The Tale and Trials of some Crazy Northern Loons!

[jenjolt]

Well, I just have to say that I am greatly upset that Universe of Energy will be closed during our trip! I had just convinced Ken that it was really cool and had him excited about doing it! Rats! Oh well! Next time, I guess!

I know I'm bummed too...you know me and my love for all things sciency and I was looking forward to that ride!

 

[danceintherain]

I've been subscribed to your PTR for a while, but this is the first time I've posted.

Yay for happy changes!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

HEY Everybody!

Thanks for hanging in there with me! I really appreciate you all coming over to hang with me during this crazy ride! I really hope to do a proper chapter really soon! Really Really!

Anyway, I could use some help from all you creative people out there! I finally finished cutting out the Mickey heads I am going to use for my Girlies Countdown calendars! Yay for Me! I plan to make them each their own! They will have only 18 days between the time we tell them the BIG NEWS and the day we actually leave! Here are my ideas... tell me what you think, PLEASE!

1. A free form calendar (in the shape of a Mickey Head of course) with the little coloured Mickey heads just put on all over! They remove one a day for each day they have to countdown.

2. An actual calendar with squares and numbers (just like a real calendar) and a mickey head for them to remove for each day they count down.

3. A count UP calendar (inspired by AGPrincess/Emma) in a square shape but with spots (traces of the MH's) for them to fill in with their Mickey Heads!

Tell me what you think! Which one would you like the best!

Also, since I have a HUGEstash of stuff for them for this trip, I have decided to give them a "Gift - A - DAY" to put either in their suitcases or in their flight bags! For each Mickey Head they put up or remove there will be a corresponding gift wrapped item with a matching coloured Mickey Head for them to open! Some of the "gifts" are...

travel sized toiletries
colouring books/crayons
travel games
t-shirts
headbands
books/magazines
gum/candy

And Yes, I do have MORE than 36 items (2 a day for 18 days) to fork over! I have been stockpiling longer than this trip has actually been alive!

So, tell me what you think! Does this sound like a good plan? Which calendar idea do you like best? Can't wait to hear your answers!

 

[Monny2AE]

I vote for #1 !!!!!

Right now we are counting down on a regular calendar printed from disney's website. It has a disney pic at the top to color and my son decorated it with stickers. We cross off the days. I'm thinking of making a more fun one to use from Jan 1st til we leave but not sure yet- perhaps a chain or a Mickey Head one like your #1 suggestion!

I love the idea of giving them little presents as you countdown! Very fun!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Hi Kimberly!
I like #1 also! Looking around the calendar for the right number would be fun...kind of like an advent calendar. How cool to get little treats too! What a cool mom you are!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hi Kimberly!
I like #1 also! Looking around the calendar for the right number would be fun...kind of like an advent calendar. How cool to get little treats too! What a cool mom you are!

Why, Thanks! I do try hard to make life fun and exciting for my kids! Sometimes it can be rough, but for the most part I think I am doing a good job!

 

[jenjolt]

HEY Everybody!

Thanks for hanging in there with me! I really appreciate you all coming over to hang with me during this crazy ride! I really hope to do a proper chapter really soon! Really Really!

Anyway, I could use some help from all you creative people out there! I finally finished cutting out the Mickey heads I am going to use for my Girlies Countdown calendars! Yay for Me! I plan to make them each their own! They will have only 18 days between the time we tell them the BIG NEWS and the day we actually leave! Here are my ideas... tell me what you think, PLEASE!

1. A free form calendar (in the shape of a Mickey Head of course) with the little coloured Mickey heads just put on all over! They remove one a day for each day they have to countdown.

2. An actual calendar with squares and numbers (just like a real calendar) and a mickey head for them to remove for each day they count down.

3. A count UP calendar (inspired by AGPrincess/Emma) in a square shape but with spots (traces of the MH's) for them to fill in with their Mickey Heads!

Tell me what you think! Which one would you like the best!

Also, since I have a HUGEstash of stuff for them for this trip, I have decided to give them a "Gift - A - DAY" to put either in their suitcases or in their flight bags! For each Mickey Head they put up or remove there will be a corresponding gift wrapped item with a matching coloured Mickey Head for them to open! Some of the "gifts" are...

travel sized toiletries
colouring books/crayons
travel games
t-shirts
headbands
books/magazines
gum/candy

And Yes, I do have MORE than 36 items (2 a day for 18 days) to fork over! I have been stockpiling longer than this trip has actually been alive!

So, tell me what you think! Does this sound like a good plan? Which calendar idea do you like best? Can't wait to hear your answers!

