Your kids are HOW OLD??? Yes, they are 15 and 3...(June 13-21 Pre trip Report)

[Jensspark]

Ok, so after reading everyone else's reports, I figured I would get busy on writing one for my trip! We're headed to Pop in June to enjoy a bit of the 4/3 deal. Here are the players:

Our family:

We are...

Jen (Me, 34) Rockin' Mom:

Brian (37) YES, he is that much of a dork:

Aelynn (DD, 15) Typical teen and major Daddy's girl:

Xander (DS, 3) BOY all the way, and lover of anything Mickey Mouse:

I've been to Disney World 2 times before. Once when I was about 8 years old, and once when Aelynn was 5 (so about 10 years ago). Both times we stayed off site and both times I only visited MK. I will explain how this trip came to be in a later post. Next, I'll give you the lowdown on the kids, their personalities and their extreme differences when it comes to theme parks!

 

[Jensspark]

Ok, you've seen my family in all it's glory...we are definitely a bunch of dorks. Now it's time to dig a little deeper into this trip.

First, like I mentioned in my original post, I have never TRULY been to WDW. I've been to the MK twice, but never had the full experience. Heck, I don't even remember much from 10 years ago. We were there 1 day, I was recovering from an insane stomach virus/dehydration, and it was May. The day is a complete blur. The only thing I remember is my DH and DD grabbing dinner from Cosmic Ray's (was it even called that 10 years ago), and we watched the fireworks from right outside.

We have talked repeatedly about wanting to "do it right", but always found a reason not to go. DD is NOT a ride person, so taking her anywhere often is a drag. Now that she's a teen, it's even worse because she sulks all day long, bored, but still too stubborn to try anything!

Well, then DS came along. He is the daredevil in the group. "He'll only do it once" is does not apply to him. Fall off the bed? He'll jump higher and faster. I think I could hire him out as a stunt double already!

DS is obsessed with Disney. Mickey Mouse is seriously his best friend. He doesn't see a "question mark", he sees "Toodles". Pluto, as the rest of the world calls him is referred to as "Plu-dog" in our house. He claims to have watched Pinocchio 500 times (that was declared this morning)...and we just bought the DVD on Saturday!

We decided that he was the PERFECT excuse to take a trip. He's just old enough, and DD is quickly growing up. I want to have a real family vacation and maybe start a tradition (more later on how I'm getting DD Disney obsessed!). We've talked about it off and on, and then something happened...

DH and I went through a major rough spot last year. Going to WDW was the last thing on my mind and I was NOT ready to commit to planning something a year in advance! He insisted on us going and "getting back to normal", but I resisted. I would be crushed if I planned a trip and then things between us didn't work out! I half heartedly looked at a trip and the cost, and finally by Christmas gave the green light.

We asked for Disney gift cards from family to put towards the trip. We got the gift cards as requested Christmas morning, but didn't get around to making reservations until January. Well, 4/3 was going on and our 5 day trip turned into a 7 day trip! Yippeee!!!

 

[Jensspark]

We booked our 4/3 at Pop for June 14-21. This is usually when you start getting excited, right??? Well, the excitement didn't set in! I started thinking about the feasibilty of paying for this trip in 3-4 months! I had also booked us for the DP, so we had an extra $1000 on there that also had to be paid for. I started a new position, and DH and my companies were both laying off pretty heavily, and I seriously did not want to commit to this trip...I couldn't handle the disappointment if something happened and we had to cancel!!! Luckily, we both are in pretty good positions at work and are fairly "safe"...but we all know that nobody is really safe!

Around March, things started to "click". I got the budget worked out. I figured out exactly HOW we would pay for this trip by April 30. First item on my agenda...cancel the DP! So, I called Disney to cancel. The awesome CM on the line asked why I was cancelling our dining plan and I had to be honest with him. I told him that I was cancelling it so we would have a much smaller balance due at the end of April. I assured him that we would be adding it back by the end of May...we just wanted more time to round up that money! He laughed and gave me kudos for thinking of that. He let me know that my ADR's were all safe (ooops...I forgot to mention that I had already made my ADR's...more on that later). He just stressed that I needed to add the DP back before arriving (which I was well aware of, but appreciated him making sure I didn't get stuck out!).

Ok, now that the trip was coming together financially, it was time to start to get EXCITED!!!! I started looking at Dis, signed up for TGM and basically have lived and breathed Disney for a month now. Life is good!

Unfortunately, I had made my ADR's before getting all the amazing advice out there, so I scheduled some at "iffy" times, but lesson learned! I'm going to Disney World!!!

 

[Jensspark]

Anyone out there interested in reading my PTR? Anyone?

 

[mousetravel]

Anyone out there interested in reading my PTR? Anyone?

I'll read yours if you read mine! Just kidding! Subscribing!!

 

[Jensspark]

Now that I'm completely obsessed with this trip happening, I've been shopping. I know, for someone so afraid that we won't be able to pay for our trip, I'm going a little nuts! BUT, the deals, the deals!!!

