only thing I can speak of is our pool! We're hoping to get it up and filled in the next couple weeks. So mom and I will be out back working on the final clean up and prep for the pool. As we complete other projects, I'll be sure to talk about them on here. BUT, there is one thing we are doing that is going to be a surprise to ALL the boys in the house. DAD, DON'T EVEN ASK OR TRY TO GUESS!

Anywho!

 

[*Seanaci*]

Day 1 is ALWAYS a travel and settle in day for us...no parks. Sadly, we live 2 hours behind Orlando...so even taking an 8am flight, we don't get into Orlando till after 2 pm Orlando time.

But none the less, it was a fun filled day.

I believe our day started early. Up and out of the house by like 6am.

Keegan was not (and still is not) a morning person. I can't say I blame him.

HOWEVER, I suspect he'll be like me as get gets older and jump out of bed the morning we leave for a Disney trip. We'll see.

Before long, we were on the road for the 20 minute drive to the airport.

Once there, we checked in (line for check in was sooooooooo long...but, luckily, they opened the que line and had us (as well as many behind us) go to another counter they were opening up. So we ended up checking in and getting our tickets in less than 15 minutes.

Then it was on to security. But, this part, we'd worked out a plan at home. Since there were four adults and one kiddo, not to mention a stroller, carry on liquids/snacks for Keegan, diaper bag, and a couple other carry ons, we had to have a plan.

So, mom was responsible for herself and Keegan. I was responsible for the diaper bag and snack/juice bag for Keegan, dad was responsible for the other carry-ons, and DH was responsible for the stroller. We'd already packed the snack/juice bag in it's own bag(used a small soft sided lunch box for the snacks/juices) so TSA was able to identify it and pull it and test it without us having to take anything out of the diaper bag.TSA was impressed and told my mom "You must travel with him a lot. You're very organized."

Anywho! Through security anddown to the trains.

Keegan wasn't quite sure what to think of the train.

Once we got to the gate, Keegan was much happier with a bit of breakfast and juice in his belly.

We were actually a couple hours early for our flight. So, Keegan did a lot of playing with his cars on the window ledge, plane watching, and walking around with us.

Poor thing...changed his clothes to something cooler and comfy for the flight. And he started to get tired.

But once we were on the plane, he got his second wind..."Where are we?"

But, the excitement (and perhaps boredom of being confined for such a long time) got the best of him.

Luckily, he slept for the last leg of the flight and woke up as we were decending into Orlando. Poor kiddo...even though he had his binky and a cup of juice, the pressure still hurt his little ears. But, he was find once we got off the plane and headed down to the DME counter.

Got checked in there and boarded our bus (first on so we sat in the front).

We sat in the front mainly so I could get the standard shot of

I think at that point, we all forgot about home and just relaxed till we got to the resort.

And since this post is getting long...and I have a few more pictures to share of our first day, I'll leave our story here for today.

I promise to try and get a new post up more than once a week.

Thanks for sticking with me.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Wow, what a nice start to your vacay! I love how organized you guys all were!

Keegan was SO ADORABLE. I love that photo of him playing with his car. So cute.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Lots of ideas brewing in my head for the trip now.

Going to start pricing hotels (we're pretty sure where we'll be staying, but if we could stay ON property in two rooms, as I'm not sure any of the Disneyland hotels have suites, for the price we'll be paying to stay in a suite at a Good Neighbor hotel, I'm sure I could get everyone on board)...and throwing info out here on the thread...plans!

The other idea going through my head is VLOGGING...video blogging...and twitter updates (can't decide how often on those...but I'm pretty sure it'd be at least every hour). I would just want to have followers enjoying my tweets and short daily blogs while we're at Disneyland. Let me know what ya'll think of that.

Anyhow. I'm sure you'll see my first Disneyland PLANNING update before the weekend. I can't sit still...and to be honest, changing plans means I have loads to research now.

 

[PirateKate]

Keegan looks like he enjoyed his flight. It's nice when they sleep on the plane. I think Landon has the same backpack as Keegan did.

I agree that if the Disneyland onsite hotels are affordable that they would be preferable, although I have heard that the Good Neighbor hotels are pretty nice, too.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Keegan looks like he enjoyed his flight. It's nice when they sleep on the plane. I think Landon has the same backpack as Keegan did.

I agree that if the Disneyland onsite hotels are affordable that they would be preferable, although I have heard that the Good Neighbor hotels are pretty nice, too.

The Good Neighbor hotel we're looking at (Anaheim Fairfield by Marriot) is right across the street from DL. AND they've just updated a bunch of the rooms to Disney Themes!! Plus they have family suites in Disney themes. So, we're pretty sure we're staying there. Good news is, if we book the hotel through Disney's website, we get some of the same benefits as people who actually stay on property (talked to an agent online the other day and she listed everything we'd be able to take advantage of by booking with Disney). Bad news is, after I book through Disney, I'll have to call the hotel and see about an upgrade to a suite OR 2 connecting rooms (we're seriously thinking about doing 2 rooms so we have 2 bathrooms, so we'll see).

