What will we Celebrate? Faith is starting Kindergarden!!!

[mom2faith]

Well, here is my first attempt at a pre-trip report. We are pretty excited to be returing to the World after our first trip last year. Like so many people said, we were hooked!! And, even with 12 days, we really did not see it all!! We are excited to return!!

So there are 3 of us in our little family, DH, myself and our only DD, Faith, who is 4. When we return, she will have only 4 days before she starts Kindergarden and is off on a whole new journey and adventure in life. Being that she is my only child, mom is finding this really hard. I never knew that watching her grow up would be so sad!! So, why not CELEBRATE!! With a trip to our new favorite destination - DISNEYWORLD!!!

Last year we were lucky enough to book bounceback. But, at the time we figured we would not be going. We decided to keep it a secret from Faith as we really doubted if it would happen or not. First of all, we were hoping that PixieDust would end up our way and we would have a #2 - but it was not to be this year. So, we thought - no baby, Faith starting school - Let's Do It!!

I managed to keep it a secret from our friends and family until Christmas 2008. And, amazingly, Faith still does not know!! We are going to surprise her the day before the trip (details to follow).

There are a lot of things we are doing differently this year, and alot we are doing the same. But, most importantly we are going back, and really that is all that matters!!

Thank you for reading so far, I will update more later today including our plans, and our planned surprise for Faith.

Amy

 

[mom2faith]

WOW 14 readers!! But no replies Is anyone out there????

OK. So where do I start. I think I will run down our last trip first, just to give you an idea of what we have done already.

Last year we stayed at the ASMo in the 101 Dalmations Building. We had 12 wonderful days of Disney and Free Dining! We had never really had a family holiday before and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. DH and I have always loved travelling, even if it is just to a different city a few hours away, but this was our first big trip altogether. Of course, being a Disney Newbie, i figured it was once in a lifetime and that it would be years before we returned....so I planned like a Diser should! Every minute was accounted for (ok I was not that bad, but it was pretty planned).

Here is how it went:

Day 1 - Sept 1, Labor day
We arrived at a little after 4pm, got lost on our way from the airport to Walmart and finally found our bearings shortly after. We arrived at ASMo close to 6pm and got checked in and settled. We headed off to DTD to experience our first taste of Disney. Since we had been up at 3:30 am our time, we were pretty low key and did not do too much.

Day 2 - DHS
Our first day in the parks proved to be more than we could handle!! After a great Breakfast at Cape May Cafe with Minnie, Dale and Goofy we headed to DHS shortly after RD. I am embarrassed to tell you how little we did! It was so much hotter than we expected!! Faith was fine since she was in her stroller, but DH and I could barely walk around in the heat. We managed TSMM twice, ToT (DH only), RnRC (Me and DH only), Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Playhouse Disney. And, that was it. We had to head back to the hotel to cool off for a bit!! That night we went to MK for the first time and just took it all in. I think we rode Dumbo, but other than that, we really just explored and watched Spectromagic. It was our first taste of what would quickly be our favorite park!!

Day 3 - MK
We had a very early morning with a BBB appointment at 8:05 and CRT at 9:15. It all worked out perfectly. The timing could not have been better. DD LOVED becoming a princess for the day!! We spent most of the day at MK doing Fantasyland, ToonTown and Frontierland. We did a few things at Adventureland, but did not make it to Tomorrowland. Our family favorites were Goofy's Barnstormer, Peter Pans Flight, BTMRR, POTC and of course Dumbo. Faith and Brent loved Splash - but I was not a fan! (I did go on it 2 more times, but swore that I will never go on it again - been there done that!). We went back to the hotel for a break and returned to MK later to do a few more things.

