The one with the crazy lady, all the outfits, and a cake. **Update 5/28**

[glorib]

So this is kind of a last-minute pre-trip report, I suppose, since the majority of the ones I see are months and months in advance. Well, I can be a bit of a procrastinator, and it just occurred to me that I'd maybe like to write one of these things, since I do enjoy reading others'. You'll have to bear with me, please, as it will be my first pre-trip report, and I guess I'll learn as I go...

I guess introductions should be first? We are a family of 4 - Myself (Lori), the husband (Matt), the boy (Caleb), and the girl (Ella).

We are all pretty big Disney fans, we even brought some Disney with us on our (non-Disney) Halloween cruise:

We have done Disney before. In fact, we've been to Disneyland when the kids were bitty, WDW twice + one day, and a Disney Cruise where we celebrated the boy's 10th birthday (that's where the one day comes in - we had a stop at Port Canaveral with WDW admission included in the cruise!)

We just love Disney vacations - our first WDW trip, Ella was 2 1/2 years old. She tripped and fell at Hollywood studios and busted her head open. She needed stitches. We were staying on-property, with no vehicle. They took such good care of us! They brought a van to take us to an urgent care clinic, picked us up, rescheduled our reservations, took us by a pharmacy to get a script filled, even sent Leo and June from Little Einsteins (the Play & Dine lunch reservation that we had to cancel due to her accident) over to first aid while we were waiting! I can't think of any other place that would accommodate us like Disney did! We've been sold on Disney ever since. Sure, we take other vacations, but Disney keeps calling...
Here's the girl and if you look closely, you'll see her super-glued head and busted up lip. She didn't let it stop her, though, and she does have a little bit of a scar even now, but we call it her "permanent souvenir."

Wow, this has gotten long, huh? I suppose I should get to the good stuff. But first, I do have to give just a little more backstory: We weren't going to go on a vacation this summer. We just took a cruise over Halloween and didn't think it was going to be in the budget. BUT I kept thinking about Ella's 10th birthday this June and how we celebrated Caleb's 10th on our Disney cruise, so it only seemed fair that we go Disney for the girl's 10th, too, right?

So, a lot of researching, a little finagling, and even more convincing, I finally got the husband on board. We're sacrificing some things (having to stay off-property - ack! And driving - double ack!) but we'll be back "home" in a mere 40 days!

The next couple of posts, I'll try and explain a bit more about the title.

 

[glorib]

OK, more details!
First more about us!
The husband: By day, he is an IT nerd at a local hospital. Night time, he is a tried-and-true family man. He's awesome with our kids, he's the family-appointed math-homework-checker, active part of our kids' swim team.

Favorite Character: Mickey Mouse (specifically Steamboat Willie)
Favorite Disney Movie: Tangled (animated) Pirates of the Caribbean (non-animated)
Favorite Ride: Test Track? I need to ask him.
​

The boy:

He is 12, in 6th grade, a competitive swimmer, a LEGO freak, techie nerd, brilliant kid.

Favorite Character: Hiro from Big Hero 6
Favorite Movie: Big Hero 6
Favorite Ride: Test Track - Although, last time we went, he wasn't tall enough for Rock'n Rollercoaster, so I think his favorite may change soon...
​

The girl:

Currently 9, will turn 10 on the trip! In 4th grade, also a competitive swimmer (yes, she wears a mustache (drawn in eyeliner) at every meet) total hilarious goofball, creative and artsy.

Favorite Character: Elsa from Frozen
Favorite Movie: She couldn't decide!
Favorite Ride: Expedition Everest or Test Track​

Me: Here's where the crazy lady comes in!
I'm a pediatric nurse by day, swim mom, obsessive vacation-planning, clothes-sewing, crazy crafter mom at night and on weekends! Here's also where "All the outfits" comes in. I sew Disney themed outfits for the kids to wear to the parks every day. Sometimes more than one outfit per day. Yes, I know. It was really bad when they were littler. I'm trying this thing called restraint this go-around. It's sort of working. But the custom craze - it's all thanks to a thread I found here on DIS waaaaaaaaaay back when: http://www.disboards.com/threads/kids-disney-boutique-customs-clothes.1342831/
And here's the newest thread, if you're so inclined: http://www.disboards.com/threads/disboutiquers-part-30-kids-disney-boutique-customs-clothes-psst-we-sew.3104234/page-112#post-53404567
So, I blame them on my custom clothes obsession. Yeah. Totally NOT my fault. See? Seriously, though, it's fun almost as much fun for me to plan and sew the clothes as it is for them to wear them, especially to see the character and cast member interaction!