 

[*Seanaci*]

Looking into shuttle service from airport to hotel and vice versa. Looking like Disneyland Resort Resort Express. Can get a family pass, round trip for $80...good for up to 5 people. It's a STEAL considering if we paid individually, it'd cost $130.

Also looking into a rental car in the event we decide to go to the beach one day. Trust me dad, it'll be cheaper in the long wrong...a taxi to the beach could be as much as $50 one way. Plus there are about a half dozen companies within a quick walk of the hotel.

 

[DenGrampy]

You have been a busy girl..

 

[*Seanaci*]

You have been a busy girl..

ROFLMAO!!!

Of course I've been a busy girl. Changing from East Coast Disney to West Coast Disney is totally new for me. WDW was an easier plan...because we've done it once and know pretty much what we want to do...not a lot of details to plan out there.

Disneyland on the other hand...TOTALLY new to me...between ground transportation, hotels, meals, etc.

Plus...I'm kind of OCD when it comes to planning trips anyhow. So, I need to start finding/printing important info (height requirements for one). As well as the transportation to/from the hotel/airport at the very least. Once all of that comes together...the rest is cake!!

Plus, it gives me something to do.

Speaking of which...I need to go to Boarders one of these days...look into the Disneyland trip planning books they have.

ooooooooooo...grand idea. Going to get Keegan the Birnbaums Disneyland for kids for Christmas! The 2012 edition...it should be out by then.

I'm just a planning fool!

And rambling now.

ETA: I need to change your ticker dad.

 

[LuvsTigger80]

YAY for Disneyland!! My home away from home. How exciting to be planning a trip here! you will love it. If you need any help about the parks let me know, they are my stomping grounds. Can't wait to hear about everything that you will be planning to do.

 

[*Seanaci*]

WHAT?!? You're asking.

I'm going to start "walking" to Disneyland. I haven't exercised in...ugh...I don't even know how long. But, I've been slowly motivating myself to start walking. Bought a step counter the 3rd of June. Have worn it every day (save for one cause I forgot to clip it on my pocket). Have written down on my calander how many steps I took that day.

Today...I was trying to motivate myself to pop in a DVD. Text messaged DH...and he text back with "Just think about Disney. That should be motivation enough." And I actually popped my Walk At Home DVD in and did the 2 mile walk!

So. I have decided I'm "walking" to Disneyland. It is around 1100 miles from my house, to Disneyland.

So...if you divide that out into 17 months (not sure on dates yet for the trip, ticker is estimated, so I'm not including Dec 2012). That's roughly 65 miles per month. As I will only be using my DVD's 5 days a week (and to make SURE I use them 5 days a week), I'm dividing the 65 by 25 days...which means I have to walk just over 2.5 miles a day to "walk" to Disneyland!

Yeah. I know. Geek/nerd...whatever. Too much time on my hands.

Anyway...now that I've bored you...I'll figure up how far I've "travelled" so far tomorrow. It's late...and I need to get myself to bed!

Night, Dis Friends!

 

[PirateKate]

Walking to Disneyland sounds very motivating. Much more interesting than walking aimlessly, just to be walking.

 

[YukiPhnx]

This sounds like a great idea, walking to Disneyland!

I've been motivating myself by thinking of how good I'll look in a bikini when I go to the beach...

Wow, so many things to think about! Have you decided to stay on site afterall? That shuttle sounds like a great idea.

 

[*Seanaci*]

This sounds like a great idea, walking to Disneyland!

I've been motivating myself by thinking of how good I'll look in a bikini when I go to the beach...

Wow, so many things to think about! Have you decided to stay on site afterall? That shuttle sounds like a great idea.

No...I"m pretty sure we'll be staying just across the street in a Good Neighbor hotel. A suite (or even two connecting rooms) there will be the same price as a single on Disney property.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Will you be able to use the shuttle at the good neighbour hotels?

 

[*Seanaci*]

Will you be able to use the shuttle at the good neighbour hotels?

From everything I've been able to find on the shuttle to/from the airport, yes. We will be able to catch one to/from our hotel.

As far as getting to the parks goes...it's like a half mile or less from the hotel. So...we'll be walking to/from the parks.

 

[DenGrampy]

I believe it is time for some more back story on our 2008 trip, don't you Missy?

 

[*Seanaci*]

I believe it is time for some more back story on our 2008 trip, don't you Missy?

Yes yes yes. I know. >_<

Soon. I promise. Perhaps this weekend. Late night last night cause of the rain and storms (loads of scary lightening and thunder)...I'm beat tonight. Playdate tomorrow...so nothing tomorrow. This weekend...I promise!!