They were more like guidelines, anyway...

[indimom]

At least you know for sure when you will be there now. You definitely have my interest as now you will be returning home on my birthday!

I'm going to disagree on KI being better than Cedar Point, but then again, I worked at Cedar Point for two summers.

I actually am working on a PTR myself and you can find it HERE.

Looking forward to more updates!

I'll try to remember to wish you a happy birthday when we get home! lol (Don't count on that, I can barely remember my nieces and nephews birthdays...)
I am glad we finally had dates! And that they are coming up soooo quickly! Woo hoo!
I popped over to your PTR, you've got some great plans!

Love the lists!

We really enjoyed the water parks on our last trip in 2009. I'm jealous!

If you have time, try to get over to AKL on one of your early nights. Jeff and I had dinner at Boma in 2010 and went early to walk around the resort. It is gorgeous and there is a ton to see with all the animals and pretty paths. Someday I'll stay there.....**sigh**


We've always taken advantage of EMH days and never had problems doing what we wanted. That's the one "rule" I consistently break!

Yeah, we LOVED the water parks when we tried them in 2010. I really think the kids will enjoy that more than MK and AK (Again, please don't report me to the Dis authorities. Have pity....we're tent camping....in July.)
I'm going to try to get DD to do Summit Plummet this time. That's the only one she wouldn't try on our last trip.

We ate at Boma's in 2005 and it was one of our favorite restaurants we've tried at Disney. But, we never got to see much outside the resort because it was in the middle of a thunderstorm and completely black outside. We couldn't see a thing outside the windows. I'd love to go back there again to see some of the animal viewing and just wander around the resort.
If I ever stay at a deluxe resort, it will be AKL or the Contemporary. I just love both of them, (for very different reasons, obviously).

We've done the early morning EMH with good success, but the couple times we tried the evenings they always seemed packed. But, that was MK, which could make a difference. I've never felt like Epcot was crowded. Not like MK, anyway. I really don't want to change days because Epcot is our fave park and I prefer to save the best for last! (That's why TL is our final water park. Love it!!)

 

[t_daniels]

And thank you very much!

Welcome!
Yeah, it's going to be a "horse of a different color" this time around. Have you noticed I'm a sucker for a good movie reference yet?
But I am really getting excited about doing things differently. I think I tried too hard on our last trip and sort of stressed myself out so I hope this goes much better!
Time will tell, I guess...

My DH is too. Alll the time, movie references. I'll feel at home!

 

[Jaderose1]

I am planning a camping trip July 4th. In fort wilderness. Yahoooooooo

 

[indimom]

My DH is too. Alll the time, movie references. I'll feel at home!

Well, Welcome Home then!! (That's a DVC reference, but it'll do for the time being. )

I am planning a camping trip July 4th. In fort wilderness. Yahoooooooo

And how exciting, another Dis-er will be at the Ft! Are you trailer or tent camping? Are you a first timer (to the Ft) like we are? How long are you staying? Do tell! I would love to hear your plans!

 

[indimom]

Gotta tell you guys, I was feeling a little maudlin yesterday.

My baby turned 13!!! Where did all the time go? I was looking through his baby albums. He was such a cute, pudgy, little bald guy. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by!

In just 5 years, DH and I will probably be all alone in this big old house.
I'm really not sure how to feel about that. I know, I've just got to enjoy the time I have left before my babes leave me, but boy is it a depressing thought.

I've barely seen my boy this weekend. He had wrestling meets both yesterday and today. Dad took him, and I am running Emily to all her activities, so it's been a bit crazy. I didn't even get to take him shopping for his gift (he wants roller blades and I didn't want to get the wrong size). Maybe we can get it done Monday since the kids are off school. We'll see how it goes, I've got to squeeze some sleep time in there somewhere also since I work tonight and have a class Monday evening.

Today I'm running my daughter and a friend to the Humane Society to make a video for their English class. I'm stealing myself for the begging. As much as I would love a dog, we just don't have the time to give to a pet right now. But, I know we won't make it through the filming without falling in love with at least one dog.
Well, unless the cats get to her first. Emily's horribly allergic. The last time she spent more than 15 minutes at her aunt and uncle's house (4 cats), her eyes swelled shut. This video could be very interesting looking.

 

[lsenquiz]

Gotta tell you guys, I was feeling a little maudlin yesterday.

My baby turned 13!!! Where did all the time go? I was looking through his baby albums. He was such a cute, pudgy, little bald guy. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by!

In just 5 years, DH and I will probably be all alone in this big old house.
I'm really not sure how to feel about that. I know, I've just got to enjoy the time I have left before my babes leave me, but boy is it a depressing thought.