First, I was lurking on the Budget Board one day and saw the Disney Crocs sales. We are Crocs people (well, DH, DS and me are anyways), so I figured I'd order some Mickey Crocs. Red/Black for me, Tan/Brown for Dh and Black/Red for DS. I never should have let DS pick them out. Every day he asked for those stinkin' shoes! Since DD isn't into wearing them, I didn't order her any. She was A-OK with that!

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I was looking at the Target ad, and I saw a dual screen DVD player that allows you to play 2 different DVD's. We own a portable DVD player already, but it has to be held. I really wanted one that I could attach to the headrest so DS doesn't have to hold that thing for hours (yeah...we're driving!). Dual screen players interested me, but only slightly as I have 2 kids that are so far apart in age. DD would NOT want to watch Cars 20 times in a row. DS? Probably! When I found this one on clearance for $100 less than it used to be, I decided I had to have it. Of course, the problem was, they just stuck it in their Sunday ad and it was Monday. After calling EVERY Target in the city of Houston and up north way outside of Houston (where DH works), I was having no luck. Finally, one Target had 5 in stock. I left work early (sad, huh??) and raced over there to buy one. Now I just need headphones. I am NOT listening to Cars 20 times either!

Last week, I was checking out Disney Shopping online and saw the deals on shirts. 3/$20 for adults, 3/$12 for kids. Plus a bunch of cool shirts on Clearance for $3.99/$4.99. Well, 13 shirts and $90 later, I was done! But honestly, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for shirts that averaged less than $7 each!

The last purchase wasn't really a "deal", but it was for Disney...I picked up Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio for DS...we're trying to build our Disney DVD collection. We have everything recent, but nothing "old".

DD's birthday is on Monday (officially making her DD 15), so I had to buy her a DVD also. It's not Disney, but she's going to love it! She loves the musical Rent. The broadway cast is touring and will be here at the beginning of May. I have Orchestra tickets for May 2 as a birthday present. I had to grab the Rent DVD (she has the movie, but this is the filming of the final Broadway performance) so I can give it to her for her birthday. I will give it to her first "since I didn't get tickets because of the Disney trip and saving money". Then I'll give her the tickets and let her freak out.

That's it for the deals. I do have some more "wish list" items before the trip...
1. New Camera. I'm drooling over the Sony Cybershot W290...
2. i-Pod connector cable for my car (allowing it to work through my steering wheel radio controls)
3. GPS

The camera and iPod cable are not optional. The GPS is. DH and I both have smart phones w/data plans, so we will have access to google maps at any time if we really need help. I don't tend to get lost easily, so this would be a "luxury" not a necessity. Music??? A definite necessity!!!

 

[Jensspark]

I'll read yours if you read mine! Just kidding! Subscribing!!

Yay!!! I'll read yours! I promise I won't lurk either!!! Thanks!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on your upcoming trip. Things look they are coming together nicely for you! Your kids are really cute. My coworker has a 12 year old daughter and just had a baby, so she is definately in your shoes.

We'll be at AKvillas 6/8 - 6/13, then we're not sure where from 6/13 - 6/15. Depends on the available AP rate. My DS16 is bringing his friend 15, and my younger DS is 14. DS 16 and his friend like hitting the pool in the evenings so they can look for "hot girls". So you are probably hoping we don't end up at POP on the 14th!

 

[Jensspark]

Congrats on your upcoming trip. Things look they are coming together nicely for you! Your kids are really cute. My coworker has a 12 year old daughter and just had a baby, so she is definately in your shoes.

Thanks! I never wanted a bunch of little ones around and actually enjoy getting to relive everything again. It's like having 2 only children (for better or for worse!).

We'll be at AKvillas 6/8 - 6/13, then we're not sure where from 6/13 - 6/15. Depends on the available AP rate. My DS16 is bringing his friend 15, and my younger DS is 14. DS 16 and his friend like hitting the pool in the evenings so they can look for "hot girls". So you are probably hoping we don't end up at POP on the 14th!

Actually, She'd love having some cute guys to hang out with! Heck, I think she'd enjoy having ANY teens to hang out with! LOL

Reading your response makes me realize I need to add something else I forgot...Stay tuned...we'll actually be hitting Pop a day earlier! Keep me posted...maybe we can meet up!

 

[Jensspark]

Well, I don't want to travel on the first day we have park tickets for, so we decided to get to Orlando on the 13th, rest and then start our Disney experience on the 14th. I started looking at options for places to stay and decided to just suck it up and make a room only reservation for Pop for the night of the 13th! I get to start my trip a day early! So, here is the travel plan:

Work Thursday, as usual. After work, load the car and get some sleep! Friday morning, it's an early start 4 or 5 a.m. and we hit the road to Crestview, FL (Eglin AFB). We'll stay at the Best Western, which happens to be brand new and looks really nice! 2 queen beds, flat panel TV, free hot breakfast, all for $69/night using the corporate discount from my company. There's a Cracker Barrel across the street, so we'll hit it for dinner!

