The Murphy's are LIVE from the Beach Club (4/30-5/7)

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 26, 2008

The Murphy's are LIVE from the Beach Club
April 30, 2008 - May 7, 2008!!

First off I just want to say forgive me if my trip report skills are a little rusty!

I haven't done a LIVE report or a TR of any kind in about 3 years! :scared1:

I think I just got burned out after doing a couple of really big TR's back in 2005... but now I feel refreshed and ready to report on our upcoming trip that begins in just 72 hours!!!! :banana:

So here we go!!!!

CAST:
Myself - Erika - age 35 - Die-hard-Disney-fan-atic! Best known for my witty and insightful interviews during Fan's Guide: Walt Disney World (i'm totally joking, I was such a dork!) which if you haven't seen then come out from the rock you're living under and check my sig for the next air date!!!

Job title: SAHM!

DH - Brendan - age 36 - Wanna-be-die-hard-fan-atic (but can never compare to my deeply psychotic and unhealthy obsession with all things Disney) Best known for "this turkey leg is so delicious" and "don't forget to pack the diapers and the wipers". :lmao:

Yes folks he tries, bless him.

Job title: ESPN radio host

DS - Nicholas - age 8 (3rd grade) - Completely video game obsessed and trying to understand why he can't bring his Wii to WDW because MarioKart comes out this week! :rotfl:

His obsession with Disney is strong but has branched out more into things like Kingdom Hearts and the TWEEN Disney Channel shows. Also a big fan of High School Musical.... Hey Batta Batta, Hey Batta Batta SWING!!! :cool2:

DS - Connor - age 6 (1st grade) - God help us we love him so but he is insanely demanding, bossy, independent, and strong willed! :scared1:

We just found out this week he'll be going into the "High Ability Self Contained Gifted and Talented Class" next fall... does that explain a lot?? :lmao:

But he is sweet and adorable with a fantastic smile and a serious love of Pooh, IASW, and his latest obsession... Phineas and Ferb! :thumbsup2

THE PLAN:
7 nights at the Beach Club Resort (standard view) with the Annual passholder discount (all 4 of us are APholders)
DDP (Boma, Mama Melrose, Kona Cafe, Le Cellier, Teppen Edo, Ohana, Crystal Palace, Whispering Canyon, and Sci-fi)
Pirate and Princess Party on May 2nd

72 HOURS TO GO!!!!

The suitcases are out, the floor is covered with pressed penny books, swirling twirling light-up toys, pirate costumes, lanyards, autograph books, Mickey ears, custom nametags, and a pile of 22 Webkinz my 6 year old thinks he's bringing in his backpack! :scared:

This is the longest our family has ever gone without going to WDW. It has been a whole year! :sad2:

We had planned to go last summer or fall but I came down with mono (not fun!) and went to the doctor for the first time in about 2 or 3 years. :angel:

(bad me I know) only to find out that I had a lot of issues medically that ended up lasting several months and concluded with major surgery and about 2 months in bed. :sad1:

So it's been a long nasty year for me but I'm thrilled to be feeling healthy, happy, and ready to get back to the parks!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? :cloud9:

With gas prices up to $3.69 today it's a good thing we are flying! Our plane leaves Indianapolis on Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM. It's a direct, non-stop flight and we'll be taking DME to the BC. Ahhhh the waiting is torture isn't it??? :eek:

As a planning geek I have created a beautiful 3 ring notebook sized information guide containing all our ADRs, hotel info, flight info, park hours, daily schedules, etc, that is probably about 3 inches thick and weighs 20 pounds!

The next thing on my schedule is to fax our room requests (yes we still do this, and yes I believe it helps, because I've seen our fax copied and stapled to our little guest packet, so at least for our family it works). I've created quite a fax masterpiece sporting pics of our family, along with cute Disney clipart and a brief mention of our TV show which is actually airing the day we check-in! (hey, anything for a good room!!!) :rolleyes1

So, I guess that's it for now... my eyes are starting to gloss over so I'd better get to bed. More excitement to come, so stay tuned!!!!

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 27, 2008

Here are some of my other trip reports..... just in case you're bored! :lmao:

MousekaMaddi · Apr 27, 2008

wow, Ive NEVER been first before!!! :lmao:

bring it on......... :thumbsup2

Disney's Fab 4 · Apr 27, 2008

Erika, hope you and the fam have a fun filled vacation.... :goodvibes

We had the travel channel show taped on vhs and used to watch it all the time.. So I almost feel like I know you guys...

Bibbidi · Apr 27, 2008

I've seen your Travel Channel show several times. Loved it! We are in the Cincinnati area--feels like we're neighbors

We were at the BC last May for 4 nights after the CR for 3. SAB was SO much fun. One day we just stayed at the pool from 10 am until dinner. We ordered lunch and drinks from the pool waitresses--so fun to have your food delivered to your beach chair. Here's hoping you have a great trip--can't wait to read along.

