The *Official* February 2011 Thread - Happy Dance Time...The Park Hours Are Out!

[lamb616]

re: planning the rides, does anyone use the Touring Plans itineraries? I heard they were good. Does TGM also have itineraries? I have a membership but haven't looked into it yet.

 

[lamb616]

I can't wait 'til my ticker gets down to under 5 mos. It will seem so much closer then, lol.

 

[PoppyGirl]

re: planning the rides, does anyone use the Touring Plans itineraries? I heard they were good. Does TGM also have itineraries? I have a membership but haven't looked into it yet.

Have you ever used RideMax? I've used it on several trips and LOVED it. Just google it if you haven't looked at it.

 

[MamaJessie]

I really don't know anything about touring plans at all.

 

[lamb616]

no, never heard of Ride Max. I'll have to check it out.

 

[lilandvisma]

Sorry for not updating the list yesterday...DD#2 and I spent half the day in the hospital/doctors office. Her eardrum ultimately has a hole in it and unfortunately it doesn't seem to be healing. Sooo...they cultured it and switched her meds and gave her something for her pain. I'm praying this works. Doc said 1 in 1000 never heal! She goes to the ENT this coming week as well...poor baby, she never really even complains. On a brighter note-- Heads up for anyone with young children, Advil has a new blue raspberry flavor that got the seal of approval from DD

I guess I can still, we are under 5 months over here !!! Hoping to get things updated tonight if all goes well here. Hope you all are having a nice weekend. Nothing planned here except just to prepare for school for DD#1 on Tuesday! It's finally cooled down over here and the weather is LOVELY. I'm totally ready for fall.

 

[MamaJessie]

Sorry for not updating the list yesterday...DD#2 and I spent half the day in the hospital/doctors office. Her eardrum ultimately has a hole in it and unfortunately it doesn't seem to be healing. Sooo...they cultured it and switched her meds and gave her something for her pain. I'm praying this works. Doc said 1 in 1000 never heal! She goes to the ENT this coming week as well...poor baby, she never really even complains. On a brighter note-- Heads up for anyone with young children, Advil has a new blue raspberry flavor that got the seal of approval from DD

I guess I can still, we are under 5 months over here !!! Hoping to get things updated tonight if all goes well here. Hope you all are having a nice weekend. Nothing planned here except just to prepare for school for DD#1 on Tuesday! It's finally cooled down over here and the weather is LOVELY. I'm totally ready for fall.

Oh my gosh, that just sounds so painful. At least she has Mickey to look forward to

I hate to jinx it but last time in Feb was so quiet, I don't plan on using any touring plans or ride max.

 

[o2bnoz]

Oh my! Be prepared for a long post... I haven't been on in many days and I have a lot of catching up to do! Bear with me...

First and foremost... GINA!!! Oh my gosh! I never gave it a thought about posting the crowd levels! I'm really upset with myself that it didn't cross my mind as I am certainly in agreement that the websites deserve to be making a profit for the work that they do! Lesson learned, and my apologies to you and to everyone!

Also, when do you think we'll find out about the Dessert party and whether it will be available in Feb? I am thinking of this for my Mom, in particular. She is "gluten free", though, and I'm wondering if Disney would accommodate. Silly question.. they always do!

And, I joined the fb group but I don't think I saw it when I went on the last time. I need to figure that out.

Shunasee - I hope your son had a great time! Is he home yet? I would have been nervous, too, but what an opportunity for him! Hard to see kids spreading their wings, isn't it?

And I'm completely with your DH on the 3 days of Epcot! I adore Epcot!! We will be giving AK another chance this time around because we didn't even do the safari last time. My son was tired that day, and it was hot and blah blah blah.... so this time, we will start with Breakfastasaurus and go straight to the safari. I think we'll try to do a couple of the shows (Nemo in particular) and then call it a day. WCC for dinner that night. I'm hoping it will be a good day.

Mandy! Your poor little Violette! You say that she doesn't complain much... is she in pain, or is the pain part gone? I know that earaches are horrendous, but I've heard that once the eardrum perforates, the pain is more tolerable (as if there is any tolerable pain for a 3 year old!!!). I hope she's doing better. Thanks for the blue raspberry advil tip, too!

I am so ready for Fall, as well! It is really cool out today and it just makes me feel good! It's been unbearable this summer. We went to the fair the other day and just about roasted and it wasn't even in the 90's like most of the summer! Can't WAIT for sweatshirt weather!!!!!!

MamaJessie - What movie did you decide on? My son LOVED Fantasia when he was 3, but he was a bit unusual. He would tell people that his favorite song was Beethoven's 5th and his second favorite was another one from the movie (can't remember the name right now.. I hate when I do that!). He was afraid of the Sorcerer's Apprentice sequence, but not the "Hell" sequence at the end... never could understand that! I hope he won't be afraid of Fantasmic at age 6!

Lamb - I like the idea of dropping the park hoppers. I really don't know if we'll use them either. Do you know how it works when you go to upgrade? Do you just pay right there? Sounds like a really good idea to me!

Ron Nelson - Oh my gosh... so JEALOUS of your trip plan!!! That sounds perfect to me! I can't wait to read your trip report... you will do one for us, won't you???

Marlynmik (Lynne) - Share with us which CS spots you're choosing, and why.. (if you don't mind...). I'm going to be making those decisions soon and would like input. Thanks! Also, the Baggallini bag.. which one have you heard good things about? There are lots available on Ebay. Also, the AAA office very near my house has them. If you can't find what you want, I'm sure I can pick it up for you and ship it. The shipping could be slow (we have until February!!) and cheap. Let me know!

PoppyGirl - Thanks for the RideMax info! I have never heard of it! Love to find out about new sites and tips


As for me, I was able to start making my ADR's at the beginning of the week. So far I've gotten what I want with no problem. I'm still debating whether to do the Fantasmic package with H&V or Brown Derby, or skip the package and go with Primetime and wait in the lines for Fantasmic. Such a tough decision, and I don't seem to be good with decisions the last few days. Any thoughts?

This has been a strange week. I'm on vacation since my son is off school and maybe it's because I"ve had more time to think, or more time with my husband... but I was really considering cancelling our trip. Money reasons and pulling my son out of school for a week being the main culprits. I've been so depressed about all of it. But this morning I got up and thought "just do it!" and I'm back in an excited mood about it. I figure that I will hold off on flights and buying the park tickets for another couple of months (flights are probably better off as it gets closer anyway since I'm finally seeing some good deals coming in for travel in the next month). I hope I'm doing the right thing. I really hate that money has to be such a hassle!!! I work so hard... and I can't even enjoy planning a vacation!!!

Anyway.... I'm putting my Disney hat back on and saying "to $#&@" with the "what ifs!".

Hope you're all having a great day!

Dee

 

[npierce25]

feb 5-13 AKL!!!! Our 1st trip!!!!!

 

[Shunasee]

Happy Saturday!!

Lilandvisma - so sorry about DD. hopefully she will be better soon!!

O2bonz - DS comes home on Monday. I get texts everyday that he is alive and having fun. I just hope he does not come home and states he wants to move to Seattle. (nothing against Seattle, but he is my baby and I cant imagine him moving out of state) We are doing the Fantasmic Package on 2/17, but for lunch at Mama Melroses. I was tempted to do Brown Derby, but i keep reading the food has kinda gone downhill.


Mellow day around here. We were up at 5:30 and at the DLR by 6:15. We (DH/Mom/I), did the Disneyland 5K this morning. My goal was to just finish, and we did it in 52 minutes. Considering we didnt train at all, not to shabby. I am hoping to be fit enough next year to do the 1/2 Marathon. Big excitement tomorrow, we are going to Octoberfest to race out little doxie, should be tons of fun.



On to WDW stuff.

Changed our TS again, for the last time. We are no longer having dinner at Tuskerhouse on 2/16. We are doing the breakfast buffet at Ohana. I wanted to clear on night, just in case they announce the Wishes Dessert Party.


Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend and nice Labor Day!

 

[Shunasee]

feb 5-13 AKL!!!! Our 1st trip!!!!!

Congrats!!

AKL is stunning.. I am kinda jealous.

 

[npierce25]

thanks! with the deals that they released, we were able to upgrade to conserige for like 150 more for the whole trip... considering we started with a standard view... im not complaning!!!!!

last year we booked for april and had to cancel.... at the time everyone said "it happened for a reason, you just need to be patient"

i didnt want to hear it then, but im so happy now!!!!

 

[lamb616]

Lamb - I like the idea of dropping the park hoppers. I really don't know if we'll use them either. Do you know how it works when you go to upgrade? Do you just pay right there? Sounds like a really good idea to me!

You can add the hopper at guest services desk -- at any park or resort. It saved us over $200 and I don't have any hopping days planned in my itinerary. I was getting it *just in case* a park was super busy and we wanted to change parks, but that was when we had money, lol. Now we have to scrimp and save to make it work.

but I was really considering cancelling our trip. Money reasons and pulling my son out of school for a week being the main culprits. I've been so depressed about all of it. But this morning I got up and thought "just do it!" and I'm back in an excited mood about it. I figure that I will hold off on flights and buying the park tickets for another couple of months (flights are probably better off as it gets closer anyway since I'm finally seeing some good deals coming in for travel in the next month). I hope I'm doing the right thing. I really hate that money has to be such a hassle!!! I work so hard... and I can't even enjoy planning a vacation!!!

we're in the exact same boat. I think I posted about my DH's career change and how he's taking a 50% pay cut. As it stands right now, I can't imagine how we're going to pay for this trip but I am filling out apps this week for another part time job (I work PT now during the day. I'm going to look for something a few nights a week/weekends since DH will be getting home @ 3:00 now. Hopefully he will be able to find something PT also so he can work on the nights I'm not working) and every minute that I'm sitting my butt on the computer I'm doing as many GPT sites I can. Every penny counts. I struggle with depression enough this time of year (SAD). The thought of cancelling our trip nearly sends me into a full fledged panic attack. If I didn't have this trip to focus on, I don't think I could handle the depression of our financial issues.

 

[Marlynmik]

Dee, that's so sweet of you to offer to ship I'm referring to the messenger sling bag:

I am visiting my sister out of town this weekend so I get to venture to some new shopping locations, hopefully I'll find it. I've been told that our local CAA agency (like your AAA) has them as well so i will drop by for a look.

My list of CS choices is at work, so I'll update on Tuesday

 

[Gina]

First and foremost... GINA!!! Oh my gosh! I never gave it a thought about posting the crowd levels! I'm really upset with myself that it didn't cross my mind as I am certainly in agreement that the websites deserve to be making a profit for the work that they do! Lesson learned, and my apologies to you and to everyone!

Also, when do you think we'll find out about the Dessert party and whether it will be available in Feb? I am thinking of this for my Mom, in particular. She is "gluten free", though, and I'm wondering if Disney would accommodate. Silly question.. they always do!

And, I joined the fb group but I don't think I saw it when I went on the last time. I need to figure that out.

Oh Dee, it's no big deal, really!! I just didn't want you to get "DIS demerits" over it!

I don't know when they might decide to extend it into 2011... I'm hoping sooner rather than later, but I bet it won't be until close to the end of the year/beginning of the new year. I can't wait to do it again!

The FB thing: When you log on, look on the far left at the column of items such as "news feed", "messages", etc. "Groups" should be there too, but you might need to hit the "more" link to see it. That should take you right to all the groups you're a member of.

I am so ready for Fall, as well! It is really cool out today and it just makes me feel good! It's been unbearable this summer. We went to the fair the other day and just about roasted and it wasn't even in the 90's like most of the summer! Can't WAIT for sweatshirt weather!!!!!!

