***Official April 2013 thread*** SEE POST # 4028

[wdw4rfam]

Originally Posted by elfling8

60 Days!!!

Same here. Actually leaving in 58, but driving, and checking into POR on the 15th.

[DisMom1981]

Officially moving to July. Have a great trip everyone!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

[Jen12573]

Holy cow, 45 days away!

[ambiancetc]

Oh look a thread for everyone going in April count us in! Is it sad that I have a dining spreadsheet? How we're saving spreadsheet and custom calendars showing park times with crowd level overlay? Any one want to critique my itinerary?

April 19th - We're driving straight through from MI and arriving around 4pm to check in to WBC. (yes we know what we're getting into, we'reexperienced long haul drivers) Probably grocery shop after dropping lugggage and pick up a pizza for dinner before falling into a coma.
April 20th - Sleep, eat, hit the pool repeat. Maybe walk around DTD if we feel up to it.
21st - Parks are all high crowds so we will probably tour some resorts or use some free tickets for Ripleys or Wonderworks.
22nd - Go to rope drop at MK, upgrade our tix to PAP's and get TiW and DS's GAC at City Hall. Supposed to be a high crowd day and the last time we were there it was a mad dash from one ride/character to the next so we won't plan to hit any rides. We're going to take the morning to stroll a bit, maybe check out Fantasyland. Head back to the condo for early lunch, naps and pick up DH's sister from the airport. (She's coming down to help nanny for a few days) DH will pick the rest of us up and we'll head to HS to see BATB & the parade. We'll see what other rides we get in.
Back to the condo for dinner with the kids then DH & I are going to Wolfgang Puck in DTD for a late night Appetizer/dessert.

23rd -MK day. Rope Drop, ETWB, Barnstormer and SM being the musts along with lunch at BOG. Then about 2:30 head to Blizzard Beach (DS's chair fully reclines and has a full sunshade/tent so he'll nap on the go) - "Home" by dinner to drop the kids and go to The Wave for dinner and then back to MK for fireworks. I might even try a rollercoaster since I'll have DH to sink my freaked out nails into.

24th - Epcot - Future World in the morning. The kids LOVE the Nemo pavilion. Late Lunch at Yorkshire Fish Shop (SIL hasn't had fish n chips) Then heading to Typhoon Lagoon for afternoon. Drop the kids & SIL for dinner and DH & I will head back to Epcot Chefs de France for dinner and then Illuminations. Might wander the boardwalk or pop over to DTD for dessert after park close.

25th - AK day - We've never been to AK so I'm giving it a full day. Lunch at Rainforest with the whole gang. Hubby and I will drink & snack our way around Epcot in the evening (we we do love Epcot!)

26th - The morning will be up to SIL because she has to leave later that afternoon and the trip is right before her 16th BD so I'm thinking we'll do something special. We'll probably hit a water park in the afternoon after she leaves and then take the kids to see Wishes & the Parade.

27th & 28th we'll spend away from the parks, maybe Kennedy Space Center or just hang out at the resort. The 27th will be spent driving down to see some relatives for the day.

29th - Attempt to make opening at HS and ride TSM. It's DS's favorite. HS doesn't have any other major draws for us since we'll have already seen BATB & Pixar Parade (oh for a Carsland!) I'd like to do the Star Wars Flight thing again. We'll probably do a water park in the afternoon and then EP for fireworks.The kids really liked that last year. Probably just hit random CS for meals this day. Although DD9 wants a falafel again. So maybe CS at Epcot for dinner.

30th -Back to MK. We are determined to just relax this trip and fit in what we can easily. PPF, SM, Ariel Ride & POTC being the hits today. Cosmic Rays for lunch & Pecos Bill for dinner. Must have Latte Float! (or 3) Might even stay for Wishes again. Or head back after dinner and swim at the resort

May 1st - Early morning at HS to snag TSM - Afternoon at GKTW volunteering & having an alumni visit. Going to be so much fun to give back a little!

May 2nd -Breakfast at AOA - Landscapes - Then head to AK or a waterpark. Epcot for a dine around dinner. My kids will eat ANYTHING so we love showering them with all the different foods from around the world.

May 3rd - Sleep in as late as possible. Check out and pack up. Hit MK for a last hurrah for a couple hours after lunch (just to say we did!) then start the drive home. Might end up stopping overnight on the way back.

Sound reasonable? Anything I'm missing that I really shouldn't be? What is everyone else planning? Or I'll actually take the time tonight to read the whole thread

[DanaMark3boys]

I want to join in on the weight loss by April!!!

