The Pursuit of Disney Magic (June 7-14, 2008) ~ UPDATED 9/30 pg. 191

[Tinkerbellarella]

Note: The title comes from a song from The Muppet Movie. As Kermit and Fozzie are headed to Hollywood, they sing it.

I went into Target yesterday to return something and buy a new cheap-y pair of sunglasses and just one of the "unplanned" purchases was a cute khaki bag with Kermie on the front that says, "I Love Kermit".

I love me some Muppets. One of my favoritest, favoritest holiday shows is A Muppet Christmas Carol.

For the record, Walmart is a dangerous place (as is Target which I avoided).

See above-mentioned comment about the Kermit bag. For the record, I also walked out with a copy of Pirates 3, and two neat-o things for my scrapbook/cards/countdown calendar projects. Tarjay has the same effect on me as IKEA, Sephora, any place selling shoes and Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.

Tink's lotion says it is infused with pixie dust -- do you know how hard it is to find pixie dust in lotion???

I hear pixie dust does wonders for fine lines. LOL

I'm so excited for you. You are Disney-bound!!!

I was thinking to myself this morning how fun it would be if I could just up and leave on a "last-minute" vaca to the World. As much fun as the prepping is, I think just up and leaving would be a different kind of fun.

Alas, my vacation time is all reserved for other things (including Disney in the fall!). My checking account says no. Even my Tink-emblazoned Visa is saying nay. I suppose I will have to live vicariously through you.

 

[nts4wdw]

I am so excited for you! Your plan sounds just perfect. Just go down and relax and be together. You are well on your way to catching up with us for most trips in one year. 2004 (the year of Disney) We had four trips!!
Chuck feels the same way about Coronado springs. He lived in El Paso as a child and definitely doesn't like that style. But that pool could definitely win me over. I'd like to give it a try. And after all you are at WDW, you know it's gonna be great!!
I am so happy for you!!! Please take lots of pictures!!! Maybe you can win him over to Coronado Springs!!

 

[MRYPPNS]

In case I miss you before you leave;
have a safe drive, a wonderful stay and magical touring!

Have fun!

 

[BrittBritt]

Ok, I was getting a little worried for you after reading your concerns that you posted Sat. I see that you've come to your senses after reading today's post.

Just think of this trip as a bonus----which it is! Don't worry about crowds. Don't worry about how much you'll like the resort. Just enjoy being in Disney.

We never thought CSR would appeal to us, but we took the bus over to check it out on one of our trips, and we really did like it. It was HUGE! The pool area was gorgeous, and it was neat to see the three different sections of the resort. I think you all will like it more than you expect.

I am glad you decided to do breakfast on Tues. morning at Kona. Don't you think that will help make the day even more special? I've never eaten there, so you'll have to give a full report when you return. Don't forget the Tonga Toast!

I love Typhoon Lagoon! As for the weather, don't worry. It has been really nice here, and today was the perfect beach day. If you do have rain, it will be the typical 15 min. shower.

Have fun packing today. Hopefully we'll hear from you one more time, but if not, ENJOY!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

Have a great time.....

 

[Native NYer]

Note: The title comes from a song from The Muppet Movie. As Kermit and Fozzie are headed to Hollywood, they sing it.

We are now under the 24-hour mark for Expedition Disney on a Whim! Thought I would update on all the travel preparations going on at our house. Also, as an aside, the I-am-Completely-Excited side of me has won over the This-is-Completely-Foolhardy side of me.

Yesterday was the Getting Ready to Getting Ready Day. I cleaned the house, did laundry, filled up the car, and ran to Walmart. Charles and Chelsea went to get haircuts so they are now picture-worthy. Connor and I had haircuts recently so we are also ready for our close-ups.

For the record, Walmart is a dangerous place (as is Target which I avoided). I went to get laundry detergent and left with several other necessities. Tink hair clips and bath stuff (Brittbritt's pictures made these a must -- also, Tink's lotion says it is infused with pixie dust -- do you know how hard it is to find pixie dust in lotion??? ), a new bathing suit for Chelsea, a pink shirt for Chelsea, snacks for the road, and several other odds and ends.

I also made an ADR for Kona Cafe for Tuesday morning. I figured we could go eat breakfast and then pop over to the MK to pick up our tickets for the P&PP party via Monorail (Connor will be pleased). Tonga Toast, Kona coffee, and the monorail -- here we come!

The trip binder was proving to be a problem so I decided to just use the one that I have created for the June trip -- a lot of what is in there we will use on this trip so it just seemed easier to toss the new stuff into the front of the binder.

Last but not least, I pulled out suitcases and started getting things out of the trip drawers. An added plus to being an obsessive Disney planner is that I have been amassing things for months now -- I just have to pull it out and put it in the suitcases. That makes packing in a hurry a little bit easier.

Today's plans: Packing and getting the car ready. My dad is going to make sure it is trip-worthy (similar to making sure a ship is sea-worthy ), and I am going to take it to get washed (it needs to be all sparkly for its inaugural road trip).

I'm so excited for you!!!

I can't wait to hear all about the P&PP.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love me some Muppets. One of my favoritest, favoritest holiday shows is A Muppet Christmas Carol.

As a literature teacher/geek my favorite part of A Muppet Christmas Carol has to be where Gonzo explains to Rizzo the idea of an omniscient narrator. I die laughing everytime!

I adore the Muppets!!!

See above-mentioned comment about the Kermit bag. For the record, I also walked out with a copy of Pirates 3, and two neat-o things for my scrapbook/cards/countdown calendar projects. Tarjay has the same effect on me as IKEA, Sephora, any place selling shoes and Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.

But everyone should own a copy of Pirates 3!

I hear pixie dust does wonders for fine lines. LOL

I'm so excited for you. You are Disney-bound!!!

I was thinking to myself this morning how fun it would be if I could just up and leave on a "last-minute" vaca to the World. As much fun as the prepping is, I think just up and leaving would be a different kind of fun.

Alas, my vacation time is all reserved for other things (including Disney in the fall!). My checking account says no. Even my Tink-emblazoned Visa is saying nay. I suppose I will have to live vicariously through you.

I know!

We wouldn't be able to do this trip under normal circumstances -- but "found money" and us are quickly parted!

I am so excited for you! Your plan sounds just perfect. Just go down and relax and be together. You are well on your way to catching up with us for most trips in one year. 2004 (the year of Disney) We had four trips!!
Chuck feels the same way about Coronado springs. He lived in El Paso as a child and definitely doesn't like that style. But that pool could definitely win me over. I'd like to give it a try. And after all you are at WDW, you know it's gonna be great!!
I am so happy for you!!! Please take lots of pictures!!! Maybe you can win him over to Coronado Springs!!

Thank you! I will take lots and lots of pictures!

I think that is why Charles isn't keen on CSR -- some of his childhood was spent in Arizona, and I think that is what he thinks of when he sees the pictures of CSR. We're determined to have fun no matter what! And he is looking forward to the nachos!

Chelsea just came out and said, "I can't believe in 24 hours I will be somewhere in WDW." I feel the same way!

In case I miss you before you leave;
have a safe drive, a wonderful stay and magical touring!

Have fun!

Thank you! And thank you for all your help!

Ok, I was getting a little worried for you after reading your concerns that you posted Sat. I see that you've come to your senses after reading today's post.

Just think of this trip as a bonus----which it is! Don't worry about crowds. Don't worry about how much you'll like the resort. Just enjoy being in Disney.

We never thought CSR would appeal to us, but we took the bus over to check it out on one of our trips, and we really did like it. It was HUGE! The pool area was gorgeous, and it was neat to see the three different sections of the resort. I think you all will like it more than you expect.

Yes, I am in full-out excitement mode at this point!

The more I read about CSR the more I am looking forward to it. It's Disney so it has to be great, right?

I am glad you decided to do breakfast on Tues. morning at Kona. Don't you think that will help make the day even more special? I've never eaten there, so you'll have to give a full report when you return. Don't forget the Tonga Toast!

I can't wait to try the Tonga Toast!!! I was thinking about it while I made dinner tonight!!!

I love Typhoon Lagoon! As for the weather, don't worry. It has been really nice here, and today was the perfect beach day. If you do have rain, it will be the typical 15 min. shower.

That's so good to hear!

