~*~The OFFICIAL 2014 Dates Thread - Come Join Us!~*~

[auprincess]

Thank you for the insight. I'm sure I will change my mind a million times before next year, but until I decide how we will tour (all day, late nights, etc) I won't be able to make a decision. It does help reading other's experiences.

I had a wonderful thought this a.m. too...my oldest was fully potty trained just before 3. DD1 will be 3 1/2 when we go so I'm hoping we will be done with diapers also. One less bulky item to pack!!

Would you (or anyone else with experience with little ones) be able to share the type of touring you did? I.E. EMH's? Late nights? Park hopping?? We are going late August so the heat is a big concern.

Thanks!

I am also hoping that we will be done with diapers (at least during the day) by out next trip!! More than likely youngest DD will be a little over 3.

We have been to Disney several times over the last few years (and our oldest is only 7, so we always have little ones)! We usually don't do early EMHs simply bc we live in a central time zone - it is hard enough to get to rope drop on a day when the parks open at 9 (since that is 8 for us) much less an hour earlier! When we go in January we usually don't do mid day breaks because the parks don't stay open too late (again that time zone, even a 9pm closing is only 8 pm for us). And luckily our kids who needed a nap would nap on the stroller or wrap. One thing we did learn from this strategy was to schedule lunches for out sit down meals - everyone was just happier - the girls were fine staying up a little later and doing fun stuff in the parks, but the nights we had an ADR in the evening (even though it was our typical dinner time) was not as much of a pleasant experience.

When we went in April we did do mid day breaks, it was hotter and we liked the pool/down time. Evening EMHs - sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. We just play it by ear - except at DHS, we love to at least go for an hour to the evening EMHs because that is the only time they do the playhouse Disney dance party.

 

[mom2clr]

I am also hoping that we will be done with diapers (at least during the day) by out next trip!! More than likely youngest DD will be a little over 3.

We have been to Disney several times over the last few years (and our oldest is only 7, so we always have little ones)! We usually don't do early EMHs simply bc we live in a central time zone - it is hard enough to get to rope drop on a day when the parks open at 9 (since that is 8 for us) much less an hour earlier! When we go in January we usually don't do mid day breaks because the parks don't stay open too late (again that time zone, even a 9pm closing is only 8 pm for us). And luckily our kids who needed a nap would nap on the stroller or wrap. One thing we did learn from this strategy was to schedule lunches for out sit down meals - everyone was just happier - the girls were fine staying up a little later and doing fun stuff in the parks, but the nights we had an ADR in the evening (even though it was our typical dinner time) was not as much of a pleasant experience.

When we went in April we did do mid day breaks, it was hotter and we liked the pool/down time. Evening EMHs - sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. We just play it by ear - except at DHS, we love to at least go for an hour to the evening EMHs because that is the only time they do the playhouse Disney dance party.

I have gone alone with oldest DD twice but she was super easy. DD2 is a handful and I can't imagine she will be tamed before next summer. Lol

DD5 (took her at 2 1/2 & almost 3) and both trips were simple. We got up early, hit rope drop and would return to room by 3-4. She wouldn't nap, but then she would easily fall asleep early at night.

DD2 has been impossible to get into a routine and like her daddy is a night owl which is why I'm wondering about pm EMH.

Part of me is thinking I should create a plan of action for the week and play it by ear. We are going for 10 days, no parks arrival/departure day and am only planning on buying 6MYW tickets, 3 MK days, 2 EP & 1 HS with 2 down days thrown in. Of course, this can all change in a year. Lol

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[rharper1496]

All thing NOT being relative, I booked our 2014 vacation over the weekend on Disney.com . I booked 9/16-9/26 (2013) @ AoA with the DDP. Once the 2014 dates and rates become available I will switch my trip over to the actual 2014 dates. There is something about having that 8 digit Confirmation number. $250 down, $3215.45 to go.

That is such a good idea! You just inspired me to book ours on Friday, I need something to distract myself from the fact that I can't currently see across my yard thanks to the mini snowstorm we're getting right now.

As for strollers...I think a BIG part of whether or not to use them with older (3 and up) kids is the pace you want in the park. We have 3 girls, the youngest just turned 2 so she is in a stroller, but I'm sure she will follow the same path her olders sisters did and be out of it soon. My oldest 2 were so over the stroller by the time they were 2.5. Never used one EXCEPT at Disney, and for the most part they were/are fine with it. Yes, they walked some, but I also think they enjoyed being able to sit in the stroller and really look around and take everything in. We also had long days and wanted the girls to be able to keep up. My oldest sat in a stroller (off and on) on the trip when she was 5 ~ prior to that time trip it had been a good 2.5 years since she used a stroller (excpet at WDW). Had we not had a double stroller, that wouldn't have even been an option, but I'm glad we had it; we are keeping it just for our next disney trip so that our middle (who will be 5 at the time) can have that option too. I know we will be using a stroller for our youngest, so why not just bring the double/sit and stand.

We'll have a pretty low key pace for sure. The sad part is we're not taking breaks for the kids, we're taking them for DH. The kids would be fine to go all day, especially with a stroller. If I drag DH out of bed to make rope drop he will become the tired, cranky toddler by about 3pm. I think we might go with the park stroller and just get one if we need it. It will annoy me to drag one to the park with us and have no one sit in it. She's been day trained for a few months now and has slept in undies for the last week with no accidents, I'm dreaming of a diaperless/strollerless trip . I've forgotten what those were like.

We're going to do the fair with no stroller this September and see how she does before we decide for sure. It's usually a 5-6 hour day so if she can handle it I think we'll be ok.

 

[mom2clr]

That is such a good idea! You just inspired me to book ours on Friday, I need something to distract myself from the fact that I can't currently see across my yard thanks to the mini snowstorm we're getting right now.




We'll have a pretty low key pace for sure. The sad part is we're not taking breaks for the kids, we're taking them for DH. The kids would be fine to go all day, especially with a stroller. If I drag DH out of bed to make rope drop he will become the tired, cranky toddler by about 3pm. I think we might go with the park stroller and just get one if we need it. It will annoy me to drag one to the park with us and have no one sit in it. She's been day trained for a few months now and has slept in undies for the last week with no accidents, I'm dreaming of a diaperless/strollerless trip . I've forgotten what those were like.

We're going to do the fair with no stroller this September and see how she does before we decide for sure. It's usually a 5-6 hour day so if she can handle it I think we'll be ok.

The bolded sentence is exactly why it's a mommy/girls trip next year! Our trip last May wasn't a disaster per se, but boy did he make it difficult. Good thing is that he is more than willing to dish out money to send us on our way so it's a win-win. lol

 

[Valgoof]

Ok so I was going to book my trip with 2013 dates, but I couldnt decide which resort to book. Yes I have issues. I could book CR for all 8 nights and then when I change the dates/resort, it will seem like a bargain. Or I could book POFQ and focus on getting excited about that resort in case I cant make CR work. Or I could book WL so I have a price goal in the middle. All of this thought for a FAKE reservation!!!

I dont have kids, but I can relate to the break being for DH. I was sick and had no energy last year, so for the first time we took a break every day. DH decided he really liked that and wants to make that our plan for future trips. I agreed as long as we stay at a nicer resort.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Ok so I was going to book my trip with 2013 dates, but I couldnt decide which resort to book. Yes I have issues. I could book CR for all 8 nights and then when I change the dates/resort, it will seem like a bargain. Or I could book POFQ and focus on getting excited about that resort in case I cant make CR work. Or I could book WL so I have a price goal in the middle. All of this thought for a FAKE reservation!!!

I dont have kids, but I can relate to the break being for DH. I was sick and had no energy last year, so for the first time we took a break every day. DH decided he really liked that and wants to make that our plan for future trips. I agreed as long as we stay at a nicer resort.

If it were me, I'd do the fake reservation for CR and celebrate how much of a bargain it is later if you have to switch to FQ. I'm wierd like that though. I'll add a ton of extra money to our budget, then get all excited because we bring home so much money ... that's usually when I try to convince my husband we have enough to go ahead and book another trip, also.

 

[Valgoof]

If it were me, I'd do the fake reservation for CR and celebrate how much of a bargain it is later if you have to switch to FQ. I'm wierd like that though. I'll add a ton of extra money to our budget, then get all excited because we bring home so much money ... that's usually when I try to convince my husband we have enough to go ahead and book another trip, also.

I think I will do CR. I just spent the last hour looking at pics and watching a couple of video walk throughs, so now I realllly want to stay there. Offsite in 2011, Pop in 2012, CR in 2014. That would be quite a jump.

I over inflate our budget too, especially the "extras" money that we take with us. Then I have no problem buying another souvenir or Mickey bar.

Do you like baseball? Watching the Reds while I dis tonight.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I think I will do CR. I just spent the last hour looking at pics and watching a couple of video walk throughs, so now I realllly want to stay there. Offsite in 2011, Pop in 2012, CR in 2014. That would be quite a jump.

I over inflate our budget too, especially the "extras" money that we take with us. Then I have no problem buying another souvenir or Mickey bar.

Do you like baseball? Watching the Reds while I dis tonight.

I hate baseball, but I always like knowing what's going on with my home team. Are we winning?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you with CR. Here's some pixiedust, too!

 

[Valgoof]

I hate baseball, but I always like knowing what's going on with my home team. Are we winning?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you with CR. Here's some pixiedust, too!

Yes we are winning 4-1. Baseball isnt my favorite tv sport, but it makes nice background noise and you dont have to pay close attention to know what is happening.

Thanks!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Yes we are winning 4-1. Baseball isnt my favorite tv sport, but it makes nice background noise and you dont have to pay close attention to know what is happening.

Thanks!

I'm watching Survivor. You don't really have to pay much attention to that, either.

What did you think of POP when you stayed there? We really liked it.

 

[Valgoof]

I'm watching Survivor. You don't really have to pay much attention to that, either.

What did you think of POP when you stayed there? We really liked it.

Survivor is being DVRed here. One of the few shows DH and I both like and he is currently snoring in his recliner.

I loved, loved, loved the theming and the food court. I requested a king bed but didnt get one. Then I got a bad cold on our second day. Both of those things severely affected our sleep. We spent a lot more time in the room than we had planned, so we wished we had a little more space. Sooo DH and I would not stay there again, but I would not hesitate to stay there with my little brother or a friend.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Survivor is being DVRed here. One of the few shows DH and I both like and he is currently snoring in his recliner.

I loved, loved, loved the theming and the food court. I requested a king bed but didnt get one. Then I got a bad cold on our second day. Both of those things severely affected our sleep. We spent a lot more time in the room than we had planned, so we wished we had a little more space. Sooo DH and I would not stay there again, but I would not hesitate to stay there with my little brother or a friend.

ITA. If you're spending a ton of time in the room, having some space to actually move makes a huge difference.

We're still undecided on where to stay in 2014. He wants AKV, I want BWV ... or POR. I don't know how we're going to decide (though I keep telling him a solo trip would resolve the issue quite nicely ).

 

[Valgoof]

ITA. If you're spending a ton of time in the room, having some space to actually move makes a huge difference.

We're still undecided on where to stay in 2014. He wants AKV, I want BWV ... or POR. I don't know how we're going to decide (though I keep telling him a solo trip would resolve the issue quite nicely ).

Yep. I thought we would be park commandos, so a value would be fine. But if those days are done, we are staying deluxe or mod.

We both have 3 resorts on our list and they are all different. Another reason Disney is great. I love the Boardwalk area, but have heard too many stories about the crazy long hallways. But that would be the regular rooms. I dont know anything about villas. Walking or boat to DHS and Epcot would be so nice. POR looks beautiful, but I dont think I would like the multiple bus stops. I would want a car if I stayed there. But I know some people love it. (BDL, I am talking to you). We ate at Sanaa last year and saw AKL for the first time. I would stay there, but DH didnt like it for some reason. Ok I know you didnt ask my opinion, but I just cant help myself.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Yep. I thought we would be park commandos, so a value would be fine. But if those days are done, we are staying deluxe or mod.

