Welcome, Foolish Mortals...to an October 2011 PTR! *Trip Report link is up, pg 71!!*

[amazingact21]

Picking one attraction for each park sounds like a smart idea. And I have to agree with you that heading to FotLK first thing in the morning might be the smartest solution. That's what my DF and I did when we went in December and it wasn't crowded at all. However, it does add some wait time to the bigger attractions such as EE and KS.


I feel your pain with losing weight. When I began the Couch to 5K plan earlier in the year, I changed it up a little and did everything by measurements. I'm the type of person that, if I start exercising on a daily basis, I tend to gain a lot of muscle weight. So rather then become discouraged by the scale, I kept a tally of inches lost in places like my waist, calves, and hips. So if you are considering increasing your walking time during your work breaks or adding any other physical activity, I would suggest going the measuring route, because it'll give you more optimistic results!

 

[Nermel9]

Losing weight stinks! I always get sooooo discouraged when I weigh myself and don't see the results I expect. I finally had to ban myself from weigh-ins (but still worked out)!

I've been slowly gaining since our trip and have lost all desire to exercise- I'm just always so tired... ugh, this was me venting, and so not motivating for you- sorry!!!

I hope you get to do more of your never-done stuff this trip! You'll see that Ben and I tackled quite a few of ours.

I have the same problem, I expect way too much too soon and then I give up! I wish I could not weigh myself, but then I won't know if what I'm doing is working!

LOL, don't worry, you can vent! I feel the same way, I'm always exhausted, never feel like exercising...I've actually been pretty good lately about making myself exercise when I don't want to, but I'm still struggling with eating! I'll do ok with following WW during the day, but at night, it's so hard!

Can't wait to see what new things you guys did on your trip!

"Was so cool," sadly, is now pretty descriptive when it comes to the Backlot Tour. You used to be able to see a lot more, and now it's mainly unused props. Catastrophe Canyon is still there, but I definitely remember it being more epic when I was little too. (But that could also be a matter of perspective ). The tours are also not narrated by a real person anymore, it's an audio track (same as Living with the Land), which does help in some aspects (I remember many a Backlot Tour not being able to hear a single word the narrator was saying), but does take away that personal touch.

Aww, that's too bad it's not a real person doing the tour anymore! I really liked Catastrophe Canyon when I was little, I feel like if I tried it now, I'd be so disappointed! I would like to see how it has changed, though!

Any cardio is good (not just running, but brisk walking), but this book also teaches you a bunch of resistance wt training exercises. It uses the principle of muscle confusion, so you burn more calories. I'm back at it again! You're young - you still have a metabolism, unlike me. I bet if you put the exercise in your weight loss program you would start to see the results you are looking for. You just can't get discouraged because exercise is NOT fun when you first start it. You have to be very patient, but once you start seeing the results its easier to do.

I looked at that book on amazon, it's a Prevention book, I love that magazine! I know, I definitely have to start doing some weight training...I know that really boosts metabolism, but I think I hate doing weights even more than cardio, if that's possible!

And I have no metabolism, never have, I lost it when I stopped dancing in high school, I'm convinced. It seems like once I stopped that, I started having weight problems. I'm never going to be able to eat whatever I want and be skinny, if I manage to lose the weight I want to lose (which is a LOT), it's going to be struggle to keep it off for the rest of my life. Ugh. I could just kick myself for letting it get this bad!

I did not start like I said I would! I went out for Mexican food and margaritas on Sunday which set me up for a hangover and bad eating on Monday

I had to get running shoes and they helped me a ton...I ended up with a stress fracture in my right big toe area after running a race in the wrong type of sneakers. I found a running store near my house and went there...they watched the way I walked/jogged and fit me for a pair of sneakers. I wasn't too excited about buying a new pair of shoes for working out, but they have really helped. I still kept my other sneakers for the rare occasion when I go to the YMCA and take classes like Zumba

My friends always yell at me because I dont really ever stretch either So sometimes my legs get really tight/sore...not sure if its the lack of stretching or the fact that I go out once in a blue moon and haven't kept up a regular pattern yet They say keeping hydrated and eating right helps with that too...but one step at a time I have to get myself out of bed first

I've been doing ok this week, but I've gone over my WW points almost every day, so I don't know if I'll lose this week. It's seriously SO hard for me to stay within my point range, I feel like I'm starving sometimes, it's pathetic!! I just don't know what to do about that, I know I have to just learn to deal with it until my stomach is smaller, but does it have to be SO hard?

I guess I should get a pair of running shoes. I have no idea what kind to get, and I wouldn't know what store to go to find out. I don't stretch either, I have no idea what kind of stretches to do. And I'm not sure I'm going to get much farther with the C25K after week 3...week 3 is run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes, then repeat the whole thing again. I'm ok the first time, but then when it has to be repeated, I can't do it. I can get through the 2nd 90 seconds of running, but the 2nd 3 minutes, forget it! I cannot do it. There's no way I can move on to week 4, because you have to run for 5 minutes, then 3 minutes I think, and repeat that, so...that's not really going to go so well if I can't even run 3 minutes twice.

I really need to order those zumba dvd's, zumba is so much fun!

Picking one attraction for each park sounds like a smart idea. And I have to agree with you that heading to FotLK first thing in the morning might be the smartest solution. That's what my DF and I did when we went in December and it wasn't crowded at all. However, it does add some wait time to the bigger attractions such as EE and KS.

I feel your pain with losing weight. When I began the Couch to 5K plan earlier in the year, I changed it up a little and did everything by measurements. I'm the type of person that, if I start exercising on a daily basis, I tend to gain a lot of muscle weight. So rather then become discouraged by the scale, I kept a tally of inches lost in places like my waist, calves, and hips. So if you are considering increasing your walking time during your work breaks or adding any other physical activity, I would suggest going the measuring route, because it'll give you more optimistic results!

I think the first FOTLK show is at 10 something, so I'm sure I will run over to EE and go on that once or twice before it gets busy! We're going the day they have moring magic hours, so we'll be there before it gets too crazy! I can't wait to see FOTLK!

I'd like to try measuring myself, but honestly, I have so much to lose, that I doubt I'd see results for a really long time. I like stepping on a scale and seeing that I lost 2 or 3 pounds, that's motivating to me! I don't think I ever gain muscle, it seems like it's just not possible for me!

 

[Nermel9]

Ugh

Hi everyone!

Not much to update today. I've had kind of an annoying week, and I feel like I haven't even had a weekend because I spent most of my day yesterday at a workshop for my job, so I'm sad it's almost Monday.

I weighed myself yesterday and gained a pound again. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I had kind of a mini breakdown when I weighed myself, and Brandon thinks I should go to the doctor to ask them why I can't lose weight. I thought I did so good this past week, but when I think about it, I can see now why I didn't lose...but I don't think I did bad enough to gain either! I don't know. Now that's a whole week gone and I'm down to 16 weeks til Disney, which on one hand, I'm about, but on the other...that's not much time to lose weight. I'm thinking about going back to WW meetings, which I was trying to avoid, but I'm desperate.

In trip news, I'm trying to figure out when I can squeeze in

Universal and IOA! I really want to go, but it seems like there is no good time to actually do it. I have that Wednesday free, but I think we are going to need that day of doing nothing, after all the running around I have us doing the first few days of the trip.

I was thinking of maybe not doing 2 MNSSHP's and instead of doing a party on Friday, 9/30, doing Epcot that night and then Saturday doing Universal. But I think I might regret not doing 2 parties, I really want to make sure I have time to see everything!

Any advice? Do you guys think I'll really need to do 2 parties? Or should I try to rearrange our schedule so I can fit Universal another day? Do you think I should just do 2 parties and try to go to Epcot before MNSSHP on Friday and skip it Saturday morning and go to Universal? If we are doing Universal, I'd like to do it at the beginning of the trip, so the rest of the time is Disney time!

Am I making any sense or just confusing everyone even more?

 

[KatMark]

Sorry about the weight, Jen. Have you tried eating five small meals a day. I'm with a group on FB that are all goign to be at Disney at the same time and we are all dieting and one of them is eating five small meals a day and it seems to help. Also, they now have weight watchers on the computer you can do, I think.

I can't answer your question. Personally, I'd do two MNSSHP parties; but then I am not a fan of Universal anymore...we're too old for those "thrill" rides and I end up getting really bad headaches.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi Jen! Boo on not having a full weekend and the weight loss not going as planned - try not to be too hard on yourself.

I can't wait to visit IOA and see WWoHP so get that you want to go badly. I would still stick to 2 MNSSHPs, esp as you have wanted to do that all along. However, see how much you get done on the first party and if you can fit Epcot in before the 2nd party - how much do you want to accomplish at Epcot on the MNSSHP day? If it is not much then do it.

Also IOA will be busier on weekends then during the week so you may want to try and go on a weekday. I remember that being what people said when we changed IOA from a weekend to week day.

 

[klacey1]

Personally, I'd stick with the one party and go to IOA on that Saturday. If there's any way to change your plans and go on Sunday, that's what I'd do. Everyone has said Sunday has the lowest crowds there.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I would stick with one party and go to Universal. I think you guys would have fun visiting there. Just make a plan of attack for the party to make sure you see everything that you want to.

Don't get too discouraged about the weight. My cousin was having trouble losing and went to the doctor, so think about that as a viable solution.

If you can be super strict, Atkins is a really good way to lose weight quickly. I lost 26 pounds in 2 months. However, it comes with a warning. If you don't follow Atkins low carb regimen as your main diet after that, the weight will come back on. I managed to lose the weight, keep it off for some time, but I fell off the wagon and started eating carbs like crazy. And then I gained it back.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

It seems like everyone is planning an escape to Universal! I was just posting on Kylie's PTR about how I want to fit it in at some point, too! My suggestion would be to only do one party. Even though two is good to fit everything in, I think you might feel like "been here, done that" the second time around. I think it would be worth it to skip another MNSSHP and head over to Universal on Saturday.

I'm sorry about the lack of a weekend and the weight gain. I normally weigh on Sunday but I didn't even bother this weekend because I only exercised once this week and I'm pretty sure I gained and I didn't want it to depress me before the wedding. Something in your update did set off my lightbulb, though. I'm going to send you a PM.

 

[jenbear123]

Sorry to hear you are struggling with the weight loss. The hardest part is waiting to see results. Maybe talk to your doctor and see what else you can do to speed up the process but still staying healthy.

When I went to MNSSHP near the end of Oct, it was PACKED and I found it very hard to see and do everything I wanted in one night. But since you'll be going late Sept/early Oct, I doubt the party will be that busy. That being said, if I really honestly, truly wanted to see and do absolutely everything at MNSSHP plus do my favourites again, I would go to the 2 parties. Plus you'll get to dress up twice

As for Universal and IOA, it depends on how much you're willing to spend for a day away from Disney. I can't remember if you mentioned you'll be renting a car. Obviously that will make it easier going to and from there. I doubt you'll be able to see both parks in one day. I've been debating about taking a day to go see Harry Potter but I can't justify spending so much money on admission for one day. Plus, you'll probably really want that day you've planned just to relax

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Hmm, we're going to Universal on Saturday, so that's my vote! hahaha I feel the same way, I want to go early in the trip so the rest can be Disney time!

As far as not loosing any weight, maybe you need to go to the doctor and get your thyroid tested? That could have an effect on your weight. The other suggestion I have is to drink 64oz. of water a day! Ever since I started doing that last week, I don't get as hungry. My bad habit is snacking at night and ever since I had to drink a lot of water, I haven't had any snacks after dinner! (Aside from going out for ice cream after dinner yesterday.)

 

[Shannon84]

I wish we could fit Universal into our trip, I want to see the Harry Potter area so badly, but we just don't have time for it I would love to see you guys be able to fit it into your trip, I think an escape over to Universal is a fun option. This will be my first year going to MNSSHP, so I am not sure if one night will do or if you need two. I would love to be able to do 2 nights, but we are just prioritizing what we want to do most at the party in our one night there and hopefully tackling most of it

 

[MEK]

Personally, I think one party is enough. But that's just me.

Don't beat yourself up over the weight loss thing. Definitely have your thyroid checked. If you haven't had that done in awhile you should do it as a baseline. That's the FIRST thing your Dr will do. You should also get evaluated for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is a metabolic syndrome assocaited with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. I'm not saying you have either of these things, but it certainly seems prudent to be evaluated for both.

Do you have the weight watchers app? Supposedly it is excellent and knows immediately the points associated with every possible food.

Go out and start walking. Are you doing this already? If the running is beatin you up, then take long walks. Take a general multivitamin, too. Drinks tons of water. Some people have good success when they drop all diet drinks out of their intake. Try drinking only water for a few days. Nothing else (except coffee if you are an addict). Personally, I think this is very hard, but there is proof that some people gain weight with it (diet drinks).

Drop all the "white" foods out of your diet - even if its just for a few days. Go completely whole grain for a few days.

You DO have a metabolism, it is just hiding right now for some reason. You're smart for wanting to look at it a little closer. People come in different shapes and sizes and I don't necessarily think you have to be one size to be healthy. I applaud you for wanting to get to a healthier place whether you lose weight or not.

 

[amazingact21]

Sorry to hear about the long weekend and the troubles with the weight. I understand how frustrating it is to work hard and not get rewarded for your effort.

I've never been to a MNSSHP before, so I can't say one way or the other if 2 nights is better than 1. However, I think it all depends on how much you want to do each activity. If you're all right with trying to fit in everything in one night, I think you can make it work. But if you want a slower pace and want more time to take in all the sights, two nights might be better. I guess my opinion is, how bad do you want to go to Universal? If it's something you feel like you have to do on this trip, go into MSNSSHP with that in mind.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Well, I went to three MNSSHPs on my last trip, so I'm staying out of that conversation

Anyway, I agree with the others - get your thyroid checked and definitely get evaluated for PCOS. I have PCOS, which is one of the reasons I'm having trouble losing weight.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Personally I would do one party. Have you been to one before? I'm sorry, I can't remember. Even if you haven't, I'd still do one but then again I'm all for trying something new. Go to Universal instead!

 

[PirateKate]

I've never been to MNSSHP party before, so I really couldn't say whether or not that will take one night or two. We're only doing it once, since it's kind of expensive and the kids may or may not enjoy it.

I've also never been to Universal before, so I really couldn't say whether or not it is worth missing a MNSSHP to go. I do think that the Harry Potter stuff looks really cool. Maybe you could go to a MNSSHP first thing and then decide if you'd rather go back or see IoA.

 

[Nermel9]

Sorry about the weight, Jen. Have you tried eating five small meals a day. I'm with a group on FB that are all goign to be at Disney at the same time and we are all dieting and one of them is eating five small meals a day and it seems to help. Also, they now have weight watchers on the computer you can do, I think.

I can't answer your question. Personally, I'd do two MNSSHP parties; but then I am not a fan of Universal anymore...we're too old for those "thrill" rides and I end up getting really bad headaches.

Thanks! I haven't tried eating 5 small meals a day...I know that works for a lot of people, but it seems a little confusing to me! I feel like I'd spend my day planning all of my meals! Which, I suppose I'm doing with WW also, but since I'm familiar with WW, it's not that bad!

I love thrill rides, but I'm not sure if I love them enough to lose a Disney day!

Hi Jen! Boo on not having a full weekend and the weight loss not going as planned - try not to be too hard on yourself.

I can't wait to visit IOA and see WWoHP so get that you want to go badly. I would still stick to 2 MNSSHPs, esp as you have wanted to do that all along. However, see how much you get done on the first party and if you can fit Epcot in before the 2nd party - how much do you want to accomplish at Epcot on the MNSSHP day? If it is not much then do it.

Also IOA will be busier on weekends then during the week so you may want to try and go on a weekday. I remember that being what people said when we changed IOA from a weekend to week day.

Thanks, I'm trying not to be too hard on myself, but...it's tough! I'm doing ok this week, just trying to stay focused and keep myself busy and not think about eating so much!

I'm still not sure what we're doing about Universal...but I don't think I'd be able to fit it into the week, so if we did go, we would have to deal with weekend crowds!

Personally, I'd stick with the one party and go to IOA on that Saturday. If there's any way to change your plans and go on Sunday, that's what I'd do. Everyone has said Sunday has the lowest crowds there.

Thanks! I had no idea Sunday had the lowest crowds at Universal! I don't know if I can change everything around to go on Sunday, if we do go, but I suppose I could try! I have over 3 months to figure it out, after all!

I would stick with one party and go to Universal. I think you guys would have fun visiting there. Just make a plan of attack for the party to make sure you see everything that you want to.

Don't get too discouraged about the weight. My cousin was having trouble losing and went to the doctor, so think about that as a viable solution.

If you can be super strict, Atkins is a really good way to lose weight quickly. I lost 26 pounds in 2 months. However, it comes with a warning. If you don't follow Atkins low carb regimen as your main diet after that, the weight will come back on. I managed to lose the weight, keep it off for some time, but I fell off the wagon and started eating carbs like crazy. And then I gained it back.

Every time I think I'll be ok with one party, I think of something else I want to do there, and think I'll need 2! I'll have to talk it over with Brandon. He wants to go to Universal, but doesn't really care if we don't make it this trip, and I think he said going to 2 Halloween parties is "stupid" So who knows?

I don't think I could ever do Atkins! I tried the South Beach Diet a few years ago, and I lasted maybe 4 days...I felt like I was going crazy from cutting carbs out of my diet, I think on the 4th night I went to the store and bought a package of Chips Ahoy and a carton of whole milk and ate all of it! I can't cut carbs out of my diet...I wish I could but it's not possible!

It seems like everyone is planning an escape to Universal! I was just posting on Kylie's PTR about how I want to fit it in at some point, too! My suggestion would be to only do one party. Even though two is good to fit everything in, I think you might feel like "been here, done that" the second time around. I think it would be worth it to skip another MNSSHP and head over to Universal on Saturday.

I'm sorry about the lack of a weekend and the weight gain. I normally weigh on Sunday but I didn't even bother this weekend because I only exercised once this week and I'm pretty sure I gained and I didn't want it to depress me before the wedding. Something in your update did set off my lightbulb, though. I'm going to send you a PM.

LOL, I always plan to go to Universal, and we never go! I'm sure we will get there someday, just not sure if it will be this trip!

I'm still not sure about the MNSSHP's, if I'll need one or two...it would be nice to do one, since they are a bit expensive, but...I really want to make sure I see everything and that I don't feel rushed! I feel so rushed at the Christmas parties, and there is only half as much to do at those!

Thanks for the PM! It's definitely something I will think about if my last attempt at WW fails!

 

[TarzansKat]

Am fashionably late, but totally here! Yay for October trips!!!

Now to go catch up...

 

[Nermel9]

Sorry to hear you are struggling with the weight loss. The hardest part is waiting to see results. Maybe talk to your doctor and see what else you can do to speed up the process but still staying healthy.

