What do you guys think of this?
kit_kats_mom wrote: Ok, this is another of my fever induced thoughts that popped up last night but I'll share anyway. :-)
I was thinking that maybe we should plan a big Parenting Club Meetup at Disney World in about 3 years. That gives us plenty of time to start saving for a big vacation, many of the kids will be old enough to enjoy Disney by then and we'd all have something fun to look forward too.
I have to say that even if I didn't post to the board another day, I think I'd be able to pick out Bailey, Kiera, Sophia, Kylie, Daniel, Ashley and quite a few others of all the kids at Disney...even in 4 years.
Being a Floridian, I'd have to say that March is a good time for Disney. :-)
This is all contengent on Disney world not being blown away during this hurricane season of course. 
MomToMany replied:  It's a great idea Cary! I doubt we could save enough for all of us to go, though, and I'd hate to not bring any of the kids  .
Send me some pictures......... 
amynicole21 replied: I'm game! We could even put some people up at our house 
MommyToAshley replied: I think it is a great idea!!! It would be so cool to meet everyone in person. And, I am sure we could make arrangements to share hotels, food, etc to make it affordable for everyone.
MomToJade&Jordan replied: I am all for that. Hopefully we will be stationed on the Mainland when the time comes. Plus I love Disney World. I hate being so far away from it. I used to go every year when I lived in Florida. I might even drag the Grandparents along. They only live about 3 hours away.
mummy2girls replied: That sounds awesome! But i know i wouldnt be able to as i live in canada and i could never be able to afford that even if i saved:( Send me pics!
Lollie replied: Awww..that does sound great!!
Pity Im so freakin far away LOL!
aspenblue1 replied: Sounds great to me!
Josie83 replied: That would be lovely, but no way would we be able to afford it. If we win the Lottery, we can come but until thwen we'll have to make do with pictures! AQ great idea tho! xx
Kaitlin'smom replied: sounds like fun, I am game and maybe we can find a hotel that we can get some realy great rate since it will be alot of us staying there, so hopfully with better rates more can go.......and maybe it does not have to inculde Disney, I know tickest can be expensive so maybe thoes who cant afford that part can still come and we can have things to do outside the park.
oh and if I win the lotto I will help thoes who cant afford it.....guess I better start playing 
kit_kats_mom replied:
Good idea. There are tons of other parks in the area that aren't as large or commercial!
ediep replied: yup, we're in!
Maddie&EthansMom replied: I would love to go. We are actually planning a family vacation to Disney World in a few years. We are going to go on the disney cruise, too. It would be perfect timing. I think it would be so much fun to meet all of you. Great idea, Cary!
I have a March mom board that I am a member of (there are only 13 of us on there) and we are meeting in Vegas in February. Not the greatest place for kids, but it is a cheap place to meet.
Zoe'sMommaCamie replied: What a great idea!! We're totally game! Oh Cary, yr always on top of things LOL
3_call_me_mama replied: Sounds good to me! Hopefully by then, I'll have figured out how to leave the house with 2 kids !! LOL!! Seems to take an hour just to go for a 10 minute walk after dinner!!
MomToJade&Jordan replied:
We could also try to go during Florida Resident month? At least then we can try to get a discount for everyone. I know that some of us aren't Florida residents, but the ones that are can get the tickest for those who aren't. I may live in Hawaii right now, but I still have my Florida ID. It's something to think about I guess.
Guest replied: I'll start saving if its a for sure worse comes to worse I can always hide at MIL's for a few days before the meet up instead of staying somewhere!
Elle replied: That's the coolest idea! My bro lives in Orlando I can get accomodation for free
paradisemommy replied: we may be able to come too!! my relatives are in jupiter and my brother is in tampa..we could make it a worthwhile visit!!! they would LOVE to see taven!!
Boys r us replied: I think that sounds great!!! Hopefully in 3 yrs we'll have another one on the way..or a freshly "baked" bun..but I think it sounds really fun!
coasterqueen replied: Sounds good to me too, but I'm not sure if we'd be able to make it. Only because we can't afford big trips like this and DH and I said we'd take both our kids when they were both old enough to REALLY enjoy it. This might be too soon for us and if we go it would only be once for us, lol.
DansMom replied: I'm intrigued by the idea. A friend of mine, who got me started on forums, got together with a bunch of other moms from her website in Chicago last year. She had a great time. Knowing what's possible for us then financially is anyone's guess---but it would be fun to plan a bit in the next few years with that in mind!
If any of you Canadians organize something like this in Canada, I might be able to get in on that, depending on how close you are to Michigan.
kit_kats_mom replied: Horray! Well, I totally did not expect this many people to be interested but I'm happy that you guys are. 
So, for the time being, let's shoot for March 2007 or maybe the fall if it appears to be cheaper then. No exact dates yet but I'll set a polls up when the date gets closer & things like hotels/dates/parks etc need to be discussed. Start saving now! Here is my best tip:
Get a credit card that offers frequent flyer miles and put everything on that. I use mine for groceries, gas, my DH's work related expenses that he gets reimbursed for....everything. I've not had to buy a plane ticket for three years! I do automatically deduct everything I put on the card from my checking account though. That way I never run up a balance...the rate on that thing is crazy!
Even though I don't have an exact figure yet, I'd say we each will probably want to put $40/month into savings per person. That's based on my estimates of a three day trip with airfare, lodging and food. If you have a free place to stay or don't need to fly, it will be cheaper but that will for sure be enough.
If I remember correctly, the cheapest Disney resort hotel is about $50 night for a family of 4. The best part about the resorts is that they provide easy transport to and from the parks. My ex boyfriend and I took his 3 sisters a few years ago and it was a great money saver in the long run because we brought lunches in coolers form home and we hopped on the bus to go to the hotel every day for lunch or snacks and were usually back at the park within an hour.
Disney has a "magical gatherings" program right now which sounds like something that we may want to do. Here is the info on that.
Step 1 - Put your group together.
The moment you thought of getting together for a Magical Gatherings vacation, names began racing through your mind. Who to invite? And how do you let them all know how wonderful this vacation will be? Whether you're bringing together friends from across the country or family members across the generations, one great way to get everyone excited is to send them a little magic to kick things off.
Download our Magical Gatherings Planner -- a great tool that can help you chat with your party, and vote on things you want to do and plan your itinerary. Watch a preview of the Magical Gatherings Planner.
Order a Vacation Planning Kit for members of your party.
Step 2 - Decide the best time for everyone.
Any time of year is a great time for a Walt Disney World® vacation. So try to plan your gathering around days that are special to you and your friends and family. Anniversaries. Birthdays. Holidays. You could even make up a holiday all your own that you can celebrate for years to come. Or, include one of the many special Walt Disney World® events that happen throughout the year.
Step 3 - Choose your Resort hotel.
Staying at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel lets the magic of your gathering continue 24 hours a day. You might want to choose one Resort hotel for your entire group. This way, no one's ever far away and it's always easy to gather everyone in the morning or after a day in the Parks. Or, you might want to select different Walt Disney World® Resort hotels that fit different tastes and budgets. Then you can visit each other and enjoy a new resort experience each day. No matter which approach you choose, it's best to book as early as possible so room arrangements can be made to fit all of your needs.
Step 4 - Give us a call.
This is the easiest step of all. You've got the people. You know the time. And the place. Now, you can book online or simply have the planner in your group call (407) WDW-MAGIC† or your Travel Agent, to get started on planning your Magical Gatherings vacation.
If you think your gathering is going to be large enough that you are going to need 10 or more rooms, or require special group services please call (800) 327-2989† or click here for more information.
kit_kats_mom replied: Horray! Well, I totally did not expect this many people to be interested but I'm happy that you guys are.
So, for the time being, let's shoot for March 2007 or maybe the fall if it appears to be cheaper then. No exact dates yet but I'll set a polls up when the date gets closer & things like hotels/dates/parks etc need to be discussed. Start saving now! Here is my best tip:
Get a credit card that offers frequent flyer miles and put everything on that. I use mine for groceries, gas, my DH's work related expenses that he gets reimbursed for....everything. I've not had to buy a plane ticket for three years! I do automatically deduct everything I put on the card from my checking account though. That way I never run up a balance...the rate on that thing is crazy!
Even though I don't have an exact figure yet, I'd say we each will probably want to put $40/month into savings per person. That's based on my estimates of a three day trip with airfare, lodging and food. If you have a free place to stay or don't need to fly, it will be cheaper but that will for sure be enough.
If I remember correctly, the cheapest Disney resort hotel is about $50 night for a family of 4. The best part about the resorts is that they provide easy transport to and from the parks. My ex boyfriend and I took his 3 sisters a few years ago and it was a great money saver in the long run because we brought lunches in coolers form home and we hopped on the bus to go to the hotel every day for lunch or snacks and were usually back at the park within an hour.
Disney has a "magical gatherings" program right now which sounds like something that we may want to do. Here is the info on that.
Step 1 - Put your group together.
The moment you thought of getting together for a Magical Gatherings vacation, names began racing through your mind. Who to invite? And how do you let them all know how wonderful this vacation will be? Whether you're bringing together friends from across the country or family members across the generations, one great way to get everyone excited is to send them a little magic to kick things off.
Download our Magical Gatherings Planner -- a great tool that can help you chat with your party, and vote on things you want to do and plan your itinerary. Watch a preview of the Magical Gatherings Planner.
Order a Vacation Planning Kit for members of your party.
Step 2 - Decide the best time for everyone.
Any time of year is a great time for a Walt Disney World® vacation. So try to plan your gathering around days that are special to you and your friends and family. Anniversaries. Birthdays. Holidays. You could even make up a holiday all your own that you can celebrate for years to come. Or, include one of the many special Walt Disney World® events that happen throughout the year.
Step 3 - Choose your Resort hotel.
Staying at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel lets the magic of your gathering continue 24 hours a day. You might want to choose one Resort hotel for your entire group. This way, no one's ever far away and it's always easy to gather everyone in the morning or after a day in the Parks. Or, you might want to select different Walt Disney World® Resort hotels that fit different tastes and budgets. Then you can visit each other and enjoy a new resort experience each day. No matter which approach you choose, it's best to book as early as possible so room arrangements can be made to fit all of your needs.
Step 4 - Give us a call.
This is the easiest step of all. You've got the people. You know the time. And the place. Now, you can book online or simply have the planner in your group call (407) WDW-MAGIC† or your Travel Agent, to get started on planning your Magical Gatherings vacation.
If you think your gathering is going to be large enough that you are going to need 10 or more rooms, or require special group services please call (800) 327-2989† or click here for more information.
MommyToAshley replied: Since we are still in the planning stages, I just wanted to throw out there that DH and I went in the first week of October a couple of years ago and it was great. The weather was perfect, not too hot or cold, and the best part was that there weren't any lines. We said that we would want to go in the same month when we took Ashley. Just something to think about. I've never been there in March, what's it like that time of year.
momof2girls replied: I wanna come!!!
I LOVE Disney!!!
amynicole21 replied: March and October are pretty similar as far as temp, but Oct. is still hurricane season  March can still have some pretty cool days and October can still be pretty hot... they average out to about the same though.
Kaitlin'smom replied: so now I guess you need to get a good head count of thoes who are wanting to go and thoes who are planning to go.....2007? sounds soooo far away but then again 2000 did also and look where we are 2004!
Also who is gonna plan it?
ps we went to disney for our honeymoon in Oct and the waether was great, course that was 10 years ago  but anytime of year is good for me
kit_kats_mom replied:
Hey, I'm all about putting it off until Oct. I think that would allow us to save a little more too.
How bout I do a poll?
MommyToAshley replied:
Sounds like a good idea to me.
I am excited, we were already planning a Disney vacation, but this will make it even more exciting!
Kaitlin'smom replied: if I remember...or please correct me if I am wrong. Disney tickets dont expire right.....so if you wanted and had some extra money sometime you could go ahead and buy them or do it here and there, that way your only needing the hotel and transportation by the time it rolls around......just a idea
kit_kats_mom replied:
Well, I'd like to get a head count but I'm willing to bet that some newbies may get interested so we should plan on a few add-ons.
I don't have a lot of experience planning these sorts of things but I can go to Disney's website and get some different packages together and set up polls. Probalby come up with a package that is kind of mid level.
MommyToAshley replied: There's some Disney vacation links in the Google ad words at the top of the page. I haven't been to any of the sites so I don't know if they will help or not, just thought I would mention them. We still have some time to plan the trip, so I think you have the right idea about starting by getting together some information about Disney and surrounding hotels.
maliksmommy replied: I think it sounds like a great idea. I would love to meet all of you, plus one of my best friends lives in Orlando. It would give me a chance to visit her.
kit_kats_mom replied: Awesome! I've put a reminder on my calendar to pop up every two weeks to post something about the trip so Look for "Disney Updates" periodically.
Also, I'm figuring on scheduling a couple of "Parenting Club events" then letting everyone break up into smaller groups or just hang with their families for most of the time. It's been my experience that trying to get a large group of people all on the same page & excited about the same things can be really difficult. So I won't be planning every single thing for everyone. Just getting basic info out there, trying to get a few special events for the group (maybe a character breakfast?) etc.
Sound ok?
My2Beauties replied: Oh yeah this sounds wonderful gals! Of course I would need to discuss it with DF but we have been talking about Disney ever since Hanna has been born. We always said once she is old enough we're taking her and my DSD Desiree to Disney so that would be perfect. I would love to meet everyone on this forum!! Count me in for now...I'll give you a definitel as soon as I talk to DF, he loves big family vacations so I'm sure he'll be up for it!
Maddie&EthansMom replied: I think Cary is doing a great job with planning it and organizing it so far. Maybe since she and Amy are so close they can be the ones to do it?
I'm so excited about this. It is a great idea and keeps getting better.
jdkjd replied: I'm in. But gotta say that I prefer March. October is hard with Football and Hurricanes.
amynicole21 replied: I'd be happy to help organize
Maddie&EthansMom replied:
LOL! Didn't mean to volunteer on your behalf there Amy!
Kaitlin'smom replied: this sounds like fun....I cant waite to met you all face to face
if there is anything I can do to help let me know
Zoe'sMommaCamie replied: I'm not sure how march is, but it might not be too bad. Dh and I took zoe to disney world for new years eve, this past year (dec. 27-jan3) and it was the busiest week in disney history!! they had to close magic kingdom twice, and they wouldn't allow people to get in, until people left. They closed the animal kingdom once, and it was just crazy. March I'm guessing should be better! Disney is A LOT of fun!! Zoe wasn't quite a year old (she was about 8 months) but she enjoyed herself! She loved it!
So did me and keith i bought myself a princess crown .. it lights up
3_call_me_mama replied: we're definately in..... cameron's god parents live about an hour from disneyt so we visit yearly anyway. I think October over March, only mostly because of spring break..... We went once and it was mobbed...... and ticket prices were higher.... just a thought... let me know if we can help in ny planning
kimberley replied: definitely something i would like to do but probably not a possibility for us financially and the boys are in school from labor day to the end of june so unless it was summer, i couldn't go.
MomToMany replied:  Send me some pictures............. 
A&A'smommy replied: This sounds like an awesome Idea but I need to talk to dh about it first.... I hope that he is ready for this LOL
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