I've already got most outfits, or "customs" as we call them planned and mostly sewed up, still a few to go - I promise I'll post pics as I go through here! And I've yet to get to the cake! I am also going to blame that on a DIS thread! It is dangerous to hang around on here, I tell ya!

OH! More important stuff!
Dates: May 31- June 8, staying off-site near DTD, doing 5 day Park Hoppers and 2 days at Universal

 

[jessica52877]

Yay! Love your kiddos, can't wait for more and see all the fun you guys have. I'm sad that we would have missed you, leaving the day you arrived but I killed that vacation anyways for a better one!

 

[PurpleEars]

I can't wait to read more about your trip!

 

[DMGeurts]

Eeep Lori!!!! I am here! I am so excited that you are writing this!

I didn't realize that both of our DH's are IT nerds at different hospitals... That's cool.

Super excited to see all of your outfits and fun stuff you are making - a girl after my own heart.

D~

 

[cogero]

Ok I am here. I need another report to read and maybe help me get mine started.

 

[tadamom]

Yay!!!!! Can't wait for the next installment!! Can't believe how far the Disboutiquers have come (I think Jessica and I showed up on the same day -page6or7- that seems forever ago).

 

[glorib]

Yeah, Jessica, I saw that you ditched us (not that we would have gotten to see you - I wish, though!) For California!

Dorine, I blame you for my obsession with chunky necklaces and headgear! I've got a few of each in the works for the girl.

See how nothing here is my fault?

 

[kadrachb]

My trip report is a little last minute too! I started mine about 22 days out. I can't wait hear more about your trip!

 

[glorib]

Sorry it's been a few days! We had an out of town swim meet and I was exhausted afterwards, and I didn't even swim!

Ready for the fun stuff? I'm talking clothes and cake here, people! (Finally!)

So, as I mentioned before, it is dangerous to hang out on the DISboards. It will lead you into all sorts of trouble! I'm not even sure how, but I stumbled upon this thread: http://www.disboards.com/threads/official-disney-cake-chatter-part-iv.3261922/

It got me to thinking that I needed to order a custom cake for the girl, since she will turn 10 on this trip. I mean, come on. Turning double digits at Disney is a big deal, right? Plus, cake. The girl and I (really the whole family) love our sweets.
Per the advice in that thread, I contacted the Contemporary through email and got everything all set up. I am crazy, super, beyond words excited about this, as it will be a surprise for her! We are having it delivered to our late lunch reservation at Whispering Canyon (her and the husband's choice, as his bday is right before we leave.) This is the cake photo I sent for inspiration for the pastry chef:

I asked for the same-ish bright colors, but I'm not too crazy about the purple, asked if they used purple, fr it to be a little lighter/brighter. And I asked for at least some of the circles and dots to be placed into "Hidden Mickeys." I'm thinking I need to email and see if I can add on some sparkle or shimmer dust or something... SO, there's the cake part!

Ready for clothes? First things first, the girl is no longer a little princess who I can dress up as I please. She insisted that she have a say in helping to design the outfits this time around. She wanted less ruffles and little girly, more tween and trendy-looking stuff. We have had a lot of fun designing together. And she informed me that she wanted chunky necklaces and fun headpieces to coordinate.

The boy, well, he's a 12 year old boy, and he really doesn't care one way or the other. His only input was that he wanted muscle-shirt type tank tops, not sleeved t-shirts. I tried to tell him I didn't think Disney allowed weapons (alluding to his biceps, or "guns") but he just rolled his eyes at me. I crack myself up. My kids rarely appreciate my humor.

Anyway, the girl knew she wanted a pirate-y outfit because we do have an appointment on her birthday for the Pirate's League makeover. She didn't want BBB this time around. Told you, she's no little princess anymore. She wanted a tank top and leggings, and I was actually able to use all fabric that I already had! The husband was impressed. I also made a necklace to go with this one. No headgear, as I figure she'll probably wear the pirate league thing for at least part of the day.