Saturday, the 13th, we'll get up at around 4 or 5 again, and hit the road to Orlando! I wish I could have changed time zones before I stopped for the night, but it wasn't happening, so I want to get going early since I'll lose that hour somewhere. I want to get to Pop as close to 4 as possible, so we can get checked in and hit the pool. Then we want to do dinner at DTD (Earl of Sandwiche) and get to bed for an early morning start at MK!

I think paying extra for the night at Pop will definitely be worth it. We won't have to change hotels the morning that we hit RD at MK. We can wake up and begin fully immersed in the magic!

On the return trip, I booked us at the same Best Western. I can cancel up to 6:00pm on our arrival day, so if it is horrible, then I can figure something out for the return trip and not lose any money.

Also, we are eating at McDonald's for lunch on our trip. We have free ATT Basic Wi-Fi and figure we can use lunch to jump on the laptop and check anything out that needs checking (whatever that might be...Disboards??? ).

 

[Jensspark]

I know in my first post, I probably sounded pretty mean when I talked about my daughter and theme parks. Truth is, she was GREAT when it came to either riding a kiddie ride with her brother or watching him while mom and dad rode a coaster...but I want her to TRY the rides! Here are some examples of her "fraidy cat" level:

Notice her face...that is NOT boredom. She was scared. Now, look at DS!

Again, the face. The thing was barely shaking and she was scared!

Granted, after she realized she wasn't going to die on a ride w/no height requirement, she had fun. I'll post those pics later.

It just frustrated us because we took this trip and she wanted to do nothing but stand around and text her friends (the cell phone is getting locked in the safe while we're at the parks this time)!

To combat this for the upcoming trip, I made her PROMISE to try each ride once. I told her it's just like food. Try it, if you hate it, you don't have to ride it again, but try it. The problem is that she's never attempted a roller coaster so she doesn't know if she'd like it or not. I have been showing her ride videos to convince her that nothing at Disney is as bad as the stuff she saw at Six Flags! She agreed!!! The only one we're still "discussing" is TOT. Don't tell, but she doesn't have a clue about RNR or EE...the scary parts were dark. We'll just try them anyways... If she tells me now she hates them, then I won't bug her again!

 

[Jensspark]

I guess I should give you an idea of what Xander wants when it comes to theme parks...

"Mommy, I want to get big and tall so I can go on the 'cation roller coaster!" He'll be my coaster fiend...and I can't wait!

BTW...I'm loving how my ticker says "1 Month" now!!!

 

[carissanboys]

Hello Jen! I'm popping in to subscribe and I'll be back later to catch up with the details of your 1st trip!!!

 

[dismagiclover]

We'll be there the same time as you! We're arriving the 11th and leaving the 19th. I can't wait to see what you have planned and compare

 

[Jensspark]

Hello Jen! I'm popping in to subscribe and I'll be back later to catch up with the details of your 1st trip!!!

Hey Carissa! Welcolme and thanks for reading!

 

[Jensspark]

We'll be there the same time as you! We're arriving the 11th and leaving the 19th. I can't wait to see what you have planned and compare

Definitely! Do you have a PTR also? If so, I'll check it out and we can compare notes.

 

[carissanboys]

Okay - I'm caught up!

First off - dh and I have been through a "rough spot" too. So, hugs to you and glad things have worked out.

Your kids are beautiful and how funny that your son is such a daredevil!

Be careful - that "budget" board will get you spending! I know from experience!

I can't stand GPS. Dh has one, but we didn't even use it on this trip.

Can't wait for more!

 

[Jensspark]

Okay - I'm caught up!

First off - dh and I have been through a "rough spot" too. So, hugs to you and glad things have worked out.

Your kids are beautiful and how funny that your son is such a daredevil!

Be careful - that "budget" board will get you spending! I know from experience!

I can't stand GPS. Dh has one, but we didn't even use it on this trip.

Can't wait for more!

Thanks for the encouragement! Hey, after 16 years and 2 kids, who doesn't have a rough spot? I'm sure there are varying degrees, but really... Hugs to you too!!

The joke around here is that we'll have a bunch of Disney "crap" and no trip if I keep it up, so I'm staying far away from the "budget"ers.

Glad to hear from one driver to another that GPS wasn't THAT imporant. I've done the drive before and survived just fine. I-10 is a fairly easy road to follow.

I really liked the drive portion of your TR. It was fun seeing all the pictures. I am terribly afraid of tornadoes, so I would've been totally freaked out! Kudos on the Cracker Barrel stop. I was thrilled that our layover hotel has one across the street.

 

[dismagiclover]

Definitely! Do you have a PTR also? If so, I'll check it out and we can compare notes.

No PTR for me. I spend too much time here as it is We can still compare notes though. We're staying at the Beach Club for 7 nights and then moving over to SSR 1 bedroom for the last night. I'm working on talking DH into DVC and this is our trial run. I hope he likes it! As you reveal more of your plans I'll let you know how they compare with ours. They may be similar because I use TGM too.

 

[amynorth]

Hi Jensspark

We have a very similar trip and are from the same area. We will be leaving in the wee hours of the monrning on the 12th because our youngest is 2 and does not handle driving long distances... Look forward to chating about our upcoming trip!