We both have 3 resorts on our list and they are all different. Another reason Disney is great. I love the Boardwalk area, but have heard too many stories about the crazy long hallways. But that would be the regular rooms. I dont know anything about villas. Walking or boat to DHS and Epcot would be so nice. POR looks beautiful, but I dont think I would like the multiple bus stops. I would want a car if I stayed there. But I know some people love it. (BDL, I am talking to you). We ate at Sanaa last year and saw AKL for the first time. I would stay there, but DH didnt like it for some reason. Ok I know you didnt ask my opinion, but I just cant help myself.

POR does look beautiful - we went over there when we were at FQ last year. I love the mansions buildings. I don't know where we'll end up.

And opinion away! Maybe it will help me/us make a decision.

 

[SAT887]

You guys have been very chatty!


So, life has been crazy around here. I honestly can't wait for our June vacation!! I also think today I am finally going to nail down some park plans for our October trip. I might run them by you guys because I like this thread a lot hehe..... My mind keeps wandering to our January trip and I keep thinking how I want to take my kids with me in October.... :sigh:

So, I have a life update. We are putting selling our house on the back burner for now. DH has gotten a promotion. I'm really happy for him, but it means I'm leaving my job. Which is bittersweet. I'm actually not sure how I feel yet, however I know that it's the right thing to do. I've been with the company for 13 years, and I kinda feel like I'm giving up my independence. However, I would need to transfer to another location, the commute would be 50 miles and it just doesn't make sense to drive 100 miles, round trip, at night and DH still work crazy hard and not be able to see each other most days. I only worked 3 days (our company has hours that flex basically from 4am-Mid) so it's not the hugest change but big enough. So as of Saturday afternoon I am a stay at home mom..... Sorry for talking so much non Disney! I just keep getting the "well now you don't have to work, FT mom is the best job title ever!" While I love being a mom, I love being Sarah too and this is the first time I've been fully dependent on anyone Ina LONG time! I respect stay at home moms, but I enjoy working,,,,, I am also sad that I need to table the thoughts of moving south for 3 years!

Any ideas on volunteer options that are flexible with a toddler and preschooler in tow?

 

[mom2clr]

So, I have a life update. We are putting selling our house on the back burner for now. DH has gotten a promotion. I'm really happy for him, but it means I'm leaving my job. Which is bittersweet. I'm actually not sure how I feel yet, however I know that it's the right thing to do. I've been with the company for 13 years, and I kinda feel like I'm giving up my independence. However, I would need to transfer to another location, the commute would be 50 miles and it just doesn't make sense to drive 100 miles, round trip, at night and DH still work crazy hard and not be able to see each other most days. I only worked 3 days (our company has hours that flex basically from 4am-Mid) so it's not the hugest change but big enough. So as of Saturday afternoon I am a stay at home mom..... Sorry for talking so much non Disney! I just keep getting the "well now you don't have to work, FT mom is the best job title ever!" While I love being a mom, I love being Sarah too and this is the first time I've been fully dependent on anyone Ina LONG time! I respect stay at home moms, but I enjoy working,,,,, I am also sad that I need to table the thoughts of moving south for 3 years!

I don't have much advice on volunteer options, but thought I could share my experience into stay-at-home mommyhood.

I worked at a company for 8 years and was laid off. I knew it was coming so DBF and I had spoken about it and made the decision that the best thing to do was for me to finish my undergrad and stay home with DD who turned 1 four days before I got laid off. Plus at the time we were living 45min away from friends and family so getting any kind of help with her would have been too difficult.

I was hesitant about staying at home for a million reasons...losing my independence, financially (no worries needed as unemployment was good and DBF has an amazing job we had been living off of anyway). But over time we found our routine, I finished school and a month later became pregnant with #2...while in the middle of negotiating two new job options. We again talked about our options and decided I'd continue staying home and move back up to be closer to friends and family.

After 4 1/2 years at home, a former co-worker called me up and asked if I'd like to work for his company. He knew I had the girls and that was priority one. I now work 3 days a week, 4 hour days about 15 minutes from the house. DD5 is at daycare (PreK) and DD2 is being watched by one of DD5's classmates mom. I love the "freedom" I have for those 3 days and surely missed my own money, but being able to be with the girls during the time when it goes so fast has been amazing. Being laid off was the best thing that happened to me and I didn't even know it.

