Who knew you had to plan for a trip to WDW! PTR and TR Combined: Completed

[If U Had Wings]

Yeah for getting your tickets!

That just makes the trip feel so close!

 

[chcmama]

Yea, how exciting to get your tickets and get them so fast.

 

[pajules]

Yea, how exciting to get your tickets and get them so fast.

Yes, I was very surprised. I honestly was not expecting them as quicky as they came. But this makes me even more excited. Now that the countdown ticker is in the single digits, I can't wait.

 

[pajules]

Sad news to report, my Great Aunt Inie (EYE' Knee) passed away on Friday. She was 102 and still living in her own home.

Inie was one of my grandmother's sisters. She has 4 sisters and 2 brothers.

She lived a very long and happy life and I know we would all be very lucky to live as long as she did. She and her husband never had any children, but she always doted on all of the nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She always sent me cards when I was in college and at the end next to her signature there would always be a "kiss" made from her signature red lipstick.

We have a very close extended family and I'm sure her funeral on Tuesday will be filled with lots of tears, but also many happy and funny memories as she was quite a character.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm so sorry - she sounds like an amazing lady!

 

[Maddie2]

I'm sorry for your loss. No matter how long our loved ones live, it is always hard. I hope you had a wonderful celebration of her life today.

 

[pajules]

Thanks Princess V and Maddie2 for your kind thoughts. The funeral yesterday was very nice. My cousin had brought lots of old family pictures for everyone to look at, which was really neat. My Aunt Inie was a "real looker."

102 years....can't argue with that. She has 3 sisters and 1 brother still living, including my grandmother who is 94 and all of them live in their own houses! Hopefully their good genes will continue.

 

[pajules]

Sorry, I haven't posted a lot recently, but now with everything booked, I'm just waiting as the days tick by on the calendar.

Since I last wrote i was trying to decide on another dinner ADR after CG was booked. We decided to go with Kona. I know it's not as fancy, but according to the reviews I've been reading the food is great and that's what we're looking for anyway.

So now onto what I hope is my final big decision before our trip....clothes. Typically this is not something I fret over, but there's a reason behind my indecision and it's a good one.

Back in February, I joined one of our local gyms and have vowed to finally lose the baby weight....baby is now 8 and using that excuse sounds silly. Up until the birth of my son I was very athletic, I played soccer in High School and college, belonged to a gym and played volleyball in my early 20's and as soon as DS came I started putting on the weight...more weight than I would like to admit.

For years since then I would lose and regain the same 20 pounds over and over again, never reaching my goal and usually adding on more weight than what I started with.

It was a horrible cycle and one I vowed to finally break. Now it is April and I have been faithfully going to the gym and eating better. I try and get to the gym at least 4-5 days a week. To keep it exciting, I mix it up with group fitness classes, weight circuits, treadmill/bike, and even swimming laps in the pool...something I've never done. I had my first weight check in at the end of March and I was down 12 pounds and 10 inches on my body.

Okay, now that I've spilled my guts about the weight, how does this relate to my upcoming trip....my clothes don't fit! Yes, I know this is a good thing and believe me I LOVE IT

Some of my pants (capri's) will fit, but be baggy in the waist and thighs. I haven't worn shorts in years. After the weight gain, I figured the world didn't really need to see what my thighs looked like, heck I don't like looking at them I'm worried if they're too baggy I'll be extremely uncomfortable, especially with the heat. I really want to buy a couple of new things but with money tight I don't want to spend a lot and the goal is to lose even more weight. Any suggestions?

As far as shirts go, I'll probably just buy a couple at Old Navy. sometimes they have 3 for $20 sales, just need to keep my eye out.

Of course the other big problem will be sticking with everything while we're in Disney. I figure I'll miss my workouts, but be walking a lot everyday so that should help. As far as eating, i do plan to splurge a little...it is my vacation I don't think after reading these boards I will be able to pass up Goofy's Candy Co for a dipped apple (the apple's healthy right ) and at least one Mickey bar or an ice cream cookie sandwich from the Main Street Bakery in MK. Since we'll be eating CS a lot most places offer a chicken salad so I can steer away from burgers and chicken tenders and I know in Epcot I should be okay, I'm already planning a chicken wrap in Morroco.

All bets are off when we eat at Kona. I mean really, what's the point.

Anyone else have suggestions on some "healthy" in park meal ideas that are also tasty that they like in DW?

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I had my first weight check in at the end of March and I was down 12 pounds and 10 inches on my body.

I commend and congratulate you. This is wonderful! I have an excess 30-50lbs I'm working on shedding, hopefully a good amount of it before the September trip! I'm using the trip as my motivation on the tough days. Great job and keep up the good work!