Outfit for the boy. Get used to this look. This is the only pattern I've used for him. Ask and you shall receive, child. Muscle shirt #1:

And there you have it. One each down, only 6 to go... Maybe more for the girl.

 

[DMGeurts]

Dorine, I blame you for my obsession with chunky necklaces and headgear! I've got a few of each in the works for the girl.

See how nothing here is my fault?

Hahaha... Me??? I've never heard that before...

Sorry it's been a few days! We had an out of town swim meet and I was exhausted afterwards, and I didn't even swim!

Ready for the fun stuff? I'm talking clothes and cake here, people! (Finally!)

So, as I mentioned before, it is dangerous to hang out on the DISboards. It will lead you into all sorts of trouble! I'm not even sure how, but I stumbled upon this thread: http://www.disboards.com/threads/official-disney-cake-chatter-part-iv.3261922/

It got me to thinking that I needed to order a custom cake for the girl, since she will turn 10 on this trip. I mean, come on. Turning double digits at Disney is a big deal, right? Plus, cake. The girl and I (really the whole family) love our sweets.
Per the advice in that thread, I contacted the Contemporary through email and got everything all set up. I am crazy, super, beyond words excited about this, as it will be a surprise for her! We are having it delivered to our late lunch reservation at Whispering Canyon (her and the husband's choice, as his bday is right before we leave.) This is the cake photo I sent for inspiration for the pastry chef:

I asked for the same-ish bright colors, but I'm not too crazy about the purple, asked if they used purple, fr it to be a little lighter/brighter. And I asked for at least some of the circles and dots to be placed into "Hidden Mickeys." I'm thinking I need to email and see if I can add on some sparkle or shimmer dust or something... SO, there's the cake part!

Ready for clothes? First things first, the girl is no longer a little princess who I can dress up as I please. She insisted that she have a say in helping to design the outfits this time around. She wanted less ruffles and little girly, more tween and trendy-looking stuff. We have had a lot of fun designing together. And she informed me that she wanted chunky necklaces and fun headpieces to coordinate.

The boy, well, he's a 12 year old boy, and he really doesn't care one way or the other. His only input was that he wanted muscle-shirt type tank tops, not sleeved t-shirts. I tried to tell him I didn't think Disney allowed weapons (alluding to his biceps, or "guns") but he just rolled his eyes at me. I crack myself up. My kids rarely appreciate my humor.

Anyway, the girl knew she wanted a pirate-y outfit because we do have an appointment on her birthday for the Pirate's League makeover. She didn't want BBB this time around. Told you, she's no little princess anymore. She wanted a tank top and leggings, and I was actually able to use all fabric that I already had! The husband was impressed. I also made a necklace to go with this one. No headgear, as I figure she'll probably wear the pirate league thing for at least part of the day.

Outfit for the boy. Get used to this look. This is the only pattern I've used for him. Ask and you shall receive, child. Muscle shirt #1:

And there you have it. One each down, only 6 to go... Maybe more for the girl.

The cake is awesome!! But the outfits!!! I seriously want that pirate outfit for myself!!! I think I could rock it! And I love the chunky bead necklace too! A girl after my own heart...

D~

 

[glorib]

Ack! I've been very neglectful - I keep meaning to post updates, but end-of-school-year craziness kept getting in the way. Programs and ceremonies and swim practices and meets. You know. But now school is out and we're down to only 2- yes TWO days until we leave! And believe it or not, I'm mostly packed and ready! Need to clean house, but posting here is a great way to procrastinate that awful task even further! So, I'm just going to bombard you all with lots of crazy posts!

1st up - more outfits!

Ella's Tinkerbell set - after the fact, I made a necklace and hairbow, but didn't get pictures.

And Caleb's Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom - Muscle Shirt #2

Oh yeah, did I mention the boy broke BOTH of his arms? Good times. Luckily, he was a speedy healer and just got the all-clear from ortho earlier this week! We were cutting it a little too close!

 

[glorib]

OK, more fun. How about a little Trip Report within a Pre-Trip Report?

