U 2 hot to trot, or walk, or ride rides or...?

[Luvchefmic]

Dee have a lot to talk about but just going to address your concern with the heat From 2000 to 2008 (when we moved here) I ALWAYS vacationed at WDW and always in either in July or August Primary goal was to see if I could hack living here full time again ( I had lived here just under a year 1998-1999)

Last 2 years I worked outside day time full strength of the sun After getting sick the first 2 days and watching a few co-workers actually hit the floor I did a LOT of research and never felt sick from heat induced illness again

Everyone thinks drink plenty of water BUT that is not going to help, when we sweat we lose alot of other things in our body and they need to be replaced

So here is my list:

Gatorade (G2) I buy it by the case OR I think they sell it in individual packets not all Gatorade the same G2 I found works the best

Frogg Toggs its a wrap thing that you can buy and cut down the middle/lengthwise so two people get the benefit of use At first almost looks like a dry sponge You can get it at Wal-Mart camping section or Sporting goods stores I have tried similiar things before an FHP officer friend told me about this You wet it wring it out place it around your neck never drips keeps you cool I've had it for the past 2 years and it shows no sign of needing replacing You will NOT get me outside in July Aug and sometimes in Sept without this

Misting fans need them

Bananas or V-8 juice

Eat often and light ( I know not always possible with ADRs ) but "grazing"
ideal

Avoid dark colored clothing if at all possible people forget that

HIGH SPF sunscreen

a hat I love me a fedora (my signature look )

Will you have a car or be using DME ?

OH what time is your flight coming in day of arrival ????

 

[lovesdumbo]

Hi! I followed you over here from Ds PTR. Your plans look great! I don't know how you're keeping your secret. I know I couldn't. What a great bday surprise!!!! Well really surprises!!!!

Looks like we'll be at the same resorts at the same time. After 30+ trips to WDW we finally bought DVC late last year-bought BWV resale. As a family we've never stayed DVC. I've been to BWV studios twice-once cash (1998) and last year on a friend's points. I've been going to WDW a couple of times a year since 2006. I kept thinking DVC wasn't for us because I would need too many points. Finally figured out I could both DVC & cash trips. My DH isn't a Disney fanatic-once a year is enough for him. I really hope he loves DVC but I won't have a problem using the points myself if he doesn't.

We are paying cash (I was able to book bounceback) for the first half of our trip in a 1BR savanah view at AKV Kidani. I have sort of mixed feelings about it. I stayed in a regular room at AKL twice and really liked it a lot more than I expected. I didn't have any issues with bus service there but only had 1 child with me each trip. My kids are older now (14, 12, & 10) but it still seems more challenging to get anywhere when I'm trying to move the 5 of us in the same direction. I thought about renting a car but when I checked the rates were too high. You'll have to post if you find any deals. I really think we will love it but am a bit nervous since its so different from anything we've ever done as a family. Then we move to BWV on points. We've stayed at BWI so we know we love the resort. We're used to being in one room so it will be awesome to be in a 2BR villa. I won't want to come home.

Being from MA I would say we must find August manageable because we keep going back. I won't take my kids out of middle school and don't want to go during school vacations so that leaves summer. We went once in July and it was way too crowded. Crowds are manageable in August-especially in late August. As far as heat goes it is manageable. I find the heat harder to deal with in May than August. In May I can go from 40s here to high 90s. In August we often have 90s here. It is still HOT there but we tend to do OK. I tolerate the heat the least well as I'm the one used to A/C at work all day. DH is at home with kids & we don't have central A/C at home. I find I have to be mindful of not letting myself get too hot. If I get too hot fI tend to feel sick. So I know I have to plan indoor rides or shows to cool off between any outdoor activities. This really isn't too hard to do in most of the parks-lots of A/C attractions. AK is the most challenging park. I find AK to be the hottest park with the least opportunity for cooling off unless you want to ride Kali.

Congrats to your DS! you must be so proud.

It's so cool that JB asked you to help them with their training! I've been very happy with JB. I got a ton of credits last summer that I used for our flights. Now I've got credits on those credits. I'll have to book another trip.

I do a one page itinerary for my trips with park hours, flight confirms, ADRs, etc. one of my coworkers calls it my color coded matrix of fun.

My guess on your Kmart purchase is a fan.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Ruthie-love all your heat tolerating suggestions!!!

I bought one of those Frogg Toggs last year but havent tried it yet. We went to DL last year and didn't bring it with us. I will be bringing it to FL this summer.

Dee-I bought mine at BJs last year. Not sure if they have them again this year.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Ruthie-love all your heat tolerating suggestions!!!

I bought one of those Frogg Toggs last year but havent tried it yet. We went to DL last year and didn't bring it with us. I will be bringing it to FL this summer.

Dee-I bought mine at BJs last year. Not sure if they have them again this year.

I'm telling you I learned and preach it to anyone who asks, I was SOooo sick that (without getting too descriptive) I never made it all the way home those 2 days in a row, had to tear into a rest stop on I-4 PRONTO felt like I was going to pass out, hands shaking I was an EMT for 23 yrs in NY I know the signs and knew I had to find a prevention Thankfully when summer hits I will be sound asleep in my "meat locker" a/c bedroom during that heat I work the overnight shift since last Nov Re- The Frogg Togg remember cut it in 1/2 lengthwise and voila 2 for the price of 1

 

[Deesknee]

Okay, first need to say a cople of hours ago I had replied to these already, right when i was going to submit my responses my computer shut off. Apparently it got too hot, so here I am again, but it will be brief.

Dee have a lot to talk about but just going to address your concern with the heat From 2000 to 2008 (when we moved here) I ALWAYS vacationed at WDW and always in either in July or August Primary goal was to see if I could hack living here full time again ( I had lived here just under a year 1998-1999)

Last 2 years I worked outside day time full strength of the sun After getting sick the first 2 days and watching a few co-workers actually hit the floor I did a LOT of research and never felt sick from heat induced illness again

Everyone thinks drink plenty of water BUT that is not going to help, when we sweat we lose alot of other things in our body and they need to be replaced

So here is my list:

Gatorade (G2) I buy it by the case OR I think they sell it in individual packets not all Gatorade the same G2 I found works the best

Frogg Toggs its a wrap thing that you can buy and cut down the middle/lengthwise so two people get the benefit of use At first almost looks like a dry sponge You can get it at Wal-Mart camping section or Sporting goods stores I have tried similiar things before an FHP officer friend told me about this You wet it wring it out place it around your neck never drips keeps you cool I've had it for the past 2 years and it shows no sign of needing replacing You will NOT get me outside in July Aug and sometimes in Sept without this

Misting fans need them

Bananas or V-8 juice

Eat often and light ( I know not always possible with ADRs ) but "grazing"
ideal

Avoid dark colored clothing if at all possible people forget that

HIGH SPF sunscreen

a hat I love me a fedora (my signature look )

Will you have a car or be using DME ?

OH what time is your flight coming in day of arrival ????

Thank you for the Awesome tips. I am copying and printing.

Hi! I followed you over here from Ds PTR. Your plans look great! I don't know how you're keeping your secret. I know I couldn't. What a great bday surprise!!!! Well really surprises!!!!
WELCOME!

Looks like we'll be at the same resorts at the same time. After 30+ trips to WDW we finally bought DVC late last year-bought BWV resale. As a family we've never stayed DVC. I've been to BWV studios twice-once cash (1998) and last year on a friend's points. I've been going to WDW a couple of times a year since 2006. I kept thinking DVC wasn't for us because I would need too many points. Finally figured out I could both DVC & cash trips. My DH isn't a Disney fanatic-once a year is enough for him. I really hope he loves DVC but I won't have a problem using the points myself if he doesn't.
30+ trips?! Holy cow! We delayed purchasing dvc when our older kids were young because we hated the maintenance fees. But, finally broke down when the youngest came along. NO regrets. We've never stayed AKV, have stayed BWV 2x. 1x studio when triplets were young. Then last year on points with just the youngest. That was studio/1bdrm split stay.
We are paying cash (I was able to book bounceback) for the first half of our trip in a 1BR savanah view at AKV Kidani. I have sort of mixed feelings about it. I stayed in a regular room at AKL twice and really liked it a lot more than I expected. I didn't have any issues with bus service there but only had 1 child with me each trip. My kids are older now (14, 12, & 10) but it still seems more challenging to get anywhere when I'm trying to move the 5 of us in the same direction. I thought about renting a car but when I checked the rates were too high. You'll have to post if you find any deals. I really think we will love it but am a bit nervous since its so different from anything we've ever done as a family. Then we move to BWV on points. We've stayed at BWI so we know we love the resort. We're used to being in one room so it will be awesome to be in a 2BR villa. I won't want to come home. I lvoe the 2bdrms

Being from MA I would say we must find August manageable because we keep going back. I won't take my kids out of middle school and don't want to go during school vacations so that leaves summer. We went once in July and it was way too crowded. Crowds are manageable in August-especially in late August. As far as heat goes it is manageable. I find the heat harder to deal with in May than August. In May I can go from 40s here to high 90s. In August we often have 90s here. It is still HOT there but we tend to do OK. I tolerate the heat the least well as I'm the one used to A/C at work all day. DH is at home with kids & we don't have central A/C at home. I find I have to be mindful of not letting myself get too hot. If I get too hot fI tend to feel sick. So I know I have to plan indoor rides or shows to cool off between any outdoor activities. This really isn't too hard to do in most of the parks-lots of A/C attractions. AK is the most challenging park. I find AK to be the hottest park with the least opportunity for cooling off unless you want to ride Kali.
Good to hear! Thanks. between this & Ruthies tips we should be good.

Congrats to your DS! you must be so proud.
We are proud,, but honestly we had little to do with it. HE did all the work, got scholarships and took the loans out. We like to say we are proud for him, since we has so little to do with it. But, of course I won't be honest if I didn't admit to beaming at the thought.

It's so cool that JB asked you to help them with their training! I've been very happy with JB. I got a ton of credits last summer that I used for our flights. Now I've got credits on those credits. I'll have to book another trip. I sincerely love JB. But, I was VERY nervous! Always good to have an excuse to book another trip. Kinda how we managed this one.

I do a one page itinerary for my trips with park hours, flight confirms, ADRs, etc. one of my coworkers calls it my color coded matrix of fun.
Mine are usually one page, but with the older kids doing their own thing this time... and of course all the surprises I've had to make a seperate itinerary. Don't want to give them all the real info.

My guess on your Kmart purchase is a fan.

nope.

Ruthie-love all your heat tolerating suggestions!!!
me too!

I bought one of those Frogg Toggs last year but havent tried it yet. We went to DL last year and didn't bring it with us. I will be bringing it to FL this summer. hmmm. and we will be there the same time....hmmm. maybe if I don't find one, I will jsut steal yours. Of course I would never really do that.

Dee-I bought mine at BJs last year. Not sure if they have them again this year.

Well, now since I know where to pick one up, I won't have to steal yours. We have a BJ's just 2 towns over & can run there soon and see if they have them.

So, now with my recent purchase.......... it is...... something close to what the Frogg Togg you all are talking about. I don't know if it is that name brand. But, now that I know they work.... I will run out and get the Frogg Togg brand for 3... according to Ruthie, that should be enough for the 6 of us. And if the one I bought works well, we can share with someone that may look like they need one. I assume they are reusable. 1 will last a long time, yes?
Well, off to bed with me. It is finally cooling down here. And hopefully DH's snoring has calmed down.
Good night all!

 

[Luvchefmic]

just saw you know what you're looking for


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Frogg-Toggs-Chilly-Pad-Cooling-Towel/23554912

don't see them listed on the BJs website maybe call your store save a trip first
and yes they last a long time..

Goodnight Dee tty soon

 

[lovesdumbo]

Re- The Frogg Togg remember cut it in 1/2 lengthwise and voila 2 for the price of 1

I think that might have been why I hadn't used it. I do have the 13 x 33 one which seemed huge but I was too scared to cut it. Do you make it 6 1/2 x 33 or 13 x 16 1/2?


ETA: I must have been sleepy when I posted this. I just read you did say lengthwise. Duh...

We have a BJ's just 2 towns over & can run there soon and see if they have them.

I'm trying to figure out where you are now.. I'm closest to the Weymouth BJs (where I found them last year) but work right down the street from the Quincy BJs.

 

[Deesknee]

just saw you know what you're looking for


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Frogg-Toggs-Chilly-Pad-Cooling-Towel/23554912

don't see them listed on the BJs website maybe call your store save a trip first
and yes they last a long time..

Goodnight Dee tty soon

Thank you Ruthie! That is wonderful!

I think that might have been why I hadn't used it. I do have the 13 x 33 one which seemed huge but I was too scared to cut it. Do you make it 6 1/2 x 33 or 13 x 16 1/2?


ETA: I must have been sleepy when I posted this. I just read you did say lengthwise. Duh...



I'm trying to figure out where you are now.. I'm closest to the Weymouth BJs (where I found them last year) but work right down the street from the Quincy BJs.

Weymouth huh? hehe not sure how old you are... but that would be the BJ's across from the old Hunan Chinese Restaurant...not too far from the Hearth & Kettle. Or if you want to get to So. Weymouth, South Shore Hospital....or ..... perhaps more familiar with Curtis Liquor Stores....down the street from Dunkin Donuts. hahaha
I am somewhat familiar with parts of Quincy as well, but more the old Quincy than the new one. The old one with .... General Dynamics, or if you are old enough.... Bethleham Steele. (sp?) or... aka "The Shipyard".

hi neighbor!

 

[Luvchefmic]

and a text message need you to take a second please to look at it/respond please AND Thanks



plans change AGAIN... there is something about that word and my life lately Aunt Mary much better but NY trip for me OFF, will have to check MY ptr for the latest scoop

 

[Deesknee]

Todays task was to check on car rental prices again. AND to try to call limo's IF DD is playing out side.
But, today is pretty hot. So, DD is boycotting that her Daddy hasn't put her pool up yet, so she is plunked in the house reading, playing games & watching tv.
So, I was left to check on car rentals. I finally bit the bullet and reserved a mini van. We will pickup at the airport & return there. Giving us the entire stay with a minivan at our finger tips. I like that idea. I did not jump for joy over the price however. last trip I believe we had the mini van for 2 extra days and paid, something like $350ish. This time... $534. That is with 3 discount codes. Saving us about $100. Which I am thankful for, but would love for it to come down more. We rented through Alamo. The last few times we have used them & they have honored if the price comes down after we book. I think it was about $120 that they honored in a price decrease last time. In the past we have also booked with priceline & gotten either Alamo or National , but this time we didn't want to have to pay now. Plus, they weren't honoring my name your own price, which was about the $350. price I was hoping to pay.
So, I will continue to watch the rates and try to get a better price. In the meantime I know we will have a minivan. Which will be important since the "boys" will be staying at a different hotel. We will be able to pick them up before our Chef Mickeys 7:10 ADR's. And I can put the cranky young adults that I'm sure will be sleepy in the way back of the van so that I don't need to watch out and because I made such early ADR's.

Now a slight side note. (only because I have my Itunes on). When DH & I were planning our VR. I kept telling him he had to propose to me, since his first proposal was a bit of a flop. He and I would tease back & forth that I might say no. Well, he tried to plan something a bit romantic, but the show he wanted to take me to sold out too quickly. anyway, we were listening to the radio one day & he said this reminds me of us. I had never heard the song before, It was pretty cool...and romantic of him. I think it is against the rules to put a link for it, but the name is "A Woman Like You" by Lee Brice. You can find it on youtube. If you want to hear it. I thought I'd share as it was just playing on my computer & I got a little sentimental. Maybe some of you can relate...Ruthie?

 

[Deesknee]

and a text message need you to take a second please to look at it/respond please AND Thanks



plans change AGAIN... there is something about that word and my life lately Aunt Mary much better but NY trip for me OFF, will have to check MY ptr for the latest scoop

oh no! I hope the plans are changing for good reasons! My cellphone is off because it needed to be charged, but I will go check my email now.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Thank you Ruthie! That is wonderful!



Weymouth huh? hehe not sure how old you are... but that would be the BJ's across from the old Hunan Chinese Restaurant...not too far from the Hearth & Kettle. Or if you want to get to So. Weymouth, South Shore Hospital....or ..... perhaps more familiar with Curtis Liquor Stores....down the street from Dunkin Donuts. hahaha
I am somewhat familiar with parts of Quincy as well, but more the old Quincy than the new one. The old one with .... General Dynamics, or if you are old enough.... Bethleham Steele. (sp?) or... aka "The Shipyard".

hi neighbor!

I'm a lot older than the age of my children would lead you to think. My DH & I were married almost 15 years before we had our first. So...I do remember all of that. All 3 kids were born at South Shore.

 

[Deesknee]

and a text message need you to take a second please to look at it/respond please AND Thanks

we good?



plans change AGAIN... there is something about that word and my life lately Aunt Mary much better but NY trip for me OFF, will have to check MY ptr for the latest scoop

I'm a lot older than the age of my children would lead you to think. My DH & I were married almost 15 years before we had our first. So...I do remember all of that. All 3 kids were born at South Shore.

ah... We were married 8. I worked in So. Weymouth for about 23 years.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Well all caught up again ! all good sorry about the price for the min-van but when the plan was to go to NY airfare is off the charts too don't know what the heck is going on ?? Anyway hope you get it cheaper I however had great news...first Aunt Mary discharged and now in rehab based on past experiences with previous leg surgery that will take at least 6 weeks (Blessing I never did book the flights ) so her highness (I do love her !!) will not be entertaining anyone (ah pride...I get it) so turn lemons into lemonade and Fred & I are going to WDW a real well off site but close mini-vacation and that is all I will say here you will have to read it in mine

 

[Deesknee]

Well all caught up again ! all good sorry about the price for the min-van but when the plan was to go to NY airfare is off the charts too don't know what the heck is going on ?? Anyway hope you get it cheaper I however had great news...first Aunt Mary discharged and now in rehab based on past experiences with previous leg surgery that will take at least 6 weeks (Blessing I never did book the flights ) so her highness (I do love her !!) will not be entertaining anyone (ah pride...I get it) so turn lemons into lemonade and Fred & I are going to WDW a real well off site but close mini-vacation and that is all I will say here you will have to read it in mine

I read it & I love it! so there!~ So happy "aunt mary" is doing well enough to go to rehab. And happy you were able to speak with her.

Now about my stupid ridiculously priced rental car... Today I opened my email from Mouse savers. I was looking into buying the kids passes when I noticed there was a link for 50% discount on Alamo rental. Alamo is who I just booked with, so I opened the link. I would have to book it through mousesavers. I was hesitant, since I have never dealt directly with mousesavers. I only read the newsletters. But, the discount truly was 50% off their regular price. It would save me about $210. So, can anyone tell me if they have rented a car through mousesavers?

That is about all the updates I have. Well unless you care that my email got hacked & sent emails to all sorts of people on my email contact list. Including the superintendant of my daughters school system. My husbands boss,( who thankfully knows me very well), a contact I had when I was planning the vow renewal in disney private catering, oh yeah and lets not forget 3 priests. Can't wait until the next time I talk with Fr. Bill.
maybe I could meet him incognito.

 

[Luvchefmic]

A great newsletter and informative website, NEVER hesitate to use a discount code they provide...NO worries You're not really renting through them they are kind enough to find things for us (think of the internet as a big ole kitchen junk drawer to be sorted out & they are the ones with the knowledge to clear things and find the good stuff) I have used codes posted on the website many times for car rentals with no problems Gotta go, have a blessed day

Ruthie

 

[disneychic2]

Hello. I'm just joining in from D~ and Ruthie's ptrs. I just spent 3 hours reading your entire report and have enjoyed it a lot. I love that you have managed to keep the surprise this long with so many people knowing it and needing to talk about plans etc. Kuddos there for sure!

Congrats on DS's graduation. It does sound as though he has overcome a lot and should be exceptionally proud of his accomplishments! And I surely do hope he gets the opportunity to work for Disney. I wished my DS (who is an engineer) would have been interested in working for Disney. I tried, I really did. But he is not a particular fan of Disney. (where did i got wrong????)

I am so impressed with your acceptance of your medical problems with such grace. I worked in the medical field and believe me, people with much less severe problems than you tended to whine constantly with a poor me attitude. The people who had legitimate reason to complain seldom did. An interesting life lesson learned at an early age. Good for you, though. You are teaching your children how to cope when life is less than what you'd hoped. Sounds like you have an amazing DH too, which is always so very helpful.

Well, I better get going on my day. I just couldn't stop reading your report (when I know I should have). Hope you have a great week!

ETA: I have used Mousesavers for things too with great success. I agree with Ruthi, it is a very trustworthy site!

 

[Deesknee]

A great newsletter and informative website, NEVER hesitate to use a discount code they provide...NO worries You're not really renting through them they are kind enough to find things for us (think of the internet as a big ole kitchen junk drawer to be sorted out & they are the ones with the knowledge to clear things and find the good stuff) I have used codes posted on the website many times for car rentals with no problems Gotta go, have a blessed day

Ruthie

GREAT comparison Ruthie! you made me smile as my kitchen IS one big junk draw at the moment. You do have a way of making me giggle. thanks!

Hello. I'm just joining in from D~ and Ruthie's ptrs. I just spent 3 hours reading your entire report and have enjoyed it a lot. I love that you have managed to keep the surprise this long with so many people knowing it and needing to talk about plans etc. Kuddos there for sure!

Congrats on DS's graduation. It does sound as though he has overcome a lot and should be exceptionally proud of his accomplishments! And I surely do hope he gets the opportunity to work for Disney. I wished my DS (who is an engineer) would have been interested in working for Disney. I tried, I really did. But he is not a particular fan of Disney. (where did i got wrong????)

I am so impressed with your acceptance of your medical problems with such grace. I worked in the medical field and believe me, people with much less severe problems than you tended to whine constantly with a poor me attitude. The people who had legitimate reason to complain seldom did. An interesting life lesson learned at an early age. Good for you, though. You are teaching your children how to cope when life is less than what you'd hoped. Sounds like you have an amazing DH too, which is always so very helpful.

Well, I better get going on my day. I just couldn't stop reading your report (when I know I should have). Hope you have a great week!

ETA: I have used Mousesavers for things too with great success. I agree with Ruthi, it is a very trustworthy site!

Welcome!!

Thanks for the kind words. I am blessed, but believe me I do get on the pitty pot once in a while.

Thank you both for the assurance of using Mousesavers!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Finally Lois meet Dee Dee meet Lois my two email/prayer partner sisters

Many times I have wanted to send an email to both or you at the same time...now I think I can BUT Lois Dee and I have now stepped it up and been talking on the phone WE need to do that Ok Ladies it was a very long day didn't get in until 9:45 pm poor animal babies I have to be up at 6 so tty later

Ruthie

 

[Deesknee]

Finally Lois meet Dee Dee meet Lois my two email/prayer partner sisters

Many times I have wanted to send an email to both or you at the same time...now I think I can BUT Lois Dee and I have now stepped it up and been talking on the phone WE need to do that Ok Ladies it was a very long day didn't get in until 9:45 pm poor animal babies I have to be up at 6 so tty later

Ruthie

talk-e-Dee that's me. hehehe


Now on with the show......

I did it. I went on to mousesavers newsletter, clicked on the link to order tickets found the link to the Alamo rental car, and realized I wasn't able to do it without ordering tickets. Or should I say I couldn't figure out how to do it without ordering tickets. So.... what else could I do.... I ordered DD#1 & DDBF's tickets 7day PH w/water park. I thought it was a very good price @ $755.90. for both. I thought that was pretty good considering it includes the PH & the Waterpark/fun days. So, once I added that to my order I was able to get the Alamo rental car for $361.20. I am very excited. Now I have to cancel the reservation I had @ $553.35 and THAT was about $30 less than the previous reservation I had which was I think about $100. cheaper than when I first was looking. That would be going from $683 (apprx) to $361. about $320. SAVINGS!!! holy canoli! So.... I am very very happy. The only down side was DD thought DDBF could get the tickets cheaper with his credit card & AAA. I told her to tell him to find the best rate he could get & they will only have to pay me back that amount. I figure even if it is $30 per ticket, I am still way ahead!
Now, to try to talk DS#1 into staying more than 3 days. Then I will order his ticket. DH says to order him the 7 day ticket THEN try to talk him into staying. But, I can't justify just throwing away $30-40 if he refuses. So, I will talk to him first. I think he is going to have to see when exactly his last college semester starts.
Well, I have a busy day tomorrow. 6:20 wake up will start it. So off to bed with me.
goodnight everyone!