It's About That Time

2013
I made the BIG payment last week--you know what I'm talking about. MagicBands have been customized for the (hopefully) last time, FastPass+ plans have been scheduled, ADRs made, and now I'm just waiting for the travel documents to show up. And in just over a month, Aidan and I will be heading to Orlando once again!

We're both very excited. I'm also a little nervous. It will be just the two of us for most of this trip. He's been wanting to do a mom-son trip for a long time, and I wanted to really do this and make it special for him before he became a teen and decided that being seen with me in public is a travesty. (I really hope that never happens but you never know.) I really hope we can spend the time to talk about anything and everything, and just enjoy each other, and have fun together.

This time we're staying at Pop Century. He really wanted to stay at Art of Animation, but the thing about that is the only room that is practical for us would be The Little Mermaid rooms and he really did not want to stay in one of those. However, we're going to be so close to AoA that I figure we can walk over and explore on our "resort" day.

I made ADRs for The Garden Grill, Liberty Tree Tavern, 50s Prime Time Cafe, and Be Our Guest (lunch). I am looking forward to having a Dole Whip, eating a churro, and having a chocolate covered pineapple. If they have brought back the Reese's Pieces covered marshmallow wands, I will have one of those as well.

Because he and I have gone so many times, and because I have the FastPass+, I feel like we can take it pretty easy this trip. It will be crowded and hot, so I'm hoping we won't feel the need to rush or cram a bunch in. Also, the longer trip will help spread things out. We don't have Park Hoppers, but I reserve the right to add them if I feel led to.

I have so much to look forward to! We'll be there soon.


2005

I Have Some Decisions To Make

In less than a month, I'll be heading to Disney World. I've been listening to Disney World music and whipping myself into a fever pitch of excitement because DISNEY! Music! Food! Dancing! Awesomeness!
I got my travel documents sometime last week. You know once those show up that it's not much longer!
As usual, I felt like I had plenty of time to plan things and well, time is running away from me. Like time does. I mean, the last time I posted here was in March, and I still owe you trip reports. Oops. I have some choices to make. 
In the past, I've taken the Magical Express. It's easy, it's free, and they play the video to get you all excited. My mom and Falandos have never been to Disney World, and I'd love for them to experience the fun of the Magical Express.
BUT. I've been toying with the idea of getting a car service instead.  I've seen reviews for two particular services and ooohhh, it's so tempting. It would be an additional cost for sure, but we'd get a 30 minute grocery stop, where I can pick up a case of bottled water and some pineapple juice for my mom, and we'd possibly get to our hotel sooner. And on our last day, we'd probably get at least 30–45 extra minutes in the parks, so we could leave at 430 instead of 330 or something like that. THAT is really appealing to me, as I do not want to miss the Jammin' Jungle Parade!
So, I did some pricing and looking at the different options. Honestly, I think the Escalade would be the best for us because it would fit all of our stuff (none of us are light packers--Falandos has already prepaid for two carry-ons!) and would be fun to ride around in that. But I'm not one of those people who is obsessed with SUVs--in fact, I strongly prefer to AVOID them. I feel like most people who drive them are bullies and they take up too many parking spaces. And they're ALWAYS parking in the compact car spaces--what is up with that? ANYWAY. I have reservations about that. I was thinking of a limo. Aidan's never been in a limo and I know he'd get a kick out of it. I've been in loads of limos--for all sorts of things. Bachelorette parties, funerals, casino nights, grocery store runs.... so it's not a big deal for me to ride in one. In addition, there was that terrible limo fire that just happened in San Francisco, so I have a friend who is begging me not to get a limo for that reason. A town car just seems boring. I mean, they're NICE and everything... but it's really just a fancy car. 
I would love a car just to go back to the airport... but none of them seem to do that. It's either round trip or one way from MCO to Disney.
The other choice I'm trying to make is whether or not to do the Photopass thing. I want to pre-pay because you save $50 by paying before vacation.... but I also remember feeling so liberated, not having to stop at every Photopass photographer so I got my money's worth. 
So, these are the agonizing decisions that have been plaguing me the past couple days. If any of you have any insight, please let me know. I could use some advice! :)

Ten Days!!

You guys!!! Just ten more days until DISNEY WORLD!!

And I've been so busy making plans for the June trip that I keep forgetting to be excited about THIS trip. HA.