Have fun packing today. Hopefully we'll hear from you one more time, but if not, ENJOY!!!

Here I am! I am finished packing except for the stuff that has to wait until tomorrow morning! So, now I can DIS!

Have a great time.....

Thanks! We're planning on it!

I'm so excited for you!!!

I can't wait to hear all about the P&PP.

Thank you! I will try and remember EVERYTHING so I can report back with lots of fun stories!

 

[stagemomx3]

I'm here and catching up on your report. I'm only on page 8! Have a fabulous trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'm here and catching up on your report. I'm only on page 8! Have a fabulous trip!

Yeah, most of the beginning stuff is about our June trip, but Thursday night we decided to go to WDW for four days and go to P&PP. The only hotel available was CSR which we have never stayed at and know nothing about. I am such an obsessive planner that I am not used to winging it like this! We leave tomorrow and are staying for three nights.

You made my night when you said CSR has real coffee -- you don't know how excited I am about that!

 

[stagemomx3]

Ok here's my scoop on CSR and Pirates and Princesses-

CSR:
Water view- don't expect to actually see "water" out your window. We were facing a quiet pool, but couldn't actually see. That was ok though we were close to bus stop 4.

Pepper Market- Can be very confusing, but the food is really, really good. So is the food at the CS by the pool.

Bummer about the slide, but the pool will still be fun!

We loved Typhoon Lagoon.

We also love the Pirates and Princesses Party. The parade and fireworks are worth the price of the tickets.

I'm sure your "bonus" trip will be wonderful!

 

[DWGal210]

Have a great time!! We want to hear all about it when you return. It sounds like a very nice, relaxing time. Safe travels!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ok here's my scoop on CSR and Pirates and Princesses-

CSR:
Water view- don't expect to actually see "water" out your window. We were facing a quiet pool, but couldn't actually see. That was ok though we were close to bus stop 4.

Water view was the only thing available -- otherwise I would have booked standard. I am really hoping that we are centrally located near the Pepper Market and the Dig Site, but since it appears to be fully booked, there is no telling where we will end up.

Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Pepper Market- Can be very confusing, but the food is really, really good. So is the food at the CS by the pool.

Good to hear!

Bummer about the slide, but the pool will still be fun!

The kids, especially Connor, are really excited about the pool!

We loved Typhoon Lagoon.

Hooray!

We also love the Pirates and Princesses Party. The parade and fireworks are worth the price of the tickets.

We are sooo excited about it! Of course, it is the reason why we are going!

I'm sure your "bonus" trip will be wonderful!

Thanks so much for all your input! I soooooo appreciate it!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Have a great time!! We want to hear all about it when you return. It sounds like a very nice, relaxing time. Safe travels!!

Thank you! I shall be full of stories when I return.

I don't know how I will ever sleep tonight! I am a tad bit wired from excitement!

 

[lori1043]

I am not sure who or what to blame. There is a long list of possible suspects:

1. I am sick. I fear it is the flu, but hopefully it is just a cold (especially given the recent turn of events). Being sick, I have a whole lot of cold medicine in my body, my immune system is worn down, and I am not thinking straight.

2. I stayed home from work today thus providing me with too much time on my hands to think. Always a dangerous thing.

3. Lori1043 posted a bunch of great pics and video from the Pirate and Princess Party. It made me want to go.

4. Tinkerbellerella mentioned in response to my comment about last requests to DH, that my last request should be a trip to WDW. I laughingly replied with what an imaginary comment to DH would sound like, "If you loved me you would take me to the Pirate and Princess Party, buy me a Dole Whip, and let me ride POTC one last time."

5. DH got his coaching stipend today, and it was more than we originally thought it would be.

6. When I wasn't on the DIS boards or sleeping, I was reading Peter and the Secret of Rundoon (the third in the Peter and the Starcatchers series about Peter Pan). It is chockful of pirates, Tinkerbell, and pixie dust.

As you can see there are many suspects for what happened next. I think I blame DH most of all, though.

Charles and I were sitting down after dinner and talking about what we should do with his coaching stipend. I jokingly said, "We could just use it to go to WDW for a couple of days over spring break -- stay a couple of nights and go to the P&PP." I was joking, I promise -- just trying to be funny in my sick state. Charles said..."Okay."



