"Diva" Trip - "Cliff Notes" p.236 OLD THREAD!

[Belle Ella]

Good morning Divas!

 

[sahbushka]

We will hang out for sure this time around! We love the weather we're having except for the mosquitoes. Brad has a week of holidays coming up and we want to head across the line, maybe Birch Bay area. We'll have our trailer so we're looking for a good campground or places to visit for the day. Any suggestions?

Hmmm, well, I've never camped in the area since I live in Birch Bay, but I know they have the Birch Bay State Park campground. Have you heard about the new state park fee? In order to park in a state park in washington you have to have a pass. It's $30 for a yearly pass and $10 for a day pass. It just went into effect on July 1. Crazyness. What kind of things do you like to do? I will see what I can think of. If you come to Birch Bay we must get together for at least a drink or soda or something! Seriously I live right there! We walked down to the beach last night to watch the fireworks.

SarahMay

 

[princesskayla]

Mel - Very cool picture. How did you run into Aartii?

Tracey- block out tickets are expensive! I'll be in Seattle the 22nd with Vicki L. We are going to see Kenny Chesney!

How fun! I love Kenny Chesney. I am going to be in the Seattle area in Aug sometime. I gotta find a costume for Rocky Horror and I bet I could find something there. Anyone care to join me for some lingerie shopping? I can't wait for my husband's flight benefits to begin. I can just hop on plane to go shopping if I want.

I am doing a little WDW planning this morning before getting ready for all the fun and festivities of the 4th.

SarahMay - Love the WDW planning. When are you going? Have you been on a Disney cruise before? We are going on out first Disney cruise in Nov. I gotta change my dates yet again, I am sure that my travel agent is going to kill me!

 

[kelmac284]

Morning all!

Sounds like everyone had a fun day yesterday!

We finally went and saw Cars and it was fun but seemed a little long to me. I liked it but think I liked the first one better. The girls really enjoyed it though and we went with mom and dad and they liked it as well so it was a fun family outing. We then came home and the girls swam all day and had a lot of fun and mom and I did some more planning for our trip in a few weeks. Then we had a bbq and my uncle who is 92 came over and had dinner with us and then we are able to watch the big fireworks from my parents yard so that was fun.

All in all it was a nice kick back day! I only wish that it wasn't on a day with a work day the next day bleh! We got home pretty late and then I always have a hard time sleeping because of all the bottle rockets and such that seem to go on forever for hours after and worrying about fires and such! We have a lot of grass around our house and it is pretty dry this time of year not to mention the roof and such.

Anyway we have a lot coming up the next few weeks so we are going to be busy bees! I have a doc apt tomorrow and the girls have their reading program and then work again on Fri and another swim meet sat. Then next monday we are going to see the American Idol concert, wed another day at the reading program and then Thur we have to drop off Katy's entries in the fair and Fri we are GOING to the fair to watch the judging. Sat is our last meet of the season and we leave EARLY sunday morning for our trip. WHEW!! And I haven't even begun to pack! I probably will do that next week. Been putting it off cuz just so unsure what all to pack. If it were so cal it would be all shorts but up there so hard to say LOL.

Anywho hope everyone has a GREAT day today and is all recovered from the long weekend.

Take care and talk soon.

 

[mommaU4]

Good morning, ladies!!
Everyone bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning? Or are you, as Callie put it, in a "fireworks hangover"? LOL I am definitely the latter. Ugh. Need caffeine stat.

Brad has a week of holidays coming up and we want to head across the line, maybe Birch Bay area.

I almost booked a timeshare for the Birch Bay area when doing my research for our next summer's vacation. The Sandcastle at Birch Bay. It looked really nice, and I loved the area photos. But I decided not to and went with a DL trip instead because I was worried there wouldn't be much to keep the kids entertained for a whole week up there.

What sort of things are there to do? Maybe I missed something. I know I'd probably love it. I was just thinking of my kids, especially my teens.

I think they will also only allow 5 in the kids suite? I believe that is what Laurie had found out?

Oh?

lol

Good morning Divas!

Good morning, Jess!!

I can't wait for my husband's flight benefits to begin. I can just hop on plane to go shopping if I want.

Very cool.