I so related when I read this because it brings back my memories of the day my DD21 turned 11 and my DS was 15. It hit me like a ton of bricks that my DH and I would be all alone before we knew it. I had my children in my 20s and could not image being an empty nester in my 40s. So I fixed that - which is why we now have DS8. Everyone called me crazy when I got pregnant again but it was the best decision I ever made

 

[indimom]

I so related when I read this because it brings back my memories of the day my DD21 turned 11 and my DS was 15. It hit me like a ton of bricks that my DH and I would be all alone before we knew it. I had my children in my 20s and could not image being an empty nester in my 40s. So I fixed that - which is why we now have DS8. Everyone called me crazy when I got pregnant again but it was the best decision I ever made

I don't think your crazy at all. I think even DH would consider it at this point. You do start to feel sort of bummed about the whole empty nest thing as they get older and older and need you less and less.
That was never an option for us after #2. Our baby days are over. I guess I'm just going to have to love on my youngest nephew and my friends' little kids for a few years. Then, wait it out until I get a couple grandbabies to enjoy. lol. (As much as I would enjoy them, I don't want to rush that process on my kids. )

 

[t_daniels]

Well, Welcome Home then!! (That's a DVC reference, but it'll do for the time being. )


And how exciting, another Dis-er will be at the Ft! Are you trailer or tent camping? Are you a first timer (to the Ft) like we are? How long are you staying? Do tell! I would love to hear your plans!

Oh, Welcome home. My favorite two words EVER.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I feel ya....my BABY just turned 12 and my oldest just turned 18. Time really does fly by so quickly.

 

[indimom]

Wow, I fell off the planet. lol. I've been gone for two days.
School and work are keeping me pretty busy right now. But, I'll try to pop in with another update soon!

 

[golf4miami]

Being busy isn't really a bad thing, it makes time go by quicker and next thing you know you're closer to your vacation! Especially when you're busy at work, that's a good thing, it means you're important.

Looking forward to more updates.

 

[indimom]

Being busy isn't really a bad thing, it makes time go by quicker and next thing you know you're closer to your vacation! Especially when you're busy at work, that's a good thing, it means you're important.

Looking forward to more updates.

True that!
I'm not sure how "important" I am at work, but its a nice job, keeps me busy, and even allows some free time for schoolwork and visiting the Dis (hey, that's what I'm doing right now ). All very good qualities in a job, if I say so myself!

 

[indimom]

Just popping in to keep my PTR alive.

I've been considering how much cooking I want to do at the campsite. I found a few very simple recipes that wouldn't involve much work or which can be prepped ahead of time. I know I don't want to eat cold sandwiches, veggies with dip, and chips all week.

I honestly came up with enough options we could prepare all our meals while at Disney, but I'm not sure how much of that we want to do.... or how much time we want to spend at our campsite during the day. I think I'll leave a few meals open so that we can eat in the parks or at downtown Disney a couple times.

We'll definitely do breakfast on our own. That's a simple one and we should have plenty time to accomplish that each morning before rope drop.

We've got four mornings to account for (since I won't have time to cook on check-in day or check-out day) and I figure we can do:

Sausage or Bacon with Hashbrowns
Eggs/Cheese on English Muffins
Omelets with Fruit
Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage

All of these are pretty simple with either a griddle or the grill. And a real breakfast will keep us going a little longer before we have to break for lunch. (We wouldn't want to miss out on that valuable AM time in the parks!)

Maybe we'll do a cold breakfast like granola bars or muffins on the check-in and check-out days. DH won't be a big fan, he is a protein junkie, but it would suit the rest of us fine.


For lunches, we could probably stick with cold items like:
Deli Sandwiches
Veggies and Dip
Fresh Fruit
Chips
Potato Salad

I don't know if we'll come back to the campground during our Epcot and DHS days. We may just do quick service for those. But, we can definitely take the cooler to the water parks, so I think those days and check-in day are no brainers for a picnic-style lunch.

And for Dinners (I'm leaning toward three nights: check-in day, and the water park days when we'll be done earlier and have a lot more free time in the PM):
Burgers and Baked Beans or Chuckwagon Chili
Spaghetti and Garlic Bread or Walking Tacos
Brauts and Corn on the Cob

Warm and filling, but super simple options. We could supplement with fruit or some of the lunch time options also. And, if this seems like a lot of beef based items, you got that right. DH hates chicken and I'm too scared to do fish on a camping trip since it may get warmer than it should in a cooler. lol. So.... beef and pork it is.