I kept my sanity by getting together with my girlfriends when I could or simply going for a walk when DBF got home from work. Was/Is it always rainbows and sunshine? Heck no!! But you figure it out.

Good luck!

 

[SAT887]

I don't have much advice on volunteer options, but thought I could share my experience into stay-at-home mommyhood.

I worked at a company for 8 years and was laid off. I knew it was coming so DBF and I had spoken about it and made the decision that the best thing to do was for me to finish my undergrad and stay home with DD who turned 1 four days before I got laid off. Plus at the time we were living 45min away from friends and family so getting any kind of help with her would have been too difficult.

I was hesitant about staying at home for a million reasons...losing my independence, financially (no worries needed as unemployment was good and DBF has an amazing job we had been living off of anyway). But over time we found our routine, I finished school and a month later became pregnant with #2...while in the middle of negotiating two new job options. We again talked about our options and decided I'd continue staying home and move back up to be closer to friends and family.

After 4 1/2 years at home, a former co-worker called me up and asked if I'd like to work for his company. He knew I had the girls and that was priority one. I now work 3 days a week, 4 hour days about 15 minutes from the house. DD5 is at daycare (PreK) and DD2 is being watched by one of DD5's classmates mom. I love the "freedom" I have for those 3 days and surely missed my own money, but being able to be with the girls during the time when it goes so fast has been amazing. Being laid off was the best thing that happened to me and I didn't even know it.

I kept my sanity by getting together with my girlfriends when I could or simply going for a walk when DBF got home from work. Was/Is it always rainbows and sunshine? Heck no!! But you figure it out.

Good luck!

Thanks I guess it's sort of frustrating because it seems that people don't think I'm giving up something. I have worked hard, and even though I have been part time for 3 years, I have positioned myself to transition into a leader role again as soon as I want... Hmmm strategic planner yes! and it's hard, I have many mom friends who have to work, and I know I am fortunate for this opportunity, and thankful, I hate showing DH that I'm upset in the slightest (i dont want to shadow his achievement) So I guess I'm in a spot where I can't talk about it much, don't want to complain to working moms, a lot of my SAHM friends don't understand, and I'm realizing there isn't many in the middle!! So thank you again

 

[BearcatsFan]

You guys have been very chatty!


So, life has been crazy around here. I honestly can't wait for our June vacation!! I also think today I am finally going to nail down some park plans for our October trip. I might run them by you guys because I like this thread a lot hehe..... My mind keeps wandering to our January trip and I keep thinking how I want to take my kids with me in October.... :sigh:

So, I have a life update. We are putting selling our house on the back burner for now. DH has gotten a promotion. I'm really happy for him, but it means I'm leaving my job. Which is bittersweet. I'm actually not sure how I feel yet, however I know that it's the right thing to do. I've been with the company for 13 years, and I kinda feel like I'm giving up my independence. However, I would need to transfer to another location, the commute would be 50 miles and it just doesn't make sense to drive 100 miles, round trip, at night and DH still work crazy hard and not be able to see each other most days. I only worked 3 days (our company has hours that flex basically from 4am-Mid) so it's not the hugest change but big enough. So as of Saturday afternoon I am a stay at home mom..... Sorry for talking so much non Disney! I just keep getting the "well now you don't have to work, FT mom is the best job title ever!" While I love being a mom, I love being Sarah too and this is the first time I've been fully dependent on anyone Ina LONG time! I respect stay at home moms, but I enjoy working,,,,, I am also sad that I need to table the thoughts of moving south for 3 years!

Any ideas on volunteer options that are flexible with a toddler and preschooler in tow?

Awww Sarah! You need a hug, huh?

First of all, congratulations to your husband on his promotion! How awesome for you guys!

I'm not a SAHM ... I'm not even a mom! I can't help you with anything regarding children! I can say, though, that I think you're making the right decision to not drive 100 miles round trip to keep working.

As far as volunteering ... were your kids in a daycare situation at all? If so, could you check into volunteering there? What about a local library that has a kid's reading hour? Our YMCA is always looking for volunteers, and they have lots of kids programs.

I know tabling the sale of your home is hard for you. Look at it this way - it gives you more time to work on it and do the things you really want/need to do without being in a rush or worrying about the funds to pay for it.

Hang in there, girl! I fully believe all things happen for a reason.

Your June vacation probably can't come soon enough, huh? Feel free to run your October plans by us, too. How are the January plans coming along?

 

[mom2clr]

Thanks I guess it's sort of frustrating because it seems that people don't think I'm giving up something. I have worked hard, and even though I have been part time for 3 years, I have positioned myself to transition into a leader role again as soon as I want... Hmmm strategic planner yes! and it's hard, I have many mom friends who have to work, and I know I am fortunate for this opportunity, and thankful, I hate showing DH that I'm upset in the slightest (i dont want to shadow his achievement) So I guess I'm in a spot where I can't talk about it much, don't want to complain to working moms, a lot of my SAHM friends don't understand, and I'm realizing there isn't many in the middle!! So thank you again

First off, who cares what any one thinks?? No one is living your life but you and your family.

You are allowed to feel whatever you want. Everyone is going to have an opinion but again, only you are living your life. I fully understand not wanting to make your DH upset, but you should absolutely be able to share with him your feelings. You don't have to complain (or nag as they like to look at it lol) but being able to have one conversation about your thoughts would be helpful. The last thing I ever thought was that DBF would be okay with me staying at home.

And believe it or not, if you share your stories with others, you'd be surprised how many women are in the same boat. You just may need to venture outside of your circle which is ok.

 

[SAT887]

Awww Sarah! You need a hug, huh?

First of all, congratulations to your husband on his promotion! How awesome for you guys!

I'm not a SAHM ... I'm not even a mom! I can't help you with anything regarding children! I can say, though, that I think you're making the right decision to not drive 100 miles round trip to keep working.

As far as volunteering ... were your kids in a daycare situation at all? If so, could you check into volunteering there? What about a local library that has a kid's reading hour? Our YMCA is always looking for volunteers, and they have lots of kids programs.

I know tabling the sale of your home is hard for you. Look at it this way - it gives you more time to work on it and do the things you really want/need to do without being in a rush or worrying about the funds to pay for it.

Hang in there, girl! I fully believe all things happen for a reason.

Your June vacation probably can't come soon enough, huh? Feel free to run your October plans by us, too. How are the January plans coming along?

Kinda thank you, he earned it. It was a huge surprise though- like everything changed in just a few days. We didn't anticipate this for at least a year or two. Yeah basically DH and I would swap locations but for PT work the 100 miles is just too much and my kids are not in daycare and I didn't plan on that (Reason why I went PT to begin with)

I really wanted to move somewhere warmer! We will probably be here for a few years now, but will most likely need to move with in the year. So this year we don't have to work as hard getting the house ready, we can paint at our leisure and keep working on the details. The good thing is we dumped all the money we want to into the house and can now have it allayed off 100% (granted we were frugal and the balance is not bad, love interest free credit, they have yet to make a dime on me!)

Yes can not wait for June! A week with family and the beach...

First off, who cares what any one thinks?? No one is living your life but you and your family.

You are allowed to feel whatever you want. Everyone is going to have an opinion but again, only you are living your life. I fully understand not wanting to make your DH upset, but you should absolutely be able to share with him your feelings. You don't have to complain (or nag as they like to look at it lol) but being able to have one conversation about your thoughts would be helpful. The last thing I ever thought was that DBF would be okay with me staying at home.

And believe it or not, if you share your stories with others, you'd be surprised how many women are in the same boat. You just may need to venture outside of your circle which is ok.

Haha normally I don't. I guess it's just the response I have gotten from the few people I mentioned it too... I did share with DH that it wasn't not an easy choice for me. However his concern for me makes me not want to say more!

Sharing with you guys has helped me immensely, and I'm realizing that I may need to diversify even more!

All in all, it's a good choice, I'm grateful, and we earned it. I think I'm done now! I guess I needed someone to listen and say "I get it" Thanks guys