We Went to See Mic-key M-o-u-s-e ... Again! - Sept '12 TR [COMPLETE]

[BearcatsFan]

Hello Darling..... Sorry I haven't been around. I can't believe how close your vacation is. Where has the time gone? I'm so excited for you and I REALLY hope you start a TR as soon as you get back. I can't wait to see pictures.

So glad everything is coming together nicely. I feel like my trip is forever away, yet not far enough because I have so much to do. ((Such as lose a TON more weight))

How's the walking coming along. I think I might have some catching up to do on your PTR.

HEY YOU! You're back!

Yes, this will definitely continue on as a TR once we get home. I'm buying an SD card specifically for the trip.

The walking is going about as well as I expected it to. I'm good for a few days, then start having problems with my knee (old injury), quit for a few days, start again ... and so it goes. I'm in the middle of a several days break at the moment - it's very humid and moist here so my knee has been feeling just wonderful!

I'll have to check your PTR - you have updated, right? Can't wait to get caught up!

I hear you on the spending money before the trip. DH is ready to take away my debit and credit cards. LOL!!

I got some glow in the dark bracelets for the trip. I know that DH & DS won't wear them, but it will be fun to wear them. LOL!!

I'm still undecided on online checkin. I'm still leaning towards not doing it. I don't really see the whole advantage to doing it. If we were going to the parks the first day we might do it, but since we aren't going until the next day, well, I'm thinking that online check in isn't for us. LOL!!

That's too funny on the t-shirt and key chain. LOL!! Your DH sounds like mine. He's doing a good job keeping it a secret. LOL!

I can't believe that your trip is soooo close. I'm jealous and can't wait to hear all about your trip.

The glow-in-the-dark bracelets sound cute! Did you get them at Target by chance?

Yes, DH has been doing a good job with keeping mum on the details. I think he's having as much fun planning his surprise as I have been planning the trip.

I can't believe we have less than 2 weeks before we leave. We are so excited!

I think I'm jealous of the snazzy straw hat the folds into small space. I have a straw "cowboy" kinda hat and, while I'm not as careful with it as some guys are with their stetsons, I still have to keep an eye on it and keep it on top of the pile of stuff between my seat and hubby's, or else he or one of the kids will sit or step on it.

I should look into this -- we always just call the front desk on the phone, usually as we're literally driving away. But until I read your comment here, I didn't realize we forgot to call the police entirely while we were in South Carolina last week. Don't think we've ever done that before. We must be getting absent minded in our old age.

We get the same questions and comments you do, so I think it's pretty common across the US.



My husband used to make up stories for the kids using their stuffed animals most nights -- always regretted that I didn't film one sometime when the kids were little -- never done one for me though. Even if the surprise ends up being a key chain and a t-shirt saying "My husband took me to WDW and all he got me was this stupid T-shirt... and a key chain", I'm giving him points for creativity just for the Mickey plush stunt.

I'm going to have to get a whole new collection of Pre-Trip Reports to follow soon -- half the people I'm following right now are going right quick! I'm looking forward to everyone having a good time.

I'll have to post a pic of the foldable hat. I really was surprised at how easily it squished into a little square then popped right back into shape. It was pretty reasonably priced, also ... of course, I got it on clearance price, but even the regular price wasn't so horrible I wouldn't have paid it.

We started notifying the PD of our trips way back before we moved to our current home. We used to live in a more suburban setting that was nearby a mall - traffic was horrible, we had strangers going through the neighborhood constantly. I worried more there than I do in the semi-rural setting we're in now, but still we continue notifying them just to be on the safe side.

A lot of the PTRs I've been following also have trips coming soon or they've already gone. I'm hoping they'll turn them into TRs so I can continue to live through them vicariously!

 

[CatNipRules]

Yep! I got them at Target. They are in the dollar spot in front of the store. There are 15 of them for $1.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Yep! I got them at Target. They are in the dollar spot in front of the store. There are 15 of them for $1.

Sounds like I'm going to have to do a side-trip to Target sometime this week ...

 

[BearcatsFan]

Look who I found all tucked in and cozy when I went to go to bed last night .....

Yep, DH has been at it again! I squealed so loud he heard me in the kitchen and came running back to the bedroom. He has never been like this before a trip ... I'm telling you, he's losing his mind!

As promised, here's a pic of the glow skeleton earrings and skeleton ponytail holder:

The skeletons on the hair tie don't glow, but I'm considering buying some glow paint and brushing it on so they will.

