This Is A Poncho-Free Zone!--May 22-29, 2010 PTR (New PTR!!!! 5/31)

[mousescrapper]

Always good to try those clothes on... well at least you were able to find some new ones and on sale...

Love the VB lanyard and the umbrella stroller is too cute...


BTW your welcome for the info

 

[mom2mek]

Hey Becky! I don't have any first-hand knowledge of online checkin but I've heard mixed things. I think you should go for it, especially since you are arriving on a Saturday afternoon. It could be crowded and if it saves you a few minutes...fabulous!! If not, no big whoop! You'll be at the Poly and hearing the music, smelling the lobby, and instantly relaxed anyways!!

Hmmm...Christmas time....well you will definitely want to see some of the resort decorations so check out the restaurants at the monorail resorts so you can enjoy all of that. Also, we actually really enjoyed our time at Trail's End over at Ft Wilderness. It's NOT fancy, by any means, but we thought it was cute and homespun. Plus Ft Wilderness is very close to WL and they have ponies that the girls could ride beforehand or you could take a boat ride. They have Mickey's BBQ over there too which I hear is nice as well. Don't forget a carriage ride! My parents did that back on our Thanksgiving trip in 2007 and really enjoyed it!

We did the CP back in 2007 (you will LOVE it, my fellow singer,....it is breathtaking). We ate late "lunch" at the Garden Grill and saw the first show which was great because the lighting actually got more intense as the sun went down and it was really quite beautiful! Plus, you don't spend a lot of time standing in line beforehand and inadvertently hearing the entire show that is going on before the one you are there to see. (Even the line for people with packages is large and you will be standing there for a while). For that reason, we really LOVED the first CP show time. Garden Grill was great fun - some of the best character interaction we had the whole trip! I'm not sure if the characters are there now except for dinner though, so maybe that wouldn't be a good choice. Ugh....so much to think about...but so much fun!!!

Hope that helps.

Sara

 

[lmillercrew]

Love the stroller and the giraffe swimsuit! TOO CUTE!
Just want to let you know that Old Navy is having a swimsuit sale, $10 or less for the family, May 14-20. Just in case any of your other readers need suits.
I can't believe you are so close to your trip! Where does the time go??

 

[NickTim&Sami'smom]

Hi Becky,
I am Sorry that your Mothers day morning did not go to well. Poor Brent he must have felt so bad. Glad the rest of the day made up for it. My Mothers day was special, Samantha took her First Communion Sunday . She also did a reading! She did so well, despite being nervous and not sleeping well the night before. They had the children bring flowers to the mom's as a surprise Oh My God, I cried like a baby. She looked like a angel. (you can view the pic's on my facebook if you would like...Traci Lourenco) LOVE the girls dance costumes. Sam took her pictures last Sunday, her recital is Fathers day weekend. Sat and Sunday. Also sorry about your van, mine has a cracked front grill, someone hit it at the mall and took off. , honestly who does that! I am so happy your vacation is so close, ours is still 148 day's away. We did online registration and it worked for us, last September.

Happy counting down...
Traci

 

[racefanof88]

Becky, I did online check-in for our May and September trips last year and it worked great for the September trip. The only reason it didn't go so well for our May trip was the CM checking us in didn't speak English very well. She didn't understand me and I didn't understand her so it took extra time. September was great because the line to check in was short for the online check-in but was wrapped around the lobby for regular. All of our stuff was printed out and waiting in a folder for us.

I love your new buys. The swimsuits are too cute . I got my stuff from the Disneystore today and I LOVE it. The shirt runs pretty true to size and the capris are great.

 

[ladybugmom]

I don't have any experience with online check-in-- we did regular in late August, had zero wait, got DBF's "First Visit" button, AND our room was ready at 12:30 p.m.! I don't know how online could beat that, but I've heard both positives and negatives about both processes!
I second Nichole's vote for Whispering Canyon-- very Christmasy! It'd be good for your first night-- you can eat at your resort and then relax and prepare for your first full Disney day! I also love Liberty Tree Tavern; it has that "homey" feel that I love around Christmastime!
Oh no about the bathing suits! I'm assuming you can't return them, but I'm sure you can sell them to a consignment place or on ebay. NWT items always sell well!
Love the lanyard-- Cupcakes Pink is my favorite pattern! Now that it's on sale on the VB website, my collection is growing to epic proportions!

Nice!! That's pretty much what happened to us last May--no wait, room was ready immediately, etc. Oooh--that would be nice our first night!! Thanks for the suggestion!! Yes, I will consign Claire's swimsuits and probably save Ally's for when Claire can fit in them.

Hi Becky!
Congrats on booking the Nov/Dec trip.... now you have two trips to WDW planned, it's a magical feeling!!

Sure you know this already but MVMCP is on these nights during your stay:
November 28th & 30th - and December 2nd & 3rd
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/pa...al-events/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/

and ADRs to plan too!
The first thing that came to my mind was 1900 Park Fare.. maybe an early dinner there before MVMCP as you'll be right on the Monorail and close to MK!

