My trip report: Part I
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shanealaina · 10-23-2007, 01:14 PM

Walt Disneyworld: Winters Style

Part I

With a few minutes more than 24 ½ days left until we depart for WDW, I thought I ought to do a pre-trip report to post for family, friends, and the interested. This is my first attempt at this, so here it goes.
First, some background. I am the mother of 6 kids, five girls, one for me, one for my husband and three together and one son. I have been married for going on 14 years, although they haven’t all been perfect. Once my husband and I finally grew up and vowed to be together and happy, we have.
For almost every year now for 7 years, my family has made the Thanksgiving week trek to the Walt Disneyworld Resort in Orlando, FL. We spend hours planning each and every day of the trip, buying all of the WDW books, reading all of the post on our message boards, and getting advice from friends, travel agents, and other Disney fans. It has become a passion for me. Waiting patiently until I can book the trip. Slowly paying down the balance, which keeps growing since my family does. Marking the calendar for 180 days out so I can book “ressies” for restaurants and shows. Saving cans and spare change, working the books at baseball games, and subbing at local schools for extra “Disney spending money”. We pack the car with games and movies for the kids to help keep them quiet. I load up with snacks that can be eaten on the trip and during our stay. I make sure we have lots of Ziploc™ bags on hand for just about anything.
Our yearly WDW trip was approaching fast. I had all of my ADRs ready and Mamie’s 9 year birthday supper planned. With only a few months to go, I get a call from my husband’s uncle and his wife. They are the same age as us and have kids near the age of ours. This call was to let us know that they will be traveling to WDW for the 1st time when we go. That’s 5 more people added to already large party of 8. Unfortunately, we could not add them to our ADRs. But, at least we can hang out during some of the days we are there.
A few weeks later, I get another call. This time from a good friend of ours, Jeanne, another die hard WDW fan. She and her family of 3 and her mom will also be joining us in WDW. WOW!! Our party has now increased to18. Although we will not be together all the time, this large group of Louisianans will be sporting LSU and Saints gear all throughout the world.
Another couple weeks later, the best new of all, add one more. My husband, who has been going through a really long and drawn out custody battle for his daughter, finally got the news he has been waiting for. His daughter will be joining us in the world. She has never been and is looking forward to it. He can’t be more excited about sharing this experience with her. We are determined to make her a Disney “freak” just like the rest of us.
Now, with 9 people to pack for, my job is a rough one. I have begun to go through clothes, decide which ones to bring and what new I need to buy. This is the first time on a plane for 8 of us as we usually drive the 16 hours to get there. It has been hard to decide what to carry on and what to check. It is also the first time for me with such a young child. We usually wait till they are a year old, but this time we have a baby that will turn 4 months with we are there. Once again, what to pack for this young one.
With 2 kids who have never been to Disney, a birthday party for my daughter, 2 whole families meeting us there, and first time flyers, this should be a trip that we will never forget. Not that you can ever forget any trip to the happiest place on earth.

mcc0313 · 10-23-2007, 01:38 PM

Wow...you got your hands full and it will be so worth it becuase already you trip sounds like it will be amazing....having your family and friends...and your husband's daughter finally getting to go...

Looking so forward to hearing about your plans....