Unfortunately, my family STILL thinks I'm crazy..a double PTR. *6/6-Beating the heat?

[Lidian]

I have that bag. Is it the mini or the regular sized? I ordered a mini, but it was so big, there's no way it could be "mini". And if it was the mini, I'd hate to see the regular sized bag!

"I can take this to Disney" was my first thought, too.

Totally loved the story. Following in mom's footsteps is priceless!

 

[AKL LOVER]

I have that bag. Is it the mini or the regular sized? I ordered a mini, but it was so big, there's no way it could be "mini". And if it was the mini, I'd hate to see the regular sized bag!

"I can take this to Disney" was my first thought, too.

Totally loved the story. Following in mom's footsteps is priceless!

I'm not sure if it is a mini or regular size. I got one too. I thought mine was bigger but when I put them next to each other, mine doesn't seem so big.

I like that mine has pockets on it. Perfect for stowing treats for a plane ride

 

[Lidian]

I'm not sure if it is a mini or regular size. I got one too. I thought mine was bigger but when I put them next to each other, mine doesn't seem so big.

I like that mine has pockets on it. Perfect for stowing treats for a plane ride

Hmmm.... I dunno! But yes, pockets are a MUST! I love being organized! BTW, your bag is cute, too!!

 

[AKL LOVER]

Of course the first thing in heavy duty Disney planning mode is deciding where you are going to stay.

If you've read my previous PTR, TR or my screen name you will know that we are HUGE fans of AKL....

....In fact, this is the ONLY Disney resort we have stayed at (I hope this fact doesn't make you all think I'm crazy! ). We stayed there on our first trip and when we booked our second trip, I actually booked another resort, but ultimately ended up switching to go back AKL. I just couldn't imagine a Disney trip without AKL. And then by the time we took our trips after our second, booking AKL was just second nature. People always ask why we continue to go back instead of trying out the other resorts. We just love everything about it and have never been disappointed there. We stayed club level last May and it was fabulous!! Besides, every time I walk into AKL it always reminds me of our first trip, which was very special, so I really enjoy that feeling of coming home each time we arrive.

Enough sap. Sorry. Moving on!


So where to stay for this trip? On our last trip, the worst imaginable thing began to happen. I began to think about staying somewhere other than AKL.


Shocking. I know! I'm beginning to think that I might actually be crazy for this reason! But DH and the kids were all about the pool last trip. Borderline obsessive about the pool really. I mean, did we book a trip to Disney to swim? Yeah. Exactly what I thought the whole trip! And that's what it sure felt like to me for much of the trip.


But in all fairness, not everyone can be a park commando like me. This was hard for me to realize. And to admit. For the rest of my family, enjoying the pool was part of the fun of vacation. So since my family was enjoying the pool so much and so frequently, I began thinking that a resort that was more centrally located and on the monorail might be fun to try next trip.


So after much debate and lots of research I finally decided on....



....


....


....


....


....


....

The Beach Club!! We've booked a regular room with a standard view. I'm not really worried about the view since there won't be any animals to look at from our balcony



But wait...hold the flames! I know you guys are going to give it to me for booking the resort with the biggest and best pool on property.

I mean, I'm just asking for it right? And yes, maybe I am crazy! But here was my reasoning. I promise it makes sense. At least I think it does. We'll see what you think.


1. If my DH and kids want a good swimming experience, what better place to pick.


2. The BC should be centrally located enough that we can make it back to the resort easily from the parks when they want to swim.


3. And here's the best part--Since the BC is right next to Epcot, then it will be easy for me to slip over there for some alone time if I'd like to while they are swimming the afternoon away




So there you have it. 2 things that are making me doubt my sanity. But I think my logic is sound. So let the critiquing begin!

Although now that I'm looking at that picture I found of the SAB layout, I'm worried it might be so big that I would lose the kids in it--YIKES! Anyone have any experience with that? (Not losing your kids I mean, but keeping track of them !)


Continue to next update

 

[Lidian]

Can I go, too?

When you said BC, I knew it would be perfect for your pool-loving family! I totally get the WHY and I'm behind ya 100%!

That said, are you sure you'll be okay with not being at AKL? Will you survive not seeing animals every morning?

Anyway ... totally looking forward to hearing more! And don't change! I think you'll love BC -- and the pool will be a good thing! Plus, sneaking away to EP will be awesome! I'm actually a bit jealous.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I think you will love BC, sounds like a perfect fit.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

3. And here's the best part--Since the BC is right next to Epcot, then it will be easy for me to slip over there for some alone time if I'd like to while they are swimming the afternoon away

That was my first thought too. Let the kids and hubby swim while I get lost in World Showcase. It's a win-win all around.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Sorry that I am late, but I finally am here.

Congrats on being able to take two trip this year. I am super jealous. I really want to go on a trip by myself but I don't know if it's in the card this year.

Your not staying at AKL!!!!!!!! Are pigs flying? Has hell frozen over? Is the world as we know it done? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

J/k, I actually think your plans are very good and logical. With all the time you spent at the pools in May what a better place to stay than a resort with a huge pool. I also think it's a great idea to be able to zip over to Epcot for a couple of hours while your family soaks in the pool.

 

[AKL LOVER]

Can I go, too?

When you said BC, I knew it would be perfect for your pool-loving family! I totally get the WHY and I'm behind ya 100%!

That said, are you sure you'll be okay with not being at AKL? Will you survive not seeing animals every morning?

Anyway ... totally looking forward to hearing more! And don't change! I think you'll love BC -- and the pool will be a good thing! Plus, sneaking away to EP will be awesome! I'm actually a bit jealous.

EH, I am still debating if I will be ok with not staying at AKL. It has become such a part of our Disney experience. And *gasp* I haven't made any plans as of yet to even go visit AKL. I think it may be too painful for me to visit there but not stay there.

I think you will love BC, sounds like a perfect fit.

Fingers crossed that I can resist the urge to change my resort before we go...5 months is a long time!

That was my first thought too. Let the kids and hubby swim while I get lost in World Showcase. It's a win-win all around.

I am going to doing that!

Sorry that I am late, but I finally am here.

Congrats on being able to take two trip this year. I am super jealous. I really want to go on a trip by myself but I don't know if it's in the card this year.

Your not staying at AKL!!!!!!!! Are pigs flying? Has hell frozen over? Is the world as we know it done? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

J/k, I actually think your plans are very good and logical. With all the time you spent at the pools in May what a better place to stay than a resort with a huge pool. I also think it's a great idea to be able to zip over to Epcot for a couple of hours while your family soaks in the pool.

I know, I know. Can you blieve it? I am making myself a little sick over the thought of not staying there. But I think once we make the jump, it will open us up to the idea of staying at lots of different resorts in the future. Truth be told, I do really want to try many of the other resorts. But I just love AKL. So much. I think that's why I always ultimately go back to it. Every single time. But this year I am going to resist the AKL pull. (I hope!)

I'm glad you (and others) agree with my reasoning. I just don't want the family to want to spend even MORE time at the pool versus in the parks. Although this year since we've added an extra day and a half to our trip, I have set aside a whole day that we can dedicate to the pool if they'd like. Or if they want, we can fit in some park time too. I'm leaving it up to them. (I'm actually planning on using this idea as leverage to get them to spend more time in the parks on other days, but don't tell them that!!)

 

[PersonalizedMouse]

You had me at bored, glazed over look...I get you

 

[Joyciemc]

Exciting! I actually always felt the same way you do about AKL, but my resort was POP Century. When I was paying cash, I'd only look at values and I just loved that place. I still miss it. BUT. I have obviously learned that other resorts (specifically deluxe/DVC resorts) have a lot of awesome to offer.

So I completely get what you are saying, but I think you will love trying out BC!

 

[pinkxray]

I can't believe that I haven't seen your link to this Pre-TR yet.

St. Thomas looks so beautiful. I wish my DH would throw these kinks in my plans. I have even let him be in charge of all summer plans for 2012 and 2013 since he is all about the islands. He is looking forward to spending the summer in the backyard Apparently he likes vacation but only when I'm paying for it. But since I am going along with his backyard vacation plans I get full planning rights after which as you can see with my ridiculous tickers, I am taking full advantage of. I am praying Disney has the Fantasy sailing to the Eastern Caribbean the week I need it to otherwise DH will get his way off sailing RCL.

Your family will love the BC and SAB. Plus you can always walk to Epcot while your family spends the day in the pool.

Did I miss it, where are you staying on your girls trip?

I completely understand why you have stayed at AKL every trip. I am so glad we will be taking two trip next time b/c we will have to stay at AKL for at least a few days. You cannot beat the view, but the whole place is just amazing.

At least I am not alone with the dramatic 7 year old girls. Hopefully I'll get rewarded for all of my patience and get a quiet, cuddly little mamas boy next time.

 

[AKL LOVER]

You had me at bored, glazed over look...I get you

I'm glad that people on here understand me. I don't know what I'd do without you all!

Exciting! I actually always felt the same way you do about AKL, but my resort was POP Century. When I was paying cash, I'd only look at values and I just loved that place. I still miss it. BUT. I have obviously learned that other resorts (specifically deluxe/DVC resorts) have a lot of awesome to offer.

So I completely get what you are saying, but I think you will love trying out BC!

I'm sure that we will like it, we just need to make the plunge!

I can't believe that I haven't seen your link to this Pre-TR yet.

St. Thomas looks so beautiful. I wish my DH would throw these kinks in my plans. I have even let him be in charge of all summer plans for 2012 and 2013 since he is all about the islands. He is looking forward to spending the summer in the backyard Apparently he likes vacation but only when I'm paying for it. But since I am going along with his backyard vacation plans I get full planning rights after which as you can see with my ridiculous tickers, I am taking full advantage of. I am praying Disney has the Fantasy sailing to the Eastern Caribbean the week I need it to otherwise DH will get his way off sailing RCL.

Your family will love the BC and SAB. Plus you can always walk to Epcot while your family spends the day in the pool.

Did I miss it, where are you staying on your girls trip?

I completely understand why you have stayed at AKL every trip. I am so glad we will be taking two trip next time b/c we will have to stay at AKL for at least a few days. You cannot beat the view, but the whole place is just amazing.

At least I am not alone with the dramatic 7 year old girls. Hopefully I'll get rewarded for all of my patience and get a quiet, cuddly little mamas boy next time.

Yay for new tickers!

DD's drama is slowly decreasing as she get's older. But I'm sure it will pick up again once she hits her teens. Although, I'm pretty well equiped to handle teen drama as I deal with it everyday so I say, bring it on! I am so glad that I got a mamas boy...he is definitely not quiet...he's a rough and tumbly boy but he is so sweet and cuddly too!

I haven't said where we are staying on our girls trip...that's coming up soon in an update. I'm still debating what's the best way to do the updates in a double PTR. Should I alternate trip updates? Or should I do all of one first then all of the other? Decisions, decisions! But at least it's a good problem to have--b/c I have multiple trips

 

[BennyFedora]

Of course the first thing in heavy duty Disney planning mode is deciding where you are going to stay.


So after much debate and lots of research I finally decided on....


The Beach Club!! We've booked a regular room with a standard view. I'm not really worried about the view since there won't be any animals to look at from our balcony

Subbing in after an extended DIS hiatus

Thanks for still following along as I tried to be a good Dis-er and not let Savannah drift over to the island of misfit TRs!

Joyce and I totally want to stay at the Beach Club, but it's going to have to wait a few trips. Can't wait to hear about it once you go!

 

[AKL LOVER]

So with a girls trip looming in the near future (we're only 85 days away ), I recently got the itch to be crafty.

Enter the next reason my family thinks I'm crazy--because I wanted to make something for our upcoming trip. Mickey tie dye t-shirts to be exact.


But speaking of my upcoming trip, I still need to give a few more details about that. My traveling campanions will be 3 close friends from college who are just as Disney crazy as me! We'll call them D, H and L. Let me tell you that it is so much fun planning a trip with other people who are so excited to go. The emails have just been flying around and I love hearing all the ideas that they all have about what we should do and what they want to do. And I know that I can send an email out at 2 a.m. about something I just thought of and no one will think badly of me...not that I've done that already or anything


So D, H, L & I will check in on Wed 4/11 and check out on Sun 4/15--a nice little break from reality for the 4 of us! D & L will be coming from other cities and will meet us in Orlando. H and I will be flying out of the same airport in DC, so we will meet up early on the 11th before our flight. Once we all arrive, we will meet on property at our home away from home for the week....


....


....


....


....

I am excited to stay here for this trip. Obviously we've been lucky enough that our only experience with Disney resorts has been deluxe. But I really have wanted to try a lower category to see how it compares, but I'm always just so afraid that I will be sooo disappointed in a value or a mod. So this girls trip is a great way to try it out!

Add that to splitting a cheaper room 4 ways on top of a sweet 40% military discount and you have yourselves one heck of a sweet deal that even a Disney deluxe loving girl can't pass up!

So back to my crafty side this weekend. I decided to make 2 practice Mickey tie dye shirts to see how they turned out. My plan is to make a set of 4 matching as a surprise for our girls trip.

My sister came over this weekend to help me try this out (hence why my family knows I'm making t-shirts for our trip!) and I, being the good DISer that I am, remembered to take pictures to document our adventure and post them here on the DIS.

First I traced a Mickey head on the shirt in pencil and then basted it with a needle and thread. Pull the basting tight and tie it off. Then I soaked the shirts in ash water for 30 minutes. I didn't take pictures of any of that because it was rather uneventful and bor-ring! I wanted to get pictures of the good stuff--the mess.

Isn't the little mickey head so tiny and cute after you pull the basting tight?

I chose to swirl the shirts before rubberbanding because I wanted a spiral pattern in my dye job.

Not as much mess with the dye as I had thought. I guess that's good, right?

We wrapped each shirt in plastic and let sit for 24 hours and...

...TA-DA!!

You can see they both look different because we tried different things on each shirt to see which techniques worked the best and produced the best final result. I think they turned out pretty good and I will definitely be attempting to make a matching set of 4 for our girls trip....now just to decide on what colors I want to use...

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Great job on the shirts. Too cute!

 

[AKL LOVER]

Subbing in after an extended DIS hiatus

Thanks for still following along as I tried to be a good Dis-er and not let Savannah drift over to the island of misfit TRs!

Joyce and I totally want to stay at the Beach Club, but it's going to have to wait a few trips. Can't wait to hear about it once you go!

I'm glad you're finishing your TR--I'm realling digging the pics of Savannah!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Making those shirts sounds fun and they turned out great. I wish I had a crafty side, if I attempted that it would be a disaster.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Those shirts look awesome! I've never attempted the Mickey tie-dye, it looks way too complicated for me!

 

[Lidian]

The shirts came out great! I'm hoping to make some for our trip!