The Super Planner dropped the ball---6/20 ADRS and November 2008 mini trip report

[disneylovinfamily]

My alarm went off promptly at 5:45 this morning. I popped up with visisons of Mickey bars still dancing in my head, brushed my teeth and went and logged onto the computer primed to make my first adr, Ohana breakfast. I went onto the Disney Dining Site and came to surf the DIS and converse with my fellow comrades in ADR making. I met and spoke with DAWN68PA who lives near me (it is so neat to meet people that are close to you. I am amused by the simple things, But I digress) All the while, I was switching over and checking to see if the dining system came up. After hitting refresh for the millionth time, 3 minutes before 6, the date came up. I put my ressie # and phone in and pulled up my DISNEY-made ressie and that is when my dancing banana was samshed to smithereens It would not bring up +10 days. After a few choice words and logging in and out and everything I could think of, I checked back on the DIS and found I was not alone! Many others were having the same issues, so there we sat in the same sinking NO ADR FOR US ship waiting for that fateful hour of 7:00 .

About 6:45, I woke up MIL (she stayed last night to watch the kids for me today) We split the hard to get ressies up and started calling at 5 of 7. Finally, I heard those magic welcome to disney dining words and started hitting 0 like a possessed person. MIL was using her cell and lost the call I got through and waited in que for less than 30 seconds to the slowest moving CM ever This was not my day! She took forever to confirm my info and the ressie info. MIL informed me that the hold time was already 30 minutes. I told her that I would just do them all. I actually did very well considering that my CM (although super nice) had obviously skipped her morning coffee this morning and was moving at a snail's pace. The only thing that caused a problem was that I needed a party of 9 for Le Cellier for dinner with Dale. I was not able to get dinner and had to settle for lunch. Off the phone at 7:13.

Well after I got off the phone, the LC ressie started to bother me. I checked the menu on All Ears and it only had 4 entree options for lunch. I decided to call back and see if I could get a party of 6 (Dale's window to call starts tomorrow and I knew he would be ok if I couldn't get it). On hold for 32 minutes and got a very friendly and coffee driven CM (LOVE THE COFFEE DRIVEN CMS!) but alas it was not to be.

I got off the phone feeling very defeated and reassesed my itinerary to see if I could try a different day. Well on 9/26 we had decided to drink and graze our way around the FWF I thought that if we got to FWF early we would still be hungry enough to eat dinner at LC. Back on hold for 24 minutes this time. Well I got through to a WONDERFUL, pixie dust filled CM (the only thing better than a Coffee driven Cm is a pixie dust filled one!) She was hopeful and I couldn't help but smile while she happily check availability. VICTORY!!!!!!! There was a ressie with my name on it for 6! I swear she was filled with the magic dust!

So without futher ado, here are our ressies!

9/18 No meal
9/19 Crystal Palace 5:40 (wanted 5:30)
9/20 Sci Fi 4:45 (wanted 5:00)
9/21 Ohana Breakfast 9:30 (wanted 9:30)
9/21 Boatwrights 6:40 (wanted 7:00)
9/22 Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show 5:15 Category 2
9/23 No sit-down meal
9/24 Cape May Cafe with Dale and fam 5:30 (wanted 5:30)
9/25 Yak and Yeti 4:30 (wnated 4:30)
9/26 Le Cellier 4:45 (wanted dinner on 9/23)
9/27 Chef Mickey's 5:30 (wanted 5:30)
9/28 Go Home


UP NEXT Memories of November 2009 trip

 

[disneylovinfamily]

So I will give you a peek into all of our previous trips. I decided to start with last years and work back since those photos are easier to access. This trip was so special because DH had been in Iraq for a year and we were in desperate need of a family vacation to celebrate his safe homecoming. We were originally booked for September with free dining and had the trip mostly paid for. DH called from Iraq and told us his homecoming date was getting pushed back. I had to call Disney and cancel the trip and dining ressies. I literally cried while I was on the phone doing that.. Then I got some pixie dust, free dining in November! DDs birthday was November 13th and Mark would be home and still be on paid leave! So I called and booked our family trip for Dds birthday. To make it more special, we decided to keep it a secret from DD. As an extra surprise Rara decided she was going to come because she couldn’t miss Roseanna’s birthday in Disney! Papa was not going to come because it would have been too much $ since they just went with SIL to celebrate her college graduation.