Here's a pic of the incredible folding hat:

I mean it literally when I say you can fold it into a square about the size of your hand and it will pop right back to the shape you see.

Sorry for the bad, fuzzy quality of the photos. This camera is going to be the death of me!

I posted just yesterday that I was finished shopping for the trip, didn't I? Well, I forgot about the SD card ... and the trick-or-treat bags ... and a stop at the Disney Store Outlet (didn't get there this weekend, hoping to next weekend) ... and anything else I might find along the way. All I can say is our Disney Visa has been smokin'!

I've made my final decision at last about checking in online. I found out you have to put in a CC number in order to do it, so that pretty much made up my mind for me - we aren't going to. We'll be checking in early in the day anyhow, so I'm just going to wait.

Busy, busy, busy this next week or so. All of a sudden, we're leaving NEXT WEEK and I still have so much to do. Woke up this morning and DH said to me, "Guess what? Exactly two weeks from now, we'll be waking up at DISNEY!" I know, and I'm soooo not ready!

10 days until vacation, 12 days until WDW!

 

[cfw213]

Look who I found all tucked in and cozy when I went to go to bed last night .....



Yep, DH has been at it again! I squealed so loud he heard me in the kitchen and came running back to the bedroom. He has never been like this before a trip ... I'm telling you, he's losing his mind!

As promised, here's a pic of the glow skeleton earrings and skeleton ponytail holder:



The skeletons on the hair tie don't glow, but I'm considering buying some glow paint and brushing it on so they will.

Here's a pic of the incredible folding hat:



I mean it literally when I say you can fold it into a square about the size of your hand and it will pop right back to the shape you see.

Sorry for the bad, fuzzy quality of the photos. This camera is going to be the death of me!

I posted just yesterday that I was finished shopping for the trip, didn't I? Well, I forgot about the SD card ... and the trick-or-treat bags ... and a stop at the Disney Store Outlet (didn't get there this weekend, hoping to next weekend) ... and anything else I might find along the way. All I can say is our Disney Visa has been smokin'!

I've made my final decision at last about checking in online. I found out you have to put in a CC number in order to do it, so that pretty much made up my mind for me - we aren't going to. We'll be checking in early in the day anyhow, so I'm just going to wait.

Busy, busy, busy this next week or so. All of a sudden, we're leaving NEXT WEEK and I still have so much to do. Woke up this morning and DH said to me, "Guess what? Exactly two weeks from now, we'll be waking up at DISNEY!" I know, and I'm soooo not ready!

10 days until vacation, 12 days until WDW!

Haha I love your little Minnie & Mickey!! Two weeks from now I'll be on my way to typhoon lagoon!

 

[marymac123]

Great Minds think a like! We definately shop alike...I bought those skeleton earrings weeks ago from Walmart. And the blinking Mickey bag, I had ordered for DD from Disneystore.com because our store closed and the nearest Disney store is in Times Square-not up for that.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Love Mickey & Minnie all snuggled up in bed! Too cute!!!

 

[lurkernj]

Your husband is being so cute with the Mickey/Minnie! And the surprise too. I'm sure it's better than a keychain (or even a tshirt).

I love your new Halloween stuff those earrings are fantastic.

I'm pretty sure we're not going to do online checkin too. Since we need connecting/adjacent rooms with the inlaws, I would rather wait to ensure I get to speak with someone and not holdup the "express" line to do it.

 

[CatNipRules]

Love the Mickey and Minnie tucked into bed! Sooooo cute!!

Love the earrings!! They would definitely fit right in at the party!! Unfortunately I'm highly allergic to metal, so they would kill my ears. LOL! Would love to see a picture of them on!

I love the hat!! Very awesome!!

 

[emmysmommy]

The Mickey & Minnie all tucked into bed were adorable! You can tell your DH that we are already impressed with his efforts. I'm sure whatever the surprise may be it will be worthy of another loud squeal!!!

Your ticker is getting down there! How very exciting!!

 

[shalom]

Yep, DH has been at it again! I squealed so loud he heard me in the kitchen and came running back to the bedroom. He has never been like this before a trip ... I'm telling you, he's losing his mind!

But it's a good kind of crazy. Look at the way Mickey's holding Minnie!

Woke up this morning and DH said to me, "Guess what? Exactly two weeks from now, we'll be waking up at DISNEY!"

