The "3882 days between WDW visits is just insane" PTR

So.. 3882 from my last day at WDW until I am there again...crazy? More than a little and NOT what I planned as I left WDW on New Years Day nearly 10 years ago..

Let's back track.. about 4630 days to be exact.. April 6th 1999..first trip to WDW , location..Dixie Landings resort..cast..Myself ( then 24), my mom, my cousin and my son Noah ( then 4.5)

here is Noah and I in Norway ( excuse the pictures..I dont have a scanner and they are pictures of pictures)... I was so much younger..and thinner..ack!
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And of course just Noah..light of my life ( that was BEFORE he became a rotten teenager..lol).. we did CRT..he acted not happy with all the princesses talking to him..but really..he loved it and made puppy eyes at each one as they approached or left!
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We had a glorious 10 days at the World..oh my ..we all fell in love..head over heels in love ( careful..love really gets in the way of this girls dreams..lol).

We no sooner get home and I plan another trip for Christmas 2000..so a mere 613 days inbetween.. not as soon as I wanted at the time, boy oh boy does that number seem so small now eh?

So about 522 after leaving WDW I met a guy..yep told ya love was gonna change a few things for this girl . Now up to this point the plan was Jan 2002 my mother was retiring and we were moving to Fl.. I was a waitress(head waitress and trainer thank you very much) and that skill travel wells!

WELL..one day with said guy and I knew I was head over heels in love..somehow WDW moved from #2 on my love list ( yeah my son was #1..lol) to #3 . In 91 days I was to leave this awesome guy for a 14 day trip to the World..boy was that hard ( and easy at the same time).

Well we went to WDW, stayed at CBR.. had 14 awesome days , but that guy 1200 miles away never left my head. Even with all the fun..
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and the awesome people we met.. Noah was extremely taken with a certain CM named Vivian at the Brazil part of Millennium Village:
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.
So after all that fun we went home..and I was glad..BUT plans changed.. in fact 138 days later that guy ( Eric BTW) and I got married. It was great.. and about ONE day later I was expecting our first child together.. well than rather quickly ( about 1704 days to be exact ) we had 3 more kids ( grand total 4...and holding).
Anyone that has 3 kids in 3.5 years ( or 1297 days from first birth to third) knows this..they are costly and exhausting. My WDW dreams had been replaced with nursing,changing diapers, chasing toddlers and then with homeschooling all 4 of them rugrats of mine.

Ok so now we are all the way up until November 19 2011...



So. Nov 2011..but that still needs a little more back story. See I have this friend.. been friends since 1981 in fact. Spent lots of time together in grade school..little less in middle..almost none in High ( lived in different towns). We have ( well in the last 4 years) become very close again. She and her hubby have 7 kids and go to Disney yearly if not more.I'm always jealous as heck..but with a single income and 4 kids..well WDW was just NOT gonna happen for us. I had resigned myself to this. She has asked us to go with them many times..but the numbers on that math scared me even more than the 1704 days from one birth to a third did!

So many little "things" started working in a weird way about 130 days ago. Planets aligned, the economy started picking up in my husbands field..ie LOTS of OT, my friend and her husband leased a building, started plans for a new club and need a head waitress ( still in process but we are soo close to opening and me earning $$) a few nights a week, the kids got older and less work.

My brain started working on the whole..well maybe we CAN do this. We have driven to outside Savannah GA and home not once but twice ( about 997 miles..straight thru EASY). So getting the FL was not an issue. What's 250ish more miles..nuttin!

Then came the free dining in August 2011.. hum.. that was one of my biggest things.. I can do the rooms, I can do the tickets I can do the drive..but the food..ack.. 4 kids, one husband.. that's a lot of food to pay for. ( and yes I know DDP isn't really "free"...but I crunched the numbers..it's close!). Well this "free" DDP sealed the deal. Called my awesome friends got the dates and resort they were going to.

Now we are up to Nov 22 2011 when I called, and made our ressies for two rooms with 7 people ( my mom is joining us) at Pop Century.

So this trip has really been 3629 days in the making. Lots of detours ( AKA KIDS) and life changes along the way..but we are finally on the right path to getting my butt back to WDW.

To say I am excited would be an understatement. I never thought we'd get our youngest 3 there before they all hit double digits. They will be 5 ( almost 6..like within days of us coming back home),7 and 9.. with the oldest turning 17 while there. Oh want to see them?

here's that once cute little boy who pretended he didn't like the pretty princesses..hard to believe he will be 17 in August.
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and here's the tornado triplets ( while they are not true triplets they sure can stir up a tornado and leave a wake of destruction behind)
The one on the left side will be 9 in Feb, the girl was 7 in Oct and the sweet little thing is 5.
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Oh and here is myself and my DH.. and YES that would be a glow stick under my hat.. we were at a parade..I was feeling goofy..enough said!
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Oh did I mention we are going with friends? Well here's that amazing friend of almost 30 years and her hubby.. forgive them it was Halloween and they were some character's from Jersey Shore..they don't normally look like this:
they will be bringing their 7 kids ( from 16 to 3).. and her mom!
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Also are these awesome friends:
who will have their one son ( 16)..
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there may be various other teens that join if they can come up with the cash needed.. we shall see!