I keep saying I am starting every Monday but never do!! I feel horrible! It's ok now Bc I can wear nice comfy hoodies everyday in the cold weather-- but I can't even imagine putting shorts and tees on with how uncomfortable I feel.. Ugh!

[elfling8]

Originally Posted by wdw4rfam

Same here. Actually leaving in 58, but driving, and checking into POR on the 15th.

We'll be at POR on the 15th too

[HappyGal]

Originally Posted by TJDisneymama

I've been through this enough times; the first few days are just SO hard, I feel like I'm DYING of starvation, lol. I wish you could just take something to knock you out for the first 3 days...kind of like a detox, lol.

I've been saying I'm going to start practically every day for months now but today I MEAN IT!!! (hopefully )

Isn't there weight loss board on the DIS somewhere? We should check it out. Or else I can start a group on FB if there's enough of us interested, so we don't clutter up this thread.

I hear ya! I did low carb for 2 weeks and felt much better but then I went back to my old ways. I'd love to be part of a FB weight loss group!

[ambiancetc]

My DH is so funny sometimes. We've been "soft planning" this trip since about August and started booking things a month ago once we figured out his work schedule and DS's health status. The hotel is paid for, DSIL's ticket is booked, money is already set aside to buy discount gift cards for gas & park meals, tickets purchased, ADR's booked and I've been talking about the trip nightly for weeks. Half way through we even decided to upgrade to PAP's while there. He hasn't been at all excited. The Park Tickets arrive from UT and NOW my husband turns to me and says "HEY HONEY WE'RE REALLY DOING THIS! WE"RE GOING TO DISNEY!" No really you don't say? I thought that was obvious when we booked non-refundable airfare for your sister and told the kids! Wait til he gets the credit card bill in 2 days, then he'll really know!

On a side note this is how we told our kids:

Last year I used a coupon for a free photobook from Shutterfly and right before Christmas finally got around to making an album of DS's MAW trip. We hid it waiting for the moment. Once we settled on the date I took an envelope, printed WDW themed address labels (and cut out a used stamp) to look like Disney World had sent the kids a package and put it in the mailbox before they woke up. We had a special event to attend that night so I told the kids we'd have pancakes for breakfast. Daddy got the mail and they were so excited to open it and see the photobook, they were enjoying looking at the pictures when I "suddenly" got the bright idea to make Mickey shaped pancakes instead of regular ones. As we were eating DH took out the video camera and started asking the kids what their favorite memories from the trip were. Half way through I asked them what was sticking out from under their plates. They looked confused but then lifted their plates. Underneath I had put "tickets" that I'd printed to look like MYW passes with their names and travel dates. (our real tickets hadn't arrived). It took quite a while for it to sink in that we were going again! Boy were they excited when it finally hit them! We then produced a countdown calendar and they crossed off the first day. The "tickets" are proudly taped up by their beds (they are convinced they are the real deal) and everyday they decide who gets to cross off and recount the days left. At the two month mark we'll start the crafting and sewing and at the one month mark the movie marathons.

[TJDisneymama]

ok, here's the weight loss group. Not sure if this is right.....it doesn't give a link to join or anything so I guess if you just click on this you should be able to join??

https://www.facebook.com/groups/527033270669971/

[pwdebbie]

Originally Posted by TJDisneymama

i officially started my diet today. I will be SO depressed if I'm this weight on my trip. I lost a good amount of weight after seeing the pics from our first family WDW trip 2 years ago (I don't know do scales so best guesstimate -- 25-30 lbs.). I got down to about a couple lbs. away from squeezing into a 6. Last April when I went back with just ODS and my sister...... I went thru my closet and gave her ALL of my fat clothes for the trip, and bought myself an entirely new wardrobe. Now I've gained most of the weight back. I SWORE on this next trip I was going to get into some pics because I'm one of those people who never gets in pics because i'm always taking them....plus I hate how I look, so I sprung for PPP for this trip and everything. At this point I won't get in any of the pics. If I have to go out and buy all new fat clothes for this trip, I think it will really push me over the edge. It will put a damper on my whole trip. (life, actually )
Anyways, I lose best with low carb, so I had 2 HB eggs and a half a banana this a.m..... and I am already flipping RAVENOUS and it's only 10 a.m. It's so hard.

And I'm excited to be wearing 16s this trip instead of 22s. My "skinny" is bigger than your "fat." I'm already planning to have the Photopass photographers take pictures (with our camera) in the same places we did in 2010.

Please, don't ever avoid the camera because of your size. It is more important to your kids that you were there (and that they can see that you were there) than what size you are.

[pwdebbie]

Originally Posted by scooffer

HE SAID "BOOK IT"!!!! Finally DH has given me the green light to book our April 2013 trip! )Well, I have had POR-Riverside booked for two months now..., as well as Chef Mickeys, Biergarten, and 1900 Park Square) But its finally official!

Amtrak Autrotrain booked 10 minutes ago... almost lost the room price, we got the last 2 at the lower price.

Now to finish my ADRs and surprise plan.

I had to make 2 promises to DH in order for him to agree, we have to surprise the kids, and not tell them until the day we leave, and I had to promise not to make any Tshirts or autograph books, or anything But its ok... we are going to DISNEY!

Off to update my signature!

Tell me your dates and I'll add you to the first post.

[pwdebbie]

Originally Posted by gtpoohbear

Just had to share - I'm so excited that it looks like we may get a little bit of Disney Magic in 2014 - of the California variety!!! I convinced DH last night that I would be more motivated to run and get in better shape (which he's always on me about) if I had a really fun event to train for... like the Tinker Bell Half-Marathon at at Disneyland!

He was skeptical at first, reminding me that we have half-marathons here in town all the time. Well DUH! That's not the point. He said, "Oh, you think you need Disney as a reward then. " Yes, exactly

I was at first looking at the Princess HM @ WDW, but trying to get to Florida for a 48-hour trip was going to be very tough, California is much more practical for such a short time. It's a 2-hour flight instead of a 4-hour one, and LOTS more options for direct flights, even from our home airport here in Colorado Springs without having to drive to Denver. Then I realized the one at Disneyland is MLK weekend, so we'll even have an extra day to get back.

Now I just have to get ready to run 13 miles Although I'm sure it will be easier at sea level at least (we live at about 6000 ft). And maybe I won't be quite so depressed when our April trip is over since I'll at least have this little tidbit to look forward to

Sounds like a great idea to me! I'm glad your dh said yes.

[pwdebbie]

Originally Posted by wdw4rfam

Same here. Actually leaving in 58, but driving, and checking into POR on the 15th.

Maybe we will see you on the road. We will probably take 81-77-26-95. We will leave Sunday after church and check in at POFQ on Monday, April 15. What route do you take?

[pwdebbie]

Originally Posted by DisMom1981

Officially moving to July. Have a great trip everyone!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

We're sorry to see you leave but it's great that you will still get to go.

(I really should have used the multiquote today! Sorry for all the individual posts.)

[pwdebbie]

Originally Posted by ambiancetc

Oh look a thread for everyone going in April count us in! Is it sad that I have a dining spreadsheet? How we're saving spreadsheet and custom calendars showing park times with crowd level overlay? Any one want to critique my itinerary?

No, what's sad is that you've done all that but only have 14 posts! Where have you been hiding? You are obviously Disney addicted! If you join the FB April 2013 group (link in first post) you could post your spreadsheets for all to see.

April 19th - We're driving straight through from MI and arriving around 4pm to check in to WBC. (yes we know what we're getting into, we'reexperienced long haul drivers) Probably grocery shop after dropping lugggage and pick up a pizza for dinner before falling into a coma.
April 20th - Sleep, eat, hit the pool repeat. Maybe walk around DTD if we feel up to it.

How can you be so close and NOT go to a park?

21st - Parks are all high crowds so we will probably tour some resorts or use some free tickets for Ripleys or Wonderworks.

Hmmm, I'm not considering these crowd levels to be high.

22nd - Go to rope drop at MK, upgrade our tix to PAP's and get TiW and DS's GAC at City Hall. Supposed to be a high crowd day and the last time we were there it was a mad dash from one ride/character to the next so we won't plan to hit any rides. We're going to take the morning to stroll a bit, maybe check out Fantasyland. Head back to the condo for early lunch, naps and pick up DH's sister from the airport. (She's coming down to help nanny for a few days) DH will pick the rest of us up and we'll head to HS to see BATB & the parade. We'll see what other rides we get in.
Back to the condo for dinner with the kids then DH & I are going to Wolfgang Puck in DTD for a late night Appetizer/dessert.

We will be doing EMH at AK that day. Love that you'll be able to get some alone time.

23rd -MK day. Rope Drop, ETWB, Barnstormer and SM being the musts along with lunch at BOG. Then about 2:30 head to Blizzard Beach (DS's chair fully reclines and has a full sunshade/tent so he'll nap on the go) - "Home" by dinner to drop the kids and go to The Wave for dinner and then back to MK for fireworks. I might even try a rollercoaster since I'll have DH to sink my freaked out nails into.

