At Least We Are All Tall Enough For Barnstormer! A June 2017 PTR...updated 6/1

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

Your itinerary looks great! I hope Will gets better soon. At least he's sick now and not on the trip. That's great your ears shipped! I ordered a Little Mermaid tank and 2 Minnie tees last night. I hope they get here in time!

 

[DLmama]

It's getting so close! I actually ended up ordering some magic band skins from Thimble Threads based on your pictures. I loved them! I got Dumbo, DH got Rescue Rangers and DS got Darth Maul. Now we just need to get the magic bands themselves, which I'm stalking.

 

[ArielSRL]

Your itinerary looks great! I hope Will gets better soon. At least he's sick now and not on the trip. That's great your ears shipped! I ordered a Little Mermaid tank and 2 Minnie tees last night. I hope they get here in time!

Thank you on the itinerary and the well wishes for Will. he is home with DH today, resting.

Yes, I'm so excited to get my Star Wars ears! I hope your shirts arrive in time!

 

[ArielSRL]

It's getting so close! I actually ended up ordering some magic band skins from Thimble Threads based on your pictures. I loved them! I got Dumbo, DH got Rescue Rangers and DS got Darth Maul. Now we just need to get the magic bands themselves, which I'm stalking.

Yay on the MB skins! I hope your MBs arrive soon!!

 

[ArielSRL]

Okay, I forgot to post the photos of the things I mentioned yesterday but I have them saved on my work computer so now I will...lol.

Here's the start of my outfit list. And no, I haven't added anything else yet:


Ears:


See the castle on the back?? Love it!

And the design I have decided to go with on my nails and toes:

Last year I did a Mickey color scheme but blue is my favorite color and I haven't really seen this in the parks before...so I decided to go with it! I'll get them done close to the end of the week, I think.

Will's McQueen tank from Target was delivered today - I received an email - so that should be it. Nothing else coming in the mail.

Today we had our party at school and tomorrow is the last day with students. Then two more post planning days and I can finally fully focus on DISNEY!!!! YAY!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Oh and hold the phone, I just got a shipping notice on the Star Wars ears!!! Yay!

I love the breaking news! This just in.... My Star Wars Ears!!! Love it!

I get it, believe me! I do the exact same and start just stalking people on Facebook who I know are at Disney!!

I won't be doing that at all....

h and Will has a 101 fever right now and he threw up today! But ya know what...get sick now with plenty of time to recover before the trip. And if it persists, I'll take him in to the doc. We have actually all had some tummy troubles this weekend, so maybe we are just getting everything out of the way now. Think good thoughts for us!

Hope he feels better soon! Morgan was under the weather on Sunday and did nothing but lay on the cough and binge watch tv. I always tell the girls the one rule of holidays and vacations is "Don't get sick on the actual holiday or vacation!" But that is harder to do when they don't know about the vacation.

Today we had our party at school and tomorrow is the last day with students. Then two more post planning days and I can finally fully focus on DISNEY!!!! YAY!

I can't believe school is almost over for you! The girls here have another 4 weeks after this week!

 

[ArielSRL]

I love the breaking news! This just in.... My Star Wars Ears!!! Love it!

Too funny, right? And they are being delivered today!

I won't be doing that at all....

HAHA

Hope he feels better soon!

Thank you. He seemed much better today but now my DH is sick and my mom is sick!

Morgan was under the weather on Sunday and did nothing but lay on the cough and binge watch tv.

Hopefully she is feeling better!

I always tell the girls the one rule of holidays and vacations is "Don't get sick on the actual holiday or vacation!" But that is harder to do when they don't know about the vacation.

That's hilarious!

I can't believe school is almost over for you! The girls here have another 4 weeks after this week!

Last day with students is today! But then we go back the beginning of August!

 

[ArielSRL]

Okay people, I am flat out exhausted. Yesterday was my last day with students and today I moved my classroom to a new room and did tons of EOY paperwork...all while being sick. We have a stomach bug making its way through our family. Ugh. And poor AJ fell off the slide at Pre-K yesterday on his last day, and busted his mouth. It's so horrible. I feel so bad for him. He can barely eat and he looks miserable. My poor family! But I had to stop by to post a photo:

Yep...single digit dance, y'all!!!


Please send pixie dust that we all get better and AJ heals quickly.

 

[cstorm65]

Well, congrats on making it to the end of the school year. Today was our last with students, but have to go tomorrow to "check out". So sad for AJ falling and hurting himself. Hope he feels better soon.