Anywho hope everyone has a GREAT day today and is all recovered from the long weekend.

Take care and talk soon.

Ugh, I am still soooo tired. Everyone was up so late last night, way past midnight. Poor Ruben had to go to work bright and early.
Anyway, how are you feeling? Sounds like you had a fun time! And it sounds like you have some busy plans coming up!

 

[Belle Ella]

Can you have a 'fireworks hangover' when you were hiding from the all night? Wait, you can, but more because they gave you a panic attack. Fireworks freak me out (unless they are at Disneyland because Disney makes evrything OK) so I spent the night curled up under my blanket watching a movie on my iPod so I could neither hear or see them.

I did get my hair done yesterday though. Now it's all pretty-like again.

Silly HOJO updated their Retro Rate dates and September 1st is on there! I arrive the 2nd, phooey. Buuuuuut now I want to add yet another night to my stay and just drive down Thursday after work. Sigh. Decisions, decisions.

 

[MrsPinup]

Morning! We had a great fireworks show over here last night. Many people within a block of us had huge exploding illegal fireworks, plus we could see the huge ones from the fairgrounds. My step-dad had a lot of beer last night which puts him in a good mood, good enough to offer to replace the built in benches in my backyard before my bday luau next weekend He promised to come by on Friday and do that and some other yard improvements for my party.

So, a few pages back I posted my must-do's for our trip. What is everyone else's?

Jessica~ Count me in for photo pass for the Feb trip.

 

[Belle Ella]

Jessica~ Count me in for photo pass for the Feb trip.

Let's see, my must-do's? I really have no idea this time around. All of my favorite moments from last year could not have been planned. But let's see ...

• Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour
  I still have yet to do it and didn't have the $$ to last year. Is there anyone else who still hasn't done this who would want to?
• Fantasmic!!
  I don't care if it's the Premium Viewing or if it's camping on ROA for hours. I haven't actually seen it in far too long and that's just not cool. If I had to pick between Fantasmic and WOC my preference is Fantasmic hands down. Especially if we can watch WOC from the Villas again ...
• Billy Hill
  No explanation needed.

Honestly that's all I have at this point.

 

[jordansmomma]

I know Leavenworth well but haven't heard of Kinder fest...what is it?

That's great that you and Vicki are getting to see Kenny Chesney! I haven't seen Vicki in almost a year! Last year for my birthday we met up at the Woodland Park Zoo. It was a lot of fun!

Later,
SarahMay

I Kenny!! I have not missed a concert in like 8 years or so.
This weekend is NKOTBSB! So excited for that one too!

Kinder Fest, is fun! down the big hill they have a huge slip in slide, lots of free stuff for the kids, face painting, sno cones, small woods petting zoo, clowns, bounce house, arts & crafts, lots of fun stuff! They have it every 4th of July.

 

[QueenDoOver]

I am bummed. I called the Hojo today to see if they had rates for our family vacation next summer. We are going to DL for a couple days in July after Carsland opens.
Anyway, I wanted the kids suite and they said it would be $204 a night plus tax!!!

Ummmm, I'm not sure it's worth that much. I love the Hojo and all, but ouch.

So who knows where we'll end up. Anyway, just had to vent..... carry on.

Don't forget the Radisson. It is $86 taxes included which is a great rate! It is a friends and family rate and if you want to check it out, I can PM you the code.

Happy Fourth of July ladies!!!

How long are you staying? We are going the 25-27th.

I don't watch FNS, but am super excited about Big Brother starting in 2 days!

.

I am staying until the 26th! Maybe we can get together? Have you bought your tickets? Maybe you could buy an extra day and we could work a deal if ya know what I mean
It is just me and my 8 year old this trip. How old are your boys Jen?

Tracey- block out tickets are expensive! I'll be in Seattle the 22nd with Vicki L. We are going to see Kenny Chesney!

Today is Jordans 15th birthday! How do the Years go by do fast? Today we are headed to Leavenworth for Kinder fest! It should be fun!

Happy Birthday Jordan!

I am going to try to meet up with Kelly and her family on the 22nd. What time is your show and where is it at? Maybe we could all meet up

 

[mommaU4]

Now that the long holiday weekend is over, I thought I'd take a moment to update some of the recent developments and plans that have been discussed, just in case anyone missed them over the past week or two.