Seems to me, the way he's building up the vacation anticipation is a gift in itself!

 

[reyasmommy]

I can't believe your vacation is SO close. I am so excited to read your TR when you get back. You better post tons of pictures!!!!

I love your floppy hat. We went to the Taste of Colorado last weekend, where they had a bunch of vendors. I saw sooooo many floppy hats for sale it was insane. I thought about you everytime I passed by a tent that was selling them.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Haha I love your little Minnie & Mickey!! Two weeks from now I'll be on my way to typhoon lagoon!

Thank you! I got them at the Disney Store - 2/$14. TL sounds like fun - we're hoping to do water parks on our next visit. Hope you enjoy!

Great Minds think a like! We definately shop alike...I bought those skeleton earrings weeks ago from Walmart. And the blinking Mickey bag, I had ordered for DD from Disneystore.com because our store closed and the nearest Disney store is in Times Square-not up for that.

Yep, I bought them at Wally World. The earrings and hair thing were both $3/each if I remember right. Sorry to hear your Disney Store closed - that stinks!

Love Mickey & Minnie all snuggled up in bed! Too cute!!!

Thanks! Imagine my surprise walking in on that ... DH said he was going to pose them naughty, but decided against it in the end. Thank goodness - I wouldn't have been able to post THAT pic!

Your husband is being so cute with the Mickey/Minnie! And the surprise too. I'm sure it's better than a keychain (or even a tshirt).

I love your new Halloween stuff those earrings are fantastic.

I'm pretty sure we're not going to do online checkin too. Since we need connecting/adjacent rooms with the inlaws, I would rather wait to ensure I get to speak with someone and not holdup the "express" line to do it.

Thanks! As soon as I saw the earrings, I had to have them, especially when I saw they were glow-in-the-dark. That pretty much sealed the deal.

I agree with your decision about online check-in. I'm so worried about holding up the line because they'd just have to remove the CC from my KTTW card, so in the end, I don't see the point of it.

Love the Mickey and Minnie tucked into bed! Sooooo cute!!

Love the earrings!! They would definitely fit right in at the party!! Unfortunately I'm highly allergic to metal, so they would kill my ears. LOL! Would love to see a picture of them on!

I love the hat!! Very awesome!!

Bummer you can't wear metal earrings! The nickel in the cheapie ones usually bugs me, but I can get by for a couple of hours without too much trouble. Making a mental note about adding Target to my to-do list for those glow bracelets ... I keep forgetting!

The Mickey & Minnie all tucked into bed were adorable! You can tell your DH that we are already impressed with his efforts. I'm sure whatever the surprise may be it will be worthy of another loud squeal!!!

Your ticker is getting down there! How very exciting!!

Hiya! I will let him know you all are suitably impressed with his efforts thus far - that will please him and serve to egg him on to more shenanigans, no doubt. Tomorrow we go into SINGLE DIGITS!

But it's a good kind of crazy. Look at the way Mickey's holding Minnie!

Seems to me, the way he's building up the vacation anticipation is a gift in itself!

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're absolutely right! He has never acted this way before a vacation ... any vacation, including our honeymoon ... so I'm kind of in shock and awe by it all!

I can't believe your vacation is SO close. I am so excited to read your TR when you get back. You better post tons of pictures!!!!

I love your floppy hat. We went to the Taste of Colorado last weekend, where they had a bunch of vendors. I saw sooooo many floppy hats for sale it was insane. I thought about you everytime I passed by a tent that was selling them.

Do not worry - I'm sure tons of pics will be taken on this trip. I just wish I could figure out this stupid new camera. Seems like every picture wants to come out blurry. The learning curve on it has been horrible!

Awww so sweet of you to think of me! I've been thinking of you a lot lately, too, wondering how you were, how the planning for your trip was going, etc. So glad you're back!

 

[BearcatsFan]

8 DAYS TO GO! ​

I didn't even realize we dropped into single digits yesterday! I even posted last night that TODAY we dropped into single digits, when in fact, it was yesterday. Does that give you any idea as to how scattered I am when it comes to this trip?!? Holy crap, I missed my first single digit dance party day!

I have officially started packing. The luggage is sitting here in the livingroom floor with stuff thrown in the top. Seriously, I've been putting stuff in the suitcases for a while, but finally began yesterday to really sort through clothes and finalize plans for what we're taking. I have tons of tops, but only a few pairs of shorts that fit. I may need to hit a store once we're there and see what I can pick up.

My walking has come to an abrupt halt. An old knee injury has crept up and has pretty much had me flat for the last week or so. I have tons of Vitamin I on board (ibuprofen), but it isn't doing much good. I'm thinking of calling the doctor to see if I can get a stronger anti-inflammatory before we go, but I really don't want to. Guess I need to be making a decision about that soon.

We are planning to pick up the last few things we need on Saturday (SD card and a collapsible laundry hamper), then head to the Disney Store Outlet. That's the plan anyhow - it was also the plan last weekend but it didn't happen. We've decided not to get trick-or-treat bags. I'm just going to carry my $1 Mickey Bag because it has a zippered top. I figure we can use the little bags they provide, then dump everything into the Mickey Bag where it can't fall out. I knew I'd have to carry a purse/bag to MNSSHP anyhow because my diabetes meter has to go everywhere with me along with a few snacks.

No shenanigans from DH yesterday. The only thing he mentioned was wanting a final, final copy of the itinerary sheets (which I gave him). Other than that, mum's the word. No plush M&M showing up in an unexpected place, no hints, nothing!

I'll be posting the final list of our ADRs/plans in the next few days. Nothing much has changed (since the last round of changes). I've been getting ADR fever again, checking to see where we could get in, etc. ... but DH made me promise I wouldn't change anything else, so at this point it is what it is.

DH finally went through his clothes last night. He tossed some t-shirts into the pile and goes, "There, I'm done!" I reminded him the family might actually want to eat somewhere NICE, so he better take some decent clothes along with all the t's and jean shorts. Why is it so easy for men? They cut their hair short so it washes and dries in 2 minutes, they wear whatever they feel like out of the house ... and never give it a second thought.

Anyhoo ...

I did remember to notify our CC company yesterday that we would be out of town. One more thing I can check off the list! There for a while, I thought the list was never going to get any shorter - I think I was adding to it nearly every day.

8 days until vacation, 10 days until WDW!

 

[CatNipRules]

Yay!! Doing the dance with you!!

I can't believe that your trip is soooo close!! I'm so excited for you!!

I'm like you, been throwing things into our suitcases a little at a time. LOL!

Don't even get me started on the ADR's. I've been going over and over them a thousand times and finally decided that I'm just going to leave them. Making myself nuts with the plans for food. LOL!!

Call your doctor!! If you don't you will be in pain during your trip and you don't want that. If it hurts to walk then you need something stronger. Since I've started taking my anti-inflammatory I've noticed a big difference in the pain. If you need it don't be afraid to call!! LOL!!

I hear you on the men thing. It's so easy for them and it's so unfair.

 

[shalom]

He has never acted this way before a vacation ... any vacation, including our honeymoon ... so I'm kind of in shock and awe by it all!

I would be so thrilled if my hubby got excited about a vacation this way. He always says he enjoys our vacations, but he never seems very into them.

8 DAYS TO GO! ​

Looking forward to finding out what the surprise is. But whatever it is, you're going to have a great time!

I'm thinking of calling the doctor to see if I can get a stronger anti-inflammatory before we go, but I really don't want to. Guess I need to be making a decision about that soon.

I'm with CatNipRules -- call your doctor! Vacation is no time to be toughing it out.

Why is it so easy for men? They cut their hair short so it washes and dries in 2 minutes, they wear whatever they feel like out of the house ... and never give it a second thought.

I comfort myself with the thought that Mandan Indian males spent their days primping and combing their hair, while the women did most of the work. And for much of Western cultural history, the guys were the peacocks -- I guess I'd rather worry about what I have to wear than have society slam me for wearing bright colors or for showing my ankle.

 

[cfw213]

Yayyyy for single digits!! We hit 9 today

Vacation will be here before we know it! I started packing the last two days too. I have a massive list, planned our outfits and packed the items I know I won't wear between now and then (extra bathing suits, Mickey/Minnie shirts and tanks, some PJs and toiletries). If I don't pack in advance I am so scatterbrained and will forget something!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Yay for double digits!!! I hear you on the scatter brained thing....that's totally me right now! I can't fall asleep at night or I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep...makes for some LONG days! I hardly can keep track of what day of the week it is!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Yay!! Doing the dance with you!!

I can't believe that your trip is soooo close!! I'm so excited for you!!

I'm like you, been throwing things into our suitcases a little at a time. LOL!

