The Peterson Family WDW Invasion 2009 PTR

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

LOL Dh and I both have to get to the DL center within the next couple of weeks...my lisence expired and I have to get a new pic and his wallet was stollen so he has to get a new one!!! Geezzzzzz! We need to get on the ball!!!!

 

[mariezp]

Hey D&D, since we may very well be heading to the airport at least 2 hours early for DS's pat down at security if his id does not arrive we may sure enough be able to say a quick hello at the airport..... and relay the Flat Tkers to their next host! I am really excited too and so ready to go! Your month is gonna fly by too.

LOVEMY3KIDDOS, I hope your new license doesn't take as long as they told us it might be!


Not too much to report that is new but I did want to say that I did sort through my Christmas gifts and get them ready to be wrapped AND I did almost finish putting Christmas lights up on the front of the house. That is a start at least on some of the things I need to get done before we leave! Hopefully tomorrow I can finish the lights and make even more progress. I have been sorting through my notes as well. I have been keeping the printer heated up printing out all the info I think we might need or find useful. I am trying to decide how in the word I am going to carry my Passporter, Official Guide to WDW and my Entertainment book. Gotta keep them handy for reference! Lord knows they won't fit in the suitcase! Looks like I will end up with a 50 pound carry on!

DD has been keeping me busy on a regular basis asking me to show her the countdown ticker and photos of the house we are staying in. Seems the excitement is starting to effect everyone in the house! 2 weeks left to go!!!!!

 

[mariezp]

Hallelujah!!!!!

My son's photo id card got here! That is one thing less to have to worry about!

Of course, now that I am down to 11 days there are going to be all kinds of things to start panicking about. Especially if very many days go like today... my kids somehow took it upon themselves to see just how many ways they could occupy my time. Between the 2 of them they managed to keep me busy all day with "Mom, will you look at this", "Mom, will you get me ....", "Mom, I need ....", "Mom, can you ...." A few more days like this one and I am going to really be pushing it to get everything done before we leave.

I received an e-mail from Disney so we could print off tickets for the December 3rd taping of the Christmas parade. I have no idea if anyone in my family will even want to participate but I thought I might as well go ahead, just in case. The info said that they will not be actually taping any floats that day which is a bummer cause that is really the part I would enjoy most. They will be filming the entertainment in front of the castle for our day. I am curious to see who it will be but am fairly sure that it will be no one that we would even know, much less care about spending 4 hours watching. Still.... a memorable way to spend our first day of our first trip... maybe. It would be nice if they announce who it is a little in advance.

We officially kicked off our Christmas season yesterday. Figured since we are leaving before Christmas and will be gone 2 weeks that it is only fair to start 2 weeks before Thanksgiving so we can get in the usual amount of movie viewing, eggnog chugging, and other seasonal this and thats. DD has also driving me batty begging me to get out her Christmas toys and books so I finally caved in just to save what little sanity I have left. Our first movie of the season was a new Disney movie, "Have Yourself a Goofy Little Christmas". Pretty sure it will never become a family favorite but Goofy stayed true to his name. For tonight's selection we watched "Shrek the Halls". Hardly fit to be a classic but there are parts that are not totally obnoxious that crack us up... truth be told, some of the obnoxious parts do too. Looks like we will be getting many of the B movies out of the way and save the good ones until right before Christmas when we get back from our trip.

I received another of my gift cards today which only leaves one more to get here before we leave. I also received a postcard from Disney Visa good for 50% off at Disney stores. I hope it is good for some of the ones at the park. Gonna take it just in case.

Tomorrow our mission is to deliver our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to the drop off point. Next week we have 2 packages to drop off for our sponsor kids. One goes to the Philippines and one to Columbia. It will be good to cross that off of my to-do-list. Also, bought my last Christmas gift so it looks like I should have all the gifts squared away.... with the exception of anything I might pick up at Disney. Now just to get it all wrapped........ 10 days when we get back..... knowing me, I will wait to get it done until we get back. DD is after me to decorate the house so I guess that is next on my agenda. Now if I can just make DD understand that I am scaling back on my usual decorating. I do not want to drag so much out only to have to put it all back up 2 weeks after we get back. Less is gonna be better this year!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I am thinking that tomorrow sounds like a good day to kick off our Christmas decorating! Stanly Steemer is coming in the morning to clean the livingroom/dining room rugs, so I will have a nice fresh spot waiting for flare!

 

[DL55]

Yea! DS has his picture ID.
You sound very organized. We are just now discussing what to get people for Christmas.

 

[mariezp]

So... MadilynnsMomma did you get started om that decorating? I am stalling or procrastinating, whichever you want to call it.

