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

[BearcatsFan]

I finally figured out the dates on our first ever family vacation. It will be July 25-30th. I figured we can celebrate my husbands birthday. While we are down there.

Does anyone know how much it is to do the dress your girl up like a princess? I would love to do this with my step-daughter. What all should I take? This is my first time going to so i am actually clueless about what to take with me. I know sunscreen, etc but i dont know what else i should take.

My grandma lives down close to WDW so we are going to stay with her while we are down there.

I'll get you updated on the list. I can't give you info on BBB. If someone here can't help you, you can check over on the main TPAS board, I'm sure there is info there.

 

[Funfire240]

I finally figured out the dates on our first ever family vacation. It will be July 25-30th. I figured we can celebrate my husbands birthday. While we are down there.

Does anyone know how much it is to do the dress your girl up like a princess? I would love to do this with my step-daughter. What all should I take? This is my first time going to so i am actually clueless about what to take with me. I know sunscreen, etc but i dont know what else i should take.

My grandma lives down close to WDW so we are going to stay with her while we are down there.

There's 2 threads for the BBB here that have a lot of great information. I think for the BBB we paid $60 for the package with hair style, make up and nails (we added on other items such as a ponytail holder and tee so I can't remember the exact price). We saved on BBB by bringing a princess dess from the Disney Store bought beforehand - a lot of times they have 25% there.

for new carpet! It sounds like next years trip is going to be amazing.


I solved my stroller dilemma. I was cleaning out the basement storage room and found our Combi flare. I bought it when DS was little and put it down there when DD was born and we switched to a double and then completely forgot about it (we're not going to talk about the fact that I had so many strollers I actually forgot I owned one ) It folds small and very light for the bus, storage basket, sunshade, tall enough for both kids and the front bar comes off so they can get in and out themselves. Everything I wanted and best of all, FREE.

I also found new curtains I'm buying and bought new valances for the kitchen area and DH is painting before the carpet comes. Next project then is finishing the basement (And now you can see why my trip for this year was pushed back)

 

[Whazzatk]

Please add me! October 30-November 7 at POR!

 

[rharper1496]

We have a reservation!!!!!!!

I booked it on a complete whim tonight, deposit has been paid. I'm far too excited considering that it's not even a real reservation, just a placeholder until 2014 rates are released.

One problem, I can't figure out how to make payments.When I go to My Reservations I get this:

We are currently experiencing problems displaying reservations. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Is that normally where I would go to pay?

 

[BearcatsFan]

We had lots of fun decorating our resort windows. We added some postcards from our home town and personalized Disney decorations for everyone. We did not see many other windows that were decorated at the resort but had come across some on-line sites that had some incredible decorations that folks had done on both windows and doors. We knew to use materials that would not damage any surfaces and no one at the resort seen to have a problem with our windows. In fact, the mousekeepers even added some "towel animals" to our display. Not sure if folks in some resorts tend to do this more than others but it was fun and we hope to do this again.

Thanks so much for sharing the photos! Your window looks great, and what a cutie!

Please add me! October 30-November 7 at POR!

to the group! I have added you to the list. Feel free to join the conversation!

We have a reservation!!!!!!!

I booked it on a complete whim tonight, deposit has been paid. I'm far too excited considering that it's not even a real reservation, just a placeholder until 2014 rates are released.

One problem, I can't figure out how to make payments.When I go to My Reservations I get this:

We are currently experiencing problems displaying reservations. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Is that normally where I would go to pay?

It may be another glitch with the new WDW site. Lots of people seem to be having problems making payments, ADRs, checking information once they do get them made, etc. You might be better off calling to make a payment.

 

[pixi3ness]

Thanks! I doubt it will ever happen, but a girl can dream.

You must be so excited for your upcoming trip - how far into the planning are you? Anything you'd care to share?

You're welcome!

Right now I'm playing a big waiting game. I'm trying to figure out what ADR's I want to make - I definitely want to do CRT though. I've been stocking up on pins to trade in the parks. The list of good Ebay sellers proven to be extremely helpful. I also want to do something a little extra for my boyfriend and since he's a Star Wars fan I've found some neat things through the Disney Floral and Gift shop...though pricey, it's an idea I'm playing around with right now.
One thing I'm super excited for is collecting the Mr. Potato Head pieces!