Of course the other big problem will be sticking with everything while we're in Disney. I figure I'll miss my workouts, but be walking a lot everyday so that should help. As far as eating, i do plan to splurge a little...it is my vacation I don't think after reading these boards I will be able to pass up Goofy's Candy Co for a dipped apple (the apple's healthy right ) and at least one Mickey bar or an ice cream cookie sandwich from the Main Street Bakery in MK. Since we'll be eating CS a lot most places offer a chicken salad so I can steer away from burgers and chicken tenders and I know in Epcot I should be okay, I'm already planning a chicken wrap in Morroco.

All bets are off when we eat at Kona. I mean really, what's the point.

Anyone else have suggestions on some "healthy" in park meal ideas that are also tasty that they like in DW?

When I go to Disney, all dieting bets are off. That's my rule. But you know what? I still find myself eating "fairly" well. At the table service restaurants, there's usually a semi-healthy choice or choices. And when you're ordering counter service, I think you can choose carrots in place of fries.

One of my biggest pitfalls is ordering soda. Not only is it full of empty calories, but it also dehydrates you. I've always found myself feeling more refreshed having water with every meal in th parks rather than soda.

Hope that helps!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Congratulations on the weight loss! I had lost 50 lbs, but hopped on the scale today (which I was avoiding) to realize that I had put a bit back on. I'm determined to put myself back on track before my trip in August.

When on vacation I always aim to just keep my weight the same. I always intend to eat the better things, but in the end go with the bad stuff. As I don't usually eat that stuff anymore it feels a bit decadent!

I would check out places like Kohl's or Wal-Mart for inexpensive items. I have a Steve and Barry's near me, where they've been having a sale - everything in the store is $8.95. It will be a bit tougher to get things now with real discounted sales as the spring/summer season is just starting.

 

[pajules]

One of my biggest pitfalls is ordering soda. Not only is it full of empty calories, but it also dehydrates you. I've always found myself feeling more refreshed having water with every meal in th parks rather than soda.

Thanks for the encouragement!

I'm not a big soda drinker and actually had my first Diet Coke in weeks the other day and it's amazing how much sweeter it tastes now. I can only imagine what regular Coke would taste like. Fortunately, DS and I are both big water drinkers and drink it pretty much with everything. Every now and then I'll get Crystal Light and I will probably take the individual serving mixes with us on vacation if we get really tired of water or don't like the Florida Taste.

 

[pajules]

Congratulations on the weight loss! I had lost 50 lbs, but hopped on the scale today (which I was avoiding) to realize that I had put a bit back on. I'm determined to put myself back on track before my trip in August.

When on vacation I always aim to just keep my weight the same. I always intend to eat the better things, but in the end go with the bad stuff. As I don't usually eat that stuff anymore it feels a bit decadent!

I would check out places like Kohl's or Wal-Mart for inexpensive items. I have a Steve and Barry's near me, where they've been having a sale - everything in the store is $8.95. It will be a bit tougher to get things now with real discounted sales as the spring/summer season is just starting.

50 lbs! Wow that's great, I can't wait to hit the number, but I think it's going to take a little longer. My goal is to have all the weight off by Christmas. I really want to get a professional picture of DS and I for our Christmas cards this year. I figure if all my friends and family are going to see it, it's incentive to keep going.

I agree with you about dieting on vacation. My mantra is going to be, "maintain, maintain." I figure I can kill myself in the gym when I get back.

I have never shopped at Steve and Barry's but there is an outlet store near me so maybe I will check them out next week. Are their clothes uber trendy? like for teens or can a 34 year old mom find stuff too?

I just got a Kohl's coupon yesterday and Mom gets a senior citizens discount too so I will try their next week as well. I think the hardest for me will be finding capri's I like. Wish me luck

 

[Maddie2]

I was THRILLED to see that you must have a Kohl's nearby -- and even better yet, you have a coupon and a senior to help you get that extra discount -- wahoo!! My mom often accompanies me on Senior Day too!

Even before I read about your Kohl's deal, when you asked for suggestions regarding capris/shorts/now/later, etc, I was thinking to myself "hmmmm, wonder if she shops at Kohl's?".

Solution to the now/later/losing weight/shorts/capris dilemma = buy capris with a DRAWSTRING!!!! Yep, I know, I'm a genius! They'll fit you now, they'll fit you then. AND, if you have a sewing machine (or a DGM or a DGGM with one), you can even take them in on the sides later on if you need to! Also handy if you are taking in a big WDW buffet and need a bit of extra breathing room. If you are feeling especially good about your thighs, maybe you can even find a pair of drawstring shorts? I bought some drawstring capris (my thighs prefer to be covered ) at Kohl's last year .... though I don't recall seeing drawstring shorts, who knows, maybe they have them?

P.S. Congrats on the weight loss! That's super!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Most of the stuff at Steve and Barry's is geared towards teens, but I've been able to find some pants and basic t-shirts. I've had luck with the Sarah Jessica London line. She has a variety of cuts and styles.

It's not the greatest quality, but for casual stuff you won't be wearing for very long it should be just fine. I want to pick up some shorts myself.

 

[MomsOf2boys]

Hello....Just signing on now, but I guess it is better late than never. I love your writing style and I am hoping this vacation is super special as it seems you have had one very hard year. And from the ages of the women in your family, this trip will bring you years and years of wonderful memories.

 

[pajules]

Hello....Just signing on now, but I guess it is better late than never. I love your writing style and I am hoping this vacation is super special as it seems you have had one very hard year. And from the ages of the women in your family, this trip will bring you years and years of wonderful memories.

All together now class..... Mom! Thanks for stopping in to say "hi." As of right now, I am counting down the days until we leave for WDW...only 20 more to go Glad you're enjoying reading, sometimes I tend to ramble and while everything hasn't always been Disney related it's a great outlet.

 

[pajules]

It's the final countdown!

Yes, it's an 80's hair band tribute, but so what, we leave for Disney in just 13 days. Honestly it can't come soon enough. After this past week I am so ready for a vacation.

Thursday and Friday I was ready to pull my hair out at work and was quickly reminded why I quit in the first place...only 2 more days of freelancing and I can say "So Long."

But enough of work, now on to my Disney to Do List. First, let me say I'm a little myphed (sp) at Disney. I still haven't gotten the customized maps I ordered. It's been 6 weeks and I've pretty much come to the realization they're not coming. Granted, I may have made some mistake on my part, but I think I did it right. I'm going to try and reorder some and hope they come after our trip so I can put then in a scrapbook for DS.

This past week I started the task of going through DS's clothes to make sure his shorts still fit. Thankfully they do so I don't have to worry about buying him new ones. I did get him 3 Disney shirts. One is Toy Story, one is Goofy, and the last is a POTC. As for me, I'm still looking. I haven't found any capri's or shorts I really like so I still have to do a little shopping, which isn't really a bad thing.

I also printed out some candy bar wrappers from the DISigns page and made some Disney bars for DS and DGGM. I thought she would get a kick out of them.

On the agenda this week is to continue my capri/short search, buy suntan lotion, and look for a new hat. Here's a question...Do you wear a hat when you go to Disney? I tend to burn on my part and let me tell you it is not fun. Not only does it really hurt, but once you start to peel, it looks like dandruff. When we go to the beach I have to wear a hat which isn't a problem, but I really don't know if I want to wear one at Disney. Has anyone ever found a suntan product for your scalp?

 

[PrincessV]

I still haven't gotten the customized maps I ordered. It's been 6 weeks and I've pretty much come to the realization they're not coming.

Mine took forever... about the time I'd forgotten about them, they showed up. FWIW, I think they're too pretty to use at WDW anyway. Maybe I'm just tough on maps, but my park maps wind up all crumpled, water-stained and torn by the end of the day. I just use the ones supplied at the park entrances.

Here's a question...Do you wear a hat when you go to Disney?

Sometimes. I have really dark hair, which gets very hot in the sun. I've found that a white hat helps reflect some of that and keeps me a tad cooler. Plus, I get sick of sunglasses sliding down my face when it's hot and sweaty; a good hat brim keeps the rays out of my eyes so I can go sunglasses-free for a while. I alternate between a baseball cap and a cotton, bucket-style hat.

 

[chcmama]

Mine took forever... about the time I'd forgotten about them, they showed up. FWIW, I think they're too pretty to use at WDW anyway. Maybe I'm just tough on maps, but my park maps wind up all crumpled, water-stained and torn by the end of the day. I just use the ones supplied at the park entrances.

I have to agree, I am not taking mine to the park either, I think I will put them in my scrapbook, they are really nice and with all the unfolding and refolding our maps are always trashed at the end of the day.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

It's the final countdown!

This is now stuck in my head. FYI, it replaced "Stir It Up" by Bob Marley.

myphed (sp)

I spell it miffed. But to me it's a word to spell at your very own choosing.

I still haven't gotten the customized maps I ordered ... I'm going to try and reorder some and hope they come after our trip so I can put then in a scrapbook for DS.

I agree with V (and rhyme about it to boot). They are far too nice to use. The scrapbook would be a better place for them. Or just as fun reminders of your trip.