Let's get to know each other....

[Tantor]

Well, I'm going to follow Mal's suggestion and start a get to know each other thread as I would like to know a little more about some of the people who help me with reward programs. Also being a fairly new member, to let you know a little about me. Here it goes....


I am a SAHM with a 6 year old daughter, Chloe. I live in Ontario, Canada but grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. My family is still there and I do visit as often as I can. I am a Disney Fanatic and I have converted my hubby and daughter into disney nuts. We usually try to go to Disney every year or every other year. I also sew, scrapbook, cross stitch , play baseball and am a leader in Guiding. In my spare time I help out at the Chloe's school.
I love this board and all the help I get.

NEXT........

[dizneenut]

I'm Sherry. I'm a SAHM to my 4 boys: Jonathan 11, Jordan 10, Jared 8, and Julian 6. I am married to Junior and we live in Northeast Ohio along w/ our kitty Tinkerbell.

We are trying to get our first family trip to WDW together, but have had to postpone it twice! I sometimes feel like we will never get there! :( Right now we are hoping for July 2003. Keep your fingers crossed for us! :D

I love this board and all the help I get here!! :) You guys are all great! :)

[Maleficent2]

My real name is Jan but everybody here calls me Mal.I too am a SAHM of one darling son, Ian(4).I have been here at the DIS since almost the beginning and have loved every minute!
My DH and I have been married 18 years this July.My DH is a Brit.
We are in the Antiques business.We both share a love for Disney although he thinks mine borders on the obcessive LOL
We go to the "world"at least once a year.Except for the year we bought seasons passes and that year we went 3 time I was in heaven.
I love gardening,travel, and antiquing(we are in the right business except I want to keep everything! LOL)

DS starts kindergarten in the fall and just got accepted to one of our local Magnet Schools.We are so excited about this.But school means can not go to WDW anytime we want BOOHOO


I bumped the old post for reference please post to this one with any updates etc.


Mal

[grlzmom]

Really new to this, hope to learn quickly so I can be a help too :)

Jeanne, 33 sahm to five incredible daughters Holly 12, Katie 10, Kelsey 7, Emily 5 and Chloe 9 months. Dh 47 workaholic. Living in Ohio. Total disney addicts, two to three trips per year. Leaving on one today, cruising in May and back to wdw for Christmas.

You guys are all terrific help to us newbies.

Jeanne

[Tantor]

Welcome and I noticed that you too have a daughter named Chloe......not a very common name (around here anyways)

[grlzmom]

Karen, think its predicted to become very popular :(

Love the name. Ours middle name is Raine, whats yours?

Jeanne

[Tantor]

Her's is Elizabeth, too fill family commitment It sounds nice together though.
Love the name Raine, that is very different.

[LtlTee]

Hi everyone,
I have been on the DIS boards for about two years and am still amazed by the amount of great info that I learn on here! Everyone on the Rewards Board is so helpful and I owe a big thanks to everyone!
I have a medical transcription business and work from home. I am also a part-time CM at TDS. My DH and I have three kids -- Annalee who is 12, Austin who is 5, and Amelia who will be 2 in July.
My husband and I have a short trip planned to WDW in May -- just the two of us!! (sshhhh -- the kids don't know yet!) Kind of a belated anniversary trip.
I don't get a chance to post as often as I used to, but I visit as often as I can. Everyone please know that all your tips and hints are much appreciated!!:pinkbounc

[Thumper's Dad]

Having checked the first "get to know..." thread, I find that I'm only the third male-type person to reveal himself. Special greetings to jdads2 and Brumeister who preceeded me.

I'm a 50 year old Indiana native, transplanted to Minnesota nearly 25 years ago. My wife of 22 years and our son (now 17) made our first "mousegrimage" to WDW February of 2001 and loved it. However, our life (and our budget!) doesn't quite have room for returning as soon or frequently as most of you all seem to manage.

My nickname, Thumper's Dad, derives from our trip to DisneyLand in 1984, when my wife was 7.5 months pregnant. We had nicknames our not-yet-known child "Thumper" in recognition of his incessant activity. Even bought him a stuffed Thumper on that trip.

I've only been doing rewards for about a year, lost a bundle of beenz, recently got my one and only Netflip check for $21, am about to cash out MyPoints for my 4th $10 webie, am on the brink of hitting 3500 points at Milesource (thanks, MAL :) ) and only need 7700 more blink rewards for a $5 webie there.

That's all from me.

Keep on clicking, everyone! And don't forget the Mouse.

[disney4us2002]

My turn....

Carla, mom to 3 sons, daycare provider for profession which doesn't enable me to make nearly enough to get to Disney yearly! Dh, who is not a Disney fan, is an otherwise very nice fellow so I can't get rid of him, lol. I found disboards last summer and I love it here. Started many of the reward programs back in August but lost interest in most. Cashed out of milesource for $25 gc and haven't been back, too slow for me. I do Blink daily and I really like mypoints. Our next trip is planned for June and thanks to SoG, we're staying at the Contemporary which has been a lifelong dream of mine!!

Next.....

[Beanie]

Okay, let's see ;)

My real name is Tricia, I am a SAHM to Andrew, 4 and Savannah, 2...I have been married for 5 years to my DH, who is a DJ...We live in NH with out Cat, Prince! :)

I have been doing Reward programs for awhile now and love this board! I have been on the DIS for 2 years now and I have been a Moderator for 1 1/2 years and love it! :)

Next Monday I leave for Florida for 3 weeks to spend time with my Parents over Easter !! :)

[mowsie dreamer]

I love this thread!!

I'm Jeanie. I've been married to DH,Jim for 27 years and have a 15 year old DD, Sarah who is a high school freshman this year. I'm the business manager for a school system (I do budgets & handle the financial stuff) so you can see why the reward programs appeal to me.

We made our first trip to WDW when DD was 3 and didn't return until last year. (What were we thinking?!?!?!) We had a great time & now DD & I are confirmed Disney addicts. DH doesn't really share our enthusiasm, so I'm thinking of trying a "girls only" trip this fall.

I love this board and am grateful to everyone here for all the tips and how to's. They make rewarding so much fun. There is such a spirit of sharing and friendship here!

