The August 'Free Food, Here I Come' Pre-Trippie

[mandymouse]

Tickers :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

http://v50.net/cd/08-16-2008_CBR+with+Free+DDP+4+Nts+on+the+Disney+Wonder+ and+Hard+Rock+Hotel_139-0-0_255-182-193.png


http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10747;128/st/20080816/e/CBR%2C+DCL+%26amp%3B+HRH/dt/6/k/397d/event.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/)

http://v50.net/cd/08-24-2008_Double+Dipping+on+Castaway+Cay_148-0-211_230-230-250.png


http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10731;128/st/20080824/e/Double+Dipping+on+CC/dt/6/k/e56f/event.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/)

Cast

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG1013-1.jpg
Mandy & hubby Paul :love:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/CIMG0123.jpg
princess: DD’s Kerry & Becky princess:

The Cruise http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/dclship.gif

We had taken our first 4 night Disney Wonder Cruise in January 2007, and we had a fantastic time. So when DCL announced dates for their 4 night Cruises where there was a double dip (two stops) at Castaway Cay, I knew hubby wouldn’t be able to resist. We chose the last double dip Cruise for 24th/28th August and this Cruise was booked way back in February ’07 and all we needed to do was book the rest of our holiday around these dates

We’ve got a ‘Meets’ thread going on the Cruise forums, and on there I have ‘met’ some great girls. We post on our thread daily and have been instant messaging for the last few months too (so I'm sorry for neglecting you on the UK Community :rotfl: :rotfl:)

The only plans I have to make for our Cruise is to make our Palo Brunch and Dinner reservations, which I can do on 26th May, which will mean I will have to be at my laptop for 5am that morning

*26/05 Edited to add that Palo Brunch & Dinner have now been booked - woohoo !!*

Walt Disney World/Caribbean Beach Resort

We waited on tenterhooks for the Free Disney Dining Plan to be released for UK residents last Summer. When the dates were released, I went into overdrive pricing up different hotels etc. We were a little disappointed that we couldn’t stay at the Pop Century, but we thought we’d give the Caribbean Beach Resort a try.

Within a matter of days we had the free DDP at the CBR booked for 16th/24th August 2008.

We’ve never stayed here before, and I am so looking forward to trying somewhere new, I’m just a little worried that we might get a bit spoilt with this resort, as it looks so nice. Needless to say, I can’t wait

*27/06 Edited to add that I rang the WDTC and booked a preferred location so we can be close to the food court ;)

Hard Rock Hotel

We have always wanted to stay at Universal, so to finish off our holiday, I booked two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel (28th/30th August). I’ve heard lots of great reports about the HRH, and I can’t wait to use the front of the line perk with our room key

The Flights

We decided to book our flights through MyTravel. I booked them on-line, as flights only, as we have always been happy to book our car through USRentacar. In the meantime MyTravel have been taken over by Thomas Cook. Although I have had an invoice from Thomas Cook with the original flight times, I am still a little worried that our times will be changed – but at the end of the day, there isn’t much I can do about that

Other

I have bought 2 day (3rd day free) tickets for Universal, and we’ve got a day ticket (hopefully still with a free day) for SeaWorld, as we haven’t been for years and we’re really looking forward to riding Kraken for the first time

The night before our holiday we are booked into the Travelodge at Manchester Airport and we’ve booked the Meet & Greet Airport parking through the AA too.

At 180 days before our holiday (which I think was the 17th February) I made all my ADR’s, so here is a rough itinerary for my fantastic August 2008 holiday

15th Stay overnight at the Travelodge, Manchester Airport
16th Fly out and check in at the Caribbean Beach Resort
17th O’Hanas Breakfast – not decided on Park yet
18th AK EMH (am), Tusker House Breakfast, DIS 'Meet' 4pm Rose & Crown, Epcot
19th Epcot EMH (am), Princess Storybook Breakfast
20th SeaWorld, Restaurant Marrakesh Dinner for me & hubby
21st MK EMH (am), Cinderella’s Royal Table Breakfast
22nd Park not yet decided, Chef Mickey’s Dinner
23rd DHS EMH (am), Chef Mickey’s Breakfast

24th Disney Wonder (Woohoo !!) and the first of many Bahama Mamas
25th Castaway Cay, Palo Dinner 6pm
26th Nassau, Pirate Night
27th Castaway Cay, Palo Brunch 11am

28th Bye Disney Wonder, Hello Hard Rock Hotel, US or IOA
29th US or IOA, DIS 'Meet' 4pm Margaritaville, Citywalk, Hard Rock Café Dinner
30th US or IOA, Fly home
31st Land in Manchester :(

:banana::banana: So as you can imagine, I am very excited about this holiday :banana::banana:

[Verity Chambers]

Another August pre trippie! Us August people are getting all excited!

