The Willy's head to Walt's World..again!!! 5/18: TR Started!!

[wlwilliams9]

OK! Thanks to my fellow May 9th DISer’s, kgle and BridetobeDisney, I have been encouraged to create my own PTR! I’ve been a DIS member for a couple of years, but I’ve been a Disney fan since my first trip in 1977 at age 3! My parents have always loved Walt Disney and all that he stands for so the Disney experience was instilled in me at an early age.

Here is the cast starring in my PTR:

May 2008! (My hair looks terrible in this pic)

Me (Wendy), age 34, mom, wife and Disney planner. I am an elementary teacher by trade. I taught 2nd & 3rd grade until my DD was born July 1, 2006. I have been a SAHM ever since! I love just chillin’ with my family, playing Wii and Xbox 360, reading and hanging out on the DIS boards! As I said, my 1st Disney trip was in 1977. I then visited again with my Mom, Dad & little sis in 1979, 80, 84, 88 (Disney Land & Sea cruise), 92, 96 & 97. In 12/98, DH and I started dating and realizing that he was a Disney fan too, we planned our first trip in 02/99. We then proceeded to visit in 2000, 01, 03, 04, 05, 07 (DD’s 1st trip) and 08. In May, 2002, we were married and went to Tahiti for 18 days (Paradise!) On our way back to Michigan, we stayed in LA for a few days and went to Disney Land. It was nice, but no WDW!

DH (Mike), age 34, dad, husband and the one who brings home the bacon! DH is an Operations Management Consultant. Basically, he is hired by companies to help them get their act together! His main industry is automotive and being here in S.E. Michigan, he has a lot of work to do! His hobbies include his 250 gallon saltwater fish tank, playing Xbox 360 and being wrapped around DD’s finger! He loves Disney as much as I do, but leaves the planning to me…except when it comes to the food. He always has a say as to which restaurants we’ll be making ADR’s at! He is a foodie and great cook. His Thanksgiving turkey could put Martha Stewart to shame!!

DD (Emily), age 2, daughter, cutie and all around great little girl! She loves all things Disney (gee, I wonder why!) Her current favorites are Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and all things Cars! She plays soccer and goes to gymnastics and pre-school once a week. She loves to read books and paint! She has been to Disney twice. Her 1st trip was at 10 months, 2nd trip was at 22 months and we’re looking forward to taking her again in May, 2 months shy of 3.


Since our wedding, we have been traveling to WDW for our anniversary which is May 10th. This year, we are heading down on May 7th and took full advantage of the 4/3 deal! We are staying at the Polynesian this time and we’re very excited. DH stayed there in 1988 after his Disney Land & Sea cruise, but I have never stayed there before. I’ve stayed at the GF, CR, CBR, POFQ, Pop & all of the All-Stars. I have also stayed off-site, but won’t do that again!

We knew for sure that we were going to do the Dining plan, but once we started looking at the menus, we decided to go Deluxe. Many of the restaurants we want to try are signature, 2TS credits, so the DxDP makes more sense. More dining info to come soon!

Anyway, it’s late and I’d better hit the hay, so I will fill in more details and pics tomorrow! Good Night!

UPDATES:
The Williams Family: A PTR Introduction!
Emily's 1st Trip, May 2007
FOOD, Bring on the ADR's
Emily's 2nd Trip, May 2008
The Great Flight Debacle
Tentative schedule, Where are those May hours?
Funny Pics from Previous Vacations
My Disney Planning Spreadsheet
Wedding & Honeymoon Photos
OMG! HUGE UPDATE!! My DH said something tonight that got me really EXCITED!! (No, it wasn't anything dirty!!)
Can you believe it, we made MORE changes!!
I've updated the spreadsheet!
The Countdown Calendar!
Break out the TUMS, we've made some ADR's!
We'd better buy the big thing of TUMS! More ADR's!!!
BURP!! All ADRs are made, let's pig out! BURP!!
Teeny, Tiny Update
The Williams Family Customized Maps!
Emily's Outfits...Girls are so FUN & EXPENSIVE!!
I may or may not have gone shopping again!
It's the dreaded swimsuit shopping time, UGH!!!
More swimsuit shopping...YUCK!
How about more dresses!!
More of the 2009 Flight Debacle!
An itsy bitsy, not even a mini trip report!
An itsy bitsy, not even a mini trip report - PART 2!
An itsy bitsy, not even a mini trip report - PART 3!
SURPRISE!! I did some more shopping!
Guess what? What? I went shopping again! AGAIN?
A few additions and a little shopping!
DANG you babyGap! Why must you add more clothes?
CRIKEY!! I ordered our Crocs today!
Half of our countdown calendar magically disappeared!
CRIKEY!! More Crocs!
Yippie!! We saved $500+ on our Disney vacation!
Some New/Old Pictures!
Day 1 - May 7, 2009
My Disney Organizer!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Day 2 - May 8, 2009
Emily's Disney Wardrobe!
More of Emily's Disney Wardrobe!
Emily's In-Flight Entertainment
Mickey Toesies!
Mickey Mail!
I Got My Harrr Did!
Day 3 - May 9, 2009
Garden Grocer Order....Check!
Our Furry Family Member!
Hoppy Easter!
Day 4 - May 10, 2009
Photo Shoot....Check!
Planning Emily's Birthday!
Random Stuff!
Earth Day + Disney Store = $$$!
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Day 5 - May 11, 2009
Old McDonald had a farm!
Day 6 - May 12, 2009
Aporkalypse Now!
Day 7 - May 13, 2009
Day 8 - May 14, 2009
Emily's Beach Towel
Day 9 - May 15, 2009
That's How We Roll!
One More Day!
We're Home!!!
TR Started

 

[kgle]

Yay you finally started one! Emily seems like such a cutie, I really hope we all get to meet up! Her sunglasses are too cute.

I think my dream stay is CR...maybe we can stay there when I celebrate graduating from nursing school!


And by the way, ITS OFFICIALLY 4 MONTHS TODAY!!

How funny is that, that this post is number 444?

 

[kshearer]

Looking forward to following your plans. Our first trip to WDW is scheduled for May 13th. We are staying at CBR. It is the first time to WDW for me (35), DH(37), DS (9) and DD (6). I can't wait. I am learning so much from everyone here!

 

[Grants Mom]

I to am going to subscribe to this one - hope that is ok. I am staying at the CBR we check in on May 23. It is me (32) hubby (34) and son who will turning 6, 3 days before we get there! I hope to learn from your plans too!
Thanks for sharing!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Thanks for reading and to my PTR!
Well, since Emily is sitting here watching Beauty and the Beast, wearing her Pooh & Tigger sweatshirt and Sleeping Beauty dress, I think it’s time to add some more photos!

Here is some pics of Emily on her 1st trip, May 2007!
Her first Mickey ears! (She wears these around the house all the time!)

Pool time at the Pop!

I couldn't have placed that curl between her eyes if I'd tried!

It's a Small World! She loves this ride!

Before we left the Pop, I wrote this on the drive by the entrance! They have sidewalk chalk for kiddies to use while waiting!

Finally, here is a pic of my Dad & I on my first trip!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Let’s talk food! Mike and I, as you can see in our picture, love to eat! We count the many dining options Disney offers as a part of the whole Disney vacation experience so this time we have decided on the DxDP. It will probably be more food that we can handle, but its vacation! Plus, with the 2 snack credits per day, we shouldn’t have to spend too much OOP for Emily’s food. She eats like a bird and really only likes fruits and vegetables. However, she has started to try new things lately. She is hooked on chips and salsa!

Here are the restaurants we are going to try this time

Breakfasts:
Chef Mickey’s
Akerhaus Princess Storybook Breakfast
Kona
Ohana

Lunches:
Sci-Fi Theater
Plaza Restaurant
Rose & Crown or Nine Dragons (haven’t decided for this day yet)
Earl of Sandwich
Leaning Palms
Casey's Corner

Dinner:
Spirit of Aloha
California Grill
Flying Fish Café
Tutto Italia
Jiko
Whispering Canyon Café
Le Cellier

Any thoughts on our tentative food choices?

 

[bertegirl]

Joining....can't wait to keep reading

 

[bertegirl]

I love the Dumbo photo. I grew up in California and my dad and I went to Disneyland every year on my birthday. He still jokes about how many times I made him ride that ride!!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

I love the Dumbo photo. I grew up in California and my dad and I went to Disneyland every year on my birthday. He still jokes about how many times I made him ride that ride!!!

Hey! I was just posting on your PTR while you were on mine!!

 

[bertegirl]

Too funny....I just put my DD to bed and she asked how many days until Disney mom? I created a monster!!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Last May was one of our best WDW vacations we’ve taken so far. Emily was at a great age to appreciate all of the fun stuff we were doing, in fact, she would cry when we returned to the room. It was also our first stay at the BC. We rented points from a wonderful DVC owner and stayed in a studio villa. Stormalong Bay was AWESOME! We had some groceries delivered from Garden Grocer and that worked out great. We used the dining plan and ate some yummy food, our favorite was California Grill. However, I can honestly say, we have never had a bad meal at Disney.


Here are some pics from that vacay…

Drumming in Mexico...

Relaxing in the stroller...

Pirate & Princess Party (Yes, Mike had a bottle of wine at dinner)...

Stormalong Bay...

Waiting for Momma to exit TOT!

I'm kind of at a standstill right now as far as planning. Hopefully, they'll post the May hours soon so I can get our days finalized. Less than a month before I can make ADR’s !! Woot! Woot! I do have Chef Mickey’s booked, that’s 1 down, 13 to go!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Subbing to this one!!! Your pics are lovely. What a beautiful wee girl. She is almost the same age as my DD and she is also a big Small World fan!

Love the pic of you and your Dad. What a thing to treasure.

 

[wlwilliams9]

Yay you finally started one! Emily seems like such a cutie, I really hope we all get to meet up! Her sunglasses are too cute.

I think my dream stay is CR...maybe we can stay there when I celebrate graduating from nursing school!


And by the way, ITS OFFICIALLY 4 MONTHS TODAY!!

How funny is that, that this post is number 444?

We stayed at the CR when I was 3 so it's been a while...to say the least. I would love to stay there again. I love the style of the rooms and how modern it was for it's time. I was going to book there instead of the Poly because the MK view package is just $200 more than our pkg at the Poly, but then decided I'd wait and rent DVC points next trip at Bay Tower. We'll see!

 

[Villainess]

I'm joining in! We will actually be heading home on May 9th from WDW. Your DD is a cutie; my DD is 2 months younger than her!

 

[kgle]

We stayed at the CR when I was 3 so it's been a while...to say the least. I would love to stay there again. I love the style of the rooms and how modern it was for it's time. I was going to book there instead of the Poly because the MK view package is just $200 more than our pkg at the Poly, but then decided I'd wait and rent DVC points next trip at Bay Tower. We'll see!

Oh I know, its definitely the stylish decor that has got me. I am not a fan of the decor at a lot of the resorts (from the pictures I have seen) because it just looks cheesy and clashy for some reason. Even the deluxes! CR is one of those that is super nice to me.

I just posted on Brandi's PTR but wanted to ask you here too just in case. Would you mind if Rylan and I sent a Disney "present" to Emily (I want to send one to Tyson too). I just think its too cool that we are all going at the same time and our kids are around the same age. I have a really neat idea in mind and would love to send her something I can put together if thats ok!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Oh I know, its definitely the stylish decor that has got me. I am not a fan of the decor at a lot of the resorts (from the pictures I have seen) because it just looks cheesy and clashy for some reason. Even the deluxes! CR is one of those that is super nice to me.

I just posted on Brandi's PTR but wanted to ask you here too just in case. Would you mind if Rylan and I sent a Disney "present" to Emily (I want to send one to Tyson too). I just think its too cool that we are all going at the same time and our kids are around the same age. I have a really neat idea in mind and would love to send her something I can put together if thats ok!

Thanks, that would be cool! She loves getting mail! Do you want me to PM you with our address? I'd love to do the same for Rylan! He needs some special Disney mail from Mickey...or who is his fav character? I'll send him something from who he loves most!

 

[kgle]

Thanks, that would be cool! She loves getting mail! Do you want me to PM you with our address? I'd love to do the same for Rylan! He needs some special Disney mail from Mickey...or who is his fav character? I'll send him something from who he loves most!

Awesome! Yeah definitely PM me. I was thinking of something with a Disney Princess for her, does she have a favorite (I will feel like an idiot if you already stated that in your PTR LOL)? Or even if it isn't a princess! Yay Rylan will love that too. He loves Mickey, Handy Manny, and Pooh Bear.

 

[BridetobeDisney]

Where have I been? I didn't realize you had a PTR! Awesome Awesome start! I completely agree with all your food choices. Sounds yummy! If we could afford it, DH and I would so do the Deluxe DP. Like you said then we could eat at 2TS restaurants.

I love the pictures! Your family is so cute! Emily has to be the cutest little girl I've ever seen! I love the pigtails when she was waiting for you at TOT. Love the little curl when she was in the pool. T

The picture with your dad is precious. I actually have pictures of me with my grandpa when I was 3 at Disney World. Those pictures mean the world to me because they are the last ones we took together. He died the night we got home from Disney at about 2 am. He actually called my parents house to ask to talk to me after we got home (we only lived 10 mins away from them) to tell me he would take me to feed the ducks the next day and I was asleep. Mom asked if he wanted her to wake me up but he said no. He passed away later that night. Man that makes me tear up a bit. My point is those family pics are priceless.


