And HOW exactly do we plan to pay for this? (A pre-trip report) Pics/Intros added

[tinkercat]

I've been obsessing about getting back to Disney ever since we got home from our last trip. That was the trip that ruined me for life. You see, before that trip, sure, I liked Disney but it certainly wasn't anywhere on my priority lists or anything. Then, it happened. DH won us a stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite and the magic took over my brain. I'm pretty much obsessed with WDW now and determined to get back there, the sooner the better.

The two times in my life that we've been to Disney, its been with the whole family. My parents, sister/BIL, her kids, DH, our kids, etc. The whole she-bang. Now don't get me wrong, I love my family. That said, there is such thing as too much togetherness and we reached that threshold on our last trip. So, we decided that our next trip will be just us. Our happy little family of five...with all the world for us to explore. What could be better, right?

DH is the one to blame for my newfound love of Disney. He is the one who won the night in the castle, after all. Luckily for me, the magic has infiltrated just enough of his brain to get him onboard for another trip soon. Unfortunately, he also tends to use more reason than I do when it comes to things like this, so as I'm looking up prices and drooling over deluxe resorts, he is the little birdy on my shoulder saying "and HOW do we plan to pay for this?"

Thus the title of my pre-trip report. To be honest, we don't have money just laying around waiting for us to go to Disney. DH works full time in a factory and is going back to school part time this fall in hopes of making his B.F.A. more usuable. I'm a certified teacher doing the SAHM thing until a job comes along. We live in Michigan and there aren't many teaching jobs open in this area at all, so I keep applying and hoping that someday my job will come along. Until then, we are a one income family with 3 kids and that makes things tight. But, Disney calls. We have to go back. We MUST go back! So, we'll figure out a way to make it work. :thumbsup2

I was originally hoping for January 2008, but I can see that won't be happening so now I'm shooting for the end of August 2008...IF they do free dining. If they don't, I'll wait until Halloween so we can do MNSSHP. This is all assuming, of course, that I can find a way to answer my DH's favorite question...how do we plan to pay for all of this?

So, fall 2008 is a year away and this is looking to be a long journey in pre-trippie land. I'm thinking writing the pre-trippie and sharing my planning thoughts (and money saving attempts to pay for the trip) will keep my mind occupied so that I don't go crazy waiting. Sound like a plan? Great! I'll come back later with some introductions of the fam, but for now I have a diaper to change. Oh the joys of motherhood!

[tinkercat]

So, I'm back! YAY!!

I figured I'll start with some introductions so people will know who i'm talking about.

princess: DD Lucy - Lucy is currently 10 months old and is the baby of the family. As our last baby, I plan to keep her little as long as humanly possible. Lucy is just the sweetest baby ever. She loves playing with "big kid" toys and climbing up her brother's slide, giving me several daily panic attacks. She's happy, smiley, and easy going most of the time. Loves to eat. Will be about 2 by the time we make it back to WDW.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/195847.jpg
This was Lucy's first ever carousel ride.

pirate: DS Leo - Leo is 2.5 right now and is seriously all boy. He's big into trains and cars, especially "Apple Queen" aka Lightning McQueen. Don't ask me where Apple Queen came from because I have no clue. As a matter of fact, it took me 3 days of him saying he wanted his Apple Queen from the van before I figured out that it was Lightning McQueen he was looking for. Leo does have a sensitive side and is my little 'fraidy cat at times. He did get brave and rode the Barnstormer last time and loved it though, so maybe I'll turn him into a thrill-seeker yet. Leo will be a few months shy of 4 the next time we go to WDW.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/212502.jpg
Posing in his first Mickey ears

princess: DD Hallie - Hallie is 4 and a drama queen extreme. I think she believes in her heart that she IS a princess. Speaking of princesses, Hallie loves them all, especially Cinderella. She is a girly-girl for sure. Hallie is a thrill-seeker like me and loved BTMR and the other "big people" rides on our last trip so I know it will even be more fun the next time around. If anyone in our family is as in love with Disney as I am, its Hallie. She talks about it all the time and any time she sees a picture of the castle she loudly exclaims, "Mama! We stayed there!". She asks to go back all the time and calls Disney World her "favoritest place ever". That's my girl! She'll be 5.5 on our next trip.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/125500.jpg
After the BBB...she LOVED being made into a princess. We definitely need to go back there!


:tink: Me aka Jen - I'm 27 and a newly converted Disney lover. My DH says I'm obsessed and I guess he's sort of right. I'm currently a SAHM but in my previous life I taught 7th grade Science for a little while in North Carolina. We've since moved back to Michigan to be near my family and I'm sort of in limbo as I look for a job in a very tough job market. I'd like to go back to teaching but until the opportunity arises I'm happy being able to be at home with my kiddos. They are only little once, after all. Besides Disney, I also love scrapbooking and Harry Potter...separately of course. I don't have a Harry Potter scrapbook or anything like that. LOL I'm sure you'll learn more about me as this pre-trippie progresses but that's enough for now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/201413.jpg
Notice I'm the only one who doesn't have a picture at WDW. This is because I'm usually the one behind the camera.

pirate: DH Cory - Cory is also 27 and is such a great Daddy. He works his butt off to support the family and I guess that is why he is the voice of reason when it comes to our spending capabilities. Cory has a degree in Computer Art, but has been unable to find a job in that field so he's headed back to school this fall to pursue a Graphic Design certificate that will hopefully make him more marketable. I'm sure I'll kvetch and moan about Cory during the planning process, so just keep in mind that I really do think he is a great guy. I just tend to spend a bit more freely than he does which can sometimes put a kink in my plans. Cory is slowly being pulled over to the dark side. He harbors a secret affection for Disney and I plan to prey on that weakness whenever necessary to make this trip a reality!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/113708.jpg
This was the elephant that changed our destiny. LOL He won the castle stay because he rode in this elephant at the right time.

And for fun, a few family pics from our last trip to the world. The 2nd one is from the castle suite.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/093305.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/072643.jpg

So, thats us. A happy little family of 5. I'm thinking that WDW will seem totally different when we aren't traveling in a large group (we had 13 last time). I am hoping we'll get to see and do alot more and just enjoy our time together as a family, because thats what its all about in the long run!

[tinkercat]

So I read that the rates were released today for 2008. I logged onto the WDW website, anxious to get some price ideas for this trip. No such luck. Darn system isn't quite ready yet because it keeps saying no rooms are available anywhere and I know that can't be right.

I've got a couple of things in mind that I'm tossing around right now.

First, the dates. IF (and thats a big IF) I think they might offer free dining, I'd like to go at the end of August, through Labor Day weekend. If we do this, yes it will be hotter than Hades, but we won't have to pull DD out of school which is a big plus. And free dining would be nice. Now, with the changes to the dining plan, I'm not sure if they'll do free dining again so my other option is to go in Mid-October. You see, I'll be turning 29 and I figure what better way to celebrate my birthday than at WDW! Plus, the food and wine festival and MNSSHP will be going on so that extra fun for us. Not to mention the much better temperatures. You want to know the really crappy part? If I manage to get a teaching job neither of these times will work and I'll have to figure out a new plan. As much as I want a job, that would stink!

Assuming I won't get a job though, does anyone have any input on when it would be a better time to go? How are the crowds around Labor Day? Are the parks very busy in October?

