THREE for the Price of One -Farewell to a PTR, for now!

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Oh, are you going to get the Tonga Toast at Cooks? I've always wondered if it was good at the quick service location.

I can't believe you are SO close!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I love Kona - yum!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sounds delicious to me!!!!!

 

[gellybean]

Oh my goodness, how did your trip come up so fast? I'm so excited for you (ok, jealous really, but I'll be nice).

Did you decide to get the Verizon app? I've been looking at it and would love to hear your experience with it. I really need to check out TGM and decide if I want to subscribe. Do you think it has really helped you plan your days?

It's been the fast slowest summer EVER! LOL I decided to go ahead and order the app to find out my phone won't support it. Bummer. So I don't know if it would have helped or not. I like TGM. It's clear concise info all in one place, but now that I've used it a few times I think I can figure out which days he would recommend on my own now. It's definitely worth checking out once. For instance, this time I told TGM we were going in December (first trip we booked) and was still able to access the info for August too. So it was well worth it to plan two trips!


The reason I finally broke down and checked it out was because I would just plan our days in order of parks (tradition for us) MK, Epcot, DHS, AK always in that order and then loop back around to MK and Epcot if we had the days. Well, our trip in 09 we had some nutso crowd levels in January no less. And I was making small talk with a CM that made the comment of how slow MK had been just the day before. So that's when I started to clue in that it really does matter, EVEN in offseason, which days you go to which park!

HTH!

So glad you got your early Ohana ressie! I really enjoyed watching it all from the beach! I didn't think it would be as good as it was. I hope you all love it too.

I think we will love it. We tried to watch Wishes from Poly in 08 and that was the night Mr. I insisted he knew a better way to drive to Poly from Pop than the way I had said. AHEM. Well he got turned around and we got lost and we caught the very end of it, right as we walked up to the beach.

I did manage to see it from the Poly at some point as a kid growing up, and remember enjoying it. We used to try to catch the fireworks from Poly beach the first night we'd arrive ... felt like we were getting a bit more magic before using our tickets! and That was back in the early 90s. We were DIS savvy and didn't even know it.

Just thinking about how AWKWARD that must have been!!!!!!!! "Where do I look...where do I look?" and "Is my face showing how shocked I am?" would be my thoughts!


I cannot imagine! It'd be like a trainwreck, can't NOT look!

Is that my fault too?

Actually no. It's TimandLesley's and Soonergirl's fault. Reading about their WS Segway tours! Definitely on my must do list. But just seeing Epcot in all it's glory, empty... makes me crave it. But I keep telling myself it wouldn't be like that. It'll be crowded and hot and exhausting.

I say keep it as is. By them being more happy, you will be more happy (most likely) and when Momma is happy...!

And you can ride the monorail into Epcot for a little fix. Or, that might make it worse...

I don't know if that would make it worse or not.... Hmmm. Will let you know if we do the loop how it makes me feel.

I am going to keep it as it is... we actually have to now. I changed our rental car ressie from Friday morning pick up to Thursday afternoon pick up. So we have to be at DTD now to get the car. We needed more time Friday morning to try to get on the road sooner, logistics with getting the car title and tags switched on the minivan MIL is giving us, we have to be in Jacksonville early enough to make it to the courthouse.

SO plans will stay the same, we'll go to DTD on Thursday, eat lunch at T-Rex, get our shop on, and then head over to Enterprise at 4:30pm to get the car. We'll send the boys (all 3 of them) back to the Poly on the bus and Mom and I will pick up the car! This way we can get out right after Kona cafe breakfast on Friday!

Woo hoo for being able to change your 'Ohana ressie! Persistence pays off!

Definitely keep your MK plans. I just think you'll be really sorry if you don't see MK and the castle.

I was sitting here thinking, there's no way, why am I even trying.. and the boom on my screen one little available time of 8:10pm! SCORE!!!!!!!!

Persistence (or sheer stubborness ) does pay off!

I agree... I can't not see my castle!! And get that Main Street feeling! So I'm happy with our plans!

Oh, are you going to get the Tonga Toast at Cooks? I've always wondered if it was good at the quick service location.

I can't believe you are SO close!!