The cool thing about this trip is that one of my yoga teacher trainee classmates will be there with her family. We're going to try to meet up at some points. She has the Park Hopper and we don't, so they'll have a lot more flexibility. It's going to be so much fun! :)

I'm only just now starting to think of what to pack. And a game plan--as I start a new freelance gig the same day we fly out for vacation. Depending on the schedule, I may have to lug my computer into the parks with me. Thank goodness Disney has free WiFi now. I know, it's silly to start a job the day I'm going on vacation, but I am freelance and I'm not turning down extra income, yo.

For the second time, I am not doing the Photopass CD. We didn't do it last time and I was fine. Now for June? I think I will just because it's going to be such a momentous trip.

I keep seeing, on various forums, that Disney (especially Magic Kingdom) is super crowded this time of year for some reason, when it normally isn't. Tour groups, cheerleading and dance competitions, the new Fantasyland, and Free Dining are my suspect culprits. That will be disappointing, but I'm sure I'll manage. I just have to get lots of rest, stay hydrated and medicated, and exercise huge amounts of patience. Which I don't have a lot of in big crowds these days.

I do hope the weather is amazingly warm. I'm ready for short sleeves and the sun on my skin. This winter in Chicago hasn't even been that terrible, but I still miss summer. I'll be happy to get a taste of it in a few weeks. Or, if not summer, then spring.

Let the countdown SERIOUSLY BEGIN!!! :D

40 Days!!!

Forty days until my Disney trip and I have FINALLY gotten all my plans squared away. It's all paid off and now I'm just waiting for my travel documents to show up. I am so excited!

I'm changing things around a lot more this time than I've ever done. We're coming in on a Monday instead of a Sunday. THAT is going to feel weird! I know I'm going to be off the whole time I am there. Anywhere, here is the plan.

Monday - Magic Kingdom and dinner at Be Our Guest
Tuesday - Animal Kingdom and dinner at Cape May Cafe
Wednesday - Epcot and dinner at Garden Grill
Thursday - Hollywood Studios and dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe
Friday - Magic Kingdom and lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern

We are trying three new places this time, and Liberty Tree for lunch which we have never done before; we've always had dinner there. I'm excited to try out the new places, and also hit a few old favorites as well. I don't think we'll make Fantasmic--I have this habit of scheduling dinners during the show. Everyone says we need to see it, and I don't doubt them. It's just something I want to keep saving for "next time." A reason to come back. Because I plan on coming back!

Here is my preliminary wish list for this trip:

- meet Gaston
- have a Dole Whip float
- see Wishes
- ride the new Test Track
- ride Soarin'
- take lots more photos (and instagram more too!)
- relax in the hot tub more often

This trip is going to be easy peasy. Fun, laid back, and a nice break from the Chicago winter (which honestly hasn't been that bad this year)!

Next time I will talk about the FUN I'm having trying to plan a trip for my mom and my son for the summer. Until then...

166 Days

That's right, folks. 166 days until our next visit to Walt Disney World!

I know it's time for me to start looking at another trip when I start having dreams about being at Disney World but something weird is in effect as well. Like, I had a dream that we were going on a spontaneous trip, but that I'd forgotten to pack my camera and my bathing suit. Well, I had my pink point and shoot camera, but not my nice Rebel T3. Or I dream that I'm on a coaster and it's at Disney World, but when I wake up I realize the coaster wasn't actually at Disney World but in my dream it was...

ANYWAY
The point is that I'm going back and I'm super excited! Last week of February, 2013. Flights are booked and dinner reservations for that first night are booked at Be Our Guest, the new restaurant based on Beauty and the Beast. Of course I have to fit in Garden Grill, Columbia Harbour House, and ABC Commissary while we are there as well.

We've stayed in Port Orleans French Quarter the last three times. I really like that resort. It's small and pretty and easy to get around. But I was thinking of trying something new. I don't want to lose the intimacy of POFQ, so it's a hard choice to make. We'd save around $300 if we tried Art of Animation and stayed in The Little Mermaid rooms, but Adam doesn't really want to do value again (and I'm OK with that). I would be interested in Caribbean Beach (but it sounds HUGE and I don't really want huge) or Coronado Springs. Hmm. Anyone have any suggestions?

Anyway, I'm very excited. I get to obsessively look at my favorite Disney blogs and message boards again. I get to plan and unplan meal reservations. And I get to dream of my trip. But the trip is more than four months away so I'm trying to be calm about it. I'm so very blessed that I get to go again to help break up my wintertime blues. :)

!!!

