A Disney Trip 10 Years in the Making. PTR 10/14 - 23/2011 About This Page:

[mcc0313]

Love your AK wish list and all the wonderful back stories. My mom sent me on an amtrak to Miami when I was 13 - alone to meet my grandma, definitely an interesting trip, no mice but well lets say there were some very interesting characters on the train.

I think you can definitely come up with something cute for MNSSHP without having to drag costumes...maybe matching shirts and then everyone can get a pair of ears or a funny hat. Love that Evan wants to be Tic-Toc

[mousestruck]

Just signing on... and so glad I did! I'm totally enjoying your stories and plans!!!

First off, too bad you changed your dates or we'd be there the same week! We're going 11/4 - 11/12 for our annual "Jersey Week" trek. But October is a fabulous time to go. The weather is typically gorgeous, crowds are light and MNSSHP is a blast. Do NOT miss the parade... the headless horseman is awesome!

We went to Disney for the first time in 2003, on the heels of a difficult year. My kids were 7 and 3 at the time. We needed the magic more than ever... and boy did we get it! From the moment we hit Main Street we were all instantly hooked and have been back every year since. It is truly our "happy place."

You have some terrific plans lined up. Looking forward to following you along!

[debrabrown]

We were there in late September the first year we took the kids to Disney and we had costumes. Unfortunately they were misplaced (long story but good ending) so we did not dress up and in the end we were glad we didn't as it was hot and humid! Some dress up and some don't and our kids didn't feel bad that they didn't (now, they were a bit younger but still....) and we didn't much care either.

As for your stroller question....that will bring a ton of different opinions. Do what you think is right for you and your son. THis past trip in Jan. Ken didn't want to bring the stroller with Alex being 5 1/2 and Abby being 8. Thank goodness we did because Abby had a bad reaction to the medication she was on and she ended up using it more than Alex. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

[OCEANGRLLG]

I too have never been to MNSSHP, But I would dress-up, you will have so much fun doin so!

[jennie622]

Tic Tock?? I've never heard anyone ask to be Tick Tock! EVAN ROCKS!!!!!! Kudos to him for thinking of such a clever costume!

As for the rest of the group, you'll probably be more comfortable in a Halloween themed shirt but if the kids go ape over you dressed up, why not?? Ideas, I do like the Peter Pan, Pirate, Lost boys idea. Or everyone as pirates with their buddy, Tick Tock? Always fun to play "bad guys" at Halloween!

[OhToodles!]

Dress up Holly! Even if it's matching shirts! It's fun - and makes for great pictures too!
THe question of WHAT to dress up as is our problem this year. With 10 of us I'd like a theme. We were going to be hippies - make tye-dye shirts and wear some peace signs, but after my sister-in-law heard about the Pirates League things have changed. We may be pirates. The Disney Family website has some great diy projects for being a pirate so I think that's the direction we're headed.

In 2008 we were Mousketeers of sorts. We all had the traditional ears - which my Mom embroidered our names on the back and then we wore red shirts an khaki shorts. It did make it easy to find someone in the group that day.

[mommapants]

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

I've never been there for MNSSHP but I would definitely dress up if you can. We had matching Disney holiday sweatshirts when we did MVMCP a few years back! Good luck finding a theme!

I think th theme is the hardest part...

Originally Posted by rhinohunter

My wife & I dressed up several years ago during MNSSHP. To conserve space, we went to Party City and bought light weight costumes. (Medieval Princess and a Knight) The costumes were not Disney related but fit the general theme. They were light enough to fit in backpacks so we did not have to wear them into the park (We were in the park all day and then stayed for the party.) Being in costume was a lot of fun. Hope you can find something for the whole group.

I'll have to check out the Party City near me - thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by lauriep

I think it would be fun if the whole family dressed in theme and you'd probably get a lot of attention, but it would have to be something lightweight and easy to wear/ carry. Maybe, since Evan wants to be the croc (cute!) all the kids could be the other characters from Peter Pan and the adults just wear pirate hats?

I was thinking pirates and the lost boys but not sure.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Love your AK wish list and all the wonderful back stories. My mom sent me on an amtrak to Miami when I was 13 - alone to meet my grandma, definitely an interesting trip, no mice but well lets say there were some very interesting characters on the train.

I think you can definitely come up with something cute for MNSSHP without having to drag costumes...maybe matching shirts and then everyone can get a pair of ears or a funny hat. Love that Evan wants to be Tic-Toc

Thanks - isn't it funny how times have changed. I don't think I'd send a 13 year old on a train by themselves. Matching shirts is what I'm most considering at the moment.

Originally Posted by mousestruck

Just signing on... and so glad I did! I'm totally enjoying your stories and plans!!!

First off, too bad you changed your dates or we'd be there the same week! We're going 11/4 - 11/12 for our annual "Jersey Week" trek. But October is a fabulous time to go. The weather is typically gorgeous, crowds are light and MNSSHP is a blast. Do NOT miss the parade... the headless horseman is awesome!

We went to Disney for the first time in 2003, on the heels of a difficult year. My kids were 7 and 3 at the time. We needed the magic more than ever... and boy did we get it! From the moment we hit Main Street we were all instantly hooked and have been back every year since. It is truly our "happy place."

You have some terrific plans lined up. Looking forward to following you along!

Thanks for joining in. I know a few Jersey folks going in November but we couldn't pass up the 50% off room rate. I can't wait to see the headless horseman and the grave diggers. The Disney magic does have it's way with hooking people.

Originally Posted by debrabrown

We were there in late September the first year we took the kids to Disney and we had costumes. Unfortunately they were misplaced (long story but good ending) so we did not dress up and in the end we were glad we didn't as it was hot and humid! Some dress up and some don't and our kids didn't feel bad that they didn't (now, they were a bit younger but still....) and we didn't much care either.

As for your stroller question....that will bring a ton of different opinions. Do what you think is right for you and your son. THis past trip in Jan. Ken didn't want to bring the stroller with Alex being 5 1/2 and Abby being 8. Thank goodness we did because Abby had a bad reaction to the medication she was on and she ended up using it more than Alex. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Good to know that not everyone dresses up and the heat/humidity is a concern.
I'll be talking about my stroller decision in my next update.

Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG

I too have never been to MNSSHP, But I would dress-up, you will have so much fun doin so!

That's what I'm thinking.

Originally Posted by jennie622

Tic Tock?? I've never heard anyone ask to be Tick Tock! EVAN ROCKS!!!!!! Kudos to him for thinking of such a clever costume!

As for the rest of the group, you'll probably be more comfortable in a Halloween themed shirt but if the kids go ape over you dressed up, why not?? Ideas, I do like the Peter Pan, Pirate, Lost boys idea. Or everyone as pirates with their buddy, Tick Tock? Always fun to play "bad guys" at Halloween!

Evan just loves crocodiles and his favorite song right now is Never Smile at a Crocodile.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Dress up Holly! Even if it's matching shirts! It's fun - and makes for great pictures too!
THe question of WHAT to dress up as is our problem this year. With 10 of us I'd like a theme. We were going to be hippies - make tye-dye shirts and wear some peace signs, but after my sister-in-law heard about the Pirates League things have changed. We may be pirates. The Disney Family website has some great diy projects for being a pirate so I think that's the direction we're headed.

In 2008 we were Mousketeers of sorts. We all had the traditional ears - which my Mom embroidered our names on the back and then we wore red shirts an khaki shorts. It did make it easy to find someone in the group that day.

I really think if we can think of a theme then the costumes will "present" themselves to us. It just think of that gosh darn theme to begin with.

[mommapants]

To stroller or not to stroller – now THAT is the question

I have been debating back and forth for quite some time about bringing a stroller to Disney. Evan hasn’t used his stroller at home in months. I actually got rid of his umbrella stroller but still have the “big” stroller.

On a side note I wouldn’t have even considered bringing his umbrella stroller with me on this trip. That thing is like 2 inches too short and would have killed my back pushing it all day. What is up with that? I actually bought a handle extended for the stroller, it attached onto the handles but only on one side so it made it really uneven to steer. I guess the manufacturer’s think there are no tall parents in the world….

So the great debate began – in my head at least. I like having a stroller. It helps act as a work horse, it saves tired little legs and provides an instant place to have a nap. I did not want to carry around my 40 pound child when he gets tired. However, my sister is not bringing a stroller, so if I do, will we now have fights over it? What to do, what to do? Most airlines do not count strollers toward baggage allowance so I was good but I’d still have to lug it around at the airport and while checking in, and then back home, etc.

I thought I’d just rent a stroller if I needed one while I was there but that is just an extra expense. I always hate to spend money on something while on vacation when I have it at home and could have brought it with me…ahh decisions, decisions.

