Wait for it...Weight for it...June 2009 WL **PACKING**

[TxRabbit]

Oh yes, THAT type. No no, totally hear you.

Okay I can't say much about the Epcot resorts, but that is a plus b/c you can always leave the park and walk back to room... RE AKV or SSR, I liked SSR. But relying on ME could be dicey... if you all have a car, no problem, but that does keep people tied to the same tour unless others are okay taking the bus back... I suspect AKV or SSR would offer more peace and quiet... and doesn't AK have their own busses? I had no problem with renting points. I think it is the way to go. That is how we are going to BCV in Dec. SSR also gets you to DTD easily with a boat or a nice long walk -- in summer maybe not so nice...

BUT you stayed at BC, right? And BW both seem great. I can't wait for our stay... So proxemity is nice to be able to do your own thing, without feeling that you are dragging others into your plans... They might appreciate that?

No help, I realize. But that is a legitimate question to even ask her.

I loved the Epcot resorts. We spent time in Epcot and DHS on that trip, so it felt wonderful to be there. Taking the boat. Walking. Very nice. Having transportation be so laid back really kept that vacation feeling alive, KWIM?

And it would be good for easy individual touring. BUT, it's likely that we will all have our cars. Peter's family really isn't the flying type. Let's see. My youngest SIL, the one that's engaged, is 21 now, and she went on her first airplane when she was a SENIOR in HIGH SCHOOL!!

I took Bolt on his first plane at 4.5 months and he has been on a steady diet of air travel ever since, thanks to a set of Grandparents (my mom and dad) living in a different state from us.

The thing is that SIL is one of those drag along kind of people. We all exchanged ideas for the perfect vacation for ourselves. Our family picked Disney as a whole, snowboarding for Peter's love, cruising for me (Alaska/Mediterranean), which made Peter want to hike/backpack/hunt all over Alaska, and SIL's perfect vacation was a homacation. I was like . I guess it's the new buzz word for staying home while on vacation?

So. That's what we get to deal with. Seriously. I have no thought of taking her on a trip and having her fall in love with Disney. And I'm okay with that. I just need her to not HATE Disney.

I also started checking out vacation homes. I read a PTR about Windsor Hills. I saw some pretty cool houses. It would also satisfy that need to be able to accomodate more people, in the event of... also, if we ended up in such a residence, Peter's parents might come along as well and just not go to any of the parks.

It is totally NOT my idea of a great Disney vacation, but maybe this would be a good trip to do a bit more than Disney. Like an Orlando vacation or something.

It's only one trip. It's only one trip. It's only one trip.

The way for me to deal with this is to put together a couple of scenarios and present them to her. They have to be ones that I find acceptable of course. Then let her pick what sounds the best to her. I'm happy to hear something nice about SSR. I really like the proximity to DTD. Plus, it's supposed to have some nice spa services there. SIL MIGHT be into something not too extreme.

I don't want to paint her as a pain in the rear. She's not. I actually appreciate how straight forward the desires, needs, and wants are. She is a very responsible person. She is basically supporting her two sisters, herself, and to a certain extent, her parents. Finances are very important, so I have to be able to get the best bang for the buck for sure. AND, I have to be able to set up a vacation that everyone can find enjoyable.

I know that Bolt will have fun with his cousins. I just hope that the DD matures enough that there isn't any major upsets when the boys want to ride together and she rides with her mom, etc etc. Three is a bit of a rough number.

It's a good thing I like challenges.

 

[jewels1916]

Hi Rabbit!! I feel like I've missed so much! Three trips! Wow! I wish I was planning three trips! Well...secretly I am, cause I am always planning trips, but only one of them will happen....the December one! Wahoo! I love San Antonio too, I never tire of it. I think I went on 4 or 5 school trips to SA while I was in HS between dance team and choir trips. Have fun with all your planning! I'm bouncing around trying to get all caught up after TBM!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Well, I'm of not much help here - but my vote on the EPCOT area would be BCV UNLESS your kids have sand issues. Mine have sand issues. What is up with that? Don't they understand that mom & dad are beach people so they MUST like sand? After that, I'd go BWV.

I know someone who's home base is SSRV, loves them - LOVES THEM, but I agree that it might be traveling issues.

As far as remote - I know that AK has their own buses. Now here me out here - so they get slammed for adding a 10 minute distance thing on to most others - but like at CSR where it takes 7 to circle the property - isn't that about the same? Seriously? Seems that way to me.

Going with a group though I'd seriously say my ideal would be BW area, then WKL probably. The reason I'd stick that behind is boat can not run when there is a thunderstorm.

I think throwing a few things out to someone is a very good plan of attack though.

 

[Happydog]

I loved the Epcot resorts. We spent time in Epcot and DHS on that trip, so it felt wonderful to be there. Taking the boat. Walking. Very nice. Having transportation be so laid back really kept that vacation feeling alive, KWIM?

They do seem nice, I am excited to try out BCV this December

I took Bolt on his first plane at 4.5 months and he has been on a steady diet of air travel ever since, thanks to a set of Grandparents (my mom and dad) living in a different state from us.

Oh us too, both boys have been on planes quite a bit, overseas, you name it. Couldn't stop our life style for them, just slowed it down a bit, and maybe we don't go out as often

SIL's perfect vacation was a homacation. I was like . I guess it's the new buzz word for staying home while on vacation?

The way for me to deal with this is to put together a couple of scenarios and present them to her. They have to be ones that I find acceptable of course. Then let her pick what sounds the best to her. I'm happy to hear something nice about SSR. I really like the proximity to DTD. Plus, it's supposed to have some nice spa services there. SIL MIGHT be into something not too extreme.

I think this is the best strategy, and yes, I liked SSR. I would stay there again. There are just other places for us to try. It isn't very "disney" if you KWIM, but overall, it was a nice place. Definitely lets you unwind. I am sure if you make sure they are invested in some of the decision making, that will help...

I hope you have a great time camping. We go car camping every summer.

Hope to hear you had a great time and look forward to hearing how your ADRs go! Mine went pretty well, all considering! I have to go back and revise the itinerary and get that posted next.

 

[TxRabbit]

For now, of course.

Talk about DIS withdrawl!!! Being out of town followed by some massive update! I can finally report on my big ADR calling morning!

First. We had an awesome time camping. I'll make a separate report on that. Weather was beautiful. We all left exhausted, of course. Bolt was asleep when we got back home around 6:30 pm yesterday, and just stayed asleep.

Peter and I, though, looking to couch out for a bit got hooked watching a Lonesome Dove Marathon of sorts. My parents gave this to Peter for his bday, but we have never watched it. It's good. But it can be SAD!!! Holy Cow! It is in episodes, and it would always end in the most horrible fashion. You couldn't stop THERE. So we were up til after 1 am! Finally, I didn't watch the last 5 minutes of the third episode. The foreshadowing was quite clear, so we could finally turn in for the night.

So. After very little sleep, Peter woke me up right around 6:00 am (CDT). I hurried downstairs where everything lay in readiness for the big phone call. I was dialing late! 6:03 am!

I waited. And waited. And waited. I almost feel asleep on hold. I was so worried that I would hang up accidentally (my cheek bones have been known to hit the end button on my cell!) I must have heard the "Where the Magic Lives WDW Official Album" excerpts that they were playing about 4 times. Finally, sometime after 7:15 am, I got the most wonderful CM helping me!She was good and I was happy.

After being on the phone for 2 hours 20 minutes and 53 seconds (including the wait for the answered phone call), I ended up getting just about everything that I wanted within half an hour of when I wanted it.

The one exception is Chefs, which ended up several hours later than I originally wanted. Could be a happy circumstance though. I look at the schedule and I like it. Our Chefs ressie is too late for Remy though. Apparently he stops making appearances after 6pm.

So here's what I officially have:

Saturday, June 20
5:20pm Whispering Canyon Cafe

Sunday, June 21
9:15am Boma
5:30pm California Grill

Monday, June 22
8:10am Tusker House Donald's Safari Breakfast
6:00pm Jiko: The Cooking Place

Tuesday, June 23
11:55am Akershus
8:00pm Les Chefs de France

Wednesday, June 24
9:10am Supercalifragilistic Breakfast
5:45pm Yachtsman Steakhouse

Thursday, June 25
11:05am The Plaza
5:45pm Narcoossee's

Friday, June 26
7:30am Whispering Canyon Cafe
7:35pm AP

Saturday, June 27
9:10am Chef Mickey's

Having this all finalized has me so excited for our trip!!!

 

[Happydog]

YOU DID IT!! Ugh the phone call time, sometimes they take no time and others it is crazy.. And I don't envy you having to get up even earlier to make the 7am, b/c of the time zone -- I forget about that! But it is so worth it. And what I see looks really nice! I am glad you were able to set these up! We couldn't get Chefs for dinner at all, either, and just ended up with the lunch adr instead, but regardless, I think you got some great hits! Now, what about Le Cellier? Were you not able to secure that one or did you decide against it? I was surprised we did -- but it fit with my park swap so that was fine. I really will want your report on the character breakfasts and The Plaza. I am trying to consider restaurants in the parks during Xmas, especially MK.

Can't wait to hear about the camping trip

 

[TxRabbit]

YOU DID IT!! Ugh the phone call time, sometimes they take no time and others it is crazy.. And I don't envy you having to get up even earlier to make the 7am, b/c of the time zone -- I forget about that! But it is so worth it. And what I see looks really nice! I am glad you were able to set these up! We couldn't get Chefs for dinner at all, either, and just ended up with the lunch adr instead, but regardless, I think you got some great hits! Now, what about Le Cellier? Were you not able to secure that one or did you decide against it? I was surprised we did -- but it fit with my park swap so that was fine. I really will want your report on the character breakfasts and The Plaza. I am trying to consider restaurants in the parks during Xmas, especially MK.

Can't wait to hear about the camping trip

It WAS so worth it! I feel such relief knowing that it is all set up. Whew!

Never wanted Le Cellier. I know that a lot of Disers love it. I read good reviews of it. The menu looks pretty good, but the environment, eh, not so much. There are others, Chefs and Akershus that were more interesting to the guys and me for this trip. The windowless wine cellar basement vibe just didn't appeal this go around.

I was pumped for you though! That is a score to get a dinner ressie there! My Chefs time is a little late, especially considering that we will hit the park for am EMH rope drop.

You realize our WCC ADRs are within 5 minutes of each other? I'm really hoping to get a server with an attitude!

I will definitely be doing a dining report.

And I will have to post about camping. It was such fun. This week is going to be crazy busy for me, so I'm not sure when I'll get those pics up. I might have time tomorrow morning.

 

[2BoysMom]

Hi everyone!

I am also trying to plan what I want to do about my own birthday which is the 25th of March. The big 37. I don't feel that old. How did that happen?

I'm also plotting and planning for future Disney. I've been looking at renting DVC points. Thanks Happydog!

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well and staying warm. We've had highs in the low 40s for two days now. Three days ago it was 80! Weird.

HI Rabbit!
I seem to be way behind in your PTR, I'm trying to play catch up.

My DH's birthday is March 25th, too! I knew we had stuff in common. He is older than you, though. Dave will be 45.

Have you rented DVC before? We did once for our trip to BW. It was great. We loved it. I am going to try to do it more often myself, in the future. Especially now that I have some future dates actually picked out. Our problem is, we don't always plan way in advance, which is what you really need to do to rent DVC.

Our weather has gotten weird here. too. It's been in the 80's lately and today, I'm sitting with a fleece shirt on and the heat on in the house. I'm sure it won't last long.

OK, I still have more posts of yours to read so I better get going. Just thought I would touch base and let you know I'm still around.

-Donna

 

[TxRabbit]

Hi Rabbit!! I feel like I've missed so much! Three trips! Wow! I wish I was planning three trips! Well...secretly I am, cause I am always planning trips, but only one of them will happen....the December one! Wahoo! I love San Antonio too, I never tire of it. I think I went on 4 or 5 school trips to SA while I was in HS between dance team and choir trips. Have fun with all your planning! I'm bouncing around trying to get all caught up after TBM!

Planning and reality are always two different things! LOL! September is still up in the air. The change in airfare really cooled my enthusiasm on that one. Next year will probably be a definite. It's just questionable whether or not other family members will actually come along. But that's usually the case with Peter's family. They aren't big planners. And even when there is a plan, I've learned that until the plan in actually happening, it is ALWAYS subject to change.

Well, I'm of not much help here - but my vote on the EPCOT area would be BCV UNLESS your kids have sand issues. Mine have sand issues. What is up with that? Don't they understand that mom & dad are beach people so they MUST like sand? After that, I'd go BWV.

I know someone who's home base is SSRV, loves them - LOVES THEM, but I agree that it might be traveling issues.

As far as remote - I know that AK has their own buses. Now here me out here - so they get slammed for adding a 10 minute distance thing on to most others - but like at CSR where it takes 7 to circle the property - isn't that about the same? Seriously? Seems that way to me.

Going with a group though I'd seriously say my ideal would be BW area, then WKL probably. The reason I'd stick that behind is boat can not run when there is a thunderstorm.

I think throwing a few things out to someone is a very good plan of attack though.

I didn't have any problems with the AKL buses when we stayed there. I liked the dedicated buses. And after staying at BC where they weren't, I could appreciate the idea even more! LOL!

My ideal would probably be the Epcot resort areas too. I just don't think Peter's family will be prepared for the cost of a Disney vacation, KWIM? At the least, I will put on my travel agent's cap and present a few different scenarios and let her have some ownership of the vacation planning. These are the three I think I'll research:

1. Two bedroom vacation homes, on site
2. Vacation home rental, offsite, Windsor Hills or similar
3. Adjoining rooms

Peter cracked me up the other day. He said, maybe we should just plan our own vacation and let them know what we are doing. Then, if they want to come along, they can plan their own parallel vacation. Hey. That's a stroke of brilliance right there!

Haha. Seriously though. I don't think they would make a plan. And I think Bolt would really like to share WDW with his cousins. I think I need to be more active in the planning in order to help that happen.

They do seem nice, I am excited to try out BCV this December

I think this is the best strategy, and yes, I liked SSR. I would stay there again. There are just other places for us to try. It isn't very "disney" if you KWIM, but overall, it was a nice place. Definitely lets you unwind. I am sure if you make sure they are invested in some of the decision making, that will help...

You are going to have a great time at BCV, I just know it!

Unwind would be the key here... And I totally agree on getting them invested in the decision making.

HI Rabbit!
I seem to be way behind in your PTR, I'm trying to play catch up.

My DH's birthday is March 25th, too! I knew we had stuff in common. He is older than you, though. Dave will be 45.

Have you rented DVC before? We did once for our trip to BW. It was great. We loved it. I am going to try to do it more often myself, in the future. Especially now that I have some future dates actually picked out. Our problem is, we don't always plan way in advance, which is what you really need to do to rent DVC.

Our weather has gotten weird here. too. It's been in the 80's lately and today, I'm sitting with a fleece shirt on and the heat on in the house. I'm sure it won't last long.

OK, I still have more posts of yours to read so I better get going. Just thought I would touch base and let you know I'm still around.

-Donna

Donna!!! I figured that it would take a while to get back in the groove of home life after your big half marathon weekend! Glad you are back!

I hear you on the weather. Very strange indeed. Global warming strikes again! LOL!

I am a bit nervous about the DVC rental prospect, but I think that would be the best way to go if we did a vacation home onsite. Did you find the points to rent here on the Dis? How did you go about it?

I thought there was someone else around here with a March 25 bday!

Have you been posting a trip report somewhere? I haven't had a lot of computer time with Bolt's spring break...he's been a computer hog, I'll be so happy when we finally get two computers! LOL! I'd like to hear about your trip but I haven't noticed any more postings on your PTR.

I'll be posting later about our short camping excursion. And also, I'll share the sweet little digital camera that I finally found for Bolt. Not too expensive. Not too well made either. But it gets the job done. For those of you that may or may not have an idea to get an inexpensive camera for your kiddos for your upcoming vacations!

I'm off to volunteer at the school today. I do that every Monday. Hope everyone is having a great day.

 

[TxRabbit]

Totally off topic, but I just have to share...

We have this centralized district-wide science resource center from which there are various extra activities that can happen for the kiddos, especially if there are volunteers to do the job.

I am in charge of the animal demos for second grade. For the first half of the year, the second grade demo was reptiles. Totally fine. We actually brought 6 live animals into the school, two box turtles, a red slider turtle, a soft shelled turtle, a blue-tongued skink, and a corn snake. Could handle them all without any issues.

For this half of the year, the subject is insects. And yes, there is one live insect that we bring. A hissing COCKROACH!!! Ugh! Every other insect is mounted in these little museum boxes. But the hissing cockroach is live, and yes, I COULD pick the thing up and bring it around to show the kiddos. They don't have wings and they are only found on Madagascar, well, in the wild that is.

I'm doing this demo 9 times, 5 on Tuesday and 4 on Friday.

So.

Think good thoughts. As gross as it is, I really want to be able to show the kids the stupid bug. I hate that I am intimidated by a bug. I mean. How silly is that? It's true though. But I know that I will be the coolest thing ever if I deal with this cockroach with the kids. I could leave it in the cage if I chicken out.

But I want to be cool.

Is that too sad? I want second graders to think I'm cool?

Regardless. Think good thoughts about me!! I need support! After this craziness is done I can get back to my Disney planning!

Hope everyone is doing well. I know y'all have a bunch going on too.:

 

[2BoysMom]

Just do this mantra over and over again...

This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. .......

 

[TxRabbit]

That is sooooo funny!

Somehow, after reading this I started singing that Mexican song, "La cookaracha, la cookaracha" not that I know how to spell it, or any other words...maybe singing that will help too!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

YIKES! I can't believe you were on the phone for your ADRs for over two hours!!!! That's crazy. Glad to see you got everything finalized, though. Looks good!

Oh, and good luck w/ the hissing cockroach. I don't think I could do that. Eeekkk!! I'm definitely sending over LOTS of pixie dust for you.

 

[Happydog]

Hissing Cockroach? Where is Kafka and The Metamorphosis when you need them?!?! (if you don't know it, this is a book about a character who wakes up as a cockroach one day...) There is a children's novel, very very clever which is inspired by it, where it is a cockroach that wakes up as a human... Totally worth reading! I just can't remember the title, and it is bed time upstairs, so I can't go up to look for it right now..

Of course all of this is to distract you from the fact that you will be holding a creepy crawly HISSY cockroach 9 times....
You are not a loser for wanting to be the "hero" in the 2nd grade classroom... It is fun to remember that for a little while longer we will be pretty cool to them... then, later, it will be "eeeew, Mom..."

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Just popping in to say hi. We're planning on going mid-May for our 10th. I can't remember what date I projected, but the 15th comes to mind...

Sorry I haven't caught up - it has been beautiful here and the mulch/flowers have been calling.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Just do this mantra over and over again...

This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. This is good. It is not a tarantula. .......

I'm voting take a fly swat - the kids will think you are SUPER COOL... or super crazy - but either way, you'd be super!

 

[TxRabbit]

Just a quick note...

I ROCKED the insect demos yesterday!!

And yes, I got that silly bug out for all 5 yesterday.

During the first one, the kids were like, your hands are shaking!! LOL! I said, yes, this makes me nervous, isn't that silly? And I got them all singing the La Cookaracha song...LOL!

I shouldn't be sad today, but for some reason I am a little. I have my Bible study this morning and my group is going to PeiWei (YUM!) for lunch in my honor.

I hope everyone has a great day!

 

[jewels1916]

I'll bet you rocked the insect thing!! Can I just tell you a quick story? I took an entomology class when I was in college, because I needed another science class but I didn't need a lab, so I took entomology. And we had to keep a Madagascar hissing cockroach like, as a pet, for 3 weeks. My roommates (lived in a 4 bedroom apt on campus, so I had 3 roomies) loooooved me. That thing smelled sooo bad. And it wouldn't eat the normal things we were told to feed it, like peanut butter. The only thing Rufus (yes, his name was Rufus) would eat was green beans!! Talk about weird. I got through the entire thing without having to touch it once, and it lived. And then, when I went to turn it in, my teacher made me pick it up out of his individual little cage and put it in the bigger cage with all the other ones! I was so sad that I had not had to touch it at all, and then he made me.

Ha ha. Just had to share!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

IT IS OVER! You got throught the "insect thing!"

 

[TeaForTulips]

Your ADRs look sooo great! I love all the updates! Hooray for the DxDP.

I can't wait to hear more about camping. I camping during the pretty weather.

All this bug stuff had me laughing and getting the "willies" all at the same time.

Happy Belated Birthday! I'm pretty sure it was the 25th yeah?

I can't believe all your trips in the works. I'd be going crazy! Everything sounds so fun! I'm so excited for you!