The Unofficial Guide to MRYPPNS' WDW Vacation: TR link is up!

[Charleston Princess]

Great decisions about your trip, Heidi! I think you will really like the Sheraton Villas. I know Amy always enjoys staying there!

 

[MRYPPNS]

Sounds like a great decision!! I love being part of the Disney Magic, but i can understand the need for space so well! My mother refused to do hotel vacation with us when we we were little, we always were in a vacation home or appartment, for her it was important to have some personal space for everyone as well as a place where you can hang out all together which is not a bedroom and I very much see her point. And Disney prices for lots of space are just soo expensive. I have heard great things about the Sheraton Vistana on the DISUnplugged and it sounds like a lovely place. And especially for a vacation with outings to the theme parks it seems to be the perfect place for you!

I am glad that you enjoyed your trip and am looking forward to your TR!

I think you have a very smart Mom! Having a living room and a dedicated table and chairs for meals will really help my kids settle in and be more "home-like".

I, for one, am VERY excited about your resort change!! I think you will really enjoy Vistana & maybe now we can all go for a swim together.

I think you will enjoy the space & amenities at Vistana. It's really close to all of the parks & we found it nice to have the car there to keep a cooler with cold drinks & a dvd player for instant decompression when leaving the parks!

I'll email you my notes about the resort.

Ohhhh....I think that idea about having a cooler in the car for iced drinks! And yes please send me your notes.

I think you're making a great decision and how wonderful that you can "get the skinny" on the Sheraton Vistana from Amy!!
Plus a DIS-meet by the pool would be a fun bonus!


Kathy

Or our DH's can get together and compare notes on how crazy their wives are!

Great decisions about your trip, Heidi! I think you will really like the Sheraton Villas. I know Amy always enjoys staying there!

Thanks Jackie. I trust Amy's opinion so that makes going to an unknown resort virtually stress-less.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Yesterday while I was waiting to pick up Liam from pre-school I wrote up a packing list of categories that I need to expand from. I want to get packing as soon as possible with the things that I can pack now. I really need to get going on this trip! I feel whoa-fully behind


Packing Lists for Disney

• CLOTHES
• TOLIETRIES
• FOOD/DRINK
• FIRST AID/MEDS
• SLEEP
• SWIM
• THEME PARK
• RESORT ROOM
• ENTERTAINMENT
• MONEY/PERSONAL PAPERWORK
• CAR RIDE


CAR RIDE
• CLOTHES
• TOLIETRIES
• FOOD/DRINK
• FIRST AID/MEDS
• SLEEP
• ENTERTAINMENT
• EMERGENCY TOOLS
• MAPS/GPS

Under each category I need to flush it out with details. The car ride list will have details that have their own details!

Please feel free to add suggestions! Especially if you have toddlers/pre-schoolers or kids on the Spectrum!!!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great packing outline! I'm feeling way behind for our trip too... I dragged out the Disney shirts last night & want to wash & pack them as soon as possible. I got a few other things done yesterday too but still many more things to check off my to-do list!

 

[irish dancer]

Hey Heidi! I'm late to the party but I'm all caught up with your handy links.

First, let me say I'm jealous of your girly outfits for Danica. With my youngest being 9 going on 19 and claiming she isn't "into" princesses anymore I miss all the frilly girly things.

Can't wait to hear all about Vistana. We've thought about alternating off-site with our DVC but haven't done it yet.

 

[oOJulieOo]

Hi! I followed you over here from the Spectrum Moms' report.

Your kids are absolutely adorable and I love, love, love all of the clothes you have for Danica! Those fancy skirts are just the best.

Looks like we'll be at Disney World at the same time as you!

 

[eandesmom]

Yesterday while I was waiting to pick up Liam from pre-school I wrote up a packing list of categories that I need to expand from. I want to get packing as soon as possible with the things that I can pack now. I really need to get going on this trip! I feel whoa-fully behind


Packing Lists for Disney

• CLOTHES
• TOLIETRIES
• FOOD/DRINK
• FIRST AID/MEDS
• SLEEP
• SWIM
• THEME PARK
• RESORT ROOM
• ENTERTAINMENT
• MONEY/PERSONAL PAPERWORK
• CAR RIDE


CAR RIDE
• CLOTHES
• TOLIETRIES
• FOOD/DRINK
• FIRST AID/MEDS
• SLEEP
• ENTERTAINMENT
• EMERGENCY TOOLS
• MAPS/GPS

Under each category I need to flush it out with details. The car ride list will have details that have their own details!

Please feel free to add suggestions! Especially if you have toddlers/pre-schoolers or kids on the Spectrum!!!!!

Not sure what category these would fall under but...

extra ziplocs
wipes
safety pins
krazy glue

 

[MRYPPNS]

Great packing outline! I'm feeling way behind for our trip too... I dragged out the Disney shirts last night & want to wash & pack them as soon as possible. I got a few other things done yesterday too but still many more things to check off my to-do list!

I told John last night that he was on his own for packing his clothes and toiletries and ER tools for the car but that I wanted him to set aside all his Disney shirts for me. I'll probably pack his swim trunks as well as he also always forgets them!

Hey Heidi! I'm late to the party but I'm all caught up with your handy links.

First, let me say I'm jealous of your girly outfits for Danica. With my youngest being 9 going on 19 and claiming she isn't "into" princesses anymore I miss all the frilly girly things.

Can't wait to hear all about Vistana. We've thought about alternating off-site with our DVC but haven't done it yet.

Shopping for Danica is fun, and dangerous to the wallet too! I'm really liking the location of Vistana so hopefully it will be great.

Hi! I followed you over here from the Spectrum Moms' report.

Your kids are absolutely adorable and I love, love, love all of the clothes you have for Danica! Those fancy skirts are just the best.

Looks like we'll be at Disney World at the same time as you!

Thanks for stopping by! What resort are you at???

Not sure what category these would fall under but...

extra ziplocs
wipes
safety pins
krazy glue

The first 3 are standard packing items. Krazy glue? Never thought to pack that....what would I use it for?

 

[eandesmom]

The first 3 are standard packing items. Krazy glue? Never thought to pack that....what would I use it for?

you just never know, that's the whole point!

 

[oOJulieOo]

Thanks for stopping by! What resort are you at???

We're at Port Orleans Riverside. So I had to laugh when I read that you absolutely DID NOT want to stay there!

 

[MRYPPNS]

you just never know, that's the whole point!

That and duct tape can fix the world!

We're at Port Orleans Riverside. So I had to laugh when I read that you absolutely DID NOT want to stay there!

That is pretty funny. I know lots of people that love POR. And don't be surprised to read in a couple years that I'm staying there.......AFTER they refurb the rooms. No matter where you stay - the resort has to have the right vibe and such to fit that particular vacation.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Looks like you've made some great decisions! I like your idea of the parks being "outings", that kind of mind-set brings a huge relief I'm sure! I am going to try to think of our trip that way too, I really like that.

I've heard great things about the Vistana! I can't wait to hear all about it from your POV. And wow-cheaper than POR including parking! I would never have guessed!!

Love your packing outline - great idea. I might have to steal that too. I haven't started a thing either. So much to do!

Have your park days completely changed then? Are you just playing it by ear each day on what you feel like doing?

 

[Mickey_Mom]

I commend you on your decisions! I loved POR and that's likely where we'll stay next year unless it's the Pop suites, but that Kidani villa has certainly spoiled me for that extra space. The Vistana fits with what you want to do and bonus that it's cheaper!

 

[ddstratton]

I'm REALLY late to the party, but love your plans so far! As for packing -- a couple of things we NEVER travel without: Duct tape, empty grocery bags (make wonderful garbage bags and even emergency puke containers - we know from personal experience...), and a roll of paper towels. A power strip is also very helpful, if you have cell phones and such to charge up. Hotels - and not just Disney ones - tend to be a little stingy on the outlets.

We drive from Upstate NY, but we don't have any little ones. My "little one" will be 12 in 2 months, and is only 2 inches shorter than I am.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Looks like you've made some great decisions! I like your idea of the parks being "outings", that kind of mind-set brings a huge relief I'm sure! I am going to try to think of our trip that way too, I really like that.

I've heard great things about the Vistana! I can't wait to hear all about it from your POV. And wow-cheaper than POR including parking! I would never have guessed!!

Love your packing outline - great idea. I might have to steal that too. I haven't started a thing either. So much to do!

Have your park days completely changed then? Are you just playing it by ear each day on what you feel like doing?

My park schedule has not completely changed but I did tweak it a bit and tweaked an ADR or 2. I'll post it all just I dig out of the mess that is my desk.

I commend you on your decisions! I loved POR and that's likely where we'll stay next year unless it's the Pop suites, but that Kidani villa has certainly spoiled me for that extra space. The Vistana fits with what you want to do and bonus that it's cheaper!

I just really liked having the living room at Kidani (even thou it was my bedroom too) and having space for everything. And I think it will help Liam to be in a setting that is more home like with a kitchen - table area - living room.... Plus the zero entry pool(s), that will be a huge thing for the kids.

I'm REALLY late to the party, but love your plans so far! As for packing -- a couple of things we NEVER travel without: Duct tape, empty grocery bags (make wonderful garbage bags and even emergency puke containers - we know from personal experience...), and a roll of paper towels. A power strip is also very helpful, if you have cell phones and such to charge up. Hotels - and not just Disney ones - tend to be a little stingy on the outlets.

We drive from Upstate NY, but we don't have any little ones. My "little one" will be 12 in 2 months, and is only 2 inches shorter than I am.

You're not late....I'm actually just getting started posting again! I personally like gallon zip locks for puke! Thanks for the ideas, I jotted down paper towels and power strip. I think I should have paper towels for the car ride as well as the room!

 

[eandesmom]

That and duct tape can fix the world!

if it were only that simple!

 

[mousescrapper]

Heidi...I think you have totally made the right choice for your family w/ this trip in switching to the offsite villa...DVC villa was a Godsend for us...I could never see doing it differently. your comment about being more home like is key this way no matter what happends outside of this mini abode you know you can start and end the days w/ a sense of normalcy.

not sure what to suggest on your packing list...but from a Spectrum perspective...if you use a calendar or chart at home for getting things done steps like wake-up-dressed-eat...duplicate those for Disney. I will find the chart I made NR and take a pix for you.

also NR didn't like the bathtub much, but letting her play w/ bubbles in there helped.

think out of the box..what sensory things might set Liam off while you are there and you know this already but have that plan of what to do when any 1 of you needs a break figured out in advance.

oh and PS I like you

 

[TarzansKat]

Good for you staying offsite! If it fits the family needs better, and the overall theme of the trip better, then it's the right choice.

Because, honestly? Vacation is expensive enough without adding the stress of not being completely happy with your choice.

 

[MRYPPNS]

oh and PS I like you

Well that's good since you're kinda stuck with me

Good for you staying offsite! If it fits the family needs better, and the overall theme of the trip better, then it's the right choice.

Because, honestly? Vacation is expensive enough without adding the stress of not being completely happy with your choice.

I'm happy to report that I am still happy with our new resort choice!

 

[MRYPPNS]

I've been busy getting ready for the trip since my last post.

In no special order I have:

* Had Danica try on all her new clothes for the trip, washed them, ironed some and started bagging them

* Solved a bathing suit problem for Danica......the top of one of her new suits is too small but the bottom fits perfectly so she is going to wear the bottoms with one of Liam's old rash guard shirts

* Had Liam try on his short from last summer....they still fit. Washed his new Disney shirts and bagged up all his outfits.

* Cut and pasted all the Menus that I need and printed them.

* Updated the master schedule with some park visit changes

* Made 2 ADRs and canceled 3

* Made my pre-trip shopping list for things I need for the trip

* Ordered 2 cheap drawstring backpacks to use as diaper bags for the stroller

* Went thru my box of goodies for the car ride and realized I don't have enough (added that to shopping list)

* Re-did my touring plans for AK. Hand wrote the touring plans for MK. And started to think about the Epcot plans. Templates are ready for the other days.

* Canceled our POR ressie

* Expanded my packing list for the car ride

* Worked on a food list for the trip---what to bring down with us, what to buy there and what I'll need to have available in the car for the drive down.

Phew!

I only have 3 weekends to get everything done.....now thru Sunday I will be working on getting the shopping list taken care of, sewing a pair of shorts, getting the kids clothes organized, get my shower and the kids bath stuff packed, getting the touring cards done, and figuring out how I'm going to best pack the car with everything.