Only one more weekend left before Disney World! And all I've managed to do was buy a bunch of shorts, a bathing suit, some cute tops, and a sun visor. And OK, I never thought I'd own a Kangol, but that's the kind of visor I got. DORK, I know. But it was the only visor they had at the store I was at.

Today, Aidan and I talked a long time about what we're going to do at Disney World. I dared him to yell YAY as loudly as he could once we walked in the gates. :D He also told me that he wants to ride the Carousel of Progress 42 times.

Last time I took him, he was timid and scared of a lot of things. Now he says we've "gotta" ride Pirates of the Carribean. I am stoked about that. I am so excited to show him everything. Oh and he also asked for Disney Dollars. I ALMOST forgot about that. Fortunately, I work right around the block from a Disney Store, so I can pop in during a lunch break and get that handled.

I dunno. I just want to make this trip extra special for him because he's at the age where it's awesome. He's not too embarrassed to be seen with me yet, but he still has a sense of wonder about him. It's going to be so much fun! :)

Wow. I can't believe it's coming up so soon.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH CRAP I NEED TO BUY MY PHOTOPASS PRE-VACATION CD!!! *off to see the wizard*

Night!

This Is Bananas!

Less than a month from now, I will be playing in the Magic Kingdom. I can't believe it's coming up so quickly. I've only recently managed to find time to transfer my dining information to my iPhone! It just seems like it was just February and more than 100 days left to go. Time is flying!

I am so eager to feel the sun on my skin. To hear the music and smell (and eat!) the cookies. I got a new camera, and I am so excited to use it in the parks.

Warning: excited rambling coming up!!

I haven't even made a list of stuff I want or need to buy for the trip. I HAVE gotten a few new outfits and a new pair of Keens (that it's not been warm enough here to wear out except once), and as I mentioned, my new camera (and zoom lens!). I am thinking of getting a bucket hat for me and one for Aidan. Or a baseball cap for him so the sun won't be in his eyes. OK, I'm done thinking about it. I am DEFINITELY getting him a baseball cap. And I need another one of those fan/spray bottles. I think I'll just buy the ones they sell there. Expensive but I know it works (unlike the cheapo-chang Walgreens one we had a couple years ago), and if it breaks for some reason, I understand they'll replace it free of charge.

I just got word from my travel agent that she's received our travel documents! When I saw the email in my inbox, my heart skipped. Trufax. Because you know that once the documents are here, it's time to really buckle down with the planning! That means I need to start making lists yesterday! I need to actually UNPACK the bright pink carry-on bag that still has stuff in it from my last Disney trip and oh God, laundry is essential. THIS IS CRAZY, y'all! Crazy in a good way.

There really isn't much to say right now, except that I'm sorry I've been absent. My job is demanding, I've started working out (go me!), and the days are almost a blur (Except when I'm in the office. Then they crawl. Isn't that typical?). I hope time slows down while I am actually AT Disney World, so I can enjoy my trip without feeling like the days are flying by.

I need to go to bed, although I know I'm going to have a hard time falling asleep. It's OK though because DISNEY WORLD in less than a month!

Now is when it starts to get REAL.

Milestone!

We've hit the double digit mark! Fewer than 100 days until Disney World!!
Aidan's really excited. Maybe we'll even get him on Big Thunder Mountain this time. (Not really counting on that, and I know for sure that Tower of Terror is out of the question.)
I know it's still a long ways away, but it's just a little bit closer every minute.

!!!

Holy crap! In about 36 hours, I'll BE IN ORLANDO!!! Possibly riding the Magical Express! Eeeeeeeeeee!!!

And guess what? I haven't packed a dang thing yet.

I'll get on that tomorrow.

No, really, I WILL!

And I have done some important things. I'm not completely worthless, you know. In addition to Early Bird Check-In and the Photopass pre-order, I've got the cab hailed and memory cards cleared. Tomorrow I will pack, go to the bank, pack, charge camera batteries, pack, review the schedule, pack, and work myself up into a frenzy of excitement. I'm sure I'm forgetting something there, but it'll come to me.

