Tim and Lesley Year of Million Compromises/TONS pics- 8/5 help me pg. 164!!!

[timandlesley]

I am praying you all get picked!

Thanks, it is my DREAM! (along with being picked for the castle for the night)
Lesley

Just getting caught up again! I am glad you decided to keep your ressies at LeCellier, we ate there last year and loved it and so did the kids who were 6&4

OT but I was curious if you lived anywhere near Piqua?
I graduated from Ohio University and my roommate was from Piqua? A small town from what I remember but I can't recall if it was closer to Dayton or Cinci? I ask because she is a special education teacher as well and I know she is still in that area.

Actually we are about 2 hours south of Piqua (well maybe more like 1 hour and a half). it is north of Dayton, I've been to Piqua quite a bit though

OMG!!!!! pant........ weeezzzz....... gasp......... I made it to the end!!! I started reading earlier this week. (Followed you from Blayne's TR) Haven't had a chance to read your previous TR. Will do that soon. I was just running so fast to catch up to you for this one.

Too many things to comment on... Great details!!! Would drive my DH crazy! Glad Tim is better.... Love the idea of mommy/daughter, daddy/son meals. May have to try that next time.

(deep breathe) OK - now I'm ready for more!
Barb

Glad you caught up, I know it is QUITE Lengthy, thanks for hanging in there.
Lesley

 

[mom2jcc]

Yes, I found it!! I have to catch up, but at least I'm here, right? You posted on my "Castle Winners" thread and I noticed you started the pre-trip report, but I didn't know that I had 4 months of reading to do....I CAN DO IT!! YES, I CAN!! Anyway, so enjoyed your last trip report Just started my own this week....MY VERY FIRST...time consuming, but so much fun

 

[timandlesley]

WELCOME BACK!!! Glad you enjoyed the last TR and came back for more. I am SOOOOO hoping and dreaming we were to luck out with the glorious dream you were granted. Congratulations again!!!!
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

I am sooooo excited . I have worried about our upcoming trip because I SOOOO want Lauren to make the 40 inch requirement so we can go on Splash MTn, TMR,Soarin, Test Track,etc. together as a FAMILY (I've been waiting for this forever, so sick of waiting with parent swap). Well. . .this weekend our local amusement park - Kings Island opened up, it was test day. Lauren and I headed to the Fairly Odd Coaster (formerly and always in my mind the Beastie) and SHE MADE HEIGHT. I was so excited when they put that 40 inch bracelet onto her wrist. Luke also made the 48 inch requirement and they gave him a wrist band with 48 inches on it, so Rockin' Roller Coaster HERE WE COME
So. ..what has your luck been with other amusement parks height requirements compared to Disney? I've heard Disney bumps it up a bit and that worries me because they are RIGHT on the mark.
Looking forward to comments.
Lesley

 

[Disneyolic]

I am sooooo excited . I have worried about our upcoming trip because I SOOOO want Lauren to make the 40 inch requirement so we can go on Splash MTn, TMR,Soarin, Test Track,etc. together as a FAMILY (I've been waiting for this forever, so sick of waiting with parent swap). Well. . .this weekend our local amusement park - Kings Island opened up, it was test day. Lauren and I headed to the Fairly Odd Coaster (formerly and always in my mind the Beastie) and SHE MADE HEIGHT. I was so excited when they put that 40 inch bracelet onto her wrist. Luke also made the 48 inch requirement and they gave him a wrist band with 48 inches on it, so Rockin' Roller Coaster HERE WE COME
So. ..what has your luck been with other amusement parks height requirements compared to Disney? I've heard Disney bumps it up a bit and that worries me because they are RIGHT on the mark.
Looking forward to comments.
Lesley

Awesome. I was waiting and waiting too for Alec to get 40" and now I have Brooke who is only 36"... Rob & I will have to take turns with each boy on the "big" rides. It will still be fun.

I didn't think Disney "bumped up" the height checks. In fact, I was surprised the first year with Evan when I thought he was only 39" and he made it on all the 40" marks. Even surprised me last year with Alec making the 44" marks! I think their sneakers helped but in no way were they "special" sneakers to get the height. I always measure my kids at home and then add an inch or so for sneaker height.

Hersheypark was one we had problems with at heights. We were not that impressed with that park for kids that are just a tad too big for the kiddie rides but way to short for the coasters. I'll have to remember that if we go back with Brooke.

 

[daisy_77]

Awesome news about Lauren being 40" and Luke being 48"!
Our Maddie still has 2" to go until she is 40"....we still have a while to get there though.
Yay, your kids get to ride some new rides!

