The “Trust me dear, this will save us money” pre-trip report (updated 11/26)

[Jennabeth]

In the beginning.....

So, my first trip report, ahh the pressure. I hope I’m up to the challenge. Like every great story, I’m going to start at the beginning of my Disney love affair. It did not start when I was a child, I guess I was a late bloomer. In Dec. 2000 I get a call from my dear MIL (I bet you don’t see that very often). We live in Michigan and were in the middle of a horrible snow storm. She informed me she found plane tickets to Orlando for $99 each way. If we wanted to go to FL for a week she would cover the cost of a house, we just had to pay for our air and a rental car and food. I think it took me about 0.0009 seconds before I took her up on her offer. We were low on funds (newlyweds with a 1 year-old) so we didn’t plan on going to any of the Disney parks. We (gulp) didn’t think DD would get much out of it (hanging head in shame).

So in Jan 2001 we went to FL for the first time. We went to Gator World and St. Petersburg and Tampa and Downtown Disney. Downtown Disney got me. I was in awe and knew the parks had to be better. I told my DH that we were going to come back in Jan 2005, when DD was 5. He agreed (but I don’t think he thought I was really serious). When we got back to snowy MI I informed my whole family of my plans and told everyone they were welcomed to join us. This was going to be a Disney trip, not a FL trip.

Fast forward 4 years. We now have another DD who will be joining us on the trip. She had just turned 2 and was coming because she was free!!! My parents also were coming along for the ride, and yes, I mean ride. We drove from MI to FL in January. What were we thinking?? Well, I was on a mission. I tried to make it a budget trip and with the help of the DIS I think I succeeded. We stayed on Disney property and had 3 whole days devoted to the parks. Yes, I said 3 whole days. Apparently I didn’t do enough research and thought that would be plenty. We spent 4 days on the road and 3 at Disney, I know, I know.

The trip was short but wonderful. I got “it” while I was there and knew it wouldn’t be my last trip. DD5 loved all of the Princesses and the rides. DD2 loved the bus (oh well, at least she was FREE). DH loved that his girls were happy. My parents loved experiencing the magic through their only grandchildren. It was a win/win situation and as we were packing the car I decided we were going again, but this time I wanted to experience the holidays at Disney. We got in the car and I informed my parents that were would be coming back in Dec. 07 and they were welcomed to join us. DH just shook his head and smiled.

Once I got home I decided this trip was going to be different. For one thing, we were staying longer then 3 days. I wanted at least 7! We were going to fly and I really wanted to do the dining plan. I got back on the DIS and began researching like mad and now 44 days away I feel like I can finally relax. So, without further ado I will introduce you to my cast of characters.

Me, Jennabeth, 33, Disney obsessed mom. I work outside the home at a local university and am finishing up my masters in communications. This trip happens to coincide with my last semester of class, perfect. What a way to celebrate. I used to make fun of my SIL about her Disney obsession but now we can talk for hours about fast-passes and ADRs and hoppers.

DH, Jertheman, 33, tolerates my obsession because it makes me happy (awww). He figures if I say we can afford it, then we can. Was a little hesitant when he saw the tally for this trip, but figures I know what I’m doing.

DD, Princess T, 7, being corrupted by mom. She is just beginning to see there is more to life then princesses (namely Hannah Montana) and I have a feeling this will be the last trip where she’ll believe that Cinderella actually lives in the castle in Disney World.

DD, Princess J, 5, doesn’t remember much of our last trip but is so excited about this one. She can’t wait for her first plane ride. Every time we see a plan fly overhead she asks if that’s the one that will take us to Cinderella. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees the castle for the first (second) time.

DM, MommaL, my mother. She and my dad went do Disney for their honeymoon. She pretty much let’s me do what I want when it comes to planning and I like that. She just writes a check.

DF, PoppaL, my father. Is just as excited as my kids. He will have a birthday while we are there and can’t wait to get his birthday button. He’s just a big kid and makes the trip extra fun.

Stay tuned for "the planning."

[Jennabeth]

Who's going:

Me, Jennabeth
DH, Jertheman
DD7, Princess T
DD5, Princess J
DM, MommaL (my mother)
DF, PoppaL (my father)

The hardest part about this trip was nailing down a date. I knew I wanted to go after Thanksgiving which meant pulling the girls out of school. We were looking at two different weeks and I was finally forced to choose when my family began planning Christmas parties. My family party was going to be on 12/15 which meant we should plan on coming home the following week. We decided to go 12/1 to 12/7 so we could have a few days to recuperate before getting back to work/school.

Once we nailed down a date I started a spread sheet to figure out what kind of tickets we wanted. This is where Disney gets you. I wanted hoppers, but didn’t really care to add the non-expiring option. I looked at all the prices carefully and couldn’t believe how cheap it was to just add days. Soon I was talking myself into the 10-day hopper, but didn’t want to waste days, so I added the non-expiring option. I talked it over with Jertheman and he said, “Do what you think is best” (is there any reason why I married this man. I talked to my parents and they said just to do what I thought would be best. I sat on it for a couple of days and realized we really didn’t need more then 7 days and once I added the non-expiring option my price jumped a lot. I calmed myself down and decided to stick with my original idea of 7 day hoppers.

Dining plan, right after we finished our Jan 05 trip Disney implemented the dining plan. DH and I are foodies. We never went to movies when we were dating, we tried new restaurants. Since our last trip was a budget trip we did a lot of buffets since little DD was 2 and considered free. I really enjoyed dining on the property and wanted to try the dining plan so we could eat without worry. When I brought the subject up to Jertheman he was a little hesitant because the daily amount was more then we spent last time. So, I went to allears and started calculating what we would spend and brought him a sheet showing what we would pay without the plan and what we were paying with the plan. I think I convinced him, but we'll see once we get the actual receipts. He's a little worried about how spending money saves us money, but he trusts me.

I called my AAA Agent to reserve the rooms. Because I wanted the dining plan I knew we would have to go with a package. We reserved 6 nights at Pop with 7 day hoppers and the dining plan. Woohoo, now all I had to do was get plane tickets and make my ADRs. Oh, I made these reservations in March. Only 8 months to go.

For the next 3 months I played with itineraries. Where and when we ate was left completely up to me. Did I mention that I’m a control freak? Planning this vacation was perfect for me. I wanted to take the family to MVMCP, so I waited until those dates were released to make my plans. I figured WCC was the best place to take my dad on his birthday, so that took care of 2 days. I knew the first night we would eat at Chef Mickey’s, that’s tradition, so another night was taken care of. Now I just had 3 more to fill.

When my 180 day mark hit I was on the phone scoring all the meals I wanted. We were going to eat at CM, WCC, LeCellier, 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace, and Hollywood & Vine. Not the most glamorous, but I do have young children and we love meeting the characters at the restaurant instead of waiting in line. With my ADRs made, all I had to do was sit and wait for these wonderful airfares that I’ve heard so much about.

Now I’m getting anxious. I want to plan some more. SW releases their fares for Dec and I’m so excited. I jump on their website and my excitement leaves. These were not what I wanted. I knew they would go down, but I was worried I might not be able to get the flights I want or the number of tickets I need. I jump on the DIS and someone posts that they got great rates on Airtran. I get excited again. I go to Airtran’s sight and see flights from DET to MCO for $59 each way. Woohooo!!! I put in our arrival and departure dates and am disappointed again. It seems the rates will only apply the day we arrive. I change our departure dates by one day and see the special is available. I call my family and explain the situation. I tell them that unfortunately this may mean staying at Disney one more day. Jertheman asks me if I’m sure staying an extra day will save us money? I tell him to trust me and he gives me the okay. My parents pretty much tell me to do what I need to do. I book the flights and got 6 round trip tickets for less then $900 (after fees). I’m feeling pretty proud of myself. I call my AAA agent to give her flight information and she tells me that Pop is booked and if we stay an extra night we’ll have to move to ASMusic. At this point I don’t care, I’m staying an extra night! I book the rooms and smile for the rest of the day. I tell anybody who will listen that I’m going to Disney World in December. People are not amused since it’s the end of June and super hot and Dec seems so long away. My girls ask me when we are going to DW and I keep telling them in a few months. We hit the 99 day mark and do a little dance. The days get cooler and shorter and before I know it, it’s October. October 15th arrives and I call to make my final payment. This weekend we are making a countdown chain. I can’t believe the trip I first talked about in Jan 05 is 43 days away. I hope I’m not forgetting anything.

[DL55]

I love your title :thumbsup2
That week in Dec. will be great, all the decorations without the crowds :santa:
I laughed at DD2 enjoyed the bus. I think of the buses as rides, it makes it more enjoyable.

[Avivasmom]

We leave right before you get there...this is a great time...it is our 4th year in a row going at this time.

The holiday decorations are great. So much to see and do.

[LISAMWDW]

:love: Your title! It caught my attention! :rotfl:

[Jennabeth]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad someone is reading.

Last time we went they were just taking down the Chrimstas decorations and it seemed so sad. I just knew we had to see them in all their glory!

After we made the decision we watched the Travel Channel's special on Disney at the holidays and it was all so cool. I can't wait to see the life sized gingerbread house. The one thing I'm worried about is not being able to take it all in. Does it overwhelm anyone?

[Hedy]

Looking forward to reading more!

[Jennabeth]

Holy cow, we are leaving in a month. When did that happen (um today I guess). Does everyone want to join me for a “We leave for Disney in 30 days dance”, come on, it’ll be fun. Princess T and Princess J are so excited. We have a countdown chain and they fight over who is going to pull each link off. I measured Princess J earlier this week and she was a hair below 40” (would be there if we counted her ponytail) so I’m confident she’ll be at that magic number by the time we arrives. I keep feeding her veggies. I packed up the girls’ summer clothes, but didn’t put them in the bin because hopefully I’ll need them for our trip (keeping fingers crossed for warm weather!!) My parents call me every day to see if I figured out how we are getting to the airport. I tell them every day that I’m not sure. I still have 4 weeks, what’s the problem.

Now I’m trying to convince Jertheman that we need new luggage. Now our luggage consists of a few duffle bags and a $30 luggage set my brother got me for Christmas many years ago. He wants us just to use what we used last time. Problem, last time we borrowed my parents’ luggage and since they are going with us, they probably won’t lend us theirs. I’m trying to make him see that spending a couple hundred dollars on new luggage will save us money because we plan on traveling more and I have a coupon. I think he’s buying it!! Now the dilemma, do I go out and buy some now, or wait until black Friday?

Last weekend a miracle happened. I was talking about Disney (surprise) and how nice it will be to not pay for meals and drive. Jertheman actually agreed and said that he really enjoyed our last Disney trip because we could just hop on the bus and go. He’s looking forward to that and now that the girls are older it will be so much easier. This is from a man who said he really didn’t see the appeal of Disney, but would put up with it because I enjoyed it. My goal this trip is to get him to drink the kool-aid. I think I’m pretty close, just a little more prodding and he’s mine (hahahaha). So, time to start working on the packing checklists and finish the three papers I have for class. ~singing~ I’m going to Disney next month~

[Hedy]

:thumbsup2 Joining you in the next month dance :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
I say a suitcase in the hall is better than 2 in a Black Friday ad, IMO. Plus then you can use them for creatve clothing organization for the next month .

[HeatherSue]

Hey, a fellow Michigander here! I'm loving your pre-trippie!

[tyandskyesmom]

Signing on to be nosey!

[DL55]

I agree with Hedy...better get the suitcases before Black Friday

[Jennabeth]

I have luggage!! I took all the great advice from the Dis and bought my luggage.

Friday night I got home from work and told Jertheman and the girls to get into the car.,we had some luggage to buy. We ended up at Macy's and I didn't realize how expensive luggage was. I could get a set for $100, or one suitcase for $100, hmmmmm, tough decision. The problem with the set I wanted was the size. I really didn't want big suitcases, after all we need get all of our luggage and my parents and US in the car to the airport. But, saving money won out and we bought two sets with 4 suitcases. My girls love them. They were pulling them all over the store and the house. They can actually fit into the larger suitcase, hmmm, what if I only had to buy 2 plane tickets, no, no, I won't do that.

Today curiosity got the best of me and I played the folding seat in the car to see if everything would fit. We have a Pilot with 2 rows of seats that fold down (66/33) I folded down the 33% seat and can fit the large suitcase there. I actually am able to fit 4 suitcases and two carry-ons in the car. That means we still have the entire car-top carrier for my parents, yes! I think we'll be able to take one car to the airport.

We are flying out of Detroit which is about 1.5 hours from my parents. Taking one vehicle will save us money, and that's what I'm all about. Jertheman was a little worried about getting everything into our vehicle. My parents tend to overpack and take up more space then all 4 of us. Now that I've proven I can fit us all and explained how taking one car will save money, he's all for it.

So, luggage is bought, one more check off my list. We told the teachers we are taking the girls out of school for the trip, another check. I ordered books to help the girls keep their journals, another check. Woohoo, I feel like I'm accomplishing things. Now I just have to write 3 papers before we leave, gulp. I guess that's all for now, doing the 20 days dance :banana: .

[Hedy]

I have luggage!! I took all the great advice from the Dis and bought my luggage.

Friday night I got home from work and told Jertheman and the girls to get into the car.,we had some luggage to buy. We ended up at Macy's and I didn't realize how expensive luggage was. I could get a set for $100, or one suitcase for $100, hmmmmm, tough decision. The problem with the set I wanted was the size. I really didn't want big suitcases, after all we need get all of our luggage and my parents and US in the car to the airport. But, saving money won out and we bought two sets with 4 suitcases. My girls love them. They were pulling them all over the store and the house. They can actually fit into the larger suitcase, hmmm, what if I only had to buy 2 plane tickets, no, no, I won't do that.

Today curiosity got the best of me and I played the folding seat in the car to see if everything would fit. We have a Pilot with 2 rows of seats that fold down (66/33) I folded down the 33% seat and can fit the large suitcase there. I actually am able to fit 4 suitcases and two carry-ons in the car. That means we still have the entire car-top carrier for my parents, yes! I think we'll be able to take one car to the airport.

We are flying out of Detroit which is about 1.5 hours from my parents. Taking one vehicle will save us money, and that's what I'm all about. Jertheman was a little worried about getting everything into our vehicle. My parents tend to overpack and take up more space then all 4 of us. Now that I've proven I can fit us all and explained how taking one car will save money, he's all for it.

So, luggage is bought, one more check off my list. We told the teachers we are taking the girls out of school for the trip, another check. I ordered books to help the girls keep their journals, another check. Woohoo, I feel like I'm accomplishing things. Now I just have to write 3 papers before we leave, gulp. I guess that's all for now, doing the 20 days dance :banana: .

Yay luggage!

[DL55]

Are you sure there is enough room on the car top carrier for your parents luggage? :laughing:
Oh only 19 days left, I bet the excitement is building! :dance3:

[disneyaddicted]

Hi, your title caught my eye. our trips over lap by a few days, I am Pop Century Dec 4-11, This will be my second time going and my first time at Christmas. I am the disney obsessed one in the house, My DH and DS have no desire to ever go back to Disney, so it is just me and DD13 plus my friend and her DD.
My family all lives in michigan, my parents are in Waterford, my sister in Ortonville. I cannot imagine driving to FL from there. I can understand the excitement about flying this time.
Don't you just love new luggage? I bought new luggage for the trip, it was cheaper to get the set then it was to buy just one, go figure?
I started planning this trip in june of 2006, people are tired of hearing about it. My cheerleaders (I am a coach) are counting down the days for me now.
I don't understand how people can not be excited over Disney, especially Disney at Christmas time.
I just know your girls are going to love it.

[Jennabeth]

You sound just like me. Everyone around me is so sick of hearing me talk about it. Thank goodness for the DIS.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets excited about new luggage. You should see me when I get a new purse! My luggage is still in the car, I haven't gotten around to taking it out yet. Since fall has finally come to Michigan I might start packing. We really aren't wearing shorts anymore and they are just sitting there mocking me.

I'm glad there are others who "understand." Our trips will be here before we know it.

[goofyboyzmom]

You sound just like me. Everyone around me is so sick of hearing me talk about it. Thank goodness for the DIS.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets excited about new luggage. You should see me when I get a new purse! My luggage is still in the car, I haven't gotten around to taking it out yet. Since fall has finally come to Michigan I might start packing. We really aren't wearing shorts anymore and they are just sitting there mocking me.

I'm glad there are others who "understand." Our trips will be here before we know it.

Where are you from Jennabeth? We are in Livonia and I am so glad to be able to pack the shorts away finally. With fall in Michigan you never know!

[Jennabeth]

We are on the west side, Grand Rapids. Although, they are saying it will be in the 60s today. Strange weather. Last year it was colder on Easter then Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, yet it was one of the coldest winters we had in a while. I've heard of Livonia, I had a friend who grew up there.

[Jennabeth]

Argh, Mothers! No offense, most are good, I know, I am one, but there are times they test the patience of saints.

While planning this trip I asked my parents if they wanted to dine in the castle. We ate there last time, and while we all enjoyed it, I really didn't see the need to do it again (translation, they raised the price so much I really don't see how I can justify it). My parents said, and I quote, "Just do what you want to and we'll go along." Okay, so fast forward 18 months to last weekend when my mom asked if we are eating in the castle. I say no then explain; price increase, not worth two credits, Cindy no longer circulates, bla, bla, bla (which, I'm sure, is exactly what she heard).

I go back about my planning and on Tues my mom calls to what I found out about the castle. What!!! Is she serious? I say nothing because I thought the case was closed. I also try to explain how now, two weeks out, there is no way we'll be able to get a ADR for the castle. I think because I got us there last time they really think it's no big deal (all my work is so not appreciated). I tell her we are not eating there because I don't want to spend the money this time (I don't think it's worth 2 credits) and we'll be eating with Cindy at the Grand Floridian. She asks how much is costs, how much other breakfasts costs, why is cost so much more (apparently I'm in charge of Disney food pricing), and again how much it cost. She kept saying how much she enjoyed it. I agreed but explained that it's very difficult to get ADRs and if she'd said something in June I would have booked a breakfast there. She again asked me to see what I can do about it and hung up. I'm expecting another phone call soon (sigh).

Jertheman told me to just forget about it. I actually thought of trying. Apparently all of my ranting about the price was not lost on him and at this point even if I miraculously got a table (for 6, breakfast 12/2 to 12/7, anyone??) there is no way I'd be able to justify the cost to him. I guess I could say it would quiet my mom, maybe that would be worth it.

So, we got the magical packet from AAA with our Magical Express tags and I am going to officially say I am ready to go!!! Well, I've still got to pack and make sure we have all of the necessities, so I will officially say I am almost ready to go!!

13 day dance :dance3:

[DL55]

You could give her the telephone number to make the ADR herself. THAT would quiet her up. :laughing: Oh well, since we all know getting an ADR to the castle is almost a miracle even at 180 days out, your Mom will just have to live with it. She does remind me of my mother, who thinks we should know what she wants.:rolleyes:
13 days for you :dance3:

[jcc0621]

The title of your TR cracked me up:lmao: This is Fuzzy Disney Math at its best:thumbsup2

[OhMari]

Pay out of pocket for the Castle. It will work out cheaper.

[Jennabeth]

You could give her the telephone number to make the ADR herself. THAT would quiet her up. :laughing: Oh well, since we all know getting an ADR to the castle is almost a miracle even at 180 days out, your Mom will just have to live with it. She does remind me of my mother, who thinks we should know what she wants.:rolleyes:
13 days for you :dance3:

That's a great idea! This is the woman who won't even order a pizza over the phone, there is no way she would call. At least then it wouldn't be on me. :rolleyes:

[Jennabeth]

The title of your TR cracked me up:lmao: This is Fuzzy Disney Math at its best:thumbsup2

Thanks! I was almost able to talk him into getting the girls princess crocks, but at $34.99 a piece even I couldn't justify it. We ended up with Payless $9.99 Shrek shoes :rolleyes1

[Jennabeth]

Pay out of pocket for the Castle. It will work out cheaper.

Thanks for doing the math. The problem is now (11 days out) I think my chances of getting a seat are pretty slim. I may call when we get there, you never know.

[craz4dogs]

Will fill you in when I get back and make sure to email me as soon as you are back.
Wish we could have connected..........we will have to figure out how to do this again!

[DL55]

Happy Thanksgiving! :stir:

[Jennabeth]

I AM NOT READY, all of a sudden I feel like I have a lot to do and not a lot of time. I ordered some snacks and water from Garden Grocer (check), some books for the girls (check) and, uhm, well, that's it. Oh wait, I cleaned the house (check). Now I've still got to get the suitcases out of the car (yes, they are still there) and pack, make sure I have all the essentials (suntan lotion, shampoo, soap, rum.....), get all of my swap info together, put a hold on the mail (yikes, just remembered that), write 3 final papers (still.....why did I try to take classes this semester), get to the airport, get to the resort and RELAX. Sometimes I wish I had a wife.

I ordered books from Guide to the Magic for the girls. I told their teachers they would keep journals of their trips and this looked like a good way to do that (note to self, email teachers reminding them the girls will be out of school). I really thought Princess T would get the most out of it, but since she and Princess J are 2.5 years apart, it's hard to do just one. I think J will get enough out of it to make it worth while (oh, add get TSA approved locks to the list). Our countdown chain only has 5 more links on it. I love listening to the girls talk about what they are going to do in Florida. It's amazing to see what they get excited about. T is excited about riding the rides, J is excited about chewing gum for the third time on her first airplane ride. I guess I could have saved a couple of thousand dollars and took J on a plane ride and gave her a piece of gum. It was so funny because I really don't like seeing young kids chomping on gum. I don't allow my girls to chew gum because they have long hair and like to play with gum (but have learned that peanut butter takes it out pretty easily, of course getting the peanut butter out is another story). I knew J would need to chew some when we flew so we let her practice last week. It was so cute, she was so afraid she was going to swallow it. Luckily T told her when she needed to swallow, to put the gum in her cheek. Big sisters are great!

So, I'm sitting here with my references in front of me and my document open, but I'm not typing. I'm doing a paper on on-line communities and message boards. Thought it would be a pretty easy topic, but it's not. I'm hoping things will start coming. I would be done by now but my professor changed the due date from tomorrow until 12/11, wasn't that nice. Now my mind is telling me I still have two weeks. I WILL NOT DO HOMEWORK AT DISNEY, so here I sit, and wait, for inspiration.....

5 DAYS!!!!! :yay: :banana: :yay:

[DL55]

No homework at Disney (adults)! :teacher: :thumbsup2

[disneyaddicted]

YES! NO HOMEWORK AT DISNEY!
When my son was younger and we would take trips home I didn't trust him with gum so I just gave him juice in a sippy cup, gum would have been easier, his tummy got so full.
You are not packed yet? Do you do your best packing when under pressure? LOL

[Jennabeth]

Yes, I do my best work under pressure (that's why the papers are not done). I plan on packing tomorrow and Thursday. Right now I'm making lists, and more lists.