30 Years in the Making...

[JenH1969]

When I was a little girl- I dreamed and dreamed of going to Disney. I had a very complicated family-biological, adoptive, and step parents plus half, adopted and step siblings. Almost all of them at one time or another went to Disney- some of them every year- but for some reason I never seemed to qualify :scared: Did I feel sorry for myself? You bet ya! I always felt like the odd duck- and me being the only one to not get to go to Disney just amplified it all. But- I continued to dream.

I can still feel my eyes- those sad puppy dog eyes as I watched those around me prepare, enjoy, return and tell the stories- if only they knew how lucky they were and how I ached to be a part of it all.

Gosh- writing this makes me feel almost as sad and heartbroken as I did 25 years ago-

Can I continue- hmmm- I dunno- gonna let this digest first

Still dreaming~ Jen

[Avivasmom]

That must have been tough....but look as your ticker says 5 1/2 months to go...you can do it.

Think positive and think of all the things yet to come.

HUGS!

[JenH1969]

Thanks for your reply- no worries- it all works out-;)

As I got older- it seemed even more difficult. I often wondered how families did it- if those kids knew how lucky they were. I use to babysit all the time. I almost got to go to Disney with one family I babysat for- but it didn't work out in the end. :headache: . Then during universtiy my friends were going for spring break- just how does one do that? It still baffles me- I was lucky enough to finance my way through school let alone travel to Europe or the Wonderful World of Disney.:confused3

All through these years- I knew- that one day I WOULD get there and if I had kids they would get there too. I didn't want my kids to ever feel like I did growning up. I WOULD make this happen.

To be continued:hippie: Jen

[JenH1969]

Dh and I met in 1990- married in 1993, had dd in 1995 and ds in 2002. Early in our marriage we had a piggy bank labeled Disneyworld- but we were young, just starting out and I couldn't imagine it would happen. The piggy bank got packed away and disappeared for years until my dd was old enough to start asking about Disney- then we dug it out and continued to put the odd (and I mean odd) quarter in.

I never quite knew when it would happen- but I still knew in my heart that I would get me and my family to WDW.

Fast forward many years- just wanted to start this on the basis that it has been a HUGE dream of mine and a long anticipated wish

I have been telling dd for years that we would go. When I figured out when I thought the best time would be - mainly thinking of my ds being at the right age and size- I thought April of 2009. I was so excited to think we were actually thinking of dates.

We were hoping to go with good friends of ours- the Griffens- they are our kids Godparents- they have 2 children, ages 20 and 18- we call them our Godfamily. Originally they said April 2009 sounded good. I was so excited- not only was this actually going to happen but we were going to be able to share it with our friends.

Then one day Joan calls. Jen- we have been thinking about Disney- heart stops- yes Joan- we want to do it in April 2008 instead of 2009. We are afraid if we wait another year the kids won't be in a position to join us. I totally understood her reasoning but aghhhhhh- it gave me a whole lot less time to save and Joshua would be 6 on the trip rather than 7. I told her I would talk to my dh and get back to her.

We talked and decided that we would do our best to save and make this happen as we really wanted to share this experience with the Griffens (it is their first time too)- This was about April of 2007.

So- we start saving loonies at this point- up from nickels and quarters. We got our income tax back and put $1000 in our Disney account- this was sooo exciting- it was the first time I thought- HEY- I think this may really happen.

Dh is in the Canadian Air Force and I am a SAHM. With my kids ages spread- I have been home a long time. I have babysat for years to make a bit extra. We have everything we need- and even some wants- but things like Disney just seemed so out of reach.

Joan called one day and said the Spurrels are going to join us in WDW. :rolleyes1 - hmmm- don't get me wrong- I know the Spurrels- they are a great family- BUT the reason we changed our original time frame was to share this with the Griffens- The Griffens kids love my kids and treat them like little siblings. The Spurrels have older kids too- now with 4 older kids and my two little ones- the whole vision changed- I can honestly say it took the wind out my sails. I never let this be known though- at this point the Griffens knew that we were going to try to save enough to go a year earlier but not positive it could happen. After much thought and heartache I decided that since the Spurrels were going too that we would wait till our original planned date of April 2009.

A couple of days later I called Joan to let her know( it is now September and we have moved form Nova Scotia to Ontario over the summer - the Griffens are still in Nova Scotia) that we were not going to be going with them and the Spurrels. Before I got it out she told me the Spurrels were now NOT going.:scared1: - oh my after all this turmoil (in my mind and heart) things just changed- aghhhhh- I explained to her how we had changed our minds but now I would talk to dh again and see what we were going to do. We decided ( dh had pretty well let me do all the deciding:hug: ) that we WOULD go with them in April 2008. Holy Moly!! This was mid September- I had to get packed!!!!!!

[JenH1969]

Oh my gosh- see my ticker now? Do you know what? I really think this may happen. I say this to myself at least a few times a week. 58 days from today. I have waited 30 years- yes 30 whole years for this- and now not only do I get to experience it but even better- I get to experience it with my own kids- there really is a reason for everything.:lovestruc

I am the type of person (and really "we" as a family) that work for what we get- no hand outs, no special treatment, just plain hard work and do you know what- this makes us so much more grateful for all we have and all we achieve. I am truly grateful for our blessings. Don't get me wrong- someone passed me a bag of money I wouldn't turn it down- but I do know thlat I would make sure that others could share the extra blessings with us. If we don't have obstacles in life I don't think we can truly appreciate the good times and see exactly how good they are.

Anyway- enough about that for now- well, where have I been since my last entry in November? Gosh- most living and dreaming Disney. I know those around me think I am losing it- it really is quite amusing.

