Dis Mamas! - Disney moms unite!

[AngieWin]

The place for Disney loving mamas! Do you DIS???

Our last thread was removed, so here's our new one!!

[baybemama]

Oh my, this would be me. We used to go every year when I was a child and now dh and I go every year. I think he loves it more than I do...he is an engineer and loves all the imagineering behind everything. We can't wait to take ds next year, he'll be just 10 months.

[flminivanmama]

subbing :lol

[ollineeba]

:wave

[AMJ]

Hi!

[flminivanmama]

I can't wait till we go next - dh and I are going ALONE (!!) for our 10th anniversary at the end of March. we'll probably just do one night (we live 2 hours away)

while we are there we are going to buy annual passes using our play three day passes (you just pay the difference within 6 months of when you 1st used them them and then the APs are good for a year from that point also - which was the end of October)

then we are taking our big family trip in the beginning of october.

wheee!

[flminivanmama]

Oh my, this would be me. We used to go every year when I was a child and now dh and I go every year. I think he loves it more than I do...he is an engineer and loves all the imagineering behind everything. We can't wait to take ds next year, he'll be just 10 months.

my dh loves it as much as me too - thankfully! I hear so many families say that they have to drag their dhs...

our kids love it too of course - they are as addicted to disney as we are haha

[flminivanmama]

Angie can you change the title to include the word Disney? :o

[Mrs.PhD]

Subbing too. DH and I are a bit over the top with our love of Disney world (or at least our friends and family think so.) We counted and our 5 year old has been 10 times and our 2 year old 4. We live in MI too. I think that is part of the appeal. About this time of year we just have to get out of MI and visits the mouse. So in 4 weeks from Monday DH and I are going to make a trip just the 2 of us. This is a big thing for us, we have never left the kids before.

Thanks for starting a new thread. :wink

[Rigama]

Howdy again!

Now that I've gotten our reservations taken care of, do you have any tips for good counter service meals?

[allye]

I love Disney!!! I have tons of Stitch items, and I have Lilo and Stitch tattooed on me, as well as Simba :)

[goodcents]

here i am!

so - who has been to the not so scary halloween party on halloween night itself? is it an insane idea? tentatively planning an october trip for my bday (i will get to disney this year dang it!). because my bday falls so close to halloween we would kinda have to be in florida for halloween night. my dd will be crushed if she doesn't get to trick or treat.

[blueberrystamps]

Hello all I love Disney stuff and going to Disneyland hoping to go to Disneyworld some day.
We went to the mickey Halloween party this last year it was alot of fun it wasn't to crazy we went to the one at Disneyland it was actually in the California adventure park my little one was 15 months old she loved it.
I think if you have the chance to go it is definitely worth it.

[PatchChild]

Nice to see another list up here for us.

Hmm, good counter service. Pecos Bill's was pretty good. I liked what I got at the Noodle Terrace but I believe they've changed their menu all around and might now be a buffet? Epcot is the best for counter service. Try Morocco or Japan, yummy! I think all but one of my table meals on my last trip came from the World Showcase. But then, I was staying at Beach Club (I love having DVC friends) and we carried a lot of the countries food back to our room. Talk about luxury.

[blueberrystamps]

goodcents: do they only do it one night at Disney world?
They had a bunch of different nights at Disney land last year maybe if they have different nights and you could go and still be home to trick or treat that is what we did.

[goodcents]

goodcents: do they only do it one night at Disney world?
They had a bunch of different nights at Disney land last year maybe if they have different nights and you could go and still be home to trick or treat that is what we did.

no they do it throughout october - but our trip scheduling would mean we would essentially have to be in orlando on hallo. or flying (no!). so that is why i want to know a bit more about how wild it gets on halooween night. i got some good answers on intercot.

[flminivanmama]

we go every year but not on Halloween night itself since I hate crowds. (LOL we have to plan our trips very carefully around my hatred/phobia of crowds haha) (in fact we are finding that now that they do free dining in Oct my priously crowd free time is getting a little err crowded)

I'm sure it would be awesome though!

good counter service - columbia harbor house in MK is great - only MK? or all the parks?

[Mrs.PhD]

we go every year but not on Halloween night itself since I hate crowds. (LOL we have to plan our trips very carefully around my hatred/phobia of crowds haha) (in fact we are finding that now that they do free dining in Oct my priously crowd free time is getting a little err crowded)

I'm sure it would be awesome though!

good counter service - columbia harbor house in MK is great - only MK? or all the parks?


You know it is funny. My DH HATES crowds. Just can't stand them. Yet his very favorite place in the whole world is WDW.

Did you guys have bad weather today? They are talking about Tornados on the news right now in FLA.

It is very true, free dining has made Sept and Oct very busy times again. Good marketing since the hurricanes a few years ago really scared off people.

I agree Columbia Harbor House is my favorite CS in all of WDW. I was going to mention it, but I already made the recommendation to her at, well lets just say a different time and place. :wink

In AK Tusker house is very good.
in MGM pizza planet isn't really good, but fun. CS seems week at MGM. You can take a boat to Y&B and eat at Beach and cream and that is great.

There are many places at Epcot, more if you like ethnic food. We like the CS at Morocco and the fish and chips in England. There is a lot of variety at the land CS place (sunshine food fair I think, or at least that was the name of it.) It can be more $ for CS so if you are on the dining plan (as I think Rigama is) it is a great deal. We ate at Electric Umbrella last trip (in Epcot near Inoventions) and it was a pleasant surprise. It was good.

It is strange, some of the places that are "pizza or burger places" don't have kids meals of pizza or burgers. What we ended up doing often was getting 2 meals and splitting it between the 4 of us (2 adults, 2 kids, but one wasn't on the dining plan, she is too young.) That way we had some extra meals and was able to stretch them out and make them go farther (like for the last day.)

My tip is they don't split the child and adult meals up on CS, but you might find a CM that will give you a hard time ordering 3 adult meals if your card is for 2 adults and 1 child. If you split the adult meals with kids you have more then enough food, and an extra meal for later. It seems like me we wasted less food this way too.

[flminivanmama]

yep the weather was frightening today. we had one tornado or reports of tornados a little north of me (vero beach) but nothing like central florida! 14 people died - semis were knocked off I-4!

i drove down to my In laws and I was having trouble keeping my car straight.

[Mrs.PhD]

yep the weather was frightening today. we had one tornado or reports of tornados a little north of me (vero beach) but nothing like central florida! 14 people died - semis were knocked off I-4!

i drove down to my In laws and I was having trouble keeping my car straight.

Wow, so glad you are ok. That sounds scary. :dizzy: There is a women I know that used to live in MI and moved to Vero Beach. She was asking why FLA doesn't have tornado warning alarms like MI does. I wonder why that is? I wouldn't think we would get more since FLA gets such severe storms.

[ipfree]

A Disney forum. Cute. :)

[AngieWin]

Angie can you change the title to include the word Disney? :o


Done!!:wink

[Babytime]

Huge Disney fan here!!! We go every year, but the first year my DH practically had to drag me there ... and then I didn't want to leave!!!

[flminivanmama]

She was asking why FLA doesn't have tornado warning alarms like MI does. I wonder why that is? I wouldn't think we would get more since FLA gets such severe storms.i think we do :scratch

[flminivanmama]

welcome babytime & ipfree!

thanks angie!

[goodcents]

glad you are okay flminimom. you are so brave to drive in weather like that. i was a non-license-having-city-dweller for 12 yeras. i am JUST getting used to driving again after moving to the 'burbs about a year and half ago.

i, too, am extremely loathe to crowds. i plan, plan, plan to avoid to them. this one night we might just have to deal. although people are telling me that because it is a ticketed event it is still not like the crowdest of days at disney. we went over columbus day weekend in october once. and then last year we went at the end of april beginning of may. THAT was a great great great time. i liked it better than october actually!

[raleigh_mom]

We went to the Halloween party two years ago and loved it. In 2006 we chose to skip it since our kiddos needed some more sleep. We're going again in December 2007 - but we're going before the crowds, during one of the slowest weeks of the year, and only on weekdays. That's our secret for enjoying it without the crowds.

Biggest Disney mistake we've make: doing three parks in one day. The kids were crying, and I almost was, too. But DH had his heart set on it and I hate to disappoint him.

[flminivanmama]

I only park hopped pre-kids, Raleigh mom

Good cents - I also hate to drive (it's list our phobias day in the disney thread! woot!) & so do my siblings - in fact my sister has lived in NYC for years so she wouldn't ever have to....

so anyway, yesterday was a true test of my character (ie how long can I drive with my three crazy boys laughing and screaming over farts before I snapped??)

I don't think I passed the test :lol

[flminivanmama]

oh, also, the way we've been planning our trip itineraries is that we try to only go to the parks every other day - the middle days are for stuff like, fort wilderness, downtown disney, pool time, water parks, tea at the grand floridian, a late character breakfast, etc.

It's so much nicer that way - less pressure

[Mrs.PhD]

When we have AP we normally do a park each day, but not all day. We like to take the afteroons off when it gets hot and busy. We do sometimes park hop too, but one park in the am, another in the pm after nap.

Funny since getting AP we almost never seem to get around to DTD, because if it doesn't cost any more why not go to at park instead?

[intorainbowz]

So we are thinking of taking our will be 10 month old with us to DisneyLand in March. Everyone thinks we are nuts. Are We?

I love Disneyland and DH really wants to go.

[Debstmomy]

We have annual passes that generally pay for themselves, but this year we have only been a few times. Dh & DD will go at least one time this month. I need to go before new baby comes & then once again before they expire in June. We hope to renew....but will have to see how that goes this year. It can be $$$$$$$$$$.

[flminivanmama]

Wendy of course you are asking disney fanatics but I say go for it :)

[intorainbowz]

Anyone know how to find how busy Disneyland will be March 10-14? I'm guessing by the hotels being booked the answer is VERY.

[flminivanmama]

I don't know about DL but for WDW touringplans.com has a crowd indicator

[goodcents]

Intorainbowz - I would say go for it too - except just plan to take it easy and roll with the flow. It might be nice to bring someone along so if you and DP want to go on rides together you can have someone to watch your baby for you.

Flminivanmom - your funny! Phobia day on the Disney thread. I am not actually phobic. I just know my limits, and long highway drives are one of them. And if you continued driving - I think you passed the test! Its funny I used to looooovvvveeeee to drive as a teenager/twenty something. A party a few hours away? Eh! No problem! Now? More than 30 minutes? If DH isn't around we ain't going.

So-any-old-hoo

Have any of you ever tried a split stay in a hotel with kids? I am tempted for the birthday trip that I am "tentatively" planning. I "tentatively" because actually my evil-disney-twin-Mommylificient is masterfully cooking up a trip to the chagrin of her dh. Muahahahahahahahhaaha

So the plan? We can't afford the Poly the whole time. But I do say that a stay at the POFQ for a few days, followed by a delightful 2 day birthday splurge at the Poly would be lovely."

Ya know - on the monrail for the NSSHP would really rock now wouldn't it? Its just I wonder if changing hotels will be too much (check-in-/out x 2). How do you actually get from one hotel to the other with all your luggage and kids and whatnot?

[flminivanmama]

i'm not sure of the logistics but people do it all the time. I'd totally do it!

[Mrs.PhD]

We have done split resorts trips in the past, but not since having kids.

Actually I am wrong. DVC points is more on the weekend so a few times we have spent Friday Sat in a studio and moved to a 1 bedroom for the rest of the week. It saved us a lot of points, but it was in the same building so it wasn't too much work. Still you have to pack and up pack.

WDW is very good about moving you, so it isn't that hard. It can be done with out a car, but is easier if you have one.

It comes down to packing really, and not unpacking too much. Packing in stages works well. One bag for the 1st stay, one the 2nd resort etc.... The less you have to unpack, the less you have to repack to move. The whole packing in Ziploc bags works well in this situation. When the weather is unpredictable this can be harder.

Our may trip is going to be like that. May 4 and 5 at some resort (value maybe) May 6 to 10th on the ship, May 10th and 11th some WDW resort again and then fly home. This is a lot of moving, so ask me in June how it went. :wink

[splendid]

Can someone point me in the direction for planning our trip.

We (me, my kids, my best bud maybe dh) are thinking about going down to Florida. We are thinking about July/Aug for our trip.

My son will be 6 and baby will be 10 months. Can someone point me in the direction of a nice planning site? We want to stay for a week so we are thinking of park hopping.

Thanks.

[Mrs.PhD]

Can someone point me in the direction for planning our trip.

We (me, my kids, my best bud maybe dh) are thinking about going down to Florida. We are thinking about July/Aug for our trip.

My son will be 6 and baby will be 10 months. Can someone point me in the direction of a nice planning site? We want to stay for a week so we are thinking of park hopping.

Thanks.

I tried sending you a pm with some info, but it didn't work. I will try it again later.

Welcome.

Edited to add, I was able to get it to work. Now you have room for one less PM and lots more info! :)

[flminivanmama]

splendid - we like the plans at touringplans.com

they charge but we've been very happy.

I used to like the dis but their search function has become unusable

good cents mentioned on in the past she goes to - intercot? (pipe in here anytime good cents LOL)

allearsnet.com is great - especially the menu section!

you can sign up for a great money saving newsletter at mousesavers.com - they send it on the 15th of every month.

[Rigama]

We are going to WDW with dh's brother and his family. Ds's 3 year old cousin is going to get the princess makeover, and his 8 year old boy cousin is going to get his hair done. Has anyone ever done this with thier boys, and is there anyplace I could see pics of the boy-doos?

[Rigama]

Ds sounds intrested in this too. Any reviews?

[goodcents]

i like intercot.com. the boards are pretty active and they have lots of resort pics.

i went to the BBB with my DD and she loved it. It was like the first or second week it was open so I didn't see any boys there. I am sure they do something fun. Is it me or did other people here about a pirate something or other opening up for boys?

[Mrs.PhD]

Am I the only on that can't stand the hair styles at BBB? They look very uncomfortable and not that cute. My DD is only now getting used to having things done to her hair and having it gelled back like that I don't think would fly. Even if she did like it, I don't think I would enjoy trying to wash and comb it out later either. I think the idea sounds good, and getting nails and come glilter on, but not the slicked back hair.

I guess that is one way I don't have to worry about spending my $. That is a good thing because I have 2 princesses. :lol

I have seen pictures of the boy do's. It is manly a color in their hair, rather like the main st barber shop. I saw a picture of a hidden Mickey in the back of a boys head.

[Rigama]

Yes, they have an Adventure Room full of pirate stuff, but much to ds's dismay, they don't offer a Pirate Makeover.

