WDW 2008, just us and the weans - NOW WITH PICS!!!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi there,
Thanks for coming over!!
I can't believe Disney does college!! I am so jealous - we get nothing like that over here, nothing!!
No wonder DH wants to move over there! He wants to leave as soon as the kids are 16, I said I think legally it has to be 18.

THIS is a fantastic picture! SO cute! If that were my kid I would frame it and put it on the wall! (Actually I guess he wouldn't be too thrilled about that, huh!)

I know, he's so sweet, I'm thinking of putting it on his birthday cake when he's 18, it's either that one or the one where he's rolling about the floor naked as a baby. Why not both?
I couldn't believe how down I felt talking about the last day, I got really emotional - pathetic really.
You have to do US, I guess we're lucky that we can come for 14 nights (we're so far away it's not worthwhile going for any less - so I keep telling everyone ), it gives us more time to see everything!

Keep posting!

Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

It's funny, you are sad now, it's like you're living through your last day now, then again next month, then again, which is really hard, when you finish your last day on your TR

Your last day does sound magical and special though ~ the perfect day to spend your last day soaking up the magic and memories

I love all your pictures of your previous trip ~ you can just tell how much fun they were having

I can't believe it's getting so close! A little over 3 weeks!!!

Oh, and this past Jan. we rode the ferry to and from MK for the first time in all these years and LOVED it! The view is magical and special, and it's nice to get away from the crazy crowds and stress of the monorial at park opening and closing. We still ride the monorail a lot though, just for fun

It's getting nearer all the time - I'm a big wean myself!!!!

Last trip we rode up front with the driver on the monorail once - you NEED to do that!!! You just ask a CM at the station, they can only take one family at a time so you might need to wait for a couple of trains. It's soo cool!

Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

My DD did this too! She said she wanted shorter hair.
By the time the hairdresser evened it out it was SHORT!!!

Not as bad as my little sister though who at 7 decided her bangs needed a trim. So she did it herself, but it wasn't even so she kept trying to even it out. They were so SHORT. She did this two days before Christmas.

It's scary the amount of people who tell me their kids have done it as well!!! Why????

My DD ended yesterday, and starts back up in September. Luckily she has Saturday afternoon lessons during the year, Wed evenings in the summer. She has been taking them since last Dec. The previous year she did the winter only

DD has been taking lessons for the past 2 years, she loves it! Luckily the early start is only for a couple of weeks, then it's back to the more civilised time of 09.30! I'm SO NOT a morning person!

We went to US last trip and had a great time. Fievel's playground was my daughter's favorite. She spent most of the day there. She also loved Seussland at IOA. Afterwards I said, for her it was a very expensive playground.

My two are the same! They could happily stay there all day! "Do you know how much this trip cost!!!???***"

Not long to go now for both of us!!!!!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

OMG! Have just been looking at a thread with photos of WDW Gift Shops! I know, I know, really sad, but I just can't help myself! There is so much I want to buy!
Want to get Crocs for everyone, some Skechers for me and the kids, a takeaway menu holder for my best pal (she loves mine!). DH wants to go to Nautica, I want some classy make up and could do with some new jeans, but thats really it for shopping outside of WDW.

In the world - it's a different story!

Last trip I got a lovely silver mickey head ring and a bag amongst other things. This time I fancy a watch, maybe a necklace and another ring - I was torn between 2 last time.

DH is desperate for a stein, possibly 2 depending on price. The one he definately wants wouldn't look out of place in the Reichstag!

We also want to get some stuff out of the cookery type shops, some plates, I want a cocktail stirrer (I don't usually make cocktails, but that can change!). A Mickey wine stopper, cookie cutters, and a kettle!

A kettle I can hear you ask! Why? Last trip I saw a Mickey stove top kettle, you know - a whistling one, and thought it looked fab, but kept thinking, we don't have enough space in the suitcases. In the end didn't buy it - then we bought another suitcase from the Florida Mall on the way to the airport. I kept thinking - we have room now, turn back!!

So, this trip - will definately come back with my kettle! Also want to pay a visit to the Christmas shop and get some more decorations for the tree, and a couple of tree toppers!

Will get the kids some t shirts, and numerous other things no doubt! Pencil cases, keyrings, pirate things, princess things.....

Now I'm starting to panic about the baggage allowance ....maybe we should just get the bigger allowance

Saying that, we are going out with practically empty suitcases, so I think we should be ok! What we're planning to buy isn't particularly heavy (other than my kettle - but it's definately coming home with me!)

I just need to keep reminding myself - I can't buy everything!

Oh, I forgot - want to go the candy shop too!!

 

[Alysa]

I totally understand wanting a kettle! I don't understand not wanting a kettle

This is my favourite quote of all time:

"No," he said, "look, it's very, very simple ... all I want ... is a cup of tea. You are going to make one for me. Keep quiet and listen."
And he sat. He told the Nutri-Matic about India, he told it about China, he told it about Ceylon. He told it about broad leaves drying in the sun. He told it about silver teapots. He told it about summer afternoons on the lawn. He told it about putting in the milk before the tea so it wouldn't get scalded. He even told it (briefly) about the history of the East India Company.
"So that's it, is it?" said the Nutri-Matic when he had finished.
"Yes," said Arthur, "that is what I want."
"You want the taste of dried leaves in boiled water?"
"Er, yes. With milk."
"Squirted out of a cow?"
"Well, in a manner of speaking I suppose ..."
~Douglas Adams, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

although this one is a close second...

It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon it says, "Work!" After beefsteak and porter, it says, "Sleep!" After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup, and don't let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, "Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!"
~Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat

What is the link to the shop thread? I'd love to see it!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
How's things with you? Not too long to go

Here's the link for the gift shops photo thread (I hope) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1915546

There's some lovely photos in it - but I saw too much that I wanted to buy!

 

[Alysa]

Hi Di - thanks for the link!
Those pics were great. I look forward to seeing your purchases on there when yo get back! DD would LOVE the candy shop. That is one of the things she said she is looking forward to most! We don't have many sweets at home so she is a bit of a sugar junkie.
We bought so much on our last family trip that we needed to buy a duffle bag type thing just to get them home! We got that wine stopper too! I don't know how it happened (but I am bringing the duffle folded up in my bags again this year!)

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I was just able to catch up! What a wonderful last day you had! Fabulous pictures too!

It sounds as though you like to shop as much as I do. I just love shopping at Disney. It so much darn fun!!!!

I say get the extra luggage allowance. DH and I were just talking about the new rules on the airline that we are flying. I am so happy that we are booked in first class and we booked early so we can still take two cases and not pay for the extra. DH has already told me that my purchases from the Christmas shop are being shipped home. I just hope they arrive unbroken!

 

[Bev1016]

I'm subscribing . . .
Can't wait to get caught up on your pre-trippie!

 

[kathleen27]

Hi Alysa,
How's things with you? Not too long to go

Here's the link for the gift shops photo thread (I hope) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1915546

There's some lovely photos in it - but I saw too much that I wanted to buy!

Wow! Great thread. Thanks for the link!
I am rethinking the suitcases AGAIN.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I was just able to catch up! What a wonderful last day you had! Fabulous pictures too!

It sounds as though you like to shop as much as I do. I just love shopping at Disney. It so much darn fun!!!!

I say get the extra luggage allowance. DH and I were just talking about the new rules on the airline that we are flying. I am so happy that we are booked in first class and we booked early so we can still take two cases and not pay for the extra. DH has already told me that my purchases from the Christmas shop are being shipped home. I just hope they arrive unbroken!

I'm going to have get a shopping list made up before I go!

I'm still seriously considering the extra baggage allowance! We have 80kg between us all - will be seriously OCD and pack the suitcases and weigh them next week

I love the Christmas shop! But I do feel I'm limited in what I can buy - I worry i'll buy something lovely and get home, unpack it and it's smashed. It's hard to replace something like that when it's an 8 hour flight away!

My countdown ticker doesn't seem to be working - again! 2 weeks and 6 days!!!!!!!!!

keep posting,
Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I'm subscribing . . .
Can't wait to get caught up on your pre-trippie!

Thanks for coming over Bev! Hope you enjoy it!

Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Wow! Great thread. Thanks for the link!
I am rethinking the suitcases AGAIN.

It's a very dangerous thread, especially for those of us afflicted with the Disney bug!
Take it away! Take it away!
We've never taken extra baggage allowance - we didn't the last trip and we bought a LOT of stuff and we were ok. But ever since i saw that thread I've been VERY worried!
I'm now thinking - what do we really need to take with us? Surely DH can get by with just 2 tshirts and shorts - he can wash them every night in the sink! Oh, he will be Grumpy if I suggest that!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I'm going to have get a shopping list made up before I go!

I'm still seriously considering the extra baggage allowance! We have 80kg between us all - will be seriously OCD and pack the suitcases and weigh them next week

I love the Christmas shop! But I do feel I'm limited in what I can buy - I worry i'll buy something lovely and get home, unpack it and it's smashed. It's hard to replace something like that when it's an 8 hour flight away!

My countdown ticker doesn't seem to be working - again! 2 weeks and 6 days!!!!!!!!!

keep posting,
Di x

What's with this???? My countdown ticker's back!!! It's doing it to confuse me - easily done mind you!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Well, I saw your PTR link in your signature and came over to read... from what I have read so far you're very organized and your children are just adorable!
Not to mention everyone in my family is a big Harry Potter fan as well!!

I'm looking forward to reading more!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Well, I saw your PTR link in your signature and came over to read... from what I have read so far you're very organized and your children are just adorable!
Not to mention everyone in my family is a big Harry Potter fan as well!!

I'm looking forward to reading more!

Hi there,
Thanks for coming over - glad you're enjoying it!
You don't have long to go!!!!

Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Well, have been seriously OCD today. Have been so worried about this baggage allowance and the amount of stuff we're hoping to buy (as you may have gathered by now, with my increasingly hysterical posts on the subject!)

Well, started packing! Only 2 weeks and 5 days to go! Sat out the clothes I'll be taking for the kids and have calmed myself. What we're taking out will weigh hardly anything - so we're cool!

Anyway, DH is going out to the pictures tonight with Michael - who I'm sure will ask him what I'm madly searching to buy this trip.

You see last trip I wanted to get DD a pair of ice skates. She had started taking lessons and was really enjoying them. Ice skates over here were sooo expensive so I started researching the possibility of buying them during the trip (much cheaper over in the US).

So I duly found online a big Sports shop franchise with branches in Orlando who stocked a good range of skates. The day we all went to Florida Mall, we (DH/me/DD/DS) headed over to the branch just across from the mall whilst Michael, Susan and Rachel went shopping.

Huge range of stock! Everything from Canoes, to rifles to bowling balls.

No ice skates. A shop assisstant said that the Kissimee branch stocked them.

Back to the van. "Gordon..it's on the Sat nav...what do you think?" He gave me his 'look', but bless him, he said OK. I love this guy, he maybe a right pain at times...but when he does stuff like that...

So, off we go to Kissimee. Didn't take long to get there, Sat nav took us right into the car park. The shop was closed.

And by closed, I mean derelict. And by derelict I mean abandoned. There was grass growing in the car park!

However, I had an address for another Kissimee branch (not on the Sat Nav), "It's on John Young Parkway...we just passed that road..could we try...?" Another one of his 'looks'. But he did it! Told you he's great!

However, we were unaware of how long a road it was. After 15 mins of driving with no sign of anything we decided to give up. It's apparently one of the longest roads in the state, as Michael took great delight in telling me later. (When I later phoned the Kissimee branch I was told - No, they don't stock skates). D'oh! I know when to quit.

Now, with the benefit of hindsight - it was possibly unwise to look for ice skates in one of the hottest states in the country.

Anyway, got back home and found a stockist on ebay shops at good prices. I swear he wasn't there before we left!

Here is DD this year just before her routine in the club competition! I was so proud of her, she's such a shy, unconfident wee girl, she was too scared to do any competitions before. She came joint 4th (if you weren't 1st,2nd,3rd you were 4th) I was sooo proud of her - she skated on in front of everyone without batting an eyelid!)

Anyway, this year my 'difficult' purchase is a tote bag. Not just any tote bag, but 'The Closer' tote bag. I love Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer, and have always fancied her bag (big, black leather). As well as her hair and make up...that's starting to sound incredibly stalkerish now isn't it!?
But, back to the bag! Lo and behold - QVC are now selling it!!!!
But they don't ship to the UK And QVC UK don't sell it.

So, my cunning plan! I could order it before we leave and have it delivered to the resort while we're there! Have emailed WDW and they said they accept FedEx deliveries. QVC said they use UPS. Back to WDW - I need to contact POFQ direct to see if they will accept it. Will need to phone them at the weekend.

That was a very long way round for a shortcut wasn't it! Note to self - keep it shorter!!

I think this time my dream purchase is achievable.

Will let you know how I get on!

Keep posting - always like it when folks drop into say Hi!

Di x

 

[Alysa]

My daughter is a skater too! Check out a book called Callie Cat,Ice Skate - you and your daughter will love it. I wish we were going at the same time, I'd bring some skates for you. Our sports stores stock nothing but ice skates. I think my brother could skate before he could walk! When you have the package shipped, make sure you have the person addressing the label to write your check-in date. We have sent lots of packages to Disney that way, including a huge ebay purchase of clothes and a Christmas tree!
Cheers! Oops, I mean Slainte!

 

[Philadisney]

I can't believe you trekked all over the state of florida for elusive ice skates I'm glad you finally got some for your DD. I also love your idea of having QVC ship to your resort - brillant! I'm a Kyra fan too.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

My daughter is a skater too! Check out a book called Callie Cat,Ice Skate - you and your daughter will love it. I wish we were going at the same time, I'd bring some skates for you. Our sports stores stock nothing but ice skates. I think my brother could skate before he could walk! When you have the package shipped, make sure you have the person addressing the label to write your check-in date. We have sent lots of packages to Disney that way, including a huge ebay purchase of clothes and a Christmas tree!
Cheers! Oops, I mean Slainte!

Hi Alysa,
Thanks for that, I'll need to check out the book!
It's good to know that other people have sent packages onto their resorts before! Although- a Christmas tree??? You must have got some funny looks!! Did you use UPS?
Luckily - my ebay shop is actually fairly local to us - in Glasgow and they always have loads in stock, so I won't be stuck!
Slainte!
Di x