Tusker House breakfast is really good fun.... and Cape May Cafe!


Emma x

Thanks Emma!! We're sooo excited!! Thanks for the link! I'm looking at a weeknight for MVMCP--my TA suggested it (less crowded). Thanks for the ADR suggestions!! I appreciate it!!

Always good to try those clothes on... well at least you were able to find some new ones and on sale...

Love the VB lanyard and the umbrella stroller is too cute...

BTW your welcome for the info

Yes!! So glad I did or we'd be up a creek!!

Hey Becky! I don't have any first-hand knowledge of online checkin but I've heard mixed things. I think you should go for it, especially since you are arriving on a Saturday afternoon. It could be crowded and if it saves you a few minutes...fabulous!! If not, no big whoop! You'll be at the Poly and hearing the music, smelling the lobby, and instantly relaxed anyways!!

Hmmm...Christmas time....well you will definitely want to see some of the resort decorations so check out the restaurants at the monorail resorts so you can enjoy all of that. Also, we actually really enjoyed our time at Trail's End over at Ft Wilderness. It's NOT fancy, by any means, but we thought it was cute and homespun. Plus Ft Wilderness is very close to WL and they have ponies that the girls could ride beforehand or you could take a boat ride. They have Mickey's BBQ over there too which I hear is nice as well. Don't forget a carriage ride! My parents did that back on our Thanksgiving trip in 2007 and really enjoyed it!

We did the CP back in 2007 (you will LOVE it, my fellow singer,....it is breathtaking). We ate late "lunch" at the Garden Grill and saw the first show which was great because the lighting actually got more intense as the sun went down and it was really quite beautiful! Plus, you don't spend a lot of time standing in line beforehand and inadvertently hearing the entire show that is going on before the one you are there to see. (Even the line for people with packages is large and you will be standing there for a while). For that reason, we really LOVED the first CP show time. Garden Grill was great fun - some of the best character interaction we had the whole trip! I'm not sure if the characters are there now except for dinner though, so maybe that wouldn't be a good choice. Ugh....so much to think about...but so much fun!!!

Hope that helps.

Sara

I think I will go for it and see how it goes on this trip! Great idea about eating at resorts to see them all decorated for Christmas!! Oh yes, I've heard great things about the carriage rides!! Thanks for the reminder! I am really looking forward to CP!! I'm hoping Steven Curtis Chapman will be back this year narrating--I would love to hear him!! Good insight on the CP lunch package--thank you! You are a wealth of information!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Love the stroller and the giraffe swimsuit! TOO CUTE!
Just want to let you know that Old Navy is having a swimsuit sale, $10 or less for the family, May 14-20. Just in case any of your other readers need suits.
I can't believe you are so close to your trip! Where does the time go??

Thank you!! Oooh--great deal for whoever needs swimsuits! Thanks for sharing!!

Hi Becky,
I am Sorry that your Mothers day morning did not go to well. Poor Brent he must have felt so bad. Glad the rest of the day made up for it. My Mothers day was special, Samantha took her First Communion Sunday . She also did a reading! She did so well, despite being nervous and not sleeping well the night before. They had the children bring flowers to the mom's as a surprise Oh My God, I cried like a baby. She looked like a angel. (you can view the pic's on my facebook if you would like...Traci Lourenco) LOVE the girls dance costumes. Sam took her pictures last Sunday, her recital is Fathers day weekend. Sat and Sunday. Also sorry about your van, mine has a cracked front grill, someone hit it at the mall and took off. , honestly who does that! I am so happy your vacation is so close, ours is still 148 day's away. We did online registration and it worked for us, last September.

Happy counting down...
Traci

Awww!! That sounds VERY special!! How sweet!! I just sent you a Friend Request on FB!!

Becky, I did online check-in for our May and September trips last year and it worked great for the September trip. The only reason it didn't go so well for our May trip was the CM checking us in didn't speak English very well. She didn't understand me and I didn't understand her so it took extra time. September was great because the line to check in was short for the online check-in but was wrapped around the lobby for regular. All of our stuff was printed out and waiting in a folder for us.

I love your new buys. The swimsuits are too cute . I got my stuff from the Disneystore today and I LOVE it. The shirt runs pretty true to size and the capris are great.

Thanks for the info on online check-in! That would be frustrating getting someone who didn't speak English very well. Oh good! Glad to hear that the BAMA shirt runs true to size--thanks Dana!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Can someone post a link where I can find the online check-in?! I've been searching and I haven't found it?! TIA!!

 

[MaryAz]

Cute new swimsuits-makes me want to go buy some Have to also take a trip to Hobby Lobby. Decided to take the double stroller this year-probably one of the last times.
Not sure about the online chek in, I do it on the DVC members page.

 

[ladybugmom]

Cute new swimsuits-makes me want to go buy some Have to also take a trip to Hobby Lobby. Decided to take the double stroller this year-probably one of the last times.
Not sure about the online chek in, I do it on the DVC members page.