It all sounds fantastic Mandy! :thumbsup2

[Snowy-girls]

Count me in-i love reading pre-trippies+trip reports.May i ask where you bought the uni tickets-were they a good price?.Your itinery sounds great:thumbsup2 .x.

[KayleeUK]

Brilliant Mand - take me with you..............please.................. :)

[mandymouse]

Another August pre trippie! Us August people are getting all excited!

It all sounds fantastic Mandy! :thumbsup2

Verity - It was you that inspired me to write my trippie, after I read yours :)

Count me in-i love reading pre-trippies+trip reports.May i ask where you bought the uni tickets-were they a good price?.Your itinery sounds great:thumbsup2 .x.

I got my Universal tickets from Attraction Tickets Direct, they were £57.00 ea (adult tickets)

Brilliant Mand - take me with you..............please.................. :)

No probs Kaylee, should I leave Kerry or Becky behind ? :rotfl: :rotfl:

[jjk]

sounds fantastic Mandy:goodvibes

[LaurieWDW05]

Mandy -

I popped by from our cruise board to read your TR - It's great!! I can't wait to finally 'meet' you on the ship!! It's going to be AWESOME!!!!!!!! They'll be ROLLING you aboard after free dining all week at WDW!!! :rotfl2:


BTW - LOVE the pic of the girls!! (and the ship too!)

I see someone else is a BIG JBJ fan!!! WOO HOOO!! :woohoo: LOVE HIM!!! (and the pic in your signature!) :cool1:

See you on the other board Mandy!
Laurie

[LaurieWDW05]

Kaylee -

This one's for you!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg314/aligaeta2/P1030327.jpg

I actually took that pic back in March at the Wachovia Center in Philiadelphia, PA - that was the 3rd time that I saw them on the Lost Highway tour - I've been 'following' him around for YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could go on forever about them - I guess that is the advantage of being a "Jersey Girl" - Jon's childhood home was right around the corner from my grandparents!! :banana:

Enough of my rambling! Have a good one - and enjoy the pic!

Laurie

[Strommie]

Sounds like it's going to be a fantastic trip Mandy:yay:

[wideeyes]

sounds like an excellent trip:thumbsup2

[Chilly]

No probs Kaylee, should I leave Kerry or Becky behind ? :rotfl: :rotfl:

To stop arguements leave them both and take Kaylee and me!

[natalielongstaff]

To stop arguements leave them both and take Kaylee and me!

Darn it..... i was going to say that !!

Loved your pre-trippie mandy :)

[Chilly]

Darn it..... i was going to say that !!





Maybe she'll leave Paul and take you instead :)

[natalielongstaff]

Maybe she'll leave Paul and take you instead :)

Great idea :cool1:

[mandymouse]

They'll be ROLLING you aboard after free dining all week at WDW!!! :rotfl2:

This is what I'm fearing Laurie :rotfl2: Imagine 8 days of free dining, all that food onboard, Palo dinner and Palo brunch, I think for my flight home they'll have to put me in the hold :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Kaylee - This one's for you!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg314/aligaeta2/P1030327.jpg

Kaylee's going to love that piccie :thumbsup2

To stop arguements leave them both and take Kaylee and me!

Sounds like a plan Claire :rotfl:

Darn it..... i was going to say that !!


:lmao: :lmao:

Maybe she'll leave Paul and take you instead :)

Now that would be one heck of a holiday !! :rotfl: :rotfl:

[CustardTart]

Great pre-trippie, Mandy! Sooo many new things going on - I love it!!! :goodvibes Can't wait to read all about it...

[Chilly]

Sounds like a plan Claire :rotfl:
:lmao: :lmao:
Now that would be one heck of a holiday !! :rotfl: :rotfl:

So thats agreed then, I'll just go and ask for the time off work then :thumbsup2 :cool1:

[jockey]

Mandy, great start, your plans look great!:)

[Snowy-girls]

Thanks Mandy:thumbsup2 .
Do you know if i can buy the UNI tickets(with a 3rd day free)and not use them till Apr 09?.x.

[KayleeUK]

Kaylee -

This one's for you!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg314/aligaeta2/P1030327.jpg

I actually took that pic back in March at the Wachovia Center in Philiadelphia, PA - that was the 3rd time that I saw them on the Lost Highway tour - I've been 'following' him around for YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could go on forever about them - I guess that is the advantage of being a "Jersey Girl" - Jon's childhood home was right around the corner from my grandparents!! :banana:

Enough of my rambling! Have a good one - and enjoy the pic!