I so love where I live, but man I get jealous of all you folks who get to actually experience Fall... It'll stay blistering hot here until about November-ish, when we get a "blue norther" and it'll literally drop 30+ degrees in under an hour. And that's Fall, lol. Then it'll ping pong everywhere between the 90's and the 40's for a good month, just to make sure everyone has had pneumonia. BUT, we get our turn to rub it in when people are snowed in everywhere and we're outside grilling in shorts on Christmas Day.

Also, the Baggallini bag.. which one have you heard good things about? There are lots available on Ebay.

I'm glad brought up the bag thing, because I keep wanting to ask and keep forgetting. (What else is new?? lol) I usually carry a small backpack in the parks, but would like to try something new. Since it is usually a pain to put it on and take it off, I would just throw it over one shoulder -- and then be popping Tylenol for a week after a few days of that.

I really like both the Piazza Day Bag and the Overland Donner Bag, but can't decide if a cross-over bag would annoy me even more. I'm not exactly *cough* an a-cup... and I'm afraid that strap would just drive me nuts. But I love all the pockets and places to put things! Try as I might to cut back, I always end up with a ton of stuff to carry around.

I do like the Bagallini Downtown Bagg too, but it's more expensive. I do like on that one, though, how you can zip and unzip the strap(s) to make it a sling bag or a backpack... But I'm just thinking that a cross-over would be so much easier to deal with. I dunno... I confuse myself the more I research!!


This has been a strange week. I'm on vacation since my son is off school and maybe it's because I"ve had more time to think, or more time with my husband... but I was really considering cancelling our trip. Money reasons and pulling my son out of school for a week being the main culprits.

(*snip*)

I really hate that money has to be such a hassle!!! I work so hard... and I can't even enjoy planning a vacation!!!

Anyway.... I'm putting my Disney hat back on and saying "to $#&@" with the "what ifs!". [/quote]


It's sad that we have to fight ourselves to be allowed to have fun, isn't it? And we all do it -- at least everyone I've ever met. I thought I was going to have to cancel after having to drain the account to replace the condensing unit last month, but then decided I was just that much more determined. Luckily our favorite resort is a value, we only go in value season, the dining plan is free, and we don't go overboard on souvenirs when we go. I even thought about dropping the hopper option to save that $$, but realized for us it just wouldn't work. We hop a *lot* -- we might be done at one park and decide we want to ride something again at another park, so off we'll go. Then we'll often decide that we want "X" for dessert that can only be had at another park, or something like that. I tried to feel it out in my head, see if we could handle doing single parks in a day, but it honestly made me feel all penned-in when I thought about it. Since it's just the two of us, hoppers aren't a huge expense, so I'm just going to keep them because it works best for how DS and I like to do things.

As for the school thing, going to WDW is *great* motivation for your kids to do good in school, if you need an argument for yourself about pulling your son out for a week. My son knows that if his grades start slipping at all, band goes bye bye. And if they stay down, our trip gets canceled. I would never pull him out if he weren't doing well, especially now in high school. But he has gotten really good at time management and focusing, because he doesn't like crowds any more than I do and doesn't want to have to go at a crowded time. And I know that he won't remember what he did in any given week of school... but he sure remembers our trips together. School can do without him for a week.

Glad you didn't cancel, Dee!

 

[floridascgirl]

feb 5-13 AKL!!!! Our 1st trip!!!!!

You're gonna love it!!!:

We will be returning on Feb. 9-14 for our 3rd stay at AKL.

 

[divawife]

Feb. 11 through Feb. 17 at the Pop with FREE DINING!

 

[DiSnEyLvR76]

Feb 10th - 16th @ AKL!!! Valentines Day trip, cant wait!!!!

 

[HaleyB]

feb 5-13 AKL!!!! Our 1st trip!!!!!

We'll see you there! We are also at AKL Club level from the 5th to the 13th.
Planing on the Wanyama Safari on the 12th for a special way to end the trip. AKL is wonderful.

 

[chimo2u]

YAY My DS14 and myself will be at the POLY Club Level
February 5-10, 2011 then moving over to Portofino Bay at Universal Studios Feb 10-13 We are so excited!!!