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 27, 2008

Howdy Cincy neighbor!!! :goodvibes

I drive through there all the time when I go visit my mom in Kentucky! We've done the aquarium that sits right there on the river, and I remember eating Cold Stone there too. YUM!!! :thumbsup2

Cincy is a great city... you guys are lucky to have Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge. We have nothing good over here in Indiana. :laughing:

Today is packing day!!!! :scared:

It's a good thing the weather has turned colder so I can go ahead and pack up all the summer clothes. I just realized as I was going through the kids closets this morning that we are dangerously low on Disney t-shirts!! :scared1:

I really need to get out to the Disney Store tomorrow and pick up a few. These kids outgrow things so fast it's crazy!!

Also been working on our toiletry bag... I've packed up every medicine I can think of (learned our lesson many times by getting sick at WDW and having nothing to take!) and I've got all the essentials... sunscreen and sun sticks, antibacterial hand soaps, wet wipes, bandaids (for blisters!

) foamy pump soap (kids don't like bar soap in the hotels) extra batteries (for pal Mickey, walkie talkies, and light up toys) flushable wipes (love these for the kids when we're at the parks) and a bunch of little kleenex packs.

When we go to the parks we each have our own fanny pack around our waist and then we also take a backpack with our ponchos, sweatshirts, hats/visors, cameras, some of the toiletries mentioned above, and usually at least one towel in case it rains and we need to dry ourselves off. Also we still bring a small umbrella stroller. Even though DS is 6 we find that he gets really tired and S L O W by the end of the day and to avoid meltdowns we just bring it. Usually he falls asleep in it by 10:00 PM so we can just push him around for the rest of the night without having to cut our time short. :cool2:

Also in our packing we have another bag for our P&P Party costumes. DH checked with Southwest and they are still allowing 2 checked bags per person so we should be OK with the 6 bags we are checking for the 4 of us. Then we each have a carry-on... the kids bring their DS's and games, also coloring and sticker books, books to read, and other little small toys. (still trying to explain to the 6 year old why he can't bring 22 Webkinz!) :lmao:

The packing continues!!!!!! :cool1:

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 27, 2008

I'm feeling really nostalgic today :lovestruc

I've been looking through all our photos and scrapbooks... sometimes I think the only time you can enjoy looking at them is when you're about to leave... because it's painful to see if your next trip is far away! :sad1:

Isn't this a cute one???? :goodvibes

Bibbidi · Apr 27, 2008

TigrLvsPooh said:
Howdy Cincy neighbor!!! I drive through there all the time when I go visit my mom in Kentucky! We've done the aquarium that sits right there on the river, and I remember eating Cold Stone there too. YUM!!! Cincy is a great city... you guys are lucky to have Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge. We have nothing good over here in Indiana.

We used to live in Louisville, but have ended up here by way of New Hampshire. We are about 20 minutes from Kings Island, although we don't get there too often. The Newport aquarium is about a half hour away (we are north of the city).

If you like Cold Stone you should try Graeter's--have you had their ice cream? They have it in lots of places in KY too, but it got it's start here in Ohio.

Love the notes on your toiletry bag--you sound like me. You can never have too much Purell or handi-wipes.

I know what you mean about looking at photos of past trips--it's the most fun when another one is right around the corner.

Have you heard rumors about Disney stores closing in your area? The main one here is supposedly on the chopping block, but I have my fingers crossed.

nhpooh · Apr 27, 2008

TigrLvsPooh said:
I'm feeling really nostalgic today I've been looking through all our photos and scrapbooks... sometimes I think the only time you can enjoy looking at them is when you're about to leave... because it's painful to see if your next trip is far away!

Isn't this a cute one????

Sure is

DREAMS161 · Apr 27, 2008

I am so excited for you! Your excitement is definitely contagious..so I thank you - I was having a bit of a gloomy day. We're at the Beach Club 5/28-5/31. Have a wonderful and safe trip!!!!

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 27, 2008

Bibbidi said:
We used to live in Louisville, but have ended up here by way of New Hampshire. We are about 20 minutes from Kings Island, although we don't get there too often. The Newport aquarium is about a half hour away (we are north of the city).

If you like Cold Stone you should try Graeter's--have you had their ice cream? They have it in lots of places in KY too, but it got it's start here in Ohio.

Love the notes on your toiletry bag--you sound like me. You can never have too much Purell or handi-wipes.

I know what you mean about looking at photos of past trips--it's the most fun when another one is right around the corner.

Have you heard rumors about Disney stores closing in your area? The main one here is supposedly on the chopping block, but I have my fingers crossed.

I've never heard of Graeter's. We just got a Cold Stone here a few months ago, but most of our ice cream places are called The Silver Dipper. We are big ice cream junkies!! We were just saying a few minutes ago that we plan to eat ice cream everyday on this trip! :goodvibes

Between Main Street and Ghiardelli I think that's a goal we might reach! :lmao:

I went into our local Disney Store last week and talked to the manager. She said she is very worried... in fact she had tears in her eyes just talking about it with me. :sad1:

She said our store hasn't made a profit in almost 8 years. :eek:

So she thinks it has a very good chance of closing. Also she said the 3 stores in Indy are very concerned as well. They are all in Simon Malls. I am keeping my fingers crossed ours doesn't close. I think that once Disney takes control back and gets better merchandise the sales will go up. I'm hoping they might at least try and keep it open as a test... but it's not looking good.

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 27, 2008

2 MORE DAYS!!! :cheer2:

I swear I can't even sleep I'm so excited!! :banana:

The house is so quiet right now, I'm just sitting here watching the countdown widget on my desktop. :cloud9:

54 hours until we leave for the airport!!!! And I have so much to do tomorrow I really should be in bed!!! :cool2:

frannn · Apr 28, 2008

Should I pack my sunscreen? Will there be lots of pics? Hope you have an amazing time, and I am mentally invested in your trip!

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 28, 2008

Ah yes, pack the sunscreen and get ready for pics!!! :thumbsup2

It's going to be a great time!!!!

39 hours to go!!!!!

Just got home from the Disney Store. Got everyone a new t-shirt (adults are 2 for $20 and kids are 2 for $15) also got the kids some Phineas and Ferb flipflops and visors!

Then I stopped at Target and got some snacks for the plane and plenty of gum and mints for the trip. Is it time to go yet???!!! :cloud9:

Nemo32 · Apr 28, 2008

Hi!

I trekked on over from my PTR. Sounds exciting so far! Your children are adorable. What days are you eating at O'Hana and LeCellier? I'll be eating there.

If you can't make the meet, perhaps I'll see you in passing on one of the boats (I'm staying at BWV

).

I look forward to reading more! :surfweb:

M2DD's · Apr 28, 2008

OMG I was just going to add to your post about us also leaving on the 30th and then I relized that I've seen you guys on TV. :banana:

If I run into you guys I would love your autographs(If I can convince one of my DD's to hadnd over there books :lmao:

) I love that you dress your boys the same way. I dress my girls 4&7 in the same outfits and DH laughs at me. We live outside of Chicago and it has been snowing off and on. Is it snowing by you? I can't wait to get in the FL sun. Have a good trip.I hope I have a chance to meet you!
Laura

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 28, 2008

Hi!

I trekked on over from my PTR. Sounds exciting so far! Your children are adorable. What days are you eating at O'Hana and LeCellier? I'll be eating there.

If you can't make the meet, perhaps I'll see you in passing on one of the boats (I'm staying at BWV ).

I look forward to reading more!

We are eating at Le Cellier on Saturday (May 3rd) and Ohana on Tuesday (May 6th).

I hope you guys have an awesome time at BWV... we love that resort. Now I'm off to go read your report and find out when that meet is!!

OMG I was just going to add to your post about us also leaving on the 30th and then I relized that I've seen you guys on TV. If I run into you guys I would love your autographs(If I can convince one of my DD's to hadnd over there books ) I love that you dress your boys the same way. I dress my girls 4&7 in the same outfits and DH laughs at me. We live outside of Chicago and it has been snowing off and on. Is it snowing by you? I can't wait to get in the FL sun. Have a good trip.I hope I have a chance to meet you!
Laura

Autograph!!! :rotfl:

You are too funny!!!! :laughing:

My DH would just die laughing at me over that one.

Actually we had a lady come up to us at the AKL a couple of years ago and ask if we'd take a pic with her... it was pretty cool I admit. :cool2:

The weather here is terrible today.

It's actually sleeting right now and they say it might turn to snow tonight. I can't wait to feel the warm sunshine!!!! :cool1:

37 hours!!!!

Nemo32 · Apr 28, 2008

TigrLvsPooh said:
We are eating at Le Cellier on Saturday (May 3rd) and Ohana on Tuesday (May 6th). I hope you guys have an awesome time at BWV... we love that resort. Now I'm off to go read your report and find out when that meet is!! QUOTE]

Oh, darn! We'll be at O'Hana on the 4th and LeCellier on the 6th (right before the meet). Well, I hope you can meet us. In the meantime, I'll keep reading!

TigrLvsPooh · Apr 28, 2008

Well we had a good ole time tonight at the Murphy house!

Shredding pants and shirts with the scissors to make pirate costumes for everyone! :laughing:

We are going to be one rowdy group of pirates Friday night at the P&P Party! ARRRRGGGGG!!!!!! pirate:

I was surprised how cool everything turned out... much better than buying costumes I must admit! :angel:

31 hours until we leave!!!!

Once again everyone is asleep and I'm still packing and working on my LIST! This list of last minute things to grab before we leave for the airport is now a whole page long! :rotfl:

Cell phone chargers, laptop, fans, toothbrushes, kids' homework, sunglasses, camera, cords, etc.... The list just keeps growing. I fear we're going to need a 7th bag before this is all said and done! :eek:

Now if I could just get some sleep!!! These 2:00 AM bedtimes are horrible!! :scared:

M2DD's · Apr 29, 2008

What time does your plane land? Were landing around 3:30 pm. I imagin by the time we get to our resort it will be close to 5 or so. My DD want to go swimming but I wonder if it will be to cold. I looked at the weather and its going to be around 78 tommorow not sure if that swimming weather or not. :confused3

Its only in the 40's by us today!
Can't wait to read your report when I get back.
Laura

The Murphy's are LIVE from the Beach Club (4/30-5/7)

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