Thanks Mary!!! Yeah--all of your cute clothes made me want to go shopping, too!!

 

[shelbys mommy]

Can someone post a link where I can find the online check-in?! I've been searching and I haven't found it?! TIA!!

Go to My Disney Vacation on the wdw website. It will say "Your Vacation is in xxxx Days. See you Real Soon!" Under that is the Online Check In Service

Here is the link. I hope it works for you!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/myVacation/index?id=MyVacationIndexPage

 

[Brave teacher]

The swimsuits, bandanas, and stroller are all so adorable. Your girls sure have grown if the suits don't fit them.

We aren't doing online check-in. I have too many requests. Since it is not meant for you to change your room, online check-in doesn't make sense for us.

Your TA sure does put together a great packet!

 

[ladybugmom]

Go to My Disney Vacation on the wdw website. It will say "Your Vacation is in xxxx Days. See you Real Soon!" Under that is the Online Check In Service

Here is the link. I hope it works for you!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/myVacation/index?id=MyVacationIndexPage

Thanks Joni!!

The swimsuits, bandanas, and stroller are all so adorable. Your girls sure have grown if the suits don't fit them.

We aren't doing online check-in. I have too many requests. Since it is not meant for you to change your room, online check-in doesn't make sense for us.

Your TA sure does put together a great packet!

Thanks Megan!!

My TA put on our reservation our room requests--Tokelau building, 3rd floor, overlooking quiet pool, and next-door to my parents/brother. Will they get those requests if I do online check-in?! The room request section on the online check-in doesn't give you anywhere to type that up?! What do I need to do?!

 

[cdotla]

Hey Becky...I had a special request at the Contemporary of a Magic Kingdom view, Fantasia side, in an odd numbered room (so we could lay in bed and see the castle) and we did online check in and got it.

Again, my request was on the reservation, but did not get repeated (as there was no space to do so) on the online check in form.

Again with the Polynesian, we also did online check-in. Before doing so the reservation asked for 2nd floor of Tokelau, as close to the beach as possible on the Hawaii facing side. We got exactly what we requested - room 2913. There would have only been one room closer to the beach than ours.

So, in my experience earlier this month, as long as your requests are noted on your original reservation, doing online check in does not compromise your ability to get your room requests.

On another note - great buys for the trip, and what a fantastic package your travel agent put together for you!

 

[Brave teacher]

Getting the requests can be hit or miss. I have read a lot of what the pp has posted - original requests on reservation being met. However, I have also read just as much of people not getting their requests. Kidani has some very LONG hallways. I don't want to be at the end of them. That's part of my reasons. Plus, we linked our reservation with my SIL. We want to be near each other in some way. Plus we want to be in the Timon section (1 of the first 3 beads of the resort off the lobby) and on a lower floor. I'm just going to work it out when we get there.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Becky,

I didn't enter anything in the Room request box today. After doing my online check in today, I called guest services to get Josie's name spelled correctly-it was spelled Jossie on the ressie and I didn't want her to get a card with the wrong spelling as I save them.

Anyway, while I was on the phone, I had the CM confirm my room requests I made a few weeks ago after talking to Megan. Everything was exactly as I requested a few weeks ago. You can always call to confirm. The online check in to me is more about avoiding a long check in line and not wasting Disney time on CM's trying to print KTTW cards and paperwork.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Becky,
I did like Leanne and did the online check in...I had read to fax your request 5-7 days before arrival...well, I decided to call the resort number. Now, I know you do not reach the resort when you call the number but I was transferred to the resort. I did this the Sunday before (so six days) our rooms were already assigned and they did not grant our request (but, you have to realize I added a room and changed request just days before that)...well, the CM told me that she would put in my request but could not guarantee them (standard speil). But, they were granted...even giving us a king bed with three people w/at Pop is a no no...

So, I would just give the Poly a call and verify --what's it going to hurt?!?
Connie

 

[MHTeacher]

SINGLE DIGITS TODAY !​

​

 

[Bridora]

Hooray for your single digits!

We did online check-in last year and it was a breeze--no problems at all! I'm sure in about 4 days I'll be doing it too!

What cute bathing suits! It's crazy how fast kids can grow, isn't it? I also love the fabric on that stroller and your bandannas--what a great idea, by the way!

 

[pinkpixie0920]

I have never done online check in before but if your TA already put requests in for you I don't think your online check in will over ride those. I have heard of people sending a fax a couple days before they leave with their requests too. Maybe your TA could do that for you as well and that would secure it even more.

For ADRs, I recommend Tutto Italia at Epcot! That was probably one of the best meals I ate on my September 2009 trip! Since you are staying at Wilderness Lodge I would try Whispering Canyon. We are trying that for the first time this October since we are staying at WL. I have heard good reviews on it and it is supposed to be really fun for kids.

I'm sorry about your house. I know this is very cliche but everything happens for a reason and I just know that someone else is probably going to put an offer on your house soon. Who knows, maybe the other couple wouldn't have offered what you wanted and there is someone out there that is willing to pay more. God definitely has a good plan for it!