We live in a suburb of Kansas City, so we are only about 2 hours from Walt's boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri. You know, that little town he based Main Street USA off of? Anyway, over spring break, we took a little day trip. Ella was doing a school project on famous Missourians, and she chose Walt Disney. With no promting from me, even! So proud!
We walked around Main Street for a bit, and then did a tour of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum. It was a really neat little museum. The tour guide, Inez, was fabulous. And she actually knew and had become friends with the Disney family. Walt and Roy came back to Marceline in 1965 and stayed in her home during their visit. She told us she was newly married and she and her husband had just built a new house, the only house in town with air-conditioning. Since the town's only hotel was under construction and renovations at the time, the city council asked she and her husband to host the Disneys. They nervously agreed, and then became good friends! I say nervously agreed, because she said they had spent all their money building their house, and didn't really have much in the way of furnishings. She said the whole town came together and either gave or loaned out furniture for them to use in their home while hosting such an important family. The whole town was just so excited to see the Disney boys come back, that everyone wanted to show them a good time and make them comfortable. I thought that was the neatest story.

Here's the original "Main Street USA"

A cute little collectibles shop on Main Street. (It's not actually Main Street anymore, but I can't remember what it is now...)

Cute street signs. Also, this shop (a former jeweler) was the inspiration for the Coca-Cola shop on Main Street. If you look in the window, you can see they kind of pay homage to that fact with a Coca-Cola sign.

Plaque outside the theater.

Walt's desk from elementary school. When he was back in town in 1965, he wanted to go to the school and find his desk. There was the cutest photo of him grinning ear to ear and pointing when he finally found it!

Engineer Mickey statue. The museum is in the old train station. Pretty fitting, since Walt loved trains.
We had a great day in Marceline. If anyone ever gets the chance, especially if you're into the history of Walt Disney, it's a must-do!

 

[glorib]

More clothes! I ended up with 8 total shirts for the boy and 9 outfits for the girl. For a 7 day trip. So the plan is to wear one outfit each Sunday night when we arrive and go to Downtown Disney to eat and shop, etc. Then maybe a mid-day costume change for the girl somewhere along the way one of the park days.

Universal sets:
Minions

I lost my willing participant in my male model, so you get hanger shots. And on the girl's minion dress, I added silver buttons at the straps to make the bodice more "overall-like" which is what I was intending, so it looks better now.

Harry Potter

This is probably one of my favorites for the boy, even though that slub knit cotton was a pain in the rear to embroider on!

I really love this one too. So hard to choose a favorite!

 

[Trjack]

I love the outfits! So much fun!

 

[glorib]

Tie-Dye! I tried my hand at the Mickey tie-dye shirts and did a set for all of us. Yes, we will be *THOSE* people one day. With the matchy-matchy shirts. The husband wasn't completely on board at first, but I made him one anyway and he's gonna suck it up and wear it.

And because he wanted a just red and black one, I made an extra for the boy:

 

[glorib]

Another of my favorites:

Imagine that little red hat on a headband. That will be her headwear.

Again, another favorite for the boy. Can't beat classic red and black. And the Partners statue.

 

[glorib]

The one where I hand-glued individual rhinestones on Minnie's bow. This was a Wal-Mart t-shirt that I upcycled and blinged out a bit.

Steamboat Willie for the boy:

And another for the girl, Villians this time, per her request:

If you look closely at her bow, it's a Maleficient-inspired feltie bow. Dragon wings and all.

 

[glorib]

OK, just a couple more! Sorry for the whirlwind parade of outfits. I should have done a better job updating. Oh well. I'm just glad to be done sewing and packing (mostly) and ready to be ON VACATION!!!!!

Goofy's Candy Co. For our DTD evening:

And last but not least, Ella's favorite: Duffy! This does have a white sailor hat headband with a red/white/blue bow, but again, it got made as an afterthought, so no photo.
For Epcot.

And, just for fun. I was trying to get a close-up of the necklace, but this goofball leaned her little face into my camera lens and I wound up with this.

I think that's it? Thanks for humoring me! Guess I should go clean now? Boo.

 

[ammag]

These outfits are AMAZING!!!! I am about to start working on a few for us but holy cow I wish I had your skills! Do you make your own appliqués? And do you sell them too?

The trip sounds amazing, a great start to year 10 for sure