I haven't had it at either location... so I'm actually hoping to try it at the quick service location to see if I'd like it enough to order it at Kona, too. I have a weird issue with overly ripe bananas. Love banana bread and bananas foster and the banana dessert at Brown Derby. So I think I'll like it but am not sure. IF I don't care for it at Captain Cook's, I'll probably get the macadamia nut pineapple pancakes instead. YUM! Mom is gonna share with me at every meal so that should help with portions I'm hoping!!

We are soooooooooooo close. The excitement has officially set in. I love this part of a vacation trip. Close enough that you can almost taste it, it doesn't seem like it's so far away (as it did 4 days ago even). I can get things ready and feel like I'll still have enough to keep myself busy. I don't like getting it all done so early that I just sit on my hands the last day or so before. Like to stay busy! So the busy time is upon me!

None of that made sense, did it?

I love Kona - yum!

Kona will be a first for us this time!! Can't wait to try it!

Sounds delicious to me!!!!!

I know!!! We'll be careful to not order things at lunch that we'd get something similar at dinner at Ohana. Like wings or noodles. Right now we're looking at the plate lunches. We saw a Diners, Drive Ins and Dives about local hot spots in Hawaii with authentic plate lunches that looked interesting. That really tipped the scale on Kona lunch. It'll be as close as we get to Hawaii for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time!

 

[gellybean]

Alrighty... I promised you all packing chaos. Here goes!

Complete chaos on the dining room table. Laundry Laundry and more Laundry. I am officially caught up. For now.

Suitcases out from the garage. The boys used them for a barricade and played with them for hours! Forgive the turned over laundry hamper in the background. Casuality of boys playing good guys/bad guys!

The chair I had been sticking things on for weeks. As I'd run across something I knew needed packing that we wouldn't need in the near future, I'd pile it in the corner.

You can see our little longhair chihuahua!! her! I'm taking her tomorrow to my friend that's gonna dogsit for us!

You can also see the stroller. We're taking it AGAIN! Third trip to Disney for that stroller. It's rated up to 50lbs, so we should get a few more trips out of it, I'm hoping!

The Samsonite Spinner. This thing is huge. I don't know what I was thinking when we bought it from Costo 5 years ago. We can fit a lot into it, it's really easy to roll with four wheels but we have to be reaaaaaaaaaallllly careful to not go over weight limit with it. I always put a blanket down to keep it from scratching the table!

Inside da Spinner! Lots of room!!

As I was folding the laundry, I started a To Be Packed pile. This is a mixture of all four of our things.

The not to be packed pile.

My e-bag knock off Baggallini like bag. I love it. It's deceptive in size. I can get a lot of stuff in there! I'm not carrying it on the plane this time, but packing it for our days in the park and at DTD.

A reuseable shopping bag I picked up at the Disney outlet. I got two of them. I used one for my beach bag in Galveston - worked well. They come in handy. I packed them flat in the suitcase for extra bags for souvies, dirty laundry to MIL's, snacks and things we'll need on the road trip that we won't need on the flight, etc.

I think you can tell in this picture it's size a little better. It's much bigger than the standard grocery size reusable bags.

I think we are taking enough suncreen...

Packing starting to take shape. Julie - you can see the very top of the Tinkerbell visor there. I will try to get a closer shot for you soon! I already have my plane outfit laid out, and the shoes I'm wearing on the plane. So that's four shoes for me. I'm doing good just taking four!

Tolietries bag that goes with the Spinner, packed with all our travel size stuff. I haven't packed my makeup bag or toothbrushes, etc yet but should still have room. I went through my makeup bag and pulled out the items I use most frequently and put them in a smaller bag. Trying to save room!

Other side of the mostly packed suitcase. That is my clothes, and both boths clothes. I *THINK* I can get all three of us in this one suitcase. Just have to weigh it when I'm done.

Wish there was a way to set a desktop image on your television too! This would be mine!

How the boys and I spent our evening. Mr. I is working, getting everything ready to leave Monday. So the boys and I have been on a movie marathon kick. Trying to watch as many Disney movies as we can. PoC is a great compromise between kid entertaiment, especially for boys, and is a nice change for me, from the animated features. Not that I don't love me some Cars or Incredibles but occasionally Momma wants to look at real people.
LOL


I'll be updating as the next two days progress... getting closer and closer to leaving! I have one heckuva planning list all written out (love pen and paper sometimes).

I have updated my confirmation list on my phone with the ADR changes.

I also added a souvie wish list, cus I always seem to forget the things I want to get in the excitement of it all.

Coconut gems are one my list and yes Brook that is your fault too!

Dash and I worked on sorting out his legos today. WHAT a job! OH my! I thought we would be making a trip to the Lego store but I dunno! That kid has legos coming out his ears!

I also cleared out pictures on my camera. Maximum free space on my memory card. I still need to figure out how to take video with it... I got a new one in May and haven't been successful taking video yet. I guess I should read the manual!! LOL

We were thinking about taking a taxi/shuttle from the airport Monday night. Since we'll be getting in so late and since we'll have to get our own luggage, it would be so easy to catch a ride from Terminal A instead of trekking over to Terminal B and waiting on a M.E. bus.

But I got outvoted. Mom and Mr. I both like the tradition of the bus. And how can I argue with that? My husband who I, once upon a time, feared would hate Disney wants to ride the M.E. for traditions sake.

Catch you guys tomorrow! Thanks for reading and counting down with me!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

We bought the same suitecase from Costco. I have not used it much since it weighs so much on it's own. It's great though to bring home things that are fragile.

I love your packing madness. Looks like my house when we pack! I have a bag too that I have been tossing things into for weeks now.

You're getting so close to your trip!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

In case I don't get back over here again, HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!

 

[praisehisname]

Not that I don't love me some Cars or Incredibles but occasionally Momma wants to look at real people.
LOL

Especially when the real people include Captain Jack! Momma loves me some Captain Jack!

Have a fantastic, safe trip! Can't wait to hear about! Can I follow you on Facebook? I'll PM you my details. Thanks!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I don't know - I think you might need one more bottle of sunscreen.......just sayin'




Looks like things are coming together! Watching a bit of Captain Jack is the perfect way to end the day - yum!

 

[brookelizabeth]

It'll be as close as we get to Hawaii for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time!

Not if you buy DVC! Think you can convince Mr. I?

Not that I don't love me some Cars or Incredibles but occasionally Momma wants to look at real people.
LOL

I so understand!!!!

Coconut gems are one my list and yes Brook that is your fault too!

They are SO GOOD!! I need to start a souvie list...

Love that Mr. I wants to ride ME!! He's totally converted, isn't he? Looks like packing is going well, hopefully that suitcase is under the limit!

Momma loves me some Captain Jack!

 

[stayhomemom77]

The Tink visor…there it is!!

Oooh, a souvie wish list!! What a great idea! I need to do that for my next trip. I always bring X amount of dollars (and by always, I mean both times so far) and then I get like one piddly little thing for myself and spend the rest on the kids. So lame. I’m totally stealing that idea. Thank you.

I can’t believe you got outvoted about the taxi!! Still, traditions are nice. The ME counts as part of the magic, doesn’t it. We’ve driven down both times so I can’t comment on personal experience but judging from all of the TR’s I’ve read…that seems to be the consensus.

Ummm...what are coconut gems?? Should I add them to my souvie list??

PotC...all I can say is...AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN!!

 

[gellybean]

We bought the same suitecase from Costco. I have not used it much since it weighs so much on it's own. It's great though to bring home things that are fragile.

I love your packing madness. Looks like my house when we pack! I have a bag too that I have been tossing things into for weeks now.

You're getting so close to your trip!!

Haven't weighed the Spinner yet!! Hope it comes under. Can bring an extra suitcase if we have too... just trying to keep the number down to a minimum since we're gonna have to retrieve them tonight ourselves.

Good to know that my packing madness is shared! LOL

In case I don't get back over here again, HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!

Thank you LL!!!!

Especially when the real people include Captain Jack! Momma loves me some Captain Jack!

Have a fantastic, safe trip! Can't wait to hear about! Can I follow you on Facebook? I'll PM you my details. Thanks!

This Momma loves some Captain Jack too!!! Thank you for the well wishes! I'll be posting on FB some I'm sure! Glad to have you there!

I don't know - I think you might need one more bottle of sunscreen.......just sayin'




Looks like things are coming together! Watching a bit of Captain Jack is the perfect way to end the day - yum!