Now, this is a man who professes to not like Disney all that much. Really. That's what he says. All the time. He says he goes because he knows how much the kids and I like it. Here's what I say to that now: PPFFTTTPPP!!! WHATEVER! I now believe it is a great big act on his part, and that he secretly likes Disney as much as the rest of us. In fact, he insisted on three nights when I would have been happy with two.

I tried to be smart and not fall into the "Let's go to Disney trap." Really, I did. I tried really hard. But offering me a trip to Disney (even for three nights) is like offering a drug addict his candy of choice. It's not easy to say no. In fact, I found it impossible to say no. Even after finding out all the value resorts were booked! Even after finding out all the moderates except Coronado Springs were booked! Even then I was still trying to resist the tug and pull of pirates and princesses and jewels and fireworks and Dole Whips. I did, I really did try.

We are booked for three nights in a water view room at the Coronado Springs.
We have purchased our tickets for the Pirate and Princess Party. They will be waiting at Will Call.
We have pulled out our bathing suits for a trip to Typhoon Lagoon.
I am stressing because I have no binder, no tips for P&PP, and no matching t-shirts. I don't even have a LGMH tag made.
The kids are beyond excited -- Chelsea is already plotting to buy a pair of pirate princess Mickey ears.
I feel like Alice or maybe the Cheshire Cat, "We're all mad here."

We leave in four days. I am still sick!

Okay, CP, I am soooooo happy to have been of service!!!! I have never been on a list of people to BLAME for booking a trip to Disney. I think this is the most flattered I have ever been, ever . I was reading your first few links from page 1 (and want to get through them all but it may take a month!!) and me and you, we sound VERY much alike. Except the mom and the DH's love of soccer. My mom wasn't obsessed with WDW, but she DID start my obsession with it. My DH sounds like yours except he likes NASCAR and football.

You could be my twin and our DD10's sound VERY much alike also, except for the soccer thing too!!! AG, Disney, etc... DD8 also loves Disney and AG too. I have 2 partners in crime.

Oh, and I have a Dodge Grand Caravan too, but not the new hyped up, "kids eating ice cream at the table " sort-although my kids THINK we should get that one. Mine is a 2001 silver sport edition. We have brought it to WDW twice (2008, 2005)as the first time-someone named Pinkie Mae ran into me the WEEK before our 2003 trip.

I wanna go back In September but don't think my checkbook will say yes!! It is saying, "you have the DCL trip to pay for NEXT DECEMBER " and i say, "but we can go for about $1100!! if free dining is offered!!" and it says, "hold out for the DCL trip, Lori, hold out. It is okay, you will make it 20 months w/out doing Disney." Bummer. Why does the checkbook have to win?

Owell, I guess i should just feel blessed to have gone the times we have .

Glad i could be of service to you!! Have fun!!

Lori

 

[winkers]

How did I miss that you have a bonus trip?? where have I been??? I'm so excited for you. Have a great time!

 

[scottny]

I think I missed seeing you off so I hope u all have a magical time.

 

[BrittBritt]

Ok, so I think I led you wrong. I told you not to worry about the weather.
Whoops!
It's been absolutely POURING all morning! In fact, they are holding the bells this morning since the weather is so horrid. woohoo: more planning for me!)
I can only hope you're dry in Disney, and the Disney magic also applies to the weather!

 

[nts4wdw]

Can I be the first??!!!

Welcome Home!!!

We know you didn't want to come back, only two more months to go!!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Can I be the first??!!!

Welcome Home!!!

We know you didn't want to come back, only two more months to go!!!

You can be first, but I totally want to be second! Welcome back!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Just wanted to pop in and say, "We're Back!" Thanks for all the comments and welcome homes! I am totally going to respond to them all once it finally sinks in that we are home and no longer at Disney . I still have that, "I feel like I have been driving for HOURS!" feeling!

Oh, and just to let everyone know, we had a great time! Will definitely be posting a mini-TR in the next few days -- including such wonders as the reaction of my family to me photographing our food at Kona Cafe, the P&PP in the rain, and the sandy fun of Typhoon Lagoon.