When I went to MNSSHP near the end of Oct, it was PACKED and I found it very hard to see and do everything I wanted in one night. But since you'll be going late Sept/early Oct, I doubt the party will be that busy. That being said, if I really honestly, truly wanted to see and do absolutely everything at MNSSHP plus do my favourites again, I would go to the 2 parties. Plus you'll get to dress up twice

As for Universal and IOA, it depends on how much you're willing to spend for a day away from Disney. I can't remember if you mentioned you'll be renting a car. Obviously that will make it easier going to and from there. I doubt you'll be able to see both parks in one day. I've been debating about taking a day to go see Harry Potter but I can't justify spending so much money on admission for one day. Plus, you'll probably really want that day you've planned just to relax

Thanks! I'm going to consider talking to a doctor if I don't start losing, we will see what happens this week! Doing pretty good so far!

I'm guessing if I REALLY want to see everything, I will need to do 2 parties, but I'm not sure if I want to spend that much $$, and I'm not sure if Brandon wants to go twice! I told him we were, and he kind of whined about it, but he'll go. I think once he does go, he will want to go again later in the week, I think he will like it better than the Christmas party, and he loves the Christmas party!

I can't stand the idea of losing a Disney day to Universal! I really want to go there, but the thought of losing Disney time kills me! If we did it, it would have to be in the beginning of the week, that's the only way it would work! There's always next trip!

Hmm, we're going to Universal on Saturday, so that's my vote! hahaha I feel the same way, I want to go early in the trip so the rest can be Disney time!

As far as not loosing any weight, maybe you need to go to the doctor and get your thyroid tested? That could have an effect on your weight. The other suggestion I have is to drink 64oz. of water a day! Ever since I started doing that last week, I don't get as hungry. My bad habit is snacking at night and ever since I had to drink a lot of water, I haven't had any snacks after dinner! (Aside from going out for ice cream after dinner yesterday.)

LOL, well, if we do end up going, it will be that Saturday, so I'll let you know what we decide!

If I don't start losing, I'm going to have my thyroid tested. I try to drink a lot of water, but it doesn't really keep me from feeling hungry! I just don't like to drink water, it's really hard for me, I like my drinks to have some flavor! I always use those Crystal light flavor packets for my water bottles at work. But I still feel hungry. So I don't know. I'm hoping when I weigh myself this weekend I do ok, so I can get back on track here! Only 16 weeks!

I wish we could fit Universal into our trip, I want to see the Harry Potter area so badly, but we just don't have time for it I would love to see you guys be able to fit it into your trip, I think an escape over to Universal is a fun option. This will be my first year going to MNSSHP, so I am not sure if one night will do or if you need two. I would love to be able to do 2 nights, but we are just prioritizing what we want to do most at the party in our one night there and hopefully tackling most of it

It would be nice to fit in Universal, but if we don't, there's always next time! I should really sit down and think about what I want to see at MNSSHP, because if I can pull off only going to one, I'd like to, but I have a hard enough time seeing everything at the Christmas party, and there is not nearly as much to do at those! But that's a good idea, I'll figure out what my priorities are at each party and go from there!

Personally, I think one party is enough. But that's just me.

Don't beat yourself up over the weight loss thing. Definitely have your thyroid checked. If you haven't had that done in awhile you should do it as a baseline. That's the FIRST thing your Dr will do. You should also get evaluated for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is a metabolic syndrome assocaited with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. I'm not saying you have either of these things, but it certainly seems prudent to be evaluated for both.

Do you have the weight watchers app? Supposedly it is excellent and knows immediately the points associated with every possible food.

Go out and start walking. Are you doing this already? If the running is beatin you up, then take long walks. Take a general multivitamin, too. Drinks tons of water. Some people have good success when they drop all diet drinks out of their intake. Try drinking only water for a few days. Nothing else (except coffee if you are an addict). Personally, I think this is very hard, but there is proof that some people gain weight with it (diet drinks).

Drop all the "white" foods out of your diet - even if its just for a few days. Go completely whole grain for a few days.