It's like an advent calendar but better!! WOOOT!! I love this idea and can't wait to hear how your girls love their gifts LOL!!!!! YAY!!!!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

HEY EVERYONE!!!!! Sorry I have been AWOL for a while! I just never seem to have enough time to do everything I want to do! Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I am still here and that Chapter 5 is coming right up! Thanks for hanging out!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

CHAPTER 5: THE PLAN!

Well, here goes! This is the plan for this trip thus far! Please let me know what you think!

January 18th

depart home @ 8am to drive to Minneapolis
arrive @ hotel by 2pm CST
go to MOA for shopping and supper (I've never been to MOA)

January 19th

5am shuttle to MSP
flight departs @ 720am
1135am - arrive MCO
hopefully arrive by ME at AsSports @ 100pm
check in (hopefully a room is ready)
explore and grab a bite to eat
4pm - go to DTD
530 grab a bite to eat
7pm - meet up with a certain someone (a fellow DISer) at the big LEGO dinosaur
8pm head back to AsSports for bed

January 20th

630am take a cab with all lugagge to Wilderness Lodge!
check in and look around a bit and then take the boat to MK for....
8:10am breakfast @ CRT!
9am-11am Ride Dumbo, Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh and then let the girls take the lead! We go where they want!
11am - head to CHH to grab a bite to eat!
12 - head over to Tom Sawyer Island to let the kids burn off some energy!
1pm -explore some of Adventureland
2pm -meet up with Sharadoc et al to watch the Parade!
After the parade we will go to WL to see our room and get cleaned up for our 5pm dinner @ Chef Mickey's
After Dinner, my DH REALLY wants to go for a monorail ride around the resort loop!
I have a date planned for dessert with a special someone!

January 21st

DHS day!
be at DHS for RD and do TSM, Little Mermaid, and Star Wars stuff! After that let the girls take the lead! What they want, we do!
1230pm - lunch @ 50's PTC
2-6 HISTK, LMA and Beauty!
6- grab some chow at Pizza planet and then wander around until park closes!

January 22nd

EMH @ MK
be @ MK for RD @8am
8am - tomorrowland,
9am - grab some yummies @ Main ST Bakery and then do Adventureland &Fronteirland for a bit
10am be in line to see Tink when Toontown opens!
11am ride Train back to finish up what we haven't done at Adventureland
12pm - head back to WL for lunch, a swim and a rest!
5pm - head back to MK to grab some chow, ride a few rides and get a good spot for Spectro!
After Spectro, ride as many roides as we can until MK closes!

January 23rd

Animal Kingdom Day!
be at Ak for Rope Drop @ 9am!
ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, walk the Pangani trail and go to Rafiki's Planet Watch
11am grab some lunch at Pizzafari or Flame Tree
12-do the boneyard then start seeing shows! Try to see Lion King AND nemo!
work in what else we can fit!
5 - ADR @ Rainforest Cafe
after supper, head back to WL for some relax time before bed!

January 24th

EPCOT - be there for Rope Drop @9am
do the land, the seas and then head over to Ws when it opens at 11. Do Mexico and Norway and then go to our 1235pm ADR at Biergarten!
2pm head back to WL for swim and a rest! If lines are not too long, maybe do Test Track on our way out!
530pm head back to FW to grab some chow and do Imagination! and Test track if we didn't do it earlier.
7pm, head into WS and do a couple of the Pavillions until it is time to get a good viewing spot for Illuminations!

January 25th

DAY OF REST!!!!!

sleep in! 10am ADR @ WCC for "brunch" and then play, swim, relax etc until 505pm ADR @ O'Hana (I am actually thinking of moving this one back a bit, what do you think?)

930pm watch EWP from beach at WL!

January 26th

EPCOT - day 2

get there when we get there...probably by 11, head into WS, grab some lunch and complete all the pavillions that we have not yet done!
530pm ADR @ Nine Dragons! It IS Chinese New Year's after all! (my DH is really excited about this one!)
After supper, do some last faves and head back to WL for bed!

January 27th

Kids Choice Day! (either DHS or AK)
which ever they pick we will be there @9 for RD and stay until about 3. Than we head back to WL to clean up and change for our 510 ADR at 1900 Park Fare!
After supper head back to WL to pack cause we check out the next morning to spend our last night at POP!

January 28th

805 am ADR @ Crystal Palace
9-3 MK do whatever the kids want and grab some lunch in there as well!
3pm say goodbye to MK and head to POP to check in (we are having our bags transfered that day by lugagge services) and then head over to DTD for some last minute shopping and using up of any leftover dining credits!
8pm head back to POP to finish packing and head to bed!

January 29th

our shuttle to MCO will depart at around 10am so the plan is to sleep in a bit and then grab some chow before grabbing the shuttle to the airport!