Although Evan has not used his stroller in months, WDW is a completely different ball game. He has not had that hectic a schedule since…well I don’t think EVER. I didn’t want a “crabby patty” or “Mr. Crabs” (for all you Sponge Bob fans) after a few days.

On another side note, while this debate has been going on I’ve been considering what to do with his stroller at home. His stroller is really nice and hardly used. I bought it when he was about 2 years old. We’d use it at the shore for a week but most other times, he’d walk. So it isn’t all beat up. Most of the things Evan has out grown I’ve given to a guy at work who has twin boys about 2 years younger than Evan. But a single stroller would do him no good. I really didn’t want to just send it to Good Will. I mean this is a practically brand new stroller that I spent about $200.00 for. I didn’t know anyone that could us it so I’ve just been doing nothing.

Then it hit me – a brilliant idea – cue the angels singing….
I saw an advertisement for Orlando Stroller Rentals. I noticed they only rent CitiMini strollers. This just happens to be the stroller I have at home. The bright orange, 3-wheeled, jogging type stroller. BTW they are awesome. I contacted them to see if they would be interested in purchasing a used stroller. I forwarded along some photos along with the serial number and voila, they said yes. Problem solved – both problems solved.

I’ll be bringing Evan’s stroller with me. I figured we can use it each night but during the morning – he is walking. And then at the end of the trip I’m selling it. We’ve agreed on a price, I just need to contact them a little closer to travel to make all final arrangements.
So I’ll come home from “The World” with a little extra cash in hand and no stroller to bag check.

Pretty cool huh?

Movie of the week: We had a busy weekend and didn’t watch a movie but we are going to the library tonight to get either Wall-E or The Incredibles.

Random Disney story:
Last trip in 2006 we went to the Sounds like Summer concert of Bjorn Again, the ABBA tribute band. It was a lot of fun. My sister, me, my mom and SIL were all standing up singing and dancing when they were playing Dancing Queen. Of course we knew all the words and we are acting silly and clapping. There was a family in front of us that had a little boy about 5 years old. He just kept looking back at us with this look on his face. It was hilarious. First of all I think he was just amazed that not only had we heard this song before but actually knew the words and could sing along. He just kept looking at us like “crazy old ladies” it was just so funny. Well those 4 crazy old ladies really had a blast.

Coming up next
Not sure yet

[nconover]

LOL!! Your story reminds me of our last trip in 2009 when we saw Chubby Checker. I've never seen so many senior citizens lose their minds in my life. I WIIIISHHH I had a camera on me at the time because it was hilarious watching 75 year old women swing their wig and scream at Chubby Checker. The whole thing was hilarious and I loved it. My then 5 year olds looked at me like what do you have us watching?
As for a stroller, I got a lot of flack about bringing a double stroller to Disney when my twins were almost 6 years old. I didn't care and it was the best decision I made on that trip. The boys walked most of the time, however there is no way I would've been able to carry them if they got exhausted. Plus, it held their bookbags and was a great seat while waiting for parades and fireworks. My kids at that age, NEVER used a stroller however your talking Disney and it's better to have it than NOT. You should tell your sister to bring one just in case. They do not count it as baggage on most airlines although it's always a good idea to check and they had it open and ready for them at the door when I walked out. It was GREAT. I am really enjoying your trip plans. Great stories. My kids have watched Snow White, Pinnochio, Lion King and last night they watched Finding Nemo and I have It's a Bug's life DVR'd.

[ecmiller]

When we went in 2004, DD was almost 6. We did not take a stroller and she made out OK in most of the parks. But when we were at Epcot, I rented one. I explained to her that we could go faster and see more things than if she walked and she was OK with that. The other parks-we went at her pace, but there was a lot I wanted to see at Epcot and knew that a stroller would be helpful.

[lauriep]

What a great solution to the stroller issue! Very smart of you to have contacted stroller rentals. I love the Bjorn Again story. Have you checked the "Eat to the Beat" band schedule for this year? Maybe you can re-live the moment!

[jennie622]

Score on selling the stroller while on vacation!!

I will admit there are days that I would like to crawl in a stroller and have someone push me around the parks!

[OCEANGRLLG]

Very cool deal...sellin the stroller after you are done with it!

[goofysdtr]

Great solution to the stroller question! Our first trip, the boys were 5 (& a half ) & 9. We rented a double stroller & they both used it some of the time. That's just a whole lot of walking, & even if they can keep up for awhile, going day after day catches up eventually. I think your plan is perfect!

[rhinohunter]

Great idea on teh stroller.