Day 4 - Epcot
We were a little disappointed in Epcot. I knew that it was not a ride park, I knew that it was more about the pavillions and the education, etc, but here at home we have FolkFest each August for 3 days. It is pretty much the same idea where various cultures set up pavillions throughout the city and you get to see dancing, eat food, and experience various cultures. Because it is only 3 days a year it is a very big deal here. I thought World Showcase would be similar, and it was, but without all of the hoopla. It was very boring (Sorry, I am not trying to offend all the Epcot lovers, I am just saying we were disappointed). And, it is SO BIG!! WOW!! It felt like we walked forever. We did get to ride Soarin' twice and we did The Land and the Nemo Ride (the name is escaping me right now - you are all probably screaming it at your computer screens). We went to the Character Connection and met Mickey for the first time, and the highlight of our day was that we got dreamed! We got Lanyards and Pins by the International Gateway.
We were so exhausted and a bit disappointed that we did not check our map carefully and missed the entire left handed area of rides - Test Track, Mission Space, etc. I am so embarrassed!! We really barely saw Future World!!
That night we went to Coral Reef where Faith got a diver sign.

Day 5 - Universal
This was the day the Hurricane Hanna hit. I was so worried about Hurricanes before we left, but it is true - we were so inland we barely noticed. The beginning of the day was windy, rainy and overall gloomy, but it cleared up and was a great day.
Now for all you Disney lovers I see the difference between Universal and Disney. For some reason, Universal feels like it is missing something - and in reality it is, it is missing MAGIC!! We had fun, but there was so much that Faith could not do, so it was a very quick day trip to see both parks. DH did some rides and there was very little for lines. Faith's favorite was the Simpsons ride, which is another ride on my "never again" list.
We had dinner at Bubba Gumps. Overall, it was an OK day, but we will not go back to Universal until Faith is much older.

Day 6 - Animal Kingdom
Did I mention we were hot at DHS on Day 2? Well there is nothing compared to the heat at AK!!! WOW!!! Of course by this time we were getting tired, and the heat was getting to us. I know this park would be fun, but we sure did not plan well wnough to enjoy it. We were so unprepared for the heat that we left at 12 noon and vowed to return - which of course did not happen. We did manage to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids (which both Faith and I loved), Dinosaur (not for a 3 year old), Triceratops Spin and sadly that was about it. We had breakfast at Tuskerhouse and really enjoyed it, but we just did not prepare for the heat and how tired we would be by day 6. It was off to the hotel we went for the afternoon and later we headed up to MK. (We headed up to MK a lot on this trip)

To be continued.......

 

[mom2faith]

Continuing with run down of last year's trip...

Day 7 - Was supposed to be a Free Day but....
After Chef Mickey's we ended up back a MK. Like I said it was our favorite!! We also went out to the Outlets and Target (something we do not have here in Canada). We ended the day at....you got it, MK!!

Day 8 - SeaWorld
We really did not enjoy this park as much as we thought we would. Since it was a week after the long weekend in September, it appeared that most of the park was shutting down for the year. There were very few shows available and a lot of the rides and kiosks were closed. I commented to DH that it felt like we were there "After the party was over". DH did Kraken and we watched the Shamu show. One highlight was that DD and I fed the Dolphins. We probably would not return to this park. It just did not appeal to us (despite how excited we were to go).

Day 9 - MK, MNSSHP
We LOVED MNSSHP!! The only thing we did "wrong" was that we spend the entire day at MK, right from rope drop. So, by 10 pm, DD was done!! This year when we go, we are taking a break in the middle of the day so we can truly enjoy the entire party.

Day 10 - DHS/Epcot
We had not planned to return to DHS when I made our itinerary, but we missed so much of it we headed back. This time DD and I joined DH on ToT. We also did the Muppet 4D, which we all loved.
Although we did not really like Epcot, we had to go back for our Akershus ressie at 11:20am. This really chopped up our day as we spent most of the day going from DHS to Epcot and back to DHS. After a couple more hours we headed to O'Hanas for dinner. DH loved this dinner - it was his favorite and his #1 choice for our return this year.
As a result of all the running around there was a lot at DHS we still had to do: Indiana Jones, Beauty and the Beast, Star Tours, etc.

Day 11 - MK
Our last day at the parks we spent at MK all day. We ended our trip with a wonderful dinner at 1900 Park Fare, another highlight of our trip. We loved the stepsisters!!!

Day 12 - home
Sadly our flight was first thing in the morning, so there were no parks for us.

As you can see, we need to go back. Although we loved MK and got to really enjoy almost the entire park, we missed a lot in the other parks.