All this info is always updated on the front page, but I know not everyone checks over there, so I thought I'd share a brief overview here just so everyone is on the same page. Please take a moment to read through it and see what pertains to you. Thanks!!


PHOTOPASS INFO
Jess/Belle Ella have volunteered to over see this. She will be doing a total of 2 PhotoPass shares. One will be for September and October (for the Half Marathon girls, anyone taking Halloween trips, and anything else between the two months). The other one will be for January and February (the Tinkerbell Half girls, the Diva trip, and any other mini trips in between).
Please PM her if you are interested in participating in the photopass and let her know which one (or both) you would like to be added to.



MEET AND GREET
In case anyone hasn't heard, our wonderful committee has made the grand announcement of what the theme is going to be.......DIS Divas Party of Peril!! It sounds great, and more specific info for the Meet and Greet, including the exchange theme, can be found on the first page, so if you haven't already, check it out!



SCAVENGER HUNT
This was posted by Melody a few days ago:

"Pretty soon we will start having some clues to the hunt. So be alert, as there will be no announcement. You will just have to be on the ball and keep in mind who is on the committee. We might just throw something in from no where. We haven't decided yet what the winner gets. I have me some ideas!!"

Sounds exciting! And if I'm not mistaken a clue was posted by Bridget not long after this post by Mel..... (p.215)
Also the SH committee will be assigning teams again this year. If you plan to participate in the hunt, you will need to PM Melody and let her know you are interested, AND what style of hunting you would prefer:
1. Walkers
2. Marathoners
3. Sprinters



ROOMMATES
There is a roommate/hotel list on the first page. If you haven't already done so, please post here where you are staying, and who you are rooming with so I can add you. If you are in need of a roommate, post that as well so hopefully you can match up with others also searching for a roomie.



SCHEDULE
We had a few discussions regarding meals and where to place them in the schedule. (starting back on p. 223) I think we came up with some good ideas and so far everything seems to fit nicely in the plans. They are not set in stone at this point, we just had to start somewhere, so if anyone has any other suggestions or objections to what's been planned so far, as always, feel free to voice your thoughts. So take a peek at the schedule and make sure what you want to do, or where you want to eat, is on there. Thanks!
(I won't be starting the official sign-ups for meals until sometime in October. From past experience to start any sooner only leads to confusion as prior to that time there are often changes in our meal plans.)



T-SHIRTS!
**Shirt colors:
Thursday: Lime green shirt
Friday: Purple castle t-shirt (last year's group tee)
Saturday: New group t-shirt (hot pink color with retro Disneyland sign)
Sunday: Teal shirt
Monday: Blue shirt?
*Remember if you want to order last years purple castle shirt, you must let Melody know so she can add you to the list. Thank-you.




**AND FINALLY....Will you be there?!?!
It has been suggested, by more than one of the ladies, that we have an official sign-up for those who are attending the trip and their dates. I am happy to do that. So, please take a minute and post if you are definitely planning to attend the 2012 trip, your dates, and if you are a returning or new member this year. Thank-you! (Even though we have photos on the front page of all past and present Divas, this makes it fun and easy to see exactly who will be on this trip.)



Okay, I think that's about it. I hope this helps provide a quick Cliff Notes version of some of the planning that's taken place lately. Remember you can always check the first page or PM me if you have any questions or are feeling lost. And thank you to everyone who participates in the planning to help make this a fun trip for all!

 

[mommaU4]

Can you have a 'fireworks hangover' when you were hiding from the all night?

Awwww.

I want to see a pic of your new hair!

My step-dad had a lot of beer last night which puts him in a good mood, good enough to offer to replace the built in benches in my backyard before my bday luau next weekend

For some reason reading that cracked me up. Glad his drinking was to your benefit! A luau party sounds fun! Take lots of pics.

As for my must-dos:
Fantasmic. Always Fantasmic. I love it.
Drinks/relaxing at Trader Sam's, my new favorite place.
Haunted Mansion and Pirates.

If I do all those, I'll be content.

