We're not having a baby so let's go to Disney World. May 2009 PTR. We're HOME.

[my2disneyboys]

Ok I'm freaking out a little bit. Touringplans has changed the crowd levels to 8's and 9's while we're at Disney. OMG I convinced my family to go at that time of year because it was supposed to be lightish crowd wise.

We've been at Christmas before and they never really complained (although Eric has never been when it's that busy he'll probably freak out majorly! he doesn't handle crowds well) but I'm still really nervous about it.

I really hope the predictions are wrong!

I wish I had just got the touring plans so I knew which days were good/bad during the time I am going. I think its too late now though because I have all my ADR's- I am going to have to just go and hope for the best!!

 

[chicagoshannon]

I wish I had just got the touring plans so I knew which days were good/bad during the time I am going. I think its too late now though because I have all my ADR's- I am going to have to just go and hope for the best!!

I have the book so got a free subscription for the year. I don't think it really matters at this point cause every day is 8 or 9. I'm just hoping they're wrong. I'll be using our Ride Max plans now for sure. I was hoping to be able to take things slow since it's Madeline's first trip but it looks like I"m going to have to be a little commando.

 

[my2disneyboys]

I have the book so got a free subscription for the year. I don't think it really matters at this point cause every day is 8 or 9. I'm just hoping they're wrong. I'll be using our Ride Max plans now for sure. I was hoping to be able to take things slow since it's Madeline's first trip but it looks like I"m going to have to be a little commando.

I wonder what the rating is during the week after xmas? We went there that week and really had a HORRIBLE time because it was so crowded. I think if you hit the park early each day and leave around 1 for naps/swimming/hotel, then you miss the real crowded times.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Yes that is the key. From the time I was in 4th grade through my senior year of college we went every year at Christmas. It was definately crowded but when we went early it wasn't so bad. This was before fast pass too. Well I think the last couple of times we went they had fast pass. At Christmas there was always a line for TTA. I think that's the test for busy! Of course most of those years we had my grandma in a wheelchair so maybe's that's why the waits didn't seem so bad.

I can NOT imagine that the beginning of May will be nearly as busy and Christmas. I know some people take their kids out of school for trips (my parents always took us out) but I would think it would be more rare to do it at the beginning of May when Spring Break just occured and school is almost out.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Madeline's party went really well! Here are some pictures:

She got a princess dress up trunk from grandma and grandpa

tea set from Nana and Papa

the cake:

She actually got too close to it and burned her lip on the candle. EEK!

Stack of presents

the decorations:

Eric made her a little Blue's Clue's game but she wasnt' really all that into it. We played it first thing and she had just woken up from her nap and all the relatives were here so she was a bit shy. Oh well. I got some great video but I don't now how to upload that at the moment.

 

[wlwilliams9]

Awww! It looks like Madeline had a great birthday party! Happy Birthday Madeline!! Yay!

I'm wondering what's up with the crowd calendars too. It pretty much shows the whole year at 8 & 9 except for a week in September. We go this time every year and have never experienced the parks crowded. Of course, we take full advantage of the FP and baby swap! I can't imagine that the parks are going to be worse than before. My BIL's mom works at GF as a hospitality manager and she said Disney is still having a hard time meeting their booking goals even with the b4g3 deal. Hopefully, she's right!!

 

[my2disneyboys]

looks like Madeline had a great party! Happy Birthday Madeline!!!!

 

[chicagoshannon]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!

I am a bit sad that she's 2. I'm having a much harder time with it then I did with 1. I think it's because she might end up being our only child and I don't want to give up my baby! Anyway she's loving it. She's playing with her new stickers now.

My mom doesn't buy the crowds being that high. She's like "they can't be as bad as Christmas" I'm glad I didn't pay for touringplans because I'd be a bit miffed if they just put all the days that high. My mom doesn't think that many people would take their kids out of school with 2-3 weeks left in the school year.

 

[wlwilliams9]

Happy 2nd Birthday Madeline!!
​

 

[chicagoshannon]

Thank you!


We braved the snow this morning for church but are now just going to relax for the rest of the day.

 

[chicagoshannon]

5 weeks from now we'll be waiting for opening ceremonies at the Magic Kingdom.

My birthday is 1 week from today.

Today I will start printing off my touring plans I think.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Well, I started my Disney binder yesterday. It has 5 tabs: Packing list, travel itinerary and directions, touring plans, Reservations, and other wish lists. I need to find a list of all the photo pass places and all the places the characters are.

I did some actual packing last night. I'm trying really hard to squeeze everything into one suitcase. I have a couple of those travel space bags. They seem to work really well. I still have to pack all of Eric's clothes but all of mine (except underwear and shoes) and all of Madeline's (except shoes) are packed. I will also have a small bag for our overnight stay at the hotel on the way down and home.