For a special treat:
We can bring our own Smores fixins for the campfire one night. Or maybe just marshmallows, we usually don't eat more than one smore, but we can polish off a few toasted marshmallows.

The kids would really like to make Campfire Pies I've just got to see if the contraption we use will work on a grill. I've never tried that, but I guess it should work.

I also found a recipe for Banana Boats that looks interesting. It involves grilling a banana with marshmallows and chocolate chips. I can't decide if that would appeal to my crew or not, though. Maybe I'll have to find a way to try it before then.

Beyond that, we usually bring some of our own snacks to the parks: Granola Bars, Trail Mix, Beef Jerky. Simple, easy to carry fillers.


Once we hit Universal, cold options are really our only options. We may do sandwiches at lunch when we stop for a pool break. And we could still do a cold breakfast in the AMs, but hubby will get sick of that real quick.
So, that's still very up in the air. We'll probably do more dining at Universal than at Disney this time.

Well, calling it quits for tonight. Have a great day everyone!!

 

[golf4miami]

You're doing a better job of keeping your PTR alive than I am. For some reason I'm having a hard time right now finding something to talk about until I get my plans set.

I like your food plan, a lot actually. I'm definitely a meat person and therefore I think your plan is well done, especially the walking tacos I could eat those probably 3 or 4 times a week and never get bored of them.

Also, the campfire with smores at the end of the night would be fun. Dgf and I are campers and that's one of the things we always do. It kind of makes me want to switch to the WL Campgrounds and/or just plan a camping trip right now!

 

[lsenquiz]

I think your dining options sound great. As you can tell by reading my trip reports, food is not the highest priority when I am at Disney. I frequently forgot to even mention what/where we are eating.

I do believe they have lockers at all the parks so you may want to consider bringing a small soft side cooler with you to your DHS day and putting it in a locker and just get it out at lunch time. IMO DHS has the worst counter service food of all the parks. There are lots of excellent counter service options at EPCOT so you could probably skip the cooler for that day.

 

[indimom]

You're doing a better job of keeping your PTR alive than I am. For some reason I'm having a hard time right now finding something to talk about until I get my plans set.

I like your food plan, a lot actually. I'm definitely a meat person and therefore I think your plan is well done, especially the walking tacos I could eat those probably 3 or 4 times a week and never get bored of them.

Also, the campfire with smores at the end of the night would be fun. Dgf and I are campers and that's one of the things we always do. It kind of makes me want to switch to the WL Campgrounds and/or just plan a camping trip right now!

I know the feeling. I don't have a lot of plans I can make. And honestly, part of my goal is to avoid making so many plans. That's what got me in trouble on our last trip. lol. So, I'm feeling a little lost for things to talk about. Ah well, I'll just keep marching on. At least by talking to you all, I don't drive DH nuts or spill the beans to the kids.
And, by the way, I totally enjoyed reading your food plans. YUM!

Ahhh, another camper! Definitely plan one, but I think I'd stick to your original plan for this trip. I'm not sure camping has quite as much romance factor. lol.

I think your dining options sound great. As you can tell by reading my trip reports, food is not the highest priority when I am at Disney. I frequently forgot to even mention what/where we are eating.

I do believe they have lockers at all the parks so you may want to consider bringing a small soft side cooler with you to your DHS day and putting it in a locker and just get it out at lunch time. IMO DHS has the worst counter service food of all the parks. There are lots of excellent counter service options at EPCOT so you could probably skip the cooler for that day.

I admit, we've never found too much to love about DHS counter service. The ABC commissary is a madhouse at meal times and it's just your standard fare. But we did enjoy the CS that's sort of hidden behind Indiana Jones (Backstage something or other, I think). So, we'll either eat there, or picnic, or maybe even venture outside the bubble.

Epcot is going to be our eating day! DH loves trying some of the different WS options, so we'll probably just meander through the countries picking up a meal or snack here and there to share among us. That way we don't make ourselves sick or waste a lot of food, but we get to try a lot of new things.
Even the kids had fun doing that on our last trip. We shared two meals in China and Japan, one in Germany, a snack or two along the way, and finished it off with two or three pastries in France. What an afternoon!

 

[golf4miami]

Just so you're aware of it, as I have just become aware: The September Hours have been posted. At least for the parks.

http://media.disneywebcontent.com/S...pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_sept.pdf

I finally get to plan out my ADRs! Thank goodness!

 

[indimom]

So, I'm wrapping up a shift at work, sitting here sucking down coffee, and thought I'd keep myself awake by "guessing" what will be our favorite attractions at each of our parks this year. It will be interesting to see if I guess right. Also, our faves have changed over the last two trips, so I'll share our past favorites next.

My Favorites:
DHS - Star Tours. Sounds a little funny right? And I do love RnRC, ToT and TSMM, but this will be new to us this time, so I expect to really enjoy trying something new here. We'll see. Hopefully it doesn't dissapoint!

Epcot - Soarin' There is no doubt about this one. Love it, love it, and always have!

BB - The family raft ride (I forget the name right now), but it's nice a long and a ton of fun and it's one of the few attractions at the water parks that you get to enjoy as a family.

TL - The Wave Pool. Duh. Can't beat it. No line and tons of fun. I would pick the snorkeling, but that's just a little too cold and a little too short to be my favorite activity.

USF - Rip Ride Rockit. Unless it slams my head around or makes me nauseous, then it will probably still be MIB.

IOA - Forbidden Journey. I have great hopes for the new Harry Potter attraction. Hope it doesn't disappoint.

Matt's Faves:
DHS - ToT. He loves this ride. I expect it will still be his favorite.

Epcot - Does the food count? lol. Otherwise, I'll guess TT. He's an adrenaline junkie, but Mission Space left him a wee bit spacesick, so I think that will rate as #1.

BB - Summit Plummet. Like I said. He's all about the thrills.

TL - The wave pool. None of the slides here are as big as BB so they will probably fall short next to the wave pool which is a thrill in its own right.

USF - The Mummy. I'm expecting RRR to make him nauseous. If it doesn't, he'll love that one best.

IOA - Dueling Dragons. Again, I"m a little worried that Forbidden Journey will be too much for him.

Blonde's Picks:
DHS - RnRC. This is a tough one, I'm really not sure, but I think this will rate the highest, followed by ToT and TSMM.

Epcot - MS:Orange. Girl loved this last time and actually mentioned it just the other day, so I think this will be her personal favorite.

BB - Slush N Gusher. Thrilling, but not as terrifying as those super high slides. She's got a little tiny thing about heights. We never did get her on Summit Plummet last time. I'll try again this year.

TL - The snorkeling. She really enjoys this and I think it will rank the highest.

USF - The Mummy. I'm not sure we'll get her to try RRR. The heads up start may put her off.

IOA - Forbidden Journey. She's gonna love it.

Garren's Favorites:
DHS - I'm going with Star Tours for the newness factor. If I'm rock, then I think it will be TSMM because he's all about games and will enjoy the challenge of trying to beat our score.

Epcot - Test Track. Unless they really butchered it during the renovations, I think this will rate the highest for Boy.

BB - Summit Plummet. Thrill seeker!

TL - The wave pool, nothing else there will compare.

USF - Rip Ride Rockit. Nothing gets to this kid.

IOA - Forbidden Journey for the effects or Hulk for the pure adrenaline. He didn't get to ride that last time and I think he's going to love the take-off.


When we went in 2005, our faves were quite a bit different, and of course will include all four parks, no water parks.

Mine:
MK - Big Thunder Mt.
Epcot - Soarin
DHS - The Great Movie Ride (we didn't even try the bigger rides because both kids were too short, and TSMM didn't exhist yet).
AK - Kilimanjaro Safari (again, Everest didn't exhist)

Matt:
MK - Space Mt.
Epcot - TT
DHS - Star Tours
AK - Kilimanjaro Safari

Blonde:
MK - Space Mt.
Epcot - Soarin
DHS - The Little Mermaid
AK - Kilimanjaro Safari

Junior:
MK - Splash Mt.
Epcot - Test Track
DHS - Lights, Motor, Action
AK - Kilimanjaro Safari

During our 2008 trip to Universal:

My Favorites:
USF - MIB (Rip Ride Rockit was under construction)
IOA - Jurassic Park River Adventure. Awesome.

Matt's Favorites:
USF - The Mummy.
IOA - Dueling Dragons.

Emily's Favorites:
USF - The Mummy
IOA - The Hulk

Garren's Favorites:
USF - The Mummy or The Simpsons (he really loved that one, made the rest of us a little queasy.)
IOA - Spiderman or Storm Force Accelatron.

I'll have to hit the 2010 trip to Disney at another time. I've run out of time and have to get a couple things done before the end of my shift!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

[lsenquiz]

Loving the favorite list! We used to go to Universal and IoA every year but have not been back since 2004 when my older two were 12 & 16. I was actually pregnant with our little one for that trip. I suspect we will be back when the little one finally develops a love for the thrill rides.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

That TL wave pool terrifies me! I hate wave pools as it is, and that one takes the cake! You are all very brave.