I have taken a few little breaks with the planning- sometimes I get overwhelmed and overloaded with info and have to take a breather- then in a few days I get back to it- at this point- I have an itinerary I am pretty happy with
Once in a Lifetime Trip

Cast- myself, my ds, dd12 and ds6 ( and our friends and their ds 20 and dd18). We will be on DDP but they will not- we know our interests will be different and will be together or apart as it flows- we are doing Chef Mickeys together (their only ADR)

Disney transportation used first 6 days - then rental car from May3-11 then back to Disney transportation

Sunday, April 26- arrive at Pop about 7pm- check out resort,unpack,. early to bed-

Monday, April 28 (will have been in bed around 9:30 night before)
Epcot-FW
9am rope drop-
early lunch at Epcot -11am Garden Grill
break 12:45-4:00
head back to Epcot
early dinner 5pm at Le Cellier-
Stay for Illuminations at 9pm
Bed 10:45ish


Tuesday, April 29
sleep in
slow day- DTD- 9-1 or so
lunch DTD-Wolfgang Express
break in afternoon
Dinner 7;05pm - Chef Mickey
bed- 9-9:30

Wednesday, April 30
DHS
9am RD
lunch at DS-Sci Fi OOP
stay till block party at 3 then leave
break4-7pm
Dinner at Pop Food Court
Back to DS
Fantasmic 8:30pm
Bed 10ish

Thursday, May 1
Sleep in- swim-
AK 11:45-6pm
Leave for AK around 11:00
Lunch-Flame Tree
Jammin 4pm
Stay till 5:40ish
Boma 6:25pm
Early night

Friday, May 2
MK
9am -2pm RD
lunch at MK -Cosmic Rays
rest- 2:30-6
7:15pm Hoop De Doo
back to Pop around 9:30pm

Saturday, May 3- our last day on DDP
7:30am Ohana-OOP- will take cab- I know it is early but we can relax all afternoon and evening
9:30 -11:30am Pirate Cruise from GF
(ideas what dh, dd (12) and I could do while he is on cruise?)
pick up rental car from Grand Floridian
Drive to Pepper market for lunch
Leave for rental home after lunch- hang out there for rest of day- swimming- groceries- relax

Sunday, May 4
IOA or Clearwater


Monday, May 5 sleep in
arrive at Epcot around 11 for WS
ts supper at Epcot -Biergarten-4:40pm
Leave between 6-7- early night

Tuesday, May 6
IOA or Clearwater- will wait on weather to decide
Bed by 9pm

Wednesday, May 7
MK
9am RD
9-4pm at MK
lunch at MK -Peco Bills
3pm Dreams
Leave MK at 4- relaxing evening

Thursday, May 8
Sea World- 9-3:30
rest- 4-7
La Nouba 9:00pm

Friday, May 9
sleep in- swim
Universal Studios 12-9pm

Saturday, May 10- (our friends last full day)
sleep in
Rest most of day and pack
4pm head to MK
MK dinner-6:30pm Crystal Palace
Spectro 9 or 11
Wishes 10

Sunday, May 11 leave rental home at 9am or so-
Head to WDW-
check into AS Movies
Have rental car picked up at Epcot if possible
11:40 am - light lunch at Coral Reef
afternoon at Epcot-
Whispering Canyon at 5:50pm-
Wishes Cruise check in at 7:45pm

Monday, May 12
sleep in , pack and morning swim-
12:20 leave for MK
1:20pm- both kids to BBB
2:45pm- CRT late lunch
stay at MK till 10:30pm
MK late Dinner
spectro 9
wishes 10

On one of our off days we may come in from house and go to Beaches and Cream for a Kitchen Sink

Gosh- it sounds so exciting- is this really my life?

[JenH1969]

I had originally made our reservations through CAA but the whole scenario drove me crazy so I ended up cancelling with them and booking directly through Disney. The reason was that I couldn't deal with my own reservation directly and I was far too involved not be able to ask my own questions and make my own changes. I then rebooked our whole vacation.

After spending many hours on our itinerary it became very clear that I had planned too much and that some things were going to have to be eliminated. I chose to give up Busch Gardens, Aquatica and the water parks. This made me sad and the planner that I am secretly still thinks we could have done it all but the the pros know I can't so I officially dropped them from our itinerary giving us some more down time and some more time to enjoy the other things we are doing. I really struggled with the thought that I may be depriving my family of something but I then came to the conclusion that the book of memories we make will be more detailed memories- just with less chapters and I am now ok with this.

From very early on one of few things my kids specifically asked for was to go to "La Nouba"- I looked into it and saw that 90 minutes of entertainment was going to cost over $350 for the 4 of us.:sick: - I just couldn't get my head around this at all- although if we put too much thought into anything financial about Disney we wouldn't leave our home towns- lol- Anyways- at that time I told the kids the price and |I told them that we wouldn't be going- that we would just stick to the things that Disney offered with the tickets we knew we would be purchasing. I told them that Cirque to Soleil comes to Toronto and sometime we would go there- although the more I thought about this the more I knew it was even less likely to happen- so- to make a long story short- when I eliminated some things from our itinerary- I freed up some money and you guessed it- I put that money towards La Nouba tickets. But- the kids don't know- I have the tickets here at our house right now- I am going to wrap them and the night of, we will get all dressed up for a night out at Downtown Disney and I will give them their tickets- they will be sooooo excited- I can't wait.

To be continued;) - Jen

[JenH1969]

I am going to fast forward to present and go back as it is relevant.