 

[dddisrunner]

Hey Lesley,

Last year when we were there DS4 at the time was just 40 in. with his sneakers on. We had no problem anywhere except TEST TRACK! The
1st attempt the CM said he didn't make it but when we measured him he did so the line was very short we got back in line and the same CM let him on the 2nd time with no problem. There was only a 15 minute difference from the first and 2nd time we went on! We were at the parks for 7 days and that 1 day 1 time was the only problem we had! I am so excited for you that both kids hit those heights! It really makes a huge difference when you don't have to swap! Have so much fun!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

So. ..what has your luck been with other amusement parks height requirements compared to Disney? I've heard Disney bumps it up a bit and that worries me because they are RIGHT on the mark.
Looking forward to comments.
Lesley

We had weird luck with the 40" for my son on our trip. Some rides cleared him, some didn't. He was just 40" when measured before our trip. He got to go on Big Thunder Railroad but not Dinosaur. However, the first CM at Dinosaur cleared him. The second did not. He also didn't clear ToT. It was just very on and then off, depending on the ride.

 

[jenr812]

It is soooo weird that you're talking about the kids' heights today - I *just* posted about this too! LOL Awesome that they made it! What is a great idea with the bracelet! I wish Disney would do that - we found the height measurers (is that a word?) to be somewhat inconsistent last time.

 

[timandlesley]

Awesome. I was waiting and waiting too for Alec to get 40" and now I have Brooke who is only 36"... Rob & I will have to take turns with each boy on the "big" rides. It will still be fun.

I didn't think Disney "bumped up" the height checks. In fact, I was surprised the first year with Evan when I thought he was only 39" and he made it on all the 40" marks. Even surprised me last year with Alec making the 44" marks! I think their sneakers helped but in no way were they "special" sneakers to get the height. I always measure my kids at home and then add an inch or so for sneaker height.

Hersheypark was one we had problems with at heights. We were not that impressed with that park for kids that are just a tad too big for the kiddie rides but way to short for the coasters. I'll have to remember that if we go back with Brooke.

Well that's good news. I guess we'll just have to see how it goes. Thanks for your story, I appreciate it!
LEsley

Awesome news about Lauren being 40" and Luke being 48"!
Our Maddie still has 2" to go until she is 40"....we still have a while to get there though.
Yay, your kids get to ride some new rides!

Thanks, I am soooo excited , can't wait to ride Soarin' together as a family and Splash Mtn. I know Lauren will LOVE those, and riding the four of us together, . ..well. . .just the thought of it gives me happy goosebumps!!!!
Lesley

Hey Lesley,

Last year when we were there DS4 at the time was just 40 in. with his sneakers on. We had no problem anywhere except TEST TRACK! The
1st attempt the CM said he didn't make it but when we measured him he did so the line was very short we got back in line and the same CM let him on the 2nd time with no problem. There was only a 15 minute difference from the first and 2nd time we went on! We were at the parks for 7 days and that 1 day 1 time was the only problem we had! I am so excited for you that both kids hit those heights! It really makes a huge difference when you don't have to swap! Have so much fun!

O.K., good to know. Wish they would just do the wrist bands and save everyone the time and trouble,I wonder why they don't.
Lesley

We had weird luck with the 40" for my son on our trip. Some rides cleared him, some didn't. He was just 40" when measured before our trip. He got to go on Big Thunder Railroad but not Dinosaur. However, the first CM at Dinosaur cleared him. The second did not. He also didn't clear ToT. It was just very on and then off, depending on the ride.

Well, we don't plan on doing Dinosaur or TOT with Lauren, she would FREAK out, but we do want to do BTMR so that is good news. Anyone had luck with Soarin?? It is 40 inches right??
Lesley

It is soooo weird that you're talking about the kids' heights today - I *just* posted about this too! LOL Awesome that they made it! What is a great idea with the bracelet! I wish Disney would do that - we found the height measurers (is that a word?) to be somewhat inconsistent last time.

I saw yours after I posted mine and posted on yours about mine (o.k., did that make ANY sense at all )
Lesley

 

[scrapperjill]

We were so bad the first time we went to Disneyland...our dd was just shy of the mark so we went out before the trip and purchased her shoes with the tickest sole PLUS put her her high up on her head to give her some 'added' height It worked for just about everything except Mission Space. What sucked there was we had her cousin with us that passed no problem but is only a month older...makes it hard for a young child to understand.

Our dd's always been on the shorter side...even now at almost 14 she's not much above the 48" mark...maybe only 5-6" above it.

Anyways best of luck making the mark this time...and not running into any problems.

 

[MRNsMommy]

That is so awesome about your kiddos making the height requirements! We're taking our DD who will be 3 when we go in December, and I have been crossing my fingers hoping that she grows enough by then for the 40" requirement! I can't wait to see how Lauren does on all the rides, so I can try and determine if my DD, Reagan, will like them!

 

[timandlesley]

We were so bad the first time we went to Disneyland...our dd was just shy of the mark so we went out before the trip and purchased her shoes with the tickest sole PLUS put her her high up on her head to give her some 'added' height It worked for just about everything except Mission Space. What sucked there was we had her cousin with us that passed no problem but is only a month older...makes it hard for a young child to understand.