Single Digits!!!!

 

[krysenchips]

Yesterday was my single digit day too!!!
My family doesn't get there until the next day though, so I'm going to chill at the POP pool that night!

Your ears look absolutely adorable!
Have a great time!

 

[ariane37]

Your itinerary looks great Sometimes I do wish I could be that specific with my plans, even though the boys would hate it, but I just don't have enough patience to plan that specifically! I'm so excited your trip is so close and very excited about you staying at my favorite resort

we're getting one night at the Grand Californian!

How awesome!!!!! Your trip is going to be phenomenal!

And the design I have decided to go with on my nails and toes:

I haven't ever seen anything like that on anyone either and I love it. Would you believe I can't find anyone around here who does Disney nail designs I hated to look outside my salon but hey, we're talking Disney and I was desperate lol. But still no luck.

I do hope you're all feeling better and poor A.J's lip is going down! It looks so incredibly uncomfortable for the little guy

 

[ArielSRL]

Well, congrats on making it to the end of the school year. Today was our last with students, but have to go tomorrow to "check out". So sad for AJ falling and hurting himself. Hope he feels better soon.

Single Digits!!!!

Yes, I'm here today to "check out". I actually am about to leave in just a few minutes. They are letting us go early!

Thank you on the well wishes for AJ!

Yesterday was my single digit day too!!!
My family doesn't get there until the next day though, so I'm going to chill at the POP pool that night!

Your ears look absolutely adorable!
Have a great time!

Yay for single digits! It will be nice to check in and relax a bit before the craziness of Disney with family starts, I'm sure! Thank you on the ears!

Your itinerary looks great Sometimes I do wish I could be that specific with my plans, even though the boys would hate it, but I just don't have enough patience to plan that specifically!

Well, ya know, I think I have said it before, you guys go more often so it isn't as necessary for you. Since I have so much time between trips, all the planning tides me over! Plus your boys being older is probably a factor, as well.

I'm so excited your trip is so close and very excited about you staying at my favorite resort

Yay! I cannot wait to see WL live in person. I mean, I have seen it before but it has been awhile and that was just from eating at WCC. It is totally different this time because we are staying there!!

How awesome!!!!! Your trip is going to be phenomenal!

I am very envious of @Jfsag123 !!

I haven't ever seen anything like that on anyone either and I love it.

Thank you!

Would you believe I can't find anyone around here who does Disney nail designs I hated to look outside my salon but hey, we're talking Disney and I was desperate lol. But still no luck.

I just take the photo to my lady and she does it...lol. But that is crazy that you couldn't find anyone!

I do hope you're all feeling better and poor A.J's lip is going down! It looks so incredibly uncomfortable for the little guy

Thank you so much!

 

[Jfsag123]

I hate that your family is having to go through so much yuck now right before the trip! Maybe it's the universe taking care of all your yuck before you get to Disney so ou can just focus on your trip and have a great time. Last time you got injured at WDW, this time AJ gets injured before. I saw that picture on Facebook - poor baby! How is he doing? I really hope he heals up quickly and everyone gets well and you can just focus on the last week of your countdown. You guys need some Disney in your lives at this point!

 

[ArielSRL]

I hate that your family is having to go through so much yuck now right before the trip! Maybe it's the universe taking care of all your yuck before you get to Disney so ou can just focus on your trip and have a great time. Last time you got injured at WDW, this time AJ gets injured before. I saw that picture on Facebook - poor baby! How is he doing? I really hope he heals up quickly and everyone gets well and you can just focus on the last week of your countdown. You guys need some Disney in your lives at this point!

Thank you for the concern. Fortunately, it looks like we are all on the mend! I think the stomach bug is 99% gone from our immediate family though my parents are dealing with some lingering issues, but it seems it is headed out of their house, too, thank goodness! And I'm not sure if you saw my post tonight but AJ is feeling and acting much better. His mouth still looks rough but so much better than even this morning and he is both acting and eating better. I am so relieved. I was very much a mess worried about him. But now, I think he will be close to 100% by the time we leave!

Oh, but of course, old Disney is up to their same tricks. Stay tuned for changes....