Don't even get me started on the ADR's. I've been going over and over them a thousand times and finally decided that I'm just going to leave them. Making myself nuts with the plans for food. LOL!!

Call your doctor!! If you don't you will be in pain during your trip and you don't want that. If it hurts to walk then you need something stronger. Since I've started taking my anti-inflammatory I've noticed a big difference in the pain. If you need it don't be afraid to call!! LOL!!

I hear you on the men thing. It's so easy for them and it's so unfair.

Well guess what? Turns out I didn't have to call the doctor for something stronger for my knee ... I'll be posting an update after this ...

I would be so thrilled if my hubby got excited about a vacation this way. He always says he enjoys our vacations, but he never seems very into them.

Looking forward to finding out what the surprise is. But whatever it is, you're going to have a great time!

I'm with CatNipRules -- call your doctor! Vacation is no time to be toughing it out.

I comfort myself with the thought that Mandan Indian males spent their days primping and combing their hair, while the women did most of the work. And for much of Western cultural history, the guys were the peacocks -- I guess I'd rather worry about what I have to wear than have society slam me for wearing bright colors or for showing my ankle.

Awww ... hoping some pre-trip pixie dust comes your way soon!

Yayyyy for single digits!! We hit 9 today

Vacation will be here before we know it! I started packing the last two days too. I have a massive list, planned our outfits and packed the items I know I won't wear between now and then (extra bathing suits, Mickey/Minnie shirts and tanks, some PJs and toiletries). If I don't pack in advance I am so scatterbrained and will forget something!

Doing the single digit dance with you! I've pretty much packed all our non-essential clothing as well - can't do that last-minute packing stuff either.

Yay for double digits!!! I hear you on the scatter brained thing....that's totally me right now! I can't fall asleep at night or I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep...makes for some LONG days! I hardly can keep track of what day of the week it is!

Just think, before you know it, we'll both be there! Hoping to run into you somewhere!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Why is it that something always goes wrong before we go on vacation? Last year, our water heater went out two days before we left. This year, well ...

I was watching my beloved Bearcats win their season opener last night - DH had gone to bed already. I decided to stay up a while and read after the game was over and ended up falling asleep on the couch. Next thing you know, I'm waking up in pain on the floor next to the couch. My right foot was hurting so badly and somehow I had managed to crack my big toenail. I have a tendency to sleepwalk when under stress, and goodness knows I've been under tons of it lately trying to get everything together for the trip. All I can figure is maybe I fell over the luggage in the livingroom or something while I was up wandering around asleep.

I yelled into the bedroom to wake DH (which took considerable effort since he sleeps with the c-pap). He tried to get me to go to the ER right away, but of course I wanted to tough it out. Once I tried to get up and walk to the bathroom, though, I knew I had to go.

Luckily, we have a hospital center very close - it's about a 10 minute drive. At 4 a.m. the waiting room was empty and I got right in. I got wheeled back to the exam area and a nurse came in to input my info into the computer. I was talking about the fact that we're going to Disney next week, how am I gonna walk like this, etc. ... and this launched into a full-blown discussion on all things WDW. One point of conversation led to another and finally he looked at me and asked if I was on the DIS!

No, I'm not kidding! A fellow DISer, Scuba, was working in the ER! Of all the places to have my first meet-up, right?!? And know what else? He and his family are going to Disney THE SAME WEEK ... and they're doing MNSSHP the SAME DAY we are!

Between talking with the doctor and going for x-rays, we chatted about past visits and our upcoming trip plans, ADRs, etc. It definitely made a most unpleasant experience a whole lot easier. He and the other hospital staff took great care of me, and I got a sexy new shoe for Disney out of the deal:

Ain't it pretty? C'mon, you know you're jealous!

Turns out, I sprained my right foot. I got a prescription for some pain meds and some stronger Vitamin I with the instructions to rest, ice, and elevate. It hurts like Hades today and I'm super nauseated. DH is picking up the prescriptions after work, along with some crutches at my request. I'm hoping it feels better enough that I can avoid using an ECV. I'll do what I have to do when we get there, but I really would prefer to walk if at all possible.

So now to go along with the old injury of my knee, I'm laid up with the foot ... and this is the week I have the most to do! Of course! ARGHHH!

Big shout out of thanks to you, Scuba, for everything! It was great talking with you, and hope we can work it out to meet up again (under much more pleasant circumstances) at MNSSHP!

7 days until vacation, 9 days until WDW!