[goodcents]

I just told the "godmother in training" to go easy on dd. She was only 3.5 when we went. We also didn't do "nails" and I only let them put on lip-gloss vs. jazzing up her whole face.

My DD loved it! She doesn't really let me "do" her hair alot, but she liked this since it was an "event" I guess. The washing and combing wasn't too bad either. But we only did the bun and crown thing. I forget what the other styles look like.

[springbabes]

I guess I should count myself as a Disney fan. The kids and I have annual passes to Disneyland even though we live 10 hours away :bag. I practically grew up at Disneyland though. We lived in Orange County and my grandpa worked there. I've have been way more times than I can count. I drive down to SoCal 3-4 times a year to visit family and we always spend a couple days at DL with my parents, siblings, etc. The annual pass more than pays for itself (though I think it sucks that I had to pay $50 for my van to go :lol ). Oh, and my DH HATES everything Disney so he never comes with.

To the pp who asked about taking her 10 month old--I think it depends on the kid. We took DS when he was 9 months and he absolutely loved everything about it, esp. the teacups whereas DD2 hated it at 17 months (not a crowd kid). And I'd definitely bring other friends or family to trade off watching kids so you can get some adult rides in.

[mirlow]

Rigama, my kids have done the cooking class. I don't think they were that impressed with it. They thought they were going to be "cooking" and were disappointed that it was decorating cookies.

My 6 yr old and her best friend went to the BBB for her friends bday. They wore their princess costumes and looked like princess. They went to the castle for lunch and later that night we went to MNSSHP, so they had a full day in costume. I wasn't with until later on in the afternoon, but when I finally spotted them walking the grounds at the GF I cried. Then again I cry at a lot of happy moments that take place at WDW!

I'm dying to get back there. We were hoping to be there in January, but with my dh's work it will be a last minute trip and who knows when that will be. I hope soon. I really miss the Polynesian.

springbabes that would be a bummer if my dh hated Disney. Luckily we all have such a good time. He does get to go golfing so that helps! Plus my kids are old enough for the kids club, so we get to go out and enjoy ourselves at their great restaurants.

Mrs.PhD I reconize your photo from the link you sent last week or so. I remember you from the restaurant board. Nice to see you here.

[Mrs.PhD]

Hi mirlow! :)

WDW is DH's and mine speical place. People think that I am the one that pushes it, but he really is the undercover Disney nut. :lol

It was below zero this morning and winchills much lower then that. No school. No school tmw either. We are going a little stir crazy. Man I would love to be in FLA right now. I can't belive we will be in 4 weeks (minus the kids.)

This whole cruise thing is becoming so much work and so much money. I am really looking forward to it, and am excited about it. But MAN it cost so much more for us. Even just getting 4 past ports is $400! We have gotten going to WDW down to a science and with DVC and AP it really doesnt cost that much. We are doing the cruise to go with BIL and SIL. I know it will be fun, but I do not see us doing this as often. :dizzy:

[AMJ]

Hi Disney mamas...I have a question for you guys. We're going to WDW in about 2 and a half weeks and I'm going to be between 8 and 9 weeks pregnancy while we are there. Has anyone been there while pregnant? Any suggestions? We're pretty commando normally and I'm hoping we still can be since I'm feeling pretty good. However, I have scheduled a little more down time than normal (yes, I'm crazy and actually "schedule" down time on our trips). I'm a big water drinker to begin with so I shouldn't have any problems staying hydrated. The only thing that I'm really concerned about is morning sickness since we are on the dining plan. I'd hate to miss out on all the yummy food I'm planning to eat!

Anyhow, if anyone has been during early pregnany, I'd love to hear any suggestions or tips!

[goodcents]

I went in my first trimester of pregnancy with my second baby. It was easy peasy really. Although - it should be noted we were well-seasoned city dwellers who walked tons and tons anyways. A day or two at Disney wasn't a sweat. We did go easy - no "Dumbo or Die" days as they call it. I drank water and snacked regularly. I am not a huge ride person so no worries there - I did do the safari bus thing at AK even though it is isn't "advised" for pregnant ladies. It wasn't too bumpy or anything. Have fun!

[Mrs.PhD]

AMJ 3 years ago Jan we were there. I was 8 weeks pregnant and my best friend who was with us was 4 weeks (she found out an hour before going to the airport!)

My Doctor said I could do /ride anything I felt up to at the time. The baby was so small it wasn't at risk. I didn't do much, I had to sit out with Anna at the time anyway. I did ride mission space though, :dizzy:

I had been VERY sick with MS before the trips. So much so my doctor gave me zofran. I didn't need to take any the whole time I was there. There was so much yummy food everywhere. I could always find SOMETHING that was ok. (not the case at home.) We were always eating and mild exercise. The weather was good, warm but not too hot. I went back to feeling bad after getting home.

You should be fine! The dining plan should be good because you get so much food and choices.

Congratulations!

[AMJ]

goodcents and Mrs. PhD- I'm glad to hear what you both had to say about the rides. I talked to my OB office last Friday about this. Normally, I'm the roller coaster girl in our family! I was also told not too worry much about the ride restrictions since it was so early. The only restricted rides that I plan to go on is the safari and POC (why is that restricted?). What do you think about Goofy's Barnstormer? DD LOVED that ride on our last couple of trips, so I'd love to experience that again with her, but it could also just be a ride that DD and Daddy enjoy together.

I'm really looking forward to our hotels and the food on the dining plan for this trip!!! We've been slumming at Pop Century for our last few trips because the price is so good and DD LOVES the pop jets and the toddler pool. This time, we are staying at Coronado Springs for 7 nights (dining plan for these nights) and AKL Savannah View for 3 nights (AP rate...no dining plan). DH feels like we are "betraying" Pop Century (our Disney home away from home) by not staying there, but I need a change!

[flminivanmama]

The only restricted rides that I plan to go on is the safari and POC (why is that restricted?).

there's a little drop at the beginning...

I went when 20 weeks pregnant with my twins and did fine :)

[Mrs.PhD]

AMJ, I agree you should be fine on those rides, and goofy too. At 8 weeks I road Dinosour, (my niece wanted me to be with her) and Misson Space (same thing.) I just sat back for the MS ride, since I had been before and knew it didn't make me sick. I don't really recomend it though. You should be fine on Soarin too (don't miss that.)

Tell me how is Pop? We have never stayed at a value (since we own DVC, and stayed at mods before having kids.) We need a room for a few nights before the cruise and a night after so value sounds great. We were thinking AS movies or Pop. I have never visited them so I don't know what they are like, but I think the kids will enjoy them.

CS and AKL should be great!

flminivanmama, I could sure stand some FLA sunshine today. It looks like Anna will at least have school tmw. It has been canceled for the last 2 days. Then Thursday she has the day off (half day but K is only half day.) At least I have gotten a break from taking her into school. It can be quite the challenge, not enough parking and a long walk, dragging poor lily the whole way. At least she is wearing her boots now. For the longest time she would only wear crocs. This girl is in the wrong state, or at leas season. I have had to fight with her to get her to wear pants and long selves. My god it is 2 degrees out!

[goodcents]

I stayed at Pop my first on property stay (I stayed OP more times than I can count as a kid)

I didn't really find it to be such a "deal". The hotel was kinda of dirty (this was when it first opened to!). The food court at POFQ seemed to have a larger arrange of choices and healthier ones too. I know it the theme and all, but I really found it to be a bit garish after a while. The colors and the big "things" all of it was a bit overwhelming for me towards the end. I am very sensitive to my environment though - I am sure other people love it.

We were sick with a cold on that trip, both dh and I, so I am sure that colored our perception but still. I would pick POFQ for the extra $50 bucks a day anytime. It was money well spent in my opinion.

[flminivanmama]

it wasn't so sunny today! :p

[intorainbowz]

As I live in Utah, the flight to Florida is overwhelming to me. :)

LA is a short one hour flight. So very excited. We got the neverlost system in the rental to HOPEFULLY save the WHY ARE WE LOST? fight which ALWAYS happens when we go on vacation. (Well not on the cruise, but we did not drive anywhere on that one.) $40 will be well worth it if we avoid that fight.

[Mrs.PhD]

I guess we are in the "same boat" but on different sides of the country. :lol

Cal and the time change is too much for us right now. FLA is a brezze flight.

I hope you have a great trip! I can't wait to hear all about it.

[familytoe]

Oh Momma's........
I am oh so happy to see this thread!!:p We are huge Disney fanatics here in my family. When I say family, I mean ENTIRE... We go once a year about 15 of us and rent a huge house for all of us to stay in together! We love it!! Actually my DH and I are leaving in TWO days for the World!! We are only going for two nights...1st time without the babies...I am so excited and scared at the same time!! I know they will be fine. I am a very hesitant flier...(read *petrified*) :dizzy: So, I am just gonna shut my eyes tight for the entire 2 and 1/2 hour flight!!!

Have any of you visited INTERCOT.COM? It's a great Disney info sight!! Gotta go get breakfast!! I'll be back!
Deana

[flminivanmama]

hi Family toe - welcome and have a GREAT time!! dh and I are planning our first alone trip for the end of march - our TENTH anniversary :love

[Rigama]

I'm trying to decided if it'll be necessary to take ds' car seat. We are driving from home to the airport and parking there for the week. We'll be taking the Magical Express from the airport to wdw and back again.

Ds will be 5.

He's currently 40 inches and about 34lbs. Too small for a booster, but I don't want to lug the carseat around if I don't have to. What do you think?

Goodcents, I can't find your intro.

[AngelBee]

My oldest tow are planning out a trip to Disney World as a homeschool project. Fun thing is though.....once they are done planning, we will get to actually go! :carrot

Our goal is Oct/Nov 2008 :love

I have been there 3 times....ages 10, 16, and 19 :throb

[Mrs.PhD]

Family toe. Oh that sounds great. You will go and be home before flminivanmama and I will have our parents only trip. I know JUST what you are talking about. I am so torn between being super excited and terrified of the trip. I can't wait to hear how your trip went.

Rigama, unless you feel much better with it car seat on the plane I wouldn't bring it. You can't use it on DME and the resort transportation. So the only reason would be on the plane, other then that it will be a major pain in the butt to lug around.

AngelBee, welcome. The nice thing about a home school project is you don't have to worry about taking them out of school and can go when ever you want.

[AngelBee]

AngelBee, welcome. The nice thing about a home school project is you don't have to worry about taking them out of school and can go when ever you want.

Very true :)

[goodcents]

Awwww! How cute?!?!?! I just went to the bank with my dd and we opened a special "Disney" savings account. It where we are going to save money for this trip (We are paying cash! I refuse to debt to go to Disney again!). We put in about %15 of what we need, a nice little chunk. I am so happy!

[annettemarie]

First of all, I am very sorry for the delay in returning this thread. We had a bit of a mod mix-up.

Secondly, please, please, please for the love of Goofy, do not post about other online discussions. Do not link to other online discussions. Do not ask people to link to other online discussions or to post to other online discussions. That's what got the last thread pulled, and that's what happened this time as well. Pretty please? :loveeyes:

If this is in any way confusing, or you have questions, please PM me. Thank you!

[thesimplelife25]

My husband hates crowds too, but I have converted him into a disney loving man:) We don't have kids yet, but we have gone at least once every year we have been together and can't wait to experience the fun of WDW with children :bouncy :bouncy

[AngieWin]

Thanks so much Annette!!!

[flminivanmama]

Thanks Annette (and I do :love Goofy :lol )

[goodcents]

Yeah! We are back! :lol

Last week DD and I went and opened a special Disney savings account. We are putting in deposits every week and I am very excited! We are paying for our October trip in cash so its a really good exercise for both of us!

[Mrs.PhD]

2 weeks from Monday. That is DH's and mine trip. I am not focusing on it, too neverous.

My friend did back out of watching the kids. I am disappointed because I felt better with her doing it. I knew that they kids would be her 1st priority and I was comfortable knowing this fiend does give her commitments her all so to speak. Still you don't want to push someone into taking your kids if they don't want to.

So now the plan is between my brother and his kids staying here evenings and nights and the kids go to school during the day, and Lily goes to my SIL during the day while brother is a work. (he is a single father with 3 kids, ages 16, 15, and 11.) Another option is my SIL would take the kids full time, but they would have to stay at her house overnight (SIL has a 10 month old.) I know they would be more comfortable at home, less of a change. But I might fell better not having to worry about how complicated this whole thing is getting. There is just too many factors to worry about (did brother get to work, did all the kids get to school on time???) Actually I am sure they will be fine either way. I just feel like I am asking so much of everyone just so DH and can have 3 nights away.

WOW, what are DH and I going to do with ourselves?

Good to see the thread back.

[flminivanmama]

Mary all will be fine whichever you decide. are the kids old enough to say if they'd rather stay home or sleep over at their aunts and cousin's house?

good cents - what a great idea - we just have a change jar (that believe or not makes a lot of money) - we call it the disney jar and we feed it often :lol

[AMJ]

Mrs. PhD- Have your kids every stayed at someone else's house? If they haven't and you have the option of having your brother and his kids stay at your home, I would think that would be less disruptive.

It's so hard leaving your little ones the first time. When we left DD last summer for 3 nights, I remember thinking we were crazy right before we left, but it went very well...much better than I ever imagined.

Are you arriving on the 5th? If so, we'll over lap by a day. We're going to be there Feb. 24th (Saturday!) through March 6th. We're staying the first week at Coronado Springs and the last 3 nights at AKL with a savannah view (thank you AP rates). I feel like I have so much to do before we go and I'm having some major early pregnancy exhaustion (not helped by DD waking up in the middle of the night almost every night for the last week). My best friend from college is also coming for a visit on Wed. and Thurs. night :dizzy: . Yikes!

Has anyone here ever done a split stay? I'm a little nervous that it's going to be a huge pain, so if anyone has any tips, I'd appreciate it. I just REALLY wanted to stay at AKL and there was no way that was in the budget for 10 nights!!!!

[familytoe]

Well Disney Momma's....we are home form our mini vaca!!! I am soo glad we went! The Boys were fine and I don't think they even missed us! They stayed at my in-laws the entire time, and we didn't tell them we were going. So in their little minds, they think they were the ones that went away! hehe:lol
The flight there and back totally sucked!! (I hate flying) I pretty much weeped the whole time! But I made it and everyone is fine! I am not so sure if the panic and fear over the flight was worth the 3 days of fun. And I am not so sure we will do it again for a long time. But I am very gald (now that it's over) that we did it!!!
Now the "World" was baren!! It was great, and we pretty much walked onto the attractions. Our longest wait was Expedition Everest, (30 min) the newest coaster at Animal Kingdom. I am not gonna tell you about it just incase you haven't riden it yet. All I am gonna say is WOW!!!!!:dizzy: It was the best! Well that's about it. I'll be back!!

[splendid]

Can I just say, I never knew how much went into planning a trip to WDW. I'm trying not to micomanage things, but its rough for things like dinner and what parks to go to during our time. We are going during summer so we (read I) have to make sure we are not at certain parks on the mega mega busy days.

[egoldber]

Hi all!!! We are HUGE Disney fanatics!!! DH and I go on average twice a year. :o My 5 year old DD has been 8 times. :lol We own DVC and stay once a year on points and once a year in a moderate. We had a trip 3 weeks ago where we stayed at BWV and had our best trip ever.

Right before we went in January some friends of mine talked us into going again with them at the end of April! :duck: So we are booked into CSR, where we've never stayed, so it should be REALLY fun!! :wink

[Rigama]

I'm glad the thread is back! I hit some snags in my planning and hated that I just couldn't pop in and ask you all for help.

Okay, so I know this sounds totally selfish, but what can I do to make sure my family, esp. ds, will have an absolutely magical trip? This is our first trip (and being poor, possibly our only)to wdw and I've heard stories of so many wonderful things happening-like kids getting free micky ears or chosen to be a helper to jack sparrow. Things that aren't necessarily part of YOMD but are magical just the same. Obviously, I want these kind of magical things to happen to ds, so are there any tips that can make him more "visible" to CMs looking to spread a little magic? Especially considering that between me and dh, we've never won a single thing-not even $2 on a lottery ticket. And beside things that are out of my control (like being randomly selected for something) what kind of things should I make sure to definately do with and for ds? What makes a magical trip to WDW?

Thanks!

[AngieWin]

I'm glad the thread is back! I hit some snags in my planning and hated that I just couldn't pop in and ask you all for help.

Okay, so I know this sounds totally selfish, but what can I do to make sure my family, esp. ds, will have an absolutely magical trip? This is our first trip (and being poor, possibly our only)to wdw and I've heard stories of so many wonderful things happening-like kids getting free micky ears or chosen to be a helper to jack sparrow. Things that aren't necessarily part of YOMD but are magical just the same. Obviously, I want these kind of magical things to happen to ds, so are there any tips that can make him more "visible" to CMs looking to spread a little magic? Especially considering that between me and dh, we've never won a single thing-not even $2 on a lottery ticket. And beside things that are out of my control (like being randomly selected for something) what kind of things should I make sure to definately do with and for ds? What makes a magical trip to WDW?

Thanks!

Things to make a child more visible to the CMs or the characters is to dress them in a shirt with a specific character or dress him as a character. When we went in matching shirts the kids were noticed alot too. Or you could do the shirts a-la-Price is Right and put a cute phrase on it. "My First trip to Disney", "Born a Disney Fan", etc.

One sure fire way to make it magical is do make the magic yourselves! I have read alot of parents that have visits from Tinkerbell/Mickey every night and a small present is left for your child when they wake up. Check The Disney store for clearance items or Disney items at the Dollar store before you leave home. To ward off the gimmes/can-you-buy-me's you can buy the same kind of items at the Disney store or glow sticks/trinkets at the Dollar Store and when he asks for the $20 light up toy pull out the one you already have. You can do the same with autograph books (decorate with Mickey stickers and bring a sharpie for the characters to sign with ) and bring your own ponchos!

[tweetpeasmom]

I am also a disney fanatic. My whole family goes about every year or 2. We are planning a trip for September of this year and there will be 11 of us, its about our 20th family trip. It is dd's first trip and she will be 15 months old. I am soooo excited I can't wait!

We are doing a split stay. We will be staying at Fort Wilderness (in a trailer) for 4 nights and then Grand Floridian conceirge for 3 nights. Its my first time staying at GF, has anyone else stayed there? I absolutely love the Polynesian, so I hope it is as good.

I am so ready to go, I've already started a packing list :).

Hail Disney! :D

Dani

[goodcents]

have you all entered the family fun sweepstakes - a free trip!

http://familyfun.go.com/utilities/global/feature/milliondreams-sweepstakes/

[Megali]

I've never been to Disney World. So, what am I doing in this thread you ask? Well, at the end of April, DH, DS, and I will be going for a few days since DH has a business trip there. We'll be staying at the Coranado Springs as that's where the conference is. DS will be 6 1/2 months when we go. I know he won't be able to "do" much but I'm looking for advice for those who've taken such a young babe there and what you did.

[Teensy]

There are plenty of slow rides and shows you could take a baby on. Check out the disboards link and you will find several discussions listing the various rides that are fine with a babe. If DH is with you, you can also do a "baby swap" where one parent rides, then when they exit the next parent gets to ride without waiting all over again (just ask the cast member at the ride what you need to do for a baby swap on that attaction, it varies some). Very cool!

[mirlow]

Its my first time staying at GF, has anyone else stayed there? I absolutely love the Polynesian, so I hope it is as good.


We have stayed at the GF a couple of times. Are you staying in SL or RPC? We stayed in SL in Oct. I'm trying to book a trip for next month and I have a discount code that is only good at the GF, but I really want to stay at the PR since we haven't stayed there since August 2004. I enjoy the GF a lot I just really miss the PR.
I think we're nuts going during Spring Break. We went in 2005 and it was packed. I do know how to deal with the crowds so that does help! I'm happy as long as I can have my drink on the beach sometime in the afternoon.

[mirlow]

I know he won't be able to "do" much but I'm looking for advice for those who've taken such a young babe there and what you did.

Sometimes I think it was easier going to WDW when they were younger! You get up early, hit the parks and come back for an afternoon nap. Those trips at times were so much more relaxing. Now my kids just want to keep going like the Energizer Bunny.

Have a great trip!

[tweetpeasmom]

We have stayed at the GF a couple of times. Are you staying in SL or RPC? We stayed in SL in Oct. I'm trying to book a trip for next month and I have a discount code that is only good at the GF, but I really want to stay at the PR since we haven't stayed there since August 2004. I enjoy the GF a lot I just really miss the PR.
I think we're nuts going during Spring Break. We went in 2005 and it was packed. I do know how to deal with the crowds so that does help! I'm happy as long as I can have my drink on the beach sometime in the afternoon.

I'm not sure what SL or RPC is, but I know we are staying in the concierge rooms if that helps at all :). Where do you get discount codes at? I absolutely love the PR, but my parents tried out the GF at their last trip there and liked it so decided we would stay there (they are paying so we gladly let them make any decisions! :D)

I agree that Spring break is a crazy time to go. We try to never go at that time after going then once when I was younger. We usually try for October, love the weather and crowds then. But it is better if you know the ropes like you do and know how to manage the crowds.

I am so excited to be taking dd for the first time, I cannot wait!

Dani

[splendid]

I'm thinking about dropping Epcot (the future side) from our trip and going to AK. I'm not sold one bit that my son is going to like it.

Rigama have you thought about the sending you ds on the pirate cruise?

[flminivanmama]

my kids *love* EPCOT - how old is your son?

I have 3 boys and we go to EPCOT every trip - I think they like future world better than the world showcase & you can definitely spend your whole day on one side....

[Rigama]

Morning ladies!

We are now in the double digits until we go on vacation! Yippee!

Yes, Splendid, DS is set up for the pirate cruise. It took some cajoling and reassuing on my part to convince dh that this would be okay. But now ds is adamant that he have a pirate costume for his cruise! I'm soooo hesitant to drop the bucks for the Disney costume, but I've checked at Toys R Us and ebay, and i either don't like what they have (cheap plastic stuff) or it's too big/just as expensive as disney store. Times like this I wish I was handy with a sweing machine.

I keep dreaming about WDW. I'm not sure if it's because I'm truly that excited, or if it's because I've spent so much time planning. Anyone else have disney dreams?

Mirlow (love the name!) how DO you handle the crowds. Is there a trick that a WDW Virgin like me can be let in on:loveeyes:

[egoldber]

I know he won't be able to "do" much but I'm looking for advice for those who've taken such a young babe there and what you did.

A baby can go on any ride without a height restriction. :) We took our 3 month old last month and she rode everything. I think I nursed on every ride LOL!!

Just an FYI on the pirate cruise. My oldest DD has done this twice. I really wouldn't buy a costume. They wear life vests the whole time and you can't really see anything. Also they give them pirate themed bandanas as part of the cruise, so I wouldn't get anything else. I have never seen kids dressing up for the pirate cruise.

My DD5 loves Epcot. She loves all the rides there. There really is alot for a kid to do in FW. Don't forget the Kidcot fun stops too. Innoventions also has alot to do. We didn't really discover those until this last trip.

[splendid]

We are still going to epcot, I'm just saying we are spening most of our time in World Showcase. We think ds will have more fun there since he obsessed with different countries and cultures.

[mirlow]

I'm not sure what SL or RPC is, but I know we are staying in the concierge rooms if that helps at all :). Where do you get discount codes at?


I am so excited to be taking dd for the first time, I cannot wait!

Dani


SL stands for Sugar Loaf and RPC is the Royal Palm Club, both are concierge just in different locations. You must have tea while you are staying at the GF. We really enjoy our visits there. The rooms are big and have great amenities. We enjoy both pools. My youngest finally felt comfortable going down a water slide and loved going down the slide at the GF over and over again.

I got an email discount code. It is only good through March. Everything is pretty booked. We do a lot of last minute trips and it drives me :dizzy:

How old is your dd? That is so exciting. I think it's great that you are going with a group. Most of our visits to WDW have been with other friends and family. It's so much fun going with other people. When we went in Oct some of our close friends met us there. We hadn't seen them since we moved. We just had a blast!

[Rigama]

Just an FYI on the pirate cruise. My oldest DD has done this twice. I really wouldn't buy a costume. They wear life vests the whole time and you can't really see anything. Also they give them pirate themed bandanas as part of the cruise, so I wouldn't get anything else. I have never seen kids dressing up for the pirate cruise.



Thanks for this tip!

I'm not sure I can convince ds to give up the pirate costume, though. I'll be able to talk him out of wearing it ON the cruise, but he seems to really really want a costume. Last year, for his 4th bday, he had a Pirate Party and hasn't let this intrest go yet. He'll be 5 next month and still talks about the pirate ship cake I made last year. Plus, he's seen all these pictures of little princesses wandering around WDW and he think's there's a lack of boy stuff (read: Pirates). His cousin is getting a makeover at BBB and he was very disappointed he couldn't get a pirate makeover. His words "That's no fair, why do girls get all the fun?" :lol

[tweetpeasmom]

SL stands for Sugar Loaf and RPC is the Royal Palm Club, both are concierge just in different locations. You must have tea while you are staying at the GF. We really enjoy our visits there. The rooms are big and have great amenities. We enjoy both pools. My youngest finally felt comfortable going down a water slide and loved going down the slide at the GF over and over again.

I got an email discount code. It is only good through March. Everything is pretty booked. We do a lot of last minute trips and it drives me :dizzy:

How old is your dd? That is so exciting. I think it's great that you are going with a group. Most of our visits to WDW have been with other friends and family. It's so much fun going with other people. When we went in Oct some of our close friends met us there. We hadn't seen them since we moved. We just had a blast!

Thanks for the definitions! :) I dont' think we have decided yet exactly which rooms we will be staying in. I think my dad is making the reservations in a couple weeks. Which one do you think is better?

We will definately be doing the tea there. My neices (who will be 6yo, 5yo, and 16months) along with my dd who will be 15 months (she is 8mo now) will have a fun time with it, I think. Last time I was there was in Oct of '05 and I was just pg (I think I was 4.5 weeks when we were there). But since I already knew I was pg and high risk, I didn't ride many rides or get to go on waterslides. So we are ttc right now but as much as I would LOVE to be pg again, I'd love to be able to go on all the rides too. I guess we shall see what happens.

I also love going with a big group. Some day maybe I'd like to go with just dh, but I love going with my dad. He is like a little kid when we are there. We get a couple matching t-shirts (we make them) and that is fun to match a couple days when there. And it gives good perks too sometimes (like people knowing we are a group and not trying to separate us in line). We've went a couple times with my aunts and uncles and had a group of about 20...crazy, but fun! :)

Its so hard for me to concentrate on anything else once I start thinking about DW....I just wanna go now!

Have a magical day! ;)

Dani

[egoldber]

I'm not sure I can convince ds to give up the pirate costume, though

Oh he should totally wear a costume in the parks LOL! Just not on the cruise. ;)

[Mrs.PhD]

Wow, I learned something new today. I didn't know that about GF. I have never stayed there, but have at most other Deluxe and mod resorts. Never stayed at Con either, but if this new DVC resort comes through we will someday. GF is always so much more we just skip it. Maybe someday.

Taking a baby is a breeze. Especially at that age when they can sit up a bit better and when you are breast feeding it is so much easy!

Now as far as Epcot goes, there is ton for kids. Especially little boys. Test track and Mission space are great (if he is tall enough.) MS has a "orange" one that doesn't spin, so it doesn't make you sick. I would do that one 1st. My DD was just a tad too small last trip. (I think you need to be 44 inches, she is 43.)

Sorin is GREAT. Do not miss it. The new living seas is amazing, the Nemo ride is great and turtle talk with Crush is wonderful. There is more but those are the FW don't misses. Also there really is a lot of fun stuff in Inoventions (you can send email post cards home for free.) There is an area is you have a Disney Visa that you can get a private time with some characters and then a free pint of it (you need your Disney Visa with you and it is open from 1:30 to 4:00 daily.) This is on the East side I think. At night there is this area to the right of Spaceship earth (when you are facing it.) that has light up sidewalk. Super hits with the kids.

Now there is a lot to do at AK too. Just saying don't dismiss FW, it has its appeals, and has gotten better in the past few years too.

One week from Monday. Just DH and I. Still feeling a little guilt. This week is no school and Lily has been one sick little girl. It doesn't help that we finally stopped nursing a few weeks ago. She tried when she was sick, no milk. I considering getting some mothers milk tea, when I offered again she started to and then changed her mind and said no. I think she is done.

Anyway poor Anna has been stuck in the house all week with a sick sister. All of her friends are out of town for the week too.

She is being pretty good about it. I was feeling bad that we are doing something fun soon, but she isn't. Then again it isn't always all about her too, good for her to learn that. In May she gets to do the cruise. We keep focusing on that.

[mirlow]

Mirlow (love the name!) how DO you handle the crowds. Is there a trick that a WDW Virgin like me can be let in on:loveeyes:


Thanks. The name came from the first three letters in my older two's first names.