And then there is my other big decision...where to stay?? We stayed at ASMu last time and I wasn't really impressed. I know there is NO way DH will go for a Deluxe so my options are to try a Mod or do another value. If we do another value, I have decided it would have to be POP. DH really liked the look of Coronado Springs so that would probably be a possibility for the mods. I need to do some research on these places before I decide. Since its all about the bottom line, I'm sure DH will say that we should go with POP to save money. Is there a big difference (other than room size) between values and mods? Is it REALLY worth the extra money to stay in a mod? Inquiring minds need to know! :confused:

Yes, this trip is over a year away, but I am a total planner. The sooner I decide when and where and get a price estimate, the sooner I can start figuring out ways to pay for it and actually make this dream a reality.

Anyways, these are my random ramblings for today. DH thinks I'm nuts for wanting to plan so far in advance but I know that a well laid plan is the difference between an okay time at WDW and an AMAZING time at WDW and I'm shooting for AMAZING so I'm going to plan to my heart's content!

[tinkercat]

And DH is officially on board! I sold my ideas to him the other night at dinner and he surprisingly agreed with me! WooHOO!!

I've been doing lots of DIS reading to help me make my choices and I think we've come up with a resort choice and some dates. To appease my budget minded husband, we'll stay at POP. I really like the idea of the splash area for the kids there, since our older DD would probably be the only one of our kids brave enough to do the slides at CSR anyways. Friends have stayed there and loved it, and the reviews I read were really good. So, POP is it! (Unless I win the lottery and can afford a deluxe, LOL!)

I've also made the executive decision that we will go in Mid-October, like the 11th-18th. Several things played into this decision.
1. MNSSHP is going on.
2. Food and Wine Festival at Epcot
3. If Disney uses the same schedule as this year, the Little Ones time will also be going on during this time period.
4. My 29th birthday is October 15th and the idea of spending my birthday with the Mouse is way appealing!
5. Better weather and lighter crowds
6. Better room rates because its not summer time
7. FIL *may* join us for some of the time we are there and he'd love the F&W festival and would be able to babysit while DH and I went out to celebrate my b-day. The end of August is still part of his busy season at work so he'd be less likely to come then.

Now, I know I said I wanted it to just be the 5 of us for this trip. And, knowing my fickle FIL it probably will be because that man has some follow through issues. DH wants to invite him though and since the other times we've gone its been with my parents, I couldn't really say no, kwim? And I won't lie, the idea of an extra adult to help us manage the kids is nice. DH and I could actually ride some of the bigger rides *together* rather than as single riders. Imagine that! LOL So, for now its the 5 of us...and maybe it will be 6. We'll see as time goes by how that will all play out.

So now we know when we want to go and where we want to stay Step one - done!

The next pressing question is should we do the DDP or not do the DDP? I'm kind of thinking that we should just pay OOP for the food. The DDP would cost us roughly $800 using the 2008 prices that came out and thats alot for food. I kind of think that since our kids will still be pretty little (5,3,2) we will be able to feed our family for less than $100 a day. Is that realistic though? Would it be a better deal to do the DDP? I know we'll probably want to do at least 3 TS meals (one princess meal, Chef Mickey's, and one other...maybe Whispering Canyon). Well, maybe 4 because I did like the Crystal Palace when we were there. Decisions, decisions!! Its a good thing I have such a long time to decide!

I'm a Libra, you see, and its in my nature to be indecisive. Actually we have 3 Librans in our family (DH, Me, and Lucy) so we are seriously in trouble when it comes to making decisions. The typical conversation when we go out to eat is something like this:
Me - So where do you want to go to eat?
DH - I don't know, where do you want to go?
Me - I'm not sure, what do you think?
and so on...you get the idea. LOL

So anyways, I'm trying to figure out if the DDP would be worth the money for us or not. I mean, when I think about how expensive food is at Disney, $100 a day for a family of 5 doesn't sound that bad. The more I think about it, the more difficult the decision becomes. Perhaps I'll need to do the smart thing and price some stuff out and crunch numbers. Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

[tinkercat]

I figured that something so off topic deserved its own post.

I'm in the midst of a career crisis. Now that Cory and I have decided that Lucy is definitely our last baby, its like the clock is ticking for me. Once Lucy is in preschool, I'll need to have a job. I've already mentioned that the job market for teachers is crappy here where we live. I'm not willing to move away for a job so I'm kind of left between a rock and a hard place. Its kind of stressing me out. I want a career where I can feel like I am making a difference somehow. I'm also not going to be satisfied with just some blue collar job. I'm intelligent and hard working enough that I know I deserve a professional career.

I've been mentally tossing around the idea of taking the LSAT and applying to Law School. No one but DH knows this, btw. I'm afraid people in my real life will think I'm nuts. I mean, here I am, 27 years old, and I decide NOW to do this? Maybe I am nuts. The thing is, I've always (in my secret heart of hearts) thought that I'd make a good Attorney. Its just not something that I thought I could realistically pursue because, well, law school isn't cheap!

Thus, my career crisis. Do I take the LSAT to see how I'd do and decide from there? What if I do well and actually get into school? How hard would it be to juggle 3 kids and law school? I think I could handle it, but is that crazy Jen talking?

Any lawyers in the house? If so, do you have any insight to share? Heck, does anyone have some insight to share?

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Jen:wave2: - I'm enjoying your pre-trippie so far. I don't have advice to offer about which resort to stay at or whether to do DDP or not since we are staying off-site this year. But I can say that October is great! DH and I went after we were married, but before kids and loved it. The weather was great and we hit fewer crowds. That was 10 years ago so things may have changed crowd-wise, but from everything I've read planning for this years trip (Oct 4-10:cool1: ) we are hitting it at the right time.

We haven't even packed for our trip yet and I'm already jealous about your trip - I'll be itching to go back by the time you go...

How amazing was your stay at the caste? pixiedust: I just watched something on the travel channel about WDW and they showed the suite - AMAZING!

Amy

[tinkercat]

Hi Jen:wave2: - I'm enjoying your pre-trippie so far. I don't have advice to offer about which resort to stay at or whether to do DDP or not since we are staying off-site this year. But I can say that October is great! DH and I went after we were married, but before kids and loved it. The weather was great and we hit fewer crowds. That was 10 years ago so things may have changed crowd-wise, but from everything I've read planning for this years trip (Oct 4-10:cool1: ) we are hitting it at the right time.

We haven't even packed for our trip yet and I'm already jealous about your trip - I'll be itching to go back by the time you go...

How amazing was your stay at the caste? pixiedust: I just watched something on the travel channel about WDW and they showed the suite - AMAZING!

Amy

Hi Amy! The castle suite was incredible. I posted pics and stuff in the YOAMD forum. They should still be there.

I'll have to ask you about the October crowds when you get back from this year's trip. From what I've read its supposed to be really nice in October and I'm hoping that will be the case when we go!

[tinkercat]

Now that DH is on board, I'm extra geeked about planning this trip. I even added a ticker to my signature. LOL

And, the big news for today...I think I know how we are going to pay for most of the trip. Being a one income family, we usually get a pretty nice refund from the folks at the IRS and this year shouldn't be any different. I call tax time "Tax-mas" for a reason! See, when you get nice refunds, tax time can be even better than Christmas! And this year, I'm putting a nice chunk of the Tax-mas money towards the Disney trip. Hooray for Tax-mas!!!

I was so excited today when I tried to do a price quote and it actually worked! I got a nice little figure for 7 nights at POP with 7 day PH and dining for $2600.10. Then right behind it was that little tab that says "Disney Recommends" and it was POR for $2760. So I thought to myself, WOW that would be a really good deal. It must be too good to be true. So I clicked on it and investigated a bit. And yes folks, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. The POR quote didn't include dining. Darn.