So that's who's going...

Now, if your still with me.. it must be known I am a planner.. OCD and I are best friends. I am organized, meticulous and I tend to be a BIT obsessed..

I sit here with 73 days until I can make ADR's, 208 days to have the two reservations paid off, 252 days until we leave, and 253 days until we arrive at WDW ( we will drive if ya missed that.. it's about 1250ish miles..or 22ish hours). I am so obsessed with planning this trip that I am on the boards all the time. Afterall it's been 3629 days since I was IN WDW.. a few things have changed!

Oh..wait... did I mention this is a SURPRISE trip? Oh I didn't..shoot.. well it is. Our 3 youngest kiddo's will NOT be told..The oldest knows..but that's ok.. I told him..lol .

So we don't plan to tell the 3 youngest ( Lord help me keep this secret please? ). The plan is to "decide" last minute to head to GA to visit our friends as we normally do ( we usually go in April though). We plan to leave at a time that will have us arrive in orlando at day break on the 19th..so the kids will wake and we will BE in WDW ( they won't notice we missed our exit to Savannah..lol).. the oldest and my mother are Amtraking it down as the drive is just too long for my mom.

So if all goes as planned my kids are going to be SHOCKED..thrilled I hope.. excited and full of magic I pray.

So that's a ways down the road..I try not to think on it too much right now.. on to plans right?

Sooo.. we are part of a rather grand Grand Gathering. We are all on DDP ( upgraded to regular from QS).. so 2 credits will used for something ( we haven't decided what.. I would already know but they are not the pre-planners I am!).

On August 23rd my oldest turns 17..the plan is MK that day then boat it over to Hoop Dee Doo for the early show. I am not thrilled we can't get cat 1 seating except at the 9:30 show..but we will survive ( 2000 we had the front table..it was GREAT).

I know we have to eat at Coral Reef ( i know I know..but I have to for the Dh who does NOT understand WDW and would prefer NOT to go) and I'd like to do Sci Fi and Whispering Canyon..

Once the calendars come out for August I can start planning what parks,what days and then yeppie..ADR time!!!

I am still internally debating on buying a stroller for my youngest. He's..welll..adorable but rather dramatic.. and if he gets tired..um.. I will make the notable list for sure. I plan to "train" all 3 wee ones to walk miles a day... so I guess I'll make this decision as it gets closer.

So there's my PTR up to today...if you came and read..awesome..if not..my feelings won't be too hurt..really..I'll hold it together.. I swear..
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I spent an hour the other day organizing all the Disney items I've picked up since we booked our trip. It's not a ton yet, but we are getting there..

Here we have the toothbrush holders I got, one for each room. A laundry bag ( and yes we will be doing laundry while there). Clip on water bottles for each of the wee ones. Disney snack bags for breakfast on the bus...lol. Mickey Bandaids.

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Next a water coloring book for the drive, socks for Taejan and my mickey hat.
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A bunch of tshirts ( toontown, Dixie Landings etc) from our previous trips.. these are for the 5 year old to wear to sleep in...doubt he will wear them as normal shirts..
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New, just for the trip, shirts for Taejan..
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and a whole Buzz Lightyear outfit:
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New, just for the trip, shirts for Ziah:
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and socks for Ziah:
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No Disney specific clothes for the 9 year old.. he wouldn't wear it if I paid him anyway!
I pay off our reservation on Tuesday.. then I will be socking money in the bank for gas,tips and such and buying more "must haves" for the trip.
 

EmilyCaroline

New Member
i'll be there at the same time! and celebrating my birthday on the 23rd august as well! you are much more organised than me though ive still got lots of planning to do
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
i'll be there at the same time! and celebrating my birthday on the 23rd august as well! you are much more organised than me though ive still got lots of planning to do

Nice! You and my oldest share a birthday!! I am rather OCD.. that said.. once we get to the parks we will be pretty relaxed.. I'm not doing a major touring plan.. We did that our first trip and I am just not going to do that with 3 small kids who have never been to the World..lol.. I WANT to..but I won't..lol
 

mickeysshoes

Well-Known Member
do the kids get the mail for you at your house?? if so you have to be very careful once you get within 45-30 days. With 3 flying you will be looking for 2 packages in the mail that might spoil the surprise if your kids are smart. You will get a package with the magial express info and luggage tags and then you will get the package that will have the Disney fun luggage tags. Just a warning as it has happen in our house before...I was able to play it off but it was very close!!!
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
we have three flying and we got out ME stuff about 5 days after I called and added ME for those 3 people.lol.. Luckily I don't let them check the mail...LOL
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Well I added a day today.. I have 2 room only ressies for Aug 18th..then our package starts the 19th.. we will be arriving VERY early the 18th.. good thing is our best friends arrive the 17th so we can bum with them and swim and all that stuff ALL day before we start the parks!!!
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Broke down..

I no longer could take keeping the secret.. I broke down this morning and told the kids.. I have 3 happy happy kids ( the 4th already knew).

I am glad that I can now plan out in the open instead of trying to hide it...lol.. the kids want to make a countdown chain and all sorts of things..I am even more excited now.

here's the video of them finding out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjpZx5NB-7U
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
76 days... it's getting so close, yet so far.

We've made even more additions to the trip. Now we are leaving the 15th after my dh gets home from work. We are driving straight thru down 95 to outside Savannah GA. We have friends there we usually visit every April. Because of this Disney trip we didn't go visit them this year. Well we've decided to spend the 16th and 17 with them, then leave their house about 5-6am on the 18th and to POP for our 11 nights!
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So I broke down and bought a stroller..
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it was cheap and it will do the job..

Ok I need some input.. here's what our trip looks like thus far:

Aug 18th day 1 no parks just chilling by the pool

August 19th day 2 MK ( chef mickeys for din) ( emh night.. not sure we will do)

August 20th day 3 HS ( fantasmic package at MM) ( EMH morning rope drop)
Goal today is Jedi training for 3 kids.. and TSM at least twice

August 21st day 4 Epcot ( coral reef for 6 and teppan edo for 2)( rope drop)

August 22nd day 5 HS ( sci fi n dine dinner) ( emh eve not sure we will do)
No goals other than whatever we didn't do on 1st day in HS

August 23rd day 6 MK Hoop Dee doo review 7:15..(emh morn rope drop)

August 24th day 7 MK ( grand gathering at Tony's)

August 25th day 8 AK ( Tusker house breakfast)

August 26th Day 9 AK no ADR's (rope drop)

August 27th Day 10 Epcot (1900 park fare for din)

August 28th Day 11 MK ( Crystal Palace lunch)(eve EMH..no way)

August 29th departure day.. 3 leave at 6am for flights..rest around 9am to drive!

So how do my plans look??
 

bow0303

Active Member
Very cool. I can only imagine how exciting its getting for you. We are also arriving on the 20th of august and cant wait. I love you way your kids reacted. We are going with our 6yr old and 3yr old. Our oldest was playing it cool and didn't get excited. Our youngest didn't really understand at the time but has since says he wants to see where Mickey lives and he wants to give them hugs. We have one more payment to make to our savings fund and then will be all set. Hope you all have a great time.
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
awesome..we are all paid off and have gas, tips and 4.5 days of spending money..I just need to work a few more weekends and we will be set!
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
1130

I have 1130 hours until we leave on vacation and 1196 hours until we arrive at POP( spending 2 days in GA with friends on way down).. I am finally about to sit down and really plan out our days ( loose).. I want to make a list of the different rides/attractions/shows in each park so we can check off what we get to do. Anyone know of a site that may have a current list already? Last one I saw only had out dated ones.. if not I have semi current park maps I can work from.

1130 hours.. to say I am excited would be an understatement!

Oh also.. for those of you who write trip reports.. do you take notes all day? If so what do you use..a small notepad??

Oh one more thing.. autograph book people..where can I find the oversized pens that make it easier for Characters to sign??
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
40 days..43 days

We have 40 days until we leave and 43 days ( well 42.5) until we are on Disney property!!

See our countdown?So much more white than there was!
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I got the stroller all ready. I just bought a cheap one.. I don't even know if Taejan will use it much..he's pretty determined to NOT but we shall see. I put the green duct tape on so it will be easier to spot in the sea of strollers.. I hope..LOL.. ( if you see this stroller in the parks.. say HI please!!):

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Tomorrow the husband and I are going to see my FAVORITE Alt. Country artist Kasey Chambers.. it's one more thing that has helped the last 234 of 277 days go by faster!
 

KERRYA

New Member
Hi..I just was reading thru..You can tell your very excited..Not sure if this still holds true..when I went with a large group last year the added the tips onto our bill..so make sure you look at that as well..
 

Alison1975

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
yep..I've gone thru all the menu's for each resturant we are eating at and calculated our approx tips.. with 8 of us in my party alone they will put them on. we have HDDR that the tip is included!
 

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