 

[my2disneyboys]

Well, I started my Disney binder yesterday. It has 5 tabs: Packing list, travel itinerary and directions, touring plans, Reservations, and other wish lists. I need to find a list of all the photo pass places and all the places the characters are.

I have started mine too! I am VERY IMPRESSED (if I may say so ) with my Spreadsheet.

I did some actual packing last night. I'm trying really hard to squeeze everything into one suitcase. I have a couple of those travel space bags. They seem to work really well. I still have to pack all of Eric's clothes but all of mine (except underwear and shoes) and all of Madeline's (except shoes) are packed. I will also have a small bag for our overnight stay at the hotel on the way down and home.

You are good!! I have been throwing things in our "disney section" of the house (which is actually a little landing at the top of the stairs on our second floor) and its getting QUITE large. I think we are going to have two large duffle bags, a carry on for me and for Myles, the double stroller, car seat, and booster. UGH The airport is NOT going to be a nice place for us.

 

[chicagoshannon]

You are good!! I have been throwing things in our "disney section" of the house (which is actually a little landing at the top of the stairs on our second floor) and its getting QUITE large. I think we are going to have two large duffle bags, a carry on for me and for Myles, the double stroller, car seat, and booster. UGH The airport is NOT going to be a nice place for us.

that does not sound like fun! I think traveling is the only time I'm thankful for just one child. This year we only need to bring our umbrella stroller. Madeline recently went into a big girl bed and the condo has a high chair, although she's almost outgrown that too. So we're traveling very light.

 

[Jenjulia]

Happy Belated Birthday, Madeline!!!

The party looks great! I love the cake, love the balloons. Very cute! She's growing up so fast...but it's so much fun, the stages they go through. I love how she's dressed up with her pretties and drinking tea from her new tea cup. Adorable!!!!


I can't believe how soon it is until you leave! Almost less than 30 days. Very exciting! I'm wondering if they are expecting the crowds to be bigger but that in actuality it won't be that big? That seems really crowded for May, because school isn't out yet and spring break has passed. I'll cross my fingers that it is a 5 or a 6 for you!!

I love my passporter. Glad that you are liking yours too!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Happy Belated Birthday, Madeline!!!

The party looks great! I love the cake, love the balloons. Very cute! She's growing up so fast...but it's so much fun, the stages they go through. I love how she's dressed up with her pretties and drinking tea from her new tea cup. Adorable!!!!


I can't believe how soon it is until you leave! Almost less than 30 days. Very exciting! I'm wondering if they are expecting the crowds to be bigger but that in actuality it won't be that big? That seems really crowded for May, because school isn't out yet and spring break has passed. I'll cross my fingers that it is a 5 or a 6 for you!!

I love my passporter. Glad that you are liking yours too!

I know only 31 days now!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Today I decided to look at the historical weather data. According to the data, there is a 10% chance of rain one day of our trip. There is also a 10% chance clouds one day of our trip. Temps should be in the mid to high 80's for the high and low 70's for the low. I'm amazed that it will be that nice! I new the weather was supposed to be good during this time but didn't realize it would be THAT marvelous!

Madeline's 2 year doc appointment is this morning. I can't wait to see if she's tall enough to ride Barnstormer!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Ok back from the doctor. Madeline is 35 inches and 30 pounds (with clothes on). She was very good. The doctor kept saying how she wished all the kids were that good. Her lungs were clear, heart sounded good, eyes looked fine, ears... ah the troublesome ears. Guess who has another ear infection. Yep, that would be Madeline. I had no idea. Madeline has been sleeping well and not complaining about her ears at all. So she'll be on antibiotics for 10 days. I'm hoping we have an illness free trip since she's sick now.

I don't think she'll be riding Barnstormer though, unless she grows another inch in 4.5 weeks.

 

[my2disneyboys]

Ok back from the doctor. Madeline is 35 inches and 30 pounds (with clothes on). She was very good. The doctor kept saying how she wished all the kids were that good. Her lungs were clear, heart sounded good, eyes looked fine, ears... ah the troublesome ears. Guess who has another ear infection. Yep, that would be Madeline. I had no idea. Madeline has been sleeping well and not complaining about her ears at all. So she'll be on antibiotics for 10 days. I'm hoping we have an illness free trip since she's sick now.

I don't think she'll be riding Barnstormer though, unless she grows another inch in 4.5 weeks.

I hear you on the ears! Both my boys have the ear infections. Myles is on his second set of tubes. I don't ever remember going to the Dr w/o an ear infection and then when he was around 3 years old ... they STOPPED! It's been great since. Then we had Owen and he is 19 months now and he had his first set of tubes at 9 months and luckily they seemed to stop the infections. We havent had one in a REALLY long time.

 

[chicagoshannon]

We don't have tubes and the doctor has never mentioned them. We had a fantastic winter without ear infections so I thought she outgrew them. I guess not.