I didn't book yet because I want to wait and see if I might get lucky and get a code thingy. I've got plenty of time and I don't anticipate the prices going up so I'll wait and hope for the code Gods to smile my way. :rolleyes1


I think Disney has truly infiltrated my brain. Whenever I get stressed, I think about the castle and going back and its like my happy place. Yes, I'm a Disney dweeb.

[luvmy2sams]

You will love visiting Disney in October! The weather is just about right. Of course, there's always the chance of rain, but that's just a given. You'll be able to wear shorts and swim, but it can cool off enough in the evening to be comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt. This year's trip will be our third time to go in October...it's our favorite month to be at the World!

It's more crowded now, because I think people have finally figured out that it's a fantastic time to go. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't be outrageously crowded, though. We've always been able to do everything we've wanted to do...multiple times...without fighting big lines.

We're trying Pop for the first time this year, after staying at All Star Movies several times. The idea of a newer resort that doesn't share buses is quite appealing to us.

We've done the dining program once before, and we're trying it again this time around. I've read about the changes they're making for 2008, and I don't think we'll do it again after this time. We usually figure out where we want to eat and how much we'll spend, then we compare that to the dining plan offerings. The past two times, it's come within $100 of what we were planning on spending out of pocket. Since the DDP includes a snack credit, we chose the DDP thinking we'd break even. With what I've read about the 2008 changes, the DDP costs $1 less, but includes less (no dessert, appetizer, or tip), so you're actually paying 10-20% more. Make sense? Check out mousesavers.com for their explanation, if it doesn't. :)

I totally relate to your struggle with going back to school. I've been a SAHM since becoming pregnant with DD in 1998. I've got an accounting degree and worked for a few years before "retiring", but I've never loved it. DS just turned 4, and we're starting him in a pre-K program in January. I've recently made the decision to go back to college to get my teaching degree. Just the thought scares me to death, though teaching is what I originally wanted to do when I started college years ago. Granted, my stuff won't nearly compare to the costs of going to law school, but it is a factor to consider. That and the fact that I haven't studied or been in a classroom setting in a LONG TIME! Bottom line for me is that I need to make a difference and show my kids that you can be passionate about what you're doing for a living. Go with your heart and your desires and you'll make the right decision!

Happy trip planning!

[tinkercat]

You will love visiting Disney in October! The weather is just about right. Of course, there's always the chance of rain, but that's just a given. You'll be able to wear shorts and swim, but it can cool off enough in the evening to be comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt. This year's trip will be our third time to go in October...it's our favorite month to be at the World!

It's more crowded now, because I think people have finally figured out that it's a fantastic time to go. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't be outrageously crowded, though. We've always been able to do everything we've wanted to do...multiple times...without fighting big lines.

We're trying Pop for the first time this year, after staying at All Star Movies several times. The idea of a newer resort that doesn't share buses is quite appealing to us.

We've done the dining program once before, and we're trying it again this time around. I've read about the changes they're making for 2008, and I don't think we'll do it again after this time. We usually figure out where we want to eat and how much we'll spend, then we compare that to the dining plan offerings. The past two times, it's come within $100 of what we were planning on spending out of pocket. Since the DDP includes a snack credit, we chose the DDP thinking we'd break even. With what I've read about the 2008 changes, the DDP costs $1 less, but includes less (no dessert, appetizer, or tip), so you're actually paying 10-20% more. Make sense? Check out mousesavers.com for their explanation, if it doesn't. :)

I totally relate to your struggle with going back to school. I've been a SAHM since becoming pregnant with DD in 1998. I've got an accounting degree and worked for a few years before "retiring", but I've never loved it. DS just turned 4, and we're starting him in a pre-K program in January. I've recently made the decision to go back to college to get my teaching degree. Just the thought scares me to death, though teaching is what I originally wanted to do when I started college years ago. Granted, my stuff won't nearly compare to the costs of going to law school, but it is a factor to consider. That and the fact that I haven't studied or been in a classroom setting in a LONG TIME! Bottom line for me is that I need to make a difference and show my kids that you can be passionate about what you're doing for a living. Go with your heart and your desires and you'll make the right decision!

Happy trip planning!

YAY! I love reading that people think October is a great time to go. It makes me even happier with my decision to do October. Will you be doing a TR when you get back from your trip? I'd love to read it if you do!

I think being a stay at home mom with a degree is sort of a double edged sword. On one hand, its so nice to be able to be there for the kids when they are small. At the same time, it seems like its so much harder to get back into the workplace after you've been home with kids. I almost feel like potential employers are less likely to hire me for the simple fact that I put my kids ahead of my career for awhile. When its all said and done, I know I won't regret having the time I've spent with my children when they were small. I can't say that I wouldn't regret it if I'd worked full time and missed their babyhoods while they were in daycare, kwim? But, it sure would be nice to find a job now that I want one. LOL

I totally agree with what you said about showing your kids that you can be passionate about your job though. Thats so important to me, and one of the reasons that I wish I'd just find a teaching job because I really did love it when I was teaching. I like to think that I will find another career that I will love and be passionate about too though. Anyways, thanks for your insight and for stopping by my pre-TR!

[tinkercat]

I brought up the Disney plan to Cory the other night and we started talking about food. Being the penny pincher he is, I totally expected him to say forget the DDP we can just pay OOP and eat cheap to try to save money.

Needless to say, I was shocked when he suddenly exclaimed, "You know what, DDP is easy and convenient and I like not having to carry all that cash for food. We should just do the DDP." :eek: Cheap-O Cory said THAT?? Yes he did!

The funny thing is, now I'm the one mentally questioning if the DDP is worth it. I did the math and honestly the cost for DDP is a bit more (with more CS/less TS if we pay OOP) but DH *is* right about DDP being convenient. Plus, we'd get those extra TS meals with the DDP and it is nice being able to sit down somewhere for a real meal rather than eating fast food style stuff all the time. I could see the CS options getting old if thats what we did most of the week.

So, while the debate is sort of ongoing in my mind, as far as DH is concerned, we are doing the DDP because its easier, end of story. The quote we got with dining was really do-able so we'll probably just go that route....and of course DH will think it was all his idea. LOL

[mousescrapper]

Hi tinkercat,

just wanted to send a quick reply and say I'm enjoying reading your PTR so far, we are alot alike. I'm also a SAHM with 4 little ones (8, 8, 4.5 and 8 mo). This will be quick as I need to make bfast for the older ones get DS off to day camp and feed DD (8 mo). We too had traveled with a huge group back in 05 when it was our first rip with our then 3 diz kids, now are in the planning mist of our just family of 6 trip with my DM (she'll help with a little of the $ part and some babysitting or basic crowd control). So can understnad your thinking with your FIL.

We are going all out in 08 because we are a BIG family in disney hotel standards and because DD #4 will be just 1.5 and our DS has recently been diagonised with ADHD and Aspergers disorder we feel this we MUST plan some breaks. So the need to be close to MK and Epcot are a must, and since this will be the only time our actual fam of 6 can fit in a 1 room resort we figure why not Dream BIG....

But yes the good question of "how are we really going to pay for this?" rings everyday:confused3

My DH is also in the computer field (struggling through contract/temp jobs for the last 5 yrs and going to school, he has a good full time job now though:cool1: ) so we bank on that hefty tax refund come March to help fund a good portion of the trip (that's how we mangaged 05 too). But seriously like you, we have to raise some actuall savings too, which is not always that easy in a SI family (as you know):teacher:

I'm all in that DDP debate and am indecisive as you too.