SO! There you have it! This is the CURRENT plan for our trip! I would love some feedback! Please - although I have been before I haven't been in nearly 15 yrs and I know the place has changed a great deal! Tell me what you think!

I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Yea for breakfast at 8:05 on the 28th!!! I'm sure that we'll see you there! Yea! I know which parks we're doing on what days, but not as detailed as you! I still have 42 days though. Your itinerary looks great!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Yea for breakfast at 8:05 on the 28th!!! I'm sure that we'll see you there! Yea! I know which parks we're doing on what days, but not as detailed as you! I still have 42 days though. Your itinerary looks great!

YaY! Thanks Meghan! I am sooo looking forward to meeting you!

 

[jenjolt]

For some reason I have a particular fondness for January 19th at 7pm...hmmm wonder why that is

You and DH and the girls are going to have such a great trip...I have all my plans printed out but I haven't really thought where and when on rides yet, but starting Dec. 20th (first day of break) I'm on it LOL!

 

[Dancegrl624]

YaY! Thanks Meghan! I am sooo looking forward to meeting you!

Same here! Plus, my DD is 6 yrs old, right in between your two girls! How cool!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

HEY EVERYONE!

Just wanted to pop by and wish ALL my readers....and Lurkers (come on, I know you are there) a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have a great day tomorrow! Best wishes to all!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Just re-read your PTR. I love that you're going to MOA before your trip!
I live about 20 min. from there and LOVE to shop there. Thankfully - for my wallet - I don't get out there TOO often!
Be sure to wear comfy shoes - just like at WDW - you'll do a lot of walking. There are also great places to eat there. If you like Italian - Try Tucci Benucch. First floor. There's a good website to check out the restaurants. Or PM me with any questions!! Okay, sorry to hijack!!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Just re-read your PTR. I love that you're going to MOA before your trip!
I live about 20 min. from there and LOVE to shop there. Thankfully - for my wallet - I don't get out there TOO often!
Be sure to wear comfy shoes - just like at WDW - you'll do a lot of walking. There are also great places to eat there. If you like Italian - Try Tucci Benucch. First floor. There's a good website to check out the restaurants. Or PM me with any questions!! Okay, sorry to hijack!!

Hi Sheree! Thanks for dropping by! At this point I am not sure how much time we will have to "do" the MOA but I am sure going to get there! Even just to be able to say that I have been there! Depending on the time, we will either eat in the food court or at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. We love us some shrimp! Thanks for your support, I will PM you again if I think of anymore questions!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

You've never been to MOA huh? be prepared for a shopping frenzy! For dinner I recommend Tucci Benucch which is on the first floor, West. Great Italian food and the endless bread is to die for! get you all geared up for some Disney dining.

 

[KBaum]

Subscribing! I can't wait until you tell the kids

My only suggestions are to find out about transferring to another resort (eg, moving to WL) see if a van driver will do it for free -that way you don't have to pay the cab fare. It can't hurt to ask at check-out. I know they'll transfer your luggage to WL for you and deliver it right to your room later, too. I used to do this a lot at CBR when I worked their (we'd collect so-and-so's luggage, then send them on their way to the parks, when they left the parks they'd go to their new resort and either pick up their luggage in storage or the luggage would already be in their room).

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Subscribing! I can't wait until you tell the kids

My only suggestions are to find out about transferring to another resort (eg, moving to WL) see if a van driver will do it for free -that way you don't have to pay the cab fare. It can't hurt to ask at check-out. I know they'll transfer your luggage to WL for you and deliver it right to your room later, too. I used to do this a lot at CBR when I worked their (we'd collect so-and-so's luggage, then send them on their way to the parks, when they left the parks they'd go to their new resort and either pick up their luggage in storage or the luggage would already be in their room).

Thanks for joining me on this crazy adventure! I will sure ask about a transfer! It WOULD make life a little easier! If only we didn't have to go to WL to check in before heading to the MK that morning..... now THAT would make life easier!

I honestly don't mind paying the 15 or so dollars if it means WE and OUR lugagge get to the WL at the same time! I think I will be more at ease knowing that our luggage is already there and WILL BE IN OUR room when (and if) we decide to go back!

I seem to be a really jittery girl the last few days! I am just so excited to tell the girls! Tomorrow can not come fast enough! First thing in the morning we are doing the "TREASURE HUNT" Each clue will include one of the 7 letters in ORLANDO! They will then have to put the letters in order to figure out where are going! I will then give them the "Kid's Guides" to WDW and let the fun begin!

NOTE TO ALL READERS AND LURKERS

PLEASE CHECK BACK TOMORROW AT NOON HEAR ABOUT THE REVEAL!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Oh Kim! I can't wait to hear about the girls reactions! All these surprises make me more excited for my own.