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

Weather looks good. High 60s, low 70s. I plan to wear jeans and hoodies mostly. Will take a jacket for cool nights. I also got some cute stretchy thin gloves. Mmm, fewer than two days until Liberty Tree Tavern. Nom. And CASTLE and Mickey Mouse and music and cookies and yummy smells and shows and rides and Princess Tiana (Oh Lord, let me get to meet Princess Tiana!) and parades and pictures and pictures and pictures!

*does the happy bootie dance*

Wow, I'm still very much in denial that it's here and that I need to get on the ball or something!

Less Than A Week!

OK, seriously, this has really snuck up on me. I am so not prepared!

So much has happened since I last posted. I was offered a full-time job and I accepted, with the provision that I'd not have to cancel Disney World, and I've been so busy with work (lots of long days and some weekends), birthdays, and the holidays that I haven't had much time to give Disney World much thought until a couple of weeks ago when Suzy emailed to say that she was ready to send out my travel documents!

So, the documents are here (along with a gift from Suzy--I have mentioned how awesome she is, haven't I?) and I barely had any time to look through them before stashing them in a safe place. I went ahead and did the early-bird check in for our flights (because let's face it: there is no way I'm going to be up at 6:40 am this Saturday), and I pre-ordered our Photopass CD. I've yet to make a packing list, check the weather obsessively, clear off my camera memory cards, recharge the camera batteries, make sure the Flip cams are in order, and check and recheck the crowd calendar. I even have a new Disney Parks Blu-ray Disc™ that I still need to watch. What is wrong with me?

I think I'm in denial, as I always am, when I am this close to the Disney trip. I mean, it's less than a week away, and I'm still kinda like "la la la." I think once Friday rolls around I'll be in full on frenetic Disney mode, but now all I can think is that I have a work week ahead of me, so until *that's* out of the way, there is no need to get all crazy with excitement yet.

What I am doing is praying for warm weather, no rain, no wind, and lots of sunshine. I think I'll have a better idea of what to pack once the end of the week gets here and I have a clearer picture of what it will be like out there.

I am very excited to go, though. Lots of stuff I want to buy, lots of stuff I want to eat, and lots I want to see and do.

I'll try to post more this week. Maybe I'll get more crazy! :)

The Final Countdown!

Only 1 day, 19 hours until we're in the parks! I have finally begun packing and making the preparations. I will have two carry-on bags on the plane. One with my computer and stuff to keep me entertained during the flight, and one full of the stuff we're going to need in the parks, like sunscreen (thank goodness they make little sized sunscreen tubes), sunglasses, and empty water bottles, which we'll fill up there.

Aidan has already packed his carry-on bag. Mickey Mouse coloring book and crayons and markers and colored pencils, stuffed animals, and some books to read. Adam hasn't packed one thing! But we still have all day tomorrow to pack.

I set my alarm so we can check in early on Southwest and get a full row to ourselves. I'll put Aidan by the window. Last time we went to Disney World, Adam and I had to sit apart. Naturally, we were not flying Southwest.

Here is a list of stuff I still need to do:
- charge all camera batteries
- pack clothes and stuff (LOL)
- charge phone
- change Riley into Florida-appropriate clothing
- check in for flight

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure there is more. I'm not even going that long, but there's still a lot of preparation. We're all excited, though. I think Adam may have even talked Aidan into going on Haunted Mansion!

YAY Disney World!!!

----------------
Now playing: S. J. Tucker - Hymn to Herne
via FoxyTunes

Oh Yeah!

Got the travel documents. That's always a good time, and it never gets old. Because you know what it means!

The trip is COMING!!

In the package, there were our documents and vouchers and everything, but Suzy, the best travel agent ever, included some surprises. She put in a Peter Pan slap bracelet, a Minnie Mouse car antennae topper, and a lanyard for carrying Keys to the World and stuff. She is awesome and I will use her for every Disney trip I plan from now on. She's like an old friend.

Only 19 days until Disney World now! Aidan and I are getting to a feverish pitch in our excitement. I've started gathering supplies for the trip. We won't even be there for that long, but I still love to plan and prepare. So far, I've gotten:

• sunglasses for Aidan (Wall•E ones for $1.62 at The Disney Store!)
• ponchos
• a water mister
• sunscreen
• Disney dollars that are put away for Aidan ($35 worth)

I can't even believe that I'll be there soon!!! I'm so excited!

More soon! <3

P.S. Dang. The crowd level prediction for August 16 went up to 7. That's gonna suck. Oh well.

Less Than A Month!!!

THEY'VE ADDED MORE SPECTROMAGIC PARADES! You know what this means? My first night at WDW, I get to see Spectromagic!

YAY!!!

I thought for sure I'd have to miss it this year, as there were too many things piling up. But nope. I was planning on being in MK anyway, and it's a late parade, so I'm hoping it won't be as crowded. I am so excited! YAY Spectromagic! On this magic night....

It's time to really start planning. WDW is 28 days away. I've already ordered new lens filters for my camera, and I'm looking into water misters and ponchos. Adam and I have Disney ponchos from last year, but I think we should grab a little one for Aidan as well.

I've given Aidan an opportunity to earn Disney Dollars. Every night that he goes to bed without incident and stays there and is good, he earns $1. He can earn extra dollars by doing chores without being asked, and generally being a good little boy. He has the potential to earn about $50 Disney bucks. He seems excited and determined to make it happen.

We're getting very excited about WDW! :) Aidan wants to go RIGHT NOW. I do too. But there are still some things that have to happen before we can go.

We need to get our documents in the mail, and our luggage tags!! I wonder if they'll be Tinkerbell again.

I need to buy the following things:

• sunscreen
• water misters
• lens cleaning cloths
• snacks to travel with

So... every trip there are things I want to do that I haven't done before. I haven't had a turkey leg, for instance. Or pursued character autographs. (Adam and I got a Magical Moment certificate from Crystal Palace last year signed by Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet, though.) We're eating at two new restaurants. I wonder what other new things we'll get to see and do?

Then there are the things I love doing and can't imagine skipping. Things like eating at Garden Grill. Doing at least one character meal. Seeing at least one fireworks show. Riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

My mind is all frenetic and crazy when I think about Disney. All the stuff I want to do, dealing with a six-year old, wondering about crowds and weather, taking pictures, having fun. I really just want to have fun.

Til next time....

45 Days!

Forty-five days until Disney World! I called my travel agent yesterday to pay off the balance. Soon, we'll be getting all the fun packages from WDW, like our Magical Express tags, and our itinerary.

My travel agent, Suzy, told me that I'm really lucky we got Pop Century. It's been sold out for weeks now, at least for people using Free Dining. I wonder what that will say about the crowd level. I've been spoiled; the last few times I've gone to Disney, it has not been very crowded. It's going to be hot and crowded this time. I'm really going to have to exercise some patience, wear lots of tank tops, and use sunscreen. I also plan to wear bucket hats (or ears), and to use water misters.

Now is the time to start planning for real! I have to pull down my spreadsheet. Check the schedules. And just... have fun.

Forty-five days!

Disney Love

Fewer than 90 days!!!!

Today, my travel agent made my ADRs. By the way, I HIGHLY recommend using Mouse Fan Travel. I'd never used an agent before, but I will from now on. Not only can they quote you a package and hold it for a few days (which came in handy while waiting to get approval to take the time off), but they will proactively apply any discounts that arise while waiting to take your vacation. There are no fees to use them. On top of that, they make your ADRs for you, which is great because I TOTALLY forgot that my window opened today!

Suzy--the best travel agent ever--got me all of my first choices:

8/16: Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:40pm

8/17: 1900 Park Fare at 4:30pm

8/18: The Garden Grill at 7:20pm

8/19: Hollywood and Vine at 12:20pm

8/20: 'Ohana at 9:25am

YAY. Four character meals. Two places I've never eaten before. One good time!

* * *On a Disney bulletin board that I post, someone asked what our favorite non-ride things to do at Disney are. Just thinking about it made me smile. And I came up with this:

• I LOVE talking to all the different people from all over the country and the world.
• I like talking to cast members, the ones that are probably more invisible to most guests.
• I like sitting on the rocking chair and just relaxing.
• I LOVE meeting characters (might do autographs this year!)
• Fireworks. Parades. Character meals.

Just BEING there makes me happy. And thinking about all that stuff makes me think of even more things I love about Disney. Such as:
Wearing Mickey ears everywhere, and feeling left out when I don't.

And, in even more happiness, Touring Plans lowered its crowd predictions. If I am not mistaken, it will be similar to how it was when Adam and I went for our honeymoon last year. This is really good news! I enjoyed walking onto rides, and watching the parks all but empty when it rained. We don't leave when it rains. We pop on our ponchos and stick it out, because in the evening, once that rain clears up, the park is even more magical.