We kept Disney a secret until her party, a week before we left. We had an Alice in Wonderland tea party! DH and I got a card that you could record and so when she opened it it said surprise, we’re going to Disney World for your Birthday! She was so shocked, I almost thought she wasn’t excited. She was so quite! It was so cute to she her that overwhelmed. We still didn’t tell her that Rara was going (they are thick as thieves so that was a special treat for later) Here are some pics from her birthday party.

Well, we waited until the day we were leaving to tell Roseanna that Rara was coming with us. We stopped at their house because they were going to use their car for the trip (yes we drove!). Here is Rara telling Roseanna that she was coming with us

We made it to Disney in one day and were ready to get the Disney Party Started. We stayed at Pop. When we arrived the FWF was still going on so Epcot was our 1st stop of the trip! We met up with Dale and his wife Brianna to have a few drinks (yes they were there for that trip but no drink for Briana because she was preggers with baby #2) Roseanna got her face painted that day and loved it. We will be doing that again! Here are shots from that day.

[imghttp://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d835b3127ccec708103029cc00000050O38AcNmjZwzcNQe3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/[/img]

Day two was spent at Animal Kingdom. We met up with Dale again today. He was obsessed with Dino land and wining the stuffies. He won one for both Roseanna and Russell. Since this was Dale’s 1st trip, we introduced him to EE. He screamed like a little girl and was proud of it he said. We ate at Yak and Yeti and were upstairs, it was beautiful. We were lucky enough to be there during parade time so the kids got to watch the parade from up there. It was so cool! They also brought Roseanna a birthday cupcake out. Mark and Dale braved Kali and lost!

[imghttp://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d835b3127ccec708eb79696000000050O38AcNmjZwzcNQe3nwc/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/[/img]

 

[disneylovinfamily]

That night, we went to the Christmas Party. We had fun and Mark tried on Roseanna’s fuzzy cuffs which he looked very manly in. The kids were so tired and Russell didn’t make it through the night. He literally fell asleep eating a cookie and I had to pry open his mouth to take a piece out so he couldn’t choke on it. The castle looked great decorated in all the icicle lights.

Next day we hit the studios and had a character filled day! We went and hit the Buzz meet and greet line. I love the que! The themeing is so cool and lots of photo ops! Russ was in awe of his “hero” and not quite sure what to make of the real life version. Every time we saw a character, Russell was shy and then when we were leaving, he would wave and scream BYE! We went to meet Lightning McQueen or Kachow as he is known in our house. Russell was scared when he revved his engine. We attended Block Party Bash, which was very cool! Roseanna got picked to be a part of the party and so started the theme where she would get picked and then stand there helplessly lost! Russell feed Rara his dessert which he shoved straight down her throat.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

We headed back to the Animal Kingdom the next day. Roseanna got picked to play in a band and again, she just stood there so I tried to get her into it! I got to meet Daisy in her safari gear WOOHOO!

The big day finally arrived! Roseanna’s 6th birthday! We ate breakfast at Cape May Café. I love the characters in their beach wear! Roseanna got another cupcake!

We then headed over to magic kingdom where we met the Mayor of Main Street. They saw Happy Birthday to Roseanna and then I joined in a rendition of Zippity Do Da! We went on IASW and Roseanna was whipping around so fast to take pictures with her camera that I thought her head would fall off. She tried to take pictures of every scene!

I look horrible in this pic but it is the only one DH took

 

[disneylovinfamily]

We went to BBB to have Roseanna transformed into Cinderella. They sprinkled DH with Pixie Dust! She was so cute going down Main Street. She said to me that she hoped that someone would ask for her autograph! She did sign her brother’s book! We made our way to the monorail, where we go to ride upfront to the GF for our dinner at 1900 Park Fare with Cindy! Anastasia took a liking to DH and saying “Mom I want this one!” She danced with him too! I had a mini castle cake made for Roseanna and she loved it! After dinner we went an caught spectro, then back to the hotel where Roseanna passed out after a fun filled birthday! She got a card and balloons from Snow White in the room.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

The next morning, after much needed princess sleep, we headed to Epcot. We explored the countries and met characters. The beast danced with Roseanna. Dopey signed Russell’s autograph book “to sleepy from dopey” since he was passed out when we met them. Roseanna played hop scotch in England and had so much fun! I love to stop for the little things and want to do more of that on this trip.

On our last day at the parks, we made rope drop at MK! The conductor from the train came down and we were chatting with him. He gave Roseanna an honorary conductor card to use later in the day to be a guest conductor. In true Roseanna fashion, she (you guessed it!) she just stood there. We went to see the fairies, like a good mommy I stood in line waiting for rope drop there while everyone else rose some rides in fantasyland. We were able to see the fairies with less then a 15 minute wait! YEAH MOMMY! Then it was time to head home.

 

[penguinkimberly]

Sounds like you were able to get some wonderful ADR's, congrats on that! Your kids are just adorable, love their outfits.

 

[micandminforever]

I enjoyed all of last years pictures, and look forward to a new crop this year.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Sounds like you were able to get some wonderful ADR's, congrats on that! Your kids are just adorable, love their outfits.

Thanks a bunch! I am very happy that the ADRs process is over. i always sweat that. This morning, I had butterflys in my tummy and my palms were sweating. i am wierd, I know

I enjoyed all of last years pictures, and look forward to a new crop this year.

Thanks! Gotta keep the fans interested until the "real deal" trip report in September. I am going to keep going back in time with previous trips until we get to the one this year! They will all be brief overviews like this one. Unfortunatly, many memories I am sure have faded on early trips. That is why I like the idea of writing a TR so I will rememer all the cute thisngs my kids did and all the magical moments we all shared.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay for getting all of your ADRs even if you had to switch days on your Le Cellier!

Loved seeing all of your previous trip photos -- your DD is adorable!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Ok! I was just going to sign in read page one and come back later for the rest. I COULD NOT DO IT! I have just sat here and read the entire report. My kids keep calling me but they just had to wait (the older two; I only move w/o thought for my DSalmost 3).

First, your family is beautiful. Your children are gorgeous...
I love the matching outfits and how they match to the day of the adventure.
I wish I could sew like that...

The day spent with Thomas looked like soooo much fun; my little one would love something like that...he likes trains so much that he has converted all his 18 wheeler trucks into trains and we cannot say any different.

CONGRATULATIONS! on the adult only trip!! I understand how you feel about the resorts (value vs. others) we feel that way about the rooms also. Just not there long enough--although I plan to go back to the moderate next trip also.

Your ADR's came out great! Congrats on that! we have never done a food trip but we are thinking of doing that next go round.

Oh! and Roxanna's BBB day --she came out BEAUTIFUL!!! I have seen other dis's pics and their girls are beautiful but she really conveyed the beauty of a princess!!!

Looking forward to more of your PTR--since my trip in May I'm hooked on PTR's waiting my turn until it gets closer to next year. Like you I'm a SAHM but I don't have any talents to sell to find Disney money for and w/one child in college and one in HS money is really pay check to pay check. My little bit I get for watching two little girls is really for extras on a weekly basis. We plan an annual vacation based on tax returns (we have more taken out of DH's check --I know not the best way to save money but it works for us) and this year will be our first w/only one child credit.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Yeay for getting all of your ADRs even if you had to switch days on your Le Cellier!

Loved seeing all of your previous trip photos -- your DD is adorable!

Thanks jackie! You are such a sweeti!

Ok! I was just going to sign in read page one and come back later for the rest. I COULD NOT DO IT! I have just sat here and read the entire report. My kids keep calling me but they just had to wait (the older two; I only move w/o thought for my DSalmost 3).

First, your family is beautiful. Your children are gorgeous...
I love the matching outfits and how they match to the day of the adventure.
I wish I could sew like that...

The day spent with Thomas looked like soooo much fun; my little one would love something like that...he likes trains so much that he has converted all his 18 wheeler trucks into trains and we cannot say any different.