Laurie

Laurie

Thank you :hug: That picture made my day :) I am seeing Bon Jovi in June a couple of times. How were they on the tour. We saw there one off gig last year in London for Lost Highway - Just loved it. Are you a member of the fan club?

Kx

[mandymouse]

So thats agreed then, I'll just go and ask for the time off work then :thumbsup2 :cool1:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Thanks Mandy:thumbsup2 .
Do you know if i can buy the UNI tickets(with a 3rd day free)and not use them till Apr 09?.x.

I've checked my tickets and they don't have an expiry date on them (except from 13 days after first use). You can find out more here http://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/attraction-ticket-prices/2-day-2-park-ticket.htm

Laurie

Thank you :hug: That picture made my day :) I am seeing Bon Jovi in June a couple of times. How were they on the tour. We saw there one off gig last year in London for Lost Highway - Just loved it. Are you a member of the fan club?

Kx

Oi, You JBJ fans, stop hijacking my thread !! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

If anyone else is interested in meeting up this August, then please check out this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1685361

[scojos]

i do like jbj buts thats not why i am here, trying to steal guidance from a pro;)
tracy

[squitty]

Hi Mandy

Looks like you have a great trip planned.

Looking forward to your return and hearing all about it.

Have fun....as if you won't :)

[Lisash]

Another great trip planned Mandy :)

[suzycute]

Thanks for the great start - really looking forward to reading your post trip "trippie".

Say hello to the Wonder (we're going for our 25th wedding anniversary, 4 night trip in October - but unfortunately no double dips for us)

Have a great time!

[Cruisin]

:wave: Hi Mandy.

Sounds like another wonderful trip in store for your family.

Wish I could be there with you too.

[LaurieWDW05]

Laurie

Thank you :hug: That picture made my day :) I am seeing Bon Jovi in June a couple of times. How were they on the tour. We saw there one off gig last year in London for Lost Highway - Just loved it. Are you a member of the fan club?

Kx

Mandy -

Sorry to 'steal your thunder here' LOL You KNOW I love ya!

We saw him back in October in NJ at the opening of the PruCenter - it was OK, but when we saw him in Philly this March - the 1st night was 3/2 - JBJ's bday- it was GREAT - Daughtry opened - he was AWESOME too!! Then, after that show, we decided we needed to go again the next night! So, we got tix at 6am the next morning - and we were 5 rows from the stage! It was GREAT!

No, I am not a member of the fan club anymore.. I was back in the day - but never kept up with it!

Have a good one!
Laurie

[tony64]

Sounds Great Mandy and we will try to meet you at Jimmy's.
So how many DDP credits is a Bahama Mama?????? ;)

[Minniespal]

Sounds like a fantastic trip Mand.............looking forward to hearing all about it.

BTW the HRH is a wonderful resort ~ you're going to have such a lovely time there.

[arieljasmine]

Sounds like a great trip you have planned, Mandy. I was wondering why you weren't staying at our beloved Pop! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on CBR. And I second, Florence, I'm sure you will love the HRH and FOTL access is invaluable.

Laur's princess:

[mandymouse]

Wish I could be there with you too.

I wish you and the rest of the Disney Wonder Dancing Queens were coming too Robin :hug:

Sounds Great Mandy and we will try to meet you at Jimmy's.
So how many DDP credits is a Bahama Mama?????? ;)

I really hope that we meet up with you and Theresa too :thumbsup2

OMG, if Bahama Mamas were on the DDP, I wouldn't bother with the food :rotfl:

[Snowy-girls]

Thanks again mandy:thumbsup2 .I rang them up+yes i can buy now+not use them until April 2009-as there's no expiry date.x.

[fizz13]

Well the plans look fab Mandy, a lot of character meals but I was exactly the same, i dont wanna queue in the park for those hugs but i dont wanna miss out either:lmao: I know you'll have a wonderful time and enjoy those Bahama Mamas for us.
Oh quite enjoyed the JBJ hacking of your thread, that piccie is awesome:lmao:

[mark&sue]

Sounds like an amazing holiday. Soooo jealous would so love to go on another cruise.

Have the best time


susan

[florida sun]

Hon, this all sounds wonderful, If I win the lottery, I will meet up with you for a drinkie or 6;)

[mandymouse]

Thanks again mandy:thumbsup2 .I rang them up+yes i can buy now+not use them until April 2009-as there's no expiry date.x.