That's our anniversary and after our one breakfast ADR (Trail's End) I don't have any park scheduled in the morning. I'm thinking that by the time we are done meandering Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, we will be ready to head back to the room for our afternoon break. Dinner ADR at Le Cellier that night to celebrate.

24th - Epcot - Future World in the morning. The kids LOVE the Nemo pavilion. Late Lunch at Yorkshire Fish Shop (SIL hasn't had fish n chips) Then heading to Typhoon Lagoon for afternoon. Drop the kids & SIL for dinner and DH & I will head back to Epcot Chefs de France for dinner and then Illuminations. Might wander the boardwalk or pop over to DTD for dessert after park close.

EMH at DHS for us that day with lunch at 50s Prime Time Cafe (this is a first for us). Then MK in the evening with "early" Wishes (9:00 p.m. instead of 10:00 p.m.).

25th - AK day - We've never been to AK so I'm giving it a full day. Lunch at Rainforest with the whole gang. Hubby and I will drink & snack our way around Epcot in the evening (we we do love Epcot!)

AK is our favorite park. Suggestion -- be sure everyone wears adequate sunscreen on the backs of their legs. For some reason, that is the only park where I've gotten "the Disney rash." It is from the sun reflecting off the pavement and hitting the backs of your legs. And we were even wearing long pants (cold day in November) when I got it. I'm glad you are giving the park a whole day -- too many people don't. Be sure to take your time and see all the paths (including the "hidden" trails around the Tree of Life).

That is our last day at WDW. We are doing EMH at MK and then closing out our trip with the evening at Epcot. Finally, we will be in the same park at the same time as your family. We are two grey-haired people without kids. I'll be wearing my Lime Green Mickey Head on my bag, so say Hi if you see me. I'm also planning to just snack around the world that night, no ADRs.

26th - The morning will be up to SIL because she has to leave later that afternoon and the trip is right before her 16th BD so I'm thinking we'll do something special. We'll probably hit a water park in the afternoon after she leaves and then take the kids to see Wishes & the Parade.

Well, I'll be waving bye to the Mouse that morning so I won't have much more to say about your trip. I hope you can come up with something really nice for your SIL -- a sweet sixteen celebration meal maybe?

27th & 28th we'll spend away from the parks, maybe Kennedy Space Center or just hang out at the resort. The 27th will be spent driving down to see some relatives for the day.

I've often said that I'd love to get over to Kennedy, the ocean, and the Gulf Coast on one of our trips. But I'd want another week to be there and I doubt that getting a three-week vacation is ever going to happen for us. Also, I don't know if you like nature stuff, but Disney sponsors a Wilderness Preserve about 45 minutes south of the parks. That's another thing on my list of things I want to do one day.

29th - Attempt to make opening at HS and ride TSM. It's DS's favorite. HS doesn't have any other major draws for us since we'll have already seen BATB & Pixar Parade (oh for a Carsland!) I'd like to do the Star Wars Flight thing again. We'll probably do a water park in the afternoon and then EP for fireworks.The kids really liked that last year. Probably just hit random CS for meals this day. Although DD9 wants a falafel again. So maybe CS at Epcot for dinner.

Rumors are that DHS may be getting a Carsland.

30th -Back to MK. We are determined to just relax this trip and fit in what we can easily. PPF, SM, Ariel Ride & POTC being the hits today. Cosmic Rays for lunch & Pecos Bill for dinner. Must have Latte Float! (or 3) Might even stay for Wishes again. Or head back after dinner and swim at the resort

Sounds very relaxing.

May 1st - Early morning at HS to snag TSM - Afternoon at GKTW volunteering & having an alumni visit. Going to be so much fun to give back a little!


Have you found BlessedMom4's threads? Here's their alumni trip to GKTW: You ASKED for it, You GOT it!! GKTW ALUMNI RETURN!

May 2nd -Breakfast at AOA - Landscapes - Then head to AK or a waterpark. Epcot for a dine around dinner. My kids will eat ANYTHING so we love showering them with all the different foods from around the world.

May 3rd - Sleep in as late as possible. Check out and pack up. Hit MK for a last hurrah for a couple hours after lunch (just to say we did!) then start the drive home. Might end up stopping overnight on the way back.

Sound reasonable? Anything I'm missing that I really shouldn't be? What is everyone else planning? Or I'll actually take the time tonight to read the whole thread

My replies are in red. (As if that wasn't obvious.)