Looking forward to tracking your PTR and if you have time take a look at mine too (see link below).;)

I'm gald to hear you chose Oct. over lat Aug/early Sept we've done that twice and even though the spin off is lower rates and less crowds you have rain, did I say RAIN! I wouldn't ever do that time with kids.

I have not done Oct. but it sounds nice with all the extra going-ons :)

It seems you have decided to go with POP, don't have any advice there, but we really loved the POR (AB section) when we were there in 05. It worked awesome for our then fam of 5. Me and DH in one bed the DD, DS twins in the other and then the little pull out mattress between our bed and the wall for our DD who was 2.5 then It was perfect for her. (Although we did roll up the top quilt of our bed and put in between our bed and her so she didn't roll under the edge of the bed.) Don't know if they have this option at the POP but there is no charge for the little mattress. And I know it sounds crazy but I loved the bathroom set up! 2 sinks, nice ledge over it for all our tolitries and a privacy curtian for me to arise early, be all cleaned and dressed and then down to CS to bring up bfast as DH got the kids rollin.

Not to add more decisivness into your plans but wanted to put that out there.

BTW if you read my PTR, you can see my thinking on the whole DDP with 4 kids (3 on the plan) Based on your kids ages you'd only need to put 1 on it, but obviously you'll still have to feed the other 2...

Happy Planning:yay: And just rode Dumbo to get the Castle suite, I say SWEET!:thumbsup2

MY PTR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1540090

[tinkercat]

I discovered something interesting today. A friend of mine tipped me on to this site called ExpoTV. Basically you make one minute reviews of products, upload them to their site and they PAY you like $10 a video! Holy crapper! I could make the money for pay for the trip to WDW, well at least part of the trip, this way! There is a limit of 100 videos a month, but thats still $1000!

I've started recording videos in the categories that they need videos for (the $10 ones of course) and I'm hoping this will be legitimate because if it is...CHA CHING!! Jen will be making some Disney money! DH will love this if it works out!

Yeah, if I actually make more than $600 I'll have to pay taxes on it, but we still get back so much that it would be worth it I think. I'll let you know how it goes but I'm excited about the possibility of this!

[tinkercat]

Still waiting to see if the 20 something videos I made will get accepted on that site. I stopped at 20 something because I didn't want to waste anymore time if they didn't take them, kwim?

If they do, I'll make more! :cool1:

DH talked to FIL the other night and it sounds like he is on board for the trip. Now, its very possible that he could change his mind because as I mentioned, he has follow through issues. But, in case he doesn't I'll do a little intro on him.

FIL - aka Gene or Grampy - FIL lives in Ohio so we don't get to see him all too often. MIL died on New Year's Day after a nearly 5 year struggle with lung cancer and he's having a rough year. They were together nearly 30 years and I can only imagine how hard it must be to try to move on after losing a spouse who has been an integral part of your life for so long.:sad1: Anyways, FIL is pretty much a good guy and the kids adore him. The only time he annoys me is when he does stupid crap like saying he's coming for a visit and then cancelling on the day he's supposed to arrive...or forgetting my birthday. Grampy is great with the kids when they see him though and I think he'd probably have a blast with them at WDW so hopefully he'll actually come along for the ride.

I don't have a pic of FIL to share...sorry!

As of right now, its looking like we'll be doing 2 rooms at POP, unless FIL decides to pony up so we can stay at a mod (or, can I dream, a deluxe). I'm thinking it will be POP though. :laughing:

[mousescrapper]

sorry:sad1: to hear about your MIL.

Blessings all around to your whole family:grouphug:

It's nice to have family come on vacations trips, often with added perks, but can totally understand the whole :confused3 coming or not coming, etc. deals. Well at least you have a good head start to figure it out and hopefully your FIL will be a firm on board.

I'll keep checking in.

Happy planning and dreaming!:yay:

[kindakrazy2]

Hey Jen!

So excited you are starting to plan your next trip! I remember reading your castle win story when it happened and I can remember thinking you'll never top that vacation!! So glad you are going back for round two!

Keep the report coming!

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Hi,

Love your pre trip report. I go to WDW on 8/23 and am staying at POP. WE will be having the DDP for the 1st time. I will be doing a trip report also. I am already planning our next trip for xmas 2008.

I love the tax man. I also am a SAHM. Been home since Feb 1999. I have 2 lovebugs 8yrs-DS (autistic spectrum, PDD-NOS) and 4yrs-DD(will be 5 in Sept). I do some babysitting and Foster Parenting. I have a BA in Economics. So, I can relate to all the previous posters. Everytime we have been to Disney since we have had kids, has been because the taxman has blessed us. That is also how we will be doing xmas 2008. I think for the school year of 2008-2009 I will try and become a teachers aid at my daughters school. No, it doesn't pay much, but it's more than a SAHM. And I will get the same schedule as my kids(days off and summer schedule) and will be bringing an extra paycheck home and noone in daycare to boot. This works well for us and I don't need a teaching cert, just 2 years worth of credit. Since I have a 4yr degree, I qualify. :teacher:

Sorry to ramble and seemingly hijack your pretrippie. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone and that it can be done with much planning and enough time. Happy planning to you and yours.:thumbsup2

[tinkercat]

Thanks so much for reading everyone! It makes me feel like maybe I'm not talking to myself. LOL

mousescrapper - Do you scrapbook? (I'm guessing by the name) I scrap but I'm SO far behind. One thing I'd like to do for the next trip is make a nice 8x8 autograph book that we can use for the pics of the kids with the characters as well as the autographs themselves. I'm mentally preparing it bit by bit, but when I start working on it, I'll certainly share here. :flower3: I've still got to scrap the last trip to the world and I'll probably share that here too. I like to share. LOL

kindakrazy2 - Welcome! I've already resigned myself to the idea that nothing will top our last trip! Instead of letting that get me down, I'm actually excited about experiencing the world with my little family (well, plus FIL) and all the new things we'll get to try that we didn't do last time we were there. I think that is the best way to look at it because if I wanted every trip to be like that dream come true, we'd never go back!

DisneyMomFanatic - Welcome! I think being a SAHM is the hardest job there is, but you can't help but love it. I know that when I look back I'll feel so lucky to have been there for all of the magical "firsts" for my kids, ya know? And no worries on the hijacking! I like the conversation!


In Pre-TR "How are we going to pay for this" news, a few of my videos were approved on the Expo TV site and I have 60 uploaded so far. I'm going to try to get the 100 allowed for the month (hopefully all in the $10 categories) and if they all get approved, I'm going to put the bulk of the $$ towards the trip. Heck, I've only got to have 18 more approved before I can book my trip, right? :yay: Sure, they won't pay until mid-September, but I'm in no rush so if this works it could be a VERY good thing for me because the videos are easy to make and I can do it while the kids nap! I'll update as this whole things plays out, for sure.

[hjd0411]

Hi Jen - wow the Castle Suite! I can only imagine what that would be like - being from Australia that dream is not for us I'm afraid! Oh well, a Dream Fastpass or Mickey Ears will do me just as well!!:cool1:
Now, I know how you feel with your trip away off next year. I started my ticker with about 18 months to go. Now I'm at 2.5 months! The time does go quickly believe it or not! ;)

I look forward to hearing more on your plans - I'm sure they will change many times before you actually go, but that is half the fun!

By the way your family is gorgeous!

Keep it coming.

