We've Bounced Back like Tigger SB09 TR NEW 9/11 CLOSING TIME....

[carissanboys]

Okay - I'm all caught up!

We have quite a few similarities on this trip. We also decided last minute to take this trip and didn't have a lot of time to plan. We'll be celebrating MY birthday on this trip! (March 30th)

My parents have traveled with us to Disney on our two previous trips, and we loved it. But, they felt they couldn't afford it this time with the economy the way it is so this will be our first time just the five of us.

Guess what?? We're eating at Sci Fi at 11:25 same day as you!

You're way ahead of me in the packing department. I love using the ziploc bag method of packing the kids' clothes - makes it so easy!

 

[mousescrapper]

Impressive! I can't wait to see your binder and how that all turns out. I am looking forward to hearing about your DHS day -- this is the one I am having trouble with...

DHS always trips me up too...I think between the odd park layout, so many shows and times to figure in it can be a doozy...I wonder if that's why more people don't consider it their favorite anyways I hope to post that on tomorrow or Friday for you and everyone.

WOW,,, I just got done reading your whole PTR!! You are awesome, I have been debating using the old *ziploc bag packing technique* And you make it look so efficient, LOL.

I have my notebook and packing lists all ready and we still have a few months left, hehe

Keep the report coming!!

Hi and thanks for the bump too... This is the first time I've done the zip-lock and I wonder why I never did it before...now everyone can find their clothes so easily and even my DH can help dress the the littler kids too. I'll let you know how it actually works there when I get back

So sorry to hear about your flooding issues. Basement flooding is a total headache! I'm glad to hear nothing was ruined.

Sorry to hear about the mess! Are you parents OK? Didn't they have major flooding last year?

Yes it is a pain, I'm thankful it's under controll for now, we had another set of bad rain yesterday and we are staying dry. No my parents are good...I think just a tiny amount of seepage but after what happend last year w/ the pond overflowing the village is really on top of it now. My Mom told me they pumped down 3 feet of water to another area to keep on top of it. Whew!

Hi Julie - I'm here!

I haven't had a chance to read through your entire PTR yet, but I did look at your touring plans. If I matched up your dates correctly I believe we will actually be at the same parks on three days - your Days 4, 5, and 7 (DHS, MK, and Epcot).

We will be at those parks on March 29th, March 30th, and April 1st respectively. Do those match up with your dates?

Okay - I'm all caught up!

We have quite a few similarities on this trip. We also decided last minute to take this trip and didn't have a lot of time to plan. We'll be celebrating MY birthday on this trip! (March 30th)


Guess what?? We're eating at Sci Fi at 11:25 same day as you!

You're way ahead of me in the packing department. I love using the ziploc bag method of packing the kids' clothes - makes it so easy!

Thanks for coming over...glad you saw my message in Amy's PTR!

Yes you are right those days do match up. I'll pm you soon and we can plan out some details. But I say for sure we should look for each other at Sci-Fi and then maybe on the Epcot day too. COOL!!!!!

I did a little more packing this morning and then when I looked at my Master List I was w/ the amount left...yikes all that small stuff. I'll post my list next week

Thanks

J-

 

[mousescrapper]

THE WEEK 3 (DAYS 16-12 TILL WE LEAVE ) TO-DO LIST IT'S SMALL THIS WEEK NOT THAT I DON'T HAVE LOTS TO DO BUT I HAVE TOO MANY OTHER THINGS GOING ON



* Pull, try-on, match up outfits of my clothes for the trip

did this morning (just have a few last minute clothes items to pack week of)

* Pull clothes for DH and match up outfits

* Work on PTR posts!

* Do the Garden Grocer thing or not?

* Trim up Michael's custom maps and have DH laminate them at work for me (2nd part proably next week)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok The GARDEN GROCER DEBATE

The thought of using a grocery service came into play last week when I figured out our spending budget for the trip (which I'll post the whole thing later) and when I did a line for Margaret's food needs primarily the SOY MILK!!!!

So here's the deal on SOY MILK

1) I have no actual approx cost for it, so I'm basing it on what milk would cost at QS places $1.29 she drinks a cup (little over 8 oz) of soy milk 2 x a day. And we'll be there 8 days the total possible cost of her milk alone (not including the cup in the morning flying down ) would be $20 .64

Now for those of you unfamilar with the coast of soy milk in comparrison to regular milk that is crazy! I can buy a 32 oz carton at home that will last roughly 3.5 days for around $3.00 Which would mean for 8 days of milk I would need 2-3 cartons coating me $9.00

$21.00 or $9.00 ​

So that's when we starting thinking back to packing it in a suitcase...but I'm too nervous the cartons would pop! and the smaller juice box style cartons in a 3-pack basically cost the same as a large carton and I'd need 5 3-packs....

So should we buy some there, pack some?

Or should we do a Grocery service and get milk sent to us plus a few other things?

MY MIND IS CRAZY w/ this?????

So let me explain a few more things:

2) Where is the soy milk in WDW?

supposedly at all TS places (we are only dinning TS 3 times and not really at times she'd want or need her milk) and at 8 QS places (2 in AK, 1 in DHS, 1 in Epcot, and 4 in MK) 4 of which would be easily accessible and 2 of which I already plan to dine at...it's available but not very convinent.

3) my packing situation....

I am trying to pack lighter which is not going so well with a family of 6 and stuff for 8 days. We are flying Southwest and do not have baggage fees unless w/ exceed the 1 per person rule. So that sets us at 6 BAGS!!!!

I have 3 bags packed w/ not much room left

I have the carry-on bag with day 1) clothes needs which later becomes the souvenir bag and checked on the way home (bag 6)

and I have bag 4 pretty much packed w/ room for diapers, tolietries and hopefully DH's pillow (it is a must or no good sleeping for him)

and then bag 5) which is a soft duffle and is pretty much designated for w/ stuff already.

So where could I pack soy milk? and now I'm thinking where could I pack the misc food things I was planning on bringing anyways

4) What food was I thinking of bringing?

2 things of dry cereal (for breakfast in the room)

small bags of goldfish and teddy grahams (manily for Margaret)

some dried pineapples/raisins

some mini bagels

Crackers (like Ritz) Micheal has this thing where he MUST always eat crackers before bed

5) The Garden Grocer

Ok so I looked at their site and as far as I can tell there is no minimum order but a $12 fee (and I'm drastically running out of time to place this order if I'm going to do it.

What would we get?

Soy MILK (duh?)

yogurt

OJ

? reg milk

? 26ct diapers (help with packing)

applesauce cups

and then I could add the above items

I'm guessing that our food order w/ the fee could be around : $72.42

My Mom thinks I should just do it and some of the food they would eat too. And then I'd always have her milk in the room which basically is when she would need it, when she wakes and when she goes to bed.

So PLEASE!!!!! give me YHO's on what should I do?

this is where I'm swaying...try and get a few dried goods in the suitcases the best I can and then order the soy milk and other fresh stuff.

I'll check back in later tonight as I feel if I'm gonna do it it needs to be NOW!!!!

Thanks!

J-

 

[DisMomAmy]

I just skimmed so I'll come back and read more, but do you think you could carry on a container of soy milk? Can you get a doctor's note? Call your airport and see what they say. If you can, I have suggestions on how to store cold food for flying.

 

[DisMomAmy]

OK - now I've read the whole thing... Did Southwest change it's baggage rules? Last year when we flew it was 2 checked bags per person - we had 6 I believe for the 4 of us and it was no problem. Plus we could each carry one on (along with a personal item). I know JetBlue is 1 checked per person - which makes me nervous...

One option for your food is to pack a box. Put the milk in there along with the other food. Maybe double bag the milk inside the box. I packed vacuum sealed bread last time (and will have to do that again). It puffed up but didn't pop.

But honestly, if you can order your diapers, snacks and milk to have in the room I think you should go with Garden Grocer! It'll be worth the peace of mind and convenience. I would have done that in the past if I could have gotten Alex's special food - but I couldn't so we had to make it work on the plane. This year we'll have the rental car for at least two days before we check in (or the whole week) so we'll hit the store before we check in.

 

[Happydog]

When we flew down this past November I took packages of Horizon milk and juice boxes in our suitcase. I put them in plastic bags, and just crossed my fingers. They were fine. I was able to get them in our suitcase no problem, was worried a little about weight, but with clothes, it was pretty light. I imagine if you brought three cartons, you could spread them out between the bags? Helping with the weight, if you were going to try it. Maybe the single serving packages would be easier to pack, but they do cost more, so then the question is if that is worth it.

I am tending towards the grocery order.. it is maybe an extra cost, but then you have it? The cereal, etc. that I brought down I took out of the boxes, and packed in the suitcases. Wrapped in plastic bags so in case they popped I didn't have an explosion of cherrios... the milk containers have to be sturdy to last all that time on the shelf, and I suspect they are airtight, so the "expansion"/"explosion" is probably pretty unlikely.

 

[starlight_003]

We will be using Garden Grocer for our trip in April. I did see that there is a 40.00 Minimum order when I went to pay but it looks like you would met that.

 

[mousescrapper]

but do you think you could carry on a container of soy milk? Can you get a doctor's note? Call your airport and see what they say. If you can, I have suggestions on how to store cold food for flying.

The soy milk I buy is shelf so I don't need to worry about keeping it cold.

I belive a carton of soy milk exceeds the liquid amount restrictions. If the milk was prescription or she'd become violently ill w/ out it or I absolutely couldn't get some upon my destionation then yes on the doctores note...but none of those are they case. thanks for thinking of that

Did Southwest change it's baggage rules? Last year when we flew it was 2 checked bags per person -

I just checked their website and yes you are right it is 2 per ticketed passenger...this may open up a new possiblity but defeats my trying to pack light rule.

One option for your food is to pack a box. would you check the box then? I don't know I'd be nervous the stuff would get smashed around...
But honestly, if you can order your diapers, snacks and milk to have in the room I think you should go with Garden Grocer! It'll be worth the peace of mind and convenience.

peace of mind and convenience is the key!

When we flew down this past November I took packages of Horizon milk and juice boxes in our suitcase. I put them in plastic bags, and just crossed my fingers. They were fine. I was able to get them in our suitcase no problem, was worried a little about weight, but with clothes, it was pretty light. I imagine if you brought three cartons, you could spread them out between the bags? Helping with the weight, if you were going to try it. Maybe the single serving packages would be easier to pack, but they do cost more, so then the question is if that is worth it.

If I did pack it that's what I would do...I'm not so worried about weight it's space....

I am tending towards the grocery order.. it is maybe an extra cost, but then you have it? That's kinda what I was thinking (and my Mom)

The cereal, etc. that I brought down I took out of the boxes, and packed in the suitcases. Wrapped in plastic bags so in case they popped I didn't have an explosion of cherrios...
Did the same last year

the milk containers have to be sturdy to last all that time on the shelf, and I suspect they are airtight, so the "expansion"/"explosion" is probably pretty unlikely.

that is true I didn't really think of that...I just don't know how much air space is in there?

Thanks so far for the comments and ideas....

anymore takers?

 

[mousescrapper]

We will be using Garden Grocer for our trip in April. I did see that there is a 40.00 Minimum order when I went to pay but it looks like you would met that.

Thanks...I kept thinking there was a min. order I adjusted our order a bit and added Dr. Pepper my DH's fav drink as a possiblity. Still not positive what we'll do yet....

 

[mousescrapper]

Ok after thinking it over more and do some fuzzy GG math it seemd to be a good idea all around, plus my Mom chipped in the servive fee, tax and tip. So what I'd be spending at home to bring down there is basically the same.

So what did I order?

12 pack Dr. Pepper
2 boxes Cheerios
applesuace cups
26 count Pampers diapers
goldfish crackers, pretzels and grahams
mini bagels
1 soy yougurt
kid yogurt
1 carton OJ
6 yogurts for my Mom
and 3 cartons of soy milk

sub total $62.40
delivery $12.00
gratuity $10.00
tax $4.06
Total: $88.46

My portion: $48.77 (49)

Here's hoping it all works out!

J-

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yay! I can't wait to hear how it works out.

Sorry I clued you in to the 2 bags per person rule... or maybe I should say sorry to your DH who will be lugging around all that extra luggage.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I think you made the right call. The ease of having a delivery will be worth it.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Wow...I missed that whole post!!

I think you did the right thing. Just for the peace of mind that Margaret will have what she needs when she needs it is worth the extra cost. And now it's done and off the to-do list. If you had tried to pack everything you'd be thinking about it right up to departure and beyond. Good call. And thanks Mom for helping out...that's always nice!

 

[mousescrapper]

Yay! I can't wait to hear how it works out.

Sorry I clued you in to the 2 bags per person rule... or maybe I should say sorry to your DH who will be lugging around all that extra luggage.

the extra luggage is yet tbd...we'd love to manage w/ just 6. It's so confusing. We really don't want to lug our giant green rolling and chance it going over weight and paying for it (had the same issue thalast 2 Disney trips) and we don't want to buy another suitcase either. The duffle I was thinking to use as bag 5) we now realize cannot be securely locked...so I have to see what else we have or ask around to borrow something...but (did you see that coming) just about everyone I know is traveling that week too!

we'll see

I think you made the right call. The ease of having a delivery will be worth it.

Thanks Heidi...Your opinion means alot

Wow...I missed that whole post!!

I think you did the right thing. Just for the peace of mind that Margaret will have what she needs when she needs it is worth the extra cost. And now it's done and off the to-do list. If you had tried to pack everything you'd be thinking about it right up to departure and beyond. Good call. And thanks Mom for helping out...that's always nice!

Yes it was fun to actually delete several things off my giant packing list

 

[mousescrapper]

My Spending Budget

I appreciate those who share their budgets because it can help you gage what is reasonable and how much you should be thinking to spend. Yes WDW is expensive but there are many ways to cut corners and try and save a little here to spend more there right?

Well as most of you know this was an unxpected suprise trip and my parents are basically taking my family down. Otherwise I don't honestly think we could afford to go back to back.

I know all the #'s for the trip and if anyone is intersted in that breakdown just let me know, this post is merely our spending $ for the actual trip.

BUDGET

* Airport Parking = approx $80.00 (for 8 days)

* Luggage Tips = up to $35.00 (if we get assitance at our home
airport, if I catch the CM bringing our luggage to our room,
and for the DME driver on the return)

* Mousekeeping = $35.00 (7 nights x $5.00)

* Table Service Meals = up to $304 (we have 3 TS ADR's and my
parents and I are splitting the meals basically 2 A & 2 C and
the tip)
TS breakdown: 1) LTT up to $68.00
2) PSB breakfast up to $76.00
3) Sci-Fi Diner up to $60.00
4) Mom and Dad's Suprise B-day Dinner @ Maya Grill up to
$100 *** I'm hoping my 2 siblings may chip in on this one as
a joint gift

* Misc food needs: 6 inch b-day celebration cake $21.00 plus
t/t (though may split this w/ my Dad or he may
pay for)
Possible kid QS meals for Margaret $12.00

* Laundry = $10.00 (this would be enough for 2 possible loads and 3
dryers)

* Pressed Pennies = $5.20 (for a possible 20)

* Mini-golf = $41.00 (for 1 A and 3 C, have room voucher for 1 free A)
breakdown: $11.75 A, $9.75 C

* Souviners: will be recieving a $200 g/c w/ our package deal and
$75.00 we're going to pre-buy each older kid a $25
g/c at the Disney Store

* Groceries/Diapers = $49.00

* Photopass CD (pre-order) = $149.95 (I'm pre-ordering the
professional photobook as well that normally is 75 for 50
and the CD is 99 non pre-order is 130)

Grand Total is: $817.15 a little but not

KIM this is not the actual amount I'm bringing w/ me I'm giving my Mom our portion of the 3 TS meals ahead of time, and the g/c and PhotpPass is already paid for as is the grocery order.

Thanks for reading.

Off to organzie my hubby's clothes, do a pre-estimate of how many diapers Margaret may go thru, and a few other misc things.

Be back tomorrow w/ DHS tour plan and re-cap of the week.

J- Ps only 5 days till ST. PATRICK'S DAY

 

[MRYPPNS]

Sure does add up fast doesn't it?

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think I'll post my budget sometime in the coming week while yours is fresh on my mind... we can compare.

Yours looks pretty good though. I have the hardest time figuring the tips for meals and how much money we'll spend on food that isn't part of our meal plan. Plus, I haven't figured anything for the 2 days we'll be visiting family.

 

[nu2wdisneyw]

My Spending Budget

I appreciate those who share their budgets because it can help you gage what is reasonable and how much you should be thinking to spend. Yes WDW is expensive but there are many ways to cut corners and try and save a little here to spend more there right?

Well as most of you know this was an unxpected suprise trip and my parents are basically taking my family down. Otherwise I don't honestly think we could afford to go back to back.

I know all the #'s for the trip and if anyone is intersted in that breakdown just let me know, this post is merely our spending $ for the actual trip.

BUDGET

* Airport Parking = approx $80.00 (for 8 days)

* Luggage Tips = up to $35.00 (if we get assitance at our home
airport, if I catch the CM bringing our luggage to our room,
and for the DME driver on the return)

* Mousekeeping = $35.00 (7 nights x $5.00)

* Table Service Meals = up to $304 (we have 3 TS ADR's and my
parents and I are splitting the meals basically 2 A & 2 C and
the tip)
TS breakdown: 1) LTT up to $68.00
2) PSB breakfast up to $76.00
3) Sci-Fi Diner up to $60.00
4) Mom and Dad's Suprise B-day Dinner @ Maya Grill up to
$100 *** I'm hoping my 2 siblings may chip in on this one as
a joint gift

* Misc food needs: 6 inch b-day celebration cake $21.00 plus
t/t (though may split this w/ my Dad or he may
pay for)
Possible kid QS meals for Margaret $12.00

* Laundry = $10.00 (this would be enough for 2 possible loads and 3
dryers)

* Pressed Pennies = $5.20 (for a possible 20)

* Mini-golf = $41.00 (for 1 A and 3 C, have room voucher for 1 free A)
breakdown: $11.75 A, $9.75 C

* Souviners: will be recieving a $200 g/c w/ our package deal and
$75.00 we're going to pre-buy each older kid a $25
g/c at the Disney Store

* Groceries/Diapers = $49.00

* Photopass CD (pre-order) = $149.95 (I'm pre-ordering the
professional photobook as well that normally is 75 for 50
and the CD is 99 non pre-order is 130)

Grand Total is: $817.15 a little but not

KIM this is not the actual amount I'm bringing w/ me I'm giving my Mom our portion of the 3 TS meals ahead of time, and the g/c and PhotpPass is already paid for as is the grocery order.

Thanks for reading.

Off to organzie my hubby's clothes, do a pre-estimate of how many diapers Margaret may go thru, and a few other misc things.

Be back tomorrow w/ DHS tour plan and re-cap of the week.

J- Ps only 5 days till ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Thank you for sharing your budget...it really helps to give me an idea on what I can expect to spend.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

That budget looks really good. I never think to figure in things like the pressed pennies! I always budget all the big expenses and things like tips and food, but those little ones just slip through the cracks!! Very nice budgeting...thanks for sharing!

 

[MaryAz]

Thanks for posting your budget. It helps me to plan mine Happy packing!