[jdads2]

Thanks for the special Hello, Thumper's Dad

Hi, my name is Dave and I'm a Disneyaholic.
group response: "Hi Dave"

"I never really thought that I had a problem until I found myself complaining to the local store clerk..."What do you mean you don't have Mickey undies in size 42?". My wonderful wife (DWofjdads2) keeps on elbowing me at night. Not because I snore but because I keep humming "It's a Small World" in my sleep. All my hamburgers and pancakes look like mouse-ears. Every Halloween I play all the scarry tracks from the scarry rides for the kids to trick or treat to. Please, as I tell you this, realize that we have never been to WDW. I have been to DL but that was in 1977. Will my problem be cured or will it become more intense with our first visit? "

That was first typed last year prior to our firsttrip to WDW. Yes, I have become more wrapped up in Disney and WDW. I also have become more determined to make these rewards programs help us afford more or better trips.

Alright already.....We, DW of 14 years, 2 DS's 11 & 8 and a DD 5, live just south of Buffalo, NY. Home of wide right, no goals 1 and 2, great food (not just wings and roast beef on weck), great weather (no matter how much snow we get, we just shovel out of our way and get on with our day) and great people. The kids and I love to fish, so does my wife as long as she doesn't have to touch anything "icky"and we love to spend as much time as possible doing outdoors stuff.

Most importantly...I don't mind typing, usually, or talking. Boy, I bet that surprised alot of folks!!! Lots and lots more about me...I am a complex guy....but I waste valuable space.


NEXT...............

[Snow Brite]

My name is Jennifer and we live in Alaska. I am the mother to another disney addict DD who is 7 1/2, and three DS ages 5, 3, and 2. I went to DL when I was 10 and WDW when I was 13. I had wanted to take my kids when we lived in California but we never made it as I always seemd to be pregnant or broke. My DH works on the slope two weeks on and two weeks off, so I am essentially a single mom. When he's not here I miss him and when he is here I am tripping over him and can't wait for him to go back. I work more than full-time (love being on a salary...) for a nice hotel.

I took my daughter to DL as a surprise last June for her 7th birthday. We flew to LAX on the pretext that I was delivering her to her Grandparents for a short summer vacation. I told her we would do some "fun" stuff before I dropped her off. We stayed on the Quenn Mary and went to Santa Monica Beach the first day and that was "fun" enouh for her! I woke her up reallllly early on her birthday and popped her in the back of the rental car and she fell asleep again. I drove over to DL (looooong drive with traffic). She woke up when we pulled in the parking lot of the DL Hotel. We were walking up to the hotel when she read the name and said "Hey Mom this place is called the Disneyland Hotel!" I said ummmhmmm. She asked if it was like Disneyland and I told her it WAS Disneyland and Happy Birthday. She of course screamed and said I was the best mom ever on the face of the earth. Duhhh!! One of my favorite all time moments of motherhood! We had breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen, they all sang Happy Birthday to her and she was in awe. After breakfast we went over to DL and wandered around a bit aimlessly. Rode the teacups, went through Sleeping Beauty's castle, and then over to Toontown to meet Minnie Mouse. It was sooo hot for us, we were tired from traveling and the line was long. I thought just hanging out in a line would be a good rest, but miscalculated. Minnie had to go "check her pies in the oven" three people before we got to the head of the line. My Darling, darling DD then annouced in a loud, cranky voice "I HATE this place!" LOLOLOLOL! Another one of my other all time favorite motherhood moments! Everyone turned to look at this child who was in the Happiest Place on Earth and saying she haed it. Just too funny. Once Minnie came back and she actually got to meet her and explore her house she liked it a lot better and was in heaven. We hadterrific trip from then on out.

I have committed to taking each of my four kids for their own trip alone with me on their 7th birthday. I will also take them in sets of two for a bigger trip once each too. So my oldest DD and DS will be going to WDW this May. They know I am thinking about a trip, but I have not told them when or even really confirmed it. I might not until we are on the plane...

I love these boards and have accumulated a nice stockpile that I would not have had without them. They have not paid for our trip, but rather for the extras that I would have skipped to save money-Cirque Du Soleil tix paid for by my webbie, Connections vouchers letting us do one extra Character breakfast, lunch at RFC with my Milesource GC, a treat at Ghiradelli with my GC, and extra souveniers (bought before hand at TDS with my soon to arrive Mazda GC). I have planned a "deluxe" trip for the price of a low budget one and am so happy with it!

Thanks for all the help, espeially to Mal and Beannie, but all the others that post trivia, new programs and tips for points. I will be thinkingo f you in May!

Jennifer

[jennymouse]

Hi, my name is Jenifer, and I'm a disneyholic too. I've been hanging out on the DIS one year this month! I found the boards like everyone else I guess, when I was planning last years trip. (Found it too late though, I'd alread bought a "package deal")

I work for the Girl Scout council, in the finance department. Might say I'm a bean counter.........or cookie counter actually. What I don't count I've got stashed in every drawer and file cabinet at my desk!:rolleyes: Really, after about ten boxes they tend to loose thier appeal.

I've got a daughter named Jessica who's 28, and a beautiful blue eyed, blond haired granddaughter (7) named Autumn Skye. We call her Skye. Last April I took her to WDW, just the two of us as her mother had just started a new job (she's a surgical technician...scalpel please.) and couldn't go. The CM's picked Skye for everything that trip! I was waiting for someone to give her the key to "the world" next! She got to be Gatekeeper and open MK one day, "start" Illuminations at The Rose & Crown, dance at Festival of the Lion King, participate in MK afternoon parade. I was seriouslly getting embarrassed over it. Gee, I'm degressing again.

Anyway, I love the DIS, love WDW, love gardening, writing and home decor. I'm clicking to get extras for our trip in October! Thanks to everyone for the wonderful help in teaching me how to do rewards! Especially Mal!

Gotta go, lunch times over and its back to counting those Cookies! Hummmm, how about a thin mint for desert?

[Debi]

Okay, I'm next! :) My real name is Debbie (not much different from my screen name :) ), and I am a full time college student, with graduation coming up in May. I will have a degree in Management and a minor in Spanish.

Like all of you, I am a huge Disney nut, an make a pilgramage to WDW 2-3 times per year. I'm lucky in the sense that I have a well paying job (I'm a part-time nanny for a 10-year-old girl who I've been watching since she was almost 3) and a very accomodating work and school schedule. This is a very unusual year for me; I've been to WDW twice already this year, and have two more trips before the year's end. Once I get in to the "real world," I know I won't have the opportunity to travel to WDW quite so frequently, so I'm taking advantage of it now.

I started rewards programs when I was working for TDS. Even with the CM discounts, I still couldn't afford my WDW trips (Disney pay is very lousy), and I've been hooked since. I have $75 in Webcertificates and am about to cash out for another $10 through Mypoints. I'm also really close to cashing out for a SuperCert at Milesource and will be receiving my $20 check from Netflip soon (hopefully!). Rewards programs aren't as quick to accumulate as they once were, but they're still fun!

Who's next?

[Maleficent2]

and hello again to us veterns!!!!

and HI DAVE my name is Mal and I too am a Disneyalholic!!!!


Dave I like how you copy and pasted your old profile from the old post and added new.Great Idea!!!

oh and Thank you everyone for all the kind words. You all are the best and the reason this board is so popular with us rewarders.





:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Mal

[amsyw]

My turn....


My name is Alisa, I'm from Ozark MO, (yes, just north of the "great" vacation mecca of Branson MO USA) Anyway, I'm 30, married to Shawn and have son Wyatt 6 and daughter Kendall 5. I work pt at a construction co. The great thing about my job is it allows me surf online (hard job aye??!!) I volunteer at my sons school on Fridays, so you will rarely see me on here those days. I've personally been to WDW 2x and DL 1x. I took Wyatt 2 years ago to WDW (when we were single). I met my husband and daughter (notice I dont call her step) 2 years ago. They have NEVER been, so we are going in June. I dont know if I'm more excited to take the kids or my husband!!! Seeing the "Magic" thru other's eyes is so..... magical (haha sorry). I found this board 2 or 3 months ago searching for discounts and coupons. Thanks for info on Rewards progams, I would have never done them if it wasn't for this board.

thanks for your friendship and help in saving on the Disney Dream!!!:D

[BuzzMe]

Hi, I'm Lauren. I really want to thank everyone, especially Mal and Beanie, for so generously sharing information and tips. Like many of you, I stumbled onto these boards while planning a trip and now the DIS is my favorite place, often keeping me from spending time doing the other things I enjoy! I've been married for 23 years and live with my DH, DD-18, and DS-13, on Long Island, about 45 min east of NYC. I was SAHM for the years my children were younger, than worked PT in retail, and am now at home again. My DH and I never went to WDW as kids. Our first trip was with our kids 8 years ago when we visited Orlando for a cousin's wedding. We were hooked and have been back 7 times since then, most recently this past New Year's (surprise trip for the kids). Our next trip is this July. I am a bargain lover-seem to have a coupon for everything, love the "thrill of the hunt". I started doing rewards progams since I shop on the net and figured why not get something extra for my money. I don't do many programs( they annoy me too!). Thanks again for all your help! :)

[LI Debbie]

I'm Debbie from Long Island. I live not too far from Jones Beach with my DH, Bill, and three DS. DS#1 will be graduating on May 19th (God willing!) from SUNY Binghamton. DS#2 and #3 are fraternal twins who will be 16 next month-sophomors in high school. I used to be a SAHM, but took a part time job at the Disney Store last summer. It helps me get my "disney fix" between trips to the World.

DH and I are taking our first solo trip this May-my first as a castmember-VERY excited:bounce: :bounce:

I've been doing rewards forever and although the programs and their payoffs have changed, I'm still clicking away. I love to check the rewards board to see what my buddies are up to-it's my first stop every morning. It's really great to see the same people I've come to know still posting and to welcome all our new reward buddies.

[BedKnobbery2]

Hiya! :wave:

I don't know why, but I get a little weird about publishing my name or children's names on a public message board (although I have no problem sharing it in PM's!) So! I'll just tell ya about us, sans names!

I'm a divorced Mom to 2 sons, ages 9 & 7. I work from home (lots of little things) and am also a student; for now to get certified as a paralegal, and eventually (if I like working in the field of law) to become a lawyer.

I'm very fortunate to have been raised by an extremely frugal mother (and spendthrift father) who passed her money management skills on to me. Dad passed on his taste for finer things. I'm know to all my friends as the woman who gets the very best for the very least. Which is why the concept of rewards programs appeals to me (although I think it'll be a looooong while before I cash in on anything! *sigh*)

Disney was so remote to me as a child, the concept of 'yearly visits' never occured to me. I went twice as a youngster, both day trips while visiting my grandpa in Florida. I went for my first multi-day onsite trip in the 2nd year of our marriage. I was hooked, but my then-husband thought I was nuts. The year after our divorce, I finally took the kids. On visit #2 with the kids, I bought a timeshare so now I am hoping we can do yearly visits. We've been 3 times now, and our 4th trip is planned in August. We tend to toggle between budget trips/luxury trips. This year's our luxury trip. Wee-hee!

I found DIS about a year ago, and registered as BedKnobbery. Didn't visit for several months, and forgot my password and couldn't get the 'send my password' function to work. So now, I'm BedKnobbery2. :D

BK

[Disney Talker]

Hi everyone...my name is Lora and I am a long time disneyholic....

I am from KY and the mother of two grown DS, Charlie who is 25 and Johnnie who is 23. Both of whom are grown of course and on their own. Oldest son is in the Army and younger son works in engineering.

I am a customer service manager for a national company, and work full time generally..though I am laid off for right now...Going back first of the month which is good...:)

We have been to Disney 12 times over the last 15 years...and hope to go again in May 2003. We loved visiting with the boys and now we love to visit as Empty nesters....

I have doing internet incentive programs for about two years...and on our trip in 1999 I paid for our entire stay at the courtyard by marriott in Disney Village with my GF from Free Ride...and I paid for many dinners that trips. That was when the programs really paid a lot and it was easier to earn awards.

MY DH, my son and myself are doing Blink now for our upcoming trip....and we are doing well with it so far.