[mousescrapper]

tinkercat,

Yep you hit that one right on the nose.... I don't just like to scrap, I LOVE :love: it...it's my other insanely obsessed hobby/past time and look forward to my kiddies (well 2 full day, 1 3 half days) going back to school so I can hole up down in my scrappin room and scrap away, that is when I'm not on the dis boards :rolleyes1

And yes, I'm so far behind too. DD and DS 8 the twins I'm about 1/2 way through their year 5-6 books, and DD 4 1/2 I'm on year 2-3 and well the baby...haven't started yet. That doesn't mean I don't have some fabulous albums done, like (minus just a few layouts) the 2005 Disney album a thick 80 pages...well it was the first time with kids.

PROPS to you for making a homemade autograph book. I'm planning to do a little 3 ring binder style with premade pages so we can print and stick right away when we get home, till I work on the big album. Post on my PTR or PM anytime you want to talk scrappin!:yay:

Now that I've kidnapped your PTR can I take a moment to shout out at another of your posters? Oh thank you, you're too kind.

Hi :wave2: disneymomfanatic,

My DS 8 is also on the spectrum, recently diagonised officially this summer. So I sympathize with you :hug: read my PTR as I will be talking about him and how to make this trip special with him in mind :cloud9:

[TheLastPrincess]

Look at you in your Cinderella-Castle-Suite-Winning-Glory. :goodvibes You are the envy of the DIS. Not to mention maybe even the world. I daresay first on the list of "Who I'd Like To Be For a Day" for women is Angelina Jolie, followed closely by YOU, on the day you spent in Cindy's castle.

But it's funny, isn't it? When Disney grants you a wish, they know you bit the hook, and they are reeling you in. You don't mind spending thousands of dollars there. You don't mind obsessing and planning and generally annoying the people around you on a day to day basis, because...hey, you've been Disney'd.

I know. They hooked me, too.

That being said, congrats on going back. But I wonder: what happens when you return after spending the night in Cindy's castle? I guess you turn back into being a Regular Old Guest, much like a pumpkin? Or do you get some special treatment? :confused3

[tinkercat]

Look at you in your Cinderella-Castle-Suite-Winning-Glory. :goodvibes You are the envy of the DIS. Not to mention maybe even the world. I daresay first on the list of "Who I'd Like To Be For a Day" for women is Angelina Jolie, followed closely by YOU, on the day you spent in Cindy's castle.

But it's funny, isn't it? When Disney grants you a wish, they know you bit the hook, and they are reeling you in. You don't mind spending thousands of dollars there. You don't mind obsessing and planning and generally annoying the people around you on a day to day basis, because...hey, you've been Disney'd.

I know. They hooked me, too.

That being said, congrats on going back. But I wonder: what happens when you return after spending the night in Cindy's castle? I guess you turn back into being a Regular Old Guest, much like a pumpkin? Or do you get some special treatment? :confused3

They totally hooked me! And yeah, you kind of turn back into a pumpkin but its ok because the pixie dust lingers in your brain. Its one of those experiences where a few days later you look back and think, "Did that really happen to ME?"

I enjoyed planning our last trip to Disney, but that was done just a few months in advance. I'm loving that I have plenty of time to decide on things like ADR's and all that jazz. Last time, we had to take what we could get because it was such a large group (12 people). This time I get to call 180 days out and hopefully get everything I want. Yes, I'm a dork. I'm actually looking forward to calling Disney Dining. But seriously, I think I'm going to love being able to plan everything leisurely and really think it out so we can have a great time.

Has anyone here used TGM? Is he worth the money? (And how much is TGM? anyways) I'm planning to get the new Unofficial Guide when it is released in, I think, November....is there anything else I should get to help me plan?

In unrelated stuff, Lucy has a few new words! She'll only 10.5 months old so new words are still a big deal. LOL She's saying "uh-oh" and "backpack". Well, backpack sounds like "ba-pa" but we know what she is saying because she says "ba-pa" when Dora the Explorer says "backpack". :laughing: Now If only I could get her to say something like "Mickey" we'd be heading down the right path. For now, I'll take backpack. I've got over a year to brainwash her with Disney magic so I'm sure "Mickey Mouse" will soon join her list of words.

[TheLastPrincess]

[QUOTE=tinkercat;20321221]They totally hooked me! And yeah, you kind of turn back into a pumpkin but its ok because the pixie dust lingers in your brain. Its one of those experiences where a few days later you look back and think, "Did that really happen to ME?"

Yes. I know that feeling.

After being the Grand Marshal, and the Dapper Dans serenading me, and the characters pointing at me, and my DH proposing to me, I asked myself that same question.

We're insane. We're positively in-sane. :thumbsup2

[tinkercat]

Hey, at least we can be insane together, right? :thumbsup2

[alltvseries]

Haven't finish reading but promise I will soon.....:surfweb: popcorn::

[tinkercat]

Expo Tv update....I've now got 76 videos uploaded and 21 of those have been accepted. The rest are pending. I'm going to try to find things to make videos on so I'll have the full 100 allowed for the month. If I get them all at the $10 rate, that would be a nice chunk of change to put in the Disney fund!

They pay in the middle of the following month so I'll know by mid-September if this is the real deal!

After seeing how easy it is to do the videos, DH says maybe he'll sign up for an account and do some too. AND he says the money can go to the Disney fund....so he IS getting into the idea of going! YAY!

[kindakrazy2]

Way to go on getting some of your videos accepted!

[tinkercat]

Woo! 52 videos now accepted...that could be $520 in the Disney fund!
(I'm saying prayers that they actually PAY me!)

I'm wondering right now about Tour Guide Mike. Anyone know anything about it? Is it worth the money? And what exactly do you get for the money? I've read really good things about touring plans, etc. but is it worth the expense?

I had plans to do Lucy's first haircut at MK in the Barber Shop so we could take pics and she could get the 1st haircut ears. I've since realized that there may be a flaw in that plan. I mean, how much hair do you think she'll have by then? She doesn't have much at ALL now and she'll be one in 5.5 weeks.

http://media0.dropshots.com/photos/213836/20070730/132105.jpg (http://www.dropshots.com/ackerman5#date/2007-07-30/13:21:05)

I just don't know that it will have grown enough to warrant a first haircut. My DD who is now 4 just had her first haircut this past spring at 3.5 and she had enough hair for pigtails at birth. She's always had tons of hair. Lucy was my bald baby. So, as much as I'd like to do the first haircut at MK, I think we probably won't get to do it on our next trip. Drats!

She'll be too young for the BBB, so now I need to think of something special and girly to do for her while we are there, since I know Hallie will want to do BBB again. Hmmmm....

[tinkercat]

So Dh and I decided to hang our lanyard with pins from our recent trip in the living room.

Hallie (4) saw it and says to me, "Mommy, I will love you forever if we can go back to Disney world."

I couldn't help but smile and say, "Ok!"

[alltvseries]

I don't have kids but I always say that what I love the most is to see the faces of the kids when they are in Disney......:hippie:

[tinkercat]

I'm such a dork. I've already started contemplating our ADR's.

Forget about planning 180 days out...I'm planning (sort of) 13.5 months out. :rotfl: Pathetic, I know, this obsession of mine.

Last time we went we did: 50's PT (dinner), Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine (lunch), Crystal Palace (breakfast), Akershus Princess Breakfast, Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner) and CRT (dinner).

Next time, we'll probably repeat 50's PT and Crystal Palace for sure, and maybe CRT depending on how we use our TS credits elsewhere.

I'd like to choose at least one restaurant for each park for a TS and then add on to those. I want to do Chef Mickey's and Whispering Canyon, probably for lunch or dinner, for sure.
My other choices are:
MK - Crystal Palace (dinner)
AK - ??? Tusker House should be open as a Character Buffet so we could go there. Or maybe Yak and Yeti depending on the menu. It will be a TS lunch/dinner at AK.
MGM - 50's PT dinner
Epcot - LeCellier, I think (dinner)

Now the 4 park choices plus Chef Mickey's and Whispering Canyon make up 6 TS credits. We'll only have 7 each so I can either choose another TS for us to try, or I can cut out the TS option at AK and do a breakfast at CRT instead.

Honestly, I'm leaning towards cutting out the TS at AK and doing CRT. The dinner food there wasn't great, but I've heard the breakfast is really good and I know DDs will want to eat in the castle. But, we could do Akershus again and still see the Princesses.....decisions, decisions!

Good thing I've got like forever to decide! I won't be 180 days out until like April 2008.

[DisMomAmy]

Tinkercat - I'd be a dork too and plan this far ahead if I had a trip planned. How can you NOT think about it? :confused3 At least you won't be like me and call at 90 days thinking you are on top of things!! :scared1:

[tinkercat]

Its been almost a week since I updated. That is what happens when the baby cuts 4 teeth in a week. Not fun! Thoughts of Disney keep my smile from totally disappearing though! ::MickeyMo

I'm still thinking about the potential ADRs but now my mind has drifted into another realm as well...costumes.

Since we are planning to definitely do MNSSHP, I'd like us to do matchy-matchy costumes. We've done this in the past and it was so fun. (The matchy costumes, not MNSSHP). For Halloween 2 years ago, I convinced DH that we should be the Flintstones for a Halloween party. He felt silly wearing a "dress" but he did it! So I figure I should have no problem getting him to dress up for Disney!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/Jen44_97/flintstones.jpg
Here we are in our Flintstone glory. I made the costumes and I didn't think they turned out too horribly.

The thing is, when we were a family of 4 there were tons of different things we could do for costumes. We now have a family of 5 and that is proving to be a challenge for me. I can't think of anything that fits and is Disney-related that we could do. Any ideas?

Oh yeah...FIL is still on the fence about whether or not he's coming. Remember when I warned you that he was fickle? When DH first mentioned the idea he was all over it. Now, he says he's "thinking about it and doing more research". Whatever. Planning will be easier if its just the 5 of us, but it would have been nice to have a babysitter so DH and I could go out alone for my birthday one night.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey Jen,

I thought I would pop over and give my support to another super early planner like me.

I remember reading all about your last trip and you night in the castle. How lucky ! It is my dream and I am sure everybody elses to win a night in the castle:love:

That picture of you guys dressed up as the Flintstones is too cute!

[DisMomAmy]

I love the Flintstones costumes! I can't think of any good matchy costumes for 5, but if I do I'll let you know. I'll be on the look-out for any good ideas when we are there next month.

[DisMomAmy]

Hi tinkercat - Haven't heard from you in a while... I have been trying to find your posts about the castle experience. Can you post a link? Thanks! Amy :goodvibes

[tinkercat]

Hi Amy, thanks for remembering me! LOL We've been getting ready for Hallie to start preschool next monday and overall end of summer busy.

Here is the link to the post I made about the castle in the YOAMD forum:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1463588

I also wrote about it in my TR from that trip, which is here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1465295
It was my first attempt at a TR so its not great, but it tells the story. LOL

I don't have alot to report on my trip planning at the moment. DH, however, is fully on board now. He even mentioned something the other day about how he couldn't wait to go back and that I must have converted him. Woo hoo!:cool1:

I've got 93 videos accepted on Expo and I'm planning to book our trip once they pay me because I can use some of that money for my deposit. They usually pay in the middle of the month so not too long before I'll know if they are legit or not.

I'll definitely be back to post if/when I get paid and when I book. I was doing some checking and although I didn't love ASMu last time, the family suites were intriguing to me. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that they were booked solid for my dates over a year in advance! I had no idea they were so popular. I think Disney needs to do more of those type of accomodations though because there are so many people on a budget who would like to stay on property but have families larger than that magic number of 4 people. I told DH the other night that they should make like half of the other side of Pop Century that isn't done into those family suites.

I've got a dirty diaper to contend with...so I guess thats all from me for now!

[mousescrapper]

Hi tinkercat,

I feel like I've been apoligizing to many of my DIS friends and not keeping up with their PTR's. I'm caught up on yours now....:)

WOW! I'm glad that you mentioned that ASMu family suite thing....we're all booked up at the Poly for next June (even though we're a family of 6, the baby doesn't count yet), but next time we go probably in 2011, that is where we are thinking of staying, so we don't have to do the whole 2 room thing....now is that obsessive or what planning 9 months out for June 08 and already have 2011 in my head too:rolleyes1 DH will really think I'm crazy when I say we need to book 2011 in like 2009.....:confused3

Anyhoot, I'm so the same way with my youngest DD #3 who is now just over 9 months and yes we have just gone through the whole breaking in 4 teeth in a matter of weeks not fun :headache: :sick:

She blabs quite a bit and I tell DH that soon her Disney-washing will begin...daily watching of the Disneyland Sing-along video:happytv: Hey I did it with the other 3 and they turned out ok....;)

That would be awesome too if she could say "mickey" next year when we go, she'll be about 18 mo then. AND I just hope we can do the first haircut in MK I did not know that....she has a cute amount of hair but not close to a first haircut yet.

Love your stories and reading along with my fellow planner way in advance AND no your not insane...I've got my ADR's figured out too even some of the snacks, but I can't indulge yet. You'll have to keep reading my PTR too.

mousescrapper

[tinkercat]

Busy times...

It seems like September is a hectic month for us. DD started preschool today, m-th half days in the morning. Dance starts back up this wednesday so we'll be doing that every week as well.

DH's birthday is the 24th and we've got to plan not one but two first birthday parties for Lucy. One for DH's family in Ohio and one for our family here in Michigan. I am way behind on the birthday planning...bad Jen!

In the midst of all this, I also agreed (foolishly) to babysit my neice and nephew everyday while my sister is at cosmetology school. So, my days will look like this:

7:15 wake up, breakfast, get ready, etc.
8:00 Neice and Nephew arrive
8:25 Leave to bring DD to school
10:55 Leave to pick DD up from school
11:55 Leave to bring Neice to school
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Naps for the little ones
3:30 Bring nephew home to his Dad
On wednesdays 4:00 Dance for DD
5:30 Dinner

I'm so not looking forward to all the back and forth to the school! But, we'll make it work.

Anyways, all this stuff looming in my mind has left me with not much time to DIS and obsess about our next trip. Darn!

Once Expo pays me, I'm going to book though! YAY!!! :banana:
I can't wait!

And, according to my little countdown clock, we only have 396 days to go...LOL!

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Jen,

Hi, my DDs birthday is on the 24th of September also. I am planning her party. We are only having it on October 14th though. My cousin is getting married on 10/13 adn my parents will be up from florida and this will be the 1st b-day party for my dd that they can make it to. She is turning 5.
I know you will handle that tough schedule, we DISers are great at multitasking.:lmao: You'll do great!:thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow that is one busy schedule, I wish you luck!

[DisMomAmy]

My Birthday is the 24th too!! Now I just say I am going to be 30-something. DS is going to be 4 on the 23rd! I was in the hospital on my 30th birthday just after giving birth! (Ok so now you know I'm going to be 34.) :rolleyes1 It's fun sharing our birthdays.