I have been doing a lot of Disney reading lately (last 9 months or so:rotfl: ). When I first started reading things went right over my head as I wasn't at all familiar with the parks, rides, shows, restaurants etc. Now as I read it is finally starting to piece together. It is kind of neat when it just clicks-it often amazes me . I am the planner for my family and the other family that is going with us- I know they are amazed with what I have picked up-

I am very overweight. One of my fears was that I wouldn't fit in the rides-many months ago that fear was put to rest by many wonderful posters- I have recently re-read that thread and made notes so that I will be prepared for certain situations that may arise. I am still nervous about this but not nearly to the extent I was. My family and I are also going to start walking this week to get our bodies a little more in shape for our big trip (only 55 more days)

I got the kids new crocks today-they both have some from last year that still fit but my ds has his almost worn out so I thought a new pair for Disney would be great (thanks Grandma) and I picked out one Disney Jibbit for each of them to with their new crocs. They will be tickled and I know will collect many more while in WDW.

I finally convinced dh to get crocs a few weeks ago- so funny how men resist- he now loves them- we are also looking at new sneakers for him- we will go again this weekend to give us time to break them in ( I got new ones a few weeks ago).

So many times lately I have said to myself or someone else "I think this may really happen"- it really seems so surreal- I have been dreaming about it for 30 years- some of the little things that have been so exciting are- finding and buying body glide, getting moleskin, ponchos, my bagallinin arriving in mail, bagging up the kids outfits in ziplocs, making lists for carryons, looking at the rides on you tube with the kids- hearing my ds |(6) wake in the morning with the new countdown number,adding to our glowstick collection, etc, etc, etc. These little things have been like rungs in a ladder- every one being one step closer to my dream-.

I did up our forcasted budget yesterday- we are going for 17 days- right now it looks like about $9400.00- a year ago when we started talking about it - the more experienced around us told us we would need ten thousand- we now see how right they were- now of course we could do it on a lot less- but this is a trip of a lifetime- we want no regrets- we have splurged in some areas and cut back on others- all in all it evens out-

I am a little worried about how things will go with our friends- they are fabulous people but we have a couple of major differences- our kids are 6 and 12 and theirs are 18 and 20- so this will obviously lead us in separate directions at times but also-I am a big planner- they have done no planning or research- everything in my itinerary has a reason and makes sense to me- I don't want to have to defend our choices to them- I think it will work out ok- but a bit of a worry although we have talked a few times about not being together all the time- we hope to have connecting rooms at Pop for the first 6 nights then we are sharing a 4 bedroom rental home for 8 nights- then they go home and we got back to WDW to AS Movies for 2 nights- so I am sure we will have lots of togetherness-

There is something that keeps popping into my head- what am |I going to do with my time after our trip- I have spent almost every free moment (and many not meant to be free moments) planning and researching Disney-what happens when I get home? Really- what happens?

I should go for now- I am obviously going to treat this as a blog type thing- not sure if anyone will read or relate but if you are out there please wave and say hello- glad to have you along-

TBC- Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Oh my gosh- it is only 54 days now- I really can't believe it- the kids and I watched some more ride videos on you tube tonight- my 6 year old is quite nervous about a lot of the rides so I am hoping seeing some of them and knowing what to expect will ease some of his fears- we watched TOT tonight- holy moly- his Mom is not sure about that one:scared1: - my dd is excited though-

I had a busy day today so not a lot of time to lose myself in Disney stuff today- but tomorrow is a brand new day- I ordered Pal Mickey and ears for the kids to be delivered to the resort for the day we arrive- they will be so excited- tomorrow I must pay for those and in 10 more days I have to pay the remaining balance on our trip- oh my word- it is seeming so real- do you think it may really happen?

TBC, Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Aghhhhhh- I woke up today thinking- oh my gosh I only have 53 more days to prepare- like panicky- I have so much more to learn, more touring plans to do, many more details to iron out, oh my word- I only have 53 more days- I better get movin!!

TBC, Jenpirate:

[JenH1969]

Yes- I changed my title once again- this has been a bit of a journey for me-

Today- I started sort some of the important info- into piles- according to park- thinking I would take that duo-tang of info with me to that park that day? Does anyone else do something silly like this?

Helllllooooooo?????????? Hope you pop in to say hello- Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Help, Help!

I only have 38 more days to get everything ready:surfweb:

Really- sometimes I feel overwhelmed cause there is still so much I want to learn-

Since I wrote last-
-we paid our final instalment to Disney
-paid for our house rental in Davenport
-changed our car rental from- only the time while we are at the house to- the whole time (17 days)
-I have all our suitcases on the bed in the guest room and I would say I have everyone 75% packed- and what is left is written down- which is crucial for me as the more I can let go from my muttled brain the better

You know what- I really think this may happen- I can't tell you the joy and excitement I feel jus thinking about it-

Remember- I have been waiting for this day for 30 whole years- all my siblings and parents went- but never me- this is a painful memory from my childhood- one I am so happy to be able to let go- and share the joy with my own kids- there was a reason I never got to go as a kid-:hippie:

Everyone around me thinks I am obsessed- and maybe I am- but if we are going to do this I need to know I went as prepared as I could and I also hope that by doing all this preparation I will be able to better relax once we are there as it will all be written out- I won't need to think "where should we stand for wishes"- I am not a relaxed person by nature- but I am so looking forward to this being a therapeutic and relaxing adventure for my whole family- dh and the kids so enjoy when I let my hair down(it doesn't happen very often)- I hope and pray I can :wizard:

The main parts of my research are 4- here at the Disboards of course, TGM, and reading the Passporter and UG- I am taking bits and pieces and trying to put it all together

Well I better sign off for now- I have TONS to do and only 38 more days to do it- :scared1:

TBC, Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Woo Hoo- our Magical Express package arrived today- oh my word- I think this may really happen:banana: - Seeing our name in print is just so exciting- by the way what does "AK" mean in the Mickey head on the luggage tags?

I am thrilled this arrived- however we have decided to rent a car for our whole trip so we won't be taking the magical express- but they sure will make great souveniers.

I was at the chiropractor this afternoon and one of the doctors was asking me some things about our plans as she has been there before. She was amazed with what I know and how prepared I am- however- I feel so unprepared- like there is so much more to take in- will this feeling go away I wonder.

I think I have our touring plans finished for Epcot- I can't believe how much info there is- I can't write it all down or take it all in but I hope I have captured the most important tips

I started measuring out my pills today- one more step closer:thumbsup2

Can you tell I am excited?

I hope that someone will stop in and say hello- I can see that I have a couple fo readers- please feel free to post- I would love to hear from you (and I am starting to feel a little bit like a crazy lady:rolleyes1 )

TBC- Jen;)

[lowe@massed.net]

Woo Hoo- our Magical Express package arrived today- oh my word- I think this may really happen:banana:

Hey Jen - DH and I arrive the same day you do! We'll be at the BCV. I know just how you feel about waiting your whole life to go to WDW. I felt that way about Disneyland, having grown up in the 50s. My dream came true last December when we visited DLR for the first time. It was even better than my dreams. I hope your trip will be too! :hippie:

[lowe@massed.net]

Oh! I meant to add that what caught my eye is that you got your Magical Express package today and I didn't! Hope mine comes tomorrow or I'll start getting nervous! :eek:

BTW- my itinerary is here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1756687).

[michellem1118]

Woo Hoo- our Magical Express package arrived today- oh my word- I think this may really happen:banana: - Seeing our name in print is just so exciting- by the way what does "AK" mean in the Mickey head on the luggage tags?

Hi! I'm glad you're finally getting to go to WDW!

The "AK" on the ME tags means your resort is in the Animal Kingdom resort area - baggage is sorted based on general area to facilitate delivery from the airport.

Your post said "help" at the beginning - what do you need help with? You seem to have everything under control. :)

[JenH1969]

Hey Jen - DH and I arrive the same day you do! We'll be at the BCV. I know just how you feel about waiting your whole life to go to WDW. I felt that way about Disneyland, having grown up in the 50s. My dream came true last December when we visited DLR for the first time. It was even better than my dreams. I hope your trip will be too! :hippie:

Hi Kay-lo- thanks so much for your post- I was starting to feel really strange and kind of like a crazy lady-

I am so glad to hear that your first time surpassed your expectations- sometimes when we hope and dream for so long we set ourselves up for disappoinment- I am still such a little girl at heart that I really think I will be in complete awe while I am there-

I was quite surprised to get my Magical Express (isn't it funny how we so easily capital all things Disney-lol) package- I thought it came only a few weeks before so I was pleasantly surprised- I am sure yours is right around the corner

I checked your itinerary- looks like we are both at MK on May 2-

Thanks again for stopping by- I will follow your pre-trip report too- ;) Jen

[JenH1969]

Thanks Michelle for your post- very nice to know I am not alone;)

Hi! I'm glad you're finally getting to go to WDW! Thank-you Michelle-me too:cool1: I am beyond excited-

The "AK" on the ME tags means your resort is in the Animal Kingdom resort area - baggage is sorted based on general area to facilitate delivery from the airport. Makes good sense- thanks for passing that on

Your post said "help" at the beginning - what do you need help with? You seem to have everything under control. :) Well- it is more of kind of a panic feeling that I get sometimes when I think of all the things I still want to learn about before I go- there isn't anything in particular that I feel overwhelmed about - I am presently working on touring plans- I am going to start AK today- there are just so many details about WDW and Florida out there- I want to take in as much as I can- thanks for asking;)

[JenH1969]

Oh and Kay-lo- check out our tickers today!!! Woo HOO:yay: :dance3: :banana: :cool1: :goodvibes :hippie: :thumbsup2 :flower3: :cool2: :woohoo:

[JenH1969]

We just got back from a walk- this is our 3rd walk - our intention is to get us a little into shape and build up our stamina and endurance for Disney- the kids did great- where do they get their energy? Ds didn't even complain he was tired which was wonderful and a surprise cause this was our longest walk since last summer- it is hard after being relatively sendentary during the snowy winter- dh and I both have new sneakers and so far so good- we are both very pleased- we plan to keep walking- get them broken in before they touch down at WDW-

Going to sit down now and start working on AK touring plans-

TBC- Jen;)

[lowe@massed.net]

Oh and Kay-lo- check out our tickers today!!! Woo HOO:yay: :dance3: :banana: :cool1: :goodvibes :hippie: :thumbsup2 :flower3: :cool2: :woohoo:

Yes - exciting isn't it? BTW - got my ME package today! :woohoo:

Don't fret too much about your touring plan. The important thing is that you have one and are going in prepared, but also be just as prepared to throw it out the window once you get there. Don't let trying to stick to your plan cause you even more stress. Try and go with the flow - magical things you never expected will happen at the World if you let them. :wizard:

[JenH1969]

I soooooo can't wait to experience the Magic- I want to understand what all you pros talk about- I want to feel it-

I understand about keeping some room open for flexability in our tourning plans. Especially with our six year old and having another family along who haven't done any preparation at all- at least with the touring plans I will know what we hope to do while at the park-

I worked on Ak last night- I am so excited to try out the rides and see all the animals- I know we will all enjoy it very much

I am going to do a bit more on AK today- get it printed and put in duo-tang and same for Epcot

Only 36 more days!!!:cool1:

TBC,Jen

[DisneyFun08]

I am enjoying reading along as you prepare. We (DH, DD6 and myself) are taking our first trip to Disney in October. Looking forward to reading more!

