Pre-Trip Activity

[JBSLJames]

I think something like this has been posted but here goes. . .

Does anyone out there have a 'Pre-Trip' activity or ritual if you will prior to hitting the road for Florida?

Since this is our first trip as a family, we have decided to make each Wednesday night, up to departure date, a "Disney Movie" night. We take turns picking the movie going from youngest in the family to oldest. Last week, Lydia picked Pinnochio. It had been a while since I'd seen it and the quality of the VHS is fading a bit but still a good offering. Last night, Sarah picked Cinderella. Man she is one good looking animated step-sister who does all the cooking and cleaning with the help of mice and birds. . .probably tops in that category. Anywho, I get to pick next week (yep I married an older woman - 2 1/2 months older). . .any ideas. I am kinda leaning towards Mulan or Jungle Book.

 

[phlydude]

Jungle Book wins on that one hands down!!

"Dooo doodooo, I wanna be like youooooouu, walk like you, talk like you, dooo dooo...."

Some of the best music from any Disney movie!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I'd say Mulan! But I have an idea, why don't you make Thursday night movie night too and watch both!

Have a great time either way!

TheDisneyGirl02

 

[Testtrack321]

Watch every Disney travel video I have, even the old 1984 Epcot Center one! :sohappy:

 

[captainbuzzy]

Shipping the essentials

When we had our baby we found out that due to airline weight restrictions it would cost us $$ to take all of our baby support equipment/supplies on the plane. So, one of our pre-trip rituals has been shipping (via UPS) our baby essentials to the WDW hotel we are staying at. Last time it cost us about $20 vs 150 through the airline and we did not have to lug all of that stuff through the airport. Saves time and money!

 

[phlydude]

Yeah, US Air is down to 45 lbs. per bag! How much time are you shipping in advance and how long will the hotel hold it for you?

 

[bgraham34]

Now i slowly start watching move videos. Just watched Jungle Book. Tomorrow is Little Mermaid. One a week for a wee bit.

 

[enough]

Before my now wife and I went to WDW for the first time together we watched "the Swiss Family Robinson."

man oh man do i love that movie.

 

[captainbuzzy]

Yeah, US Air is down to 45 lbs. per bag! How much time are you shipping in advance and how long will the hotel hold it for you?

I consulted with UPS on how long it would tak to get to the destination (Swan on the last trip). They said 5 business days so I shipped about 1 1/2 weeks prior to arrival to give myself a couple of days safety. We have also taken some backup goods just in case it was delayed getting to us. I would consult your shipper on how long it will take to get your package to WDW from your hometown.

Also, I shipped directly to the resort. Make sure you call the front desk of your resort and guarantee that they can receive the package directly and what address to ship it to. Also, have the staff make a note on your reservation that they will be receiving a package for you. I have been told that Disney has a central receiving point for packages and if shipped there there could be a significant delay in getting your stuff.

My positive experience has been that I shipped my package and confirmed that it arrived at its destination (one day later than they said but before we arrived). When we checked in they immediately told me that the box had arrived and told me to call a number when I got to my room to arrange for delivery. I called and it arrived in less than 10 minutes.


Great service, highly recommended!

 

[WDWSwashbuckler]

I usually start browsing and posting here more. And about a month before the trip, I spend lots to expand my Disney video collection and watch them all. I guess the real excitement comes when I step off of the plane!

 

[speck76]

I usually walk my dog.....

 

[GoofyFan1]

We make a count-down calendar on the computer using Disney clipart and pictures from our trips.

 

[JBSLJames]

We make a count-down calendar on the computer using Disney clipart and pictures from our trips.

I think we'll do this as well at the end of the Summer. Thanks for the responses everyone .

I will also use this to give updates on the movies each week. As for the "Thursday as well" comment - could happen. I have a feeling, we have more Disney movies than we have weeks left until our trip.

Thanks again. :wave:

 

[JBSLJames]

Been a while, but my choice last week was Mulan. Really like that one.

My wife chose Beauty and the Beast for Last night selection. Another Classic. My youngest hinted that she will pick Emporer'e New Groove next week. We will see.

The kids (and us as well) look forward to Wednesday Disney Movie Night as it gives us dedicated time to talk about the upcoming trip and all the great movies. The discussion now is the cost to upgrade from our VHS collection to a DVD collection. I wish the Disney Store would run a promotion to allow for trade-in value on the tapes.

 

[Lauriebar]

Funny enough, we do the exact opposite. Two weeks before a WDW trip we have a "blackout" of anything Disney! Our theory being absence makes the heart grow fonder.

We always drive down and have a contest about who sees the EPCOT ball first...when it is spotted we cue up our WDW Thirtieth Annv. CD and blast the songs!!

 

[SirNim]

I pop in the "Sleeping Beauty" DVD on the night before departure!

 

[JBSLJames]

Well, we have moved movie night from Wednesday's to Friday's. Soccer schedules you know. As for this past Friday's selection, we are back to the youngest and her pick was the Princess Diaries. A good pick based on the timing. I really do enjoy that film and look forward to the sequel.

With this Friday being 101 days from our arrival at CBR, I will be trying to talk my daughter into 101 Dalmations.

Fastly approaching the 90 PS window. I know that the Royal Castle is a tough ticket, but how does the Princess Breakfast in Norway stack-up. As well as a lunch/dinner at Chef Mickey's. . .?

 

[tigsmom]

We usually start with the planning guides & then move on to the photo albums from all previous trips. This year we downloaded a clock from the Disney Insider (for our desktop) and set it to go off on the morning of our departure. A ton of fun. (there are some other good things to download, too. I love my addemupulator. ) :wave:

 

[aimster]

I just figure out what day I'm going to go, pack my bag the night before and the next morning hop in the car and DRIVE!

 

[tigsmom]

I just figure out what day I'm going to go, pack my bag the night before and the next morning hop in the car and DRIVE!

PBHTTTT! :lol:

Wish we lived that close. :wave: