Top Secret Pixie Dust! A Surprise 13th Birthday PTR! NEW! TRIP REPORT LINK PAGE 220!

[SoonerGirl]

Soooooo, where are ya gonna eat????

 

[DWGal210]

Yeah for ADRs! Let us know how it goes!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Operational Thirteen Candles sounds delightful! I am sure you will have a packed itinerary of birthday celebrations. Hopefully they will bring back the Wishes Dessert Party- that would be a neat way to celebrate one night. In regards to the July heat ( which I have to say would scare me too -we don't do Disney heat very well- May and October is our usual times and sometime February) but I think there is no place better to cool off than the pool at the Grand Floridian! We have never been fortunate enough to say there but have toured it and it looks absolutely dreamy! Can't wait to hear about all of your dining plans.

I am hoping for the Wishes Dessert Party to come back, so I have been keeping a close eye on that. I figure we can handle the heat for six days one way or another.

Would you mind sharing the tip on scoring a code. At this point DH says no Disney this year- but I think if I had one of them handy 40% off codes and my Disney Visa rewards points I have been saving- we may be able to swing it- as we drive down so no worries on airfare and all that.

If you go onto the Disney World website and save a couple of vacation offers, they send you an email that has a pin code with it. That pin code meant we could stay at the Grand. Otherwise, we would have been at a value or moderate.

Oh- and there is a "Bo" look alike in the Indiana Jones movie that I am "watching " while typing- in the Nuclear Test Town scene- but instead of handing out pop- he is the Good Humor man- but Chelsea may not appreciate it as he gets blown to bits!

I wonder if it is Bo's brother???

Another middle school teacher here I don't care what anyone says, we have the best stories at the end of the day. Those lovely teens make me smile everyday. I could write quite a book with the funny things that I have seen and heard during my years in a middle school. Everyday is an adventure!!

I keep Charles in stitches with some of the stories I come home with.

CP; I, too, have been in June and feel that pull to go back every fall. Even though, I always say, "We need to take a year off"! Right around October, I need to book a trip. And I did again. We got a PIN code as well.

Your children are going to be so surprised!!

LOL! Glad I am not the only one!

As a retired middle school teacher(29 years), I can say each day was an adventure. I loved the kids, and would think about going back if I could take away the paper work and meetings.

If I didn't have to keep so much data, paperwork, and administer so many tests, I would be a lot happier.

The paper says they are talking more furlough days, I guess when they say if funds are available, that is what the mean. I always disliked that part of our teaching contract. I remember my second year teaching we were to get a raise, but funds were not available, so no raise.

I think I read that they decided against more furlough days, but I am sure they will come up with something equally bad. I don't understand why our governor thinks the place to save money is in education.

That is also one reason that when I realized I had 225 sick days I retired a year early instead of going for 30 years. It was nice with the sick days I was credit 30 years plus a few months.

I hope to be able to do that in 20 years.

I know Chelsea will love the Tea and the Grand Floridian, and being 13.

I found the online dining reservations were easier than waiting on the phone. When I made my reservations for June, back in December I got everything I wanted except O'hana. Then I tried O'hana exactly at 180 days and was able to get that. So if their is a place that is not available, try the morning of the 180th day of the date of the reservation.

Speaking of, I need to call about the tea, but I was able to get everything else I wanted this morning.

Thanks for the potential shirt designs, Shocker.

The selfish Wigd would have loved the Christmas trip but I'm so pleased for Chelsea! Well for all of you for that matter! Just love the thought process! I know you pondered this trip!

Still wish you were cruising with us too! Baylor and Connor would have had fun putzing around on that ship.......

Anyway you could set up a video of the big reveal? Your readers would love to see Chelsea's reaction....

I wish we were able to do the cruise, the July trip, and the Christmas trip -- that would be the ideal! Then, Connor and Baylor could really become best pals!

We are still on for Christmas Hoopla 2011, right?

She will love being there around her birthday and as a Brit who normally visits WDW in August you'll be fine with the heat

Oh and the GF has entertainment every afternoon at the beach pool, even things like quizes and treasure hunts where you can win prizes

If you say I can handle the July heat, Jo, I am going to believe you.

Good to know about the pool entertainment. That sounds like a lot of fun! Did you notice if they were still doing the movies on the beach at night?

you will be arriving on my 34th birthday! so i can just pretend i'm with you, right? that will be your birthday present to me.

I will even text you and send you a photo from our favorite place!

i've actually heard that late july is not too awfully bad. i hear june is worse. i hear if you're gonna go during the summer, late july through the end of august is better than the first half. i guess you will find out!