 

[BearcatsFan]

You're welcome!

Right now I'm playing a big waiting game. I'm trying to figure out what ADR's I want to make - I definitely want to do CRT though. I've been stocking up on pins to trade in the parks. The list of good Ebay sellers proven to be extremely helpful. I also want to do something a little extra for my boyfriend and since he's a Star Wars fan I've found some neat things through the Disney Floral and Gift shop...though pricey, it's an idea I'm playing around with right now.
One thing I'm super excited for is collecting the Mr. Potato Head pieces!

The Disney Florist is pricey, but worth it. I received flowers on our last trip from my husband, and they were beautiful. If you call them, a Dream Maker can help you put together a custom gift as well if you don't like what you see on their website.

What other ADR ideas are you considering?

 

[pixi3ness]

The Disney Florist is pricey, but worth it. I received flowers on our last trip from my husband, and they were beautiful. If you call them, a Dream Maker can help you put together a custom gift as well if you don't like what you see on their website.

What other ADR ideas are you considering?

That's a very helpful thing to know! I'll probably contact them in a couple of months and see what I can get put together. I love to surprise people.

I'm also thinking about Be Our Guest as we're both huge fans of Beauty and the Beast. And possibly Chef Mickey's or Ohana. I figure I can't have character meals any other time so I certainly plan on making the most of it while we're there!

 

[Funfire240]

That's a very helpful thing to know! I'll probably contact them in a couple of months and see what I can get put together. I love to surprise people.

I'm also thinking about Be Our Guest as we're both huge fans of Beauty and the Beast. And possibly Chef Mickey's or Ohana. I figure I can't have character meals any other time so I certainly plan on making the most of it while we're there!

A good character breakfast IMO is Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House in AK- very good buffet

 

[shannon006]

Ok, changing our dates, now going 1-25-2-2-14, staying at AKL

 

[BearcatsFan]

Ok, changing our dates, now going 1-25-2-2-14, staying at AKL

I'll getcha updated!

 

[rharper1496]

We have a date change, we're now Feb 2-8 and staying in an AoA cars suite the entire week. I found direct flights from Buffalo for $900 cheaper than flying from home so for that difference I'll suck it up and drive to the airport. I kept looking at our plans and I finally had to admit that trying a split with such a short stay anyway was impractical, especially when I'm the only one who is really attached to the idea of a wilderness cabin. DH and the kids wouldn't mind one, he's just not in love with the idea the way I am and I know nothing is going to compare to AoA for the kids at this age. So it's AoA this time, offsite for the 2015 birthday trip and I guess we're going to need either a second 2015 trip or an early 2016 trip where I will be sleeping in a cabin. If they don't like it they can go sleep on a DTD bench or something.

But the good news is the dining plan has come back into consideration and so has BoG. It's still more food than we would eat but when I figured out the cost of multiple character meals it's not really cheaper to pay OOP since those are fixed price anyway and we won't have the full kitchen that we would have in the cabin so eating in the room becomes a lot harder. Of course, I still have my fingers crossed for that free dining because the room discount at AoA is hardly worth it.

 

[mom2clr]

We are going ahead with plans on buying a house. I'm REALLY hoping it doesn't interfere with my trip for next year. The money I'm saving for the trip is strictly for that purpose so we will be ok.

I'm excited and nervous about getting into a house as I keep hearing how much work it is, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't excited to have something of our own.

DBF is delusional as he thinks we can get into a place by end of summer! Inventory where we are looking is plentiful but it's the entire process that can take forever. However with DD5 starting kindergarten in September it would be ideal. I'm not getting my hopes up.

DD5 has been watching the vacation planning video almost every day and even DD2 has been sitting for longer periods watching it with her. I bought them piggy banks from the dollar store and they have been putting change into them daily. DD5 is excited to go to the bank and see how much she has saved. She knows when we "save a lot of money" we will be able to go back to Disney.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

 

[Funfire240]

We are going ahead with plans on buying a house. I'm REALLY hoping it doesn't interfere with my trip for next year. The money I'm saving for the trip is strictly for that purpose so we will be ok.

I'm excited and nervous about getting into a house as I keep hearing how much work it is, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't excited to have something of our own.

DBF is delusional as he thinks we can get into a place by end of summer! Inventory where we are looking is plentiful but it's the entire process that can take forever. However with DD5 starting kindergarten in September it would be ideal. I'm not getting my hopes up.