Nice to meet my fellow clickers.......

[Tantor]

bumping up

[BuzzMe]

LI Debbie, I'm a graduate of SUNY Binghamton! My daughter is a freshman at SUNY Cortland.

[fanocindys]

My turn at bat,

Hi everyone, My name is Chrystal.
I live in central California, I have been married almost ten yrs have three
Disney crazy children, DS Ryan 18, DD Paxton 8, DS Johnny 5.
I am a Floral designer.
We average two DL trips a yr, DHubbie thinks Ive went over the edge, but indulges me.
DH and I made our first trip alone this past yr, his mistake he never should have asked me what I wanted for our anniversary.
I started doing the rewards programs a couple months ago after I found the rewards forum.
I just had to be nosy and see what it was all about LOL.
A lot of fun.
I want to thank everyone who has posted all the great info, tips and insight, by the time i get home and can set down to do my rewards its late some times its the next day on the east coast.

Thanks again to all that have given their time and wisdom.

Chrystal.

[Tantor]

anyone else.....

[singitalto]

Hi everyone,
My name is MaryAnne, and I sooooo love WDW!!! I have been on the DIS for a while, well over a year now. I am usually a SAHM, but I do work part time occasionally for a school teaching an afterschool program and also a gift shop. I usually work when I need money to pay for our next Disney trip. I have vowed to use our income tax checks evey year for a nice Disney trip! This way I'm guaranteed to go at least once a year. I live on Long Island in New York and I have a DH,DD 10 and DS8. We all love Disney- but no one more than me. I have to admit I check the DIS boards frequently through the day. I had gone to WDW a couple of times as a young adult, once with DH before we had kids. We took the family to WDW for the first time in Oct 2000. We were all hooked and upgraded our tickets to AP's. You know what that means. Have ticket will go, have tickets will go! We went four times in that year, it was best!
I have been doing rewards off and on for the last 1 1/2 years. In the beginning, I had alot of GC for Rainforest with Freeride, milesource and Beenz. Oh how I wish....... Now I have only been doing Milesource, CR(with EBAY) and I've been trying to cash out on SC for awhile now but I lose paitience with them not crediting correctly. I want to add more, one at a time,soon. My next trip is in Sept 2002. Driving(to keep expences dowm) 6 nights Disney off site, and 3 nights at...oh ... should I say ......Hard Rock Hotel. Oh well , I could talk forever, I'll let the next person go.

[Falls1]

Hi. It's me. Real name Val. From PA.. Just outside of Philadelphia.
I think I'm the oldest here, but that's another story, I have been
going to The world since 1973.. My DH worked for USSteel and we got
a invitation and discount tickets so we took the old Trailor and off
we went, at that time there were only a few hotels on disney
property and none that we could afford, So we camped the first of
many trips to Disney, But we still enjoyed the trips. We at that time with
3 children averaged a trip every other year.So it's been a long time for me to be stuck
with this Disneyitis, I am sorry to say the DH is Disneydificent.but supports me in
my quest to move neat the mouse, And as I will be retiring next June.The
quest is quite close by,,In Sept... we will be at The World,once again.
Then in June of next year DH is giving me a cruise on the wonder as a
Retirement gift.Then from there we go to make arraingements for our new home. Located
IN Florida, in the Ocala area,,,My 3 children are gone all over the place. And my 1 Granddaughter
wiil be graduating from College (Kutztown) in May of next year. There is little to keep me here. Not that I
need much to get me near the mouse.Husband says he has no problem
finding work in Florida, As he is in Systems and there is plenty of work. I do not allow
him to retire, He would drive me nuts being home all day,Week-end are
enough thank you.. Love him Dearly but you understand how it is..with retired men..
Hobbys are Collecting disney and to that end I am fortunate there is a Lenox outlet near me so I shop.. there for I must keep him working..I work for a local school system in Support Staff. And DH works for a staffing company. I could go on but ran out of space..

[DWofjdads2]

Hi! - I know it's taken me a while, but here it goes.

I am Dave's wife Jackie (not always known that way, sometimes Dave is Jackie's husband ;) ) We live about 25 miles south of Buffalo, NY and like Dave said, it is beautiful here. We live just up the street from Lake Erie & summers are wonderful.

We have two great boys, Anthony 11 and Drew 8, and a great daughter, Sara 5. (You can see them below on our Halloween trip to WDW) I work full time as a clerk in the County Hospital so my weekends are spent cleaning and taking the kids to Karate class. I just started classes and LOVE them! Of course, the kids have been doing it for a year & they are WAY better than me:p

I try to be diligent at these rewards programs, but sometimes get discouraged or just plain tired of doing them, but for the most part I keep at it.

Dave built me a GREAT car for the short summers. It's a 1967 Camaro painted Hugger Orange with black racing stripes. I must admit, it's a beautiful site and my summertime (ok, and maybe wintertime) passion.

That's about it for me & welcome to all the new folks! We're glad to have you.

Jackie

[Tantor]

...oh Jackie....a 67' Camero..................sounds so nice..........one day!!

[Maleficent2]

really helps to make this board a closer knit group don't ya think.



Disney Dreams everyone


Mal

[Carole]

Hi! I'm from a little town in the southern part of Maryland. My whole family - DH, DD - 17 and DS - 14 are crazy about Disney. I have always worked full time so vacation time is always extra special. We haven't been to Disney since Nov 01 and it is driving me crazy. Next trip is scheduled for July to celebrate DD's high school graduation.

I am a regular board lurker but don't post a lot! I started out with Point Click right before it started to go down. I was able to get a free 4-day pass. Now, I pretty much just do My Points.

I appreciate all the help and advice I find on the Rewards Board - I check it several times during the day!!

Carole

[Maleficent2]

to the top


Mal

[kendall]

I'm Cindy, from mid-Michigan. I found the DIS years ago when planning our first trip to WDW, and returned a couple years ago to plan for our first cruise. Of course, once here, with all these wonderful forums and more trips to plan, I'll never leave! Right now we are planning a trip to WDW in Dec of this year with my Mom, who hasn't been to WDW since her one and only trip in 1976. So we will have Grandma, DH, myself, DS 11 and DD 9 on the trip. We decided to splurg and stay at AKL (that's why I'm finding various ways to get those Disney Dollars). Meanwhile, we also have our second cruise planned for April 2003. Never thought I would be the cruising type, but we really enjoyed DCL!

DS and DD are involved in all those typical kid things - soccer, piano, flute, trumpet, boy and girl scouts - so I guess I am truly a soccer mom. I was a high school teacher for 16 years, and now I am working on my PhD dissertation. DH is an automotive engineer who appreciates imagineering (we had an imagineer on our cruise - DH really enjoyed his presentations).

Nice to read all about you - and thanks for making this forum a great place! I've learned so much from all of you!

[eller]

Seriously, I don't need any Samoas; I have my own case. We are down to only two boxes, though. . . .

For those that don't know, Samoas are another type of Girl Scout cookie. I'm the cookie mom for my DD 11's, troop. I just finished up with that and am sooooo glad! It takes a lot of time, but I'd rather spend time doing that in one big block than doing other things for the troop here and there.

I too am a SAHM (took me a couple of posts to figure that one out!) with three children. I'm 37-years-old. DD 11 starts middle school next year, so that's a big deal around here right now. DS#1, 5 is delayed developmental a bit and will start Kindergarden next fall. Most people can understand him most of the time, now. DS#2, 3 is in preschool and is my water-baby. (Born in a birthing tub in the attendence of a midwife.) I guess I shouldn't leave DH out, he's 40 something (don't make me do the math) and indulges me in my obession of WDW without any twisting of his arm (he's a little nuts, too).

I am soooo obsessed with WDW; it's my home away from home. I am always trying to figure out when we can get back there. Our first trip in 1997 was with friends (not again), driving from Kansas City, MO, staying off site. Our second trip, the one I kept telling everyone that we weren't taking was the one that really started it all! My DH would say, "We're going to DW" to somebody. And I would say, "He doesn't know what he's talking about. We can't afford to go to DW." But as things turned out we had free airline tickets that we needed to use before the expired and guess where we went! Who would have thought?! Anyway, prior to the trip DH wanted to buy at book about WDW. Again, I think he's crazy! We bought The Unofficial Guild to WDW with Children. A week later I was back at the book store to buy the "big" book.

After that trip we've never stayed off site again, and most likely won't. It's more of a vacation for me if we are onsite.

We go to TDS nearly every Saturday as our outing just to get a little fix of Disney!

We are so bad. DS 3, says everytime we are driving out of the driveway, "Disney World here we come!"

Our next trip is kind of up in the air, so I'm not telling the kids. If things go as planned, we will fly to KC, MO to visit my mom for Thanksgiving. We will leave there Thanksgiving night and of course we will let the children think we are going home. It will be dark when we get into Tampa (doing the beach thing first or so that's the plan), they'll be sleepy and hopfulling won't realize we aren't home. We'll see.

I had better stop rattling on. I'm sure it's someone elses turn, now.

Thanks for all the great posts!

Lori

5/1997 Off site, 2/2000 Off site, 2/2001 Poly, 10/2001 POFQ, AKL & Magic, 1/2002 ASMo & AKL, 12/2002 CSR & CR

[Maleficent2]

:bounce:

[mazzarafe]

I'm so sorry that I have not posted on this thread sooner.

My name is Gina I'm a SAHM with two girls, Brittanie 8 and Alexis 3 and of course my husband Frank who is 35. We live just outside New Haven, along the shoreline in CT. I've been on the Dis boards for about a year now, since planning my last trip that we took the beginning of December, but only the past month or so have been doing reward programs. So I'm kinda new at them, alittle wet behind the ears!

I'm also looking forward to our next trip which is a while away. We are doing our first Disney Cruise and visiting our true love the Poly. So far we have my inlaws joining us for the cruise and probably a day in the parks before and I 'm working on my parents to join us for part of our park stay. They want to go to Daytona instead of the cruise.

My two daughters are Disney freaks just like me. My little one keeps saying while getting dressed in the morning "we are going to Disney today, yup, gotta get dressed to go back to Disney", she breakes my heart! Anyway we may squeeze in a trip this Oct/Nov if we find out any info on my husbands lawsuit from a accident he was in last year. He's off next week because we are getting new rugs put in, what a choir that is packing everything to move furniture, so he's gonna contact our attorney. Hopefully we'll hear so good news soon and I'll get another Disney fix!

Let's see, I'm a co-leader in Brownies and also a soccer mom. My little one is also planning on playing soccer. I am looking forward to going back to work part time when my youngest goes to school. But I have a good 2 years for that so until then I have plenty of time to obsess over the mouse!!!

:bounce:

[welovedis]

Hi Everyone!

Can't believe I never posted to this thread, so here goes!

I am Karen, (32) married to DH Tom (35) and we have 1 DS -Jacob who is 5 1/2. Dh & I were married 10 years ago yesterday. I am a WAHM since I own a registered family daycare here in Rochester, NY. DH works in the forensic field and DS is an avid hockey player at his young age. My daycare allows me to spend a bit of time online during the day since my families have flexible schedules plus I have a hired helper as well.

Our first trip to WDW (9/00) was upon us before I ever heard of the DIS. I logged on & quickly tried to absorb all the info I could before we left. Needless to say we tried to see & do alot but didn't succeed.

Once we decided to make a second trip (9/01) I planned to do as much as I could to learn about and save for our trip. Thanks to all here and on the mousesavers.com site we were able to save substantially on our hotel, airline tics, transfer via limo and meal vouchers. The rewards I earned pretty much paid for every lunch we ate and *almost* every souvenier we purchased (except for that 100 years suede jacket DH got-lol).

While I am not trying to save for a trip right now, hopefully one will be coming in the future. Right now I am losing weight gained after 5 years of infertility treatments and training to run in a marathon. I hope to eventually run (& complete-haha) the 26 mile WDW marathon in January 2004 as well. We are hoping to go to WDW 2xs in 2004, depending on DS' school schedule.

So thanks again for all the help to all, now I just need to get back into my "rewarding mode". The only program I do right now is Reward TV & I am never able to cash-in since I'm never around when its the right time-lol!

Who is next???

[Maleficent2]

;) bump

[lisalynn]

Hi!

Think I posted on the old thread, but will post again here. My name is Lisa and I live in beautiful Colorado! I work full time as a Nurse, am mom to 2 DD ages 6 & 10 and DH works in law enforcement. I have been to Disneyland multiple times, but have only been to Disney World once in 2000--what an awesome trip! We are planning our next trip for probably 2004.

In my "spare" time I am also a soccer mom to both DD, we frequently go camping, I garden, and I am the volunteer nurse at my DDs' school. I am an AVID FANATIC of the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Broncos and am keeping my fingers crossed tightly that my beloved Avs will again make the Stanley Cup finals.

I am enjoying reading everyone's bios & getting to know all of you a little better!

[momoftwins]

My name is Pam and I live in southern Massachusetts. I am a SAHM and as my name implies, I have two wonderful kids. They (DS and DD) just turned 6 in April. Like most of you, I never went to Disney as a kid - you know large family - food first.

We have been three times since the kids were born. We just took them this past April. Each time we go it is so much fun! My DH and I just celebrated our 10 yr anniversary at Disneyworld. We did not get to go to any fancy restaurants there, but we has a blast anyway with the kids. A great way to spend our day!

I still do Searchcactus, Blink, MyPoints, Milesource, and Netflip - though this one may be going. I also do some of the survey programs. This board is always so helpful and informative. It takes some of the aggravation out of some of these reward programs.

I am keeping my eyes open for some deals for later this year. Maybe with another Southwest Friends Fly Free promotion ... who knows, maybe I can talk my DH into another trip!!

Have a wonderful day!

[Maleficent2]

;)


Mal

[WDWMom]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Sue and have been lurking here on this board for about a year. I am a SAHM like most of you. My DH is Mike and we have three children. Keli 11, Kyle 7 and Alec 5.

We have been visiting WDW since Feb. 1994 and have made 13 trips. Two without the kids. DH just bought plane tickets for us to go back in Nov.

We live in Zeeland, MI. It is about 8 miles from Lake MI. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and do not miss city life. If any of you are looking for a great place to raise a family Zeeland is the place. We have great schools and a very close community.

The rewards I do are Milesource, Mypoints, Disney Awards, Memolink and Creation Rewards. I do not get to do everyone everyday but I try. I have probably cashed out $150 in the past year.

It's been fun learning about everyone. It would be great to get to know everyone in person and put faces with names.

Sue

[formerCPer]

Well, since it looks like I'll be hanging around for awhile, I guess I'll throw my Mickey ears into the ring.

So, hello everybody! My name is Brian and I'm from Oklahoma (feel free to sing the song at this time). As such I'd like to extend a big howdy nod to the other fellas here. Hi, boys! And, ladies, I very much enjoy your company as well :)

As my name and sig show, I'm a former CPer at the MK. I was a "custodial host" and absolutely loved it. Best semester of my extended college career. The highlight of my days as a CM was being asked to help escort the King of Pop himself around Fantasyland during a surprise weeknight visit. If anyone cares, I have a fuzzy picture someone gave me somewhere that I'll try to find and post. Anyway, that was 1993 and it was my first and only trip ever to any Disney property. Good thing it was 120 days long!

Thanks to our vibrant economy I've recently become a stay-at-home Dad. That may change in the near future, but I sure do like it for now. My DW of five years and I have two wonderful blond-haired All-American girls, ages 10 (adopted step-daughter) and 2.

We're a really tight family and do lots of stuff together. My DW and I are both University of Oklahoma grads and love our Sooners. We actually drove the entire family to Miami for the Orange Bowl in 2000 and purposely avoided WDW. She's never been, nor have our children. The girls felt like they wanted their first encounter with Mickey to be more magical than a whirlwind one-day visit. It about killed me, but I abided by their wishes.

Anyway, I found the boards here about a month ago after my DW insisted we finally book a trip. Ok, twist my arm! The fact that her co-worker returned from a recent DCL and just raved about it only steeled her resolve. So, off we go in May 2003.

A have-to-research-everything sort of person, I've really enjoyed learning things here on the boards and have already put to use many of them.

I look forward to 11 more months of conversation, learning and earning as prepare for the big trip to the ears.

Have a great day!

[disneycub]

Hi everyone!

My name is Steve, and I live in a little bungalow in Denver, Colorado, with my black lab, Bandit. Both of us are single. ;)

I've been on the DIS for a couple of years now, but just recently discovered the Rewards Board a few weeks ago. You've all been very helpful, and it's appreciated very much.

I'm headed to the World November 29th through December 14th of this year, to attend DISCON II and to de-compress. I was at the World 5 or 6 times last year, and my employer decided that 1 long vacation was far better than a vacation every other month. Go figure!

I am an AVS fan like lisalynn and am in mourning that we didn't quite make it to the Stanley Cup finals....

NEXT.......

[jjsmom]

Hi! My name is Shelly, I live on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore. I am absolutely, positively obsessed with all things Disney!!

I'm a 34 yr old SAHM to a lovely, smart, Disney obsessed 10 1/2 yr old and wife to a very patient, loving husband. I love being "at home" but I do take on part time odd jobs like cleaning and waitressing to support my Disney habit. I make a hobby out of "tightwadding" at home just for the privilege of going to WDW! My family, friends, and neighbors think I'm crazy. When I say I'm going to WDW (again) they just laugh, shake their heads, and roll their eyes.

I've been lurking these boards on and off for 2 years. We've saved lots of $$$ due to the tips and budget board, Mousesavers, and MYpoints. I'm currently checking into Milesource, Disney rewards, and Connections to save even more.

Mercifully, I do have other interests. Our area has a wealth of recreational activities like beach, boating, fishing. We are currently in the process of remodeling a recently purchased home(putting a major dent in our Disney funds). In the midst of all the chaos and financial strain I still hear WDW calling my name! Shouldn't I see a doctor when I hear voices calling? LOL.

Nice to meet all of you!

[jeleebeene]

I have been a lurker on these boards for almost a year now, though I love to post, I am not much of a poster, as I am not a Disney expert, but I am getting there!

My real name is Krista, and I am a native from Indiana, but now live in beautiful Tennessee with my DH. No children yet, but hopefully we will be blessed soon.

My very first trip to Disney World was the summer of 1995. I know, I must have had a boring childhood for not going sooner, but we just didn't have the money when I was a child. I went with my aunt/uncle and my cousins, and we had a blast! We stayed offsite, but I didn't care at the time, cause I was there!;)
My DH and I stayed at ASSP on our honeymoon in 1997 and thought we were in heaven, even if we were staying in the Value Resorts area. Some of our best memories were here.

Our last trip was with our family - all 14 of us. Man, it was crazy. We went in August of 2000, during the Millennium Celebration, and this trip was the longest in which it was totally Disney. We had so much fun, for the most part, and I almost cried when we had to leave. It is just such a magical place.

This year, we are going the end of July, and we invited my younger brother along. We were going to go last year, as a last trip for a few years as we wanted to start a family, but a surprise car problem arose, and we had to use our vacation money. This year, things are looking ALOT better, and we are very excited to be getting away. After this trip, this WILL be the last one for a few years, and then we will take our kids there, and I am sure it will be even more magical then.

I have learned SO much on these boards, and I credit everyone who has posted on here with their wonderful ideas. I never would have known about Beaver Tails or Dole Whips or Mickey Bars - I never saw a ONE of these while I was there, but then again, I was fascinated with shopping and seeing the sites :-)
I am planning on taking more time to enjoy the parks instead of playing commando.

I plan on being on here everyday from now until our trip, so hope I get to know everyone better!!:D

[Pig Pen]

Hi.

I am new to the rewards programs and just recently cashed out for a 10$ certificate on mypoints (my first). I am anxiously awaiting its arrival (sounds like I'm giving birth or something).

I am married (26 years), have two grown children ages 25 and 22, and work full-time for a government agency.

My first trip to WDW was during high school on a date with my DH (we lived in FL at the time). It was very magical for me, probably because I was in love, and the magic has lasted.

Since then we have tried to go as frequently as possible - which got much harder after we moved to Vermont. Now that the "kids" are out of the house, we find it hard to explain to people why we still go to WDW on vacation! DH acts like I'm the Disney nut, but he's as gung-ho as I am! At first I tried to hide my addiction, but now I am out in the open and am surprised at how many other people I know admit to being Disney addicts too.

The only bad thing about these boards is that I have a slightly obsessive-compulsive personality and I cannot rest until I go thru all the blinks, epolls, disneyawards, mypoints, etc., etc.!!



:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[dtuleya]

Ok, my turn next.....

My name is Denise and I was a SAHM for 10 years but just went back to work full-time October '01. I have a wonderful hubby, John, whom I've been married to for 13 years. We have two sons, Andrew (13) and Grant (8). I am also a "mom" to a very hairy, 120 lb., 1-1/2 year old Black Lab named Murphy. He thinks he's a lap dog, but I don't have the heart to tell him he's the size of a moose!

I am very involved in the PTO and volunteered 3-4 days a week at my youngest son's school. DH finally said, "Since you are there so much, you might as well get paid", so I mentioned to the Principal I was interested in a job. Within 3 weeks I was working full-time at my son's school in the health room and I love it!

I started planning our very first trip to WDW (WL, Thanksgiving 2002) in January and a co-worker mentioned these boards. It was love at first post! DH did not understand my addiction to planning our trip, but when I relayed all the valuable information I had learned here, he was very impressed. WL, here we come!

I love planning inexpensive, short trips and am addicted to Priceline.com. I am the queen of the $45/night hotel room. My motto is, "I refuse to pay Rack Rates!" We will be heading to Niagara in less than two weeks and I would like to say a big "Thank You" for all the help I have received from our Canadian friends on the boards.

I started doing Blink and Mypoints in January and am proud to say I have cashed out for a total of $90 in webbies. Thanks Mal and Beanie and all the others from the Rewards Board for all your help!

[connie254]

I am a divorced mother to a very active autistic 11 year old son. I have always loved Disney but went into overdrive when he came along. We've been there four times so far, and he does pretty well. Someone at work insisted we go down together because she couldn't believe I could be comfortable doing it by myself. Simple, he goes, I follow, only stopping if he goes in the wrong direction. I have very distinct memories from the World. Like the time he went to get Grumpy's autograph, Grumpy went into his hand-on-hip-very impatient stance with the kids. Tony went up and gave him a hug. Or when he couldn't talk the first time we were there, when he got excited he would jump in place. Well, he got excited at seeing Tigger and Tigger started bouncing. There they were -two bouncing fanatics. When Director Mickey allowed my son to lead him to the director's chair, and told Mickey's human helper that it was okay. And people don't understand why I go.

[Maleficent2]

;)



Mal

[Hadjii]

Hi,
My name is Nancy. I'm from a small community in New England and have been on the boards since 2000 but somehow missed this great one. I'm 39 and have a great son (Jason) whom I adore.
We've been going to WDW for about 10yrs now and just am crazy about it. I've loved the people I've met there and on the boards (the lime green ribbon always helps you meet other DIS'ers). Something special about Disney fans I think. Well, looking forward to jumping right in. - Nancy

[gravymom]

Hi, I am Amy, a SAHM to three wonderful kids (four if you count my husband). The kids are DD 4, DS 2 and DD 10 mos (who was accidently born at home on the kitchen floor - thanks honey for catching her!!!) My hubby, the catcher, is the disney freak in the family but is slowly infecting all of us. We live in metro Atlanta, so we get to go about twice a year, budget allowing. I am trying to earn points with the rewards programs but it is slow going. Oh well, it has been fun meeting people here!

[twoksmom]

Hi guys,My name is April. I'm a SAHM of 2 dds ( 6 and 2 ) and 1 dog and 5 hamsters and 1 overworked dh.Bless his heart.I worked up until I had my last daughter and went on maternity leave and didn't go back.This will be our first trip to disney .I wanted to go for my honeymoon but we didn't have the money.I am so excited that I can't sit still.10 more days!! Yahoo!! Great to get to know you guys! April:Pinkbounc

[LoriZH]

Hi I am Lori, I live in Plymouth Mass (America's Hometown) and LOVE it here! I have a 9 year old daughter named Paige, 5 year old twin boys name Christian and Ethan and I am raising my sister's daughter Kimberly who is a 14 year old teenager YIKES! tee hee....

My kids and I are DISNEY fanatics, we were just there in May and before that last August and before that last November and I miss it already! I said we weren't going again for 2 years but I don't know if I can hold out. The dh is fine not going for a while, he keeps preaching about how the kids need more culture, how much culture do they need, let's see...they've been to Mexico, China, Canada, Italy, Japan (their favorite) and a few other countries in the World Showcase, give me a break! lol

Well, I enjoy these boards sooo much, I found them back in 1999 and have been HOOKED ever since!

[Maleficent2]

LoriZH

thanks for the laugh that was cute!

LOL


Mal

[Bamabot]

I am a "working to pay our way to Disney" mother of two. I help with the engineering of Grab Life by the Horns Chrysler vehicles in a manufacturing facility in the Heart of Dixie, Alabama. I have always lived in the south. I have been happily married for 17 years and we drive DH crazy with all of our Disney.


I am very fortunate to particapate (for the last 7 years) in a program called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)(the nice version of Battlebots) that my company sponsors local high schools. We bring about 30 students into our plant and show them real world engineering. We build a robot and travel all over the country to regional events in the spring and compete. Proud to say we are the 2002 Lone Star Regional Champion and recipients of the St. Louis Imagery Award.

Guess where the National Championship is????????

Yeap, parking lot of Epcot every April. It is an unbelievable City they build out of tents. It takes Disney about a month to put together. About 20, 000 students show up with their robots, mentors, and parents and away we battle for three days. Great fun even for us old people.

I love this program! We are Team #34 Rocket City Robotics

If interested in FIRST please look at their website for info
http://www.usfirst.org

Anyway, because I go every spring with my "big kids" my own children require a trip also. Sometimes they go with me for the competition, but I work so much during that time I don't get to go to the parks with them only their Dad and them get to see the parks. So we go back. This year they didn't go with me so we will be there in October with my nephew who has never been and my sister. Can't wait that will be a super fun trip. Moms and the kids for 10 days!!!!! We are going for Thanksgiving and back at Christmas. DVC and annual passholders and eleven hour drive. Plus we found round trip airfare with SWA for $74.00 for October.

My hobbies include robots, lego league (robots for elementary children competition), scrapbooking, softball, web designing, and all of my childrens activites.

Thank you for this board and all the wonderful info provided! I love this board.

[Dogslider]

My name is Pam. I found the Dis boards a long time ago, but lost alot of my posts in problems that they had. Just started reading and posting again as we plan for our Dec 2003 vacation.

I work outside the home, fulltime (afternoon turn, YUCK!) and inside the home double time. I have 3 sons Bill 20, Jason 19 and the baby Alex 11. I also have an adorable 15 month old grandson Will.

For that reason alone I am really looking forward to our trip that will be over my 40th birthday. Need a reminder that I really am not getting older at all. Hope it works.

Try just about every reward program that comes out no matter how slow of an earner it is, as long as it doesn't drive me totaly nuts. Every little bit helps.

Pam

[Kteacher]

Hi everyone ! Hi Mal:wave: -I consider you my "rewards angel"!
I am a kindergarten teacher's aide, married with 3 kids DS15, DS12, DD10 . I'm usually on the community board, but I've been known to lurk around the DIS:) . I found the rewards right after I joined the DIS. During our 2nd trip to WDW I paid for all of our food (5 days family of 5) with what I earned from rewards. The programs aren't as great as they were back then, but I never complain about things I get for free;)

[klmall]

I'm Kathy!

Another lurker but I check this board and several other DIS boards many times each day. I just started rewards in June 01 and managed to save enough to cover some meals for our March 02 trip and today I deposited $85 into my "secret account" for our next trip (time to be determined!). DH is tolerant of my Disney obsession but insists that we also travel to non-Disney places sometimes.....

I'm an ex-teacher, now computer applications writer/trainer for our local school system as well as the mother of a wonderful soon to be driving (eeeks!) 16 year old DS! We spend a lot of time together working in his Scout troop; in fact I drove and canoed with his Venture Crew on the St. Croix River in Maine for 9 days this summer. Quite an experience for this not-so-young-mother!

Love this board and this thread and getting to know a little more about the people here!

[Maleficent2]

bumping this one got lost and took me forever to find the last time.




Welcome everyone!

Mal

[Hunnybee]

I know I wrote a bio a long time ago, but I couldn't find it here. So, I'll just do another one! :)

My real name is Julie and my DH and I live in Holland, Michigan with my DS who is almost 3. Actually, we're going to Disney World to celebrate his 3rd birthday in November, along with half the family. 8 adults, 1 child. The CM taking reservations for his birthday party at Chef Mickey's wanted to be adopted, he liked those odds. You don't think he's a little spoiled, do you? LOL Actually, we're going with both sets of his grandparents and two of his aunts. We will be going for 6 days and staying at PO-R. It's been a very long time since I've stayed onsite. Last time was probably 15 years ago when we went for Christmas with my folks and sister and stayed at GF. That was the year it was actually colder in Florida than in Michigan. It was a terribly bitter cold that Christmas and the orange crop was just terrible that year. But we had an awesome time anyway! Since then, I've been there for several day trips, while visiting my in-laws (they winter on the gulf coast).

Anyway, when I'm not dreaming about our upcoming Disney trip, I work 3 days a week at a public library as assistant Children's Librarian. And when I'm not playing with DS or working at the library, I'm probably doing the reward programs, thanks to my DSinL who introduced me to them and to these boards. I do Memolink and MyPoints. I used to do Milesource, but once I cashed out for a $25 cert., I sort of quit. It was taking too long! :) Tonight, we just cashed in my webbie (from MyPoints and Memolink) for $70 worth of Disney Dollars. Not bad for two years of doing 3 programs! I've been on the DIS for a year now. And, these boards have been a huge help. Although the rewards board is my favorite, I also visit the budget board every once in a while as well as the trip ones as needed.

Thanks to everyone for all your help and wonderful suggestions!

Julie