PreTrip for Jan 5-10, 08: Me, Myself & I - perfectly happy on our own

[Anne's Family]

Final trip report can be found at... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1689026


I guess it's time to start my pretrip, since I spend practically every waking hour thinking about it anyway.

A little background here...

I'm a whopping 45 years old. I'm a stay-at-home mom with a small eBay business that keeps me going to Disney. A little obsessed as you will soon see. I live near Dallas, Texas. Yep, Big D. Yep, everything IS bigger in Texas. All the good things you've heard about us is true, all the bad things are just big fat lies.

I have a wonderful DH who really likes Disney and definitely appreciates their exceptional customer service, but isn't as engrossed in the whole Mickey thing as I am.

I have two fantabulous kids. DD is almost 12. She's our little tax deduction with a Dec 31 birthday. DS is almost 4. He baked until January 4, the stubborn little guy (ok, he was 4 weeks early anyway). The adore Disney, but they do have their limits as to what they are willing to be subjected. Hence my solo trip.

We have a 15 pound cat, Major, who is essentially a dog. Goes out in the mornings and scopes the neighborhood for sprinklers. Takes a little shower and spends the next hour licking it off. Goes into anyone's house for a visit and actually comes when you call him.

We have fish, but who cares.


I actually started my pre-trip little journal in October, so the dates below reflect that. Eventually, I'l be current. Just didn't want to throw all my dribble out there at once. So here goes...

Who: Me, myself and I
When: January 5—10, 2008
Where: WDW, Pop Century
How: American Airlines, DME


T minus 74 days and counting
October 23, 2007

The all-time-most-asked question: “You’re going again?!”
Second all-time-most-asked question: “Why on earth would you want to go alone… again?!”

I have no answer that these folks would fully understand. It takes one to know one, so they say.

There are only a handful (very small handful) of my friends that understand my love for all things Disney… er… well… obsession (let’s get that little confession out of the way, shall we?) I was perfectly happy in my little Disney world until I recognized just how far this “obsession” had gotten. I was at WalMart today. Here is what you would see if you were the cashier as I graced you with my purchase:

First the outerwear...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/11-03-07001.jpg

Then I plop this on the counter...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/11-03-07002.jpg

Then, I confidently bring this out...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/11-03-07003.jpg

Then...... I whip this little baby out...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/11-03-07004.jpg

Had I not misplaced my Minnie Mouse earrings, they would have adorned this sad picture as well.

Then… if you follow me out to my car (which I hope you don’t because you’ll freak me out)… this is what you’ll see next:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/11-03-07005.jpg

I fully expect there to be a large group of friends and family at the airport conducting an intervention before I attempt to board the plane to my Happy Place. I can, and wil,l fight them off with my maternally-acquired finesse and avoidance tactics.

Next up...
Why I do what I do and how I did what I did. (Got that?)

[Avivasmom]

LOL...love all your accessories...boy would I love to go away alone for 5 days...I too have a one who waited till Jan 2nd to be born (but almost 2 1/2 months early).

So will you be making any or have you made any ADRS?

[Anne's Family]

So will you be making any or have you made any ADRS?

Nope, no sit-down, time-eating dinners for me. I love table service with my family, but when I'm on my own, I like quick counter service and a view. I always take my food somewhere that I can watch something other than the families staring at me for being alone!

BTW, your siggie picture is adorable!

[Mrs. Bee]

Subscribing.

I wish I could take many trips to WDW. This one in January will be my 4th. I haven't been there since 1995 so I am pretty excited.

[Straughn]

Anne-
Just saw your post on the "Whose going in January" thread, so I thought I would come over here and see what you were up to! Unlike you, I have TS reservations for every night and one for lunch because I really want to try Le Cellier and that was all I could get. Once in a while I eat in the parks at dinner time, but mostly I like to go to the restaurants in the resorts. I sort of take it day by day, but I like knowing that there is something planned.

You said there were two others scheduled for the KTTK tour on the 8th. You, me and who is the third? We will have to find each other that morning. Since you have posted your picture, you will be the person I am looking for.

I am a little older than you and now there is only me at home. DH passed away a few months ago from melanoma and that is all I am going to say about it-no long discussions about his illness (now or in January). He was a Disney person, but I always joked that he thought WDW was a golf resort! He played golf and I went to the parks, so I am very comfortable "soloing" on the attractions. We usually went twice a year for 5-7 days each time which is why we decided that DVC was where we should be. Occasionally, I would fly down for a 3 or 4 day solo trip when we had DVC use or loose points. That is why I am going in January. Our second scheduled trip this year had to be cancelled, so I need to use over 100 points before 1/31.

Keep posting about your plans. I will let you know if we intersect anywhere besides KTTK.

Pat

[mnmrmustard]

Hello there!

If Disney is an illness, then I don't want the cure ;) I have a big group going in January ...we'll be in the parks towards the end of your trip :thumbsup2

And I mostly agree with your thoughts about Texas ...with the exception of Ft. Hood/Killeen. I was stationed there for just over a year back in the 80s and I must say it was a pretty desolate place. Chiggers and sand fleas and longhorns - oh my! :D

I look forward to keeping up with your pre-trippie - have a fantastic day!

[Anne's Family]

Hello there!

If Disney is an illness, then I don't want the cure ;) I have a big group going in January ...we'll be in the parks towards the end of your trip :thumbsup2

And I mostly agree with your thoughts about Texas ...with the exception of Ft. Hood/Killeen. I was stationed there for just over a year back in the 80s and I must say it was a pretty desolate place. Chiggers and sand fleas and longhorns - oh my! :D

I've grown accustomed to my illness. There IS no cure as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I'll see you in the parks?! Yes, sometimes I'd rather not include east TX with the rest of the state, but alas, my mother was born there so it seems blasphemous to leave it out. I've driven through a few sandstorms.

Subscribing.

I wish I could take many trips to WDW. This one in January will be my 4th. I haven't been there since 1995 so I am pretty excited.

Miles and miles to go before we sleep. There's time, dear.



You said there were two others scheduled for the KTTK tour on the 8th. You, me and who is the third? We will have to find each other that morning. Since you have posted your picture, you will be the person I am looking for.

Keep posting about your plans. I will let you know if we intersect anywhere besides KTTK.

Pat
Well, the two others I mentioned were pretty much you and I. Hoping I could get some interest in more. I probably wasn't too clear on that... hey, makes us look more important right?

My husband always jokes with me that when he's gone, I'll be the little old lady living in Florida working whatever job they'll give me at WDW. At least my kids would come visit me a lot! Mum on the hubby when I see you, promise. Looking forward to meeting you!

I'm very detailed on my plans and I don't vary from them much. There's so much I want to do whilst on my own. I figure if someone's plans overlap mine, all the better!

[Shmu]

Then I plop this on the counter...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/11-03-07002.jpg




Anne, I feel like I know you from POTD. Can't wait to see the pics you bring back from this trip. Never have done a solo trip but I know I would have fun. Love all your purchases. This is my favorite. Subscribing. Can't wait for more.:goodvibes

[mnmrmustard]

I've grown accustomed to my illness. There IS no cure as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I'll see you in the parks?! Yes, sometimes I'd rather not include east TX with the rest of the state, but alas, my mother was born there so it seems blasphemous to leave it out. I've driven through a few sandstorms.


Ditto on the illness - any malady that brings a smile to your face has to be a good one!

We'll have to compare iteneraries (I'll be posting mine very soon) and see if we can arrange a meet!

Yes, those sandstorms were harsh, and the mix of heat and humidity there made it pretty unbearable to work in. But it was a life experience I'll never forget :lmao:

[Anne's Family]

Anne, I feel like I know you from POTD.

Yep, my photos will hopefully much improve on this trip.

We'll have to compare iteneraries (I'll be posting mine very soon) and see if we can arrange a meet!

I dunno, can I compete with your clan? Just little 'ole me? I'll be posting my itinerary a little at a time. It's pretty detailed and sometimes includes three parks in one day. Don't laugh, I've done it before!

[Anne's Family]

Yep, posting again already. It's a slow day in suburbia.

Ok, a little more about me, myself and I before we get into the meat of the matter. I am your typical suburban stay-at-home mom. This stereotype consists of the requisite 2 (not 2.3 as the statistics note) children, a mommy-van (Chrysler Town & Country with the nifty fold-into-the-floor seats - no DVD player thank you), a two-story middle-income brick house with a large backyard and an above-ground pool. We further this stereotype by adding the fact that I have tried no less than three at-home direct sales businesses to justify my leisurely mommy lifestyle—PartyLite, Creative Memories and BeautiControl. My marketing degree from Auburn University did not prepare me for working nights away from my kids, schlepping 100 pounds of inventory in and out of strange people's homes who were talked into having "this stupid party" and hearing “no” more times in one week than I did from my own children all month. I didn’t leave a corporate job at Zale Corp (yep, Zales Jewelers guys) for this.

Nonetheless, we are determined to keep me at home with the kids, so I finally found an at-home job I can handle where I don’t have to interface with anyone and I totally set my own hours. eBay is a wonderful thing. I sell board games — and a lot of them. I won’t give out my trade secrets but it’s fun and it gets me to Disney.

So here I am, I leave for Florida on January 5, 2008 and I’ve told a total of maybe 6 people (not including my immediate family). My husband is just glad he doesn’t have to go again so soon. As I said, he loves Disney, but he’s not in danger of an intervention as I am. We were just there in June with our kids and another family. Totally different kind of trip—we were all off-site in a 3 bedroom condo. It was fun, but I was so worried about my friends having a good time (I was the planner) that I glossed over the good things for me, myself and I. Me, myself and I were bummed and we vowed to go back by ourselves as soon as possible. Of course, at the time we didn't tell anyone else of our evil plan.

I originally planned to wait until October 22 of 2008 when I turn 46. What was I thinking? How could I possibly wait an entire year? I’d have all my planning done the first month and then I’d twiddle my fingers for 11 months? I couldn't possibly stretch out a pre-trip report that long. That plan was dying a very quick death. I figured I had quite a bit of money already saved up and if I hit my eBay sales a little harder, I’d have more than enough by January to pay for the entire trip beforehand, souvenirs, food and all. eBay is my friend. Hence my trip bumps up almost a year. Gotta like that. So I’ll celebrate 45 (er, uh, I mean the 16th anniversary of my 29th birthday) a couple of months late.

Next up...
Travel agents, discount codes and booking this puppy.

[Straughn]

My husband always jokes with me that when he's gone, I'll be the little old lady living in Florida working whatever job they'll give me at WDW. At least my kids would come visit me a lot! Mum on the hubby when I see you, promise. Looking forward to meeting you!

I'm very detailed on my plans and I don't vary from them much. There's so much I want to do whilst on my own. I figure if someone's plans overlap mine, all the better!

DH and I used to discuss, with some degree of seriousness, retiring to the Orlando area and working PT for WDW. He wanted to drive a boat or be the starter at one of the golf courses and I wanted to work at a hotel registration desk. I still may get there, but retirement for me is at least 10 years away!

You are more of a detailed planner than I am. I usually figure which park I want to do each day and that is about it. That decision is based on where EMH was the day before and is that day. I always avoid the parks with EMH. I have sometimes done two parks in one day, but never three. You must start early and stay late. I usually get to the park around opening and stay at least thru lunchtime. Magic Kingdom and Epcot are both full day parks. Depending on my mood and the crowds, I can spend the better part of a day at AK, but the Studios generally only take me til early afternoon. That day is often the afternoon that I go to Downtown Disney to shop and have my Ghiradelli treat.

Oct. 22 is also my sister-in-law's birthday. She and her family are Disney fanatics as well. She is a school teacher and can't get to WDW during the school year and does not want to go at Christmas and New Year's because of the crowds. When she retires, I have promised her a week at Disney in early December so she can see the Christmas decorations. Like me, retirement for her is a few years away.

[Anne's Family]

You are more of a detailed planner than I am. I usually figure which park I want to do each day and that is about it.

I'm with you, I don't normally go on EMH days. When I do three parks, it's usually because I just want to see Wishes or Illuminations and that's the only reason I hit the third park. I do start early and stay late. I've got pretty strong legs and feet. I don't have any walking problems. I can do 15 to 20 miles in one day (with rests) and be fine, thank goodness. I don't do that with the kids though, although they probably would follow me anywhere. I just move faster on my own. I would drive a travelling partner insane. This trip, I've decided to enter some EMH parks after EMH has begun just to see the parks at night.

If I had a wonderful DVC resort to go back and relax to, I probably wouldn't be in the parks as much either. Going back to Pop can be a little depressing by yourself. You've got a great thing there, enjoy it! My husband had a fleeting thought of DVC, but was afraid ALL our vacations would be at WDW. I thought, "What would be wrong with that?!!"

[Anne's Family]

You'll probably notice old dates below. That's because I actually started writing this early this month and just now posting it. Don't worry, you're not in some sort of time warp, but I think I may be.

So here I am, embarking on my second solo trip and my 10th trip overall. (So I guess it's an anniversary of sorts?!) The last solo trip was January of 2005 and it was wonderful. Of course, for this trip, I had to ask “permission” from my kids. They are currently ages 9 and 11. I don’t think even they love Disney to the extent I do. They agreed I could go do all the things they don’t like to do (like walk fast, walk slow, see the shows, sit and watch the people, shop, take my time etc.) Last trip I tried to pull a fast one on them by telling them I was just going on vacation for a few days and not telling them where. My guilt got the best of me and I ‘fessed up. They got used to the idea of my not going with them relatively quickly.

BOOKING THIS PUPPY
So I call AAA Texas. They hook me up with my old pal Sean (he was a huge help with a family WDW trip a couple of years ago that got postponed when my dad died) and he gets me up with a great rate at Pop Century with park hopper tickets. $650 for 5 nights and a 6 day hopper pass. Not too bad. I SO wanted to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter but another $350 just wasn’t in my budget for a trip coming up this quick. Pop is great anyway. I’ll keep an eye out for any new discounts. AAA TA’s are good, but they’re not like the Disney specialist travel agents where they scope out the codes for you. I’m on the boards constantly, so I doubt I’ll miss anything coming out. The Canadians have the “park hopper with water parks” add-on going right now so I’m sure that will come out for Disney Visa holders by the end of October for January bookings. I don't think it will do much for me though.

T minus 67 days and counting
October 30, 2007

DISCOUNT CODES, discount codes. Wherefore art thou discount codes?
Disney Visa codes came out a few days ago but the park hopper upgrade didn’t help me. Why can’t they just put something out there that would make my trip FREE? Huh? They’re being so difficult. I would have to use the rack room rate, so it actually would have cost me $30 more. And why would I want to go to a water park in January—by myself? Yeah, sure I’d never see those people again, but the sight of me in my tankini might mar some children for life. I wouldn’t be able to hide behind my husband. It would be fun, but I need my kids for moral support at a water park. Disney Quest is MUCH more fun with my kids and I have no desire to hit Pleasure Island as a middle-aged suburban mommy. There’s also an annual pass rate out that would save me a bit, but not for the cost of the pass. If I were bringing the family—maybe. I’ll just sit tight with my AAA rate and dream of France’s crème brulee.

T minus 65 days and counting
November 1, 2007

AIRLINE RESERVATIONS - To book or not to book. Angst, ugh.
Time to book that flight. Historically, our flights from DFW to MCO are as much as $250 round trip on Delta, however they don’t fly direct anymore. The little buggers bugged out of DFW airport as their hub. It’s a conspiracy. Also, Southwest is always a wonderful option, as long as you don’t live in Dallas where they tell air carriers when they can and can’t fly direct to Orlando from Dallas. Bunch o’ party poopers.

$250 is about what we paid in June and it had one stop (Delta), so that’s what I budgeted for this trip. I’m not keen on that one-stop thing. It takes precious time from my Happy Place and it's one more opportunity for the powers-that-be to lose my luggage. It’s not worth using miles again for a free ticket to Florida via Atlanta. When I checked the American Airlines site, it said $186 non-stop. Hmmm. Not bad, but should I wait? I sat on my hands for a couple of days and sure enough, last night a $162 flight popped up. The times were perfect. I could leave Dallas at 9:15a and have most of the day at WDW. The return flight would be at 9:00pm from Orlando so I’d have another good part of the day to tour. I wavered a bit thinking it might go lower and decided I didn’t want to lose those fantastic times. So, with tax it was $186.20 and I booked it. I wring my hands and utter the evil laugh… I’m closer, I’m getting closer. All you people who don’t understand can just eat my pixie dust.. Heh, heh, heh.

SEATGURU.COM. Oh yeah, this is cool.
With a tip from the Boards, I checked SeatGuru.com regarding where to sit on the plane. I’d be flying in a 757 each way but all the recommended seats were already taken. Figures. I didn’t know this, but only certain seats have DC ports which I assume you can plug into to power a laptop and such. My laptop battery only lasts 2 hours and I want to do stuff on the plane, so I reserved a seat that had power ports. Now I find out that I may need an adapter that costs $150 or so. THAT won’t happen anytime soon. Maybe the laptop fairy will visit me this Christmas. Nevertheless, that SeatGuru.com is a cool site.

Next up... TOURS, PLANNING, SHOPPING and CARRYING ALL THAT CRAP

[DISNEYmooner2008]

Subbing - Looks great so far - we'll be there 1/6-1/13.

[mnmrmustard]

Very cool that you've been able to find a good job that you can do from home and doesn't involve hitting up friend and relatives to do those parties. It is funny that you did the creative memories thing though.

I purchased thier software to create scrapbooks for each family when we return from the trip since I'll be taking the majority of the pictures. I wouldn't touch real scrapbooking with a 10 foot pole, but doing it on my laptop and sending in the result for someone else to process is something I think I can handle :surfweb:

As far as the planning you've done so far you seem to have a good handle on things and I'm happy to know another 'veteran' to lean on as our trip approaches :D I'm always the trip planner for our fam and have multi-tab spreadsheets and everything :thumbsup2 My goal with this trip is to have stuff planned but not get cranky when things don't go as planned ;)

On the airline thing specifically we kept checking and re-checking different sites and ended up with a very good rate flying out locally instead of having to drive several hours for once! The funny thing is that our tickets were $20 cheaper per ticket than flying out of SFO, which is the hop we take to get to Orlando - same flight number and everything :lmao:

Where do you go to look for the Disney Visa codes? We just recently applied for/received/& started using the Chase/Disney visa and are still learning all the ins and outs of it.

Catcha later - I gotta get some sleep!

[Anne's Family]

Ok, I think there's only about 2 people watching this trip report! That's cool. Less work for me!

I purchased thier software to create scrapbooks for each family when we return from the trip since I'll be taking the majority of the pictures. I wouldn't touch real scrapbooking with a 10 foot pole, but doing it on my laptop and sending in the result for someone else to process is something I think I can handle :surfweb:

I was a die-hard CM fan (and still truly believe in their products - if you like having them spread out all over your house when you want to work.) I've begun using TopLine Creations digital scrapbooking. I've got the software right on my laptop (don't have to go on the net to use it). I've already had one photobook made - our last trip to WDW. It's fabulous! I'll never go back to paper!

As far as the planning you've done so far you seem to have a good handle on things and I'm happy to know another 'veteran' to lean on as our trip approaches :D I'm always the trip planner for our fam and have multi-tab spreadsheets and everything :thumbsup2 My goal with this trip is to have stuff planned but not get cranky when things don't go as planned ;)

Oh yes, my spreadsheets are out of hand. The budget one has been the focus of late. Now the itinerary one is getting a lot of attention. I've copied TourGuideMike's info for each day and added my itinerary to it. That way, I'll have his info right at my fingertips when my plans get thrown to the wind.

Where do you go to look for the Disney Visa codes? We just recently applied for/received/& started using the Chase/Disney visa and are still learning all the ins and outs of it.

Chasevisa.com If you set up your Disney Visa where you can keep up with it online, they'll send emails about discounts usually. Otherwise you just find the page with Disney offers on it. I like to keep up with my Rewards dollars, I've got $45 for this trip so far and at least $45 more coming before I leave. Gotta like that!

Another installment coming up today. It's really easy when you've already got it all written. Trouble will come when my posting catches up with my pre-writing.

Make sure you've got nice big lime green Mickey heads hanging off those ECVs!

[Anne's Family]

Very long post here. This is easy when it's already written weeks ago! Not much more though, I'll have to think up some more witty stuff.

TOURS—Happy happy joy joy
So what does one do when one does not have children in tow? Tours! Oh, I love tours. Doin’ the happy dance. I’m an informationalholic, especially about WDW. I own way too many guidebooks, WDW history books and Disney biographies. It’s sick, I know (but I’m still fightin’ off those intervention people at the airport). Last solo trip I took the Backstage Magic tour and was totally engrossed in it. SO much cool stuff! I would even do it again if it weren’t so expensive. This time I’ll do the Keys to the Kingdom tour ($60) and the Wild By Design tour (Animal Kingdom, $60). I might do the little one-hour Behind the Seeds tour too as it’s only $14. I called WDW Tours and because I own that wonderful Disney Visa, I got 20% off of both tours! Gotta love that. (I say that a lot don’t I?) This trip is getting cheaper by the day. Good eBay sales this week too.

IMAGINEER’S FIELD GUIDE BOOKS—The informationaholic’s very good friend
I’ve practically got every one of my days already mapped out. My plan this trip is to really take it all in. I’ve got the Imagineer’s Field Guide books and I want to take each one into the parks and read them again as I go along so I can really “see” what the book is talking about. Boy, am I gonna look REALLY geeky! I love it. Tourist du jour. But, you know, WDW is so rich in detail. Way too much of it is missed rushing from ride to ride. Don’t get me wrong, I still plan to do my rides! Wouldn’t miss that! But I want to slow down and see the details. These books are so rich in information AND they’re small enough to carry around! I wish they would put one out for Disney Studios (sorry, can’t do the Disney Hollywood Studios, too much of a mouthful) before I leave, but so far they only have the three other parks.

PLANNING, planning and more plaaaaaaaaaannnniiiinnnng.
I’ll spend the next two months tweaking my schedule to get in everything I really want to do. I even have my park hopping down to a science. It’s much easier following your pre-determined plan when you don’t have others with you. MUCH easier. I can change my mind on a dime too. I don’t mind changing plans when I get there, I just HAVE to have some kind of plan in place though. I love, love, love planning. Unfortunately, it tends to take over my life approximately two months before a trip up until I leave. My fingers are constantly on the keyboard searching the Boards for more information on anything and everything. Obsession is a terrible thing. I won’t bore you with my hour-by-hour plans, we’ll just cross that bridge when we get to it.

STUFF I JUST HAD TO BUY - Can't resist those sample racks at Target.
Okay, how much money do you spend preparing for your trip to the World? Besides the airfare, park tickets, resort and tours, there is so much other stuff one just MUST have to make the trip more enjoyable and comfortable. Or at lease we THINK we must have them.

All new clothes. I’ve tried to back off of this one. Last trip, I think I sunk $100 in new clothes. Some “wick-away” shirts that were supposed to keep me dry when I sweat (for our May/June trip). They just don’t tell you that those suckers STAY wet for 5 hours after a ride on Kali River Rapids. Now that was uncomfortable. And I bought 4 of those babies. Furthermore, I own way too much Disney-themed apparel already. I think I’ll just be looking for a new sweatshirt type zippered jacket with a hood. Problem is, my hiney gets REALLY cold and I need one that covers it. We’re talking January here. It’ll take two months to find it (the jacket, not my hiney—no problems finding that). I get cold just thinking about cold. My husband says I have no blood flow to my extremities. (He’s not considering my head an extremity is he?)

Toiletries. I love, love, love travel size junk. And let’s face it, it’s pretty much junk. I never use half of what I buy. I have these visions of using that cute little sample tube of facial scrub, apricot lotion and scented powder every night as I get ready to tuck myself in. No dice, I wash the face and I pass out… every time. I don’t even do the warm bath with the relaxing bath salts that I invariably bring along. None of that this trip. I’ve already got my little scented travel candles so I’ll bring those.

Now there’s something I DID buy this trip that I may or may not use. A rain jacket and rain PANTS. They’re sort of clear and I got them in the camping department. The pants just slip over whatever you’re wearing and have an elastic waistband. I hate the feeling of my pants being soaking wet from the knees down. So I’m bringing these and my trusty, dusty Mickey umbrella. All I really need to complete this geeky little look is the clear shoe covers. Probably not happening, I do have my limits (despite what most may think). I’ll let you know how this turns out.

I think I may break down and buy some Crocs. Ugly as they may be, and despite my vow to never bow to the fad of the day. I’ve heard too much good press about them. So I’m looking at the least offensive style I can find—the Troika in black. None of those pesky holes for January for me.

CARRYING ALL THAT CRAP, or rather... those things I may need in case of a hurricane, typhoon, evacuation or hangnail.
Ok, I’ve tried just about everything. I’ve carried backpacks, tote bags, belt packs, neck pouches, photographer’s vest, cargo pants, you name it—it’s hung off of my body at WDW. I’m the original Disney pack mule. I’ve always loved the photographer’s vest because I don’t have to go through security bag check with it. It does bring out the true Disney Geekiness though. And everyone thinks I work there. In Animal Kingdom they might as well have paid me for all the questions I answered from guests. All I need to complete the look is a cool Indiana-Jones hat and one of those dead bugs in a box to carry around to show the kids. I’d fit right in… and eventually get arrested I’m sure. Here's what it looks like...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/image0001.jpg
Yeah, lookin' pretty official there huh?

So, as sad as it is, I’ll forego the vest-of-the-many pockets this trip. I’d like to carry the nifty rain pants, umbrella and my Imagineer books, as well as my camera. A belt pack may be a little stuffed. Besides, in the cold weather, a belt pack makes me look pregnant under all that clothing. A 45 year old really gets sad stares when she looks pregnant. (But hey, I’d always get a seat on the bus!) So, I’m going to steal (ok, borrow), my son’s small backpack in which he keeps his Nintendo stuff. (Did you catch that proper grammar? My 10th grade English teacher would be proud.) He can sacrifice for his mamma for a few days. Besides, with a backpack, I can bring back many food items from the parks to my room for my late-night noshing. Ziplocs are a wonderful thing.

Next installment... More new stuff... and the ITINERARY (How many parks can one do in one day if one could do in one day more than one park? Hmmmm?)

[springandmac]

Ok, I think there's only about 2 people watching this trip report! That's cool. Less work for me!

I'm following along too. I'm just more of a lurker though.

Your going the exact same dates I am and we'll both be at POP on the 5th and then I move to BCV for the rest of my stay.

I have KTTK booked for the 7th but I'm considering seeing if I can switch to the 8th since there are a few solo people going and then I won't feel so solo.

Did you get in on the wishes cruise with DISNEYmooner2008 on 1/8?

Of course, I have all these big plans (planned out and paid for) but with one tiny problem. I still haven't told my DH or DD14. :scared1: DH coined the phrase "too much Disney" on our last trip and DD14 told me that I was a Disney Freak and I quote "I'm getting tired of Disney, and I don't want to go back". Well DH has now informed me that he likes the resorts but isn't interested in the parks so much and DD14 asked me last night at the dinner table when we were going back? When I told her maybe next Halloween she told me that that was too long to wait and she wished she could go now. :confused3

So needless to say pulling off a solo trip is going to be a little harder than I had originally anticipated. :sad1: DH doesn't like me to travel by myself and I fear that he's going to insist I take DD and that would pretty much ruin the purpose of this solo trip. (Not that I don't love DD, but....you know....sometimes you just need a break).

Well, I didn't mean to hijack your thread, but wanted to let you know that people are reading your pre-trip report and enjoying.

[Anne's Family]

I hope you can switch your KTTK tour. It would be fabulous to have 3 solos on it!

I know about the angst of telling the family you're going alone. If it helps, tell DH you've got lots of online people looking out for you. On the other hand, that may freak him out - people you've met online, eek. Good luck telling them. Been there, done that, had to smooth some feathers. But hey, I'm 45, I can handle myself on a trip by myself. And I know my way around Disney so well, I think it makes DH more comfortable. It helps to promise a future trip for everyone.

Yes, I'll be on the Wishes cruise with Disneymooner2008. She'll be quite adorable, I'm sure. I remember what it's like to be a newlywed, even after 13 years. It'll be fun to be around her and her new husband.

You can hijack my thread anytime!

[springandmac]

On the other hand, that may freak him out - people you've met online, eek.

That made me laugh out loud. He wouldn't find any comfort in that, he thinks the internet is the root of all evil. :rotfl:

Yes, I'll be on the Wishes cruise with Disneymooner2008. She'll be quite adorable, I'm sure. I remember what it's like to be a newlywed, even after 13 years. It'll be fun to be around her and her new husband.

I'll be there too. (I"m starting to feel like a stalker. :cool2: POP, KTTK tour, the Wishes cruise.)

[Anne's Family]

Hee, hee, hee. We've got to get our jollies somewhere!

[DISNEYmooner2008]

Yes, I'll be on the Wishes cruise with Disneymooner2008. She'll be quite adorable, I'm sure. I remember what it's like to be a newlywed, even after 13 years. It'll be fun to be around her and her new husband.

Awwwww..... That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :goodvibes

[mnmrmustard]

Ok, I think there's only about 2 people watching this trip report! That's cool. Less work for me!

I'm sure all of ours will ramp up as 'go time' draws near ;)

I was a die-hard CM fan (and still truly believe in their products - if you like having them spread out all over your house when you want to work.) I've begun using TopLine Creations digital scrapbooking. I've got the software right on my laptop (don't have to go on the net to use it). I've already had one photobook made - our last trip to WDW. It's fabulous! I'll never go back to paper!

I have the StoryBook Creator 2 Pro on my laptop and it seems pretty straight forward. I use Photoshop extensively so I can add in any digital layers I need to. One of my co-workers showed me the finished product of one of hers and I was pretty impressed.

Oh yes, my spreadsheets are out of hand. The budget one has been the focus of late. Now the itinerary one is getting a lot of attention. I've copied TourGuideMike's info for each day and added my itinerary to it. That way, I'll have his info right at my fingertips when my plans get thrown to the wind.

Yes, budget is always a fun one ...right now I'm just happy to be able to check off a few items as already paid for :thumbsup2

Chasevisa.com If you set up your Disney Visa where you can keep up with it online, they'll send emails about discounts usually. Otherwise you just find the page with Disney offers on it. I like to keep up with my Rewards dollars, I've got $45 for this trip so far and at least $45 more coming before I leave. Gotta like that!
Another installment coming up today. It's really easy when you've already got it all written. Trouble will come when my posting catches up with my pre-writing.
Make sure you've got nice big lime green Mickey heads hanging off those ECVs!

I'll have to see if DW has set up the account for online access yet - she traditionally handles the account stuff. We've only made a few purchases on the card so we'll be lucky to have $5 in rewards dollars by the time we go - lol And on the LGMHs - I've done custom ones in photoshop and will be posting info about them on the January thread :D

So what does one do when one does not have children in tow? Tours!

Yeah, I looked into those, but alas t'was not to be for this trip. You'll have to fill me in on all the cool stuff you learned in your trip report when we all get back!

PLANNING, planning and more plaaaaaaaaaannnniiiinnnng.
I’ll spend the next two months tweaking my schedule to get in everything I really want to do. ... Unfortunately, it tends to take over my life approximately two months before a trip up until I leave.

Yes, just posted mine for the first time after tweaking it a dozen times and I'm sure there's more tweakin' to come! What, only 2 months???

I think I’ll just be looking for a new sweatshirt type zippered jacket with a hood. Problem is, my hiney gets REALLY cold and I need one that covers it. We’re talking January here. It’ll take two months to find it (the jacket, not my hiney—no problems finding that). I get cold just thinking about cold. My husband says I have no blood flow to my extremities. (He’s not considering my head an extremity is he?)

Now that's just funny - thank you for the chuckle :lmao:

Now there’s something I DID buy this trip that I may or may not use. A rain jacket and rain PANTS. They’re sort of clear and I got them in the camping department.

Yes indeed - a very good investment! We have really good rain jackets that we bought at Big 5 and they stood up very well in DL durning the downpours while everyone else was buying those super-cheapo disney ponchos that fall apart as soon as you take them out of the package :P

I think I may break down and buy some Crocs. Ugly as they may be, and despite my vow to never bow to the fad of the day. I’ve heard too much good press about them. So I’m looking at the least offensive style I can find—the Troika in black. None of those pesky holes for January for me.

We'll at least be getting those for our girls - but DW and I will be picking up another brand ...the name escapes me atm, but they have more support than crocs, which both DW and I need.

CARRYING ALL THAT CRAP, or rather... those things I may need in case of a hurricane, typhoon, evacuation or hangnail.
Ok, I’ve tried just about everything. I’ve carried backpacks, tote bags, belt packs, neck pouches, photographer’s vest, cargo pants, you name it—it’s hung off of my body at WDW. I’m the original Disney pack mule.

That's always me on trips too - the family sherpa! Last time I actually converted my video camera case into a fanny pack on sterroids - it was quite a sight, but fit all that I needed. This time I've picked up a camera backpack which will carry my video cam, DSLR, point-n-shoot, assorted accessories, and anything else we can fit in it. I've walked around with it fully loaded and it reminds me of my military days - lol.

Next installment... More new stuff... and the ITINERARY (How many parks can one do in one day if one could do in one day more than one park? Hmmmm?)

I look forward to it!

[Anne's Family]

Ok, you’d think I was leaving tomorrow. I’ve spent EVERY spare minute I have on the boards, gathering more and more information and ideas. More than I could possible dream to use on a 5 day trip. Can’t stop... I’m drawn to the light… It calls to me… ZAP!



Ooh, ooh, only 52 more days
November 13, 2007

I’m paid up! I’ve saved ALL the $$$ I need for this little excursion. AAA has been paid, the airfare has been paid and I have money in the bank for souvenirs, food and “incidental” (which usually turn out to be more souvenirs).

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Picture of the Day thread on the Boards. Ugh, I need a new camera. I love my digital but the zoom sort of… well… sucks. Didn’t really think about that little detail when I bought it. 3X just don’t cut it. So I’m eyeing a new Panasonic Lumix. I’ve got two months to work on that. Gotta make that money first. Sell, sell, sell! Business is good.

I’ve got my preliminary schedule down. I’m quite overly detailed in my planning (you won't see that part of it yet - it's embarassing). But believe it or not, I usually follow it pretty closely, especially when I’m on my own. I’m a slave driver, yep. But, hey, I’m driving me, myself, and I and they don’t mind much.

I have planned NO table service meals. I prefer to get my food and stake out a viewing spot somewhere in the park to watch the local wildlife (yeah, people are wildlife in my book). I don’t particularly want to sit inside the 4 walls of a restaurant where the only things to watch are possibly the entertainment and other people engaged in conversation and wondering when the rest of my party will arrive. I’m not self-conscious necessarily, I just wouldn’t want to worry people, poor things. They might get too jealous too, seeing as they'll be longing for solitary.

So here it is… phase one of the planning, always subject to change:

Saturday, January 5, 2008
12:45p arrive at MCO airport
Lunch at Pop Century food court
3:00p head for MK for that first look at the castle (I just have to do this first, no matter what.) Stick around until dark to see the castle lights.
Move over to Disney Studios for Osborne Lights (this is the next to the last day for them and I didn’t want to go on the last day—too crowded)
Quick hop back to Magic Kingdom for Wishes at 8p (optional)
(Yep, that’s three parks on the first day)

Sunday, January 6
Animal Kingdom until closing at 5p
Hop to Epcot for Illuminations
MK for EMH or back to resort to rest
(Yep, another three-park today. You think I’m crazy, I know. We’ll see when you read the post-trip report!)

Monday, January 7
Epcot all day
Disney Studios for EMH

Tuesday, January 8
Magic Kingdom for Keys to the Kingdom tour (5 hours)
Magic Kingdom the rest of the day through Wishes
Wishes cruise with other DISers
Evening open (no EMH)

Wednesday, January 9
Disney Stuidos for the morning and afternoon
Animal Kingdom for EMH
Downtown Disney

Thursday, January 10
Animal Kingdom Wild By Design Tour
Lunch in one of the four parks
DME to airport at 6p
Fly home at 9p.

You’re probably tired just reading all that aren’t you? Ok, I’ll give you a little break. We're gone camping for the weekend. Interesting little place called Dinosaur Valley - has real dinosaur tracks - honest. We take our little Coleman popup camper. I'm spoiled on it now, no more tent camping for mama. I plan on purchasing many Mickey items to stock it this trip. It'll be Mickey-tricked out for our next camping trip.

Until next post. Haven't come up with that one yet.

[DISNEYmooner2008]

Saturday, January 5, 2008
12:45p arrive at MCO airport
Lunch at Pop Century food court
3:00p head for MK for that first look at the castle (I just have to do this first, no matter what.) Stick around until dark to see the castle lights.
Move over to Disney Studios for Osborne Lights (this is the next to the last day for them and I didn’t want to go on the last day—too crowded)
Quick hop back to Magic Kingdom for Wishes at 8p (optional)
(Yep, that’s three parks on the first day)

Sunday, January 6
Animal Kingdom until closing at 5p
Hop to Epcot for Illuminations
MK for EMH or back to resort to rest
(Yep, another three-park today. You think I’m crazy, I know. We’ll see when you read the post-trip report!)

Monday, January 7
Epcot all day
Disney Studios for EMH

Tuesday, January 8
Magic Kingdom for Keys to the Kingdom tour (5 hours)
Magic Kingdom the rest of the day through Wishes
Wishes cruise with other DISers
Evening open (no EMH)

Wednesday, January 9
Disney Stuidos for the morning and afternoon
Animal Kingdom for EMH
Downtown Disney

Thursday, January 10
Animal Kingdom Wild By Design Tour
Lunch in one of the four parks
DME to airport at 6p
Fly home at 9p.

We plan on being at EPCOT all day January 7th and MK all day January 8th - Maybe we'll run into you before the Cruise :thumbsup2

[mnmrmustard]

Oh yes, my spreadsheets are out of hand. The budget one has been the focus of late. Now the itinerary one is getting a lot of attention. I've copied TourGuideMike's info for each day and added my itinerary to it. That way, I'll have his info right at my fingertips when my plans get thrown to the wind.

I'm on TGM too! They were a big help with planning my itinerary :D

Chasevisa.com If you set up your Disney Visa where you can keep up with it online, they'll send emails about discounts usually. Otherwise you just find the page with Disney offers on it. I like to keep up with my Rewards dollars, I've got $45 for this trip so far and at least $45 more coming before I leave. Gotta like that!


Talked to DW and she already had it linked with our other account (United Mileage Plus) so I'm working my way around the site now :)

[Straughn]

I arrive late morning on the 5th. My plan is similar to Anne's. I will pick up my rental car, make a grocery stop for the DVC apartment, check-in at BWV (hope and pray mine is ready) and then head to the MK for a look at the castle and then back to the Studios for the Osborne lights. All of this is followed by dinner at Flying Fish. Depending on my timing, Anne, maybe we could meet for the Osborne lights. If the villa isn't ready until after 3 PM, that may put a crimp in my plans. I can always do the castle on Sunday night assuming the lights will still be on. The pictures I have seen are ab-so-lute-ly gorgeous.

I'll have to look at my tenative schedule for the rest of the week to see where I am on each day. Tuesday is MK and Monday is Epcot, but I don't remember the rest.

I have used TGM in the past-he is very good. But I have done the parks so much, that I pretty much know how to beat the system. This is also not a crowded time at WDW so the lines for the attractions are much shorter.

What is the Wishes cruise? Is that on Bay Lake to look at the fireworks?

Pat

[Anne's Family]

Back from camping for the weekend.

... head to the MK for a look at the castle and then back to the Studios for the Osborne lights.

Yep, exactly what I'll be doing. I want to get to the Osborne lights as close to 6pm as I can so I can get back to MK for Wishes. I love seeing it on my first day in the world.


... Depending on my timing, Anne, maybe we could meet for the Osborne lights. I'll be there at 6p!


... I have used TGM in the past-he is very good. But I have done the parks so much, that I pretty much know how to beat the system. This is also not a crowded time at WDW so the lines for the attractions are much shorter.

Yes, I've been in January too. I still like to go by TGMs least crowded parks. You just never know what's going on that you didn't expect. I park hop much more than he suggests obviously!

... What is the Wishes cruise? Is that on Bay Lake to look at the fireworks?

Pat

I believe the Wishes cruise is on Bay Lake. Allears.net has a little blurb on it. It's not cheap. I tagging along with 9 other DIS people and it's costing $35 just for me. It'll be worth it though. My last Wishes viewing won't be in a crowded park trying to exit.

Ok, I'll be posting a little more early this week. Later!

[Shmu]

Just popping in and letting you know I'm still reading. I have never done a solo trip but I know I would enjoy it. Can't wait to read your TR when you return. BTW, we have done 3 parks in one day. On this past trip we checked into our hotel, went to MK, EPCOT for dinner, then MGM to meet up with our friends. We had so much adrenaline going. It also helped to get some things out of our system so we could slow down and enjoy the rest of our trip.

[springandmac]

I hope you and Straughn don't mind but I switched my KTTK tour to the 8th.

[Msslaydbug]

I can't wait to read more ! I would love to go by myself at some point !

[Straughn]

I hope you and Straughn don't mind but I switched my KTTK tour to the 8th.

Don't mind at all. The more, the merrier.

[Anne's Family]

I hope you and Straughn don't mind but I switched my KTTK tour to the 8th.


That's wonderful!!! I think we'll have a fabulous time! It's perfect that we're all solo. We'll all be in touch closer to that time to coordinate anything else. Lunch will be in order afterwards if anyone is up to it.

[springandmac]

Lunch will be in order afterwards if anyone is up to it.


Don't forget, lunch at Columbia Harbour House is included with the tour. I wonder if it's during the tour or after the tour? My morning bowl of oats might not tide me over for 5 hours. Have you ever eaten there? I wanted to on my last trip but I was with the family and I got out voted. :mad: That's why I can't wait for this solo trip, it's my chance to do everything that I want to do. :yay:

[Straughn]

I asked the customer service rep who booked my tour the question about what time we would have lunch. She said "toward the end of the tour". She didn't know exactly what time that was. I guess lunch timing is related to what time your tour starts. I may throw a protein bar in my bag. There is also probably time to grab something (popcorn) from one of the street carts.

I ate lunch at Columbia Harbor House once a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it-it was not crowded and the food was good. I remember that I had the clam chowder which wasn't as thick as I would have liked, but was flavorful.

Anne- Are you aware that the castle lighting event doesn't start until 5:45? Apparently, it is a show on the castle stage. There is a review on Allears.net. The Osbourne lights are turned on at 6 PM and stay on for one hour after the Studios close. It may make for tight scheduling to do both in one evening when you factor in travel time between the parks. I have to see what time the Studios close on the 5th. Since Jan 6 is the last night for both, I may do the castle on the 5th and the lights on the 6th.

[Anne's Family]

Forgot lunch is included in the KTTK tour. I was thinking the Wild By Design tour I'm doing on the 10th. It's only a continental breakfast.

I LOVE Columbia Harbour House. My favorite is the Galley Salad, but I've heard very good things about the tuna sandwich. Can't imagine a tuna sandwich getting rave reviews, but I'll give it a try.

Yes, I knew about the castle lighting. I'll probably be leaving MK before dark to go to the Studios anyway. I just want my view down Main Street to be the first WDW thing I do. Then off to Osborne and back to MK for Wishes.

[Anne's Family]

Springandmac - you must tell us a little about yourself before we meet in January!

[springandmac]

Let's see....

My name is Spring. I'm 36, well I'll be 37. My birthday is the day before my trip. I'd post a photo so that you'll recognize me at the KTTK tour but sadly I don't photograph well, so I try to avoid the camera at all costs. I feel certain I'll be the only Spring on the tour though. ;)

I'm married (for the 2nd and final time). I've been married for 5 years (and for 10 years before that). I have a DD14 and DH has a DS12 and we have 3 labradors (which are like children, only better). :laughing: I'm the bookkeeper for a business my family owns and have worked there for 12 (long) years. And according to DD, I'm a disney freak and I really, really, really, need this vacation. So I hope DH understands when I finally tell him.

[Anne's Family]

Maybe you should just wait until you need a ride to the airport, then tell him. As long as DD is on your side, it's a cinch! Pixie dust for you.

[springandmac]

Maybe you should just wait until you need a ride to the airport, then tell him.

Now, that's an idea and the airport I fly out of is 2 hours away so I'd have plenty of time.

As long as DD is on your side, it's a cinch!

DD doesn't know either. She'll be none too thrilled. I was thinking of taking her on this trip but then she said she didn't want to go to Disney anymore :scared1: so I planned the trip solo. Now she's informed me that our next planned family Disney trip (November 2008) is just too far away. :confused:

Thanks for the pixie dust, I think I'll tell DH this weekend. I feel bad keeping a secret and I'm sure he's getting suspicious since I'm constantly on this laptop.

[Straughn]

Spring- I'm an accountant, so we have the number crunching business in common.

As for my friends and family- I caught the Disney bug from my husband and my stepdaughters. Most of my friends think I/(we) am/(were) crazy to go WDW twice a year. I have a very good friend who I just took a cruise with and with whom I have some other travel planned. However, she thinks "It's a Small World" is a thrill ride, so I will never invite her to go to WDW with me.

Like Anne, I am perfectly happy going on my own. Now that it is just me, I can stay in a DVC studio and stretch my points even farther, so maybe I can get one longer trip and two shorter trips in each year. I always go in the slow season (Sept thru Jan), so I can get a lot of bang for the buck on my DVC points. I get 6 weeks vacation at work which means I have plenty of time to use and don't necessarily have to be there over a weekend when it is busier.

[springandmac]

Straughn -

Wow! We have alot in common....we both do accounting, we both live in Virginia, we both have step children, we both own DVC points.

I'm trying to stretch my points too. That's why I'm staying at POP on the 5th. Then I move to BCV for the rest of my stay. I've always wanted to stay there so I'm super excited and a little nervous since this is my first solo trip.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you and Anne. (Sorry to hijack your pre- trip report, Anne. Carry on.)

[Straughn]

Anne, we are hijacking your thread!! Well we will know a lot about each other when we finally meet.

Spring-where in VA do you live? I am in Alexandria. We may have a lot in common, but I have more than a few years on you. Fortunately I don't look my age and I can trek thru WDW like a 12 year old. Are the BCV your home DVC property? Mine is the VWL, but I am at the Boardwalk this time, just for the change. We stayed at VWL the last three trips. And, by the way, my first name is Pat. Straughn is a family name I use on several boards.

[springandmac]

Pat - I live in Forest, which is a suburb of Lynchburg. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. I moved to Lynchburg when I was 8 and I've been stuck here ever since. ;)

I own points at SSR and HHI. I rented points last year from a member and we stayed at SSR for my daughters 13th birthday, the resort was nice but it just didn't click with me. Of course, me DD and DH stayed in a studio so that may not have helped either matters. The living quarters were close to say the least.

After we came home I immediately started looking into resales and for Christmas I bought myself HHI and then before my resale closed I called up Disney and did an add on at SSR. This summer we went on a family vacation and we stayed in a 2 bedroom at OKW which was really nice and extremely roomy. This trip in January will be my first stay at BCV. I'm reserving judgement on which one is my favorite until I've stayed at them all. But to be honest, I'm just happy to be at Disney so I don't really care were I stay.

But enough about me.....we need to let an have her thread back so she can tell us some more about her plans and herself. :flower3:

[Anne's Family]

Hey Pat and Spring, I'm perfectly happy to be hi-jacked. I love learning about everyone else. I'll have to talk to you guys more about DVC. My husband looked into it briefly at one of the kiosks during one of our trips but saw some kind of price tag in the 10s of thousands and slowly backed away. We didn't do a whole lot of research. I think he's afraid we'd be roped into Disney-only trips for the rest of our lives. Maybe DVC just for me? Hmmmmmmm.

It'll be so nice to meet you ladies in January. I told my DH about both of you and he's comforted a bit by the fact I'll "know" someone there. He seems to think I'm horribly lonely on these trips. Quite the opposite, I need my alone time. My children are not difficult and my life is absolutely wonderful, but I'm just not a very social person and a proven introvert according to psychological testing. I seem to fool a lot of people though!

Neverthess, the trip is progressing quite nicely. I think I'll post again after we get back from camping yet again over Thanksgiving. Thank goodness we have a popup camper or I'd strangle him.

[Straughn]

What is it with all these people who think a trip to WDW by yourself is a bad or lonely thing? Two of my co-workers just can't conceive the of idea that I might actually be having a great time. One of them can't past the idea that WDW is for families with children and how could I, childless and going by myself, possibly enjoy a trip there.

It is soooo nice to be able to do what you want, when you want, eat what you and where you want when you want, and go on an attraction as many times in a row as you want. What could be lonely or bad about that!

I had a thought last night and you are both allowed to say "bad idea". Our KTTK tour isn't until Tuesday which is 4 days into our trips. We all have our daytime plans, but I think it would be nice if we met one evening (maybe Sunday) for a drink or we did the Osbourne lights together or something like that. It would be nice to meet you both before Tuesday.

Pat

[earthfaries]

:goodvibes Hi. I just found this thread this morning and have really enjoyed reading your pre-trip report and everyone elses plans also. We are going in Jan. also, but not solo.
Hope you had a great camping trip and everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
I am obsessed with Disney also. I am the one who plans and is on DIS all day and is constantly researching and reading books, etc.
I want to check into the behind the seeds tour though, that sounds fun. Does anyone know anything about it?

[springandmac]

What is it with all these people who think a trip to WDW by yourself is a bad or lonely thing? Two of my co-workers just can't conceive the of idea that I might actually be having a great time. One of them can't past the idea that WDW is for families with children and how could I, childless and going by myself, possibly enjoy a trip there.

It is soooo nice to be able to do what you want, when you want, eat what you and where you want when you want, and go on an attraction as many times in a row as you want. What could be lonely or bad about that!

Trust me, WDW with your family isn't always what it's cracked up to be. I have vivid memories of walking out of MK in the pouring rain, sobbing like a child because my family pretty much ruined my trip. That's the exact moment I vowed that they would not be coming on my next trip. But I understand what you mean, I have no intentions of telling my family or friends because they just wouldn't understand.


I had a thought last night and you are both allowed to say "bad idea". Our KTTK tour isn't until Tuesday which is 4 days into our trips. We all have our daytime plans, but I think it would be nice if we met one evening (maybe Sunday) for a drink or we did the Osbourne lights together or something like that. It would be nice to meet you both before Tuesday.

A drink on Sunday evening sounds great to me!

[Straughn]

Today, I went over to see my mother who lives in a retirement community not to far away from me. They have an internal TV channel which posts dinner menus, announcements, etc. It always has background music playing. So I am sitting there with her waiting for tonight's dinner menu to appear ( the high light of her day) when the background music changes to the "Star Wars" theme- the one that you hear when you are walking up the ramp into Star Tours. My god, was I suddenly wishing I was there and now I am so looking forward to this trip in January. That is probably my favorite attraction at the Studios and I always get a bit of chill when I hear the theme playing as I enter.

Anne, let Spring and me know if you want to join us for a drink on Sunday night. We can decide where and timing as we get closer to January.

[Anne's Family]

Okey dokey. I'm back. Sunday sounds great. My original plans are to spend the day at Animal Kingdom (closes at 5p) and then hop over to Epcot until Illuminations. A drink and/or dinner before Illuminations up in World Showcase would be wonderful if you're up for that. Lots of great places to get together. I plan on scooting out the International Gateway to Beach Club and over to MK for EMH that same evening if I'm up to it.

[Anne's Family]

:goodvibes Hi. I just found this thread this morning and have really enjoyed reading your pre-trip report and everyone elses plans also. We are going in Jan. also, but not solo.
Hope you had a great camping trip and everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
I am obsessed with Disney also. I am the one who plans and is on DIS all day and is constantly researching and reading books, etc.
I want to check into the behind the seeds tour though, that sounds fun. Does anyone know anything about it?

Thanks, glad you've joined me! Camping was great, and wet at the end. I've got lots to report on that! Have a wonderful time in January! I'll be looking for little green Mickeys!

I haven't done Behind the Seeds yet. I plan to while I'm there. It's only about an hour long, so I'm not signing up early. I figure I can just drop by there the morning I'm in Epcot and scoop up a time for the tour sometime that day. Evidently the little kids like the tour. I'm just fascinated by how they grow their stuff.

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Me and my family will be at Pop from 1 - 15 Jan , and me and my wife have spent the last 2 Hrs laughing (you are very witty) at your enjoyable pre TR , and will be following your reports with interest.

We thought we were safe from hurricanes at this time, but are now not sure at the speed you will be moving to get your plans done we hope not to get caught in the backdraft.:)

Have a great time, we will probably pass you at some time there.

Ps we think its cool youre going youself , you will get so much more done
and with no one else to try and please for a few days (sounds like heaven on earth).:thumbsup2

[Anne's Family]

Me and my family will be at Pop from 1 - 15 Jan , and me and my wife have spent the last 2 Hrs laughing (you are very witty) at your enjoyable pre TR , and will be following your reports with interest.

Thanks for joining me! I'm just inherently laugh-at-able.

We thought we were safe from hurricanes at this time, but are now not sure at the speed you will be moving to get your plans done we hope not to get caught in the backdraft.:)

Get movin' guys! Only 36 more days for you to plan. I'd be flippin' out.



Have a great time, we will probably pass you at some time there.

Ps we think its cool youre going youself , you will get so much more done
and with no one else to try and please for a few days (sounds like heaven on earth).:thumbsup2

Thankya, thankya vera mush. I'll have a little lime green Mickey head dangling from whatever I decide to lug into the parks that day. Being on your own in Disney IS heaven. I don't have to COOK for 5 days or decide what 3 other people will eat from the same menu. I'm just giddy!

[Anne's Family]

November 26, 2007.
Painfully slow T-minus 40 days till nirvana.

So… when your trip is all paid for, your plans are pretty much set day by day, and you STILL have 40 more days to go… what do you do?



I lurk the boards.



And lurk…



And lurk…



And post…



And lurk some more.


I defect to other boards occasionally just to get more. I read everything from TourGuideMike AGAIN. I glean little tidbits of information that I will probably totally forget to look for when I’m at WDW, but love to know anyway. I figure all these things will just pop into my head at just the right moment.

"Oh yes, I read two months ago that there should be a very obscure Hidden Mickey right around that corner if you crane your neck at a 102 degree angle, look up, click your heels together three times and chant the theme to it's a small world."

I go look for more books and sit in the bookstores and read. My little stack of Disney "textbooks" give me away to unsuspecting passers-by.

"Oh, is this your first trip to Disney?" Nope, just my 10th. "You'll just love it there! We've done everything there! We even rode the Indiana Jones cars!" That's Disneyland. "Oh, Disney World isn't much different... you'll love it!" Thanks. You've supplied me with a plethora of information. I can't stand any more.

And when do I have time to do all this? When I’m supposed to be doing housework and late at night when everyone has gone to bed. Yes, you'll see the little glow in the window with me crouched in front of the endless pit I call the Boards. I set Live365 MouseWorld Radio quietly so no one can hear. I'm half tempted to turn it up loud. I will probably be severely sleep deprived before I even get there. Maybe I’ll be conditioned for less sleep by that time, ya think? Diet Coke is my friend.

Eventually I will have to clean house and make some meals to freeze for my family before I leave. Gotta do penance for leaving them on their own for almost a week. Unfortunately, I'll have to do more penance when I return since the house will be in a complete wreck as none of them know how to clean unless I'm there. There's some little bug they catch when I leave for a vacation that causes their brains to cease secreting that little substance that gives them common sense. "Well hon, I thought we did a pretty good job just getting to school every day!" You're right sweetie, I'm proud of you.

So we turn to other matters. My camera. Well, I bought a new one. Shoot me now. It’s a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 little point-and-shoot. So far I like it despite all the buttons and knobs that are designed to make even the college-educated look feeble-minded. My first set of pictures from camping were not as crisp and clear as what I really wanted, but maybe I just need a little more practice with it or a crash course in photography. I’m used to having a camera that uses regular or rechargeable AA batteries. I never run out of batteries that way. This one has a lithium ion battery pack. I’ve got to remember to keep one charging at all times. Problem is… I’ve only got two batteries and I’m not at all sure that will get me through an entire day of shooting. It'll really tick me off to go back to the resort mid-day just so I can sit for two hours and wait for a battery to recharge - that's the camera battery, not my battery. I'm the Disney Energizer Bunny. It says one charge will shoot about 200 to 300 pictures. And that’s not taking into consideration zooming, viewing and video (and the hundreds of mistakes I will make). So I figure I may go through 3 to 4 battery charges in one day. I read somewhere that the photo shop at Epcot might charge batteries for you if you leave them there, but I’d have to leave my charger too. I trust these guys for the most part, but things happen. Not sure if I want to do that. So that’s a conundrum I must figure out. (Extra batteries are at least $40 a pop.) I’ve also got 2 1G SD cards. Might be picking up one more. And well, what’s 40 more bucks when you’ve spent a thousand on your vacation, right? RIGHT??? Stay on my side here, guys. We can’t let them win.

So here I sit, on the computer AGAIN. The theme on the WDW Picture of the Day thread seems to be “Shop Window of the Week”. Oh, great. Now I’ll get tons of ideas on shops I just HAVE to visit and things I just HAVE to buy. Shut yer eyes Marge… if you look into ‘er face, you’ll get sucked in to zombie world! Too late.

[Anne's Family]

Just found out the other day that American Adventure in Epcot will close for refurbishment on January 7—the third day I’m in the World. It seems unusual for Disney to announce a refurb so close to the take down date. Why are they doing this to me? I didn’t PLAN for this!!! Don’t mess with my plan!

I had planned on being in Epcot for part of the day on the 6th, so I’ve put American Adventure at the top of my list of things to do while I’m there. And I’m wondering if it will be at the top of everyone ELSE’S list as well. It sounds like a minor refurb judging from the short down-time (only about a month). So why can’t they wait until after I leave? How rude. Ever since I took the Backstage Magic tour and saw the workings of this attraction behind the scenes, I’ve developed a very keen appreciation for it. I plan on sitting up front as close as possible to catch all the details. But I promise I won’t be one of those hoo-hahs that stop in the middle of the row. Promise.

Another attraction closing for an extensive rehab is the Narnia exhibit in the Studios. I guess that’s because the second movie will be coming out next year. I also assume it will still be a walk-through exhibit. The whole thing has always felt like an afterthought to me anyway. It will be interesting to see if they make any more out of it than it has been. Maybe it will finally be worth telling someone to go see.

So now the list of closings during my trip is quite long:
American Adventure in Epcot
Narnia Exhibit in Studios
Tony’s Town Square restaurant in MK
Splash Mountain in MK
Spaceship Earth in EP
Blizzard Beach
Minnie’s Country House in MK
Playhouse Disney

AND all the Christmas decorations pretty much come down January 6. Could I have picked a worse time to go?

Ugh. What’s the point.

Did I just say that? :shaking head briskly: Nope. Not good enough Disney. You’ll have to close a couple of parks down to really tick me off.

Next up… another trip is in the works already. You won’t believe this one.

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Enjoyed the updates,

We will be like you and get to American adventures before it shuts down.
Just a pity about some of the other closures (playhouse disney and Minnies house ) the kids will miss out (aye right!!! the big kids).

Do you think we should protest to Disney i mean dont they know we are all coming or what!!!!.;)

My wife and i enjoy this build up period and all the planning for our break we think its all part of the fun of a Disney vacation .(my wife is a serious planner but you put her in the shade). I dont think many people apart from disney bound folk realise the thought that goes into it . Your pre trip report sums up the anticipation and detail perfectly.

[Straughn]

Planners come in all styles. Paul and Anne, you two sound a little bit more detailed than I am. I figure out which park I want to go to based on the EMH schedule and that's it. Other than reservations for dinner at TS restaurants, everything else just sort of happens. I attribute some of this to having a very structured job (2 +2 must = 4) and having been married to a man who always wanted to know "The Plan". Since he rarely went to the parks with me, I could always do whatever I wanted without having to have preset time for meals and a schedule for the order in which we would tour a particular park. If I want to criss cross from Tomorrow Land back to Adventure Land, I can do it. DH would have wanted to do the park in some "logical" :rolleyes: predetermined itinerary.

I have always wanted to be one of those people who went to the bus stop at their resort in the AM and got on the first bus that showed up. I may do that sometime on one of the longer trips when I have time to visit each park once and still have days left over.

[Anne's Family]

Ah, yes. I plan. And plan, and plan. Of course, I don't always follow it to the letter and I'm never disappointed when it doesn't go exactly like I envisioned. But I have a plan. I rarely go anywhere without an idea of what I want to accomplish. I ma out my errands every morning so I don't backtrack, too. I hate time wasters.

However, on vacation, we need time wasters. I plan much less when I bring the kids along. I think we just might try the "hop on whatever bus comes first" approach next trip. The kids would think I'd lost my mind. All the more reason to do it. Gotta keep 'em guessing.

[Anne's Family]

Hmmmmm.

I got a little shock on our camping trip this last weekend. We’ve currently got a Coleman Sequoia pop-up camper. Purchased at my urging because I was quite done with tent camping after a storm turned our humble abode into a waterbed. The pop-up has been my saving grace since the family loves to camp. It’s pretty basic, no potty, shower or fridge but it does sport a nifty stove and sink as well as three beds. However, it’s 17 years old. At this campout, we began discussing the possibility of getting a newer used one that has all the amenities we don’t currently have.

The little hamster in my head immediately started pedaling on the little wheel in my head. Nice camper? Easier to take longer trips? Even to Florida. Even to … to … Fort Wilderness pray tell. So I lean over to my daughter and loudly whisper, “then maybe we can take it to Disney World!” Dear hubby pipes up, “Now THAT I can do!”

Huh? I suggested another trip to my happy place and he doesn’t roll his eyes? He doesn’t immediately discount the thought and poo-poo’s me away? Even though we just went in June and I’m going in January? Who is this guy and what did he do with my husband? I’m thinking pod people here.

He loves camping. Period. He’s been to Fort Wilderness cabins so he knows how nice the campgrounds are. The campgrounds by which all other campgrounds in the U.S. are measured.

So I push the envelope a little. “Yeah, we could even do a couple of weeks because I can get a great AAA rate. You could drive us down there and fly back. We’ll do the parks for a week or so and you can come back and we’ll spend a week just hanging out and doing the water parks with you.”

And then the alien erupts from his stomach and says, “I know you would want to stay longer than that. If we do it at the end of summer when the kids are done with swim team, we could do three weeks probably. All I would want is one day in Epcot.” And there it is. Nirvana dressed as my husband staring me in the face. I fully expect the ventriloquist to come out from behind a tree any second.

It’s three days later and he is still on board with it. But my eBay business has to help buy the new camper. Well, that might take awhile. Plus I figure I’ll have to come up with the cash for the trip as well. Ok, so this coming August would definitely be pushing it. Let’s shoot for August 2009.

Deal.

Deal? WHERE’S MY HUSBAND!!!!!!?

Never mind. I like this guy.



So now I get to do 21 months of research and planning. Pinch me.

[Anne's Family]

So I broke down.
I ordered the ugliest shoe on the face of the earth.
Crocs.

(Warning… if you REALLY love Crocs, I’ll probably offend you.)

I don’t do well in tennis shoes for some reason. Probably because I’m cheap and don't buy decent ones, but that’s another story. I didn’t want to wear tennies on this trip, so I needed an alternative besides the only other pair of comfortable shoes I own - my Land's End mocs. Boards to the rescue. Opinions all around.

I resisted for quite a long time. I read all the threads with people literally raving about Crocs' benefits and comfort and drooling over having every color. You’d think they were the best thing since the Candies fad (oh, that’s back too, oops.) So I took the bait and looked. I searched for the least offensive style possible. I naturally went to the Crocs website. I found Troikas. They don’t have those silly holes all over them and they have a bit of a closed heel. They even come in known-to-man colors like black and tan. Furthermore, they attempt to imitate a real honest-to-goodness shoe by adding a suede-type inset on the top of it. I settled on black. Least obtrusive color.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/annerice99/Disney%20pics/troika.jpg

I hate ordering shoes online. I’m always leary of fit. So I trek off to all the local stores that sell the doggone things and I feel like a traitor to my common sense. “No, I really don’t WANT these things, I’m just breaking down and looking for something comfortable to walk 18 miles a day in.” I figure if nurses wear them (educated, common-sensical, professional, practical nurses), then I can check them out.

I don’t find Troikas anywhere. I looked at probably 10 different stores and none of them carry this style. So I guiltily try on the lovely holey ones to judge the size I need. Women’s 9. That’s embarrassing.

So back to the internet. The REI site had the best price with shipping, so I bit the $45 bullet. This trip is getting more expensive by the day. So the dreaded Crocs arrive 3 days later and I’ve been wearing them as much as possible, hoping no one really notices. So far, so good. Even my husband hasn’t noticed my lapse into Croc territory. Time will tell whether these babies earn my respect or tolerance.

[springandmac]

I bit the bullet too. I snagged a pair of Disney crocs from disneyshopping.com for $25 a few months ago. I haven't been brave enough to wear them out in public yet. And unfortunately mine are pink so they match pretty much nothing I own. We should wear our crocs on the KTTK tour, then neither one of us will feel silly sporting the ugliest shoe known to mankind.

[Anne's Family]

Support group... "Hello, my name is Anne and I own a pair of Crocs." Is there a 12 step program?

[Straughn]

I can't wear the shoe/clog style of Crocs. The size 9's are too short for my left foot and I walk out of the next size up. I have a flexible arch which causes my left foot to jump a 1/2 size when I stand. I have always worn a 9 because of this, but Crocs just don't fit. Heaven only knows how many pairs of them I have tried. I do have a pair of Crocs flip flops which I love. I wore them all summer, but they won't do for treking around WDW. I have two pairs of Privos, which are made by Clarks, that I will bring to wear during the day. They are light weight like Crocs but are a shoe not a clog style. I can walk for hours in them. I suspect that I will have jeans or khakis on most days and the Privos look fine with pants. They would be a little dorky with shorts.

Anne, you will probably love the Crocs once you get used to them. I know so many people who said the same thing you did about how ugly they are. Once they wore a pair, they loved them and in one case, won't wear anything else unless she is getting really dressed up.

[Shmu]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
I too entered into the land of Crocs on our last WDW trip this past Sept. We took a family oath to never be a Croc family. In 2006, DH and I went alone to WDW and played a game--Looking for the largest family with ALL of them wearing Crocs. Yep, we found a mom, dad, and 5 kids all wearing loud color Crocs. We laughed and said, "No, never Us" Well, on our last trip I found a pair of Pirate of the Caribbean Crocs on clearance sale. I couldn't resist. I put them on my feet and entered into Croc Land. I tell myself, at least I have a little "cool factor" going on with the Pirates theme. pirate:

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Hi everyone , just a little add on to your croc discussion,
I visited Paris in September and lots of the French ladies were wearing them
(city of style) so anyone ribs you , just tell them the stylish french wear them.:thumbsup2

Ps Straughn and Springandmac i see you are from Virginia, I stayed there for 5 months in 1986 with my Aunt and Uncle (he was working with the British Goverment in a joint operation with the US goverment)i was only 16 and had the time of my life before i started my apprenticeship and working life . They stayed in a town called Sterling , Virginia which as i recall was about a 45 min drive to his work in the Pentegon it was very exciting for me to go work with him the odd day , He was in the special forces and now has an MBE for services to the British Empire .

My apoligies Anne, i deviate from the thread but i when i read Straughn and springandmac were from Virginia it brought back so many wonderful memories including visiting the blue ridge mountains.:goodvibes

[Anne's Family]

No problem Paul. I learn a lot about people from my own trip report! It's fun. My brother is in the Air Force and lived in Daly City, Virginia when he worked at the Pentagon. He used to tell me about the "slug lines" where he would catch a ride to work with anyone that was headed that way. He's a Colonel in New Mexico now, just out of a tour in Trashcanistan - er, I mean Afghanistan.

[Anne's Family]

I went shoooooopiiiing agaaaaiiiinnnn.

Jacket. Oh, man. I’ve got tons of light jackets and I have my Nanook of the North coat. Nothing in between. From my past experience of WDW in January, my light jackets aren’t going to cut it at night. Last time I was wearing gloves and earmuffs. I’m a real wuss. Nanook would be a little overkill (although I’m sure I would be very comfortable in it.)

So I went looking for a middle-weight jacket. I wanted pockets, lots of pockets. I’m considering trying to forgo the backpack and use clothing for storage. So I find one. Regular $40 marked down to $14 at Old Navy. Bingo! Long too. I HAVE to have something that covers the hiney because that seems to get very cold. I understand that fat gets colder than muscle. (No wonder I’m so cold all over, all the time.) It buttons up the front so I may install a new zipper for it. For that price, I don’t mind a little dirty work. So check that off my list (of which it wasn’t originally on anyway.)

Then I had this bright idea that pockets would be cool on my pants too. Cargo pants. Well, cargo pants for women are not made to be functional I have found. I naturally went to Outdoor World to look first. Oh yeah, they have ladies’ cargo pants—if you want a 2” zipper and pockets so tight you can’t get your own hand into them. What’s with that? I guess all those pockets are just for show because they certainly aren’t functional. Even if they were, if I put anything in them my pants would immediately fall to the ground for lack of waist to hold them up. I’m just not getting the style where your pants are so low on your hips that you’re seeing things that aren’t meant to be seen.

So I venture into some other sporting goods shops. One sales guy asks if I’ve tried on any men’s cargo pants. I was quietly appalled. Men and women ARE built a little differently, or didn’t ya notice sweetie? No, I haven’t tried on men’s pants. Thanks, I’ll go elsewhere.
Then that little hamster in my head starts again. Buggy little critter. I’ll try on a pair of men’s just to see. JUST TO SEE. I’ll prove this guy wrong.

Right. I’m in Academy Sports and they have tons of men’s cargo pants (no women’s of course). I have no idea what my waist measurement is, I avoid that whole sticker shock scenario. So I take a guess. I also have to guess at inseam length. Why do men get to choose sizes like this and we don’t? We get short, average and tall. Well, I’m somewhere between average and Lerch-length so things don’t always work out for me in that respect. So I take a stab in the dark. Which is where I should have tried them on because I was unpleasantly shocked that they actually fit. I officially have no waist. But it did have a nice big army belt. That was cool. My pants will actually stay up. They are flared at the bottom too - covers as much of those dadgum Crocs as possible. So I write cargo pants on my list so that I can cross them off.

So I have my new jacket and my new cargo pants. Picture a middle-aged Kim Possible and you get the idea—with a lot less hair and more surface to cover (and without the belly button exposure - wouldn’t want to scare anybody, you know.)

[Straughn]

Anne-you were up late last night. You posted at almost 1 AM. Actually, I was up too but I was watching the Philosphy show on QVC. I think your brother lived in Dale City. That is about 15 miles south of me and the slug lines can be long. What does he do in the Air Force? DH was a retired AF B-52 pilot. His military funeral and inurnment in Arlington Cemetery are in two weeks. We are trying to get approval for a missing man formation fly-over. It has made it thru the AF approval channels and now we are hoping the aircraft and pilots are available to do this.

Paul-As for a 45 minute commute from Sterling to D.C.-that would be a dream come true for today's commuters. It is at least an hour during prime time. I live 7 miles from my office in Alexandria and it can take me 20 minutes.

I am not doing a lot of shopping for this short trip to Disney. I have plenty of jeans and khakis for daytime and I bring shirts and sweaters to layer. I have a Poltarc pullover that I always pack because it is light weight and very warm. I just hate having to lug the extra layers around the parks after the weather warms up later in the day. I have been know to rent one of the little lockers just to put a sweater or jacket in so that I won't have to carry it. I have one "over-the-body" style bag that I carry around the parks and a black leather fanny pack bag which also works as a shoulder bag. I am a handbag "nut" and will bring several with me.

[Anne's Family]

Anne-you were up late last night. You posted at almost 1 AM. Actually, I was up too but I was watching the Philosphy show on QVC. I think your brother lived in Dale City. That is about 15 miles south of me and the slug lines can be long. What does he do in the Air Force? DH was a retired AF B-52 pilot. His military funeral and inurnment in Arlington Cemetery are in two weeks. We are trying to get approval for a missing man formation fly-over. It has made it thru the AF approval channels and now we are hoping the aircraft and pilots are available to do this.

Yes, I was up late. Reading the darned Boards. Before you know it, it's the wee hours of the morning.

Oops, Dale City, typo. My brother was originally EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). He now works nuclear weapons in New Mexico. He's only 48. He was going to retire if he didn't make Col. but he did and will be pinned on soon. My kids will finally get to see their 4 cousins after almost 2 years.

I'll be thinking about you in two weeks. Arlington Cemetery is so beautiful.

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Hi Straughn,

Hope u get your fly over, and everything goes well.

Paul

[Anne's Family]

Only one month to go before I don't have to cook, clean, pick-up clutter, do the laundry, feed the cats, run a Girl Scout meeting, attend a Cub Scout function, do any research, sell anything on eBay, trim the bushes, empty the trash, sweep the sidewalk, check the pool, go through the mail, help with math homework I've long forgotten, drive a car, run errands, shop for groceries, file, organize, answer the phone when I don't want to and get up early if I don't want to.

Sure, I'll miss my DH and kids. Many people have asked me how in the world I could leave my kids for 6 days. In my opinion, it's a good thing for all of us. When I grew up, my mom never went anywhere unless it was with the whole family. She barely had a life outside of taking care of us. Dad worked, went on business trips to cool places and visited friends when he could. Mom stayed home. Motherhood didn't look all that appealing to me as I grew up. It wasn't until we were all out of the house that mom finally took trips with her girlfriends.

I want my kids to know that their mother is a person too. Motherhood is fulfilling but the rest of my life is not on total hold. I am independent and I'm not afraid to do things on my own. I have very distinct interests that I follow through on. I take care of myself as well as them. The world does not revolve around them (as some kids these days obviously think). I hope I am teaching my daughter to be independent and my son to respect a woman who is. I want them to know that the relationship between their father and I is solid enough to withstand my being gone for a week. I want them to know that their father respects and loves me enough to give me this time to myself. I hope my son becomes that kind of man and my daughter finds a husband that doesn't keep her under his thumb.

So, as selfish as I sound about this trip, a small percentage of it is for my family as well. I'm sure they would not put it quite that way, but it is. Granted, I'm going for ME mostly. I'm a much nicer mom, wife and friend after I've had some time off from everything. Actually, I think I've been nicer the last few weeks just knowing I'll be going soon. And when I get back, I'll be good to go for another year or so.

So to all of you who are afraid to go solo, grab a friend and go. Let your family fend for themselves for a little bit. You'd be amazed how many dads can really step up to the plate and take care of the kids and the house or arrange for that to be done while he works. I joke that things go south while I'm gone, but my husband is just as capable as I am taking care of the kids. Now finding where I've put everything in the house is another thing...

So assert your independence and give a trip on your own or with a friend a try. Everyone will be better for it.

[mnmrmustard]

Busy busy busy! You have amazing forum stamina m'dear :)

Well I'll chime in and say that we have ducked the Crocs and we all got Asics Gel Evolution IIs
http://www.telarun.com/asics/graphics/atn6170193.jpg

They are highly rated and DW and I both need arch support that crocs just can't provide. They are very lightweight an flexible and are very comfortable :D Also, I fear wearing a sandal with the upredictable weather in January.

Have you made any progress figuring out your new camera? I hope the quality is up to what you were hoping for ...but either way with 2 1GB cards you'll have quantity all sewn up :thumbsup2

Very cool news about the pop-up camper - 3 weeks spoken by the hubby - whoohoo! We love camping too and had a similar experience on our last trip with rain on the last night. The only thing that saved us was that we had the kids on one air mattress and DW and I on the other so we/our bedding stayed dry. Mostly just dirty clothes and some misc stuff got wet. We were going to get a camping trailer but a friend gave us a boat, so that'll probably be our token money pit for a while :lmao:

I know you'll have a great time solo and it sounds like it is giving you some great opportunities to meet up with different DIS fans along the way :banana: :woohoo:

[Anne's Family]

Busy busy busy! You have amazing forum stamina m'dear :)

Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment!

Well I'll chime in and say that we have ducked the Crocs and we all got Asics Gel Evolution IIs.

They are highly rated and DW and I both need arch support that crocs just can't provide. They are very lightweight an flexible and are very comfortable :D Also, I fear wearing a sandal with the upredictable weather in January.:

Those might be worth looking into. So far the Crocs haven't fully impressed me. They are comfortable, but there's some weird thing where they are pushing my heel toward the outside edge of the shoe. Haven't figured that one out yet. I'm sure it's some flaw in my gait. Couldn't possibly be the miracle shoe.

Have you made any progress figuring out your new camera? I hope the quality is up to what you were hoping for ...but either way with 2 1GB cards you'll have quantity all sewn up

So far so good. I've still got some "scene" modes to fiddle around with, but that'll be fun to do while I'm there. It takes great night pictures, although I tend to permanently blind some people while doing it. That flash is brutal. I was actually looking into a 4G card - a little overkill I'm sure.

Very cool news about the pop-up camper - 3 weeks spoken by the hubby - whoohoo! We love camping too and had a similar experience on our last trip with rain on the last night. The only thing that saved us was that we had the kids on one air mattress and DW and I on the other so we/our bedding stayed dry. Mostly just dirty clothes and some misc stuff got wet. We were going to get a camping trailer but a friend gave us a boat, so that'll probably be our token money pit for a while.

Hubby did the boat thing before we met. I think it made it into the water 2 times before he and his friends were dragging it out by a rope when bailing didn't work. You'll probably love the boat.

I know you'll have a great time solo and it sounds like it is giving you some great opportunities to meet up with different DIS fans along the way.

Yes, this will be a new experience for me. Last solo trip, the only people I spoke to that I knew were my family on the phone. Actually, I'm not totally comfortable meeting up with anyone. I really like my time to myself with no possibility of being talked into something I really don't want to do at the last minute. I'm not much of a "no, thank you" kinda gal. Have to work on that assertive thing.

Thanks for the comments. Nice to know someone is reading this dribble!:rolleyes2

[Straughn]

So it is snowing ever so lightly here in Northern Virginia. At the mere mention of snow, we immediatley have gridlock on the roads, so this morning's rush hour was messy. Apparently to the north and west it is slick and there were some accidents.

For some reason, snow always puts me in a Disney mood. I always find falling snow magical so there is a correlation between it and Disney.

I am really beginning to look forward to my five days at WDW in January. It will mean the holidays are over and life returns to normal, whatever that is.

I decided to wait list myself at the BWV for one more day. I doubt it will come thru because that is the weekend of the marathon and things are pretty well booked starting on Thursday night. Add to that, the fact that January is one of the lowest point cost months, so lots of DVC members come then. If I get it, I will be leaving on the 11th instead of the 10th.

[springandmac]

So it is snowing ever so lightly here in Northern Virginia. At the mere mention of snow, we immediatley have gridlock on the roads, so this morning's rush hour was messy. Apparently to the north and west it is slick and there were some accidents.

For some reason, snow always puts me in a Disney mood. I always find falling snow magical so there is a correlation between it and Disney.

I am really beginning to look forward to my five days at WDW in January. It will mean the holidays are over and life returns to normal, whatever that is.

I decided to wait list myself at the BWV for one more day. I doubt it will come thru because that is the weekend of the marathon and things are pretty well booked starting on Thursday night. Add to that, the fact that January is one of the lowest point cost months, so lots of DVC members come then. If I get it, I will be leaving on the 11th instead of the 10th.

Pat ~

It's snowing here too but nothing worth calling school off for or having an accident over either.

Hope your waitlist comes through. :wizard: This will be my first visit that the waitlist worked out for me. I was booked at SSR and waitlisted at BCV. We'll be across the lake from each other.

Are you doing the DDP? I can't decide, I have a couple ADR's which I'll probably pay for OOP but now that the tip isn't included in the DDP it doesn't look like it's going to be that much of a deal.

[Straughn]

Pat ~

It's snowing here too but nothing worth calling school off for or having an accident over either.

Hope your waitlist comes through. :wizard: This will be my first visit that the waitlist worked out for me. I was booked at SSR and waitlisted at BCV. We'll be across the lake from each other.

Are you doing the DDP? I can't decide, I have a couple ADR's which I'll probably pay for OOP but now that the tip isn't included in the DDP it doesn't look like it's going to be that much of a deal.

Spring-

I have an annual pass and the DDE card which gets me 20% off at most of the TS restaurants. Apparently they are now adding an 18% tip to the bill. Some people are upset about it, but it doesn't bother me. I always tipped 15-20% on the pre-discount total. I just figure the discount covers the tip.

I was never a fan of the DDP. Except for the day I go to the Studios(I love Starring Rolls), I will eat beakfast in the villa. Lunch varies depending on my mood and I like to dine, for dinner, at the Signature restaurants which use two TS points. The DDP isn't much good to me if I would have to pay OOP for half of my dinners. For families that eat in the regular TS restaurants
and buffets and have kids and/or teens who are big eaters, I can see the advantage (even w/o the tip being included). For one person with my eating habits, it really isn't worth it. It is more food than I want during the day and won't cover all my dinners.

Are they closing schools in Lynchburg? I don't know what they have done here-I haven't been paying attention. It really isn't much-just on the grass and the cars. Our streets are just wet.

Pat

[Anne's Family]

I'm still here! Nothing too important to post lately except I GOT MY PACKET! Now, I can relax. I've got my AAA paperwork, my confirmation for Pop Century, my DME tags, my nifty WDW castle luggage tag and various other sundry items. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

However, I just got a root canal Thursday. It's the first phase of two since it's a retreatment of an old root canal. The second phase is January 3... and I leave on January 5!!! This one hurt for 1 1/2 days afterward, so hopefully I'll be in the clear by the time I board the plane. I'll be sporting a pretty little temporary crown though. That's not always good. Gotta be careful what I crunch on when I'm there!

[mnmrmustard]

Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment!

Well of course, t'was how it was meant :)

Those might be worth looking into. So far the Crocs haven't fully impressed me. They are comfortable, but there's some weird thing where they are pushing my heel toward the outside edge of the shoe. Haven't figured that one out yet. I'm sure it's some flaw in my gait. Couldn't possibly be the miracle shoe.

DW did a marathon shopping spree last weekend wearing the Asics and absolutely LOVES them! I find them very comfortable, lightweight, and they breathe well.

So far so good. I've still got some "scene" modes to fiddle around with, but that'll be fun to do while I'm there. It takes great night pictures, although I tend to permanently blind some people while doing it. That flash is brutal. I was actually looking into a 4G card - a little overkill I'm sure.

Glad to hear it, but yeah I know what you mean about the flash. I'd say go for it with the 4GB card ...they don't cost that much and its one less thing to worry about it while you're in the parks ;)

Hubby did the boat thing before we met. I think it made it into the water 2 times before he and his friends were dragging it out by a rope when bailing didn't work. You'll probably love the boat.

OK, that's not what I want to hear :lmao: :lmao: We'll have to see how things go. We already know the upolstery needs to be redone and the trailer needs it's axel replaced ...about $600 right out the door. But the motor is supposedly in great shape and the hull is solid. I guess we'll see.

Yes, this will be a new experience for me. Last solo trip, the only people I spoke to that I knew were my family on the phone. Actually, I'm not totally comfortable meeting up with anyone. I really like my time to myself with no possibility of being talked into something I really don't want to do at the last minute. I'm not much of a "no, thank you" kinda gal. Have to work on that assertive thing.

Thanks for the comments. Nice to know someone is reading this dribble!:rolleyes2

Well you have to keep it fun, and if cruising the parks solo is what makes you happy, then that's the way you should go. And if you meet up with a DISer just give 'em a friendly wave :thumbsup2

Hey, us Januarians gotta stick together ...hehehe.

I'm still here! Nothing too important to post lately except I GOT MY PACKET! Now, I can relax. I've got my AAA paperwork, my confirmation for Pop Century, my DME tags, my nifty WDW castle luggage tag and various other sundry items. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

However, I just got a root canal Thursday. It's the first phase of two since it's a retreatment of an old root canal. The second phase is January 3... and I leave on January 5!!! This one hurt for 1 1/2 days afterward, so hopefully I'll be in the clear by the time I board the plane. I'll be sporting a pretty little temporary crown though. That's not always good. Gotta be careful what I crunch on when I'm there!

Halloooo! Very cool to get the documents in hand :cool1: Congrats :yay:

Root canal?!? Yikes! That's a lean timeline getting it 2 days prior. Just make sure and take some airborne or something like that to help fight infection or ickies that may be caused by them digging in there. And yes, no beef jerky for you young lady ;) :D

[scottny]

Hi,
I followed u over from mrmustards thread. How exciting to do a solo trip. One day I will. I am taking my 3 younger cousins for there first trip so it should be fun.

I bought Crocs for my last trip and they were great. very comfortable.

Looking forward to hearing all about it.

[randy4au]

Hi Anne! I saw the Auburn logo in your signature in another thread and had to visit your Pre-TR. My mom's sister (along with her family) lives in the DFW metroplex (Mesquite).

WAR EAGLE !!!!!!

AIRLINE RESERVATIONS - To book or not to book. Angst, ugh.Southwest is always a wonderful option, as long as you don’t live in Dallas where they tell air carriers when they can and can’t fly direct to Orlando from Dallas. Bunch o’ party poopers.

I thought that as of March 2007, Southwest could fly to Orlando? Is it just that they have the right to do it now but haven't yet initiated a DFW-to-MCO route?

http://www.setlovefree.com/

[Straughn]

Anne, Spring-
Where is everyone? Getting ready for the holidays, I guess. We are less than three weeks away and I am starting to get excited about this. I am now thinking about what to pack. I also have the dilemma of what I can bring in the food catagoryfor the villa versus what I have to buy down there.

Anne- I hope you are recovering from the root canal?

Pat

[Anne's Family]

I'm here! Not much to update on lately!! But I will soon.

Yes, Christmas Interuptus. Two kids (three if you count DH) to buy for. Tons of parties for some reason this year.

"Starting" to get excited!? I've been excited for way too long already! Probably building it up to way more than it will actually be, but I don't care.

We've been doing some Popup Camper shopping - deciding what we really want in a camper and then sit back and wait to see what the used market will come up with. DH is still serious about going in August of 09. If he gets his new camper soon, he might even move that up to this August - you never know!

Got the first half of the root canal done. I had scheduled the second half for Jan 3 - 1 1/2 days before I leave. I got a dose of reality and rescheduled that for when I get back. I don't know what I was thinking. It hurt pretty bad for a couple of days after the first phase.

I got confirmation from Disneymooner2008 on the Wishes Cruise on Jan 8. I noticed Spring has a "2" next to her name, who's coming with her?

Onward, still making vacation bucks with eBay sales. Gotta go ship some stuff! See ya real soon!

[springandmac]

Hi Pat and Anne~

I'm still here too. I'm trying to get ready for Christmas along with trying not to have a nervous breakdown. Holiday's are very difficult when you have ex's and children involved. I refuse to pick up the rope and play that tug of war game though. So it will just be DH and me Christmas morning. :love:

To answer the burning question on everyones mind....No, I still haven't told DH about my trip. Between the problems with his ex, the fact that he's been working night shift for the last two months and I only get to talk to him for one hour in the morning (while I get ready for work) and that DD14 and I have been out of town every weekend this month for cheerleading competitions. There hasn't exactly been a good time. :confused: I don't have plans this weekend, except for gift wrapping so it's pretty much do or die. (or as Anne suggested tell him on the way to the airport) :rotfl:

No ones coming with me, apparently there was a bit of confusion between Disneymooner2008 and myself. I pm'ed her this morning and I let her know that it's just going to be little old me. So now there will be two open spots. (Pat you should PM her and get in on the cruise too.)

Well, I've got to run. I'm at work and things are crazy here. We're opening up a second location, so my boss is a bit cranky because construction is taking longer than expected and one of our employees (the engraver) has walking pneumonia so that leaves the boss to engrave and me to do all the bosses work, not to mention mine too. I can't wait for this vacation to come so I can get a break from all this craziness.

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Hi Anne and fellow disers.

Glad your visit to the dentist went well.:goodvibes
Dont blame you for delaying your next round of treatment till after your trip

I have been trying to post a picture of my family:confused3,:headache: but not being the sharpest tool in the box i will get Pauline (more technically minded than me)to attempt it in the next few days so if u see us at Pop you would be welcome to say hi.

Not long to go now , we got a wee suprise in that our connecting flights to London are on the 31st not on the 1st as proposed. Now seeing in the New Year in London Hotel which meant a bit of scrambling about but secretly happy, saves early rise and drive to airport on 1st. We would have been leaving home at around 4am to get to Glasgow airport. Now 5pm flight to London on 31st(daughters birthday), twightlight check in London between 6 - 9pm on 31st then check into hotel for noon flight to Orlando on 1st, we think this will be easier on kids .
Bit of a hit on the wallet but we try to see the positives , extra night away , more relaxed travel & connection time (we will convince ourselves yet).

Scotland is quite a good place to be at New Year plenty of parties, this will be our first time away at this time of year, not that we are big drinkers but our neighbours get fireworks and we have a party in our street to celebrate :cool1:

I just hope our pilot does not celebrate the new year and is tucked up in his/her bed at a sensible hour, will watch them board for any sign of hangover :scared1: .

Paul

[Anne's Family]

Wow, I know it takes quite awhile for those overseas to get to WDW. My brother came from Germany when he was stationed there. He and his little brood of 6 came over for a week. When he was in Afghanistan, he was airborne for a full 24 hours total just to get here when our dad was dying. You gotta want something pretty bad to go through all that!

Look forward to "looking" for you at Pop!

[Anne's Family]

Here's a quickie update for everyone (all 5 of you watching my pretrip!) We're a tight little group, no?

Crocs - they squeak. Can't figure that one out. Looks like I may develop blisters on the outsides of my heels after long hours. I'll bring the Body Glide and see how it works. Otherwise, they are moderately comfortable. My DD says I look like I have boat feet.

Cargo pants - should have bought these years ago. My DH actually says they make me look younger. I guess he's got a thing for Kim Possible. I haven't loaded down the pockets yet.

Packing list - I have my travel bag sitting in the bottom of my closet. Whenever I find or buy something I'd like to take with me, I drop it in that bag. I checked that bag the other day and I officially have no room for clothing. Guess I'll be rethinking the packing list.

Future trip - DH is still serious and we're seriously looking at new campers. We agreed on August '09 but I'm going to make a reservation for August of '08 just in case and cancel it a couple of months out if he hasn't brought up the possibility of heading out there a year earlier. Sneaky, huh? Hey, if he decides he wants to go in '08, I'll already have it set and he'll be impressed, right? Mainly because there's no way we'd get a campsite for 3 weeks within a month of arriving.

Camera - Getting the hang of it and liking it a lot.

Planning - now I'm on to making a list of souvenirs I want to take home. DS is into Stitch pins, DD is into Donald Duck pins. I'll be heading to the Lego store for a personalized Lego brick for DS and a big cup of those teeny tiny parts. I've upped my souvenir budget because I want to get stuff for our camper. I don't have a Disney room in the house - can't overload the family on my obsession 24/7. So I told hubby I'd be decking out the inside of the camper in Mickey. He just rolled his eyes. So it's a go. I've been perusing eBay. It's unbelievable how much stuff you can buy kitchen-wise that has Mickey. I might actually overdose!

My plans are pretty much finalized and VERY detailed. I'm perfectly willing to change my mind at any time while I'm there. I just love to have it on paper along with several options already mapped out so I can think on the fly. It's a perfect type-A plan. I'll do my best to veer toward type-B.

So here's the detailed final just for day one - if you find it boring, feel free to skip to the end! I'll post more days later.

Saturday January 5
12:45p Take DME to Pop
2:15p Arrive at Pop to check in (popular time of day, I'm sure)
Quick lunch at food court
3:15p Bus to MK
5:45p Lighting of the castle
6:15p Walk to Contemporary, Bus to Studios
7:00p Osborne Lights
8:00p Bus to Contemporary, walk back to MK. Quick late dinner.
9:00p Wishes
10:00p Possibly Spectro parade, otherwise just shop or ride and wait out the crowds.

That will be day one. "Full as a tick" as we southerners say.

[Straughn]

My gosh Anne- you are a planner. My only plan for Saturday is to get to the Magic Kingdom in time for the lighting of the castle. It will be a minor miracle if my villa at the Boardwalk is ready when I arrive. In the previous times we have stayed there, it has never been available before 4 PM. So, I will just throw my stuff in the room and head over to MK. I hope I have enough time to take the bus. I hate having to drive to MK.

We need to finalize our get together on Sunday night. I want to see the Osbourne lights on Sunday, so could we meet sometime after 7 PM?

As for outfitting your camper- I did the same thing with our boat. I had Disney glasses (plastic), Mickey Mouse ice trays, Mickey Mouse serving plates and bowls. When we had parties on the dock, it was always easy to spot my contribution because of the dish it was in.

[Anne's Family]

I'll be in World Showcase on Sunday evening. I'm going to sit as early as possible at the Cantina and just work on my trip report there while I eat and wait for Illuminations. I'd be VERY happy to save a couple of seats for you guys and we can watch in comfort!

[Straughn]

So, I have made my one and only "new" purchase for this trip- a suitcase. Please don't faint from excitement. When I traveled to WDW with DH, we always took 2 hangup bags and one moderately sized suitcase. For me, one hang-up bag or one suitcase wasn't enough, but the two together were too much. So I now have a 25", expandable to 28", soft sided suitcase by Travelpro. I figure I should be able to stay under the 50 lb limit with this. Anything bigger, and I would just fill it up with shoes and handbags.

We need to hear from Spring, but I think finding you in Mexico, aka Margaritaville, on Sunday evening and watching Illuminations is a great idea. I should be able to be there between 7-7:30, depending on how long I stay, and how crowded the Osbourne lights are. We could grab dinner or nosh away the time until Illuminations starts. I haven't seen that in years and would love to do it.

Mery Christmas to all,
Pat

[springandmac]

We need to hear from Spring, but I think finding you in Mexico, aka Margaritaville, on Sunday evening and watching Illuminations is a great idea. I should be able to be there between 7-7:30, depending on how long I stay, and how crowded the Osbourne lights are. We could grab dinner or nosh away the time until Illuminations starts. I haven't seen that in years and would love to do it.

Sorry for the delayed response. I spent all day working up the nerve to tell DH about my trip and when I finally did, he told me he already knew. :scared1: For some reason all DVC material comes in his name and apparently he intercepted the confirmation that came in the mail. He said since the reservation was in my name and it only listed one guest, it was pretty easy for him to figure out I was going and that I was going solo. He said he didn't say anything because he didn't want me to feel bad and cancel. He said I deserve the trip and he hopes I have a good time. :love: Plus his employer sent out a memo saying no one could take time off in January, so he wouldn't be able to go anyway. And we both agreed I shouldn't tell DD14 until after I'm gone.

Anyway, I'll have to get back to ya'll about Illuminations. I have a reservation at Jiko at 7 p.m. but I've been toying with the idea of cancelling or rescheduling. I'm having difficulty with the idea of dining alone in a restaurant but I really wanted to eat there. So I'm not sure what to do. Decisions...Decisions!

[Anne's Family]

Whew! Close call Spring! Great hubby - I've got one of those. DD will get over it as long as you bring something really special back for her I'll bet (the promise of another trip would be ideal!)

I don't normally do table service alone, mainly because it takes so much time. Sounds like Jiko is something you might even want to hold off on until you have your family with you (if they're the adventurous types). Otherwise, do it! You know Disney makes us solo's feel welcome. Hope you can join us at Epcot though. Cantina de San Angel might not measure up to Jiko though. We'll try to make up for it!

[Straughn]

Great minds think alike. I had a reservation for Jiko on Sunday night but switched it to Tuesday because I really like Anne's idea about Illuminations. I want to eat at Jiko also and don't mind dining alone. (I guess that comes from too many business trips where I got used to eating by myself.) I have dined at several of the Signature restaurants alone and never felt uncomfortable. The staff is always friendly and more times than not, I have ended up chatting with folks at a nearby table. You could join me on Tuesday, but I think that is the night you are going on the "Wishes" cruise -right?

And by the way, if you ask, DVC will mail the reservation paperwork to you in your name. I found this out on a previous solo trip where it came in DH's name and I was concerned that there might be confusion when I checked in. I called and was told that there would be no confusion as the reservation was in my name, he was just the primary name on the membership. They said to just ask the next time and they would send in my name.

[mollyseven]

I want my kids to know that their mother is a person too.Wow....that's exactly how I feel....Last year I started competitive swimming again after 25 years and in January I am going on a trip ...well tagging along on hubbies IBM conference ...he's at swan/dolphin at conference and I am alone at the world ...staying at CBR...my favorite resort ...so far anyway. Motherhood is fulfilling but the rest of my life is not on total hold. I am independent and I'm not afraid to do things on my own. Here Here!!I have very distinct interests that I follow through on. I take care of myself as well as them. The world does not revolve around them (as some kids these days obviously think). I hope I am teaching my daughter to be independent and my son to respect a woman who is. I want them to know that the relationship between their father and I is solid enough to withstand my being gone for a week. I want them to know that their father respects and loves me enough to give me this time to myself. I hope my son becomes that kind of man and my daughter finds a husband that doesn't keep her under his thumb.
I love you already!

So, as selfish as I sound about this trip, a small percentage of it is for my family as well. I totally agreeI'm sure they would not put it quite that way, but it is. Granted, I'm going for ME mostly. I'm a much nicer mom, wife and friend after I've had some time off from everything.I am sure I will be nicer when I come home in January also....

I have to say ....I am outside of Toronto and not in the U.S but I now have to find myself an at home career like you.....I am a stay at home mom....daughter in grade 8 at school and a homeschooled son in grade 4 and I would love to have something I could make some cash at so I could take an annual ALONE trip to disney. My husband loves going and the kids like it also but only I LOVE IT THERE...it is totally my happy place. I have face cream that I started using on our first disney trip and now still every morning when I put it on I see myself standing in the mirrow at POP and it just smells like disney....the second trip I bought a new body shop lotion to use there so that I would have another disney smell and it worked...now everytime i have on the mandarin orange cream my son says I smell like disney.....Anyhow It's definitely MY FAVORITE place and I would love to be able to do some sort of ebay business in Canada that could help me get there more often.....How did you figure out you could make money on ebay or did you already have a business and just started selling on ebay???? I am interested in that......even though it's your secret....

[Anne's Family]

Mollyseven, welcome to my little TR!

Hmmm. Finding your niche on eBay can be tricky. I started just by selling stuff from my own home. I think that's how most every starts. I go garage saling A LOT and started picking up things I thought would re-sell well. Some things worked, some things I just sold again at my own garage sale. After awhile you educate yourself of what sells. You can look up completed auctions on eBay and see what each item historically goes for.

After about a year, I started narrowing my sales to board games. It's very tedious because I count every piece of every game and take 3 to 8 photographs of each auction. I'm horribly detail-oriented so it works for me. You just find something you like, something you know or would like to know more about and something you can regularly get your hands on cheaply.

Pretty much it in a nutshell!

[mnmrmustard]

I'm here! Not much to update on lately!! But I will soon.

Yes, Christmas Interuptus. Two kids (three if you count DH) to buy for. Tons of parties for some reason this year.

"Starting" to get excited!? I've been excited for way too long already! Probably building it up to way more than it will actually be, but I don't care.

We've been doing some Popup Camper shopping - deciding what we really want in a camper and then sit back and wait to see what the used market will come up with. DH is still serious about going in August of 09. If he gets his new camper soon, he might even move that up to this August - you never know!

Got the first half of the root canal done. I had scheduled the second half for Jan 3 - 1 1/2 days before I leave. I got a dose of reality and rescheduled that for when I get back. I don't know what I was thinking. It hurt pretty bad for a couple of days after the first phase.

I got confirmation from Disneymooner2008 on the Wishes Cruise on Jan 8. I noticed Spring has a "2" next to her name, who's coming with her?

Onward, still making vacation bucks with eBay sales. Gotta go ship some stuff! See ya real soon!

Yes, we're all suffering from Christmas Interruptus ...hehehe. Good luck with the camper shopping, we wanted to do the same thing but ended up with a boat instead.

Very good call waiting on the other 1/2 of the root canal, you don't need any complications right before leaving ;-]

Here's a quickie update for everyone (all 5 of you watching my pretrip!) We're a tight little group, no?

Crocs - they squeak. Can't figure that one out. Looks like I may develop blisters on the outsides of my heels after long hours. I'll bring the Body Glide and see how it works. Otherwise, they are moderately comfortable. My DD says I look like I have boat feet.

Cargo pants - should have bought these years ago. My DH actually says they make me look younger. I guess he's got a thing for Kim Possible. I haven't loaded down the pockets yet.

Packing list - I have my travel bag sitting in the bottom of my closet. Whenever I find or buy something I'd like to take with me, I drop it in that bag. I checked that bag the other day and I officially have no room for clothing. Guess I'll be rethinking the packing list.

Future trip - DH is still serious and we're seriously looking at new campers. We agreed on August '09 but I'm going to make a reservation for August of '08 just in case and cancel it a couple of months out if he hasn't brought up the possibility of heading out there a year earlier. Sneaky, huh? Hey, if he decides he wants to go in '08, I'll already have it set and he'll be impressed, right? Mainly because there's no way we'd get a campsite for 3 weeks within a month of arriving.

Camera - Getting the hang of it and liking it a lot.

Planning - now I'm on to making a list of souvenirs I want to take home. DS is into Stitch pins, DD is into Donald Duck pins. I'll be heading to the Lego store for a personalized Lego brick for DS and a big cup of those teeny tiny parts. I've upped my souvenir budget because I want to get stuff for our camper. I don't have a Disney room in the house - can't overload the family on my obsession 24/7. So I told hubby I'd be decking out the inside of the camper in Mickey. He just rolled his eyes. So it's a go. I've been perusing eBay. It's unbelievable how much stuff you can buy kitchen-wise that has Mickey. I might actually overdose!

My plans are pretty much finalized and VERY detailed. I'm perfectly willing to change my mind at any time while I'm there. I just love to have it on paper along with several options already mapped out so I can think on the fly. It's a perfect type-A plan. I'll do my best to veer toward type-B.

So here's the detailed final just for day one - if you find it boring, feel free to skip to the end! I'll post more days later.

Saturday January 5
12:45p Take DME to Pop
2:15p Arrive at Pop to check in (popular time of day, I'm sure)
Quick lunch at food court
3:15p Bus to MK
5:45p Lighting of the castle
6:15p Walk to Contemporary, Bus to Studios
7:00p Osborne Lights
8:00p Bus to Contemporary, walk back to MK. Quick late dinner.
9:00p Wishes
10:00p Possibly Spectro parade, otherwise just shop or ride and wait out the crowds.

That will be day one. "Full as a tick" as we southerners say.


We decided not to go with the Crocs after all and got running shoes instead since it will be cooler. My Asics are a bit squeaky too, but I must say are the most comfortable shoes I've ever warn.

DH thing for Kim Possible :rotfl2: Yeah, cargo pants lose their sexy appeal when you load down the pockets with stuff ...just don't put anything too heavy in there or you'll end up with a chafing issue, which you don't want early on in your trip ;-]

Sounds like your one up on me - at least you have a bag for your packing list stuff, we just have a pile :D Nice move with reserving the camping for this year - very slick!

I really need to put together a list of all the requests for souvenirs/gifts. We told family/friends we woudn't be getting them gifts for Christmas and would instead buy them presents at the World. Now we have to get a list together and make sure we don't forget anyone! Good idea about decorating the camper with a Dis theme!

Sounds like a GREAT first day! You're so lucky to be there with all the Christmas stuff still going on!

:rainbow: :rainbow: :rainbow: :rainbow: :rainbow:

party: party: party: party: party:

:bday: :bday: Merry Christmas Anne!!! :bday: :bday:

party: party: party: party: party:

:rainbow: :rainbow: :rainbow: :rainbow: :rainbow:

[Anne's Family]

Here's Day 2's plan in detail - mostly just to help me see it and make it real!

Sunday, January 6

9:00a
Animal Kingdom rope drop
EE, Dinosaur!, Nemo, KS, Pangani, Maharajah, whatever else I can fit in.

5:00p
Animal Kingdom closes - Bus to Epcot

5:45p
Epcot Future World - Soarin' if at all possible, MS and TT.
World Showcase - American Adventure, before it closes for refurb tomorrow.

7:30p
Pick up my favorite Creme Brulee in France to have later. Stake a seat at Cantina de San Angel for Illuminations. Dinner with 2 DISer friends (Spring & Pat) there - hopefully.

9:00p
Illuminations

9:30p
Exit through International Gateway
Walk to Beach Club
Bus to Magic Kingdom for Extra Magic Hours or back to Pop

10:15p
Magic Kingdom EMH until 11p

Yeah, I'll only have about half an hour at MK late at night, but it's still fun. I'm such a night owl anyway. I hope to have a fairly leisurely day at AK. I want to get my big attractions in and spend the rest of the time taking in the AK atmosphere. I love the trails and plan to take tons of photos. I may even trek out to Rafiki's Planet Watch. I haven't been out there since 2002.

[Anne's Family]

Hi Anne! I saw the Auburn logo in your signature in another thread and had to visit your Pre-TR. My mom's sister (along with her family) lives in the DFW metroplex (Mesquite).

I thought that as of March 2007, Southwest could fly to Orlando? Is it just that they have the right to do it now but haven't yet initiated a DFW-to-MCO route?

http://www.setlovefree.com/

Howdy Tiger! I used to know a Randy at Auburn that was a heck of a DJ.

Sorry I missed your post earlier... just now reading back on some.

S'west does fly to MCO, you just have to go about it in a roundabout way and it takes twice as long. You go through some crazy place like Chicago or something I can't remember. Not worth it.

I grew up in Mesquite (Viva Drive) and was great friends with Town East Mall. Dad got transferred to B'ham and I spent the remainder of my wonderful youth there. Escaped a cruddy boyfriend and ended up back here! I miss the hills in B'ham. Around here they actually have signs that warn you that a hill is coming up and it ends up being more like a speed bump. They just don't know any better. I miss the azaleas and dogwoods too.

Actually, I just looked up S'west. They have service to MCO out of Love but not out of DFW yet. Still not non-stop though.

[scottny]

that is one busy day.

:thumbsup2

[jsmla]

Hi Anne!
I'm on Disneymoon's cruise with you! Hubby and I will be in WDW to celebrate our 27th. I'm the Disney nut. Scott's only going because I went whitewater rafting with him last May. We take turns. I'm hoping and praying for warm weather that night because I'm a coldie too.

and...springandmac, I think we're doing a photopass share.

It is a Small World here on the Dis.

Jennifer

[randy4au]

Howdy Tiger! I used to know a Randy at Auburn that was a heck of a DJ.

Sorry I missed your post earlier... just now reading back on some.

S'west does fly to MCO, you just have to go about it in a roundabout way and it takes twice as long. You go through some crazy place like Chicago or something I can't remember. Not worth it.

I grew up in Mesquite (Viva Drive) and was great friends with Town East Mall. Dad got transferred to B'ham and I spent the remainder of my wonderful youth there. Escaped a cruddy boyfriend and ended up back here! I miss the hills in B'ham. Around here they actually have signs that warn you that a hill is coming up and it ends up being more like a speed bump. They just don't know any better. I miss the azaleas and dogwoods too.

Actually, I just looked up S'west. They have service to MCO out of Love but not out of DFW yet. Still not non-stop though.

I figured my WAR EAGLE would get your attention eventually. ;) You sounded really busy after I posted my first message.

My cousins both went to North Mesquite HS, although the older one started off at West Mesquite HS. My aunt and uncle live on Sybil Drive. If I ever moved out there, I'd definitely miss the hills.

[jsmla]

Since everyone else is being so friendly I guess I'll introduce us:

I'm Jennifer, Jenny or even Jen. I'm 47. I used to be a SAHM with our two kids but now I stay at home with my father-in-law who is an Alzheimer's patient. I've been married to Scott for almost 27 years and we have two kids DS Sam (22) and DD Lizzie (19). They're both students at LSU and are going to take care of PawPaw (the FIL) while we're gone. The kids used to love Disney as much as I do but I think I've worn them out.

Scott is defiinately my better half. He's never liked Disney all that much though. Scott's more of the outdoorsy type. I just look at it this way, I've camped in a tent with him he can stay in a condo with me. He's planning on deserting me on Monday 1/07 to watch football so I'm going to be a solo that day!

I'm a planner too! (Only Disney, not football). Here's our schedule:
Saturday 1/05
Drive to Orlando, get checked in at Celebration World Resort. We were going to stay at All Star Music but I got a great deal ($199 for the week) at CWR on SkyAuction. This way we can bring Jack the Shih Tzu with us too. I have an annual pass so I'm thinking about trekking over to the MK to see the castle all lit up. Scott only has a 6 day ticket so he can't go :guilty: . Somehow I think I mind this more than he does. Then we're going out to Pleasure Island and the Adventurer's Club.

Sunday 1/06
A bit of a lie in and breakfast at Boma. Breakfast at Boma is one of the few things that Scott loves about Disney World. I'm not sure what else except I want to go over to MGM to see the lights before they're gone.

Monday 1/07
Right now I have no idea. Scott absolutely has to watch his football game or he will die. I'm thinking about parking him at ESPN club and walking around Epcot, I don't know. I hate football.

Tuesday 1/08
We'll be in the Magic Kingdom too! We're meeting up with my only Disser friend for the day. Perhaps we'll see some of you and then I'll get to know a few more! We'll be having lunch at the Concourse Steakhouse so that Scott can have a beer. If LSU loses he's going to be in a mood and I'm thinking a beer or two will cheer him up. He has sworn to wear his LSU stuff today even if they lose. The last time we were in Disney during a bowl game LSU lost and Scott pouted for the rest of the trip. I hope he won't be doing this on our cruise!

Wednesday 1/09
We'll be at Epcot for the opening so that I can ride Soarin'. We have an 11:30 ADR at San Angel Inn for margaritas and maybe some food :rolleyes1

Thursday 1/10
If it's not freezing out we'll be at MGM for Fantasmic. Other than that the day is open.

Friday 1/11
A morning at the Magic Kingdom followed by an evening in the World Showcase and dinner at the Rose and Crown.

Saturday 1/12
We have to check out of our condo so we're moving to the LaQuinta on Jamaican Court near International Drive. It was one of the only places I could find that would accept Jack and didn't cost a bazillion dollars. We have 8:00 pm dinner ressies at Boma (again, I know, but this is Scott's vacation too.)

Sunday 1/13
Drive home :sad1:

[Anne's Family]

It is a Small World here on the Dis.

Jennifer

I've been amazed at this too. I feel like I know so many people already. We sound quite a bit alike already.

I figured my WAR EAGLE would get your attention eventually. ;) You sounded really busy after I posted my first message.

My cousins both went to North Mesquite HS, although the older one started off at West Mesquite HS. My aunt and uncle live on Sybil Drive. If I ever moved out there, I'd definitely miss the hills.[/QUOTE] My sister and brother went to NMHS. I only went through elementary there - Tosch, don't even know if it's still there.

Since everyone else is being so friendly I guess I'll introduce us:

I'm Jennifer, Jenny or even Jen. I'm 47. I used to be a SAHM with our two kids but now I stay at home with my father-in-law who is an Alzheimer's patient. I've been married to Scott for almost 27 years and we have two kids DS Sam (22) and DD Lizzie (19). They're both students at LSU and are going to take care of PawPaw (the FIL) while we're gone. The kids used to love Disney as much as I do but I think I've worn them out.

Scott is defiinately my better half. He's never liked Disney all that much though. Scott's more of the outdoorsy type. I just look at it this way, I've camped in a tent with him he can stay in a condo with me. He's planning on deserting me on Monday 1/07 to watch football so I'm going to be a solo that day!

Wow, we really do have a lot in common. I had both my parents living with me in 2005/2006. My mother was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. I guess it might be a little easier to deal with when it's not your own parent, but I doubt it. My heart broke the entire last 2 years of her life.

My DH is quite the outdoor type to and can take Disney or leave it for the most part. There are thinks he likes but he'd rather be in a tent or camper somewhere. I wonder when my kids will tire of it.


Glad to have everyone here! Only 9 more days to go. Doin' the single digit dance as they say!:banana:

[sailors_wfe]

Wow... all the "action" i've been missing by just following the Jan 08 thread :) i feel like I know all of you guys so much better now... Ann, this Pre Trip report has been great... I should have been working a while ago.. instead I've been reading for 2 hrs and laughing my hiney off!!! I can't wait to meet up with everyone... sounds like we all have such similar plans,, I was alsothinking about hopping over to see Osbourne Lights and then back to MK for EMH as I've never done a night time EMH before.
Only 1 week and 1 day before we board the plane and are in our Happy Place!
Maybe I'll run into you guys that are staying at BWV.. I'll only be there for one day.. but it'll be my first DVC resort I'll get to stay at.. I'm SUPER excited... Ok,, now time for me to get to work!

[jsmla]

Wow, we really do have a lot in common. I had both my parents living with me in 2005/2006. My mother was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. I guess it might be a little easier to deal with when it's not your own parent, but I doubt it. My heart broke the entire last 2 years of her life.

My DH is quite the outdoor type to and can take Disney or leave it for the most part. There are thinks he likes but he'd rather be in a tent or camper somewhere. I wonder when my kids will tire of it.


Glad to have everyone here! Only 9 more days to go. Doin' the single digit dance as they say!:banana:

I think it's a lot easier. My parents are much younger and I don't even want to think about this happening with them. PawPaw and I never got along before he got ill. I actually like him better with the Alzheimer's but it doesn't tear at my heart like it would if it were my parents.

We, too, had a pop-up. Now we have a trailer and a tent. Last May we went to the Smokies and I had to hike and raft and all sorts of stuff. Now he gets to go to Disney. That's how we've made it 27 years.

Jennifer

[Straughn]

Yep, all of a sudden things are jumping on Anne's PT report and on the January 08 thread.

Anne-got your PM and will try the picture thing tonight. Thanks. I am at work right now-eating lunch. My office is closed this week, but as I am the accounting department, and have some year end things to get done, I traded two days of work this week for two days of comp time.

Sailor's Wife- Where in Virginia are you? I live in Alexandria and Spring, if I remember correctly, is from Lynchburg. What night are you staying at BWV?

I am going to MK for the Castle lighting on Saturday. On Sunday, I plan to be at MGM to see the Osbourne lights as that is the last night for them. Then I will proceed directly, probably via the boat, to Epcot and find everyone at the Cantina. Hope to be there around 7:30.

I also have a mother (94) who has some form of early stage dementia. As the doctors say, it could be Alzheimer's, but they can never really diagnose that for sure without an autopsy. These days, the presumption is that most elderly folk with dementia have Alzeheimer's, but there are other forms of dementia.

My basic schedule is:

Sat 1/5- check in to BWV and head directly to MK for the castle lighting. Back to BW for dinner at Flying Fish.

Sun 1/6- is AK day, Osbourne lights and Illuminations. I don't think I have ever been in three parks on one day before this.

Mon 1/7- Epcot with a lunch ADR at Le Cellier. I have never eaten there and have read so many good things about it. Dinner at Artist Point at the WL.

Tues 1/8- starts with the KTTK tour at MK, along with Spring and Anne. I will stay at the MK for the whole day. Dinner at Jiko.

Wed 1/9- DHS in the AM and then the afternoon at DDT for some shopping and ice cream at Ghiradelli's. Dinner at Citrico's,with a drink at Mizner's Lounge first to see if my favorite bartender is still there.

Thurs 1/10 - is checkout of the BWV. My plane doesn't leave until late afternoon, so I have several hours to kill before I need to be at the airport. Haven't decided what I am going to do with that time.

As I said on the January 08 thread, if anyone wants to join me for any of the dinners, just let me know.

Yes, the excitement is building. I am in Atlanta for New Year's so I have to prepare for that trip first. Once I am back on 1/1/08, it will be full speed ahead for the Disney trip.

Pat

[jsmla]

Just to prepare those of you on the cruise for the level of dorkdom you may encounter, here's a pic of my new Disney backpack. I can't wear cargo pants. I know why the pockets are so small on women's cargo pants, girls like me aren't about to add any more to our hips than the stuff God has already so unfairly put there.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/jsmla/Disney%20stuff/RandomDisneyStuff001.jpg

Jennifer

[sailors_wfe]

Straughn- I'm in Ashland Va, right North of Richmond...we just moved in Oct from Norfolk.. DH is a navy man and got stationed up near Fredericksburg... I work as a biller for a Dental corp for kids... work from home mostly, but my offices are in the Hampton Area and the Richmond area.. so this was sorta in the middle for us.
I'm arriving at BWV on the 5th then switch to SSR on the 6th.. the extra night was sorta a Christmas Gift from DH so i had to take what i could book at the last minute.... And ever since I first visited The World I've dreamed of staying there. I'm so excited :) Flight will be in around 11:45 so I hope to get earlycheck in and head to EPCOT since it's walking distance :)
Testing Pic:
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh113/sailors_wfe/mypic.jpg

[sailors_wfe]

Just to prepare those of you on the cruise for the level of dorkdom you may encounter, here's a pic of my new Disney backpack. I can't wear cargo pants. I know why the pockets are so small on women's cargo pants, girls like me aren't about to add any more to our hips than the stuff God has already so unfairly put there.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/jsmla/Disney%20stuff/RandomDisneyStuff001.jpg

Jennifer

Jennifer, you think that's bad... this is my "permenant" reminder of disney I got for my 1st birthday celebrated @ the most magical place on earth.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh113/sailors_wfe/025.jpg

most people can't tell what it is... but it's my fav tattoo (i have 12:rolleyes1 but you wouldn't know it by looking at me)

[dancingjean]

We are also visiting Disney in January 2008, it is our first visit and we are taking our grandson (aged 11). We will be travelling a long way (from Australia) and we are all very excited. I just love all your Disney gear, we are looking forward to checking out the shops with all the Disney goodies, our grandson is checking out the rides etc.!! We arrive on the 13th. and have a few days on land and then from the 17th. we take the cruise.
Am sure you will have a great time. It's a dream come true for us and just the look on Nick's (grandson) face will be a joy.
Wishing everyone taking a trip to Disney a great time.
jean

[Anne's Family]

We are also visiting Disney in January 2008, it is our first visit and we are taking our grandson (aged 11). We will be travelling a long way (from Australia) and we are all very excited.

Too bad we're not there at the same time. Would love to meet you!

most people can't tell what it is... but it's my fav tattoo Absolutely fabulous. That would be the tattoo I'd get if I ever got one. It wouldn't surprise my husband in the least. I've been scanning over my trip report posts to see who is joining me for what but I've become quite confused - nothing new. Will you be joining us for anything on this trip? See below. I never dreamed I'd actually be meeting up with anyone on my solo trip.

Just to prepare those of you on the cruise for the level of dorkdom you may encounter, here's a pic of my new Disney backpack. I can't wear cargo pants. I know why the pockets are so small on women's cargo pants, girls like me aren't about to add any more to our hips than the stuff God has already so unfairly put there.
Jennifer Yep, I'm going to look like a bit of a pear. Although, I'll be quite layered on the top half so it might just look like a big marshmallow coming at you. I love dorkdom.

Paul (tigger fan): Who all will be travelling with you? If you're anywhere near my room at Pop, you won't be able to miss me. I'll have red lights in the window and a full-size window cling of Minnie Mouse that I made myself. It reads "Here at last, Anne's Family". I love tacky.

Ok everyone. Now that I have my own little community here, I thought I'd recap a few things...

Sunday, Jan 6 - Illuminations at the Cantina with Spring, Pat, Tatania.
Tuesday, Jan 8 - Keys to the Kingdom Tour 8:30a with Spring & Pat.
Tuesday, Jan 8 - Wishes Cruise with Disneymooner2008, Spring, Jennifer
Thursday, Jan 10 - Wild By Design tour in AK, just me.

[Anne's Family]

Detailed Day 3 plan.

Monday, January 7

9am
Epcot at rope drop. Soarin' first of course. Hoping SSE is open.
Try for the Behind the Seeds tour.
Hang around Future World, lunch at Sunshine Seasons.
Get my Disney Visa photo in Innoventions. Out of 6 trips, I've always missed doing this.

2pm
World Showcase - yep right when everyone else decides to go there.
Start with Canada. Don't miss Off Kilter and Chinese Acrobats.
Enjoy all the countries and everything I usually miss. Six hours of strolling and snacking!

8pm
Bus to Studios or walk via the Boardwalk if I feel like it.
Studios EMH, Dinner at Pizza Planet.

10p
Bus back to Pop

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Day 4 Plan
Tuesday, January 8

8:15a
Magic Kingdom Keys to the Kingdom tour, lunch at Columbia Harbour House on tour.

1:30p
End of tour. Stroll Magic Kingdom. Don't miss Pirate Tutorial.

5:45p
Dinner at Pecos Bills

6:30p
Bus or Boat to Grand Floridian for Wishes Cruise at 7:30.

8:00
Wishes... ahhhh.

9:00p
Downtown Disney or back to Pop.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed plan Day 5

Wednesday, January 9

9:00am
Studios. Must do ToT, RnRC and possibly Beauty and the Beast.
Lunch at whatever sounds good at the time.

1:30pm
Bus to Fort Wilderness
Rent a bike and check out loops for our trip in the camper.

4:15pm
Bus to Animal Kingdom for EMH

5:00p - 8:00p
EMH at Animal Kingdom

8:00pm
Last evening at WDW so I can
1. tour some resorts
2. early evening at Pop
3. Downtown Disney
4. Back to Epcot for Illuminations one more time. (I tend toward this one!)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed plan Day 6 - LAST DAY

Thursday, January 10

7:15a
Drag myself out of bed, pack and get luggage to remote airport check-in.
Stow my carry-on and head for Animal Kingdom

8:30a
Wild By Design tour at AK

11:30a
Tour ends.
Leaving the rest of the day until my DME bus leaves to do whatever moves me. Don't worry, I'll have some suggested activities in my back pocket. Never without some sort of plan, you know!

5:15p
Head back to Pop.

6:00p
Be ready for DME

9:00p
Flight leaves for home - good ol' Dallas.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So there you have it for anyone crazy enough to be interested in my details. I've made a few meals for my family and they're in the freezer. I've talked to two friends who will take my kids home from school and make them do their homework before DH comes to pick them up. I will have my eBay auctions wrapped up before I leave so I won't have to worry about selling while I'm gone. I've taught my DH how to take care of our kitty that's in renal failure (whole other story there). I've transferred all my Disney Reward dollars to my Rewards card ($118!). I've packed and repacked and made the packing list. I'm going to pick up another pair of pants possibly and another camera battery - but that's it for shopping.

All this anticipation for a 6 day trip. I've been taking my vitamins and my Daily Defense strips to ward off any sickness. That would stink. Best just to put it out of my mind! Sort of missing the little kidlets already, though. They've been real good about my going on this trip.

Until later gators.

[scottny]

sounds like a great plan. :thumbsup2

[Paul (tigger fan)]

My goodness girl, u goin to be one busy lady at Disney!!!
Have you sheduled any sleep:laughing: .

To answer your question the whole family are going (dw Pauline & me, Lucy & Adam our kids) and we cant wait , i have been trying to post a photo but says its waiting on a server change when i try to register on the technical help page:confused3 .Will try again later . (dont know if its because were new members and dont have sufficient posts?)

We will look out for your room display at Pop.Sounds cool:cool1: have just told Lucy and Adam about it.

We are all packed and good to go,Pauline & Lucy are booked in to the Hairdressers on 30th and me and Adam have been sent to the barbers for our holiday haircut.

We have scheduled suprises for the kids like afternoon tea with Cinderella and 3 other princesses for Pauline and Lucy at the Grand Floridian, Breakfast at the Castle for us all, Bibbidy bobidy boutique for the kids, Lucy gets to be done up and photographed as a princess of her choice (2hrs) and Adam gets a cool dude once over , hair gelled up and covered in glitter and a small mickey face painting (10 mins)(good luck to that person, there day will hopefully get better after a visit from a bouncing Adam) and Dinner with Mickey and his gang at Chef Mickeys over the 2 weeks.

I am also doing 1 solo trip to see Orlando Magic play , always wanted to go see a sporting event in the USA. I am a football coach (soccer in USA) and will be an avid viewer of the game, tactics and atmosphere.

Anne, thank you:) we have really enjoyed your pre trip report and we hope everyone on this thread has a great time at Disney and just think of all the fantastic memories to be made. Safe journeys to you all .

[Anne's Family]

My goodness girl, u goin to be one busy lady at Disney!!!
Have you sheduled any sleep:laughing: .
Sleep? I don't need no stinkin' sleep! I'm sure it will catch up with me. I'll sleep when I get home and the kids are in school.

To answer your question the whole family are going (dw Pauline & me, Lucy & Adam our kids) and we cant wait , i have been trying to post a photo but says its waiting on a server change when i try to register on the technical help page:confused3 .Will try again later . (dont know if its because were new members and dont have sufficient posts?)

Yep, you have to have at least 10 posts I think to post a photo.

Anne, thank you:) we have really enjoyed your pre trip report and we hope everyone on this thread has a great time at Disney and just think of all the fantastic memories to be made. Safe journeys to you all .

Thanks for joining me! It might be a few days before my regular trip report gets done. I'll probably be sleeping!:lmao:

[Elmo888]

Hi, Anne - I just wanted to say hi. I am also a stay at home mom and in the DFW area. We aren't going until the end of January though. And my mom's name is Anne with an -e (as is DD3's middle name)!

I'm enjoying your pre-trippie - are you doing a TR, too?

[Anne's Family]

Hi, Anne - I just wanted to say hi. I am also a stay at home mom and in the DFW area. We aren't going until the end of January though. And my mom's name is Anne with an -e (as is DD3's middle name)!

I'm enjoying your pre-trippie - are you doing a TR, too?


Glad you've come aboard... the more Texans the better! 'Anne' seems to be popular, it's my daughter's middle name and my husband's late mother's name (spelled the same). Must be a little wierd marrying someone with your mom's first name and then she gets your mom's last name too!

Oh, yes. I'll be writing a trip report when I return. It'll probably have a lot of boring details, but it's just the way I write. So it'll be a lot of reading. I'll see how many people actually hang on.

Have a wonderful time in late January. That's when I went in '05 and it was wonderful.



ONLY 5 MORE DAYS FOR ME! Boy do I need this trip. I've been catching up on all the bills, the household filing, my business filing and bookkeeping, our household bookkeeping and getting everything generally organized for when I leave my poor family on their own. I'll still get a call here and there from one of them wondering where something is. I move things a lot - reorganize a lot. Sort of keeps me indispensable. The garage is usually the man's domain, but I use the power tools more than he does, so he doesn't know where anything is out there either! It's nice to be needed.

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Have posted my message three times dont know how:confused3 but i have so passing the time till we get to the message:rolleyes1

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Hello Anne and fellow disers.

Im getting there, honest.

[Paul (tigger fan)]

Hello Anne and fellow disers.

We set off in a few hours for the first leg off our journey.
Time for 1 last post.

Count us in for your TR, we may see you at Pop or around the World if we do we will say hi.

Take care .

Paul

Now where did i put those tickets.............aaaaahhh.

[Straughn]

Happy New Year to all of "Anne's Family" friends. I am just back from 3 1/2 days with a friend in Atlanta. Now it is time to focus, and I do mean focus, on my next trip! I have to work on Wednesday and Thursday and then I can become ultra excited about my Saturday morning departure. Just realized today that, with the price increase for parking at Reagan National Airport, it will be cheaper for me to take a cab round trip than to park at the airport. For a 6 day trip, that's a first!

The suitcase is open in the spare bedroom and I am re-thinking the wardrobe. The temps in Orlando, according to the weather.com are going to be in the high 70's-low 80's in the daytime and low-mid 50's at night. So I guess I won't need the really heavy jacket and wool slacks at night.


I am sooo looking forward to meeting Anne, Spring, sailors_wif and Tatiana.

Pat

[DisneyDaughter5589]

Hello! I will be at POP the around the same time as you (5th/6th-12th) with my DM, DDad, and DBf. So I will definatly be looking out for your decorations! I am so excitind! Only a few more days (and I havent even done my laundry yet... let alone pack).

[sailors_wfe]

[QUOTE= Absolutely fabulous. That would be the tattoo I'd get if I ever got one. It wouldn't surprise my husband in the least. I've been scanning over my trip report posts to see who is joining me for what but I've become quite confused - nothing new. Will you be joining us for anything on this trip? See below. I never dreamed I'd actually be meeting up with anyone on my solo trip.

Wow... I go away for a few days and things get jumpping:banana: Thanks for the compliment...I wanted a disney tattoo that wasn't "carooney".. this was when the "art of disney" logo had just come along (i think) and I loved the swirls.. like i said, most people don't "get it" and i have to explain the tattoo :rolleyes1
I will be meeting up with you guys for illuminations.. and I'll keep an eye out for you all at MK lighting ceremony on Saturday (only 3 days left!!!!:yay: :yay: )
On a side note.. I just bought my 6th pair of crocs.. a lime green pair :banana: I have 2 pair of disney crocs but i don't like them as much... I also have 2 pair of croc sandals that i LOVE... they have gotten me through many disney trips w/out sore feet. I saw the pair that you just bought... tried them on, but they just aren't as comfortable.
I've got my plans all printed, gotta get them laminated.... gotta pack.. and gotta decide if I want to drive down to the airport the night before my flight or wait until that morning... now i gotta start getting packed :rolleyes1
2 more work days:woohoo:
here's my plans for the week:
Jan 5- flight in around 12...check in BWV, walk to EPCOT, head over to MK then either stay for Wishes/ Spectro or head over to see osborne lights and fantasmic

Jan 6 Kona Cafe b-fast, check into SSR MK in the am; EPCOT for illum with you guys at 7, back to MK for EMH if i feel like it (Who needs sleep?)

Jan 7 AK- EMH Boma's for dinner then over to MK for Spectro if didn't see it already

Jan 8 Studios AM- lunch Prime Time Cafe; Dinner at Raglan Rd then 9:00 Cirque

Jan 9 fly home @ 3... do any repeats that morning that i might want to see again.

[Anne's Family]

I see on my control panel that a couple of you have posted on my report but nothing is showing up when I click on my report. So as soon as I see them... I'll read them! This is wierd!

[Anne's Family]

Posts finally came up!

The suitcase is open in the spare bedroom and I am re-thinking the wardrobe. The temps in Orlando, according to the weather.com are going to be in the high 70's-low 80's in the daytime and low-mid 50's at night. So I guess I won't need the really heavy jacket and wool slacks at night.
Pat

I've been rethinking the wardrobe as well. Heavier jacket will stay at home I guess. It got down to 30 degrees last night in Orlando. I consider us lucky that the temps are going up!

Hello! I will be at POP the around the same time as you (5th/6th-12th) with my DM, DDad, and DBf. So I will definatly be looking out for your decorations! I am so excitind! Only a few more days (and I havent even done my laundry yet... let alone pack).

We'll be looking for you!

I will be meeting up with you guys for illuminations.. and I'll keep an eye out for you all at MK lighting ceremony on Saturday.

I finally found the post where you said you'd be at Illuminations with us! Cool. I probably won't get anything to eat until someone else gets there so I don't lose our table. Not sure what I'll be wearing at the MK lighting but I will definitely be in cargo pants - they've become quite comfortable.

I know everyone's first name except yours!


I'll be checking the boards up until I leave Saturday morning. I've got lots of time to pack and get ready - the kids go back to school tomorrow and Friday so I have my days. Still have to make sure the house is ready for my departure as well... all the family laundry and such.

[Straughn]

Yep, it took over 12 hours for my post from last night to appear, but it looks like things are working again. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at Illuminations if we don't find each other at the castle lighting on Saturday. Anne- I will really try to be at the Cantina no later than 7:30, so that you can get something to eat. I will continue to check the boards until Friday evening. I have to be out of the house by 6:45ish on Saturday morning for an 8:30 am flight, so I won't waste time logging on my computer.

Tonight is pay bills, write up my flight and hotel info for my mother and my neighbors who keep track of me and watch my house while I am away. It is also time to start pulling clothes for the trip. I have made my list, edited and re-edited it and hopefully I have everything I need on it. I can't pack without a list.

[Anne's Family]

My flight leaves Dallas at 9:15am which puts me in Orlando at 12:40 Florida time. I wonder how many lime green mickeys I'll see at the airport!

[sailors_wfe]

I finally found the post where you said you'd be at Illuminations with us! Cool. I probably won't get anything to eat until someone else gets there so I don't lose our table. Not sure what I'll be wearing at the MK lighting but I will definitely be in cargo pants - they've become quite comfortable.

I know everyone's first name except yours!


I'll be checking the boards up until I leave Saturday morning. I've got lots of time to pack and get ready - the kids go back to school tomorrow and Friday so I have my days. Still have to make sure the house is ready for my departure as well... all the family laundry and such.

Name's Christy:wave2: ... I LOVE cargo pants.. I have a few pairs of "girl" cargo pants (including big pockets on the legs) that are my "comfortable" pants

I'll be around until Friday evening... Flight out is also 9:15 but I have to be outta the house at 4:30 Sat morning to make it there on time (2 hr drive, plus stop at friends house for a lift)

Made DH whole wheat pizzas in the freezer for dinners next week.... now I just gotta finish up work for the week and travel tomorrow for work and then I can REALLY start getting packed

[Anne's Family]

I'm lucky, I live 10 minutes from DFW airport. Of course, our house is pretty much in a flight path. DH tried to camp in the backyard with the kids one night, never again!

[Straughn]

I'm lucky, I live 10 minutes from DFW airport. Of course, our house is pretty much in a flight path. DH tried to camp in the backyard with the kids one night, never again!

I am 15 minutes south of Reagan National-right on the land to the north, take off to the south pattern. Thank god, they have to shut down around 11-12 PM. The route is right up the Potomac River and I live about a mile inland. It can be noisy! I sure wouldn't want to own one of the million plus $$ townhouses at the south end of Alexandria with a "river view".

I know DFW-it is probably a lot worse than Reagan.

[sailors_wfe]

I'm lucky, I live 10 minutes from DFW airport. Of course, our house is pretty much in a flight path. DH tried to camp in the backyard with the kids one night, never again!
the bad thing is that i LIVE 15 mins from an airport... unfortunately Southwest doesn't fly out of Richmond, so I'm driving the 2 hours to save about $75 :)

[Straughn]

the bad thing is that i LIVE 15 mins from an airport... unfortunately Southwest doesn't fly out of Richmond, so I'm driving the 2 hours to save about $75 :)

Christy- What airport are you using?

[springandmac]

Ok ladies. I guess I need to update and since I just finished packing, making DH a few meals and cleaning, I'm in need of a break.

My plans are.....um, yeah...I pretty much have no plans. Well, a fairer statement would be I have "loose" plans. My everyday life is planned to the minute so when it comes to vacation I generally operate with very few plans.

I'm scheduled to fly out at 11:20 Saturday morning but I'm think if I'm excited and can't sleep that I may try to stand by for the 6 a.m. flight.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I'm supposed to go to my parents house for dinner so depending on when I get home and how I feel in the a.m. my stand by plans may fall to the wayside. I also feel bad asking DH to get up so early on his day off to take me to the airport. He works in a town about an hour and a half from where we live so in order to be at work by 7 he's up at 5 every morning.


Saturday, I check into POP for one night. I requested building 6, 4th floor, lakeview so we'll see how that goes. I generally have bad room mojo. I'm only here for the night so it certainly won't ruin my vacation if I don't get my requests. I refuse to donate any extra points to DVC on the weekends so I'm giving one of the values a try.

If I fly stand by I may take a small nap. I'll need to run and pick up my ticket and go to Wal-mart so I can get some Coke. (Hi my name is Spring, and I'm a Coke-aholic ~ I love the stuff) I want to go to MK and check out the castle lighting (what time exactly is the lighting, anybody know?) and then run over to DHS and check out the Osbourne Lights.

Sunday, I check out of POP and into BCV. I'm 9000% percent positive my room won't be ready so I was thinking of going to AK and Epcot today. I moved my Jiko's reservation up to 5:30 so I could meet ya'll at Illuminations. I'll probably get there around 7:30. I'll probably be stuffed to the gills so I won't be eating at Cantina San Angel but I will save room for a Margarita. (Margarita's run a close second to Coke).

Monday, I was going to check out SAB, hit the Mall at Millenia in search of a Juicy Couture souvenier for DD and to get a case for the iphone Santa brought me. :lovestruc I also wanted to go to Orlando Premium Outlets but time may not permit. Dinner will be.... somewhere. This could be disastorous but I don't have an ADR for tonight.

Tuesday, I'm doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour with Anne and Pat, lunch at Columbia Harbour House with the tour. Hang around MK for the rest of the day and then at 7, head over to the GF for the Wishes cruise with Amber and her new DH. :hug: Dinner will be after the wishes cruise at Beaches & Cream.

Wednesday, I'm going to DHS for the day, I want to catch Fantasmic at 7 and I have dinner reservations at Kona Cafe' at 8:15.

And then I have to go home Thursday morning :sad1:

[Straughn]

Laundry is done. Clothing is almost all pulled for packing, which I will do tomorrow night. I always pack the night before-just my thing. There are a couple of things to be pressed. Haircut is tomorrow morning. So I am basically organized. I did check online for a better rate for my car rental. Got a bigger car for a lot less $$ than then when I booked originally in Sept. Today was my last day at work, so I am getting into vacation mode. Time to watch CSI, even if it is a rerun.

[Anne's Family]

Sounds like we're all getting in the mood! Spring, the castle lighting is at 5:45p. It's not quite totally dark, I think. I'll be shooting over to the Osborne lights as well. Don't want to wait until the last night.

I'm still doing laundry. I've got most of the day tomorrow to get everything done. My son's 10th birthday is tomorrow so I have a cake to make. We also have swim team tomorrow night. I've been stressing over the schedule while I'm gone. My husband has a lot to keep up with. The kids have karate classes, a Cub Scout meeting, Girl Scout cookie meeting, Religious Education classes and school... all in the 6 days I'm gone. And he's got a full-time job to deal with too. Hopefully these solo trips will get easier as the kids get older!

[Anne's Family]

Spring... I'm requesting that 4th floor lakeview at Pop too. Hmmm. We'll see who gets there first!

[sailors_wfe]

Christy- What airport are you using?
Flying outta Norfolk... used to live down there until recently, so I have some friends that can take me to the airport so I won't have to use Long Term Parking

[sailors_wfe]

Spring, Happy Birthday :)
haven't even started packing yet... Gotta pull out the Mickey Suitcase this morning.. get laundry finished and get everything packed... as well as run errands to get batteries and finish up stuff before leaving DH here all by his lonesome for the week!!!

[springandmac]

Spring, Happy Birthday :)

Thanks for the birthday wishes Christy!
Haircut is tomorrow morning.

It's funny I was going to warn everyone not to get a haircut before they leave for vacation. I got a haircut yesterday and I now have "kindergarten bangs"....you know when you were in kindergarten and your mom used to trim your bangs 2" above your eyebrows and they were super short and you looked like a dork.

So today I'm 37 with "Kindergarten bangs" (my sister said there not that bad, but they're shorter than I normally wear them so to me they're bad, maybe when I fix my hair myself tomorrow I'll be able to do something with them.) Here's hoping. :wizard:

[Straughn]

:bday: Spring. We will toast you on Sunday night.

Hair cut is done and my bangs are not too short. I usually have the exact opposite problem from you. My stylist never cuts them short enough and in about 2 weeks, they need a trim. Of course, my favorite watch battery stopped yesterday, so I had to get that fixed this AM. It is always something. This afternoon is a bunch of errands and making sure my mother is set for while I am away.

[springandmac]

:bday: Spring. We will toast you on Sunday night.

Thanks Pat!

Well ladies, this is my last post. I'm off to go to bed and try to get up in time for the standby flight. Sadly, I still have to finish a load of laundry, finish packing up all my electronics, drink some Emergen-C and take some Zicam (I'm working on getting sick) and then it's off to bed.

See ya soon,
Spring

[Straughn]

Ditto the last post thing. 5:30 wake-up is coming soon! I am soooooo looking forward to meeting all of you- like you're gonna see this post.

Pat

[Anne's Family]

I SAW YOUR POST! It's 7:30am here in Big D and I'm off to the airport for my 9:15 flight. Just woke the poor kids up so they can come too. Trying not to act too excited in front of them!

I'll post when I get back. I don't plan to have internet access while I'm there.

[Shmu]

Everyone have a great time at WDW. Can't wait to see pics and hear all about it when you all return.popcorn::

[Anne's Family]

I'm baaaaaack! Fantastic trip. Planning paid off. Trip report coming soon. I need to organize and crop my photos first so I'll be started in a couple of days!

[Shmu]

I'm baaaaaack! Fantastic trip. Planning paid off. Trip report coming soon. I need to organize and crop my photos first so I'll be started in a couple of days!Welcome home. Can't wait to hear about your trip.popcorn::

[tinkerbell87512]

Hi Anne! I followed your link over here from your siggy on the POTD thread. I can't wait to read all about your trip. Looking at all your planning that went into it, it sounds great!!

[jsmla]

Hi Anne,

It was lovely meeting you and I'm looking forward to reading all of the details, especially about your "interesting" KTTK tour!

Jennifer

[Anne's Family]

Okey dokey. I'm starting my regular trip report in a new thread on the Trip Reports forum.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1689026

Enjoy!