DD5 has been watching the vacation planning video almost every day and even DD2 has been sitting for longer periods watching it with her. I bought them piggy banks from the dollar store and they have been putting change into them daily. DD5 is excited to go to the bank and see how much she has saved. She knows when we "save a lot of money" we will be able to go back to Disney.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Sounds just like my house (DD will be 5 1 week from today and DS will be 3 in 2 weeks) but they keep wanting to watch the home movies! DS keeps on about "go back to Disney".

Good luck on the house! It is nice to own but does involve some work, but IMO it's worth it. (Except this week - painting, recarpet over the next week now the dishwasher croaked on us last night, stove is acting up - crazy week! And on a side, DH's truck was determined to much to fix to save so I should be getting a new car in the next few weeks and he gets mine )

 

[BearcatsFan]

We have a date change, we're now Feb 2-8 and staying in an AoA cars suite the entire week. I found direct flights from Buffalo for $900 cheaper than flying from home so for that difference I'll suck it up and drive to the airport. I kept looking at our plans and I finally had to admit that trying a split with such a short stay anyway was impractical, especially when I'm the only one who is really attached to the idea of a wilderness cabin. DH and the kids wouldn't mind one, he's just not in love with the idea the way I am and I know nothing is going to compare to AoA for the kids at this age. So it's AoA this time, offsite for the 2015 birthday trip and I guess we're going to need either a second 2015 trip or an early 2016 trip where I will be sleeping in a cabin. If they don't like it they can go sleep on a DTD bench or something.

But the good news is the dining plan has come back into consideration and so has BoG. It's still more food than we would eat but when I figured out the cost of multiple character meals it's not really cheaper to pay OOP since those are fixed price anyway and we won't have the full kitchen that we would have in the cabin so eating in the room becomes a lot harder. Of course, I still have my fingers crossed for that free dining because the room discount at AoA is hardly worth it.

I'll update you on the list. I hope you get your cabin stay soon. I'll keep my fingers crossed for FD for you!

 

[BearcatsFan]

We are going ahead with plans on buying a house. I'm REALLY hoping it doesn't interfere with my trip for next year. The money I'm saving for the trip is strictly for that purpose so we will be ok.

I'm excited and nervous about getting into a house as I keep hearing how much work it is, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't excited to have something of our own.

DBF is delusional as he thinks we can get into a place by end of summer! Inventory where we are looking is plentiful but it's the entire process that can take forever. However with DD5 starting kindergarten in September it would be ideal. I'm not getting my hopes up.

DD5 has been watching the vacation planning video almost every day and even DD2 has been sitting for longer periods watching it with her. I bought them piggy banks from the dollar store and they have been putting change into them daily. DD5 is excited to go to the bank and see how much she has saved. She knows when we "save a lot of money" we will be able to go back to Disney.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Congrats on making the decision to buy a home! Yes, it is a lot of work, but totally worth it. Best of luck finding the place of your dreams!

 

[mom2clr]

Sounds just like my house (DD will be 5 1 week from today and DS will be 3 in 2 weeks) but they keep wanting to watch the home movies! DS keeps on about "go back to Disney".

Good luck on the house! It is nice to own but does involve some work, but IMO it's worth it. (Except this week - painting, recarpet over the next week now the dishwasher croaked on us last night, stove is acting up - crazy week! And on a side, DH's truck was determined to much to fix to save so I should be getting a new car in the next few weeks and he gets mine )

I try to contain the Disney talk because DBF keeps saying I'm brainwashing the girls. DD5 talks about all the things she remembers from our trip last year (although part of me sometimes thinks she "remembers" because she is always watching YouTube or the planning video. )

DBF isn't very handy which is why I get nervous about things having to get fixed/repaired because he's also a tightwad and having to pay someone to do work will be a battle! My main criteria for the house is that it MUST be updated. I know new things can still croak, but if we can lessen our chances, then so be it.

I'm currently driving a 98 Nissan Maxima with over 154k miles and he talked about getting me a new car but I told him we should just take it in for a good tune up and save the money for the house...i.e. new living room furniture.

Congrats on making the decision to buy a home! Yes, it is a lot of work, but totally worth it. Best of luck finding the place of your dreams!