You DO have a metabolism, it is just hiding right now for some reason. You're smart for wanting to look at it a little closer. People come in different shapes and sizes and I don't necessarily think you have to be one size to be healthy. I applaud you for wanting to get to a healthier place whether you lose weight or not.

Thanks! I think one party would be enough, but I really want to see and do everything, so I don't know if I'll be able to fit it all into those 5 hours!

LOL, I should have been a doctor or nurse...when Brandon told me to go to the dr., I told him they will do all these tests if I tell them I can't lose weight (he thinks I can just walk in, tell them I'm not losing weight, they will give me a diet plan, and send me on my way!) and I said first they'll check my thyroid, and then check me for PCOS. He told me I was being paranoid. If I don't lose, I will definitely get checked for both of these things. I think my problem is more forgetfulness...I "forget" some of the things I eat, so in my mind, they didn't get eaten. And then I wonder why I don't lose weight.

I do go for walks on my break at work, and while the running is hard, I'm still not ready to give up on it. I try to drink water, but it's so boring to me! And when I'm dieting, I don't eat any white foods, but I haven't been doing that til this week, so that might have been part of the problem too.

Thanks for the advice, I hope you're right about my metabolism!

 

[Nermel9]

Sorry to hear about the long weekend and the troubles with the weight. I understand how frustrating it is to work hard and not get rewarded for your effort.

I've never been to a MNSSHP before, so I can't say one way or the other if 2 nights is better than 1. However, I think it all depends on how much you want to do each activity. If you're all right with trying to fit in everything in one night, I think you can make it work. But if you want a slower pace and want more time to take in all the sights, two nights might be better. I guess my opinion is, how bad do you want to go to Universal? If it's something you feel like you have to do on this trip, go into MSNSSHP with that in mind.

Thanks! I'm frustrated, but I think I've taken that frustration and turned it to motivation once and for all! I just hope I see some results soon!

I'm just not sure we can do everything in one party, in fact, I know we can't...I just have to figure out if I'm ok with that or not, that's the problem! I want to see it all! I've been waiting to go to a MNSSHP for years, and I'm finally going, I don't want to miss anything!

I want to go to Universal, but I'm ok with not doing it this trip! Universal isn't going anywhere, we'll get there someday if we don't squeeze it in somehow!

Well, I went to three MNSSHPs on my last trip, so I'm staying out of that conversation

Anyway, I agree with the others - get your thyroid checked and definitely get evaluated for PCOS. I have PCOS, which is one of the reasons I'm having trouble losing weight.

LOL, I thought of that! That's part of the reason I thought I'd need at least 2!

I will get checked for those things if I continue to gain and not lose, especially after this week, since I'm doing pretty good!

Personally I would do one party. Have you been to one before? I'm sorry, I can't remember. Even if you haven't, I'd still do one but then again I'm all for trying something new. Go to Universal instead!

I haven't been to an MNSSHP yet! I'm sure doing one would be ok, but it would just be so rushed! I would like to get to Universal, I'm sure it's a lot of fun, but...I hate to lose Disney time!

I've never been to MNSSHP party before, so I really couldn't say whether or not that will take one night or two. We're only doing it once, since it's kind of expensive and the kids may or may not enjoy it.

I've also never been to Universal before, so I really couldn't say whether or not it is worth missing a MNSSHP to go. I do think that the Harry Potter stuff looks really cool. Maybe you could go to a MNSSHP first thing and then decide if you'd rather go back or see IoA.

It is pretty expensive, and that's a concern as well, of course. I'm just not sure if going to one is going to be good enough...I feel like if I just go to one I'll miss a lot, and I have no idea when I'll be back in October! I know I'll be back for Christmas, but October? Who knows?

Universal looks like fun, but it's not Disney! So I don't know if I want to go badly enough to lose Disney time! I love thrill rides, so that's definitely a plus, but I'm just not sure I'm ready to part with precious Disney time!