That's great, glad I could be of help :thumbsup2

I know you'll have a wonderful time and enjoy those Bahama Mamas for us.

Will do Claire :)

Sounds like an amazing holiday. Soooo jealous would so love to go on another cruise.

Have the best time

susan

Thanks Sue, I will :thumbsup2

Hon, this all sounds wonderful, If I win the lottery, I will meet up with you for a drinkie or 6;)

:wizard: Fingers crossed for you then Sue, and I'll take you up on those 6 drinky-poos :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[lonegungal17]

What time is your breakfast on the 17th? We'll be at Ohana as well that morning but not until 10am. Maybe we'll run into each other before the DIS meet on the 18th. The 17th is my birthday so I'll be wearing my birthday t-shirt and have my hair done at BBB that morning. princess:

Mel

[natalielongstaff]

Hon, this all sounds wonderful, If I win the lottery, I will meet up with you for a drinkie or 6;)

if you win the lottery will you take me as well please :)

[mandymouse]

What time is your breakfast on the 17th? We'll be at Ohana as well that morning but not until 10am. Maybe we'll run into each other before the DIS meet on the 18th. The 17th is my birthday so I'll be wearing my birthday t-shirt and have my hair done at BBB that morning. princess:

Mel

We'll be at O'Hanas for 9am, so I may see you as we are leaving. I will make a point of looking out for you Mel - see you there :thumbsup2

if you win the lottery will you take me as well please :)

.. along with the rest of the UK Community :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[mandymouse]

Yay, it's time to get my bananas out, as it's time for my

:banana: :banana: :banana: Double Digit Banana Boogie :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://www.funfilesandsmiles.com/smilies/2125.gif

[Snowy-girls]

:banana: Happy Double Digit Day :banana:

[arieljasmine]

YAY :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

Laur's princess:

[natalielongstaff]

Happy double digit day Mandy

[Pinky166]

Great start Mandy....you've got a great itinery planned. :banana: :banana: :banana: Woo-hoo!! It's DDD!!! ;)

I am staying at the Hard Rock for the first time in December...so will be interested to hear what you thought think of it!

[irongirlof12]

sound slike a fab holiday planned :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[wideeyes]

not long to go now:cool1: :cool1:

[mandymouse]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Well I was up at 4.45am this morning and logged onto the Disney Cruise Line website ready for the Palo reservations to be released at 5.01am

I was chuffed to be able to book Dinner for Monday 25th Aug for 6pm, which is dress up night onboard. This way, Paul & I can have our meal at Palo then join the girls in the main dinning room later that night (though we won't be eating twice :rotfl: :rotfl: )

I've also booked Brunch at Palo for Wednesday 27th Aug for 11am. Our aim is to get off the ship as soon as we are able to (hopefully around 9am), have an hour or so on Castaway Cay, then head back to the ship for Brunch and then roll ourselves back onto the beach afterwards :thumbsup2

Only one more reservation to make now, and thats for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, but I have to wait till a month before to book that ::yes::

[Snowy-girls]

Good news Mandy,glad you got your ressie:thumbsup2 .Rather you than me being up at 4-45am :scared1: .x.

[natalielongstaff]

:thumbsup2 glad you got the ressie you wanted x x

[arieljasmine]

Great news about Palo, Mandy :) I think Palo is about the only place I would get up at that time to make reservations for!

Laur's princess:

[Verity Chambers]

Great news that you got what you wanted. 4.45am! :scared1: That's dedication!

[mandymouse]

Good news Mandy,glad you got your ressie:thumbsup2 .Rather you than me being up at 4-45am :scared1: .x.

Thanks :)

:thumbsup2 glad you got the ressie you wanted x x

Cheers Nat :thumbsup2

Great news about Palo, Mandy :) I think Palo is about the only place I would get up at that time to make reservations for!

Laur's princess:

Great news that you got what you wanted. 4.45am! :scared1: That's dedication!

Thanks Laurs & Verity, when it comes to Disney, there's no time too early to get up to make reservations :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Goofysmate]

You were up early Mandy but so worth it by the sounds of things well done :yay:

[mandymouse]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Woohoo !! It's time for a 10 Week Boogie:banana: :banana: :banana:

[jen_uk]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[jjk]

not long now:banana: :yay: :banana: :yay: :banana: :yay: :banana: :yay:

[natalielongstaff]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Woohoo !! It's time for a 10 Week Boogie:banana: :banana: :banana:

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[KayleeUK]

:cool1: :cool1:10 week boogie with you ;) :cool1: :cool1:

[Snowy-girls]

:dance3: :banana: :dance3: i will have a dance with you :dance3: :banana: :dance3:

[Lizzybear]

Sounds like an amazing trip you have planned.. The HRH looks like such a cool places to stay :cool1: and i'm sure you'll love PSB, I did! :cutie:

[mandymouse]

I've just got off the phone to the WDTC and I've booked us into a preferred location, so that we can be close to the food court etc.

:banana: :banana: 7 weeks today we'll be staying the night at Manchester Airport - woohoo !! I can't wait :banana: :banana:

[Snowy-girls]

Great news Mandy :thumbsup2 .x.

[DisneyB2B]

Hi Mandy,

Sounds like you have a fantastic trip planned not too long to go now!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

I'll look forward to your trip report when you get back!!

xx

[mandymouse]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Woohoo !! Not only am I doing my 4 weeks to go dance, but my tickets from Thomas Cook have just arrived too :banana: :banana: :banana:

I'm Soooo Excited !!!

[irongirlof12]

I LOVE it when tickets arrive :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Do you keep taking them out and looking at them???? ;) :rolleyes1

[florida sun]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: Great news hon, dont forget you said you would pack me in your bag:thumbsup2

[Pinky166]

How exciting Mandy!!!!! :banana: :banana:

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[NatalieMT]

Fabulous! The cruise sounds gorgeous - I think I remember reading about your last one and it seemed just fantastic. So close to this years trip now too, exciting. Hope you and your family have a wonderful vaca. Look forward to hearing all about everything in just a few short weeks. :thumbsup2

[Cruisin]

:woohoo:

Remember the Dancing Queens while you are onboard:

:dance3:

:wave:

[mandymouse]

:woohoo:

Remember the Dancing Queens while you are onboard:

:dance3:

:wave:

Robin, I could never forget the Disney Wonder Dancing Queens. Wherever I go onboard, I've got a memory of our fab Cruise - I wish you were all coming with me :thumbsup2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/MMM120/dancingqueens.jpg

[allenclan]

Hi Mandymouse we are stopping at the manchester travelodge ready to fly on the 16th aug,what time will everybody be hanging around the rose and crown until.on the 18th,as we have a adr at DHS on the afternoon?
bye David:cool1:

july 2006 int drive
aug 2007 pop cent
aug 2008 CBR(taking mam and dad for their first trip:thumbsup2 )

[mandymouse]

Hi Mandymouse we are stopping at the manchester travelodge ready to fly on the 16th aug,what time will everybody be hanging around the rose and crown until.on the 18th,as we have a adr at DHS on the afternoon?
bye David:cool1:

july 2006 int drive
aug 2007 pop cent
aug 2008 CBR(taking mam and dad for their first trip:thumbsup2 )

Hey David, it's really up to you. Some people may just come for a quick 'hello' and others may stay a few hours and take advantage of the air conditioning and a few pints :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I hope you're able to make it :thumbsup2

[Dalpal]

Hiya Mandy!:wave:

GREAT REPORT!...
It wont be long now!...
Wish I was going too!

TTFNpaw:

[PoppyAnna]

Just catching up with this Mandy - sounds like a lovely trip you have planned and not long to go:thumbsup2

[mandymouse]

Hiya Mandy!:wave:

GREAT REPORT!...
It wont be long now!...
Wish I was going too!

TTFNpaw:

I wish you were on the Disney Wonder too Betsy :)

***********************

Well I'm getting hyper-excited now :banana: :banana:

My WDW documents arrived today for the Caribbean Beach and free dining (woohoo !!:yay: :yay: ), and I've just made my reservation for the Hard Rock Cafe for our final night in Orlando

I'm just waiting for the lovely UPS guy to arrive with my Cruise tags and I'll be set to go

... 17 days and counting :dance3:

[jjk]

not long now Mandy:banana: :banana: :banana:
cant wait to change the calender to August, July seems to have gone on forever

[natalielongstaff]

Wow mandy ! 17days :cool1: thats going so fast (not fast enough tho i bet ;) )

[PoppyAnna]

Feels so real when you start getting those tickets:goodvibes

[Snowy-girls]

I can't believe you only have 17 days to go you lucky thing :cool1: .x.

[TotallyAngelic]

Not long now Mandy - I will be waiting to hear all about your cruise! You must be so excited!:cheer2:

[mandymouse]

Not long now Mandy - I will be waiting to hear all about your cruise! You must be so excited!:cheer2:

I am Sarah, I am ready to pop with excitement, I'll be on the Disney Wonder two weeks today ~ woohoo !!!

[ariel75]

Hope you have a great holiday Mandy i'll look forward to your trip report when you return