 

[ArielSRL]

This Time Next Week 6/2/2017
So yes, I know we won't be in Disney this time next week....however...hopefully by this time, I will have partially packed the car and gotten into bed because I plan to be up around the 4am mark Saturday morning (who can sleep the night before a Disney trip anyway?). Hopefully I will have gotten my Disney mani/pedi either earlier that day or the day before and I will have packed all the boys clothes, as well as my own. Hopefully I will have packed most of our toiletries and everything else we are taking on this trip! LOL.

Hopefully Disney will have made all the changes they plan to by then, but I am not counting on it and I'll tell you why in just a few short minutes.

I'm trying to decide if I want to take a melatonin or not. They help me sleep, which I will need, but they make me groggy, which isn't good. However, if I truly get up around 4am, I will have had 2 hours to wake myself up with some coffee and a shower. Anyway, something else to decide on.

Also, I mentioned above in my reply to Kelley, that we are all on the mend it seems. Stomach bug seems to have left the building, hopefully strengthening our immune system against more germs of the same type and AJ is doing a lot better. I'll freely admit this is the worst injury for one of my children (knock on wood) that I have dealt with thus far and it left me feeling very helpless and very worried. However, his lip and mouth look a lot better tonight (still ugly but not nearly as much so), he ate half of a grilled cheese sandwich at Steak n Shake, and he was back to his normal self, acting all rowdy with Will. For the past few days he has been lethargic. I even asked him tonight if he remembers what happened right after he hurt himself because I wondered if he was in shock. But he told me everything he did right afterwards so I guess not. Thank you to everyone who sent pixie dust and positive thoughts!

Okay, so onto the Disney changes. First off, I will warn anyone that thinks they can figure out what Disney is doing ahead of time, to just stop. The reason I say this, is because I was one of those people. You know, I thought I had them all figured out...I thought I knew what possible curveballs they might throw. Well, I was wrong.

Disney threw me two curveballs tonight and I'll admit, I was a tad depressed earlier. I am slowly moving my way to acceptance but it did take me a few hours to process. The first is a new projection show at DHS that takes place at 9pm...30 minutes before the Star Wars fireworks. And we have the dessert party scheduled before the fireworks. So will this show affect the timing of the dessert party? Guess what? No one really knows! No one knows if this is starting nightly or if it was just a test. I do know that someone who has the party booked for August was called and notified of a time change, however, I was not notified of one. So does that mean that the new show won't be scheduled for our party night (6/5) or does it mean that we won't get to see it? Not a clue as to the answer but I am hoping I find out soon. I mean, my trip is just 7.5 days away. It would be nice to know if I need to modify our plans to make sure to show up at the party 30 minutes earlier. I actually had us going on over to Launch Bay early so we could meet the characters so it isn't like I can't figure this out once I have all the info...but I NEED all the info.

Moving on...Disney, it seems, has decided to, all of a sudden, stop the practice of SDFP (Same Day Fast Pass) where one can use a "rogue" band to book same day fast passes at kiosks. Just an FYI: this was never against Disney's Terms of Service, so the people that participated in this were not "breaking the rules". In any case, it was always considered a "cherry on top" type thing that could go away at any time. I personally have never done it but had planned to try it out with my parents' bands this year and based our planning on doing so. But now, apparently, that is most likely, going away. Which is fine, but I just wish I had had more notice. In the end, its not a vacation ruiner, but it does require me to reconfigure some things.

So there ya go. Two things that Disney has (possibly) changed that I just had no real foreshadowing that they would do one week out from my trip. I'm not quite sure if it is obvious, but I don't deal well with change. I will give myself some credit and say I have learned in my older, wiser, parent years to deal with it a lot better than I used to, but I still take some time to wrap my mind around it. Which I am in the process of doing.

Okay, so because this post has no fun photos in it, I will post some!

Here is my handsome big boy's cap and gown photo! Oh, I love him so!


And here is my set of Star Wars ears that I wasn't sure would make it on time. And that is me, exhausted, after my last day of school with my students, wearing them! With barely any make up on and flat hair...haha. I hope you enjoy!

And tomorrow, I should be back with another episode of "This Time Next Week!"

Up next: This Time Next Week 6/3/2017

 

[Jfsag123]

It would not be a WDW trip without last minute changes! Think of it as part of the "magic." But seriously, you know I get the frustration of being a week out and still not having all the info related to your trip. This time last year I was 1.5 weeks out and didn't know if I'd be able to walk or not on our trip! Not Disney's fault, but still...