Oh, I hope that is the case! I would love to have fewer crowds than I am bracing myself for right now.

I went to WDW in mid July in 2008 and I hate to say it, but it was stifling hot! Make sure you have misty fans - they are lifesavers. And, like you said, you can always escape to the beauty of the GF pool in the afternoons! Plus it will be so worth it to be able to surprise Moose for her birthday!

Putting misty fans on the list!

I am willing to deal with the heat, so that Chelsea can always say she stayed at the Grand for her 13th birthday.

Chelsea is going to love the surprise.
Is it that much hotter in July than June when you usually go? We go in August and are used to the hotter than Hades temps. It just means a lot of pool time. You can also head to the main building for music in the evening.

And I forgot about the tour groups. When we used to go in July, our strategy was always to head in the opposite direction of any large tour group. One thing I've always wondered was where do these large groups stay? I doubt they'll be at the Grand.

I don't know if it is hotter in July than in June -- that is one month that I have never visited WDW. I hope it is about the same.

Good plan for the tour groups!

Operation thirteen candles.................. I love it! How do you keep coming up with this stuff!!!

Too many years of watching spy movies with my dad, brother, and husband.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Some hints that I use for summer WDW visits in general. I try and think about which queues are outside and which queues are indoors. For instance, Space Mtn-mostly indoor line. BTMRR-shaded outside, but very crowded line...hot and claustrophobic. Soarin-all indoors. I also alternate an outdoor ride with an indoor sit down ride.

These are great pointers, Jordan! Thank you so much! I will, without a doubt, be employing the inside queue/outside queue strategy.

I think you made the right choice going with Operation Thirteen Candles. While I totally get the "pull" of a Disney Christmas trip, this is a trip that she will remember forever! Plus, it gives you a reason to head down for Christmas the next year...as if we NEED a reason!

We don't really need a reason, but it helps to justify all these trips!

I think you made the right choice! Your little girl only turns 13 once & Christmas comes every year.

That's my way of thinking, too. She may not want Disney for her 16th and her 18th, so I better grab this one while I can.

Agent Fadeaway, reporting for duty.

After careful consideration, it is of my highly (un)professional opinion that you have most certainly chosen the right dates for your vacation.

It's closest to her birthday and that's the nice thing. Is it going to be hot? Yes. Will you deal with it like you normally do? Yes. And think of it this way. You're staying at the Grand Flo!!!! Much as you want to do your traditional touring, you also want to enjoy your resort! I say, these dates are great because it will force you to take some relaxation time at your resort. And, you can always go for Christmas. It's not like Disney will stop doing the holidays, but your little girl only turns thirteen once.

ahem...Fadeaway out.

Fadeaway, you have superb reasoning skills! I keep telling myself that this will be a more laidback and relaxing trip with lots of resort time. Although I would like to hop over to the Magic Kingdom in the evenings. After all, it will just be a short ride on the monorail.

I think that operation 13 candles is perfect. When I was down there in August it was pretty hot. Getting out of the sun midday definitely helps. I'd also recommend some kind of hat. I have one of those really lightweight "running" hats. It really helps to keep that beating sun off of your head. Normally I hate hats, but in that heat I just can't take it.

I have never worn a hat, but I may have to for this trip.

Oh it will be just fine, and you have to throw in the plan of attack that I shared with you before -- Park, Brunch, Pool.... it is PERFECT. Just call it the PBP strategy! You rejuvinate, and if you plan it that way, can head on back after dinner and the sun is down to use those FPs you squirrel away before you split the park! It works so well for us! Even in December!

When I made my ADRs this morning, Happydog, I kept your plan of attack in the forefront of my mind. I plan to use it a LOT in the summer.

Operation 13 candles sounds great! Yes it will be hot, but being there to celebrate your daughter's birthday will make it worth it. I took Danielle for her birthday last year at the end of June and even though we melted it was more than worth it. Disney makes them feel so special. I love the idea of the tea too.

Dusty signing out!

I love that all the emails and mail we get from Disney say, "Chelsea's Birthday Celebration." I already feel like they are making us feel very special.

Operation 13 candles sounds perfect!

I think because of the heat, the resort is that much more important and what a lovely lovely escape you will have!

It will be magical.

Staying at the Grand just has to be completely magical plus very convenient.

Isn't it exciting to have you dates nailed down?!!

Going in july shouldn't be bad partly because you've b een before and know what you wnat to do, so there's no need to pack every hour with activites and you can do the parks early morning,leave at lunch for some pool time and then return in the evening.