[JenH1969]

Hi DisneyFun- great to have you along- how are your plans going? Every day we are one step closer-

-bought foot powder today (it's the small things in life - right?pirate: )
-We got another walk in yesterday
- the family we are going with called tonight and for the first time:cool1: it seems like they are putting some thought into the trip- even some planning and a bit of excitement- this is a very pleasant surprise-:thumbsup2

The kids are really getting excited- this is just making it even more fun- I think dh is even getting the bug- woo hoo

34 more days!!:woohoo:

TBC, Jen

[JenH1969]

In 27 days I am going to be at DISNEYWORLD- I still can't believe it- I guess when you dream about something for so long it takes a while to sink in-

Our friends are really getting into it now-they have done a bit of research- are asking questions etc-

Dh is getting more and more involved daily

Josh wants to look at pictures on the Disboards and YouTube all the time

Bre- is so impressed with all the work her Mama is putting into making this a reality:thumbsup2

We bought another set of suitcases on the weekend- I would say we are over 85% packed-

Everyone has fanny packs and small backpacks to hang off stroller with water, umbrellas, ponchos etc-

I printed up weekly calendars for the next four weeks with the things I need to do each week - eg- call insurance, post office, get haircuts, etc

We are waiting to hear back from Seaworld about a complimentary day they offer to Military Members and their families which is exptremely gracious of them- we heard Canadian Military qualified too but I want to confirm

Made a reservation for Kona for breakfast for 7:30am on a Mk day- just gotta try that Tonga Toast

I got some more info today for the kids for things to do at Epcot- my dd was told by kids at school that Epcot was boring- we SHALL prove them wrongpirate:

I still can't believe how much I continue to learn about WDW each and every day!

TBC,Jen

[lowe@massed.net]

In 27 days I am going to be at DISNEYWORLD- I still can't believe it- I guess when you dream about something for so long it takes a while to sink in-

Well JenH - if you have 27 days left, then so do I! :cool1: Is it Friday you're planning to have breakfast at Kona? That's our plan too (at the moment), but I haven't done any breakfast ADRs. Better get on that......

[JenH1969]

Hi Kay-lo! Great to "see" you- yes it is Friday- I booked for 7:30am thinking that would still get us to MK for rope drop-think that gives us enough time?

How are your plans going?

Jen

[lowe@massed.net]

Hi Kay-lo! Great to "see" you- yes it is Friday- I booked for 7:30am thinking that would still get us to MK for rope drop-think that gives us enough time?

How are your plans going?

Jen

We'll probably get there later - we're going to be in Hakuna Matata mode - no rope drops for us this trip. :cool2:

I think our plans are pretty much set. Just counting down the days. It has been such a cold, gray spring here in MA so far, I'm really looking forward to seeing the sun! :cool1:

[DisneyFun08]

Hi DisneyFun- great to have you along- how are your plans going? Every day we are one step closer-
TBC, Jen

My planning is going slowly. I am waiting for my college daughter to register for classes so she'll know her schedule for next Oct./Nov. We really want her to come with us but she doesn't want to miss more than 1 of each class. She's trying to get an all Tues./Thurs. schedule so we could go Wed.-Mon. Can't make ressies 'til we know more.
Glad to hear you're getting closer to the day of your million dreams! Hope you do a trip report so I want to read all about it!

[tcuplvr]

Jen -

I am soooooo excited for you and your family!!!!! :yay: I wish I could be there with you as you experience The Magic!!!!!!! I just hope that after all this time you aren't disappointed. Thankfully you have allotted time for your trip. I cannot wait to hear all about it when you get back!!!!!

I have been to the WDW 3 times with the last being 10 years ago. We are going in October and I, like you were, am totally overwhelmed. I can only hope that by the time our trip is here that I am half as organized as you are!!!

Bonnie

[lowe@massed.net]

Jen,
We're almost there! :cool1: Are you ready?

[JenH1969]

My planning is going slowly. I am waiting for my college daughter to register for classes so she'll know her schedule for next Oct./Nov. We really want her to come with us but she doesn't want to miss more than 1 of each class. She's trying to get an all Tues./Thurs. schedule so we could go Wed.-Mon. Can't make ressies 'til we know more.
Glad to hear you're getting closer to the day of your million dreams! Hope you do a trip report so I want to read all about it!


Did your dd get things straightened out?- You raised a good girl to be worried about her classes;) - Thanks for the well wishes and for reading along- Only 16 more days- :cool1:

[JenH1969]

Jen -

I am soooooo excited for you and your family!!!!! :yay: I wish I could be there with you as you experience The Magic!!!!!!! I just hope that after all this time you aren't disappointed. Thankfully you have allotted time for your trip. I cannot wait to hear all about it when you get back!!!!!

I have been to the WDW 3 times with the last being 10 years ago. We are going in October and I, like you were, am totally overwhelmed. I can only hope that by the time our trip is here that I am half as organized as you are!!!

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie- great to hear from you- I too am a tad bit worried about being disappointed but more in myself for not learning and planning enough- my dh keeps telling me that I can't know "everything"- but I| want to dang it:hippie:

This planning has been a bit of an obsession for me- I sometimes envy those that arrived, open there maps and say "what should we do today|"-but overall I know the planning will make a world of difference-

Look at the sky the night of the 27th- the glow will be my smile as my dream will have come true:thumbsup2

Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Jen,
We're almost there! :cool1: Are you ready?