Sorry I didnt mean to bring down the mood of your PTR.

On a happy note, we only have about 17 weeks before we all go to Disney!!!!!!!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

Awesome! Yeah definitely PM me. I was thinking of something with a Disney Princess for her, does she have a favorite (I will feel like an idiot if you already stated that in your PTR LOL)? Or even if it isn't a princess! Yay Rylan will love that too. He loves Mickey, Handy Manny, and Pooh Bear.

Emily loves all of the princesses, her favs are Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. She also loves Mickey & gang, Handy Manny, Pooh and all of the Pixar movies. PM me with your address and I'll get some stuff in the mail to Rylan!

Where have I been? I didn't realize you had a PTR! Awesome Awesome start! I completely agree with all your food choices. Sounds yummy! If we could afford it, DH and I would so do the Deluxe DP. Like you said then we could eat at 2TS restaurants.

I love the pictures! Your family is so cute! Emily has to be the cutest little girl I've ever seen! I love the pigtails when she was waiting for you at TOT. Love the little curl when she was in the pool. T

The picture with your dad is precious. I actually have pictures of me with my grandpa when I was 3 at Disney World. Those pictures mean the world to me because they are the last ones we took together. He died the night we got home from Disney at about 2 am. He actually called my parents house to ask to talk to me after we got home (we only lived 10 mins away from them) to tell me he would take me to feed the ducks the next day and I was asleep. Mom asked if he wanted her to wake me up but he said no. He passed away later that night. Man that makes me tear up a bit. My point is those family pics are priceless.


Sorry I didnt mean to bring down the mood of your PTR.

On a happy note, we only have about 17 weeks before we all go to Disney!!!!!!!!

Thanks! I think Emily is the cutest little girl too, but I might be a little biased!

It's good that you have those pics of your Grandpa and that you were able to spend that special time with him. I got preggers with Emily 2 months after my Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 BC. She was always worried that Emily wouldn't remember who she was after she was gone so I made sure to take lots of photos. I think it helps Emily remember since she passed in Aug.

Anyway, on a happier note, I scored these today for Emily at Von Maur for $4.99!

Next PTR installment...The Great Airfare/Airline Debacle of 2008/2009!
(you're intrigued, aren't you!?!?)

 

[wlwilliams9]

OK, so back in November we booked our wonderful Disney vacation and the search for the cheapest airfare began. I signed up for the SW Ding, Spirit $9 fare club and DH is already a NWA Worldperks member so I checked prices every day, multiple times….obsess much!?! Finally, mid-December, I booked a great $9 fare on Spirit from DTW to MCO & back, departing in the morning and returning in the evening. Our total for the 3 of us, with airfare and baggage fees, was $465. Sounds too good to be true? Well it was! About a week later, I was checking on my reservation and noticed that the time had changed on our outbound flight from the morning to the late afternoon. WHAT? That’s a whole day of Disney wasted and I wasn’t having that, so I called Spirit and cancelled the flight. They actually gave me my money back! I was totally expecting a credit. UGH, back to the drawing board!

Over the holidays, fares were ridiculously high, but I’d check several times a day anyway! On 1/6, I was on Spiritair.com and they were offering $35 off for 35 hours and I found a pretty good price of $558 for the 3 of us so I booked again. When I went to my profile to check my flight, I noticed that I had booked 5/6, not 5/9, OMG! I really screwed up! The flights on 5/9 we’re actually $150 more, Oh man! Again, I get on the phone and call, like 5 minutes after I made the screw up! This time, I was only offered a credit or they could change my flight to the more expensive one. Credit please! Now, I’m P.O’ed because I made such a boo boo and was now obligated to fly Spirit. Back to watching the fares…again.

Finally, we come to today. I log on to Spirit Air around 1pm because that’s usually when their promos begin and they are offering $9 fares and $35 off for 35 hours again. I check the flights I want and WOW!!! $427.50 for the 3 of us, airfare and baggage fees. Score!! That still leaves $130.50 left in credit so I call my SIL, who is going to WDW with us and ask her if she’d like me to book their (SIL, BIL, DNiece) flights with my $9 fare club too and she said, “YES”! I paid for the total and she is paying me back for their flight which means I get my money back for the credits I wasn’t going to use. Did that make sense? Oh, who cares, I’m so excited!

I only hope Spirit doesn’t change their times on me again!!