CONGRATULATIONS! on the adult only trip!! I understand how you feel about the resorts (value vs. others) we feel that way about the rooms also. Just not there long enough--although I plan to go back to the moderate next trip also.

Your ADR's came out great! Congrats on that! we have never done a food trip but we are thinking of doing that next go round.

Oh! and Roxanna's BBB day --she came out BEAUTIFUL!!! I have seen other dis's pics and their girls are beautiful but she really conveyed the beauty of a princess!!!

Looking forward to more of your PTR--since my trip in May I'm hooked on PTR's waiting my turn until it gets closer to next year. Like you I'm a SAHM but I don't have any talents to sell to find Disney money for and w/one child in college and one in HS money is really pay check to pay check. My little bit I get for watching two little girls is really for extras on a weekly basis. We plan an annual vacation based on tax returns (we have more taken out of DH's check --I know not the best way to save money but it works for us) and this year will be our first w/only one child credit.

I am glad that I held your attention I was worried that I would have no followers when I started thsi thing so it is good to know that I am not a bore

Thanks so much for your wonderful compliments! I swear Roseanna could not have looked more beautful on her birthday, it was so perfect and a memory taht I will cherish always! She was so full of herself and believed taht she WAS a princess that day. A photopass guy actually stopped me on main street and said she is so beautiful, can I photograph her? Of course this added to Roseanna's ego for the day She deserved it though and that is what Disney is all about!

I am also hooked on PTRs! I love them and TR of course. Not many people understand the obsession I have with them, glad you can relate. We also usually use tax returns for our trip so I understand. It is better than doing it on credit! Glad you are following along!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be leaving tomorrow night for the beach and won't be back until July 6th. I will then be able to supply you with a fabulous beach mini trippie. It should be interesting. I am leaving tomorrow night after tee-ball, spending 3 days with my parents (they are at the beach house now) then my girlfriends and thier kids are coming and stying for 5 days. We always do a girls and kid only trip (this is the 3rd year) and have a blast. This year it will be 7 kids since my one friend had twins last year. Then DH is coming down and we will spend 4 days together and then come home.

I may try to squeeze in another update later or in the am, depends on how much packing I can get done.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Have fun at the beach!!! We will be looking forward to the mini-TR when you get back!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Have fun at the beach!!!! Its where I wish we were with this heat; we are in a dry hot heat wave hoping it ends by the weekend or Danny will have to give it up and head us out to the beach!

Have a great time! sounds fun w/the kids and girls

 

[micandminforever]

Have a great time at the beach and I look forward to the beach pictures.

Traveling Mercies.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Have fun at the beach!!! We will be looking forward to the mini-TR when you get back!

Thanks Jackie. Tese trips always have "unique" moments and should make for a good read. The first trip we too my one friend's DD was potty training and would take off her diaper and pee anywhere. After a few times on the carpet, we had to hold her down and duct tape the diaper on I am so surprised a neighbor didn't call the police she was screaming so loud. And yes we have pictures to show her of her duct taped bum to show her when she is a teen. We are so mean!

Have fun at the beach!!!! Its where I wish we were with this heat; we are in a dry hot heat wave hoping it ends by the weekend or Danny will have to give it up and head us out to the beach!

Have a great time! sounds fun w/the kids and girls

Hope your heat wave ends soon! My parents have not had one day of sun in th elast week down there and it has rained almost every day they said. Please send some sun my way

Have a great time at the beach and I look forward to the beach pictures.

Traveling Mercies.

Thanks a bunch! There will be TONS of pics!

 

[hlrababy]

Hey!! I am joining in here! I can't wait to hear about your 2 upcoming trips!!

Your outfits that you make for you babies are so cute!! I wish I was that talented to make some! But, thank goodness for Ebay!!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

I AM BACK!!!!! We had a great trip and I have alot of unpacking to do. I will upload pics in the next few days and give you all a mini trippie of our beach fun!

Hey!! I am joining in here! I can't wait to hear about your 2 upcoming trips!!

Your outfits that you make for you babies are so cute!! I wish I was that talented to make some! But, thank goodness for Ebay!!

Thanks so much for joining in! I loved ebay before I found my love of sewing!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Welcome home!!!