 

[mom2faith]

This year's plan....

I swore I would not plan every minute, so if we wanted to go back to a park, we could. Sadly, as I look at the plan now, I realize OOPS!! I have over-planned again. DH is on board with all of the plans though, so I know we are going to have a blast. And, we are the type of people who are OK with changing at the last minute if we feel like doing something different (except for those ADRs).

Here is our plan for 2009!!

Day 1 - Arrive
Another long day for us as we have to leave our small town at 4:00am to catch our flight. We arrive at 3:50pm and will once again attempt to head to Target for supplies (we should not get lost this time, as we have figured it out...we think!). After getting some snacks and maybe grabbing a bite to eat we will check in and just veg at the hotel. I know DD will want to go swimming right away as that was one of her favorite things to do. It will be an early night for us. If we do venture out, it will be to DTD, but at this point, I am thinking no. We really want to be ready for the parks the next day!!

Day 2 - DHS, O'hanas
DH had a request that O'Hanas be our first TS meal this year, so I gave in. We are spending the day at DHS and will head to O'hanas for 5:00. If all goes well, we will head back for Fantasmic (we missed it last year).
We are more prepared for the heat this time, and will plan to stay alot more hydrated. I want to enjoy most of what we missed at DHS last year and head back to the hotel at about 2:30. Since we will not be so overwhelmed and we know our "must do's" we think this is doable. Plus, this year we have planned a return trip to DHS.

DHS Must Do's:
TSMM - at RD or FP
ToT - FP
RnRC - DH only, single riders line
Beauty & the Beast
Indiana Jones
The Great Movie Ride
Lights Motor Action
Muppets 4D

We also want to "meet" Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater this year as we missed them last year.

Day 3 - MK
No real plan for MK as we like to wander and we have a lot of time to spend there. We have ADR for Crystal Palace for an 8:00am breakfast and after that we will see where the day takes us. We will probably have a break in the day and head back in the evening.

Day 4 - DTD,
We have Supercalifragilistic Breakfast in the morning and may head to MK if we want. We would like to head to DTD this day and try Characters In Flight.
In the evening we have the Spirit of Aloha Luau (the early one). We are pretty excited for this. DH and DD have never been to Hawaii and really want to go. I know it is not the same, but it will be nice to have that Hawaii "feel" for a few hours.
Early to bed, as we are doing AK the next day and we want to be prepared to the walking and the heat!!!

Day 5 - AK
We start with Tuskerhouse in the morning and off we go. DH and I want to try EE this year and we also missed the Festival of the Lion King. Other than that, we would like to wander and take in all the sights at this park - something that we really did not do last year. I know DD we want to do Kali, so we will paln to do that once we start getting hot -LOL!!!

Day 6 - MK & Pirate and Pals Cruise
We start off the day with breakfast at CRT - I love the french toast! I do not know if we will spend the entire day there, but we are starting out there. I am thinking we may head to Epcot if we want too.
Either way, this is going to be a great day as we are finishing off the day with the Pirate and Pals cruise!! I cannot wait to surprise DD with this one. After reading the great review recently posted on here, both DH and I are very excited about this cruise!! (We had originally booked the Wishes Dessert Party, but with the Florida heat and the long days, we just could not see ourselves getting our money's worth in desserts. I am pleased with this change that we made!!)

Day 7 - DHS
Another day for DHS to cover everything we may have missed the first day. For dinner we are heading to the Whipsering Canyon. This was a restaurant we did not try last year and DH is really looking forward to the skillet.

Day 8 - Blizzard Beach, La Nouba
We are heading to Blizzard Beach for the day. Both DH and I added WP&M as an impulse, by the time we actually got to planning our days, it was too late to take it off without a fee. It is not that I am not excited about it, but I am just having second thoughts - KWIM? DH is very excited about it, and I know DD will love it too.
I am going to La Nouba by myself that night (DH is not interested and the tickets are far to pricey to bring a 4 year old). I am pretty pumped. DH and Faith are going to eat at Planet Hollywood and wander around DTD while I am there.

Day 9 - Epcot
We start the day with breakfast at Akershus and then we are off to finish all that we missed last year at Epcot. I think I will enjoy it more this year as I am more familiar this time.

Day 10 - MK and MNSSHP
Ok, I know you are all think - really? MK again? these peopel are crazy?!?! But seriously we loved MK and DD loved MK, so I know we are going to have a lot of fun. We start the day with Breakfast at O'Hanas with Lilo and Stitch. We will be taking a mid-day break this year and heading back to the parks at 4:00pm to enjoy the party!! Last year we went as The Flintstones. This year we are going as HSM characters. Faith loves Sharpay, so I got her a Sharpay dress, hair, headpiece, etc. DH is going as Troy and I am going as a cheerleader.
I really want to take in the entire party this year, so we are going to have that break so we are ready to stay until the end!!

Day 11 - Free Day
So I am not sure what to plan for this day? We can go to Typhoon Lagoon or DHS or AK or Epcot so many choices. We are finishing the night at 1900 Park Fare - this will always be our last night tradition now. (Although this is not technically our last night, it is our last night at the parks).

Day 12 - Ball Game
Since it is Sunday of the long weekend, we decided to stay away from the parks on our last day. We are heading up to Tampa for a ball game.

Well, that is it. There is the plan!!

 

[mitsybella]

Sounds great, we went last year right after thanksgiving and had such a great time I decided we would go again the same time this year, my daughter is also starting kindergarten so we are celebrating this also but going after school starts because we can't take the heat in Florida in August/September, I was so glad last year that we got the park hoppers, I had all our days planned (just like you)and all the kids wanted to do was go to MK which was ok but it made alot more running around for the ADR we had booked. Good luck with your trip and have a great time

 

[mom2faith]

Sounds great, we went last year right after thanksgiving and had such a great time I decided we would go again the same time this year, my daughter is also starting kindergarten so we are celebrating this also but going after school starts because we can't take the heat in Florida in August/September, I was so glad last year that we got the park hoppers, I had all our days planned (just like you)and all the kids wanted to do was go to MK which was ok but it made alot more running around for the ADR we had booked. Good luck with your trip and have a great time

Thank you!!

This year since most of the ADRs are breakfast or later dinner I hope we can avoid some of the running around.

I will update more later today about our plans and the surprises we have for Faith.

Amy

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm in!!!! Sounds great so far!!!!

 

[mom2faith]

More plans:

Here is what we plan to do to Surprise Faith!!

First of all, we are leaving at 4am our time, so we are going to let her know the day before. She will not be too happy at that time of morning and it may ruin some of the surprise. So we are doing a treasure hunt for her the day before. I got a friend of mine to get me a Stuffed Minnie doll from the Disney Store (we do not have one around here) so that will be at the end.

Clue #1

Mom and Dad have a big surprise!!
It will happen tomorrow when you rise!!
Around the house there are clues,
The first one you will find in your shoes.

Clue #2

Good Job!! You found clue number one!!
I hope you are having a lot of fun!!
Hurry up or your next clue will get wet!!
To the tub in the bathroom - go fast like a jet!!

Clue #3

Congrats!! Youa re doing a really good job!!
I hope your clue did not get wet in the tub!!
Clue number three should not be hard,
Check where we keep the cheese, milk and lard.

Clue #4

Beside the milk you found your clue!!
I never knew what a great job you would do!!
In your room you will find Clue number four,
You had better check behind the door!!

Clue #5

You are on the last clue are you having fun?
One more clue and then you are done!!
The clue is on the couch in the house,
But be careful, watch out for the mouse!!

Minnie(the mouse to watch out for) will be on the couch beside her suitcase, Pal Mickey and other Disney stuff. I am pretty sure she will know right away.

ETA: I have found a perfect note to leave with Minnie. It is one of donatalie's DISigns (see her thread here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2225095)

I used this one, and very carefully added "HI-YA FAITH" in the plane's banner using Word Art and Microsoft Word.

We have lots of things planned for her this trip and I know she is going to have a blast!! We love our family hoilidays and really had a great time last year. I think I am just as excited as she is going to be - I loved it too!!

 

[mom2faith]

The Budget.

This year, Brent and I have been watching our pennies. We have a little bit of debt (nothing major) but enough that we wanted this trip to be paid for and not on any credit cards. We have managed to cover pretty much everything just by cutting back on the little things. For example, we no longer have a home phone. We use our cell phones and since mine is paid for by my work, this is saving us a lot of money. I cannot belive what our home phone was costing us!! Since we live in a rural area, we were paying for rural coverage, long distance package, etc. We are saving $100 a month by not having it!! Can you believe it?!?!? And, the only people who ever called us were telemarketers, so we eliminated that (so far).

For our spending money, we promised to come up with "extra" money throughout the year. We did not use any of our regular income for the $1000 US spending money. We sold things on Kijiji, had a garage sale, I secret shopped, filled out surveys, etc. We managed to save the $1150 we needed (with the Canadian dollar exchange rate, that is what we needed to get $1000 US).

On top of that I became a Swagger!! I only use Swag Bucks to search (if you would like a referral PM or email me). This got me 3 x $25 Disney Store gift cards. Like I said earlier, we do not have a Disney Store in our area, and shipping to Canada is insane!! I am using the cards to buy some souveniers for the kids (4 neices 1 nephew) and getting it shipped to the hotel. This will save me a ton a money when we get there - and it was all for free!! YEAH!!!

So our $1000 spending budget looks like this:

TIPS

• 1900 Park Fare - $15
• Akershus - $15
• Cinderella's Royal Table - $0 (included)
• Crystal Palace - $10
• Lilo & Stitch at O'hanas - $10
• O'hanas - $15
• Spirit of Aloha Luau - $0 (included)
• Supercalifragilistic Breakfast - $10
• Tuskerhouse - $10
• Whispering Canyon - $15
• Mousekeeping $3 x 13 = $39

Total Tips = $139

Other Food

• Water, snacks at Walmart or Target - $50
• Food on Ball Game Day - $50
• My Mini Cake Surprise (at O'hanas) - $15
• Planet Hollywood (DH & DD only) - $20 (plus $15 GC from MYW package)
• Refillable Mugs 3 x $12.50 - $37.50

Other Food = $172.50

Spending Money

• Ball Game Day - $75
• Reg. Park Day 10 x $50 - $500
• Travel Days 2 x $30 - $60

Total Spending Money = $635

Other

• Characters In Flight - $42
• One Ride Photo - $18

Total Other = $60

Grand Total = $1006.50

We also each have $100 (x 3) that we have saved for splurge money. I am using Faith's for the Pirates League Makeover, and mine for scrapbook items from Joann's. I am certain I will not spend that much, but it is nice to have

I am pretty sure that we will not spend all of this. For one thing, I have tried to account for any "extras" that may come along. We do not have to pay for a ride photo or Characters In Flight from our daily spending money. Since we are on the DDP, we should not have to buy too much in the way of food and snacks, etc.

Last year, we used the same plan and came home with a little bit of money, but it was our first time there and we had all the kids souveniers to buy!! This year, I know we are toning it down some. I bought 2 t-shirts and a hoody last year, that I already know I do not need this year. However, there are some things I do want to look for, and I know DH is the same.

We are bringing out Mickey Ears, so we do not have to buy those, and we are not venturing to Universal and Sea World like we did last year.

I guess only time will tell. If we do run out of cash, we can use those credit cards, but I really do not want to go there - KWIM??

 

[tink774]

Subscribing! I love surprise trips!!

 

[mom2faith]

The preparation.

So many people including friends of ours cannot beleive how much time I spend planning these trips - but it is all worth it, isn't it.

I thought I would post out pack lists in case anyone wanted to cut/paste.

This years pack list is based on what we used/did not use/wish we had last year.

Faith's List

• Princess Make Up (from BBB last year, not going this year so I will BBB her myself)
• Arial & Cinderella dresses (surprise dresses I got her online for CHEAP!! She will love them)
• Aurora Dress (from last year's BBB)
• Aurora Crown
• Mickey Hairpiece (from last year's BBB)
• Sharpay Dress, shoes, wig, headset (for MNSSHP)
• Undies
• socks
• pj's
• various other clothes - all in complete outfits incl. undies and in ziploc bags - this was the best tip ever from the DIS. We grabbed a bag in the morning for her to wear and one to throw in the bottom of the stroller as a change of clothes - I love Ziplocs!!0
• 2 bathing suits
• water shoes
• 2 hats
• hair items
• Minnie purse
• Aurora spinning light (bought last year)
• sunglasses
• coloring book & crayons (for plane)
• Pal Mickey
• raincoat
• umbrella
• ponchos
• runners
• sandals
• blankie (can't leave home without it)

My Pack List

• Capri's
• Shorts
• Tops
• Pjs
• Undies
• Socks
• Bras
• 2 swimsuits
• belt
• hairclips
• lip balm
• sunglasses
• watershoes
• precriptions
• razor & shaving cream
• make up
• shampoo/conditioner
• hair products
• girl stuff
• doedorant

DH's Pack list
**Now DH is pretty much on his own, but I have a few things I am going to check on

• Water shoes
• Extra eyeglasses
• Belt wallet

Family Pack List

• Nikon Camera and charger
• Kodak Camera
• Faith's Camera
• Video Camera
• Tripod
• Batteries
• Charger
• Memory cards
• DS, Games, Charger
• DVD Player, DVD charger, DVDs
• Waterproof camera case
• power bar
• flashlight
• nightlight
• pins/lanyards
• maps
• misting fans
• lysol wipes
• baby wipes
• kleenix
• nail clippers
• purel
• goggles
• scissors
• packing tape
• shopping bags (reusable)
• zip ties
• ponchos
• sling bag
• cooler bag
• towels
• pop up hamper
• tide/bounce
• bandaids
• mileskin
• epsom salts
• tiger balm
• lotion
• sunscreen
• bugspray
• safety pins
• sewing kit
• tensor
• blister balm
• eyedrops
• baby oil
• cotton balls
• oatmeal (my breakfast)
• bowl & spoon
• over the door make up holder
• tums
• allergy medicine
• tylonol
• prescriptions
• Faith's tylonol
• sharpies
• umbrellas
• mickey ears (bought last year)
• Ziploc Bags (large, med, small)
• Troy Costume (for DH MNSSHP)
• Cheerleader Costume (for Me MNSSHP)
• 1st aid kit
• drink mixes (Kool Aid, Nestea)
• Dish soap
• Tea towel
• cloth
• plastic cups
• basin (small for sore feet)
• waterproof wallet

 

[mom2faith]

I do not really have anything to add, except that this is my 1000th post on the DIS!!! I saved it for my PTR

Thank you to the DIS for all the tips and information I have received!! Our trips would not have been the same without it!!

Amy

 

[tink774]

I do not really have anything to add, except that this is my 1000th post on the DIS!!! I saved it for my PTR

I can't even imagine having a 1,000th post yet! I really need to get in gear and post more!

 

[mom2faith]

So, after following the Pick a Pearl thread here on the DIS for the last 2 years, I have finally decided that DD and I will do this on this trip!!

Last year I was going to do it, but the settings were a lot pricier than I had anticipated - so even though it was only $15 to pick a pearl, what do I do with it after that??

I managed to get these gorgeous Cinderella's Coach cages for our pearls off of Ebay for $3.50 each - WOW!!! I know DD is going to love this.

The plan is to do this in Japan as I have heard all of the Hoopla is worth it there.

Here are the cages:

 

[mom2faith]

Clue #5

You are on the last clue are you having fun?
One more clue and then you are done!!
The clue is on the couch in the house,
But be careful, watch out for the mouse!!

First of all I had to comment on this!! We have NEVER had a mouse in our house!! EVER!!! I wrote this clue as a play on words with the stuffed Minnie doll being the "mouse" to watch out for.

OMG!! Friday we discover a mouse in the living room!!!! Suddenly the clue is not so funny anymore!!! (And, of course, my 4 year old will not get the humor, she is going to actually look for the real mouse!!)

Be careful what you say!! Never forget to "knock on wood"!!

So, after following the Pick a Pearl thread here on the DIS for the last 2 years, I have finally decided that DD and I will do this on this trip!!

Last year I was going to do it, but the settings were a lot pricier than I had anticipated - so even though it was only $15 to pick a pearl, what do I do with it after that??

I managed to get these gorgeous Cinderella's Coach cages for our pearls off of Ebay for $3.50 each - WOW!!! I know DD is going to love this.

The plan is to do this in Japan as I have heard all of the Hoopla is worth it there.

Here are the cages:

Got my cages today and I LOVE them!!!! I cannot wait to surprise DD with them!!!


Other Plans and changes

There was a lot of confusion on the main themeparks board last week about Illuminations and whether it was running in September or not We decided to change our plans, just in case, and it actuallly works out better.

The following changes were made:

Day #2 - was DHS, Ohana & Fantasmic
- now we are doing DHS, Ohana and MK for Sectromagic. This was because our ADR was at Ohana for 5:05. Last year we had an ADR for that time and did not get in until after 6pm. We figured we would not get to DHS until close to 8pm and since they recommend you line up for fantasmic 1 hour early, we thought this was just going to be way too rushed!! Besides, we would rather relax and enjoy Ohana. Since Spectromagic is not until 9pm we should have more than enough time to get from the Poly to MK.
What is ironic about this day is this is exactly what we did on our first day lst year (well not Ohana), but we started at DHS and ended with Spetro. Brent and I both think this is a perfect way to start trip #2.

Day #5 - was AK and no plans for the evening
- now we are heading to Epcot and Illuminations in the evening. Last year AK was SO HOT we did not last long. This year we are planning that we will not be there much after 2 pm to 3pm. That is plenty of time to cool off at the hotel and then head to Epcot in the evening.

Day #9 - waas Epcot all day and Illuminations
- now we are doing Epcot all day and then hopping for Fantasmic. We do not want to miss fantasmic this year, so we want to arrive early!!

Other than that, nothing new to say! I am getting reay antsy and am ready to go!!

 

[mom2faith]

3 days to go and we are packing all day today. It is only 6:30 here on a Sunday morning and I am already awake knowing that we have a ton of stuff to do today!! I have been sick for 4 days with a nasty cold, so all I have managed to do is laundry (which is good) and then I started to spread things out on the kitchen floor. (We have a really large kitchen, so thankfully I can do this). It is the little things that are stressing me out - charge batteries, charge DS, fon't forget to grab....(fill in the blank).

OK. At 7 am I will wake up DH and off we go to pack and get ready to close the house for 14 days (that is another thing I am stressing about - LOL!!)

 

[JoJo1980]

3 days to go and we are packing all day today. It is only 6:30 here on a Sunday morning and I am already awake knowing that we have a ton of stuff to do today!! I have been sick for 4 days with a nasty cold, so all I have managed to do is laundry (which is good) and then I started to spread things out on the kitchen floor. (We have a really large kitchen, so thankfully I can do this). It is the little things that are stressing me out - charge batteries, charge DS, fon't forget to grab....(fill in the blank).

OK. At 7 am I will wake up DH and off we go to pack and get ready to close the house for 14 days (that is another thing I am stressing about - LOL!!)

Hi there! You're plans sound great!! I hope you feel better soon and have an amazing trip - I can't wait to hear all about it when you get home Give your husband a list of jobs to help you out You don't want to burn out your own batteries and end up really poorly while you're there Those cages for the pearls are gorgeous - i'm going to have to look into this as I dont know much about the pearls etc... but it would be a lovely treat!! Have a lovely time and remember to relax and take time to chill & look after yourself as well as your family xx

 

[reyasmommy]

Hope you feel better soon!

Have a wonderful time on your trip!! Wish we were going, 6 months is SOOOOO far away.

Look foward to seeing pictures when you get back.

 

[mom2faith]

Hello to all the readers!! Thank you for stopping by my trip report!!!

Well, just over 17 hours until we depart and since it is so early in the morning, this will probably be my last update prior to the trip But do not worry, i will be back with a full trip report after our vacation!!!

Tonight is the big night!! After keeping it a secret for 1 whole year we are telling Faith!! YEAH!!!

She is going to be so surprised!!!

Well, off to finish those last minute things to do!

Amy