Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[shan23877]

i have been rightfully corrected about the ADRs! I keep forgetting that anyone can make a reservation 180 days out. it just needs to be connected to a resort reservation to get the 180 days plus 10 perk.

I think what I was thinking of was purchasing the dining plan. that need to go through the member.

we love renting points from our friends. there can be some drawbacks, not many. if you do have an emergency, it could be confusing if the owners can still bank their points, etc.

we have been aboe to stay at places we wouldn't have been able to , and it worked out great!!

Thanks for all of the info Smidgy I really appreciate it! I looked at David's Rentals today. It looks like we could do a Studio at the BC for less than we could do the same trip at a mod.

Do you think that a Studio would be comfortable for 2 adults and a 6 year old? I know that Maddie would sleep on the pull out, and I think that would be fine.

My biggest worry is that we'd rent points and the DVC member would fall behind on their payments. That's why I was looking at Davids. I'm going to email them to see if they have any sort of guarantee that you won't be out your $ if that happens.

I figured we'd just make ADRs using our phone # instead of linking them to the reservation? Does that sound right?

Thanks again for all of you help--I really appreciate it. Seems like a great way to try out a Deluxe for a really reasonable price.

 

[elphie101]

Finally all caught up! I had a LOT to go back through!

I actually like Pizza Planet - for me with pizza it's all about the sauce, and I can't complain with Disney's. I'm glad you kept the peace.

That's too funny that Maddie knows more about Star Wars than you do - sounds like her dad's taught her well!

I've never actually seen P&F, but I've heard tons about it from lots of my friends, it sounds like they have that M&G down pat.

The luau...........my family and I did the luau a LONG time ago (I think it was our 2001 trip), but I don't remember much of it. What I DO remember is that the server kept referring to my dad as the 'big kahuna' (he's fairly Pooh sized). He has a good sense of humor, but the server kept calling him that all night, to the point where he was actually getting a bit offended - that experience kind of soured the luau for us, at least as a family.

I wonder, does Maddie still collect moves? So funny!!

Can't wait for more!

 

[Caretames1]

I'm not going to lie-today was tough. Maddie's school's policy is that no parents could take the kids inside (there was a little get together last week to see classrooms, bathrooms, etc). One of the hardest things I've ever done is to let my baby get out of the car and walk into that big girl school all by herself. Luckily (I think) it was storming this morning, so I couldn't let myself get too emotional. Didn't want to wreck the car.

Last night Bry asked why this was so hard for me. I said it's because I have to face the fact that she'll never be my baby again. Today I was cuddling Mads and said "I guess you're a big kindergartener now, you're not my baby anymore" She said "Mommy, I'll always be your baby".

From Maddie's point of view, today could not have been more wonderful. (She did crawl into bed with me last night-having a little anxiety I think. I don't blame her, literally everything in her life has been new in the last 3 months) She hopped in the car this afternoon and said "It was GREAT!!"

I think I'm most worried about silly things like older kids picking on the little ones, Her getting lost in the big school, etc. I know that kindergarten is usually pretty separate from the other grades though. She's most worried about making new friends and what to wear.

You can do it MOM! It's not as bad as I thought it would be. The morning was hard, but as soon as she told me how wonderful it was I calmed down a lot.

I missed this and caught it later, but I wanted to send a hug First days are hard and while I personally think that rule of not allowing parents in is bogus, I understand the sadness. I was giving my baby over to them.


Kadence was so excited about kindergarten (she's bus rider) she saw that bus and wanted to jump right on, I barely got a photo!

I just keep an open dialect with her about school. Just be ready when you ask her what she did today. Some days you'll get the 2 hour rundown, other "I don't know/remember". (those answers frustrate me, not gonna lie)

Be part of class trips, parties and parent/teacher groups.


This year Kadence isn't looking as forward as she has in the past, I think because she's not ready for summer to end. She's going into 3rd grade, and I'm having a hard time realizing it's 3RD GRADE!



ps. did you get my info I pm'd you?

 

[Caretames1]

Looking forward to the next update... and hopefully I won't get to it so late!

I just want to thank pkondz for the great laughs I got this morning from reading all the responses. It was like a good book I didn't want to put down.

 

[pkondz]

I just want to thank pkondz for the great laughs I got this morning from reading all the responses. It was like a good book I didn't want to put down.

At last! Someone who doesn't want...
1. to put me down; or
2. have me put down.

Such a refreshing change. I think I like it. Whoops! Now it's gone to my head.

 

[Cinderella909]

the reservation was always in our name, but their name was on it , too. usually (but not always , it says DVC member on the room card, which would come in handy for pool hopping. (not at stormalong bay, obviously, unless you are at beach club).. but we did go over to GF courtyard pool, while staying at BLT (awaiting news on the repair bill for our beloved santa fe). but no one even asked to see our room card.

you need to have the actual member make magical express reservations, etc, and any restaurant ADRS. what nebo dfoesn't like about renting points is this: you have NO contorl over the reservation.. everything has to be done THROUGH the member.

We rented points last year, and the DVC member made the reservation. I later added the DDP, which the member had to add on to the reservation, but I made all our ADRs. I also got our disney park tickets at Undercover Tourist. It was no problem to work out. I would have had the member do the Magical Express except that I did the airport pickup and drop off.

Our key cards had DVC members and we did get a discount at couple of resturants when ordering items not inclusive of the DDP.

Since the DVC members are aware that they have to place the reservation/DDP/Magical Express, I'm sure that they don't mind doing so.

We had a great time, and picked up extra towels as we needed. I do prefer to house mousekeeping daily, but we managed just fine.

Just wanted to say, that you can make all of your own ADRs.

Maddie is too cute, and loving her dancing! She got great pictures on the 'speeder'... the pictures of my DGD on the speeder, while nice of her, you can't see the speeder!

Thanks Karen

 

[Cinderella909]

i have been rightfully corrected about the ADRs! I keep forgetting that anyone can make a reservation 180 days out. it just needs to be connected to a resort reservation to get the 180 days plus 10 perk.

I think what I was thinking of was purchasing the dining plan. that need to go through the member.

we love renting points from our friends. there can be some drawbacks, not many. if you do have an emergency, it could be confusing if the owners can still bank their points, etc.

we have been aboe to stay at places we wouldn't have been able to , and it worked out great!!

OPPS!!! That's what I get for being so far behind in the trip report! Promise to try to keep up better

Thanks, Karen

 

[IheartDDuck]

Because I am so far behind (to which I am so sorry my dear), this reply will likely be very long. Many updates to catch up on!

I lurve Maddie's preschool graduation hat. I think that hat is significantly better than any other graduation hat I've ever seen.

I too would like to be a princess when I grown up.

Maddie definitely made a good choice on her princess outfit, but no shoes included? Really Disney?

It sounds like you got an awesome FGIT. That would be such a fun job, I don't know how someone wouldn't want to be awesome!

Um, I would have ignored MiL too with the whole counting the money. Yes, we know Disney rakes in the bucks, but no need to mention it. I mean seriously, it's worth it in my opinion to make your princess feel special.

Reflection does that sometimes when you think about a trip and you say it wasn't as bad as you thought it was in that moment. I'm glad to hear that your MiL gives you such compliments on your WDW trip planning skills. Those skills and trained and take time to hone!

Awwww, the family let Maddie watch the parade up front. Humanity does come in and save themselves sometimes.

Oh, the Genie and Maddie! That's so cute.

I sense no shenanigans in that at the M&G. Little ones can't always be expected to wait that long. It's not like a line for a ride. Your family always goes to meet the characters at the same time, so I would have done the same thing.

All of the fun of the Speedway is driving with someone who doesn't know how to!

The picture of Maddie talking to Cinderella is precious. I love it when little ones just chat away with the characters.

I have yet to eat at CRT for anything other than breakfast. When I took my niece Riley there, she had no idea the princesses would be there. She thought we were only eating food. It was hysterical the look on her face when they arrived. Priceless. Your dinner photos do look really yummy though, I may have to give it a shot.

Hilarious. "Mommy, you can just redo my hair if you want to".

Mmmmm, 1900 PF. My favorite Disney breakfast....Love Maddie's outfit too.

Sadly, I'm a firm believer that any counter service at DHS tends to be a waste of a credit. I just don't understand why they can't get it right there. Being from Chicago doesn't help the pizza thing either. And folding pizza in half? Who does that? Oh right, New Yorkers....my bad.

They Speeder Thingy? Oh dear oh de-de-de-dear dear. That would drive me crazy too......say it with me....speeder BIKE.....

Everything you said about the ride made complete sense to me.

Woah.....wowsa those Luau guys.....

I agree though, I enjoy HDDR much more.

 

[smidgy]

Thanks for all of the info Smidgy I really appreciate it! I looked at David's Rentals today. It looks like we could do a Studio at the BC for less than we could do the same trip at a mod.

Do you think that a Studio would be comfortable for 2 adults and a 6 year old? I know that Maddie would sleep on the pull out, and I think that would be fine.

My biggest worry is that we'd rent points and the DVC member would fall behind on their payments. That's why I was looking at Davids. I'm going to email them to see if they have any sort of guarantee that you won't be out your $ if that happens.

I figured we'd just make ADRs using our phone # instead of linking them to the reservation? Does that sound right?

Thanks again for all of you help--I really appreciate it. Seems like a great way to try out a Deluxe for a really reasonable price.

i think a studio would be jsut fine for the 3 of you. you actually have more room than in a regular value ormoderate room, cause the second bed is a sofa during the day. at BC, the kitchenette area is along the wall as you walk from the foyer to the actual room itself, kind of acroos from the bathroom vanity. make things spacious (I didn't like the kitchenette at BLT.. even tho they no longe have the bathroom vanity in there (which would have bee realy weird) the kitchenette is a sep. long galley kitchen. some people love it.. too me, it was dark, and if 2 of you are in it at once, a pain in the butt.

we loved the pastel colors of the beach club villas bldg. request pool view. the villas quiet pool is very pretty. loved walking to epcot and boat to DHS (didn't walk there). the movies at night are on the beach. short walk to boardwalk.the bridge between the 2 is the best place outside of epcot to watch illuminations (can't see the globe, obviously)

you might want to go over and read up a bit on the DVC board, it's kinda fun to see what's what. (we actually spent a few days at vero beach a couple summers ago. nice resort.... nebo was bored...)

you might want to try AKL for a few days, too.. maddie would love the animals. (buses suck, tho)
we kind of alternate trips between renting points and disney's special deals (free dining, room only discounts, etc) or sometimes we combine the 2. nebo LOVES to tinker iwth a trip plan!

 

[ladylyons]

Thanks so much for joining in! My daughter also plans her princess birthday parties far in advance. Honestly I'll be very sad when the princess phase ends. That's fun that she likes pirates too! I wish that DD liked them more, but for now their still "scary". Maybe someday you'll get to do Pirate's League, I've given up hope that we'll get to do it!