Kinder Fest, is fun! down the big hill they have a huge slip in slide, lots of free stuff for the kids, face painting, sno cones, small woods petting zoo, clowns, bounce house, arts & crafts, lots of fun stuff! They have it every 4th of July.

Sounds awesome!

Don't forget the Radisson. It is $86 taxes included which is a great rate! It is a friends and family rate and if you want to check it out, I can PM you the code.

Yep, that would be great. Thanks.
I know we have lots of other options, I'm just surprised the Hojo was so expensive.

 

[kelmac284]

Beth thanks for asking about how I am feeling! The good news is the side effects are subsidding so no more headaches or nausea so much but the bad news is the meds haven't really affected the problem much. I guess it has in a way in that it doesn't bother me constantly but then I don't really think it did when it started (can't really remember as it has been going on over a week now) but at least it isn't a constant thing. It mostly bugs me at night. My uncle that was over yesterday has it REALLY bad and I was able to ask him about it and he said that hopefully I only have a mild case but that I should expect it to take up to 8 weeks to fully go away. BLEH! I am done with my meds tomorrow night I think so I guess I will just wait and see. I don't have my follow up with my doc till next week so not sure what he will say but thanks for asking!!

And you are right we have a ton of fun stuff on the agenda with our trip being the best part! I am really excited and we can't wait!!

As for the trip mom and I are pretty positive that we are going. The only thing that would change that is if the airfare is astronomical or if there is some unforseen stuff that comes up but as of now we are planning on it.

We hope to arrive sometimes Thur afternoon and will leave most likely monday morning.

All of this depends on the airfare which they probably won't release for a few more months.

And I know you already know we are returning

Think that is it.

 

[Belle Ella]

I will definitely be there! Currently planning on Thrusday through Monday

 

[jordansmomma]

I will be there Thursday morning-Monday Morning. Would love to do breakfast on Monday with anyone who is still there.
I love, love, love Surf's Up at PPH. So I would do that for a character breakfast. It's my families favorite!
I want to do F!
I will be at the M&G.
I won't be doing the hunt, I will be enjoying it from the sidelines.
I have roomies, my Sister Wife, Katie & crew.

Jess~ please add me to the photo pass. Thanks!

 

[lulubelle]

lulubelle and lulubellesDD:

Arriving Thursday afternoon, leaving 8 am Monday morn.

My goals are to experience the F! dessert seating again, eat some good meals, spend time with old friends and hopefully make a few new ones.

Thanks Beth.

 

[chimo2u]

Hello This trip sounds like such fun....and the perfect solution to my Disney Blues I seem to get every time I come back from WDW! I have not been to DL in 20 years. It is the first out--of-country trip my husband (then boyfriend) took me on when we where dating! It was amazing....we had a blast. I love WDW, but would love to go back to DL and see all the changes and what's new! I am thinking of going Jan/Feb 2013 with my Best gal pal...Do you do these girl trips every year??? This sounds like such a fun way to explore DL and make some great friends in the meantime! Perfect too, as my hubby is not as much a Disney lover as I am and this would give me others to share my passion with! I am throwing thoughts around in my head about my 2013 trip.....trying to decide between DL Girls Only or WDW.....DL might just be more suited to a best friend getaway....not too long (thinking 5 days) and closer to me (I live in Alberta)....maybe more budget-friendly than WDW, but not quite sure on that as WDW has some pretty good discounts in Jan/Feb! So Girls.....will you have another trip Winter 2013?
I am very interested in this type of trip!
PS...Is Disneyland Hotel a good resort choice??? I am used to and love WDW Deluxe resorts....Club Level gal here, have stayed at AKL Club Level twice and LOVED it, Beach Club Club Level once, and found it fine for our needs, but not a resort I will try again....I am leaning towards AKL or Poly for future trips, if that helps you understand what I like Disneyland hotel looks like such fun, especially the new pool!
Thanks for taking time to read and help me with my questions
Hopefully I will have a chance to meet you all one day!
Marie

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks to those who've posted so far. I am making a note of who's coming and their dates and will post that on the front page soon.


Remember to sign up with Jess for photopass if you want, and with Mel if you want to be in the hunt and have a purple tee from last year.

I will be there Thursday morning-Monday Morning.

Deb, what time will you be there Thursday a.m.?

I'll actually be there Wed night around 8:30, staying until Sat. morning.

Anyway, if anyone will be there early Thursday morning and wants to do breakfast, maybe Ariel's princess meal, let me know. (what can I say, I love the princesses!! lol )

Hello This trip sounds like such fun....and the perfect solution to my Disney Blues I seem to get every time I come back from WDW! I have not been to DL in 20 years. It is the first out--of-country trip my husband (then boyfriend) took me on when we where dating! It was amazing....we had a blast. I love WDW, but would love to go back to DL and see all the changes and what's new! I am thinking of going Jan/Feb 2013 with my Best gal pal...Do you do these girl trips every year??? This sounds like such a fun way to explore DL and make some great friends in the meantime! Perfect too, as my hubby is not as much a Disney lover as I am and this would give me others to share my passion with! I am throwing thoughts around in my head about my 2013 trip.....trying to decide between DL Girls Only or WDW.....DL might just be more suited to a best friend getaway....not too long (thinking 5 days) and closer to me (I live in Alberta)....maybe more budget-friendly than WDW, but not quite sure on that as WDW has some pretty good discounts in Jan/Feb! So Girls.....will you have another trip Winter 2013?
I am very interested in this type of trip!
PS...Is Disneyland Hotel a good resort choice??? I am used to and love WDW Deluxe resorts....Club Level gal here, have stayed at AKL Club Level twice and LOVED it, Beach Club Club Level once, and found it fine for our needs, but not a resort I will try again....I am leaning towards AKL or Poly for future trips, if that helps you understand what I like Disneyland hotel looks like such fun, especially the new pool!
Thanks for taking time to read and help me with my questions
Hopefully I will have a chance to meet you all one day!
Marie

Hi Marie and welcome to our thread!!

We've been doing these trips every year since our first one in 2008, and have no plans to stop anytime soon!
Starting with this trip, each future trip will take place on set dates, which is the end of February. We'd love to have you, and some friends if you want, join us!

As for hotels, I think you'd like the Grand Californian hotel. I've never stayed at the DL hotel but from what I heard some of the rooms aren't all that nice.... unless you get one of the remodeled ones. I'm sure someone more familiar with those hotels can help you out there.

 

[chimo2u]

Thanks to those who've posted so far. I am making a note of who's coming and their dates and will post that on the front page soon.


Remember to sign up with Jess for photopass if you want, and with Mel if you want to be in the hunt and have a purple tee from last year.



Deb, what time will you be there Thursday a.m.?

I'll actually be there Wed night around 8:30, staying until Sat. morning.

Anyway, if anyone will be there early Thursday morning and wants to do breakfast, maybe Ariel's princess meal, let me know. (what can I say, I love the princesses!! lol )






Hi Marie and welcome to our thread!!

We've been doing these trips every year since our first one in 2008, and have no plans to stop anytime soon!
Starting with this trip, each future trip will take place on set dates, which is the end of February. We'd love to have you, and some friends if you want, join us!

As for hotels, I think you'd like the Grand Californian hotel. I've never stayed at the DL hotel but from what I heard some of the rooms aren't all that nice.... unless you get one of the remodeled ones. I'm sure someone more familiar with those hotels can help you out there.

Thanks so much for the welcome! I look forward to joining you all on one of these trips in the near future! Is February a good time for visiting DL? weather/crowd and re-furbishment wise??? I love WDW in Jan/Feb, but have never been to California or DL then...Thanks again for the ideas and lovely welcome!
Marie

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks so much for the welcome! I look forward to joining you all on one of these trips in the near future! Is February a good time for visiting DL? weather/crowd and re-furbishment wise??? I love WDW in Jan/Feb, but have never been to California or DL then...Thanks again for the ideas and lovely welcome!
Marie

Typically yes, February is good crowd wise, and for the most part, weather wise. Although having grown up in SoCal I can tell you some Februarys we froze and others times we had temps in the 80's that month, so you never really know for sure.
As for re-furbishments, well, it's hit or miss. We've gotten pretty lucky so far, but of course you do run the risk of some of the major rides being closed during that time.

WDW is awesome in Jan/Feb. I can't handle it over there during the summer. That heat and humidity is just killer!