DL55, the thought of me being organized is somewhat of an oxymoron. In everyday life I am NOT organized at all but when it comes to vacation planning I am a organizing fool! Although, coordinating all this Christmas stuff is beginning to be rather taxing on my brain. Next year I have got to remember just how complicated it makes the holiday season!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Wow!!! All your presents are bought!!! Good for you! I have ONE!!! It is a pair of pants...not even a fun one!! I will be a busy girl when I get back from Disney!! I am going to tackle that decorating task this Friday!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I pulled out my two Christmas boxes and was very saddened, not as much "stuff" as I remembered. But then I remembered "free-cycle-ing" quite a bit of stuff last year. All the more reason to shop for more!!! But the stockings are up and the TV table is partially jazzed. So, it's started And, I am done with ALL (but one, that dang MIL) the Christmas shopping!!!!!!

 

[mariezp]

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I, like many, ate way too much but it's okay to do that a few times a year, right? My latest fortune cookie read "Be good to yourself. Dessert three times a week is OK" so I was just trying to adhere to the good advice I was given!

So, since I was last here......
LOVEMY3KIDDOS, I hope you have progressed on your shopping. One gift will never do! Maybe a little Black Friday shopping in your future? Hope your Friday decorating goes well. I think I am done with my decorating, at least until we get back and put up the tree. My bare minimum kinda kept going a little but it does look pretty and festive and is far less than the norm. I will still have all my wrapping to do when I get back and maybe toss a few decorations outside.

MadilynnsMomma, what a great idea! I could Freecycle at least half of mine and still have way too much! DH still insists on a live tree cause it reminds him of when we used to cut a fresh one and drag it all the way home from Colorado in our camping days. Unfortunately, live trees have puny limbs that do not support very heavy ornaments so of all I ever collected I can only hang up the lightweight ones unless I want them all drooping to the floor. Anyway, I am glad you have a good excuse to shop for more! You are ahead of me on the stockings but I have at least dug them out of storage.


Lordy, I cannot believe it is almost time to go! I am so ready and so excited! Things have been falling into place. My last gift certificate arrived. I called the post office and placed a hold on our mail while we are gone. I have gone over what needs to be done while we are gone with my friend who will be stopping by to feed the cats and checking in on the house. I got my grocery order placed yesterday. Got my hair colored one more time before out trip. Got the code for the lock box which will contain our key to the house we will be staying in. Best news of all is that DS's photo id arrived so he will not have to go through a pat down or interrogation at the airport! I still have a list a mile long of things I would like to get done but I doubt I manage to get it all done. Main thing I need to get done is start packing!
I am pretty sure from now on December is out of the question in the future! It is just to darn busy this time of the year to add additional things to do so I better enjoy it as much as I possibly can this year. Only 5 more days!!!!!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I agree that going this time of year is kind of bonkers! But, again - agreed, let's enjoy it to the fullest!!!

Shamus and I packed it ALL today!!! Everything but our carry on back packs! Come on Dec 6!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I agree that going this time of year is kind of bonkers! But, again - agreed, let's enjoy it to the fullest!!!

Shamus and I packed it ALL today!!! Everything but our carry on back packs! Come on Dec 6!!!

You're all packed and don't leave til the 6th? Can you come pack for me? I'm on the South Shore and I leave on Monday.

What kind of weather did you pack for? I'm packing a little bit of everything. A couple of pairs of shorts, jeans, short sleeve T's, long sleeve T's, fleece, hats, mittens....

I've still got a ton to do. I am taking just my oldest DD and I promised my youngest we'd get the Christmas tree up before I went away.

 

[mariezp]

Oh man! MadilynnsMomma I am so jealous. I tried to pack today, honest! And I really did get some thrown into the suitcase but I did not even come close to getting it all packed. I did sort through some stuff and take out things that pertained specifically to Disneyland. And I got most of DD's clothes together. I am going to make a serious effort tomorrow.

I did get my checkbook balanced today and got the bills all paid up. I double checked on our CP ressie to make sure it was all set. And I did go over the airline's baggage guidelines. I know times are rough but what the heck happened to the days of free luggage?

Aside from that I have been still going through notes, rearranging and editing to print it all out. Hope I get it in some semblance of order in time! Guess as long as I have my days and ADR info I will be okay.

I am hoping they announce who will be the performers for the Christmas parade taping before we leave. I doubt I would sit 4 hours to see Miley Cyrus but I sure would if Celine Dion happened to be there. Not sure I could convince the guys to sit that long for either one.



lovesdumbo , it sounds like you better get busy! Of course, if you get your tree up you are going to be ahead of me!