READY?????--WHO ME?????

I am sooooooo ready- did you see our tickers- holy hanna!!! I feel like I have ants in my pants- lol- I made some changes to my itinerary yesterday- April30 DHS is having the Disney Channel Fans meet- I definately don't want to be there that day with all the extra fans- we will go on May2 instead- Are you almost packed? What do you have left to do? My to do list gets shorter then longer daily- lol

Bye for now, Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Well, well, well- where am I?

I am 16 days away from the day I have been dreaming about for 30+ years- I can't even begin to explain the feeling

Air Tran changed our flight times which didn't work well with our schedule- when I called they offered a full refund which I took- I then booked with JetBlue- got even better times and saved $400:cool1:

We got our flight and medical insurance today- glad to have that done
-I packed all my daily meds today- counted them out and made sure they are in original bottles- packed a few extra days- just in case

Scheduled the dogs needles and haircuts for ds and I- 2 more things off my list

Have my banking organized till I get back- will physically do it all on the 16th or so

I made some itinerary changes and some new ADR's - same restaurants just different times

We will now arrive in Orlando within minutes of our friends (they are coming from another province- we were originally coming in a few hours after them)- this will be even more exciting to meet them at the airport, get our cars and head to Pop together-

I feel like I have most things 3/4 done- I really want to finalize and complete some things this weekend- we are close enough now to get lots of it done- and maybe even close suitcases- just adding underclothes the day before-

I am going to take tonight off from "Disney"- my dh is working and I have borrowed "Queen" from the library- I will put my ds to bed then my dd and a single lady neighbour friend and I will watch it- dd will be delighted- both to see the movie and to have her Mom all to herself- lol

I should sign off for now- I will likely post more often now that we are so close-

After 30 years and counting down from day 309- there are only 16 daysleft

Jen;)

[DisneyFun08]

Did your dd get things straightened out?- You raised a good girl to be worried about her classes;) - Thanks for the well wishes and for reading along- Only 16 more days- :cool1:

I booked our vacation Wed.! Even splurged and got the dining plan:banana:

My college daughter is going, too!:yay: She will drive down with us, and fly back the day before we leave Orlando. $150 very well spent!::yes::
We are making a stop in Daytona for a beach day/night and she will miss that. But that's okay, at least we get to see the World together!:cheer2:

Now the real planning begins for me, as I learn all about ADR's and EMH and all the ins and outs of planning the vacation of a lifetime!

Wow! 16 days and counting........:woohoo: You are almost there!

[lowe@massed.net]

Are you almost packed? What do you have left to do? My to do list gets shorter then longer daily- lol

Bye for now, Jen;) [/SIZE]

Packed?! :confused3 Heavens, no! That happens the day before the trip! :) It's just me and DH and we each do our own packing (mostly - I have to fold his shirts for him). I iron all my clothes and fold them nice and flat before putting them in the suitcase so everything comes out looking good and ready to wear. Packing has become very routine in the last few years since I've had a lot of professional travel and we've started vacationing more.

I did buy DH some new underwear today :rolleyes: and got myself a cute little bag to replace one I've used on vacations for years. We're still wearing warm clothes here, so I have to pull out my summer stuff and see what fits. I might go buy another pair of Crocs - they are soooo comfortable! When I put all my summer clothes away last fall, I set aside what I thought I might want for this trip and put it in a separate storage box under our bed, so everything's all together. Maybe tomorrow I'll pull it out and see if I need to go shopping for anything new.

I'm getting psyched! :goodvibes

[JenH1969]

I booked our vacation Wed.! Even splurged and got the dining plan:banana:

My college daughter is going, too!:yay: She will drive down with us, and fly back the day before we leave Orlando. $150 very well spent!::yes::
We are making a stop in Daytona for a beach day/night and she will miss that. But that's okay, at least we get to see the World together!:cheer2:

Now the real planning begins for me, as I learn all about ADR's and EMH and all the ins and outs of planning the vacation of a lifetime!

Wow! 16 days and counting........:woohoo: You are almost there!

Sounds like you are well on your way- glad you were able to figure things out- there are lots of people here with an incredible amount of knowledge and support- (I fit into supportive but not Disney knowledgeable);)

Are you doing a per-trip report? Now is a great time to start- Jen:)

[JenH1969]

Packed?! :confused3 Heavens, no! That happens the day before the trip! :) It's just me and DH and we each do our own packing (mostly - I have to fold his shirts for him). I iron all my clothes and fold them nice and flat before putting them in the suitcase so everything comes out looking good and ready to wear. Packing has become very routine in the last few years since I've had a lot of professional travel and we've started vacationing more.

I did buy DH some new underwear today :rolleyes: and got myself a cute little bag to replace one I've used on vacations for years. We're still wearing warm clothes here, so I have to pull out my summer stuff and see what fits. I might go buy another pair of Crocs - they are soooo comfortable! When I put all my summer clothes away last fall, I set aside what I thought I might want for this trip and put it in a separate storage box under our bed, so everything's all together. Maybe tomorrow I'll pull it out and see if I need to go shopping for anything new.

