They'd Better Get Ready on the East Coast!! May 2009 **TR started on TR boards!!**

[autumnpalm]

Ooooookay. So. If you've clicked on this link before, you might remember that this used to be "They'd Better Get Ready on Both Coasts!".

Well, life is always changing and because of school schedules (darn college ) I am no longer going to Disneyland in June. So this has turned into a May 2009 PTR for Disney World. I felt like the title was a little misleading so I changed it... and then I realized I might as well re-write the first post seeing as the information and cast of characters has now completely changed!

I'll introduce myself first. I'm a university student and I LOVE Disney. My mom is my favourite person to travel with and usually our Disney trips are a mother-daughter thing. I get totally into the whole Disney obsession with matching shirts, itineraries, the whole shebang. This trip I'm trying to be a little more relaxed and we shall see how it will work out! I love princesses and my favourite park (at the moment) is Epcot. This is me:

My mom is the second biggest Disney fan in the family. We get along really well and if any of you have seen Lorelai and Rory on Gilmore Girls... that is pretty much our relationship. She is a great mom and really get into the Disney magic when we get there. Shhh! She doesn't know it yet, but I have some special things planned for her 50th birthday celebration at WDW.

I don't have any pictures of just her, so here is the whole family at the GF in December. Hopefully you can tell which one is her!!

We will be staying at ASMu for one night and then transferring to the YC for a week. I've never stayed at the Yacht Club before, so I'm super excited!!! We don't usually stay deluxe, but there was a fire at my college residence this fall and we had to move into a hotel for a few months and it was all very complicated however... I got almost $2000 from the university and it went straight toward the trip! So there really is a silver lining in every cloud! At the time it was a nightmare... I was always terrified of fire and having to evacuate a burning building at 4 in the morning is... well, terrifying... but I am thrilled to be able to go on this vacation!

Originally I had links to every update but I am just terrible at keeping up with them. So what I'm going to say is that there is an update on almost any page anyway and I'll try and update the title to tell you which page/post the latest update is on. I try.

So WELCOME!!! And come on in!!! I love readers and I love comments... and I desperately need advice on my plans. So grab a dole whip, get comfy and come along with us as we count down to May! I couldn't be more excited.

 

[autumnpalm]

So today I have spent hours and hours pricing flight after flight on website after website. I've hit up:

Expedia
Travelocity
Sunwing
Hotwire
Priceline
Flight Center
Cheap Tickets
Red Tag

And I'm just about ready to walk to Disney!! Now, I'm not that ambitious so I suppose I will just keep checking BUT

flights out of Pearson Internation (Toronto) are so darn expensive!! I'm pricing the May tickets right now and they're about double the cost of what it is to fly out of Buffalo, NY. Blaghhh. I know driving to Buffalo is only about two and half hours away and isn't a huge deal, so I'm thinking we might do that to save some extra money (for our spa day!! ) So far Priceline has the best price... but I want to check out prices for about a week or so before I finally commit.

Ah, if only we had a travel agent to figure all this out! Although I have to admit, it's kinda fun seeing what kind of deals I can find.

One thing that seems to be popping up a lot is that if we fly out of Buffalo on the 1st instead of the 2nd, the flights are substantially cheaper. So I was thinking, if we stayed at ASMu for one night before transferring over to the Yacht Club, we could save money AND have extra time at Disney!! Win win situation, right?

Except my mom is not crazy about the drive to Buffalo and doesn't know if she can get off of work an extra day. So we shall see. But fingers are tightly crossed for that to work out because it seems just about perfect to me!!

My wallet is a little afraid of searching for California tickets in the same day because... ouch. LOL

So now the plan is:

1. Figure out if DM can take an extra day off of work
2. Figure out the whole driving/parking/border situation in Buffalo
3. Call WDW and book a night at ASMu
4. Book Flights

I hope to accomplish most of this by tomorrow!!

And WHEN THE MAY HOURS FINALLY COME OUT I can start planning ADRs and tours and such. FEBRUARY 1 WHERE ARE YOU?!?!

 

[autumnpalm]

Well, today it's off to visit a friend for the weekend. So that will put a hold on Disney planning. You know you're obsessed one day off seems like a year.

I'm actually really excited to get away and have a "mini vacation".

I've found some flights out of Toronto for about $400 a person... which is more that I want to pay, but I've signed up for just about every email update service that will let me know if prices drop. Darn Canadian airfare taxes!! So far the cheapest tickets I've found are booking directly though Delta, which I found surprising. We aren't huge fans of Delta because almost every flight we've ever taken with them has been overbooked and we've had to stay overnight waiting for a morning flight but... if they have the cheapest price, they're most likely who we'll go with.

Before I leave I'm going to head over to Zazzle to create some Tshirts for our May trip. We already have two matching tees (white shirts with Minnie like in the photo above) and "It's Actual.... It's Factual" tees from Splash Mountain, but if I can convince DM to do it, we're gonna have matching shirts for the whole trip. I've been looking over on the CD board and seeing all these creative shirts everyone is making but I just don't think I have that skill level. We'll see, though!!

Hope everyone readying has a magical day!

 

[boundfordisney]

HAVE YOU PRICED FARES WITH SOUTHWEST? I HAVE NEVER SEEN DELTA HAVE A CHEAPER FARE THEN SWA. WE WILL BE AT THE YACHT CLUB AT THE SAME TIME AND WILL ALSO BE FLYING OUT OF BUFFALO WITH SOUTHWEST ON THE 2ND OF MAY, EARLY MORNING FLIGHT 7 AM THAT WAY WE GET DOWN THERE EARLY AND START ENJOYING WDW. WE STAY OVERNIGHT IN BUFFALO SO GETTING TO THE AIRPORT SO EARLY IN THE MORNING ISNT ANY PROBLEM. ITS SO WORTH THE DRIVE TO BUFFALO! GREAT TRIP REPORT SO FAR! MAYBE WE CAN MEET UP ON THE FLIGHT DOWN OR AT THE YACHT CLUB!

 

[autumnpalm]

HAVE YOU PRICED FARES WITH SOUTHWEST? I HAVE NEVER SEEN DELTA HAVE A CHEAPER FARE THEN SWA. WE WILL BE AT THE YACHT CLUB AT THE SAME TIME AND WILL ALSO BE FLYING OUT OF BUFFALO WITH SOUTHWEST ON THE 2ND OF MAY, EARLY MORNING FLIGHT 7 AM THAT WAY WE GET DOWN THERE EARLY AND START ENJOYING WDW. WE STAY OVERNIGHT IN BUFFALO SO GETTING TO THE AIRPORT SO EARLY IN THE MORNING ISNT ANY PROBLEM. ITS SO WORTH THE DRIVE TO BUFFALO! GREAT TRIP REPORT SO FAR! MAYBE WE CAN MEET UP ON THE FLIGHT DOWN OR AT THE YACHT CLUB!

I think we very well might fly out of Buffalo. I just checked flights and both of us could fly of $558 which is just a little more than the price of one flight from Toronto.

And that's so neat you'll be at the YC during the same dates as we are! Who are you traveling with?

 

[autumnpalm]

Ahhhh we got a LOT of snow last night and it is still snowing now. I am dreaming of warm Orlando weather!!

I do love Canada and am a proud Canadian, but I don't know how much longer I stand this climate. Right now I am sitting on my laptop, under my covers in sweatpants, two sweaters and two pairs of socks. University dorms are quite chilly brrrr!

I try to fit a little Disney into every day so I don't go crazy with the wait, so right now I'm listening to my "WDW Playlist" and on this site:

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/sounds.html

Which is great because it has fireworks music, queue music, atmosphere music... if I close my eyes and think about it hard enough, it's almost as if I'm actually standing in line for Space Mountain.

My DM should hear back from work tonight regarding whether she can take an extra day off and if she can, we'll be booking an extra night at ASMu. I would love to add an extra night at the YC but...I just can't justify spending the extra money. And also, this way we will get to try two different resorts! We've never even seen the All Stars so it might be kind of neat.

Anyways, I've got to go do some cleaning... all while listening to "Under the Sea" and "Be Our Guest" and "Circle of Life" of course.

Have magical days, everyone!!!

 

[autumnpalm]

Oh, and just a note... right now because of the American Inauguration, all Zazzle tees are 4.40 off! Just a nice little saver when it comes to anyone making tees for their trip.

 

[bertegirl]

Joining your thread...We are going in May, too with our son who will turn 1 and DD who will be 4. It is our first trip to WDW. We have been to Disneyland many times, though. Can't wait to keep reading! So ready for May

 

[autumnpalm]

Joining your thread...We are going in May, too with our son who will turn 1 and DD who will be 4. It is our first trip to WDW. We have been to Disneyland many times, though. Can't wait to keep reading! So ready for May

Oh my gosh, you will have so much fun! Thanks for joining me! I don't consider myself a "Disney Expert" (there are people much know knowledgeable than me, I can tell you ) but I'd love to offer any help or advice I can!! On the flip side, I've never been to Disneyland so I have no idea what to expect there!!

 

[bertegirl]

Well I lived in California until I went to Iowa State to college. I try to go back as often as I can to see the rest of my family and my friends. Let me know if you have any questions...I just went to the zazzle website. Have never been before. Need to talk my DH into getting matching shirts. I am at least going to make my kids some since this is their 1st trip ever! I am going to need a bigger suitacse

 

[autumnpalm]

Well I lived in California until I went to Iowa State to college. I try to go back as often as I can to see the rest of my family and my friends. Let me know if you have any questions...I just went to the zazzle website. Have never been before. Need to talk my DH into getting matching shirts. I am at least going to make my kids some since this is their 1st trip ever! I am going to need a bigger suitacse

Believe me, I tried to get our whole family to wear matching shirts on our December trip but... no such luck. Boys over the age of twenty don't really seem to be fans. So just my mom and I wore them. Can't wait for our May trip, I know my mom will be up for matching shirts. Fun!!

Unfortunately... I know there is NO way we will be wearing any matching shirts in June. Colour co-ordinated is probably the best I can hope for. Oh well, I guess being in LA I might want to be a little more fashion conscious.

 

[wlwilliams9]

Hi! I'm enjoying your PTR! We are visiting WDW in May also! We will be there May 9-16 for our 7th Anniversary. You and your DM will love the YC, it's a beautiful resort and SAB is fantastic!

I've been to DL once, back in 2002. It was fun and I'm glad to have experienced it, but it is no WDW! I wanted to explore LA while we were there too! I HAD to see Beverly Hills 90210. We also visited Griffiths Observatory, Rodeo Drive and the LaBrea Tar Pits.

Can't wait to read more updates!

 

[boundfordisney]

Will Be Travelling Down With My 2 Sisters And My Mother Finally Talked Her Into Going! She Is 82 But Doesnt Look It And You Wouldnt Think She Was That Age! Im Just In The Planning Where To Dine Stage As Soon As The 90 Day Window Opens Up For Reservations I Will Be On The Phone! So Looking Forward To Staying At The Yacht Club, Its Great That You Will Get The Chance To Do 2 Resorts!

 

[autumnpalm]

Hi! I'm enjoying your PTR! We are visiting WDW in May also! We will be there May 9-16 for our 7th Anniversary. You and your DM will love the YC, it's a beautiful resort and SAB is fantastic!

I've been to DL once, back in 2002. It was fun and I'm glad to have experienced it, but it is no WDW! I wanted to explore LA while we were there too! I HAD to see Beverly Hills 90210. We also visited Griffiths Observatory, Rodeo Drive and the LaBrea Tar Pits.

Can't wait to read more updates!

Nice to have you!! Welcome!!

I know, I'm trying to prepare myself with the fact that Disneyland won't be as immersive an experience like WDW is, but I am really excited to see things like the Redwood Forest, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, etc. I've never been to the LaBrea Tar Pits... do you think they are worth a visit?

Will Be Travelling Down With My 2 Sisters And My Mother Finally Talked Her Into Going! She Is 82 But Doesnt Look It And You Wouldnt Think She Was That Age! Im Just In The Planning Where To Dine Stage As Soon As The 90 Day Window Opens Up For Reservations I Will Be On The Phone! So Looking Forward To Staying At The Yacht Club, Its Great That You Will Get The Chance To Do 2 Resorts!

Oh, that is so lovely that you are going with your 82 year old mother!! What wonderful kids she has. Which restaurants are you thinking of for your ADRs? To me, picking this is one of the most exciting parts of planning. WDW has SO MANY great restaurants!! And I just noticed your location, we are in Toronto... neighbours!!

 

[autumnpalm]

So today I got to thinking about whether or not we should get the Photopass CD on our May trip. We did the CD for the first time on our December trip and really liked it. We were able to get the $25 photo shoot which was just amazing, and loved being able to get all four of us in a pictures. However, I can't figure out if it's worth it to do it again so soon... if we already have the "magic" pictures of all four of us, do we really need them again with two? But then, we really would like to do the photo session again at the YC because our other one turned out so well, I really treasure the photos.

I know there's the option of doing a Photopass share, so we might look into that. I guess there's no harm in preordering to get the cheaper price, looking at our pics once we get home and then getting a refund if we aren't completely happy. The $99 charge upfront I could do without but... I think I might just take the plunge.

By the way, I thought to make this a little more interesting, I would share with you guys some of our December 2008 PP pictures. Enjoy!!

Look! We got the boys to wear Santa hats during MVMCP!! Got them for a buck each at a local dollar store.

Well that's all for now! It's so nice looking back at trip pictures, it's like reliving the moment again. Hope everyone is having the most magical Monday possible!!

I'm off to go bathing suit shopping because I'm in need of a one piece suit... I'm starting to work with a kids rehabilitation hospital working in the pool with them, and because of the high chlorine levels I need a really durable suit. So it's off to The Bay for me! Then I'm meeting up with a friend for some coffee at Tim Hortons and then spending the rest of day cleaning. Oh well, it's a beautiful sunny, snowy day so I'd better get going!

 

[autumnpalm]

This is just a quick plea for help... I'm trying to figure out how to link each post to the main post and... I have no idea how to do that. PTR veterans, please take pity on me and give me a hand!!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

Hi! I made it over! I'm hooked. This is going to be a great PTR. I've never been to DL but I hope to some day. DH has an uncle who lives in SF. He told us this Christmas that when DS is old enough to really travel that far that we could come stay at the house and he'd take us where ever we wanted to go. He did this when DH was little. He even rented a van because DH has 2 brothers and a sister plus DH's mom and dad. His uncle took them all over the place. LOL I think DH is holding him to his word!

Your family is adorable. It's so great that your mom gets into thw disney spirit with you! I look forward to reading more.

 

[autumnpalm]

Hi! I made it over! I'm hooked. This is going to be a great PTR. I've never been to DL but I hope to some day. DH has an uncle who lives in SF. He told us this Christmas that when DS is old enough to really travel that far that we could come stay at the house and he'd take us where ever we wanted to go. He did this when DH was little. He even rented a van because DH has 2 brothers and a sister plus DH's mom and dad. His uncle took them all over the place. LOL I think DH is holding him to his word!

Your family is adorable. It's so great that your mom gets into thw disney spirit with you! I look forward to reading more.

Welcome!!! It's wonderful to have you here!

The first time I went to SF I was only seven and I still remember it! I bet your DS would just love it. I don't know if it's still there, but visiting FAO Schwarz was just the highlight of my trip. They don't have any in Canada so it was a big deal for me! I've never been to DL before either... I'll try to do a good job with my TR so you can get a taste of what it's like!!

I just got back from bathing suit shopping and I can't find my camera, so I'm going to have to upload a picture from the website. My suit is almost exactly like this one:

A little boring, but I'll have a T shirt over it and it is supposed to be very durable in the chlorine. Soo... we'll see!! I'm really excited to get started.

It's been snowing all day here and is absolutely gorgeous outside my window. I really wish I had my camera here so I could take a picture to share! I'm not generally a person who appreciates the snow but... it is like a winter wonderland. Just beautiful. Although I'm not looking forward to the shoveling in a few hours.

Off to check Priceline again!!

 

[wlwilliams9]

This is just a quick plea for help... I'm trying to figure out how to link each post to the main post and... I have no idea how to do that. PTR veterans, please take pity on me and give me a hand!!

I'll try to explain this the best I can!

If you click on the post # it will bring up that post in a separate window. Copy the URL, then go to your first post and type a title for that post. Highlight what you have typed then click on the Insert Link (Globe w/ chain link) icon in the toolbar. A pop-up box will open where you paste the URL in. Click OK and you should be all set!

I hope that makes sense!

 

[autumnpalm]

I'll try to explain this the best I can!

If you click on the post # it will bring up that post in a separate window. Copy the URL, then go to your first post and type a title for that post. Highlight what you have typed then click on the Insert Link (Globe w/ chain link) icon in the toolbar. A pop-up box will open where you paste the URL in. Click OK and you should be all set!

I hope that makes sense!

Thank you!!! I got my links all set up. Perfect explanation!!

And welcome!!!!!