I handle crowds a few different ways. I always plan what park and where to eat and the ability to be able to throw it all out the window if needed. Half of our days don't go as planned (weather, tired kids, want to hang out at the pool etc.)! I hope I am making sense?
I always like to get to the park at opening and leave around lunch. For all of the trips we have done we have only stayed at a park from open to close on two different occasions. When at the park we go on rides where the wait is less than 20 minutes or we grab a Fastpass. There are many attractions/shows that you can go on where the waits aren't that long. By the time the park starts to fill up we leave to go back to the hotel to hang out at the pool. The we head back to a park in the evening.

I think you said this is your first trip. It can be overwhelming. Just remember you won't be able to do it all. We have gone on 9 trips and one was for a very long stay and we still haven't seen it all. Pick some things you want to see and do and all the rest will be a bonus.

When are you going?

[mirlow]

Did you all know that some of the resorts at WDW are certified hotels of the Florida Green Lodging Program (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/GreenLodging/GreenLodgingCertifiedHotels.htm)?

[christmasevetwins]

Subbing.

We are such Disney freaks we're driving from Ohio to Orlando next Friday with 10-week-old twins! We just can't stand not to use our DVC points. Staying in a 1br at Saratoga - not my favorite resort, but the best we could get on short notice.

Planning on getting the dining plan. I'll never lose the last 12 pounds of baby weight! :( I can't wait to eat the watermelon salad at Boma!

I just ordered a Moby so that I can nurse while standing in lines! :o

[Mrs.PhD]

Subbing.

We are such Disney freaks we're driving from Ohio to Orlando next Friday with 10-week-old twins! We just can't stand not to use our DVC points. Staying in a 1br at Saratoga - not my favorite resort, but the best we could get on short notice.

Planning on getting the dining plan. I'll never lose the last 12 pounds of baby weight! :( I can't wait to eat the watermelon salad at Boma!

I just ordered a Moby so that I can nurse while standing in lines! :o

It seems like SSR is the only thing that is open if you don't book right at 11 or 7 months out now a days. Oh well, at least SSR is a nice place! Be sure to request a room. We like the springs, close to the pool and bus stops. You can get really far out there with some rooms.

I have never had watermelon salad at Bomas (one palce we haven't ate at.)

I love the strawberry soup at 1900 park fare though.

What a drive from Ohio. I hope you have good weather for the drive.

[christmasevetwins]

Boma is my favorite restaurant at Disney. I love the food, and the ambience is incredible, too. I requested the Springs - really hope it is honored. Last time we had an awesome view of DTD, but we had to take a BUS to pool!

[tweetpeasmom]

I also love Boma, very good tea too!

Anyone that has stayed at the GF with conceirge, can you tell me what the conceirge is like? Do they offer anything different than other conceirge? We have stayed at the Poly conceirge. I was talking about it last night with my parents and we were wondering what kind of fare they offer.

TIA,

Dani

[mirlow]

Anyone that has stayed at the GF with conceirge, can you tell me what the conceirge is like? Do they offer anything different than other conceirge? We have stayed at the Poly conceirge.


Dani, we stayed in Sugar Loaf which is one of the levels of concierge at the GF. The other concierge is the Royal Palm Club. SL is in it's own bldg like at the Polynesian. The RPC is located on the upper levels of the main bldg at the GF. They both have the same offerings, but the RPC costs more money because it is in the main bldg. The setup in SL is more like a bed and breakfast. There is no tv area and the lounge is quite smaller than the Polynesian. There aren't as many tables at SL. There are more sofas and chairs to sit on. The GF offers more food offerings with more food and drinks throughout the day then the Polynesian.
Here is the time of the different offerings:
Coffee ~ 6:30-7:00
Grand Beginnings ~ 7-10:30
Refreshments ~10:30-2:30
Afternoon Tea ~3-4:30
Twilight Refreshers ~ 5-7
Cordials and Desserts 8-10

I enjoyed the food service at the GF more than the Polynesian, but I prefer the lounge setup much more at the Polynesian.

If you have any other specific questions let me know.

[tweetpeasmom]

Mirlow---Thanks so much for all that great info!

At the Grand Beginnings time do they have a pretty wide range of bfast foods? Stuff for kids/toddlers? I remember them having waffles, fruit and cereal for bfast at the Poly, is that about the same at the GF?

Oh, my dh wondered if they serve scotch at the cordials hour (yuck! :lol )

We usually do our bfast at the concierge, a big lunch somewhere special, and then dinner at the concierge along with all the snack times too.


I'll be back with more questions I'm sure before we go! :)

Dani

[wendygrace]

Hi. May I join you? It looks like ds may be granted a trip to Disney from Make A Wish. We are awaiting his actual "interview" but ds wants to "fly with Peter" and where else can that possibly happen but Disney? So I am an overplanner (having a special needs child will do that) and have already started the research and planning. We're hoping the trip will happen for his fifth b-day in June. This will be both kids first time, my second and dh's third trip. It's been over 15 yrs for me and over 20 for dh. I'm really excited and nervous.

[flminivanmama]

welcome Wendygrace :hola:

[goodcents]

welcome wendy!

have you checked out this book? (http://www.amazon.com/PassPorters-Disney-World-Special-Needs/dp/1587710188)

i really like the passporter books myself - and this one is specifically for people with special needs.

[Mrs.PhD]

Welcome Wendygrace. How wonderful. Please keep us updated in it.

We are all sick around here. :sneeze: It started with Lily on Monday. Her cough was so bad the doc wanted a chest x ray. It was clear so they just sent us home to wait it out. She is doing better, now Anna has had a fever for 2 days. :fever: I am not feeling so great either. Our trip is in 10 days. I hope we are all better by then. :dizzy: I am so going to need this break when we get it. I hate being the responsible parent. I don't want to spread this so we haven't left the house much. I haven't been able to do anything we planned since a week ago tmw. :( I have gotten out of the house twice. Once the girls were doing well enough to go to the store. (the brief 8 hours I had between the girls illness on Wednesday, or was it Thursday?) and yesterday DH was home so he let me go to the gym to work out (and sit in the steam room). That is where he is now.

On top of it we are suppose to get another winter storm tmw and Monday. So when people do finally get well enough to go out, we are not going to want to. I hear the weather was pretty good this week, but we didn't get out in it. Spring will come eventually right? At least Feb is almost over. I feel like the Dar Williams song about February and forgetting what a flower was.

Sorry, I am having a bit of a pity party. :gloomy: I shouldn't. In 10 days I get a adult only trip to WDW! How cool is that? (still feeling guilty too though.)

[MommytoMJM]

Reporting in! We live behind the Magic Kingdom...I can see Wishes! from our patio and play the CD everynight when it comes on. (no...I don't have a problem) We go at least a couple of days a week. My DD has special needs and is homeschooled with all her lessons revolving around WDW. It has been a life saver for us, she has grown and blossomed so much in the last 2 years, the CM's who have known her for the whole 2 years we've been going can't believe she is the same kid. (Neither can I) We were going so much that when AOL laid off everyone in the state of FL (Incl DH) he went to work for the Mouse (he works in reservations delaing with people who have been 5 times or more)

[Mrs.PhD]

Reporting in! We live behind the Magic Kingdom...I can see Wishes! from our patio and play the CD everynight when it comes on. (no...I don't have a problem) We go at least a couple of days a week. My DD has special needs and is homeschooled with all her lessons revolving around WDW. It has been a life saver for us, she has grown and blossomed so much in the last 2 years, the CM's who have known her for the whole 2 years we've been going can't believe she is the same kid. (Neither can I) We were going so much that when AOL laid off everyone in the state of FL (Incl DH) he went to work for the Mouse (he works in reservations delaing with people who have been 5 times or more)


Hi mommy to MJ. Welcome. That is great about living so close and DD doing so well.

Not long to go for us. Just packing and last min things. Anna is at Disney on Ice with some friends right now, and when she comes back we are dropping her off at her aunt and uncles (just a few miles away.) The girls will spend the night there tonight since we leave at 4:45 for the airport tmw.

Just a little bit of packing left to do, but man it is so much less work when it is just us.

The only down side is I am not feeling well. The virus that got all a few weeks go is still lingering. For the most part we are better but I am so congested today and just feeling yucky. I hope it isn't an sinus infection. I don't have time to go to the doc before we leave.

[goodcents]

Have a great time Mrs.PhD! I am sure it is going to be awesome!

[AngieWin]

Reporting in! We live behind the Magic Kingdom...I can see Wishes! from our patio and play the CD everynight when it comes on. (no...I don't have a problem) We go at least a couple of days a week. My DD has special needs and is homeschooled with all her lessons revolving around WDW. It has been a life saver for us, she has grown and blossomed so much in the last 2 years, the CM's who have known her for the whole 2 years we've been going can't believe she is the same kid. (Neither can I) We were going so much that when AOL laid off everyone in the state of FL (Incl DH) he went to work for the Mouse (he works in reservations delaing with people who have been 5 times or more)

Yay!! You found us! Your DD is so blessed to have a wonderful momma like you!

[wendygrace]

Thanks for the welcome. We got our interview today and we're nearly assured a trip with Disney. They came prepared to talk about it as we mentioned ds' wish when they called to schedule. We requested to go down the Saturday before his birthday. He's not quite getting it just yet but we haven't just told him we're going either since it won't be set until they have all the reservations. I am soooo excited and have really gone into hyper planner mode...and its only been four hours since they left. LOL

Bonny, that is so neat that you live behind MK. Its amazing the things they do for the special needs kids. It reallyl is a magical place.

[blsilva]

Hello! We love Disney around here, too. We went to Disneyworld for our honeymoon, and go to Disneyland 2+ times a year. :lol We actually broke down and bought annual passports this year!

[intorainbowz]

So we go to Disneyland on Saturday. Any packing tips for what to take for a mom, dad and 10 month old? Thanks!

[blsilva]

We always bring lots of water & snacks. Bottled water at the park is kinda expensive, and we go through a lot of it. And their snacks are great, but things like goldfish & cheerios are a little hard to find. :lol Have Fun!!

[MommytoMJM]

Howdy again!

Now that I've gotten our reservations taken care of, do you have any tips for good counter service meals?

So we are thinking of taking our will be 10 month old with us to DisneyLand in March. Everyone thinks we are nuts. Are We?

I love Disneyland and DH really wants to go.

We took MJ at 10.5 mos to DL and to WDW at just after her 4th bday (although developmentally at that time she was closer to 1)


welcome wendy!

have you checked out this book? (http://www.amazon.com/PassPorters-Disney-World-Special-Needs/dp/1587710188)

i really like the passporter books myself - and this one is specifically for people with special needs.

The second edition is in the works, I'm a peer reviewer for it and I know they use some of our experiences as examples. Any question anyone has about disabilities at Disney I am pretty sure I can answer. Between mine and MJ's Exceptionalities and my MANY friends who have them, I am pretty well versed. Feel free to fire questions away.

Hi mommy to MJ. Welcome. That is great about living so close and DD doing so well.

Not long to go for us. Just packing and last min things. Anna is at Disney on Ice with some friends right now, and when she comes back we are dropping her off at her aunt and uncles (just a few miles away.) The girls will spend the night there tonight since we leave at 4:45 for the airport tmw.

Just a little bit of packing left to do, but man it is so much less work when it is just us.

The only down side is I am not feeling well. The virus that got all a few weeks go is still lingering. For the most part we are better but I am so congested today and just feeling yucky. I hope it isn't an sinus infection. I don't have time to go to the doc before we leave.

Awwww hugs! WDW can make a lot of things better though! If you get a change, look at our family pic and shout if you see us. (pics at MJ's Site)

Yay!! You found us! Your DD is so blessed to have a wonderful momma like you!

Awww, thanks hon! Can't wait to meet up in July!

Thanks for the welcome. We got our interview today and we're nearly assured a trip with Disney. They came prepared to talk about it as we mentioned ds' wish when they called to schedule. We requested to go down the Saturday before his birthday. He's not quite getting it just yet but we haven't just told him we're going either since it won't be set until they have all the reservations. I am soooo excited and have really gone into hyper planner mode...and its only been four hours since they left. LOL

Bonny, that is so neat that you live behind MK. Its amazing the things they do for the special needs kids. It reallyl is a magical place.

I am so glad you are getting a trip for your son, I think we are elgible for one for MJ, but she is non verbal and the only thing I can imagine her liking is a trip to DL. I have a lot of knowledge of Give Kids The World, how the GAC works, etc...feel free to ask me anything.

[wendygrace]

Thanks Bonny! I really appreciate it!

When will the new passporter be available? Our library doesn't have a copy and I was going to go search one out but if a new one is coming soon, I may just wait.

How far away is GKTW to Disney? And is it really worth it to go back mid-day for a nap to turn around and go to another park in late afternoon?

What accomodations can the GAC provide? I've never been to Disney with kids and the last time was when I was a teenager so I don't even know what type of accomodations to ask for. He has so many varied needs and invisible disabilities/issues.

[MommytoMJM]

See Answers in post :)

Thanks Bonny! I really appreciate it!

When will the new passporter be available? It'll be a few months, worth the wait I think for purchase. Our library doesn't have a copy and I was going to go search one out but if a new one is coming soon, I may just wait.

How far away is GKTW to Disney? GKTW is about 10 miles from Disney I think (I haven't clocked it, but I have driven past it) And is it really worth it to go back mid-day for a nap to turn around and go to another park in late afternoon? That depends...are your kids very used to napping? Do they need a nap and can they take one in the stroller while you and dad do something they might not like...Remember too, GKTW has a TON of stuff to do, I have heard families say that they could have spent the entrire trip at GKTW and not been bored. So it may be worth it to go back from that perspective.

What accomodations can the GAC provide? I've never been to Disney with kids and the last time was when I was a teenager so I don't even know what type of accomodations to ask for. He has so many varied needs and invisible disabilities/issues. The GAC for regular visitors (my daughter) and the GAC for your MAW trip look alike but are totally different. The regular GAC just tells Cast Members (CM's) what accomodations you need to enjoy an attraction.

The MAW GAC Allows you special seating in shows (near the front), to ride rides a couple of times in a row if your child wants, and to go to the front of the line. For any character, ride or show line, just show the MAW GAC to the nearest CM and they will handle the rest, they are GREAT with MAW and Special needs families.

I'll type more soon, roght now MJ needs me....

[flminivanmama]

we might not have childcare now for our anniversary trip :(

so we may bring them with us.

My ds (7) is so cute, he told me I could take the money out of his piggy bank to pay a babysitter when I was crying after my parents said they didn't want to watch them.

[AngieWin]

we might not have childcare now for our anniversary trip :(

so we may bring them with us.

My ds (7) is so cute, he told me I could take the money out of his piggy bank to pay a babysitter when I was crying after my parents said they didn't want to watch them.

So sorry to hear. I hope your trip is still magical!

[intorainbowz]

we might not have childcare now for our anniversary trip :(

so we may bring them with us.

My ds (7) is so cute, he told me I could take the money out of his piggy bank to pay a babysitter when I was crying after my parents said they didn't want to watch them.

What is up with your parents??? They agreed now they changed their mind? Yuck.

Hope all works out and you still have a nice trip.

[Rigama]

I'm sorry about your parents, Fliminivanmama. That really stinks.

Ds's 5th bday is in 2 wks! Woo Hoo! He was all set to have a Secret Agent Party, but then yesterday he changed his mind to Peter Pan after watching it tuesday night. He's also decided he needs a Peter Pan costume to wear both at his party and at wdw. Only 81 days to go!

[flminivanmama]

whee! my parents will take them one day and my in laws the second. :bouncy

I made a reservation for Narcosees the first night - timed to see the fireworks and the boat parade :)

we are going to spend both days at EPCOT and the 2nd night is EMH there.

we are staying at Coronado Springs

so eating at a resturant we never ate at & staying at a resort we never stayed at - 2 more to check off the list LOL LOL

ohhh Mrs. PhD - how was YOUR trip??

[Mrs.PhD]

I am back! We had a great time and everything worked out well with the kids. They ddi great. I am so grateful to BIL and SIL for watching them. When we go to WDW and DCL in may we are getting them a room with points the night we get off the boat and got them AP rates for the nights before the cruise. Sorry you had some stress over who was going to watch yours.

I wrote a trip report on it, but it is rather long to post here. If you want to see it just PM me.

Long story short almost everything went great. Good weather, good timing and luck with things. pretty low crowds. Board Walk Villas was great. The only down side is we both ended up with sinus infections/bronchitis the whole trip. It was a virus that we thought was getting better and started getting worse when it was too late to do anything about it until we got back. We were at the Doc the next morning after we got home. DH is doing better, it is holding on a bit longer for me. We did bring meds and such with us and it didn't stop us too much. We still had a great time, but the flight was difficult on my ears.

It really was strange being there with out the kids, but we enjoyed ourselves. I think we might of missed them more then they did us. I felt the need to tell people we had kids, but this was our trip. Man it is so much easier traveling with just adults though. We both were amazed every step of the way how easy it was.

We loved the keys to the kingdom tour and were able to do all the things we can't with the kids and enjoy 3 great sit down meals. It was wonderful.

Have a wonderful time, you and DH deserve a great break.

[flminivanmama]

oh feel better. I'm sure I can find your trip report :loveeyes:

[intorainbowz]

just got back from Disneyline.. Oops Disneyland. We still had a blast. That place is just DESIGNED to get you to overspend, which we did.

The weather was wonderful and we did great having a baby there and everything. Single Rider is AWESOME!

[flminivanmama]

just got back from Disneyline.. Oops Disneyland.
:lol

I'm glad you had fun!

[becoming]

Subbing! We're going to WDW next November and are already in full planning mode. :D

[flminivanmama]

welcome!!

[AngieWin]

just got back from Disneyline.. Oops Disneyland. We still had a blast. That place is just DESIGNED to get you to overspend, which we did.

The weather was wonderful and we did great having a baby there and everything. Single Rider is AWESOME!

This time of year is awful for lines! But glad you had fun!!

[AngieWin]

Subbing! We're going to WDW next November and are already in full planning mode. :D

Welcome!!!

[intorainbowz]

We really had a lot of fun. DD thought the haunted house was a comedy ride... she laughed and giggled the whole way through. She hated the Buzz Lightyear ride. She loved Pirates. One of the nice things was she could go on most of the rides so we could go together.

We learned that things that go woosh scare her ala the doors on the monorail and flushing toilets. I nursed her in the mei tai in the line for the monorail and on it. I also nursed her in the line and on Pirates, but she very quickly decided she wanted to see the show. I nursed her all over the parks.

Sometimes the lines were awful, then they were fine. We re-rode small world because the line was so short. We dang near walked on the haunted mansion, then went and rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, which we also nearly walked on, to come back and fine a 45 minute line for the haunted mansion.

I'm ready to go again! Maybe next time we will try WDW.

[flminivanmama]

my 3 also all think HM is funny :love

[AngieWin]

Bryce was 28 months last time we went and it was torture for him!! He hid his poor little face the whole time! Loved Buzz though!

[AngieWin]

I was thinking about asking on the toddler bfing thread, but I'll just ask here...

We are going in July to WDW, anyone else going?

[flminivanmama]

I don't think so but I'm going to the LLL conference and my dh may take them up for a day - or so he says :lol

[Mrs.PhD]

We went to WDW once in august and we were pretty miserable. Never say never, but we don't see ourselves going back during summer months again any time soon. It might have just been a really bad /rainy summer (I think it was 2003.) Still we stick to winter or early spring months.

flminivanmama isn't your trip soon. Have a wonderful and magical time and stay healthy! :sneeze:

[flminivanmama]

yeah - we did late june once and it *sucked*

BUT there were a TON of characters - more than I've ever ever seen

[flminivanmama]

since this is an "adult" trip LOL

any special suggestions for drinks in EPCOT? I've been gathering some from you know where... but figured I'd ask here too.

plan to have a drink and or a snack and or a candy in each country :D

and am also planning on doing half the countries one day and half the second so as not to make ourselves sick

[becoming]

I've been twice to WDW and once to Disneyland in the summer. It was bad. Bad bad bad. Never again.

We're trying to decide between the last week in November (2008) and the first week in December.

[littleaugustbaby]

Hello! Major Disney fanatic here. We have Disneyland APs and go at least once a week. :)

I haven't been to WDW yet, but I am hoping to plan a trip for next year. DD really wants to go, and so do I. :) We are thinking April/May or October.

[Rigama]

60 more days!!!! Yahoo!

Ds woke up this morning and climbed into bed with me and spent the next 15 minutes hugging me and telling me about the dream he had-about WDW. I feel like the next 60 days will never ever pass. We need to get away in a major friggin' way around here.

So here's a question...What's a good way to get a case of water into the world? We're staying on site, flying in and using DME. We won't rent a vehicle. I really am opposed to paying 2.50 per bottle, since we are HUGE water drinkers.

Also, (and I suppose I could post this on the "namesake" forums, but I'm very intimidated by them for some reason) when should I get my Disney Visa rewards transfered or whatever that is?

[littleaugustbaby]

http://gardengrocer.com/ - they charge a $12 delivery fee

http://shop.goodings.com/ - min. $50 order plus $20 delivery fee

There are probably others, but those two have both gotten good reviews. They will deliver water/food/snacks to your hotel room.

[Rigama]

Thank you. Does Garden Grocer have a minimum order?

[intorainbowz]

You may want to check if they are in the area or if they deliver to the hotels, but Albertsons delivers.

Oh, and at Disneyland a 20 ounce bottle of soda/water is 2.79

[Mrs.PhD]

Thank you. Does Garden Grocer have a minimum order?

I don't belive they do. We used them in Jan and had great service. I highly recomend them (it was 10$ delivery fee then.) The prices are pretty good too. I gave a tip on top because I thought they did great, and we had a big order.

[Teensy]

I was reading [edited to avoid UA violation: somewhere else] about nursing toddlers and using Diva Cups and wondered how many of the posters were MDC mamas! :lol

I am planning a girls only trip for next April with DD and my mother. I will attempt to make reservations for breakfast at Cinderella's castle, making the call at 7:00 am 180 days in advance - has anyone tried to get these ADRs? Is it as difficult as I am expecting?

[splendid]

...psst it is against the UA to talk about other boards, period, that is how we lost our last threads.

As for Disney Rewards, there are places on site where you can cash them in.

[splendid]

We have decided to go in December and skip Stars Wars Weekend. The geek in me is so :(

[littleaugustbaby]

We have decided to go in December and skip Stars Wars Weekend. The geek in me is so :(

I'm glad you've decided to go though!

Come out to Disneyland and I will meet you there and we can go to Jedi Training Camp. :D

[goodcents]

My bestest Disney bud has decided to make her appearance :lol.

I am having so much fun planning our next trip, which is likely to be October 2007 so we can go to the Halloween party. I am trying to decide if we actually want to be in the park on Halloween night with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Do y'all think I am nuts?

I was really hoping we could stay at the Poly and be on the monrail line - but honestly? I just don't think a.) I can swing the almost $4500 it would cost and B) I don't think I could stomach knowing I spent it when we would like a new kitchen and we should get a new roof. So, even though I am teetering on shortening the trip to swing the Poly I think we will probably end up staying at POFQ, which we luuuuvvvvvvveeeddd last time. Admittedly, the diva in me was looking forward to a 4 star hotel stay, our only one since the kidlets were born. Maybe next year?

[Teensy]

After going on the 4th of July, I can say I would never go on a holiday again. But Halloween with the little ones might be okay since just looking at all the other visitors in their costumes would be part of the fun.

We've stayed at the Poly & AKL, but I think the next time the whole family goes I may book a value or moderate instead and get two rooms. Our family of five doesn't sleep well in the same room (one DS likes it absolutely dark to sleep (and one parent agrees), while another DS likes a light left on (and the other parent agrees with him)). For my trip next April with DD and my mom, I think we'll stay at the POFQ.

[splendid]

My bestest Disney bud has decided to make her appearance :lol.

I am having so much fun planning our next trip, which is likely to be October 2007 so we can go to the Halloween party. I am trying to decide if we actually want to be in the park on Halloween night with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Do y'all think I am nuts?


Maybe as crazy as me being in there on 12/25. I think you should do it. I've seen other people's pics from Halloween there and it looks so nice.

Has anyone gone camping at Fort Wilderness before?

[flminivanmama]

I'm baaaack! we had SUCH a great time!

I had a drink in every country LOL:lol

[Mrs.PhD]

I'm baaaack! we had SUCH a great time!

I had a drink in every country LOL:lol

Great! Good to hear you had a good time. I can't wait to hear more about it!

Did the kids miss you too much? What did you bring back for them?????

[flminivanmama]

the kids did not miss us at all - my in laws however missed us a LOT (judging by the 20 "when are you coming home calls we got today :rolleyes)

my son was a little weirded out though last night when I called him and told him I was about to get on test track (his favorite) - like "huh, mommy's riding MY ride?!?"

I bought Jacob a pokemon puzzle in Japan, Ben a tiny troll doll in Norway, and Max a ruler and a small sheet of pokemon tatoos. I also bought all three a t-shirt to share (they are the same size) and a set of 4 Jack Sparrow chapter books. they were very happy with their gifts :)

[PatchChild]

As for water, have you considered one of the Britta waterbottles, or a similar filtered bottle? I loved my Britta for my last trip. We filled it at every water fountain we saw and never had to taste icky Florida tap water. Much, much cheeper than drinking bottled water. It also assured that I was drinking enough because I didn't feel bad when I filled it yet again.

[flminivanmama]

I just put pictures and a trip report in my blog

[MommytoTwo]

This post was a ways back, but we just did Magic Kingdom last weekend and I was 35 weeks pregnant. Just drink a lot of water, take lots of breaks and no rides (well, I did go on Small World LOL).

We are planning a "big" family trip in Feb 08 - staying at POR for a week and doing all 4 parks so DH said we can get AP. yay!

[splendid]

If anyone is around a tv today, it is all day Disney on the Travel chaneel till midnight.

[Mrs.PhD]

If anyone is around a tv today, it is all day Disney on the Travel chaneel till midnight.


DH has been going crazy getting it all on DVD. Everyone has to have a hobby, my DH's is Disney World. :lol

[flminivanmama]

LOL we were watching on and off. We are watching deadliest catch now though and the TV is going OFF soon. :dizzy:

Mrs PhD my dh is similar:lol

[Mrs.PhD]

LOL we were watching on and off. We are watching deadliest catch now though and the TV is going OFF soon. :dizzy:

Mrs PhD my dh is similar:lol


They are good kinds to have! :lol People think the Disney thing is all me, little do they know.

BTW, the behind the scenes show on at 9:00 had almost all new footage, it was very good. It reshows tonight at midnight, and again through out the week.

FLminivan, I looked at your blog, but the pictures didn't show up for me for some reason. I will try again later.

[mama2mygirl]

We're going to Disneyland on Thursday. We don't usually go during the busy seasons--next week is spring break but we homeschool so totally forgot!--but I can't wait! They have a whole new princess fantasy faire where the kids get to make crowns or shields and meet three princesses. They can also do their hair or nails and my mom is buying dd a Sleeping Beauty dress. I am nearly as excited as my little girl!
I LOVE Disneyland. One year we had an annual passport and it was wonderful!(Both sets of parents live in Southern California.)

[Mrs.PhD]

We're going to Disneyland on Thursday. We don't usually go during the busy seasons--next week is spring break but we homeschool so totally forgot!--but I can't wait! They have a whole new princess fantasy faire where the kids get to make crowns or shields and meet three princesses. They can also do their hair or nails and my mom is buying dd a Sleeping Beauty dress. I am nearly as excited as my little girl!
I LOVE Disneyland. One year we had an annual passport and it was wonderful!(Both sets of parents live in Southern California.)

Have a great time, that sounds wonderful!

[intorainbowz]

DH picked the location of our vacation at Disneyland. I wanted to go to Hawaii.

I saw parts of the Disney on Travel. Made me want to go back to Disneyland, even though I went 2 weeks ago.

Spring break was on when we were there. We went in the am, then went and napped and then closed the parks down. Lines went away about 9:30/10 pm ish. Using fast passes helped the lines a lot.

[flminivanmama]

They are good kinds to have! :lol People think the Disney thing is all me, little do they know.

BTW, the behind the scenes show on at 9:00 had almost all new footage, it was very good. It reshows tonight at midnight, and again through out the week.

FLminivan, I looked at your blog, but the pictures didn't show up for me for some reason. I will try again later.

me neither - weird. I thought maybe it was my mac?? I know I did the html right....

anyway you know where else you can find them....

[flminivanmama]

They have a whole new princess fantasy faire where the kids get to make crowns or shields and meet three princesses. They can also do their hair or nails and my mom is buying dd a Sleeping Beauty dress. I am nearly as excited as my little girl!
so sweet! :love

[Mrs.PhD]

me neither - weird. I thought maybe it was my mac?? I know I did the html right....

anyway you know where else you can find them....

I looked, but didn't see it. PM me a link please! :dizzy:

[mama2mygirl]

Have a great time, that sounds wonderful!

Thanks! It's been a rough year and a half for us and it'll be so nice to just have a day at Disney. It'll be great to see dd so happy!
Plus my mom is going so my dh and I will be able to go on some rides together. (DD doesn't like anything even slightly scary. Usually we do the parent swap.)

[Mrs.PhD]

Thanks! It's been a rough year and a half for us and it'll be so nice to just have a day at Disney. It'll be great to see dd so happy!
Plus my mom is going so my dh and I will be able to go on some rides together. (DD doesn't like anything even slightly scary. Usually we do the parent swap.)

Hugs, so glad you have DL to make it a little bit better for a day at least. Winter is always hard for me, going to WDW for a week makes up for it (at least for a while.) 2007 is a red letter year for us, 3 trips! The last one (in May) will be a cruise. Our 1st time. I am getting pretty excited!

That sounds a lot like the bibbity boopity bo at down town Disney in WDW. My problem is the girls hair ends up the same, slicked back and pulled in a bun. Making things sounds better, is this a paid event?

[flminivanmama]

we took our first cruise in november - RCCL (gasp!) DH and I still prefer Disney World, natch, but the kids had such a great time and really want to go on another. you'll love it.

[Rigama]

As for water, have you considered one of the Britta waterbottles, or a similar filtered bottle? I loved my Britta for my last trip. We filled it at every water fountain we saw and never had to taste icky Florida tap water. Much, much cheeper than drinking bottled water. It also assured that I was drinking enough because I didn't feel bad when I filled it yet again.

What are these things and where can I get one, or three!?

[mama2mygirl]

The crown making and storytelling are free. The hair/nails(they say something about putting flowers in their hair--I'll let you know!) cost money. The cupcake decorating cost money. Going in is free. Meeting the three princesses is free. The dancing is free.
I think this is a response to the princess lunch at Ariel's Grotto. In the crowded season, it used to be the only way to see the princesses without waiting in huge lines. That was my opinion. One mom I know says that the princess lunch was fun but that she and her dd met plenty of princesses in the part just fine. She didn't mind the lines and wouldn't do the lunch again.
Anyhow, it really wasn't fair to have to pay to see the princesses. (Which is what I felt it was becomming. ) I didn't mind--I love the lunch and my dd had her birthday there and they did an amazing job. But it is really expensive and I can see not wanting to do it. We are not doing it this time.
Anyhow, my dd and I are both totally excited.

[MommytoTwo]

Question about the DVC????

From what I read you have to purchase a minimum amount of points and then you can use them to stay - but is the minimum purcahse like $14000??? I read something like that but it seems high... I dont know.

[AngieWin]

What are these things and where can I get one, or three!?

Its been a while since I have seen these in the stores, but I am on the lookout too!!

[PatchChild]

I think I got mine at Target, but it was a while ago. I'm not sure who might be carrying them now. There are quite a few on Ebay though. Try Brita Water Bottle.

[wendygrace]

The Britta Water Bottles are discontinued. I believe there's now one called water2go or something that's similiar.

Looks like we are getting close to having ds' MAW trip scheduled out. We're looking at going June 24th and returning June 30th. I am soooo excited! We are on the waitlist for part of our trip for GKTW but if GKTW doesn't open up, we'll be staying on a Disney resort for a couple days and staying at GKTW the rest of the trip.

Bonny, thank you so much for the info. I just realized that I must have read your response and never thanked you. So sorry. Not sure how that happened.

[Mrs.PhD]

Question about the DVC????

From what I read you have to purchase a minimum amount of points and then you can use them to stay - but is the minimum purcahse like $14000??? I read something like that but it seems high... I dont know.

It is a pretty loaded question, there is a lot to it. If you are interested I can PM some sites that has a lot of info on it.

DVC you need to buy points. These points are good for anywhere to 40 to 50 years, depending on where you buy (the new places are like Saratoga Springs, and the new Animal Kingdom Villas have 50 years.) The more points, the more it cost. The more points, the bigger rooms you can get and more time you get.

We own 170 points at VWL and it cost around 12,000 back when we bought. The dues are around $600 a year for us. We bought thinking we would go once a year, but we have been staying in studios and going more often (1 to 3 times a year.) You can bank (save) or borrow your points too. We are in a constant state of borrowing. We wish we had around 220 points, but we are managing ok.

We love DVC. It is a great thing for us.

[joeysmom1729]

Hello there! I love Disney! We are taking ds to WDW in Florida the last week of September...we can't wait!! He will be 18 months old at that time. Any tips for us?

[wendygrace]

Hi all. Quick questions for you gals. What sun protection do you use for you and your kids? Sun screen, sun protective clothing, combo? What brand sun screen? Any particular sun hats that are good for your kids? I was thinking of getting the kids sun hats but have been having trouble finding them for my five year old ds. Any thoughts? We have those water hats with sun protection on them. Those ok for walking around Disney? thoughts?

Thanks!

[Kundalini-Mama]

here i am!

so - who has been to the not so scary halloween party on halloween night itself? is it an insane idea? tentatively planning an october trip for my bday (i will get to disney this year dang it!). because my bday falls so close to halloween we would kinda have to be in florida for halloween night. my dd will be crushed if she doesn't get to trick or treat.

I thought this thread died. I had no idea the original thread was removed. I'm curious, someone want to PM me?

We're going down the day before Halloween, but we will not be going to MNSSHP. We should see if our schedules coincide though :)

[AngieWin]

Hi all. Quick questions for you gals. What sun protection do you use for you and your kids? Sun screen, sun protective clothing, combo? What brand sun screen? Any particular sun hats that are good for your kids? I was thinking of getting the kids sun hats but have been having trouble finding them for my five year old ds. Any thoughts? We have those water hats with sun protection on them. Those ok for walking around Disney? thoughts?

Thanks!

We use a solarveil sling and when napping in the strollers, I have solarveil sheets to drape over the slings. My boys live in baseball hats, I am lucky to get a bucket hat on them. I just try to remember to cover all their little body parts with sun screen, hair parts and tops of ears and backs of necks have been forgotten before :o I have heard of a sunscreen for hair that covers the scalp also, but cant find anything like that. I like the Baby Magic/Banana Boat sunscreen for the boys.

For swimming, I got Noah (23 months for our July trip) a swim diaper/shirt combo from Target that has sun protection built in.

[littleaugustbaby]

My bestest Disney bud has decided to make her appearance :lol.

I am having so much fun planning our next trip, which is likely to be October 2007 so we can go to the Halloween party. I am trying to decide if we actually want to be in the park on Halloween night with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Do y'all think I am nuts?


Well, I think you are nuts anyway! :wink :lol

I'm not sure about MNSSHP, but at California Adventure they do Mickey's Halloween Treat, and it is a ticketed event with a limited # of tickets, so it does not get really crowded, which is nice. I would guess that Halloween night would be a bit crowded in the parks, but it is probably not terrible. I could be totally wrong though. :lol

[Kundalini-Mama]

We went to MGM on Halloween. Some kids in costume, but, dead as always :) I am a big fan of not going to Disney when it is busy so I couldn't be paid to go to MNSSHP on Halloween :lol

We buy a whole bunch of sunblock from the co-op, I can't remember the name, and we just slather that on before we leave the hotel, or if we are late, while waiting for the bus. We also go in Oct/Nov, not dead heat of summer. The kids and I have never gotten tan while down there (which really angers people for some reason :lol ) Hubby has gotten burnt a couple of times as "he didn't need sunblock".

A couple questions for you all. We bought APs, our first time. They are obviously not activated yet. Are we going to be able to get the AP code when it comes out b/c we're not activated? And, I read somewhere that before we check in to the POP we're going to need to get the APs activated to get the AP rate. We'll be flying down and then, MEing it, and I'm not looking forward to hanging out in POP while hubby takes a bus to DTD to activate an AP. Thoughts?

Thanks mamas
Amy

[littleaugustbaby]

I am not sure about DW, but from what I have heard at DL, you do not have to be an AP until the day you check out in order to get the AP rate. You could probably call the reservations # to verify.

[goodcents]

I would be more inclined to go to DTD with hubby while he activates the APs. There is plenty of stuff to do down there. You could ME it to POP leave your stuff with the luggage people and then go back to check in.

I hear you Kundalini about not going when its crowded - we schedule our trips for off peak times. I just kinda wanted to be there for my birthday which falls 1-2day before or 1-2 days after Halloween (I am not actually telling my bday 'cuase ya know this is the internet and all that). So....unless we planned on flying on my birthday (to get to Dis or to leave it) it kinda only left halloween night. I have done some research since then, and I am pretty sure we are going to probably go in the middle of October. That way there is no flying on my birthday, and the kids will for sure get to celebrate halloweenie. I haven't booked yet - sometime this week hopefully!

[flminivanmama]

is anyone going for free dining? end of aug to end of sept.

our trip was already planned for the week of oct 7th so we can't plus that month is a little busy with school starting and the Jewish Holidays....

OH also YIPPEEE!!! Disney is now doing committment ceremonies for same sex couples! :love

[Kundalini-Mama]

I was wondering if you followed some alternate calender where your birthday moved around :rotflmao

In terms of DTD, we'll be leaving VT at the butt-crack of dawn, laying over in JFK and finally getting to MCO. I love DTD, but I will need to lay down, or go to the pool or something, nothing too active. It is a very long day. And, DTD is weird about stroller rentals--we had to put like a $50 deposit down on a credit card--we don't have a credit card, luckily our friends did and they trusted us. :lol

Andrea, I am so psyched about the commitment ceremonies. My husband has heard me talk about it, um, a tad too much. It is about time.

[goodcents]

FLMM I just can't swing that Sept bit. I really wanted to try - but chaning all of our plans for the free dining, plus the start of school, and maybe not getting to go to the halloween party (whole point of a trip this time around) I am hoping they extended it!


We may just be there at the same time kundali mom.

[wendygrace]

kundalini,thanks for the info on the sunscreen. If you happen to remember who the co-op was from, please let me know. I'm looking for some good sunscreen because I'm probably gonna go with baseball caps for the kids.

I'd share more here but this is my first trip as an adult so I'm pretty clueless about all this. I am getting so excited though. It is nerve-wracking that we don't have confirmation yet though. But chances are pretty good we'll be leaving around ds' bday in June.

[flminivanmama]

FLMM I just can't swing that Sept bit. I really wanted to try - but chaning all of our plans for the free dining, plus the start of school, and maybe not getting to go to the halloween party (whole point of a trip this time around) I am hoping they extended it!
not that you should change your plans... but I think the 1st party is 9/14

also the P&P parties will coincide with it too

free dining is 8/26 - 9/22

P&P dates are 8/11/07, 8/15/07, 8/18/07, 8/21/07, 8/24/07, 8/28/07, 8/31/07 and 9/3/07

MNSSHP dates are not confirmed but the 1st one should be 9/14

[Rigama]

I just wrote a long post and it got lost!!!! Argh!

Anyway, we're in the final stretch. 26 days till our first trip to WDW!:D :bouncy :jumpers: :banana I feel like there are tons of things I should be doing right now, but don't know what. All our ressies are made, ds is set up to go on his pirate adventure, we got our vouchers and DME luggage stickers...So now what?

Dh and I can't decide if we should bring a stroller with us or not. on the one hand, ds is 5, active, and healthy. We go hiking and he doesn't tire out. On the other hand, it'll be hot and sunny and I'm sure he'd love a place to sit and rest while in line. But the stroller we would bring is his old umbrella stroller that doesn't have a sun shade or cup holders or anything.

Also, what are the things you all feel are absloutely necessary to bring with you into the parks? I'm thinking the camera/film (maybe video cam?) snacks, water, band aids, ibuprofen, sunscreen, wipes and chapstick. But is there anything eles that I'm missing?

And what should we do our first day? We are staying 8d 7n, and we arrive in orlando at 1:30. We'll be staying at CBR and dh wants to go to Epcot right away, but I'm not sure. Any ideas?

Please, help me stay busy so these last 3 weeks don't drag by!

thanks!

[Mrs.PhD]

Hey, time does fly doesn't it. We leave on Friday for a few days at CRS and then over to the boat for 4 nights on the Wonder. We get a night at SSR after the cruise, but our AP will be expired so we are just hanging out or going to TL on Thursday.

I always say bring a stroller, but if it isn't that great of a one, maybe rent. Then again if it just an umbrella, how hard it is to bring?

Epcot is a good park to go to if you can't get there 1st thing in the morning. If you want to do Soaring that day get a fast pass right away though. It is really the only one that runs out. If you have other days at Epcot then just do it another day. Also the ride in Mexico is just redone, don't miss that. The F&G festival should still be going one, so be sure to spend some good time at Epcot. It is great. There is extra play areas always set up and that is extra fun too.

If you are not doing the EMH, then try to avoid that park that day. It does really make the park busier. If you don't want to do a park on the 1st day there is always resort, DTD and boardwalk area.

Your list sounds good. When the kids were young I always brought a small blanket for comfort and shade, but with older kids not as important. A hat would be good to add to the list and sun glasses. Rain gear if necessary and a rain cover for the stroller is good if you have it. Autograph book and pen is good. pennies to press (and quarters) is fun too, along with a pass port you can buy and stamp at all the countries at Epcot. Don't miss the kid cot stations at Epcot too. Oh and the living seas, must hit the living seas and see the new Nemo ride (a few times.) Gosh I am getting excited too.

We are doing Epcot the 1st day (half day like you) and then MK the 2nd day. Our AP are only good until May 6th and we arrive May 4th. We get on the boat May 6th so 2 days in the park is it for us this trip. We just did the family trip in Jan so it isn't like the kids never get to go. WDW is just bonus this trip. The cruise is what we are all excited about.

[Rigama]

Thanks!

Yeah, we have hats, and plan on wearing them daily. Thanks for the reminder about rain gear! And it's funny, but I actually dreamed about pressing pennies at WDW last night. Oh will these weeks never end?!?!

[Mrs.PhD]

Well we are off (tmw at 4:30 am! :dizzy: ) Will report back when we return. I even got the girls to bed. Some last min packing, some good Thursday night T.V. and then time to sleep for a few hours before leaving in the middle of the night for the airport. The good news is we have a full day at WDW tmw!

[flminivanmama]

have a great time!!!!!!

[hlkm2e]

Just the mamas I need to talk to! I've been going crazy trying to make all these Disney decisions on my own. DH says just do whatever, ok, it's not that easy:lol So here is what I know, could you guys help me figure some things out.

We are going for just 2 days in October, mid october a tuesday and wednesday. My parents live just an hour and a half away so we will be driving in early on tuesday and leaving for home late wednesday. We will just stay over one night, onsite. We already have reservations for princess breakfast on wednesday morning.

So, should we stay at a monorail hotel and pay more for the convenience or stay at say Boardwalk, Beach, or Wilderness Villas and pay less, but not have the convenience. Money is not a huge factor, well we can afford it, but don't really like spending unless we are really getting our moneys worth. Like, if we didn't have little ones, then we would just stay farther and cheaper, but does it make it worth it with an almost 4 year old and 18 month old.

Strollers. Rent or bring your own?

[MommytoTwo]

The monorail is fun to ride but really the buses are totally easy.. we stay at the Port Orleans Riverside and love it.
If your kid is a little older I would wait on the stroller - you can always rent one if need be.

Check out www.allearsnet.com

[flminivanmama]

if you CAN stay in a monorail hotel I think it's totally worth it - if you can't - it's still not a big deal - we always drive though and don't use busses. if you have to use busses I say stay in a monorail hotel for sure.

strollers - we always brought ours (maclaren twin & maclaren single)

when the twins were 17 months and the baby was 8 weeks old we went with a inline triplet stroller and got a guest assistance pass for it hahahaha



So, should we stay at a monorail hotel and pay more for the convenience or stay at say Boardwalk, Beach, or Wilderness Villas and pay less, but not have the convenience. Money is not a huge factor, well we can afford it, but don't really like spending unless we are really getting our moneys worth. Like, if we didn't have little ones, then we would just stay farther and cheaper, but does it make it worth it with an almost 4 year old and 18 month old.

Strollers. Rent or bring your own?

[AMJ]

Hi all...

We just decided last week that we are going around Memorial Day! Airfare on United dropped last week and we had been looking for a getaway before mid-June. Having an AP and a child who is still free (until July) is a dangerous combination!

My mother, DD, and I are flying down on 5/21 and DH and my dad are flying down late on 5/24. We're staying at Yacht Club (DH, DD, and I are happy at the values, but the parents are more the deluxe types). Can anyone enlighten me on how bad the crowds will be this time of year and how hot it will be?

I'll be around 21 weeks pregnant on this trip. I couldn't believe how wiped out I was when we were there in late Feb/early March (between 8 and 9 weeks). Hopefully, I'll have the second trimester energy burst...or I could just hang out at the pool!

[MommytoTwo]

Cant help you on the crowds but it will be pretty darn hot. Tank tops and shorts for sure. LOTS of sunblock.

[AngieWin]

Bumping for Tiffany!

[Tiffany_PartyOf5]

YAY! I had no idea about this place.. thanks for the bump.. Im Tiffany (20), married to Donald (25). We have Raymond (4), Ari (2), and Alex (1). We live in Jacksonville, FL and are semi-crunchy and are totally addicted to Disney! We are currently planning a Nov. 4 night cruise on the Wonder and a MK trip in January

[AngieWin]

YAY! I had no idea about this place.. thanks for the bump.. Im Tiffany (20), married to Donald (25). We have Raymond (4), Ari (2), and Alex (1). We live in Jacksonville, FL and are semi-crunchy and are totally addicted to Disney! We are currently planning a Nov. 4 night cruise on the Wonder and a MK trip in January

Glad you found it! We are going in July and I am stocking up on ideas on how to stay cool!!:lol

[Mrs.PhD]

We are back. We had a great trip and most things turned out very well. The cruise was great. The girls had a wonderful time time. No one really got sick (except me.) I think it was IBS that flared up, I haven't had issues with it in years. I guess going off my diet and routine really threw me. It wasn't fun, and still isn't but I have been very careful about what I have been eating (not much) and drinking gateraid. I even drank pedia light (yuck, no wonder my kids won't drink that.) :dizzy:

The staff on the boat was great. We ended up with 2 days at Cast Away Cay because it was rainy the 1st morning (but fine the afternoon.) It was a lot of fun. The girls loved the Oceaner Club (they did let potty trained 2 year old Lily in, but we didn't leave her for long and always had her big sister with her.) The weather wasn't perfect, but was fine for most of it.

Our time while short at WDW was great too. We had a good day at Epcot and MK before heading out on the boat and hung at the resort after (SSR.) That was when my tummy was having major bathroom issues so I was happy to be "close to home." I managed to fly home ok too, could of been a lot worse.

No more WDW trip until a year from now. How said is that?

[flminivanmama]

WB!! sounds like fun :love

[Rigama]

I'm so excited that I constantly feel like I'm gonna pee myself! Hard to believe that 13 days from RIGHT NOW I'll be in the magic kingdom. I'm trying to keep myself busy, but really my first and last thoughts of my days are about the trip. I think dh is going batty with the nonstop chatter.

So, is it true about the new refillable mugs? You can now refill them at any resort? I don't want to start one of those dreaded mug debates that are so common on other boards. I'm just wondering if this is the case.

I'm fully expecting to get weepy when we arrive. I'm not sure why. I guess for a lot of reasons...that we're doing this for ds, that it's our first time, that I never got to do anything like this when I was a child...But when we watch the planning dvd, I get misty, so I figure i'll cry a bit when I'm actually there. Anyone else have this issue?

[Rigama]

And Mrs.PhD, I'm so glad you're starting to feel better. It sounds like you had a wonderful time anyway, though.

[flminivanmama]

Rigama - I don't know about the mugs.... but I'm so excited for you!!

[Mrs.PhD]

I have not heard about the mugs. In Jan they were the normal beach club ones, March BCV normal ones, just last week the CRS were the same ones as when I was last there 10 years ago.

SSR had the normal seasonal DVC mugs (OKW, SSR, VB and most DVC only resorts have mugs that change each season so you can't used them year after year, but you can with in months of the 1st buy.

I haven't read anything about it anywhere else, but I don't really look into mug threads too much anymore. All resorts are going non smoking in June, I do know that (both in rooms and around rooms and balconies.) I am very happy about this, but some people are not.

I am feeling better, I went to whole foods today and got some peppermint oil pills, I hope it helps. While my gut and inner system is returning to normal, I still have a lot of pain an discomfort (but can leave the house and bathroom.) :wink

Rigama, I hope you have a wonderful magical time. I am excited for you.

[AngieWin]

I have seen some threads about a new mug for the YOAMD, but nothing for sure on if it is refillable everywhere. Still some debate on that (imagine that, debate over mugs:lol ).

And I get weepy going to WDW too!! Not as much as on the way home though!!

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

[Rigama]

Ds is watching the planning dvd for the second time in a row this morning. Sheesh, will these 11 days never pass?????

Mrs.PhD, did the peppermint oil help?

[Mrs.PhD]

Mrs.PhD, did the peppermint oil help?

I think it has, things are getting back to normal. I have been controlling my IBS with the HOPE formula (Brenda Waston, High fiber, Omega 3, probiotics,and enzymes) for a while now and things were good. I needed more to get things back to functioning. If you have any tummy trouble, take any meds you might need with you. My SIL had Imodium with her, and I was grateful. Still I don't like taking anything like that any longer then normal. The natural alternatives work so much better in the long run. Does anyone know of anything I should try that I am missing?

The funny thing about the peppermint oil is it give me crazy heart burn, but at least it tastes like peppermint. :lol Still the cramping is better, at least I can wear pants today, yesterday I couldn't tolerate anything around my waste so it was dress time. Since dresses don't work well for breast feeding it has been a while since I wore any. At least I didn't get ride of all my old clothes, thank goodness for big closets.

Thanks for asking.:)

Sometimes the planning and anticipation is part of the fun. Dreaming and getting excited. I hope you get a wish. We spent 18 days in the parks this past year, and not even a dream fast pass. Oh well, it was still magical. Still I thought our odds were pretty good at least.

I have a trip report up (and half done) in other place in cyber space, PM if you want a link.

[Rigama]

Sometimes the planning and anticipation is part of the fun. Dreaming and getting excited. I hope you get a wish. We spent 18 days in the parks this past year, and not even a dream fast pass. Oh well, it was still magical. Still I thought our odds were pretty good at least.

I have a trip report up (and half done) in other place in cyber space, PM if you want a link.


I hope we get a wish too, though I doubt it. I never win anything. Ever. For a while I was going to these monthly meetings that had a door prize for being on time. The average attendance at these meetings was about 5 people. I went for half a year and never once won a prize. Sometimes there were multiple prizes given on one night, and I STILL never came up! Sigh. It'd be lovely, especially for ds, but I don't even want to think about it because I want our trip to be magical with or without a dream.

I'm thinking about making him a tee shirt. Something like "My First WDW Trip, 2007". Not because I think he'll get extra special treatment, but as something he can physically do to help make this a lasting memory. Heck, I might make one for myself while I'm at it!

We bought him a few disney themed dollar store items that will be secretly stashed in our luggage. Once we check into the hotel dh will take ds to look for ice or something and the "gifts" will come out along with a letter from Tink (or maybe Peter Pan-ds' fav. character) that says something like "Dear Ds, Welcome to the most magical place on earth. I'm so glad you came for a visit. Keep on the lookout for me and my friends. Have a magical time!" and ds will discover them while he's looking around the room. It's crazy how geeked I am about this trip!

Question: How does the Waking Tinkerbell thing work? Not having ever been to wdw, I have no visual of where to go-though with my early riser, I've no worries about being at the park for rope drop. Also, my SIL wanted to know which horse on the the carousel is Cinderella's.

Oy. Either 8 or 9 days to go...depending on if you count the morning we leave!

[Mrs.PhD]

I hope we get a wish too, though I doubt it. I never win anything. Ever. For a while I was going to these monthly meetings that had a door prize for being on time. The average attendance at these meetings was about 5 people. I went for half a year and never once won a prize. Sometimes there were multiple prizes given on one night, and I STILL never came up! Sigh. It'd be lovely, especially for ds, but I don't even want to think about it because I want our trip to be magical with or without a dream.

I'm thinking about making him a tee shirt. Something like "My First WDW Trip, 2007". Not because I think he'll get extra special treatment, but as something he can physically do to help make this a lasting memory. Heck, I might make one for myself while I'm at it!

We bought him a few disney themed dollar store items that will be secretly stashed in our luggage. Once we check into the hotel dh will take ds to look for ice or something and the "gifts" will come out along with a letter from Tink (or maybe Peter Pan-ds' fav. character) that says something like "Dear Ds, Welcome to the most magical place on earth. I'm so glad you came for a visit. Keep on the lookout for me and my friends. Have a magical time!" and ds will discover them while he's looking around the room. It's crazy how geeked I am about this trip!

Question: How does the Waking Tinkerbell thing work? Not having ever been to wdw, I have no visual of where to go-though with my early riser, I've no worries about being at the park for rope drop. Also, my SIL wanted to know which horse on the the carousel is Cinderella's.

Oy. Either 8 or 9 days to go...depending on if you count the morning we leave!

Your gift idea sounds great. One year a women from another board was going to send my DD's a post card. She did, but she sent a package from WDW witha wand in it, post cards from charaters and something for Lily too. It was so nice. That was my magical moment.


Other advice is use fast pass and if you want a dream fast pass your best bet is to be in line for something right when the park opens. They give it out then.

[Rigama]

Thanks for the tip-but what is a dream fastpass? Also, when you say be in line for something when the park opens do you mean public opening or EMH opening?

Also, great trip report. I laughed my rear off!

[Mrs.PhD]

Thanks for the tip-but what is a dream fastpass? Also, when you say be in line for something when the park opens do you mean public opening or EMH opening?

Also, great trip report. I laughed my rear off!

Get there at opening, and got right to a ride you want to get on. We often try for dumbo because the line gets really long and no fast pass. We did see dream team people leaving it once, but we were too late.

Fast passes are what I think they give the most out of. Great idea because it costs them next to nothing, but it really doed make peoples days. They are landards with a card on them, and a tab you can pull off with a fast pass good anytime for all the rides that have fast passes on them for that park. You can only use it once each ride, but it does help when it is busy.

[Rigama]

great, thanks!

Are the dream fastpasses good for the entire family? I would assume so, but then again, I'm a newbie, so what do i know:lol Oh, and another general fastpass question...does each family member need to get a fastpass? So if 3 of us want a fastpass for Soarin' do we all use our tickets to get 1 fp each? It seems so, but I'd like to be sure.

[wendygrace]

Yes, each person that is going to ride needs to have a fastpass. Just remember that you are only alloted one fast past per time period. I can't remember the details but when you get a fast pass you have to be back at X time to ride and you can't get another pass until the time your fastpass return time is.

[Mrs.PhD]

Kids with out tickets don't need fast passes (under 3) everyone else does.

You can't use your normal fast passes until the time named on it (even a min before.) You can use it any time after though, not only the time listed on it. They used to let you use it any time after, even days after. We have noticed that since the new dream fast passes they do not do this, and are a bit more careful about the fast pass times. I think it is because they have so many more people using the fast passes at any time now.


As soon as you can get a new one, do it. It does make for some breaking up (I go take the kid to the bathroom, and grab the food, you walk and get the passes and meet me here.) Having walky talkies or cell phones with unlimted use and long distance is a good thing.

[flminivanmama]

we also get fast passes for every member of the party even if they aren't planning on riding so that we can go on the ride more than once. this is great for something like test track or EE when your 7 year old says "take me again, that was awesome!!" and you can say "OK, let's go!"

[AngieWin]

I have mailed a good 70 postcards for the YOAMD, but nothing yet. I was hoping to win something before we went in July, just in case I dont get a dream down there. I hope I dont get my hopes up too high! A DVC membership would be a nice thing to win though!!

[Rigama]

Of course this is subject to change. Also, we know what we want to ride/do at each park, we have a priority list, so we don't have the Do it all or die mentality. I'm trying to convince dh that we should take a hotel break mid-day but he's hesitant because ds doesn't nap and he thinks that the travel to our hotel would be the rest. I'm hoping after a day he'll change his mind.

Monday 28
Arrive 1:25
Check in, hotel lunch rest
Magic Kingdom PM

Tuesday 29
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s gala feast-6:00
Maybe Epcot PM

Wednesday 30
Pirate Adventure 9AM GF
10:00 Concourse Bfast(Just me and dh for stickey mickeys)
Animal Kingdom
Whispering Canyon Café 5:00
Maybe MK PM

Thursday 31
AM Water Parks
Mama Melrose 5:10
PM MGM
Fantasmic 9:00

Friday 1
MGM
PM Maybe DTD
Hoop Dee Doo 5:00
Date Night

Saturday 2
AM Animal Kingdom or Water Park
PM Epcot
50’s Prime Time Café 5:15

Sunday 3
All Day Epcot
Maybe MK PM
Le Cellier 5:10
J/K Date

Monday 4
Hotel Day/ Faves day
Leave WDW 1:00
Depart 4:00

Suggestions and tips welcomed!
Thanks

[Mrs.PhD]

Sounds like fun, here are my recommendations.

Don't do DTD on a Friday night. It is a big local hang out and will be insane busy. In fact don't do DTD at night if you can do it during the morning it is a lot more fun or afteroon. Maybe on a leave or arrive day. If you don't make to to DTD you aren't missing that much. We skip it many trips, and many we do go we wish we had skipped it. No admission makes it really crazy.

Also do what ever park for that evening where you are eating dinner. For example you said MK and Cinderella's gala. Just stay there after. Dinner will eat up a lot of time. If you do go over to Epcot after take the Monorail, but it will take about 30 min of time.

The bus from closing time can be crazy and really long lines, standing room only. Not good when you have a kid who is asleep and a stroller to hold. Even harder when you have 2 kids, both asleep, one not so small anymore and a double stroller to hold (personal experience talking here.) :lol

I would suggest maybe going to Epcot the 1st day, and MK the whole day on Tuesday (with a resort break if needed.) MK can fill up fast and it can be hard to get there half way through the day and not be able to ride anything they want because the lines are too long. Start fresh in the morning and get a lot done 1st thing. Epcot is one you don't really need to get there early for any reason (expect maybe Sorin, but just do that another day.)


I am so excited for you!

[mirlow]

Hey everyone, I haven't been around much but I have been enjoying reading all of your posts!

Rigama you are going to have so much fun!!!!!!! I still remember our first WDW trip. We were only there for four nights and it seemed like we did so much. There is usually some moment on our trip that I get teary eyed about. My kids are getting older so our trips are some what evolving and I hope that there will always be that sweet moment that brings a tear to my eye.

We were going to go to WDW during Spring Break, but to be honest I needed a vacation. We were there in 2005 for a few weeks during Spring Break and it was nuts. This was our first trip to Florida that we didn't go to WDW. We stayed in Daytona Beach for 4 nights and then headed over to Orlando. We stayed 4 nights at the Omni and it was awesome! We did things that we have never done before because we never wanted to leave WDW. It was strange being so close to Disney and not going, but we kept on hearing how crowded the parks were and knew we made the right decision.

Since I didn't get my fix in then, I'm starting to plan a trip in September during the free dining. We'll see how nuts it is.

Mrs.PhD I was reading your report and I just thought that would be me getting sick! My parents have a troller and when we go out on it on Lake Huron I usually always feel nauseated. BTW I don't know if I told you that I am from MI. My family still lives out there. We go out every yr.

Is anyone else planning for a trip?

[mom2talus]

I'm planning! We're doing our yearly four-night trip down in September again. We started when DS was 15 months old (cause I wanted to get his first haircut at the Magic Kingdom barber shop) and we've just gone every year since because we had such a great time.

We're staying at the Wilderness Lodge this year. I made the mistake (or maybe not...) of booking us at the Poly Concierge the first trip and now DH refuses to stay non-concierge. We've stayed at AKL and the Contemporary. We really liked AKL, but there's not much available with the construction going on there.

I've only made a few reservations, but I'm very excited!

[flminivanmama]

i'm planning one & maybe 2 - october 7-14 for sure and maybe a day and a half in june.

[Mrs.PhD]

Mrs.PhD I was reading your report and I just thought that would be me getting sick! My parents have a troller and when we go out on it on Lake Huron I usually always feel nauseated. BTW I don't know if I told you that I am from MI. My family still lives out there. We go out every yr.

The thing is I am not prone to motion sickness. I brought pills just in case, next time I think I will premedicate tp be proactive. The girls are asking when we can go again. I told them when Lily was in Kindergarten (she is 2 almost 3 now.)

No trips to WDW until May 08 for us. A bit of a break. We had a red letter WDW season so far in 2007. Jan the whole family, March 3 nights just DH and I and I and May the cruise and a few nights at WDW too. We love to go a few times a year, but with Anna in school now I really don't think I can pull her out twice a year after K.

MI can be lovely in the summer. One of the reasons the pull to go to WDW isn't as strong in the summer (that and FLA can be miserable in the summer.)

[mirlow]

I made the mistake (or maybe not...) of booking us at the Poly Concierge the first trip and now DH refuses to stay non-concierge.

That is just like us. It drives me nuts because we are going back to the Polynesian (our first and favorite) this Sept. We haven't stayed there since August of 2004 and I can't decide what type of room to get. While I love the Hawaii long house there are some things that bother me about the service there.

We also love the AKL. It looks like the only way our family of five can stay in the Kilimanjaro Club is to book a two bedroom since the DVC has taken over the fifth floor. The rooms look nice, but I'm not staying anywhere there is construction going on. I made that mistake once! We'll just have to wait. Instead of doing our favorite PR/AKL split we are going to give the YC a try.

flminivanmama we went last Oct. and it was awesome! We had so much fun with The Food & Wine Festival and MNSSHP. We thought about going back again during Oct., but we decided to give Sept. a try and take advantage of the free dining (although I'm not to fond of the food for kids).

[flminivanmama]

flminivanmama we went last Oct. and it was awesome! We had so much fun with The Food & Wine Festival and MNSSHP. We thought about going back again during Oct., but we decided to give Sept. a try and take advantage of the free dining (although I'm not to fond of the food for kids).

we go every October - used to be not crowded then but that's sort of changed. we are currently trying to come up with a different time of year for our annual trip that's not too hot, not too crowded, and won't entail missing too much school. but I'm not sure that time exists.

we love F&W and MNSSHP - we could do P&P instead.... and just go for the day for F&W.....

free dining wouldn't work for us because my kids are soooo picky and eat so little. I've looked at it every year and it just doesn't seem right for us.

we have the DDE card which saves us 20% - including on alcohol

[Bestbirths]

Hello Disney People!!! Can I join? My dd is taking a wish trip in September and I want to plan plan plan to not have any suprizes except nice ones...and I know mdc mama's can help us make sure not to get too exausted there and keep it simple (like mid day when all the cranky people were in a hot room they call the eating establishment and it was reminiscent of Dantes inferno)...and kids were all cranky and sad...I'd like to avoid those moments and go for the magic.

[ChristyM26]

Wow... how did I never see this tribe before?? I didn't think that there were Disney people here (all I ever see on the other boards is how much people HATE Disney). I don't think I have time to go back and read all the back posts (I may try), so I'll try and catch up and all. This is so cool though!

[Bestbirths]

Ok I feel the need for confession time. Hello, my name is Shelly and I am a disney person. It has been five years since my last Trip to WDW. I believe that my mom took me to Disneyland on it's very first opening day or when the park was fairly new. We went many times a year until age nine when we moved from SoCal. We moved to Kansas when I was nine and I would wake up having dreamed of disney and the beach all night only to be in Kansas and it was like...waking up to a nightmare. Well. I'll be 40 this year and am still in Kansas. I have made 3 trips to disneyland and 2 one day trips to disneyworld (sandwiched inbetween four days of cross country driving with a vanload of children) in the past 30 years. This wish trip we will be flying. We will be staying for 6 days at GKTW. It will be our most consentrated disney ever. I am really excited. Some other things about me..I try not to buy Nestle when at the parks. I do have to separate the bigger corporate picture out of my mind to have fun there. I once was accused of having too many disney character themed things in our home and I did purge the home of commercialized items actually. I have been torn about my love of Disney sometimes. I don't agree with everything about disney. I am conflicted a bit, like I have blocked the disney channel from our tv because I don't like the messages in the shows. We like rollercoasters though! My dd wants to ride rollercoasters and ride in a carriage with Cinderella. That was her wish!

[wendygrace]

Hi Shelly! Glad you found us over here! And to you too ChristyM26!

Shelly, I am as conflicted as you are. But my kids love Disney and they were only introduced to Disney when we were stuck in the hospital for six weeks. The were a lifeline at a time when my son couldnt' get out of bed and didn't/couldn't interact much. At least he could smile and laugh while he watched. Before that time, I had vowed to never have Disney in our home much to my dh's dismay as he loves Little Mermaid and other Disney movies.

Oh, shoot. Gotta run. Write more later.

[AngieWin]

Welcome Shelly and Christy!! A group of us found each other on a Disney board when we were posting about nursing toddlers and we realized alot of us were here too!

Shelly, I am in Missouri in the KC area, anywhere close to you??

[Bestbirths]

maybe an hour away...we are in Kansas. I know of the board of which you speak. I DIS too. I used the board to plan our second one day trip to WDW after our first unplanned one day trip didn't go so well. The second trip we mapped out the way we were going to see the park with a strategy, having pre researched the rides that we wanted and planned a midday character meal with minnie. The first trip we waited in line for 2 hours for dd (then 3) to see mickey mouse only for her to say "NOT THAT MICKEY!!!" in a dissapointed tone when we got to the front. She really had wanted to see Minnie but called them both Mickey, only she meant the lady mickey. It was the end of the day and we left Florida without her getting to see Minnie, and she was so sad because she had said before that is the only thing she wanted to do. We pretty much asked each person (seven people) the one thing they wanted to do and made sure that we did those and she was the only one of everyone that didn't get to do their thing. So we came back 6 months later and did the Minnie character lunch.

On the first trip we spent half the day in toontown, and we endured Mr. Toads wild ride five times over. I was dissapointed that the children missed small world and dumbo for lesser rides so the next trip we didn't go to any ride that didn't have a grade of A or B. 2nd time around we did a commando style plan where we went to stroller rental, marched up main st. through cinderellas castle, did dumbo 1st, then, (not in order) spent a while at toontown, did tikiroom, the jungle cruise and pirates, the railroad, the haunted mansion, the carosel, smallworld, poo, peter pan's flight, buzz lightyear, barnstormer roller coaster, big thunder mt. railroad, splash mountain, and space mountain, we saw the Spectromagic share a dream come true parade, and the children were read a story by Ariel at her grotto all in one day!!!

We did get to do two hours straight on Buzz lightyear with no lines on the first trip. It was the week after Sept 11th and the crowds were low.

[Rigama]

Sounds like fun, here are my recommendations.

Don't do DTD on a Friday night. It is a big local hang out and will be insane busy. In fact don't do DTD at night if you can do it during the morning it is a lot more fun or afteroon. Maybe on a leave or arrive day. If you don't make to to DTD you aren't missing that much. We skip it many trips, and many we do go we wish we had skipped it. No admission makes it really crazy.

Also do what ever park for that evening where you are eating dinner. For example you said MK and Cinderella's gala. Just stay there after. Dinner will eat up a lot of time. If you do go over to Epcot after take the Monorail, but it will take about 30 min of time.

The bus from closing time can be crazy and really long lines, standing room only. Not good when you have a kid who is asleep and a stroller to hold. Even harder when you have 2 kids, both asleep, one not so small anymore and a double stroller to hold (personal experience talking here.) :lol

I would suggest maybe going to Epcot the 1st day, and MK the whole day on Tuesday (with a resort break if needed.) MK can fill up fast and it can be hard to get there half way through the day and not be able to ride anything they want because the lines are too long. Start fresh in the morning and get a lot done 1st thing. Epcot is one you don't really need to get there early for any reason (expect maybe Sorin, but just do that another day.)


I am so excited for you!

Thank you for all your suggestions! I think that dh wanted to do epcot for the emh. It's funny. I've spent hours over the last 8 months planning every detail of this trip, and he comes along the last week and realizes he hasn't really contributed so he decides to take over the calendar. Silly man.

3 days to go! Our in laws will be in late tonight, and we'll be in the air at 6am Monday morning. Waa-Hoo!

[Mrs.PhD]

Thank you for all your suggestions! I think that dh wanted to do epcot for the emh. It's funny. I've spent hours over the last 8 months planning every detail of this trip, and he comes along the last week and realizes he hasn't really contributed so he decides to take over the calendar. Silly man.

3 days to go! Our in laws will be in late tonight, and we'll be in the air at 6am Monday morning. Waa-Hoo!


So happy for you!!!!!!! Men, what are you going to do with them. At least he is getting excited about the trip.

My EMH adivce is if you are not going to do EMH at the park on the day they have it, don't go to that park. Not as many people are hopping, so the parks do really get more busy on EMH days. So you are doing the the right thing by hopping over to it, instead of spending the whole day there.

Have a magical time!

Bestbirths and ChristyM26 welcome, we are happy to have you. No need to hide your love for Disney in the closet on this thread. :duck:

[ollineeba]

Rigama- have a wonderful trip! :)

[AngieWin]

maybe an hour away...we are in Gardner, Kansas. .

I have some AP friends in Gardner!! We have a Kansas City AP board with some Gardner members. Wonder if you know them! I can pm you more info on the kc board if you are interested.

My 1 year old calls Minnie - Mickey also. Well it sounds more like Meeka!:lol

[Rigama]

Wowie wow wow!

We are flying out in one day! Heee heee heee!

:bouncy :twothumbs :clap :Sheepish: :jumpers: :carrot :broc: :snap :banana

[flminivanmama]

so exciting!!! have a great time!!!!!

[wendygrace]

Have fun! We are counting down here. 28 days!

[AngieWin]

We still have 6 weeks to go!! Have fun!!!

[AngieWin]

I have 2 boys, at the time of our trip in July they will be 4 and 23 months, and the characters they like all have swords(pirates), lazers(Buzz), knives (Peter Pan), or light sabres(star wars), although my almost 4 year old is insisting he be Cinderella at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique:wink How do you tame the violence of the characters aimed towards the boys?!?!

[moonmama22]

We leave in three days! I have loved Disney for as long as I can remember! I have been waiting to take ds, and we figure now is good because he is still free (for another month!) Unfortunately, just recently, ds has been terrified of anything dressed up - we go to the local WNBA games and he freaks out if the mascot comes within 50 feet of him. Please convince me that this is not going to be a major problem!!! We decided not to do a character breakfast, unless he drastically changes his tune! We're staying in the All Star Sports - traveling as economically as possible - and are staying for 6 days. Other than the flight, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it - I just hope ds has a good time... Any suggestions on bringing drinks/waters vs. buying them when we get there? I don't want him drinking soda or "fruit drinks" the whole time we're there...

[wendygrace]

As for "taming the violence", I have no suggestions. Ds is really into Peter Pan but not into Capt Hook and I'm not even sure he "sess" the sword Peter has. Its just not in his personality. I see kids running around playing these things and he just looks at them like they are weird. He's four though so perhaps in a year or two he'll get into it and then I'll be asking the question. :)

moonmmama22, I'm so excited for you. We have 27 more days. I don't know what to tell you about the characters although I've heard that the characters don't approach the kids (except at the meals) so you probably won't have to much trouble. As for water, I hear there are water fountains everywhere but to take drink packets or a filter as the water tastes funny but its safe to drink, obviously.