Our dd's always been on the shorter side...even now at almost 14 she's not much above the 48" mark...maybe only 5-6" above it.

Anyways best of luck making the mark this time...and not running into any problems.

I was actually looking for heel sandals and we had some for her but every time she walked they came un velcroed (is that a word?? ) so I had to return them and she had prety flat sandals at Kings Island, so we should be good to go, here's hoping!
Lesley

That is so awesome about your kiddos making the height requirements! We're taking our DD who will be 3 when we go in December, and I have been crossing my fingers hoping that she grows enough by then for the 40" requirement! I can't wait to see how Lauren does on all the rides, so I can try and determine if my DD, Reagan, will like them!

Thanks, can't wait to write all about it!
Lesley

 

[PittypatBR]

Two years ago when we went, DGD was about a half inch shy, so we let her wear her thick soled flip-flops and they never looked at her feet! She rode Soarin, BTRR, and Splash Mountain. We didn't take her on any of the others with height requirments, I don't think. When we took our kids 30 years ago, my DS 6 was tall enough to ride Space Mountain, but was scared to, and my DD 4 wasn't tall enough, and cried the whole time DS8 and I were riding. She was SO MAD at her brother who could have gone, and didn't! She STILL talks about that today. Hopefully she will get to ride everything she wants to ride.

 

[timandlesley]

Two years ago when we went, DGD was about a half inch shy, so we let her wear her thick soled flip-flops and they never looked at her feet! She rode Soarin, BTRR, and Splash Mountain. We didn't take her on any of the others with height requirments, I don't think. When we took our kids 30 years ago, my DS 6 was tall enough to ride Space Mountain, but was scared to, and my DD 4 wasn't tall enough, and cried the whole time DS8 and I were riding. She was SO MAD at her brother who could have gone, and didn't! She STILL talks about that today. Hopefully she will get to ride everything she wants to ride.

That is my fear, Lauren tells anyone who will listen that she is big enough for the big rides at Disney this year, if it doesn't happen I will have a major meltdown on my hands. So keep your fingers crossed for us!
Lesley

 

[Disneyolic]

That is my fear, Lauren tells anyone who will listen that she is big enough for the big rides at Disney this year, if it doesn't happen I will have a major meltdown on my hands. So keep your fingers crossed for us!
Lesley

Did you measure Lauren with her barefeet or with shoes on? I always measure with barefeet at home so I know they will be taller in Disney with their shoes on.

 

[timandlesley]

O.K., so I now LOVE LOVE LOVE Sunshine rewards. I heard about it here on the Budget board and signed up about 6 months ago. I recently earned 20 bucks in Disney dollars, just earned ANOTHER 20 bucks in Disney dollars, and by the end of the week will have another 20 bucks in Disney dollars.
THAT'S 60 DISNEY DOLLARS for doing practically nothing. I am soooo thrilled.
Just had to share. They come in cute 10 dollar Stich dollar bills too so the kids think they are so cool. If you are interested in joining SR pm me for my referral, it is sooooo wonderful!
Lesley

 

[ReneeDisney]

O.K., so I now LOVE LOVE LOVE Sunshine rewards. I heard about it here on the Budget board and signed up about 6 months ago. I recently earned 20 bucks in Disney dollars, just earned ANOTHER 20 bucks in Disney dollars, and by the end of the week will have another 20 bucks in Disney dollars.
THAT'S 60 DISNEY DOLLARS for doing practically nothing. I am soooo thrilled.
Just had to share. They come in cute 10 dollar Stich dollar bills too so the kids think they are so cool. If you are interested in joining SR pm me for my referral, it is sooooo wonderful!
Lesley

That's great news! Every little bit helps and it is so exciting!

 

[timandlesley]

Did you measure Lauren with her barefeet or with shoes on? I always measure with barefeet at home so I know they will be taller in Disney with their shoes on.

First of all, LOVE your pic of Blake in your signature, he is my favorite, I SOOOO hope he wins!!!
Lauren measures 39 inches at the doctors office with her shoes off, her at home with her sandals on she is RIGHT at 40 inches, and she just made it last weekend at Kings Island, sooooo we'll seeeeeeee
Lesley

That's great news! Every little bit helps and it is so exciting!

Thanks I am so thrilled
Lesley

 

[daisy_77]

O.K., so I now LOVE LOVE LOVE Sunshine rewards. I heard about it here on the Budget board and signed up about 6 months ago. I recently earned 20 bucks in Disney dollars, just earned ANOTHER 20 bucks in Disney dollars, and by the end of the week will have another 20 bucks in Disney dollars.
THAT'S 60 DISNEY DOLLARS for doing practically nothing. I am soooo thrilled.
Just had to share. They come in cute 10 dollar Stich dollar bills too so the kids think they are so cool. If you are interested in joining SR pm me for my referral, it is sooooo wonderful!
Lesley

Lesley, SR does rock! I have been doing it for about a month. I love it!
Great job at getting some extra cash!