Well, this wasn't supposed to happen. A March '17 PTR. Update 3/2...it's almost time!!!

[misstheworld]

Yes, I said March 2017. As in, we're leaving in 39 days. Well, it might as well be 38 days now because it's nighttime and our flight is at 6:30 a.m. I've never written a PTR, nor a TR. Well, I might have started one, but I sure as heck didn't finish. Hopefully, since I'm a newbie, someone will read!!

Maybe some background info would be nice? Sure! My first trip to Disney was a little over 10 years ago when DH and I honeymooned at Coronado Springs. That's all it took. We were hooked. Like fish on a line. Splurged on our second trip and stayed at Wilderness Lodge. Dang. Deluxe resorts. Third trip was with our 9mo DS and we rented points to stay at a 1BR at the Boardwalk Villas. (If you're wondering if you should take a baby to Disney...DO IT!!) Fourth trip was this past November to celebrate our anniversary and experience F&W. We stayed in a studio at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge/Copper Creek Canyon/whatever the heck they're calling the stand-alone DVC facilities at WL. Now to our fifth trip...

Yes, this is the one that wasn't supposed to happen. Last year, in the midst of planning our anniversary trip, DH and I decided that while we'd take DS again, it likely wouldn't be until he was 5/6 yo. No more naps, strollers, etc. Well, then DH's parents asked about a trip together. They're getting up in age and are having some mobility issues. Well, when the grandparents want to go somewhere with the grandson...you go! Thankfully, my FIL is retired Army, so we're able to use his discount to help us save some since this wasn't on the agenda till they brought it up late last year.

We're staying seven nights at POFQ and have our fingers crossed and prayers offered for connecting rooms. Kiddo goes to bed relatively early (trust me, you do NOT want to be around him if he doesn't get enough sleep), so we're hoping for those rooms to have a place to go once he's asleep. AND so the grandparents can watch the baby monitor whilst mommy and daddy enjoy a little time at Disney Springs or head back into a park.

If you're reading this, and look at my profile, you'll likely think...man, she sure did fall off the face of the earth. And yes, you'd be right. DS was a much wanted, but totally unexpected blessing. We had fertility issues and were told that conception wasn't going to happen for us without significant intervention. While we're not against that method, it just wasn't for us. So, after a miscarriage and after a lot of prayer, we felt like it was His plan for us to not raise a child. Well, so, doctors can be really wrong. And while I was blessed to be able to go to part-time at my job, DS was a really, really difficult baby. Like, really difficult. There wasn't a single area of raising him that was easy. That first year was miserable and I could barely keep my head above water. So, there went anything that wasn't feeding him, myself, or sleeping. (HAHAHAHA!!)

Well, I'm now a full-time SAHM and figured since I have about 10 more minutes a week available, I'd start up with the DisBoards again. Low and behold, I find that 1000thhappyhaunt has posted recently and all the trip report writers I used to read were all commenting. After binge reading and finding myself laughing again with AshClan, Zzub, Lala, and the rest...I figured I'd give this a try. Not that those previously mentioned would ever dare to read this, but someone might!

This is a ridiculously long intro, so I'll give it up for now and come back soon with our plans and a few more details. And, I'd love to hear from you!!

 

[balty74]

Fun! We're going in March as well...just 35 days to go. Can't wait to hear about your plans!

 

[misstheworld]

Thanks so much! We'll be there at the same time! Have you ever been in early March?

Fun! We're going in March as well...just 35 days to go. Can't wait to hear about your plans!

 

[misstheworld]

We Make Plans...God Laughs

Well, hopefully God isn't laughing at the plans for our trip! We tried to be conscious of the fact that we'll have a 3 year old in a stroller, two fairly able adults (although I have a partially torn hamstring), a late 70's FIL in a scooter, and an early 70's MIL who is totally able, but still in her early 70's.

DH has an AP, so we just needed tickets for four of us. FIL bought 5-day passes through MWR as he's retired Army. That saved us a ton, but we're also "short" a day that we're used to having. So this trip, we have a built-in day off. And honestly, I'm looking forward to it! So I don't put this whole blasted thing in paragraph form, here's what we've got planned.

Saturday - Arrive MCO at 11:10 a.m. We're taking DME to POFQ, so we're not anticipating getting there till about 1:00 p.m. Grabbing snacks, refillable mugs (we're not on the DDP, but we buy them as souvenirs), and praying that our rooms are ready so DS(3) can take a nap. Heck, so WE can take a nap! HA! Then we have 4:15 ADRs at Art Smith's Homecoming at Disney Springs. Yes, it's early, but we have to leave our house at 3:30 a.m. to catch a 6:30 a.m. flight. So I have a feeling that we'll have a fairly early evening!

Sunday - It's our little tradition to head into the Magic Kingdom on our first day. We use touring plans, so have a plan for the first half part of the day. Then it's back to POFQ for lunch and nap. The afternoon we have FPs and ADRs and Crystal Palace for dinner. That's a new one for us at dinner time. We've done breakfast before to get into the parks before rope drop, but never dinner. DS is a HUGE Pooh fan, so this was our version of a must-do. We made the decision to take a mid-day break so we could stay late for...FIREWORKS!!

Monday - EPCOT!! No breaks built into today. We've got FPs, a touring plan, and ADRs at Coral Reef. It doesn't get the best reviews ever, but once again we were thinking of what the kiddo and in-laws would find fun.

Tuesday - Animal Kingdom, the park I'm least looking forward to, but I know DS will love. Plus, there's a ton of stuff for him to do here, so I know it'll be a great experience. We've got our FPs, planning on lunch at the QS Yak and Yeti, and then dinner at Boma that night. (Side note...if you want to chime in on resort-to-resort transportation...please let me know! We'll have to get from AKL to POFQ with all of us, plus a stroller and scooter...so Uber is out.)

Wednesday - This is our FRRRRREEEEE Day. The plan is to let DS play at the splash pad area and on the playground at the resort. Just enjoy our resort, something that we've never done before. Our ADR that night is for Trail's End. My in-laws have a Class A motor home and camp from the beginning of spring until late into the fall. We wanted to show them the campground, plus show them one of our favorite resorts, Wilderness Lodge. So the plan is to leave super early, go to the MK, then take the boat to WL. Explore and check it out, then take the boat from WL to Fort Wilderness. Eat dinner, then the boat back to the MK and bus to POFQ. Pshew! I'm hoping we'll be there late enough to see/participate in some of the activities they do at FW with Chip and Dale.

Thursday - Second day at the Magic Kingdom. We start off with breakfast at Chef Mickey's, then head over to the park for some fun! No clue on lunch, but we're back out of the park for dinner at 'Ohana. DH and I ate there in November and it was awesome. The food was great, but so was the atmosphere. Depending on how the evening goes and DS's attitude, we will either take him back into the parks or head to bed.

Friday - Second day at EPCOT and our last day at Disney. We only have one FP (although I'll search for more that day, so we may add other things), but the plan is to spend most of our time in World Showcase that day. Dinner is at Biergarten that night. DH and my FIL love German food (FIL was stationed there twice) so this is really for them. But I'm looking forward to the experience! If the little guy gets bored, we may go through the International Gateway and walk around the Boardwalk for awhile.

Saturday - ME will pick us up about 6:30 a.m., so the night before will be an early one. And sadly, we leave the World one more time.

 

[misstheworld]

If you've read above, you'll see that we're taking our son, who will be three (almost four). Any suggestions on non-electronic activities to take into the park? While we're making the most of FPs and solid touring plans, I know that there will be some waiting. Particularly at meal times. Ideas? Or even things you tried and they were spectacular fails? Thanks!!

 

[Rozz]

Hello! I'm following along. Great start!
We stayed at Fort Wilderness one time and really enjoyed it! It took forever to get to the parks though.

I've got two kids and can't for the life of me remember non-electronic entertainment. We had plenty. Let me think...

 

[misstheworld]

Thanks, Rozz! We don't have any plans to stay at Ft Wilderness, but DH's parents love camping so much, we thought it might be a good way for them to see what's available for Disney camping. Although, we have considered taking a family trip and staying at the FW cabins, realizing that it would be way more of a relaxed trip instead of our usual commando-style.

And I'd love to know if you remembered the non-electronic entertainment! I've got a bunch of stuff for the plane trip (there and back), but can't figure out anything in-park.

Hello! I'm following along. Great start!
We stayed at Fort Wilderness one time and really enjoyed it! It took forever to get to the parks though.

I've got two kids and can't for the life of me remember non-electronic entertainment. We had plenty. Let me think...

 

[misstheworld]

If you've read the above, you know that DS is almost four years old. He's a very outgoing, loving, personable kid. He also LOVES trains. I'd say it's borderline obsessive. If we're anywhere, and we hear a train whistle, he'll literally drop whatever he's doing to listen until he can't hear it anymore. While he's loyal to Thomas, we're also big fans of Chuggington and whatever other train mess his grandfather finds on YouTube. (Glory...don't get me started on that one.)

My biggest concern for this trip is what happens if the train station at MK isn't finished its refurb yet. He knows there's a train there. He knows what it looks like, sounds like, and he is certain that he IS going to ride on it. Right now we have MK days scheduled for 3/5 and 3/9, with the refurb scheduled to be done on 3/2. If that thing isn't done, y'all will hear the distraught screams of a toddler all the way from Orlando.

Sorry I don't have a bigger update! We're such obsessive planners that we had everything pretty much picked out/planned at the 180 day mark. DH was up at 6:00 a.m. to make our ADRs and he did our FPs at the 60 day mark. (I should also note that he works for a Disney travel planning agency, so we were more than prepared!)

 

[mdsouth]

I just found your Pre-TR and am joining in. I, too know what it is like to have difficulty having children and what it means when God blesses you with one. I have two wonderful children. They are seven years apart due to a few miscarriages in between them. They are now 20 and 13 but I still remember staying at home with them and some of our many struggles. My son was also a difficult baby who had severe separation anxiety. My DD was born with fluid on her spine which put pressure on her nerves so much so that she could not stand or walk on her own until she was two. We were in physical therapy three times a week. It was a long road of recovery and she eventually learned to stand and walk. Her first trip to WDW was just a few months after she started walking on her own at 2 and a half years old. I spent most of the entire trip walking around with her on my hip because she did not like the stroller we rented. It was my son's first trip to WDW too and he was 8 at the time.

Anyway, I can relate to some of the hurdles you may encounter while planning and during your trip.

PORFQ is a great pick for a resort. The compact size and beautiful themeing will be nice for your family. It is where we stayed on our last trip. I have a feeling that your parents will probably start planning a return trip to WDW once your visit Fort Wilderness.

If you've read above, you'll see that we're taking our son, who will be three (almost four). Any suggestions on non-electronic activities to take into the park? While we're making the most of FPs and solid touring plans, I know that there will be some waiting. Particularly at meal times. Ideas? Or even things you tried and they were spectacular fails? Thanks!!

Bring bubbles! It is amazing how a small bottle of bubbles can really entertain a young toddler and even kids of all ages while they wait in line. I would also think about bringing along a can or two of playdough. You can always put it in a ziplock bag.

If you've read the above, you know that DS is almost four years old. He's a very outgoing, loving, personable kid. He also LOVES trains. I'd say it's borderline obsessive. If we're anywhere, and we hear a train whistle, he'll literally drop whatever he's doing to listen until he can't hear it anymore. While he's loyal to Thomas, we're also big fans of Chuggington and whatever other train mess his grandfather finds on YouTube. (Glory...don't get me started on that one.)

My biggest concern for this trip is what happens if the train station at MK isn't finished its refurb yet. He knows there's a train there. He knows what it looks like, sounds like, and he is certain that he IS going to ride on it. Right now we have MK days scheduled for 3/5 and 3/9, with the refurb scheduled to be done on 3/2. If that thing isn't done, y'all will hear the distraught screams of a toddler all the way from Orlando.