I need to remember that we don't have to do everything -- I tend to get a bit carried away!

oh, both of my vera bags arrived today..

Do you love them?

I love the name... "Operation Thirteen Candles!"

And wow! The Grand Floridian!

I am so with you on this dilemma! Right now I'm actually considering an AUGUST '11 trip because I seriously do not think I can hang on until February '12!


Kathy

Thank you! I feel your pain because after the July trip, we will have to wait until December 2011!

 

[Charleston Princess]

OH! I think a big reveal at her birthday party would be great!

I was giving that option some thought -- somehow doing her gifts to coordinate with it.

I love the fact that you are going on her birthday. It will make such a difference instead of going months later. The GF is my dream place to stay, but DH would never fork out the cash, well I shouldn't say never as I usually can make him see things my way! LOL

evergreen out

I think Chelsea is going to love being the center of attention for her birthday all week long.

My DH and DS can't handle the heat, so any warm month is out of the question for us. I hate that all of our Disney photos have us dressed in coats, scarves, gloves, etc... You would never guess that we are in Florida!

On the bright side of travelling in July, packing will be a breeze.

I love the heat, but Charles pretty much despises it. Hopefully, he will deal with it.

I am looking forward to the ease of packing with a July trip.

Operation thirteen candles......

LOVE IT!

Dates: Check
Place: Check:
Reason for Secret Mission: Check:

Now the only thing still up in the air is that DVC purchase. I know it's coming. I have a "sense" about these things.

Oh, and as far as the July heat....you know it can't possibly be any worse than what you endured last June!

Thank you, Mary Ellen!

DVC is coming soon...but after this trip.

Charles said the same thing about the heat -- that it couldn't be any worse than June -- of course, I did hold my tongue about him not really knowing how hot it was since he stayed in the room so much. LOL!

I think you made a great choice Jackie! 13 is such a special year for a little girl. Chelsea is going to be absolutely thrilled when she finds out where she will celebrate her birthday this year. Have you used TGM ever? I found his advice great when learning how to avoid the crowds. Maybe it's worth a peek for the July crowds?

Thank you! I do think with it being Chelsea's 13th that I want to make it a memorable birthday! I haven't used TGM before -- I may break down and do so this time since I haven't bought ANY 2010 guidebooks.

Operation 13 candles so so sneaky...

yes it will be hot...but if you're like me in the planning of a b-day in high capacity (we won't have the heat) that your goals of the trip are b-day goals...it will be fun and you have the wonderful GF pool and marina waiting for you and the wonderful convienence of the monorail!

can't wait for more top secret plans

Stardust

You are right, Stardust. All of our trip goals will be centered around birthday celebrating (except for one which I will reveal later) so heat won't be too much of an issue. Really, I just keep telling myself that worst case scenerio, we will hide out in the afternoons at the resort.

HOW EXCITING!!!! What a great 13th birthday present! OK...here is my 2 cents about July....it is HOT HOT HOT, no way around it BUT you are disney veteran's. I would do rope drop and break for the high heat of the day which will be easy peasy staying at the GF (so convenient) then hit the parks for dinner and late night fun! The parks are open LATE during the very busy summer! Being that you go every year, maybe you could dare I say it...consider skipping one of the parks OR just hitting a must do and then leaving! This is going to be our plan for this June! Anyway, I am sure it will be GREAT no matter how you work it out! The groups are VERY disorganized and they wait for everyone to catch up! The only issue we ran into is when 4 people savespots for 40 of their friends BUT one conversation with a CM fixed that! Looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds!

Diane

Hi, Diane! I am so glad you came over! Thanks for all the advice -- you are right -- we don't need to run from one thing to another, but I fear that it might be hard for me to control myself at first.

I do hope we don't have any of those 4 saving for 40 episodes!

I would have LOVED to go to Disney World and stay at the Grand Floridian for my 13th birthday. Hey, I would love to do that for my 31st birthday! So I think that is a perfect time to go, despite the possible heat and crowds.

Thanks, Julie! With that pin code, it was pretty much a done deal in my mind. How could I pass that up???

Operation 13 Candles......Good Name...

I think that you will be absolutely fine in July...yes it will be hot but it would be hot at home for you too...and at least you'll be at Disney...

True, true!

You've been there before and I have a feeling that you'll be going again... so you don't have to do every single ride and show...pick the things that are the most important/meaningful to you and Chelsea...oh yeah and the guys too...

Yeah, we have to take into account the guys. Actually, Charles will be a vital part since I won't ride roller coasters -- Chelsea needs her daddy for those!

You can't get any closer to the MK-without actually sleeping in it and you have nice trasport to Epcot too...