That graduation picture is adorable! So glad he and all the rest of you are doing better. And the ears (and you!) look great! This time next week you'll most likely be failing at willing yourself to sleep.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm finally caught up!! Yay!

THESE EARS. THEY ARE AMAZING!! Where are these from again?

So cute! Are you planning on doing them youreelf?

Yep...single digit dance, y'all!!!


Please send pixie dust that we all get better and AJ heals quickly.

YAY!! And lots and lots of pixie dust sent your way!

Also, I mentioned above in my reply to Kelley, that we are all on the mend it seems. Stomach bug seems to have left the building, hopefully strengthening our immune system against more germs of the same type and AJ is doing a lot better. I'll freely admit this is the worst injury for one of my children (knock on wood) that I have dealt with thus far and it left me feeling very helpless and very worried. However, his lip and mouth look a lot better tonight (still ugly but not nearly as much so), he ate half of a grilled cheese sandwich at Steak n Shake, and he was back to his normal self, acting all rowdy with Will. For the past few days he has been lethargic. I even asked him tonight if he remembers what happened right after he hurt himself because I wondered if he was in shock. But he told me everything he did right afterwards so I guess not. Thank you to everyone who sent pixie dust and positive thoughts!

I saw this on FB too...hope AJ is doing better. Just something funny...right after we got home from our first May trip, Steve broke his nose in softball when a ball came crashing into his face. HE came home and he looked like a victim of a stabbing. There was blood everywhere! Sorry for the graphic picture, but i was really worried about him and especially since our Pandora trip was so soon after...would he need surgery, would he not want to take any pictures because of his swollen nose? But surprisingly 2 days after the incident, aside from a small bruise, his nose didn't look that different at all. And as you saw from the Pandora pictures, not one really noticed it. And he also found out he wouldn't need surgery on his nose after getting a second opinion. Yay. But anyways, just want to wish AJ a speedy recovery and that he'll be looking and feeling his best in time for Disney!

Disney threw me two curveballs tonight and I'll admit, I was a tad depressed earlier. I am slowly moving my way to acceptance but it did take me a few hours to process. The first is a new projection show at DHS that takes place at 9pm...30 minutes before the Star Wars fireworks. And we have the dessert party scheduled before the fireworks. So will this show affect the timing of the dessert party? Guess what? No one really knows! No one knows if this is starting nightly or if it was just a test. I do know that someone who has the party booked for August was called and notified of a time change, however, I was not notified of one. So does that mean that the new show won't be scheduled for our party night (6/5) or does it mean that we won't get to see it? Not a clue as to the answer but I am hoping I find out soon. I mean, my trip is just 7.5 days away. It would be nice to know if I need to modify our plans to make sure to show up at the party 30 minutes earlier. I actually had us going on over to Launch Bay early so we could meet the characters so it isn't like I can't figure this out once I have all the info...but I NEED all the info.

I saw that! I am hoping that you guys can come out of your dessert party a little early to catch the projection show, and then go back inside for a couple more deserts before coming right back out for the fireworks. The beauty of reserved standing locations. I am really curious about this as well!

And here is my set of Star Wars ears that I wasn't sure would make it on time. And that is me, exhausted, after my last day of school with my students, wearing them! With barely any make up on and flat hair...haha. I hope you enjoy!

You look great! The ears are awesome as usual!! You make everyone envious of your ear collection.
Yay for last day of school and week until DISNEY!!

 

[ArielSRL]

It would not be a WDW trip without last minute changes! Think of it as part of the "magic." But seriously, you know I get the frustration of being a week out and still not having all the info related to your trip. This time last year I was 1.5 weeks out and didn't know if I'd be able to walk or not on our trip! Not Disney's fault, but still...

This is so true. I should've known I couldn't have it all figured out! And yes, I remember that!

That graduation picture is adorable!

Thank you!

So glad he and all the rest of you are doing better. And the ears (and you!) look great!

Thank you again!

This time next week you'll most likely be failing at willing yourself to sleep.

This is definitely what will be happening!

I'm finally caught up!! Yay!

Oh goodness...I have to catch up on your latest!

THESE EARS. THEY ARE AMAZING!! Where are these from again?

Thank you! I agree! PlayItByEars on etsy. The Star Wars ones came from them also.

So cute! Are you planning on doing them youreelf?

That would be a no. I'll be paying my nail tech a lot of money to do them...lol.

YAY!! And lots and lots of pixie dust sent your way!

Thank you!

I saw this on FB too...hope AJ is doing better. Just something funny...right after we got home from our first May trip, Steve broke his nose in softball when a ball came crashing into his face. HE came home and he looked like a victim of a stabbing. There was blood everywhere! Sorry for the graphic picture, but i was really worried about him and especially since our Pandora trip was so soon after...would he need surgery, would he not want to take any pictures because of his swollen nose? But surprisingly 2 days after the incident, aside from a small bruise, his nose didn't look that different at all. And as you saw from the Pandora pictures, not one really noticed it. And he also found out he wouldn't need surgery on his nose after getting a second opinion. Yay. But anyways, just want to wish AJ a speedy recovery and that he'll be looking and feeling his best in time for Disney!

OMG! That's crazy! And in similar fashion, AJ's lip looks so much better! It should be all healed up well within our time frame for leaving for the trip. Though twice now Will has accidentally done more damage to it. They just play rough. I try to tell AJ to calm down but boys don't seem to listen!

I saw that! I am hoping that you guys can come out of your dessert party a little early to catch the projection show, and then go back inside for a couple more deserts before coming right back out for the fireworks. The beauty of reserved standing locations. I am really curious about this as well!

Yeh, we had planned to come out early, so we will just make sure to do it by 9pm, if the show is scheduled for our night...which I still don't the answer to.

You look great! The ears are awesome as usual!! You make everyone envious of your ear collection.

Thank you! And to think I just started my collection!

Yay for last day of school and week until DISNEY!!

No doubt!

 

[ArielSRL]

This Time Next Week 6/3/2017

So our plans are to get on the road at 6am (DH has accepted this as evidenced by a message he left for someone he works with at the radio station where he indicated we would be leaving at 6am...I love the compliancy...lol). I'll take first shift and hope all the boys rest some more. Once everyone is awake, we will do grab and go type breakfast in the car (poptarts, granola bars, dry cereal). Planning to stop around Lake City, FL for lunch at around 11am. I need to look up places but I'm sure we can find something to eat. I'd love it if there was a Steak-n-Shake

but I'll be fairly easy to please since we should be about 2-3 hours from Disney at this point. Its 461 total miles from our house to WL, 6 hr 45 min generally speaking. If we leave at 6, I figure 2pm is 8 hours and a fairly safe bet, allowing 1 hr 15 min for lunch stops and bathroom stops. But if its 2:30 or 3, we will survive. LOL. Anywho, this is what we should roll up to:


We plan to hit the lobby first thing because why wouldn't you?

And also because I want to speak to the front desk about a possible late check out on Sunday 6/11. If we don't get it, fine, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Then we will visit the Mercantile (I think it is called) for mugs and anything else we might need. Next, would be a stop in Territory Lounge for a drink - and maybe a cupcake or two to take back to the room if they are still available at that point - then hopefully we can head to the room (I have already done online check in). We'll get settled, change into pool gear and head out for a tour and some pool time.

I plan to order us an early dinner from the Geyser Point quick service along with a pool drink. Then maybe after about an hour, head back to the room and get ready for Disney Springs.


Hoping to get to DS by around 6pm. Chad wants to stop at The Polite Pig's bourbon bar and possibly head west toward Sosa Family Cigars, while I take the boys east toward the Lego Store. I also want to visit Amorette's Patisserie, Tren-D, World of Disney
,
Once Upon a Toy, Uniqlo, Dockside Margaritas, Goofy's Candy Co, Disney's Days of Christmas, AristoCrepes, Ghiradelli, and maybe the Photopass Studio. However, I also want us to be back to the room around 10, so if we don't make all those, so be it.

I want to get the boys to bed, if possible based on their excitement level, so we can be up for rope drop at MK the next day, and then check out the Electrical Water Pageant

at 10:35 from our balcony (hoping for a lake view room). If seeing it doesn't work out though, we should have an opportunity to see it again on our Epcot night and possibly our DHS nights. Then we should head to bed, as well!

And that is about it for arrival day! It's very late and my 3 year old has a predilection for waking up early lately...so I am going to finish up and hit the hay! Thanks for reading!

Up next: This Time Next Week 6/4/2017

 

[ashleymrush]

You're plan for DD looks great! I recommend adding the Co-Op for a store to visit. It has so much cool stuff! I also recommend the Sunset Margarita at Dockside. I had one a couple weeks ago and it was so good! Can't wait to hear more!