what we found when we finally made it back to WDW--FOR MY NEW FRIENDS NEW EDIT #279

[longing2Batdisney]

like to have those to carry containers of any type of liquid in our bags (i.e.; shampoo, meds, soap) had too many bottles open in the cases during travel or even just a small leak, also for wet towels or just in case you hit the pool the night before you leave, don't want to pack wet stuff in our suitcase; and last open snack bags... they work great for so many things... I also bring along quart size bags (have those already)

 

[mickeystoontown]

What are you using the gallon zip lock bags for?

Not the original poster but I take gallon zip lock bags along too. They are great for storing wet rain ponchos. I also put our camera and camcorder into the bags when we go on "wet" rides.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, I just cancelled the first two nights at Disney and am in the process of booking a town house. So, excited because I called and mentioned that I found their ad on magicard we received another $5 off per night (doesn't sound like much) but, it made our first night (which is added) FREE plus a $20 refund. I like those types of results

Also, cancelled our ADR at the Tusker House. Danny said we would be going back when Ashton would be old enough to enjoy and that was a $130 at least we could use else where.

Another, exciting piece of news, my girlfriend emailed last night to say her and her 4 yr old would join us for a night in the townhouse and spend the sunday we start at Disney

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, I have mentioned this before, we were orginally thinking of going to Clearwater Beach to visit with a girlfriend. But, we have changed those plans thanks to Danny's insistence. But, no biggie. Turns out we will actually spend more time together, now. **don't tell him I said so; but, his suggestion turns out to be the better one**

Bonnie, my girlfriend, & I have been friends since 3rd grade. Of course during High School and college we drifted apart. She moved with her now ex-husband to Tampa about 5 yrs ago; she wants to come back to New Orleans so bad. She misses everyone! But, is unable to because of her child. So, she is so excited that we have finally been able to set this up. She could not afford a room at Disney but did have tickets for her and her son. Soooo, this works out great and it doesn't cost anyone anything more than first thought.

I can't wait 22 days and counting. This trip has had it's share of downers planning (personal stuff); but, this has truly helped the magic; NOW if I could just win the lottery (hahahehe)

 

[leamom2princesses]

How cool! I'm so glad that you have worked it out and will be meeting your childhood friend. Sounds like you have a great trip starting to take shape. I'm a big fan of ziploc bags too. Use them for everything!

 

[chicagoshannon]

YAY for getting the extra townhouse nights!

SOrry you're cancelling Tusker House. We're still going as of now although I'm getting a little nervous about eating at buffets in general because of the germs!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

YAY for getting the extra townhouse nights!

SOrry you're cancelling Tusker House. We're still going as of now although I'm getting a little nervous about eating at buffets in general because of the germs!

didn't even think of that...now I don't feel so bad for CX

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, Danny and I were riding looking for a vehicle for Dayne, last night. (He sold his truck--although we asked him not to--I know he is 16 and we had the final say--but I felt he left himself on foot by agreeing with this lady to the purchase of his truck--might teach him something if we make him wait until after Ashton's surgery to get a new vehicle). Annd, Danny asks about the free dining... after I explain I said they did it last year and again this year. I bet they do it again next year. I said wouldn't that be fun to go next year w/Ashton; he says I would rather go in the fall if they have free dining than in December. Now, I don't know if I agree with the timing but if I can get a trip before 5 yrs that would be great. He had talked about doing the land/sea thingy--that would def be a Dec. trip. But my excitement is that HE is EVEN talking about going back before our 5 yr agreement. So, looks like I may get to plan another trip sooner than planned

Maybe this trip in 19 days will light his fire

So, today is the putting the laundry away, washed it all yesterday (I wish I could make myself sit and do it at the same time) took out the luggage to air out and wipe down. Tried to get Danny to buy new shorts Friday, no luck. So, he will joining us in Disney with old tattered shorts at least his t-shirts are new.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, I was just thinking "can you overplan?" I was sitting here with Dayne waiting for his ride to school with the book "Walt Disney for Kids" planning the route of each park. Dayne just started laughing saying that I was extreme.

So, my question to each of you--when you enter the park do you
1. go to a particular attraction first
2. start to the left of the wheel
3. start to the right of the wheel
4. go straight to the center attraction (which way do you go from there)
??????
I read somewhere most people start to the left...

another question -- does anyone know where you can find show times? is that posted anywhere? I just checked the WDW site and did not see anything

 

[mickeystoontown]

I think you can overplan which could make for a stressful day. We Like to break up the Magic Kingdom into two days. On the first day, we go straight to Fantasyland and then make our way to the right hand side of the park (Toontown, Tomorrowland) On the second day, we go straight to Frontierland and then the other lands on the left side (Liberty Square and Adventureland). If we see everything before the end of the day (on either day 1 or day 2), we wander to the other side of the park.

At Epcot, we see all of Future World first and then head to World Showcase in the afternoon. But, we also have at least a day and a half or two days at Epcot so, if we miss something, we can go back on the second day.

Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are pretty easy to see in one day.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I think you can overplan which could make for a stressful day. We Like to break up the Magic Kingdom into two days. On the first day, we go straight to Fantasyland and then make our way to the right hand side of the park (Toontown, Tomorrowland) On the second day, we go straight to Frontierland and then the other lands on the left side (Liberty Square and Adventureland). If we see everything before the end of the day (on either day 1 or day 2), we wander to the other side of the park.

At Epcot, we see all of Future World first and then head to World Showcase in the afternoon. But, we also have at least a day and a half or two days at Epcot so, if we miss something, we can go back on the second day.

Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are pretty easy to see in one day.

Thank you for sharing...
Oh! I think I should add we do not always stick to the plan it is just there to give us the idea of where we are headed. And, we do not make ADR in the day or evening so we are never rushing, if and when we do we do breakfast (unfort. we have cx breakfast for this year--saving on money) so all our meals will be QS or CS--hoping to cut down on cost somewhere.
But, I do like the way you break MK into two days. We have always had one day per park. This year is the first year we have 5 days; we are leaving day 5 for whatever we decide to do...

 

[mickeystoontown]

We used to stick to counter service foods until we discovered the Dining Plan and then we were hooked. This past August, we went without the plan because the trip was semi spur of the moment. We ate just one table service meal and all others were counter service. We were okay with that since this was a short trip for us (just 6 1/2 instead of the usual 10).

We usually don't have too much of a plan but we do have a definite list of our must-see/do attractions.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

We used to stick to counter service foods until we discovered the Dining Plan and then we were hooked. This past August, we went without the plan because the trip was semi spur of the moment. We ate just one table service meal and all others were counter service. We were okay with that since this was a short trip for us (just 6 1/2 instead of the usual 10).

We usually don't have too much of a plan but we do have a definite list of our must-see/do attractions.

we had decided not to use the dining plan this go round; we were orginally booked for more days than we were going to be there. But, we do plan to try and use it next time we go. In fact, Danny said over the weekend that if they offer the "Free Dining" Plan next year we will take Ashton and try and stay at AKL (my disney dream). This year is a budget trip for us with the older kids in tow, along w/their everyday needs --just not in the budget.

 

[mickeystoontown]

we had decided not to use the dining plan this go round; we were orginally booked for more days than we were going to be there. But, we do plan to try and use it next time we go. In fact, Danny said over the weekend that if they offer the "Free Dining" Plan next year we will take Ashton and try and stay at AKL (my disney dream). This year is a budget trip for us with the older kids in tow, along w/their everyday needs --just not in the budget.

Oh I totally understand. Like I said, our August, 2008 trip was spur of the moment and, after Uncle Sam made his trip to our house and took all our money (via taxes), the trip HAD to be done as cheaply as possible. Thus, the counter service meals. Since we drive, I had brought along snack foods, Cokes, milk and bottled water. This saved a lot of money too.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

So, the townhouse was finally confirmed today.

Bonnie emailed to say she will be meeting us on Saturday night at the townhouse and joining us at AK on Sunday

Best part is she just realized today that we are going to be there on Memorial Dayand she has the day off. So, now she is trying to figure if she can afford to join us on Monday also.

This is getting so exciting...I have Ashton's busy bags and DVD bag ready; but, I have not started on his clothes. I think I will start that Friday while Danny goes to the doctor.

Making a list of all the things we need to do this week and next week:
Thursday night: Dayne gets his class ring
Friday: Danny sees doctor and we will probably go see his mom & dad for mother's day (early)
Saturday: Danny wants to go fishing if the weather holds out
Ashton & I will probably go to the store to get all the stuff we have not bought yet
Sunday: Mother's day and celebrating my Dad's b-day
Monday -Thursday start on house cleaning when the little ones nap
Friday - Sunday start packing!!!!!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

We were going to keep sandwich staples and breakfast staples in the room. I was on a fridge swap; but, the fridge has been lost. It has been at least a week now so I guess that is out. Since, we are going in Danny's truck I guess we will bring a cooler but I don't know if I would keep coldcuts on ice that long (nay) and milk is out. I will have to change from milk for Ashton to Pedisure (I don't think he is going to eat right while we are there); but, I was thinking of doing that anyway. Just put one on ice the night before and we are ready to go.

 

[mickeystoontown]

We were going to keep sandwich staples and breakfast staples in the room. I was on a fridge swap; but, the fridge has been lost. It has been at least a week now so I guess that is out. Since, we are going in Danny's truck I guess we will bring a cooler but I don't know if I would keep coldcuts on ice that long (nay) and milk is out. I will have to change from milk for Ashton to Pedisure (I don't think he is going to eat right while we are there); but, I was thinking of doing that anyway. Just put one on ice the night before and we are ready to go.

We always bring along a cooler and keep it in the car trunk during the drive and our milk and lunchmeat have always been okay.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

We always bring along a cooler and keep it in the car trunk during the drive and our milk and lunchmeat have always been okay.

Thanks! I guess we will give it a try/ what's the worse that will happen? we'll just have to pour the milk out.

 

[leamom2princesses]

Sorry to hear they lost the fridge. That's a bummer. Hopefully a cooler will work. How exciting about your girlfriend! Hopefully things will work out and she can spend Monday with you also.

You have been very, very busy! Sorry to be MIA, I've had so much going on. We're having our first sunshine in over a week and I so want to be at home and not here at work.

 

[CruisingCamper]

Hello! We will be going to Disney the same time as you too! AND we have a two year old AND we are from Louisiana. We just went to Disney in March, but we are going back with some friends and family in May. We fly out on May 21st. I have so excited, but also a little nervous, b/c we have never vacationed with others.

I have several ADR's made.