It WILL be fabulous...

It will be almost like sleeping at the Magic Kingdom, won't it???

(hmmm....Operation Tinsel huh? I'd like to get in a little tinsel action myself but with our two trips this year I think I'm going to wait a little to have that conversation with Eric...)

Christmas Hoopla 2011 -- how can you pass it up???

Change is good--also, we are planning a trip that week in July as well!!

We can be victims of the heat together!!!

 

[Panotchr]

We have been in June and August so July should feel "normal" to us It is definitely hot, but just plan to break from about 1-4 every afternoon and you'll be fine. We do have to change clothes a lot. We are usually drenched by 11 AM, but there are lots of inside things. Doesn't matter... a hot day in Disney is still the best day ever

 

[Charleston Princess]

More replies on the previous page!

So exciting! I likewise would love to see the big reveal. I like Happy's brunch and pool strategy. I think you'll be fine. What a great trip this is going to be!!

I am already a convert on the Happydog strategy, and I haven't even tried it out yet!

I think Operation 13 candles is just about the sweetest things I've ever heard! I would have LOVED something special like that for my 13th birthday. I can't wait to hear about her reaction, because I can just about guarantee you that it will be one of those cherished memories that you will draw on when those teenage angst years really hit hard.

Thank you! My mom made a big deal out of my 13th birthday, so I guess I wanted to do the same for Chelsea. I am sure I will need those memories in the years ahead.

I'm so excited for some "operation tinsel" planning!

So, does that mean you are in for 2011??? I can't wait to make the planning binder for that one.

And I am craving some "operation food and wine" planning!

When they announced the dates for this year, my heart gave a little sigh of longing.

Hi! I'm new around here but I've been following along with this PTR and I must say I'm loving the theme! You're such a clever writer! Subscribing!

Welcome!!! Thank you so much!!! I am so glad to have you here!

I love the snow pictures. Too funny about Chelsea turning it on my DD does that sometimes too.
So, today was ADR day. Do we get to hear where you will be dining?

Thank you! Chelsea does know the drill when I have the camera.

Popcorn is always yummy!

I just read the last update as well, I think this is going to be a memory-making trip for Chelsea. And, you are going to be the coolest Mom EVER! for making it happen!

How are you going to reveal it to her? Or is that a future update?

I better be the coolest mom ever in Chelsea's eyes when she finds out.

Future update, of course. Well, I have to figure it all out first and then it will be a future update.

We have been in June and August so July should feel "normal" to us It is definitely hot, but just plan to break from about 1-4 every afternoon and you'll be fine. We do have to change clothes a lot. We are usually drenched by 11 AM, but there are lots of inside things. Doesn't matter... a hot day in Disney is still the best day ever

We are used to June temps, so my hope is that the July temps will be very similar. Good idea about the clothes -- I will pack extras.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hope you got all the ADRs you wanted

Woke up this morning wondering how it went!

Whajaget? Whajaget? Whajaget?​

Hope you got all the places your hearts and tummies desired!

How did it go this morning? Did you get what you wanted?

I hope you were able to get the ADR you wanted.

Have a great day at school.

Can't wait to read about your ADRs!!!!

I'm predicting you did well on your ADR's. I'm going earlier in July and since I hadn't made my resort reservations yet I had to call every day. (I did some online but I just like chatting with the CM's. Makes is seem more magical somehow.) I got everything I wanted even though it was through the weekend of the 4th. A couple of the CM's commented that there didn't seem to be as big of a rush for ADR's that weekend. Since I don't have a code I'm holding hope that a discount will be offered that weekend so it was good news to me.

ADR DAY! ADR DAY! ADR DAY!!

Soooooo, where are ya gonna eat????

Yeah for ADRs! Let us know how it goes!

Hi, everybody! Thank you for all the ADR excitement! I am not going to reveal everything yet because I want to do a proper update, but I will say the following:

1. I was awake at 3:30 this morning and could NOT go back to sleep! I don't know what was up with that!

2. I was online right at 6:00.

3. I was able to get every single thing I wanted at the exact time that I wanted for all of our choices.

4. I called on the tea this afternoon and also have that squared away.

5. I am super hungry now because I keep thinking of what I want to eat at each of the places where I made ADRs.

 

[MeMom]

3. I was able to get every single thing I wanted at the exact time that I wanted for all of our choices.

Wow, that's a pretty awesome number 3!
Looking forward to hearing all about it.