Sorry I don't have a bigger update! We're such obsessive planners that we had everything pretty much picked out/planned at the 180 day mark. DH was up at 6:00 a.m. to make our ADRs and he did our FPs at the 60 day mark. (I should also note that he works for a Disney travel planning agency, so we were more than prepared!)

My son was a HUGE train fan too! Maybe you can distract him with the idea that the monorail is a type of train. It is just a more modern one. You might be able to talk to him about how from time to time Thomas or Percy or one of the other trains is sick and has to stay in the station house to get fixed or better. I know there has to have been at least one episode about one of them being sick. Maybe you should try to watch that episode a day or two before your trip just so he has that in mind if the train is not available.

 

[misstheworld]

Hi mdsouth!! Thanks for reading and thanks even MORE for chiming in! I love the idea of bubbles and play dough. The kid loves both of them, and I know the Dollar Store keeps them stocked. And yes, those miracle babes are challenging and rewarding...just maybe not at the same time.

 

[misstheworld]

It's been two weeks since I updated, but since I have no followers it doesn't appear too tragic.

We've got 15 days left. And if you count the fact that we're spending the night closer to the airport, then it's 14 days.

For our past few trips we've either mailed down a box of supplies or used Amazon prime/pantry. Well, Disney decided to start charging per box (I'm not kidding, last November we had a box delivered almost every other day. God bless Prime.) and the water/snacks we were ordering were more expensive than they have been in the past. So, since this time we're flying Southwest with their two free bags, we are actually packing all the stuff in suitcases! A case of water (32 bottles) in the suitcase is 43lbs. No clue how much the snacks weigh, but we'll spread them out over everyone's bags and we should be good to go.

Why buy all this stuff in advance? Cause holy moly is it expensive at Disney! If you're not familiar, a bottle of water in the park is $3. The case of 32 cost us $3.50 at Walmart and it's not costing us anything to take it down. We're planning on eating breakfast in the room, so SlimFast shakes and Lara Bars were an easy buy. Plus, we eat pretty healthy at home, so having some "contraband" that DS3 knows we have will be bribery tools.

Oh, and did I happen to mention that DH has to go out of town next week? So he gets back in the Saturday before we leave on Friday. AHHHHH!

 

[mdsouth]

It's been two weeks since I updated, but since I have no followers it doesn't appear too tragic.

You have ONE follower! Me! I understand about taking snacks and water. Too bad Disney decided to start charging for delivery of the boxes. In the past, I packed lots of granola bars in our suitcases. They were easy to pack without worrying too much about them getting smashed. We are not big breakfast eaters, even on vacation, so it just made sense to have some granola bars that we could grab and go.

Oh, and did I happen to mention that DH has to go out of town next week? So he gets back in the Saturday before we leave on Friday. AHHHHH!

UGG! That must be so frustrating. It just puts more stress on you to get everything ready to go including unpacking his stuff and getting it all ready to go again.

 

[rdkeim]

Another follower! My sister and I went in early March last year and one perk is that it didn't seem crowded. I think we beat the spring break crowds. Our second trip (many years ago) with our boys we stayed in the FW cabins and I loved it! Would love to stay there again just for old times sake. Your plans sound good since you're traveling with a young one and older parents. Good to build in some down time. I hope you decide to write a TR!

 

[misstheworld]

Hi @mdsouth and @rdkeim!

Thank you for following along! I'm so sorry it's taken so long to respond. Life got busy!

Yes, I do plan on writing a trip report. And, hopefully since I'll have actual things to write about, it'll go quicker than this PTR!!

Well, tomorrow's the big day. Well, second big day. We're headed to our first-night-of-vacation, but still one night from Disney stay. The airport is a little over an hour away and our flight is at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Sooooooo...we decided to spend that extra hour+ on sleep and not on driving!

I'll be back after our trip is done!