I know what you mean about all the running around to preschool. Doesn't it seem like you just dropped them off and you have to turn around and go back! But the break is nice. I watch 2 little boys twice a week and those days are always CRAZY! :scared1: I can't imagine doing it every day!

You may not have much time for DISing, but at least it will keep you busy and the time will fly by! :hourglass

[tinkercat]

Today was a BIG day around here!

Yesterday, Expo TV (Bless their little hearts!) paid me $940.92 for my August videos. Yippee!

So, guess what happened in Tinkercat land today???

I BOOKED OUR TRIP!!! YAY!!!!

So, its really going to happen. October 11-18th 2008, Pop Century preferred room, 8 day PH and the basic DDP.

I'm way geeked!! DH made me get the trip insurance, "in case of a hurricane or something" and I hate the extra cost but he is probably right being safe like that.

Only 392 days to go! Woo hoo!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Today was a BIG day around here!

Yesterday, Expo TV (Bless their little hearts!) paid me $940.92 for my August videos. Yippee!

WOW! That is a good chunk of change! Glad to hear that they are not a scam after all. Too bad I don't live in the states or I might look into this as well.

So, guess what happened in Tinkercat land today???

I BOOKED OUR TRIP!!! YAY!!!!

So, its really going to happen. October 11-18th 2008, Pop Century preferred room, 8 day PH and the basic DDP.

I'm way geeked!! DH made me get the trip insurance, "in case of a hurricane or something" and I hate the extra cost but he is probably right being safe like that.

Only 392 days to go! Woo hoo!

:cheer2: :banana: :dance3:

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Congrats!:cool1: on the pay that came in and the outlay of same said monies...:lmao: But what better way to spend that money than on a Magical vacation to the one and only WDW. Congrats! Happy planning and replanning and more rereplanning.:rolleyes1 Hope when your time comes, you get all the ADRs that you are hoping and planning on.:goodvibes

[Phedre]

Hi there,

I'm really enjoying reading all of your trip planning and I'm so glad Expo TV paid you!! I wasn't sure if that was going to turn out to be some scam thing but YAY that's some huge money you made :D Your family is so lovely, you are exactly what I picture when I hear of people winning stays in the castle. How fantastic :D Looking forward to reading more :D

[tinkercat]

There always has to be a monkey wrench, right?

We got ours today. Yeah...you know how I was looking for a teaching job? I interviewed yesterday and it looks like I got a job!! YAY!!!

Really, its a good thing! I just don't forsee myself being able to take off a week in October for a trip to WDW so we'll need to change our dates to make it happen. Darn!

At first, I thought our options would be Spring Break, Christmas, and Summer. Not the greatest of options! So then I looked at the calendar and I think we are going to switch to the week of Thanksgiving. I'll only need to take off 2 days of work and while I'm sure it will be busy it shouldn't be as bad as the week between Christmas and New Year's, right? And we can do MVMCP instead of MNSSHP.

I haven't changed the dates with the folks at WDW yet because I'm waiting until this job thing is a done deal...but it looks like thats what is happening. I just need to meet with the Principal and make sure I want the job (its a Brain Based Learning school which is different than normal schools)...but OF COURSE I want the job! LOL

I'll keep you all updated!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Congrats on the job!:banana:

My only advice to you is that since you will be going during a holiday week make sure to arrive at rope drop and have a plan! I found Tour Guide Mike's guide on which parks to go to on each day very helpful. We rarely encountered bad crowds and we were there over the Fourth of July!

[DisMomAmy]

Congratulations, I guess...

No really... that's great news about the job. You wanted to know "HOW exactly do we play to pay for this?" right?

[tinkercat]

I haven't been here to update in awhile so I figured I'd give it a go while I have a bit of time.

Life has been hectic this past week! We went to Ohio for Lucy's birthday party and then I started the new teaching job on Monday. That has had a few challenges but isn't bad overall. I'm having a hard time adjusting to being away from the kids all day long, but at least I know they are in good hands with my mom. Yesterday, we had a birthday party here for Lucy and today (finally!) we get to relax a bit.

I still haven't called to change my dates with Disney. I need to get on that I guess. I was kind of planning on trying to get a code to use for a discount when the time came for the October trip. Is there any chance that a code will come out that will include the week of Thanksgiving? Part of me says no, because its a holiday week and they know people will pay so why offer discounts...but I'm hoping I'm wrong.

I'm still sort of in shock about getting this job and it hasn't really sunk in yet. Is it bad that I'm actually sad about not getting to spend my birthday at WDW next year? Because I am...sad that is. I know Thanksgiving will be nice too, but I was really looking forward to my birthday there because I'm dreading getting closer to 30 and if anything would make it easier, it would be WDW. LOL

So, not much new to report. But, I haven't abandoned ship.:goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

Busy times...

So, my days will look like this:

7:15 wake up, breakfast, get ready, etc.
8:00 Neice and Nephew arrive
8:25 Leave to bring DD to school
10:55 Leave to pick DD up from school
11:55 Leave to bring Neice to school
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Naps for the little ones
3:30 Bring nephew home to his Dad
On wednesdays 4:00 Dance for DD
5:30 Dinner

I'm so not looking forward to all the back and forth to the school! But, we'll make it work.

That sure is a crazy schedule, mines somewhat the same, but at the 4 kids are just mine. Could luck with taking care of your neice and nephew. You must be a really great sis!;)

Anyways, all this stuff looming in my mind has left me with not much time to DIS and obsess about our next trip. Darn!

I've been wondering where you've been, seen you around a little bit on the boards, but know how that thing called "life" can get in the way of our Dis-obsession....:rotfl:

And, according to my little countdown clock, we only have 396 days to go...LOL! That's alot of days girl!

Today was a BIG day around here!

Yesterday, Expo TV (Bless their little hearts!) paid me $940.92 for my August videos. Yippee! WOW!


I BOOKED OUR TRIP!!! YAY!!!!

So, its really going to happen. October 11-18th 2008, Pop Century preferred room, 8 day PH and the basic DDP. Congrats! Always feels real when that's done!


There always has to be a monkey wrench, right?

We got ours today. Yeah...you know how I was looking for a teaching job? I interviewed yesterday and it looks like I got a job!! YAY!!!

Really, its a good thing! I just don't forsee myself being able to take off a week in October for a trip to WDW so we'll need to change our dates to make it happen. Darn! Well I hope whatever you choose it still will be great! Its Disney!



So does this mean you won't be watching your neice and nephew too? Lots of changes in store. I hope everthing works out to the best. Let us know how your date change goes too!

[tinkercat]

I am officially pathetic. I *still* haven't called to change the dates for the trip. I know, I know...I need to get on it.

Here's the latest though:
According to my employee manual, its not typically allowed to take off the day before a scheduled holiday break. It has to be approved by not only my Principal, but also the Superintendent. So, I'm not sure how feasible Thanksgiving week would be after all. I'm going to ask my Principal about the possibility of it being approved sometime this week, and make my decision about Thanksgiving week after the conversation with her.

If it looks like Thanksgiving week won't work, we will change our dates to this coming Spring Break. Yes, it will be busy, but our spring break falls the first week of April so I hope it won't be too awful. That week is one of the "wonderful weeks of Disney" when they say the crowds are supposed to be lighter...so I hope they are telling the truth! LOL

I hate that we'd be missing out on the Holiday events by going in April, but it IS alot sooner and the weather would be nice. There are pros and cons to both dates really...and its all a toss up for now.

So, this coming week could have not one but two big updates! Stay tuned to find out WHEN this trip will actually go on, and if it ends up in April, WHERE we'll make our ADRs since we'd already be less than 180 days out~! :wizard:

[eyeheartgoofy]

What about taking a trip when school lets out in June? I seem to remember some decent AP discounts for that time last year... you could always book room only through Disney and change the resort. etc. if they have some awesome deals. Just a thought.

[tinkercat]

Thanks for the idea, but June really wouldn't work for us for a few reasons. School won't be out for me until the middle of the month so we wouldn't be able to travel until the end of the month most likely...and well, I've been to Disney in early July and never want to re-live that sort of heat if we can avoid it! LOL Plus, we don't have APs so an AP discount wouldn't help us...though I would love to be able to use one! (Heck, I'd love to be able to go to WDW often enough to make an AP worthwhile for us!)

[tinkercat]

Woo HOO!! Since November was looking bad for me with work, DH got the clear from his job and we are going for Spring Break!

YAY!! My trip went from being 400+ days away to being 171 and counting down! We will be at POP from April 5-12th. Now I really need to get on the ADRs because I should have called 9 days ago to book! :cool1:

I'm so looking forward to going! Quick question though...if we have tickets that had time left on them but did not buy the non-expiration option, they can't be upgraded to APs now, can they? It will have been less than a year (by about a month) between trips so if we *could* upgrade to the APs, it could save us money...but I'm pretty certain we can't do that since the tickets are expired. Am I right?

Once I get the ADRs nailed down, I'll post those. I'll also be on the hunt for codes for April as it gets closer to the time...and cheap flights too while I'm at it!

[tinkercat]

Ok, even more YAY!

(Still working on ADRs)

I shelled out the $22 and joined TGM in hopes of nailing down an itinerary so I could plan ADRs accordingly. Imagine my surprise when I read that the P&P Parties might very well be going on in April! I was bummed about missing a special party for our next trip and now it looks like we might get to go to one after all. :cool1: :cool1: Heck, this is even worth a banana-man! :banana:

[mousescrapper]

sorry you don't get to go when you want to, but like you said look how much closer your trip is NOW! Glad you sound excited...it's Disney right. Good thinking on TGM. I'm using him too and it has helped a ton for me. Looking forward to hearing more of your planning. And hope the job is settleing in better for you and your family. That is great your Mom can watch the kids!

Happy Disney Day

[tinkercat]

I got a few ADRs taken care of tonight! And they are good ones!

Sunday 4/6 - Crystal Palace dinner at 5:25 (This is our tentative P&P Party night)

Tuesday 4/8 - 50's Prime Time dinner at 5:05

Wednesday 4/9 - Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast at 8:30

Thursday 4/10 - Chef Mickey's dinner at 5:45

Only 2 more TS credits left to reserve. I'm hoping to figure those out in the next few days. Right now, my top choices are Whispering Canyon for a lunch, and someplace at Epcot or Tusker House at AK.

Are they even taking ressies for the new Tusker House TS though? For Epcot, I'm thinking Le Cellier or Coral Reef, but I know Le Cellier is a hard one to get.

[DisMomAmy]

Thanks great news about your trip being so much sooner!!! Good choices for your ADRs so far. We tried and tried to get LeCellier, but with F&W festival going on we never got one. That would be my choice. :goodvibes

[tinkercat]

YAY!

I managed to get an early dinner at Le Cellier! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get one since they are so popular now so I'm really happy with the ressie.

1 more TS to figure out. I was leaning towards Whispering Canyon but the reviews on TGM aren't great so I don't know what to do with that one yet. Any suggestions?

So far we have:
4/6 - Crystal Palace dinner
4/7 Le Cellier dinner
4/8 - 50's PT Dinner
4/9 - CRT breakfast
4/10 - Chef Mickey's

So we need something for 4/11. We arrive on 4/5 and leave on 4/12 so I'm just planning on CS or OOP on those days.

[DisMomAmy]

YAY!

I managed to get an early dinner at Le Cellier! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get one since they are so popular now so I'm really happy with the ressie.

1 more TS to figure out. I was leaning towards Whispering Canyon but the reviews on TGM aren't great so I don't know what to do with that one yet. Any suggestions?

So far we have:
4/6 - Crystal Palace dinner
4/7 Le Cellier dinner
4/8 - 50's PT Dinner
4/9 - CRT breakfast
4/10 - Chef Mickey's

So we need something for 4/11. We arrive on 4/5 and leave on 4/12 so I'm just planning on CS or OOP on those days.

Great ADRs! We still haven't made it to LeCellier! Next time we will try for LeCellier (again) and Chef Mickey's - it looks like so much fun! :thumbsup2

It's so exciting that you went from waiting a year, to rushing to make your ADRs! :banana:

[twinmom319]

YAY!

I managed to get an early dinner at Le Cellier! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get one since they are so popular now so I'm really happy with the ressie.

1 more TS to figure out. I was leaning towards Whispering Canyon but the reviews on TGM aren't great so I don't know what to do with that one yet. Any suggestions?

So far we have:
4/6 - Crystal Palace dinner
4/7 Le Cellier dinner
4/8 - 50's PT Dinner
4/9 - CRT breakfast
4/10 - Chef Mickey's

So we need something for 4/11. We arrive on 4/5 and leave on 4/12 so I'm just planning on CS or OOP on those days.

We loved Whispering canyon. You have to go with the attitude that noisy is good, and be willing to laugh at yourself and others, but if you keep that in mind, it is a ton of fun!! And we thought the food was great.

[tinkercat]

Thanks so much for the feedback on Whispering Canyon!

I still haven't made that last ADR...so maybe we will do WCC....I think I'll ask DH for an opinion for a change and go from there.

[tinkercat]

I've actually got news to report!

I'm still sort of in shock that our trip has gone from being a year away to less than 6 months. Its a good kind of shock though. I even chatted Disney with one of my co-workers the other day and that made the whole trip more real somehow.

DH has also been on the phone with FIL a few times this week talking about the trip and imagine my SHOCK when DH said to me, "Jen, my dad wants to know if you'll book the trip for him if he sends the money to do it."

It looks like FIL is really going to come along! My kids are going to love it and I do think it will be a nice get away for him. DH is happy about it, and I think he was surprised that FIL is really going for it. I'm happy for them, and happy that this might mean DH and I can have a date night at WDW!

I am feeling SOOOOO glad that I went ahead and made my ADRs for 6 instead of 5! I would totally have to call and re-do them all right now if FIL hadn't decided to come but I think it would probably be easier to take people off the ressie than to add on, so I made them for 6. So yay for me thinking ahead on that regard! :thumbsup2:

Even though we still have over 5 months to get ready, I feel like the trip will be here before we know it. And I have so much left to plan! I need to look at TGMs touring plans and get that stuff printed and ready for us. I need to make autograph books, get P&PP costumes figured out, and maybe make some matchy matchy shirts up for the gang.

I can't wait! :banana:

[Avivasmom]

Loving your report and the cuteness of your kids...how cool your FIL is going to come with you. My dad is coming with us on our January trip for my DD 7the bday.

We love WCC too..we wil be going back in Nov and Jan. And we love CP too have done every meal there and they are all good.

What are you teaching? Next year I will be teaching after I finish my masters degree.

[nsudisneyrep]

Great report, I subscribed. Whispering canyon sounds fun, might need to take my clan when we go in May! Have a great trip, keep posting updates! :)

[eyeheartgoofy]

Just checking in ... how goes the hunt for cheap airfare?

[eyeheartgoofy]

Your trip is getting close ... any updates for us?