 

[Canyon girl]

Marie,

We are heading out tomorrow (Sat.) morning and heading toward the airport. We fly out Sunday morning. Don't forget to hold the newspaper, too, if you get it. It is funny to hear about the taping for the parade and performances. In 1992 when I lived in Orlando, they did the taping for a performance (4th of July, I think...not sure, I've slept since then) after park closing. I don't remember how I heard about it, but we didn't sign up for it. It was first come, first in. My roommate and I ditched class to see Martina McBride and Billy Ray Cyrus from about midnight until 4am. I really enjoyed listening to Martina McBride. What a voice! It was quite interesting, but I don't think that I would do it again. BTW, DH says you jinxed yourself and that you will probably have Miley for 4 hours! Hopefully, we will cross paths at MK on Thursday if that is still in your schedule. We are hoping to hit RD for EMH and DD has a BBB at 1130, so if you are by the castle, stop by and say hi! Have a safe trip everyone!!!!

Naomi

 

[mariezp]

Canyon girl, have a wonderful and safe trip! Hope we run into each other! Will you be sporting your LGMH? I'll have mine! I hope your DH is wrong. I don't want to see Miley! I bet Martina was good. No matter who....4 hours is gonna be pretty long!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

You're all packed and don't leave til the 6th? Can you come pack for me? I'm on the South Shore and I leave on Monday.

What kind of weather did you pack for? I'm packing a little bit of everything. A couple of pairs of shorts, jeans, short sleeve T's, long sleeve T's, fleece, hats, mittens....

I've still got a ton to do. I am taking just my oldest DD and I promised my youngest we'd get the Christmas tree up before I went away.

Sure thing, I'll head up in the morning! We packed for "New England October." Couple pairs of jeans, couple capris, tees & long sleeve tees, sweatshirts/fleece. Packed the bathing suits, 'cause "when in Rome!"

Thanks for that reminder, I gotta through in the hats & mittens! Have a blast with your DD, where are you staying? How long?

Oh man! MadilynnsMomma I am so jealous. I tried to pack today, honest! And I really did get some thrown into the suitcase but I did not even come close to getting it all packed. I did sort through some stuff and take out things that pertained specifically to Disneyland. And I got most of DD's clothes together. I am going to make a serious effort tomorrow.

I did get my checkbook balanced today and got the bills all paid up. I double checked on our CP ressie to make sure it was all set. And I did go over the airline's baggage guidelines. I know times are rough but what the heck happened to the days of free luggage?

Aside from that I have been still going through notes, rearranging and editing to print it all out. Hope I get it in some semblance of order in time! Guess as long as I have my days and ADR info I will be okay.

I am hoping they announce who will be the performers for the Christmas parade taping before we leave. I doubt I would sit 4 hours to see Miley Cyrus but I sure would if Celine Dion happened to be there. Not sure I could convince the guys to sit that long for either one.

Oh I hate luggage rules now! To save money and sanity and space, I packed out mid sized rolling luggage inside of the large rolling luggage, that was we only pay for one bag going down and have an entire suit case at our disposal to fill with goodies! I know how you feel about the paper work - feeling liek a chicken with your head cut off much? I sure do!

Good luck to us all! We are SOOO close!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

lovesdumbo , it sounds like you better get busy! Of course, if you get your tree up you are going to be ahead of me!

Or lower my expectations.

I think I better work on packing today so I will feel less stressed about it. The weather report looks a lot better. Last week accuweather was showing 5 of my days with lows in the 40's. Now there are no days with temps in the 40s. And weather.com had 2 days with 60% chance of rain-now they have 1 day at 40%.

Sure thing, I'll head up in the morning! We packed for "New England October." Couple pairs of jeans, couple capris, tees & long sleeve tees, sweatshirts/fleece. Packed the bathing suits, 'cause "when in Rome!"

Thanks for that reminder, I gotta through in the hats & mittens! Have a blast with your DD, where are you staying? How long?



Oh I hate luggage rules now! To save money and sanity and space, I packed out mid sized rolling luggage inside of the large rolling luggage, that was we only pay for one bag going down and have an entire suit case at our disposal to fill with goodies! I know how you feel about the paper work - feeling liek a chicken with your head cut off much? I sure do!

Good luck to us all! We are SOOO close!!!

We are going with my friend and her DH. My friend got a pin for regular free DDP. We are staying at Pop for 7 nights. I've been there 5 times before and really enjoy it. We are flying Jet Blue so we each get 1 free checked bag.

I have to pack my swim suit-I'm sure DD will want to go swimming!