Thank you! We have narrowed how much we want to spend and where we want to look, so now we begin the actual touring of homes. I'm hoping when we find "the one" we will just know...is that too much to ask??

 

[Funfire240]

I try to contain the Disney talk because DBF keeps saying I'm brainwashing the girls. DD5 talks about all the things she remembers from our trip last year (although part of me sometimes thinks she "remembers" because she is always watching YouTube or the planning video. )

DBF isn't very handy which is why I get nervous about things having to get fixed/repaired because he's also a tightwad and having to pay someone to do work will be a battle! My main criteria for the house is that it MUST be updated. I know new things can still croak, but if we can lessen our chances, then so be it.

I'm currently driving a 98 Nissan Maxima with over 154k miles and he talked about getting me a new car but I told him we should just take it in for a good tune up and save the money for the house...i.e. new living room furniture.

Not sure how old she was on her last trip but don't underestimate what she remembers. DD was 3 1/2 on her first trip which was 1 1/2 years ago and every so often she comes up with something that we forgot about or that we haven't talked about so it surprises me!

My car is a 2004 Envoy with 145,000 miles and DH's truck is 2001 with 240,000 so we figure it's time to put the truck to rest - he'll take over the Envoy probably until it dies and I'll get the new one. I'm just reluctant to going back to having a car payment - it's been so nice having them paid off..

 

[auprincess]

for new carpet! It sounds like next years trip is going to be amazing.


I solved my stroller dilemma. I was cleaning out the basement storage room and found our Combi flare. I bought it when DS was little and put it down there when DD was born and we switched to a double and then completely forgot about it (we're not going to talk about the fact that I had so many strollers I actually forgot I owned one ) It folds small and very light for the bus, storage basket, sunshade, tall enough for both kids and the front bar comes off so they can get in and out themselves. Everything I wanted and best of all, FREE.

LOL, sounds like something I would do! Glad it all worked out!

Even though it is 18 months away, I am getting super excited for my next trip. Everyone thinks that I am crazy! We will be at the happiest place on earth from 9/19-928. Not sure where we are staying yet. Have stayed at CBR twice and loved it. But want to try something different. Stayed at CSR last trip. My absolute favorite thing about CSR is that is perfectly located centrally to everything and bus rides were so short to everywhere we went. I wasn't in love with the rest of the hotel though... Thinking about staying at port orleans but afraid it seems almost remote after CSR. Also very tempted to stay at Wilderness lodge. Love everything about this place, except the idea of sharing transportation with other hotels... Advice on hotels would be great.

Looking forward to most on this trip: MNSSHP, new mine train coaster, mymagic plus enabling the princesses to greet my daughter by name, and the expansion of potter world!!!

Love, love, LOVE Wilderness Lodge! We went in January one year, and even during that slow time never actually shared a bus...but I know at times they do share. we also drive, so only used the bus a handful of times over the week. IMO, having to share a bus is definitely worth it to go Deluxe!

A good character breakfast IMO is Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House in AK- very good buffet

We ate at Tusker House (breakfast) on our last trip ~ we all loved it and it has become a must do for our next trip. It was also great to see Daisy, since she can be hard(er) to find in the parks.

We are going ahead with plans on buying a house. I'm REALLY hoping it doesn't interfere with my trip for next year. The money I'm saving for the trip is strictly for that purpose so we will be ok.

I'm excited and nervous about getting into a house as I keep hearing how much work it is, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't excited to have something of our own.

DBF is delusional as he thinks we can get into a place by end of summer! Inventory where we are looking is plentiful but it's the entire process that can take forever. However with DD5 starting kindergarten in September it would be ideal. I'm not getting my hopes up.

DD5 has been watching the vacation planning video almost every day and even DD2 has been sitting for longer periods watching it with her. I bought them piggy banks from the dollar store and they have been putting change into them daily. DD5 is excited to go to the bank and see how much she has saved. She knows when we "save a lot of money" we will be able to go back to Disney.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

I don't know...if you find a place with a buyer who is ready to move, I think you can defnitely be in by the end of summer! The past 3 houses we've bought we have been moved in within 1-2 montsh. Hope you find your dream house soon!

 

[middlesista]

A good character breakfast IMO is Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House in AK- very good buffet

Agree w/the Tusker House Breakfast - it was great and lots of fun!