Turning into a Gustav Report! - We're home!

[DisneyTiger]

10/5/08: Well, we did it. DH and I managed to survive 8 nights at the BCV with a 3 year old and an 18 month old! It was the most amazing vacation of my life! I had planned this trip for over 10 months. I poured my heart and soul into every detail. Without a doubt, it was the most challenging of any vacation I've ever taken, but definitely the most memorable. I will never forget my kids reactions to the sights and sounds of Disney. And the resort, oh, the resort. The BC is truly my idea of heaven on Earth. Read along and hear about our journey. I am so excited to share our experiences!

Trip Report Begins with post 204 on pg 14
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Hello all! I am very new to the DIS and I have been encouraged to start a pre-trip post. Please bear with me as I learn all the in's and out's of this business! I am an official Disney addict. It's true and I'm not ashamed. I live and breath Disney, as I'm sure all of you do. In my opinion, what better thing is there to be addicted to?

Well, I guess I should I start by introducing my clan. We are the Becnels of Baton Rouge, LA. I personally have two addictions... LSU and of course, WDW! Geaux Tigers - National Champs '04 & '07. Ok, sorry. Won't go off on that tangent. Don't want to make enemies already!

So, I am a 31 year old domestic engineer. I feel absolutely blessed to be able to stay home with my kids. It's the hardest job in the world but I wouldn't change it for anything.

My DH is a 32 year old physical therapist. No, I do not get free massages all the time. Besides, the massages he gives hurt. They're supposed to help me or something. I just want to relax not cry in pain, but I digress. He works his little butt off so that I can be home with our two wonderful kids.

My DD Aubrey is going to be 3 in September. She's changing so much every day. I tell people that the 2's were a breeze for us. It's the 3's that I'm worried about. Just the other day she told me, "You're a bad mommy!" when I wouldn't let her have a popcicle! Where in the world she learned that one I have no idea. Anyway, she's already a Disney fan. We have brainwashed her of course. It really didn't take much. She loves the movies and truly believes that she is Cinderella, or Cindy, as she calls her. She is my princess that's for sure.

And then there's my DS Brendan. He is 16 months and looks like a 2.5 year old. He's 28lbs and 32" inches tall. The doctor says he's measuring as a 28 month old. That's my boy! He is a gentle giant and loves his mama! We are thrilled to have such a perfect little family. I think my baby making days are over so I am excited to see what our future holds.

For now, all I can see in our future is Disney!!! We have our next trip planned for 9/26 - 10/4. We'll be there for DD's birthday on 9/30. We're staying at BCV and I can hardly sleep at night thinking about it. I am obsessing over every little detail. I think posting my thoughts willl be therapy for me. Hope I don't bore you all too much. I look forward to making friends on the DIS. I've already met some really cool people. I plan on displaying my neon Mickey loud and proud when we go. If anyone out there is going to be there while we are, I would love to hear from you. Until then, happy planning!!!

PS- I want to post some pics but I have no idea how. Can someone please teach me?? Thanks!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Ok, here I go. Trying to post a pic of me and my DH on our last trip Nov '07. If I figured this out, I will be quite proud of myself.

YAY ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS- I've lost about 20lbs since this pic was taken so it's not my fav but it's with Mickey so I had to share!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Ok, so I don't know what to do now. I guess I should wait for people to reply but oh well. I have decided to write out our itinerary. I would LOVE feedback on this. We have never been to Disney for so long and we have never brought the kids. I hope I am planning enough down time!

Day 1:
-Arrive at MCO 2:00
-Check in BCV
-Head to DD

Day 2:
-MK for rope drop
-Fantasyland and Tomorrowland
-Lunch in Tomorrowland
-1:30ish leave for hotel and naps
-DHS for dinner at Sci Fi and then Fantasmic

Day 3:
-AK for rope drop
-Africa, Asia, lunch in Asia, Dinoland
-2:00 leave for hotel and naps
-Epcot for dinner at San Angel Inn
-Illuminations

Day 4:
-Chef Mickey's for late breakfast 10:30
-TL
-2:00 leave for hotel, ice cream at Beaches n' Cream, naps
-Dinner at Ohana and watch Wishes

Day 5:
-Aubrey's Birthday!!!
-birthday breakfast at Cape May Cafe
-2:30 BBB for Aubrey
-Adventureland and Frontierland
-Birthday dinner at GF 1900 Park Fare

Day 6:
-DHS Play n' Dine lunch
-3:45 leave for hotel and naps
-dinner at Whispering Canyon then boat to MK for Spectromagic

Day 7:
-Epcot for rope drop (if there is one)
-Mommy and Aubrey head to GF for afternoon tea
-3:30 meet back at hotel
-MK for MNSSHP

Day 8:
-AK
-1:45ish leave for MK to see Dream a Dream Come True Parade
-5:00 Hoopty Doo Review
-7:30 Haunted Carriage Ride

Day 9:
-reluctantly check out and head home

 

[coteau_chick]

I am so glad you decided to do this. I am sorry I didn't post sooner but we ended out with company this afternoon. My brother and his family showed up. I am also a domestic enginere but I actually call myself a domestic godess
I love the name Aubrey. It is a name I have in the bag in case we ever have another girl. My son's name is Brennan. We have so many things in common already. I think we will become friends.

I think your plans look wonderful. The one thing I would suggest is that you subscribe to Tour Guide Mike. We did for our last trip and he tells you which parks will be the busiest on which days durning your trip. If I have mispelled some words I am sorry. I don't know what my problem is today. I think I have a brain cramp.

Did you ever get a chance to read my trip report. If you did you can get a better idea of me and my family. We had a pretty interesting trip.

Well I am looking forward to this pre trip report and hopefully your trip report when you get back from Disney World.

Who knows maybe we can have a dismeet one day. I went to Baton Rouge two times this summer already. My dd Courtney who is sixteen wants to go to the outlet past Baton Rouge.

 

[coteau_chick]

Oh I forgot to mention that we are also BIG LSU fans. Dh reads Dandy Don everyday. DS's room is done in LSU. When baby Grace was born we didn't know if we were having a boy or girl. Dh bought two baby LSU hats a pink one and a blue one. He showed them to our family and told them if he came out with a baby with the pink hat it was a girl and blue for a boy. So the first item of clothing Grace every wore was a pink LSU hat.

 

[DisneyTiger]

I am so glad you decided to do this. I am sorry I didn't post sooner but we ended out with company this afternoon. My brother and his family showed up. I am also a domestic enginere but I actually call myself a domestic godess
I love the name Aubrey. It is a name I have in the bag in case we ever have another girl. My son's name is Brennan. We have so many things in common already. I think we will become friends.

I think your plans look wonderful. The one thing I would suggest is that you subscribe to Tour Guide Mike. We did for our last trip and he tells you which parks will be the busiest on which days durning your trip. If I have mispelled some words I am sorry. I don't know what my problem is today. I think I have a brain cramp.

Did you ever get a chance to read my trip report. If you did you can get a better idea of me and my family. We had a pretty interesting trip.

Well I am looking forward to this pre trip report and hopefully your trip report when you get back from Disney World.

Who knows maybe we can have a dismeet one day. I went to Baton Rouge two times this summer already. My dd Courtney who is sixteen wants to go to the outlet past Baton Rouge.

Well, I hope that one day you get to use the name Aubrey! How are things going with that? Not trying to get too personal. My poor kids, Aubrey gets called Audrey and Brendan gets either Brandon or Brennon. My name is Talissa and I get all kinds of things so I guess I passed down the difficult name thing. We do have a lot in common!

So what's the deal with Tour Guide Mike? Is it expensive? I may see what he has to say.

I did get a chance to read your whole report. It was like a book that I couldn't put down! You cracked me up so many times. I particularly like the french woman bearing it all story and the fact that you had to tell your son that his eye liner may run. I am laughing out loud right thinking about it!

 

[hmdavid]

You are off to a great start! I have an Aubrey, too. We celebrated her 4th birthday at WDW on our last trip! Your daughter is going to LOVE BBB!!!

 

[DisneyTiger]

You are off to a great start! I have an Aubrey, too. We celebrated her 4th birthday at WDW on our last trip! Your daughter is going to LOVE BBB!!!

Small world! I do love the name Aubrey. It's unique without being too trendy.

I hope you're right about BBB. I am concerned because she absolutely HATES having her hair brushed. I know that the fairy godmothers do a lot of brushing on the little princesses so I hope it goes ok. I debated cancelling it but I think I am going to give it a shot. We're just doing the hair and nails. I don't want to spend a ton of money. She'll probably wear her little Cinderella outfit that I got from Target!

 

[coteau_chick]

Well, I hope that one day you get to use the name Aubrey! How are things going with that? Not trying to get too personal. My poor kids, Aubrey gets called Audrey and Brendan gets either Brandon or Brennon. My name is Talissa and I get all kinds of things so I guess I passed down the difficult name thing. We do have a lot in common!

So what's the deal with Tour Guide Mike? Is it expensive? I may see what he has to say.

I did get a chance to read your whole report. It was like a book that I couldn't put down! You cracked me up so many times. I particularly like the french woman bearing it all story and the fact that you had to tell your son that his eye liner may run. I am laughing out loud right thinking about it!

We are still trying for number four. I will not try too long though because I am thirty-six. I will give it a few more months. If it doesn't work out I am at peace with it. I am more than blessed. I just love my family. I just have this dream of a big family. I want to grow old with my husband and have a house full of children and grandchildren.

I am glad you had fun reading my trip report.

TGM was twenty dollars. I think. It wasn't more than that. It was worth it because when I subscribed I found out that the day I planned to go to Epcot was a red day in his opinion. I changed the park we went to that day because of that information. Some friends of ours went to Epcot that day anyway and said it was horrible. It is worth the twenty bucks.

What did you think about our welcome home decorations from my nephew. It is funny because he knows we are Tiger fans and he is a ULL fan. I can't believe we arrived home to a red and white decorated porch. Thats ok because LSU beat his ULL at baseball this year.

 

[DisneyTiger]

We are still trying for number four. I will not try too long though because I am thirty-six. I will give it a few more months. If it doesn't work out I am at peace with it. I am more than blessed. I just love my family. I just have this dream of a big family. I want to grow old with my husband and have a house full of children and grandchildren.

I am glad you had fun reading my trip report.

TGM was twenty dollars. I think. It wasn't more than that. It was worth it because when I subscribed I found out that the day I planned to go to Epcot was a red day in his opinion. I changed the park we went to that day because of that information. Some friends of ours went to Epcot that day anyway and said it was horrible. It is worth the twenty bucks.

What did you think about our welcome home decorations from my nephew. It is funny because he knows we are Tiger fans and he is a ULL fan. I can't believe we arrived home to a red and white decorated porch. Thats ok because LSU beat his ULL at baseball this year.

I'm a true believer in "if it's meant to happen, it will happen." You are a great mom and I hope that you will be blessed with one more little Thibodeaux

Alright, so I broke down and subscribed to TGM. Man, what time he must have put into that website. It is awesome and sooooo detailed. Almost overwhelming. I did compare our itinerary to his recommended days to go and we passed with flying colors! I didn't have to change anything. Lucky me! I think my head would have been spinning if I had to switch up my days. Everything is set for me so that would have been a nightmare!

I love that they tried to outdo you with their cute little Cajun decorations! They didn't stand a chance Sorry to sound so harsh. Just born and bread on the tigers! My mom says she actually went into labor with me in Tiger Stadium! I don't know how much truth there is to that but hey, it's a freakin' cool story don't you think??

Funny Aubrey story... we were in Babies R' Us the other day and she all of the sudden started yelling "Fight, Fight, Fight." People were looking at me like I was crazy. I told her that that was not nice and we do not like to fight. She kept doing it, louder and louder! I'm sure people thought I was teaching her how to kickbox at home or something! I finally got through to her and she said "No, mommy. LSU Tigers, Fight, Fight,Fight!" I was so proud. Scream on little tiger, scream on!

 

[Mom2Kate-Anna]

Your plans look great, you all are going to have a wonderful time with the kids.

 

[DisneyTiger]

Ok, so I have realized that it is probably a bit late for me to start a pre trip planning report because everything for my trip is set! I wish I would have known about this months ago when I was trying to decide what kind of stroller to buy, if we should eat at Whispering Canyon, if 8:00 is too late to eat at Ohana and if it's worth it?? Well, I guess I can still ask for input on these things...

So let's hear it! I've never been to Whispering Canyon. It looks like a lot of fun. Anyone ever done it? Would love to hear some of your stories. I know that I should definitely ask for catsup. That's about it!

Ohana - so my friend and I are avid Disney fans. She's actually the one that got me hooked oh so many years ago. We had a Disney play date a few weeks ago. The kids played and we talked Disney. The day that we got together was her 90 day mark for making ADR's. She was determined to eat at Ohana. I hadn't really heard anything about it so I didn't know what the big deal was. Now, remember, at this point, all of my ADR's are set and I think I'm done. So she calls Disney and could not get the ADR that she wanted for Ohana! I was stunned. I didn't understand why it was so popular. For this reason I then realized, I HAD to do it! So I called and was able to get an ADR for the night I wanted. Only problem was that it's for 8:00. I will have my DD3 and DS1.5 with us and hope that they can last that long. The good thing is that we'll be able to watch Wishes while we're there either from the restaurant or the beach. Which is better? Anyone? We're just going to play it by ear I guess. If the kids can't handle it, then we won't go. I don't have Wishes scheduled any other time in our trip so this would be great. We are doing MNSSHP but that wishes is different.

Such dilemmas. How I wish these things were all I had to worry about. Speaking of worrying, I am babysitting 5 nieces and nephews today. Combined with my 2 kids, it's a regular romper room in here. Someone is crying. Gotta run. Hopefully my next post won't be sent from the ER!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Your plans look great, you all are going to have a wonderful time with the kids.

I hope so. Sometimes at night I wake up in a cold sweat worrying about how we're going to do it! It will be fine. Mickey will be watching over us!

 

[coteau_chick]

I'm a true believer in "if it's meant to happen, it will happen." You are a great mom and I hope that you will be blessed with one more little Thibodeaux

Alright, so I broke down and subscribed to TGM. Man, what time he must have put into that website. It is awesome and sooooo detailed. Almost overwhelming. I did compare our itinerary to his recommended days to go and we passed with flying colors! I didn't have to change anything. Lucky me! I think my head would have been spinning if I had to switch up my days. Everything is set for me so that would have been a nightmare!

I love that they tried to outdo you with their cute little Cajun decorations! They didn't stand a chance Sorry to sound so harsh. Just born and bread on the tigers! My mom says she actually went into labor with me in Tiger Stadium! I don't know how much truth there is to that but hey, it's a freakin' cool story don't you think??

Funny Aubrey story... we were in Babies R' Us the other day and she all of the sudden started yelling "Fight, Fight, Fight." People were looking at me like I was crazy. I told her that that was not nice and we do not like to fight. She kept doing it, louder and louder! I'm sure people thought I was teaching her how to kickbox at home or something! I finally got through to her and she said "No, mommy. LSU Tigers, Fight, Fight,Fight!" I was so proud. Scream on little tiger, scream on!

You are rasing her right. Fight, fight fight!! My dh would be sooooo proud if Grace did that. He is trying to teach her.
I have a funny story for you. My MIL has everything LSU. You should see her on game day. She is decked out from head to toe. She wears it to church. She has so many clankety LSU bracelets that she agrivates my dh during the game. He has asked her more than once to take the bracelets off. She is famous for saying that the only thing she doesn't have is LSU panties. I just fixed her up for her Birthday this month. I bought a pair of granny panties and had my friend monogram Geaux Tigers and some paw prints on the butt. She loved them. I was worried that we would have to go get her out of jail for indecent exposure because she might show her butt in public now. Man, she is proud of those panties.
We sure did have fun at whispering canyon. You can find the restaurant menus for some of the restaurants on TGM website. You can also find the menus at allearsnet.com I have not been to ohana but I want to try it next time. I forgot to ask for a refill on my drink at whispering canyon cafe. I heard that you should do that there too. I forgot to try and see what they would do.

Ok, so I have realized that it is probably a bit late for me to start a pre trip planning report because everything for my trip is set! I wish I would have known about this months ago when I was trying to decide what kind of stroller to buy, if we should eat at Whispering Canyon, if 8:00 is too late to eat at Ohana and if it's worth it?? Well, I guess I can still ask for input on these things...

So let's hear it! I've never been to Whispering Canyon. It looks like a lot of fun. Anyone ever done it? Would love to hear some of your stories. I know that I should definitely ask for catsup. That's about it!

Ohana - so my friend and I are avid Disney fans. She's actually the one that got me hooked oh so many years ago. We had a Disney play date a few weeks ago. The kids played and we talked Disney. The day that we got together was her 90 day mark for making ADR's. She was determined to eat at Ohana. I hadn't really heard anything about it so I didn't know what the big deal was. Now, remember, at this point, all of my ADR's are set and I think I'm done. So she calls Disney from my house and could not get the ADR that she wanted for Ohana! I was stunned. I didn't understand why it was so popular. For this reason I then realized, I HAD to do it! So I called and was able to get an ADR for the night I wanted. Only problem was that it's for 8:00. I will have my DD3 and DS1.5 with us and hope that they can last that long. The good thing is that we'll be able to watch Wishes while we're there either from the restaurant or the beach. Which is better? Anyone? We're just going to play it by ear I guess. If the kids can't handle it, then we won't go. I don't have Wishes scheduled any other time in our trip so this would be great. We are doing MNSSHP but that wishes is different.

Such dilemmas. How I wish these things were all I had to worry about. Speaking of worrying, I am babysitting 5 nieces and nephews today. Combined with my 2 kids, it's a regular romper room in here. Someone is crying. Gotta run. Hopefully my next post won't be sent from the ER!

Enjoy your time with your nieces and nephews. I know it can be stressful but you will never regret the time you spend with them. My SIL lived next door to us and she has three girls. They were here all the time. It was back when I only had two kids. I always had at least five children running through my house on any given day. Well, they move to Colorado three years ago. I miss them sooooooooooo much.

I also wanted to say that you might want to reconsider BBB. Your dd is so young that she might not coporate. Maybe you could post a new thread on the family board and ask if anyone else had taken a three year old who doesn't like to get her hair brushed to BBB. You will get alot of advice I am sure.
Laura

 

[coteau_chick]

I hope so. Sometimes at night I wake up in a cold sweat worrying about how we're going to do it! It will be fine. Mickey will be watching over us!

I posted this story on my pretrip report but I will tell it to you in case you didn't get to read it.
I was like you stressing over all the plans I had made for our trip. I know you can relate. Anyway, I had a dream that I was somewhere in public and I fainted. When I came to I had grown Mickey ears! I guess you could say that was a nighmare instead of a dream.

Make all the plans you want and then when you get there go with the flow. Don't stress. It will all work out.

 

[DisneyTiger]

I posted this story on my pretrip report but I will tell it to you in case you didn't get to read it.
I was like you stressing over all the plans I had made for our trip. I know you can relate. Anyway, I had a dream that I was somewhere in public and I fainted. When I came to I had grown Mickey ears! I guess you could say that was a nighmare instead of a dream.

Make all the plans you want and then when you get there go with the flow. Don't stress. It will all work out.

Too funny. That is a nightmare! We'll just roll with the punches when we get there. There's just so much pressure because of the amount of $$ we're spending and the fact that I want it to be just perfect. It will, I know it. So, here's a picture of my two monkeys just so you can put a face with their names. I have some other pics I'm going to post today but it's lunch time and I need to feed the kids.

Please excuse the crazy hair. This was taken before I got them dressed but it's one of the only pics I have of them together, looking at the camera AND smiling! It's gold to me!

 

[coteau_chick]

Too funny. That is a nightmare! We'll just roll with the punches when we get there. There's just so much pressure because of the amount of $$ we're spending and the fact that I want it to be just perfect. It will, I know it. So, here's a picture of my two monkeys just so you can put a face with their names. I have some other pics I'm going to post today but it's lunch time and I need to feed the kids.

Please excuse the crazy hair. This was taken before I got them dressed but it's one of the only pics I have of them together, looking at the camera AND smiling! It's gold to me!

I love the monkey shirts. Your kids are adorable. Courtney and Brennan both had the same brownish blond hair as babies with dark skin and brown eyes like your kids. There hair darkened as they got older. Grace was totally different she has dark hair. Courtney now dyes her hair black. I have a picture of Courtney and Grace in the baby bed together the only thing is that Grace is a baby and Courtney is 15. She never stops shocking me

 

[DisneyTiger]

I love the monkey shirts. Your kids are adorable. Courtney and Brennan both had the same brownish blond hair as babies with dark skin and brown eyes like your kids. There hair darkened as they got older. Grace was totally different she has dark hair. Courtney now dyes her hair black. I have a picture of Courtney and Grace in the baby bed together the only thing is that Grace is a baby and Courtney is 15. She never stops shocking me

I saw that pic. Very cute. Your kids are gorgeous. Hope your DH has his shotgun ready to run off the boys that come after Courtney!

 

[coteau_chick]

I was just looking over your plans again. I am jealous. Just Joking. I really can't wait to go back. I know you are going to have a wonderful trip. There is only two years and four months until our next trip. I should make a countdown I really think we will end out going back thanksgiving 2010. We went in 06 and 08 and I don't want to miss out on going in 2010. I would go every year but dh said we should just go evey othe year. I just remembered that when I was pregnant for Brennan my c-section was scheduled for Sept. 30. I talked the doctor into waiting another week to see if I would go into labor. It didn't happen and I ended out with a section anyway. I was trying for a vbac. Soooooooo Brennan almost had the same b-day and your Aubrey.
Are you going to have a birthday surprise delivered to your room for Aubrey? I love the gift baskets I saw online. I think it is baskets by betsy or something like that. I need to find you the link for the t-shirt designs. I am going to do that now. Bye

 

[coteau_chick]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=892887

This is the link to the disign gallery. I hope you find some cute desings. If you see one you like just pm the designer and they usually email you a custom one. Thats how I did it. If you have any questions just let me know. I will help you any way I can. Good Luck!