I love how annimated my DD get's when she's talking about what she's going to wear and what her friends are going to wear and that all the girls need crowns and all the boys need swords and the list just goes on and on. I've been pretty lucky that my kids haven't been to scared of much. They did go through a phase where they didn't want to see the characers but now if we don't wait in line for them they cry!! I figure the trip we do BBB for DD will be the trip we do Pirate's League for my 2 DS. But right now my oldest DS is a Star Wars fan so we have to do Jedi Training every trip we take to DL. Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll decide pirates aren't that bad. Maybe she could be a Pirate Princess??

I was way more worried about myself too. Maddie is a pretty independent kid too. I so wish that the little ones had their own area at Maddie's school. That would make me feel so much better. Good luck to you on the first day, please let us know how it goes! This is the unofficial Kindergarten Moms thread too!

It's nice that the Kindergaren area has it's own gated little area for the 3 class rooms, playground, pick up/drop off area and that the bathrooms are inside the class room. I think the no getting out of the car is going to be easiest for just because I won't have to get my younger 2 out of the car also. I'll be sure to check back in and let you know how it goes. In just one short week from Tuesday he'll have his first offical day of Kindergaren!!! But he does seem pretty excitied cuz we went and did his registration last week and he had fun talking to everyone and taking his school pictures. That was one expensive day!!

I'm so glad that you're happy with the school your son will attend. We're so new to our area that we've heard nothing about ours-aside from test scores and other public statistics. I'm hoping for the best.

I didn't kow anything about our school either until I started talking to fellow moms and finding out who's kids went where and finding out who would be going with us. It was nice hearing form other parent's whose older kids are in 2nd or 3rd grade now saying how much they love the school and how great the teacher's are and everything. So luckily it's not all just numbers and statistics.

We're pretty much in the middle ourselves. It's so tough for kids, I guess I just figure that it's the least I can do to help her out. She hasn't wanted to wear any character T-shirts yet, I think she's feeling out the kids in the class. Thank you so much! That's so kind of you.

If we were to move where I grew up we'd be upper class but here we're about middle too. Just trying to give our kids the best that we can right now. My son lives in his Disney shirts so hopefully he doesn't get teased about it!! But luckily two other boys who are going to be in his class are also Disney fans so he won't be the only one in Disney T's. But we'll see for sure how it all goes in just 8 short days.

Bryan also acts like it's no big deal. He thinks I'm crazy.

I'm so grateful to have you ladies to share this experience with. It's really meant a lot to me to know that I'm not the only on going through these emotions.

I'm not ready either.

You ladies rock!

Don't worry my husband Jeff also thinks I'm bonkers. He tells me all the time why are you worried he's going to be fine!!

I'm also glad to see other moms going through the same thing and seeing how they deal with it all.

Thanks for joining in!

I appreciate your honesty. I was still pretty upset about a lot of her behaviors when I began the TR, and that obviously comes across. It's not something that I'm 100% proud of, but if you'd kept reading you'd find the post that I wrote about my final thoughts. No one is perfect, and family is forever. I love my MiL very much, and after I'd had time to reflect on the trip I realized that my expectations of her were too high and unfair. I posted all of that here.

I agree that some of what I've written would be very hurtful if read. I do know that my MiL has never heard of the DIS, and will likely never come across the board much less this TR. I do think of the people here as friends, and as such have felt comfortable sharing the truth with them. Maybe it's ignorant to believe that it's a somewhat safe place to share, but I do.

I do try to be very honest on my TRs, including sharing my not-so-great behavior. I think that being as honest as possible about trips gives everyone a chance to share their bad experiences as well, and we can all learn from them. That's one of the things that I love most about this community.

I don't want to argue, but I don't recall resorting to calling her names. If I did, I shouldn't have.

Again, I appreciate your input, and I'm sorry that you were offended. If I had the TR to write all over again I may have not been as honest, but I don't. If you continue to read, I sincerely hope that you'll find something to enjoy. If not, thank you for speaking your mind.


Have a great day!

Wow I don't think you talked to bad about your MIL. It's nice to hear the truth of what happens. Makes me realize that we're all human and not everyone's trips are all peaches and cream. We have our issues too when we go on trips and it makes me feel bad when I have to give my kids a time out from something they want to do because their behavior was unacceptable. I've taken trips with my mom and we've even had our issues where disagreements have happened so we go our seperate ways until we've cooled off. Can't wait to see more and hear more abour daughter and your trip.

 

[tralin]

Hmm, did you know that I am turning 43 next month????
QUOTE]

Woohoo! I just turned 43 and have an almost 4 year old!!! You are right, very difficult to find others who I can relate to with those experiences.

Shan, Like Maddie, we will be moving, gettng a new daycare (after school care then) and starting kindergarten in a very small amount of time. I have a year as we are staying because of the current daycare (it's so amazing) but the thought of those couple months is already stressing me out! Can't we just keep them all nuzzled in for a few more years????

 

[petals]

finishing my catching up!
That's not a bad price for 1900 park fare compared to others. Your DD looks a little unsure of the Mad Hatter in one of your pics there.

Love her pose at the Miss Piggy fountain as well.

 

[RGirl]

Woohoo! I just turned 43 and have an almost 4 year old!!! You are right, very difficult to find others who I can relate to with those experiences.

Hey there! Always glad to "meet" someone who can relate.

 

[shan23877]

shannon, we ahve never ented points from anyone except our friends. but I think it would be fine through a reputable dealer. there is also one on the disboards on the DVC threads section of the boards,

yes, it would be kind of a hassle, I think, to make "adjustments" we have never made ADRs when renting points. we always figured, wince we have a studio with a micorwave and toaster, we would eat as many meals in the room as we can. hence, we always have done a split stay. not rented points for the whole trip.

the reservation was always in our name, but their name was on it , too. usually (but not always , it says DVC member on the room card, which would come in handy for pool hopping. (not at stormalong bay, obviously, unless you are at beach club).. but we did go over to GF courtyard pool, while staying at BLT (awaiting news on the repair bill for our beloved santa fe). but no one even asked to see our room card.

you need to have the actual member make magical express reservations, etc, and any restaurant ADRS. what nebo dfoesn't like about renting points is this: you have NO contorl over the reservation.. everything has to be done THROUGH the member.

nebo likes to "tinker" .. call up.. "have you got this?"no? what about this? how about 5 nights here and 6 nights there? no? what about.. etc etc...

we just email our friend our first 3 choices. these include "views . example.. this last trip, our first choice was for boardwalk.. our second was for AKL, jambo house, value room.. our 3rd was for AKL , jambo house, standard view. that is what we got.. and you can "waitlist" for one of the other choices.l (I was secretly happy we didn't get our waitlist for value room... last sept. I was secretly hapy we didn't get our waitlist for a standard room at BLT and had to pay the extra points for a lake view room darn!!! lol)

are you a big fan of the housekeeping? we rarely get the "maid". we put the "privacy" sign out almost al the time.

but when you stay DVC, you only get housekeeping every 4th day. you dont' get new towels, shampoo, coffee, garbage take out, until day 4.

we love renting points. if you have any other questions, PM me or nebo.. we can give you our phone # too, if you want to talk about it.

Thanks again Smidgy! TI really do appreciate all of the tips that you've given me. I think that you can pay more ($30/day?) for full housekeeping if you want--but we're really never in the room. As long as we could pick up more towels, we'd probably be fine. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am to take the leap of faith and go for it!

I've looked over the DVC points posts on the DIS, but they make me nervous. All of them seem to be posted by people with 10 or fewer posts. We'd probably go through David's.

The pool, the location, all too good to pass up. Beach Club is at the top of Bryan's wish list--I don't see how we could not do it.

My friend used David's rentals last year (there's a link on the board) and had no problems.

My big concern is the whole "DVC member chooses not to pay anymore/membership ceases to exist" issue. I'm going to email David's a couple of questions about it before we decide.


Not sure about the ADR thing. My friend was able to make reservations. They weren't on the dining plan though so maybe that has something to do with it.

I made all of our ADRs for the last trip before we booked our room reservation, so I'm not worried about that. You just use your phone # and give a CC # for most places and you're set. I just wanted to make sure that purchasing DDP was an option. We love it.

If you need extra things though, you can just call housekeeping and they're bring them right to your room.

Thanks for the tip and info Laura! I'm sure I'll lean on you ladies a lot if we actually book it.

I asked Chad to take off work the first day of school. He looked at me like I was a nut.

Bry offered to take the morning off, but did so in a way that conveyed that he thought he needed to be here to keep an eye on me. I declined.

The unofficial first time kindergarten moms thread! Love it.



Yes they have some great technology now. A lot of kids wear medical bracelets but I think that would drive Tessa crazy. It's nice to have another option.

That's really cool!

Yesterday my mom told me Anthony said he was scared to start school. (Now if Anthony actually said that I do not know.) I really hope he's not. When I talk to him about it I always focus on how much fun he will have and all the new friends he will make. I think I am going to join the PTO, hopefully it will help me feel a little better. Everyone I've talked to has said that the school is great so that's good.

I hope that he'll feel better after the first day. Maddie is still adjusting, she isn't nearly as excited to go every morning as she was with preschool-but we'll get there.

I think I may start a PTR to take my mind of it. Nothing like talking Disney to lift your spirits!

Yay!!! Please do! I totally agree!

Whew, I need to quit work and stay home so I can be caught up with DIS!

but how would you afford Disney vacations? It's a vicious cycle.

Anyhoo, I would be sad I could change in my tropical attire as well, you plan your outfits and then...nothing.

Thank you! I was bummed!




I want to thank-you for such an informative review. We were close to booking this this time around. We've never eaten Dinner at Ohana's, so the food would have had no comparison, but it's good to see seating from your view, and what seating is available.

Anytime! I wouldn't tell anyone not to try it, but I would recommend getting better seats. Kadence would probably be just the right age to enjoy it!

Now on to the dancers....ahem, Holy Hot Bodies! Reason to see the show!

Or maybe you do the Luau on a girls only trip? They were the best part of the show!!

Maddie looked Oh so Queen of the day in bad. Kadence did the fake snore as well, but ( sorry for the TMI) she won't anymore as she inhaled a booger and choked.

That's hilarious! I'm a mom-you can't gross me out.

I couldn't figure out how to quote your question to me because it was within another quote I guess, SO, this will have to do.

We actually just paid for BLT normally, like you would for a value or moderate resort. There was no DVC aspect involved at all! It was nice because we didn't have to be on a wait list or anything, we were just able to book right away. Also if you're paying 'out of pocket' (that's how they put it, but they basically mean without DVC points) you get the mousekeeping service every day! Apparently DVC only gets it every few days or something.

I'm not really sure how it all works, but I hope I didn't confuse you!

Thanks for the info Marissa! I looked at booking the rooms the way you did, but they's be way out of budget. If we wanna go deluxe-it's going to have to be DVC rental I think. I hope we make it happen though-I can't wait!

 

[shan23877]

I own DVC. We rented our points out once. It was so easy. (or at least for DH who did it). It does require trust. The owner of the points needs to make the magic express reservation, and add the dining plan if getting it. When we rented out our points, dining plan didn't have to be paid for in advance like they do now. That could be hard to plan adding it. But the person renting points does not have any trouble making ADRs, since you don't even have to be staying on property to make ADRs

Thanks for all of the info! I'm really leaning towards doing it (through a reputable dealer-I don't trust people ).

I can't wait! I'll let you guys know what we decide to do!

Finally, finally, finally all caught up! I had no idea I was sooooooo far behind!!!

When we stayed at the Poly a couple of years ago, my parents took the kids to the Luau while Bill and I dined at Cali Grill. My dad was less than impressed...mom said it was ok....and the kids liked it. Of course I don't remember seeing any pictures like yours My father didn't seem to get many pics of the dancers Nice job!!

Your dad didn't take the same photos I did? But he loves to take pictures!

Thanks!

By the way...I love the cute little poses that Maddie sports in the pictures....just like a mini-model

Thank you-she is 100% diva.

Yeesh! This following multiple TRs is a lot of work!

It doesn't help that it's summer and (oddly enough) I don't feel like sitting inside on the computer all the time.

Anyway...

I appreciate you making these sacrifices for little old me Ponz! You're awesome.

Hey! Now that you mention it...

no.

But then again, we havent' had to wait much there. Plus we haven't gone during blistering heat time in forever.

Well, trust me-those bus stops are horrible!


You could just vaguely pretend you're wearing them, and I'll vaguely imagine you guys wearing them.

There. All fixed.

Vaguely.

That may have vaguely worked if I'd vaguely thought of it...

Maybe you could leave the luau early?

That's what we did! Oh, you....


It's always optional. You've just gotta be firm. "No, I don't want to pay an exorbitant fee for the crummy photo that your 'pro' photographer took. Thanks."

I'm not so great at the being firm with people thing. Did you even read the first half of this?

I'm sure you were still very pretty.

this is why you're popular with the ladies.

They may have been far left/right... but were their views obstructed? Plus, you were right beside the kitchen... how much farther over were these tables? In the kitchen??

That's what I was thinking.


For Disney... that's a little odd.

It was.

Yes I did! You talked about the main course being served. And your view was obstructed so you had to look left and right, but not center. Both just like a tennis match! That's what you meant, right? Right?

Right about now you're trying to figure out if you can 'unfriend' me from this TR, right? Right?



The show that you couldn't see or hear.

Check.

Now you're catching on

And did any non-children go up for lessons?

You wouldn't believe how many.




Yup. I've been known to start dancing when dessert comes, too.

Oh, there was dancing in the show.

Nevermind.

I've really got to be more careful with my sentence structure.

I'm sorry, what?



What?!?!? Doesn't eat chocolate???

Doesn't. Eat. Chocolate....

It's an allergy, right? Yeah, that's gotta be it. I'm going with that.

You're not the first person to find it very, very strange. He can't stand the stuff, not even the smell of it.


Way to go Shanoopie!



So it's been a few days since you posted... how many PMs did you get? More than 100? More than 1000?

Just curious.

I think that I posted enough to tide everyone over.

Bless you.

you're quite welcome

Wow! No way! Did not see that coming!



Another shocker! I hope nobody with a weak heart watched this!

right? The same plot as every bad high school movie ever.

You know it's dull when you're going to the ladie's room for the entertainment value.

Pretty much

That's too bad. Having seen a few luaus, I can vouch for the fact that usually the fire dancing is the only part really worth watching.

I was hoping that the real thing was WAY better. Only the fire dancing huh?

And I'm sure you're just dying to know, right?

Yes!

Here ya go. Tomboy girl who's had the makeover turns out to be more boy than tom, even though he cleans up real good. It turns out that he's always secretly loved 'leaving girl'. Loved her so much that he dressed as a girl to be her 'girlfriend' and be always by her side. 'Leaving girl' is freaked out at the discovery that her 'girlfriend' is really a guy and does leave... but out of extreme embarrassment. 'Tomboy' then falls into a state of depression but is talked out of it by the guy 'leaving girl' was supposed to leave with and they open a nice delicatessen called 'Two Bros', where every pastrami on rye sandwich comes with two pickles. So it all ends well for everyone, really.

So how are the sandwiches? They don't come with chips? Huh. Didn't see that ending coming.



Especially after the glowing review!

Wait. What?







You've always gotta watch what you say in front of the wee ones, don'tcha?

I'm still learning.

It did? Well, ok. Glad you had fun in the bathtub.



Out of the mouths of babes! Priceless!



I took DD11 and her friend to the beach last week. The water is only a few degrees above freezing. Well, maybe a touch warmer... but it's cold. They were in that water for hours. Don't know how they did it. Kids and water.

I've never understood that. I need the pool to be about 80 degrees.



Looking forward to the next update... and hopefully I won't get to it so late!

Thanks Pkondz! I should have it up tomorrow-so clear your afternoon!

Thank you.


Aww... Poor Shan.



Guys don't get it. I include myself there. When the time came for the DDs to go to kindergarten, I was, "Yes! Free!"...

... and then I went shopping and there was no one sitting in the shopping cart with those big beautiful trusting eyes...

I'm gonna stop typing for a bit...

So you get it. It's no fun.

OMG. Hallmark moment.


No.. It's usually not older kids... It'll be kids in the same grade. I just wish there was some way to make parents actually parent some of the little heathens.

That's a good point. I'm planning to be involved in the PTO/Class parties. Hopefully I'll be able to get a bead on the troublemakers.

Ditto. But one of my DDs wasn't quite so lucky. We found out about it before it was too late... but it was pretty scary there for a while. Maddie looks like she's got a good combo of good parents and personality. I think she'll be just fine.

Oh no! I hope that your DD adjusted ok. It's so hard for kids these days. Thanks Ponzi. You're so sweet! But, don't worry- I won't tell the guys.

Finally all caught up! I had a LOT to go back through!

I actually like Pizza Planet - for me with pizza it's all about the sauce, and I can't complain with Disney's. I'm glad you kept the peace.

That's too funny that Maddie knows more about Star Wars than you do - sounds like her dad's taught her well!

He sure has! I know nothing about SW--it drives them crazy!

I've never actually seen P&F, but I've heard tons about it from lots of my friends, it sounds like they have that M&G down pat.

It was a GREAT M&G. They do an amazing job there. WAAAAYYY better than most character meets!

The luau...........my family and I did the luau a LONG time ago (I think it was our 2001 trip), but I don't remember much of it. What I DO remember is that the server kept referring to my dad as the 'big kahuna' (he's fairly Pooh sized). He has a good sense of humor, but the server kept calling him that all night, to the point where he was actually getting a bit offended - that experience kind of soured the luau for us, at least as a family.

OMG! I bet that it did! Some people really need to learn when to stop...

I wonder, does Maddie still collect moves? So funny!!

She does!

Can't wait for more!

Tomorrow!

I missed this and caught it later, but I wanted to send a hug First days are hard and while I personally think that rule of not allowing parents in is bogus, I understand the sadness. I was giving my baby over to them.


Kadence was so excited about kindergarten (she's bus rider) she saw that bus and wanted to jump right on, I barely got a photo!

I just keep an open dialect with her about school. Just be ready when you ask her what she did today. Some days you'll get the 2 hour rundown, other "I don't know/remember". (those answers frustrate me, not gonna lie)

Be part of class trips, parties and parent/teacher groups.


This year Kadence isn't looking as forward as she has in the past, I think because she's not ready for summer to end. She's going into 3rd grade, and I'm having a hard time realizing it's 3RD GRADE!



ps. did you get my info I pm'd you?

Thanks for the great advice Carey! I am going to volunteer for the PTO and me a room mom. I try to ask lots of questions every day, and usually by bed time I've pieced together the whole day.

I did get the PM-I didn't get to the store yesterday. I am going tomorrow so I'll keep you in the loop!

I just want to thank pkondz for the great laughs I got this morning from reading all the responses. It was like a good book I didn't want to put down.

Carey-you should join in Laura74 or Nebo's TRs. Pkondz is one of the main contributors on them--and they're both really funny. You'd like them-I think of them as the "sarcasm boards".

Here's a link to Nebo's current TR

and Laura comments here, there's a link in her signature!

At last! Someone who doesn't want...
1. to put me down; or
2. have me put down.

Such a refreshing change. I think I like it. Whoops! Now it's gone to my head.

Oh boy, now we're going to have to be extra mean to him to bring him back down to earth...

We rented points last year, and the DVC member made the reservation. I later added the DDP, which the member had to add on to the reservation, but I made all our ADRs. I also got our disney park tickets at Undercover Tourist. It was no problem to work out. I would have had the member do the Magical Express except that I did the airport pickup and drop off.

Our key cards had DVC members and we did get a discount at couple of resturants when ordering items not inclusive of the DDP.

Since the DVC members are aware that they have to place the reservation/DDP/Magical Express, I'm sure that they don't mind doing so.

We had a great time, and picked up extra towels as we needed. I do prefer to house mousekeeping daily, but we managed just fine.

Just wanted to say, that you can make all of your own ADRs.

Maddie is too cute, and loving her dancing! She got great pictures on the 'speeder'... the pictures of my DGD on the speeder, while nice of her, you can't see the speeder!

Thanks Karen

Thanks for the info Karen! Did you use David's or did you know someone/use the DIS boards?

Thank you-she loves to pose!

OPPS!!! That's what I get for being so far behind in the trip report! Promise to try to keep up better

Thanks, Karen

No worries! I appreciate all of the info!

 

[shan23877]

Because I am so far behind (to which I am so sorry my dear), this reply will likely be very long. Many updates to catch up on!

I totally understand Danielle--I'm just glad that you're back!

I lurve Maddie's preschool graduation hat. I think that hat is significantly better than any other graduation hat I've ever seen.

Thank you! She'd be very happy to know that.

I too would like to be a princess when I grown up.

A perfectly reasonable goal. You two should hang out.

Maddie definitely made a good choice on her princess outfit, but no shoes included? Really Disney?

It was really strange. But, since we may or may not have paid for them -- I'm not too upset about it.

It sounds like you got an awesome FGIT. That would be such a fun job, I don't know how someone wouldn't want to be awesome!

She was amazing! I think that it would be such a great job, seems like they'd all want to be like her. I'm just glad that we got her though.

Um, I would have ignored MiL too with the whole counting the money. Yes, we know Disney rakes in the bucks, but no need to mention it. I mean seriously, it's worth it in my opinion to make your princess feel special.

I agree, it's worth every penny.

Reflection does that sometimes when you think about a trip and you say it wasn't as bad as you thought it was in that moment. I'm glad to hear that your MiL gives you such compliments on your WDW trip planning skills. Those skills and trained and take time to hone!

Thank you! It really did make me feel good to hear that she felt that way.

Awwww, the family let Maddie watch the parade up front. Humanity does come in and save themselves sometimes.

They were great. I love Disney-I'm convinced that it's the only place on earth that someone would do that.

Oh, the Genie and Maddie! That's so cute.

I sense no shenanigans in that at the M&G. Little ones can't always be expected to wait that long. It's not like a line for a ride. Your family always goes to meet the characters at the same time, so I would have done the same thing.

Thanks! And, totally appreciate that you understand the use of 'shenanigans' in this manner.

All of the fun of the Speedway is driving with someone who doesn't know how to!

The picture of Maddie talking to Cinderella is precious. I love it when little ones just chat away with the characters.

Oh it's such fun!

I have yet to eat at CRT for anything other than breakfast. When I took my niece Riley there, she had no idea the princesses would be there. She thought we were only eating food. It was hysterical the look on her face when they arrived. Priceless. Your dinner photos do look really yummy though, I may have to give it a shot.

That's awesome! What a great memory to have!
You'll have to try it someday. Totally worth the price tag for dinner.

Hilarious. "Mommy, you can just redo my hair if you want to".

gotta love it.

Mmmmm, 1900 PF. My favorite Disney breakfast....Love Maddie's outfit too.

Thanks!

Sadly, I'm a firm believer that any counter service at DHS tends to be a waste of a credit. I just don't understand why they can't get it right there. Being from Chicago doesn't help the pizza thing either. And folding pizza in half? Who does that? Oh right, New Yorkers....my bad.

Right? It's not pizza if you fold it in half is it? Pizza requires a knife and fork.

They Speeder Thingy? Oh dear oh de-de-de-dear dear. That would drive me crazy too......say it with me....speeder BIKE.....

I've hurt your soul haven't I? At least you've got Maddie on your side!

Everything you said about the ride made complete sense to me.

Excellent! I couldn't make heads or tails of my notes.

Woah.....wowsa those Luau guys.....



I agree though, I enjoy HDDR much more.

I can't wait to try the HDDR again-we loved it!

Thanks for taking so much time to comment Danielle!

i think a studio would be jsut fine for the 3 of you. you actually have more room than in a regular value ormoderate room, cause the second bed is a sofa during the day. at BC, the kitchenette area is along the wall as you walk from the foyer to the actual room itself, kind of acroos from the bathroom vanity. make things spacious (I didn't like the kitchenette at BLT.. even tho they no longe have the bathroom vanity in there (which would have bee realy weird) the kitchenette is a sep. long galley kitchen. some people love it.. too me, it was dark, and if 2 of you are in it at once, a pain in the butt.

Awesome! I was a little hesitant about the studio, but the only way it's cheaper than a mod is if we go the studio route. And, I can't talk myself into it if it's not cheaper.

we loved the pastel colors of the beach club villas bldg. request pool view. the villas quiet pool is very pretty. loved walking to epcot and boat to DHS (didn't walk there). the movies at night are on the beach. short walk to boardwalk.the bridge between the 2 is the best place outside of epcot to watch illuminations (can't see the globe, obviously)

I remember you guys seemed to enjoy the BC. Did you like it better than BLT? I think my first choice would be BCV, then BWV, then BLT. What do you think?

you might want to go over and read up a bit on the DVC board, it's kinda fun to see what's what. (we actually spent a few days at vero beach a couple summers ago. nice resort.... nebo was bored...)

you might want to try AKL for a few days, too.. maddie would love the animals. (buses suck, tho)
we kind of alternate trips between renting points and disney's special deals (free dining, room only discounts, etc) or sometimes we combine the 2. nebo LOVES to tinker iwth a trip plan!

I don't know if I could do AKL. I know Maddie would love it, but I don't think I would. I've thought about doing a split stay, and I've read a bunch of TR where people have done it and loved it. Not sure I could talk DH into it though. He doesn't think we relax enough on trips as is.

What has been your favorite DVC resort? Is there anything you don't like about renting points?

I love how annimated my DD get's when she's talking about what she's going to wear and what her friends are going to wear and that all the girls need crowns and all the boys need swords and the list just goes on and on. I've been pretty lucky that my kids haven't been to scared of much. They did go through a phase where they didn't want to see the characers but now if we don't wait in line for them they cry!! I figure the trip we do BBB for DD will be the trip we do Pirate's League for my 2 DS. But right now my oldest DS is a Star Wars fan so we have to do Jedi Training every trip we take to DL. Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll decide pirates aren't that bad. Maybe she could be a Pirate Princess??


The kids are such fun when they get excited about things like that aren't they?

She loves a good pirate princess, but it's all BBB for her. No PL for me in the near future.

She'd love SWW, but we never can work out a trip for that time of year. Maybe one of these days!


It's nice that the Kindergaren area has it's own gated little area for the 3 class rooms, playground, pick up/drop off area and that the bathrooms are inside the class room. I think the no getting out of the car is going to be easiest for just because I won't have to get my younger 2 out of the car also. I'll be sure to check back in and let you know how it goes. In just one short week from Tuesday he'll have his first offical day of Kindergaren!!! But he does seem pretty excitied cuz we went and did his registration last week and he had fun talking to everyone and taking his school pictures. That was one expensive day!!

OH Boy! It sounds great, but expensive!

Be sure to let us know!


I didn't kow anything about our school either until I started talking to fellow moms and finding out who's kids went where and finding out who would be going with us. It was nice hearing form other parent's whose older kids are in 2nd or 3rd grade now saying how much they love the school and how great the teacher's are and everything. So luckily it's not all just numbers and statistics.

That is nice!

If we were to move where I grew up we'd be upper class but here we're about middle too. Just trying to give our kids the best that we can right now. My son lives in his Disney shirts so hopefully he doesn't get teased about it!! But luckily two other boys who are going to be in his class are also Disney fans so he won't be the only one in Disney T's. But we'll see for sure how it all goes in just 8 short days.



Don't worry my husband Jeff also thinks I'm bonkers. He tells me all the time why are you worried he's going to be fine!!

I'm also glad to see other moms going through the same thing and seeing how they deal with it all.


Isn't it nice to have a place where people understand what you're going through? I love the DIS! So glad that you've found us!


Wow I don't think you talked to bad about your MIL. It's nice to hear the truth of what happens. Makes me realize that we're all human and not everyone's trips are all peaches and cream. We have our issues too when we go on trips and it makes me feel bad when I have to give my kids a time out from something they want to do because their behavior was unacceptable. I've taken trips with my mom and we've even had our issues where disagreements have happened so we go our seperate ways until we've cooled off. Can't wait to see more and hear more abour daughter and your trip.

Thank you so much. That post made me feel sad and a little upset. I hope that she read on to hear about how I felt in the end.

I think it helps too! If I hadn't been honest about that time-out, I'd never have known about all the others who'd been through it too!

Thank you!

 

[shan23877]

Hmm, did you know that I am turning 43 next month????
QUOTE]

Woohoo! I just turned 43 and have an almost 4 year old!!! You are right, very difficult to find others who I can relate to with those experiences.

Shan, Like Maddie, we will be moving, gettng a new daycare (after school care then) and starting kindergarten in a very small amount of time. I have a year as we are staying because of the current daycare (it's so amazing) but the thought of those couple months is already stressing me out! Can't we just keep them all nuzzled in for a few more years????

I so wish that we could keep them a little longer. I'm certainly not ready for any of this. It's been quite a year for Mads, and she's handled it beautifully. I'm sure that your family will too.

And P.S.? You guys are NOT OLD!

annnnndddd, have you considered starting a PTR so that we could all be on board before the official TR? I can't wait to find out how that trip goes!! 3 weeks right?

finishing my catching up!
That's not a bad price for 1900 park fare compared to others. Your DD looks a little unsure of the Mad Hatter in one of your pics there.

Love her pose at the Miss Piggy fountain as well.

That breakfast is really one of the more reasonably priced ones. And they have decent bacon!

She didn't know what to make of him at first. She really only had eyes for Alice anyway!

Thanks!

 

[ladylyons]

The kids are such fun when they get excited about things like that aren't they?

She loves a good pirate princess, but it's all BBB for her. No PL for me in the near future.

She'd love SWW, but we never can work out a trip for that time of year. Maybe one of these days!

It is fun but man are all her demands expensive!!!! But I guess that's what I get for having a girly girl and one who's willing to tell me what she wants!!

My DS would love SWW but for now he just gets Jedi Training at Disneyland. I'd love to send him and my DH one year but my DH wouldn't do it. I think it would be a great boys weekend but the airfare would kill us coming from CA!

OH Boy! It sounds great, but expensive!

Between pictures, donations, joining the PTA, school shirts, etc it was outrageous!! I could have paid for 3 months of preschool for what they asked for total. I didn't pay one of the donations they asked for because it was just crazy ($400!!!! )!! Granted yes it helps keep the library open, the music and art programs going and a few other things but I just couldn't pay any more at this time knowing I'll be paying out more as the school year goes on.

Be sure to let us know!

Will do!

Isn't it nice to have a place where people understand what you're going through? I love the DIS! So glad that you've found us!

It is nice to belong to a group of people who understand and don't really judge you. I'm glad I also found you guys and decided to post.

Thank you so much. That post made me feel sad and a little upset. I hope that she read on to hear about how I felt in the end.

I think it helps too! If I hadn't been honest about that time-out, I'd never have known about all the others who'd been through it too!

Thank you!

I hope she did too. So you don't feel as bad read my trip report to Disneyalnd on Leap Day with my mom. I said some pretty not so nice things about her too. But luckily she would know when I was frustrated and we'd try to work together to fix the issue. Love my mom but that was the first time in 18 years that I had gone on vacation with just her, me and my kids. She's gone with me before but my DH was there to difuse any situations.

 

[pkondz]

I appreciate you making these sacrifices for little old me Ponz! You're awesome.

I am aren't I? When you're right, you're right. Who am I to argue?

this is why you're popular with the ladies.

Hey! Look at that. I went from the shy kid in school to Don Juan?

What? That's 'Don't Want' not Don Juan.

Oh, well.

I was hoping that the real thing was WAY better. Only the fire dancing huh?

Welll.... it depends. A good luau will have a good host who can keep the show rolling. Also some of the other acts can be really lame... or fairly interesting. But the fire dancing is what makes the show.

So how are the sandwiches? They don't come with chips? Huh. Didn't see that ending coming.

No chips. The girl turned out to have a chip on her shoulder and now chips reminds the dude of the girl and he can't bear to see them.

That made no sense whatsoever...

 

[pkondz]

Thanks Ponzi. You're so sweet! But, don't worry- I won't tell the guys.

Geez! Don't spread that around. I've got a rotten reputation as a cantankerous old coot to protect!

Oh boy, now we're going to have to be extra mean to him to bring him back down to earth...

Thanks, but I get enough abuse from Nebo. :