You have seen how pale my family is right? There's no such thing as TOO much sunscreen!

Things are mostly together. Walking out the door in 30 mins (hopefully).

Not if you buy DVC! Think you can convince Mr. I?


I would love to buy DVC! It's on our 5 year plan list! I think Mr. I is convincable.

I so understand!!!!



They are SO GOOD!! I need to start a souvie list...

I can't wait to try them!!

Love that Mr. I wants to ride ME!! He's totally converted, isn't he? Looks like packing is going well, hopefully that suitcase is under the limit!

Ya know I think he is! Who knew!!

The Tink visor…there it is!!

Oooh, a souvie wish list!! What a great idea! I need to do that for my next trip. I always bring X amount of dollars (and by always, I mean both times so far) and then I get like one piddly little thing for myself and spend the rest on the kids. So lame. I’m totally stealing that idea. Thank you.

I can’t believe you got outvoted about the taxi!! Still, traditions are nice. The ME counts as part of the magic, doesn’t it. We’ve driven down both times so I can’t comment on personal experience but judging from all of the TR’s I’ve read…that seems to be the consensus.

Ummm...what are coconut gems?? Should I add them to my souvie list??

PotC...all I can say is...AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN!!

Steal away! I liked the idea. I can never remember the things I thought I wanted before I got there. I always get sidetracked some.

ME is definitely part of the tradtion for a lot of people. I had many a trip to Disney before they had ME so for me, it's not as big of a tradition but Mr. I has never been without riding the bus. So I get it. We can always change our minds at the last minute and get a taxi!

I think coconut gems are chocolate covered coconut macaroon like things. Will let you know!







We are 98% packed. Whew. It's been a busy morning. Mom got here around 1pm. My sister and I made a last minute run to Target for socks for the boys ( I can NEVER find enough matching pairs of socks when it's time to pack) and snacks for the plane since I'm a little worried about time and the shortness of the layover etc.

My sister went on her merry way and mom is taking a nap. Mr. I is home from work!! So he is officially on vakay. He got home on time. A small miracle lemme tell ya.

He's wrapping up his last minute packing items as I type.

We're about to weigh the suitcases and adjust accordingly. Our flight leaves at 6:40CDT and we're gonna try to be at the airport 2 hours early.... so we'll need to leave here in about 30 mins.

I have a list a mile long that is mostly checked off but I'll be double checking it as we go!



*deep sigh*


WE'RE LEAVING TODAY FOR DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Thank you all for planning along with me!

I'll be posting some from Disney I hope and then when we return, will be posting both on the PTR for our December trip and starting a new August TR! Lots of DISing to do! !!!! Can't imagine planning another trip without it!!!

Have a magical week everyone!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Have a great trip gelly!

 

[Rozz]

Yes, definitely have a great trip gellybean!

I'll be here waiting for the post direct from Disney!

 

[Dugette]

Have a wonderful trip!!! You're probably in the air right now! Can't wait to hear all about it! By the way, maybe I missed an explanation, but are the coconut gems those snacks I got right when I got to the Poly on our January trip? (coconut mickey-roons w/dark chocolate) Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[gellybean]

from DISNEY WORLD!!! I can't sleep too wired. We arrived at the Poly a little before 2am. Our flight out of Houston was delayed a bit. So glad to finally be here. Don't wanna give too much detail...gotta save it for the TR!!

Will be cking in again soon! Thank you all for the trip wishes!
Should try to sleep. Have an 11am wakeup call. Night everyone!!

 

[gellybean]

I may be the only person who didn't know about this but...in case I'm not, y'all need to google Golden Oaks at Walt Disney World !!! Omg!! I wish! A girl can dream right?

We saw the entrance on the way in last night so as I lay here wide awake while the rest of my peeps sleep, I googled. Has to be the coolest thing I've read about Disney related in a long time. Have a great day everyone!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Oh my gosh! I had never heard of Golden Oaks - I wanna live there!!!! Gotta get a winning powerball ticket.............

 

[brookelizabeth]

Glad to hear you arrived safely - despite the delay!

I've heard a bit about Golden Oaks...Googling...

We anticipate that homes will range from approximately $1.5 - 8 million.

I think Celebration is more my style though...

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hope you arrived safely and are having a grand time!!