I have a 10am appointment for a hair cut then I'll come home and work on packing and the tree!!!!

 

[Canyon girl]

Canyon girl, have a wonderful and safe trip! Hope we run into each other! Will you be sporting your LGMH? I'll have mine! I hope your DH is wrong. I don't want to see Miley! I bet Martina was good. No matter who....4 hours is gonna be pretty long!

LGMH - Check! I am going to try to go bagless...OH MY!!! I will be wearing a travel vest/photography vest that I will carry everything in. I will try to have my LGMH either on my vest or on my camera. I might actually find a place to put the TGM button, too. The good side to WDW's taping during the day is that you might actually be able to wander off. During the night taping that I went to, there was nowhere to wander to. We were corralled in. I really hope you don't have Miley! Did you notice that she didn't sing during the Macy's parade? Maybe you'll get the Jonas brothers. After I get to check in for the plane online (10 am Mountain), we'll be on the road. The van is not only packed; it is loaded down in back. I don't like the luggage rules either! We are flying US Air which raised its luggage rates again this year. Fortunately, we got our tickets 2 days before the rates went up. Of course, we'll pay more next year when we go, but next year we will pack better. Since we are going for only 7 days, we decided to pack that many days worth of clothes and not do laundry. Next year, we will do laundry 1/2 way through, so we can pack lighter then. I'll be watching for LGMHs! Safe travels to all and to all a GREAT trip to the World!!!

Naomi

 

[CanuckDuck]

Hi Marie!

Just thought I'd jump in here - Canyon Girl (Naomi) is my DW, although I usually refer to her as the LOML She's on here a lot more than I am, as you can see by my post count...
She has done an INCREDIBLE job in planning and organizing our trip and we can't wait to get going - the kids have been bouncing off the walls for the last couple of weeks
I'll have my LGMH's on too!!

Don

 

[mariezp]

MadilynnsMomma, I am so puzzled at how much stuff I hear people can get packed into their suitcases! Maybe it is because I am a fluffy type woman and my clothes take up more space but there is no way I can pack a little something for ever possibility of weather for 2 weeks! On the other hand.... I do pack my DD's clothes in the same suitcase and her clothes are getting bigger too. Maybe it is time she graduated to her own suitcase. I have just been trying to keep it to a minimum as to how many items we have to lug through the airport. What the heck! What's one more item, right? I like the idea of bringing an empty suitcase. Still, how do all of you manage to keep under the weight limits?

As for weather and what to pack.... having never been to WDW I can't really speak for there but we have been to DL when it was 107 AND to the other extreme of needing coats and gloves. I think it is easier to pack for cooler weather and then just buy some t-shirts if it's too hot. The year it was so hot we had a gift shop at our hotel and I managed to pick up $5 California t-shirts.

lovesdumbo, I have heard of a lot of people who love POP. If we ever end up staying onsite I will certainly have to check it out since I hear more about it than anywhere else. Jetfree? free bags? May have to check into that next time too.

Canyon girl, I have gone bagless and loved it! I tried the travel vest but don't like things that fit close so it did not work for me. However, my DH takes one and absolutely loves it! Hope you enjoy yours. One year I relied solely on my pockets on my cargo pants but it is hard to find a pair I really like. Then I've tried a messenger bag.... more room but don't like carrying it across my body and don't feel safe with it just on my shoulder. That leaves the fanny packs. Really the handiest but again, I don't like it. This year I am trying a travel bag that should hang looser around my waist but looks more like a purse. We'll see how that goes. If all else fails it will be just me and my cargo pockets again! Whatever I end up with I will have my LGMH and the December button attached to me..... somewhere.
I would like to think that Disney tries to appeal to some other age groups besides just the teenie boppers. I'm a getting closer to being a golden oldie so I have never even heard a single thing that Miley or the Jonas Brothers have ever done!
We were lucky enough to get our tickets before luggage rates went up too but STILL! Me, I still have to do laundry. One of the down sides to going for 2 weeks..... but one of the only down sides! Ya'll be safe!

Howdy CanuckDuck! You are a real prince I bet! Absolutely the first I have ran across here on the Dis posting along side with his "LOML". So sweet! (He sounds like a keeper, Canyon Girl!) Sounds like you are going to get to reap the benefits of all of her planning. We also have a few of us bouncing off the walls around here. I will be looking for those LGMHs! Have a great trip!!!

 

[D&DDisney]

Maire - I expect to see you when I watch that parade on Christmas day! Make sure you get in view so I can say "There's Marie!"
I am so excited for you. Only 4 more days!!!!!!
Make sure you warm up that weather for the week I arrive. I am determined to wear shorts on my b-day.