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[MosyBliss]

All your planning sounds exhausting! I had to take a nap just reading about it. But you did book some pretty great places and you are going to AOA and staying in the Lion King suite which is where we plan to stay in December! I always love when you are my guinea pig and get to try it before I buy it. It really looks like a great resort and and I can't wait to tell my family that you will be there first! "Princess Sharon said that AOA is..." Oh all the time I will be able to say it!!

I hope your good weather mojo holds out and keeps the away. I will definitely say and probably scream and hug you if I see you... consider yourself warned.

[disneydani]

Whew! That was some major planning on your part! I am sure your family appreciates it all...and you never know...maybe a few extra dole whips or kaki goris will be heading your way...

I am sure this is going to be another fabulous trip!

danielle

[elisa1006]

Love the planning part! You did a fab job. They may not give input but at least they follow you willingly and not complain! Can't wait for the TR, I know it will be chock full of photos and LOL moments!

[mousestruck]

Wow... I can't even keep up with all your TRs!!! (I'm just a LITTLE bit jealous!) This sounds like an amazing trip. It's so great to have the whole family together at Disney, especially for such a special celebration. Happy anniversary Mom & Dad... they are absolutely adorable!

Your plans are awesome. Great dining choices and itinerary. You have definitely earned a dole whip... or two... or fifty!

[ilovedisney247]

Holy carp Sharon! That's a lot of flights to coordinate! I would have complete and total faith in you planning a trip for 50--so I'm sure 8 was manageable!

Enjoy your last day of work! I'll be thinking of you Saturday afternoon--as I get ready to go to work! I have treats for Mabel. I want to join the family!

[Cam22]

What an awesome feat for your parents! Congrats on 50 years! You are a planning marvel! My head would have been spinning from all the flight arrangements alone. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on AoA.

[lindawdw]

Hi Sharon! I've been away from the Boards for a while but I was so excited to see your PTR posted! Your plans sound amazing and I give you lots of kuddos for all the planning that you did for this trip! I've done large group family planning before and it's a lot of work but so worth it You're such a wonderful Aunt treating your DN's to some extra days in WDW with you! I'm sure that they'll always treasure those memories. Hope you're able to post some live updates! Safe travels.

[HiddenMickey]

Such a great plan you put together! And it must have been a lot more work than you made it sound. You are such a great daughter, sister, and aunt! I'm looking forward to reading all about your family adventures! I hope the weather cooperates during this trip.

[Colexis Mom]

Great plans Sharon!

[PrincessSharon]

Thanks for reading!

Originally Posted by CinderAbby

It's a good thing you can keep track of all that - I'm already confused as to who's going, how and when. Although I guess in my defense, I'm still wondering how in the world your parents could arrive so early for a flight and still miss it?

They were returning home from a wedding in Atlanta. They got to the airport super early, but they checked in and just went to sit at the gate and wait. Their gate was changed, but because nobody actually told them in person, they didn't know. I guess they didn't hear the announcements. They sat there until they missed their flight. I asked my DM if she didn't think it was odd that nothing was happening at that gate. Not even the boarding of a different flight. They were the only ones at that gate! She didn't. When they went to the gate agent to be rebooked, they weren't charged anything and were even upgraded to first class, so the story has a happy ending! But now you understand why I worry about them traveling without me.

Originally Posted by taylan1

Wow! So much planning for this trip! I hope you have it all written down to keep track of them all! I can't wait to see your pics from AOA! We are not staying there on our next trip but we are right across the way at POP so we will definitely be checking it out!

I used TripIt, which helps a lot. I can keep track of everyone in that.

Originally Posted by pamcarey

Awesome plans!! I'm so excited that you'll be staying at AoA! I'm staying there next April, and I can't wait to see your pictures!

I'll be sure to take photos of everything! Which section are you staying in?

Originally Posted by disney_duke

I'm assuming you have a spreadsheet with all info, ala Karen? That's a lot of work. I do hope you get a dole whip or three for all your efforts!

I don't have a spreadsheet! But I do have all the info and our itinerary in TripIt.

Originally Posted by rosanna

Your plans sound terrific! I love that you plan and your family just comes along for the ride. That would never happen in my family...too many alpha wolves. Tell your parents congrats from us. I'm sure your mom will love the strawberries and champagne (especially if a little chocolate manages to find its way in there)!

I think you know DM doesn't like to eat nekkid fruit.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Great job Sharon! I know how hard it is to plan a trip for so many. Shoot it's hard enough just to plan it for my faily of 4. And it's only going to get worse as Dylan is rather opinionated. And all the different arrival & departure days and flights.

Can't wait to see you!

Well to make booking the flights easier, I didn't give them any options. I just booked what I thought would work. The more people with something to say, the harder it gets to make it work. And can't wait to see you too!

Originally Posted by honeybee723

I seriously can't keep your TRs and PTRs straight since there's so many of them. Love that picture of your parents...so sweet.

It's crazy with the TRs and PTRs, I know. But that's one reason why I always finish one before starting another. Even I couldn't keep more than one of mine straight at a time.

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

WOW! Great plans!!!! I am such a planner myself - and there are only 3 of us - and because when we go it will be 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks and 1 day since our last visit (not that I am counting or anything ....) and this trip will be shorter for us than usual (7 nts, 8 days rather than 10 nts, 11 days) - I feel like I am really trying to CRAM it all in there!!! And so far, not so happy with ADR's..........there just is NOT enough time to get them ALL in!!! Yours look great!

That's part of the reason why this trip is not commando. With too many people, it just gets hard to function. Without tons of plans, I won't stress out when we have to stop for 3 different snack breaks because nobody is ever hungry at the same time. Luckily, being camel-like runs in the family, so bathroom breaks are infrequent (and then when we do stop, everyone goes).

Originally Posted by mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince

I was just thinking of you yesterday and wondered when we'd get a new report from you!

Honestly, it's never a very long wait for a new TR from me.

Originally Posted by lauriep

Wow, Sharon! That is a LOT of planning! I think the fact that they let you do it all and then just follow your lead is great! It would be nice if they also thanked you and told you how awesome you are, but I think blind obedience is even more important!

Sounds like a great trip. Hope everyone has the best time ever!

I don't mind the planning, I think it's fun! I think the trouble is none of them have ever planned anything, so they don't know just how much work is involved. And when they travel with me, everything runs seamlessly, so they think it's easy! Before I took over planning family trips, we'd go to a destination and then miss half of the sights because nobody in my family EVER researches anything.

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

You are a travel planner extraordinaire!!! Phew! Great work on making it all come together!

I especially look forward to your photos of the royal rooms, since we will be Tiana's guests shortly after you return! I can't wait to see the look on Meri's face! It's kind of too bad they don't have Tiana there to escort you to your room or greet you or something, lol. That would be especially nifty!

I love that you take the boys to WDW when they turn 10. That's the coolest aunt ever!

I'm sure Meri will flip over the Royal rooms. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures (and you'll definitely see them before you leave, because that's day 1).

Originally Posted by mcc0313

I think for all you did you deserve a week's worth of Dole Whips . Great planning, and love all your ADRs. I cannot wait to hear you report back about the AoA, we passed by it a few times on the bus so no up close look but from what we saw it looks amazing and some of the pictures online...well I think I have to plan a short weekend just to try it.

I think the Royal Room for a night is totally fitting for our Passporter Princess, and of course, Jambo House, how can you not love staying there, think the rest of the family is going to love it.

If you need a tour guide for your weekend trip to try out AOA, let me know!

Originally Posted by cajunlace

Great planning, I am just hoping the weather is nice for ya'll.

I am too!

Originally Posted by MosyBliss

All your planning sounds exhausting! I had to take a nap just reading about it. But you did book some pretty great places and you are going to AOA and staying in the Lion King suite which is where we plan to stay in December! I always love when you are my guinea pig and get to try it before I buy it. It really looks like a great resort and and I can't wait to tell my family that you will be there first! "Princess Sharon said that AOA is..." Oh all the time I will be able to say it!!

I hope your good weather mojo holds out and keeps the away. I will definitely say and probably scream and hug you if I see you... consider yourself warned.

Thanks for the warning!

Originally Posted by disneydani

Whew! That was some major planning on your part! I am sure your family appreciates it all...and you never know...maybe a few extra dole whips or kaki goris will be heading your way...

I am sure this is going to be another fabulous trip!

danielle

I am sure my family appreciates it, after all, they just show up and everything goes perfectly. How can you not know how great that is? I just would like a little gratitude sometimes, you know? Even just a "thanks, everything was great!"

Originally Posted by elisa1006

Love the planning part! You did a fab job. They may not give input but at least they follow you willingly and not complain! Can't wait for the TR, I know it will be chock full of photos and LOL moments!

I really don't mind that I don't get much input from them. It would be frustrating to get no input and then get complaints. They don't have much to say because they trust me to make the right choices. And they do make requests for their favorites, so I guess I have the best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Holy carp Sharon! That's a lot of flights to coordinate! I would have complete and total faith in you planning a trip for 50--so I'm sure 8 was manageable!

Enjoy your last day of work! I'll be thinking of you Saturday afternoon--as I get ready to go to work! I have treats for Mabel. I want to join the family!

The key to booking the flights was just choosing what I would choose. If I asked them what time they wanted, I'd probably get 3 different choices! This way, everybody is happy, especially me! And if you've got something yummy for DM, she may adopt you.

Originally Posted by lindawdw

Hi Sharon! I've been away from the Boards for a while but I was so excited to see your PTR posted! Your plans sound amazing and I give you lots of kuddos for all the planning that you did for this trip! I've done large group family planning before and it's a lot of work but so worth it You're such a wonderful Aunt treating your DN's to some extra days in WDW with you! I'm sure that they'll always treasure those memories. Hope you're able to post some live updates! Safe travels.

I really enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews. Because I don't have my own kids, it's wonderful to be able to "borrow" my brothers'. And my older nieces tell me all the time about how much they loved doing stuff with me. That's the best reward!

[PrincessSharon]

I’m ready!

I feel like this trip required way more preparation than any other trip I’ve taken. I also keep getting the feeling I’ve forgotten something important, even though I know I haven’t. Of course I haven’t. This isn’t my first rodeo, I can do this in my sleep.

I’m still not sure if the Atlanta branch can make it. I think my brother may come by himself though. He got a motorcycle a few months ago, so he may use the visit as an excuse to take a ride. Of course, the weather will have to cooperate for that to happen.

Speaking of weather, I’m kind of worried about the forecast. Tropical Storm Isaac may be visiting Florida. I’ve been doing my best, but I may have used up all my hurricane-avoidance mojo last year on Hurricane Irene. From the latest projections, though, it looks like it will hit the west coast of Florida, so maybe it won’t even rain in Orlando. We’ll see what happens. I’ve packed a poncho and a mini umbrella, just in case.

Things at work have been relatively quiet, but I expect to be pretty busy just after returning. I don’t expect it to interfere with writing the TR, though. It won’t be anything like when I got home from my last trip and found out I’d have an extra job to do for a few days!

I am definitely bringing my laptop this trip, and we plan to spend some time each day relaxing at the resort, so I will be posting some live updates every few days.

Everyone has their DME stuff. I’ve explained how it works (even though they’ve used it before). DF has the booklet and I know for sure he won’t forget it. I even typed up a little sheet of instructions with all their flight confirmation numbers and detailed directions how to find the DME check in area at MCO. They’ve all done it before, so they should be fine.

I haven’t checked us in at AKV yet because I feel like the chances of our rooms being close together are better if we check in with a real live CM. I did, however, do online check-in for my stay at POR. I’m probably going to check in for our AOA stay too. I don’t think it matters at all, but I always like to do it just a few days before arrival. I’m superstitious, but it seems that my room is usually ready when I do it that way (and give an accurate estimated arrival time).

I’m completely packed and I think DM is all packed too. My brother and his family are almost packed. We even have an extra suitcase with snacks and stuff, because SWA allows two checked bags for free (and once they get to the airport, Disney will lug them around ).

I’m sure I’ll see Heather (ilovedisney247) when I’m there. Her schedule is up in the air at this point, but it won’t be hard to work something out! I’m looking forward to catching up with you, Heather!

I’ve got a list of things still to do, but most of the tasks are silly reminders like clean out my email, shut off my train notifications, charge my electronics. Everything major is done! I can go home tonight and just sit around and watch television if I want to. Work was quiet yesterday, so I left early (my boss actually suggested I leave early!) and got my mani-pedi done. But for the most part, there’s not a thing left for me to do.

There is one more task for the group, though, which is checking them in for their flights. There are five itineraries in all. I didn’t want to take a chance with doing it all myself because I know that by the time I got to the last one, it’d be deep into the B boarding numbers, so I will have DM and DSIL check in themselves, I will do DB, and I paid for EBCI for Daniel and Noah, so I don’t have to worry about them. If we all do it on time, everyone should have a good number, hopefully close to each other!

Here’s a funny story: Isaiah gets mad at me every time I go to Disney. He thinks because he had to wait an entire year to return, I should have too! The past few trips, it’s been really bad. He’s so cute about it, though. He’s all, “You can wait. It’s not that long.” in such a matter-of-fact manner. It’s like he’s 6 going on 40. I’m sure he’s just repeating what he’s been told.

Anyway, last month, when I went to Disneyland, he was especially angry. He was like, “It’s only one more month! You can wait!” So last weekend when I saw him, I told him I couldn’t wait, and I was leaving on Saturday instead of Sunday. Mostly I told him this only because I love hearing him say “You can wait.” I pretended I would try to wait. The other day, he had a sleepover at Nana’s. DM told me that he wanted to go try to find my ticket and hide it!!! The stinker! I’m just happy I won’t have to see him again until he’s stepping off the DME bus. He might tie me to a chair or something.

So I suppose that’s enough rambling for today. See what happens when I don’t have actual stuff to do? I’m pretty sure I’ll be checking in here tomorrow, I’m just not sure when.

[shazza]

Have a great trip - bless you for all the planning work you do, even down to arranging how to check in for the flights. I bet your family thinks it's great, and they probably tell all their friends how you are the Disney expert. Congrats to your parents on reaching 50 years of marriage!

[disneydani]

Seriously hoping Isaac stays far, far away...nobody likes an uninvited guest!

You sound super organized; I hope check in for SWA and AKV all go without a hitch,

Glad you are taking the laptop and we can count on some live reports...I will need something to cheer me up as my kiddos head back to school next week!

As always, safe travels.

Danielle

[lexiemom]

Have a wonderful trip! I will be checking in periodically for live updates.

[honeybee723]

Have a great trip, and I hope Isaac stays far far away from Florida. I've already been doing my rain dance for Kelly (OhToodles), but I have no problem stepping it up a notch for you.