I'm getting psyched! :goodvibes

Oh- you are making me anxious- just thinking about packing the day before - I can't even imagine- so funny really- everyone is so different- and thank goodness cause that is what makes the world go around

Yeah for new undies- we got new socks too- how exciting:cool1:

I too set some stuff aside when I put away the summer clothes last fall- I got my ds's carry on, main suitcase and backpack completed yesterday and have my dd's almost done-getting there- ince by inch

I had changed my itinerary but changed it back to the original as I like it better- now I need to just walk away- please say it "Jennifer, put it down and just walk away":hippie:

Now that so much of our stuff is packed I will have to do laundry more often but that is a small price to pay - to know I am packed and ready to go to WDW- HOLY MACKERAL---------I am going to WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!
:banana: (I really think it IS going to happen)


Bye for now- TBC, Jen

[DisneyFun08]

No, I'm not going to do a pre-trip report. I wouldn't know what to say, and, I'm better at reading others' than writing my own.:)

You are SO close......8 more days! I am so happy for you and hope YOU do a trip report. I want to hear all about it!

:banana: :cool1: :cheer2: :yay: :dance3: :woohoo:

[lowe@massed.net]

I had changed my itinerary but changed it back to the original as I like it better- now I need to just walk away- please say it "Jennifer, put it down and just walk away":hippie:

Oh, how well I understand the tendancy to overplan. You are more than well-prepared. You will have a great trip! :thumbsup2

Wow! here we are - one week away! :yay: I still haven't packed anything yet :rolleyes1 but I did go shopping the other day and bought new capris, shorts, jeans and a bunch of tops. Also got a bathing suit cover-up and new crocs (and a sexy nightgown ;) ), so at least now I know what is eventually going into the suitcase.

......HOLY MACKERAL---------I am going to WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!
:banana: (I really think it IS going to happen)

Yes you are and so am I! :cool1: :woohoo:

[JenH1969]

No, I'm not going to do a pre-trip report. I wouldn't know what to say, and, I'm better at reading others' than writing my own.:)

You are SO close......8 more days! I am so happy for you and hope YOU do a trip report. I want to hear all about it!

:banana: :cool1: :cheer2: :yay: :dance3: :woohoo:

There is no reason in the world you can't do a PTR- Everyone does it there own way- I am going to print mine off at the end and put it in our album- it will be neat to read in 10 years-

I would love to follow along with you- :thumbsup2
Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Oh, how well I understand the tendancy to overplan. You are more than well-prepared. You will have a great trip! :thumbsup2

I hope so- I am getting so nervous now- is that normal? I am feeling a little like a Disney Virgin:scared1:

Wow! here we are - one week away! :yay: I still haven't packed anything yet :rolleyes1 but I did go shopping the other day and bought new capris, shorts, jeans and a bunch of tops. Also got a bathing suit cover-up and new crocs (and a sexy nightgown ;) ), so at least now I know what is eventually going into the suitcase.

Please tell me you put all that stuff in your suitcases- the funny part for me is that I did NOTHING this weekend pertaining to the trip- my whole last year has revolved around planning and preparing- felt kind of weird to not be packing this weekend but all that is left really is stuff I can't do till the night before-:goodvibes

Yes you are and so am I! :cool1: :woohoo:


We are so close!!!
:cool1: :thumbsup2 :lovestruc :hippie: :banana: :yay: :woohoo: :dance3: :cheer2: princess: :cool1:

[JenH1969]

One week from now I will be trying to get the kids settled into bed at Pop Century as we will be getting up bright and early for our first rope drop the next day:cool1:

I am going to Disneyworld- I- Me- OH MY WORD- this feels so surreal

I looked over some lists tonight- crossed off some things- downsized my lists- there are fewer and fewer things to do, buy and pack- We leave in 6 days for Buffalo (from Ontario)- we are spending the night there and flying out early Sunday- so we officially start our vacation in 6 days-

It was a very hot weekend here- shorts and tshirts had to be dug out (ones that weren't packed of course- cause they are NOT to be tampered with)- I smiled up at God today and thanked him as I am looking at this as a way to get climatized for what will greet us when we walk off the plane in sunny Florida- I am not a lover of heat- but I keep telling myself that there is air conditioning everywhere and I can duck in as needed-

Tomorrow when I wake up I have only 4 more days to prepare- as Friday night is the night to pack the van- oh my word- panic is settling in- deeeep breath Jen:upsidedow

I should sign off for now- try to wind down so I can sleep some- I find Sunday nights hard normally as my mind is spinning thinking of the week to come- but this Sunday night I am a little dizzier than normal (no comments please-lol)

TBC, Jen;)

[lowe@massed.net]

Please tell me you put all that stuff in your suitcases

:lmao: Is it the day before yet? :rotfl2: :rolleyes:

We are so close!!!
:cool1: :thumbsup2 :lovestruc :hippie: :banana: :yay: :woohoo: :dance3: :cheer2: princess: :cool1:

I really can't wait. I am working on two major projects this week for two different organizations that WILL be finished before I get on the plane. It will be such a relief to lift off the ground and land in my favorite place! :teleport:

[Amy Epcot]

I've enjoyed reading your pre-trip report. Have an amazing time in Disney World but don't forget to stop and smell the roses! Your trip shouldn't be about a tight schedule and having to see every little thing. There's no way you can see it all and after 15 plus trips I still haven't experienced all there is to do. Just enjoy being with your family and experiencing all these wonderful things together. Pinch yourself once you get there but make sure you have plenty of opportunities to relax and just be in the moment rather than rushing around from one thing to the next. Your vacation will be all the better for it. You don't want your memories of it to be what you weren't able to do but rather what you shared with those that you love the most!

I can't wait to read your finished report!

[JenH1969]

I've enjoyed reading your pre-trip report. Have an amazing time in Disney World but don't forget to stop and smell the roses! Your trip shouldn't be about a tight schedule and having to see every little thing. There's no way you can see it all and after 15 plus trips I still haven't experienced all there is to do. Just enjoy being with your family and experiencing all these wonderful things together. Pinch yourself once you get there but make sure you have plenty of opportunities to relax and just be in the moment rather than rushing around from one thing to the next. Your vacation will be all the better for it. You don't want your memories of it to be what you weren't able to do but rather what you shared with those that you love the most!

I can't wait to read your finished report!

Hi Amy- thanks so much for reading along, for your post and for the great advice- I keep thinking about being able to relax- it does not come naturally to me- BUT- when I am away generally it becomes easier- and being at the happiest place in the world and all- all the odds are in my favor! :thumbsup2

Jen;)

[JenH1969]

Oh Kaylo- you are trying to make me crazy- lol- I am stressing for YOU - just thinking about packing the day before- you silly girl!:lovestruc

Good Luck on getting those projects finished- then you can sit down in your seat on the plane and take a deep breath- you will be free

Well- here we are- 3 days before I leave on vacation- 4 days till I arrive at WDW-

I have a major question for those following?

If you were the baggie containing the 33 pins I got from ebay for pin trading- where would you be? AGHHHHHHHHHHH- They are safe I know that for sure as they are in a verrrrrrry special place- I am hoping they appear stuck in a sock or something when we unpack at WDW- we have gone through everything!!!

Now- on a more serious note- my cat is sick- agh- she is almost 14- she has always been healthy- besides throwing up from time to time when she ate too much or too fast- well , about a week ago she started to throw up daily- now it is a few times a daily plus she is leaving spots of liquid poop around- mostly in front of litter box- we called the vet- they said it may be a virus- to take all food and water away for 24 hours then reintroduce water first- agh- I hate the thought of going away leaving our friend to check in on a sick cat- or her being by herself- perhaps for her last days- then I think is this a sign that we need to have her put down before we go- my heart aches and I am so torn-

Things have never come easy to us- and that is ok- it makes us be all the more appreciative and grateful for what we have and achieve- we work hard and are blessed- I look at almost all things as a sign- I expect obstacles- if we didn't have obstacles we wouldn't appreciate the smooth roads and realize how beauifully smooth they are-

Anyway- enough rambling for now- I must go check on the cat and my ds6 who is screaming from the bathroom that something is wrong with the toilet paper- lol- just to put it all in perspective-;)

TBC, Jen

[JenH1969]

Tiggy Boo is better today!!:cool1: I am going to start her back on a bit of water in the next few hours- I am so relieved-:thumbsup2

I printed of directions from our house to Buffalo border to hotel to Olive Garden where we are meeting our friends for supper Saturday night- we are going to have a visit with friends we don't get to see very often- that is- if they can keep me grounded- lol

Dh woke with a cold today-
The toilet paper situation has been resolved-
I did my banking for the payday that will take place while we are away

Life is good-

Jen ;-)

[JenH1969]

We leave in 26 hours- I have butterflies in my stomach-

I am going to WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool1:

[lowe@massed.net]

We leave in 26 hours- I have butterflies in my stomach-

I am going to WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool1:

I'm so happy for you, Jen (and me too)! :yay: It's finally here! :thumbsup2 Tomorrow I pack ;) and then we leave at 4 a.m. Sunday for the airport. We'll be at the BCV in time for breakfast! :woohoo: Then it's on to Epcot and lunch at Tokyo Dining. I can't wait to see all the flowers. :flower3: If you spot me and DH, please say hi! I don't know what you look like, but I hope serendipity will let us cross each other's paths. I can't wait for your TR! I'll be blogging and posting photos all week from kay-lo's world (http://kay-lo.blogspot.com)

[DisneyFun08]

I hope all your Disney Dreams come true! Have a great trip!:thumbsup2

[JenH1969]

Thank-you so much Kay Lo and Disney Fun- 2 hours till we hit the road- Tomorrow, tomorrow I Love You tomorrow- you're only a day away.


We leave for Buffalo shortly, sleep there tonight then head out bright and early- yubba dubba doooooo- I am going to DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye for now~Jen:cool1:

[tcuplvr]

Jen,
I am sooooo excited for you. I can't wait to hear EVERYTHING about your trip!!! Have a MAGICAL time!!!!!!

Bonnie

PS Sorry I waited to the last minute but I "lost" your PTR and couldn't find it. Glad I did :thumbsup2

[DisneyFun08]

Jen,
Hope you had a great trip! Can hardly wait 'til you check in and tell all!!!!!:thumbsup2

I have been planning away.....DH decided to fly....And who was I to try and change his mind?:rotfl2: (He is usually very thrifty)

Made ADRs WITHOUT November park hours or EMHs out.

But, I don't really care, because, we're going to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Any tips, or advice, please do share!:woohoo:

[JenH1969]

We are back with great big smiles on our faces- we went to DISNEYWORLD!!

Loved every minute of it- even took time to smell the roses and lots of other great smells too- some incredible memories made- the time went so quickly- I wouldn't change a thing if I were to do it all over again- it really was magical- I started to work on trip report today- I want to do it before I forget the details-

Any questions ask away- I may actually know some answers now that I am a tiny bit seasoned;)

Bye for now, Jen

[Amy Epcot]

Welcome back, Jen! I can't wait to hear all the wonderful details of your trip! Post soon!

Amy

[DisneyFun08]

Just dropping in to see if you have started a trip report yet? I'm sure it's time consuming but hope you will try to fit it in! I do have a few questions.....
Did you find your pins, and if so, how did trading go?
How is your cat?
Did you watch parades/fireworks or did you use that time to ride rides with shorter wait times?
Did you really use any/all the things we are told to pack to take to the parks?
And, lastly, (for now ;) ) Did you have a good time?:woohoo: