Worrier plans DS's 5th Bday Celebration, DD/DH's first visit, & our 9th ann! Whew!

[Happydog]

I am with karajeboo. WORD. regular DDP and order what you want when you want. No stress.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I've decided to let my little boy "earn" money for Disney at a rate of $0.25/day IF he cleans his room. That can be his money to spend as he likes on whatever.

He is a little spoiled an dgetting to the age that he can get the concept of earning. I think it will be a good thing. Today it starts.

I'll keep you posted how it goes. Of course, the little girl will have to have a small task to "earn" some money too. Gotta keep it even!

That sounds like a great way to help him start learning about responsibility!


On the DDP note, I think Happydog sums it up - NO STRESS ALLOWED!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

We've had a big weekend around here. I thought I would update you on our decision. WELL, we are on the Deluxe Dining Plan.

It actually ended up that we saved money on both versions, but the difference once we factored in breakfast daily (my husband's request) was a whopping $25. SO... we figured that for mugs, 21 extra snacks, and appetizers was worth it. FYI - we didn't include desert costs in our calculations, except at Tuttos - we figured that would be all we'd buy OOP. I know that is one arguement people make.

We figured we would be less stressed if all done, all paid for - sit back, tip and pay for drinks and we are done. SO... that made me change our ADRs of course.

Here is another kicker - except for our San Angel's dinner - we could do without the park hopper and save $150. We also have San Angels now for a lunch as well. I am tempted to leave them on just because who knows what we will want to do, you know?

I'll post the update to the ADRs that we have after while. See if I'm missing anything.

PS - booked California Grill as a nice thing to do - hubby flat out vetoed it. So I dropped it - his excuse? Wants to save that one for when the kids are bigger and it can be a two of us thing. I get that... I think. .

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

That sounds like a great way to help him start learning about responsibility!


On the DDP note, I think Happydog sums it up - NO STRESS ALLOWED!

I cannot tell you how well that is working for us. He is doing a REALLY good job cleaning too! There are days he doesn't feel like doing it (one to date) and we just tell him if he doesn't have enough money - then he needs to remember that choice he made to not earn anything that day. Generally, he'll jump right in and do it! He's earned a whole dollar at this point and so very excited!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

So far, here are the new and improved ADRs:

Saturday (afternoon arrival)
dinner: Boma - & DIS MEET - Kara!

Sunday
breakfast : Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker
lunch: Flame Tree
Dinner: 1900 Park Fair

Monday
breakfast: Ohana @ Poly
lunch: Mama Melrose
dinner: Chef Mickey's (late)

Tuesday
breakfast: Maya Grill
lunch: Crystal Palace
Dinner: San Angels

Wednesday
breakfast: Pepper Market at CSR
lunch: Le Cellier
Dinner: Tutto Italia

Thursday
breakfast: Akershus
lunch: Coral Reef
dinner: Ohana

Friday
Breakfast: Crystal Palace before park opens
Lunch: Liberty Tree
Dinner: Maya Grill

Saturday
Breakfast: Chef Mickey's
Lunch: counter service
Leave for airport

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Thank goodness for kind, knowledgable CMs. I called in today and had a very helpful CM change a lunch from San Angels to Coral Reef. He was actually so helpful I *gasp* asked him to go through all my ADRs to make sure they were all okay. He found several under misspelled versions of our name and one that was made a whole MONTH in advance. This was actually Mama Melrose on DS birthday! He was able to get us one - just 30 minutes later - but at least we have it!

I'm always scared to have them check - what if they mess things up, etc - but he was really good and I'm so glad that he did.

WHEW!

 

[karajeboo]

OK, did I count 18 TS ADRs? For 7 nights? And only 3 CS meals?

Also, I see you are eating in MK one day and dinner in Epcot that night so you WOULD need hoppers for that....

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Yes Kara - you get a gold star for paying attention! San Angels is the one night that makes Park Hoppers a requirement. If it weren't for that - we could do without them. The kicker is that Spectro will be the two nights we aren't doing MK that day - so that would mean no Spectro either.

I guess it might be nice to have them so we can go wherever.

In order to make it with no hoppers - we'd ne to change Coral Reef to San Angels and drop the San Angel's dinner that night. Plus say nope to Spectro. I think THINK right now, I like the flexibility option.

I know it seems like a lot of ADRs. Laura actually said she enjoyed the break it gave.

I know you well enough to know you are thinking it is way too much though. Right????

 

[TxRabbit]

How fun! Going deluxe! I know that when we took a look at our plans and wants and desires on our vacation, going deluxe made the most sense for us, for this vacation anyway.

It does look like a lot of TS a day, but I've read about people traveling with their younger children that go deluxe simply so they don't have to deal with finding tables, etc etc and all the other hassles associated with CS, which become a magnified hassle with young children in tow.

Here's a tip that I read somewhere else. When you are eating at a buffet type place that has a flat charge for dining, begin your meal dealing with the check. It will help you to be ready to leave on your own time and not waiting around for the check, which can take much longer than you think it should, especially when you are ready to go.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

How fun! Going deluxe! I know that when we took a look at our plans and wants and desires on our vacation, going deluxe made the most sense for us, for this vacation anyway.

It does look like a lot of TS a day, but I've read about people traveling with their younger children that go deluxe simply so they don't have to deal with finding tables, etc etc and all the other hassles associated with CS, which become a magnified hassle with young children in tow.

Here's a tip that I read somewhere else. When you are eating at a buffet type place that has a flat charge for dining, begin your meal dealing with the check. It will help you to be ready to leave on your own time and not waiting around for the check, which can take much longer than you think it should, especially when you are ready to go.

Yeah, I think what make it a little more worthwhile for us is the fact that their will be a highchair option and a table open and a moment when we can sit and catch our breath! ha ha!

The check tip is great! We did that our last trip at our CP breakfast to make rope drop. I just told her when we sat down we wanted to do rope drop and it was okay to bring the check. She had it to me like 5 minutes after sitting down. She got an extra something in her tip too - because when all the people were finished eating and waiting for their servers to come to bring the check - we were outta there! And because of that, I have the sweet picture of DS holding onto the rope at rope drop - instead of being in the back of the crowd!

 

[Happydog]

The check tip is great! We did that our last trip at our CP breakfast to make rope drop. I just told her when we sat down we wanted to do rope drop and it was okay to bring the check. She had it to me like 5 minutes after sitting down.

Wow! Great tip! I never thought to do that... good idea!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Welp, as of today, we are offical. The trip planning is done. We are still on the deluxe dining plan with a bazillion ADRs, but we have the approach of we have them - if we need to drop them that is okay, so I'm putting faith in DH's choice, becuase I think the basic plan would be best, but I'm trusting him.

Ask me how that went on the purchase of a Mustang a few years back!

Anyway, I've started organizing things for the packing, and was VERY excited to find out that the Porta Crib pad I have will fold, so that will make DD's bed so much more comfy. With it - I have no Pack-n-Play issues. Life is good.

I've been having to push back some of my trip planning for a little mini-trip coming up for me next week. My best friend is celebrating her big 40 with me (actually, it is the next month but her hubby is taking her to Mexico then- shhh! Don't tell!)

I did pick up a calandar to start the countdown with the kids. SO FUN!

I'm thinking of making one night a movie night too each week. Doing homemade popcorn (stove popped) with real melted butter. I think the kids will like that. We did it at Christmas and they though it was special!

 

[Happydog]

Welp, as of today, we are offical. The trip planning is done. We are still on the deluxe dining plan with a bazillion ADRs, but we have the approach of we have them - if we need to drop them that is okay, so I'm putting faith in DH's choice, becuase I think the basic plan would be best, but I'm trusting him.

Ask me how that went on the purchase of a Mustang a few years back!

Anyway, I've started organizing things for the packing, and was VERY excited to find out that the Porta Crib pad I have will fold, so that will make DD's bed so much more comfy. With it - I have no Pack-n-Play issues. Life is good.

I've been having to push back some of my trip planning for a little mini-trip coming up for me next week. My best friend is celebrating her big 40 with me (actually, it is the next month but her hubby is taking her to Mexico then- shhh! Don't tell!)

I did pick up a calandar to start the countdown with the kids. SO FUN!

I'm thinking of making one night a movie night too each week. Doing homemade popcorn (stove popped) with real melted butter. I think the kids will like that. We did it at Christmas and they though it was special!

I think your plans sound great. You should get your value even if you end up skipping a TS and going with a CS meal instead... so just keep that in mind! How exciting that you have just over a month and a bit! It will be here before you know it! A disney popcorn night ?? That sounds great!

 

[TxRabbit]

Welp, as of today, we are offical. The trip planning is done. We are still on the deluxe dining plan with a bazillion ADRs, but we have the approach of we have them - if we need to drop them that is okay, so I'm putting faith in DH's choice, becuase I think the basic plan would be best, but I'm trusting him.

Ask me how that went on the purchase of a Mustang a few years back!

Anyway, I've started organizing things for the packing, and was VERY excited to find out that the Porta Crib pad I have will fold, so that will make DD's bed so much more comfy. With it - I have no Pack-n-Play issues. Life is good.

I've been having to push back some of my trip planning for a little mini-trip coming up for me next week. My best friend is celebrating her big 40 with me (actually, it is the next month but her hubby is taking her to Mexico then- shhh! Don't tell!)

I did pick up a calandar to start the countdown with the kids. SO FUN!

I'm thinking of making one night a movie night too each week. Doing homemade popcorn (stove popped) with real melted butter. I think the kids will like that. We did it at Christmas and they though it was special!

DONE!!!

How exciting that your plans are all done. It sounds like you are going to have a great time! Movie night sounds like a great way to bide time until the trip!

 

[karajeboo]

Lorrie - I love the idea of movie night each week! Disney movies of course! And the Disney planning DVD...

It's less than 2 months out now! Woo hoo!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Okay, I was a little be crazed yesterday. Trip planning as in place we are staying, dining plan - DONE. Planning... not so much!

I still have to plan what attractions we tackle first.

I still have to plan downtime.

I still have to plan the packing.

And in the middle of all this... guess what I decide?

We're doing it again next year!
My beautiful, wonderful ever amazing best friend is taking my kids for two nights and we are going to do a SURPRISE (SHHHHHH... Don't tell hubby... it is a secret!) 10th anniversary trip next May.

THEN... THEN... why not renew our vows?

Not too sure on the specifics yet, but I'm hoping to either stay near Epcot or DTD - and maybe throw Discovery Cove in there - if not we'll snorkle the Seas at Epcot for sure....OHHHHHHH, yeah.

 

[Happydog]

Okay, I was a little be crazed yesterday. Trip planning as in place we are staying, dining plan - DONE. Planning... not so much!

I still have to plan what attractions we tackle first.

I still have to plan downtime.

I still have to plan the packing.

And in the middle of all this... guess what I decide?

We're doing it again next year!
My beautiful, wonderful ever amazing best friend is taking my kids for two nights and we are going to do a SURPRISE (SHHHHHH... Don't tell hubby... it is a secret!) 10th anniversary trip next May.

THEN... THEN... why not renew our vows?

Not too sure on the specifics yet, but I'm hoping to either stay near Epcot or DTD - and maybe throw Discovery Cove in there - if not we'll snorkle the Seas at Epcot for sure....OHHHHHHH, yeah.

Isn't this just crazy?!?! It happened to us, too... have not even finalized this trip and already looking at planning another!! I wonder how many of us there are out there... we should start a new thread "planning two trips at the same time -- whose doing it?!" a Poll to see how many Disney basket cases there are out there... Time for me to raise my hand! Oh well, someone has to keep the Disney economy going

 

[CRdisMom]

looks great. I think the deluxe DDP will push Carlos over the top towards a love of Disney. I know thats what it did for Tim. Glad to hear someone else felt the same about TS vs CS. It was nice to have everything there. No hunting for tables or chairs while carrying food.

 

[Camster0307]

Isn't this just crazy?!?! It happened to us, too... have not even finalized this trip and already looking at planning another!! I wonder how many of us there are out there... we should start a new thread "planning two trips at the same time -- whose doing it?!" a Poll to see how many Disney basket cases there are out there... Time for me to raise my hand! Oh well, someone has to keep the Disney economy going

Hi! Another Disney basket case here!

How exciting that you getting another trip Lorrie! It will be such a different experience with just the two of you!

 

[karajeboo]

Hi! Another Disney basket case here!

Add me to the list! And lovin it!