 

[MegansMom]

SO excited to hear all about the ADRs!!!!!!! BUT, I also know that my stomach will hate you when I have too have to spend time thinking about all that wonderful food!!!!! Ah the curse!!! Can't wait sweetie!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Congratulations on your ADRs!!
I can't wait to hear what you chose!

 

[pooh'smate]

Woohoo for getting everything you wanted AND the exact times too!!!!! I am excited to hear about the tea. My dh wants to do this with dd but she will only be a little over 5. They love having tea parties together. I will have to research and see if it is something she could do.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Well, I know what you were trying for first....

 

[Native NYer]

Congrats on getting all of your ADRs
Curious to see what restaurants made the cut this year

 

[Wicket's Mom]

How cool is that?! Getting the ADRs that you wanted. No matter what the weather enjoy this trip with Chelsea as once they hit the older teen years Disney is no longer that cool. Our oldest didn't go with us once he reached 16. We didn't go to Disney after that until the kids were grown.

I'm so looking forward to taking my grand daughters in 2011. I'm keeping notes from all of the great ideas on these boards. The DIS forum was such a wonderful help for our last trip. There were so many things that I didn't know, that I learned here.

Thank you to all the members!!!

 

[carissanboys]

I'm a little late, but "Snapshot" has arrived!

What an awesome way to celebrate a 13th birthday!! Can't wait for all of the details to be unveiled.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hi, everybody! Thank you for all the ADR excitement! I am not going to reveal everything yet because I want to do a proper update, but I will say the following:

1. I was awake at 3:30 this morning and could NOT go back to sleep! I don't know what was up with that!

2. I was online right at 6:00.

3. I was able to get every single thing I wanted at the exact time that I wanted for all of our choices.

4. I called on the tea this afternoon and also have that squared away.

5. I am super hungry now because I keep thinking of what I want to eat at each of the places where I made ADRs.

Jackie- I know you must be at work right now... because otherwise making us wait like this would be cruel and unusual punishment...

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wow, that's a pretty awesome number 3!
Looking forward to hearing all about it.

I was so astonished! I was just sure I was going to have switch things around to make everything fit.

SO excited to hear all about the ADRs!!!!!!! BUT, I also know that my stomach will hate you when I have too have to spend time thinking about all that wonderful food!!!!! Ah the curse!!! Can't wait sweetie!

Trust me, Jen -- my stomach has been growling all day!

Congratulations on your ADRs!!
I can't wait to hear what you chose!

Thank you! I'll try not to wait too long before sharing.

Woohoo for getting everything you wanted AND the exact times too!!!!! I am excited to hear about the tea. My dh wants to do this with dd but she will only be a little over 5. They love having tea parties together. I will have to research and see if it is something she could do.

I think it is just precious that DH and DD have tea parties!!! I bet it is something she could do -- little desserts and chocolate milk would probably thrill her to no end.

Well, I know what you were trying for first....

And I got it for the day and time I wanted!!!

Congrats on getting all of your ADRs
Curious to see what restaurants made the cut this year

Some new ones and some repeats.

How cool is that?! Getting the ADRs that you wanted. No matter what the weather enjoy this trip with Chelsea as once they hit the older teen years Disney is no longer that cool. Our oldest didn't go with us once he reached 16. We didn't go to Disney after that until the kids were grown.

That's my fear! I loved going to Disney even when I was a teenager, but I may have been the exception.

I'm so looking forward to taking my grand daughters in 2011. I'm keeping notes from all of the great ideas on these boards. The DIS forum was such a wonderful help for our last trip. There were so many things that I didn't know, that I learned here.

Thank you to all the members!!!

I have learned so much from the DIS, too! It's a great place!

I'm a little late, but "Snapshot" has arrived!

What an awesome way to celebrate a 13th birthday!! Can't wait for all of the details to be unveiled.

Hi, Snapshot!!! Thank you for coming to play spy games with us!

Jackie- I know you must be at work right now... because otherwise making us wait like this would be cruel and unusual punishment...

I am at work. My 7th graders are reading the beginning of The Outsiders right now, but I really couldn't give an update justice right now...

I would NEVER be that cruel!

 

[DisneyJo]

Did you notice if they were still doing the movies on the beach at night?

Yep but not every night, however we went in December so I'm sure they're more regular in hotter July. Check this link before you go - HERE

Woohooo on all your ADR's that's fantastic

 

[eandesmom]

That is so exciting that you got everything, and your exact times! I keep trying to decide if I really need to book at 3am my time...or if 6:30-7 will do! With the 180 days I'm not sold on 3am!

Of course I may be like you an unable to sleep and then it won't matter.

Looking forward to hearing about the tea, I have decided to book that for Kendall, Sandie and I!